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…
Twice as Nice
This month brings our special dual issue of West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle. February is our annual Arts issue, but it’s also the time when we reveal the much-anticipated winners of our Readers’ Choice awards. So this month is twice as nice! My love of the arts first started when my mom took me to … ContinuedEmpty Bowls Fundraiser
Locals gathered at Sabin Hall at Liberty Center to raise money to fight hunger while enjoying a fun event put on by the Caring Community Collaborative. Each participant selected a handcrafted bowl made by local artists and organizations to take home. They also enjoyed a choice of soup, breads, desserts and refreshments all prepared specially by local chefs … ContinuedCompanions on a Journey All-Star Gala
This winter, the Companions on a Journey All-Star Gala "With a Twist" had a superhero theme. They celebrated the people who come together to assist those coping with grief in our community, the everyday superheroes who support COJ's work. The evening included a delicious dinner, awe-inspiring awardees, fun raffles and auction items. Photography by Beth Hoyt of pHOYTography.Power of the Purse Holiday Gala
The Power of the Purse Holiday Gala was, as usual, tons of fun for a good cause. This time, the $10,000 grant went to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a charity that provides bunk beds to children in our community without a good place to sleep. Congratulations to the winner and to all the attendees! Photography … ContinuedFebruary 2020 Around Town
Five Lakota Schools Receive ODE Momentum Award Lakota Local Schools, including five individual schools within the district, has received the Ohio Department of Education’s Momentum Award for 2019. Additionally, two schools received both the All A Award and Overall A Award. This annual recognition is given to districts or schools for exceeding expectations in student … ContinuedYour 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…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.
Firebirds on Fire
Staying active and working as a team is its own reward, but sometimes, excellent training also results in sweet victories. The Lakota West girls soccer team overcame Whitehouse, Ohio’s Anthony Wayne High School in an exciting championship game that ended 2-1. Forward Kailyn Dudukovich scored the game-winning goal only 13 seconds before the end of the game. Thank you Firebirds for…
January 2020 Around Town
Lakota West Band Makes it to BOA Semi Final For the first time in Lakota West Band history, the 2019 Lakota West Band made their debut in the Semi-Finals at the Bands of America Grand National Championship. The event was held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. They were among 38 bands chosen for the semi-finals … Continued
MTCES Derby Dance
MTCES hosted over 330 guests for their Derby Dance, including video horse races, gaming tables, a variety of raffles, and a live performance by The Menus. Guests had the opportunity to win big by placing bets on our horse races, just like the track. Most importantly, we raised over $21,000 for our students! Photos provided … Continued
Women of Excellence Awards Gala
This November, the West Chester/Liberty Chamber Alliance honored women in our community who have enhanced business, education, culture and philanthropy in our region. The awardees this year included Theresa Baker, Jamie Beringer, Anne Broshear, Nia Butts, Erin Clemons, Diane Egbers, Kim Hollon, Kris Loughrie, Dr. Monica Posey and Suesann Sepela. Photos by Ali Wolfe Photography.
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.
December 2019 Around Town
Liberty Township Wins SAFER grant The Liberty Township Fire Department (LTFD) has been awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant will reimburse $1.36 million over the next three years for the additional staffing of nine new full-time Firefighter/EMT positions. With the grant, the … Continued
Home for the Holidays
I love to travel! I try to plan a little trip every other month so I can get out and explore new places. But once I had kids, I implemented a strict policy of staying put and enjoying the holidays at home. There is something special about waking up in our own beds on Christmas … Continued
Boys and Girls Club Steak and Burger Dinner
On October 10, community members came together to share a meal of delicious burgers and celebrate the achievements of the Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty. The keynote speaker was Nick Hagglund of F.C. Cincinnati, and the evening included an original musical performed by students from the Boys and Girls Club. BGCWCL.org Photography by Len … ContinuedHome Expo at Carriage Hill
The third annual Home Expo at Carriage Hill provided an opportunity for our readers to meet some of our business partners, tour the model homes at Carriage Hill, enjoy live music and win fabulous prizes. Thank you to all our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees. All money raised at the event was donated to EDGE Teen Center, who … Continued
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.Motivational Fall Reads
What inspires us to become better people? Whatever the encouraging factor is, we as humans collectively search for ways to improve ourselves through words of wisdom from friends, sage advice from experts and the power of books. If you want to walk away from a good read feeling a sense of comfort or inspiration, look no further.
November 2019 Around Town
Vote for Readers’ Choice Awards Voting for the third annual West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle Readers’ Choice Awards begins on November 1. We’re looking for your favorite picks across multiple categories, including food and beverages, services, medical, recreation, shopping and more. Readers nominated their favorite businesses, and the top nominees are now part of the final … Continued
Thank You for Four Great Years
As November rolls around, we enter a season of Thanksgiving. This is a time to reflect on all that we’re grateful for and remember our accomplishments of the past year. Each November we also celebrate the anniversary of West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle, and today we are thrilled to recognize our fourth anniversary. I want … ContinuedBishop’s Visit and Blessing at Bethany School
Bishop Michael Curry visited the new Bethany School Academic Building on September 11th. He gave his blessing to the net-zero energy-use building, that is LEED Platinum certified and which features 250 solar panels and 108 geothermal wells. His visit to Bethany was welcomed by students, faculty and well-wishers alike. BethanySchool.org
WCL Foundation Hosts The Key Event
The roaring twenties were in full swing at the Key Event this September. The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty's annual fundraiser gala supports their Community Grants Fund. Excellent food and drink, auction items and a feeling of community made this evening truly special. Photography by Casey Burns Photography
Cozy Up Your Home
Take a cue from the Scandinavian concept of hygge and welcome the transition of summer to autumn with a relaxing refresh Pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon and a hot cup of cocoa. Fall is all about getting warm and comfy as a chill hits the air—preparing yourself for winter, and cherishing those final moments of summer. … Continued
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…
A Taste of Fall
Fall in Love with Wine As the weather gets colder, it's time to enjoy some cozy indoor activities with your family and friends. What if you can also prepare for the holidays at the same time? Consider attending the Basil’s On Market fall wine event for a taste of California wines that could be the stars of your holiday table…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.
October 2019 Around Town
2019 Home Expo The 3rd annual Home Expo at Carriage Hill is set for October 19th from 10am-4pm. This free community event is presented by West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle and Mason & Deerfield Lifestyle. The Home Expo begins in the Terry Gatehouse at 5116 Carriage House Blvd, near the main entrance to Carriage Hill … Continued
A Slice of Comfort
Are you hungry? We’re sure you will be when you read—or should we say devour—this issue, the most drool-worthy one of the year: the annual food and wine issue. We spent the last few months scouring the streets in search of the most delectable bites West Chester and Liberty Township have to offer. This year … Continued
Union Centre Food Truck Rally
About 10,000 people took time during their Friday afternoon and evening on August 9 to enjoy the nearly 40 food trucks assembled for the Union Centre Food Truck Rally. Organized by the Union Centre Boulevard Merchants' Association (UCBMA), this event provided live music, fireworks and fun while raising money for local charity Companions on a Journey. … Continued
Lakota Local Schools Go Back To School
Lakota Schools welcomed back their 16,700 students to Lakota's 23 buildings on August 15. The first two days of school were all about setting the foundation for a great school year by building relationships and having fun. The high schools created exciting aerial photographs portraying their students and their school pride. Photography provided.