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The 100th Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Cheers to 100 Issues!

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

February is our “Love Local” issue, and what better way to do that than by celebrating some big milestones here in our community? This edition marks the 100th issue of West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle magazine! It has been our honor and privilege to share the positive stories of our community with you all. Flip to page 14 as we reflect on this journey and share some favorite moments along the way. Len Kaltman has been our lead photographer since 2017, and during that time he has shot well over 100 stories for us and his stunning photos have graced our cover 35 times. Read our "Behind the Lens" story to learn how this talented New York fashion photographer got his start and found his way to our community. West Chester Township is about to hit a major milestone anniversary as they celebrate their bicentennial in 2023. Page 20 gives some of the history of West Chester and a preview of what you can expect during this exciting year. Some other businesses and organizations celebrating major milestones this year include: • Liberty Township—220 years • Butler County—220 years • McSwain Carpets and Floors—55 years • Mercy Health Fairfield Hospital—45 years • Mitchell's Salon & Spa—40 years • Reach Out Lakota—30 years • Tiffany Allen-Zeuch—20 years with Sibcy Cline • Edge Teen Center becomes a teenager—13 years • Stretch Mobility Fit—10 years • The Fetchington—5 years • Clean Eatz—1 year on February 10 As we celebrate loving local this month, we also share how one local business shows that love by giving back to our community—Kemba Credit Union. We are very proud of achieving this milestone anniversary and we are so incredibly grateful for our readers, advertisers, freelance writers, photographers and all of our community supporters. Thank you all! Please join us in raising a glass to toast the local people and businesses that make West Chester and Liberty such a special community.

COPY EDITOR

Laura Leavitt CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Mia Hilkowitz, Neelam Kana, Laura Leavitt, Stephanie Meinberg CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Anjali Fong Photography, Len Kaltman, Anna Sherman

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Cheers!

MICHELLE MOODY + TER A MICHEL SON @WESTCHESTERLIBERT YLIFEST YLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/ WESTCHESTER ANDLIBERT Y |

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester & Liberty area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle™ is gathered from

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Dynamic Duo

Lifestyle Letter

The Team Behind West Chester + Liberty

Culinary Creations

Lifestyle Reflects on the First 100 Issues

Local Limelight

Our Town

Artist’s Palette

Giving Back

Healthy Lifestyle

Events

20 Diving Deep into History West Chester Township Celebrates 200 Years

FO O D + B EV ER AGE

LI FE + C U LT U R E

LI FE + C U LT U R E A RTS + C U LT U R E

FI NA NC E + LEGA L S ERV I C ES HEA LT H + WELLNES S

26 Behind the Lens

Zoom in on Photographer Len Kaltman

32 People Helping People

Kemba Credit Union’s Core Mission is to Give Back to the Community

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Anjali Fong Photography Raise a glass of bubbly and join us in celebrating the 100th issue of West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle!

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A CUP OF SOUP, A WHOLE LOTTA COMFORT Seafood Station Shares a February Fave—and It’s a Snap to Dish Up ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE MEINBERG ITALIAN WHITEFISH TOSCANA • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 tbsp olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 64 oz vegetable stock ½ cup dry white wine 4 cups red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes ½ tsp fennel seed ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp salt 1 tsp white pepper ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes (optional) 2 tbsp Italian seasoning 1 lb whitefish (such as grouper, basa, halibut), cut into bite-size pieces • 4 cups frozen kale, crumbled • ½ cup coconut milk (or heavy cream) In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the flour to coat, then add stock, wine and potatoes. Adjust heat to low, simmer for 12–15 minutes. Add all dry seasonings, whitefish, kale and coconut milk. Stir to incorporate and simmer on low for an additional 5–10 minutes. Serve with crackers or crusty bread. Inspired by a classic Tuscan zuppa, this is a simple, savory soup you can knock out in less than an hour—and easily adapted for GF, DF, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. “A lot of our customers asked for a dairy-free soup,” says Allison Simmons. “So we came up with this—I like that it’s comforting but still light.” Want more fiber? Add white cannelloni beans. Low carb? Swap out the potatoes for chickpeas. Craving something more hearty? Add Italian sausage and heavy cream. Either way, soup’s on!

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Dynamic Duo The Team Behind West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle Reflects on the First 100 Issues

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE MOODY + TERA MICHELSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANJALI FONG PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Michelle Moody launched West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle in November of 2015, with Tera Michelson by her side as editor. The two friends, who first met at church, have worked together on all 100 issues. They sat down over a glass of champagne to interview each other, reflect on their journey together, share behind-the-scenes stories and toast to their 100th issue.

HOW DID THIS JOURNEY BEGIN? Michelle—In 2015 I decided to leave my 17-year career as a VP for a national marketing company and I wanted my next job to be something where I could give back to our community and make a positive difference. I found the opportunity to start my own magazine, and I loved the idea that I could share the good stories in our rapidly growing community. So, I took the plunge into publishing! Tera—My family and I had just moved from Kansas to West Chester when I met Michelle. Not long after, she proposed this wild idea for us to work together on a

hyperlocal publication that tells inspiring community stories. As a freelance writer that was new to the area, I was excited to learn about my neighbors in this fun and creative partnership. We popped a cork and jumped in together!

WHAT WAS A FAVORITE STORY THAT YOU WROTE? M—I loved getting to write the story on our five-year anniversary for the November 2020 issue. It was a really fabulous trip down memory lane as I worked to capture the biggest moments from our first five years. That story took weeks to write, but it was worth it because the story serves as a time capsule from our first five years. T—Chloe the painting dog and her owner Ashley Kallay made quite an impression on me for the February 2018 issue. It was hard to remember that dogs are colorblind as Chloe carefully selected the paints, took the brush into her mouth and created each masterpiece.

TELL ABOUT A FAVORITE EXPERIENCE WORKING ON A STORY. M—I typically write the travel stories because I love to travel. The best one was about Discovery Cove in Orlando. I’ve been to Orlando over 20 times and had no idea that place existed, and it was AMAZING. It was the best single day of vacation my family has ever had. We loved it so much, we’re going back this summer. T—My favorite stories are the personal profiles, where I get to sit down with the movers and shakers in our area. Our local neighborhoods are filled with interesting people doing extraordinary things in the world! I especially enjoy highlighting the accomplishments of local teens. From the arts to sports, academics to activism, West Chester and Liberty Township are springboards for impressive young people.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOSHOOT? M—I loved the photo shoot with the Porter family that was our January 2022

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

I FEEL TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF OUR COMMUNITY EACH MONTH AND WAKE UP EACH DAY TO A JOB I ABSOLUTELY LOVE.

cover story. The couple had been to a combined five Olympics and just moved to West Chester. They were incredibly nice and humble, and they brought their adorable, 3-year-old daughter with them. Being professional athletes, every picture we took was so effortless. It’s hard to tell, but in the cover photo Tiffany is about three feet in the air and Len Kaltman got that photo on the first take! T—For the October 2021 issue, the West Chester Fire Department welcomed us into the Station 71 kitchen for a memorable photo shoot and delicious lunch of BBQ Chicken Pizza. The recipe is still in heavy rotation at the Michelson household. Len was behind the lens to capture this story, as he often is for food shoots! Our firefighters are an excellent example of teamwork, right down to how they work together in the kitchen.

SHARE SOMETHING MOST OF OUR READERS DON’T KNOW. M—I was the model for our September 2020 cover story. We always shoot the fashion issue in July, and I was traveling a lot that summer, so I ran out of time to find a model, do the clothing fittings and schedule professional hair and make-up. So, I stepped in to be our model. I didn’t want anyone to know it was me, so we focused on jeans trends and my face isn’t in any of the photos. I had never done

anything like that before, and I definitely have a new appreciation for what our models go through. That cover shot where I’m jumping in the air in 4-inch heels took over a dozen tries to get just right—my feet were killing me! T—My best work for Lifestyle happens at local coffee shops—interviews, edits and articles are best accomplished under the influence of chai tea and baked goods.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO REACH YOUR 100TH ISSUE? M—I honestly can’t believe we’ve reached this milestone! There were some points along the journey, like the pandemic, where I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to keep going. I literally owe EVERYTHING to our advertising partners. They stuck with us and continued to make this magazine possible even when their own businesses were going through tough times. And it’s been simply amazing to get to do this with such an amazing person like Tera by my side. I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity to share the good news of our community each month and wake up each day to a job I absolutely love. I’m looking forward to our 200th issue! T—100 issues is an incredible benchmark. It happened so fast! It is such a gift to work alongside a dear friend that shares my passions for storytelling and our community. I raise my glass to Michelle and the next 100 issues of West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle!

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Diving Deep into History

W E S T C H E S T E R TO W N S H I P C E L E B R AT E S 2 0 0 Y E A R S

ARTICLE BY MIA HILKOWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP + WEST CHESTER–UNION TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

West Chester Historical Society History Center, 6670 Station Road

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

This summer, 200 years after its establishment in 1823, West Chester Township will commemorate its founding. This milestone will be honored with a spirited and highly-anticipated year-long bicentennial celebration. According to Monica Dexter, Community Outreach Coordinator for West Chester Township, residents can delve into West Chester’s history by accessing a community storytelling platform, where they can upload photos and videos capturing their memories of the area. Event planners will also release a collection of video interviews conducted with members of West Chester’s founding families. The culmination of celebrations will take place June 1-4, West Chester’s Founder’s Day Weekend. This weekend-long celebration will include a concert, ice cream social, food trucks and a lively festival on June 2—the exact 200th anniversary of the township’s founding. Public Information and Engagement Director Barbara Wilson says the bicentennial celebrations can connect residents with the rich history of their township. “It is our wish that the bicentennial celebration builds upon a strong sense of community,” Barbara says. According to Barbara, many people settled in West Chester long before its official establishment. Additionally, President of the West Chester

Historical Society, Mary Jo Bicknell says Native American antiquities and burial mounds discovered here point to much earlier settlements. Pioneers settled the community along transportation routes farming the fertile soil and establishing the trades in small settlements such as Port Union, Pisgah, Olde West Chester, Tylersville, Gano and other neighborhoods that all became neighborhoods and commerce centers of today’s West Chester Township. “I find it interesting that our continued development in many ways is still driven by transportation routes,” says Barbara. “Rather than canals and buffalo trails, however, our community today thrives because of its position on I-75, development of the Union Centre interchange and other infrastructure investments.” Originally part of neighboring Liberty Township, Union Township was established in 1823 after Butler County Commissioners met with a group of petitioners requesting the division of Liberty Township. In the summer of 2000, Mary Jo says residents voted to rename the township to “West Chester Township” in order to stand out from the several other “Union Townships” in Ohio. “The West Chester of today mirrors the spirit of the earliest settlers in many ways,” Barbara adds. “West Chester maintains a diverse local economy with varied industries and varied neighborhoods to meet the needs and interests of all.” “People came here and continue to invest in our community with their businesses and find success,” Barbara says. “Whether a small company that grows to be a big company or big companies that are looking for a place to plant their roots, they find safe neighborhoods for

Travel by trucks, wagons & trains established West Chester as an integral stop along nearby transportation routes

Bicentennial celebrations can connect residents with the rich history of their township. their employees to live in and all the things available to them to make their lives great and help their businesses thrive.” In addition to corporate growth, Barbara says West Chester began experiencing high levels of residential growth in the 1990s as Lakota Local School CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

The Square @ Union Centre is a landmark West Chester celebration spot

Celebrate 200 YEARS OF WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP S H A R E S TO R I E S Upload photo and video memories on a community storytelling platform and view video interviews with members of West Chester’s founding families. YouTube. com/@WestChesterTownship

TO U R S Take a self-guided driving tour of West Chester’s most prominent historical sites, as provided by the historical society. WestChesterHistoricalSociety.org

SELF -DRIVING

FOUNDER’S

DAY

WEEKEND—

J U N E 1 - 4 The weekend-long cel-

ebration includes a Bicentennial Takeover concert on June 1 at The Square @ Union Centre, more live music and great food at the Food Truck Rally on June 2, a community ice cream social and much more to mark the anniversary.

District “became so well recognized as a district of distinction.” Barbara says that within its 35 square miles, West Chester is home to more than 64,000 residents and 3,700 businesses—all of whom are welcome to celebrate in the upcoming bicentennial events. Barbara says, “West Chester is a large vibrant community of diverse neighborhoods and we want to celebrate all that we love about our community—not just our history, but what defines us as a thriving, welcoming, energetic community.” Looking to the future, Barbara says residents should expect to see “continued investment in the things that people value

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

for their hometown,” from developing infrastructure and recreational opportunities, to investment in safety. “We really want our residents to live their best lives here and know that they can live here their whole lives,” Barbara adds. “We want to build a community with energy and new opportunities and things to do.” Find more information regarding the bicentennial celebrations at WestChesterOH.org. Follow West Chester Township on social media and subscribe to the township’s digital newsletter to receive finalized details and news as the year progresses.

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B E H I N D T H E L E N S Zoom in on Photographer Len Kaltman

ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN

From fashion to food, corporate to candids, photographer Len Kaltman has been a key contributor to West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle, shooting more than 100 stories and 35 covers. With an artistic eye trained to capture the essence of a story and a natural skill to click the shutter at just the right moment, Len creates masterful photographs. We turn our focus to this creative photographer, who comes out from behind the camera lens to dish on his career.

CONTINUED >

A RT IST ' S PA LE T T E | A RTS + CULTURE

NYC, Len's hometown, through his lens

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

With an artistic eye trained to capture the essence of a story and a natural skill to click the shutter at just the right moment, Len creates masterful photographs.

Len’s life-spanning career as a photographer was a twist of fate. As an accomplished musician growing up in Queens, he had plans for a different occupation. A school club and encouragement from a teacher to intern with a commercial photographer after school changed his mind. “My start in photography was sort of by accident,” he shares. “I was in the New York city-wide orchestra and considered being a violinist. In my second year of high school, I joined the Camera Club. I didn’t know a thing about it, but I just loved it.” His newfound love led to a Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one of the few schools offering a degree in photography at the time. From there, Len’s career launched to a top fashion photography studio in NYC, but per tradition, on a bottom rung. “I started working as third assistant to the photographer. I was in the dark room, cleaning the studio, running errands. On fashion shoots, I was the guy on the fan,” he laughs. “I got to observe and learn from the top photographers shooting for Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, but watching from the periphery,” he explains. “I eventually worked my way up to Studio Manager and started to travel the world…Paris, Rio, Cabo San Lucas.” After three years of experience, Len opened his own fashion studio, shooting for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Wear Daily and JC Penney catalogs. He also added travel photography and record album covers to his growing portfolio. Len’s life took another big turn when he met someone special. “I fell in love with this young medical student,” he says with a grin. “We literally met on the street. It was love at first sight for me, but let’s just say it took a lot longer for her.” Although he loved living and working in NYC, Len followed his heart and accompanied his sweetheart,

A RT IST ' S PA LE T T E | A RTS + CULTURE

Dana, wherever she led. Dana’s career as an emergency room physician eventually landed the happy couple in Cincinnati. Now settled in the area for more than 30 years, they’ve raised three children here. Len put his career on hold and became a “Mr. Mom” for 15 years. “The boys were very happy I could stay home and certainly, so was I.” After a 15-year hiatus, he kick-started his career with a West Chester studio and built a successful corporate photography business centered on Len’s favorite subject: people. “My interests are very diverse, and they always have been,” he reflects. “I transitioned from fashion to travel to corporate photography, moving from film to digital images. But, my favorite thing has always been photographing people.” In 2017, Len began accepting assignments for West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle, capturing many memorable covers. From Fiona and sports figures to local leaders, his contributions have captured the playful and vibrant images that represent West Chester and Liberty Township. “The Lifestyle shoots are all so different,” he muses. “Fiona was such a celebrity. She had so much personality. That was the most memorable. “The food photography I like because I get to eat the props,” Len laughs. “Amongst my favorites was the ballerina cover—that was just so beautiful…The work I’ve done for Lifestyle is the best work I’ve done in the last 20 years.” Len’s zeal shines through in his pictures. “So much of my photography is telling stories—not complicated, very straightforward. I try to recognize beauty in all things,” he says. “You know, when you love what you do, it’s not like work. You can’t wait to get to the studio. You can’t wait for an interesting assignment,” Len adds. “I love what I do and I hope it shows in my photographs.”

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Kemba proudly sponsors the Freestore Foodbank Rubber Duck Regatta

People Helping People When choosing where to bank or get financial services, finding somewhere that aligns with your values is so important for establishing trust. Kemba Credit Union is a full-service financial institution that takes seriously their mission statement commitment of “enhancing the financial lives of members, employees and community.” Kemba is recognized with local and national awards for being a great place to work. “Our employees believe in Kemba, and they believe in our leadership,” says Josh Fluharty, marketing director at Kemba. “Annually we survey our employees to ensure we are growing in the right direction.”

Part of how Kemba knits their teams together is through a culture of community outreach. They create partnerships with many local organizations where they invest their time, talent and treasure. In bonding over donation drives and volunteer hours, Kemba employees get to enjoy their work serving local families and small businesses.

A TRADITION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Kemba’s team loves sponsoring the Rubber Duck Regatta to support the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati, the organization that combines direct aid to food-insecure families. The Foodbank also offers programs

KEMBA CREDIT UNION’S CORE MISSION IS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY LAURA LEAVITT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

G IV IN G BAC K | FINAN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

"Kemba knits their teams together through a culture of community outreach."

Proceeds from Kemba’s 33rd Annual Golf Classic benefit the Cincinnati Fire Foundation

like Cincinnati Cooks, a cooking training program that helps people find jobs in the hospitality industry. “We’ve been sponsors of the Rubber Duck Regatta for 13 years, and we take pride in it,” says Josh. Kemba has supported local athletics as well, sponsoring the West Chester baseball complex and Lakota sports teams. One of their community pride endeavors allows Kemba members to show their support of Lakota West right on their debit card, with a checking account that donates a portion of rewards back to programs like the athletic or band boosters at the school.

EDUCATING FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS The Kemba team has partnered to bring a financial education curriculum called Banzai to students at many local schools, and they’ve even pushed it wider, offering it to employees at different companies in addition to Kemba members. “We sponsor the programs so that the teachers can utilize resources from it when they need materials to teach students about financial education,” explains Kim Kuchenbuch, director of business development at Kemba. “We’ve taken our financial education program CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

Kemba employees bring financial education to EDGE Teen Center

Kemba supports local athletics, from youth baseball to collegiate basketball.

to Edge Teen Center, and we are just beginning to bring in Kemba employees for mentoring and financial education.” Financial education is particularly crucial as students move into their adult lives and make choices like attending college. Late last year, Kemba became the official credit union of Miami University athletics and alumni association, and with that effort they’ve employed a personal approach. Kemba CEO Dan Sutton personally takes time to visit Miami’s campus and share his knowledge from nearly 24 years with the credit union. “I love to speak with the students about good credit, budgeting and fiscal responsibility,” Dan says. Dan shares that Kemba recently worked with some of their business school capstone students on a project to help the credit union grow its membership. “I try to get out from behind my desk and into the community where my energy is best suited,” he explains.

GOLFING TO GIVE BACK Golf outings are a fun way to spend a day with friends and colleagues while also giving back to the community. Kemba’s 33rd Annual Golf Classic raised more than $71,000 for the Cincinnati

G IV IN G BAC K | FINAN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

Fire Foundation. The Cincinnati Fire Foundation supports the local fire departments where funds are most needed. One example of the Cincinnati Fire Foundation’s benevolent acts is they provide child car seats to ensure children ride in cars safely. “Another contribution by the Cincinnati Fire Foundation was they outfitted an EMS mountain bike unit,” says Kim. “Now during large events in Cincinnati where roads are blocked, they can begin rendering care immediately.” Kemba’s community mindset permeates everything they do. They recently restructured their Community Outreach Committee to include one person from every branch. This inclusion of branch personnel ensures all Kemba’s communities are represented. This community-focused mindset has led Kemba to win the Ohio Credit Union League’s Dora Maxwell Award for Social Responsibility multiple times. “We want people, small businesses and communities to know they are more than an account to us—they are truly a part of the Kemba family,” says Dan.

KEMBA CREDIT UNION Kemba.com

We combine Spin, Strength and Yoga to create the best workout ever.

Come join us for one free session 7996 Princeton Glendale Rd. Suite 101 • call or text 513-447-6448 • spengawestchester.com

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Scan the QR code to discover opportunities for sponsorship.

Registration is now open for Spring Sports. Volleyball Flag Football Soccer

Baseball Softball

Thank you to our community partner! 513-863-9000 & 513-895-2986

lakotasports.org

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

Adding Hospitality to Health Care New AFC Urgent Care Clinic Improves Patient Experience ARTICLE BY NEELAM KANA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA SHERMAN

Kal Patel’s mom always wanted him to be a doctor and while he didn’t follow that path, he will be fulfilling her dream vicariously by opening a new urgent care clinic this winter serving West Chester and surrounding areas. American Family Care® (AFC), owned by Kal Patel and Jed Sherman, is now open in the VOA shopping center adjacent to TJ Maxx. Both Kal and Jed got their starts in the hospitality industry, Kal as a builder and manager of hotels in the late 90s and Jed as a manager for Marriott around the same time. Friends for 10 years, they finally joined entrepreneurial forces and started Crestpoint, a hotel

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

development and management company in 2012. Bootstrapping out of a small hotel in Mason, they grew their business until merging it with a larger hotel company in 2018. Along the way, Kal, a self-admitted accident prone, frequent urgent care user, noticed a wide disconnect between the experience he received and the one he expected when visiting a clinic. The missing patient care component happened to be the most important, the “care.” Drawing from their extensive track record in hospitality management, Kal and Jed have set out to create

Dr. Rao

“While symptoms can and will be treated to help patients improve, the treatment of underlying causes of poor health in the most natural way possible, is far more critical to longevity.”

the best possible patient care experience. Their goal is to lean on their ability to blend “hospitality” into “health care” and create a clinic that extends compassionate, courteous and competent attention to patients who can expect to be treated like guests. “The ability to partner with AFC was a no-brainer for us,” Kal shares. “All the hotels we’ve ever owned are franchised, so we’re already familiar with the process and systems.” AFC is the nation’s largest provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, occupational medicine and employer services. With more than 300 clinics and three million patients across the country, the network is massive. Kal continues, “Just based on my personal experience, there is definitely room for service improvements, and we believe together with AFC we can deliver.” The clinic offers a full suite of services, including flu and COVID-19 testing and treatment, employment and school physicals, treatment of sports injuries, x-rays and more acute services like stitches and wound care. Visiting AFC provides patients with a first option offering convenience, proximity to home, walk-in appointment availability with short wait times and most importantly, avoiding the emergency room. When patients arrive they’ll notice unique features more commonly found in an upscale hotel lobby. “In keeping with the experience factor, we believe that care can begin before you see the doctor,” Kal states. The lobby, with its lighted blue-sky ceiling, fresh ground coffee/cappuccino maker,

bottled water, availability of warm blankets and soft music is meant to soothe the ills of patients immediately upon entering. “Combine those subtle design elements with friendly staff in an inviting atmosphere and you begin to understand what we mean by adding hospitality to health care,” Jed adds. “This is what we deliver every day. We see absolutely no reason why it can’t exist here, and I’ve even questioned why it doesn’t already.” Although it wasn’t intentional, they’ve completed their community connection for AFC West Chester-VOA by bringing on local resident Dr. Shri Rao to serve as medical director. Dr. Rao is also the owner of Ageless Integrated Medicine, a functional medicine practice focused on identifying root causes of health-related problems. His medical philosophy fits perfectly with how owners Kal and Jed want to deliver health care. As Dr. Rao says, “While symptoms can and will be treated to help patients improve, the treatment of underlying causes of poor health in the most natural way possible, is far more critical to longevity.” In the end, Kal and Jed simply aim to deliver an experience where every patient who enters the clinic leaves with the feeling that they made the correct healthcare choice. It’s the answer to “why we do it,” and their hope is patients will be more than satisfied with the how.

Kal Patel, Kelly Avery + Jed Sherman

AFC URGENT CARE-VOA WEST CHESTER 7570 Voice of America Centre Dr, West Chester | 513.779.6600 AFCUrgentCare.com/West-Chester-VOA-OH FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. SAT URDAYS

Starting Strength Open House

STARTIN G STREN GTH, 78 44-A KI NG L A ND DR I V E , WE ST C H E ST E R | 1 0 :30 A M Interested in strength training and want to learn more about Starting Strength? Visit the gym during their Open House every Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., to meet the coaching staff and members and learn how you can benefit from strength training. All ages and fitness backgrounds are welcome. Register online. Cincinnati.StartingStrengthGyms.com/open-house F EB RUA RY 5T H

Bethany School Open House

BETHAN Y S CHOOL, 555 ALBIO N AV E NUE , G L E NDA L E | 2:0 0 P M Bethany School in Glendale holds their Open House on February 5, 2-4 p.m. Explore the campus, meet the staff and get to know the teaching methods behind Bethany’s approach to K-8 education. Come and see why Bethany is a special place that ignites a lifelong love for learning. BethanySchool.org F EB RUA RY 9 T H

Liberty Township Historical Society Meeting

H UG HES S CHOOL, 6010 PR IN C E TO N R OA D, L I B E RT Y TOWNS H I P | 7 :0 0 P M Liberty Township Historical Society meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Hughes School. All are invited to attend the next meeting on February 9 to learn about our area’s rich history and take action to preserve it. For more information, visit their Facebook page. Facebook.com/LibertyTownshipHistoricalSociety CONTINUED >

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF HELPING PEOPLE LIVE A BETTER, MORE PAIN-FREE LIFE!

Stretching . Mobility . Massage . Red Light Therapy

Inside Stretch Physical Therapy 513.874.8800 . 4851 Wunnenberg Way Thestretchmobilitycoach.com/Beckett FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE STC H E STE RA N D L I BE RT Y

EVENTS CONTINUED

F E BRUA RY 14 T H - 2 8T H

F E B R UA RY 1 5T H

Can Creations

VA RIOUS BUS IN ES S ES AROUND TOWN From February 14-28, local businesses will display sculptures made entirely of pantry staples. Visit the Reach Out Lakota Facebook page to learn which businesses have displays, then stop in to view and take photos of these amazing structures. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite! Facebook.com/ROLakota

PARACHUTE CASA 101

VIRTUAL | 7:00 PM Speak up for abused and neglected children as a PARACHUTE Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Join this free workshop to learn how to volunteer through the Butler County court system to make independent assessments of situations and make informed recommendations in a child’s best interest to the court. Take a stand for the county’s most vulnerable children. Register online. ParachuteCASA.org

F EB RUA RY 1 8T H

Mardi Gras Night

FITTON CEN TER, 101 S . MON UME NT AV E NUE , H A MI LTO N | 7 :30 P M Mardi Gras returns to the Fitton Center this February! The Carruthers Signature Ballroom becomes a little slice of New Orleans with Cincinnati’s smoking Creole band—The Hot Magnolias—taking the stage to lead a Mardi Gras Party in downtown Hamilton. For more information and tickets, visit their website. FittonCenter.org/jazz-cabaret

Winter Clearance February 10th-25th up to 60% off! *see store for details

8992 Cincinnati Dayton Rd. West Chester, OH 45069 513-779-8883 | wellingandco.com 40

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The 5th Year in a Row! Thank you for voting me, “Best Real Estate Agent” for West Chester & Liberty.

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4837 Princeton Rd

4536 Meadowbrook Ln

You don’t want to miss the amazing sunsets on the back deck of this renovated 3 bed, 1 1/2 bath home on a .64 acre fenced lot! 2022 updates include: roof & gutters, carpet, luxury vinyl flooring, and front porch. Freshly painted in 2023. Be sure to check out the oversized well-lit detached garage /workshop that includes 220 volt electric. Convenient location minutes from Rt. 129, I-75, Liberty Center, and Bridgewater Falls! Excellent condition in desirable Arbor Creek. Enjoy watching sunsets over the green space & pond views from the deck. Finished lower level with bar. 2-story great room. Updated kitchen with granite and huge morning room. Spacious bedrooms. 9’ ceilings. 1st floor study. Walking trails and pool community. Great location! Just minutes to downtown Mason, Community Center, and more.

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(513) 349-7311

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