Tag: ohio

“This deal is pure crony capitalism” – Port Authority approves bonds to support FC Cincinnati complex in Milford

Milford, Ohio – On September 9, the Clermont County Port Authority approved issuing $30 million in lease revenue bonds to finance the cost of building a training facility and youth academy in Milford for the professional soccer team, FC Cincinnati.

Chris Hicks

Self-described “Taxpayer Watchdog” and candidate for Clermont County Auditor, Chris Hicks told Loveland Magazine, “This deal is pure crony capitalism. It raises taxes, the hotel tax, specifically to support one private, for-profit, company. It buys land using tax dollars for that company. It then has the government issue bonds to finance it all for the private company and then has the government own the land and buildings so the private, for-profit, company never pays property tax.” Hicks also says that the City of Milford gets no new infrastructure such as road or sidewalk improvements. and it actually makes the citizens of Milford liable for $43,000 to 47,000 per year for 20 years, to pay for the land.

Under the arrangement between Milford, Clermont County, and the Port Authority, construction materials will be also be exempted from paying Ohio sales tax, estimated to be $1 million.

A recent increase in the Clermont County lodging tax will also provide $223,000 a year to support the project.

Because the Port Authority is tax exempt, FC Cincinnati will not have to pay property taxes. It has negotiated annual payments with the Milford School District to help compensate for what they might otherwise lose, however, other public agencies whose funding derives from property taxes will not be made whole.

Under the agreement, the Port Authority will lease the 24 acres of land on U.S. 50 in the City of Milford near Interstate 275, and the facilities to be built, to FC Cincinnati for $1 a year. The bonds will be privately purchased by FC Cincinnati. The Port Authority will receive a one-time fee of $105,000 and an annual average fee of $9,000, most of which will go to support various county levies.

The vote was 4-1. Port Authority Vice Chairman Loretta Rokey the Administrator of Pierce Township; Fiscal Officer Sam DeBonis an Assistant Vice President of Park National Bank, and members Greg DeFisher the President & CEO, Freeman Schwabe Machinery, and Rex Parsons the Administrator of Batavia Township; voted in favor. Member Greg Simpson a Principal with Key Transportation Inc., voted against the resolution.

In a statement released by Clermont County after the vote, Andy Kuchta, Executive Director and Secretary of the Port Authority, offered the following statement:

The structure of the lease answers all of the questions related to what the economic impact will actually be and if it is worth the level of incentives being provided. The Port Authority will have the choice to not renew the lease every 360 days for any reason. This is not a 20-year deal but a 360-day deal, full stop.

Within the next 3-5 years there will be a comprehensive evaluation of the actual economic impacts and benefits once the facility has been constructed and operational for a period of time. If that evaluation determines the economic impacts have not materialized, the Port Authority will be able to substantially renegotiate the terms of these agreements or simply not renew them and return the property to a fully taxable status.

On Aug. 22, Clermont County Commissioners approved an increase in the lodging tax in the county, from 6% to 7%. The revenue generated by the increase in the tax, approximately $223,000 a year, will be used by Milford to pay for the land. Commissioner David Uible said that “As a businessman, I love this deal. Clermont County incentivizes the City of Milford to buy this property for FC with a 1% lodging tax. This will result in $7 million in additional spending each year. The clear winners are the City of Milford, the county as a whole, and all the citizens who call Clermont County home.”

Hicks says that the statement by Uible is misleading because the $7 million figure pertains to all soccer in the region, not from the Milford practice facility. Hicks says in a fact sheet he released on August 29 that even if credible, their own study lists the actual impact at only $1.6 million per year.

Hicks has previously said that the 1% tax increase was not enough to cover the cost of the land. “To fund $3.5 million for land, based on Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates, the hotel tax needs to be at least 1.2%, leaving Milford taxpayers holding the bag for $43-47 thousand per year.”

In an analysis of the deals, Hicks says that County agencies that rely on property taxes like library, safety services, developmental disabilities, senior services, mental health, the Park District, Live Oaks, the City of Milford, and the County general fund will all lose the funds they receive now, $1,144,160, because when the FC Cincinnati site is developed there will be zero property taxes assessed. Hicks says that a $30 million development should pay $866,744 per year.

Commissioner David Painter, who voted against the tax increase, said at the time of the vote, “I didn’t think the return was high enough to fully represent the stakeholders of Clermont County, who are the citizens of Clermont County.”

According to the County, the 1% increase in the countywide lodging tax will “sunset” in 2038 or when the balance in the lodging tax account is sufficient to pay off the debt, whichever occurs first.

The $30 million soccer complex is expected to include a 30,000-square-foot training facility and a 6,500-square-foot youth academy. FC Cincinnati said they hope to complete the training facility by next summer.

The Port Authority decision represents the last step before the project can begin. FC Cincinnati also entered into agreements with the City of Milford and the Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Also according to the press release issued by the County, a study by Sports Facilities Advisory, a sports management consulting group based in Clearwater, Fla., estimated that the FC complex would generate “almost 65,000 visitor days” by out-of-town visitors and result in almost $7 million in direct spending annually. Hicks said, “Go deeper and find an economic study that has been misrepresented. It actually says a paltry $1.6 million in annual benefit will come from this site.” Hicks also claims that the economic study does not mention that FC Cincinnati will be selling “high dollar academy memberships for millions” as opposed to letting locals come and go as they please. “These type of facilities are money makers selling the ‘academy dream’ of your kid on a pro-soccer team,” added Hicks.

You can look at Hick’s August 10 breakdown of the cost of building the Milford facility: Massive incentives.

FC Cincinnati, whose owners were recently granted expansion status by Major League Soccer, will also build an estimated $200 million stadium in the West End of Cincinnati, which is expected to be open for the 2021 season. The team currently plays at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati. The City of Cincinnati is contributing 35 million dollars of public money to the West End Stadium.

Sep 10, 2018
National awards program seeking Ohio’s TOP YOUTH VOLUNTEERS of 2019

Today through November 6, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is looking for Ohio’s top youth volunteers of the year.

Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service within the past 12 months. The application is available at http://spirit.prudential.com and www.nassp.org/spirit.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. The awards have been granted annually for the past 23 years on the local, state and national level.

“After more than two decades of honoring young volunteers, we know that students are a powerful force for good,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “We shine a spotlight on their service in hopes that others will be inspired to follow their example.”

Ohio’s top youth volunteers of 2018 were Bennett Heyn, 18, of Cincinnati, who launched a cell phone recycling campaign in his community to help preserve gorilla habitats in Africa, keep harmful chemicals out of landfills, and show people that even simple steps can make a difference in preserving the environment, and Chaina Nafziger, 12, of Archbold, who organized a bake sale with a friend at her church and raised $1,400 for two charities that assist orphans in Haiti. Read more about Bennett and Chaina at http://spirit.prudential.com/honorees/2018/oh.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, students and certifiers must complete the following steps:

Students complete the online application by November 6, 2018. Then, students submit the application for certification to their principal or head of a local participating organization.

Certifiers review all applications for their school or organization, then select a Local Honoree to nominate for state-level judging by November 16, 2018.

Applications can be certified by a middle or high school principal or head of a Girl Scout council, county 4-H organization, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or an affiliate of Points of Light’s HandsOn Network. (Students can request a paper application by calling 855-670-4787.)

The 2019 Awards Program

On February 5, 2019, the top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees. They will receive $1,000, engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for four days of recognition events from May 4-7, 2019.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America’s top youth volunteers of the year. These National Honorees will receive additional awards of $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Several Distinguished Finalists in each state will receive bronze medallions, and runners-up will receive Certificates of Excellence. Local Honorees selected by schools and participating organizations for state-level judging will be presented with Certificates of Achievement; they will also receive President’s Volunteer Service Awards if they have served the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (26 hours for age 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15 and 100 hours for older students).

“It’s an honor to recognize middle level and high school students making a difference through volunteer service,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. “We look forward to another year of celebrating the impact, initiative and compassion of young volunteers.”

Accounting Plus–Bingaman Accounting and Tax Service, LLC is a tax preparation, payroll and bookkeeping company locally based in Loveland, OH.

Sep 4, 2018

Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K is Saturday, Sept. 22

by David Miller,

Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, September 22 The Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K will be held in Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland – for the ninth straight year. The race is organized each year by Mitchell’s former classmates who miss their friend and want to keep his memory alive. They represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. The race raises scholarship money for graduating seniors at Loveland High School.

Mitchell was class president his senior year at Loveland High School in 1997. He died in 2009 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on a mission he volunteered for.

In the first LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you will see clips from last year’s event

The second video is Seth’s father Steven Mitchell thanking the participants, sponsors, and the organizing committee and announcing that last year was a record for the amount of money raised at the race, more than $10,000. Mitchell told the young people in the crowd to learn about and remember the life his son led, “You will make a difference in somebody’s life someday.”

Captain David Seth Mitchell is resting in Arlington National Cemetery

The event features a cookout and festival during and after the race.

For more information about the race and to participate in being a sponsor: please contact…

info@sethmitchell5k.org

We need many volunteers to help with the race and festival.

If you’re not running or walking that day,
please consider supporting us by serving in this vital capacity.
Contact info@sethmitchell5k.org if you’re interested!

View Photo Album from 2016 Seth Mitchell Hero 5K

Loveland Magazine is a Sponsor of The Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K

Saturday – September 22nd, 2018

Pre-Race Event:
Come early to hear from the Mitchell Family and past winners of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship.

The Course:
Starting at 11am, the 5K course begins and ends in historic downtown Loveland at Nisbet Park and will include part of the Loveland Bike Trail.

Registration:

Sign up to run or walk here

Packet Pick Up:

ONLY at Nisbet Park on Saturday morning, Race Day, September 22nd starting at 9am.

Awards:
All kids 18 and under will receive participation HERO 5K Wrist Bands. Top 3 male/female walkers and runners in each age category will receive awards (19-29, 30-39,40-49,50-59, 60+) Race results will be posted on www.runningtime.net

Join us for a cookout and festival during and after the race!

Nisbet ParkFood, Games, and more…

Aug 31, 2018

The Eastern Coyote: Ohio’s newest mammal

Interbreeding between western coyotes and the remnant gray wolf populations of the Great Lakes region gave birth to a new species: the eastern coyote

Guest Column by Chris Glassmeyer

As the early settlers of the U.S. forged westward, their main priority was finding a place to call home. However, as they began to inhabit our country, not only did they affect the animals who lived here first, they affected where these creatures lived. The natural predators that called Ohio’s landscape home – the black bear, the bobcat and the eastern wolf – drastically reduced in size with colonization. Prior to the mid-1800s, coyotes were only found in the western U.S. But as people colonized states, and populations grew, native predators became more and more scarce. Species native to other parts of the U.S. began traveling across the country to find a new home.

The eastern coyote came about from interbreeding between western coyotes and the remnant gray wolf.

With Ohio being void of apex predators, a vital niche was left unfulfilled. That is, until the coyotes arrived. Before Europeans settled the new world, coyotes (Canis latrans) were only found in the American west. Then, in the 1940s, western coyotes started moving east into the northern Great Lakes region after the extirpation of the gray wolf. Interbreeding between western coyotes and the remnant gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations of the Great Lakes region gave birth to a new species: the eastern coyote (Canis latrans × Canis lycaon [or Canis latrans var.]). Being masters of opportunity, the eastern coyote soon swarmed Ohio and other eastern states. They quickly adapted and claimed the once-empty title of apex predator in Ohio.

Chris Glassmeyer is the Conservation and Parks Manager for Great Parks of Hamilton County

One of the most notable differences between the eastern and the western coyote is size. Eastern coyotes can grow to be 30-40 pounds on average. (For comparison, the western coyote has an average weight of 20-30 pounds.) Female eastern coyotes weigh roughly 21 percent more than their male western counterparts. This size difference is largely because of the interbreeding of eastern coyotes with wolves of the Great Lakes region. The western coyote, however, has shown no interbreeding with wolves.

The opportunistic behavior of the eastern coyote makes them adaptable to many environments, including urban and suburban areas. Their diet varies, and is largely based on the time of the year. Small rodents, such as mice, rabbits and voles, are a staple in the coyote’s diet.

The opportunistic behavior of the eastern coyote makes them adaptable to many environments, including urban and suburban areas. Their diet varies, and is largely based on the time of the year. Small rodents, such as mice, rabbits and voles, are a staple in the coyote’s diet. Though, eastern coyotes have been known to consume larger animals, such as deer. However, because they are opportunistic feeders, eastern coyotes are both hunters and scavengers. Meaning they don’t regularly kill deer, but typically feed on the carrion deer leave behind. Coyotes have been known to eat deer during the winter months. Other food sources such as berries, vegetables and nuts are regularly consumed as an easy meal.

Loveland Sweets is a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates, caramels, marshmallows, and ice creams. Our house-made candies are prepared in small batches

The cunningness and adaptability of the eastern coyote has brought them a little too close to home for many people. Coyotes are now common in city and suburban environments, as it has proven to be a bountiful food source for this resourceful predator. Those who are fearful of coyotes should take precautions against attracting them. Removing pet food and garbage, and cleaning up around outdoor grills are a good start to prevent coyotes from getting too close to your home. Small mammals make up a majority of the coyote’s diet. If you’re worried about your pet, keep small dogs and cats indoors, or supervising them while outdoors, is a good way to deter predation. Coyotes are particularly fearful of humans, so your presence can deter a problem before it arises.

If you’re worried about your pet, keep small dogs and cats indoors, or supervising them while outdoors, is a good way to deter predation. Coyotes are particularly fearful of humans, so your presence can deter a problem before it arises.

Predators are a necessary part of any ecosystem. Without them, the checks and balances that keep our natural areas functioning are nonexistent. We must move past the inherent fear of predators and work toward a lifestyle that embraces them in a spirit of coexistence. Humans, after all, are the greatest predator that this world has ever seen. And like the coyote, we’re working to adapt and survive.

Loveland chiropractor Douglas Portmann, DC at Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab is one of the best chiropractors in the Loveland area.

Aug 31, 2018
Milford’s 13th Annual Art Affaire set for September 22
Premier art and fine crafts show features an outstanding array of art, music, food

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Milford, Ohio – The Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS), in association with Lykins Energy Solutions, will present the 13^th Annual Art Affaire – Milford’s premier art and fine craft show – on Saturday, September 22, 2018, 11 am to 5 pm. This event is free and open to the public and will be held, rain or shine, on a closed three-block section of Main Street (U.S. Route 50) in historic Milford, Ohio 45150.

“Art Affaire is a primary fundraiser for GMAHS,” comments Donna Amann, administrator, GMAHS. “We are extremely pleased that the show continues to grow, our sponsors stay committed, and the community embraces this magnificent display of local and regional art. The Main Street venue in historic Milford is also very special, as it allows us to showcase artists as well as feature the quaint shops and cafes on the street.”

The 2018 Art Affaire call to artists generated a record-number of applications. “We received our largest-ever number of applications with nearly 40 percent of those from artists new to Art Affaire,” says Mary Ward, artist coordinator, Art Affaire. “We are definitely pleased with the quality and diversity of this year’s participating artists.”

The 13^th Annual Art Affaire will feature:
- A record-breaking 120 juried local and regional artists exhibiting and selling original works in clay, digital art, drawing, fiber art, glass, jewelry, leather, metalwork, mixed media, painting, paper and print making, photography, sculpture, wearable art and wood.
- A number of demonstrating artists, including the Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild; Wade McCarren and O’Neal Johnston, wood carving; June Ludwick, pine needle baskets; John Middick, drawing; and more.
- A variety of strolling musical entertainment including Civil War guitarist, Steve Ball; Bear Foot with Russ and Barb Childers featuring Appalachian music and storytelling; Kevin Moran, Americana music; Lars Noble, country music; Roaring 20’s Barbershop Quartet; and Wild Carrot with American roots music.
- Food by 20 Brix, Harvest Market, Lehr’s Prime Market, Padrino Italian and Tickled Sweet; and wine and beer from Lehr’s Prime Market. The event will feature two hospitality tents where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments.
- A Community Cultural Tent featuring local and regional arts-related organizations including Artsy Fartsy, Cincinnati Art Museum, Clermont Chorale, Clermont County Public Library, Historic Milford Association (HMA), Milford History Library, Milford Theatre Guilde and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)/UC Clermont.
“Art Affaire continues to enhance its growing reputation,” says 2017 Art Affaire Best of Show winners and jewelry artists, Aaron Rubinstein and Haguit Rubinstein-Towler. “The 2017 show was our first participation in Art Affaire, and we were extremely pleased with the overall quality of art and the excellent event organization. We are excited to participate again in this year’s Art Affaire and look forward to seeing return customers.”

Art Affaire is presented by the Greater Milford Area Historical Society in association with Lykins Energy Solutions. Key sponsorship is provided by the Historic Milford Association (HMA), Lovins Insurance, the City of Milford, PDQ Buildings and Proforma Albrecht & Company; with added support from a number of Milford and Miami Township businesses, organizations and individuals including Accounting Plus LLC, Angels House of Music, Earworm Records, Eric Campman, Mike Castrucci Auto Group, Clermont Equipment, Copper Blue/Grub Shack, DCA Certified Public Accountants, D.E.R. Development, Evans Funeral Home, Frisch’s, Little Miami Brewing Company, Miami Township, Mixit Entertainment, Park National Bank, People’s Bank, Row House Gallery, Doug Smithson Insurance, Sora’s Towing, Suite Paws Pet Resort & Spa, Ulmer’s Auto Care and Jeff Wyler Automotive Family.

For more information, visit www.MilfordHistory.net or follow Art Affaire on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artaffaire.

About Art Affaire

Art Affaire is a juried, outdoor art and fine crafts show held on Main Street in historic Milford, Ohio and is a key annual fundraiser for the Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS). Initiated in 2005, Art Affaire has significantly grown each year and now features over 120 artists, live music and entertainment and food. Art Affaire, which is free and open to the public, is held annually the fourth Saturday in September. For more information, visit www.MilfordHistory.net or www.Facebook.com/artaffaire.

About Greater Milford Area Historical Society

The Greater Milford Area Historical Society, Inc. (a 501c3, non-profit) was founded in 1967 with the purpose of emphasizing the history of Milford. A small historic museum was started at 114 Main Street. In 1983, the Society relocated to its present location, Promont, located at 906 Main Street, Milford, Ohio. Promont was the home of John M. Pattison, 43^rd Governor of Ohio and the only governor from Clermont County. In addition to improvements to the Museum, the Society has expanded its historical programs and collaborative initiatives in the community; and, also broadened its scope to include Miami Township. The GMAHS is especially proud of its Partners-in-Education programs in the Milford schools, an award winning effort of the Society’s volunteers; its local community programs and historical research; and, its annual Art Affaire, Milford’s premier art and fine craft show. For more information, visit www.milfordhistory.net.
Aug 31, 2018
New classes starting September 4th at Sangha Yoga in Historic Downtown

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Sangha is a place to experience skillfully designed, fun, and inspirational hatha yoga classes close to home. Simply drop in and yoga!

Sangha Yoga is the home of EmbodiYoga® in Cincinnati, a somatic yoga approach new to the Cincinnati area, and offers traditional Hatha and Holy Yoga Classes. All levels of experience are welcome. See our cooperative teaching schedule at www.sanghayoga.org

Sangha Yoga is located in the beautiful historic district of downtown Loveland, one block east of the bike trail and 1/2 block north of Loveland Station.

112 N Second Street

Loveland, Ohio 45140

see parking info

info@sanghayoga.org

Aug 31, 2018
Loveland XC Invitational makes “Triumphant Return” after 4-year hiatus

Saturday September 1

Home of the Brave Park in Symmes Township, Ohio

Symmes Township, Ohio – On September, 1st, the Loveland Cross Country Men and Women will be hosting the Loveland XC Invitational. The event will be held at Home Of The Brave Park in Symmes Township and will include more than 11 middle school and more than 10 high school teams competing in 8 races. Over 900 local athletes will be in attendance. The course includes a good mix of trails and flat fast fields.

The course was designed and constructed by Loveland parents. More than a decade ago Loveland briefly held meets at Loveland High School, and then for several years ran home meets at Grailville. This “Home Meet” will be the first in several seasons.

Schedule

2 Mile – Middle School

8:00 am        MS Mens Team (Run 7, Score 5)

8:30 am        MS Womens Team (Run 7, Score 5)

9:00 am        MS Mens Open

9:30 am        MS Womens Open

10:00 am      MS Awards

3.1 Mile – High School

10:30 am      HS Womens Varsity (Run 7, Score 5)

11:00 am      HS Mens Varsity (Run 7, Score 5)

11:30 am      HS Womens Open

12:00 pm      HS Mens Open

12:30 pm      HS Awards

Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.

Aug 30, 2018
Loveland City School District seeks community input in master planning process

Community Meeting #1 scheduled for September 6 at Loveland Middle School

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District (LCSD) is currently in the midst of a master planning process to determine the future needs of the school facilities. All stakeholders in the community – parents, students, staff, residents and businesses – are invited to attend and lend their voices at two community meetings this fall to inform the vision for the Loveland Schools facilities.

Community Meeting #1 will be held in the Loveland Middle/Intermediate School cafeteria on September 6, 6:30-8:30 PM. At this meeting, community members will learn more about the master planning process, the overall state of facilities and the specific results of the physical building assessments conducted by an architect/engineering team over the summer. Information will also be shared about opportunities over the coming months to get involved in committee work and how to stay current on the developments.

Community Meeting #2 is tentatively scheduled for November 28. At this meeting, attendees will learn about the specific results of the educational adequacy assessment, as well as the vision that will guide the options for a district facilities master plan.

(Registration is not required to attend.)

Aug 30, 2018
Jena Satchell inspires locals to create “Bespoke” memories

It’s not work if you go every single day and love what you do. It doesn’t matter if you make a dollar or 100 dollars it’s all about what it does for you inside.

– Jena Satchell

Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

Loveland, Ohio – Have you ever wandered down the aisle of a Home Décor store in search of that one item that you could put in your home that really means something to you? An object or a piece of art that every time you passed it in the hallway or glanced at it in the living room it made you reminisce on memories you cherish. This is exactly what local Jena Satchell offers at Bespoke Design Studio.

Bespoke Design Studio located at 101-B Commerce Blvd. in Loveland, Ohio is a beautiful place where both DIY beginners and experts are able to create high quality, bespoke home décor from start to finish. Bespoke, meaning custom made design allows friends and families to enjoy the art of creating anything from a wood plank sign to a designer chalkboard to a soft canvas pillow to a centerpiece box using only the best materials and tools.

Jena opened Bespoke not too long ago in January, but still remembers the path that led her to where she is now.

I had a twin sister, and brother that was 9 months younger than me. With 3 children all in the same grade, it seemed to me that my parents didn’t have the money to send all of us all to college, so I instead decided to accept a job in the staffing industry and was very successful in a short amount of time. I began closing huge accounts. Financially at 19 when my friends were going to school and couldn’t buy a Starbucks coffee, that wasn’t the case for me. My success led me down this path to the HR field without having been to college. Because I experienced so much success in staffing I then went into selling HR outsourcing. This is when I knew I wanted to be in the HR Corporation as a VP. After years in the staffing business, I decided to start my own business in 2006. I loved finding jobs for people that allowed those people to provide for their families. It was very rewarding and led me to become extremely passionate about helping people and forming a connection with them.

After spending several years in the HR world experiencing success, the company Jena was with, decided to eliminate the position.

“It was a shock to me. I had been my family’s primary provider for years. I had been working 80 to 90 hours a week and realized I wasn’t making time for things that I truly loved to do and most importantly I wasn’t making enough time for my son. It was something that I knew I regretted. I started to look around and reevaluate,” Jena said.

HR, of course, was a big passion for Jena, but DIY design was in Jena’s blood. She knew from a very young age that by making things that meant something to her she felt the happiness that she didn’t feel doing anything else.

Jena grew up watching her father Joe Wolfe (standing) and uncle Fred Wolfe create things, not necessarily because they wanted to, but because they had to. “Financially they couldn’t go buy a new car so they had to build it,” Jena said.

“As a young child I watched my uncle and my dad create things that were just so unique and so impressive it inspired me. My dad would sometimes spend 6 months building a car! My Uncle would take on the same projects only he worked with wood. So I grew up watching my uncle and my father doing all this not necessarily because they wanted to but because they had to. Financially they couldn’t go buy a new car so they had to build it,” Jena said.

In 2016 Jena finally made the step towards doing what had truly inspired her since she was a child.

“I spent a lot of time reflecting in 2016 and ultimately I realized that I never really took the time to look around my home. I would see things that I bought from the store and it just didn’t really inspire me. It was beautiful and I loved the way my home was decorated but I just didn’t look at anything and reflect on a memory. It kind of made me sad. I couldn’t help but remember what my uncle told me…. it’s not work if you go every single day and love what you do. It doesn’t matter if you make a dollar or 100 dollars it’s all about what it does for you inside.”

I would see things that I bought from the store and it just didn’t really inspire me.

Jena decided that all she wanted to do was something that inspired people but also made her happy to go into every day. This led to her opening Bespoke Design Studio.

At Bespoke Design guests get a chance to make their own memories through unique DIY projects using designs selected or created by Jena, specially made stencils, high quality paint, beautiful fabric, locally sourced wood that Jena’s husband and son spend 8 to 10 hours at a time finely sanding – and last but not least power tools!

Typical tools for the wood plank signs are a crown stapler or a brad nailer.

“Typical tools for the wood plank signs are a crown stapler or a brad nailer. We use porter cable high volt battery operated tools,” Jena says, “You will also be using wood glue to put your signs together. You will be using a power screwdriver to attach your D-Hooks and Hanging Wire as well. At times you will you use a drill for certain projects such as creating decorative boxes or centerpieces,” Jena added.

Each project kit such as this “Family Name” 14×24″ Serving Tray w/ Handles includes everything you need. Wood parts, stencils custom-cut-to-order just for you, hardware and the use of all necessary wood stains, paints, tools and supplies.

Bespoke Design Studio offers several opportunities to take classes and workshops specializing in different DIY projects. Jena’s website provides a calendar with the times and dates when classes or workshops are being held. Guests can simply select one of the dates on the calendar followed by the time they want to take the class or workshop and book it right then and there online. The pricing, of course, depends on the size of the project, the materials and the amount of time it takes to complete the project. All classes are open to the public unless you book a private event, which of course are very popular for Birthday celebrations and the ever-popular “Girls Night Out.” Jena welcomes food and beverages in all her classes. Catering is offered to large groups.

Jena welcomes food and beverages in all her classes. Catering is offered to large groups.

When asked what her favorite part was about her workshops and classes Jena was quick to respond.

“The look on their face after they peel off their stencil revealing this beautiful design is very fulfilling for me. Knowing that piece of art they created is going to hang in their home and every time they look at it they are going to reflect on the memory of what they experienced when they were in my studio with the people they care about is truly satisfying. They have a sense of pride in knowing that they did it all themselves. Hopefully these pieces my guests create inspire them to make more things themselves and rely less on things that you can buy from the store.”

Hopefully these pieces my guests create inspire them to make more things themselves and rely less on things that you can buy from the store.”

Jena offers her one of a kind pieces on her website for purchase for the sole purpose of gifting. “I create so many pieces that frankly I have to put some online for purchase because I can’t fit everything I have made in my home! I don’t try to push the idea of only buying from my website though because I truly believe the special part of placing these pieces in your home is knowing you made them which you can only do if you come into the studio and make the pieces yourself,” Jena explained, “My reason for opening the studio is to create an experience for people that will be memorable, empowering, inspiring and that will give them something that will last in their home.”

Items on Jena’s website include decorative pillows, ranging between 35 and 37 dollars, wood plank signs, priced at 40 dollars and centerpiece boxes beginning at 80 dollars.

The future of Bespoke Design Studio is very bright with many exciting things to come. On September 6th from 5 PM to 9 PM and September 8th from 10 AM to 2 PM Jena is holding an Open House/Seasonal Preview Event where not only will guests be introduced to 72 new designs but will also receive a swag bag if they are one of the first 150 guests to arrive. Each guest that arrives will also receive a discount on a future class and entered into several different raffles after they sign the guest book. Guests will be able to see live demonstrations of DIY projects and seasonal specialties while enjoying food and drinks as well.

In regards to new things to come in the near future for Bespoke Design Jena says she looks forward to the releasing of String Art, Fabric Pillows, Seasonal Designer Chalkboard Designs and Wreaths. Jena mentioned that for the Spring and Summer guests can expect brand new wood projects introduced as well as workshops given on wood engraving, headboards and buffet tables. Jena hopes to open another location in a year in either Springboro or Lebanon.

What sets my studio apart from all of the other DIY Design Studios is I don’t require you to be crafty or creative at all.

“What sets my studio apart from all of the other DIY Design Studios is I don’t require you to be crafty or creative at all. This is something anyone can do! My studio offers friendly instruction, a wide variety of high-quality materials, space and access to tools which may not otherwise be available or cost-effective. It really is like a 4-hour family or friend party where we bond, we drink, we eat, we dance and we create,” Jena said.

If you would like to learn more about Bespoke Design Studio you can visit www.BespokeDIY.com, call the studio at 513-239-5835 or email Jena at Jena.Satchell@BespokeDIY.com. You can also visit bespokeloveland on Facebook or BespokeDesignDIY on Instagram

Aug 29, 2018
Enyart Road closure at Shallowcreek

Symmes Township, Ohio – The Hamilton County Engineer has announced that Enyart Road will be closed at Shallowcreek for the installation of a sanitary sewer through Friday, August 31 (weather permitting). Larry Smith Inc. is the contractor.

The detour will be routed over McKinney Road to East Kemper Road to Montgomery Road and vice versa.

Any problems or questions should be direct to either Eric Vornheder with Larry Smith Inc. at (513)367-0218 or to Coy Tucker with the Hamilton County Engineer at (513)946-8430.

Aug 23, 2018