West Chester & Liberty, OH August 2024

Heartfelt Tails

Heartfelt Tails

Each August we celebrate the joy, love and boundless energy that both kids and animals bring into our lives and our community.

Today I proudly proclaim my status as a “dog person,” but I didn’t begin that way. For most of my youth I was a “bird person.” My parakeets had personalities bigger than I thought was possible in such tiny frames. With my family’s extensive bird knowledge, we became our neighborhood's go-to source for helping to rescue, rehabilitate and then release wild birds that were injured. We had a huge heart for wanting to rescue strays, which is how I became a “cat person” when we took in two abandoned cats wandering my neighborhood. As much as I love cats, I unfortunately developed severe allergies to them when I was away at college. So once I got my own place, I adopted a dog. Dogs have stolen my heart with their unconditional love and endless playfulness, so today I proudly declare my status as a “dog person.” But my love for all animals still runs deep.

I did experience a gap in my life with no pets—during that time I was adjusting to raising two very energetic young sons, so animals were on the back burner for a while. Our youth are the other focus of this special dual Kids + Pets issue because of the remarkable ways they enrich our community.

Whether you are a parent, pet caregiver or simply a lover of heartfelt tales (and tails), we hope this issue leaves you with a smile and a renewed appreciation for the unique connections we share with our youngest and furriest community members.

Warm regards,

MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karen Andrea, Kathy Doane, Mia Hilkowitz, A.J. Lape, Natalie Mazey, Lisa Moyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matthew J. Capps, Janie Jones, Len Kaltman

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Did you know that classes in the arts...

- Encourage collaboration and teamwork - Improve academic performance - Teach perseverance and discipline - Spark creativity and expression!

business monthly

First Annual Faith Alliance Shoe Drive Surpasses Goal

Faith Alliance held its first shoe drive last spring to an overwhelming response from local churches and community partners. The nonprofit collected 566 new and gently worn pairs of tennis shoes to go to Lakota students in need and Reach Out Lakota patrons. The Faith Alliance of West Chester & Liberty Township is a collaborative network of Christian churches working together to alleviate local poverty and demonstrate Christian love. Learn about additional projects online. TheFaithAlliance.com

Support Vets at the Easterseals Redwood Honor Ride—August 24

The 2024 Easterseals Redwood Honor Ride will be 8:30 a.m., Saturday, August 24 at Miami Whitewater Forest in Harrison. Join the non-competitive, family-friendly bicycle ride to honor the service and sacrifice of military veterans. Show support by riding along or hosting your own ride to raise awareness and funds. Purchase an Honor Ribbon for $20 and your veteran’s name will be read during the kick-off ceremony. Register and purchase ribbons online. HonorYourVet.net

Pour House Hosts Rod Woodson Event Supporting Hamilton Boys & Girls Club

Pour House of Hamilton hosted a fundraiser supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Hamilton featuring a meet-and-greet with NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson. One of the greatest defensive backs of all time, Woodson played 17 seasons of football and holds the NFL record for fumble recoveries by a defensive player and interceptions returned for touchdowns. Locally owned Pour House is a family-friendly, self-pour, pay-by-the-ounce taproom and kitchen. PourHouseofHamilton.com

Ambassadors of Joy

“The Purple Monkey Project was established as a loving memorial in honor of Reagan— aimed at keeping her sweet spirit alive by doing good in our community.”

“Purple Monkey went everywhere with us,” shares Angela Vanoss, Reagan’s mom and brand manager for Purple Monkey Project. “She slept with her every single night. One time she was transported via the U.S. Postal Service because we accidentally left her in Florida on a family vacation.”

The Purple Monkey Project is a quiet movement, brightening the community with generosity and kindness.

Inspired by fun-loving ten-year-old Reagan Vanoss, the project continues to link her to the community even after her tragic death in May of 2021. Reagan’s loved ones, her favorite stuffed purple monkey, and the rest of the Purple Monkey Project are ambassadors of joy, performing random acts of kindness and creating memory-making moments in her name.

“The Purple Monkey Project was established as a loving memorial in honor of Reagan—aimed at keeping her sweet spirit alive by doing good in our community,” the nonprofit’s website explains.

The youngest of four children in the close-knit Vanoss family, Reagan was a smart, spunky and active fifth grader who loved her family—and her special monkey.

A simple idea to honor Reagan has grown into contagious acts of kindness and a domino effect of fun in the community, supporting students and encouraging families.

“The Purple Monkey Project started with the idea of giving a $10,000 scholarship to Reagan’s classmates from the class of 2028,” says Angela. “Now, it has transformed into different ways to help students. We keep asking ourselves, ‘What are the ways we can make an impact? Where would she undoubtedly be making an impact?’ We turned to the schools because she loved school.”

The Purple Monkey Project didn’t have to wait until 2028—they’ve already started giving $1,000 college scholarships and offering financial assistance to students for school-related and activity fees. From football uniforms to cheerleading, bowling and choir fees,

surrounding local schools reach out to the Purple Monkey Project to request funding for students in need.

“Funds from Purple Monkey Project pay school fees for families that are struggling to do that.” Angela says. “This helps my heart—these random acts of kindness are in honor of my girl.”

To celebrate Reagan’s August 28 birthday, there’s a late summer golf outing. November brings Reagan’s Mic Drop, a lip sync battle and the Purple Monkey Project’s opportunity to give Reagan Vanoss Spirit Awards to thank first responders, teachers and volunteers. Reagan was a member of Girls on the Run, so the Purple Monkey Project hosts the annual Reagan’s Fun Run 5K each May, near her angelversary. Reagan loved to volunteer with her family at the Fairfield Civitan fields, where her accident happened: Purple Monkey Project built a new concession stand, Reagan’s Snack Shack and hosts family-friendly events there.

“We are interested in hosting fun events to create opportunities for families to create core memories together,” says Angela. “Our family knows the value of having happy core memories together. We are trying to create memories for our family, but we also want this for all the families in the community—to have fun, cheer each other on, celebrate our lives and celebrate Reagan’s life.”

Reagan, nicknamed “Rey,” continues to bring rays of sunshine to the community.

“When somebody says ‘Purple Monkey Project,’” Angela says, “we want them to immediately think of all the good we’ve done, and picture Reagan’s little face squeezing her little purple monkey.”

Find details about Purple Monkey Project’s upcoming events online.

PURPLE MONKEY PROJECT

contact@purplemonkeyproject.org PurpleMonkeyProject.org,  Facebook.com/purplemonkeyproject,  Instagram.com/purplemonkeyproject

PUPPY POWER

ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CANINE COMPANIONS PROVIDES TRAINED DOGS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Imagine a world where wagging tails bring hope, independence and joy to those in need. This is the reality that Canine Companions for Independence has been creating since 1975, by providing expertly trained service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities, free of charge. With more than 7,800 graduate teams and a robust network of volunteers, their mission is clear: to enhance the lives of people through the power of these incredible canine companions.

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden-cross puppies are bred in Santa Rosa, California and carefully selected by veterinarians based on their health and temperament. After their time with volunteer puppy raisers in different locations around the country, including in local homes with volunteers from the Cin-Day Chapter, the pups go to regional centers to undergo specialized training and socialization tailored to the unique needs of the people they will assist.

Some dogs alert their hearing-impaired owners to alarms, ringing phones, unusual sounds and danger. Others assist with fetching items, opening drawers and doors, paying with credit cards and helping with dressing and laundry. For those on the autism spectrum, dogs offer comforting nudges and help redirect heightened emotions. For veterans with PTSD, dogs interrupt anxious behaviors, wake them from nightmares and create a personal space in public.

Canine Companions’ dogs provide crucial support in various settings. They work in physical and occupational therapy, assisting at several Cincinnati Children’s Hospital locations. Canine Companions is also the only organization to place a dog in the Cincinnati court system, offering comfort to children.

Diane Gudaitis and Beth Tumbleson are two dedicated puppy raisers with the local Cin-Day Chapter. The dogs get their start at these loving homes.

Gudaitis shares, “A raiser has the dog full time. They get the dog at eight weeks of age and raise them in their homes up to 18 months. We’re involved in the long-term development of the puppies, preparing them for their future roles as service dogs by teaching them 30 commands, which are the foundation for their advanced training.”

At 18-months-old, the dogs transfer to a regional training facility.

“Our training center near Columbus evaluates each dog’s strengths and temperaments to ensure they’re perfectly matched with individuals based on their specific needs,” Gudaitis explains. “Then they undergo six more months of extensive training.”

Realizing everyone may not have the time for an 18-month commitment, Canine Companions has started a program where volunteers can become a starter or a finisher. Starters and finishers each have the dog for six or nine months. Volunteers can also become sitters, providing temporary care that matches their calendars.

Tumbleson shares a glimpse into a day spent training her puppy, Brazil.

“In puppy raising, it includes socializing her, taking her to puppy and obedience classes and taking her out in public,” she says. “Whether it’s to a church or a park, I see that she has a full range of experiences around other animals, people and places.”

While other service dog organizations charge in the five-figure range, Canine Companion dogs are provided free of charge. The application process enables accepted applicants to have a companion animal within a year and a half to two years.

“We not only raise and train puppies but also fundraise and host gatherings to support the cause, ensuring everyone has the support and resources they need,” Gudaitis adds.

Tumbleson notes, “Even though puppy raising is a non-paid position, it’s worthwhile. It’s a wonderful way to invest in and empower someone with a disability. You feel good about the commitment. It’s exciting. And it’ll change you.”

The journey of these service dogs is supported entirely by sponsors and donors. Many local vets also offer discounts on their services.

Canine Companions is looking for help to continue this life-changing work. Volunteer puppy raisers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these dogs, teaching them the foundational skills they need to become successful service animals. Additionally, support as a corporate or individual sponsor is crucial in sustaining programs and expanding reach.

Gudaitis urges, “We are always in need of more puppy raisers to join our organization.”

Canine Companions is committed to reaching an ambitious goal by 2025—to become the most recognized leader in their industry, providing expertly trained, highest-quality service dogs free of charge to all qualified applicants. As they strive to eliminate their waitlist, they aim to set a new standard of best practices, ensuring that no one in need is left waiting.

Join the Cin-Day Chapter of Canine Companions in this fulfilling journey of service to make a profound difference, one puppy at a time.

Canine Companions | 800.572.BARK | Canine.org Canine.org/location/north-central/chapter/cin-day-chapter

Top: Canine Companions’ dogs can help clients with nearly 65 different disabilities. Middle: Volunteer puppy raisers play a pivotal role in shaping Canine Companions’ dogs, teaching them foundational skills to become successful service animals.

Bottom: Diane Gudaitis and Casper on the day he moved to the North Central Training Campus for continued training.

Job Change?

Whether retiring or changing jobs, you’ll want to know your retirement account options.

There are four potential options for your 401(k) when leaving an employer:

Leave it in your former employer’s 401(k) plan, if allowed by the plan.

• Move it to your new employer’s 401(k) plan, if you’ve changed employers and your new employer plan allows for it. Roll the account over to an individual retirement account (IRA).

• Cash it out, which is subject to potential tax consequences.

Garden In the

HIGHFIELD DISCOVERY GARDEN CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH NEW MUSIC-THEMED AREA

ARTICLE BY MIA HILKOWITZ | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY GREAT PARKS

Two decades of Highfield Discovery Garden is music to our ears! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beautiful spot by visiting its new music-themed project that allows guests of all ages to explore a love for nature and art.

Find the Music Garden in the 12-acre Highfield Discovery Garden in Great Parks' Glenwood Gardens, just down I-75 in Woodlawn. It features a 140-squarefoot outdoor stage surrounded by five music stations that allow visitors to play various drums, chimes and bells. Glenwood Gardens’ new music garden encourages visitors to explore the intersection of nature and music. Even the garden's layout incorporates musical elements, as an accessible path that runs through the garden is shaped like a treble clef.

Doug Stevenson, Highfield Discovery garden manager, says the project took around six years to complete. The music garden was built in honor of Becky Reed, a former naturalist for Glenwood Gardens who lost her battle to cancer in 2017. Reed, who was Stevenson’s supervisor, was working on early concepts for the garden before her death.

“It was an honor to get to work with her while she was still with us and share her vision and kind of get that project started,” Stevenson says. “The original concept was much smaller, but then we said ‘Hey, we want this to be permanent and really honor her vision.’”

The garden was funded by a $150,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as well as other private grants and donations. Stevenson says various music and student groups have performed at the garden since it opened.

“It continues every day to bring me great joy and excitement just to see how the space is being used and to think about how it can be used in the future,” Stevenson says. “It just is a very, very special space to me and to Becky.”

In addition to the Music Garden, residents can also visit seven other themed gardens that encourage people to explore nature. These areas include a butterfly garden, vegetable garden and fairytale themed-garden, all centered around a 25-foot discovery tree.

Stevenson says the music garden—and all options in the Highfield Discovery Garden—“truly are for all ages.” In addition to programs and performances aimed toward younger audiences, Glenwood Gardens gives tours to adult groups and older students.

“You don’t have to be a serious musician to just create music and enjoy it,” Stevenson says. “To not be so concerned about time signatures, just to play and interact with your environment and experience life–I think it’s great for all ages really.”

Great Parks decided to open the Highfield Discovery Garden in 2004 to introduce people of all ages, but especially children, to gardening and nature.

Butler Tech Adult Career Programs

In 11 months or less, Butler Tech Adult education students earn the skills and credentials employers value to begin a rewarding career in:

Healthcare:

Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Phlebotomy, STNA New: LPN to RN

Public Safety: Police, Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic

Industrial Technology:

HVAC/R, Industrial Welding, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Utility Pipeline Technician New: Robotics Technology

Transportation:

Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Driver’s Ed Training & Testing

Now Enrolling! Get started today at butlertech.org/adult-education

“You don’t have to be a serious musician to just create music and enjoy it.” — Doug Stevenson

“I think that’s the beauty of Highfield because it’s so whimsical and we really do encourage imagination,” Stevenson says. “For very young children that may not understand some of the scientific concepts or some of the more traditional programming, this is a really fun way to introduce kids to nature and gardening in a way that they may not even realize. That appreciation will stay with them as they get older.”

The cost of admission to the Highfield Discovery Garden is $6 per person but free for visitors under age two. Glenwood Gardens also offers an annual family pass for $60, allowing four people unlimited visits for a year—with the option of a $9 add-on for more people. Visitors are required to have a valid motor vehicle permit to park their vehicle at any of the Great Parks. The parking fee for residents outside of Hamilton County is $16 annually or $8 daily.

Find details about upcoming events at the Highfield Discovery Garden at the Great Park’s online calendar. Annual passholders receive a monthly newsletter that lists happenings at Glenwood Gardens and Highfield Discovery Garden.

Highfield Discovery Garden | GreatParks.org, 513.771.8733 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati

DIGITAL detox

GUIDELINES

Dr.ChrisTuell,

Clinical Director

ofAddictionServices at

ARTICLE BY KAREN ANDREA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Screens are everywhere. We live in an ever-present digital world that consumes our time and focus and can be problematic for our mental, physical and relational health. None of us can escape the effect social media has on our lives. One researcher reports that on average people unlock their phones 80 times a day and only laugh 15 times a day.

Even though our connected world can provide benefits, screen time can also expose users to violence, sexual content, cyberbullying, predators, negative stereotypes and misinformation. Parents especially are concerned about the time their children spend on electronic devices as well as what they are viewing.

We are fortunate to have the Lindner Center of HOPE in our community offering their expertise on concerns related to social media usage as well as guidance on using it wisely.

Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of HOPE Dr. Chris Tuell points out, “Most kids can utilize social media in a responsible and healthy way, but for some, it can become out of control and problematic.”

Dr. Tuell cites research from Johns Hopkins University that found teens (ages 13-17) who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to report levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, antisocial behaviors and aggressiveness. Teens who spend five hours or more per day on their devices are 70% more likely to have suicidal ideations.

Dr. Tuell shares a few warning signs when determining whether social media usage is becoming problematic or even addictive. Watch for behavioral signals like the inability to manage or stop usage, obsessing over access and lying about usage. Other concerning behaviors may be neglecting responsibilities and decreased interest and achievement in school and other activities.

“An important concern centers on whether the behavior is continued despite negative consequences,” Dr. Tuell explains. “The youth continues to engage in the behavior knowing it is impacting school and other interests, damaging relationships and hurting the family and yet does it anyway. This is the true essence of addiction.”

Psychological problems can include becoming depressed or anxious when access is limited, increased comparison to others and feeling left out and using social media as a way to cope with stress. Relationally, they may be preferring time online over social interaction with friends and family. Physical issues can include sleep difficulties, poor eating and personal hygiene habits and headaches.

“Every time we check our phone, go online, read a text, etcetera, we get a release of the neurochemical dopamine that is related to pleasure and survival,” Dr. Tuell explains. “Whether the brain is triggered by gaming, gambling, shopping, illicit drugs, food, alcohol or social media, a similar neurochemical process is occurring. Unfortunately for some, this process can hijack the brain’s reward system, resulting in an addiction.”

Lindner Center can provide individual and family counseling and therapy to address concerns related to social media usage. A new short-term teen outpatient program is beginning to help participants understand themselves and build skills to improve overall functioning.

In summary, Dr. Tuell reflects, “While social media offers many benefits, excessive use can have adverse effects. Finding a balance that suits individual needs and priorities can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.” LindnerCenterofHOPE.org

Here are Dr. Tuell’s suggested guidelines:

Screen Use Tips

Dr. Tuell encourages adults to model healthy social media usage and take inventory of any warning signs and misuse that are impacting the individual and family. He recommends regularly suggesting other activities, including physical ones.

“As caregivers, we need to be aware of what is out there, what children are being exposed to and educate them about responsible social media and screen usage,” he says.

• No screens for children under age 2

• One supervised hour/day for ages 3-5

• Supervised use only for ages 5-12

• Limit ages 13-18 to two hours/day

• No device usage in private areas

• Remove screens from kids’ bedrooms

• No screens during mealtimes or family outings

• Utilize monitoring software

• Avoid using screens to babysit

Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.

“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”

Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.

“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”

ARTICLE

BY LISA MOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE

JONES

STYLED BY ANGELA

BROOCKERD

“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”

CONTINUED >

Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”

Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.

“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.

DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:

• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.

• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.

• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.

• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.

HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH

Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.

• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.

• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.

• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.

• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and petfriendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.

BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR YOUR PUP

cake:

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

• ½  cup apple, peeled, cored and chopped fine

• ½  teaspoon baking powder

directions:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside.

Step 2. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few diced apple pieces on top.

Step 3. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 4. Slice and serve to your dog’s party guests or bake one for each guest.

If our previous story has inspired you to throw a birthday party for your dog, you’ll need a pet-friendly birthday cake recipe.

ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN

lakota LEADING

MEET LAKOTA LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT’S NEW SUPERINTENDENT DR. ASHLEY WHITELY

After an extensive search, Lakota Local Schools welcomes Dr. Ashley Whitely as its new Superintendent as preparations are being made for the 2024-25 school year. As a Liberty Township resident, parent to a Lakota student and former English teacher and department chair at Lakota East, Whitely is not new to the district. She returns to lead the team with experience and enthusiasm for both students and staff. Meet Dr. Ashley Whitely.

“At the top of my résumé— it has been there since my very first teaching job—it says, ‘Every leader a teacher, every teacher a leader, every student a success.’ I want everybody to understand their own leadership opportunities and move in the same direction.”

How does it feel to return to Lakota?

“In some ways I never left! I’m a Lakota community member and it’s wonderful to be home—to have your professional and personal life all in the same place. I grew up in southwestern Kentucky and I remember when we first moved to Ohio, that excitement of being at Lakota as a place of excellence, with its warmth and inviting qualities. To return to that and be able to help grow our excellence and lead our district into the next iteration of ourselves is super exciting.”

Why public education?

“I grew up in a family of public educators. In fact, everybody in my family is a teacher except for my father. Public education is just part of who I am. My mother would give me her old gradebook and I’d play school. I’m an only child, so I would teach imaginary children. It’s in my DNA. In public education, ‘all’ means all—public education is about every student growing and every student learning. I want to make sure that every student is reaching their full potential, not just achieving but growing.”

What are you most excited about as you take on this new position?

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to re-energize and revitalize the culture. Culture is critical to any organization, particularly a school district. I’m eager to build a very positive and welcoming work environment where students and staff can grow and thrive. Data and test results start to really take root and blossom when you get the culture right. I’m excited to work with the team to build a positive culture so that staff and students are heard, feel valued and know that they’re growing.”

LakotaOnline.com

ARTICLE BY KATHY DOANE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS + PROVIDED

ANYTHING IS PAWSIBLE WHEN PAWS FOR MILES COMES TO THE RESCUE

SAVING MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Luka’s curled tail is wagging like a windshield wiper on high as he bounces around the yard on three legs with his canine pal, Callie. It’s hard to imagine a happier dog. It’s even harder to imagine the circumstances of Luka’s life a mere four months ago.

“OUR

wouldn’t survive in the shelter, so she took him home.

Over the next few weeks, Salatin— with financial help from many generous people—began to address Miles’ medical needs. Sadly, his injuries—along with cancer, which was discovered—

BIGGEST NEEDS ARE FOSTER HOMES AND CORPORATE SPONSORS.”

Luka is one of 70 dogs airlifted to the U.S. from a sanctuary in the war-ravaged West Bank of Israel in March by SPCA International. Luka and seven other dogs were put on a plane at JFK and flown to Lunken Airport. There, they were met by Jennifer Salatin of Paws for Miles, a local foster-based dog rescue. Seven were transported to foster homes that day. Luka went home to foster with Salatin herself.

Luka and most of the others who made the journey are Canaans—a Husky-like breed and national dog of Israel. Stepping up to help Luka and the others was right in line with the reason Salatin founded Paws for Miles in 2017. It started with Miles—a three-yearold pit bull whose abuse by previous owners is hard to take in. It caused Miles to lose the use of his back legs. He ended up at a local SPCA where Salatin worked at the time. She knew Miles

were too overwhelming. Miles died a few weeks later.

Salatin’s fundraising efforts to help him, however, had been very successful. So, to honor his memory and help her transition to starting her own animal rescue service, Salatin founded Paws for Miles (PFM)—a fitting tribute in both name and effort.

Today, PFM accepts dogs of all breeds, ages, temperaments and physical abilities. Most come from the tristate area, but Salatin and her team of five volunteers have also taken dogs in crisis situations from other parts of the country, in addition to PFM’s extraordinary efforts this past March to save dogs caught up in war.

To be clear, PFM is not a shelter. Every rescue is placed in a pre-selected foster home where they are cared for and their medical needs met until the dog can be adopted. To date,

PFM has found forever homes for more than 1,000 dogs.

Despite the mental and emotional rewards of saving so many dogs, the work can be daunting, especially the costs.

“When dogs have to have surgery, it can be several thousand dollars to get them healthy enough to adopt,” Salatin says. “We fundraise, but there’s never enough money.”

So, what keeps her going?

“It’s when you get that call from an older person or a mom saying how much the dog has changed their lives,” she says.

Dogs just like Luka.

Talk about going the extra mile–there’s more you can do. Consider fostering or adopting a dog; contribute directly to this amazing cause by donating or becoming a sponsor. Or peruse PFM’s online list of upcoming events and their gallery of irresistible doggos ready for adoption. PawsForMiles.org |

THURSDAYS

Live After Five Concert Series

The Square, Liberty Center, Fountain View Drive + Bales Street, Liberty Township | 6:00 PM

Head to Liberty Center for live music all summer long. Every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. through September 28, hear a new live band while sipping a DORA drink. On select nights, enjoy additional family-friendly activities. Find the full lineup online. Liberty-Center.com

AUGUST 1ST

Graeter’s Dog’s Night Out

Graeter's West Chester, 7651 Cox Lane, West Chester + Graeter's Liberty Way, 7121 Foundry Row, Liberty Township | 6:00 PM

All are invited for a night out with a furry friend at Graeter's on the first Thursday of every month from April through September. Your dog will receive a special pup-friendly frozen treat courtesy of Dogster while supplies last. Graeters.com

AUGUST 3RD

Pyramid Hill Dogs & Doughnuts

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton | 10:00 AM

Enjoy a morning of snacks and crafts with your pup in tow! Your dog can strike a pose for a portrait by a caricature artist before you create a paw print bouquet. The event, crafts and activities are included in general park admission. No registration necessary. PyramidHill.org

AUGUST 6TH

Tails for Tuesdays Hound Hikes

Gilmore Ponds MetroPark, 7950 Gilmore Road, Hamilton | 7:00 PM

Bring your dog and join other four-legged friends for a hike to remember. MetroParks will provide waste bags for your pups. All dogs must be on a 6-foot leash with up-to-date vaccinations. Yourmetroparks.net

AUGUST 8TH - 11TH

VOA Country Music Fest

Voice Of America MetroPark, 7850 Voice Of America Park Drive, West Chester | 5:30 PM

Don’t miss this gathering of country music’s hottest artists for four days of live performances at Voices of America’s Country Music Fest. See the full 2024 lineup online, including Thursday’s bonus evening of music from 5:30-11:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday shows from 1:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets and details are available online. VOACountryMusicFest.com

AUGUST 17TH

Hope’s Closet Pickleball for a Purpose

The Pickle Lodge, 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester | 9:00 AM

Hope’s Closet is hosting a pickleball tournament and fundraiser for all skill levels on Saturday, August 17. Cost is $65 per player and includes at least four guaranteed games with the opportunity to qualify to play in the medal round, refreshments and more. An optional introduction to pickleball instructional course is offered at 8 a.m. on the morning of the event for beginners to learn the rules, scoring and basic moves. HopesClosetOhio.org/pickleball-for-a-purpose

AUGUST 21ST

2024 Rotary Charity Golf Outing

Wetherington Golf & Country Club, 7337 Country Club Lane, West Chester | 1:00 PM

Hit the links to support the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty, providing local impact grants for nonprofits and student scholarships. Registration includes all it takes for eighteen holes of golf, including a cart, lunch, dinner, drinks, prizes and raffles. Shotgun start begins at 1 p.m. Find details and registration information online. WestChesterLibertyRotary.org

AUGUST 24TH

HAMILPALOOZA

Streets around Marcum Park, 116 Dayton Street, Downtown Hamilton | 12:00 PM

Shop at this family-friendly marketplace of unique gifts from 100+ local artisans, 12-6 p.m. Find new, repurposed and vintage items and enjoy live entertainment, eats and treats from a variety of food trucks and a car show. Admission is free. Hamilton-Ohio.com/hamilpalooza

SCAN TO FIND OUT

Located on a serene cul-de-sac, this residence offers 3,115 square feet of comfortable living space. The first floor features hardwood floors, fireplace in the great room. The kitchen with butler’s pantry, remodeled laundry room equipped with built-in cabinets. Five-bedroom home includes three full baths on the second floor. Recent updates include a new HVAC system installed in July 2021 and a new water heater added in July 2022.

Excellent condition ranch home in the heart of West Chester. New HVAC 2021. This charming property, situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street, boasts impressive curb appeal with a welcoming front porch. Inside, you’ll find newer carpet throughout the first floor, a spacious living room with a fireplace, and an updated kitchen. The primary suite with adjoining full bathroom. First-floor laundry. Full walkout basement.

“Tiffany was exceptional from the moment we met to talk about selling my house until the moment that I signed the closing papers. She was available whenever I had a questions and made perfect recommendations prior to listing my house. She’s a 11 out of 10 in my book!”

— Richard L.