West Chester & Liberty, OH August 2020

AUGUST 2020

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Our small businesses need us now more than ever.

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I N V O L V E D

The Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA) is a group of enthusiastic local merchants promoting the area businesses while supporting our community’s charitable causes. Please visit our member page and support a local UCBMA business today. UCBMA.com/Members

5PM TUESDAY, JULY 14 AT HOLIDAY INN NORTH

Or email us at info@UCBMA.com for details if we switch to a Zoom meeting

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Laura Leavitt | Laura.Leavitt@LifestylePubs.com

Dog Days of Summer WEST CHESTER & LIBERTY, THIS MONTH YOU’RE IN FOR A TREAT (AND NOT JUST DOG TREATS). This issue is all about the little ones we love—the kids and pets of our community!

Pet adoptions have been at an all-time high these past few months. For those with a new puppy or kitten, you may be wondering how to best care for him. Inside, we introduce you to some furtastic, locally owned pet care businesses.

While school is out, the young people in our community have been busy doing

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tera Michelson AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alexandra Frost, Tera Michelson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gina Breyfogle, Len Kaltman—West Chester Corporate Photography

amazing things. In June, we asked you to tell us how your kids have been giving back, and this month we highlight two remarkable young people.

Our local schools have been working hard all spring and summer to determine what the new school year will look like. While details are still being finalized as of press time, one thing we all know is that flexibility will be key. Whatever the 20/21 school year looks like, families can trust that our students will have some amazing educational opportunities. Inside we introduce you to two Lakota therapy dogs and

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

spotlight three unique opportunities that digital learning led to last spring.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Take this month to celebrate our amazing kids and pets, as summer comes to a

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

close and we watch them all get a little bit bigger and a little bit smarter.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Michelle Moody, Publisher Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Fivemonth-old golden retriever, Honey Blanton of West Chester, sitting poolside.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE MOODY 6

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester & Liberty areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

LEGACY SOCIETY PAY I N G I T F O R WA R D

When asked about their motivation to give back, Dave Bruno and his wife Margy Conditt answer, nearly simultaneously, “God has blessed us.”

Growing up in Eastern Ohio at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Dave could scarcely have imagined the path his life would take. But his father’s advice to “strive for excellence in everything you do” propelled Dave to success as the first in his family to graduate college, and on to a career as an engineer at Procter & Gamble where he met Margy, a PhD Chemist.

“As a boy, my window to the world was the pages of National Geographic Magazine,” says Dave. During one of his first trips with P&G, Dave had the opportunity to visit one of the places he had admired in the magazine all those years before. “It was then that I truly realized how blessed I was, and since have felt a strong responsibility to give back and provide opportunities for others to succeed, especially youth.”

In 1989 Dave and Margy put down roots in Liberty Township at a time when it was mostly farmland. They witnessed incredible growth and became involved in the community as active parents, and by volunteering with local organizations and township government.

“It has always been about seeing a need and simply saying, I think I can help,” says Margy. Now in their

retirement years, that commitment to helping out has not waned for Dave and Margy, but it looks a bit different.

“After so many years of being active in the community, the question became how do we continue to make an impact in this later phase of life?” says Dave. “We have been blessed financially, and it made sense to support the causes we care about by giving back in that way.”

Dave and Margy included a Legacy Gift to the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty in their estate plan to ensure their support for the community and the causes they care about continue in perpetuity. Each had a list of organizations they wanted to support with their charitable dollars. Giving through the Community Foundation allowed them the opportunity to be diverse, flexible, and efficient with their philanthropy while taking advantage of the Foundation’s unique expertise of the local charitable landscape.

After decades of giving through time, talent, and treasure, Dave Bruno and Margy Conditt hope their impact might be a catalyst for others to pay it forward and in so doing change the trajectory of a family tree, an organization, or even a community.

“If we can make an impact and change even one life through our giving, just think about the difference that can make for multiple generations.”

What will your legacy be?

Contact the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty to learn how we can help. www.wclfoundation.org or call 513-874-5450

INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 16 The Space to Heal Animal Hospital of West Chester’s New Building Expands on Their Mission of Care

19 Rethinking Remote How Lakota Schools Have Provided Unforgettable Digital Learning Experiences

22 Volunteer Voices Two Selfless Teens Give Back

28 Paw Spa On the Spot Mobile Pet Spa

16 22

Combines Convenience and Comfort For Local Pets

19

28

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Locally Owned

19

Our Town

22 Local Limelight 28 Animal Kingdom 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts

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GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Community Strong This spring we debuted the West Chester & Liberty Strong logo as a sign of community strength and unity. Thank you to all who supported this initiative by purchasing t-shirts and other merchandise with the logo. The proceeds supported the Community Health Fund at the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty. Here are a few photos we received. WestChesterLibertyStrong.SpiritSale.com 1. The team at Stretch Physical Therapy & Total Wellness | 2. The Grounds Maintenance crew at The Turf Tailor | 3. Jamie Beringer with 3 Little Halos Safety Town and Steven Brock with Grainworks Brewing Company

1.

2.

3.

Reader Pet Pictures This June we featured reader pet photos. We had over 60 submissions but only had room to show 12. So this month as part of our annual Pets & Kids issue we wanted to showcase a few more. Enjoy!

1. Melody (4), Black English Labrador | 2. Sam (5) and Stella (2), Yellow Labradors | 3. Samoa (5), Olde English Bulldogge

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AROUND TOWN

GOLF OUTING REGISTRATIONS Three great local organizations are hosting golf outings in August and September. These events are a great way to enjoy time networking on the links while supporting worthwhile causes.

The Emery Federal Credit Union Golf Tournament is scheduled for August 24 at Heritage Club and benefits Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Details are available at the Emery website. EmeryFCU.org The annual Boys & Girls Club Boehner Classic is set for September 14 at Wetherington Golf & Country Club. Now more than ever, they need your support so they can provide the professionals and programs to help maximize out of school time and provide a safe and positive place for the kids and families in our community. BGCWCL.org

interactive environment for children to learn sci-

Don’t miss the West Chester Liberty Chamber

ence, technology, engineering, art, math, robotics

Alliance annual WCLA Open on September 22 at

and video game design concepts using LEGO®

Heritage Club. This year there will be two flights,

bricks, K’Nex and technology. They offer lessons

expanding

in the form of themed afterschool enrichment

the

opportunity

for

participation.

TheChamberAlliance.com/wclca-open

programs, summer camps, workshops, birthday parties, scouting events, play dates and custom events. The inclusive programs are designed for children ages 2-14. They are offering online programs and socially-distanced in-person events.

Contact

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513.988.7363 to learn more about program options.

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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ARTS The past few months we've spotlighted various local businesses and non-profits and shown ways our readers can support them in the rebuilding process. Another area that was hit hard by the pandemic has been the arts. With no current timeline in Ohio for the return of live theater, our local non-profit

BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCE BAGS

arts venues need your support now more than ever.

This month consider reaching out to support

The Liberty Community Advisory Committee

one of our local arts venues at The Sharonville

through Cincinnati Children’s has created 600 par-

Cultural Arts Center (SCAC) or Fitton Center for

ent resource bags that they’ll be distributing August

the Creative Arts in Hamilton. Visit their websites to

3 through August 14 in Liberty and West Chester.

learn about digital arts opportunities and to make a

Bags will be available while supplies last at Lakota

donation. Scac.RegFox.com/donate-to-the-scac

Schools child nutrition program, Liberty Center,

and FittonCenter.org/donate2create

Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty, Lakota YMCA, Journey Church and the Liberty Township Fire Department, with possible additional locations as well. CommunityRelationsConnect.org

WELCOME TO SNAPOLOGY

CHEERS TO THE FETCHINGTON FOR TWO YEARS On August 25, The Fetchington Pet Hotel in Olde West Chester turns two years old. Owners Tonia and Josh Wheeler continue to provide top-notch

Snapology is a learning concept that com-

luxury service to the pets of our community with

bines play with education. They provide a fun,

improvements and additions over the years, like CONTINUED >

12

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

LIFE HAPPENS IN

THE KITCHEN.

We can help make it your favorite room.

513.433.8343 kitchentuneup.com Kitchen Tune-Up West Chester Mason Locally owned and operated by Matt & Laura Fields.

Local businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhood, the spine of our local economy, and the spirit of our communities.

We are grateful for your continued support during this time.

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AROUND TOWN their recently-installed new turf. They thank their

marketplace called Cincy Artwork. It is an online art

loyal customers and consider it an honor to spend

gallery where local artists share and sell their work.

time caring for and loving on the furry friends of this

A variety of framing, matting and medium choices

community. Congratulations to the Fetchington!

are available, from archival papers to canvas, metal

Fetchington.com

and wood prints. Support the art community and

#1000COMMUNITYTHANKYOUS SHARED The Caring Community Collaborative (C3) is working to thank the heroes who are doing great work in our community through their

Pop Revolution while adding beautiful art to your home or workplace. CincyArtwork.com

ORCA COWORKING OFFERS IMPROVED FREEDOM FROM THE HOME OFFICE

#1000CommunityThankYous campaign. If there

ORCA Coworking in Mason made the most of

is someone in your circle that you would like to

the shutdown by working hard to reimagine their

see spotlighted, you can recommend them for the

spaces in multiple ways. Members are now able

campaign. You can email a brief note and a photo

to enjoy: updated and redecorated restrooms,

(if possible) to abramsfpc@gmail.com. Another

expanded work desk and meeting spaces,

great way to give a shout out would be to make a

re-opened interior windows to improve flow and

short video personally telling your person’s story.

aesthetics, a fresh coat of paint throughout and

The video might be selected as a post on the C3

redesigned layout for better social distancing.

social media pages. c3ohio.org

ORCA also recently added a new conference

POP REVOLUTION GALLERY LAUNCHES CINCYARTWORK.COM Pop Revolution Gallery, a local framing shop and art gallery in Mason, has launched an online

space, complete with refreshment service bar, café and recreation options. For more information on this unique, flexible and communityfocused alternative to the home office, visit ORCACoworking.com.

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LOCALLY OWNED

the space to heal ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST CHESTER’S NEW BUILDING EXPANDS THEIR MISSION OF CARE

ARTICLE ALEXANDRA FROST PHOTOGRAPHY LEN KALTMAN— WEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST CHESTER 9335 Cincinnati Columbus Rd West Chester 513.777.5131 AnimalHospitalofWC.com

16

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

LOCAL PETS ARE GETTING THE ROYAL TREATMENT AS THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST CHESTER MORE THAN DOUBLES IN SIZE TO BETTER CARE FOR ANIMAL CLIENTS AND THEIR HUMANS. The clinic was founded by Dr. Jennifer Dehnbostel in 2009, and they are proud to offer “small-town charm with full service medical and surgical capabilities,” in addition to boarding and grooming services. All of these offerings just got bigger, better and more helpful for patients and their families in their brand new building.

Main upgrades included expanding from two to five exam rooms.

“The new hospital facility was created out of necessity for additional patient care space, including exam rooms and hospital space,” Dr. Dehnbostel says. “Our primary goal for our new expanded space was to reduce stress for both the pets and the humans.”

More exam rooms allow reduced wait times in the lobby spaces, which conveniently has coincided with social distancing recommendations.

“Clients can immediately go to an exam and are not held in the lobby area, which can be an area of conflict for many pets,” Connie says. “We need to keep some distance between certain animals.”

Patients can expect more appointment availability with the new space, especially as an additional vet, Dr. Amy Snyder, began full time in July. Once animals are inside a treatment room, upgraded electronic tables mean more ease for animals to be weighed and examined. Larger dogs, for example, can get on the tables by having them raised or lowered for easier access and care. An expanded surgical suite with a separate dental and oral surgery area is helping the staff to better assist animals.

Another key feature is a separate special “family room” which Manager Connie Caton says allows the vet to hold personal conversations with clients regarding the care of their pet, including euthanasia conversations in private, giving them the opportunity to grieve without seeing others. These clients even have their own entrance they can use to enter and exit to avoid having to interact with others during a sensitive time.

Grooming and boarding clients now have their own separate and spacious entrance as well. Dr. Dehnbostel says their larger boarding facility is not increasing how many pets they board, but rather just providing better service to them.

“Our two-floor hospital design keeps hospital and boarding/ grooming pets separate, and the benefits are stress reduction, noise control and disease control,” Dr. Dehnbostel says.

Connie says, “Our goal is always to treat and take care of the animals...just having the ability to treat more animals given the space obviously drives our mission of making patients our priority.”

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

17

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West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

OUR TOWN

RETHINKING REMOTE HOW LAKOTA SCHOOLS HAVE PROVIDED UNFORGETTABLE DIGITAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES

ARTICLE LAURA LEAVITT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

AS THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR APPROACHES, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE HARD AT WORK TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS WILL HAVE MEANINGFUL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WHILE KEEPING STUDENTS, STAFF AND FAMILIES AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE. As of press time the plan is for students to return to school with safety precautions, but online learning will be available for Lakota students through the Lakota Virtual Learning Option. Here are three truly unique opportunities that arose from digital learning this spring.

A NEW ACTING REALITY Project 38, a program of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, works with local schools to create an interpretation of Shakespeare’s plays. Kim Eldridge, who teaches theater at Lakota West, worked with her students in early 2020 to write a script and begin filming a reality show adaptation of King Richard II. “When remote learning started, the students overcame the obstacles to continue filming,” says Kim. “They had Zoom calls, talked through the script, and came up with ideas together.”

Students recruited family members to help them film and handle props, and the students collaborated to make sure that conversations could appear to be in the same space even when filmed in two different homes.

“It was the students’ endurance that encouraged everyone to continue with the project,” says Kim. “They learned the necessity to adapt and realize that things happen in our lives that are out of our control, and you have to make the best of the situation.”

The final product, a 12-minute video, is available at LakotaOnline.com and at the Project 38 Facebook page for viewing.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

19

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

NUMBER ONE FAN Thomas Kiefer was a Reds fan when he met his intervention specialist, Katie Woodruff,

at

Woodland

Elementary

School. When he learned that she was a big hockey fan and loved the Blue Jackets, he began to follow them as well.

“Being a fan is a common thread they have together, and the bond they share has helped their experience,” says Angie Kiefer, Thomas’ mother. “I am so grateful to the team at Woodland; they are amazing on a regular basis, even before remote learning. They go that extra mile.”

Thomas has been working a lot on his writing, and during remote learning, he was writing about how to be a great leader. The idea of emailing Blue Jackets’ Captain Nick Foligno came up, and Thomas was very excited.

Little did Thomas know, mutual connections had created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Nick himself joined a Zoom call with Thomas and chatted with him for a half-hour interview for his paper. They got to know each other informally, and everyone present could see a connection form.

“He was so engaged,” explains Katie Woodruff. “I’ve seen the kids get starstruck around a celebrity, but it was like Thomas was talking to a friend of his.”

Thomas has been on a journey to find his voice and interests in elementary school, and the team at Woodland have accompanied him and seen him make strong progress.

“This experience meant so much to him this year,” says Katie. “He’s such a dynamic kid, and seeing him lighting up a room is really meaningful.”

20

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

John Charles Brian Duffy

YMCA CAMP CAMPBELL GARD

WE’RE SETTING OUR SIGHT ON

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We can’t wait to see you there! www.ccgymca.org 513.867.0600 BLASTING OFF FROM HOME Math teacher Aaron Nunley noticed some of his Plains Junior students were having trouble engaging with school from home during distance learning. Teachers Jessica Simpson, Laura Duncan, Marcie Fitzwater, Cayla Marshall and Aaron rallied to come up with ways to engage their team’s students with new opportunities.

Through a family connection to Language Arts teacher Becky Falato, the team was able to connect with Chief of the International Science Office of NASA’s Human Research Program John Charles, who studies the effects of space on human biology, and Brian Duffy, who was an astronaut pilot and mission commander. Brian also served as acting deputy director of the Johnson Space Center.

They held Zoom calls with these leaders who are at the forefront of space science, and dozens of students came to the meetings to learn and ask questions.

“The timing was good because Space X was preparing to launch their first trip to the space station,” explains Aaron. “They talked about how collaborations let NASA invest their resources well and push the boundaries of what they’re capable of.”

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The encouragement and excitement of the calls reenergized the teachers and students during a tough time.

“Distance learning forced us to think beyond what is normal or typical in a classroom, to think creatively,” says Aaron. “Career exploration is so important in junior high, and this helped the kids understand what math and science can do for them.”

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT Shriya Kappagantula, left, with her sister Sumedha Kappagantula at a violin recital

TWO SELFLESS TEENS GIVE BACK

VO L U N T E E R VO I C E S ARTICLE TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY GINA BREYFOGLE & PROVIDED

SMALL ACTS CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT. Tune into

“I’ve been volunteering from a very young age,” Shriya

the volunteer voices of Shriya Kappagantula and Jack

explains. “I’m associated with a temple volunteer group.

Groseclose, two teens that put others first and are moti-

Community service is a really big part of what we value.

vated by being helpers. The acts of service by these

One of the first things I did as a beginning volunteer

special young people are paving a path of humility and

was go into a homeless shelter where we made people

kindness in our community.

food. Seeing how much people are in need, and how even a small act that I could do could help them really

MEET SHRIYA KAPPAGANTULA SELFLESS SERVANT

For Shriya, volunteering is fun. Because of her natural

Shriya Kappagantula didn’t set out to win any awards,

interest in science and technology, she responded to a

she just wanted to help. Hour by hour, Shriya’s time as a

school newsletter listing to help at iSpace, a local nonprofit

helper added up in a big way: in one year, this rising Lakota

educational organization focused on science, technology,

West High School junior served 238.5 hours as a volunteer.

engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs for youth.

This impressive number of volunteer hours earned her the gold level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

“I took a chance at iSpace, and it was really fun there,” Shriya says. “Most of my hours were at iSpace. It’s known

“I wasn’t really expecting to try to receive this award,

as the STEM learning place. I served as a volunteer the

I just really enjoy volunteering,” Shriya says. “Eventually,

whole summer, encouraging students to explore different

the hours just started adding up.”

fields of STEM and the different jobs you can do. I basically

Shriya comes from a family of volunteers and has been engaged in serving the community as long as she can remember.

22

motivated me to keep going.”

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

helped out with whatever the teachers needed.”

“I also volunteered at MidPointe Library. I’ve been volunteering there for the past five years or so,” she adds.

Many lessons come with 238.5 hours of volunteer service in one year, especially when most of those hours are spent with young children. Shriya says one word rises to the top when she thinks about what she has learned this year—patience.

“I worked mainly with little kids,” she says with a smile. “I had to explain things to them in a way that they could understand and that could sometimes take a couple of tries.”

The nature of volunteer work is that it is done for free. The payoff for Shriya comes in the form of the feeling she gets when she sees the impact she is making with her time. She is motivated by a sense of accomplishment and joy.

“At the end of it all at iSpace, a bunch of kids made cards for the volunteers, thanking us. That was really sweet of them. Being able to help people helps me to really want to keep coming back,” Shriya says.

While COVID-19 has kept her away from her volunteer spots for the past few months, Shriya is hopeful and excited to get back to work soon.

“Everyone can make a change through volunteering,” Shriya notes. “It’s really not too much work to take a few hours out of your day to help someone in need. Just a small act of kindness can really make a difference.”

“EVERYONE CAN MAKE A CHANGE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING. IT’S REALLY NOT TOO MUCH WORK TO TAKE A FEW HOURS OUT OF YOUR DAY TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED. JUST A SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

23

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

24

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

MEET JACK GROSECLOSE UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT 17-year-old Liberty Township resident Jack Groseclose rolls his eyes at his parents, loves the band Coldplay and the

AUGUST 15 GLOBAL AWARENESS DAY SMITH-KINGSMORE SYNDROME FOUNDATION

color yellow. Despite the challenges of a rare genetic condition called Smith-Kingsmore syndrome (SKS), Jack’s brave

SKSF is sponsoring their first annual Global Awareness Day

and giving spirit is an unstoppable force that is changing

this August. Learn more about this rare condition and its

the future for those who are growing up like him.

unique connection to Liberty Township. Show your support

In May, during the height of the pandemic, Jack partici-

for our neighbor, Jack, his family and families like theirs with

pated in a fundraiser for the Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome

a donation or the purchase of SKSF merchandise. Hats,

Foundation (SKSF), a nonprofit organization founded by

tanks and tees with the foundation’s sunny logo are available

Jack’s parents, Mike and Kristen Groseclose. Together, the

in the online store: SmithKingsmore.org.

family serves as pioneers and ambassadors as they work to boost awareness of SKS, connect SKS patient families from around the world and promote research and development to change outcomes for children with the condition.

“We’re a family that believes in giving back, each as we’re able,” says Jack’s dad, Mike Groseclose.

SKS families united virtually from around the world to share in the Workout of the Day fundraiser. Although Jack couldn’t perform the suggested CrossFit exercises, he discovered a different way to participate. Many children with SKS may not ever be able to walk, but with leg braces, Jack can. Although he does not enjoy it, he walked and even ran for the fundraiser, inspiring families around the globe with hope that their own afflicted children may walk someday.

“Everyone needs a purpose in order to live a meaningful life and we are grateful that Jack has been able to find his in a way we’d never have dreamed about 17 years ago,” says Jack’s mother, Kristen Groseclose.

Newly discovered in 2013, there is a lot yet to learn about SKS. Only diagnosed two years ago, Jack faces challenges in development, learning, sleep and communication, but with his courageous help, medical personnel at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Liberty Campus are making strides in research. Jack’s responses to medication are helping doctors better prescribe and dose for other, younger patients with the condition.

“It’s scary, but he’s old enough to understand,” explains Mike. “Other people started taking [the drug], and now the dosing is a lot lower and doctors are seeing the positive benefits. They’re not seeing the negative side effects.”

“He knows that all the stuff that he’s doing is for the next generation of kids and babies,” Kristen says. “He wants to help them so that they don’t feel bad. We tell Jack that everybody can make a difference and that he helps the babies.”

“Everyday, Jack faces challenges that are huge,” shares Mike, “but, he faces them with grace and dignity and in a good mood. People fall in love with Jack without him saying a word. I’m always impressed with how he handles challenges.”

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

25

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West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

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ANIMAL KINGDOM

Pa w S p a

ON THE SPOT MOBILE PET SPA COMBINES CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT FOR LOCAL PETS

MANY PEOPLE LOVE THE IDEA OF HAVING THEIR HAIR DONE, COMPLETE WITH A SOOTHING SHAMPOO AND SCALP MASSAGE. The salon experience is relaxing for many, but for some of our furry friends, the process of grooming can be a stressful one.

Andrea Rutherford realized, after years of working with pets, that she wanted a way to make the experience less stressful for her pets and their parents.

“Not all groomers have an extensive handling background,” Andrea says. “They may not understand how to work with pets. After 15 years of experience, we are at the point where we can usually guess what a dog is about to do.”

She and her sister, Emily Stevens, saw firsthand the challenges that some pets go through to get to a grooming shop, from carsickness to anxiety to mobility concerns.

ARTICLE LAURA LEAVITT | PHOTOGRAPHY LEN KALTMAN—WEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY 28

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

From left to right, Emily Stevens, Andrea Rutherford, Kristie Lammi

They wanted to expand on their small business that

“We use the best quality products and work to provide

offered in-home grooming while avoiding the mess that

high-end styling,” explains Emily. “Being a great groomer

those appointments can naturally create. They designed

requires extreme attention to detail and focus all while

their own mobile pet spa in a van, combining easy

there’s a wiggly dog on your table, so it teaches you how

clean-up with ultra-convenient service.

to remain calm while overcoming obstacles.”

Andrea has always enjoyed working with her sisters,

Pet owners love the convenience of only having to head

so she founded On the Spot Mobile Pet Spa with her

out to the driveway or street to get their grooming appoint-

younger sister, Emily Stevens. Later, when their third

ment started. Between the time savings, the comfort, and

sibling, Kristie Lammi, moved back to the West Chester

the general benefits of a well-groomed pooch, the team

area, she joined the team, becoming their business

aims for a holistic health experience for pets and owners.

development manager and another co-owner.

“Professional groomers are the front line workers of

“I had the background in corporate systems, and I

pet healthcare, because they’re the first to notice if there

knew I could streamline the processes because of my

is something out of the ordinary in behavior or physical

background,” says Kristie. “Our clients’ lives are busy

condition,” says Andrea. “We can spot a new bump, or tell

enough, and if we can take some stress off their plate

if a paw is sensitive, and we notify pet parents if an ear is

and make their lives easier by taking great care of their

infected or if the dog has skin irritation. Often, early signs

furbabies, we’ve achieved our goal. This is exactly why

of serious health issues present through the conditions

we have raving fan clients and get a ton of referrals.”

of the skin and coat. Regular grooming with the same

The sisters are all Lakota graduates who grew up living and working together in West Chester.

groomer can prevent a lot of health issues down the road and keep pet parents in the know on their pup’s health.”

“We’ve literally always worked together; our first job

After coronavirus-related restrictions began to loosen,

together was at Fazoli’s as teens,” Andrea says, laughing.

the mobile pet spa was immediately booked up with reg-

“We make a whole together because there are certain

ulars, but their methods are already well-suited to social

aspects that each of us brings to the table.”

distancing measures, making their transition easier.

Inside the van, there is a comfortable table where

“Our Mobile Pet Spa services have been low to no

dogs can have their fur trimmed and brushed. The back

contact even before contact-less delivery and social dis-

of the van contains a tub where dogs get the star treat-

tancing became requirements for business operations,”

ment, getting sudsy and clean.

says Kristie. “Unlike a traditional shop environment, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

29

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

where you and your pet can come into contact with multiple people and pets, we have a team that operates with one or two people at a time inside the pet spa that handles everything for you.”

They can even arrange contactless payment to keep even more distance in high-risk cases. The sisters get a lot of satisfaction out of making this experience very customizable, safe and positive.

“Getting that messy dog and transforming it into a soft, clean adorable fur baby, then returning it to Mom or Dad and hearing them squeal with delight is the most amazing feeling,” says Emily.

“We know pet parents cherish their pets and want to give them the best of the best.”

Want to get your pooch looking and feeling his best? Contact On the Spot Mobile Pet Spa today; they serve all sizes of dogs and their area of appointments includes all of Liberty Township and West Chester.

513.463.7387. OnTheSpotHomeGroom.com

30

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

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AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

from the Science of Superpowers to

WEST CHESTER FARMERS MARKET

and afternoons. Learn more and sign

Castles, Kingdoms and Wizards, and camps are offered in both mornings up today. Snapology.com/location/ westchestertwp

The Square @ Union Centre

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays this month, visit The Square @ Union Centre for a safe, comfortable stroll to shop some excellent local vendors. The Farmers Market offers a wide variety of produce and handmade goods to enjoy.

WestChesterOH.org

5 UCBMA AUGUST MEETING West Chester Library

Whether you are already a member or thinking about joining, come to the

3, 31

Union Centre Boulevard Merchants

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT GOLF CLASSICS

location is planned for the MidPointe

Association (UCBMA) meeting on August 5 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Library in West Chester, but check

Heritage Country Club

the UCBMA Facebook page for

Junior Achievement is hosting two

updates on location. UCBMA.com

golf outings this year, with the August

3, 10, 17

3 date held at the Heritage Country

SNAPOLOGY VIRTUAL CAMPS

a.m. with the shotgun start at 10 a.m.,

Club and the August 31 event at TPC River’s Bend. Registration starts at 8

7 YOGA IN THE PARK

Virtual

and a variety of team registrations

Join Snapology for a virtual sum-

and sponsorship levels are avail-

Bring your own mat for an outdoor,

mer camp starting August 3, 10 or

able. JuniorAchievement.org/web/

peaceful free yoga session. This

17. Choose one-day or week-long

ja-oki-cincinnati

60-minute practice begins at 6 p.m.

Dudley Memorial Park

either

on August 7 in Dudley Memorial Park,

one hour or three hours of engage-

and participants must be 12 years old

ment time per day. Topics range

or older. Liberty-Township.com

themed

experiences

with

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West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

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33

PARTING THOUGHTS

THERAPY DOGS ZOOEY AND BENDI ARE LAKOTA SCHOOLS’ GOLDEN RETRIEVER COMPANIONS AND FRIENDS

BENDI CREEKSIDE EARLY

ARTICLE LAURA LEAVITT

CHILDHOOD SCHOOL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

ZOOEY AND BENDI ARE DOGS THAT WORK IN THE LAKOTA LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AS CIRCLE-TAIL-TRAINED THERAPY DOGS. “Zooey greets students in the morning as they arrive, and is present in the hallways at all transition times,” says LeAnna Webber, Zooey’s handler and assistant principal of Hopewell Junior School.

They spend most days interacting with students and teachers, providing comfort and calm.

“We explained that she’s not a pet, she’s a therapy dog,” says Jen Russell, Bendi’s handler and counselor at Creekside Early Childhood School. “Our students are doing a great job at respecting her boundaries.”

Children can have individual appointments with Zooey or Bendi, which can help them selfregulate, and the dogs also visit whole classes.

“This isn’t just a dog we’re going to sit and pet; she’s incorporated into our social-emotional learning,” says Jen. The dogs love interaction with people. After being patient and kind all day, they both like to relax and enjoy just being dogs in their “off time.”

“Zooey loves to fetch things,” says LeAnna.

“I’d say her favorite toy would be any ball she can chase and bring back to you.”

Want to learn more about therapy dogs?

Visit CircleTail.org.

34

West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle | August 2020

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