N OV E M B E R 2 02 0
Cheers to 5 years!
LIFESTYLE LETTER
NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR
Thank You NOVEMBER MARKS THE FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF WEST CHESTER + LIBERTY LIFESTYLE! We launched in 2015 with an important mission that we still carry out each month. In every issue we focus on connecting our community, helping local businesses prosper and being an advocate for nonprofit organizations. I feel blessed to wake up every day to a job that I absolutely love! Five years ago I never could have imagined how much the community would embrace us. I want to thank our readers and the townships for faithfully supporting us and our mission.
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@LifestylePubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Laura Leavitt AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Karen Andrea CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gary Jacobs—A Copter View
I’ve said it before, but this magazine would not be possible without our advertising partners. They are the reason we’re able to provide this high-quality magazine to you each month. I love ALL of my advertising partners, but today I want to give an extra special thank you to those who were in our very first issue and are still working with us today. These businesses took a leap of faith before they had any idea of what we would become. I want to give an extra special thanks to our founding partners: Tiffany Allen Zeuch, Carriage Hill, The Spicy Olive, Welling & Co. Jewelers, The Turf Tailor Grounds Maintenance and West Chester Academy. What makes us truly unique are the artfully crafted stories and stunning photography that fill our pages. I believe we have the best writers and photographers in our region. I want to give a huge thank you to our wildly talented editorial team. It seems only
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
fitting to have Tera Michelson by my side again as editor, as she was in this important
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
role when we first launched. Welcome back to the editor seat, Tera!
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Last, I can’t thank my family enough for their support. Many people thought I was
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
crazy to leave a great, secure job in corporate America for this unpredictable world
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
of entrepreneurship, but my family never doubted me. I never could have done this
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
without their unwavering love and support. I love you guys! Please enjoy this special anniversary issue that provides a historical look at our community and West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle. Thank you! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ON THE COVER Get the Fall Five for $5 all
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA
Michelle Moody, Publisher
month long at Skally’s.
Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com
Read more on page 38.
IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
Special thanks to Len Kaltman for his guidance on the photo shoot!
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE MOODY 6
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester and Liberty area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
7
INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020
FEATURES 18 Safety Net Hope for Haiti’s Children Transforms Lives
22 Celebrating 5 Years of West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle Remembering 5 Fabulous Years
32 Eye in the Sky High-Flying Views of Our Growing Community
32 18
38 Cheers to 5 Years Take Five With a Signature Cocktail at Skally’s
22
38
DEPARTMENTS 6
Lifestyle Letter
10
Good Times
14
Around Town
18
Giving Back
22 Times Past 32 Our Town 36 Lifestyle Calendar 38 Local’s Choice
The New Standard of Grooming
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GOOD TIMES
22nd Annual MTCES Golf Fundraiser The 22nd Annual MTCES Golf event was on September 18 at Walden Ponds Golf Club. It was a fun day of camaraderie, friendly contests and good food. This long-running fundraiser was sponsored by TiER1 Performance and brought in more than $20,000 to help outfit new classrooms, upgrade technology and fund needs-based tuition assistance.
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GOOD TIMES
2020 Chamber Golf Classic—WCLCA Open The West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance Golf Classic—WCLCA Open scored a hole in one with participants at Mason’s Heritage Club on September 22. Business networking was at its finest on the green. Congratulations to the first-place team from Heritage Bank. ALI WOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY
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AROUND TOWN Every day of the week, Skally’s restaurant in the Streets of West Chester offers any veteran or civil servant, current or retired, 30% off their food bill. TopGolf offers a Heroes Discount for military (active duty and veterans), police, fire and EMS personnel. They receive 10% off TopGolf game play, a 20% discount on select monthly memberships and a 10% discount on events with TopGolf game play and event room rental only. iFLY provides a 20% military discount to active duty, retired and dependents of the military off their 1st Time Flyers Package, Mondays through Fridays. Kings Island also offers a discounted ticket price to active and retired military members and up to six
VOTE FOR READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Voting for the fourth annual West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle Readers’ Choice Awards begins on November 1. We’re looking for your favorite picks across multiple categories, including food and beverages, services, medical, recreation,
family members with those registered through ID.me. Dozens of national businesses offer specials on Veterans Day. To see more offers, visit Military.com/Veterans-Day.
JOURNEY BOREALIS HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW COMES TO PYRAMID HILL
shopping and more. Last month, readers nomi-
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
nated their favorite businesses, and the top nomi-
announces a collaboration with the Cincinnati
nees are now part of the final voting round. Online
Boychoir and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra for
voting is open until November 30 at 5 p.m. Winners
this year's holiday light show, Journey BOREALIS.
will be announced in a special issue in February. SurveyMonkey.com/r/WCLVOTE2020
MTCES WINS STEM AWARD FOR 13TH YEAR Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School
This 2.5 mile drive-through holiday light spectacular features more than 1,000,000 lights and holiday art installations created by regional artists. The park is able to offer this immersive visual art experience with a generous donation from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation.
(MTCES) and four of its faculty members
See Journey BOREALIS November 20 through
received the prestigious Governor’s Thomas
January 3, open Monday–Thursday from 6–9 p.m.,
Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education
and Friday–Sunday from 6–10 p.m. PyramidHill.org
and Student Research for their accomplishments during the 2019-20 school year. This is the thirteenth year MTCES has received this
ACCOLADES FOR WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP AND CHAMBER ALLIANCE
award from the Ohio Academy of Science.
Congratulations to West Chester Township
Recognized teachers are Lauren Austin, Karen
for being named the “Best Community to do
Geiger, Amanda Ocariz and Nikki Stewart.
Business” by Ohio Business magazine. This
First established in 1985, the award recognizes
award comes on the heels of two other award
Ohio schools and teachers who stimulate scientific
wins for West Chester Township. The 2020
student research and technological design and
Auditor of State Award with Distinction recog-
extend opportunities beyond traditional classroom
nizes outstanding financial record keeping prac-
activities. MTCES.org
tices. The American Heart Association presented
SPECIALS FOR OUR MILITARY Veterans Day is November 11, and we want to
the 2020 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold award to West Chester Fire and EMS for the sixth year in a row, honoring excellence in cardiac care.
let our military families know about area attrac-
We also celebrate the West Chester-Liberty
tions that offer savings for our nation’s military
Chamber Alliance (WCLCA) for being voted “Best
throughout the year.
Chamber of Commerce in Ohio,” as featured in CONTINUED >
14
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
LIFE HAPPENS IN
THE KITCHEN.
We can help make it your favorite room.
513.433.8343 kitchentuneup.com Kitchen Tune-Up West Chester Mason Locally owned and operated by Matt & Laura Fields.
Local businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhood, the spine of our local economy, and the spirit of our communities. We are grateful for your continued support during this time.
Refacing • Cabinet Painting • Redooring • Custom Cabinets • 1 Day Tune-Up • And More
During November & December, we will once again create amazing customized trees and designs for the holidays! Especially now, no we need to embrace the season and enjoy decorating our homes for this most celebrated time of the year. We continue to follow all social distancing guidelines and maintain a safe environment for our customers.
Ladies Day Out Wednesday, Nov 4 10am-8pm Christmas Open House Nov 5, 10am-6pm 6 & 7, 10am-5pm
In addition to holiday decor, we have accessories, furniture, jewelry, and our ladies boutique filled with fashions & great gift items!
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
15
AROUND TOWN Ohio Business magazine. The WCLCA is applauded
“Entrepreneurship” as a post-graduate option
for being best in its industry, with exceptional
promoted to students, along with Enrollment,
execution of its mission of “Connecting People
Employment and Enlistment. LakotaOnline.com
and Possibilities in West Chester and Liberty Townships and the I-75 Growth Corridor.”
Join the Caring Community Collaborative for
Chester Township and WCLCA for providing
video tributes to honor local Veterans on their
award-winning
Facebook page throughout November. Check their
and
services
thank in
you our
to
community!
WestChesterOH.org, TheChamberAlliance.com
website for details. C3Ohio.org
LAKOTA LAUNCHES “SHARK TANK” CLASS
BOOST BUSINESS SKILLS WITH LEADERSHIP 21 RECHARGE PROGRAM
A unique entrepreneurial experience debuts to 100 Lakota High School students this school
Use this unique time to invest in yourself with
year. INCubatoredu@Lakota is a class to inspire
Leadership 21 RECHARGE, a four-month program
young people to cultivate innovative products or
offered by The West Chester Liberty Chamber
services. Twenty-four local professionals, including
Alliance. Dive into eight virtual sessions geared toward
our Publisher Michelle Moody, are matched with
personal growth, community education and leader-
teams of students based on their interests. The
ship skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to build invalu-
teams will compete against each other, pitching
able connections in the region as you learn and grow.
their ideas to local investors who will award seed money to help make the top ideas a reality.
16
C3 HONORS VETERANS
West
Congratulations
Leadership 21 RECHARGE meets January through April, 2021. Join now for a reduced fee of $500.
Lakota Local Schools is only the second school
Contact Yasmen Brown-Jones at WCLCA for more
district in Ohio—and one of just 125 nationwide—
information: brown-jones TheChamberAlliance.com,
to introduce the class. INCubatoredu@Lakota
513.777.3600. Register online before December 18 to
is a direct response to Lakota’s decision to add
participate. TheChamberAlliance.com
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17
GIVING BACK
SAFETY NET
HOPE FOR HAITI’S CHILDREN TRANSFORMS LIVES
ARTICLE KAREN ANDREA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
FOR 25 YEARS, CINCINNATI-BASED HOPE FOR HAITI’S
In addition to sponsorships, the ministry raises funds to
CHILDREN (HFHC) HAS PROVIDED CHRISTIAN EDU-
operate two orphanages, a micro-farm, an annual medi-
CATION, MEALS, MEDICAL CARE, AND AGRICUL-
cal clinic, daily school lunch programs and Camp Hope, a
TURAL, VOCATIONAL AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING TO
21-acre recreational and training facility offering summer
CHILDREN WHO OTHERWISE COULD NOT AFFORD IT.
youth leadership camps.
HFHC Vice President Tonya Hunt shares, “We want to grow leaders who in turn will help their own country and people.”
One of the key sponsors of their lunch program is in neighboring Mason. Cincinnati EntryPoint transforms local
Poverty-stricken Haiti has very few public schools, so
doors and windows and is a committed partner with HFHC
most schools are tuition-based. Fifty percent of school-age
in transforming the lives of impoverished children many
Haitian children never attend school. HFHC serves about
miles away in Haiti.
3,000 children in 10 schools in diverse parts of the country.
Cincinnati EntryPoint owners Bruce and Suzy Carden
Tonya states, “HFHC is primarily a sponsorship organi-
share their company goal: “Because God has blessed the
zation. Sponsors pay $36 a month and that puts a child
growth of our companies, we have been able to meet a goal
through school. One hundred percent of the sponsorship
of feeding a child with every door we sell,” Bruce says. “We
stays in Haiti. Our ministry is unique in that we only have
prefer to keep our charity private, but hopefully by being
Haitians working in our schools and other programs.
open we will inspire others to get involved in this wonderful
Everyone involved knows the language, the country and
organization helping the children of Haiti.”
the people, and can interact well,” she remarks. Tonya adds, “We have a very strong network of Haitian leaders on the ground that we trust to do the work.”
18
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
Bruce and Suzy started sponsoring children 22 years ago, and eventually expanded their commitment to the lunch program.
CONTINUED >
Dubuisson Christian Elementary School Students
“IT’S ALL ABOUT THESE CHILDREN AND GIVING THEM A CHANCE. WHEN THEY GET THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO SCHOOL, THEIR WHOLE LIFE CHANGES. THERE’S NO TELLING WHAT THESE CHILDREN CAN BE. THEY RELY ON OTHERS’ COMPASSION. YOU CAN BECOME THEIR SAFETY NET.” —TONYA HUNT
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
19
GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
Tonya explains, “One thing that sets us apart is our lunch program. A lot of these kids might not eat every day, so a parent knows their child will eat if they are at our schools.” She continues, “That’s what EntryPoint provides. Bruce is very humble about it, but he has a big heart for these kids. He has sustained one of our school’s lunch programs for many years. It has given stability to that school to know their lunch program is being taken care of.” A guaranteed daily meal is so important to the children. Tonya relates, “I have seen this firsthand when I visited a school and spoke with the cook who said the lunch program changed their school. Every day when the kids arrive, instead of playing or going to their classroom, they head to the kitchen to see what’s cooking. They grow up not knowing when their next meal will come, so they want the reassurance each day that there will be a meal.” Sponsored children also receive regular medical care. Every year HFHC sets up a medical clinic in the city of Port au Prince and brings every child in their schools to the clinic for a check-up. Tonya says, “There are very few clinics, hospitals or doctors in Haiti. Our annual clinic is staffed with volunteer medical personnel from the U.S. We provide medicines, follow-ups, referrals to a specialist and pay for any medical services required. During the year we keep a nurse in each school to monitor any needs.” The Cincinnati headquarters of HFHC provides training and resources, secures sponsorships and raises funds for all operational costs. They partner with individuals, businesses, government and nonprofits. HFHC is committed to a high level of financial accountability and integrity that has been recognized by the independent rating group, Charity Navigator, who has awarded HFHC their highest rating for seven years. The past three years, HFHC received a perfect score, one of only 11 international charities in the U.S. with this stellar rating. One hundred percent of sponsorships and 89% of all other funds go directly to Haiti. Tonya reflects on the mission of Hope for Haiti’s Children. “It’s all about these children and giving them a
Madame Josette, School Cook
chance. When they get this opportunity to go to school, their whole life changes. There’s no telling what these children can be. They rely on others’ compassion. You can become their safety net.”
HOPE FOR HAITI’S CHILDREN 12020 Southwick Lane, Cincinnati
For information on sponsorships and donations, please
866.314.9330
contact: info@HopeForHaitisChildren.org.
HopeForHaitisChildren.org
20
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
TIMES PAST
CE L E BR AT ING 5 Y E A R S OF
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle ARTICLE MICHELLE MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY SHELLY BRUNS, WILLIAM J. DEVORE III, FC CINCINNATI, TANNER GAGLIARDO, LEN KALTMAN—WEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY, MASTERWORKS IMAGING, TERA MICHELSON, MICHELLE MOODY, PHODOGRAPHER PET PHOTOGRAPHY, SNAPPY GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY, ALI WOLFE
REMEMBERING 5 FABULOUS YEARS AT WEST CHESTER + LIBERT Y LIFEST YLE, WE HAVE THE
This month we’re taking a trek down memory lane and sharing
PLEASURE OF SHOWCASING THE AMAZING HAPPENINGS
a behind-the-scenes look at some of our most memorable stories
IN AND AROUND OUR COMMUNITY. The residents, busi-
from the past five years. We also share a timeline highlighting mem-
nesses, schools, township governments and services are the
orable moments in our community.
reason our community is such a great place to live, work, learn
If this recap makes you want to read the full story, recent issues may
and worship. These last five years we have been inspired and
be found on our website at CityLifestyle.com/westchesterandliberty.
motivated by your stories.
Every past issue can be found at Issuu.com. Thank you for the memories, and cheers to many more!
22
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
In West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle...
West Chester & Liberty
THE FIRST COVER
NOVEMBER 2015
premiere issue
For the first cover, we wanted a fall image with a family-friendly symbol of our community. It was
WestChesterandLibertyLifestyle.com
L
I
F
E
S
T
Y
L
E
™
mid-September and only one tree at Fort Liberty Playland had lost its leaves, so the Moody kids helped collect any leaf they could find to make the
by Community
scene look as fall-like as possible. HELPING LOCAL CHARITIES Our
premier
issue
featured
Broken
Bus
Ministries, a Liberty Township-based charity that delivers food and clothing to the homeless. The day the first magazine arrived, a reader emailed asking how to donate. It was so fulfilling to see an immediate response! ECHO DEBUTS Amazon had just released Echo, and we predicted it would be the hot gift for Christmas, 2015. Little did we know that five years later, over 100
GIVING BACK BUS DRIVEN BY FAITH FULL SERVICE SALON MORE THAN A MALL
million Echo devices would be sold and they’d be capable of full home automation.
2015 Around Town + Liberty Center opens in Liberty Township + Butler Tech opens the new Bioscience Center in West Chester + UC Health West Chester Hospital opens maternity ward + Cincinnati hosts the Major League Baseball All-Star Game + Cincinnati Reds player Todd Frazier wins the Home Run Derby
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
23
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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
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TIMES PAST (CONTINUED)
In West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle... GRILLING WITH LOCAL EXPERTS Our first Men’s issue included essential grilling tips and four delicious recipes. West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle connected local chef Ryan Knuth and Spicy Olive owner Melanie Cedargren, which led to this story and a collaboration that is ongoing today. FC CINCINNATI COMES TO TOWN We covered the debut season for FC Cincinnati. Just two years later, they were awarded an MLS expansion bid beginning with the 2019 season. 2021 will bring the completion of a new stadium, a sign of the team’s growing popularity. FAREWELL TO OLD UNION ELEMENTARY After serving students for nearly 100 years, we bid farewell to the old Union Elementary School building. Saying goodbye to those hallowed halls enabled the community to welcome something new in its place, the Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty.
2016 Around Town + Proton Therapy Center opens at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Liberty Campus + West Chester native Ken Griffey Jr. inducted into Baseball Hall Of Fame + Donut Trail launches in Butler County + Top Golf and Main Event open in West Chester + Anniversaries: Lakota Schools (60), West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance (40) CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
25
TIMES PAST (CONTINUED)
In West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle... HAPPY TAILS PET PICS More than 60 readers responded to our open casting call for a dog photo shoot. The end result was our most adorable story yet, with five pages of professional pet pics, beautifully photographed by PhoDOGrapher Pet Photography. FIRST FASHION ISSUE Our first fashion issue featured three readers as our models, eight outfits, six winter coats, four stores for clothing and accessories and three days of shooting in 90 degree heat. This remains the most complex photo shoot we’ve ever conducted. READERS’ CHOICE DEBUTS We launched the Readers’ Choice Awards to create an opportunity for our readers to honor their favorite area businesses. Almost 4,000 votes were cast across the 40 categories that first year. Vote for 2020 winners throughout November at SurveyMonkey.com/r/WCLVOTE2020.
2017 Around Town + Lakota Local Schools welcomes Matt Miller as the new superintendent + Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty opens new location + Liberty Township Fire Chief Paul Stumpf retires after 45 years; Ethan Klussman steps into the role + Mystic Timbers roller coaster opens for Kings Island’s 45th season + Anniversaries: West Chester Police Department (50), Union Centre Blvd. Interchange (20) 26
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
In West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle... PUPCASSO When a reader told us about her painting dog, Chloe, we knew this was something we had to see for ourselves. In between paintings, the multi-talented Chloe climbed on the playground equipment and played ball with owner Ashley Kallay. FAMILY OUTING AT HUESTON WOODS Who could we convince to help when the Hueston Woods story needed to be photographed on a freezing 20-degree February morning? My family! My son and husband filled in as models, and their “payment� was a trip to Bagel & Deli afterwards. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE ZOO KIND Our favorite photo shoot was the day spent at the Cincinnati Zoo, including behind-the-scenes access to Fiona and her mom. Bibi thought we were going to feed her, so she opened wide in a slightly scary moment for photographer Len Kaltman.
2018 Around Town + Money names West Chester Township 38th best place to live in America + MidPointe Library debuts the bookmobile and opens location in Liberty Center + The Christ Hospital Medical Center opens in Liberty Township + Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School becomes Blue Ribbon School of Excellence + Larry Burks becomes the new West Chester Township Administrator CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
27
Serving families in the West Chester - Liberty Community for over 30 years at:
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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
LyonsAndLyonsLaw.com @LyonsAndLyonsLaw
TIMES PAST (CONTINUED)
In West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle...
NO ‘SMALL’ FEAT We’re often asked how we find such interesting locals to spotlight. We’re fortunate to meet many exceptional people through our community involvement. But some of our best tips come from readers. That’s how we found Taylor Small, a remarkable, young trailblazer. WHO WAS THE COVER MAN? We were honored to interview John Boehner, but scheduling conflicts made a cover photo shoot impossible. Instead we cropped another man’s photo to create a powerful but anonymous cover image. Who was that headless man? Lakota Superintendent Matt Miller. NINJAS IN THE NATI I brought my superfan son to help identify and interview the competitors at the Cincinnati taping of American Ninja Warrior. They even let him try the
JUNE 2019
warped wall! Hearing the athletes talk about working
WestChesterandLibertyLifestyle.com
hard for their dreams was truly inspiring.
The
Men's Issue
2019 Around Town + West Chester Township releases a new logo and branding + iFly opens in Liberty Township + Voice of America Bethany relay station celebrates 75 years + Lakota Local Schools launches the Cyber Academy + Anniversaries: Crazy Cardboard Regatta (10), UC Health West Chester Hospital (10)
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
29
These are extraordinary times. Each day a new challenge. At Lindner Center of HOPE, we’re here to assist you with managing your mental health and substance use, providing treatment you need today and every day. Your mental wellness is important.
Call 513-536-HOPE or visit lindnercenterofhope.org
30
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
TIMES PAST (CONTINUED)
In West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle... FIRST STUDENT COVER PHOTOGRAPHER The annual “Arts” issue typically boasts our most stunning cover photograph of the year. We were incredibly impressed by the beautiful image captured by Lakota East student Tanner Gagliardo, of classmate Anna French, marking our first student cover photographer. FEMALES ON THE FRONTLINE We wrapped up our annual women’s issue in late March, right as the pandemic was shutting everything down. Never have we been more proud of the featured women, who were chosen months before MAY 2020
the pandemic. Thank you to all the frontline heroes!
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
Women
REBUILDING TOGETHER
Powered by
In April, we scrapped all our plans for the June Men’s issue and changed to a theme focused on rebuilding. We’re so proud of how our community rallied together to support each other in their greatest time of need.
MOMS ON A MISSION FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS POWER OF THE PURSE
2020 Around Town + Liberty Township opens new township administration building + Midpointe Library opens Innovation Pointe Makerspace + Union Centre Blvd. freeway exit becomes a diverging diamond interchange + Millikin interchange project officially moves to preliminary engineering phase + Anniversaries: Welling Jewelers (100), Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty (20) CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
31
ARTICLE TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY GARY JACOBS—A COPTER VIEW
HIGH-FLYING VIEWS OF OUR GROWING COMMUNITY
EYE IN THE SKY OUR TOWN
32
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
Beckett Ridge Roundabout
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHER GARY JACOBS LIFTS OFF INTO THE SKIES OF WEST CHESTER AND LIBERTY TOWNSHIPS TO CAPTURE BREATHTAKING PICTURES OF THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE. As the owner of A Copter View, he takes photographs, not from a helicopter as the business name implies, but from the belly of an FAA-approved, remote-controlled drone. The panoramic views in his images are spectacular. Gary has always enjoyed taking photos for fun, but as it happens for many entrepreneurs, his hobby has grown into a business. Professionally, Gary captures video and stills of commercial, industrial and residential real estate and operates a home inspection service, A Closer Look. In his spare time, he is the eye Liberty Center
in the sky, overlooking the rapid growth of our community. Gary’s drone glides effortlessly above and around area landmarks, parks and business centers to get the best angles and outlooks. “What I really like is doing a free shot and putting it on the web for people to enjoy and make comments on it,” Gary says. Today’s drones navigate hard-to-reach spots with ease, but Gary has experienced some crash landings along the way. “I started five or six years ago, when drones were first coming out,” he says. “The first ones were pretty old-fashioned, and you had to actually attach a camera to them to take a picture. It was pretty complicated back in the beginning.” “When I got my first drone it was during winter, so I practiced in my basement,” Gary shares. “I pushed all the furniture to the side and crashed and crashed and crashed, over and over. Eventually when spring came, I thought I was ready. I took it out to the park for the first time and the wind got it. It just blew it right away,” he laughs. Now, Gary has mastered a modern remote-controlled device and has a license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
33
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
Diverging diamond interchange at I-75 and Union Centre Blvd.
Aerial photographer Gary Jacobs
The Square at Union Centre
“They’re making the drones more efficient, so they don’t crash into
Gary’s images tell the story of our region, where beautiful skies
anything,” Gary explains. On a clear day, you may spot Gary out in
meet sprawling fields, with bustling business and recreation cen-
the community in his drone gear, including a hard hat and safety
ters in between. Enjoy the view!
vest, taking a bird’s-eye view. A West Chester resident for 18 years, he has observed our expanding community from the air. “I see a lot of hotels being built. Commercial-wise, there has been lots of growth—big projects like Liberty Center and Carriage Hill popping up,” Gary says.
34
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
A COPTER VIEW ACopterView.com | 513.535.7811
NOVEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
Enjoy Lego® displays, builds and
includes a swag bag and access to
shopping
p.m.,
the silent auction, basket raffle and
BETHANY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday,
much more. CharacterCincinnati.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 each;
org/heroes-of-character
on
Friday,
3-9
Bethany School
children 4 years and under are free.
Bethany School in Glendale will hold
Family
their open house on November 1
CincyBrickShow.com
NOV 20-DEC 30
14-15
JOURNEY BOREALIS HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
LAKOTA EAST HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFT SHOW
Kick off the holidays at Pyramid
Online
with the Journey BOREALIS hol-
Do all of your holiday shopping online
iday
at the annual Lakota East Holiday
a 2.5 mile drive-thru of 1 million
Arts & Crafts Show, virtual this year
lights. Open November 20 through
Interiors Plus
for
handmade
January 3, Monday–Thursday, 6–9
Interiors Plus has the perfect holiday
goods of more than 200 artisans,
p.m., and Friday–Sunday, 6–10 p.m.
decor ideas, from creatively-trimmed
the show is November 14, 9 a.m.-4
PyramidHill.org
Christmas trees to all styles of furni-
p.m. and November 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
ture, accessories and gifts. Gather your
LakotaEastCraftShow.com
packages
are
available.
from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Get to know the teaching methods, the campus and more as you learn about Bethany’s approach
to
K-8
education.
BethanySchool.org
4-7 INTERIORS PLUS HOLIDAY EVENTS
safety.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
Featuring
Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
friends for Ladies Day Out, November 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. or shop at the Christmas Open House, November 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and November 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to get into the holiday spirit. InteriorsPlusMasonOhio.com
15 CINCINNATI DESSERT FESTIVAL
spectacular,
featuring
21 THANKSGIVING ESCAPE SNAPOLOGY WORKSHOP EDGE Teen Center
Liberty Center
Students ages 4-14 are invited to take
The Dessert Festival is coming to
on this Thanksgiving-themed escape
7
the Liberty Center parking lot on
challenge. Complete assigned tasks
November 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sample
to solve the puzzle before other
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS 3RD ANNUAL BIG EVENT
Cincinnati’s sweetest treats, all in one
teams.
drive-thru experience. Choose the
Lego® projects are also included
best with digital voting following the
in this STEAM learning event. Get
Online
event. Each $15 ticket includes more
tickets
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler
than 20 desserts. Facebook.com/
Events/3286860964741352
County is going virtual for their 3rd
Events/146902349621769
Enjoy entertainment, a silent auction, a scavenger hunt and inspiring messages from both Bigs and Littles. The event is free, but you must register online for access. BBBSButler.org
Thanksgiving
online.
crafts
and
Facebook.com/
21-25
Annual Big Event on November 7.
36
light
18
DECORATE YOUR OWN THANKSGIVING MACARONS
HEROES OF CHARACTER CELEBRATION
Le Macaron
Online
Gobble, gobble up some Thanksgiving
13-15
On November 18, the Character
macarons,
Council will honor the 2020 Heroes
November 21 through November
WINTERLAND IN BRICKS
of Character and celebrate their
25 at Le Macaron at Liberty Center.
20th anniversary. The virtual event
Icing and decorations are pro-
Sharonville Convention Center
includes Tyler Bradshaw as emcee
vided to decorate your own treats
Lego® lovers, don’t miss the Cincy
and Keynote
Anthony
with a Thanksgiving theme with
Brick Show, November 13-15 at
Muñoz and Mike Daly. Each $75
the purchase of two macarons.
the Sharonville Convention Center.
ticket covers up to four people and
LeMacaron-US.com/Cincinnati
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
Speakers
only
available
from
Overprotective & Proud. It’s a family thing.
We’ll replace your existing Home or Business Monitoring. Only $29.95/month. Ask for details. New customers only.
“
Shiver has helped us tremendously and we have already felt the advantages of having security cameras. It is also nice to know that if something happens with our service, and help is needed Shiver will handle it in a timely manner.
“
— Brandon Ruby
Contact 513-719-4000 x101 Ashiver@shiversecurityservices.com
SHIVERSECURITY.COM
Providing Quality FINE ARTS EDUCATION
YOUR WAY
IN PERSON
DISTANCE LEARNING • Small class sizes for optimal social distancing • Temperature checks and hand sanitizing for everyone entering the building • Learn safely from home with interactive online classes via our new multi-camera set up in each dance studio, allowing at home students to • Face masks for faculty and staff participate with in-house students until they are comfortable coming IN PERSON • Enhanced cleaning between classes • Secure Online Viewing for parents via Spot TV app • Great for students who are immunocompromised • Newly installed air purification system that eliminates 99% of airborne • Great for students who generally come IN PERSON, but occasionally bacteria, mold, and viruses
513-829-2345 8107 Market Place Drive, West Chester, OH 45069
WEST CHESTER
ACADEMY
info@WestChesterAcademy.com CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty
37
LOCAL’S CHOICE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE MOODY
TO CELEBRATE THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF WEST CHESTER + LIBERTY LIFESTYLE, WE’RE OFFERING A LIMITED EDI-
TAKE FIVE WITH A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL AT SKALLY'S
TION COCKTAIL FOR OUR READERS TO ENJOY. The talented mixologists at Skally’s concocted this delicious autumn-inspired cocktail, the Fall Five. Skally’s is offering this special drink throughout November for just five dollars. Raise a glass and help us say, “Cheers to 5 years!” SkallysRestaurant.com
C H E E R S TO 5 YEARS
F I V E R E AS O N S TO T R Y T H E FA L L F I V E 01
The flavor profile is falltastic! Imagine a white Russian with a pumpkin spice flair. The Fall Five contains Tito’s Vodka, Kahlua and a few other secret ingredients.
02
Glasses are rimmed with a delicious mixture of graham crackers and pumpkin pie spice. Take a nibble from the rim and it’s almost like eating pumpkin pie!
03
Drinks are topped with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice and a gently smoldering cinnamon stick. Enjoy it indoors or on Skally’s covered patio in front of the fireplace.
04
Come for the cocktail, but stay for the food. Locally-owned Skally’s is best known for their
handcrafted
pizzas,
overflowing
gyros, decadent desserts, freshly made dressings and more.
05
Veteran’s Day is November 11. Skally’s offers veterans and civil servants 30% off their food bill year-round! Visit Skally’s in the Streets of West Chester, 9558 Civic Centre Boulevard.
38
West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | November 2020
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40% off any order of $1000 or more. 30% off an order $700 - $999. *Financing available. Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details. Free installation valid only on complete systems of $700 or more. Coupon valid on new orders only and must be presented at initial design consultation. May not be applied to a previously placed order. Expires: 12/31/2020
WISHING YOU & YOURS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING Thank you for your business & referrals. Featured Listings – see your home here next month!
5786 Glen Abby Ct Why build when you can move into this like new home? Only five years old, located on cul-de-sac street. Gorgeous kitchen with white cabinets & granite. 9’ ceilings on 1st floor. 2nd floor laundry room. Luxury master suite. 1st floor office. Spacious bedrooms. Huge back yard. Finished lower level. Community features walking trails & playground.
7586 Foxchase Dr
5031 Meadowside Ct Excellent
condition
in
desirable
Foxborough community! Many updates include: new 2nd floor carpet 2020, new deck 2020, HVAC 2015, exterior painted 2020, luxury vinyl plank flooring in foyer/dining/study/kitchen in 2017. Finished lower level. 2nd floor bonus room. Gorgeous, flat back yard. Pool community. Minutes to the new Beckett Kroger & more!
Creekside Meadows. Custom built home. Kitchen overlooks large great room & morning room. Finished lower level. Spacious patio overlooks back yard. 3 car garage. Cul-de-sac street. Great locationjust minutes to Liberty Center, OH-129, Bridgewater Falls & more!
In 2019, Tiffany’s average days on market was 23 and list-to-sale price was 97.63%
Tiffany Allen-Zeuch EXECUTIVE SALES VICE PRESIDENT PBD, SRS, RELOCATION SPECIALIST
(513) 349.7311
tzeuch@sibcycline.com www.tazhomes.com
#1 Agent Sibcy Cline West Chester
Visit
CABR-Circle of Excellence: 2005, 2009-2019 Sibcy Cline Top & Premier Clubs: 2004-2020 OR President’s Sales Club: 2005-2020 Five Star Agent (customer service award): 2012-2020
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