West Chester Our Town Magazine, November-December 2009 by Enquirer Media

WEST CHESTER

& LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

family | community | life NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2009

DONATING BLOOD Saving lives in 60 minutes

TAKING NEW TURF Lakota district gets new fields

Holiday Fun on a budget

Our Town’s guide to …

MEETING THE NEIGHBORS • WHERE TO EAT • THE BUZZ WHAT’S NEW • ALL-STARS FROM LAKOTA EAST AND WEST CONNECTWESTCHESTER.COM

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CONNECTLIBERTY.COM

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{I’m back to my life just days after surgery.} At The Christ Hospital, the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System lets us perform gynecologic surgeries with less pain, fewer complications and a faster recovery.

writers

And now these surgeries are performed in an environment designed specifically for women—our newly renovated Women’s Surgery Center. Here, our patients enjoy private rooms and special comforts, as well as the very latest surgical technology.

To learn more about robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery at The Christ Hospital, please visit us on the Web at www.TheChristHospital.com/RoboticAssistedSurgery.

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To make an appointment with one of our experts, please call:

513-585-1000

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Dave Hofmeister Liz DuFour Joe Powell Jamie Rockwell Ernest Coleman Amanda Davidson Joseph Fuqua II Glenn Hartong Tony Jones Michael E. Keating Deogracias Lerma Cara Owsley Thomas E. Smith Leigh Taylor Tony Tribble Melinda Zemper Jenny Callison Michael D. Clark Sue Kiesewetter Jeannette McClellan Monica Scalf Walt Schaefer Jill I. Solimini Nancy Young

Tony Elam telam@cincinnati.com 513.755.4167 Mike Gleason mgleason@cincinnati.com 513.768.8232 Delinda Kennedy April Rich Katy Sheehan Will Smith

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november | december 2009

YOURcommunity

6 8

14 getconnected! Submit your West Chester and Liberty Township stories, photos and events at your community Web sites, connectMason.com and connectDeerfield.com.

• Announce your business • Celebrate your kids’ achievements • Highlight community news • Submit your upcoming events for our free calendar listings

the buzz What’s making headlines in West Chester and Liberty Township. 5 questions …with Cincinnati Tea Party founder and president Chris Littleton.

what’s new A chiropractor, a flooring specialist, child care, soup, burritos, and batteries. Everything you need for a good time.

eight (almost free) ways to celebrate the holidays Your guide to enjoying the season without getting punched in the wallet.

editor’sNOTE

ou might be thinking of ways to stretch your holiday budget this year. But cutting back on gifts, entertaining and food is a challenge for many of us. To help, this issue of Our Town offers some ideas for holiday fun without stressing your bank balance. We’ll show you five ways to entertain yourself and your family for little or no cost. From the Pioneer Christmas at Keehner Park to the Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk and various high school band and choral concerts, there’s plenty going on locally this holiday season. Enjoy these terrific community resources and, when possible, slip them a few dollars to support them. One of the best gifts you can give – and it’ll cost you only a little time – is a blood donation. Hospitals have a neverending need for blood and platelets, and Hoxworth makes it easy and convenient. More importantly, your blood donation could help someone with a life-threatening illness or injury. Read about Joshua Kinderman

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of West Chester, who beat a form of bone cancer, thanks in part to the blood donations of more than 100 people. Joshua and his family are fervent supporters of blood donation. Read his story and you’ll want to become a donor, too. You might recognize my name or face. I’ve been at The Enquirer for nearly 20 years, handling many different assignments. Most recently, I was given responsibility for the Hometown sections and other non-daily publications, including Our Town. It’s a privilege to serve in this role. I look forward to working with the many fine staffers and freelancers who contribute to this magazine and its sister publication, Our Town Mason-Deerfield. And I hope to hear from you, too. Story ideas and suggestions are welcome. Call me at 513-768-8392 or e-mail dhofmeister@enquirer.com. And whether your budget is bountiful or just barely there, enjoy the holidays!

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school news and notes All you need to know from the Lakota school districts.

academic all-stars It doesn’t take brains to see that these six students have it under control in and out of the classroom.

taking the turf Lakota East and Lakota West get new sports fields.

YOURfreetime

where to eat: hot doggin’ it You think you know hot dogs? You don’t know hot dogs.

events calendar Dozens of great places to go and things to do.

get the party started What all the cool kids will be doing in 2010.

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YOURhome

family | community | life

meet the gollers In this home, firefighting is a way of life.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER (&&/

:ED7J?D= 8BEE:

YOURhealth

donate blood to save a life Joshua Kinderman will be the first to tell you that a little goes a long way.

finalthoughts

personal energy crisis Our Town columnist Monica Scalf just wants to take a nap.

38 10

28 20

Saving lives in 60 minutes

J7A?D= D;M JKH< Lakota district gets new fields

Holiday Hustle 6

Preparing for local/awesome events

Our Town’s guide to …

MEETING THE NEIGHBORS t WHERE TO EAT t THE BUZZ WHAT’S NEW t ALL-STARS FROM LAKOTA EAST AND WEST CONNECTWESTCHESTER.COM

CONNECTLIBERTY.COM

Kids have a knack for finding fun in the simplest things, like dressing up as Pilgrims for school holiday celebrations, like Ryan Ennis, Kee Peterson, Megan Grill, and Emily Jarboe here. Inside, you’ll find details of eight local attractions that offer holiday fun without busting your budget.

november | december 2009

thebuzz What’s going on in West Chester and Liberty townships COmpiled BY amber ellis

PHOTO provided

The new library in West Chester opens Nov. 16.

library opens next month

park is tribute to cancer victim

The new $9.6 million library in West Chester Township opens next month. The 50,000-square-foot facility will feature open spaces, a café, self-checkout, an outdoor reading garden and children’s storytelling areas – small details that newer libraries are using to make visitors feel at home. The layout was designed by architecture firm Glaserworks. This library will replace the Cox Road branch, an overcrowded space that ranks as the second busiest in the region behind only the library in downtown Cincinnati. A pedestrian bridge will link the library, which sits across from Lakota West High School, to the township’s developing downtown area. A dedication ceremony is set for 2 p.m. Nov. 15, followed by a three-hour open house that will include library tours. The library opens Nov. 16.

Leo Johnson finally got his park. The small, quiet area sits in West Chester’s Voice of America Park near the 35-acre lake and Ronald Reagan Lodge. It will feature benches, dozens of trees and a sand-filled, boulderclimbing area. A pair of the 13-year-old cancer victim’s bronzed cowboy boots will be mounted there, along with trees, plaques and benches where others can honor lost loved ones. Later, a bird blind will offer visitors views of wildlife – a feature Susan Johnson says her son, Leo would have loved. Leo lost his battle with leukemia three years ago. Not long after his death, his family decided to pay tribute to him with a park in his honor. They figured the site, not far from their West Chester home, was only fitting for a boy who loved fishing, camping and all things outdoors. The first phase of the project will be finished this month. The family would like to complete the project by the end of next year. So far, they’ve raised $18,000 – about half of the amount needed. Donations can be sent to the Community Foundation c/o Leo’s Park, 5641 Union Centre Boulevard, West Chester, OH 45069.

want community news...and more? Discover and discuss the latest news, events and school happenings in West Chester and Liberty Township at connectWestChester.com and connectLiberty.com.

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liberty interchange opens The long-awaited Liberty Interchange project opened this month, clearing the way for hundreds of acres of development in the fastgrowing suburban area between Cincinnati and Dayton. Drivers can exit Interstate 75 at Liberty Way, formerly known as Hamilton Mason Road. An ornamental fence on both sides of the exit bridge feature the new street name. Construction completed the half interchange at Ohio 129. Cox Road now extends north and officials say it will eventually connect to Ohio 63. Once land develops, the finished interchange project is expected to bring thousands of job to the area. The future of Liberty Way has been compared to what transpired at Union Centre Boulevard, the West Chester exit that went from farmland to a bustling focal point of the township in just a decade. Visions for land near the interchange include a health care corridor to capitalize on the new medical triangle formed by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Campus in Liberty, plus the nearby West Chester and Atrium Medical Centers.

court backs woman’s dismissal

0000335772

A West Chester-based company did not discriminate against a woman who was fired after pumping breast milk during unauthorized breaks, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled this summer. The case centered on whether Totes/Isotoner violated state anti-pregnancy discrimination laws when it let LaNisa Allen go for taking lactation breaks. Allen, of Colerain Township, argued she couldn’t wait five hours to pump her milk over her lunch break. The court decided Allen was justly fired – not because she was a new mom, but because she broke rules by taking breaks without permission.

Visit: Cincinnati.Com/LOL or search: living LOL is ... Local bloggers writing from your perspective on cooking, wine, romance and more!

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fivequestions WITH cincinnati

tea party founder and president

chris littleton

est Chester resident Chris Littleton has always been fascinated with politics. He’s studied the issues and followed politicians – both at the national and local levels – as long as he can remember. He became increasingly frustrated the last year of the George W. Bush administration, especially during the final months with the election season in full swing. After watching the 2008 presidential debates, delving into the positions of the candidates, watching the financial markets crumble and stimulus bills go into effect, Littleton said he became more disillusioned with the direction the country was headed. So he began talking informally with friends. That talk turned into action when he and friends began meeting in his basement, trying to see if there was an ideology they could agree on that Americans could unite behind. Eventually his study of politics led Littleton to Mike Wilson, founder and president of the 9-month-old Cincinnati Tea Party. Littleton is one of a dozen individuals making up the core group who help define strategy. He is now the Cincinnati Tea Party’s director of community groups. He serves as a resource to the 60 or so local tea parties in Cincinnati and Dayton, including several in Butler County. Littleton helped organize the Labor Day weekend rally at Voice of America Park that drew thousands of supporters.

What are the basic beliefs of the Cincinnati Tea Party and its off-shoots? There are three things we are focused on: limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets. When it comes to protection of liberties, it’s not being done. The size and scope and influence of government in our everyday lives continues to increase and the politicians don’t seem to have a desire to stop this. There’s continuous infringement on free markets by bailouts, stimulus bills, energy policies, increased regulation, and increased taxation – this chokes the free market. Fiscal responsibility: Don’t spend money unwisely. This is the easiest one to unite people behind. You cannot run your house like the federal government runs our country. You can’t run a business like the federal government runs our country. So how can it possibly succeed?

Is the Cincinnati Tea Party part of a larger, national group?

photo by amanda davidson

our town

Yes, it is a national movement but it is not led nationally. No one is controlling us at a national level – not through funding or direction. We are completely self-supported. There are thousands of tea party organizations across the United States but there is no central leadership. Groups unite to share Web sites or share events. It is very much a grassroots effort with local leadership. Our Web site is www. cincinnatiteaparty.org.

How many people are involved in Southwest Ohio? It’s almost impossible to estimate. Groups range in size from eight members to 400. They are all in different stages. Thousands of people follow our newsletter and over 5,000 receive it. Between May 29 when we had the kickoff for community groups at VOA Park and Sept. 1, we went from half a dozen community tea parties to about 60 in the Cincinnati and Dayton region – with 30 in each. In Butler County we have Fairfield, Liberty Township, Middletown, Monroe, Tri-County and West Chester Township groups.

Why have smaller community groups? The concept that formed these community groups is, we believe in these unifying principles – limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets – not as Democrats and not as Republicans but as Americans. Why can’t we have a group in every neighborhood in the United States that would take actions based on those principles, select candidates based on those principles and vote for candidates based on those principles and not political parties? If we did that, we would be a force to be reckoned with. In Butler County they’re all miniature versions of the Cincinnati Tea Party led by Ed Pharo in Fairfield, Bill Standish in Liberty Township, Jim Lewis and Tom O’Brien in West Chester, Becky Woodward in Monroe, and Greg Nichols in Middletown. Geoff Vrbancic of Liberty Township is the first board member of the Butler County leadership.

What are your top issues for West Chester and Liberty townships? Local elections – trustees and school board members. We will issue voter guides so people have information on all the candidates and where they stand. Voter guides will be on the Web sites: www.westchesterteaparty.org; www.libertytownshipteaparty.org; www. fairfieldteaparty.org We will never endorse a candidate or a political party – ever. The principles are what we believe in. SUE KIESEWETTER

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what’s new

in west chester and liberty township

COMPILED BY JENNY CALLISON PHOTOS BY cara owsley, Leigh Taylor and Michael E. Keating

bird chiropractic 7310 Yankee Road 513-777-4244 or www.bird-chiropractic.com Dr. Jeff Bird opened Bird Chiropractic in early August. The practice, at 7310 Yankee Road, offers comprehensive conservative therapy to relieve pain and restore functional mobility. Therapies available include manipulation or adjustment, massage therapy, and physiotherapy. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Bird, a strong believer in preventive care, works to educate his patients so that they become active partners in their own health care. Bird has been a practicing chiropractor since 2001, when he earned his degree from National University of Health Sciences (formerly National College of Chiropractic) in Chicago.

jp flooring 9097 Union Centre Blvd. 513-346-4300 or www.jpflooring.com Already known for its carpets, vinyl, tile and and laminates, JP Flooring has added a hardwood floor division. The new venture required the purchase of specialty equipment, including a $25,000 dust containment trailer system. JP Flooring vice president Dave Dumoulin said the company can install and finish new hardwood floors or refinish older ones, all without the dust problems that used to accompany such work. “We’ve added a large section of unfinished hardwood to our 10,000square-foot showroom,” he said. JP Flooring is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

hickory dickory tots 9057 Cincinnati Columbus Road 513-759-7997 or http://hickorydickorytotsllc.com In business since October of 2005, this early childhood and day care center moved in June to much larger quarters. “We have 12,000 square feet of indoor space, as well as two outdoor and one indoor playgrounds,” said owner Karen Werling. The facility also boasts a library/media room. Hickory Dickory Tots accepts children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age. It offers before- and after-school care, a kindergarten enrichment program, and summer programs. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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HOXWORTH OT

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what’s new ? soup du jour 6064 West Chester Road 513-874-7687 or www.soupjones.com Chef and owner Michael Marks found his calling when, as a chef for the Brio and Bravo restaurant chain, a culinary glitch forced him to improvise soup recipes and diners couldn’t get enough of the results. So, after nine years with the chain, he left to open his own “upscale, inexpensive” soup shop. The eatery, which opened in mid-August, offers a rotating variety of made-from-scratch soups, along with sandwiches, salads, and brownies. Marks cites creamy chicken and noodle with spinach as his “inspirational” soup – the concoction that convinced him that he was “in the soup” to stay. Soup du Jour is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It has seating for 95 and also offers a drive-through.

qdoba mexican grill 7687 Doc Drive (University Pointe) 513-755-3849 or www.qdoba.com Qdoba, a national chain, serves what it terms “nouvelle cuisine with a Mexican flavor.” The menu features a variety of burritos, salads, soups and nachos. Diners order specific ingredients as their menu item is made while they watch. “Ours is the first corporate store in the (Greater Cincinnati) market,” said manager Brian McMichael. According to McMichael, Qdoba cold weather favorites include the queso chicken burrito and Mexican gumbo. This Qdoba location, which opened in May, operates 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

interstate all battery center 7846 Cox Road 513-777-3344 or www.interstatebatteries.com Dallas, Texas-based Interstate Batteries has developed a successful 150-store franchise by selling batteries large (farm machinery) and small (watches), and every size and type in between. The newest All Battery Center in West Chester, open since early August, is owned by Rodney Swope, in partnership with his brother Charles, the store manager. “When people see ‘Interstate Battery’ they usually think of car batteries,” Charles Swope explained. “But Interstate Batteries has every battery for every need. For instance, we’ve been selling 15 to 20 watch batteries a day, as well as alarm and cell phone batteries. We also rebuild battery packs and power tools.” The store is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

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krohn conservatory and balluminaria Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park will feature a Swedish holiday theme this season. The conservatory, 1510 Eden Park Drive, presents the event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 through Jan. 3. The conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 through Dec. 18. Evening hours are extended until 8 p.m. Dec. 19-30 except for Christmas Day, when the conservatory closes at 5 p.m. Jude Johnson, assistant to the director of Cincinnati Parks, encourages visitors to enjoy a day at the park on Nov. 21. “Come to the conservatory between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and then take in Balluminaria from 4-6 p.m. at Mirror Lake. We have eight to 10 hot air balloons tethered around the lake. At 4 p.m. we start the festivities with Santa Claus and carolers. At 5:45 or so it’s dark enough for the balloons to glow and reflect off the lake,” Johnson said.

PHOTO BY JOSEPH FUQUA II

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PHOTO BY tony jones

Eight

(almost free)

ways to

celebrate the

holidays

The economy could be better. The family budget’s tight. The holidays are approaching. What’s a family to do this season without denting the wallet?Believe it or not, there’s plenty to enjoy in your own community. Here are a few suggestions. BY walt schaefer

This marks the ninth yearthat the Niederman family has invited visitors to their 11-acre field for a half-mile walk through biblical times. “It depicts the Bible from Genesis to Exodus, the birth of Christ to the miracles to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. We have thousands of lights,” said family spokeswoman Janet Niederman. Many of the scenes and figures were a part of the Rudd Christmas Farm, a popular regional Christmas display in rural Adams County that ended in 2000. “We bought a lot of our items at the Rudd auction,” Niederman said. Besides the “Walk Through the Bible” there are non-biblical animated displays – many in the barn – to delight youngsters. Visitors are also treated to hot chocolate and cookies. While the exhibit is free, the Niedermans accept donations to help offset the sizable electric bill. The display, at 5110 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township is open 5:30-10 p.m. and welcomes visitors nightly Nov. 27 through Dec. 30, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Take a stroll back in time and celebrate Christmas in a log cabin, circa 1833, in West Chester’s Keehner Park off Barrett Road. The event will be 1-4 p.m. Dec. 13. “This event is meant to give families an idea of what Christmas was like in 1833. We will have an ‘old fashioned’ Santa. People can bring chairs and take pictures of their kids with Santa. We light a big fire in the fireplace and offer samples of pioneer food – buffalo, deer chili, molasses cookies and cider. There’s dulcimer music,” said Barb Wilson, the township public information and marketing officer. It’s all free.

PHOTO BY GLENN HARTONG

the niederman family farm christmas walk

a pioneer christmas

november | december 2009

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high school concerts The award-winning music programs at Lakota West and Lakota East high schools boast outstanding young musicians who will treat the communities with free concert band and jazz ensemble holiday concerts this year. Lakota West Band Director Greg Snyder said this year’s concert and jazz bands will perform holiday concerts at the high school, 8940 Union Centre Blvd. The concert bands performances will showcase Maria Finkelmeier, an alumna who recently completed her master’s degree in percussion performance at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. More than 240 students participate in four concert bands at Lakota West. Christmas concerts will be 7 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 14 with two bands performing at each. The school jazz ensembles includes 125 students, who’ll present Jazz to the World at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. “We would love to see people come and hear all of these talented young musicians,” Snyder said. Cheree Gallant, spokeswoman for Lakota East bands said the high school’s concert and jazz bands perform at the collegiate level, playing “difficult compositions and they are amazing to listen to.” The jazz band’s holiday concert, under the direction of Todd Hartman, is 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the high school, 6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Township. The school’s concert band, under the direction of Bill Thomas, will present a holiday concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 14.

annual electric train display Duke Energy will continue to delight young and old again this year with the annual train display in the company’s lobby at Fourth and Main streets. Visitors are invited to see one of the nation’s largest model train displays free of charge from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. “Duke Energy is proud to be a part of the holiday tradition in Cincinnati. Our employees and retirees form a small army to make this event come together each year. The smiles on our visitors’ faces make their hard work worthwhile as we leave a lasting impression for people of all ages who come downtown to see the train display,” said Sally Thelen, Duke Energy spokeswoman. The display began in 1946.

PHOTO BY ernest coleman

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santaland at sharon woods While the annual mile-long Holiday in Lights Display through Sharon Woods off U.S. 42 in Sharonville costs $12 per car, Santaland at the Sharon Woods Visitor’s Center is free. “You’ll enjoy carolers, the antics of Scrooge and photos with Santa,” said Kimberly Whitton, communications specialist for the Hamilton County Park District. Santaland also offers “Everett Green” the talking Christmas tree, magic shows with Phil Dalton and a holiday themed train display. Santaland is open Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 while Holiday in Lights runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 3. Hours for both are 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. PHOTO provided

yuletide on the square

PHOTO BY melinda zemper

West Chester’s new city square off Union Centre Boulevard will be the scene of a bigger and better Christmas celebration this year. The Dec. 12 event, which will run 4-7 p.m., will feature a lot of holiday activity, including local musical groups who will perform at the First Financial Bank Clock Tower. Santa Claus will be there and children can make gingerbread houses, said Barb Wilson, the township public information and marketing officer. It’s all free.

olde west chester christmas walk The merchants of Olde West Chester – the original village along Cincinnati-Dayton Road at LeSourdesville West Chester Road – have again organized the long-popular Olde West Chester Christmas Walk. The village, decorated and aglow with holiday trimmings and lights, is a popular attraction for residents and visitors. The walk will be Nov. 13-14 and will offer a great opportunity to start off the holiday season. The community Christmas tree lighting is 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the township administration building, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, and the annual community parade through Olde West Chester starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 14. “The community parade is a lowkey, fun opportunity. We have a lot of Scout groups and dance troupes and many cover themselves with batteryoperated lights,” Wilson said. Refreshment stands are available throughout the village and village merchants stay open for browsers or those who want to get an early start on Christmas shopping.

PHOTO BY tony jones

november | december 2009

YOURschools

schoolnotes By sue kiesewetter

lakota schools among top districts in ohio For the eighth consecutive year, Lakota students scored among Ohio’s best on the state’s achievement and graduation tests. The district earned the state’s highest

For The Fridge lakota SCHOOLS

NOVEMBER 2009 2 Ohio Graduation Test begins, grades 11-12 only

3 Teacher workday, no classes

3 Holiday Shoppe, central office, 4-7:30 p.m.; Shawnee Holidays Around the World, 5-8 p.m.; Endeavor and Cherokee movie nights

4 Second quarter interims; Hopewell Junior dance, 3:15-5:15 p.m.

7 Lakota West holiday jazz concert, 7 p.m.

6 Plains first quarter recognition

8 Hopewell sixth grade band, 7 p.m.;

program; Cherokee Lunch with dad

Cincinnati-Dayton Road

Plains holiday choral concert, 6:30 p.m.; Adena White Gifts, 9:15 p.m., gymnasium; Hopewell Junior holiday choral concerts (6:45 p.m., seventh grade; 7:30 p.m., eighth grade; 8:15 p.m., vocal chamber)

13 CheetahFest, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Ridge

9 District Parent Council, 10 a.m.,

10 Ridge choir concert, 6:30 p.m., vocal chamber concert, 7:30 p.m.

12 Papa John’s Pizza Spirit Night, 8103

homework incentive pizza lunch; Hopewell Junior dance, 7-9 p.m.

14-15 Lakota East craft show, 10 a.m to 5

central office; Liberty Early Childhood School skating party at Skatetown USA, 7 p.m.

p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

10 Hopewell second grade music

18 Shawnee Mom’s Night Out, 6-9 p.m.

program, 7 p.m., gymnasium; Papa John’s Pizza Spirit Night, 8103 Cincinnati-Dayton Road

19 Adena book fair family night, 3:307:30 p.m.; Plains winter Meet the Team night, 6:30 p.m.; Ridge bands concert, 6:30 and 8 p.m.

25-27 Thanksgiving holiday

15 Plains band concerts (6:30 p.m., seventh grade; 8 p.m., eighth grade); Lakota West Freshman Campus holiday band concert, 7 p.m.; Hopewell Junior seventh-grade holiday band concert, 7 p.m.; eighth-grade and jazz bands, 8 p.m.

30 School board meeting, 7 p.m.,

17 Hopewell sixth-grade music, 7 p.m.,

20 Ridge dance, 3:15 p.m. 23-24 Hopewell Grandperson Day

central office

decEMBER 2009 1 Cherokee PTA executive board, 9:45 a.m.

ranking – excellent with distinction – on the 2009 Ohio Report Card, based on the 2008-09 school year data. “It is a testament to our students and their achievements that they perform well on the state tests, but Lakota being an excellent district encompasses more than just an academic rating,” said

gym; Ridge eighth-grade jazz band concert, 8 p.m.

18 Hopewell all school sing-a-long, 2 p.m., gym; Hopewell White Gifts, 9 and 10 a.m.

21 Winter break begins, no school our town

Superintendent Mike Taylor. “Our students participate in schoolrelated activities and community services…and all of these aspects of education contribute to preparing wellrounded students for their futures.” The district met 29 of the 30 standards set by the state, missing only eighth grade social studies, with 74.5 percent of students passing the test. The standard is 75 percent. The district’s graduation rate was 94.7 percent and attendance averaged 96.5 percent. Lakota is Ohio’s seventh-largest school district, with an enrollment of about 18,300 students who are housed in 22 schools in Liberty and West Chester townships. The district covers about 64 square miles.

athletic passes available Athletic passes for sporting events at Lakota’s junior or high schools are still available in the athletic offices at East and West high schools. An all-sport family pass allows any family member into all home athletic events and costs $165. Family passes for basketball games only cost $95. Student all-sport passes are also available for $50 and adult all-sport, $85. The passes purchased at Lakota East are good only at Lakota East, Liberty Junior, Hopewell Junior and Lakota East Freshman schools. Those purchased at Lakota West are only good at Lakota West, Ridge Junior, Plains Junior and West Freshman schools. For an additional $55 family passes can be upgraded to allow admission to games at all schools. Upgrades for allsports passes to include East/West events cost an extra $20 for students and $35 for adults.

new grading scale hits lakota A new grading scale for Lakota students in grades 3-12 will be used this year.

YOURcommunity

The district has adopted a 10-point grading scale that lowers the minimum percentage for each grade levied. Under the new scale, 90 percent is the lowest A, 80 percent is the lowest B, 70 is the lowest possible C, and 60 percent is the lowest possible D. The change came after reviews of what other districts were doing, talking with national experts, reviewing data/studies and talking with college admissions officers and others. “We wanted to put our students on a level playing field where they’re competing …not only on college (admissions) but for scholarships,’’ said Ron Spurlock, assistant superintendent. Spurlock said the work isn’t finished. Now that the board has adopted changes in grading policy, the next step is to develop guidelines to implement policy; for example, whether teachers accept late assignments and what, if any, consequences are levied vary by building and even among teachers. A committee is working to develop consistent guidelines. Spurlock said that work should be completed next spring and implemented for the 2010-11 school year.

Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy Ann Taylor Loft Archiver’s Arhaus Furniture Becoming Mom Bed, Bath & Beyond Borders Books & Music Bravo Italian Cucina C.J. Banks Christopher & Banks Cincinnati Bell Claddagh Irish Pub Claire’s Coldwater Creek Dick’s Sporting Goods Game Stop Gymboree Huntington Bank James Wolf Jewelers Jimmy John’s Kay Jewelers Lane Bryant Learning Express Massage Envy McAlister’s Deli

Merle Norman Mimi’s CafÈ Missy & Jack New York & Company Oreck Vacuums Panera Bread Pure Concept Salon/Aveda Qdoba Mexican Grill Regal Cinema 16 Select Comfort Skeffington’s Sprint Stride Rite Shoes Sunglass Hut Talbots The Children’s Place The Maytag Store The Polo Grille Track-N-Trail Ulta Beauty Urban Active Fitness Venetian Nail Salon White House/Black Market Whole Foods Wild Bird Center Yankee Candle

5305 Deerfield Blvd.

Exit 19 off I-71, Go North on Mason-Montgomery Road 1 mile

513.770.0273

www.deerfieldtownecenter.com

Nominations are being accepted through the end of November for the 12th class to be inducted into the Lakota Athletic Hall of Fame. Candidates can be a student athlete who graduated in 2004 or earlier, a Lakota employee who left or retired from the district a minimum of two years ago, or someone who supported the athletic program two or more years ago. Forms are available in the athletic offices of East and West high schools, at central offices or online at www.lakotaonline.com – click on athletics. Completed forms should be returned to district athletic director Stu Eversole at district offices, 6672 Princeton Road, Liberty Township, OH 45044. Information: 513-874-5506.

0000356192

who will be the next hall of famers?

IT’S LIKE ONE BIG PLAYGROUP. JUST FOR MOMS.

where Cincy moms meet affiliate of the Cincinnati.Com network. november An | december 2009 19

YOURschools Sinclair Community College

lakota east high school

Courseview Campus

lakota west high school

presents

By Michael D. Clark and Sue Kiesewetter photography by TONY TRIBBLE

Cameron Hammel, Senior With a 4.65 grade point average there is no doubt that Cameron Hammel, 17, is smart. But the Lakota West senior finds time to participate in a variety of school and community related activities despite taking four advanced placement classes. She is field commander of the marching band, plays flute and piccolo in the symphonic winds band and is a Firebird Link leader. She’s also in the math club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club and plays lacrosse. Cameron would like to study journalism or English and has applied to the University of North Carolina, the University of Texas and Indiana University. How did you achieve your academic success? My parents have been a huge influence on me. They never pressure me, but are always supportive. They spent countless hours reading to me when I was young. What has been your most exciting academic moment? I am most proud of being a well-rounded person. I have been able to maintain straight A’s, make All-State Band/Orchestra all four years of high school, and be a varsity athlete. These last two years, I have been principal flute of the All-State Orchestra.

mel Cameron Hamhool h sc

lakota west hig

How have academics played a role in your life? I know how to manage my time very well because I am so busy. I have to cram in all of my homework and studying in a shorter amount of time due to my music and athletic commitments. Luckily, I am also able to do this and maintain a bedtime of 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. – I like my sleep!

Kristen Pan, Senior It’s a family tradition when it comes to academic success, says Kristen Pan. The 17-year-old Lakota East High School senior is hard pressed to pick a favorite among her best classes of biology, science, chemistry and math. She is a self-described “late bloomer” when it comes to excelling in the classroom but she cites her family – including her father, a plastic surgeon – as motivating her to earn top grades. Kristen plans to major in biology in a premed track at either Ohio State University or the University of North Carolina. How did you achieve your academic success? Ultimately, I achieved my academic success through the guidance of my parents. However, I also strived to excel in school from a challenge of my best friend, Kevin Li, who in the eighth grade bet me that I’d never be in the top of my class in high school! Since then I have been determined to not only succeed academically, but also be the best. What has been your most exciting academic moment? Thus far, my most exciting academic moment was during the spring of my junior year when I won the Scholarship Star Award at the academic awards ceremony for exhibiting great academic achievement. What is your favorite part of academics? Using my knowledge to help others learn. I tutor underclassmen in algebra and geometry through the school’s math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, as well as constantly help my friends with editing essays and understanding foreign languages. I feel validated not only when I receive good grades on my own hard work, but moreover when I can help my peers do the same.

our town

Kristen Pa

lakota east high scn ho

Ryan Fore, Senior At 16, Ryan Fore is one of the youngest – and smartest – members of Lakota West’s senior class, earning a 4.3 grade point average. He skipped second grade and is now taking advanced placement and honors classes, including statistics, one of his favorites. Ryan is a member of the marching band’s drumline, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club and math club. He plans to go to college with a double major in business and chemical engineering. How did you achieve your academic success? Freshman year and the first half of my sophomore year I slacked off a considerable amount. I was ranked in the mid-60s in a class of over 600, while most of my friends were in the top 30. It was at that point that I really began to apply myself to my school work, and I’ve risen in rank to 35. What has been your most exciting academic moment? Finding out that I’m a National Merit Semifinalist, which is based off of PSAT scores. The top percentile in each state qualify as National Merit Semifinalists, and I knew I was right about where the cutoff for Ohio would be, so when I found out I made it, I was really happy.

Ryan Fore

lakota west high school

How have academics played a role in your life? I would say there is a fair bit of peer pressure to do well in school. As long as I get an A or a B, my parents aren’t worried about my grades. My older sister and stepbrother both graduated from West in the top 5 percent of their classes, so one could say I come from a family of high achievers. I’m a big procrastinator though, so I normally put school work on hold to do other things, which usually results in me staying up until midnight.

Radhika Madhavan, Senior Radhika Madhavan began to use her exceptional smarts at an early age. The Lakota East High School senior explains that her mother “is a systems analyst and she had a lot to do with my doing well in school.” “When I was in the 6th grade, she taught me the computer language Java and I had my first computer when I was 4 years old,” explains the 17-year old, who is considering Ohio State University, Purdue University and the University of Illinois for her college studies in chemical engineering. Her goal, she says, is to make a difference in the world. “My pet peeve is when people are so smart … but they don’t work hard,” she says. How did you achieve your academic success? Truthfully, it was mostly hard work. Hard work and a refusal to accept less than my best. It’s just something my parents taught me at a young age that I followed -- and will continue to follow -- to the letter. What has been your most exciting academic moment? Recently, I was named a National Merit Semifinalist. That was pretty exciting. I was so surprised when I received my PSAT scores and almost speechless when I learned that I had made the cut to be a semifinalist. What is your favorite part of academics? That’s an easy one. The best part for me is discovering all the real-world applications of the things we learn in school. In elementary school, I was always frustrated by the fact that teachers never told me how long division or literary analysis would help me past the classroom (because I never saw either of my parents pointing out metaphors in novels or doing long division by hand). It’s something I’m glad I grew out of as I entered junior high and high school.

dhavaln RadhikeaastMha igh schoo lakota

november | december 2009

Daniel Shen, Senior Lakota West senior Daniel Shen doesn’t really have a favorite subject. The West Chester Township 17-year-old loves all his classes and does well in them, earning a 4.68 grade point average. This year he is taking four advanced placement classes along with honors multivariable calculus. He is president of the math club and is captain of the junior varsity Quiz Team along with serving as a math lab tutor and peer counselor. He is on student government and belongs to the National Honor Society and Junior Classical League. Daniel would like to go to Stanford University but has not yet decided on a major. How did you achieve your academic success? All the adults in my life have played some sort of a role in getting me involved academically. My parents definitely played a huge role by laying down the foundation. Ever since elementary school they taught me to work hard and to finish homework before playing. the final (factor was) my own curiosity – the simple desire to explore various topics to see what interests me. What has been your most exciting academic moment? When I found out that I had pulled off a perfect score on the math section of my SAT test in the eighth grade.

Daniel Shen

lakota west high school

How have academics played a role in your life? It’s made me try out more clubs and more activities. Several of the classes I take have clubs that go along with them – math has a math club, Latin has a club – and I try them out. I try to find time to do everything I want to.

Ben Schapman, Senior Ben Schapman knows that anything worth earning is also worth working hard for. The Lakota East High School senior was inspired by three older brothers – all who also excelled in the classroom and all who have since graduated from Miami University. “I’m the youngest of four boys and way back in the first grade I started to work as hard as I could on my grades,” says the 17-year-old who is also considering Miami along with Xavier University and Ohio State University. Ben, whose favorite classes are math and physics, hopes to major in chemical engineering. How did you achieve your academic success? Academic success never came easy for me. I’ve always had to work extremely hard every single day. My parents have always been an extremely big influence on me ever since the beginning. They help me constantly with everything I need help on. But, here’s the key word to academic success: determination. What has been your most exciting academic moment? When I won the Lakota East High School Star Award for Scholarship during my sophomore year. The award was given for academic excellence in all categories. All the teachers got together and voted on the student they thought should win the award and it was me. I cannot even begin to describe the feeling I got walking up to receive the award. What is your favorite part of academics? My favorite part of academics is working with teachers and the inspiration that comes from them. I have been blessed to work with several amazing teachers and they have all influenced me in different ways. I can come to them with any questions I have, even if they are not about academics. The relationships that you can build with teachers are very important. So, go in with an open mind about the teacher and make your own opinion. Who knows? Maybe they will become one of the biggest influences you have ever had.

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lakota east

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our town

YOURschools

Taking

the

turf

By Michael D. Clark photos by thomas e. smith

Lakota’s high schools went “green” this fall and it had nothing to do with the environmental movement. For the first time in Lakota’s 52-year history, students at both Lakota West and Lakota East high schools are playing football on something that cows can’t eat – green plasic grass. Thanks to a $970,000 deal with Middletown’s Atrium Medical Center in exchange for marketing rights, the artificial turf athletic fields have delivered fall prep sports, marching bands, area youth teams and physical education students from any worries about rainouts or muddy playing conditions. And thanks to the generosity of thousands of Lakota sports boosters who donated money to make up the remaining total price tag for the two fields of $1.5 million, the dramatic upgrade into the 21st century era of local prep sports was done without cost to local taxpayers. The new turf means fields that used to be available a few dozen times a year are now available almost year-around. Besides school sports and gym classes, youth and adult football and other community sports leagues can now play on the same surface as the pro teams they see on TV. “The new turf … has completely delivered on our mission of helping the Lakota district enhance our stadiums and to make them true community assets. They look tremendous,” says Bob Schloemer, co-chair of the Lakota FIELDS >>

november | december 2009

YOURschools fundraising group. Lakota Athletic Director Stu Eversole says that it only took three weeks since the high school fields were opened in August to surpass the average annual number of times the old, natural grass fields could be used for athletic events. “We normally utilized these stadium facilities approximately 16 to 18 times a year, after three weeks of use we have already surpassed that number of activities at both sites. For Lakota this is what it is all about,” says Eversole. “And the artificial surfaces have been absolutely fantastic in generating enthusiasm from every corner of the district. In addition to the expected interscholastic athletic and marching band programs that have made use of the fields, we have also had physical education classes, special education and even physics classes find their way onto the turf to share in this experience.” Lakota, which plays in one of Ohio’s most competitive athletic leagues, the Greater Miami Conference, was one of the last school systems in the conference to get plastic turf. The district joins a growing wave of suburban schools – including Hamilton, Monroe, Mason, Lebanon, Little Miami, Kings, Franklin and Springboro – that have added the high-tech fields in recent years. Jason Leyda, president of the Lakota Sports Organization (LSO), one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest youth sports leagues, says “these fields will allow LSO to organize camps, practices or evaluations during times of the year that traditionally are difficult to schedule on grass due to weather situations.” “The kids in the organization would be thrilled to play, practice or be evaluated in this setting. With the bleachers, scoreboard, lights and new turf all around them, what could be more exciting to them than to be on a field where they may dream to one day play high schools sports?” says Leyda. Another advantage of Lakota’s new fields is that thousands of the district’s 18,300 students who do not play on school sports teams also benefit directly from the new playing surfaces. “Everyone likes it,” says 16-year-old Abbey Cramer of Lakota East High School during a recent PE class. “I like that we can come outside for more gym classes and play soccer or softball. It makes our whole school better,” says Abbey. Cindy Feltman, chairwoman of Lakota East’s physical education and health department, paused from supervising Abbey and her classmates and watched as the students played on the new surface. “We had a recent rain storm and in the past we would have had to shut down all outdoor PE classes. But now, we only have to wait 10 minutes and we’re back out on the field because it drains so quickly,” says Feltman. “We’re not held hostage anymore by the old turf fields,” she says, smiling.

our town

YOURschools

graphic courtesy of the motz group

november | december 2009

YOURfreetime

Chicago-style Greatness

Hot Doggin’ It

Photo by tony tribble

12082 b montgomery road cincinnati, OH 45249 513-831-3644 My family and I lived in several other cities before landing in Cincinnati, and there are foods that we desperately miss from each one. No offense, but after living in Baltimore and Mobile, Ala., it’s tough to find crab cakes and fried green tomatoes in the Queen City that measure up. However, the addition of Hot Doggin’ It to the Cincy restaurant scene has given us and other Chicago hot dog lovers a truly authentic taste of one of the best foods the Windy City has to offer. What is a Chicago-style hot dog? Start with a steamed poppy seed bun, add a Vienna Beef hot dog and top it with yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt. In Chicago, it’s known as “dragging your dog through the garden.” At Hot Doggin’ It, a Chicago-style hot dog comes with all the above fixings and costs $2.95. The owners of the restaurant, Ava and David Baldwin, grew up on the south side of Chicago and know their hot dogs. They are proud of the fact that the dogs they serve come from Vienna Beef, a company started in Chicago in 1893. The restaurant looks like a retro diner, and framed jerseys from all the Chicago sports teams line the walls. A sign over the door reads, “Enter as strangers, leave as friends,” and the proprietors’ friendly service ensures this. When we ate at Hot Doggin’ It, my husband and I each ordered a hot dog, and also split a Char Burger ($4.75). The dogs took us back to our days in Chicago, and the burger was huge and tasted like it had been grilled on someone’s deck –

our town

delicious! My 9-year old daughter, who we affectionately call the hummingbird because she eats her weight in food each day, ordered the Italian sausage ($5.85). It came smothered in grilled onions and peppers, and her eyes lit up when she saw the size of it. She devoured the entire thing herself except for the bite she grudgingly gave her dad. My other daughter ordered a cup of chili ($2.85) – it is a much thicker and heartier style of chili than Cincinnati chili, and came topped with cheese. You can also order it on a hot dog for $3.35 or on fries for $4.65. Our youngest ordered the Pup Dog kid’s meal ($3), and it came with two mini hot dogs, fries and a drink. She was quite taken with the tiny dogs and actually ate both of them. We split fries ($1.99) and onion rings ($2.20), and they each deserve special recognition. The fries were hand-cut, skin-on, and they were some of the best fries I’ve had. The onion rings were tossed in a thick batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. The portions were easily large enough for four people to share, but we still fought over the last onion ring. The restaurant also offers other Chicago favorites like Polish sausage, gyros and Italian beef sandwiches, and we will certainly be back to try them. Getting our kids to come back to Hot Doggin’ It should be no problem. They offer free soft-serve ice cream – chocolate, vanilla or swirl – to each guest, and gave each of our kids a lollipop. My kids definitely think of them as friends. jill i. solimini

Seconds

Aladdin’s Eatery 9344 union centre blvd. 513-874-1302 www.aladdinseatery.com The Mideastern restaurant satisfies whether you’re a carnivore, a vegan or something in between. It lets anyone eat a healthy meal – and then tempts them with baklava and big desserts. Lentil soup with chicken, Pitzas, which are a cross between pita and pizza, shishkabobs and smoothies are all on the menu. The Arayiss Pitza topped with hummus, ripe tomato, spicy ground meat, fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts wraps up many of Aladdin’s flavors in a divine combination. Aladdin’s original home is Cleveland; it now has several locations throughout the state.

Rafferty’s Restaurant and Bar 9238 floer drive 513-870-0111 www.raffertys.com Rafferty’s is a casual, Americanstyle restaurant that concentrates on the “three s’: salad, sandwiches and steak. The chicken finger salad, the prime rib sandwich, which is a delicious pile of shaved beef on a roll, and a $15 ribeye are among the choices in each category. Enjoy them in a rustic dining room surrounded by brick, stone, wood and hanging plants, or outside on the deck. The dining room is lined with televisions, so you’re not likely to miss any sporting event going on elsewhere. There are 22 Rafferty’s throughout the Midwest. - POLLY CAMPBELL, The Enquirer

Mondays Kids eat FREE with a purchase of an Adult Entree

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

All Day Happy Hour!!!

LIVE DJ 8P - 12A

Happy Hour Special

$2 Domestics $3 Imports

11am - 7pm AND 10pm - 1am

Drink Specials!

LIMIT ONE PER VISIT TWO COUPONS PER TABLE (UP TO $7.00 VALUE) For more restaurant reviews or to rate and review where you’ve eaten lately, visit connectWestChester.com or connectLiberty.com.

NOW SERVING LATE NIGHT MENU! 10PM - 1AM

DINE-IN ONLY. WITH COUPON ONLY. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. Expires 11/09/09

$4.99

CHICAGO STYLE HOT-DOG DINE-IN ONLY. WITH COUPON ONLY. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. Expires 11/09/09

YOURfreetime

Events calendar Looking for fun? For even more event listings, visit connectWestChester.com or connectLiberty.com. Nov. 1 Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Junction, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., EnterTrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester Township. Daytime, creative walk-through, kid-friendly, themed environment includes well-lit mazes, old Victorian village, haunted rooms, windtunnel and clown rooms. $8. 513-898-4656; www. entertrainmentjunction.com. Junction Nightmare, 7-10 p.m.,

EnterTrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester Township. Blood-chilling scarefest with two themes, Ripper’s Revenge and Fear Factory. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Fastpass: $20, $15. 513-898-4656; www.entertrainmentjunction. com.

Nov. 3 Tuesday

Recreation Rumbler’s Incorporated Open CruiseIn, 5-9 p.m., Rib City Grill, 5502 Dixie Highway,

Fairfield. Vehicles on show from 1903-2009. Door prizes, giveaways and music by DJ A.J. Production. Bring canned good donation. Benefits New Life Mission. Free. 513-868-1333.

Nov. 4

Wednesday

Business Seminars Business Emergency Planning Association Annual Conference, 8

a.m. to 4 p.m., Manor House, 7440 MasonMontgomery Road, Mason. Theme: Surviving a Disaster Step by Step. Steve Horstmeyer, Fox 19 meteorologist, speaks on “Changing Weather Patterns and its Effects on Natural Disasters.” $100 BEPA members, $200 non-members. Registration required. 513-792-4000; www. cincinnatiredcross.org/bepa.

Civic Mobile Second District Office Hours, 9-10:30 a.m., Morrow Municipal Building, 150 E. Pike St., Morrow. Staff available to meet constituents and discuss issues or problems with the federal government. 513-899-2821.

our town

Sports

Mobile Second District Office Hours,

Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey vs. Toledo Walleye, 7:30 p.m., U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. $12-$24.50. 800-7453000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Mom’s clubs

Nov. 7

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mason Municipal Building, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason. Large Conference Room 1055. Staff available to meet constituents and discuss some issues or problems with the federal government. 513-791-0381.

Mothers and More Monthly Chapter Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center - Mason, 9560 Children’s Drive, Mason. Focus is to care for the caregiver by giving moms a “time out” with chapter meetings, Moms Nights Out, Book club and more. Lorraine Charbonneau, Open Door Learning Center, presents program on learning styles. Attendance is free. 513-588-8319; www. mothersandmorecincinnati.com.

Saturday

Craft shows Colerain High School Boosters Craft Show, 10 a..m to 4 p.m., Colerain High School, 8801 Cheviot Road, Colerain Township. More than 160 crafters, raffle. Concessions. 513385-6424.

Loveland High Arts & Crafts Expo,

Thursday

10 a..m. to 4 p.m., Loveland High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland. More than 200 crafters. Handmade arts and crafts. Concessions available. 513-476-5187; www.lovelandathleticboosters.com/ craftfair.htm.

Sports

Food and drink

Nov. 5 Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey vs

Johnstown Chiefs visit, 7:30 p.m., U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. $12-$24.50. 800-7453000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Nov. 6 Friday

Wine Tasting, 1-3 p.m., Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. Plush Pomerols. $50. Reservations required. 513-674-6008; www.junglejims.com.

On Stage - Comedy Tracy Morgan, 8 p.m., Taft Theatre, 317

Benefits

E. Fifth St., downtown. Comedian and actor. Presented by Live Nation. $45, $32.50. 877-5988703; www.livenation.com.

Cancer Family Care Annual Wine Tasting, 6-8 p.m., Manor House, 7440 Mason-

On Stage - Theater

Montgomery Road, Mason. International wine selections, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Benefits Cancer Family Care. $150. Reservations required. 513-7313346, ext. 114; www.cancerfamilycare.org.

Eve Center Roast, Toast and Boast,

6-9:30 p.m., Voice of America Lodge and Boathouse, 7850 Voice of America Park Drive, West Chester Township. Dinner by Montgomery Inn and silent auction of themed baskets. Benefits Eve Center, providing women safe place to be heard, heal and grow through peer counseling and training. $100. 513-254-9591; www.evecenter.org.

Sanders Family Christmas: More Smoke

on the Mountain, 8 p.m., Playhouse in the Park, Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Eden Park. Holiday sequel to musical comedy “Smoke on the Mountain.” Features 28 Christmas carols and Gospel songs. Preview. Presented by Playhouse in the Park. $49$65. Through Dec. 31. 513-421-3888.

Nov. 8 Sunday

Festivals Turkey Dinner and Turkey Shoot, 11 a..m to 7 p.m., St. Aloysius Church, 3350 Chapel

YOURfreetime

cincinnati cyclones hockey

where U.S. Bank Arena tickets $12-$24.50. 800-7453000; www.ticketmaster.com.

Come watch the 2007-08 Kelly Cup winners and 2008-09 ECHL North Division champs break more league records this season.

Road, Shandon. All-you-can-eat dinner with all the trimmings and beer available. Games for all ages and poker. 513-738-1014.

stage adaptation of the classic film. Presented by Broadway Across America. $24.50-$64.50. Through Nov. 22. 800-982-2787.

Sports Cincinnati Bengals Football, 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Bengals Drive, Downtown. vs. Baltimore Ravens. $64-$82. 513-621-8383; www. bengals.com.

Nov. 11

Wednesday

Lectures Celebrating Self Series, 11:45 a.m., Fitton

Nov. 10 Tuesday

On Stage-Theater Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,”

Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. Ballroom. Includes buffet luncheon. The Making of a Madam, memoir by Patsyann Maloney and Wayne Holmes. $15 members, $17 non-members. Reservations recommended. 513863-8873, ext. 110.

Nov. 13 Friday

Benefits Let’s Dance for the Heart of It, 6 p..m to 12:30 a.m., Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown. Dinner and dancing. Music by Anna & Milovan and Stays in Vegas Band. Benefits Aubrey Rose Foundation. $85. Tickets required, available online. 513-265-5801; www.aubreyrose.org/letsdance2009.htm.

8 p.m., Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Musical. New

november | december 2009

YOURfreetime

Light up the Square Cincinnati officially welcomes holiday season. Tree lighting 7 p.m. Fireworks follow. Includes visit from Santa. Ice rink open. www.myfountainsquare.com.

Nov. 14

Nov. 17

Nov. 18

Art Openings

Civic

Harmony: Winter Quilt Show, 6-8 p.m.,

Land Use Planning Committee, 4:30-5:30

Warren County Virtual Community School Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Warren

Saturday

Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. Reception. Fiber works by 15 acclaimed artists accompanied by figurative sculptures inspired by music legends. Exhibit continues through Jan. 6. 513-863-8873, ext. 110; www.fittoncenter.org.

when 6:30 p.m. November 27 where Fountain Square, Downtown

our town

Tuesday

p.m., Community Development Department, 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 100, West Chester Township. 513-777-4214.

Sports Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey, 10:30 a.m., U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. vs. Trenton Devils. $12-$24.50. 800-745-3000; www. ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday

County Educational Service Center, 320 E. Silver St., Lebanon. Regular business meeting. 513-6952900.

Sports Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey, 7:30 p.m., U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. vs. Trenton Devils. $12-$24.50. 800-745-3000; www. ticketmaster.com.

Nov. 20

Nov. 27

Benefits

Art Museums and Art Centers

Friday

Secret Artworks, 6-9 p.m., Westin Hotel,

21 E. Fifth St., Downtown. Exhibition and sale of 5-by-7 original artworks. Identities of artists remain secret until sale. Music, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and cash bar. Benefits ArtWorks. $125, $100 advance. 513-333-0388; www.artworkscincinnati.org.

Special Events Monster Truck Championships and Thrill Show, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Gardens,

2250 Seymour Ave., Roselawn. Featuring Bigfoot and Bounty Hunter. With Transaurus, robotic car-eating dinosaur, and Glactron and Reptar. Free parking. $15-$20, $5-$10 ages 12 and under. Through Nov. 21. 800-745-3000; www.ticketmaster. com.

Nov. 21 Saturday

Craft Shows

Friday

Antique Christmas, 11 a..m to 5 p.m., Taft

Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown. Historic house is decorated with ornaments, rare toys and German feather trees. Included with admission; $8 adults, $6 ages 60 and up and students, free ages 18 and under. Through Jan. 10. 513-684-4524; www. taftmuseum.org.

Holiday Light up the Square, 6:30 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Cincinnati officially welcomes holiday season. Tree lighting 7 p.m. Fireworks follow. Includes visit from Santa. Ice rink open. www.myfountainsquare.com. PNC Festival of Lights, 5-9 p.m., Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. More than 100 lighted displays, 2.5 million lights, entertainment, shopping and more. $13, $9 ages 2-12 and seniors. Through Jan. 3. www.cincinnatizoo.org.

p.m., Sycamore High School, 7400 Cornell Road, Montgomery. More than 150 artists and crafters. Musical performances, bake sale, raffle, and food court. 513-686-1770; www.sbob.org.

Food & Drink Wine Tasting, 1-3 p.m., Jungle Jim’s

International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. Napa versus Sonoma. $30. Reservations required. 513-674-6008; www.junglejims.com.

Special Events Monster Truck Championships and Thrill Show, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Gardens, 2250 Seymour Ave., Roselawn. Featuring Bigfoot and Bounty Hunter. With Transaurus, robotic car-eating dinosaur, and Glactron and Reptar. Free parking. $15-$20 adults, $5, $10 ages 12 and under. 800745-3000; www.ticketmaster.com. The Rusty Ball, 8 p..m to - midnight, Duke

Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. Hosted by The Rusty Griswolds. Event benefits various charities. 513-419-7300; http://therustyball. com/.

Nov. 29 Sunday

Sports Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Bengals Drive, Downtown. $64-$82. 513-621-8383; www. bengals.com.

Dec. 2

Wednesday

Mom’s Clubs Mothers and More Monthly Chapter Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center - Mason, 9560 Children’s Drive, Mason. Focus is to care for the caregiver by giving moms a “time out” with chapter meetings, Moms Nights Out, Book club and more. Attendance is free. 513-588-8319; www. mothersandmorecincinnati.com.

Dec. 5 Nov. 26

Saturday

Thursday

Food & drink

Happy Thanksgiving

Wine Tasting, 1-3 p.m., Jungle Jim’s

International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield. Moet & Chandon Champagne tasting includes most recent release of Dom Perignon. Price includes Dom Perignon Gift Set: bottle of Dom Perignon with two Dom Champagne Flutes. $175. Reservations required. 513-674-6008; www. junglejims.com.

0000345739

Sycamore Arts & Crafts Show, 9 a..m - 4

22 Steps

to a happier, healthier home!

THE M AIDS HO M E SERVICES

• 100% S atisfactio n G u aran teed • G ift C ertificate Availab le • 90 M in u te M in im u m C lean • C all K elly F o r A F ree E stim ate

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*New customers only. Not valid with other offers.

Home Services

513.858.3700 www.maids.com Christmas Christmas in Mason, 6-9 p.m., Downtown Mason, Main St., Mason. Parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, caricature artists, ice and wood carver, entertainment, pictures with Santa, food, crafts and more. Shuttles available from Grace Baptist and St. Susanna churches. 513-229-8534. Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade, 10 a..m

to 9 p.m., Downtown Lebanon, Mulberry Street, Lebanon. Gift and food vendors, Christmas carolers, traveling bell choir, storytelling, Paso Fino horse demonstrations, musical entertainment, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, street characters, and extended business hours. Candlelit parades at 1 and 7 p.m. Free. 513-932-1100.

Religious - Community A Night in Bethlehem, 5 p..m - 8 p.m., Crestview Presbyterian Church, 9463 CincinnatiColumbus Road, West Chester Township. Experience busy town of Bethlehem at time of Jesus’ birth, two-thousand years ago. 513-777-6555; www.crestviewchurch.com.

Dec. 6 Sunday

Sports Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Bengals Drive, Downtown. $64-$82. 513-621-8383; www.bengals. com.

Christmas in Mason Parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, caricature artists, ice and wood carver, entertainment, pictures with Santa, food, crafts and more. Shuttles available from Grace Baptist and St. Susanna churches.

when 6-9 p.m. December 5 where Main Street, Downtown Mason

Dec. 11

Dec. 13

Special events

Christmas

GemStreet USA Show, 10 a..m to 6 p.m.,

Pioneer Christmas, 1-4 p.m., Keehner Park,

Friday

Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. Vendors specializing in gems, jewelry, beads of all sizes and design for making jewelry, fossils, crystals and more. Continues Saturday. $7, $5 seniors and students, free ages 11 and under. Through Dec. 13. 216-521-4367; www.gemstreetusa. com.

Sunday

7211 Barrett Road, West Chester Township. Santa stops by for a visit with children at log cabin. Cabin decorated for holidays and children welcome to add decorations to tree. Includes music and traditional fare of buffalo, deer chili, sugar and molasses cookies and apple cider. Bring own camera for photo with Santa. 513-777-5900.

Dec. 16

Wednesday

Civic Warren County Virtual Community School Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Warren

County Educational Service Center, 320 E. Silver St., Lebanon. Regular business meeting. 513-6952900.

Dec. 17 Thursday

On-stage theater The Nutcracker, 7:30 p.m., Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Cincinnati holiday classic. All ages. Presented by Cincinnati Ballet. $70, $60, $45, $30. Through Dec. 27. 513-621-2787; www. cincinnatiarts.org.

Dec. 19 Saturday

Christmas Downtown Dazzle, 6:30 p.m., Fountain

Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Local choirs perform 6 p.m. Santa rappels down office building. Rozzi fireworks display, strolling entertainers, holiday characters and music. Free. www.downtowncincinnati.com.

Lectures An Evening with Nick Clooney, 8 p.m.,

Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. Benninghofen Theatre. Journalist, news anchor and game show host discusses journalism and movies. Includes postperformance hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres buffet with wine and beer reception. $17, $15 members. Reservations recommended. 513-863-8873, ext. 110; www. fittoncenter.org.

Dec. 27 Sunday

Sports Cincinnati Bengals vs.Kansas City Chiefs 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium, 1 Bengals

Drive, Downtown. $64-$82. 513-621-8383; www. bengals.com

www.westchesterorthodontics.com

YOURfreetime

Get the party started! Charitable organizations, school officials and government leaders are eagerly planning a full calendar of special events for West Chester and Liberty Townships for 2010. Here is a list of what’s planned thus far (dates and times are subject to change):

By nancy young

What: Spring Migration Bird Walk WHERE: Cherokee Park WHen: May 1 at 8:30 am, 11:00 am What: The Community Foundation

of West Chester/Liberty’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Cost TBA. Open to the public.

WHERE: The Savannah Center WHen: April 30

What: Spring Wildflowers WHERE: Dudley Woods WHen: April 17 at 9 am

may April

What: Spring Peepers WHERE: Wetlands Park WHen: April 29 at 6:30 pm What: Liberty Township’s

Easter Egg Hunt What: Lakotafest

WHERE: Liberty Park WHen: March 27, Time TBA

Food, fun and games are offered at this free event, open to all Lakota students and their families.

WHERE: Lakota West High School WHen: March 27, 10 am to 5 pm

What: Timberdoodles Really Fly! WHERE: Dudley Woods WHen: March 25 at 6:30 pm

ch mar

Liberty Township sponsors a ‘Holliday in the Park Series’ through the first half of 2010, led by Chuck Holliday.

For more information on Community Foundation events, contact the Community Foundation at 513-874-5450 or visit www.wclfoundation.com. For more information on events sponsored by West Chester Township, contact Barb Wilson at 513-777-5900 or visit www.westchesteroh.org For more information on events sponsored by Liberty Township, contact Melanie Brokaw at 513-759-7500 or visit www.liberty-township.com. For more information on Lakota schools-sponsored events, call 513-8745505 or visit www.lakotaonline.com.

our town

What: Central Office Holiday Shoppe

Admission is free and this event is open to the public. The evening consists of a silent auction with holiday gift items and donations from local vendors and families among the offerings. Proceeds benefit needy Lakota families.

WHERE: Central Office of Lakota Local School District WHen: Dec. 3 from 4-7:30 pm

YOURfreetime What: Walk Along Gregory Creek WHERE: Cherokee Park WHen: June 12 at 9 am

What: Fifth Third West Chester

Concert Series

What: Farmers’ Market

on The Square

WHERE: The Square @ Union Centre WHen: Saturdays, May through October,

Free concerts at the Keehner Park Amphitheater.

9 am to 1 pm

WHERE: Keehner Park WHen: Saturdays June through August, 7 to 9 pm

june

july august

What: First Financial Bank

After-Hours on The Square Bands, beer and food.

WHERE: The Square @ Union Centre WHen: Thursdays June through August, 7 pm What: The Union Centre

Boulevard Bash

A free three-day outdoor music and food festival.

What: 4th of July

WHERE: The Square @ Union Centre WHen: Aug. 13-15

Liberty Township Festivities WHERE: Liberty Park WHen: July 4, time TBA.

september

What: The 11th Annual Community

Foundation of West Chester/ Liberty Golf Classic

What: Liberty Township Fall Festival WHERE: Liberty Park WHen: Oct. 2, Time TBA.

Cost is $200 per golfer.

WHERE: Wetherington Golf & Country Club and Four Bridges Country Club

WHen: August 2

octo ber november

What: Winter Walk:

It’s cold out there! What: The Great Pumpkin Fest

december

februar y januar y

WHERE: Dudley Memorial Park WHen: Feb. 27 at 9 am

A traditional fall festival featuring costume contest, children’s haunted trail, pumpkin patch, horse and wagon rides

WHERE: Keehner Park WHen: Oct.9

What: The 17th Annual Community

What: Olde West Chester

Christmas Walk What: Give a Hoot! WHERE: Cherokee Park WHen: Jan. 23 at 5:30 pm

Calling All Owls

WHen: Nov. 12 and 13

Foundation Key Event

The evening includes a cocktail party with silent and live auctions, basket raffle, diamond raffle; followed by dinner at one of 25 host homes in West Chester/Liberty. $200 per couple, $100 per individual.

WHen: Sept. 11

november | december 2009

YOURhome

Meet the Gollers

our town

YOURhome

Meet the Gollers: Lindsey, boyfriend Dalton Powell, Stephanie, Ryan, Tony, Debbie, girlfriend Denise Phillips, and Scott.

by Jill I. Solimini | photography by deogracias Lerma

irefighting is a family tradition for West Chester Fire Chief Tony Goller. His father and two brothers were volunteer firefighters, and today his two sons, Scott and Ryan, carry on the tradition. Tony, who has held the position of fire chief for 2½ years, has been with the West Chester department for 29 years and was assistant fire chief for 18 of those years. “He knew he wanted to be a firefighter when he was 8 years old,” says Debbie, his wife of 30 years. “We met when we were in third grade. When he was 14 he started in the Fire Cadet program, and he started the process to make it his career right after high school. He always knew it was what he wanted to do,” she says. This was not the case for their sons – Scott and Ryan both started college at the University of Cincinnati leaning toward careers in sports medicine and construction management, respectively.

However, both men were drawn to firefighting; Scott is a firefighter and paramedic in Fairfield, while Ryan works for both Liberty Township and Fairfield as a firefighter and EMT. This will not be the case with their daughter, Lindsey. She laughs and says, “It stops with me.” She recently graduated from Butler Tech and has a job as a hair stylist at Karisma in Monroe. There’s a famous saying, “If you think it’s tough being a firefighter, try being a firefighter’s wife.” And if you think that’s tough, try being a firefighter’s wife and two firefighters’ mother. “It’s tough, but they are all doing what they love, and I support that,” says Debbie, who works part time at both County Animal Hospital as a receptionist, and at Procter & Gamble as a sensory specialist. “They work a lot of hours, a lot of weekends and a lot of holidays. You never know what the >> november | december 2009

YOURhome day is going to bring for them.” “You know what they say – if you don’t know who to call, call the firemen,” Tony says with a laugh. “We do it all. I remember 20 years ago we got a call from a woman who was frantic – she kept saying her baby had its head stuck in a drawer. We dispatched an engine, a heavy rescue truck, a police officer and a medic, and when got there we found out that her ‘baby’ was a kitten. “But really, anything with kids is brutal – when you get the personal details about the families it is so hard. That’s something about this job that never gets easier – you become so close to the people in your community.” The West Chester Fire Department plays a tremendous role in their community. They attend career days at the high school and teach a sports medicine class. They run a fire safety program at the elementary schools and will come to birthday and block parties upon request. “Every time we are with kids, we take it as an opportunity to teach stop, drop and roll,” says Tony. “It is such a rewarding job, but it’s hard on the families,” says Debbie. “It was tough when our kids were young, and I was often single parenting. And now with our sons on different schedules, we haven’t spent a holiday together with all of our kids in six years. But I wouldn’t change it.” “It’s also really hard on Ryan’s wife, Stephanie. She’s a nurse, and she sees the other end of a firefighter’s work,” says Debbie. Even with scheduling challenges, the family stays close. They all share a deep love of dogs, and their pets are clearly an important part of their family. Tony and Debbie have one dog, Beans, and Lindsey, who is still home with them, has a teacup Chihuahua named Bella. Scott and his girlfriend, Denise Phillips, had one dog, Carson, who often spent time at Tony and Debbie’s home getting doggie daycare. Ryan and Stephanie have two dogs, Riley and Oliver, and Riley, too, spent time at Tony and Debbie’s home before Ryan and Stephanie were married. In six years, his long and rewarding career as a firefighter will end when Tony retires. With this in mind, Tony and Debbie are using their vacation time to check out different beaches as possible retirement destinations. But in the meantime, the brotherhood of firefighters may gain a new recruit. Spending time with this family of firefighters has Lindsey’s boyfriend, Dalton Powell, seriously considering firefighting as a profession. In addition to the many years of service he has given to his community, the example Tony sets to the young people in his life is drawing them to follow in his footsteps, creating a future generation of firefighters.

our town

YOURhome

november | december 2009

YOURhome

our town

YOURhome

november | december 2009

YOURHEALTH

Power Hour:

Donate blood and save a life By Jeanette McClellan

hen’s the last time you crossed “save a life” off your to-do list? In 60 minutes, you could watch television, read a book, browse the Web or save a life. Talk about a power hour, and you don’t have to run into a burning building. Just walk into the nearest Hoxworth Blood Center, which needs to collect blood from 350 volunteer donors every day to meet the needs of patients in Greater Cincinnati. While you might never come into contact with the person or people your blood is saving, the people in the chemotherapy unit or on the operating table are just as real as the ones trapped in that burning building. Just ask Joshua Kinderman, who at 19 has lived more than 15 years since doctors told his family he had little chance of surviving stage IV neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that attached to the neurons of Joshua’s spinal column and entered his bones and bone marrow. Joshua received blood from more than 125 donors during the course of his treatment. “They initially gave us a less than 20 percent chance that I’d live when we found the cancer,” said Joshua, “and after chemo and radiation and everything there was nothing left to do and doctors told my parents there was zero chance of survival. They actually told my parents to start planning for the funeral.” His parents recall the fight for their son’s life and the importance blood donations had in the process. “Joshua had 33 chemotherapy treatments, 33 radiation treatments including total body radiation and spot radiation, and a bone marrow transplant,” said Sharon Kinderman, Joshua’s mother. “While initially the tumor was inoperable, after the treatments they were able to surgically remove it, but even then there was still cancer showing on his spine. The doctors had fought it in every way they knew possible and said there was literally no other treatment available. They expected it to come back, there being no treatments left. Surprisingly to the doctor,

our town

and to us, it went away.” Sharon chokes up when she talks about the people who helped save her son’s life without setting eyes on him. “We believe the Lord was in the midst of our situation and put all the pieces together from the doctors we needed to the right treatment to the blood donations,” she said. “Joshua’s life is priceless. I feel indebted to people who gave and I’d thank people a million times if I had the opportunity. Their act of blood donation was life-giving to him and I feel very, very grateful to them and very blessed.” Having seen first-hand the impact blood donation has, the Kindermans are fervent supporters of regular blood donation and of the apheresis donation program that allows Hoxworth to collect specific blood components such as platelets. While Joshua is unable to donate because of his medical history, the rest of the family members are regular blood donors. Joshua supports the cause by speaking about blood donation at Hoxworth events and appearing on promotional materials for the organization. “Knowing what we know, it’s not an option for us not to give,” said Sharon. “We knew it was important to donate blood, but we didn’t realize the extent of the need as we do now. We’d go in and see the kids with cancer and remember that every person who needs chemo needs blood. >>

YOURHEALTH

PHOTO BY leigh taylor

PHOTO provided PHOTO BY leigh taylor

november | december 2009

YOURHEALTH PHOTO provided

If more people had an opportunity to see how many people benefit from blood donations, they wouldn’t have any qualms. If they just had an opportunity to see how much good they are doing, they would put it at the top of their priority list of things to do. There is no better use of an hour of your time. It’s an hour very well spent.” All blood donations given through Hoxworth Blood Center are kept within Greater Cincinnati, including West Chester and Liberty. “The amount needed in those areas is growing,” said Alecia Lipton, community relations manager for Hoxworth, “because the northern Cincinnati suburbs are really booming right now. With West Chester Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Liberty we have seen increased needs.” Lipton lists a variety of reasons blood is needed, from car accidents and trauma to cancer and leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy, transplant patients, sickle cell anemia patients and at times even women giving birth. Every unit of blood collected can save up to three lives, she said. “If everyone would commit to donating three times per year,” she said, “blood shortages would be something of the past.” With the current economy in particular, this

our town

may be a way for people to give back without an added expense. “A lot of people are having to cut back on charitable donations and this is something you can do to help people right here in our community without having to write a check,” Lipton said. Sharon agreed. “Financial donations are important and everyone can use those if you’re able to give, but your blood is priceless.” You can multiply your gift by encouraging others to join you. If you’re interested in organizing a blood drive, Hoxworth will help you by giving you the materials you need to create appointments, and coordinating blood donations the day of the event. “We’re always looking for new groups,” said Lipton. “It can be a business group, neighborhood organization or any other group. We can guide you along the way to help you make it very successful. We’ve had a number of successful drives in West Chester and Liberty.” David Toennis organized one of those successful drives, for Knights of Columbus at St. John’s Catholic Church in West Chester. “I was reading about a council in northern Ohio that had done a blood drive and I thought, that’s something I can do and should be doing,” said Toennis. “Hoxworth

helped me get everything together and we had 96 units collected, which was extremely successful.” Toennis himself is a good example to follow, having recently been awarded his 20-gallon pin marking a milestone in his commitment to blood donation. “Typically if you donate whole blood, that would be about 160 blood donations,” he said. “but if you donate through apheresis where they take platelets and another component, that counts as two donations, even though it’s only one visit, and I’ve done that many times.” Joshua says he can’t thank people like Toennis enough. “I wouldn’t be here today without blood donors,” he said. “It’s easy to be caught up in everything you have to do in your day, but to take time to help someone else out, even if it’s an hour, it makes a big difference and shows a lot about your character to worry about someone else and put it into your busy schedule.” “It’s easy to think, ‘Oh, someone else will give, what’s one more person?’” Joshua added, “but if everyone who says that goes and does it, it makes a huge difference.”

>> Bloodline: How to Donate Hoxworth requires 350 units of blood each day and 40 units of platelets to meet the needs of Greater Cincinnati patients. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in helping, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you should know:

Enrichment.

â&#x20AC;˘ Blood donation will take about an hour, from walking in the door for screening until the time you leave.

â&#x20AC;˘ Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll fill out a form to make sure you meet Hoxworth donor requirements, such as minimum age (as young as 16 with parental consent) and whether you are on certain medications. Hoxworth maintains the confidentiality of all information provided.

â&#x20AC;˘ A Hoxworth representative will go over your form, may ask you further questions to qualify or disqualify you, and, if you qualify, will check your vitals including temperature, blood pressure and pulse before proceeding.

â&#x20AC;˘ If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to donate, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll head to a donor chair where a staff member will sterilize an area of your arm and insert a sterile, non-reusable needle and begin collecting blood.

â&#x20AC;˘ The blood collection process takes about 10 minutes and provides slightly less than a pint of blood.

â&#x20AC;˘ After youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve donated, Hoxworth asks that you rest for 10 to 15 minutes and drink provided juice or soda to begin replacing fluid volume lost through donation. Your body typically replaces the volume of fluid lost within 24 hours.

source: www.hoxworth.org

>> Local Events Hoxworth requires 350 units of blood each day and 40 units of platelets to meet the needs of Greater Cincinnati patients. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in helping, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you should know:

â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 13: The Village Spa in West Chester, 1-7 p.m.

# .# .#0'.#*#+0 !,**1+'05 Welcome to Cedar Village. We are a retirement ),! 0#" '+ /,+ &', $# 01.'+% '+"#-#+"#+0 +" //'/0#" community located in Mason,#"/ ,.*#" Ohio, featuring 105 )'2'+% - .0*#+0/ +" &# )0&! .# 5 0&# *#.%#. independent and assisted living apartments and ,$ 03, ),+%0'*# '+!'++ 0' #3'/& +1./'+% &,*#/ #" . ')) %# ,-#+#" '0/ ",,./ '+ .!& 162 healthcare beds. Formed by the merger of two

longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar 0 / 0 0&# !,.# ,$ #2#.50&'+% 3# ", 0 / 0&# Village opened its doors in March 1997. %#+0)# 0,1!& ,$ & +" 0&# /,$0 3,."/ ,$ !,*$,.0 0 / .# !&'+% ,10 0, /0# "5 +" /1--,.0 0, #+!,1. %# +" !,+/,)# 0 / 0&# & ))* .( Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about caring. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the core of everything we ,$ )) 0& 0 3# ", 0 #" . ')) %# do. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the gentle touch of a hand, the soft words of

out to steady and support, to comfort. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaching ................................................................................ encourage and console. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the hallmark of all that 7 #& ')'0 0',+ $0#. ,/-'0 )'6 0',+ 7 .'2'+% //#//*#+0 .,%. * we do at Cedar Village. 7 1./'+% .# 7 #" . ')) %# ,*# .# 7 +"#-#+"#+0 +" //'/0#" '2'+%

7 -#!' )'6#" #*#+0' .#

C ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ Vďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ S ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝

............................................ â&#x20AC;˘ Driving Assessment Program â&#x20AC;˘ Cedar Village Home Care #" . ')) %# #0'.#*#+0 ,**1+'05 #" . ')) %# .'2# /,+ &', â&#x20AC;˘ #)#-&,+# Independent and Assisted Living 4 333 !#" .2')) %# ,.% â&#x20AC;˘ Rehabilitation After Hospitalization â&#x20AC;˘ Nursing Care â&#x20AC;˘ Specialized Dementia Care

â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 20: Lakota East High School, 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 20: Cincinnati Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Medical Center in Liberty, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

â&#x20AC;˘ Nov. 21: Rave Motion Pictures at Union Center, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 14: Butler County Medical Center, 1-3 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 22: UC Physicians at University Pointe, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cedar Village Retirement Community 5467 Cedar Village Drive, Mason, Ohio 45040 Telephone 513.754.3100, Fax 513.336.3174 www.cedarvillage.org

Finalthoughts

Personal Energy Crisis I’ll sleep when the kids are grown and gone By monica scalf

ome people long to conquer noble pursuits in their lives: running a marathon, hiking grand mountains, or communing with wildlife on a safari. I, however, would be content with conquering some of the more mundane things. I’d start with my pressure cooker. Never has there been a more intimidating home apparatus. My children cringe in horror when it makes its rare appearances. I’m starting to wonder if it’s really worth the trouble for mediocre pork roast. I would also be content with figuring out a way for someone other than me to empty the bathroom garbage. If this happens, I will be snapping photos like a tourist who has just seen a rare and majestic animal. That is, if I haven’t fainted. If there’s a fresh roll of toilet paper that I’ve had nothing to do with, it’s over, I’m taking a home movie. You Tube, here I come. Now I’m not complaining (OK, maybe I am), but somehow I fell into the job of keeping the house functioning. In other words, accusing eyes look toward me when we’re out of Gatorade or Advil, when a favorite piece of clothing can’t be found, and when goodness forbid, there’s a Saturday morning with expired eggs in the fridge. Just when I think I have it together, we’re out of laundry detergent or some other necessary item that keeps houses humming along nicely; TUMS comes to mind. I’m just going to admit it. I’m a terrible household manager. The sea of paper that I have to wade through in the morning to get to my desk should be a clue as to my organizational skills. The 20,290 e-mail messages in my inbox might be a small sign of my inability to let go of clutter. Not once have I left the house without having to come back in to retrieve something I’ve forgotten. At this point, I’m just happy if I remember said item when I’m still in the driveway instead of turning around blocks into my journey. I’m not sure when my family will catch on and hire a better, more qualified person. Let’s face it, though, the pay stinks. Besides the crummy wages, I think the job is zapping my energy. At about 3 p.m.every day, I can barely keep my eyes open. Since they don’t offer intravenous bags of Diet Coke, I’ve considered trying out the product known as 5 Hour Energy. But five hours would only get me until 8 pm, and any parent knows that this isn’t going to cut the mustard, or fold the laundry, or help with the homework, or complete the variety of other tasks that take place until my usual 11:30 bedtime. When they make 25 Hour Energy, then I’ll pay top dollar. So among the ultimate in domestic noble pursuits, I would be

thrilled to conquer my own personal energy crisis. The amount of times that I think I’m tired is only slightly less than the amount of times I say it in one day. My idea of a lunchtime quickie (much to my husband’s dismay) is catching some shuteye in the overstuffed family room chair at noon. I’ll nap anywhere these days. I’ve been caught at the bus stop, waiting for guitar lessons to finish, and in doctor’s waiting rooms. I’m trying to think of the last time I felt completely invigorated and refreshed. I think it was around 1994. Since then, I’ve been going through concealer at an alarming rate. Some days there isn’t enough of it in the world to fix these tired eyes. My only solace is that I’ve heard that the physical demands and time requirements for parenting and homekeeping get less intensive as the kids get older. It’s a cruel trick that by the time they are out of the nest, we’ll have trained our bodies to require much less sleep. When we can finally sleep to our heart’s content, we’ll be wide-awake at 6 a.m. sweeping out the garage, organizing the canned goods alphabetically, or most likely, worrying about our grown children. But for now I try to remember, in my exhausted state, that we only get a compressed amount of time to be deeply entwined in our kids’ lives. I can already begin to feel the unraveling. And while I’m excited that my kids are gaining independence, I’m also excited when they still need me (to do things like buy Gatorade and make sure their favorite shirt is clean). So I guess I’ll keep my current position. It comes with great fringe benefits like being able to watch my children develop like Polaroid pictures right before my eyes. Each year a new attribute comes into view – musical, wow; good conversationalist, heavenly; nice person, awesome. These are the moments that keep me awake when everything in my body screams sleep! Well, that, and the occasional Mountain Dew.

Monica Scalf is a freelance writer and mother of two in West Chester. If she isn’t downing Mountain Dew, she can be found at mscalf@fuse. net. Check out her Web site at www.theordinarymatters.com.