This month we bring you our first “Invest” issue. While the word “investment” is typically associated with money, there are actually zero stories about money this month. If you need financial advice, our recommendation is to reach out to a trusted professional–for our recommendation, flip to the ad on page 21.
With this issue, we wanted to dive deeper and go beyond money when we refer to “investment.” Our stories focus on investing in yourself through acquiring new skills, investing in a room we all spend a lot more time in than we probably want to admit (the bathroom), investing in our community and much more.
One thing that I personally make a point to invest in is memorable vacations. I’ve found that my children outgrow interest in most gifts quickly, but by taking them on a special vacation, it creates a lifetime of memories. When each of my sons turned 13, I took them on a one-on-one cruise so I could invest in building our bond as they headed into their teenage years. Taking my boys on a boat and NOT getting them the wifi package has proven to be a brilliant strategy in building our relationships through a memorable vacation filled with mother-son bonding and no outside distractions. It worked so well that I’ve made a cruise the same gift for their other milestones like turning 16 and graduation. This month I encourage you to think about something you like to invest in, or an area where you could be investing more and then spend more time doing that.
The word “Stellar” in our cover title was chosen because of the full solar eclipse that will be passing through most of Butler County in just a few days. We spoke with local experts from the Cincinnati Astronomical Society to provide details on this historic event, so flip to page 28 to learn more and find some great local spots for viewing.
Make it a stellar month!
Congratulations to Tiffany Allen-Zeuch of Sibcy Cline Realtors who was honored with the Realtor Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC) Realtor of the Year/ Sales 2023 award. Allen-Zeuch was nominated, interviewed and selected for this prestigious award for her high sales volume and dedicated involvement with RAGC committees. A Circle of Excellence 2005, 2009-2023 winner, Allen-Zeuch has been with Sibcy Cline since 2003, serving her hometown area for the duration of her successful career. TAZHomes.com
The construction of a new 20,000-square-foot public library is well underway in Liberty Township. MidPointe Library System anticipates an opening date of summer 2025 for the building located at 6716 Yankee Road. The new library will offer reservable community meeting rooms and study rooms, expanded programming spaces, multiple amenities for families, easily accessible parking, increased shelving for the collection and much more. Watch the website for construction news and updates. MidPointeLibrary.org
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Good meals and a great time often go hand in hand, so an investment in food preparation skills is the gift that keeps on giving. There’s always something new to learn in the kitchen, even for the most seasoned cook. With hands-on sessions led by a dedicated and experienced team of chefs, The Learning Kitchen in West Chester makes cooking easy, fun and delicious.
Under the direction of Owner David Metz, the popular cooking school recently expanded, adding a second classroom and additional courses— making more room at the table and doubling their recipe for fun.
“The expansion turned out even better than what I imagined,” Metz says.
One look at The Learning Kitchen’s calendar makes mouths water: steak, pasta, seafood, pastries—yum! The menu of courses varies each month, including date nights, parent-child classes, sessions just for kids and lessons that focus on specific skills, flavors and recipes. Popular fiveday summer camp classes are available at different
Absolute
levels for children ages 8-18. The Learning Kitchen’s studios are also available for private parties and corporate team-building events.
“We have classes that revolve around completing a challenge that makes groups work together,” says General Manager and Chef Cory Colton. “It's teamwork, but it’s using a different part of their brain instead of the kind of thing that they talk about day in and day out at work.”
Beyond its diverse classes and gifted chefs, the quality of the experience makes The Learning Kitchen stand out. Guests are not watching others cook or waiting for their turn—The Learning Kitchen is a true hands-on experience for each participant. Every student or couple gets their own station, each equipped with an induction cooktop and all the tools and ingredients necessary to create their own dishes.
“There's no group cooking,” explains Metz. “At many other cooking schools, everybody's doing a little bit of everything or watching a demonstration. Here, everyone is doing all of everything,” he says.
“The key is that we’re trying to show you all the technical things but still want to make it fun,” adds Private Event Manager and Chef Rhonda Grote.
When you’ve finished cooking your dish, it is yours to plate and eat. Sessions include time to gather at a dining table to savor your creations. Adult beverages are available for purchase at the adult classes and date nights. Most of the time, there are even leftovers to take home.
As the premier destination for cooking classes in Greater Cincinnati, The Learning Kitchen brings in students from far and wide. Some come to learn something new, others come to enjoy time together with friends, family or colleagues. No matter what brings you to The Learning Kitchen for the first time, you and your to-go box will want to go back for seconds.
“We have many customers that come a few times a year to learn something new,” Metz says. “We have groups of friends and families that will come once a month to get together and have fun,” he adds. “This is really good entertainment, good learning, good food—a good night out.”
“This is really good entertainment, good learning, good food— a good night out.”
-David Metz
The West Chester History Center is just as much about the future as it is the past. A winding garden path will soon be added to the Center’s three-acre grounds. Among the native plants, the West Chester Bicentennial Planning Committee will bury a time capsule, a special pod filled with messages from 2024. On the threshold between its first and next 200 years, the township plants a seed of hope and investment in the township’s future.
Mary Jo Bicknell, president of the West Chester-Union Township Historical Society, serves as curator of the History Center. The group’s mission is to “preserve West Chester’s yesterday for West Chester’s tomorrow.”
“We’ll bury the capsule and hope that the things inside will tell our story 50 years from now,” Bicknell says.
So far, these items are to be sealed inside the 20” x 18.5” x 10” box:
• Letters from West Chester Trustees
• West Chester swag items
• 2023 Founders Day Celebration flyers + photos
• Periodicals
• Lakota music, theater + sports programs
• Video of Live the Dream contest winners
• Property tax bill
• Pickleball ball
• And more!
Do you have an idea for a special something to be added to the West Chester Time Capsule? Share your suggestions in an online questionnaire at: WestChesterOH.org/200
Save the date for the Founders Day celebration on Saturday, June 1. The community is invited to gather to enjoy the Founders Day Walk in Olde West Chester and an evening concert at Keehner Park.
6670 Station Road, West Chester, | WestChesterHistory@gmail.com, WestChesterHistoricalSociety.org
Everyone deserves a home that suits their style and meets their needs. Is it time to explore a home upgrade? A bathroom remodel is an investment that AA Plumbing knows well—the family business has seen a lot of tri-state bathrooms in the 50+ years they’ve been in business. From repairs to full renovations, the AA Plumbing family is invested in helping you and your family love where you live.
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMANWhile you may know them as the fix-it crew you can count on when your plumbing fails, the general contracting arm of the business, AA Bath & Kitchen is equipped to manage small and largescope remodeling and restoration projects from start to finish. They can help you see your home with new eyes and make updates that will provide comfort and ease of use for years to come.
A third-generation plumber and the son of owners Frank and Mary Salem, Rafael Salem and his wife Toni Salem, AA’s office manager, have helped hundreds of
homeowners through remodels and even have firsthand experience with renovations in their own Liberty Township home.
“It’s important to us to show people that you can have an elegant room with timeless design and get the look you want without a tremendous amount of expense,” Rafael shares.
The first stop on your remodeling journey is the inspirational AA Bath & Kitchen showroom, open this spring in Fairfield, filled with fresh and timeless design ideas you can see and touch. Curated under the artistic eye of experienced Designer
“WE WANT TO TURN THE ORDINARY INTO EXTRAORDINARY.”
The
Jadwiga Stasiak Cabaj, the showroom is like an art gallery, displaying a wide variety of American styles with European influences to help shoppers reimagine their own spaces. Cabaj came to Cincinnati from Germany, where she did interior design for Polo Ralph Lauren, Harrods, Escada, Coach and other upscale retail stores across Europe.
“The only trend I follow is that people want to have a nice bathroom and they want to have a nice kitchen,” says Jadwiga. “I'm doing design for others as I would do it for myself. It's the quality that matters.”
“We want to turn the ordinary into extraordinary,” Rafael adds. “The showroom is for inspiration—conceptual design to give you an idea of where you’d like to start: classic, contemporary, country, industrial–there are no limits. We will help you think it through—does it really work for your house as a whole?”
The Salems encourage homeowners to think ahead and plan for living in their homes for years to come. They’ve become a trusted resource for accessible home modifications per The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines,
allowing aging and disabled homeowners to perform everyday activities in comfort and luxury.
The Salems watched a dear friend and AA Plumbing colleague struggle through modifying her home for her child with cerebral palsy. It ignited their passion for helping everyone feel at home in their own home.
“Standard modifications can feel institutional,” says Toni. “Everything was tan and beige, neutral and basic. She wanted more for her daughter.”
“Watching her go through the frustrations of dealing with that was very inspiring for us,” Rafael adds. “So, we put a huge emphasis on ADA, barrier-free and aging-in-place designs. We offer tasteful and elegant designs for everyone.”
AA Bath & Kitchen is the mastermind behind the changes that can make a big impact on the function and fashion of your bathroom. When you are ready to invest in your home, partner with the experienced and passionate team at AA Bath & Kitchen to walk you through the entire project from consultation to design to installation.
AA BATH & KITCHEN
6701 Dixie Highway, Fairfield
BathAndKitchenByAA.com
AAPlumbing.com
The Industrial Inspired bath showcases unique fixtures + lighting.People from all over the country will travel to central Ohio and Indiana this April to witness the total solar eclipse. Parts of Liberty Township will be front row to the breathtaking phenomenon, where the moon will completely cover the sun for up to four minutes.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon and sun perfectly align, and the moon's shadow crosses the face of the Earth, according to the Cincinnati Astronomical Society. When a location is in the path of partial totality, the sun is partially obscured by the moon which can cause the daylight in the area to dim. However, when a location is in the path of full totality, the moon completely obscures the sun, which allows observers to see stars and planets during the daytime, among other phenomena.
Bryan Simpson, president of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, says that while parts of Cincinnati and southern Ohio, including Butler County, will experience partial totality, residents should make the effort to view the phenomenon in the complete path of totality for the full eclipse experience.
NASA predicts surrounding counties— including parts of Preble, Montgomery, Miami and Clark counties—will also be in the path of full totality. Parts of nearby Darke, Shelby, Auglaize and Hardin counties are in the eclipse's centerline, where the eclipse will last the longest.
“There really are no degrees in between the great and the not-too-great—it is literally a night and day experience,” Simpson says. “It’s a bizarre, sort of otherworldly feeling.”
Simpson says that even when a location experiences 99.9% of totality, the sun is still 10,000 times brighter than it is in the path of full totality. When in the path of full totality, he says observers can see stars, planets and solar flares. They will also see a bright burst of light,
called the diamond ring effect, signaling the end of totality.
“You can see the corona of the sun, which looks like these large sweeping arms of light that branch out from the sun,” Simpson says. “It’s an amazing experience at the moment of totality, where the sun finally gets completely obscured by the moon and those long-reaching arms seem to sprout out of the sun instantaneously.”
Experts say those watching the eclipse should wear special glasses that stop UV light to protect their eyes. People should wear these glasses up until the moment the sun is fully eclipsed. Even when it is partially eclipsed, looking directly at the sun can damage viewers’ eyes.
“The inside of your eye—your retina— doesn’t have pain receptors like the rest of your body,” Simpson says. “If you’re absorbing too much of that ultraviolet light, you can actually burn the inside of your eye without knowing it.”
To check if your glasses have the proper level of protection, look at the ISO number, which should say “ISO 12312-2” or “ISO 12312-2:2015.”
Simpson encourages nearby residents to take full advantage of this viewing opportunity, especially because the next time an eclipse like this will occur in the U.S. will be in 2045, but you would have to travel to the deep South to view it. The next time the path of totality for an eclipse will cross Ohio will be in 2099.
“Totality is totally worth it,” Simpson says. “These events are very rare and I want to encourage people to make the effort, especially since the path of totality is so close to our area.”
For more information on this unique celestial event, visit the Cincinnati Astronomical Society’s website to read their educational eclipse guide.
The Cincinnati Astronomical Society CinAstro.org
For additional event listings in Butler County visit TravelButlerCounty.com/things-to-do/2024-total-solar-eclipse
MOUNDS, MOON + STARS EXHIBITION
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park + Museum
PyramidHill.org/events
Enjoy art, crafts, games, eclipsethemed beverages and more. Tickets include park admission, glasses, craft supplies + parking.
2024 TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE FARM
Niederman Farm
NiedermanFamilyFarm.com
Tickets include admission to the farm and its activities from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., viewing glasses + a raffle ticket. Bring chairs + blankets.
THERE GOES THE SUN WATCH PARTY Forest Run MetroPark, Kestrel Shelter
YourMetroParks.net
MetroParks’ eclipse watch party goes from 2-4 p.m. and is open to all ages. Register online to reserve your pair of viewing glasses.
MidPointe Library System wants to join you in helping your child develop a love of reading and share ways to build an early foundation for lifelong learning. Sign up to receive an early literacy kit for your little one, sent directly to your home.
Enrollment in Starting Pointe is absolutely free and available for parents/guardians and their babies ages six months and younger and living in MidPointe Library System’s service area.
When traveling, it’s important to invest in items that will enhance your trip. These are some of our favorite travel essentials, each chosen for providing added safety, comfort or organization.
Please note that prices are subject to change and do not include taxes or shipping.
1. Tesalate Towel
This towel’s unique material is super absorbent, fast-drying and incredibly compact. The exclusive AbsorbLite™ technology prevents sand from sticking, even when it’s wet! Tesalate.com, $59+
2. Maui Jim Sunglasses
Maui Jim’s polarized sunglasses have earned a reputation for being top in the industry. These Pailolo and Liquid Sunshine styles provide high-quality eye protection without breaking the bank. Amazon.com, $143+ each
3. Holii Travel Pill Organizer
Keep vitamins and medications organized in this compact and stylish travel case. Amazon.com, $5+
4. INICAT Crossbody Sling
These bags are a hot item due to their compact size and ability to keep valuables in a secure spot. They’re also fashionable and come in a wide range of colors. Amazon.com, $21.50+
5. Koala Smartphone Harness
Keep your phone safely attached to you with this strong and secure sling. Protect your phone from accidental drops, pickpockets and selfie mishaps. HangtimeGear.com, $34.50
6. Tranomos Silicone Bottle Covers
Toiletry bottles often pop open in transit, making a mess. These innovative silicone covers stretch to cover bottles for an added layer of spill-proof protection. Amazon.com, 8-pack $7.99
7. Hichor Universal Travel Plug Adaptor
This small but mighty block can charge up to five devices at once and adapts across each country in Europe. Amazon.com, $19.99
8. FYY Travel Cable Organizer
Keep your cords, chargers and headphones tangle-free while you travel. Amazon.com, $9.85+
Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits
Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home. “There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.
Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.
This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.
“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.”
This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Pro tip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.
ANTHURIUM: DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA: HOPE PEPEROMIA:APRIL 4TH
Liberty Flats Apartments, 7373 Bales Street, Liberty Township | 5:00 PM
Go on an inspiring evening out, April 4, 5-8 p.m. Learn tips for healthy skincare, feet, yoga, fitness and a beautiful smile for spring and summer. Hear from Dr. Elizabeth Muennich of Dermatology & Skin Care Associates, Dr. Kristin Titko of The Center for Foot Care and experts from The Yoga, F45 Fitness, Invisalign and West Chester Family Dentistry. WCFamilyDentistry.com
APRIL 11TH - 13TH
Mamma Mia!
Lakota East High School Theater | 7:00 PM
The legendary tunes of the Swedish band ABBA help tell the tale of a young woman’s relationship with her free-spirited mother and quest for the identity of her father as she prepares for her wedding. Set sail for a Greek island paradise with the Lakota East High School Theatre ensemble. Details and tickets are available online. 7 p.m./2 p.m. LakotaEastTheatre.org
APRIL 13TH
The Oscar Event Center, Jungle Jim’s | 6:00 PM
Hope’s Closet presents Another WILD Night, a fundraising gala to support the foster care community of Greater Cincinnati. Dinner, drinks, live music from Templin Road, a silent auction and encounters with wildlife from The Cincinnati Zoo are all included in this fun night to benefit foster children. Doors open at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets online. HopesClosetOhio.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
APRIL 14TH
National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, West Chester | 12:00 PM
Join the Pigs Aloft Kite Association for their monthly kite-flying adventure on the front lawn of the VOA Museum, 12-4 p.m. The community is invited to fly kites or observe others’ kites on the east side of the road. Be sure to steer clear of the towers on the west side of the road for safety. WestChesterOH.org
APRIL 18TH
Muhlhauser Barn, West Chester | 8:00 AM
Celebrate National Volunteer Month by joining Butler County United Way for their Community Impact Breakfast, 8-10 a.m. Enjoy a hot breakfast, keynote speaker, volunteer and donor awards and more. Immediately following the event, volunteers are invited to assist the American Red Cross—Cincinnati Tristate Chapter with smoke alarm installations across Butler County. Tickets and registration are available online. BC-UnitedWay.org, RedCross.org/local/ohio/central-and-southern-ohio.html
APRIL 19TH - 21ST
Lakota West High School Theater | 7:30 PM
Based on the infamous 1984 film by the same name, Footloose the Musical is a high-energy dance show featuring 80s pop-rock hits. Newcomer Ren rallies local teens to challenge the ban on dancing in a small farming town. See shows on April 19 + 20 at 7:30 p.m. + April 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets available online. LakotaWestTheatre.com
APRIL 22ND
Great Parks Community Day
Great Parks, Hamilton County
Celebrate Earth Day in the natural spaces of local Great Parks—for free! Passes are not required on this date, an invitation issued ten days each year by Great Parks across Hamilton County. Explore their more than 80 miles of trails and 25 miles of river frontage. Check the online calendar for special events and activities for the day. Dawn to Dusk. GreatParks.org
APRIL 23RD
Lakota East Freshman School Theater | 7:00 PM
The community is invited to celebrate the members of the Class of 2024 who are committed to a branch of the United States military or attending a military academy after graduation. This is the 7th Annual Military Commitment Ceremony for the Lakota Local School District. Seniors who qualify are asked to sign up to participate—details are available online. LakotaOnline.org
APRIL 26TH
Cincinnati Music Hall | 6:00 PM
Dance for Joy, a fundraiser for Camp Joy of Clarksville, promises to be a night filled with unforgettable moments: live entertainment, scrumptious cuisine, a silent auction, tales that inspire and delightful surprises that will leave you smiling. Support young campers in outdoor education and adventure experiences in the nurturing and inclusive environment of this unique camp. Camp-Joy.org
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APRIL 27TH
Receptions, Fairfield | 6:00 PM
You are invited to a Night at the Derby, a fun-filled fundraiser with a Kentucky Derby theme. Enjoy 10 interactive horse races, live betting, split the pot, silent auction, raffle baskets and more. Tickets include dinner, drinks, desserts and lots of luck at your run for the roses, all to benefit children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County. BBBSButler.org/night-at-the-derby
APRIL 28TH
Liberty Center | 10:00 AM
Join Liberty Township in the parking lot adjacent to the Taylor Garage at Liberty Center for an exclusive look at some of your favorite dump trucks, snowplows, emergency vehicles and more! Please note that emergency vehicles may be required to leave in response to calls. All ages are welcome. Liberty-Center.com, Liberty-Township.com
APRIL 28TH
Voice of America MetroPark Gazebo | 6:00 PM
Curious about birds? Join MetroPark experts for a birding adventure, free and for all ages. This great opportunity will teach you how to sight a bird in a scope or binoculars, use a bird app and listen to bird sounds to help identify our fine feathered friends. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the park rangers. YourMetroParks.net