Indian Hill, OH June 2024

The power of

Wednesday, June 12th | 10 AM - 7 PM 9555 Main St. Montgomery, OH 45242

Deep Roots

Hello, and welcome to the premiere issue of Indian Hill Lifestyle—where we’re inspired by a wellrooted community, and hope this magazine inspires you too!

We’re thrilled to be your source for all things local here in Indian Hill. As someone who grew up in Madeira and then moved abroad for 15 years, it has been my great pleasure to reconnect with the community on a whole new level. If there is one thing I’ve learned in the past few weeks of meeting with local business owners, it’s that this is a community that inevitably draws people back to it—the roots here run deep and that’s something to be proud of!

As you flip through these pages, you’ll be drawn into the incredible stories behind the people and places that call Indian Hill home. From the carefully crafted food being served at local restaurants like Alara and A Tavola, to beautiful and historic homes; from start-ups and successful businesses such as Daley Design + Build and Evolo Designs to local artists, designers and fashionistas, our goal is to share the stories of everything and everyone Indian Hill has to offer—and the things that matter most to you, our readers, for whom we produce this magazine each month.

Thanks for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us; we can’t wait to see you around town!

DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER @INDIANHILL.CITYLIFESTYLE

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Deborah Mekenese

Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caitlin Agnew, Allison Gibeson, Audrey Kuether, Nicci Lavine, Daniel Schowengerdt, Casey Weber

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Life N Light, RF Graphic Designs

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Deborah Mekenese INDIAN HILL LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER

DALEY DESIGN + BUILD DALEYDB.COM

JAMES FREE JEWELERS JAMESFREE.COM

EVOLO DESIGN EVOLODESIGN.COM

OYLER HINES OF COLDWELL BANKER OYLERHINES.COM

RF GRAPHIC DESIGN RFGRAPHICDESIGNS.COM

THE BMW STORE BMWSTORE.COM

MOTA CAR CLUB MOTACARCLUB.COM

JACKIE BARNES DESIGN JACKIEBARNESDESIGN.COM

CENTRAL BARK MADEIRA INDIAN HILL CENTRALBARKUSA.COM

FOSTER & MOTLEY FOSTERANDMOTLEY.COM

KUBIK HOUSE KUBIKHOUSE.COM

MCSWAIN CARPETS & FLOORS MCSWAINCARPETS.COM

CLOSETS BY DESIGN CLOSETSBYDESIGN.COM

LUXE & ART LUXEANDART.COM

KC CONSULTING KCCONSULTINGSTYLE.COM

GILKEY WINDOWS GILKEY.COM

Oris Airstream Visits James Free Jewelers to Showcase Timepieces

The Oris Airstream will be at James Free Jewelers’ Montgomery location for a special one-day-only event on June 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The vintage Airstream is on a roadtrip to showcase a selection of wristwatches made by the luxury, independent Swiss watch brand Oris. A food truck will be onsite to serve dinner, 4-7 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the friendly Oris bear mascot. James Free Jewelers, 9555 Main Street, Cincinnati, 513.793.0133, JamesFree.com

Photography Provided by Oris

Back Bash that showed off its new and improved renovations. Visitors enjoyed food trucks, live music, games, workshops and more at the celebration. Highlights include two acres of additional land, pickleball and tennis courts, vendor space, an expanded ADA-friendly playground and a four-season community room. McDonald Commons Park, 7451 Dawson Road, Madeira, MadeiraCity.com

Alara Brings Elevated Dining to Madison Square Development

A world away from ordinary, Alara invites you to an immersive dining experience that encourages exploring, sharing and tasting your way through innovative dishes that are expertly prepared and exquisitely presented. With an open kitchen that fosters a social atmosphere, Alara strips away the conventional formalities of fine dining while focusing on food quality and nextlevel hospitality in a lively yet elegant setting. Open daily at 4 p.m. and now accepting reservations. AlaraCincinnati.com Want

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ INDIANHILLOH

Photography Provided by Alara

HOMETOWN ROOTS

Greenacres Foundation Grows Opportunities for Education, Research & Conservation

Much like the seeds that are sown on its grounds, Greenacres Foundation took root in the heart of Indian Hill, a legacy of longtime residents Louis and Louise Nippert that continues to grow. Under the Foundation’s care, more than 1,200 acres of woodlands and farmlands—including 600 in Indian Hill—are preserved for education, research and conservation.

Greenacres Foundation Executive Director Meredith Leslie embraces the challenge of the Nipperts’ charge to preserve the sprawling property and use it

ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY GREENACRES FOUNDATION

as a learning hub. Their vision and mission shape the continuing work of the Foundation that was started in 1988.

“In the 1940s, the Nipperts were city people,” Leslie explains. “He was an attorney, and she was a professional musician. Mr. Nippert had always wanted to be a veterinarian, so they moved his law practice out to Indian Hill and started a farm.”

The farm expanded as they purchased adjacent land, accumulating to the acreage that now makes up Greenacres Foundation. Leslie has a personal connection to the property. She has walked and worked the land since she was a child, observing and encouraging the growth of all living things on it.

“My grandparents were very good friends of Mr. and Mrs. Nippert. My dad started working here on the

farm when he was 11 years old, doing just about every farm job. They were like a third set of grandparents to me my whole life,” she shares. “My dad, Carter Randolph, ran the Foundation from 1988 until now. I came on board in 2022.”

A visit to Greenacres allows a glimpse of the natural state of southwestern Ohio before much of it was developed into suburbia. The rolling hills, winding creeks and forests have greeted generations of Cincinnati families. Greenacres Foundation is lush with growth. Gardens and animals thrive on the grounds: vegetables, fruits, flowers, cattle, sheep, hogs, chickens and turkeys.

Thirty thousand school children visit each year for environment, agriculture and arts field trips. Exploring with Grace, after-school and weekend

“Education is the core to what we do and all the other functions here support that.”

- Meredith Leslie,  Executive Director

programming, is geared toward youth from under-resourced communities. Three additional campuses in Lewis Township, Ohio, Oldenburg, Indiana and Miami Township—Clermont County, offer opportunities for learning beyond the Village. The Foundation calendar is filled with summer camps, day camps, equestrian programs and other activities for all ages to enjoy the beauty of Greenacres.

“Education is the core to what we do and all the other functions here support that,” Leslie says.

“We want our students to know—I’m going to steal a quote from Chief Seattle—'We do not inherit the earth from our grandparents, we borrow it from our grandchildren,’” she says. “We like to add ‘and we will pay back the loan with interest.’”

The Foundation sets a benchmark for education that is unparalleled in its field. Young aspiring farmers compete to be selected for the Garden and Livestock Apprentice Programs, two-year programs that encourage experimentation and success. In Greenacres’ greenhouses and pastures, agriculture students and farmers of all ages explore the latest developments in regenerative agriculture and navigate replacing traditional farming with methods that support healthy ecosystems.

“The first year the apprentices work side-by-side with our full-time staff learning all about farming,” Leslie explains. “On their second year, they're each given a one-acre plot and they have to plan it themselves all the way from planting to harvesting.”

As a part of the apprentice programs, they prepare trainees for success with supportive classes covering topics like budgeting and marketing and branding.

“We do a lot of workshops and conferences to support farmers across the country,” says Leslie. “We teach them regenerative systems, how they can remove fertilizers and additives from their processes and move more toward soil health.”

Greenacres Foundation also offers creative arts education, encouraging the next generation to have an appreciation for the classical arts. From art shows to ballet performances, the Greenacres Arts Center is a venue for a variety of creative arts programs.

“Mrs. Nippert was a professionally trained opera singer,” Leslie explains. “She was such a big advocate for the arts across Cincinnati. We would love to help students uncover their passion for the arts in her honor.”

Students are blooming alongside the plants at Greenacres, a gift from the Nipperts that keeps on giving.

“The vision and mission the Nipperts left with us was really powerful, but I don't think that they had any idea how powerful,” Leslie reflects. “I feel they would be so honored with how far we've come and all the things that we've done and how we've been able to impact the community with their gift.”

Find more information about Greenacres Foundation, a calendar of upcoming events and opportunities to visit the farm online.

Greenacres Foundation, 8255 Spooky Hollow Road, Cincinnati 513.891.4227 | Green-acres.org

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

Get fit for equipment.

01.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

UPGRADE YOUR SPACE WITH THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF TILE

Tired of your outdated backsplash? Look no further! Our team offers top-quality tile installation and exceptional customer service in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Your backsplash is an opportunity to express yourself. We deliver a hassle-free installation experience with attention to detail. Let us help you express yourself through your backsplash and create a stunning look for your home.

03.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

04.

Practice your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

FINDING A TOUCH OF GLAM IN EVERYDAY DESIGN

ARTICLE BY ALLISON GIBESON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.

Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”

“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”

This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.

When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.

“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.

In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.

“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.

To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas

and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.

Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.

Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.

MAKING COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN STAND OUT

Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?

HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS:

Find a base color with pops of other colors.

“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”

If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.

Consider wallpaper.

“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.

Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.

Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.

POWER POSES

BRIDGE POSE (SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA)

Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.

Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT

Brett Larkin, founder of Uplifted Yoga, teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. Here she shares power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful year.

WILD THING (CAMATKARASANA)

Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.

CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?

Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.

For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com.

CAMEL POSE (USTRASANA)

DIY GOLD LEAF JEWELRY DISHES

supplies you’ll need:

• Wooden bowls, trays, etc.

• Gold leaf (or metallic gold paint)

• Gentle Gold leaf brush

• Mod podge (or gold leaf adhesive)

• Acrylic paint

• Paint brushes

• Painters tape (optional)

steps to do:

• Grab a wooden bowl, some acrylic paint, and a brush.

• Hand paint some paint on one section of the bowl.

• Let the first coat dry and paint another two to three coats of paint until you’re happy with the result.

• Let the paint fully dry.

• I wanted my gold leaf paper to overlap the paint for a layered look, so I took a paint brush and painted some Mod Podge in an overlapping pattern.

• Once the Mod Podge gets tacky, use your hand to apply the gold leaf and accompanying wax sheet.

• Push the gold leaf onto the tacky glue, then remove the top layer of paper.

• Use your fingers to gently push the gold leaf onto the glue a little further.

• Next, use the gold leaf brush to smooth over the whole area and gently wipe away any excess gold leaf. Pay extra attention to the edges.

• Next, smooth the gold leaf section as much as possible, but don’t worry about any imperfections. The organic look of the gold leaf being imperfect gives the piece character.

• Next, work your way to the outer edge.

• Once the gold leaf is perfected, gently brush over the leaf with some Mod Podge to seal it to the bowl.

• Let it completely dry and enjoy!

“They’re a great and affordable gift idea for friends.”

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

realty report

JUNE 1ST

Sip Trip

Little Miami Scenic Trail | 11:00 AM

The 4th Annual Sip Trip is a beer and bike adventure from Cartridge Brewing to Fifty West or vice versa. Bike on the Little Miami Scenic Trail at your own pace anytime between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. and take four stops along the 19.7-mile route for four beers. Enjoy great brews and beautiful views. FiftyWestBrew.com, CartridgeBrewing.com

JUNE 3RD

Bossa Nova Night on the Patio

Cincinnati Public Library, Mariemont Branch | 6:00 PM

Pack a picnic for an outdoor concert by local musician Lauren Lichenstein, who will perform bossa nova-style music. Popsicles will be provided. No registration is required, and all ages are welcome to attend. CHPL.org

JUNE 11TH, 18TH & 25TH

Blue Ash Summer Concert Series

Blue Ash Nature Park, 4337 Cooper Road, Blue Ash | 7:00 PM

The 2024 Blue Ash Summer Concert Series kicks off this month at Blue Ash Nature Park. Hear a variety of music styles for free on se-

lect June Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. On June 11, enjoy Monday Night Big Band, on June 18, see the Miami University Steel Band and on June 25, hear Daniel Bennett & The Dirty Shirleys. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. BlueAshEvents.com

JUNE 15TH

Indian Hill Trail

Clearing Volunteer Event

Bridle Trails | 8:30 AM

Support volunteer efforts to restore the Village’s Bridle Trails. Join the Trees & Trails Foundation as they hike the trails to clear out brush, trees and limbs and repair the paths. Dress for comfort and protection and bring your own hand tools, bug spray and water. Sign up online to RSVP, sign a waiver and get specific location information. Trees-Trails.org

JUNE 15TH

Evergreen Earth Care Festival

Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 9994 Zig Zag Road, Montgomery | 9:00 AM

Evergreen Presbyterian invites the community to its Earth Care Festival, an event to promote a healthy planet. Learn about a variety of conservation topics and volunteer opportunities and enjoy face painting, crafts and other activities for children, June 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. EvergreenPresbyterian.org

JUNE 18TH

Touch-a-Truck

Cincinnati Public Library, Mariemont Branch | 4:00 PM

Explore, touch and learn about the vital equipment that keeps our community safe at Touch-a-Truck, an event at the Mariemont Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library, 4-5 p.m. on June 18. Get hands-on with emergency vehicles courtesy of the Mariemont Police and Fire Departments. The Cincinnati Circus Co. will be there for face painting and glitter tattoos. CHPL.org

INTERIORS | KITCHENS | BATHS

Exceptionally E xqui site

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH MEKENESE

Meet the Publisher— Deborah Mekenese

ACTIVE MAMMA OF FOUR & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Education

Originally, I was a Photography & Graphic Design Major, then got my MBA and built an international sales team. When the opportunity to Own/ Publish a beautiful magazine arose, it was a natural fit!

Raising Warriors

I’ve been an avid martial artist since high school, starting in TaeKwonDo, then Muay Thai & ultimately falling in love with jiujitsu. Find me at Fuse Martial Arts and Fitness, where I train and coach my own little warriors.

Guilty Pleasures

In France, they call it a guilty pleasure, but in America, we call it self-care! I love a dry red, generally oak-aged, and a high percentage dark chocolate. I am always on the hunt for fresh baguettes.

Time Abroad

Much to my mother’s dismay, I landed a job as a live-in Nanny in the Alps, then moved to France with a bike, backpack & snowboard. Spoiler alert: one year turned into 15.

Outdoor Living

I enjoy hiking with my children both locally and abroad. I grew up running around the woods with my dad behind Madeira Middle School and we love to muck around Caesar Creek on the weekends.