JAMES FREE JEWELERS BUYING EVENT
Whether selling or buying, our dedicated professional team will offer unparalleled expertise and a seamless process with incomparable value. Receive prompt payment and competitive pricing at our Jewelry Buying Event.
Friday, April 4th
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 5th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9555 Main St. Montgomery, OH 45242
Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things, such as our community, relationships, finances and our health, with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact.
We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and organizations. We can invest in our relationships by devoting time and energy to maintaining connection; creating stable, healthy relationships are a direct investment in future generations.
On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement.
On a personal note, I spent years investing in business coaching, though, at the time, I was on and off maternity leave more than I was actively working. Some may have seen it as foolhardy. I, however, saw it as an investment in myself. That coaching would prove to pay great dividends over the long term. The tools I gained have had a direct correlation on my ability to jump in and launch this very publication from the ground up. Never underestimate the power of aligning yourself with successful people who have already walked the path you wish to take.
While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances will look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives is accomplished with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances and with those that we love.
DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Deborah Mekenese
Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Michelle Numann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Fletcher, Bill Furbee, Kasey Johansen, Carly Tamborski
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Phil Armstrong, Andrew Doench, RF Graphics, Kelly Settle–Kelly Ann Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Zach Horn, MBA, CFP®, CMFC® Managing Partner, Investment Manager, Shareholder
For Zach, true wealth is more than just numbers — it’s about security, family, and relationships that last a lifetime. Zach has built his career on simplifying complex strategies so families can confidently plan for the future. And his impact goes beyond spreadsheets and investment portfolios. He believes financial guidance extends beyond simply managing wealth — it’s about understanding people, their values, and their long-term goals with a focus on relationships over transactions.
Outside of work, Zach, his wife Kayla, and their three children keep busy with sports, dance, and family trips. Whether investing in his family and Foster & Motley or serving on nonprofit boards, he’s committed to making a difference.
Learn more about Zach and the Foster & Motley team at fosterandmotley.com.
That’s
Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) is planning student theater and film-making programs for the summer days ahead. Now in its 12th year, CAPA offers summer opportunities for children, grades 2-12. Choose classes by theme, grade and date: Musical Theater Intensive Camps, Musical Theater Boot Camp and Film Production Camp. CAPA parent Brandy Welch says, “The CAPA summer camp is a fantastic experience for kids who love performing.” See details at the CAPA website. CincinnatiAPA.org
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Floral artists from across the globe bring artworks to life in the 2025 Art in Bloom event at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Co-chaired by Ann M. Keeling and Litany Webster, the annual event includes floral installations that showcase the museum’s art-filled galleries, interactive workshops and exclusive programming designed to captivate and inspire. Enjoy the floral displays for free during open hours. Some related programs are ticketed at this immersive experience for all ages. Details online. CincinnatiArtMuseum.org
The Indian Hill School District celebrates the Indian Hill High School Aquabraves for competing in the swimming state championship February 20 and 21 in Canton, Ohio. Swimming world record holder Jason Zhao won state in the 200 Freestyle competition, with the boys team finishing in third place and the girls in seventh. Additionally, Coach Matt Harrison was named Cincinnati Hills League (CHL) Coach of the Year. Congrats to the Aquabraves for an outstanding season! IndianHillSchools.org
Preserving Natural Spaces is a Community Effort
ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF
GRAPHICS
Indian Hills includes more than 3,500 acres of preserved land. While the Indian Hills Village Public Works Department does a fantastic job managing most of it, the community has also stepped up to help out in a big way.
Volunteers are welcome to join the Trees & Trails Foundation for trail clearing events this spring on April 19 & May 17.
“It became obvious that human and environmental impact was interrupting nature’s ability to regenerate the beautiful forests that our forefathers knew.”
That’s where the Trees & Trails Foundation, a public-private partnership to bridge the funding gap for conservation efforts of green areas, comes in.
Eppa Rixey founded the Trees & Trails Foundation in 2022 with fellow longtime resident Pam Middendorff. Its goal is to support the efforts of the Village of Indian Hill in the maintenance and renovation of village-owned green areas.
“Invasive insects and plants are killing native trees and shrubs,” Rixey explains. “If we’re to continue to enjoy the beautiful midwestern deciduous forests that have thrived in this area for thousands of years, then we need to take an active role in removing those invasive species, and planting and encouraging ongoing education about native trees and shrubs.”
The foundation finds itself closely aligned with a significant bit of Indian Hill history, Middendorff explains.
“The idea of ‘preserved land’ germinated in the early 1920s,” she says, “when Indian Hill found itself
a home to many wealthy Cincinnatians. These residents enjoyed the countryside, outdoor recreation, and, in particular, foxhunting.”
Foxhunting requires a large, open territory. To accommodate it, these new landowners privately built a remarkable 150 miles of bridle trails. It wasn’t long until some of those families also began donating land to the village, in order to protect the community from overdevelopment.
“Hundreds of generous Indian Hill families have followed suit,” she says, “ensuring that the open, natural feel everyone in the village enjoys will remain.”
For many years, Indian Hill’s plan for the green areas was simple.
“The vision was to let the forests and streams thrive on their own and let nature take its course,” Rixey says. “Over the last decade, however, it became obvious that human and environmental impact was interrupting nature’s ability to regenerate the beautiful forests that our forefathers knew.”
Bottom: Jason Donovan, Eppa Rixey & Pam Middendorff lead the community to eradicate invasive species, restoring & improving the green areas & trails of Indian Hill.
Today, the Trees & Trails Foundation works with both volunteers and a respectable collection of like-minded organizations. Collectively the group shares a common perspective in the fight to overcome invasive species, reintroduce native plants and renovate the region’s aging bridle trails. Those partner organizations include Turner Farm, Indian Hill Equestrian Club, Camargo Hunt, Indian Hill Historical Society, Indian Hill Garden Club, Rowe Arboretum, Green Areas Advisory Committee and the Indian Hill Public Works Department.
In keeping with its aim of outreach to village residents, the Trees & Trails Foundation has several upcoming opportunities for community involvement.
One such event will be a three-part seminar, produced with support from the Greenacres Foundation. Participants in the program, Middendorff explains, will learn how to identify, remove and replace invasive species with native alternatives. The sessions will include both a lecture and complementary outdoor walks, to be held on April 23, July 30 and September 17.
The Trees & Trails Foundation also encourages those who enjoy working outdoors to join their neighbors for monthly trail clearing events, usually held on the third Saturday of the month from April through October.
It’s at these events that the community can truly celebrate not only its potential for the future, but it can also connect with its past.
“By working together,” Middendorff says, “our goal is to raise awareness within the community and distribute the work to many hands.”
For more information and registration for these events, please visit Trees-Trails.org.
5 tips on how to prevent dog bites:
1. Don’t disturb a dog if they are eating or tied up.
2. Keep away from a dog if they are showing signs of fear or anxiety. Sings may include showing teeth, or tail between their legs.
3. Don’t make sudden movements if a dog approaches you while they aren’t on a lead or leash.
4. Always ask permission to pet someone else’s dog. Approach slowly and and let the dog sniff your hand before petting.
5. If a dog bites you, act quickly. Wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention right away.
Daycare | Boarding | Training | Grooming | Curated Market
It’s not easy to navigate the complexities of investment strategies and financial planning. To learn the ins and outs of finance, we turn to Foster & Motley, a local Financial Planning and Investment Management firm known for their customized approach that puts their clients’ interests first. Zach Binzer, Certified Financial Planner, shares expert financial insights and answers our questions about Wealth Management.
ZACH: At Foster & Motley, Wealth Management is a combination of financial planning and investment management, all under one holistic viewpoint of your financial picture. We execute that by providing clients with a credentialed lead financial planner and dedicated investment manager who work together to understand a client's values, goals and risk tolerance. Wealth Management is where portfolio management meets financial planning.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMMITTING TO WEALTH MANAGEMENT?
ZACH: Vanguard did a study that suggests that wealth management, or working with an advisor, can add up to 3% value to your assets. Working with an advisor might make it more efficient to achieve your goals, because we do it on a daily basis. We know the rules; we know the players. We keep ourselves accountable to an unemotional objective. Advisors can help you stay disciplined, get out of your own way and keep your emotions out of your financial decisions.
Cash flow planning is another benefit—knowing where your spending money is coming from, whether that's earnings, a portfolio or an inheritance—and planning for that. In lockstep with that comes income tax or estate tax planning. Working with an advisor can add a lot of value in the efficiency of accessing your funds or your capital in a tax efficient way.
You can give other people the burden of managing all of this—another benefit is delegation. We present the analysis, recommendations and options, and you make the decisions. We execute on your behalf. Because we're touching these topics every day, we're sensitive to law changes and rule changes—we can see patterns that may open opportunities for you. We’re focused on it, so you don't have to be. The risks can be significant if you make the wrong decision, so it can be a comfort to have an expert involved.
Q: WHO MIGHT BENEFIT MOST FROM WEALTH MANAGEMENT?
ZACH: Everyone with investment accounts that need or want help managing them will benefit. Even before you get to that stage of life—recent college graduates, young adults or children who are just getting established— financial planning is valuable. Good financial
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planning early in life leads to having a portfolio of assets to invest and grow. Wealth management can be especially helpful for those who need support with more complex estate planning situations. If you’ve benefited from being the heir of a parent or grandparent, your wealth may be more than you're going to need in your lifetime. We can help make sure that it is passed,
whether it be to family, charities or others, in line with your goals and expectations. Good estate planning can allow you to define and communicate your wishes and for your estate to pass to others with privacy, and an understanding of tax consequences.
ZACH : The best time to start, if you haven't yet, is right now—as early as possible. There's an opportunity to invest as early as when you start making your own money or have excess funds to save, but if you didn’t start then, start now.
Begin your Wealth Management journey with Zach Binzer and the seasoned team of experts at Foster & Motley. To learn more about their award-winning service, contact them to schedule an appointment.
Foster & Motley | 7755 Montgomery Road, Suite 100, Montgomery | 513.561.6640 info@ fosterandmotley.com | FosterandMotley.com
"I had Amy and her crew do 4 of my bathrooms recently Her crew was fabulous and did great work. They were very conscientious and considerate of us They understood that we were living through the whole process. I love my bathrooms!!"
- Steph S
PHOTOGRAPHY
ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER
BY
KELLY SETTLE–KELLY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY
Art Enclave Provides an Expansive New Home for Creativity & Community
Art has long been a reflection of culture, a source of inspiration and for many a valuable investment. More than just a place to display beauty, a gallery can be a dynamic hub where creativity flourishes, artists thrive and the local economy benefits. Welcome to Art Enclave—a visionary space redefining what an art gallery can be.
Designed as a haven for artists and collectors alike, Art Enclave brings multiple galleries under one roof, offering not just exhibitions but art classes, studio rentals, fine art printing and more.
The vision behind the Mason gallery, which officially hosted its grand opening on December 6, 2024, is the brainchild of Ramesh Malhotra, whose journey into the art world is deeply intertwined with his spiritual exploration.
“This all evolved through my spiritual journey. It’s a journey which led me to promote and support fine art, including direct purchases of fine art from the artists,” Malhotra shares.
His collection boasts over 900 fine art paintings, a testament to his dedication and passion.
Recognizing that most artistic opportunities happen in city centers, Malhotra saw an opportunity to invest in Mason’s cultural landscape.
“I saw that most of the fine art community is located in downtown Cincinnati, so I decided to share my love of fine art with the surrounding communities,” he explains.
Malhotra describes Art Enclave’s innovative model as mirroring that of a multiplex theater, offering multiple galleries under one roof, along with art classes, artist studios, picture framing and fine art printing services. The gallery space currently spans over 4,000 square feet, including four galleries as well as an extensive mining gallery filled with mining art and historical artifacts. Expansion is already underway with a fifth gallery offering an additional 1,300 square feet at the venue.
“We wanted to create a haven for artists and art lovers to foster an all-encompassing community around art; a single place where people can gather to share our love of the arts, as represented by our tagline, ‘The Home of Fine Art,’” says Marie Rigney, gallery curator.
Rigney highlights the diverse range of artistic mediums showcased at Art Enclave including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, sculpture, glass and photography among the featured works. By supporting artists working across these mediums, Art Enclave
is providing them with a platform to gain exposure and financial stability—key components of a thriving local art scene.
“Supporting local artists helps the local art community thrive and grow,” Rigney explains. “Investing in local art boosts the creative economy, supporting artists, galleries and small businesses. It also attracts tourism, which benefits restaurants, hotels and local retailers.”
Since its inception, Art Enclave has hosted a variety of exhibitions and programs that offer both artists and collectors unique opportunities. The exhibition currently on display until May 3 is No Boundaries featuring 20 artists working across multiple styles and mediums including paintings, sculptures, glass, landscape and more. Next up is Down on the Farm, an exhibition of farm scenes and barnyard animals running from May 16 to June 28.
Beyond exhibitions, Art Enclave also provides educational and commercial opportunities that support the artistic economy. The on-site Giclee 42 studio offers fine art reproductions, allowing artists to expand their sales potential beyond original works. The gallery also offers rentable studio spaces, providing local artists with an affordable place to create.
Within only a few months of opening, the mission of Art Enclave is already taking shape.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming,” Rigney explains. “Seeing people engage with the art, connect with the space and support local and emerging artists has been truly inspiring.”
For more information on events and exhibitions, visit ArtEnclave.com or follow them on Instagram @ArtEnclaveGallery or Facebook. com/ArtEnclaveLLC
EDUCATION ON EXEMPTIONS: CHANGES TO KNOW ABOUT (AND PREPARE FOR) NOW
With a new political administration, it’s important to keep your eye on some possible changes that could affect your finances, particularly taxes on Estate Exemptions and Annual Gift Exemptions.
Last year, the Estate Exemption amount rose to $13,610,000 due to inflation. But what does that mean?
“There’s this concept from the estate standpoint that when we pass away, if we have a certain amount of wealth, the government should be able to tax some of it, while some should be able to be passed to your heirs without it being taxed,” explains Steve Wolterman of Wolterman Law Office.
At the end of 2025, this current tax setup originally put in place by President Trump in 2017 and titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is slated to “sunset”—i.e., reset.
“That means if you pass away in 2025, your estate can have about $14 million ($13.99M) to give to your children without any tax, but anything over that would trigger the Estate Tax,” Wolterman explains.
That number is per person, so if you’re a couple, you could give almost $28 million without being taxed.
Next year, however, the exemption is scheduled to automatically reset on January 1, 2026, to just $5 million unless Congress acts prior to then.
“One would reasonably be interested in less tax,” Wolterman says. “By the end of 2025, if Congress continues the TCJA, we’re going to continue to have these higher
exemption amounts, which would be good for the ultra-wealthy … whereas more moderately wealthy people or people who accumulate $5 million in a lifetime might not be as concerned with the Estate and Gift Taxes.”
It could also affect younger people who may come into an inheritance.
“You can wait to see what happens throughout 2025 and see if Congress enacts the TCJA, and then act or set up some trusts accordingly,” he says.
In addition to Estate Exemptions, there are also Gift Exemptions that could be affected next year and impact those of any income bracket.
“There’s always an annual Gift Exemption amount that’s separate, and this is important for people to know—you can give any single person $19,000 without any taxes or reporting,” Wolterman explains further.
This comes in handy if a parent wants to help an adult child buy a house or start a business or if you just give someone a monetary gift.
“That means a mom and dad combined can give $38,000 without any repercussions tax-wise or reporting, or give $76,000 to a daughter and son-in-law,” Wolterman says. “These tax rules not only apply to high-network people, but also people who are retired or have children.”
If the TCJA doesn’t get renewed at the end of the year, tax rules will revert back to what they were in 2017—which essentially means more tax.
“At the end of the day, we go through this every so many years—so it’s a good reminder to think about an Estate Plan and talk to a professional to discuss the lay of the land. Find out if there are any other smart steps you can take now,” Wolterman advises.
WoltermanLaw.com | 434 W. Loveland Ave, Loveland | 513.488.1135
"It’s a good reminder to think about an Estate Plan and talk to a professional to discuss the lay of the land."
Invest in Your Spring Wardrobe
KASEY JOHANSEN
Personal Stylist at KC CONSULTING & CEO/Founder of WOMEN100 Dedicated to empowering women to discover their authentic style and embrace confidence. KCConsultingStyle.com
FASHION FORWARD | STYLE + BEAUTY
ARTICLE BY KASEY JOHANSEN
Invest in yourself by choosing quality pieces that elevate your style and boost your confidence—because a well-curated wardrobe is always a good investment.
1. ALO YOGA, Finesse Alosoft Performance Tee, White, $68, NeimanMarcus.com 2. PAIGE, Cindy Straight Ankle Jeans, Praline, $239, NeimanMarcus.com 3. COACH, Relaxed Trench, Khaki, $650, Coach.com 4. LOUIS VUITTON, Evermore Shawl, Rose Poudre $485, US.LouisVuitton.com 5. GUCCI, Ophidia Small Shoulder Bag, Beige and Dark Brown GG Supreme, $1,980, Gucci.com/us/en/ 6. TORY BURCH, Double T Heeled Sandal, Caramel Corn, $298, ToryBurch.com/en-us/ 7. TWP, Next Ex Stripe Cotton ButtonUp Crop Shirt, White/Indigo, $385, TWPClothing.com 8. POLO RALPH LAUREN, StraightLeg Pleated Pants, Cream, $348, NeimanMarcus.com
APRIL 5TH
Little Miami Brewing Company, 208 Mill Street, Milford | 6:00 PM
Join Kindervelt 50 for dinner, drinks and dancing at FiftyFest, its annual spring fundraiser for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Celebrate the Biergarten theme. Hosted at Little Miami Brewing Company, 6-11 ps.m. Proceeds make a difference in the lives of children through the work of the Advanced Leukemia Therapies and Research Center at CCHMC. Purchase tickets online. e.GiveSmart.com/events/GuX/
APRIL 13TH
Stephan Field, 6400 Drake Road, Cincinnati | 2:00 PM
Don’t miss the annual Easter Egg Hunt, an eggs-travaganza hosted by the Village of Indian Hill at Stephan Field. Try your luck at finding the hidden treasures. Rain date is scheduled for April 19 at 2 p.m.
APRIL 24TH - 26TH
Indian Hill Winter Club, 10005 Fletcher Drive, Camp Dennison | 8:00 AM
Best of luck to the Indian Hill Rangers as they play in their annual Hockey Tournament, hosted at the Indian Hill Winter Club. This unique tournament welcomes first responders from around the country to play to win. Proceeds from this nonprofit fundraiser will be donated. Volunteers are welcome to assist for the weekend of friendly competition. Find details online. Facebook. com/IndianHillRangersHockey/
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APRIL 25TH
The Last Dance of Dr. Disco
Sue Harder Memorial Performing Arts Center, Indian Hill High School, 6865 Drake Road, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM
One night only! Don’t miss the opportunity for this murder mystery dinner show with audience participation. Harken back to the days of disco to gather clues and discover whodunnit as the evening’s story about the nefarious Dr. Disco plays out. Tickets are available online. IndianHillSchools.org
APRIL 26TH
Indian Hill High School, 6865 Drake Road, Cincinnati | 8:30 AM
Run, walk or push a stroller to help build the Indian Hill Braves Helping Braves Fund at the 2025 Conquer the Hill 5K. The family-friendly event starts at 8:30 a.m., with the Kid Fun Run to follow. Afterwards, enjoy the PTO Spring Fling, fun for the whole community, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration is open for both events. RunSignUp.com/Race/OH/Cincinnati/ ConquertheHill5kRaceand Walk , IndianHillPTO.membershiptoolkit.com
APRIL 26TH
Stephan Field, 6300 Drake Road, Cincinnati | 10:00 AM
Spring has sprung! It’s time for the annual Rowe Arboretum spring plant sale and Earth Day celebration, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Stephan Field. Shop multiple vendors for rare and native plants. IndianHill. gov/recreation/rowe-arboretum/ https://indianhill.gov/recreation/ rowe-arboretum/
