West Chester-Liberty Township Our Town Magazine, July 2009 by Enquirer Media

WEST CHESTER

& LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

family | community | life JULY | AUGUST 2009

PLAY BALL! Community rules in LSO sports

QUILTING QUEEN Carolyn Mazloomi tells stories one stitch at a time

Fading farmland ‘Suburban’ farmers finding new ways to stay alive

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

•

CONNECTLIBERTY.COM

managing editor non - daily products

Michael Perry

editor

Michael Kurtz

contributing editors art director

Tim Bonfield Melissa Huelsman Jamie Rockwell

photographers

Deogracias Lerma David Sorcher Tony Tribble

writers

Jenny Callison Michael D. Clark Amber Ellis Sue Kiesewetter Sheila McLaughlin Chau Nguyen Monica Scalf Jill I. Solimini

sales manager

retail advertising director

account managers

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

Our Town 312 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 tel | 513.768.6033 fax | 513.768.6086 Our Town is published six times per year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ October and November/December

BUSINESS TO CONSUMER Our Town is published by

july | august 2009

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6 8

12 getconnected! Submit your West Chester and Liberty Township stories, photos and events at your community Web sites, ConnectWestChester.Com and ConnectLiberty.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 Lakota West harpist Mackenzie Hammel.

what’s new A fresh café, fitness for your home, the latest in hardwood flooring, everything you need for your lawn and garden, ready-to-work employees and a place to shop for your puppy.

family farms Meet local farmers who are finding new uses for their land as development shoots up around them.

play ball! Sports is more than a game when it’s a Lakota Sports Organization team, it’s a community event.

quilting queen Sports is more than a game when it’s a Lakota Sports Organization team, it’s a community event.

editor’sNOTE

sually in this space, we talk about the exciting stories and pictures that are appearing in the pages of the latest Our Town. But this month’s letter is special because we are welcoming some new readers to the Our Town experience – A LOT of new readers. Beginning this month, Our Town appears as an insert to your Sunday Cincinnati Enquirer. That means tens of thousands of more people will get to experience all the community features of the magazine. Those of you who have been with us since the beginning know all about that experience. Know that we will continue to bring you the best of your community, your schools and your life every two months with stories and pictures about your neighbors and neighborhoods. To those of you who are new to the Our Town experience, welcome! Here’s how it works: Every other month we bring you stories about

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Your Community, Your Freetime, Your Schools, Your Health and Your Home. The people and places we feature are part of the West Chester and Liberty Township communities. These are your neighbors and friends. In addition, we have two Web sites – ConnectWestChester.Com and ConnectLiberty.Com – that provide even more local content and give you a place to post stories and pictures about the things that you want to talk about. We hope you find the magazine to be a helpful and entertaining resource, and we hope you make it a part of your everyday lives. Welcome to Our Town.

Michael Kurtz 513.465.7024 | mkurtz@cincinnati.com connectWestChester.com | connectLiberty.com

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school news and notes All you need to know from the Lakota school districts. arts all-stars Meet six of Lakota’s most entertaining students.

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where to eat: izzy’s This Cincinnati-based delicatessen is a corned beef lover’s dream.

ohio’s playground Southwest Ohio is teeming with activities four you and your family.

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

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meet the jacobs These high school sweethearts are growing closer everyday at home and on the job.

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family | community | life

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JULY | AUGUST (&&/

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man’s guide to healthy living Tri-Health has some helpful health tips that every man needs.

finalthoughts

getting back to basics Our Town columnist Monica Scalf finds the silver lining to this bad economy: family togetherness.

Community rules in LSO sports

GK?BJ?D= GK;;D Carolyn Mazloomi tells stories one stitch at a time

Fading farmland ‘Suburban’ farmers finding new ways to stay alive

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

LeAnn Niederman hangs out with a long-eared buddy on the family farm. Photography by Tony Tribble.

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thebuzz What’s going on in West Chester and Liberty Township COntributed BY Amber Ellis, Sue Kiesewetter and Sheila McLaughlin

liberty re-making its image

PHOTO by cara owsley

Kate Ballman, the supervisor of Emergency Services at the new Children’s Hospital in Liberty Township, talks on the phone at the greeters desk.

jones vs. boehner for congress? Two of Butler County’s best-known Republicans could be squaring off against each other in the 2010 primary for a seat in Congress. Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones pulled petitions in April to run against long-time incumbent Rep. John Boehner, the House Minority Leader. Jones knows he faces a tough battle. “This isn’t for sissies,” said Jones in an interview on WLW-AM. Boehner’s camp says he welcomes the competition. Boehner has the advantage because he’s held the office for 17-plus years, but Jones has name recognition of his own, according to Ryan Barrilleaux, political science chairman at Miami University. “Richard Jones is the most formidable opposition anybody could mount against him,” Barrilleaux said. “John Boehner can’t sit comfortably and say, ‘The (incumbent) statistics will ride me out on this one.’ It’d be very easy for Richard Jones to say, ‘He’s been too busy in Washington and not paying enough attention at home.’” Others have little doubt Boehner would win. “I would have to say (he) looks pretty safe right now,” said David Wasserman, who analyzes House races for the Cook Political Report. “As a leader of his party, Boehner commands a tremendous amount of money, a lot of star power, and he’s extremely well-liked back home.” The Ohio Republican Party plans to back Boehner, according to Chairman Kevin DeWine.

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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It might be time for an image makeover in Liberty Township. The open farmland of this once-rural Butler County community is being replaced quickly by new homes and businesses. So officials have hired a brand marketing consultant to help freshen up what people think about when they think about Liberty Township. “We’ve evolved over time. This is a different community than we were even 10, 15 years ago,” said Caroline McKinney, economic development director. Officials are working with Margo Jacob Design, a West Chester-based consulting firm, to create a brand for the modern version of Liberty Township. The township is paying about $5,000 for the consulting work. Changes will start with landscaping around high-traffic exit ramps and changes to the signs throughout this northern suburb, much like sculptures, signs and landscaping work that have been placed near downtown Cincinnati, near West Chester Township and several other area communities. Officials also want to change the name of a part of Hamilton-Mason Road near the new Liberty Interchange to Liberty Way. “If we blindfold someone and dropped them in the middle of town, we want them to look around and go, ‘This must be Liberty Township,’” said Trustee Pat Hiltman. “It needs to feel distinct, have its own presence.” Then and now Population 1990 9,249 2005-2007 estimates 31,844 Households 1990 3,006 2005-2007 estimates10,490 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

business booms in liberty Liberty Township may be best known for its family-friendly subdivisions, but the township also has been seeing business growth. More than 200 businesses, employing 5,000 people, are now based in this Butler County community of 33,000 people, according to a recent report presented to trustees. The township’s largest employers are: Lakota Local School District, 965 employees at several schools.; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Liberty Campus, 450; Kroger, 390; Petermann Bus Co., 310; Four Bridges Golf & Country Club, 250 (including seasonal employees); Butler Tech, 210; Liberty Township, 119; McDonald’s, 115; Lakota Family YMCA, 100 and Cox Ohio Publishing, 75.

what’sthat? Don’t blink or you just might miss the entrance to one of Liberty Township’s greatest treasures.

Wetlands Park is 42 acres of pristine nature and wildlife, a snapshot of what the area would look like without the people, roads and buildings that are filling it up. Paths covered in woodchips weave their way in and out of lush foliage letting visitors get a closeup view of the plant life. Stop for a second and you might be joined by a rabbit, deer, frog or one of the other dozens of indigenous critters who call Wetlands Park home. Benches are scattered throughout the park so visitors have a chance to rest, reflect and admire. Highlighting the nature preserve are four ponds. They attract and are home to numerous flying and swimming animals, and help make Wetlands Park a bird watchers paradise. Ironically, the serene ponds and tranquil park are visible from one of Liberty Township’s busiest roads: Ohio 129. Wetlands Park abuts the highway from Van Gordon Road to a little bit east of LesourdsvilleWest Chester Road. Two of the ponds can be seen from cars zooming along the highway. Also ironic is the large cannon that sits at the entrance to the walking trails. It’s presence makes sense though when visitors discover that Wetlands Park is also home to the Liberty Township Veterans Memorial. The Wetlands Park entrance is on Van Gordon Road, on the opposite side of the road and about 400 yards from the much more visible Liberty Playland. michael kurtz

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fivequestions WITH Lakota

West harpist

Mackenzie Hammel How did you begin playing the harp?

photo by tony tribble

hen most kindergarten age children were learning how to ride bicycles without training wheels, Mackenzie Hammel was finding notes on the harp. Today, the 2009 Lakota West salutatorian plays harp for the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra and is headed to Indiana University on a full scholarship. There she plans to major in business, perhaps adding harp as a double major. Earlier this year Mackenzie was one of five musicians that were featured on the National Public Radio’s From the Top weekly show featuring the nation’s top young classical musicians. Mackenzie played a solo that featured three movements from Carlos Salzedo’s Suite of Eight Dances. Last summer Mackenzie was selected to perform in Amsterdam at the World Harp Congress. Before the West Chester Township teen heads off to college she will be competing in the American Harps Society’s national competition in Salt Lake City and in Knoxville for the Mu Alpha Theta’s national math convention. She served as the secretary/treasurer of Lakota West’s math honorary chapter. Mackenzie’s younger sister, Cameron, plays flute with the Cincinnati Youth Symphony Orchestra and her mother plays violin.

I first became interested in the harp after going to Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concerts for young children…the lollipop series. I saw the harp with its gold column and pretty carvings. I liked the sound and how it looked. I knew it was the instrument I wanted to play. I started halfway through my kindergarten year. My mom called around to see if there were any harp teachers who would be willing to teach a kid my age. She found a harp teacher in Mason. I started that year with the Suzuki harp method. With that method I didn’t learn with sheet music. Instead, my teacher would play part of the piece for me. By ear I would find the notes and play it (back). I learned the whole piece like that, by sections. Once I reached fourth grade I started learning my music by actually reading the music.

What do you like about the harp? I think it has a very soothing sound. I like how it has a large range of sounds. The wire strings at bottom have a deep, bass sound. The harp goes all the way to the high range with nylon strings. Those have bright, high pitch sounds. Not many instruments have that range. I like the variety of music harpists can play. There are the very classical pieces… At the same time I can play contemporary pieces that use odd harp techniques. Sometimes I get to play with my fingernails or make noises with the pedal. Songs require me to tap my fingers on the soundboard of the harp. It’s fun to have a huge variety of music I can play. It’s just a very unique instrument. It’s cool to be able to say I play the harp. It’s not a common instrument.

How did you get selected and what are you playing in the American Harps Society competition? I sent in a tape for my audition. I’m in the

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intermediate II for harpists 16-18. Everyone in the division plays the same music. I have three pieces – all are solos. Two are classical piece; one is more modern. I’m doing Fantasy on a Theme of Hayden. My second classical is Sonata in C minor by Pescetti transcribed for harp by Carlos Salzedo. My third piece is Whirlwind by Carlos Salzedo. Competitions are tough because you never know what the judges want to hear.

Are you nervous about the competition and how are you preparing? I’m excited but a little nervous at the same time. All three of my pieces have to be memorized; one is about two minutes and two are 10-minutes. I had heard of the fantasy but I hadn’t really heard of Whirlwind before. I have played other pieces by Salzedo, but not that one. I had never heard of Pescetti before but now it’s one of my favorites. I’ve been practicing daily for about six weeks—I began as soon as I found out what the music was – at least three hours a day weekdays and more on the weekends.

How has playing the harp affected your life? It’s taught me a lot of organization skills because I have to organize my time to find time to practice the harp. It helps me to be more efficient with schoolwork and organize my schedule for tennis. It helps me focus. It’s taught me a lot of discipline. At first I didn’t play my pieces over and over to get it right. I just played to get it over with. When I decided I wanted to be a good harpist, I learned it was best to break up each selection into smaller pieces and work out any problems. I think the skill can translate into other areas. Just repetition can help in math and in tennis hitting repeatedly can helps acquire the skill.

Sue Kiesewetter

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what’s new

in west chester and liberty township

COMPILED BY JENNY CALLISON PHOTOS BY michael Kurtz

delhi flower & garden center 6282 Cincinnati Dayton Road 513.759.4700 or www.delhigardencenters.com Appropriately enough, the new Delhi Flower & Garden location in Liberty Township blossomed this spring, opening officially April 18. This is the second location for the nursery; the other is in Springdale. Both locations carry an extensive selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, garden accessories and floral arrangements. Landscaping services are also available. Delhi Flower & Garden Center is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The new Liberty Township location carries an extensive selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, and garden accessories.

troy’s café and catering 4877 Smith Road 513.860.3206 or www.troyscafeandcatering.com Chef Troy Meyers has a straightforward approach to his cuisine: keep things simple, use fresh ingredients, and enjoy what’s in season. His café, which opened in mid-March, builds on Meyers’ 17 years experience in the restaurant business. “We’re not a chain and we’re not serving frozen food,” he says. “We can promise you that we are locally owned, we use local purveyors and we will never change that.” The new eatery offers seafood, popular American mainstays, and a variety of desserts; carry-out is available. There’s also a coffee bar and free Wi-Fi. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Chef Troy Meyers keeps thinks simple in the kitchen but serves dishes with flair such as his grilled cheese made with brie.

jp flooring 9097 Union Centre Boulevard 513.346.4300 or www.jpflooring.com Already known for its carpets, vinyl, tile 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 that 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 10,000-square-foot showroom,” he says. A new hardwood division is now part of JP Flooring’s offerings, which include carpets, vinyl, tile and laminates.

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the fitness store 7580 Cox Lane (The Marketplace at University Pointe) 513.759.4567 or www.livefit.com The Fitness Store is geared toward helping individuals and families select the exercise equipment they need for their home fitness program. The store sells a wide range of machines, free weights, accessories, and sauna equipment. “When customers come in, we probe their fitness goals and objectives, and what experience they’ve had. Then we can tailor the machines to fit that, whether it’s just one piece of equipment, such as a treadmill, or a whole home gym,” says location manager Mike McEntush. The West Chester store is the company’s 17th in the region. It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Located on Cox Road across the street from the Target shopping center, the Fitness Store has everything for your home workout.

pridestaff 7308 Yankee Road 513.847.4949 or www.pridestaff.com Erik and Tia Riddick opened their new PrideStaff franchise in March, taking aim at clerical, industrial and technical staffing needs in the area. “We do temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire and what we call flex staffing,” Erik Riddick says. “Flex staffing is the ability to work with a client around their seasonal peaks and valleys, planning in advance so that we can have staff available when needed.” PrideStaff was founded in 1978 and now has 35 offices in 17 states. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Owners Eric and Tia Riddick say that even in this economy, there is a growing demand for the flex staffers offered by Pride Staff.

your new puppy 7326 Yankee Road 513.755.7576 or www.yournewpuppyllc.com

In addition to puppies, the pet shop has all the treats your pet could want, including goodies from a pets-only bakery.

This is the second location for puppy breeders Mark and Charity Johnson. In May, the couple branched out from their original store in Kenton because of the many customers they have in the Greater Cincinnati area. “We’re not a pet store per se,” explains Mark. “We sell puppies and puppy supplies. We’re breeders ourselves and have been for years. We know our pups and their parents. While we don’t breed all our puppies ourselves, we buy only from breeders whom we know. It’s a very controlled environment.” Johnson emphasizes that the company is very concerned about the health of the puppies it sells, and that the food, treats, and grooming products in its store are all-natural. Your New Puppy is open from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

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Fading Farmland ‘Suburban’ farmers find new ways to stay alive By chau nguyen Photos by tony tribble

he face of farming may be changing in Liberty and West Chester townships, but the roots are still firmly planted. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are 949 farms in Butler County, a decrease from 1,060 in 2002. While the acreage of land used for farming has decreased in Butler County— 127,194 acres in 2007 from 138,044 in 2002—the estimated market value of land and buildings has increased more than $130,000 per farm. However, the economic climate has changed since 2007 and it’s now a nobuy, no-sell market, broker Tom McGill of Comey and Shepard Realtors says. Before the market turned, the price for an acre of farmland with all utilities available was $50,000, he said. With the drop in demand, the market value for farms has seen prices drop to $35,000 an acre. A Sheriff’s sale in West Chester in March sold farmland for $30,000 an acre. Gail Lierer, farmer and president of the Butler County Farm Bureau, says it is likely the market value will resume its increase, making it unlikely that farming will expand. “Developers have their eye on those properties and that makes it not affordable for farmers,” she says. “You can’t afford to farm on land valued very high because you can’t make a profit off of it.” The farms that continue are doing so because the families are dedicated. “Most of them are generational farms so the next generation is already there to farm the land,” Gail says. “Unless they’re having financial problems, I don’t see a reason for selling.” The 80-acre Gravel Knolls Farm on Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester has seen its share of development interest since 1917. However, owner Jim Rosselot’s grandfather and father had no intentions of selling their farm and neither does he. “My father always said, ‘I was born on the farm and I’m gonna die on the farm,” Jim says. “When he died last year, none of us kids wanted to get rid of the farm. We’re attached to it.” Jim’s grandfather used the land for growing field crops such as corn, wheat and hay. By the mid-1980s, Gravel Knolls Farm transitioned into a vegetabledominant farm. The farm still raises chickens for meat and eggs and sells seed,

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feed and essentials for organic gardens at The Feed Barn. The 210-acre Niederman Family Farm on LeSourdsville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township began in 1948 as a traditional farm with crops and animals. Now operated by Bob and Bethann, the Niedermans reorganized their farm eight years ago. “We couldn’t support our family with traditional agriculture,” Bethann says. “We needed to diversify.” Now Niederman Farm offers familyfriendly entertainment such as a paintball course, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch. A renovated 1880s era barn is available for rental as a banquet facility. Field trips are offered in the spring and fall. “One thing Liberty Township needs is space to play, to entertain, to educate,” Bob says. “We’ve been able to tie that into our farming business.” This shift shows how the state of farming is changing. Gail Lierer said this is a trend seen in specific areas such as West Chester made possible by the “urban sprawl that took place.” Although agriculture is still active in Ohio, Liberty Township is seeing fewer and fewer full-time farmers due to the lack of affordable ground, Bethann says. “There’s probably going to be a renewed interest in gardening and small plots >>

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YOURcommunity in people’s backyards, but production agriculture is having a hard time staying alive in Liberty Township,” she says. Despite tough economic times, the Niedermans are not interested in selling their land for development. “We don’t need to sell our land because we’re very active here and it’s not something we’re looking into,” Bethann says. “The activities we offer at the farm are perfect for the economy right now. We’re close to home, family-friendly and inexpensive.” The market value of farmland depends heavily on the available utilities and the zoning—whether it will be used for residential or commercial building, Tom McGill says. Land in West Chester Township being developed for commercial purposes—like that around the Rosselot’s farm—could sell for as much as $100,000 an acre. Land like the Niederman’s being developed for residential purposes could sell for $40,000$50,000, Tom says. Regardless, Jim Rosselot is “violently opposed to the development of good farmland.” “Right now, the vast majority of our vegetables are growing on land that is not supposed to be farmed,” he says. “If you go to Europe, every big city is ringed by farms. They won’t let suburbs take over the farmland, which makes more sense to me than what we’re doing here.” The Niedermans agree saying it’s critical for consumers to understand the importance of farming because agriculture affects everyday life. Despite difficulties, farm life goes on as usual, and Gail expects it to continue doing so. “Farmers are inventive and come up with ways to survive,” she says. “They have the knowledge to go and risk trying different things to make money and that’s a good thing.”

The chickens are let out of the Feed Barn at Gravel Knolls Farm.

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TOP: The Niedermans at their family farm. LEFT: The Rosselots, owners of the Gravel Knolls Farm. RIght: The alarm clock that the Niedermans and Rosselots may wake up to. There is no snooze button.

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TOP: An LSO team take instructions from a coach. LEFT: Adam Karmen readies himself for an offensive move.

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Play Ball! It’s community rules for LSO, Tomahawks sports By Michael D. Clark Photos by tony tribble

t’s a local tradition and a seasonal sports migration unlike any other in Greater Cincinnati. Thousands of local families and their young children make their way to the playing fields of West Chester and Liberty townships but never more so than in late summer and early fall. That’s when more than 525 youth football players of the Lakota Tomahawks hit area gridirons, joining 2,302 other young soccer, baseball, softball and flag football athletes of the Lakota Sports Organization (LSO) in a sporting ritual that touches every neighborhood. The boys—and occasionally girls—who make up the 21 Tomahawk teams comprise the area’s largest youth football league and one of the biggest in Ohio. The even larger LSO includes four sports and annually puts more than 5,100 amateur athletes on the Butler County communities’ playing fields. Double, triple or quadruple those numbers for the parents, extended family members, friends and volunteers who flock to watch the youngsters from kindergarten to 19 years old play, toss in more than 800 coaches and volunteers, and you’ll know why your neighbor always seems to disappear every Saturday and Sunday afternoon this time of year. And though it may all look like kids play, it’s also an energetic, kid-oriented social network that binds neighbors and communities in the two townships, say parents. “You make friends and it all makes sense that you would,” says Jenny Listermann of Liberty Township, as she watches her 6-year-old son Branden hustling through the drills at the Tomahawk’s football combine in May. Jenny gazes around at the more than 200 parents watching from bleachers of the Hopewell Junior School gym as their children are put through various football exercises. “We all have the same goal of wanting our children to succeed and there is a real sense of camaraderie among the parents,” says Jenny. “It’s fun and there is nothing like seeing your child succeed and seeing things click for them.” Mike Groh, president of the Tomahawks, says the 30-year-old league’s growth has mirrored that of the booming residential populations in both West Chester

and Liberty townships, two of Ohio’s fastest growing communities. But despite the increasing scale of the area and league, the Tomahawks also provide a rare oasis of neighborly time together for busy, professional families who look forward to kicking back for a few hours to watch their children play. “It’s fun and you get away from life’s troubles for a little while and have a chance to relax with people of similar interests. You are going to spend as much time with the parents of the other players as you will with your neighbors and for many of them they will form life-long friendships,” says Mike of the 12-game season each fall. And many of the young gridiron warriors go on to play for either Lakota West or East high schools, says Mike, who adds that 45 percent of those schools’ varsity football squads are composed of former Tomahawk players. Regardless of their skill, all players—and girls are welcomed as both players and cheerleaders—are guaranteed playing time. Costs per player averages about $135 dollars for equipment and players get to keep their game jerseys —adorned with their names— after the season. The Tomahawks play home and away games with other suburban communities such as Mason, Kings, Loveland, Indian Hill along the northern loop of Interstate 275. >>

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YOURcommunity Fall is also a busy season for the LSO and its four sports. The largest is youth soccer. “It’s a time to get together and get out of the house. It becomes a family function not only for the younger family members but also the oldest,” says Doug Geis of West Chester, whose two girls – 7-year-old Jenna and 12-year-old Corri – play for LSO soccer teams. “The girls absolutely love it and as a parent you get to see them learn how to win and lose, develop good sportsmanship and camaraderie,” says Doug. Costs for LSO’s four sports average $100 per player and soccer is by far the most popular sport. Bruce Rhodes, executive administrator for the LSO, says “the league brings communities together and it does it in a positive way.” Stu Eversole, long-time athletic director for the 18,300-student Lakota Schools, praises both youth sports programs as essential not only to prepping public school athletes in the townships, but also providing sports activities to all youngsters, regardless of their skill levels. “It’s a great way to give every kid an opportunity to play. And both the Tomahawks and Lakota Sports Organization have been great partners with us over the years,” says Stu. “We work hand in hand with them,” he says, referring to the Lakota youth sports nights during home high school football games where athletes and cheerleaders from both programs are invited. The two programs also fill a niche in the townships since neither has a recreational department like some other area cities and communities do that provide youth sports leagues. “They serve about one half of our student population of our elementary grades and we work hand in hand with them. They are both very impressive and both have done it in the right way,” says Stu.

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Quilting queen Telling her story one piece at a time By Amber Ellis Photos by tony tribble

he basement of this West Chester home is her sanctuary. There—surrounded by her favorite paintings, quilts and other artwork—Carolyn Mazloomi takes time to unwind and put her thoughts to cloth. Bins upon bins of unique buttons, intricate fabrics and colorful beads line the shelves. Quilts, waiting for a place to be hung, cover a pool table. The entire basement is organized chaos—and Carolyn wouldn’t have it any other way. “All quilters have their stash. I have a lot, but everything has to be organized, colorized,” she explains. “This is how I work. It’s a mess, but I know where every piece is.” Carolyn is nationally known in her craft. She travels around the world, lecturing on the topic and curating exhibits. For Carolyn, quilting is both a love and a business—a lucrative one that can net thousands of dollars for each piece she sews. And she loves to collect quilts; amassing a collection that numbers in the hundreds.

From engineer to artist The transition from aerospace engineer to full-time quilter took years. Carolyn recalls having an “it” moment while visiting a trade show in the late 70s or early 80s. She realized she wanted to be one of those people who worked for themselves and loved their jobs. “There was something about that quilt I saw (in Dallas,)” she says. “There’s something about all quilts that draws you in. You have to touch it. You feel like you want to wrap yourself up in it.” So, she went back home to Los Angeles and dabbled with sewing traditional patchwork. “But I could never get the angles and points to meet, and as an engineer that 20

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drove me insane. Insane,” Carolyn recalls. When she and her husband decided to move away from the city and raise their three sons, who are now adults, in the Cincinnati suburbs, she decided to dedicate more time to quilting. This time, she ditched the traditional quilts to start creating narrative ones. Each piece she does has a story—often ones that tie in with issues she feels strongly about. Carolyn, who has written several books on quilting, has sewed quilting series on the struggles women face, the history of AfricanAmerican culture, her love affair with jazz, and the importance of family. Some of her work has been highly acclaimed. Pieces of her work, and others from her collection, have been featured in the Smithsonian Institution, the American Museum of Art and Design and other top museums. Some quilts are off limits to the public, including a family portrait that hangs in her living room and another that’s in the works about her husband’s Iranian family and their Ba’hai faith. She treasures them because they tell the story of her family, pieces that will be handed down to her sons and their children one day.

Founded growing network Frustrated by the lack of minority quilters she encountered, Carolyn formed the Women of Color Quilter’s Network. The group had nine members in 1985. It has since grown to 1,700 members. Membership grew slowly, she said, because although there are many more black women who quilt, most do not show off their work or see it as a way to make money. The goal, Carolyn says, is to increase the number of people who take up what >> july | august 2009

YOURcommunity some have called a dying art form. “It has not been easy to interest young people, because this art form is slow. It’s tedious, and we live in a fast-paced society where we want instant gratification,” Carolyn says. “You’re not going to get that with this. It takes time, and it takes patience and dedication and a love of this art form. You have to enjoy it.” Carolyn Crump, a 49-year-old who has been painting since she was 8, is one of Carolyn’s mentees. The Houston resident had always wanted to take after the quilting tradition of her great-great-grandparents. But she was turned off by the idea of traditional quilting. Then Hurricane Rita hit, and she was stuck at home for days. She sewed and sewed, eventually creating a musical piece that was featured in Carolyn’s book, Textural Rhythms: Quilting the Jazz Tradition. Crump thanks Carolyn for her direction and motivation. “(Carolyn) is someone who gives you the inspiration to start working again. Any time I want to slow down, even think about slowing down, she inspires me,” says Carolyn Crump, who has now quilted more than 50 items, many of which she has sold. “If she sees an artist and she see the talent in you, the drive, she’ll help you. Even when you’re not quite there, she’ll show you how to get there. I respect her because she still takes the time to give back.”

From beds to walls One day, Carolyn says, she’ll retire—or at least slow down—and let the next talented generation pick up where she and others left off. “Everyone can identify with a quilt. It’s heart. It’s home. It’s comfort,” Carolyn says. “We, as human beings, have a love affair with cloth. It’s the first thing and the last thing we have on us. From the cradle to the grave, we all have to deal with the cloth.” Quilts have “jumped off the beds and on to the walls where they belong. And I do believe,” she says, “that’s where they’ll stay.”

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july | august 2009

YOURschools

schoolnotes By sue kiesewetter

east educator joins teaching elite

Professional Teaching Standards. Considered to be the highest credential available to teachers, only 64,000 nationally have earned the recognition. It is a yearlong process requiring applicants to self-evaluate themselves and their work. Each candidate also prepares a videotape of themselves teaching and creates a

A Lakota East math teacher has joined an elite group of educators. Stephen Orlando became the district’s 18th teacher to earn National Board Certification from the National Board for

For The Fridge

portfolio. Other Lakota educators who have been awarded the certification are: Andy Alexander, Ellen Anderson, Sandee Coates-Haan, Judith Ebbing, Valerie Fuller, Paulette Grady, Faye Harp, Denise Hayes, John Littig, Karen Martin, Aaron Nunley, Tracey Parks, Angela Riffle, Marianne Sample, John Severs, Rebecca Tompkins and Lori Vanover. After teaching at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Stephen joined the Lakota Schools nine years ago. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s from the University of Cincinnati.

lakota SCHOOLS

two share thiel award JULY 2009

August 2009

13 Board of education, 7 p.m., central

10 Plains PTO, 6:30 p.m.; board

office

of education, 7 p.m., central office; kindergarten early entrance testing, by appointment, Liberty Early Childhood School

11 Kindergarten early entrance evaluation, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Liberty Early Childhood School 14 Kindergarten early entrance conferences, by appointment, Liberty Early Childhood School 19 Plains eighth grade schedule pickup and fall pictures, 1-4 p.m.

20 Plains seventh grade schedule pickups and fall pictures, 9 a.m. to noon

21 Union second and third grade open house, 4-5 p.m.

24 Board of education, 7 p.m., central offices; Union grades 4-6 open house, 4-5 p.m.; Woodland open house, 2-3:30 p.m.

26 First day of school for students

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When it came time to choose a Lakota employee who had the empathy, selflessness and positive outlook of the late psychologist David Thiel, a selection committee couldn’t decide between two exceptional nominees. So this year two women will share the David Thiel Award. Cherokee counselor Deborah Mayberry and Endeavor assistant principal Carrie Montgomery are recipients of the 2009 award, which honors David Thiel, who died nine years ago after a sixth month battle with cancer. He had been a Lakota psychologist for 20 years. In selecting Deborah, the selection committee wrote: “Deb is appreciated for her tireless efforts and many activities to support students. Her compassionate, reassuring demeanor always puts people at ease. “It is also her nature to reaffirm and uplift others—especially students and parents who are dealing with extremely difficult situations…. People come away better after an encounter with her.” Similar accolades led to Carrie’s selection by the committee. “She shows a genuine love of all children. She is appreciated for being a strong advocate for special needs children, and she takes pleasure in

reaching out to those less fortunate to help them in whatever way possible,” the committee said of Montgomery. “Carrie is always able to find the good in people, and she does not speak negatively of anyone. She donates her time for events at her own son’s school, while at the same time she tirelessly works many hours at Endeavor.”

walkers get a safer path Many school children in Liberty Township will have a safer walk to school thanks to the collaborative effort of several groups. A new sidewalk along Dutchland Parkway has been completed. The 5-foot wide walkway is a key connector to Woodland Elementary, Liberty Junior School, the Lakota Family YMCA and Liberty Park. It connects the existing crosswalk at Woodland, crosses Dutchland Parkway, pick up on the other side to connect to an existing walk/bike trail north to Liberty Park to connect to the YMCA, continuing until it intersects with Dutchland Boulevard. The project was paid for with a $40,000 National Center for Safe Routes to School grant. It was put together through a coalition that included Liberty Township, the Lakota Schools, the Butler County Engineer’s Office, Butler County Healthy Living Coalition. “The new sidewalk promotes walkable communities, healthy lifestyles, community togetherness…all in a neighborhood full of school-age children,’’ says Andy Meyer, Liberty Township’s senior zoning coordinator/planner. “Eventually we want to expand the sidewalk network to neighborhoods around schools that may not have sidewalks.” In October Woodland Elementary will host a Walk Home From School Day, which would include speakers from highway patrol and the sheriff’s office. Details are still being worked out.

shawnee schedule shifts 50 minutes Children attending classes at the Shawnee Early Childhood School will be arriving 50 minutes later in the morning and staying 50 minutes longer at the end of the day. The changes will put Shawnee on the same schedule as Lakota’s other early childhood schools, said Laura Kursman, district spokeswoman. The move is also being made to reduce spending. Putting Shawnee on the same schedule as the other early childhood schools will reduce 10 bus routes. That is expected to save $700,000 in transportation costs. Beginning with the first day of school, Aug. 26, Shawnees new hours are: First grade: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morning kindergarten and preschool: 9:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Afternoon preschool and kindergarten: 1:20-4 p.m.

fifth grader lands $500 grant An Endeavor Elementary School student had such a good year that she wrote an essay that earned the school a $500 grant. Incoming sixth grader Alecia Zika wrote about her fifth-grade teacher Susan Acres and what a good year they had together. Her essay won the Panera Bread Rising Above Award writing contest. For her efforts Alecia received a Nintendo DS. The school received a $500 grant and Acres was given a $100 gift card to Panera Bread.

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Arts all-Stars

lakota east high school

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

Nicole Gonthier, senior As long as 17-year-old Nicole Gonthier can remember, she’s been singing at home. The Lakota West senior added acting to her repertoire when she started high school and it’s hard to tell which this active teen enjoys most. How did you get involved in singing and acting? I have been singing around the house since I was a little girl and taking singing lessons since I was 10. I didn’t really start to pursue acting or singing formally until my freshman year. What is the most exciting thing that’s happened to you in the arts? The most exciting thing that’s happened to me so far has been getting an award by the Ohio Community Theatre Association for Excellence in Acting and Singing last year for my work in Acting Up’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. I played Millie. I loved the opportunity to be involved in the show, and getting recognized for my hard work was really exciting for me.

r onthie NicoleesG l o o h sc h ig h t

lakota w

Will you continue acting or singing after high school? As for after high school, I can only dream. I would love to have singing and acting as my career, but right now I’m leaning in a different direction. Who knows where the winds will take me?

Cara Braun, senior The sports world’s loss has been Cara Braun’s personal gain. The Lakota East High School senior’s musical theatre career began at the not so subtle urging of her parents. “In the first grade when my parents decided that I was terrible at sports,” Cara says laughing “so they put me into a kids show choir and I just loved it.” How did you achieve your performing arts success? I have been involved in musical theater since the first grade. I looked forward to rehearsals everyday. I have embarrassed myself on countless occasions by singing and acting as loud as possible in the car. I have just always looked for any opportunity to sing and act. What has been the most exciting moment so far in your performing arts success? The last curtain call of “Annie Get Your Gun” was the most exciting and saddest moment in my musical theater experience so far. My best friend was playing the lead role opposite of me that day, and when we walked out together I just started crying. I knew I would never be with my friends on stage again, but then I heard the audience with the loudest applause I have ever heard. I felt such a wide range of emotions that day. How will you pursue your studies in the arts? I am going to the University of Kentucky to major in musical education and minor in theater. I want to be able to direct musicals for junior high students. Hopefully in college I will be able to continue being on stage also.

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Cara B

aun lakota east hr igh school

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Arts all-Stars

Amanda Wandersee, senior

Amanda Wandersee’s likes to test her creative mettle with metal. The Lakota East High School senior creates her art work from metals and has already won regional awards for her unique work. “The first thing I ever made was a fish key chain and I gave it to my dad and he still has it,” says Amanda, who says her work is most inspired by nature. “I like the process of metal working and at the end it’s all worth the effort,” she says. How did you achieve your artistic success? My success in my metals artwork really came from having a teacher that made class informational, interesting, and fun. Mr. (Jesse) Dornan is always suggesting art shows I should be entering and events I should check out.

ersee AmandeaastWhaignhdschool lakota

What has been the most exciting moment so far in your artistic success? Receiving an award from any art show is an honor, but the most exciting moments so far with my art work come from the Scholastic’s Art and Writing competition and Xavier University’s Regional Juried High School Junior and Senior Art Exhibition. In Scholastic’s I received one gold medal and two silver medals regionally and the gold medal piece went on for national judging in New York. How will you pursue your studies in the arts? Next year I am attending Eastern Kentucky University and I’m going to major in Jewelry/ Metals. I’m so excited. After graduating from there I want to someday get my masters somewhere so I am able to teach metals at the college level.

Austin Swann, senior Music is not only a passion for 17-year-old Austin Swann, it’s a way of life for the Lakota West senior. It’s something he’s loved since he was a preschooler when he used tinker toys as part of a drum set. Home-schooled until he entered the Lakota Freshman School on a fulltime basis, Austin came to Heritage Elementary just for band where he played trumpet in sixth grade and to Liberty Junior the next two years, just for percussion. How did you get involved in instrumental music? At the age of 4, I was interested in percussion. I remember making a makeshift drum set out of tinker toys and ice cream buckets. At the age of 5, I began to learn how to play piano and at age 8, piano. In sixth grade I played the trumpet. What was the most exciting thing you’ve done musically? Marching in the Rose Bowl Parade. Sure it was seven miles long, but it was so much fun. I was afforded the opportunity to do what I love for an audience of countless viewers. At first, I was so pumped up at the beginning of the parade. After 20 minutes I was looking for the end of the parade. I was playing the cadences by muscle memory. Will you continue to pursue your music after high school? I plan on majoring in music performance/jazz studies and culinary. I have not decided whether or not I will play professionally or for fun. I am currently looking at the University of North Caroline Greensboro, Chapel Hill or Wilmington; and at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Capital University and Berklee College.

Austin S

wann lakota west hig h school

july | august 2009

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Arts all-Stars

Stephanie Rampton, senior

Sixteen-year-old Stephanie Rampton has two loves in life: singing and playing the piano. This Lakota West senior has known from an early age that music will dominate her life. At school she is part of Students On Stage, Chorale, Musical Theatre Revue and the Chamber Choir. She is also in National Honor Society and the French Club. How did you get involved in music? All through my childhood my parents’ friends would tell me I had a nice voice. A vocal instructor moved into my church and I started taking lessons at age 12. I started piano lessons at 5 and fell in love with it immediately. I learned that music is what I’m supposed to be doing for the rest of my life. What are you most proud of or excited about? I don’t really compete at all for piano or voice. I play recitals for my piano teacher and I hate performing piano, although I love singing for people. I guess every time I get through a piano recital is the new most exciting thing I’ve done.

n ie Ramphtoo Stephawn l o est high sc lakota

Do you plan to continue in music after high school? Yes, I plan to pursue music after high school. I love it too much to give it up. I plan to go to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I’m not sure about my major, but at the current moment I’d like to major in music education and minor in English and music performance. I would love to be a choral director, but I don’t think I would have the patience to work with high school students.

Adam Voegele, senior Adam Voegele is reluctant to toot his own horn about his success as a trumpet player for Lakota East High School’s marching band. The senior is a self-described “late bloomer” who credits his musically talented mother and sister for spurring his interests. “My mom plays piano and she really influenced me. I ended up picking the trumpet because it sounds really cool,” says Adam, who also credits his high school instructors. How did you achieve your performing arts success? My “artistic success” was definitely not achieved by myself. Lakota East has very fine directors that have guided me to become what I am today. Of course my parents have helped me along the way too. Their endless support and guidance have pushed me though the musical part of my high school career, and I greatly appreciate their input. What has been the most exciting moment so far in your performing arts success? The most exciting part of band was participating in the All-State Band. People from all over the state send in CD auditions and out of the whole state, one “super” band is created. It was an amazing experience, being surrounded by people who share the same passion as I do about music, and not to mention the band was unbelievable. How will you pursue your studies in the arts? Being a professional musician doesn’t really spark my interest in my future plans. I do not intend on ever putting my instrument down. I figure that my passion for music would dwindle if pressure, money, and the extreme competition of being a musician got in the way.

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Adam Vo

lakota east higehgele school

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Izzy’s is full of flavor on rye or white

Photo by david sorcher

Izzy’s 8179 princeton-glendale road west chester, oh 513.942.7800 Because 14-year-old boys will eat anything that is not nailed down, we were curious to see if my 14-year-old son’s stellar review of Izzy’s was on the mark. Being transplants to the area, we had not heard of Izzy’s, but if you are a native of Cincinnati, you probably know that it started as a delicatessen on Central Avenue in 1901 and is famous for its corned beef and Reuben sandwiches. After seating us our waitress gave us the news that because it was Saturday we would get one free kids meal for each paying adult. We liked it already. The kids were thrilled with the all-you-can-eat pickles set out on the table, though we did have to talk to our 8-year-old about using the tongs as her personal fork. Our son didn’t even pick up a menu. From his previous visit he knew he wanted the corned beef with Swiss on white toast ($7.50). Simply put, the meat was perfect—lean, moist and incredibly flavorful. So good that it was even delicious on white bread. After securing a promise from our son that he would give him a bite of his corned beef, my husband ordered the pastrami with Swiss on rye ($7).The pastrami was also moist and very tasty, but my husband said he would definitely order the corned beef the

next time he came. I ordered the turkey Reuben ($7.70). It was a generous helping of oven-roasted turkey topped with sweet and sour cole slaw and melted Swiss cheese. One of my daughters ordered the kids corned beef sandwich ($3.09) and a bowl of homemade chicken soup ($2.95). The soup was chock full of tender chicken, carrots and wide noodles. The serving of soup was really generous, so she didn’t even touch her sandwich. This was not a problem because her sister, after heaping on the sauerkraut that is found next to the pickles on the table, ate the corned beef sandwich she had ordered for herself and her sister’s uneaten one. All of our meals came with Izzy’s signature potato pancakes, which were unbelievable. Great food, friendly service, free kids meals, and for good measure a good laugh. As we got up to leave, we noticed the back of our waitress’ t-shirt for the first time. It was emblazoned with the famous line from the restaurant’s founder, Izzy Kadetz, “Hurry back… Got the rent to pay!”

Jill I. Solimini

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Seconds

Antonio’s Ristorante Italiano

7165 Liberty Centre Drive West Chester, OH 45069 513-755-7242 Antonio’s has an Italian cuisine that is very vegetarian friendly. It is a trendy upscale place to go on a romantic date. The open kitchen makes cooking and eating an experience. Try the chicken Marsala or the roasted duck with a glass of red wine.

Dragon City Restaurant

6838 Tylersville Road West Chester, OH 45069 513-779-8880 Enjoy Chinese food at a reasonable cost. Dragon City Restaurant has numerous lunch combinations which come with an egg roll and an order of fried rice. Dragon City Restaurant also provides a vegetarian menu. The restaurant’s quick and friendly service will have you coming back very often.

The Cone

6855 Tylersville Road West Chester, OH 45069 513-779-7040 Look for the big vanilla cone on Tylersville Road – you can’t miss it. The Cone is a West Chester fave for its soft serve, old fashioned shakes, sodas and floats, plus ice cream cakes. Forget brain freeze: Just deciding from their menu of sundae and parfait varieties will make your head spin.

For more restaurant reviews or to rate and review where you’ve eaten lately, visit ConnectWestChester.Com or ConnectLiberty.Com.

PHOTO by amanda davidson

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PHOTO by amanda davidson

OPPOSITE: A waterslider speeds down the Volcanic Panic at The Beach waterpark.

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PHOTO PROVIDED

THIS PAGE: Brohdi Eliason shows his excitement on Plankton’s Plunge at Kings Island; Some of the first riders put their hands in the air on KI’s new Diamondback coaster; Girl Scout Troop 197 gets ready to canoe down the Little Miami River.

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Ohio’s playground Southwest Ohio offers adventure by land, water and air by michael d. clark

PHOTO PROVIDED

e it by air, water or land, the tourists attractions of Southwest Ohio continue to grow in variety and popularity. From the latest fad of zip-line canopy rides through the tree tops to hot air balloon treks skyward, new rides beckon this spring while timeless classics like canoe rides down the scenic Little Miami River still call nature lovers. And land attractions abound. From the grand-daddy Kings Island, which has been the hub of the county’s booming tourism industry since opening in 1972, to the other part of the centerpiece of fun that opened the same year—the Golf Center at Kings Island—the two mainstays of entertainment are as vibrant as ever. It all adds up to the region’s deserved reputation as “Ohio’s Largest Playground” especially during the spring through fall season when most of the county’s 6.4 million visitors partake of dozen of attractions, activities and events. An early spring day found some father and son teams swinging their way through the Golf Center at Kings Island’s “Bruin” course. With his father Mike Kruzel offering encouragement and instruction, 12-year-old Danny Kruzel tees it up with the Kings Island Eiffel Tower standing high in the distance. “We moved here last year from Toledo and we love it because there are a million things to do in Warren County,” says Mike, whose family lives in nearby in Loveland. Both praised the dazzling green links that were designed by professional golfing legend Jack Nicklaus—nicknamed the “Golden Bear.” Jack chose the Mason site as one of the first golf courses he designed. Its 18-hole, championship course, “The Grizzly,” has been the scene of dozens of professional men and women’s tournaments over the decades and will soon host another national tournament sure to draw thousands to its emerald links. The Ladies Professional Golfers Association’s (LPGA) Duramed Championship is one of the signature events on the Duramed Futures Tour, the official developmental tour of the LPGA. The three-day event June 19-21 is expected to draw crowds up to 15,000. Being the center of the golfing universe is nothing new to the golf center, which for decades has hosted some of the top senior tour >> july | august 2009

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paddles at Morgan’s Canoe Livery in Oregonia. The waterway is also popular with anglers, while hikers and bicyclists travel the Little Miami Bike Trail that runs near its shores. Or tour the treetops in the Little Miami Valley with the new Ozone Zipline Adventures, featuring a canopy or tree-top tour with nine zip lines totaling more than 10,000 feet in length and reaching heights of 170 feet in the wooded hills of YMCA Camp Kern in Oregonia. If you are looking for higher adventure take the ride to the top of Kings Island’s replica of the Eiffel Tower, which is one third the height of the original in Paris. Kings Island’s stretches more than 300 feet upwards, providing guests a panoramic view of “Ohio’s Largest Playground.” And for even higher adventures, try the Warren County Airport, just west of Lebanon, where hot air balloon and helicopter rides are now being offered. For those wanting a more adventurous experience with gravity, skydiving is offered. Warren County’s location, explains Jennifer Burns, marketing and public relations manager for the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau, is “uniquely positioned to be a great travel destination.” “We’re conveniently located between I-71 and I-75, and between Cincinnati and Dayton. There is more to do in a 30-mile radius in Warren County than anywhere else in Ohio,” says Jennifer. Jason Meischke and his 4-year-old son Carter take a breather from golfing the Bruin to list some of their favorite attractions that regularly brings their family from their Liberty Township home in Butler County. “We’re very fortunate to live so close to so many things here. We like to canoe and go to the Beach Waterpark and Kings Island and in the fall we go to Waynesville’s Sauerkraut Festival. We’re very fortunate to live near so many fun things,” says Jason.

PHOTO by amanda davidson

players, amateur and LPGA tournaments in America and has showcased the premier names in professional golf, along with celebrities like Bob Hope and former President Gerald Ford. Local golf fans have enjoyed being able to watch such luminaries of the links as Ben Crenshaw, Lee Trevino, Nancy Lopez, Jan Stephenson and Gil Morgan. “The golf center was conceived as a tournament venue,” says Peter Ryan, vice president and general manager of the golf center. “The course has a lot of mounding for spectator viewing.” Opened shortly after Kings Island in 1972, the 375-acre golf center is just across Interstate 71 from the amusement park. The two form the hub of Warren County’s $917 million tourism market. Kings Island alone brings in an estimated 3 million visitors annually. “When it was first built the whole idea was there is an amusement park across the street and mom will take the kids to the park and dad will play golf,” says Peter. The golf center surrounds another highprofile entertainment venue—a tennis stadium standing tall among the golf center complex. Each August some of the tennis world’s top names compete in the Western & Southern Financial MASTERS tournament, televised around the globe. Nearby, The Beach Waterpark brings thousands more to the area and many among them stay at the magnificent Great Wolf Lodge adjacent to Kings Island. The lodge features many attractions including an indoor water park within its facility. Among the many hotels in the area is Ohio’s oldest. The highly popular Golden Lamb Inn opened its doors in 1803 and recently underwent extensive renovations and improvements in both its rooms and restaurant. The Inn is located along the Lebanon city’s main shopping district, known throughout the Midwest for its extensive antique shops. In the northern Warren County village of Waynesville, antiques again take center stage as dozens of stores cater to shoppers from across the region, especially during the fall Sauerkraut Festival, which draws thousands. Nearby flows the Little Miami River, which winds south and attracts canoeists, rafters and kayakers, many of whom grab their

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PHOTO by tony tribble

PHOTO by glenn hartong

PHOTO provided

THIS PAGE: A group of athletes prepare for the Morganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26th Annual Little Miami Triathlon, consisting of a six-mile canoe section, a five-mile run and an 18-mile bike ride; an aerial view of The Lindner Family Tennis Center; patrons of The Beach get a face full of water on the Aztec Adventure. OPPOSITE: KIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamondback makes its way up the hill.

july | august 2009

Events calendar Looking for fun? For even more event listings, visit ConnectWestChester.Com or ConnectLiberty.Com. July 1 Museums

Music

Dinosaurs Unearthed, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Beach Waterpark. Kokomo Kove Stage. Includes Salsa lessons from Fred Astaire Studios. With Tropicoso. Included with admission: $27.99, $10.50 children under 4 feet tall and ages 60 and up, free ages 2 and under; plus $7.50 parking; discounts available online. 513.398.7946. 2590 Water Park Drive, Mason.

Museum Center. Exhibit of over 20 life-sized, moving dinosaurs, full skeletons and fossils. Feathered dinosaur models bring life to new discoveries in paleontology. $15, $10 children; $10, $7 children for members. 513.287.7000. Through Sept. 7. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate.

July 2 Attractions Zoo Tales, 10:30 a.m. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Storytelling, sing-songs and meetand-greet with storybook costume characters. With Maisy. Included with admission: $13, $9 ages 2-12, free for children under age 2. 513.281.4700. 3400 Vine St., Avondale.

Sports

ents Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.-noon Deerfield Twp. Farmer’s Market. Locally grown/produced organic produce, season fresh corn, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, blackberries, preserves, jams, homemade bread, muffins and cookies. 937-289-3151. 3292 Montgomery Road, Deerfield Twp.

July 5 Music

sion, general parking; $5 Turf Terrace table; $3 preferred parking, box seats and Turf Terrace seat; $2 preferred parking for simulcast. 513.232.8000. 6301 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Reggae Fest, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Beach Waterpark. Kokomo Kove Stage. True Believers. Included with admission; $27.99, $10.50 children under 4 feet tall and ages 60 and up, free ages 2 and under; plus $7.50 parking; discounts available online. 513.398.7946. 2590 Water Park Drive, Mason.

July 3 Bars/Nightclubs

July 6 Book Clubs

River Downs Live Thoroughbred Racing, 1:20 p.m.-6 p.m. River Downs. Free admis-

Weekly Wine Tasting, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Mesh. With Chandler Ress. $20 for four wines and complimentary cheeses. 513.777.7177. 6200 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester Twp.

Music Surf Rockin’ Concert Series, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Beach Waterpark. Kokomo Kove Stage. Surf-style music from 1960s era. With Maladroit. Included with admission: $27.99, $15.50 after 4 p.m., $10.50 children under 4 feet tall and ages 60 and up, free ages 2 and under; plus $7.50 parking; discounts available online. 513.398.7946. 2590 Water Park Drive, Mason.

July 4 Independence Day liberty Township’s Fourth of july celebration, 5K Run for Liberty registration,

7:15-8:15 a.m., run begins at 8:30 a.m., wlak begins at 8:35 a.m.; daylong festival includes parade, food and more, Liberty Park, LIBERTY TWP.

Hot Salsa Concert Series, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

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A Course in Miracles, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Alliance Healing Center. Study group for “A Course in Miracles” by Foundation for Inner Peace. With Ken Obermeyer. Free, donations accepted. Registration recommended. 513.204.0091. 3476 Irwin-Simpson Road, Deerfield Twp.

Food & Drink

513.313.2076. Presented by Laffalot Summer Camps. 571 New London Road, Hamilton.

Discovery Camp, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. New Beginning Covenant Church. Eight-week series. Academics and fun with art, drama, music, foreign countries, culinary arts, dance, physical fitness and more. Ages 6-13. Daily through July 10. $115 per week. Registration required. 513.737.6222. 1701 Princeton Road, Fairfield. Mini Gymnastics Camp, 12:30 p.m.-3:30

p.m. Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy. Gymnastics, crafts, games and more. Different theme each week. Ages 3 and up. Daily through July 9. $100; discounts available for multiple weeks. Registration required. 513.860.3082. 3635 Woodridge Blvd., Fairfield.

Junior Challenge Matches, 4:30 p.m.-6

p.m. Mason Middle School. Play matches against others at the same skill level. Rain make-ups will be given at session’s end. With Cathy Thomas, U.S. Professional Tennis Association. Advanced (Junior Varsity/Varsity) Challenge Matches. Mondays and Wendesdays through July 29. $53. Registration required by May 27. 513.504.6738. Presented by Lindner Family Tennis Center. 6370 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason.

Camp Arrowhead, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lakota Family YMCA. Activities include special projects, field trips, sports, recreation, crafts and drama. For children entering 1-10th grades. Daily through July 10. Theme: Winter Wonderland. $165-$200 per week, $125-$160 per week members; Counselor in Training Grades 8-10 $140, members $110. Registration required. 513.779.3917. 6703 Yankee Road, Liberty Twp.

July 7 Community Dance Club Aqua, 9 p.m.-midnight Beach Water-

All-You-Can-Eat Fish and Chips, 11

park. The Pearl. Music by DJ Toad, dancing and contests. Ages 13-19. $10 plus $7.50 parking; $8 advance online with free parking. 513.398.7946. 2590 Water Park Drive, Mason.

Music

July 8 Benefits

a.m.-9 p.m. Dingle House Irish Pub. $12.95. 513.874.7468. 9102 West Chester Towne Center Drive, West Chester Twp.

Counting Crows, 8 p.m. PNC Pavilion

at Riverbend. With Augustana. Parking $3.50. $75, $54, $36. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

Anderson Twp.

Summer Camp Laffalot Summer Camps, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Badin High School. A variety of sports, games and activities for campers. All boy and all girl format. Bring lunch and water bottle. Ages 6-12. Daily through July 10. $100. Registration required.

Cincinnati Corporate Olympics, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fountain Square. “Hoots with the Suits.” Corporate-sponsored teams compete in “crazy” games. Benefits Hamilton County Special Olympics. 513.271.2606. Presented by Hamilton County Special Olympics. Fifth and Vine streets, downtown.

Comedy Funniest Person In Cincinnati Contest, 8 p.m. Go Bananas. Aspiring comedians

perform. Amateur and semi-pro categories. Ages

YOURfreetime

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY Celebrate Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence Day witha a 5K run/walk, a parade, games, food, music and more. Liberty Park will be filled with fun beginning at 7:15 a.m. for race registration and lasting all day.

18 and up. $5. Reservations required. 513.984.9288. 8410 Market Place, Montgomery.

July 9 Music Spirit Song, 10 a.m. Kings Island Timberwolf

Amphitheater. Three-day Christian music event. With Third Day, MercyMe, KJ-52 and others. Ticket price includes full-day park admission. Three- and two-day passes available. $47.99, $31.99 junior, senior and season pass holder. 800.745.3000. 5688 Kings Island Drive, Mason.

July 11 Music

West Chester Concert Series, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Keehner Park. Featuring The Voices of Ohio. Free. 513.777.5900. Presented by West Chester Parks & Recreation. 7211 Barrett Road, West Chester Twp.

Summer Camp Summer Girls Hockey Camp, 4 p.m.-7

p.m. Northland Ice Skating. Learn and improve ice hockey skills. With Cincinnati Lady Cyclones and Olympians Chanda Gunn and Erin Keys. Concludes July 12, noon-2 p.m. $140. 513.967.6880. Presented by Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association. 10400 Reading Road, Evendale.

July 12

when Saturday, July 4 where Liberty Park

Recreation Little Miami River Kayak Trip, 11 a.m. Lake Isabella. Begins at Lake Isabella, continues 7.5 miles down river. All equiptment provided. Bring lunch. Must complete Quick Start program prior to trip. $25, $20 ages 6-18. Registration required, available online. 513.521.2345. Presented by Hamilton County Park District. 10174 Loveland-Madeira Road, Symmes Twp.

July 13 Clubs & Organizations Country Cousins Square Dance Club,

7:30 p.m. Middletown Area Senior Citizens Center. Plus level square dance club for experienced dancers. $5. 513.929.2427. Presented by Southwestern

july | august 2009

YOURfreetime Ohio/Northern Kentucky Square Dancers Federation. 140 N. Verity Parkway, Middletown.

Summer Camp Summer Horse Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Have

July 17 Bars/Nightclubs

Fun Acres Inc. Learn basic horsemanship, safety, handling, grooming and care of horses. Games, relays, crafts and riding. All skill levels. Ages 6 and up. Daily through July 17. $250. Registration required two weeks before session. 513.899.2839. 6846 Morrow Cozaddale Road, Morrow.

Reds Fan Cam, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Plum Street Cafe. Filming of fans for “Reds Live” post-game shows. Includes giveaways. 513.469.2006. Presented by FOX Sports Ohio. 423 PLum St., downtown.

Coach McCollum’s Eagle Soccer Camp,

Festivals

9 a.m.-noon Hope Church. Includes instruction, leather soccer ball, t-shirts, camp water bottle and more. Wear cleats, socks and use shin guards. Bring indoor-style shoes for bad weather. Private and team camps available. Intermediate Girls 2. Grades 3-5. Daily through July 17. $115; $15 late processing fee. Registration required by May 15. 513.777.3933. Presented by Coach Steve McCollum. 4934 Western Row Road, Mason.

Firecracker Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cincinnati

Gymnastics Academy. For all levels of gymnastics. Daily through July 15. Concludes 3-8 p.m. followed by sleepover July 16. $300. Registration required. 513.860.3082. 3635 Woodridge Blvd., Fairfield.

July 14 Summer Camp Riding Camp, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Lochmoor Stables. Lessons on riding, handling, feeding, barn maintenance, grooming, safety skills and more. Ages 6-15. Daily through July 17. Intermediates. $375. Registration required. 513.932.7332. 1834 Oregonia Road, Lebanon.

Theater Mamma Mia!, 8 p.m. Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall. Musical based on songs of ABBA. Ages 10 and up. $45-$70. 800.982.2787. Through July 19. Presented by Broadway Across America. 650 Walnut St., downtown.

July 15 Business Meetings Women’s Idea Network Luncheons, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Savannah Center. For business women of all ages and all stages in their career. Speed networking. $12. Reservations and cancellations required seven days prior to event. 513.847.1011. Presented by Women’’s Idea Network. 5533 Chappell Crossing Blvd.,

West Chester Twp.

Music Def Leppard, 7 p.m. Riverbend Music Center.

With Poison and Cheap Trick. $125, $89, $59, $39, $29.50 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

Anderson Twp.

July 16 Food & Drink Third Thursday: Cooking with Caitlin, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The McAlpin. There are nine courses of original recipes, in smaller portions. Drinks pro-

vided by The Mc≈lpin. $20. Reservations required. 513.421.3639. 15 West Fourth St., downtown.

our town

Taste of St. Julie’s Parish Festival, 5:30

p.m.-11 p.m. St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church. Features homemade Italian, German and Mexican cuisine. Games for all ages, bid and buy, raffles and entertainment. 513.863.1040. Through July 18. 224 Dayton St., Hamilton.

Theater Oklahoma!, 8 p.m. Aronoff Center, JarsonKaplan Theater. Story of the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys. $25, $20 seniors and students. 513.621.2787. Through July 25. Presented by Jersey Productions Incorporated. 650 Walnut St., Downtown.

July 18 Music Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, 8 p.m. Riverbend Music Center. Woodstock: A Flashback. Jeans ‘n Classics guests featuring guitarist Rik Emmett from Triumph. Steven Reinecke, conductor. Wear your tie-dye for a chance to win a trip to the Pops’ red hot opener at Music Hall. $20.50-$47; ages 6-12 $12.50 pavilion; Lawn $18, free ages 12 and under. $12.50-$46, $12.50 ages 6-18; ages 12 and under free to lawn. 513.381.3300. Presented by Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Sports Youth Rodeo Speed Show, 9 a.m. Lazy

H Ranch. Rodeo with barrels, goats, cattle poles, flags and more. Ages 2-21. Free. Registration required. 513.756.0500. 5096 Hamilton-Scipio Road,

Hamilton.

July 20 Summer Camp Tennis Team Prep, 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Mason

Middle School. Play matches against others at the same skill level. Rain make-ups will be given at session’s end. With Cathy Thomas, U.S. Professional Tennis Association. Daily through July 23. $115. Registration required. 513.504.6738. Presented by Lindner Family Tennis Center. 6370 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason.

July 21 Music Judas Priest, 7 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Riverbend. With Whitesnake and Anvil. $79.50, $59.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

July 22 Music Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd, 6:30

p.m. Riverbend Music Center. With Black Stone Cherry. Rock and Rebels Tour. $236 VIP, $86, $56, $30.50 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

Anderson Twp.

Opera Carmen, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Music Hall. Bizet’s widely popular opera. Sung in French with English supertitles. Part of Opera Goes to Spain summer festival. $26-$152. 513.241.2742. Through July 26. Presented by Cincinnati Opera. 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

July 23 Music Corey Smith, 8 p.m. Bogart’s. $20, $13.50 advance. 877-598-8703. 2621 Vine St., Corryville.

July 24 Festivals St. Ann Parish Festival, 6 p.m.-11:30 p.m. St. Ann Church. Food, raffle, games for all ages and bands. Free. 513.863.4963. Through July 25. 3000 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton.

July 25 Art Exhibits The World of Quilts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Middle-

town City Building. Quilts from around the country. Judged show with cash prizes. Classes available. $8, $7 Quilt Guild members. 513.425.7707. Through July 26. 1 Donham Plaza, Middletown.

Music Demi Lovato, 7 p.m. U.S. Bank Arena.

With David Archuleta. $125, $49.50, $39.50. 800.745.3000. Presented by AEG Live. 100 Broadway, downtown.

Nature Deaf Zoo Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo

and Botanical Garden. Sign Language interpreted shows, children’s activities, free lunch and ice cream social. Bird show 3 p.m. $8.50, $6 children. Tickets available online. 513.221.0527. Presented by Hearing Speech and Deaf Center Greater Cincinnati. 3400 Vine St., Avondale.

Recreation Little Miami River Canoe Trip, 11 a.m.

Lake Isabella. Begins at Lake Isabella, continues 7.5 miles down river. All equiptment provided. Bring lunch. Must complete Quick Start program prior to trip. $25, $20 ages 6-18. Registration required, available online. 513.521.2345. Presented by Hamilton County Park District. 10174 Loveland-Madeira Road, Symmes Twp.

YOURfreetime Volunteer Events Grailville Garden Volunteer Day, 9

a.m.-noon Grailville Education and Retreat Center. Work in organic garden and kitchen. Lunch and tour follows. Wear clothes and footwear that can get dirty. Bring gloves, water, sunscreen, hat and snacks. No experience required. Volunteers welcome other hours and days-call to schedule. Free; $15 tour and lunch. Reservation required for lunch. 513.683.2340. 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland.

July 27 Auditions Mid-Life the Crisis Musical, 6:30 p.m. Fairfield Community Arts Center. Three men and three women. Prepare song, accompanist provided. Cold readings from script. Movement audition. Ages 18 and up. Production dates: Oct. 2-11. 513.874.9304. 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield.

Summer Camp Laffalot Summer Camps, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mason Community Center. A variety of sports, games and activities for campers. All boy and all girl format. Bring lunch and water bottle. Ages 6-12. Daily through July 31. $100. Registration required. 513.313.2076. Presented by Laffalot Summer Camps. 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason.

July 28 Music Jackson Browne, 8 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Riverbend. Rock singer-songwriter and musician. $79.50, $49.50, $39.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Support Groups Interstitial Cystitis, 7 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church. Free. 513.459.1769. 7393 Dimmick Road, West Chester Twp.

July 29 Music Vans Warped Tour, noon Riverbend Music Center. With Aiden, Bayside, Saosin, Alana Grace, Black Box, Black Tide, Every Avenue, Chiodos, Cash, Hit The Lights, Madina Lake, Ocean is Theory, Valencia and others. $40, $33.50 advance. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

July 31 Bars/Nightclubs Reds Fan Cam, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Game Day Sports

Cafe. Filming of fans for “Reds Live” post-game shows. Includes giveaways. 513.469.2006. Presented by FOX Sports Ohio. 537 E. Pete Rose Way, downtown.

Music Macy’s Music Festival Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. Paul Brown Stadium. Scheduled to appear: John Legend, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Eric Benet

COUNTING CROWS Join Adam Duritz and the gang for a night of good, oldfashioned heartfelt alt-rock. With Augustana. Parking $3.50. $75, $54, $36.

and The Whispers. $88, $68, $43. 800.745.3000. 1 Bengals Drive, downtown.

Crosby, Stills and Nash, 8 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Riverbend. $79.50, $59.50, $42.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Summer Camp Rites of Passage Girls Summer Camp,

7 p.m. Grailville Education and Retreat Center. Overnight camp. Creative writing, art and group activities to support girls physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually on path to womanhood. Ages 11-14. Daily through noon Aug. 2. $150. Registration required by July 15. 513.683.2340. 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland.

Aug. 1

when 8 p.m. July 6 where PNC Pavilion at Riverbend info 800.745.3000

Festivals Weekend of Fire, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jungle Jim’s

International Market. Oscar Event Center. Taste and purchase hot sauces, salsas, barbecue sauces, mustards, ketchups, snacks and more. More than 50 vendors. All ages. $7, $5 advance; free ages 11 and under with adult admission. 513.674.6000. Through Aug. 2. 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield.

Music Tractor Jam, 2 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Gorman

Heritage Farm. Country and Bluegrass music, pig roast, hayrides, antique tractors and more. Benefits Gorman Farm. $10. 513.563.6663. 10052 Reading Road, Evendale.

River Queen Boat Ride to Riverbend,

5 p.m. BB Riverboats Newport Landing. Includes buffet. Return trip includes dessert, coffee, cash

july | august 2009

YOURfreetime Presented by Cincy Blues Society. Pete Rose Way, Downtown.

St. Margaret of York Festival, 6 p.m.midnight St. Margaret of York. Booths, rides, games, food and entertainment. All ages. Free. 513.683.7100. Through Aug. 9. 9483 Columbia Road, Deerfield Twp. St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Festival, 6 p.m.midnight St. John the Evangelist Church-West Chester. Food, raffle, rides and games. All ages. 513.777.6433. Through Aug. 9. Presented by St. John Church. 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Twp.

Reunions Morgan Twp. School Alumni Reunion,

6 p.m.-10 p.m. Hamilton High School. Social hour, 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. 513.896.6581. Presented by Morgan Twp. School Alumni. 1165 Eaton Ave., Hamilton.

Aug. 8 Sports Western & Southern Financial Group Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open, 10 a.m. Lindner Family Tennis

Center. Professional tennis tournament. Qualifying. $5, free ages 14 and under. 513.562.4949. Presented by Western & Southern Financial Group. 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason.

Aug. 9 Music Mason Community Band, 6 p.m. Mason Middle School. Auditorium. Part of Sunshine Concert Series. Free. 513.229.8555. Presented by City of Mason. 6370 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason.

Aug. 11 Summer Camp Hooked on Fishing Camp Beginning fishing including skills, biology, life skills, conservation and ethics. Includes lunch, bait and boat rental. Rod and tackle box donated. Ages 10-16.

bar, special guests Erich Kunzel and the Rodgers and Hammerstein Spectacular starring vocalists. Boat departs Riverbend 30 minutes after concert. $55 cruise only. Reservations required. 513.381.3300. Presented by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 101B Riverboat Row, Covington.

Aug. 5 Theater Crimes of the Heart, 8 p.m. Showboat Majestic. Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy. $17; $16 seniors and students. reservations recommended. 513.241.6550. Through Aug. 23. 435 E. Mehring Way, downtown. Romeo and Juliet, 7 p.m. Mount Echo Park. Pavilion. Shakespeare in the Park. Free. 513.381.2273. Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. 381 Elberon Ave., Price Hill. 40

our town

when Daily through July 17. where Lake Isabella info 513.791.1663

Aug. 6 Music Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, 8 p.m. Riverbend Music Center. Sum-

merzcool Tour. $136, $36 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Habitat Explorers, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sharon Woods. Explore water, woods, fields and other habitats. Games, crafts and learn about animals. Ages 6-9. Daily through Aug. 14. $120. Registration required. 513.521.7275. Presented by Hamilton County Park District. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville.

Aug. 13 Festivals Great Inland Seafood Festival, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Festival Park Newport. Seafood dishes from regional restaurants, music and extensive display of boats. Free. 513.477.3320. Through Aug. 16. Presented by City of Newport. Riverboat Row,

Aug. 7 Festivals

Newport.

Cincy Blues Fest, 5 p.m.-midnight Sawyer

blink - 182, 6:30 p.m. Riverbend Music Center. With Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco and Chester French. $69, $45, $25 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Point. More than 50 blues, boogie and gospel acts. Three stages Friday, three stages Saturday. Benefits Blues in the Schools program. With Carolyn Wonderland, Reba Russell Band and Janiva Magness. $10, free members. 513.739.2583. Through Aug. 8.

Music

Aug. 14

YOURfreetime Bars/Nightclubs

Music

Bars/Nightclubs

Reds Fan Cam, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. In-Between

Heaven and Hell, 7 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Anderson Twp.

Reds Fan Cam, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Head First. Filming of fans for “Reds Live” post-game shows. Includes giveaways. 513.469.2006. Presented by FOX Sports Ohio. 218 W. Third St., downtown.

Summer Camp

Music

All About Animals Camp, 9:30 a.m.-11:30

Creed, 7:30 p.m. Riverbend Music Center. $93, $63, $35 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

Tavern. Filming of fans for “Reds Live” postgame shows. Includes giveaways. 513.469.2006. Presented by FOX Sports Ohio. 307 Sycamore St., downtown.

Festivals St. Francis de Sales Family Fun Fest, 5

p.m.-11 p.m. St. Francis de Sales Church - Lebanon. Booths, rides, games, food and entertainment. All ages. Free. 513.932.2601. Through Aug. 16. 20 De Sales Ave., Lebanon.

Music Crue Fest 2: The White Trash Circus,

5:30 p.m. Riverbend Music Center. With Godsmack, Theory of A Deadman, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils. $103, $83, $51.50, $37.50 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Riverbend. With Coheed and Cambria. $99.50, $49.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

a.m. Sharon Woods. Using all senses to explore and discover native wildlife. Ages 4-5. Daily through Aug. 21. $60. Registration required. 513.521.7275. Presented by Hamilton County Park District. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville.

Aug. 19 Music

Anderson Twp.

Special Events UniverSoul Circus, 10:30 a.m. Jordan Crossing. A single-ring circus with 75 African-American performers and 12 acts. $10-$26.50. 513.562.4949. Through Aug. 30. 7030 Reading Road, Bond Hill.

Nickelback, 7 p.m. Riverbend Music Center.

Theater

Anderson Twp.

Evita, 8 p.m. Aronoff Center, Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Musical tells story of Eva Peron, a one time actress and model who became first lady of Argentina. $25, $20 seniors and students. 513.621.2787. Through Aug. 22. Presented by Jersey Productions Incorporated. 650 Walnut St., Downtown.

Aug. 21 Comedy

Romeo and Juliet, 7 p.m. Eden Park. Seasongood Pavilion. Part of Shakespeare in the Park. Free. 513.381.2273. Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. 950 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park.

Aug. 15 Dance Gala of International Dance Stars,

8 p.m. Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall. Choreographed works performed by dancers from many companies representing eight countries. $62, $52, $42. 513.621.2787. Presented by ballet tech cincinnati. 650 Walnut St., downtown.

Music Pat Benatar and Blondie, 7:30 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Riverbend. With The Donnas. $79.50, $52.50, $35. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

With Hinder, Papa Roach and Saving Abel. $89.50, $69.50, $35 lawn. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave.,

Kathy Griffin, 8 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Riverbend. Emmy award-nominated actress, comedian and producer. $75, $59.50, $49.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Music Sean Hannity’s Freedom Concert, 7 p.m. Kings Island Timberwolf Amphitheater. With Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Michael W. Smith, Lee Greenwood and Oliver North. Benefits Freedom Alliance Foundation Scholarship Fund. $75 includes park admission. 800.745.3000. 5688 Kings Island Drive, Mason.

Aug. 25 Civic

Anderson Twp.

Land Use Planning Committee, 4:30

Sports

West Chester Twp.

Western & Southern Financial Group Masters Men’s Tennis, 10 a.m. Lindner Family Tennis Center. Professional tennis tournament. Qualifying. $34. 513.562.4949. Presented by Western & Southern Financial Group. 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason.

Aug. 16 Recreation Run Kings Island, 7 a.m. Kings Island. Race

day packet pickup 5:30-6:45 a.m. Includes T-shirt, water bottle, entry to post race party. With The Beast 10K at 7 a.m., Diamondback 5K at 7:15 a.m., and Golden Ticket kids run at 9 a.m. $25-$50. Registration required, available online. 513.754.5751. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.

Aug. 18

p.m.-5:30 p.m. Community Development Department. 513.777.4214. 9577 Beckett Rd., Suite 100,

Aug. 29 Benefits REZonate Music Fest, 2 p.m.-11 p.m. Voice

of America Park. Outdoor concert and motorcycle ride. Benefits the Lakota Sioux children on Pine Ridge Reservation. $15 per bike; $20 per passenger; $8 parking donation per car. 513.759.7304. Tylersville Road, West Chester Twp.

Music The Moody Blues, 8 p.m. PNC Pavilion at Riverbend. $79.50, $59.50, $39.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Aug. 30 Youth Sports Ault Park Soap Box Rally, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ault Park. Ages 8-17. $35; spectators free. Race registration rquired. 513.885.1373. Presented by Cincinnati Soap Box Derby. 3600 Observatory Ave.,

Mt. Lookout.

Aug. 26 Music Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire, 8

p.m. Riverbend Music Center. $86.50, $60.50. 800.745.3000. 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Twp.

Aug. 27 Sports Cincinnati Bengals Football, 7:30 p.m.

Paul Brown Stadium. Games Nov. 29 and thereafter subject to scheduling change. Pre-season game vs. St. Louis Rams. $64-$82. 513.621.8383. Presented by Cincinnati Bengals. 1 Bengals Drive,

downtown.

Aug. 28 july | august 2009

YOURhome

Meet the Jacobs High school sweethearts build a future together 42

our town

YOURhome

Meet the Jacobs: Callie, Kathy, Doug, and Gavin.

by Jill I. Solimini | photography by deogracias Lerma

amed politician and writer Winston Churchill was not referring to relationships when he uttered one of his most famous lines, “If we are together, nothing is impossible.” However, these very words come to mind when you meet Doug and Kathy Jacobs. They met and fell in love as juniors at Deer Park High School, and these high school sweethearts have never looked back. After graduation, they both attended the University of Cincinnati as accounting majors and then married a year later in 1995. Doug’s first job was with Restylers’ Choice, a wholesale distributor of auto accessories. Four years later, he bought the company and now, as president, runs the day-to-day business. In 1998,

Kathy began working full time as the accountant—becoming Doug’s business as well as life partner. “People constantly joke with us that husbands and wives shouldn’t work together, but for us it just works,” says Doug. And their success, in both their business and personal lives, proves it. In the 10 years they have owned Restylers’ Choice, the business has increased nearly six fold. “In the beginning it was a lot of hours, but our priorities have changed now that we have a family,” says Doug. The family now includes Callie, 6, and her younger brother Gavin, 4. The children were the impetus for a move from Mason to West Chester two years

ago. “When you have kids your needs in home change,” says Kathy. “We really wanted a home in a cul-de-sac that had a walk-out basement and faced west so the back yard would be shady.” The couple stumbled upon Stonegate, their new neighborhood, on the way to the Rave movie theater one night. They looked at lots and found the perfect place to build the home that would blend the needs of two active kids and two social adults who love to entertain. The neighborhood, which will eventually consist of 25 houses, is about half completed, and the family has made many close ties in the short time they have lived there. “A few weeks ago we had a >> july | august 2009

YOURhome neighborhood clean-up day and a barbecue,” says Kathy. “The kids loved it.” “We love to have people over,” says Doug. “We like to play euchre, and on Friday nights our home is often the place to be.” That’s not surprising. From the moment you enter the spacious home you feel welcome. To the left, a well-stocked playroom—Callie’s favorite room in the house—beckons to children, while the sunlit family room and gourmet kitchen just beg adults to sit down and stay awhile. And as the dog days of summer approach, the in-ground pool, complete with slide and poolside bar, will certainly be a hit with friends and family of all ages. Gavin says he plans on spending most of his summer wearing nothing but a swimsuit and sunscreen. Doug, who is both high energy and handy, has big plans. He built the deck that opens up from the family room and overlooks the pool, and is working on the roof that will cover it. The builders finished half of the basement, but Doug is in the process of completing the rest. When finished, it will boast a home theater—the perfect place to house his collection of 700 DVDs and a game room complete with skeeball, pinball and air hockey. An exercise/music room is also in the works. Understandably, Doug finds little time for his one-time passion—the guitar. He laments, “When I was younger I had time and no money for a good guitar. Now I have no time. The most I get to do is play Guitar Hero on the Wii.” And though Kathy puts in a full week of work, and the kids play soccer and take swimming and tumbling lessons, she has carved out a little time for herself to compete in a volleyball league and take yoga classes. Married for 14 years, but together for 20, Doug and Kathy are always looking forward. Business is good, they are settling into their new house, and in the fall, while Gavin continues preschool, Callie will start first grade. “The last 20 years have been great. We have every reason to believe the next 20 will be even better,” says Doug. 44

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YOURhome

july | august 2009

YOURHEALTH

A man’s guide to

healthier living By mona bronson-fuqua

ome men seem to approach their health care with an “I feel fine, I must be fine” plan. Even when they have pain the tendency is to ignore it and wait for it to go away. The turning point in proactive behavior toward health usually happens when their ailments infringe on their everyday life, causing lost work time, decreased energy for recreation, and occasionally a disturbing change in their sexual function. The last is an uncomfortable subject of conversation for most of us, but, according to Lewis N. Cunningham, D.O., urologist for Group Health Associates, it is a necessary and potentially lifesaving topic. “In the 21st century we should be able to discuss all bodily functions in a mature way that will benefit our overall health,” says Dr. Cunningham. Healthy sexual function is indeed a good barometer of a man’s health status, particularly his vascular health and the subsequent effect on his heart and brain. “There is an absolute corollary between sexual dysfunction and vascular disease,” he says. “If your vascular health is compromised, the risk of coronary disease or stroke is increased.” Conversely, if a man is suffering from high blood pressure, arterial sclerosis, high cholesterol or diabetes (which plays a role in vascular health as well), he may find that he will have symptoms of sexual dysfunction. According to Dr. Cunningham the connection is so strong that it is widely accepted that any treatment in place to ensure good cardiovascular health will be a proactive 46

our town

step to protecting male sexual health. He recommends starting with the basics: • • • •

Eat a healthy diet Don’t smoke or use other forms of tobacco Use alcohol in moderation Participate in 30 minutes of exercise at 70 percent of your maximum heart rate at least three times a week

Dr. Cunningham indicates that consistent physicals are a good place to begin a commitment to preventative care. Individuals who have a family history of disease or are symptomatic need to have exams on an annual basis. “There are some proactive steps every man should take,” says Dr. Cunningham. He encourages men to make a practice of completing a testicular cancer self exam once a month, beginning in their teens. The usual blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings should be observed as well. Dr. Cunningham also recommends that men between the ages of 40 to 45 should have an annual PSA blood test and rectal exam due to the heightened risk for prostate cancer beginning at that age. Indicators that these tests should be sought out earlier are: • • • • • •

Family history Urinary frequency Decreased urine stream Pain during urination or sexual activity Lower back pain Loss of sexual function

“The incidence of prostate cancer is highest among AfricanAmerican men and often shows up at an earlier age. AfricanAmerican patients may want to seek screening for this disease earlier,” observes Dr. Cunningham. Screenings done during preventative care can result in findings

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that indicate a risk of prostate cancer. In those cases a follow-up biopsy is usually done to verify a prostate cancer diagnosis. If cancer is present, then treatment options are explored with the patient, including possible hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and radical prostatectomy. Fear of having a radical prostatectomy can drive some men to wait longer than they should to be tested. Post-surgical pain, incontinence, and loss of sexual function are scary propositions that might overwhelm those needing the surgery, but advances in surgical technology are making the prospects a little less daunting.

New Surgical Option for Men with Prostate Cancer Mark Delworth, M.D., urologic oncologist at Bethesda North Hospital, performs prostatectomy procedures using robotic-assisted surgery. In 2007 Bethesda

North became the first and only suburban hospital to offer robotic-assisted surgery, and the hospital has since added a second robot to meet the high patient demand and physician preference for the minimally invasive technology. Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to control four interactive robot arms while viewing the surgical field through a high-performance video system that can magnify the image by as much as 10 times. The surgeon’s hand, wrist, and finger movements are seamlessly translated into real-time movements, marrying the physician’s knowledge base to computer precision. Less pain and blood loss, quicker recovery, better cosmetic results, and most importantly, a lower risk of cancer reoccurrence, are just some of the benefits. Earlier return to sexual function and less time with incontinence can be outcomes as well. “The robot is best adapted for surgeries on areas of the body that are hard to

access using an open procedure,” explains Dr. Delworth. “Using the robot, we can perform delicate tissue handling and dissection with added precision even in a space as confined as the male pelvis.” Dr. Delworth indicates that 95 percent of his surgical procedures are done with the robot. He recommends roboticassisted radical prostatectomy as an option for the majority of patients with cancer that appears to be contained in the prostate, which is why preventative care and early detection are so important. Men facing urologic surgery of any kind should be as educated as possible about their options in order to decrease their anxiety. As such, it is important for all men to become active partners with their health care provider to maintain their good health and to be motivated participants in their own healing regimens.

july | august 2009

Finalthoughts

Getting back to basics It’s time for families to find themselves again By monica scalf

hen I was in elementary school, once a year my Dad would pick me and my brother up at St. Ann’s School in Hamilton, load us into his 1978 maroon and wood paneled Pontiac station wagon, and head down I-75 to our favorite vacation destination. We behaved perfectly in the car even though there were no snacks, no portable DVD players, and only an AM radio tuned to 700 WLW. I bounced around the back seat brimming with excitement and occasionally stood and hung onto my Dad’s headrest. My brother sat without a seat belt in the front, until he felt like climbing in the back or the waaaay back, which he did at will. In the late 70s and early 80s, this constituted acceptable, if not mild, riding in the car behavior. I witnessed some of our more daring friends crank down gigantic car windows, hang the upper halves of their bodies outside of their family trucksters, and like dogs, pant in the 55 mile an hour wind. These were the same kids who hitched rides in the back of pickup trucks, even when there was room in the cab. Because we were such good passengers, we would safely arrive at our destination in record time—30 minutes tops. And no, that isn’t a misprint. The place that instilled so much excitement in us and became the backdrop for some of my best childhood memories is the (now demolished) Holiday Inn Holidome in Sharonville. A mere 15 miles from our home we got our fill of miniature golf, cannonballs, and quarter video games while wrapped in the pungent aroma of chlorine and the thick, humid air of an oversized greenhouse. As a kid, trips to Florida and ski vacations weren’t an option. In fact, they weren’t even on the radar. Being raised in a bluecollar family during an economic downturn didn’t allow for many splurges or indulgences. My bratty self once cried the whole 40-minute ride home from the mall because I was denied a pair of Nikes. (This might explain my current fascination with gym shoes.) But one thing I was not denied was learning the value of a dollar and how working hard allowed you to keep things afloat, even if the vessel was a rowboat instead of a yacht. And if the kids had to do a little rowing to keep things on course, then so be it. I also learned that you could create a meaningful memory just about anywhere as long as you had people you loved, a big bag of snack chips, and a creative outlook on life. In my childhood neighborhood, front porches provided a mix of entertainment, education and encouragement. I recognize now that intangible gifts were bestowed in those tight times: practical thinking, a vivid

imagination and a palpable sense of gratitude. As our nation once again moves through less than perfect times, I’m thinking that my Disneyfied, resort raised children might benefit from the current economic climate. Their lives have been full of a multitude of experiences and a backpack full of gadgets that have been the definition of contentment since they were babies. They sense the tide changing. Essentials are now the priority and luxuries are, in fact, luxurious. I think entire families are seeing the benefit of getting back to the basics. In the last decade of abundance, the parent-child relationship has, in the eternal wisdom of Emeril, been kicked up a notch. Up until now, we as parents have been pressured to give our kids every possible opportunity, and in return most of us set super high expectations. Academics, sports, and extra-curricular activities have a newfound intensity for both child and parent. After all, the term helicopter parent wasn’t invented for folly. And I never remember my Mom signing a code of conduct letter to be a Little League fan. Our parents were more like river raft parents. They would go with the flow, be right there beside us in the rapids, but never really make an effort to control the current. They let us fall out of the boat a time or two so that we could learn from our own mistakes. In contrast, the recent myopic view taken by some parents includes analyzing and reacting to every single action our kids take. However, I think this is lessening with the changing times. As an eternal optimist, I believe that along with the increase in financial anxiety there’s also been an increase in appreciating the little things, in spending more unstructured time at home with family and in uncovering the essential ingredients of a life well lived. And it turns out that gourmet isn’t necessary; the staples will do just fine. Love, attention, spontaneity, togetherness, kindness, and respect—the list goes on and on. And whether going to a tropical island or camping in your own backyard, these things fit nicely in any kind of luggage. You just have to remember to unpack them from your bag on a regular basis. Columnist Monica Scalf is a freelance writer and mother of two in West Chester. She can be found at mscalf@fuse.net. Check out her new site at www.theordinarymatters.com.

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