The future you've been thinking about may be closer than you realize.
At Butler Tech, students discover their passion, find their purpose and create impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships and real-world experiences, students gain the skills and confidence to take the next step. They earn industry-recognized credentials, college credit and practical experience that position them for success in careers and life.
Butler Tech students graduate ready to make an immediate impact in the workforce and the communities they serve.
Paws + Play
August brings one my favorite themes of the year, our Kids + Pets issue! This month, we’re celebrating all the joy, laughter and unconditional love that children and pets bring into our lives.
For the pet-lovers, we meet a local champion–the 2025 Zinzinnati Oktoberfest Running of the Wieners dog race winner. If you’ve never seen a wiener dog race before, do yourself a favor and google it for a guaranteed smile, then check out this year’s event. We also spotlight an important nonprofit making a difference in our community, Animal Friends Humane Society.
Beyond our furry friends, this issue is filled with ideas and resources centered around family fun and growth. We feature a locally owned business helping students of all ages become more confident learners—Huntington Learning Center. We also share simple, creative ways families can slow down, connect and make meaningful memories together before the busy back-to-school season begins.
I’ve been very nostalgic in my publisher letters these last few months as we lead up to August—the month I become an empty nester. I promise this is the last time I’ll get sappy and sentimental this year, but if you see me this month, I’ll be playing the song “Don’t Throw Out My Legos” by AJR on repeat and probably crying a little. This song is about a son who is both excited and nervous to move out and be on his own. But just in case he wants to come home again, he asks his parents not to throw out his Legos. The song captures that in-between stage when you want freedom and adulthood, but also miss the safety of home.
For parents of young kids, don’t take a single moment for granted; it goes faster than you think. Write down all those cute things your kids do or say that you think you’ll remember forever, because as time passes, those special memories become harder to recall. And in the not-too-distant future, you’ll be helping your child pack up and hoping they ask you not to throw out their Legos.
Mike Burcham, Kali Kasprzyk, A.J. Lape, Pam Reid, Ashley Skinner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anjali Fong Photography, Janie Jones, Len Kaltman
Corporate Team
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Good boy Petey smiles for the camera.
Take Paws
Animal Friends Humane Society is Changing Lives, One Paw at a Time
For more than 70 years, Animal Friends Humane Society (AFHS) has been a lifeline for animals and pet owners throughout Butler County. As the county's oldest and largest nonprofit animal shelter, its mission goes far beyond adoptions, providing critical services that support both animals and the people who care for them.
For Board member and longtime volunteer Jennifer Goris, that mission became personal more than a decade ago. She first became involved through Carole's Canine Companions, a program that took shelter dogs to visit residents in retirement communities.
“I didn’t expect to lose my heart to the dogs back in the kennels,” she says. “Imagine being in a confined space every day, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and loud frightening noises. It’s stressful, and a little love can go a long way.”
Animal Friends Humane Society (AFHS) offers a wide range of services that improve animal welfare in Butler County. In addition to adoptions, the shelter cares for lost, abandoned, neglected and surrendered animals and provides medical treatment and behavioral support. They also help reunite lost pets with their owners and work with foster families and rescue partners to find permanent homes.
The organization also offers microchipping services, supports trap-neuter-return efforts
ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ANJALI FONG PHOTOGRAPHY
for community cats and operates a pet food pantry that helps families facing financial hardship keep their pets rather than surrendering them.
“AFHS also serves as a community resource by offering guidance on responsible pet ownership, hosting adoption and outreach events and educating the public about animal welfare,” Jennifer adds.
Like many shelters nationwide, Animal Friends faces challenges. Rising veterinary costs, increasing animal intake numbers, limited space and shortages of fosters and adopters have strained resources. Staff and volunteers are also seeing more animals arrive with complex medical and behavioral needs requiring extensive care before they can be adopted.
Meeting those challenges requires a community-wide effort.
"We rely heavily on foster families, volunteers, donors and community partners," says Jennifer. "The support of the community is critical to everything we do."
CONTINUED >
Animal Friends Kennel
Technician Natalie Botner with kitten siblings.
Playful kitty Liv.
Resident fetch expert Flash with Sara Ferguson of the Animal Friends Humane Society Behavior Team.
Volunteer dog walker Steve Paullus with Gunner.
Volunteer opportunities include socializing dogs and cats, transporting animals to fostering, assisting in the veterinary clinic, helping with fundraising efforts and supporting administrative and marketing initiatives. Whatever a volunteer's interests, Animal Friends has a place for them.
One of the biggest misconceptions about shelter animals, Jennifer notes, is that they are somehow damaged or less desirable than pets obtained elsewhere.
“Most of the animals in our care are loving, healthy pets that simply need a second chance,” she explains.
A powerful example of the shelter’s impact came during a large hoarding case in July 2023, when Animal Friends took in 92 neglected dogs in a single day.
"Watching so many people unite for the well-being of those animals was truly inspiring," she recalls.
Community partnerships play an important role in supporting Animal Friends Humane Society's mission. Along with its annual 5K & Dog Jog, AFHS partners with Municipal Brew Works in Hamilton for “Ales for Tails” and Harley-Davidson of West Chester for “Hogs for Dogs.” The organization was also recently selected as the charity recipient for the Oxford Masonic Lodge's annual Car Show.
For Animal Friends Humane Society, this collective compassion continues to define its work every day. But they cannot do this work alone. Visit AnimalFriendsHS.org today to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate—and help change a life, one paw at a time.
Special thanks to Anjali Fong Photography. Don’t miss her Dog Days of Summer promotion, now through September 30. AnjaliFong.com
Animal Friends Humane Society volunteer and board member Jennifer Goris with her furry friend Rue.
Good boy Petey.
a Tutor MORE THAN
Huntington Learning Center Builds Student Confidence + Fills Learning Gaps
ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN + MICHELLE MOODY
When Priscilla Maghrabi and her family returned to the Cincinnati area, they knew West Chester was where they wanted to put down roots. What they didn't know was that a career opportunity would soon let her blend a lifelong passion for education with a deeper desire to serve local families in a new way.
In 2025, Priscilla became the owner of Huntington Learning Center in West Chester, taking the reins of a nationally recognized educational institution with nearly 50 years of experience helping students succeed.
"I saw the opportunity for Huntington, and we immediately knew this was the right next step for my career," she says.
Education has been a constant throughout Priscilla's life. A Cincinnati native and graduate of Mother of Mercy High School, she earned degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, Florida International University and the University of Arkansas, becoming a published researcher and presenter along the way. After working as a faculty member, athletic trainer and university administrator, she transitioned into local education, working in an elementary school her children attended. That background made Huntington's mission especially appealing.
"Huntington Learning Center is an accredited learning center," Priscilla says. "As an accredited institution, the quality of service provided to students and their families is evaluated and ensured."
Today, the Center provides individualized academic support for students in grades K-12. Services include reading, writing, phonics, math, study skills, subject-specific tutoring and preparation for exams such as the ACT, SAT, ISEE, HSPT, CCP and AP tests.
While families often arrive seeking help with grades or test scores, Priscilla notes that the underlying issue is frequently a gap in foundational skills. Huntington begins with an assessment of each student’s skill level, then creates a personalized plan to target and strengthen those areas—on average, raising foundational skills by two grade levels.
"We support families in helping their child fill the academic gap," she explains. "With mastery of foundational skills comes confidence in tackling the next task, and this confidence carries into other aspects of the child's academics and life."
CONTINUED >
Priscilla Maghrabi, owner of Huntington Learning Center in West Chester.
One student success story stands out. A rising high school senior initially came to Huntington for ACT preparation. After an evaluation revealed foundational reading gaps, the team adjusted his program and focused on strengthening those skills first. By December, he had achieved his ACT goal score. What happened next left a lasting impression.
"He stopped by and opened his diploma from the cellophane wrapper right in the lobby," Priscilla recalls excitedly. “He shared how coming to Huntington Learning Center changed his outlook on academics, achievement and his own personal belief in himself.”
The Center's impact extends beyond academics. As a West Chester resident, PTO volunteer, volleyball coach and active participant in community events, Priscilla sees Huntington as a local resource as much as a business.
"Children do not need to be behind in school before reaching out for help," she says. "Cracks and gaps in foundational skills start small, but when they are not addressed, their impact gets wider and deeper."
Her message to families is simple: support is available before small struggles become larger obstacles.
"Learning does not have to be difficult, but it must continue," Priscilla says. "Choose to try, accept an opportunity to learn and seek out support."
Huntington Learning Center is committed to helping children discover what they're capable of. For more info or to schedule an evaluation, visit HuntingtonHelps.com/ locations/west-chester-oh/
FIVE SIGNS A STUDENT COULD BENEFIT FROM TUTORING
According to Huntington Learning Center owner Priscilla Maghrabi, parents should pay attention when:
• Homework becomes a battle.
• Children say “who cares,” they “don’t get it,” or “aren’t smart enough.”
• Standardized test scores fall below expectations.
• Effort doesn’t match results.
• Confidence begins to decline.
“Don’t wait for a sign,” Priscilla says. “All students can benefit from individualized support.”
WIENER WINNER
LOCAL DACHSHUND WINS BACK-TO-BACK
WIENER RUNS AT OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Moose Hartmann comes from a family of competitors. The talented Hartmann family of Liberty Township excels at gymnastics, football, baseball, softball and even art. It comes as no surprise that the family dachshund is also a winner. Moose, the six-year-old furry family member of Jill, Greg, Lucy, Jack and Max Hartmann, is a two-time champion of the Running of the Wieners at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
You might not know it from their stature, but dachshunds are naturally athletic, bred to hunt, hike, swim and run. Moose is true to his breed.
“He’s very athletic, which surprises people,” explains Jill, Moose’s mom and the family spokesperson. “He runs everywhere. If he goes from one room to another, he’s running. He always has to be in front. He wants to lead. He’s always in a hurry.”
Moose is known to be feisty and protective. He had to leave a University of Cincinnati student apartment for his unbecoming behavior.
“We joke that Clifton life wasn’t for him—he got kicked out of college,” Jill says with a laugh.
Back at home, he has the full parenting focus of empty nesters Jill and Greg.
“He is very spoiled. He’s like our little baby. We went from baseball, football, gymnastics and girl scouts to nothing, so Moose is our thing,” she explains.
Greg, who used to coach his kids in baseball, is now one of Moose’s trainers. In the races, Moose runs from Lucy to Greg.
“He loves Greg,” Jill shares. “We train him. We have a golf cart at our campground and he runs alongside us.”
They tried a race at a Cyclones game, but Moose didn’t like running on the ice.
“He ran straight into the penalty box,” Jill says.
For the Running of the Wieners race at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, each pup gets a hot dog costume with their entry fee. The race includes ten heats of ten wiener dogs—100 dachshunds vying for the cup. Each winner competes in the final run.
In his first attempt in 2022, sadly Moose did not place. But he is a competitor, and nothing if not persistent.
“In 2023, he got 2nd place,” Jill reports. “In 2024, he got 1st and then again in 2025, he was the repeat winner.”
Boasting back-to-back wins, Moose is the pup to beat and has the hardware to prove it. He uses his trophies, gold bowls, to lap up some beer in celebration.
“Just a couple of sips,” Jill assures. “I think he kind of knows that he’s special. We walk around Oktoberfest the rest of the day, and people come up to him to get pictures. It’s really fun!”
The family is undecided about this year’s competition. Only time will tell if Moose will run for a threepeat performance, but this champion is inspiring to competitors everywhere.
“He’s got these little, tiny legs, but it doesn’t stop him,” says Jill. “He didn’t always win, but his persistence paid off.”
See the 2026 Running of the Wieners Race on Sunday, September 20 at America’s biggest Oktoberfest. The Cincinnati celebration goes from September 17-20, and includes Gemütlichkeit Games, a 14K/7K Brewery Run, the World’s Largest Chicken Dance and more. Find details online. OktoberfestZinzinnati.com
The Hartmanns celebrate Moose's 2024 win.
Moose drinks beer from a bowl for a champion.
Moose with his three trainers: Greg, Jill + Lucy Hartmann.
NICHOLAS PERRINO PRESIDENT &
UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
Standing Tall Through Time
The Butler County Courthouse Stands Watch in Downtown Hamilton
The Butler County Courthouse has stood at the center of county life for nearly 140 years, surviving fires, lightning strikes and changing times.
Long before county offices spread across multiple buildings, nearly every county service in Butler County operated under one roof.
Standing in the heart of downtown Hamilton, the Butler County Courthouse has been a fixture of county government since 1889. Its towering presence remains one of Butler County’s most enduring symbols after more than 140 years, despite fires, a lightning strike and countless changes to the communities around it.
ARTICLE BY MIKE BURCHAM
| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY TRAVEL BUTLER COUNTY
Construction began in 1885 after the state of Ohio issued bonds to help fund the project. When it opened four years later, it was the third courthouse built in Butler County and far larger than its predecessors.
“When it was built in the late 1800s, it was the third courthouse the county has had,” says Brian Smith, Executive Director, Butler County Historical Society. “The first was a log structure, the second was located across Court Street from the current court house. The third is what you see today and was quite a bit larger than the previous courthouse. Significantly larger.”
The building reflected a county on the rise. During the late 1800s, Butler County was still largely rural, but communities like
Hamilton and Middletown were growing alongside a booming industrial economy. As government services increased, county leaders envisioned a single location where residents could conduct business, access records and attend court proceedings.
“It was designed to be one stop for everything a citizen would need from a county government,” Brian says.
The building was meant to be both practical and lasting, with architecture that reflected the county’s confidence and growth.
“The building is very architecturally elaborate,” Brian adds.
The courthouse’s most recognizable feature is its clock tower, though the one
“The building was meant to be both practical and lasting, with architecture that reflected the county’s confidence and growth.”
— Brian Smith, Executive Director, Butler County Historical Society
A view of the clock tower from the bridge. This is the third version to crown the stately building.
standing today is actually the third version to crown the building.
The original Romanesque-style tower was part of the courthouse’s initial design and featured a statue of Lady Justice at its peak. In 1912, a fire destroyed the tower and sent its massive bell crashing through the building all the way to the basement.
A second tower soon replaced it. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style, it featured an octagonal base, curved dome and lantern-like top. It became one of the tallest structures in the region, rising 225 feet above the street.
But Mother Nature had other plans.
In 1926, lighting struck the tower and caused significant damage. Designers retained the octagonal base and the four-faced clock tower when it was rebuilt, creating the version visitors see today.
Visitors to the courthouse can still admire much of the original Victorian-era craftsmanship, including walnut and cherry woodwork throughout the building. Historical displays also highlight the people, businesses and events that shaped Butler County.
The courthouse faced another challenge in February of this year when a basement fire forced Probate Court and several offices to relocate.
Despite the setbacks, the courthouse and its iconic tower continue to stand watch in downtown Hamilton. While county government has expanded into other facilities over the years, the courthouse remains a symbol of Butler County’s resilience.
About This Series
This is the final America250 story in our series of six, featuring stops on the Time Travel Trail, sponsored by Travel Butler County. These historic sites highlight the important role Butler County played in the settling of Ohio and the United States. Find more historical stops to explore at TravelButlerCounty.com
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
events
SATURDAYS
West Chester Farmers Market
MidPointe Library West Chester Branch 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester | 9:00 AM
Stop by the parking lot of the MidPointe Library West Chester branch to browse your favorite fresh produce, handmade products and other goodies. Shop local each Saturday through September, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. WestChesterOH.org
AUGUST 1ST, 15TH, + 29TH
Keehner Park Concert Series
Keehner Park Amphitheatre Stage, 7211 Barret Road, West Chester | 7:00 PM
Celebrate summer at the Keehner Park Concert Series with free, family-friendly concerts on select Saturdays throughout the season from 7-9 p.m. Pack a picnic, and bring your own seating. Find the summer band and food truck lineup online. WestChesterOH.org
AUGUST 6TH
Graeter’s Dog’s Night Out
Graeter’s, 7651 Cox Lane, West Chester | 6:00 PM
Bring your furry friend to the Graeter’s Dog’s Night Out event, outside of the West Chester location on the first Thursday of each summer month, 6-9 p.m. through September. Treat yourself to Cincinnati’s famous French Pot ice cream while the doggies get a free Dogsters frozen treat. Find more participating locations online. Graeters.com
CONTINUED
AUGUST 15TH
Fitton
Center Season Launch
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton | 5:00 PM
Enjoy music, performances and art exhibitions, or try your hand at anything from pottery to mosaics at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts Season Launch, 5-9 p.m. All ages are welcome for free admission. Two Women in a Kitchen will be catering the open house. Discover more season launch activities on the website. FittonCenter.org
AUGUST 22ND + 23RD
Not So Vintage Market
Butler County Fairgrounds, 1715 Fairgrove Avenue, Hamilton | 10:00 AM
Expand your fall wardrobe with vintage, modern and handmade items from vendors at the Not So Vintage Market in Hamilton, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Grab a coffee and a friend and explore to find your next favorite piece of clothing. Find tickets and details online. NotSoVintageMarket.com
AUGUST 31ST
Shakespeare in the Park: Hamlet
Keehner Park Amphitheatre, 7211 Barret Road, West Chester | 7:00 PM
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company brings a unique and timely adaptation of the iconic tragedy Hamlet to Keehner Park, 7-9 p.m. Bring a blanket and a friend to be enthralled in a compelling evening filled with deception, vengeance and messages that remain prominent today. Arts and crafts activities will be available before the event at 6 p.m. WestChesterOH.org
Suncrest Lane
Like-new home with a luxurious first-floor primary suite and open, light-filled design. Features include a first-floor study with walk-in closet (ideal as a fifth bedroom), butler’s pantry, gourmet kitchen with quartz waterfall island, morning room, and dramatic two-story great room with stone fireplace and built-ins. Sliding glass doors open to a covered patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Upstairs offers three spacious bedrooms plus a bonus room with bedroom potential. Unfinished basement ready for your vision. Conveniently located near I-71, Deerfield Towne Center, DLM, Cottell Park, and more. Deerfield Township— no Mason earnings tax!
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