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Women are experts at wearing a lot of different hats at the same time. Some of the main hats I wear include mother, wife, daughter, business-owner and volunteer. This issue celebrates our local ladies and all those fabulous hats they wear so well (don’t fret men, our June issue will be all about you).
With Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. Moms know that motherhood is the hardest but most rewarding role in the world. Local mothers can turn to two groups for camaraderie and support, MOMS Club of West Chester and MOMS Club of Liberty Township. Flip to page 26 to read more about these great groups and learn how to get involved.
A group of powerhouse females saw the need for working women to have a network that develops and advances women’s leadership. Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) was born from that mission and has branched out to reach us here in Cincinnati. Read more on page 20.
We also introduce you to an amazing woman who recently added a new hat to her head—entrepreneur. When Christine Austin’s favorite workout place unexpectedly closed, she and her husband decided to take the plunge into business ownership by purchasing it. Learn what makes SPENGA so different from any other workout and how this couple helps foster that environment.
That’s just some of what you’ll find inside this special Women’s issue. So hats off to you, ladies, and thank you for all you do!
PUBLISHER
Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mia Hilkowitz, A.J. Lape, Pamela McWhorter
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sabrina Argotte, Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
MICHELLE
MOODY, PUBLISHER @WESTCHESTERLIBERTYLIFESTYLEAD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
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Woodland Elementary School innovation specialist Kimberly Carlson was presented with the “20 To Watch Award” by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). ISTE recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an innovative teaching style through projects that other educators can replicate in their classrooms. As an innovation specialist, Kimberly provides professional development to teachers across the Lakota District. She shares how to incorporate new approaches, technology tools and resources into teaching strategies. LakotaOnline.com
Pilot Chemical Company hired Christian MacIver as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Christian brings nearly 30 years of commercial management and supply chain experience to the privately owned and independent global specialty chemical manufacturer headquartered in West Chester. “I am excited by Pilot’s strategy, where customers and the team are at the center,” Christian says, “and am looking forward to building on the company’s strong foundations to make the future even more successful." PilotChemical.com
Franchise consulting company Vertix Partners is a bridge to launch your own business. Led by experienced entrepreneur Marina Amaral, owner of the local franchise Le Macaron at Liberty Center, Vertix offers guidance to help you find your fit from thousands of franchise opportunities. Using an assessment to help you consider the important factors that will lead to your success, Vertix is a smart first step on the path to becoming your own boss. VertixPartners.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ WestChesterandLiberty
Who knew sweating it out could mean so much? Just ask the owners, staff and members of SPENGA West Chester. Located on Princeton Glendale Road in the Kroger plaza, the gym has a cool, sleek storefront on the outside, and inside, there’s a warm, encouraging, tight-knit community that goes well beyond its four walls.
In fact, more than 50 members of the SPENGA crew went to Keeneland in April, taking a rented charter bus to the storied racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky.
“How many people want to go to Keeneland with people they know from the gym? But it is truly family,” says Christine Austin, who’s the majority owner
of SPENGA West Chester, along with her husband, Stephen Austin.
However, not too long ago, it looked like this fitness family would have to go their separate ways.
When Christine first joined SPENGA West Chester three years ago, she never imagined she’d one day be its owner. She just liked SPENGA’s unique workout concept, which combines 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength training and 20 minutes of yoga into an all-in-one, one-hour workout. About nine months
after Christine joined, she convinced Stephen to give it a spin too, and he soon became a member. The couple’s workouts kept rolling along, and Christine even trained to become a SPENGA instructor. Then, it all came to a stop last October when the previous owner announced that SPENGA West Chester would be closing its doors in three days. The location’s 200 members were devastated by the news.
“This is their outlet. This is their sanity, their routine,” explains Christine.
However, at the farewell party, the previous owner shared a glimmer of hope—the Austins were looking into purchasing this franchise location. Hearing that, several members and spouses reached out to the couple, offering to help. In the end, the Austins were able to purchase the franchise on their own, and everyone came together to keep the workouts—and
“It’s obvious that for many members the spinning, weights and yoga are just the beginning of their journey at SPENGA West Chester. They come for the workout, but they stay for the community.”
community—going during the three-week transition period.
“Our instructors were amazing,” recounts Christine. “They held outside workouts at Muhlhauser Barn.”
The Saturday before the gym reopened, the Austins held a “Spring Cleaning Day,” and many members showed up with cleaning supplies in hand.
“I’ve never had so much fun cleaning,” recalls Christine. “We had the music blaring. We brought drinks and snacks. It was great.”
On November 7, 2022, SPENGA West Chester reopened, but the Austins still had a challenging road ahead of them. Initially, short of instructors, Christine was teaching 11 classes a week, and Stephen was working double duty between their new business and his day job. For the next several weeks, the gym became the Austins’ home away from home. However, life has given both plenty of training in tackling challenges head-on. Stephen’s an Air Force veteran, and for many years, Christine raised her son as a single mom. Now grown, her son Logan, who has spina bifida, works at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Eventually, the uphill climb of reopening leveled out. Christine was able to bring on new instructors, and several former instructors returned. One of the instructors even hosted a staff bonding retreat. That level of support is an integral part of the workout sessions, as well.
“What we try to do is get everyone engaged,” says Stephen. “We motivate each other.”
“If I go to a big gym, I’m not going to push myself,” adds Christine. “There’s no one there to say, ‘Come on, pick up that heavier weight.’”
A one-hour SPENGA session comes with lots of personal attention and encouragement—Christine’s a former cheerleader for Lakota—but don’t expect to take it easy, just ask a few men who attended the Valentine’s couples’ workout.
“We had these big, buff guys in here, and they were just shocked,” says Stephen.
The workout can be modified for a range of fitness levels, and people of all ages attend— from those in their late 60s to late teens.
In fact, since the reopening, membership has grown to more than 300 members—and counting. After all, where else can you go for a workout and a bachelorette party at the same location?
“They want their bachelorettes to come in and do what they love,” says Christine. “Then, we’ll provide a little after-party for them.”
It’s obvious that for many members the spinning, weights and yoga are just the beginning of their journey at SPENGA West Chester. They come for the workout, but they stay for the community.
“At 50 years old, I own a gym,” says Christine. “Don’t let anyone stop your dreams. I think a lot of that just comes from looking at Logan and his life. He’s super proud of us.”
Learn more and sign up for a free trial session with the SPENGA team online.
SPENGAWestChester.com
7996 Princeton Glendale Road, Suite 101, West Chester | 513.447.6448
“At 50 years old, I own a gym. Don’t let anyone stop your dreams. I think a lot of that just comes from looking at Logan and his life. He’s super proud of us.”
A different kind of workout—The "E" in "WERK" represents the three phases of a SPENGA session: spin, weights + yoga
WELD Southern Ohio Chapter Supports Local Women’s Professional +
Since its establishment in 2017, The Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) Southern Ohio Chapter has provided local women with professional development skills and resources to support the community’s economic strength.
Founded in 2003 in Columbus, Ohio, the national nonprofit organization WELD has found roots in several regions across the country, including Southern Ohio. While the national organization of WELD approaches its 20th anniversary this spring, leaders of the WELD Southern Ohio chapter say the division, now in its sixth year, is just getting started.
Lynda Kline, chapter founding member, says she was first inspired by WELD’s mission after participating in a WELD panel event with her employer, Big Lots.
“That’s a big part of WELD–getting more women at the table and getting more women on boards,” Lynda says. “It’s just about lifting women up. WELD really is an organization that is helping push women forward.”
Lynda and fellow chapter founders Lisa Glass and Karen Singer, all found themselves drawn to WELD’s goal. While the nonprofit had attempted to previously establish a Cincinnati chapter, the Southern Ohio region was left without a local division in 2017. So, when WELD President and CEO Barb Smoot asked attendees during an event featuring women leaders at Procter & Gamble if there was interest in launching a Cincinnati chapter, the three stepped up to lead the program.
“Anyone can launch a chapter or an organization, but if you don’t have that connection to the organization
and the mission and people surrounding you and good leadership, it’s not going to get off the ground,” Lynda says. “We believed in it, and even [when] we hit some bumps in the road, we didn’t give up.”
Nationwide, there are nine WELD chapters–four classic chapters and five e-chapters. Currently WELD boasts more than 1,000 individual members nationwide. With 35 active members who do not live within a 50-mile radius of a classic chapter, WELD’s Southern Ohio chapter is considered an e-chapter. While experiencing steady traction following its initial launch, Karen said the chapter’s growth was challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Karen predicts the chapter’s membership will grow in the coming months.
“In a sense we are relaunching,” Karen says. “We are getting the word back out there.”
The goal of the WELD Southern Ohio chapter is to impact as many local women as possible.
“[WELD is] not focused on one area specifically, it’s more about what are the things happening in our community that we can support, learn from and share,” Lisa says. “It goes across all industries, functions, ages and levels of careers–it doesn’t matter.”
In its short history, the chapter has hosted several different events focused on promoting WELD’s mission at the local level. For instance, Lynda pointed to a “shark tank” inspired event the group hosted for local Girl Scout Troops. At this event, Girl Scout members worked with local business leaders to develop a business plan and learn how to pitch their idea to investors.
“That’s a big part of WELD–getting more women at the table and getting more women on boards,” Lynda says. “It’s just about lifting women up. WELD really is an organization that is helping push women forward.”
While only in its sixth year of operation, Lisa says WELD’s impact on local women and the community is hard to quantify. She says the WELD chapter can influence each member differently, recalling how at the group’s recent roundtable panel on financial acumen, one member was brought to tears while discussing how local women can follow their dreams and leverage their own skills and talents.
“It’s not about who you are compared to somebody else,” Lisa said. “It’s more about you living your best life. Are you using your gifts to make the world a better place?”
Get involved with WELD. Sign up for the chapter newsletter and learn more about upcoming events and initiatives online.
WELD Southern Ohio Chapter | WELDUSA.org
WELDSOhiochapter@weldoh.org, 866-614-9353
LEARN MORE: WELD’s logo features Rosie the Riveter, a famous cultural icon often associated with women’s employment and economic development. Rosie was featured on posters produced during World War II along with the declaration “We Can Do It!” encouraging women to join the workforce. WELD adopted this figure to “pay tribute to the women who challenged the perception of women’s capabilities in the workplace and in society.”
“It’s more about you living your best life. Are you using your gifts to make the world a better place?”
We extend a warm welcome to Jesse Lightle, who began her new role as Liberty Township Administrator in March. Jesse reports to the Board of Trustees as the manager of the dayto-day operations of the Township. She comes to us from Washington Township in Montgomery County, Ohio, where she served as Township Administrator for more than 16 years. After a brief stint as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Sinclair Community College, she is happy to step back into local government leadership in Liberty Township.
“The Board is excited about Jesse joining our team,” says Steve Schramm, Liberty Township Board of Trustees President. “She brings invaluable executive experience and will be a major asset in helping project our image to the region. Jesse has incredible poise and will bring quick stability to our fantastic team. We can’t wait to see the positive contributions she’ll make to this community.”
In her personal time, Jesse is busy with her family and friends. You may spot this hockey mom at ice rinks across the state, cheering on her daughter’s team. She also enjoys reading, cooking and traveling.
Learn more about Jesse’s transition in her own words:
Q: HOW ARE YOU UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO FIT THIS ROLE?
JL: I’ve been involved in local government for most of my life. I grew up going to City Hall after school when my dad was a Springfield City Commissioner. I have 25 years of local government experience.
Q: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE AS TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR?
JL: I’m most excited about the opportunities that Liberty Township has in its future. Liberty is one of Ohio’s premiere townships and the amount of growth occurring here is unique.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS YOU BEGIN?
JL: For any new administrator/manager, it’s learning the people, both internally and externally…while meeting everyone takes time, it’s also very exciting to meet new people.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF LIBERTY TOWNSHIP?
JL: I’m very impressed by the sense of community. There’s pride from both residents and businesses to be a part of Liberty Township.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY GOAL FOR OUR COMMUNITY?
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LIBERTY TOWNSHIPJL: My goal is to be part of the continued vision of the community. I look forward to working with many residents and businesses to accomplish that.
Liberty Township is in the qualified hands of a seasoned professional. We look forward to watching the continued growth of the Township under Jesse’s leadership. Liberty-Township.com
“It gives me a chance to get out and be with other moms that get my life.”MOMS Clubs Board Members–Back: Kelli Erdman, Nicole Gempesaw, Katelin Bell, Carrie Beavers, Sarah Limann, Katelyn Plunkett;
In the history of the recorded world, one of the three-lettered words with the most influence is Mom. She’s a counselor, nurse, chauffeur, top chef and mediator of conflict. But although the rewards for motherhood are immeasurable, juggling all these balls can sometimes stretch a mother too thin when she hears, “Mom!” on a 24/7 loop. For at-home moms to relieve stress and link up with others like her, local mothers have two choices that can help—the MOMS Club of West Chester and the MOMS Club of Liberty Township.
Named with an acronym for Moms Offering Moms Support, the club was founded in the mid-80s, specifically to support at-home mothers. It has since grown to be an international network.
Kim Perros, the Liberty Township branch president, says their club has coordinators who plan activities, and they typically occur in the morning.
“The rule for all activities, no matter what it is, is people can bring their children,” says Kim. “So if it’s a Mom’s Night Out, the mom knows she can bring her children regardless…[she can come] even if she can’t find a sitter.”
Activities for Liberty Township MOMS are: Kid’s Day Out, Mom and
Tots Lunch, Coffee and Conversation, Music and Movement, Outdoor Exploration, Kids’ Crafts, Moms and Motion, Kids in the Kitchen, Story Time, Kids’ Science and Family Nights.
Kim adds, “We have a monthly social open to the public. So a person who's interested in the group can try it out before they commit.”
MOMS Clubs are not only a support system and place for kids to socialize, but they also offer an opportunity to participate in service projects to benefit needy children in the area. Each club has a budget, and money flows back into their communities. This year, Liberty Township’s support went to Hope’s Closet, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank and Reach Out Lakota.
The West Chester chapter convenes at the Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty for a Monthly Mingle.
President Nicole Wells says, “This meeting serves as our whole group, monthly business meeting and new member interest session. We always have snacks, coffee, a craft for the kids, toys to play with and access to a fenced-in playground area.”
A former swim coach and special education teacher, Nicole shares, “The club was really how I found my place as a mom. When I had my first
daughter, I was home, and I didn't know what to do. So meeting a network of other people who were going through the same motherhood journey and finding events and things to do…I immediately jumped in.”
Although working with organizations such as Reach Out Lakota, Coats for Kids and Mother to Mother, a silent auction is West Chester’s biggest service project. This year's April auction supported Warm Welcomes Foster Care Outreach.
Since May is the month to celebrate mothers, the West Chester and Liberty Township chapters will combine for a free, public Mother’s Day event at the Fort Liberty Playland in Liberty Township on May 13 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. There will be breakfast, crafts and games. Interested moms are asked to email if they plan to attend.
Nicole, mother to Abigail, Madeline and Emily, claims the MOMS Club outings are some of her best memories.
“There was a group of kids that were about the same age when I joined,” she says. “They have just grown up together and had siblings that are now in similar age to my other two girls. Going on those park play dates and getting to experience the outdoors, but also with friends, has been probably one of my favorite things to do.”
Mom to Charlie and Maggie, Kim claims the adult interaction is what influenced her to join.
“I think for me, being a mom you get very lonely being at home with your kids all day, and I think it gives me a chance to get out and be with other moms that get my life, and you know the struggle of keeping the house clean,” she shares. “Your friends make friends with other kids…I think you feel like you can breathe again.”
Find more information on future events by visiting their Facebook group pages. Join the 100,000+ MOMS Club members in 2,000 chapters nationwide: membership information is available online. Each chapter has a set annual fee. The Liberty Township fee is $20, and West Chester's is $25. Scholarships are available.
MOMSClub.org
MOMS CLUB LIBERTY TOWNSHIP Facebook.com/MOMSClubLibertyTwp LibertyTwpMOMS@gmail.com
MOMS CLUB WEST CHESTER Facebook.com/MOMSClubWestChester
MOMSClubWestChester@gmail.com
MOMS Club of Liberty Township kids play together while moms meetThe moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.
This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.
If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)
This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)
There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.
Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.
Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
MAY 9TH
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AT CARRIAGE HILL | 6:00 PM
All women of West Chester and Liberty Township are invited to join the Power of the Purse at their 2023 Spring Event at The Carriage House at Carriage Hill, 6285 Coach House Way, Liberty Township. Enjoy dinner, a social painting event, their Designer Purse Raffle and an introduction of the 2023 grant applicants. Register online by May 5. NorthernCincinnati.Foundation
MAY 12TH
POP REVOLUTION GALLERY & FRAMING | 6:00 PM
Stop by Pop Revolution in downtown Mason for the opening night of Barbara Pask’s “I Painted Mason'' exhibit. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Return on May 23 from 6-8 p.m. for a book signing with local artist Robert Kroeger who wrote and did the paintings in the book, "Round Barns of America." PopRevolutionGallery.com
MAY 13TH
THE PICKLE LODGE | 2:00 PM
Pickleball players of all skill levels are invited to a tournament to raise funds for the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty. Compete at The Pickle Lodge, the second largest pickleball facility in the country, located at 7373 Kingsgate Way. Register online to play and benefit Rotary’s efforts to support “service beyond self.” WestChesterLibertyRotary.org
• Full service medical and surgical hospital
• Today’s advanced technology and equipment
• Three full-time veterinarians
• Spacious exam rooms
• Separate entrance and floor for Boarding & Grooming
Hospital of West Chester 9335 Cincinnati-Columbus Rd. (Rt. 42) West Chester, OH 45069
MAY 20TH
EMERY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, ALL LOCATIONS | 9:00 AM
Safely dispose of your sensitive documents at Emery Federal Credit Union’s Community Shred Day from 9 a.m.—1 p.m. The annual event is hosted at all three of Emery’s locations, Liberty Township, Kemper Road and Bridgetown Road. EmeryFCU.org
MAY 25TH
CINCINNATI MARRIOTT NORTH | 6:00 PM
Honor leaders and legends who have made a positive impact on business, the community and quality of life along the I-75 Growth Corridor at the Chamber’s annual Everest Awards. This year’s event will honor Patti Alderson, Carl Satterwhite and Jason Woodward and feature keynote speaker Kendall C. Wright. TheChamberAlliance.com
MAY 29TH
OLDE WEST CHESTER | 10:00 AM
The West Chester Township Memorial Day parade winds through the historic Olde West Chester business district, ending at the West Chester Cemetery for a remembrance ceremony. The West Chester-Union Township Historical Society honors veterans with a reading of their names, including Civil and Revolutionary War Veterans. Register to enter the parade online. WestChesterOH.org
THE OSCAR EVENT CENTER AT JUNGLE JIM’S | 6:00 PM
Save the date for One WILD Night, an evening with Hope’s Closet to benefit the foster care community of Greater Cincinnati to be held June 3. Tickets include dinner, encounters with wildlife from the Cincinnati Zoo, a silent auction and live music by The Naked Karate Girls. RSVP online. Hopes-Closet.net
FEATURED: 6625 Cherry Laurel
ASK ME ABOUT OTHER GREAT OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THIS ONE.
5946 Taylor Ridge Dr
Excellent condition in desirable Beckett Ridge. 1st floor full bath and guest suite. Open great room with 2-story stone fireplace. Remodeled kitchen & primary bathroom. Spacious rooms. 2nd floor bonus room. 1st floor mud room & laundry with cabinet storage. Newer flooring throughout 1st floor. Great location-minutes from highways, VOA, Union Center, Liberty Center and more!
7676 Bonnie Dr
Excellent condition, updated ranch in the heart of West Chester. Over 1400 sq. ft. on the 1st floor. Hardwood floors throughout the 1st floor. Gas fireplace in great room. Remodeled kitchen with an abundance of cabinet storage. 1st floor study could be family room. Remodeled bathroom (2018). Windows replaced (2013). Partially finished lower level. Huge back yard with newer shed (2015). New driveway (2021).