Love Local
Welcome to our Love Local issue, a heartfelt celebration of our love for the arts and everything local that makes our community so special. As we step into this month of affection and appreciation, we’ve crafted an edition brimming with inspiration, creativity and, of course, love.
Each February, we shine a spotlight on the arts. This year we’re focusing on the visual arts by highlighting a nonprofit that uses cooperatively created paintings as a unique way to fundraise as well as an artist that uses her skills to create stunning pieces of pottery.
I’ve always admired the talent of artists, perhaps because I’m such a poor visual artist myself. I once went to a sip and paint class, and was excited to see if I could expand my skills beyond the stick figures that got me through school. What ended up on the canvas looked more like a toddler’s finger-painting experiment gone awry. Despite my lack of skill, the evening was fun and the painting is a reminder that we all have different gifts to share with the world.
What would February be without a touch of romance? This month we share a fun cocktail recipe perfect for a special evening with a loved one or a “galentine’s” girls’ night. Before you send a bouquet to your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, flip to our guide on page 22 to discover the meaning of three popular types of flowers.
We are grateful for a community filled with love. Together, let’s continue to celebrate the local treasures that make West Chester and Liberty extraordinary. Here’s to a February filled with love, creativity and connection!
MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER
MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anna Barnes, Bill Furbee, Bailey Hall, A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anna Barnes, Janie Jones, Len Kaltman, Mark Garrett Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
business monthly
Power of the Purse Awards Two $10,000 Grants
Power of the Purse, A Women’s Impact Fund, wrapped up their fifteenth year by giving two, $10,000 grants. Each year, donors vote on which local nonprofit organization will receive the award, and due to a tie, this year they doubled their giving and gave two grants. Congratulations to award recipients Pause for Parents, Play for Kids and Neighborhood Bridges. To learn more, follow Power of the Purse on social media. @powerofthepurse_ncf
Congrats to MLK Essay + Fine Arts Community Student Contest Winners
Congratulations to this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. community student contest winners, selected for reflections on Dr. King. Essay Winners are: Quentin Smith, Calvin Soules-Peters, Cedric Utrata, Arturo Pelaez Tellez, Anarah Carlotta, Addyson Allen, Alex Parajuli, Alexis Riggins, Addison Michel and Nathan Lee. Fine Arts Winners are: Kristian Mudd, Marshawn Reece, Brayden Reece, Pepper Hatwal, Sitra Wakili, Norah Fitzpatrick, Lucy MacKnight, Helen Henriquez and Addison Maxwell. See their work featured in online videos. YouTube.com/user/ westchestertownship, Vimeo.com/westchesteroh/videos
Kemba Celebrates Grand Opening of Blue Ash Branch—February 18
You are invited to join Kemba Credit Union in celebrating the official grand opening of their newest branch in Blue Ash. On February 18, visit the Blue Ash Branch at 11200 Kenwood Road to enjoy exclusive giveaways and meet the friendly team dedicated to helping clients achieve financial goals. Whether you are opening an account or exploring loan options, Kemba is with you every step of the way, a trusted partner in financial success. Kemba.com
Photography: Lakota Local School District
Sweet Treats for Your Sweetheart
A Roundup of Local Desserts to Satisfy Your Valentine’s Sweet Tooth
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
This Valentine’s Day, satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet tooth with cookies, cakes or chocolates from one of West Chester and Liberty Township’s bakeries. Go with a traditional favorite or try something new; this is our roundup of fresh and local desserts to win your valentine’s heart and celebrate the season of love—no baking required.
Delicious Designs Cookies
For tasty and beautiful custom treats, give the gift of Delicious Designs’ classic frosted, heart-shaped sugar cookies. Delicious Designs is known for handling each order with loving care. Spread the love year round with a beautiful gourmet gift basket. For a fun family activity, decorate your own cookies using their DIY Cookie Kit.
DELICIOUSDESIGNSCOOKIES.SQUARE.SITE 7876 CHANTILLY DRIVE, WEST CHESTER | 513.490.7221
Le Macaron is a dessert destination, a romantic haven for those who appreciate the artistry of European confections. Beyond their signature French macarons, Le Macaron offers decadent truffles, rich gelatos and gourmet pastry plates. Drop into this charming cafe at Liberty Center for an unforgettable Valentine’s date or take-home dessert.
Le Macaron
Photo by Mark Garrett Photography.
Lulu’s Sweets Boutique
Lulu’s Sweets Boutique creates their sweet treats from scratch, featuring homemade flavors that will melt in your mouth and warm your Valentine’s heart. Their darling and delicious conversation macarons and decorated buttercream cookies are Valentine’s Day favorites. Pamper your gluten-free sweetheart with Lulu’s gluten-free macarons, cupcakes and brownies.
Molly’s Cupcakes
The love-inspired creations at Molly’s Cupcakes are dedicated to both flavor and fun. Indulge in a gift box of mini rose cupcakes or chocolate-covered strawberries and truffles for your special someone. Molly’s inclusive menu offers gluten-sensitive and vegan cupcakes. Make sweet memories as you celebrate romance at this Liberty Center bakery.
MOLLYSCUPCAKESCINCY.COM 7120 HASKELL STREET, LIBERTY TOWNSHIP 513.777.3002
For a vintage Valentine, give Esther Price’s signature Packed Heart—a collection of beautifully assorted chocolates. Other customer favorites include bagged gummies and novelty candies. Esther Price celebrates their 100th anniversary this year, crafting chocolates with the same dedication to quality that has defined them for generations.
Esther Price
Purposeful Painting
Turning Creativity into Compassion
ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Mari Knight with grandsons Colson (5) + Landon (7) in the Purposeful Painting studio.
In the Greater Cincinnati area, a brushstroke is more than a burst of color—it’s a symbol of hope. Founded in 2012 by Mari Knight and her husband Lou, Purposeful Painting blends art and local love through Co-Creation Artworks™. What began as a heartfelt holiday gesture—using their Christmas funds to help struggling friends—has blossomed into a thriving nonprofit organization. In 2024, through creative classes, corporate team-building events and fundraisers, Purposeful Painting provided more than $125,000 to support single, working moms facing hardships.
For Mari Knight, the drive to uplift others stems from her own journey with single motherhood.
“I understand waking up in the middle of the night wondering, ‘Do I get gas, or do I pay my phone bill?’” she recalls.
Her empathy fuels the mission of Purposeful Painting: to bring relief and encouragement to mothers navigating similar struggles through the creation and sale of co-created paintings.
With a background in real estate and design, Knight channels her skills to help others create meaningful works of art. Purposeful Painting’s collaborative art model offers a unique experience for businesses and individuals alike, fostering teamwork and creativity.
“Some pieces have five or ten people working on them,” Knight says. “The business will take the piece back and hang it in their office as a symbol [of that collaboration].”
So how does it work? Interested participants— whether companies, small groups or individuals— can contact Knight through her website to share their vision. She then provides a customized quote, and attendees paint alongside her or one of her rotating local artists.
“In 2024, through creative classes, corporate team-building events and fundraisers,
Purposeful Painting provided more than $125,000 to support single, working moms facing hardships.”
The concept extends beyond corporate walls with some individual customers seeking personal expression or the therapeutic benefits of creativity.
“We have co-creation artwork for individuals and small groups too,” Knight adds. “Everyone starts on their own piece, then moves to the next. It’s no longer just yours. It becomes a community piece.”
This process fosters connection, collaboration and a shared sense of accomplishment, with funds from these sessions directly supporting single moms facing challenging circumstances.
“Recipients are then nominated by word of mouth or through Purposeful Painting’s website, and I personally vet their needs,” Knight explains.
Local partnerships make these acts of compassion possible, helping with essentials like utility bills, unforeseen car troubles, clothing and groceries.
Knight shares a touching story: “One lady needed tires and said, ‘I think I can just get away with one or two.’ The tire store told me she needed four and gave them to me at cost—balancing and rotating for her.”
While Purposeful Painting’s heart is in Cincinnati, its impact stretches far beyond. When severe flooding hit North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, Knight helped a young woman in Asheville.
“One of my friends told me about her friend—who’d been handed her neighbor’s baby, right before the young mother was swept away by the floodwaters,” she describes. “She was struggling to make ends meet...I sent her money right away."
But the need didn’t end there. When Knight learned the baby had digestive issues that required special formula, her network quickly mobilized.
“A friend posted about it in her Facebook group,” Knight explains, “and someone’s brother—who happened to live in Asheville—found the exact formula the baby needed.”
Knight reflects on how the story unfolded, how one phone call had a snowball effect of kindness.
“It’s amazing how connected the universe is,” she says. “Our impact truly stretches everywhere.”
Whether you’re in Cincinnati or beyond, every donation or session helps lift single mothers both locally and regionally. Visit the website to learn more, nominate a single mom for assistance or book a collaborative painting session.
“It’s amazing how connected the universe is. Our impact truly stretches everywhere.”
-Mari Knight
Painting parties with a purpose put a smile on participants' faces.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
Ready to experience life WITHOUT limits again?
LOVE POTION #9
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ANNA BARNES
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN + KAREN EBERHARDT
ARTISTIC LICENSE
Liberty Township Ceramics Artist Effortlessly Crafts Something Special
For 24 years, celebrated local artist Karen Eberhardt has been crafting ceramic creations and bringing brilliant, artistic—and quite functional—triumphs to the homes of neighbors and customers worldwide. But it almost didn’t happen, she admits.
“Ceramics came to me in a roundabout way,” Eberhardt says.
After majoring in Fine Arts at University of Southern Indiana, Eberhardt found herself deciding instead to focus on family, which included the full-time needs of raising four children. It would be years before a friend talked her into attending a two-day ceramics workshop.
“I told her that college ceramics classes hadn’t been very appealing to me, but I relented and took the class,” she says.
The rest is history, and today, Eberhardt is a veteran of numerous prestigious shows, many of which require a judge panel’s approval to even participate.
Eberhardt attributes her success to the fact that her work is set apart by an ability to include something special in every piece created.
Liberty Township artist Karen Eberhardt.
“I don’t consider them complete until I put a little extra something into them: extra carvings, painting, sculpting and feet on every piece,” she divulges.
It’s a creative step that many other potters don’t take the time to implement.
“I think some people are surprised when I explain how I make some of my hand-built pieces,” she says. “When developing a new shape or form, I just start cutting out random clay shapes and build and put them together without any form or template.”
Eberhardt grew up in southwestern Indiana; it was while living in Kentucky, however, that her interest in ceramics was kindled. She even taught a few beginner’s clay classes while developing and rediscovering her own creative voice.
“The classes were fun,” she says. “You always learn something new from your students.”
Then, in 2016, Eberhardt and her family moved to their current home right here in Liberty Township.
“The neighborhood was perfect. We were able to enjoy early morning walks, and we have great neighbors,” she says.
There was also a great school system, allowing her son to graduate high school and obtain disability services necessary for him to thrive.
When she’s not busy crafting fresh ceramics from her home studio, Eberhardt and her family enjoy attending the Lakota YMCA, exploring Pyramid Hill sculpture park and taking walks in their neighborhood.
“We also use the Midpointe Library system all of the time,” she says.
Eberhardt’s story of rediscovering an overlooked passion is one that might resonate with others—and she’s eager to offer advice for anyone inspired by her own success.
“If you want to create something, find a little corner and dedicate it to your art,” she says. “You can revisit a piece that you created before, then critique it. There are so many ways now to learn a new technique, process and materials that I didn’t have in college. Acquiring new skills can be accomplished with a touch of a button on your computer.”
For Eberhardt, perseverance is most important.
“We learn from all of our mistakes,” she says. “Sometimes when we create something and aren’t happy with it, we (can be) our own worst critic. Put it away for a while. Sometimes it can be discouraging,” she adds, “but don’t stop making and creating, especially if you really enjoy the process.”
Find Karen Eberhardt’s nature-inspired ceramics at many local art and craft shows. In May, her work will appear at the Clay Alliance Spring Pottery Fair in East Walnut Hills. Learn more about upcoming shows and exhibits at her website. KarensCeramics.com
Ceramics artist Karen Eberhardt with one of her nature-inspired mugs.
FEBRUARY 1ST
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Lunar New Year Celebration 2025
Liberty Center, The Living Room of The Foundry, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township | 2:00 PM
Join Liberty Center in celebrating the Lunar New Year on February 1, 2-5 p.m. Deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions of Asia and China, the family-friendly, festive occasion announces the arrival of spring and the Year of the Snake, symbolizing renewal and joy. Enjoy activities for all ages, including crafts, drumming and dancing. Liberty-Center.com
FEBRUARY 1ST + 15TH
West Chester Winter Market
Muhlhauser Barn, Beckett Park, 8558 Beckett Road, West Chester | 2:00 PM
Shop local for homemade goods and homegrown produce at the West Chester Winter Market, held on select winter Saturdays. Dress warmly for the unheated but historic Muhlhauser Barn venue at Beckett Park, 2-4 p.m. WestChesterOH.org
FEBRUARY 4TH
Owl Prowl
Harbin Park, Overlook Shelter, 1300 Hunter Road, Fairfield | 6:30 PM
Explore Harbin Park at night in search of owls. Learn about the adaptations that make owls such amazing hunters before you venture out on the trails to try to find them. All ages are welcome to this free educational program. For more information, call 513.867.5835, extension 301.
FEBRUARY 5TH
Soul Food
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton | 11:30 AM
Come meet Mz Jade and her big flavors and even bigger smiles for a soul food speaker and luncheon buffet event. Let Mz Jade’s stories and family recipes lift your spirits. Soul Food is a part of the Fitton’s Celebrating Self program, a lunchtime speaker series including a catered lunch. Tickets are available online. FittonCenter.org
FEBRUARY 8TH
Best Werkout Ever
SPENGA, 7996 Princeton Glendale Road, Suite 101, West Chester | 12:15 PM
Join SPENGA, in partnership with Rock Your Beauty, 12:15-2 p.m. on February 8 to uplift and empower Cincinnati women. Start with SPENGA’s multi-sensory workout, an energizing combination of spin, strength training and yoga, followed by Mix and Mingle networking with light snacks. Register online for $35 per person—all proceeds benefit Rock Your Beauty. Zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/best-werkout-everwith-rock-your-beauty-and-spenga-west-chester, SPENGA.com, RockYourBeauty.org
FEBRUARY 9TH
Touchdown for Hope
Bally Sports Club at Great American Ballpark, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown Cincinnati | 5:30 PM
Come together for a night of fun, food and football, the area’s best watch party, all for raising support for people who suffer with mental illness. Reservations include free parking and an unlimited buffet. Proceeds go to Lindner Center of HOPE’s capital campaign. Register online—young professionals discount available; ages 15 and under are free. LindnerCenterofHOPE.org
Dr. Phuoc Tran
Dr. Alexandra Shehata
Dr. Samuel Gersch
FEBRUARY 13TH
Sweet Harmony
Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty, 8749 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester | 6:30 PM
Don your apron and start your oven for this charity bake-off affair. Showcase your cakes, cookies, brownies and pies to support the mission of Focus on Youth to uplift youth in foster care and those needing behavioral health support. Winners will be announced at the ceremony and celebration on February 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are available online. FocusOnYouth.com
FEBRUARY 14TH
Nature in a Blink: Magic in the Maples
Forest Run MetroPark, Timberman Ridge Kestrel Shelter, 1976 Timberman Road, Hamilton | 7:00 PM
Take a night hike to explore the journey of maple syrup from tap to table. Gather by the fire afterward to sample maple-inspired recipes and make maple memories. Magic in the Maples is a part of a year long MetroParks series offering opportunities to appreciate fleeting natural occurrences. 7-8:30 p.m. YourMetroParks.net
FEBRUARY 15TH + 16TH
Bliss Home Market Warehouse Sale
Bliss Home Market Cincinnati, 9415 Meridian Way, West Chester | 8:00 AM
Bliss Home Market is restocked and refreshed for this one weekend only in February. Shop their warehouse of quality, brand-name furniture and home décor at unbelievable prices and take home your picks upon purchase. Open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Cincy.BlissHomeMarket.com
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 20TH + 27TH
Sip + Shop Design Workshops
Sacksteder’s Interiors, Cincinnati | 9797 Montgomery Road, Montgomery + New Trenton 4101 State Road 52, New Trenton, Indiana | 5:00 PM
Because we are never done decorating, join Sacksteder’s Interiors at their Design Workshops. Sip, shop, meet the designers and learn about design trends and ideas for 2025. On February 20, the event will be hosted at Sacksteder’s Cincinnati; on February 27, come to Sacksteder’s New Trenton. Both events are from 5-7 p.m., with Design Workshops beginning at 6 p.m. SackstedersInteriors.com
FEBRUARY 24TH
Lakota Summer Fun Fair
Lakota East High School, 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township | 5:30 PM
Lakota families are invited to learn about area youth summer programming activities, all at one time and in one place at the Lakota Summer Fun Fair. From summer camps to local parks, athletics and arts, exhibitors will be available at interactive booths to answer questions and help plan summer. The family-friendly event is extended this year, 5:30-8 p.m. LakotaOnline.com
FEBRUARY 24TH
Live the Dream: Black History Month Lecture
MidPointe Library West Chester, Community Rooms A/B + C, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester | 6:00 PM
Join presenter Eric Guttag to learn about the life and career of actress Nichelle Nichols. As Star Trek’s Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, the Communications Officer for the Starship Enterprise, Nichols was a role model for African Americans. Nichols was about to quit for a role on Broadway until she had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King. MidPointeLibrary.org
Lancashire Trl
Located on a cul-de-sac in Trails of Four Bridges. Updated kitchen with refinished white cabinetry and quartz counters. Family room features custom built-ins surrounding the fireplace. Refinished hardwood floors throughout the first floor. Mudroom with cubbies. Primary suite offers a massive walk-in closet with custom California Closets. Finished lower level with wet bar, fifth bedroom with egress window, full bath, and rec room. Paver patio and 3-car garage.
I HAVE A BUYER
Looking for an off market property with 20+ acres in the Butler/Warren county area. If you are thinking of selling or know someone with land, please reach out to me today.
“Tiffany was very knowledgeable and understood our needs and what we wanted from her as a Realtor®! She was well prepared to get our house on the market and she used all her avenues to showcase our house. It was everywhere in the community and media! She is very passionate about her job and worked hard until our property was sold. She constantly kept us abreast of everything going on. We would recommend her to all our friends as she is the number 1 sales person in our area and it shows!”
~ Amy Boes (Liberty
Township)
