Kids & Pets
Picture this: it's 6 a.m. on a Saturday, and instead of sleeping in, like the civilized human you once were, you're being dragged out of bed by a sixyear-old who's convinced the goldfish is "lonely" and needs a playdate with the neighbor's Great Dane. Welcome to parenthood with pets—where logic goes out the window and your heart grows three sizes larger.
This month, we're diving headfirst into the beauti ful chaos that is raising children, be they four-legged or two. As a mom of four under 10, with multiple pets, I know this topic all too well. Before kids, my idea of pet luxury was crystal water bowls and organic everything. Post-children? There was a season, not so long ago, when I was just grateful when the kibble didn't end up being the toddlers’ midday snack.
But here's what I've discovered in this delightful madness—there's something magical about watching a child form their first real friendship with an animal. From throwing their best friend a birthday bash, to tossing them homemade treats like those from Brewhaus— it’s a unique and character-building experience that can’t be replicated by a screen (just ask the Tamagotchi generation).
So, pour yourself that third cup of coffee and settle in to this issue (while your kids hopefully aren't teaching the parrot a new vocabulary word). This month we’re celebrating the phenomenal organization that is Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA), which can take a band of kids who’ve never met and create a captivating performance in only a matter of weeks.
Got athletes at home? Get ahead on and off the field with care from Onward Physical Therapy, who specializes in injury prevention, to ensure they’ll be firing on all cylinders this fall.
Have a neurodivergent child who’s struggling to thrive in a standard setting? Help is on the way, dear! The new Springer Diagnostic Center in Hyde Park was designed just for that. And as an ADHD, female entrepreneur, I am here to assure you that your child can indeed thrive when given the proper tools and approach.
And last but not least, with the school rush just on the horizon, be sure to dig into our new Wellness Corner for Brooke Farmer’s sanity-saving overnight oats recipe. They’re sure to be a hit in the weeks to come!
Warmly yours (and slightly sleep-deprived),
DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER @INDIANHILL.CITYLIFESTYLE
Proudly serving Indian Hill, Mariemont, Madeira, Montgomery, Terrace Park & the Kenwood/Blue Ash Business District
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Deborah Mekenese
Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Michelle Numann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Brooke Griffin Farmer, Bill Furbee, A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amanda Cawdrey at A2Cphotography, Amanda Lippert Photography, Cara Jonas Photography, Gary Kessler Photography, Peter Drew, Sarah Hone, Janie Jones, RF Graphics, Kandace Smith, Kate Vondenbrink
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
The power of
Money Mindset: The Overlooked Key to Financial Success
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Allison Picton, Marjorie Smyth, Britt Nielsen & Katy Mezher—first place winners of the Women's Tournament. 2: Elizabeth Rogers, Barb Rohs, Anne Shanahan & Sue Krauss enjoy Stepping Stones' Golf Classic. 3: Great American Insurance Group was a Prize Sponsor for the 24th annual event. 4: Moeller students from the cross country team volunteered at this year’s outing. 5: Nick Thaxton, Jack Oliver, Event Chair John Borchers & Jaime Masters celebrate Stepping Stones' benefit. 6: Tyler Connell, Jason Milburn & Brian Dowey—Men’s Tournament Winners. Not pictured: Joey Buescher. 7: The 24th Annual Golf Classic raised more than $77,000 for Stepping Stones’ programming.
Photography by Kate Vondenbrink
city scene
8: 2025 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance spectators marvel at the vintage 007 James Bond Aston Martin DB5. 9: Cincinnati Concours judges & award winners: Franz Estereichen, Dr. Douglas, Kim Gaker & Bob McConnell 10: Premier collector vehicles at the 2025 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance in the gardens of Ault Park. 11: Fred Jones, Andy Gear, Francesca Gear & Jessica Gear were among the event's 700 guests. 12: Asdrid Ortega, David Millings & Rich Frantz enjoy the sold-out Hangar Party featuring cars, motorcycles & jets. 13: Hangar Bash attendees: Doug Oberklaus, Janet Oberklaus, Vicki Scalia, Tony Scalia, Carol Brandon & Ed Hermes. 14: The 14th year of Cincinnati Hagerty Youth Judges, ensuring future generations of car enthusiasts.
Photography by Gary Kessler Photography
Designed with you in mind
Your home is personal and so is our approach. At the heart of everything we do is a sincere commitment to your best interest throughout this investment in your home and lifestyle. From premium materials to white-glove service, every detail is thoughtfully tailored with care.
SUPERIOR INTERIORS BUILT TO LAST
business monthly
X-Golf Cincinnati Now Open in Downtown Madeira
X-Golf Cincinnati, a cutting-edge indoor golf and entertainment venue, is now open at 7001 Miami Avenue in the heart of Madeira’s DORA district. They celebrated their grand opening with a May ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Madeira Chamber of Commerce. X-Golf Cincinnati features an immersive experience for golfers of all skill levels with eight state-of-the-art golf simulators, a private simulator room, a full-service bar, kitchen and a private party room for events and gatherings. XGolfCincinnati.com
Cincinnati Animal Chiropractic Offers Pet Pain Relief & Preventative Care
Is your pet in pain? Animal chiropractic wellness care is preventative care, restoring normal function and decreasing the risk of future injury or disease. Whether your pet sports paws, hooves or scales, Cincinnati Animal Chiropractic specializes in mobility, with an all-natural approach to help animals without the use of drugs or surgery. One of 7,000 certified animal chiropractors in the world, Dr. John Zook is on call to serve Greater Cincinnati pets. CincinnatiAnimalChiropractic.com
Scan to read more
Indian Hill Educators Honored with Prestigious Statewide Award for Excellence
A team of Indian Hill educators–Loni Jackson, Amie Kanzeg, Mari Mileham, Adrienne Scott and Kelly Vaughan–has been selected as a recipient of the George B. Milbourn Team Teachers Award of Excellence, presented by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. This distinguished honor recognizes exemplary collaboration, innovation and dedication to student success. The Indian Hill team was selected for its positive impact on student learning and commitment to educational excellence within the school community. IndianHillSchools.org, MHJF.org
Photography by Amanda Cawdrey at A2Cphotography
Photography Provided by Cincinnati Animal Chiropractic
Photography Provided by Indian Hill Schools
CAPA PROVIDES DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER CINCINNATI YOUTH
Creativity, Community & Young Minds
ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHICS
"Creativity takes courage," acclaimed painter Henri Matisse is credited with once proclaiming. While that’s true, creativity also requires suitable stimulation and support. This August, many children throughout Greater Cincinnati will have an opportunity to enroll in next-tier arts programming provided by the prestigious Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA).
“CAPA nurtures creativity, connects communities and empowers young minds through the arts,” says CAPA Executive Director Robin Schwanekamp. “In today’s fast-paced world, technology often overshadows personal expression. CAPA provides a space for children to explore their imagination, build meaningful connections and find joy in creating something unique.”
The nonprofit organization was founded over ten years ago to support the Indian Hill school district; today, it also provides after school programming for the communities of Madeira, Terrace Park, Northside and Mariemont. In that time, CAPA has provided children with dynamic opportunities for education, dialogue and personal growth. Whether through group classes, private lessons, workshops or performances, its initiatives have brought individuals of all backgrounds together, encouraging mutual understanding and collective celebration.
“Whether they’re learning lines for a summer musical, or writing and filming a short film for our Film Production camp, they’re honing their ability to express themselves creatively and think critically,” Schwanekamp says. “CAPA’s programs emphasize collaboration, ensuring that children not only master individual artistic pursuits but also learn to work with peers. These experiences instill a sense of
resilience and adaptability, preparing them for future challenges both in and beyond the arts.”
Arts programming plays a critical role in equipping students with the soft skills necessary for success. Schwanekamp refers to them as “the 4 Cs,” essential not only for artistic careers but also for preparing young minds for challenges ahead.
“Critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication,” she explains.
Convenience is another “C” to celebrate.
“Parents often express their gratitude for our programming, noting how convenient it is to have high-quality arts programs offered directly within the school environment,” she adds. “This accessibility allows families to expose their children to a variety of arts without the hassle of commuting across the city.”
CAPA accomplishes all of this with what Schwanekamp considers a “dual approach.”
“On the one hand, we provide tuition-based arts programming and summer camps, ensuring students receive quality opportunities to develop their artistic talents,” she says. “On the other hand, we also offer outreach initiatives in underserved communities, completely free of charge, making engaging arts education accessible to families who may not have the financial means to afford extracurricular activities. This duality not only bridges the gap between families with differing economic circumstances but also fosters inclusivity and equity.”
CAPA’s mission is rooted in a belief that every child deserves access to such opportunities, regardless of their background. As a small nonprofit organization, CAPA reaches CONTINUED >
These experiences instill a sense of resilience and adaptability, preparing them for future challenges. “ ”
an estimated 200 to 300 students during the academic year, and more than 150 participants in summer camps.
Interested in enrollment? The time is now. Group class registration opens in August and plans are already in development for holiday concerts and recitals to showcase the growth and accomplishments of students enrolled in private vocal and piano lessons.
“These performances will serve as a celebration of their dedication and creativity, bringing families and community members together to share in the joy of music and the arts,” says Schwanekamp.
It all adds up to an experience that provides children and the community with opportunities to become more well-rounded.
“It’s not just about learning artistic skills,” Schwanekamp says. “It’s about fostering an environment where students can grow as individuals and thrive as collaborators. The arts remind us of the importance of empathy and understanding, making CAPA’s work feel both timeless and timely.”
Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts | 7864 Camargo Road, Cincinnati | CincinnatiAPA.org
TAIL-WAGGING APPROVAL
Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones is a purpose-driven workspace where employees with disabilities find pride in every biscuit.
BREWHAUS BAKES WITH PURPOSE
ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE
Peanut butter? Check. Dough mixed in the 60-quart commercial mixer? Check. Locally sourced eggs, donated craft beer grains and a no-junk promise? Triple check. At Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones in Cincinnati, every batch of dog treats begins with care—from premium, all-natural ingredients to a purpose-driven workspace where employees with disabilities find pride in every biscuit.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA JONAS PHOTOGRAPHY
Brewhaus Dog Bones are made from spent brewing grains, donated from local breweries.
What started as Lisa Graham’s mission to create a future for her daughter Natalie has become a joyful, small-batch operation fueled by teamwork, music and the comforting scent of low-and-slow baked bones. Whether shaping dough by hand, running the extruder for wholesale jobs or packaging and boxing up website orders, this is more than baking, it’s community-building.
“Having a child with a disability reoriented my world,” Graham shares. “I had to think about a future that didn’t involve college or other related choices after high school.”
Though Graham had long envisioned a social enterprise that would open doors, not just for Natalie, but also for others like
her, a casual stop for pizza at a San Diego brewery in 2013 gave the dream its shape when they discovered dog treats made from craft beer.
“As a lifelong animal lover and momma to many dogs, it was a perfect blend of interests. Our family’s full of cooks and bakers. We’re always in the kitchen,” she explains, “so all the variables came together.”
Graham comes from a clinical research background. To bring the vision to life, she reached out to local breweries to explore partnerships and source ingredients.
“Positive feedback from all sources gave us the green light. Plus, we live in Cincinnati, the heart of beer culture!” Graham says.
Employees shape each bone by hand, a small-batch operation that builds community from start to finish.
“AT BREWHAUS BAKERY, EVERY BATCH OF DOG TREATS BEGINS WITH CARE.”
The nonprofit now partners with numerous local breweries for spent brewing grains, including Streetside, Paradise, Sonder, Brink, Nine Giant, Braxton, Alexandria, Little Miami and Rhinegeist.
Brewhaus bakes dog bones for allGraeter’s Ice Cream locations, Double Dogs restaurants, Jungle Jim’s and Party Source.
“We also have national accounts with Cigar City Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing and BrewDog USA,” she adds.
Of all those partners, one stands out.
“We private label for [Graeter’s], and our growth has been a direct result of this amazing relationship,” she says.
Graham’s vision soon evolved into a brick-and-mortar employment and vocational training program for students with disabilities—working closely with local school systems like Indian Hill, Madeira and Mariemont—to provide a unique, project-based learning platform.
“Our partners can schedule time to bring students to work in a commercial bakery setting, build employable skills and work on communication and collaboration,” says Graham.
It’s a hands-on environment where bakers follow recipes, operate a point-of-sale system, process transactions and interact directly with customers.
“Every stage creates learning opportunities in our unique start-to-finish business model,” Graham continues.
Today, each Brewhaus employee is a former student baker—earning at least Ohio’s minimum wage while continuing to grow in a supportive, purpose-filled atmosphere.
But employees don’t just learn life skills, they also get regular emotional support visits from Graham’s family dogs.
“Dogs are both entertaining and comforting for many of our bakers,” she says. “We once had a blind, deaf student who was completely captivated by them, and they seemed equally drawn to him—it was especially heartwarming. The dogs love getting samples and hanging out with the crew too!”
Looking ahead, Graham dreams of launching Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s first doggy food truck—a mobile treat station for festivals, parties and pop-ups.
In the meantime, you can support the nonprofit by picking up treats at local breweries and retailers. Monetary donations and team-building events offer another way to get involved, plus, check to see if your employer offers donation matches.
Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones | 1623 Burney Lane, Cincinnati | BrewhausDogBones.com
The bakery hosts Social Saturdays for their employees— fun, inclusive events designed to build community and foster friendships through shared experiences.
Brewhaus Founder Lisa Graham has three children and lives on a 100-acre farm with her husband, five dogs, two cats, three donkeys and two horses.
Q&A WITH DR. KELSEY CALHOUN ABOUT PROACTIVE CARE FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
Get Back on Track
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHICS
Kelsey Calhoun, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ortho and Sports Performance at Onward Physical Therapy in Montgomery.
Dr. Kelsey Calhoun at Onward Physical Therapy in Montgomery is passionate about proactive care, especially for student athletes. She has a deep understanding of sports performance and gets athletes back to their sports as soon and as strong as possible.
Dr. Calhoun answers our questions about treating and preventing sports injuries.
Q: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT A STUDENT ATHLETE NEEDS THERAPY?
A: "A red flag that your student athlete needs attention is if they're having frequent injuries or the same injuries, over and over. If they're often sore, or repeatedly mentioning a specific pain, they could use some injury prevention physical therapy. Also, if they're a multi-sport athlete or doing sports year-round, they're requiring a lot of their body. Onward can help mitigate injury risk.”
Q: WHICH OF ONWARD’S SERVICES ARE HELPFUL FOR ATHLETES THAT ARE TRYING TO GET BACK IN THE GAME?
A: "Onward provides dry needling with electrical stimulation to activate muscles, decrease tension in muscles, reduce inflammation and generally help speed up the healing process. We also do cupping, or what we call myofascial decompression, to bring fresh blood to the injured area and release noxious, painful fluids from the body. We also offer soft tissue massage, scraping, joint mobilization and manual muscle activation.
"A lot of people will come in only after they've been hurt, but at Onward, we're really big on preventing the injury before it happens. We offer movement analysis to look at how joints are moving, evaluate mobility and conduct strength testing toassess injury risks. None of us are perfect in our movement patterns, so there’s always something we can work on to improve our performance and keep us in our chosen sport without getting hurt. At Onward, the injury prevention plan is personalized to each child.”
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR JOB?
A: "I love being an athlete and have learned so much by being an athlete. It’s more than just winning and losing a game–you learn how to be a good teammate and how to be coachable. I truly went into physical therapy because I want to help athletes keep doing what they love."
Calhoun treats patient Gus Brisken, sophomore at Moeller High School, for a soccer injury.
Let your creativity run wild.
Welcome to the Penthouse at Edgecliff Point - an extraordinary blank canvas perched above the city. With 5,700 square feet of space and floor-to-ceiling views of the Cincinnati skyline and river, the stage is set for something truly spectacular. The vision has already been thoughtfully initiated in collaboration with acclaimed architects and top-tier contractors. Now, it’s your turn to bring it to life. Imagine the possibilities. Define every detail. Create a one-of-a-kind home that reflects your style, your story, your future. Scan the QR code for inspiration.
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error,
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
"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
SPRINGBOARD TO SUCCESS
Springer School and Center is a Game Changer for Students with ADHD & Learning Disabilities
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA LIPPERT PHOTOGRAPHY
By the time Molly and Erick Blenk reached out for help, they already suspected that their daughter Fiona had dyslexia. The tipping point was when they saw their eight-year-old’s confidence taking a nosedive. With a short six weeks of help at the Springer Diagnostic Center, Fiona had a diagnosis, a
Springer Diagnostic Center Director Molly Bernosky visits with Fiona.
“The nonprofit Springer Diagnostic Center offers a short wait for a collaborative, comprehensive diagnosis that’s all available under one roof.”
personalized action plan, a team of advocates and a smile on her face.
Under the leadership of Director Molly Bernosky, Springer Diagnostic Center opened in 2023 as a nonprofit offering psychoeducational evaluations for students, ages 5-18. The community’s need was clear—Springer fielded countless requests before the expansion.
“Springer decided we could broaden the scope of how we're servicing the community by adding the Diagnostic Center,” Bernosky says.
The center is adjacent to Springer School, but not a pipeline to it; their services are available for students in any school district.
“This process is all about meeting the individual needs of each family and child,” she explains.
While a traditional path to an ADHD or learning disability diagnosis can be long and winding, Springer offers a short wait for a collaborative, comprehensive diagnosis that’s all available under one roof. With a
team of three psychologists that offer more than 45 years of combined experience, plus staff occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, they are focused on creating a personalized plan for each family.
“You don't have to make separate appointments with the department of speech language pathology, then the department of OT and then the department of psych. We’re a one-stop shop,” Bernosky says.
“Our assessments are multi-method, multisource,” she adds. “They include standardized assessments, observations, rating scales and interviews. We get the child's voice, the parents’ voices, the school's voice—all the relevant people.”
After gathering this cross-section of information, they conduct testing sessions, followed by feedback meetings.
“From the initial consult to the feedback, it typically takes somewhere between four to seven weeks— we don't want you waiting forever to get results,” Bernosky explains.
Art is Fiona Blenk's favorite subject at Springer & pink is her signature color.
The Center advocates for each child and will accompany families to school meetings to help relay the newfound information.
“It’s a lot of information—it can be like drinking water out of a fire hose to get this report about your child,” she says.
The Blenks were pleasantly surprised at how quickly they were able to get Fiona into Springer Center and felt heard and understood throughout the process.
“The whole Springer approach aligned with our philosophy as parents to want to understand our child as an individual and help her be the best version of that,” shares Erick Blenk.
“From other sources, we might hear that there’s something ‘wrong’ with our kid,” agrees Molly Blenk, “but Molly [Bernosky] helped us learn about dyslexia, teaching us this is a great gift, that the way Fiona learns is super cool. With Springer’s help, we've learned the language of how dyslexia works.”
“Every child has individual, unique talents, and Springer is about discovering what they are,” Erick adds.
“The sooner you understand what your child needs, the better opportunity you have to help them grow.”
Although they didn’t expect to, the Blenks transferred Fiona to Springer School. With a diagnosis and learning plan, Fiona’s bubbly spirit is back, and she is excited about school, an eager and curious learner.
“Springer has literally been a game changer for Fiona’s learning,” declares Molly Blenk.
“Art is my favorite!” Fiona chimes in with a confident smile.
Springer School and Center | 2121 Madison Road, Cincinnati | 513.871.6080 | Springer-LD.org
Top: Molly, Fiona & Erick Blenk on their way to the Springer Diagnostic Center.
Bottom: Dyslexic student Fiona is thriving academically with help from Springer.
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY DOG
BIRTHDAY PARTY
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR
OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
A Sample Of Recently Sold Properties in and around Indian Hill
Graeme R. Daley
5995 Crabtree Lane
Neighborhood: Indian Hill
Property Size: 1.05 Acres
Square Feet: 5,917
Land / House Price: Starting at $4.055M
5 Bedrooms + 5 Full / 1 Half Bath
5880 Crabtree Lane (CT4)
Neighborhood: Indian Hill
Property Size: 1.5 Acres
Square Feet: 4,934
Discover how
AUGUST 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SATURDAYS
Music at the Esplanade
Smale Riverfront Park, 100 Mehring Way W., Cincinnati | 5:00 PM
Don’t miss the magic of Smale Park’s Music at the Esplanade concert series, every August Saturday, 5-7 p.m. Soak in the vibes of live music, refreshments and art under the summer sun. August features artists Tooth Lures a Fang, Jet Jurgensmeyer, The Sweat Peas and Union Son. The Farmer’s Market will be open 5-8 p.m., August 3 & 17. Cincinnati-OH.gov/cincyparks/ visit-a-park/parks-events-calendar/ music-at-the-esplanade1/
AUGUST 1ST - 2ND Paddlefest 2025
Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Hubert Avenue, Cincinnati | 4:00 PM
Join thousands of paddlers for a 9-mile or 4.5-mile race in support of Adventure Crew, a local nonprofit connecting city teens with nature. Enjoy live music and exhibitors at the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday, 4-9:30 p.m. On Saturday, celebrate with food and live music at the Finish Line Festival, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Race registration is available online. OhioRiverPaddlefest.org
AUGUST 5TH - 18TH Cincinnati Open
Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason | 11:00 AM
Experience the annual professional tennis event held right here in Cincinnati. Choose a single session, multiday or full series package and be front and center to the on-court action of today’s tennis superstars. Reserve tickets online or download the Cincinnati Open App on your mobile device. CincinnatiOpen.com
ElevatedLifestyle
CONTINUED
AUGUST 8TH
Movie in the Park
Stephan Park, 6400 Drake Road, Village of Indian Hill | 9:00 PM
The Village of Indian Hill announces the return of the Movie in the Park event on Friday, August 8 at dusk in Stephan Park. Close out summer together by watching a family-friendly movie under the stars. IndianHill.gov
AUGUST 10TH
Shakespeare in the Park
The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum, 3738 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati | 1:00 PM
Bring the whole family to enjoy William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this summer’s free Shakespeare in the Park performance. With a playful spirit and whimsical surprises around every corner, A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises laughter, wonder and memorable moments. CincyShakes.com
AUGUST 30TH - 31ST Lunken Airport Days
Lunken Airport, 262 Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati | 9:00 AM
Join in the celebration of historic aircraft and classic cars at Lunken Airport Days, August 30-31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ride in a World War II Bomber, tour warbird cockpits and military vehicles, take a helicopter ride and enjoy a color guard presentation. Booths and food trucks will be available onsite. Free gate admission and parking. Warbirds.ClubExpress.com
Fritz Scholder (Luiseño, 1937-2005)
Four Indian Riders, 1967 oil on canvas SOLD FOR $476,750