The Artists’ View
Dalal Alami Dalal Alami, a senior at Lakota West High School, has always loved drawing, but the last few years have seen her interest surge. “In seventh grade, I really started getting into the passion of it,” Dalal says. “I did a bunch of studies, stacks of sketchbooks full of everything I’ve tried; I’ve done portraits for school and some…Generations of Entertainment
When it opened in 1919, the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center (SCAC) was a vaudeville theater, presenting specialty acts that were popular at the turn of the twentieth century. 100 years later, at the dawn of a new decade, the historic building is still in the business of entertaining, featuring theater, fine art and film for all ages.Your Favorites This Year
Page 1 At long last, the results are in! Each year, West Chester and Liberty residents tell us what their favorites are and we share the winners with you in our beloved Readers’ Choice showcase. 4,160 of your friends and neighbors voted this year, giving us a great glimpse into the businesses and organizations that make our community tick. They’ve…
From Lakota to the Pros
Nick Hagglund FC Cincinnati soccer player and West Chester native Nick Hagglund learned to love soccer on the field at Liberty Junior School, with his dad coaching him to love the game. Dad taught Nick about giving 110 percent and enjoying yourself on the field. “He’s the most fun guy ever,” Nick says.
No Pain, All Gain
Kim Nartker is passionate about pain—specifically keeping her clients from experiencing it. As the owner of Stretch Physical Therapy and Total Wellness in West Chester, she observed repeat injuries to athletes-in-training and weekend warriors that would go hard at their sports. Stretch and Recover, launching this month within her therapy practice, is Kim’s caring answer to her patients’ pain.
Deck the Halls
During the holidays, there is something magical about finding a gift that perfectly fits a friend or family member. Crafters have always found ways to add their personal touch by making homemade gifts, but the new MidPointe Library makerspace, Innovation Pointe, offers this option to even more people.Inspired
While the West Chester and Liberty Township communities are full of role models, these community standouts have emerged as some of our inspirations. Each leader points back to the community as a source of inspiration and gratitude, proving that “it takes a village” to create a positive impact.
Aftershocks of Love
When a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, it was a devastating shift in the earth’s plates. There was another shift later that year when three friends put their heads together for recovery efforts. Instead of destruction, this shift brought a monumental impact on a village of Haitian children.
Humble Star
Lance Alexander is the quintessential boy next door. There’s a reason he plays a convincing good neighbor on television—it’s a role he’s been playing all of his life. Growing up in his West Chester neighborhood, he was known as a friendly, helpful and kind kid with a smile that lights up a room. Now, that same smile is lighting up…Fall Family Getaway
With summer vacation two months over and winter break close to three months away, families may be getting antsy for a getaway. With the school year in full swing, leaving town for vacation isn’t always practical. We found the perfect solution—a family-friendly weekend escape to Dearborn, Michigan—less than four hours away. Dearborn is overflowing with American history, and I brought my…Blazing the Butler County Donut Trail
The Butler County Donut Trail has delighted visitors and locals alike with a scavenger hunt of sugary goodness for four years. Nearly 75% of the 21,000 people who have completed the trail are from outside Butler County, making it just as good for the area’s tourism economy as it is for the locals who snack on the tasty donuts.
Art Meets Fashion
Page 2 When the world of art progresses, fashion progresses with it, taking beautiful elements from the past and showcasing original ideas and combinations. Bright colors, striking poses and a few perfect high heels completed our looks at this year’s fall fashion photo shoot at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, where we let art and fashion meet to showcase…
2 Looks for The Key Event
Our town’s most glamorous fundraiser of the year is just days away. Each year, The Key Event raises an average of $100,000 for the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty. Since 1999, the Community Foundation has been the primary resource for philanthropy in our townships. 100% of proceeds from The Key Event are reinvested into the community through grant awards.Creature Comforts
In a lower-level business plaza off Snider Road, practically hidden from view, Kitty Brew Cafe allows customers the opportunity to eat and drink alongside cats available for adoption. Owner Jenni Barrett started the business in 2017 after years of volunteering with Animal Friends Humane Society, a rescue partner for the cafe’s cats.Planting Hope
One’s teenage years can be thrilling, but the pressure to achieve can make those years stressful. In response to rising mental health needs, Lakota Local Schools has adopted a proactive strategy, one that works to plant seeds of hope for students experiencing loneliness, depression or desperation.
Art Adventure
Everywhere you look at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, there’s something beautiful to see. It offers sweeping vistas of nature and clusters of modern art installations in its outdoor gallery with more than 75 sculptures of all shapes, sizes and colors. This summer, take an art adventure like no other in our neighboring Hamilton.
Pop Into Summer
When searching for a snack, nothing beats the convenience of microwave popcorn. However, dozens of reports point to the health risks associated with ingredients used by many manufacturers of microwave popcorn. We discovered an alternative that is safer, healthier and less expensive than a traditional bag of microwave popcorn.
Lessons In Life From Local Leaders
John Boehner Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Even in his retirement, John Boehner travels in the fast lane. Three years after resigning from Congress, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is still prompting news headlines. His prominent career has taken him all around the globe, but Boehner calls West Chester “home.”
Dude Food + Craft Beer
Cincinnati has become known for its breweries, but you don’t have to go Downtown for good craft beer and tasty bites. West Chester’s Grainworks Brewing Company features 20 taps, delectable food and a comfortable indoor and outdoor space for sipping a cold one. Crafted from three local friends, Grainworks was built on the same soil from which Cincinnati’s greatest breweries…
All American Girl
When someone says pageant, you may picture swimsuit competitions, ball gowns, makeup and high heels. But pageants have received a makeover. Liberty Township native Taylor Small, 13, was just crowned National American Miss Pre-Teen Queen, a role coveted by young teens across the country. The competition prides itself on authenticity, building positive role models in young girls and women, and honoring…
Spring Break For Your Skin
Put your best face forward this spring with the help of the skin experts at Dermatology & Surgery. Dermatologist and founding physician Scott Grevey, M.D., and his friendly team are committed to bringing the latest technologies to their patients, offering cutting-edge treatments that eliminate the need to cut.
Wilderness Exploration At Red River Gorge
Host of one of the most impressive networks of mountains, tunnels, natural bridges and canyons in the area, Red River Gorge stands apart as an example of untamed natural beauty. What’s even better is that this unexpected oasis is practically in our backyard; a quick jaunt of two and a half hours, Red River Gorge makes for a great short…
The Art Of Recycling
Welcome to the studio of local artist Carolyn McGowan, an alternate galaxy of glossy discs of all sizes, swirling with color. Hiding underneath the twists and cells of paint lie unlikely canvases—old-school record albums, compact discs and wood tabletops, given a second chance as unique works of art. Using a technique called paint pouring, McGowan brings new life to discarded…Color Of The Year 2019
This time of year it can look a little muddy, dark and dreary outdoors. To help bridge the gap until the vibrancy of spring has arrived, how about adding a pop of color to your life? In an annual tradition, the color authorities at Pantone have selected the 2019 color of the year: Living Coral 16-1546.
Better Bedtime in Butler County
Two to three percent of children in the United States don’t have beds. In Butler County, that’s at least 8,000 kids, sleeping in makeshift spots each night. Local activists are uniting around a motto that is changing those statistics: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
Reader Favorites Revealed
PAGE 1: The wait is finally over. The West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle 2018 Readers’ Choice winners have been finalized. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast online this fall, and the winning businesses represented here were chosen by you, our readers. If you missed your chance to vote, be sure to visit our website next fall to make your opinions known.…Raising The Barre
Since she began classes at three years old, West Chester's Emma Krusling has dreamed of doing what she loves most—pirouettes, pliés and arabesques onstage as a professional ballet dancer. Now, she is dancing her way to her dreams in a unique program at Cincinnati Ballet's Otto M. Budig Academy.