Dress Your Door
city scene
1: Lindner Center of Hope broke ground for their most significant expansion since opening in 2008. 2: Frances and S. Craig Lindner, co-founders of the Lindner Center of Hope, discussed the future of mental health. 3: City of Mason Mayor Diana Nelson and Lindner Center of Hope President and CEO, Dr. Michael Groat. 4: Bill Butler, Paul Hemmer and Roger Wade speak with S. Craig Lindner before the groundbreaking ceremony. 5: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine shared his thoughts on strengthening Ohio’s mental health care. 6: Bill Artzt shared the role Lindner Center of Hope played in his mental health journey. 7: Michael Groat, PhD, MSc, offered closing reflections.
Photography by Tom Uhlman
15: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company brought Shakespeare in the Park to Cottell Park on July 17. 16: Guests enjoyed a performance of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream. 17: Common Beer Company hosted a community fundraiser to support Angel Alley in June. 18: Mark Winter, David Uy and Jen Winter with the bench painted by David for the memorial. 19: Sit Still Kids, a hair salon designed for young children, has opened a new location in Mason. 20: ROYAL Theatre Company recently presented Dare to Dream Musical Spectacular, an original musical revue. 21: Proceeds from this event help ROYAL Theatre Company with ongoing initiatives to nurture creativity.
MEREDITH RAFFEL
MEREDITH RAFFEL
JENNIFER WINTER
JENNIFER WINTER
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP
LANCE MOODY, MECHANICAL BUG
LANCE MOODY, MECHANICAL BUG
Transform your space into a masterpiece with Brent Thomas Renovations. Where expert craftsmanship, elegance, and innovation come together — we deliver high-end renovations tailored to your style, from concept to flawless completion. Contact us today to start your transformation journey! www.brentthomasrenovations.com | 513-519-3906
SHOE PROGRAM HELPS kids stand tall
SHOES 4 THE SHOELESS PROVIDES FREE SOCKS AND SHOES TO SOUTHWEST OHIO CHILDREN.
ARTICLE BY MARIE
KRIEDMAN
| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Starting a nonprofit takes hard work and dedication. From the beginning, the new venture requires funding, volunteers, a coordinated effort to address a specific need, distribution plans to expand access and a passion to help others.
Kris Horlacher, RN, BSN, knows this process well. She founded Shoes 4 the Shoeless (S4TS) which delivers brandnew socks and gym shoes to disadvantaged children throughout 21 southwest Ohio counties.
An ER nurse by trade, Kris was managing an after-school program in the Dayton area for homeless children when she noticed many of the kids wore shoes that didn’t fit.
“I saw how damaged their feet were from wearing shoes that were too small and that is where my background kicked in,” she explains. “I started the nonprofit and here we are.”
Children who live in families who are struggling financially receive shoes and socks through an in-school delivery program. A professional staff and 50 volunteers attend each event, working one-on-one with students to measure their feet and make adjustments to ensure a proper fit. The team sets up over 2,000 pairs of brand-new gym shoes and socks in the school gym and the process begins! Over 600 volunteers participate each month.
Since its inception in 2010, S4TS has helped about 220,000 children, including children in the Greater Cincinnati area. Children who are patients at the University of Cincinnati Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital have been receiving shoes and socks for several years from S4TS, but the need continued to go unmet among children in Cincinnati-area schools.
CONTINUED >
S4TS Volunteer, Natalie Morean.
That all changed in 2023 after a generous grant from the Farmer Family Foundation, which provided funding enabling a permanent Cincinnati office to be established under the direction of John Forde, Cincinnati area director, who is himself a proud graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools. Relief was quickly provided to children in Cincinnati, but there is much more work to be done. “The need is there and it's overwhelming,” Kris says. “We need more funding and volunteers.”
S4TS acts as the first responders to an unseen trauma in children. Foot damage is prevalent and permanent. They have even seen frostbite on five children over the years from wearing inadequate shoes and socks.
“Our job is to create a warm and welcoming environment where the students feel safe and secure enough to take off their shoes and get ready for new ones,” she shares.
Natalie emphasizes that the impact is seen immediately when kids put on new, clean, comfortable shoes for the first time.
“Their smiles are bigger, they stand a little taller, and their laughter rings a little louder.”
“It’s one of the biggest unmet healthcare needs for children in poverty,” Kris tells us. “The work of children is to run, jump and play. When their feet hurt, they don’t want to do anything that requires movement.”
“Something shifts,” she continues. “Their smiles are bigger, they stand a little taller, and their laughter rings a little louder. There's a sense of confidence and empowerment that comes with it, especially for students who were previously wearing shoes that were too small, full of holes or worn beyond repair. It restores dignity and builds self-esteem in a way that lasts far beyond the moment.”
— Natalie Morean
The work is challenging and the hours are long, but for the team of S4TS, the effort is vital because the impact of taking on an under-addressed issue is powerful.
Natalie Morean is the executive director of Bigger Than Sneakers, a nonprofit offering workshops, events and mentorships to help inspire young people with career pathways in fashion, footwear, music and technology. She started volunteering with S4TS in the Cincinnati area about two years ago.
“Easily 70% of the kids we see have never worn shoes that fit,” Kris says. “The kids are overjoyed. We bring relief from pain, worry and being cold, so they run and play normally. It’s the most joyful moment to witness.”
For more information, e-mail info@shoes4theshoeless.org or visit Shoes4theShoeless.org .
D R E SS
YOUR DOOR
TRANSFORM YOUR FRONT DOOR STYLE WITH CINCINNATI ENTRYPOINT AND QUEEN CITY PORCH DESIGN
ARTICLE BY AMANDA STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY SETTLE – KELLY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY
Opposite: Door: 8' mahogany-grain fiberglass double sidelite door, 3/4 Vapor low-e SDL glass, Tricorn Black finish, bronze sill and EMTEK solid bronze entryset.
Decor: Dusty pinks, deep reds and golds with layers of textures and plenty of pumpkins define this ’90s-inspired fall porch.
This page: Door: 8' mahogany-grain fiberglass double sidelite door, 3/4 Naples low-e decorative glass, Tricorn Black finish, bronze sill, and EMTEK solid brass entryset.
Decor: A vintage chair anchors the classic deep orange and harvest yellow, paired with rustic decorative touches.
Style that Starts at the Door
Curb appeal is the first impression your home offers to guests, neighbors, and passersby. The most influential factor in curb appeal is your front door, so why not make sure it has style that lasts through the seasons? Family-owned, local businesses Cincinnati EntryPoint and Queen City Porch Design showcase three area doors—ready to greet visitors for fall, and inspire you to give your home’s exterior a well-deserved makeover.
Decor:
Cincinnati EntryPoint doors are custom-built in Mason from low-maintenance fiberglass. Unlike wood which can expand, contract, bow, and crack over time, or steel which can dent and eventually rust, fiberglass gives homeowners the best of both worlds—durability and energy efficiency with the option of a smooth or woodgrain finish that beautifully mimics real wood.
Door: Mahogany-grain double fiberglass doors with 3/4 triple-paned beveled low-e SDL glass, Tricorn Black finish, bronze sill, and EMTEK Baden grip with Empowered 2 smart deadbolt.
These welcoming double doors inspired the modern farmhouse theme, featuring wreaths expertly chosen to complement the brick color.
Sacksteder’s Designer Spotlight: Beth Wess
Glass Trends
Cincinnati EntryPoint’s Cody Carden explains, “We’ve seen a rise in gridded glass, especially for homeowners who are drawn to the classic farmhouse look. Our simulated divided sidelites give the charm of individual panes while keeping the energy efficiency of a single glass panel.” Many also prefer clear or textured glass for a minimal, modern aesthetic. For others, transitional decorative glass patterns are popular—adding personality and privacy while still letting in light and a glimpse outside.
Choose the Perfect Look
At Cincinnati EntryPoint’s showroom in Mason, it’s easy to choose the perfect door to fit your home’s aesthetic. Appointments ensure customers meet with an expert who can guide them through design choices, answer questions and provide a free quote. Seeing full-size examples in person builds confidence in your selections—so you leave knowing exactly what you’re getting.
You also won’t experience the dreaded hard sell. “Unlike companies that use pressure tactics or ‘buy today’ discounts, we recommend taking your time to make the right choice,” Cody shares. “Since we buy materials in bulk and build everything in house, we’re able to offer great value every day.”
“Lately, we’ve seen a rise in gridded glass, especially for homeowners who are drawn to the classic farmhouse look.”
Dress It Up
Queen City Porch Design’s Lauren Lewis and Liz Matttingly are former educators and local moms who have always shared a love for creativity and community. They’re channeling that passion into something that brings joy to others—beautifully decorated porches, one season at a time. For fall, work with Lauren and Liz to add a variety of textures, dreamy autumn colors, fresh flowers, pumpkins and darling decorative touches to help your porch stand out—without the effort. Fall packages are on sale now, so secure your spot soon!
All doors manufactured and installed by Cincinnati EntryPoint. UpgradeMyDoor.com
Fall styling and all decor items provided by Queen City Porch Design: QueenCityPorchDesign.com
DECKED OUT DREAMS
A stylish Lebanon backyard blends luxury and livability with the help of local experts.
ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MATTHEW J CAPPS PHOTOGRAPHY
Imagine this—you walk out the back door into what looks like a resort lounge—only it’s your own backyard. There’s an expansive deck, a sleek modern pergola, custom lighting and a crackling fire in a towering stone hearth inspired by your floor-to-ceiling indoor fireplace.
That’s exactly what Lebanon residents Lauren and Andrew dreamed up and what local deck experts All Decked Out (ADO) made a reality.
“When we built our home in 2020, we always knew we wanted to carry our interior aesthetic into the backyard and create a space that was both beautiful and usable,” Lauren says.
From blank slate to backyard oasis, their home now features a stunning composite deck complete with skirting, built-in lighting, a paver stone patio, a show-stopping stone fireplace and a covered pergola that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Lauren and Andrew weren’t looking for just anyone with a hammer and a blueprint. They were seeking someone who understood their vision—and would take the time to get it right. That someone turned out to be Joe Hagen, founder and president of All Decked Out.
“During the initial design phase, Joe spent several hours at our home walking us through potential design options,” Lauren says. “His attention to detail helped us feel immensely confident in their ability to execute.”
Joe tells us he found a passion for designing and building after serving in the U.S. Navy and wanted to create a company that was focused on going beyond the ordinary. “I have always enjoyed art, being creative and I love making people happy,” he says. “Our most successful designs come from listening to our clients' dreams and maximizing space, style and budget. We bounce ideas back and forth until it's the perfect design for their family.”
“OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL DESIGNS COME FROM LISTENING TO OUR CLIENTS' DREAMS AND MAXIMIZING SPACE, STYLE AND BUDGET.”
This is exactly what he did with Lauren and Andrew. “They wanted a space that fit within zoning restrictions, stayed on budget, but still felt custom—something that flowed with the aesthetic of their home,” he explains. To meet those goals, Joe and his team used Deckorators Voyage decking with a clean black aluminum railing and skirting, plus post cap and stair lights to create an inviting ambiance.
The centerpiece is the stone fireplace, which mirrors their indoor hearth and is wrapped in the same stone used on the front of the house. It’s big, bold and has already become the star of evenings outdoors.
Topping off the transformation is the pergola, a signature feature that turns shade into a statement. “The modern pergola is a unique design for our company,” Joe shares. “It’s a cost-effective alternative to a full porch roof, plus it lets natural light through and keeps the space cooler with a tinted polycarbonate covering.” An added benefit is that it’s all wrapped in low-maintenance materials that will keep it looking great for years to come.
How does a dream outdoor oasis go from vision to reality? According to the Director of Operations at All Decked Out, Jessica Hagen, it all starts with communication and a clear plan.
“We start by asking clients to complete a detailed questionnaire so we can understand their goals,” Jessica says. “Then Joe visits the site for a design consultation and we create a proposal with a sketch—sometimes even 3D renderings.”
Selections happen in ADO’s showroom, where Jessica guides homeowners through materials. Pre-construction meetings finalize plans and once building starts, a project manager communicates daily with clients through a cloud-based system.
“At the end, we do a final walkthrough and leave our clients with a low-maintenance outdoor space they’ll enjoy for years,” she enthuses.
All Decked Out designs around 150 outdoor living spaces a year, ranging from patios to full backyard builds. While styles vary, ADO leans into clean, modern design and high-quality, low-maintenance materials.
“This year we’re seeing clients be more budget conscious,” Jessica notes, “but they still want durable, beautiful outdoor spaces.”
Lauren and Andrew are thrilled with their new addition. “We’ve already spent several nights by the fire with our family,” she says. “We started with a blank slate and could never have imagined how beautiful the final product would turn out. The seamless transition from our interior to outdoor space makes our entire home feel cohesive.”
With a company like ADO, you’re not just building a deck—you’re creating a space for connection, comfort and memories. Lauren emphasizes, “We would choose All Decked Out time and time again to build a quality outdoor living space that will withstand the test of time.”
Want to get All Decked Out yourself? Check out their work and start dreaming at AllDeckedOut513.com
SEPTEMBER 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Movies in the Park: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Cottell Park-Grass Loop | 8:00 PM
Enjoy a free outdoor showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at Cottell Park on September 5 at 8 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blanket and snacks. Themed games and crafts will be offered before the movie. Find out more information at DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Maya Grace Collins Memorial Golf Tournament
Beckett Ridge Golf Course | 11:00 AM
The 4th annual Maya Grace Collins Memorial Golf Classic takes place at Beckett Ridge Golf Course on September 8. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, lunch from Condado Tacos, Third Eye Brewing Co. and Rhinegeist beer and more. The Golf Classic continues at Third Eye Brewing, Sharonville, with an after-party, including dinner/drinks, live music, raffles, silent auction, games and awards. LiveLikeMaya.org
SEPTEMBER 17TH
Mindfulness for All: How Mindfulness Can Benefit Your Daily Life
Manor House | 6:00 PM
The Lindner Center of Hope continues their Free Community Education Series on September 17 with Outpatient Therapist Chae Little, LISW-S, LICDC. Taking place at the Manor House at 6 p.m., Chae will discuss what mindfulness is, its benefits and how it can be applied in daily life. Registration is free for this event. Learn more at LindnerCenterOfHope.org
SEPTEMBER 19TH - 21ST
Acting Up Presents: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Mason High School | 7:00 PM
Acting Up presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from September 19-21 at Mason High School. This classic, family-friendly musical is based on the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. Tickets and additional information can be found at ActingUp.com.
SEPTEMBER 20TH
Mason Heritage Festival and Parade
Downtown Plaza | 3:00 PM
The Heritage Festival and Parade takes place on September 20 in Downtown Mason. The event features kids’ activities, vendors, music and more. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and is followed by activities and entertainment until 10 p.m. The event is free, open to the public and will include fun for all ages. Details are available at ImagineMason.org
SEPTEMBER 26TH
Annual Taste of MADE Chamber
The Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge | 7:45 AM
Mason Deerfield Chamber will host their Annual Taste of MADE event during the UC Health West Chester Hospital Fall Classic Golf Outing on Sept. 26 at Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge. Golfers will enjoy complimentary food and beverages from local restaurants. Proceeds benefit patient resources and programs, as well as educational initiatives for students. More information at MADEChamber.org.
Stunning custom-built Zicka home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Chestnut Hill! Features a first-floor primary suite, study with built-ins, and gourmet kitchen with gas range and stainless appliances. Hardwood floors throughout main living areas. Enjoy the covered patio with stone fireplace and expansive backyard. Upstairs offers a Jack & Jill bath, private en-suite, and bonus room. Finished lower level includes a full bar and bath. HOA amenities include pool and playground, near Fleckenstein Park.
Planning to Sell?
“We highly recommend Tiffany Allen-Zeuch! She was extremely knowledgeable about the market and relocation policies, and helped us price our home just right. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and friendly nature made the process smooth and stress-free. She’s also a skilled negotiator who truly had our best interests in mind. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”
TIFFANY ALLEN-ZEUCH
A pre-listing inspection reveals issues early, giving you time to fix them, increase value, and avoid surprises during negotiations.
Staying Put?
Inspections catch small problems before they become costly, ensuring your home stays safe, efficient, and wellmaintained.
~ Eusebia M.
Beautifully updated home in the Renaissance community! Set on a quiet cul-de-sac with wooded views, this property features new carpet, a renovated kitchen with quartz counters, updated baths, and hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy a first-floor study, a finished walkout lower level, a new roof and HVAC installed in 2023, and easy access to the community pool, highways, and shopping. This home is move-in ready and beautifully updated. A Home Inspection is a Smart Move Whether You’re Selling or Staying
