








May brings Mother’s Day, the end of the school year, pools opening for the summer and of course—our annual women’s issue! The collection of stories this month showcases inspiring women who are serving our country, following dreams to start a business and persevering through the unexpected. And don’t worry guys, you’re up next month!
If you’ve ever been to the Washington, D.C. area, monuments and displays to honor various leaders and key events throughout our nation are everywhere. The most moving memorials help us remember all those who fought and died for our country. Mason resident and retired United States Air Force Colonel, Judy Pearson, works to ensure overlooked veterans’ service records are preserved. Learn more about how Judy honors female veterans as Ohio’s Ambassador to the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
As we navigate through life, there are bound to be bumps in the road. What often defines a person is how they overcome and persevere through hardships. Dr. Marsha Smith is an accomplished neurologist whose chronic illness could have derailed her medical career. Read how her faith ultimately guided her through her journey to become a doctor and publish a new book, God of the Impossible.
I love watching chef-driven TV shows and have often felt inspired to open a restaurant. However, the stress involved in my favorite cooking shows often makes me happy with my choice of profession! For local home bakery owner Stephanie Amlung, Martha Stewart not only piqued her interest but also ignited a passion to learn all she could about baking.
Before we let you explore the pages of the May issue, there are some thanks that I would like to share. Thank you to all our advertising partners and readers who continue to support our publication which is celebrating six years in print! To our wonderful and talented team, I am truly grateful for all your amazing work that goes into creating Mason + Deerfield Lifestyle every month.
Lastly, a BIG THANK YOU to all the mothers (especially you Ma!) and women who do so much for their families and communities—you are loved and appreciated.
MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER @MASONANDDEERFIELDLIFESTYLE
CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MASONANDDEERFIELD
PUBLISHER
Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Karen Andrea
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nan Paraskevopoulos, Amanda Stout, Jonathan Stout, Elizabeth Lowry
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography, Kiki Smith Photography, LLC, Leann with Crows Nest Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Lichtenberg Landscaping is excited to celebrate their 25th anniversar y this year!
We are ver y grateful for our customer ’ s suppor t and proud to be par t of the Mason and Deerfield communities where we live and work. We feel blessed to be a local, hometow n business in this mar velous community.
1: Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K) held their annual benefit on March 2. 2: Funds were raised through live and silent auctions for an adaptive bike for BB4K kid, Libby. 3: Guests enjoyed games, live painter Mark Thesken and the chance to Bid from the Heart. 4: The LovED Gala was held on February 10 at the Manor House. 5: Danielle Weaver, Founder of Infinite Chance, speaks at the event. 6: The LovED Gala raised more than $40,000 for ongoing projects in Guatemala. 7: The LovED Gala was a night filled with inspiration, gratitude and celebration.
8: Mason Deerfield Chamber hosted their 2024 Annual Leadership Summit on March 8. 9: Mark Andrea, Publisher of Mason + Deerfield Lifestyle magazine, speaks at the Annual Leadership Summit. 10: The 17th annual Taste of Mason was held on March 6 at Mason High School. 11: More than 1600 community members celebrated the beautiful diversity in Mason City Schools. 12: Foodies and families discovered mouthwatering dishes from local restaurants. 13: Guests enjoyed live music at the Taste of Mason 14: Community members were mesmerized by a variety of cultural performances.
Celebrate and connect at MADE Chamber’s 2024 Annual Lunch: Paint the Town ORANGE! Immerse yourself in a vibrant & engaging experience fostering creativity and strong connections. This year’s Annual Lunch is about member appreciation. Businesses will showcase their true colors in the MADE Battle of the Businesses, transforming their tables into vibrant displays of ORANGE. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to come together, celebrate the MADE region, and honor our business community. Learn more at MADEChamber.org
The NeuroVisual Institute features a team of doctors, therapists and related professionals. Unlike other learning assistance programs, their unique methods focus on correcting the underlying causes and eliminating the obstacles of learning issues. Their process includes precision skills testing to determine if your child has difficulty in specific skills needed for education performance. A performance program is then initiated to provide a pathway to success for your child. Complimentary consultations can be scheduled at NeuroVisualInstitute.com
Creative Contracting is excited to announce that they have purchased, renovated and relocated their offices to 209 Reading Road in historic downtown Mason. The residential remodeling company is owned and operated by longtime Mason residents, who look forward to this new opportunity to expand relationships with local homeowners, business owners and the community that has supported them and their families for more than 30 years. Creative-SBC.com
THE MILITARY WOMEN’S MEMORIAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO WOMEN WHO SERVE IN AND WITH THE ARMED FORCES.
The Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia honors all women who have served in and with the nation’s military, beginning with the Revolutionary War. This includes
Coming from a military family background, Judy joined the USAF to see the world after graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing. After retiring following
“...ALL MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE ARE VETERANS, BUT WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR FREEDOM HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED.”
those who have served, are currently serving and women who volunteered during wartime and served in a combat zone.
The Memorial and its 33,000 sq. ft. education center are located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. As the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service, the awe-inspiring monument features interactive exhibitions, world-class collections and engaging programs and events.
“I firmly believe that all men and women who serve are veterans, but for so long, women's contributions to our freedom have been overlooked,” retired United States Air Force (USAF) Colonel and Military Women’s Memorial Ohio Ambassador, Judy Pearson tells us. “The Military Women's Memorial brings these contributions to light and life.”
23 years of service, Judy joined forces with the Military Women’s Memorial to help spread the word as a member of the national ambassador program. She now resides in Mason with her husband Bob, a veteran who is also an Honorary Ambassador for the memorial.
“He’s so knowledgeable about the Memorial and helps women register. I think it speaks volumes that a man volunteers to represent our Memorial,” Judy tells us.
More than 312,000 women's service records have been collected and preserved in the Memorial’s National Register. That may seem like a large number, but it’s only about 10% of the three million women who have served.
“So many people in our country don’t know our Memorial exists, and sadly that includes many women who defended our freedom and those who are currently serving - the very people the Memorial was built to honor,” Judy says.
“REGISTERING HER STORY WILL HELP IT BECOME PART OF WOMEN’S HISTORY, MILITARY HISTORY AND AMERICAN HISTORY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.”
The simplest way to assist their efforts is to help a servicewoman, living or deceased, take her rightful place in history by registering with the Memorial. Registration is easy and can be done at WomensMemorial.org
“Registering her story will help it become part of women’s history, military history and American history for generations to come,” Judy explains.
As a nonprofit 501(3)c organization, the Memorial is operated and maintained by donations. They’re currently working to raise approximately $11.2 million to accomplish major upgrades and revitalize exhibits. The funds will go toward updating the center with the latest technological advancements to provide immersive and interactive experiences.
In addition to opportunities to volunteer at the Memorial site and Foundation headquarters, the Memorial needs volunteers to help with upcoming summer events. Their Memorial Day festival is one of the major programs in the National Capital Region and the final commemorative event in the area. The program includes formal military honors, a keynote address, remarks from servicewomen, wreath layings and the placement of rose petals in the reflecting pool in honor of those who gave their lives in service to the country.
THE MILITARY WOMEN’S MEMORIAL
Memorial Ave & Schley Dr, Arlington, VA 703.533.1155 | WomensMemorial.org
In a world where science and faith are often seen as opposing, there are those whose lives serve as bridges. Mason resident Dr. Marsha Smith, MD, FAAN, is one such individual. As a neurologist who completed a fellowship at Emory and a residency at Harvard, her journey intertwines the complexities of science with the strength of her faith. Marsha's new book God of the Impossible details how her faith fortified her path to becoming a neurologist while battling chronic illness.
I grew up witnessing my grandmother and mother live exemplary Christian lives. We were at church every Sunday and often went midweek. They trusted God in good times but also through trials. My faith grew and was tested after I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
The summer before my second year of medical school at Temple University, I saw a dermatologist for a rash. While waiting on biopsy results, I saw an internist who said I probably got the rash because I was learning about illnesses. She did not order tests.
The dermatologist told me I had an autoimmune disease and my connective tissue was breaking down. She referred me to a rheumatologist who simply gave me ibuprofen.
Eventually, I had to be admitted to a hospital for a week. That’s when I was diagnosed with SLE. The doctors told me to quit medical school, but I chose to stay.
Medical school and residency were difficult. I was placed on steroids and periodically had to take IV steroids to walk
or breathe well. I was treated with chemotherapy-like medications for prolonged periods and developed inflammation around my lungs and heart. My colon ruptured and I had to wear a colostomy bag for months. I thought things were getting better but then was diagnosed with kidney inflammation. The most frequent cause of disability in patients with SLE is kidney failure. Thankfully with medication, my kidneys recovered. I had great prayer warriors and doctors throughout this journey and a God who continues to do the impossible.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WRITE A BOOK?
My Aunt Aundrea told me for years that I should write a book. Once I accepted the calling and knew that I had a story to tell I was truly inspired! The Holy Spirit was an inspiration and a driving force.
HOW DO YOU RECONCILE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR PROFESSION?
My study of the brain has solidified for me that God made each of us uniquely. The human body is so intricately made that even now science cannot fully understand all of its workings.
I see my career as one orchestrated by God before I was born. Helping, healing and allowing others to live healthier and longer lives is not against what God stands for.
HOW CAN PEOPLE INTERACT WITH YOUR BOOK IN ADDITIONAL WAYS?
There is an audiobook and guided journal as well! In the journal, there are questions to help the reader delve deeper into the ideas of the book with spaces to write answers and encouraging scriptures and prayers.
The book, journal and audiobook are all available at the following link as well as many book retailers: ExceedinglyAbundantLLC. TextRetailer.com/qc/yi5iq0WS1C
"I had great prayer warriors and doctors throughout this journey and a God who continues to do the impossible."
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MASON’S STEPHANIE AMLUNG BRINGS THE JOY OF BAKING TO EVERY TREAT SHE DREAMS UP.
Mason resident of 24 years and home baker Stephanie Amlung brings infectious joy to everything she does. Anyone who has received a beautifully made pastry from Stephanie or watched her CET series The Baking Journal has felt it. It turns out that’s always been a big part of her personality.
“I took a Myers-Briggs test years ago and the one thing I always remember it said about my personality was that I am the ultimate party girl,” shares Stephanie with a smile. “You never want to have a party without inviting someone like me. My philosophy for baking and life is just relax and have fun.”
That’s even more true now that she has dedicated her fun-loving personality and eye for aesthetics to her home bakery business A Charmingly Sweet Life. The initial spark began many years ago when she discovered an admiration for Martha Stewart and vowed to master her recipes.
“I would try to cook or bake something that she had done, with epic failure. I started to wonder, is she purposefully leaving something out so none of us can aspire to her greatness?” Stephanie laughs.
“I just kept practicing and practicing because I wanted to be able to do it. That was where my baking journey began. It unleashed a passion that I never realized was there.”
Once she realized she could bake for hours without tiring of it and have something delicious to show for it she was hooked. The marriage between Stephanie’s creative side and her precise, scientific side was the perfect match. While maintaining her day job as a clinical researcher, she pursued more baking training through the Escoffier Culinary School.
After an intensive 14-month online program she earned a baking and pastry arts certificate. She also devoted time and patience toward honing her decorating skills and developing her flavors, finding inspiration in everything from wallpaper and flowers to jams and Instagram posts. In 2018 Stephanie decided she needed to do more with her training and love of baking, and A Charmingly Sweet Life was born.
“When I can present something delicious and beautiful to someone it feels like a nurturing thing to do, but when I also see how much they enjoy it, I can’t get that feeling from anything else. That joyful feeling keeps me going,” shares Stephanie.
She had early success with decorated cakes, but her day job ramped up and baking had to take a backseat. During this time, she was volunteering for local public television stations and bringing in treats to share. She also found ways to mention how great it would be to have a local baking show to station staff. In 2020, CET offered to do a screen test in her delightfully elegant home bakery. The screen tests became The Baking Journal and they began filming feature recipes and shorter tips and tricks that appear on CET and YouTube.
“It’s a lot of fun and that’s what I want to come across. If you’re going to spend 10 minutes with me I want you to feel that’s time well spent,” Stephanie says. “Whether you’re planning on making the recipe or not, I hope you had fun and felt like you were sitting in the kitchen with me.”
While a full crew does come to Stephanie’s home to film for a week at a time, it’s truly a one-woman show.
“What I learned is that even though Martha or Ina Garten make it look easy, it is so much work! I don’t have staff, so I grocery shop, test and perfect my recipes and prep all of the ingredients and various stages of the recipes,” she explains.
Stephanie has a PhD in nursing and while her more than 20-year career as a clinical researcher has served her well, she has an eye on retiring at the end of this year. Lucky for us, that means A Charmingly Sweet Life is back in the swing of things. Stephanie is thrilled to continue creating lovingly madeto-order confections.
“I want everything that comes out of A Charmingly Sweet Life to be special and I want my customers to know that I am making this just for them,” says Stephanie.
A Charmingly Sweet Life offers a limited menu focusing on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, macarons and breads. The time of year, customers' interests and cottage industry laws also affect menu offerings. Lately, Stephanie’s been enjoying making decorative pies and focaccia breads.
“Almost anything can be decorated and I hope that’s what people will remember me for. I always like to add a decorative spin to everything I do,” she shares.
While Stephanie hopes you’ll contact her when you want to be the star of your next party, it’s clear she’s also worked hard
to create a life where she’s the star of her baking dreams.
“Never in a million years did I think I would have an opportunity like this. Between A Charmingly Sweet Life and The Baking Journal , I would’ve never said that this was my life’s plan. It’s a testament to persistence, practice, patience and being open to those opportunities when they present themselves,” enthuses Stephanie.
ACharminglySweetLife.com
Have you ever wondered why certain colors look amazing on everyone else but don’t flatter you? Or why you’re drawn to certain hues no one else will even go near? Why is that?
It turns out, that not every color (or trend) looks good on every person. There are a lot of nuances to style and color— and finding the match that works best for you isn't as easy as it sounds.
Enter House of Colour, a company whose mission is to “help clients build a lasting, easy-to-manage, sustainable wardrobe that not only looks great and provides confidence, but also represents each client’s authentic self.”
They do this via consultants who provide individualized, personal color and style analysis grounded in science, logic and objectivity.
Curious to learn more? Luckily, your own House of Colour consultation is now within reach—via Molly Wagner in nearby Loveland.
Molly shares, “Having personally experienced the life-changing effects of getting my colors done, I was inspired to bring this invaluable knowledge to my community.”
In 2019, Molly found herself in a situation similar to that of many other mothers: juggling kids as a stay-athome parent and focusing on her children’s needs over her own. Then one day a friend introduced her to House of Colour’s lively social media accounts. After following along for a couple of years, she decided to take the plunge and find out what she was missing, undergoing her own color analysis in 2022.
“The experience was nothing short of amazing! I discovered how certain hues perfectly complemented my features and enhanced my natural beauty,” Molly smiles. “I fell head over heels for the entire process, realizing the profound impact color can have on one’s appearance and self-confidence.”
Eager to take a deeper dive into her newfound passion, Molly underwent House of Colour training in November 2022, opening her franchise two months later and marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in her life.
“As a House of Colour consultant, I have the opportunity to empower clients through the transformative power of color,” Molly says. “Witnessing their confidence blossom as they embrace their authentic selves fills me with immense joy. I’m fueled by the excitement of guiding others toward discovering their unique style and inner radiance.”
House of Colour starts with the belief that everyone has different colors that flatter them based on their skin undertones. They group the colors by season: autumn, winter, spring and summer. At your consultation, you’ll learn your season and the colors that work best for you.
“A consultation encompasses the creation of a timeless, effortlessly manageable and sustainable wardrobe that not only exudes beauty but also represents the authentic essence of each client,” Molly explains. “We believe that true confidence emerges when your outer appearance harmonizes seamlessly with your inner self.”
At her home studio, Molly prioritizes truly understanding your unique style, preferences and lifestyle. She’ll discuss your goals, explore your color preferences and form a connection—this step lays the foundation for a highly personalized and transformative color analysis journey tailored specifically to you.
“We’ll uncover the shades that accentuate your natural beauty, make your eyes sparkle and give your complexion a radiant glow,” she says. “You’ll witness yourself in a whole new light as the colors reveal their astonishing potential.”
Once Molly reveals your personalized color palette, she’ll tell you how to incorporate these hues into your wardrobe. You’ll discover which colors to embrace, which to avoid, and how to easily mix and match them—creating stylish and harmonious outfits that reflect your authentic self.
“The newfound confidence that radiates from within will leave you feeling inspired, empowered and ready to conquer the world!” Molly exclaims.
HouseOfColour.com/Stylists/Molly-Wagner-Loveland-Ohio 513.600.3052
Saves time and money. Say goodbye to impulse buys and wasted hours searching for shades that flatter you.
Boosts your confidence. When you wear the right hues, you feel like the best version of yourself.
Makes a lasting impression. Effortlessly project good vibes by showcasing your unique style and personality.
Elevates your style. Wake up knowing you have a carefully curated color palette that highlights your best features.
Immediate Benefits:
• Increase stamina and energy to perform your best in any physical activity.
• Be mentally alert and focused on meeting your fitness or athletic goals.
• Strengthen muscles before and after intense physical activity.
• Recover your energy levels naturally and bounce back from complete exhaustion.
These cute and colorful dishes work perfectly to organize and display your jewelry, keys, or you name it! And you know what? They’re so easy to make!
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)
• 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!
ARTICLE BY AUDREY KUETHER“They’re a great and affordable gift idea for friends.”
MAY 5TH
Cottell Park - Bungalow | 3:00 PM
Join artist Terri Riddle to learn the art of quilling through themed projects. Quilling is the art of rolling and shaping strips of paper. This month participants will quill a Mother’s Day-themed project. All materials are provided and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and refreshments. Reservations are $30 and can be made at DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com
MAY 8TH
The Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge | 11:30 AM
The Kiwanis Club of Mason is celebrating their 41st Annual Mason Kiwanis Golf Classic on May 8 at The Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge. Community members and local businesses can support the 41st Golf Classic as a sponsor or golfer. Arrive at 11:30 a.m. for check-in and lunch. For more details and to register go to MasonKiwanis.org/Golf
MAY 11TH
Kingswood Park - Activity Center | 5:00 PM
Join the Arts Alliance on May 11 for Parent’s Night Out at Kingswood Park. Beginning at 5 p.m. at the Activity Center, students will enjoy games, crafts and activities led by Strive Academy. Dinner is included. Information and registration can be found at DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com
MAY 18TH
Mason High School | 7:30 PM
The Mason Symphony Orchestra will present its performance of Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz on May 18 at Mason High School. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the orchestra will perform the romantic masterpiece of sound and emotion. The performance will feature the winner of the Stuart Horrell Memorial Scholarship, Joshua Chertock, on piano. Tickets can be purchased at MasonSymphonyOrchestra.org
MAY 19TH
Manor House | 11:00 AM
Lindner Center of HOPE will host a Community Education Day supporting Mental Health Month on May 19 at Manor House in Mason from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. At the half-day workshop community members can enhance their awareness of mental health and wellness. Knowledge helps break down stigma and opens the conversation around prevention, treatment and the mental health journey. LindnerCenterOfHope.org
MAY 31ST
Mason High School | 7:00 PM
Acting Up’s production of The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical will open on May 31 and run until June 2 at the Mason High School Theater. The musical tells the story of Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of a Greek god, and his journey to find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt. Tickets and more can be found at ActingUp.com
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Over 4300 sqft of living space. Hardwood floors: foyer, dining room, living room and kitchen. Kitchen features stainless appliances, granite, gas cook top, new lighting and stacked stone gas fireplace. Primary suite: sitting room, gas fireplace, HUGE walk-in closet with custom shelving. Jack & Jill bedrooms. 4th bedroom with private bath. 3rd garage bay with higher door. New in 2023: HVAC, bathroom hardware & fixtures. New carpet on 1st & 2nd floors 2024. Irrigation system.
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