Whether it’s tackling a serious health issue or improving your overall well-being, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy and strong. Our doctors and health care professionals are passionate about providing you with personalized health care solutions so you can be there for what matters most. Because whether in our office, or virtually from the comfort of your own home, we believe your health care should always revolve around you. Visit mercy.com to find a location and connect with a
This month's issue celebrates and explores the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes or accessories we wear, it encompasses nearly every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves or have conversations, style permeates every facet of who we are.
Style is deeply personal and a form of self-expression that communicates how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way style can be a powerful tool, revealing us to be unique trendsetters or providing a connection that helps us find common ground with others.
We’ve carefully curated stories ranging from a local salon that has expanded to include a chic boutique to nonprofits helping people find style and purpose in their worlds. Learn more about Buffalo Black Boutique at Bella Chic Salon, Hope’s Closet and Mission Lazarus.
We hope this issue inspires you to explore the many ways that style shows up in your life. The best style is always an authentic expression of who you are.
Here’s to being uniquely you!
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Karen Andrea
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Stout, Jonathan Stout, Nan Paraskevopoulos
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography
MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER
@MASONANDDEERFIELDLIFESTYLE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
At TriHealth, we believe healing transcends treatment when you are sick. True healing includes your body, mind and spirit. The things that make you human. Health care feels di erent when your provider sees and hears you as the person you are. With 10 locations in and around Mason, TriHealth has been a continuous source of surprisingly human care for more than 30 years.
And we’re here for you now.
Be seen. Be heard. Be healed. TriHealth.com
Please join the Mason Schools Foundation in congratulating the 2022 recipients for their outstanding performance. At the heart of what we love about our schools here in Mason are hard-working teachers and staff who regularly go the extra mile for our kids. It is our pleasure to recognize annually one teacher from each building based on nominations submitted for review.
BEACON
This award recognizes a person who consistently focuses on ensuring everyone feels included. Ricardo inspires students by creating a warm and inviting space which allows them to thrive as their authentic selves.
Join us in person for all the fun activities or participate in the silent auction online from any location. Either way, it is an exciting event raising funds to take Mason Comets “Above & Beyond.”
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This award recognizes community members like Bill who go “above and beyond.” Bill is a powerful district advocate taking a leading role in funding initiatives that propel the district forward.
1: Families of all ages enjoyed the inaugural season of Little Sounds of Deerfield concerts. 2: After the concerts, kids had reading and art making time with instructors. 3: The Deerfield Handmade Market Summer event was held on June 4 at Kingswood Park. 4: Guests enjoyed the more than 90 participating artists, great music and food throughout the day. 5: Deerfield Township and the Arts Alliance presented The Eagles Project band at Cottell Park. 6: More than 2,000 guests enjoyed the sounds of this popular cover band. 7: The band performs for an enthusiastic crowd at Cottell Park.
8: PetSuites Mason celebrated their first anniversary on June 13 with a parking lot birthday bash. 9: Stray Animal Adoption Program brought Jedi, a black pit bull, who is available for adoption. 10: Princess is the PetSuites foster dog and is available for adoption through Peppermint Pig Rescue. 11: The Goddard School held its biggest fundraiser, the annual carnival, on July 21. 12: Although the event featured many fun, family activities, the dunking booth was a main attraction. 13: The 16th Annual Warren County Foundation Community Service Awards had a record 300 in attendance. 14: The 2023 Community Service Awards Recipients with state legislators at the Manor House in Mason.
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MADE Chamber is hosting their largest event of the year, Gems of Excellence Awards Night, on October 26 at the Manor House in Mason. The black-tie optional event showcases Chamber members as the brightest gems in the MADE region. Eleven individuals or companies are recognized in a variety of categories, including MADE Business of the Year and new to 2023, the Happiest Hour Award. To learn more about the nominees and purchase tickets, visit GemsOfExcellence.com .
New Life Furniture Bank (NLFB) recently expanded thanks to the generous support of the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, the Ohio EPA and private donors. The local NLFB is the only nonprofit in the region focused on fully furnishing homes for individuals and families overcoming homelessness and devastating circumstances. With the 10,000-square-foot expansion at their Blue Ash facility on Reed Hartman Hwy, NLFB can now reach their goal of furnishing at least 2,400 homes this year. NLFurniture.org
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On May 8, 2023, Mason City Council unanimously approved legislation authorizing contracts to begin the construction of two adaptive ball fields at Makino Park. The adaptive ball fields will mark phase II of this signature park, furthering the City of Mason’s mission of providing inclusive opportunities for children and adults of all ages. Pictured here is the groundbreaking ceremony that took place on July 24, featuring the Mason Challenger League. MasonChallengerAdaptiveFields.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MasonAndDeerfield
Women Walking West is pleased to welcome Kristyn Gates, their new Operations Manager. Kristyn has extensive experience working with both collegiate and professional sports teams. "I'm very excited and grateful for this new opportunity working with Women Walking West,” Krystn says. “I have extremely high regard for this organization's mission to help foreign-born women achieve their goal of earning an education here in the United States.” WomenWalkingWest.org
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Foursquare Insurance is excited to open their new agency in Mason, making it possible to educate the community on the most financially advantageous insurance policies for disability, accident, cancer, heart attack and other critical illnesses. Their belief is that insurance is only as good as its service, so their primary job is to support clients in their time of need. Email info@4squareins.com or schedule a time to connect at Calendly.com/4squareins .
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Photography by Women Walking West“Heirloom Chef has been such a blessing to our family. We have used Heirloom Chef for about two and a half years. As a professional athlete, I am highly aware of the food I eat and how it effects my body. And as a dad of two girls, who are always on the go, the ability to consistently cook healthy meals is difficult. Heirloom Chef provides easy-to-cook, healthy ingredient-conscience meals that help my body feel good and feed my family well. Everyone in the Hagglund family looks forward to Heirloom Chef Nights!”
HOPE'S CLOSET PROVIDES STYLISH CLOTHING AND HELPFUL SUPPORT TO LOCAL FOSTER FAMILIES.
For some, clothing is a fun form of self-expression, but for many others, clothing is an expensive basic necessity. For young people especially, clothing can also serve as a source of comfort and confidence.
Hope’s Closet of Butler County is there to help foster children for whom clothing is a scarce resource. They began providing support eight years ago to families impacted by children’s services. One of their main offerings is a clothing boutique in West Chester that is available to foster care children.
The 50,000-square-foot facility is full of clothing, shoes, baby items, toys, books, school supplies, sporting goods and more to help kids experience positive childhoods. They offer 14 outfits, pajamas, undergarments, coats, socks and shoes to children twice a year during spring/summer and fall/winter seasonal changes. Children in foster care can also come for a back-to-school shopping appointment and select a week's worth of tops and bottoms, a new backpack with school supplies, a pair of gym shoes, a jacket and two hoodies. The boutique is also available for children newly placed in foster care and as needed when kids outgrow their clothes.
Just because these clothes are provided as a service doesn’t mean that fashion isn’t a consideration.
“We take fashion very seriously at Hope's Closet!” Executive Director, Mark Phair, enthuses. “It is very important to make sure that foster children look their best so they also feel their best.”
Their goal is to help foster children have confidence as they start school and join new social circles.
“We want them to be confident in their appearance and help limit any kind of social challenges that may arise from their clothing and shoes,” Mark explains.
They do this by actively seeking donations that reflect current styles and trends that are popular. To achieve this, they receive regular donations from businesses like VANS, LulaRoe, Bombas and others.
“We also seek input from teenage volunteers to determine if our inventory is on point from a style perspective,” Mark continues.
Hope’s Closet works with dozens of county-based and private network foster care agencies around the region to provide access to resources and programming.
Shopping appointments in the boutique are reserved for children with active foster care cases. Many of their other programs are open to anyone who may be part of a foster care support network, such as relatives, friends of foster parents or those who may be considering becoming a foster parent.
Additionally, they actively recruit foster parents and provide a wide array of services and opportunities for existing foster parents. Some of these include specialized training, support groups, social/networking opportunities and recreational activities for foster families around Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.
“These are all to help provide support and encouragement for those who open their hearts and homes to displaced young people,” Mark tells us.
Mark decided at a young age that he wanted to help people, so it comes as no surprise that his favorite part of his job is bringing happiness to kids.
“You cannot put a price on the smiles, laughter and excitement that comes from both the young people and foster parents we serve,” Mark explains.
Mark recalls a special memory of helping a teen who came in for his first shopping visit shortly after being placed into foster care. “We learned that he wanted a particular style of shoes that his biological mother had promised to get him. Unfortunately, she was unable to get them and the next thing you know, her struggles and challenges led to him being in foster care. Within a few minutes of being here, he had found the exact style, color and size of VANS that he had wanted!”
Hope’s Closet accepts a variety of clothing and monetary donations. They offer volunteer opportunities on site, such as sorting donations and hosting foster families for shopping appointments. There are also off-site opportunities available, including organizing clothing collection drives, hosting fundraising activities, guest speaking at community organizations and more.
Anyone interested in getting involved can reach out to Info@HopesClosetOhio.org or visit HopesClosetOhio.org .
Bella Chic Salon owner Haley Gullette began her career in 2015 and has continued to grow her styling repertoire ever since. When she acquired 20-year Mason mainstay Bella Chic in 2019, she dove right in as master stylist and owner. Embarking on a full salon renovation in 2020 was a huge undertaking, but Haley embraced change and has a blossoming business to show for it.
“I knew that if the space next door became available I wanted to open a boutique because I’ve always loved clothes and style,” shares Haley. The resulting expansion created a luxe space for cosmetic services and the free-spirited, western-inspired Buffalo Black Boutique.
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| IMAGE 5: ABOUT THE BOUTIQUE Buffalo Black Boutique at Bella Chic Salon offers clients a one-stop shop – hair, makeup, clothes and accessories. With new pieces arriving weekly and playful features like a custom hat bar with bandanas, leather, feathers and more, shoppers can easily complete their style refresh.
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IMAGE 6 Moriah: Custom Hat, $60.
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Lilly: High Rise Bridgette Flare, $64, Solid Knitted Bodysuit, $38, Bandana (worn as a belt), $8, Gilded Cowboy Leather Crossbody, $99
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Lilly (left), Skylar Black Tennis Shoes, $49. Madison (right), Chantel Black High
Bella Chic Salon offers a full range of hair services and most stylists are also certified in hidden bead and sewn-in hair extension techniques. If you have a homecoming dance or wedding coming up, Bella Chic artists and technicians provide a variety of cosmetic services – from bridal and formal makeup to brow tinting, microblading and lash extensions.
Bella Chic Salon/Buffalo Black Boutique 5948 Snider Road, Suite C, Mason 513.398.3332
BellaChicSalon.com
ShopBuffaloBlack.com
At Wagner Law, we genuinely care about our clients who find themselves in difficult life situations. Our own personal family experiences have fueled our passion for helping our clients and their families navigate through the legal system while resolving these matters.
We provide professional, knowledgeable services in a caring, compassionate manner.
Can we help your family today?
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
A faith-based organization is making waves in the world of style and fashion, but with a purpose that goes far beyond aesthetics.
Mission Lazarus is an organization dedicated to individual, family, community and economic development in Honduras and Haiti. While they have a strong presence in the heart of Nashville, the true magic of Lazarus lies in the hands of the artisans from the countries they serve.
Mission Lazarus has several programs dedicated to educating and economically uplifting individuals in Haiti and Honduras such as schools, health care centers, ranches and even a coffee farm. One of their programs, Lazarus Artisan Goods, is the epitome of the organization's mission to empower individuals through education and vocational training. With a focus on producing high-quality leather goods, this social enterprise has not only transformed the lives of its artisans but has also impacted the communities they come from.
According to Francesc Pedró, director of the UNESCO Institute of Higher Education for Latin America and the Caribbean, only about 19% of people in Honduras have a college education. Even having a college degree is no guarantee of a high-paying job.
In Honduras, women are unlikely to finish high school. Those who do complete secondary education often don’t find jobs that will allow them to support their families.
Mission Lazarus provides artisan training opportunities to women and men and offers their graduates not only a high school degree but also jobs that pay a better than fair wage, relative to the economy of Honduras.
At the core of Lazarus Artisan Goods are the artisans themselves. These skilled individuals, hailing from the local communities in Honduras, undergo rigorous training to craft exquisite leather products. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they learn the art of leather crafting, from hand-stitching to intricate detailing, transforming raw materials into works of art.
When Mission Lazarus Founder and President Jarrod Brown met Juventina in Honduras, she was the only girl in her sixthgrade class who wasn’t pregnant or already a mother. Juventina was offered the opportunity to go through the vocational training program in the Lazarus Artisan Goods leather shop and became the first person in her family to graduate from high school. She now earns a premium wage and was able to build a small house.
ARTICLE BY NAN PARASKEVOPOULOS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“My life has been very different,” says Juventina, “because I have been able to learn this profession, which has been very useful for me and my family.”
Purchasing products from Lazarus Artisan Goods is more than just a style statement. It is an investment in the lives of these artisans and the communities they represent. By providing vocational training and sustainable employment opportunities, Mission Lazarus creates a positive ripple effect for families and local neighborhoods. “We have to ask ourselves if our programs are a sustainable investment,” says Jarrod. “We are investing in people so that they can transform their communities from the inside out, rather than continually trying to bring help in.”
Phil Smith, the COO of Mission Lazarus who lives nearby and attends church in Mason, started as a volunteer in Haiti. Phil witnessed the struggles faced by communities firsthand, and the challenges of nonprofit organizations. His experiences inspired him to join the board of Mission Lazarus and eventually assume the role of COO, following his retirement from a Fortune 50 company after 32 years. He emphasized their high standards of excellence, including those within their business practices as his inspiration for joining the organization.
“I got to know Jarrod in Haiti. The practices he brought over from his work in Honduras on measurements, accountability and transparency rang true to me. Those were the same practices we used at the company where I had worked every day. Those are things Mission Lazarus did just as second nature,” explains Phil.
The success of Lazarus Artisan Goods goes beyond sales figures. Each purchase is a step towards empowering individuals, fostering economic development and promoting sustainable change. And of course, the products are great. Their best seller is the Cecilia Tote. The large size and four internal pockets make this gorgeous bag perfect for holding your laptop, notebook and all other essential items. And because the quality of handcrafted leather is so fine, not only will this bag last for years, it gets better with age. “The leather goods that we have are phenomenal and the quality is impeccable,” says Phil. “When you know the story behind them, it is even more meaningful.”
Follow Mission Lazarus on the path to style with a purpose. They lead the way one beautifully crafted leather piece at a time. Lazarus Artisan Goods are available at boutiques across the United States, as well as directly from their online shop at LazarusArtisanGoods.com .
MissionLazarus.com
Are you planning your next chapter after working at a public school or other local/state organization? Let us help you prepare. To learn more, get in touch today
This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
DIRECTIONS:
Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin. To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Art Bar: Fall Wreaths
SNYDER HOUSE AT COTTELL PARK | 7:00 PM
The Arts Alliance hosts relaxing events for adults where participants learn to make a beautiful work of art. They are hosting a fall wreath craft night at the Snyder House at Cottell Park on September 5. This event begins at 7 p.m. and is offered for people ages 21 and up. Tickets can be purchased through DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com .
SEPTEMBER 16TH
Mason Heritage Festival and Parade
DOWNTOWN PLAZA | 4:00 PM
The Heritage Festival and Parade takes place on September 16 in Downtown Mason. The event features kids’ activities, vendors, music entertainment and more. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and is followed by activities and entertainment until 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public with fun activities for all ages. Details can be found at ImagineMason.org .
SEPTEMBER 17TH
Deerfield Handmade Market Fall
COTTELL PARK | 11:00 AM
Join The Arts Alliance for the Deerfield Handmade Market Fall at Cottell Park on September 17 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 60 local and regional artists will showcase their talents and wares. Visitors can peruse fine art, refurbished works, candle makers, unique food offerings, furniture, jewelry, clothing and more. Find out more information at The-Arts-Alliance.org .
Free Community Education Series: Self-Care
COUNTRYSIDE YMCA | 6:00 PM
The Lindner Center continues their free Community Education Series on September 20 with Anna Guerdjikova, Ph.D., LISW, CCRC, Director of Administrative Services for the Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE. They will cover types of self-care and their contribution to wellness, the difference between motivation and intention and committed actions to sustainable self-care. LindnerCenterOfHOPE.org .
COTTELL PARK GRASS LOOP | 6:15 PM
Enjoy a free outdoor showing of Disney’s Monsters University at Cottell Park on September 22. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets as well as snacks. Outdoor games, fall-themed crafts and photo opportunities will be available before the movie. Get all the details at DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com
WARREN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS | 10:00 AM
The annual fall classic, Lebanon Country Applefest, will be held at the Warren County Fairgrounds September 23-24. Featuring more than 300 arts, crafts and food vendors plus live entertainment each day, there’s something for everyone! Admission is $1 per person, with free parking and free admission for children 12 and under. Schedules and vendor listings can be found at CountryAppleFest.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MasonAndDeerfield
Luxury living in Four Bridges. Spacious townhome with over 2500 sq.ft. Hardwood floors in foyer and kitchen. Stainless appliances. Soaring ceilings. Walk out from great room onto screened patio with lake view. Finished, walkout lower level with gas fireplace, guest suite with full bath, and flex room. Crown molding and custom details. New water heater 2022.
Light filled end unit ranch condo with a split floor plan. Bamboo wood floors and freshly painted walls throughout. Primary bath has a large soaking tub and double vanity. California Closets in both bedrooms and the oversized attached two car garage with built-in shelving provide plenty of storage. Enjoy relaxing on the covered, private patio facing the woods.
“Moving from out of state to the Cincy area compounded with an insane real estate market could have made for a stressful situation, however Tiffany eased the stress and got us a beautiful house. She went above and beyond finding us houses to see before they even went on the market. We believe that had we not chosen Tiffany we’d still be house hunting months later! Thank you Tiffany!” ~Erin E.
