West Chester & Liberty, OH July 2024

Explore Summer

Your Care, How You Need It

COACH HOUSE

At Coach House, we pride ourselves on being a scratch kitchen curated by Executive Chef Phil Wong, featuring dishes crafted with care from locally sourced ingredients. Since 2002, we’ve been a cherished dining spot in Hamilton, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation for an exceptional dining adventure.

We have undergone a stunning transformation and are excited to welcome returning and new diners from throughout the greater Hamilton community to the new era of dining at Coach House.

Reservations recommended but not required Scan here to reserve today!

— HOURS —

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY | 11AM - 9PM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY | 11AM - 10PM kitchen closes at 9pm

Swing into Summer

Summer is in full swing! As the sun shines brighter and the days stretch longer, we are thrilled to share a collection of vibrant stories, mouthwatering recipes and ideas for making the most of this summer season.

Within the pages of our July issue, you'll find an array of articles celebrating the essence of summer. Whether you're seeking adventure in the great outdoors, planning a backyard meal with friends and family or simply looking for a new hobby, we've tried to capture the spirit of the season.

One of our feature stories is about the hottest new sport in the U.S.—pickleball. When I first heard about pickleball a few years ago, I had absolutely no idea what it was. Was this some kind of strange new bar game played with a pickle? I could not have been more wrong! Now, just a few years later, almost everyone I know is playing the sport. I was relieved to find it’s played with something similar to a wiffleball and not an actual pickle! I still have yet to step onto a pickleball court, but I did purchase a ball and paddle, so I hope to take my first swing very soon.

Whether you're lounging by the beach, sitting on your porch or just unwinding on the couch after a long day of work, may this issue be your inspiration to plan your next summer adventure.

Here's to a summer filled with endless possibilities!

MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER

MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Burcham, Bill Furbee, Lauren Lane, A.J. Lape, Jennifer McGhee, LeAnn Parker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Yasmen Brown-Jones, Matthew J. Capps, Cara Jonas Photography, Janie Jones, Len Kaltman, Dan Patterson

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

Learn

Kemba Money Market Accounts

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN JULY

city scene

1: The Liberty Township Fire Department gathered to honor exemplary service at their Awards + Recognition event. 2: Cocktails, Careers & Conversations held their quarterly women’s networking event. 3: Lakota Family YMCA unveiled their renovated building, which includes new community spaces + upgrades throughout. 4: Lori Gelter, Dina Minneci, Sheri DeRossett + Aubrey Ballinger at the Power of the Purse summer event. 5: Charis Coffee & Creamery officially opened. All profits will be donated to local charities. CharisCoffee.co 6: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $3,000 to Faith Alliance’s Summer Lunch Program. 7: SPENGA celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a special outdoor cycling ride + a DJ spinning tunes.

business monthly

Dr. Kristin Titko Celebrates 30 Years of Cutting-Edge Care

Dr. Kristin Titko celebrates her thirtieth anniversary of podiatry this year. She expanded The Center for Foot Care into Liberty Township nine years ago. Known as a compassionate doctor who gives cutting-edge care, Titko is humbled and honored by the many positive reviews and recommendations from her patients. She is committed to offering advanced treatments for faster and superior results. CincinnatiFootCare.com

Scan to read more

Keisha Saunders-Waldron Selected for Inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry

Keisha Saunders-Waldron of Confidential Confessions Counseling has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry Based on factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field, Who’s Who is an essential source for innovators from every significant field of endeavor. Over the last two decades, Sauders-Waldron has been recognized as a gifted counselor and invaluable educator, earning widespread professional respect as a mental health expert. CCCounsel.me

PICKLEBALL EXPLOSION

Explore the Latest Sport to Sweep the Nation

ARTICLE BY MIKE BURCHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN

Pickleball is an infectious game. And it’s spreading. Fast. Liberty Township resident Krista Schmidt stumbled into her first pickleball game nearly two years ago.

“I walked by pickleball courts one day at a local fitness center and people waved me over,” says Krista, 44, a nutrition coach

“Playing pickleball is a fun way to live an active, healthy lifestyle.”

and personal trainer at Cornerstone Fitness in West Chester Township. “They needed a fourth player. I told them I didn’t have a paddle or any equipment, but they insisted I play, and I instantly fell in love with it.”

She went home and told her husband, Joel, 44, president of Schmidt QSR Inc.

“She told me, ‘You have to try this’,” Joel says. “I tried it, and it was addicting.”

Krista then told her three daughters–Kanella, Myla and Eva–as well as her dad, stepmom and  brother, Andreas, about the sport. Now they all play, and 18-year-old Andreas recently started his own pickleball paddle company, Alpha Omega Pickleball.

“It is a sport everyone can play,” says Joel. “It doesn’t matter size or age. Everyone can play, and it’s easy to pick up.”

Krista, Joel and their extended family are part of the pickleball explosion taking place not only in West Chester and Liberty Townships, but also throughout the entire country. In 2023, there were 8.9 million pickleball players in the United States, according to The Sports & Fitness Industry Association. That is an 85 percent increase over 2022, and the growth continues in 2024.

The game is a combination of tennis, badminton and ping-pong played on a badminton-sized court. There are a few unique rules, but the basic premise is to hit the perforated plastic ball over the net so the opposing players cannot return it.

Pickleball doesn’t require much equipment, just a paddle and a ball.

“You need a ball that is less than $3 and you can get paddles from $20 to $250,” says Joel. “It is an inexpensive sport to get into.”

If you’re a beginner, don’t worry. You can quickly learn the game from an experienced player or take a lesson, but it’s not necessary.

“The hardest part is the rules of the game,” Joel says. “You can play without a lesson, if you have someone who has played a lot give you a few tips.”

You’ll need at least two people for a singles game, but most people play doubles with four players. Games typically take 20-30 minutes and you can then rotate players and keep playing.

Games are typically played to 11 points. You have to win by two points and have to be serving to score.

Playing pickleball is a fun way to live an active, healthy lifestyle. You can play all year on indoor or outdoor courts.

“For me, it is all about the long game,” shares Krista. “Being able to play these sports that are a workout but light on the body, it is a win all the way around. Finding joy in movement is a huge win.”

But pickleball’s low cost and great workout may be secondary reasons for its rapid increase in popularity.

“It’s great for meeting people,” Joel explains. “You’re on a small court, and after games you talk to the people you play, and I’ve met hundreds of people over the last two years just from pickleball.”

Krista adds, “I met some of my favorite people through pickleball. We have different experiences and backgrounds, but love pickleball.”

“It is a sport everyone can play. It doesn’t matter size or age. Everyone can play, and it’s easy to pick up.”

— Joel Schmidt

LOCAL PLACES TO PLAY PICKLEBALL

Get in the game at one of these convenient pickleball court locations:

Keehner Park, 7411 Barrett Road, West Chester

Four permanent and two temporary outdoor courts are available for free open play in picturesque Keehner Park. 7-11 a.m. is reserved for Level 3 players.

Lefferson Park, 2145 S. Breiel Boulevard, Middletown

Lefferson offers 16 courts with access to water, restrooms and lights. Additional courts are planned. “There are always players there ready to play.” –Joel

Officer Bob Gentry Park, 105 Williams Avenue, Hamilton

With six dedicated pickleball courts, this park is a local favorite.

Harbin Park, 1300 Hunter Road, Fairfield

The eight courts of Harbin Park include a shade structure and seating for spectators.

The Pickle Lodge, 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester

The Pickle Lodge hosts 17 indoor courts with plans to open outdoor courts this fall. It also houses a restaurant and bar. “My favorite place to play. It’s clean and organized with play for all levels.” –Krista

Sawyer Point, 815 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati

The 24 courts at Sawyer Point, including 18 dedicated solely to pickleball, are lighted and open until 10 p.m. “It’s next to the water, and you’re in the fresh air and sunshine. There are leagues and open play available.” –Krista

Many thanks to The Pickle Lodge in West Chester for hosting the pickleball photo shoot.

As the summer sun cranks up the heat, parents are on the lookout for the ultimate cooldown solution that won’t break the bank. Enter the splash pad—a watery oasis where kids can laugh and play to their heart’s content. With colorful fountains shooting streams of refreshing water into the air, splash pads become the go-to destination for families seeking fun-filled relief. Join us on a journey to explore local spraygrounds, where summertime adventure knows no bounds and memories are made one splash at a time.

Beckett Park, 8545 Beckett Road, West Chester

Keep an eye out for this brand new splash pad that will be opening later this summer. WestChesterOH.org

SHARON WOODS HARBOR SPLASH PAD

4631 East Kemper Road, Sharonville

Sharon Woods Harbor Splash Pad is one of the most visually stunning spray parks in the area. Nestled next to majestic Sharon Lake, it features water play for kids near a snack bar, ample picnic seating and a large wheelchair-accessible playground with a solid rubber ground. Although the nearby boathouse and trail are closed for improvements this summer, the playground and splash pad are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Enjoying the Harbor Splash Pad is free, but an annual motor vehicle permit ($10 resident, $16 non-resident) is required for entrance. Great Parks also offers two other wet playgrounds to explore for a fee of $6.75 per child: Parky’s Wetland Adventure at Woodland Mound and Parky’s Ark at Winton Woods. Find hours and other details online at GreatParks.org .

PhotoprovidedbyGreatParks

LIBERTY CENTER SPLASH PAD

The Park, Sloan Way + Foundry Row, Liberty Township

As the days grow hotter and the sun blazes brighter, escape the heat at the Liberty Center Splash Pad! Located in the central green space of the mall called The Park, the sprayground pad has been updated with new water features and is surrounded by outdoor ping-pong tables and additional seating areas, making it an even more inviting destination for families. The splash pad is button-activated and runs for ten minutes at a time with water-saving jets. Don’t worry if you arrive and don’t see the water running—just press the start button and dive into the fun! Head over to Liberty-Center.com for a list of shops to enjoy in between the splashes and giggles.

KACIE JANE PARK  MARCUM PARK

525 W. Lytle-Five Points Road, Springboro

Three thousand square feet of pure excitement awaits families at Kacie Jane Park in Springboro. This local splash pad boasts over a dozen interactive spray stations, complemented by two age-appropriate playgrounds, benches, a picnic area with shelter and restrooms. ADA accessible, Kacie Jane Park offers a haven where treasured memories and joyous laughter are sure to unfold. This delightful oasis was built in loving memory of Tom and Kacie Hausfeld, whose legacy lives on through this vibrant space. Open daily from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., starting Memorial Day and concluding its season on Labor Day weekend, Kacie Jane Park promises endless summer fun for all. Find more information at CityOfSpringboro.com.

116 Dayton Street, Hamilton

Marcum Park in Hamilton offers a fabulous opportunity to beat the summer heat with your little ones. Spread across six acres of open field, the park was made possible from a private donation by the Marcum family and features a mesmerizing runnel, an amphitheater for entertainment and a stunning heart-shaped water feature. This vibrant sculpture was designed by Steve Marcum and becomes a spectacle at night, illuminating the park with cascading water that enchants anyone playing beneath it. Marcum Park is the perfect free destination to turn scorching days into unforgettable adventures. Hours are 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. For more details, explore HamiltonParks.net .

Backyard Summer Entertaining

THIS DELICIOUS + EYE-CATCHING SUMMER MEAL IS A CINCH TO PREPARE

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE CULINARIAN + LEANN PARKER |

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Looking for ways to elevate your summer entertaining without having to spend all day in the kitchen? Lauren Lane Culinarian (watch her on Netflix’s Easy Bake Battle) and stylist LeAnne Parker teamed together to create a beautiful and simple backyard meal that is tasty, fun and keeps guests cool in the summer heat.

These make-ahead sandwiches are impressive, flavorful and perfect for pool parties, picnics and tailgates. They are endlessly customizable. Pesto, capers or olive tapenade are great optional additions.

ingredients

• 1 ciabatta baguette or loaf, cut in half horizontally

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 medium red peppers

• 3 cups arugula or mixed greens, rinsed + patted dry

• 1 ball of mozzarella, sliced thin

• 10 ounces assorted Italian deli meats (we used soppressata salami and mortadella)

• Olive oil

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Pesto, capers + olive tapenade (optional)

instructions

1. To roast the red peppers, grill or broil in oven. Cook until they are mostly black, turning as needed. Place peppers in a plastic Ziploc bag or paper bag and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove peppers from the bag and peel off the blackened skin. Discard the skin and slice the peppers into wide strips. Place in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Butter each piece of ciabatta and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Butter helps prevent moisture from getting into the bread.

3. Place a generous layer of overlapping cold meats on the bread. Top with cooled roasted red pepper strips.

4. Tap dry the mozzarella slices with a paper towel. Top the peppers with a layer of mozzarella slices. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Top with a generous layer of arugula. Add the top slice of ciabatta.

5. Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and place on a platter or baking sheet in the refrigerator. Top with a heavy skillet or brick. (Alternatively top with another baking sheet and place some large cans on top for the weight).

6. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or ideally, overnight.

7. When ready to serve, remove from plastic wrap. Slice into pieces using a serrated knife, holding the sandwich in place while using a sawing motion.

MAKE-AHEAD ITALIAN PRESSED SANDWICHES

The perfect side dish to any summer meal.

ingredients

• 2 small cantaloupes

• 1 small honeydew

• 1 tablespoon lime zest

• Juice of a lime

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon fresh mint

instructions

1. Use a melon baller to scoop round spheres out of each melon and place them into a large bowl.

2. In a small bowl, combine honey, lime juice and zest. Whisk to combine and pour over the melon. Gently toss together before serving with torn fresh mint leaves.

notes

• Substitute watermelon for any of the melons.

• Substitute basil for mint.

• If making in advance, chill melon then toss with honey lime syrup and garnish with fresh mint just before serving.

NO-BAKE DESSERT BITES

This simple trick for amping up a store-bought pound cake and icing will delight guests.

ingredients

• 1 store-bought pound cake

• 1 can of store-bought icing (we used buttercream)

• Berries

• Powdered sugar (optional)

directions

1. Cut cake into squares or circles. We used a square cookie cutter.

2. Place icing in a plastic storage bag (see note).

3. Snip the tip off the corner of the bag to allow the frosting to be piped out. Start with a small hole–you can always make it bigger.

4. Squeeze a dollop of icing onto each cake bite.

5. Top with berries.

6. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

notes

• If you want to elevate the taste of storebought icing, mix in a package of softened cream cheese or a stick of butter.

Upgrade store-bought cookies by decking them out with delicious ice cream pairings and toppings.

ingredients

• 12 store-bought cookies

• 1 pint vanilla ice cream or flavor of your choice

• Miniature chocolate chips, sprinkles or chopped nuts

directions

1. Top cookie with a scoop of ice cream. Top with another cookie; press down with the palm of your hand gently to ensure the cookie doesn’t break.

2. Roll sides of ice cream sandwich in chocolate chips, sprinkles or nuts.

3. Wrap in plastic. Freeze until serving.

For more tips on all things hosting, cooking, decorating and more, follow LeAnn at: Instagram.com/silvertoothhome/ @silvertoothhome  SilverToothHome.com and Lauren at: instagram.com/lauren_lane_culinarian/  Lauren-Lane.com

Dr. Samuel Gersch

VISIT CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER

A CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE DESTINATION IN DAYTON

Right off I-75, only about 30 minutes from West Chester, sits Carillon Historical Park. Home to over 35 historical buildings and three million artifacts, this open-air museum has something for everyone. From interactive, experiential learning to eclectic stories about inventions that connect Dayton to your everyday life, Carillon Historical Park is well worth the short drive.

“Carillon Historical Park has something for everyone,” says VP of Museum Operations Alex Heckman, who has worked there for 20 of the park’s 75 years. “You can spend as little or as much time as you or your group wants.”

Deeds Carillon, a stunning limestone musical instrument with 57 bells, is Ohio’s largest carillon and welcomes visitors to Carillon Historical Park when the bells ring every 15 minutes. The scenic tower and its surrounding grounds are a popular wedding, event and concert venue.

Orville and Wilbur Wright were two self-trained American engineers who invented, built and flew the world’s first successful airplane. The Wright Brothers National Museum in Carillon Historical Park houses the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the only airplane that is a National Historic Landmark.

“Every year, people come from all over the country and the world to visit the Wright Brothers National Museum,” says Heckman.

The Carillon Park Railroad is a large-scale railroad that takes up to 120 people at a time on a mile-long, narrated ride around Carillon Historical Park. This realistic three-foot gauge train allows passengers to see every angle of the park's buildings. Miniature train rides, run by railroad volunteers, are available on special days during the year.

Another family favorite in the park is the Carousel of Dayton Innovation. On the carousel, 32 hand-carved icons tell the story of Dayton’s history. Unlike most carousels, where guests sit on horses or other animals, the Carousel of Dayton offers guests a seat on an Esther Price box of chocolates, a bag of Mikesell’s potato chips or an NCR cash register. The carousel is a creative way for the museum to connect kids with history.

The 4-D animatronic theater inside the Heritage Center of Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship is a must-see exhibit. Realistic robots portray five famous industrialists who tell the history of industrial Dayton and notable inventions with a splash of special effects.

The Carillon Historical Park Print Shop is a large-scale, operational letterpress from the 1930s. Volunteers run the printing production with the letterpress from start to finish, while visitors watch and may have the opportunity to touch machine parts or paper.

“The Great 1913 Flood Exhibit tastefully explains the worst natural disaster in Ohio’s history,” says Heckman. It features an American flag that one Dayton resident took down and used to stay warm during the flood, among many other meaningful artifacts. Visitors learn the story of the disaster and about the city coming together to help one another. This exhibit includes the creation of the Miami Conservancy District (MCD), which is a system of dams designed to prevent future floods.

Many visitors enjoy the climbing tower, which has 120 steps that lead to a viewing platform with a historic clock above. Make sure to take advantage of the binoculars! You can use them to see two nesting American Bald Eagles, Orv and Willa, named in memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Break for a historical lunch or conclude your day with a history-rich dinner at Carillon Brewing Company, the only brewery inside a museum in the US. Inside, brewers costumed in 1850s-style garb make beer that is produced and enjoyed on-site. Kids can try a root beer or cream soda. The brewery menu features a German soft pretzel, various Wurst choices, kids' options and more. Plus, you don’t have to visit the museum to dine at Carillon Brewing Company or the other onsite restaurant, Culp’s Cafe.

“You can’t go a day without Dayton,” is the motto of Carillon Historical Park, based on the many impressive inventions that were born in Dayton: pop-tops on cans, electric car starters, receipts and liquid crystal display (LCD) that creates images on screens were all invented in Dayton.

Visit Carillon Historical Park to experience history and special events any day of the week. The Antique Fire Apparatus Show coming on August 31 is a family-friendly day with 40 antique fire apparatuses on display. On September 15, attend the Dayton Concours Car Show to see 150 classic and antique automobiles and motorcycles.

If you are looking for a fun day trip or mini adventure with your family or a group of all ages, head north to Carillon Historical Park. You won’t be disappointed!

Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton 937.293.2841, DaytonHistory.org

>

“YOU CAN’T GO A DAY WITHOUT DAYTON,” IS THE MOTTO OF CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK, BASED ON THE MANY IMPRESSIVE INVENTIONS THAT WERE BORN IN DAYTON.

BACKYARD RAILROADS DELIVER FUN AT EVERY TURN

All Aboard

ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS

It’s easy to lose track of time at the helm of a smallscale railway, navigating twists and turns on a customized personal path. Mark Fenbers, owner of Love on Rails, wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fenbers has always been obsessed with trains, and it’s easy to hop on board with his train of thought: Love on Rails builds backyard railroads for the enjoyment of young and old alike.

CONTINUED >

“I’ve loved trains all my life,” Fenbers explains.

While attending a rail festival several years ago, he learned of a club that operated one-eighth-scale ride-on trains. The club eventually decided to sell a circle track they no longer needed, and Fenbers wound up the proud owner of his own track.

“My intention was to set it up for hire at church festivals, birthday parties or other social events,” he remembers, noting that he quickly realized factors like insurance and storage complicated that plan.

“So,” Fenbers continues, “I decided to install the circle track in my own backyard. Over time, I added to the circle track, and now I have two loop routes laid out in my backyard and a siding along the garage.”

After acquiring a small, pre-owned train, he was all set.

“Family, friends and neighbors all lit up once they saw it,” he recalls. And then made note of its growing popularity. “More and more, people wanted to ride on it and told me how they wished they had something like this in their own backyard. So, this is where my business idea was born.”

Fenbers’ project sizes range from a 60' diameter circle, to…well, the sky’s the limit. His own backyard track is partially on a trestle, goes over a pond, through a deck and even has a functional railroad crossing signal.

CONTINUED >

Picturing the need for an expansive property? Not so, says Fenbers.

“Many assume their backyard isn’t big enough for a ride-on train,” he says. “But, surprisingly, it can fit in much smaller spaces than most people realize. For example, my entire lot is just under a half acre, yet I have two routes of train tracks in my backyard—a backyard that also includes a swimming pool, a large deck, a pond and stream, a firepit with built-in seating benches and a shed for my mowers.”

Fenbers explains that his biggest joy is in seeing people’s reactions.

“When I built the large-scale railroad in my own backyard, or when clients bring people out to see my progress, their responses are over-the-top in positivity,” he says with

a smile. “Even people who aren’t inherently fascinated with trains light up when seeing my work for the first time!”

“I do what I do because I love it,” Fenbers says. “I love building things, and I love railroads—now I get to build railroads, which merges my two loves into one mega-love! I look forward to working on these projects every day.”

He also appreciates the joy that his work brings to the community.

“The smiles are priceless,” says Fenbers. “Especially on adults!”

LoveOnRails.com | 513.305.8705

Check with your HOA and secure all proper building permits before starting any new project in your yard.

SHAPING

LEADERS our local

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE MOODY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASMEN

BROWN-JONES

+ MICHELLE MOODY

LEADERSHIP 21 HELPS BUSINESSPEOPLE

ENHANCE LEADERSHIP SKILLS, BUILD CONNECTIONS + IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY

In the fast-paced world of business, there’s a special place where people with a passion to learn, grow and connect are transformed into leaders. The Leadership 21 program, run by the West Chester ■ Liberty Chamber Alliance, takes skilled professionals and gives them the tools, training and hands-on experience needed to become leaders who inspire, innovate and make memorable contributions to our local community.

Yasmen Brown-Jones has led this program since 2018 as Director of Membership Services and Leadership 21.

“It’s an amazing way to not only grow in your own leadership skills, but it’s an opportunity for you to connect with other businesspeople and really understand more about what is happening in our community,” says Brown-Jones. “I learn something new every year.”

Leadership 21 is an eight-month program for working professionals. Each month the class spends one full day diving deeply into an important part of our community. Monthly topics include education, healthcare, criminal justice, human services and much more. Hands-on leadership training is woven throughout each session, so participants are able to grow their skills while gaining a greater appreciation for and understanding of our region.

“Leadership 21 has helped me by providing me the opportunity to gain more knowledge of my community,” says Nathan Duran from the class of 2024. “The program gave me the chance to learn about different organizations and developments within the area. Also, just being able to make connections with my fellow Leadership 21 classmates is a tremendous resource to have as I move forward in my career.”

Each class spends the last three months of the program developing and implementing a class project inspired by what they learned. Past projects range from refurbishing a playground to organizing a charity walk. Brown-Jones emphasizes the importance of finishing with this class project.

She explains, “It allows them to come together as a group and really practice the skills that they’ve learned throughout the eight months in leadership training and apply those skillsets as a group, knowing each other even better than they did when they started.”

Leadership 21 classes form an incredibly tight bond, which carry on long after graduation.

“Class of 2018 left a long-lasting impression, not just academically or professionally, but personally,” says Amanda Edens, class of 2018.

“We truly have formed lifelong friendships and strong bonds that will last a lifetime.”

— Amanda Edens

“We truly have formed lifelong friendships and strong bonds that will last a lifetime. You may see us at lunch together, happy hour or even vacationing together! We aren’t just friends, we are family. Building such connections speaks volumes about the camaraderie and support within. I am so forever thankful for Leadership 21.” Applications for Leadership 21 can be found on the Chamber’s website and are due on August 30. TheChamberAlliance.com/Leadership-21

Top: Class of 2024 members doing a team-building leadership exercise at Pinot’s Palette.

Bottom: Nathan Duran getting support from fellow 2024 class members, Dannel Shepard + Shayna Thomas.

WEDNESDAYS

Summer Sessions

Voice of America Café, 7850 Voice Of America Park Drive, West Chester | 6:00 PM

Enjoy drink specials, food and live music on the patio at the VOA Lodge every summer Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. See the full lineup online. TravelButlerCounty.com/events/summer-sessions-0

SATURDAYS

West Chester Market

MidPointe Library, West Chester Branch, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester | 9:00 AM

Shop the booths of local growers and artisans at the West Chester Market, every summer Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parking lot of MidPointe Library, West Chester Branch. The one-of-a-kind market features fresh eats, entertainment and fun activities for the whole family. WestChesterOH.org

JULY 1ST - 31ST

Christmas In July

EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester | 10:00 AM

Do you need some Christmas cheer to help get you through the summer heat? Cool off at EnterTRAINment Junction’s Christmas in July event. Enjoy 80,000 square feet of attractions plus get a mid-year checkup with Santa! Kids 12 and under will receive a free gift. Hours and tickets available online. EnterTRAINmentJunction.com

Lindner Center of HOPE Understands Mental Health

Are you or someone you care about struggling with feeling alone, anxious, desperate or out of control? Lindner Center of HOPE understands how the symptoms of mental illness can make you feel. We can help no matter your age or struggle. Our transformative continuum of care is designed to meet you where you are and promote long-lasting healing.

JULY 4TH

Fourth of July Parade

Lakota East High School, Liberty Township | 9:00 AM

Happy Independence Day! The Liberty Township Fourth of July Parade begins at 9 a.m. on July 4. The annual red, white and blue celebration begins at Lakota East High School and winds its way to Liberty Junior School. Find a spot along the parade route to enjoy floats, fire trucks and patriotic tunes from the Lakota East Marching Thunderhawks. Liberty-Township.com

JULY 4TH - 6TH

Taps Tastes & Tunes Festival

VOA National Museum of Broadcasting, West Chester | 12:00 PM

Kemba Credit Union presents Taps, Tastes & Tunes, an outdoor festival featuring food, family fun and live music hosted by the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. The event is July 4, 12-11 p.m.; July 5, 12-11 p.m; and July 6, 12-11 p.m., ending with a fireworks finale at 10 p.m. See the full schedule of performers online. WestChesterOH.org, ThingsToDoCincinnati.com/taps-tastes-and-tunes

JULY 13TH

Shakespeare in the Park

Keehner Park Amphitheater, West Chester | 7:00 PM

Experience the magic of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at Keehner Park Amphitheater, July 13 at 7 p.m. Pack a picnic and bring chairs or a blanket to sit back, relax and enjoy a production of Hamlet, live and under the stars. Free of charge. WestChesterOH.org

CONTINUED

JULY 14TH

Cin City Reptile Show

Holiday Inn Cincinnati West, West Chester | 10:00 AM

Reptiles, amphibians and all their supplies are on display at the Cin City Reptile Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get hands-on with the critters at the Tri-State area’s premier monthly reptile show. Fun for the whole family. Tickets available online. CinCityReptileShow.com

JULY 16TH

Taste of West Chester ■ Liberty + Regional Business Expo

Lakota West High School, West Chester | 11:00 AM

On July 16, the West Chester  ■ Liberty Chamber Alliance hosts The Taste of West Chester ■ Liberty at 11 a.m. The buffet style luncheon features eats from local restaurants and caterers. Immediately following lunch is the Regional Business Expo, 12:30 p.m. The networking event offers businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services. Tickets and registration online. TheChamberAlliance.com

AUGUST 7

Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing

Glenview Golf Course, 10965 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati | 9:00 AM

Golf to honor and remember the legacies of loved ones at the annual Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing sponsored by Companions on a Journey (COJ). It’s a tee time to support the hope, strength and healing that comes with COJ grief support programs in our community. This fundraising event includes food, drinks, music and contests with prizes. Register online. CompanionsOnAJourney.org

After Reface

Absolute perfection top quality products and installation Matt was very straight-forward with us in terms of timing and he even made suggestions that saved us some money. I could not be happier with the way our kitchen turned out - Alice

Design

REALTOR® ALLIANCE of GREATER CINCINNATI

2023

Realtor® of the Year/Sales

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Stunning home on the 17th hole of Four Bridges Golf Course. Great hardwood floors throughout the 1st level. Family room with custom built-ins, fireplace and a wall of windows with golf course views. Remodeled kitchen with quartz counters, new cabinets and stainless appliances. Primary suite Includes fireplace and a luxurious bathroom. Finished lower level complete with a bar, theater space and guest room. Enjoy a quick golf cart ride to the clubhouse.

Spacious ranch with an abundance of modern updates and features. Updated kitchen with stainless appliances, and quartz counter tops. LVP flooring in the foyer and dining room. Freshly painted interior (2024). Walkout lower level, featuring a convenient second kitchen and two flexible rooms. Recently updated with new furnace in 2021, new A/C in 2023. Outdoors features deck with a charming pergola, overlooking the fenced yard.

SCAN TO FIND OUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE

“We can not say enough about what a wonderful experience we had with Tiffany as our listing agent! She is so professional, responsive and a great communicator! We give her 5 stars and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND her for all of your real estate needs! In addition, she put so much time into her marketing presentation on what she could offer us when selling our home! Her knowledge of the current market is unmatched!”

— Barb & Ted Sheets