Life + Culture

A Quality Culinary Experience

Dorothy Lane Market brings the food, flavor and flair of a European marketplace to Mason. Article by Lisa Fletcher | Photography by Tracy Doyle–Dorothy Lane Market The Mason community buzzed with anticipation as Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) rose brick by brick along Mason-Montgomery Road. The wait ended in mid-August, when neighbors lined the sidewalk, eager to see what the family-run grocer would bring to town. Inside, shoppers discovered much more than a grocery store—it was a culinary...

Life + Culture

A Proud Process

Urban Stead Cheese creates artisan cheeses with a keen focus on community and sustainability. Article by Jonathan Stout | Photography by Gina Weathersby Photography & Jon Medina Scott Robbins and Andrea Siefring-Robbins co-founded Urban Stead Cheese in 2018 following an inspiring wine trip. Although wine was the original focus of the excursion, it was a visit to a cheesemaker that proved to be the most motivational. They were already planning a business together, but now the idea of starting a...

Life + Culture

Savor the Day

Celebrate the simple joys in life with the help of Milkshake Factory Mason. Article by Amanda Stout | Photography by Jenna Beers–Photography By Jenna & Provided Who doesn’t love creamy hand-spun milkshakes and luscious gourmet chocolates? Even better when you can enjoy a sweet treat in the company of family and friends in a welcoming space inspired by a classic soda fountain. At Milkshake Factory Mason, there’s something for everyone–a full chocolate bar, milkshakes, non-dairy shakes...

Life + Culture

Planting the Seeds of Service

Crossroads Church cultivates fresh food, community and hope through its garden and year-round service. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Crossroads Church Crossroads Church isn’t just a place of worship. It is a hub for giving back, where neighbors come together to grow, support families and strengthen the local community. One of the ways they do this is through the Mason Community Garden, which launched in the spring of 2024 to provide fresh produce to the Mason Food Pantry and engage...

Home + Design

Dress Your Door

Transform your front door style with Cincinnati Entrypoint and Queen City Porch Design. Article by Amanda Stout | Photography by Kelly Settle–Kelly Ann Photography Style that Starts at the Door  Curb appeal is the first impression your home offers to guests, neighbors and passersby. The most influential factor in curb appeal is your front door, so why not make sure it has style that lasts and lasts through the seasons? We worked with family-owned, local businesses Cincinnati Entrypoint and...

Life + Culture

Shoe Program Helps Kids Stand Tall

Shoes 4 the Shoeless provides free socks and shoes to southwest Ohio children. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Provided Starting a nonprofit takes hard work and dedication. From the beginning, the new venture requires funding, volunteers, a coordinated effort to address a specific need, distribution plans to expand access and a passion to help others. Kris Horlacher, RN, BSN, knows this process well. She founded Shoes 4 the Shoeless (S4TS) which delivers brand-new socks and gym...

Home + Design

Decked Out Dreams

A stylish Lebanon backyard blends luxury and livability with the help of local experts. Article by Lisa Fletcher | Photography by Matthew J Capps Photography Imagine this: You walk out the back door into what looks like a resort lounge—only it’s your own backyard. There’s an expansive deck, a sleek modern pergola, custom lighting and a crackling fire in a towering stone hearth inspired by your floor-to-ceiling indoor fireplace.  That’s exactly what Lebanon residents Lauren and Andrew dreamed...

Arts + Culture

A Foundation For A Lifelong Love of Learning

The School For Creative Tots nurtures the imaginations of local preschool students. Article by Jonathan Stout | Photography by Provided The School For Creative Tots began with a deep love for children, family and joyful learning. School Administrator, Emilie Parry, found a second home at the original Creative Tots location in Madeira during her high school and college years. After graduating from Miami University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and teaching third grade at Indian...

Life + Culture

Partnering for Pets

The Humane Association of Warren County has supported pets and families for half a century. Article by Nan Paraskevopoulos | Photography by Jenna Beers–Photography by Jenna For over 50 years, the Humane Association of Warren County (HAWC) has been a pillar of hope, compassion, and second chances for animals and the people who love them throughout our community. Conveniently located in Lebanon, just a short drive from Mason and Deerfield Township, HAWC proudly serves as Warren County’s only...

Life + Culture

Nailing a Bright Future

Local teens from Mason and Kings High Schools discover their future in the trades. Article by Lisa Fletcher | Photography by Provided Last spring, high school students from Mason and Kings traded desks for drills and textbooks for tool belts. They got hands-on lessons in framing, wiring, plumbing, painting and roofing—building two full-scale sheds from the ground up. Over 10 immersive weeks, they didn’t just acquire new skills; they discovered possibilities for their futures. The Skilled...