West Chester & Liberty, OH December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

joy

Filled with

LI F E + C U LTU R E 2020 H O L I DAY G I F T G U I D E S T Y LE + B E AUT Y SPARK L E + SH I N E FOOD + DRINK T R ANSFO RM I N G T U RK E Y L EF T OVERS

C R E AT I N G C H A N G E T H R O U G H E D U C AT I O N MARK AND JULIE DUNAWAY

Every December, the dining room table at the West Chester home of Mark and Julie Dunaway is stacked high with Christmas presents, wrapping paper, and ribbon. The presents aren’t for the Dunaway family, however, they’re presents for St. Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Together adopt-a-family program. The Dunaway family tradition of donating gifts is spearheaded each year by Julie and offers much more than Christmas cheer.

“When you see what these families and kids are asking for – pots and pans, basic clothing, cleaning supplies, maybe a game or a doll – it’s very eye-opening,” says Mark. “It’s a reminder of what we have, and our responsibility to help.”

Mark and Julie take that responsibility to heart. They view philanthropy as a matter of fairness, summing it up like this: “We could drive nicer cars, live in bigger houses, and take bigger vacations or we can live within our means, have a little extra, and help those who are trying to help themselves.”

What is particularly unique and impactful about the Dunaway’s giving is their teach-a-man-to-fish approach that focuses on equipping those who are seeking help with the tools to create lasting, generational success; tools like financial literacy and job skills training. By investing time and resources into helping families achieve self-sufficiency, Mark and Julie see the potential for long-term benefits to the whole community. The key to unlocking that potential is education.

In 2018, they established the Dunaway Family Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty to support

well-rounded, driven students who may lack the resources or support to take the next step in their education after high school. As a first-generation college student, Mark witnessed the common pitfalls that often derailed his peers and hopes to help students avoid those mistakes.

“If we can come alongside these kids and help fill the gap, giving them the opportunities they deserve and should have, we will all be better off down the road.”

The Dunaway’s focus on creating change through education extends beyond their scholarship to nonprofits like CityLink Cincinnati and Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty, where they volunteer their time and talent for organization operations and job training programs, in addition to providing funding support. They also spend time teaching financial literacy to high school and college students, and young adults.

“It’s about finding something that sparks your passion, and taking the first step,” says Julie.

For many, the first step into philanthropy is a conversation with their professional advisor about including charitable giving in their estate plan. The Dunaway’s advisor suggest they seek out a local community foundation and establish a charitable fund to make a difference now, while planning for long-term support after they are gone. The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty offers grantmaking expertise, local knowledge, and a residual benefit to the community that made it a perfect fit for Mark and Julie.

During this season of giving, consider ways you can make a difference, not just for holidays, but throughout the year. Contact the Community Foundation to learn how we can help connect you to causes you care about and make the most of your charitable dollars. www.wclfoundation.org

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513.874.5450

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@LifestylePubs.com

Delivering Holiday Joy IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! 2020 has been hard on all of us, but this is a time of year to celebrate, rejoice and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.

We hope this issue packs a little joy into what can sometimes be a stressful time of year.

Is your house still full of Thanksgiving leftovers? Perhaps you’re already dreading the fridge full of uneaten food that will be coming as the next wave of holiday entertaining kicks off. Inside we share two of my favorite recipes to use your leftover turkey.

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Laura Leavitt AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alexandra Frost, Laura Leavitt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Len Kaltman—West Chester Corporate Photography

This month’s issue includes the ultimate gift guide for everyone on your list, and you can find most of the items here within our community. We are all about shopping local in West Chester and Liberty and supporting area businesses.

If you’re still feeling stressed about being ready for the holidays, flip to page 34 and read our week by week guide to how to spread the workload over the month.

You’ll find all this and much more inside this joy-packed issue of West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle.

Happy holidays! We can’t wait to see you next year!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Michelle Moody, Publisher

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN—WEST

neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’

CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY 6

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is

West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester and Liberty area’s most affluent 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.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 18 Sparkle + Shine ‘Tis the Season to Dazzle Her with Diamonds

20 2020 Holiday Gift Guide Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Gift This Holiday Season

26 Transforming Turkey Leftovers Two Ways to Use Leftover Turkey for Crowd-Pleasing New Meals

26 30

30 A Sweet Solution for Diaper Deficit Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank Assists Families in Diaper Need

20

18

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Good Times

14

Around Town

18

Trend Setter

20 Local’s Choice 26 Culinary Creations 30 Giving Back 34 Parting Thoughts

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

9

GOOD TIMES

Hitting the Links for EDGE The annual EDGE Teen Center golf outing, hosted in partnership with Linkinnati, was held on October 9 at Hamilton Elks Golf Club and raised $13,000 for the nonprofit that serves approximately 700 local teens each year. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEN BEST EDGETeenCenter.com

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

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GOOD TIMES

Cheers to 5 Years!

West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle invited our advertising partners to a socially-distanced, outdoor celebration for our 5-year anniversary. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Skally's along with the cocktail pictured on our November cover, the Fall Five.

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterAndLiberty

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

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AROUND TOWN of retired dentist Jodie Jenkins. After 14 years working in Springboro, Dr. Privett is excited to treat her patients in a larger and more modern office space right in her own community. A 2006 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Privett is a certified Invisalign provider and has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. KellyPrivettDDS.com

LCOH ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND NAMI AWARD The Lindner Center of HOPE (LCOH) is pleased to announce that Paul R. Crosby, MD, has transitioned to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer of the comprehensive mental health center of excellence.

FETCHINGTON PET HOTEL SUPPORTS PINK RIBBON GIRLS To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness during

staff for the Center’s opening in 2008. As President and COO, Dr. Crosby will assume leadership of the Center’s strategic and operational activities.

October, the Fetchington Pet Hotel and all of its furry

Dr. Crosby is board certified in Adult, Child and

friends went “pawsitively pink” for the cure. The luxury

Adolescent Psychiatry and has provided care in

pet hotel and daycare sold pink t-shirts and collected

many of the Center’s service lines. He will con-

donations to raise funds for the Pink Ribbon Girls, a

tinue to provide outpatient psychiatric consulta-

local nonprofit that provides support to those living

tion to children and families.

with breast cancer, survivors and their families. A lim-

Danielle Johnson, MD, LCOH Chief Medical

ited number of t-shirts are still available. Contact Tonia

Officer, has been named Exemplary Psychiatrist

at Fetchington to make a purchase. Fetchington.com

by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS FIVE GRANTS The Community Foundation of West Chester/ Liberty recently awarded grant funding totaling $124,200 to support local nonprofits making an impact in West Chester and Liberty Townships.

Each year, the Foundation awards grants in the areas of Education, Workforce Development and Community Quality of Life initiatives from the unrestricted Community Grants Fund. Congratulations

Southwest Ohio as part of the 2020 Award Winners for Excellence in Mental Health Care. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary work and advocacy on behalf of people with mental illness and their families.

Congratulations to Dr. Crosby and Dr. Johnson for

outstanding

service

to

our

community.

LindnerCenterofHOPE.org

2020 LAKOTA EDUCATORS OF EXCELLENCE ANNOUNCED

to the following organizations that received funding

The Community Foundation of West Chester/

support in 2020: West Chester/Union Township

Liberty and Lakota Local Schools are proud

Historical Society for Station Road Schoolhouse

to announce the recipients of the 2020 Lakota

improvements; Reach Out Lakota for organiza-

Educator of Excellence Awards. The honorees are:

tional strategic planning and pantry restocking;

Tricia Nation, Reading Intervention Specialist at

EDGE Teen Center for operating and program sup-

Cherokee Elementary School; Julie Fuqua, Band

port; Junior Achievement of OKI Partners for pro-

Director at Hopewell Junior School; and Valerie

gramming in Lakota Local Schools; and The Faith

Montgomery,Principal at Cherokee Elementary.

Alliance of Southwestern Ohio for the Summer Lunch & Literacy Program. WCLFoundation.org

KELLY PRIVETT, DDS, NOW PRACTICING IN WEST CHESTER

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Dr. Crosby was recruited to join the LCOH medical

The Lakota Educator of Excellence Award was established in 2007 to recognize educators in the Lakota School District who demonstrate consistency and high commitment to students. These individuals motivate, share ideas, inspire, support and go beyond

Liberty Township resident Kelly Privett, DDS, has

to make a difference in the community. The grade level

moved her practice to 7115 Hamilton-Mason Road,

awards include a $1,000 grant for the implementation

West Chester, taking over the established practice

CONTINUED >

West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

AROUND TOWN of a special project or program at the recipient’s school, made possible this year through sponsorship from Phelan Insurance. A selection committee consisting of Community Foundation and Lakota staff reviewed the nomination letters and voted on the final recipients.

Congratulations to the 2020 award winners and nominees. WCLFoundation.org, LakotaOnline.com

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST CHESTER RIBBON CUTTING The Animal Hospital of West Chester built a new state-of-the art facility behind their previous building on Route 42 in West Chester. Grand opening celebrations planned for last spring had to be delayed, but it was worth the wait. Staff, local officials and the chamber gathered to celebrate with a ribbon cutting.

The event took place Halloween weekend, so staff pets joined in the celebration in adorable costumes.

Congratulations! AnimalHospitalofWC.com

Holiday

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LAKOTA EAST STUDENT RECEIVES 2020 'INSPIRE AWARD' Greater Cincinnati’s Grant Us Hope, a partnership that brought Hope Squads to Lakota’s high schools, paid a surprise visit to Lakota East High School in October. Lakota East junior and Hope Squad mem-

The perfect gift!

KENWOOD • HYDE PARK TRI COUNTY • WEST CHESTER

ber Olivia Marshall was the recipient of the organization’s 2020 “Inspire Award,” which recognizes individuals who have worked diligently to take their organization to the next level. The award recognizes young leaders who have moved the needle on youth mental health and suicide prevention.

In addition to leading Lakota East’s Hope Squad, Olivia was recently selected to represent

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Ohio on the National Hope Squad Council. She and three other Ohio student representatives are the first to represent Ohio at the national level.

Congratulations, Olivia! LakotaOnline.com CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

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TREND SETTER

S pa r k l e +

SHINE PHOTOGRAPHY LEN KALTMAN—WEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTICLE ALEXANDRA FROST

1

RING DETAILS A custom-designed engagement ring will brighten any holiday proposal. This simply stunning band features a standout combination of baguette and round diamonds.

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

2

‘TIS THE SEASON TO DAZZLE HER WITH DIAMONDS

PENDANT DETAILS This eye-catching single pendant necklace features a beautiful silver chain and a large, clear center diamond framed by a halo of smaller diamonds.

3 B R AC E L E T D E T A I L S THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, SHOPPERS WILL GO ON QUESTS TO FIND THE PERFECT SHINY PRESENT FOR THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, AND MAY WONDER WHERE THEY SHOULD START THEIR

A gold, diamond-studded bracelet is a timeless gift for any woman. The endcaps, made up of dozens of diamonds, add some bling to this classic statement piece.

MISSION. Welling and Co. Jewelers have a century of experience, and know what customers need this holiday season. The West Chester company (with another location in Loveland) is celebrating 100 years and four generations of their family-run business, a feat few jewelers have accomplished.

“It shows longevity and success to have been in the jewelry industry so long,” says Daniel Welling, co-owner and custom designer.

He credits their success to the amazing staff and the loyalty of returning customers.

“We have a lot of engagement customers that say, ‘My dad got my mom’s ring here,’ or even their grandfathers,” says Daniel.

Top-notch customer service is important to Welling, and they work to make sure each customer

Daniel encourages shoppers to stop in and consider a piece of jewelry this holiday.

“We have something for everyone,” Daniel says.

Welling specializes in timeless pieces that are wellcrafted and unique, and can become family heirlooms.

“Gold and diamond jewelry is truly a great option to wear, enjoy and pass on to the next generation,” he adds.

Bill Welling, co-owner and father to Daniel, calls their 100 year anniversary his “proudest accomplishment,” and says he can’t wait to see what the next generation of jewelers will do.

feels special and returning customers see familiar faces when they come back. In addition, they are

WELLING & CO. JEWELERS

proud of their variety of offerings, from everyday

8992 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester,

fashion wear to fine statement pieces.

WellingandCo.com CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

2020 holiday GIFT GUIDE YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

AS WE WIND DOWN 2020, MANY PEOPLE ARE ALREADY FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE AND MAKING RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021. If someone on your holiday shopping list is making New Year’s resolutions, then let us guide you. We’ve included nine different gift ideas for those resolving to be healthier, start a new hobby or relax more.

Supporting local is more important this holiday season than ever Y HOLIDAYS PP HA P

gifts are connected to a local business, but we found a few national items LIDAYS HAP HO PY

that can be purchased from the comfort of home via online shopping.

All prices and availability are as of press time and are subject to change.

HO

Y DA

PY

APPY HOLI DA S H YS

HA

before since our area businesses were hit hard in 2020. Most of these

ARTICLE MICHELLE MOODY | PHOTOGRAPHY LEN KALTMAN—

YS HAPPY H DA OL LI I

WEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY & PROVIDED

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

g i f t s fo r R E S O L U T I O N : R E L A X M O R E

01 SPA SERVICES Relaxing massages, pedicures, facials and more at Mitchell’s Salon, discounted gift cards available throughout December, MitchellsSalon.com | 02 RELAXATION GIFT PACK Relaxation gift baskets of beauty products, tea, wine, chocolate and more, custom pricing, TheSpicyOlive.com | 03 PINCH ME THERAPY DOUGH Squishable, scented putty that channels relief through the senses, $14.99, SymmetryBoutiqueAndGallery.com | 04 HAIR SCALP MASSAGER Massage your scalp while showering or after, $8.49, Amazon.com | 05 O CHRISTMAS TREE BATH BOMBS Beautifully packaged bath bomb sets at Lush, Liberty Center, $28.95, LushUSA.com | 06 FIREFLY CANDLES Hand-poured, 100% soy wax candles in earthy scents and beautiful glass jars, $36.50 to $42, InteriorsPlusMasonOhio.com | 07 SHOWER STEAMERS Made with pure essential oils, turn showers into an aromatherapy experience, $6 each, SymmetryBoutiqueAndGallery.com | 08 SPA The whole family can enjoy a relaxing, backyard spa, prices vary, Watsons.com | 09 ADULT COLORING BOOKS Designed locally and available in a variety of styles, $10+, Amazon.com/Sara-Hickman/e/B01N7ZCLSL

CONTINUED >

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r RESOLUTION: START A NEW HOBBY

01 LEARN TO PAINT Pinot’s Palette offers in-person, live virtual and pre-recorded painting classes, $35+, PinotsPalette.com/west-chester | 02 KICKER FOOSBALL TABLE The whole family can enjoy a new indoor activity together, $765, Watsons.com | 03 LEARN TO COOK Custom gift baskets with everything needed to learn to cook, custom pricing, TheSpicyOlive.com | 04 BULLET JOURNAL SET Start journaling with the Feela dotted journal kit, $25.99, Amazon.com | 05 MUSIC LESSONS Learn a new instrument with professional instruction, $120 for a month of private 30-minute lessons, WestChesterAcademy.com | 06 PUZZLES Artistic puzzles ranging in size and difficulty, $18+, SymmetryBoutiqueAndGallery.com | 07 DISC GOLF SET With multiple free, local disc golf courses, try a new sport in 2021, $39.99, Amazon.com | 08 HAND LETTERING 101 This useful form of illustration is growing in popularity, $26.99, BarnesAndNoble. com | 09 SNAPOLOGY Classes, Workshops, Parties & Camps, STEAM based educational programs using LEGO, K’Nex and other technology, free t-shirt with $50 gift certificate, WestChesterTwp.Snapology.Com 22

West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

CONTINUED >

Interior Design In-Home Consultations Window Treatments Furniture / Art Accessories Custom Florals Women’s Boutique Holiday Decor Gifts

In-Home Consultations Interior Design Window Treatments Furniture

Services IncludingAccessories/Artwork Custom Florals Boutique & Gifts

from

6203 Snider Rd. Mason, OH 513.777.7717 InteriorsPlusMasonOhio.com

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

RESOLUTION: GET HEALTHIER

01 FIT MISS YEARLY PLANNER Made locally, for use as a workout tracker, food diary and fitness journal, $17.50, Amazon.com/SaraHickman/e/B01N7ZCLSL | 02 AIR PURIFYING ULTRASONIC DIFFUSER AND OILS Enhances wellness and purifies the room, multiple styles and scents, $19 to $117, InteriorsPlusMasonOhio.com | 03 BIGFOOT BEEKEEPING HONEY Local honey packed with health benefits, $16.95, LibertyFarmMarket.com | 04 ACUPRESSURE MAT AND PILLOW At-home acupressure therapy, $21.99, Amazon.com | 05 NOTES TO SELF SOCKS Each pair has uplifting affirmations for a daily dose of positivity, $12.99 each, NotesToSelf.com | 06 CHEMICAL PEELS FROM DERMATOLOGY AND SURGERY Reveal a brighter, smoother and more refined complexion with a professional chemical peel, call for specials, 513.858.6900, DermatologyAndSurgery.com | 07 HIDRATESPARK STEEL Insulated water bottle that tracks water consumption, $64.99, HidrateSpark.com | 08 FITNESS MEMBERSHIP With dozens of locally owned gyms in town, consider gifting a 1-year membership | 09 LETSFIT RESISTANCE LOOP BANDS Compact aid for home workouts, $8.56, Amazon.com 24

West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS

ARTICLE MICHELLE MOODY | PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE MOODY AND PROVIDED

transforming

turkey leftovers TWO WAYS TO USE LEFTOVER TURKEY FOR CROWD-PLEASING NEW MEALS

IS YOUR HOUSE STILL FULL OF THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS? Perhaps you’re already dreading the fridge full of uneaten food that will be coming as the next wave of holiday entertaining kicks off. Here are two of my family’s favorite recipes to use your leftover holiday turkey.

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

turkey puffs INGREDIENTS For Filling: + 1½ cups diced leftover turkey + 3 ounces cream cheese, softened + 2-ounce can mushroom stems & pieces, drained (optional) + ½ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon pepper + 1 8-ounce can crescent rolls For Topping: + 3-4 Tablespoons melted butter in a shallow bowl + ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans + 2 teaspoons chopped thyme, fresh or dried + 2 teaspoons chopped dried basil + ½ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon celery salt DIRECTIONS 01 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

02 Combine the filling ingredients (except for the crescent rolls) in a medium bowl and stir until mixed well.

03 Separate the crescent rolls into eight triangles and spoon ⅛ of the filling mixture onto each one. Pull the sides of the crescent rolls around the filling, pinching the sides together tightly so that they are completely sealed. This part takes some creativity, but you should be left with eight small, sealed balls when done.

04 In a separate small bowl, mix the topping ingredients together (except for the butter).

05 One at a time, dip the top of each crescent ball into the melted butter, then roll the top and sides in the topping mixture.

06 Place on a cookie sheet with the pinched side down. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

07 Serve plain or with leftover gravy.

CONTINUED >

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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.

Refacing • Cabinet Painting • Redooring • Custom Cabinets • 1 Day Tune-Up • And More

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

turkey noodle soup INGREDIENTS Broth + Leftover turkey carcass with all meat removed + Leftover neck, skin and bones from turkey + 1 onion, quartered + 3 carrots, quartered + 8 celery ribs, quartered + 8 cloves of garlic, chopped + A few sprigs of fresh parsley and thyme (or 2 teaspoons of each, dried) Soup + 1-2 12-ounce bags of egg noodles + 2 cups diced carrots + 2 cups diced celery (optional) + 3-5 cups diced turkey + 4 cloves garlic, minced + ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley + 2 teaspoons dried thyme DIRECTIONS 01 Place turkey carcass, bones, skin and neck into a large stock pot and fill with cold water until bones are fully covered with one extra inch of water.

02 Add the remaining broth ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for four hours, partially uncovered.

03 Use tongs to remove the largest pieces of bone and discard. Pour the remaining broth into a very large bowl through a fine mesh strainer to remove all other ingredients.

04 In the empty pot, sauté the diced carrots and celery in olive oil and ¼ cup of the broth, about ten minutes. Add the garlic and sauté one more minute.

05 Transfer broth back to the pot and taste. If it’s bland, add more salt, pepper, celery salt, garlic powder or onion salt until desired taste is achieved.

06 Bring to a low boil and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.

07 Add 1-2 bags of egg noodles, depending on your preference and boil according to package directions.

08 Remove from heat and add parsley, thyme and salt and pepper to taste.

09 This recipe freezes well for use later this winter.

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

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GIVING BACK

A SWEET SOLUTION FO R D I A P E R DEFICIT

SWEET CHEEKS DIAPER BANK ASSISTS FAMILIES IN DIAPER NEED

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020

MEGAN FISCHER WAS ALREADY A MOM AND PREGNANT WITH HER SECOND CHILD IN 2014 WHEN SHE FIRST CAME FACE TO FACE WITH DIAPER NEED IN THE GREATER CINCINNATI AREA.

ARTICLE LAURA LEAVITT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“Diaper costs can come to $100 a month or more per child,” says Megan. “Government assistance doesn’t cover diapers, so you need cash to buy them, and many low-income families struggle to have cash for all their needs.”

Megan was stunned to discover the extent of diaper need in her area, and she set out to volunteer at a diaper bank, an organization that coordinates and streamlines donations of diapers for distribution. The problem was that the Greater Cincinnati area didn’t have one at all.

“After a year, my interest hadn’t gone away and no one had created one,” she says. ”I kept wondering if it was supposed to be me. I had a mental shift and I knew I could be a vehicle for this to happen.”

Megan founded Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, with lots of help from friends and family. The early years of the diaper bank were successful due to resourceful donors, great partners and faithful volunteers. By January of 2020, they were distributing around 139,000 diapers a month.

Rather than directly delivering diapers, Sweet Cheeks works through a variety of partner agencies. These agencies use the diapers as a way to lessen the weight of poverty on the people they serve, offering a bright spot when they visit to receive other services.

“We work with job training, financial coaching, addiction counseling, foster care, food pantries, clinics and other partners,” says Megan, “just about anyone you can think of who works to help people out of systems of poverty.”

Megan finds it gratifying that social workers and others at partner agencies get to share the joy of sharing diapers where they are needed.

“Partner agency workers have selfless jobs and are trying to make a difference. We want to give partner agencies even more tools to do their jobs well,” says Megan.

When COVID-19 hit and shutdowns forced many people out of work, however, the diaper need in the area grew exponentially.

“In October, we’re going to distribute 220,000 diapers, and we’re spending more than $10,000 a month just buying diapers to keep up with the new demand,” says Megan.

Donors stepped up and have helped to fill the needs, and volunteers added time in the warehouse when they could spare it.

“A lot of people are finding us for the first time. The pandemic is educational for so many people as we experience hardships we’ve never seen before,” says Megan.

Donors are welcome to donate new diapers to the bank, but donating money goes further in assisting with diaper need. The National Diaper Bank helps Sweet Cheeks get diapers at a reduced price with donations—2-3 times as many as what typical shoppers can buy at the store.

To get involved, you can sign up to volunteer or donate money to purchase diapers. Some local groups take it further, creating fun traditions to support Sweet Cheeks. Download resources from the Sweet Cheeks website to help plan a diaper drive with your business, organization, friends or family.

SWEET CHEEKS DIAPER BANK, 1400 State Ave., Cincinnati, SweetCheeksDiaperBank.org

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PARTING THOUGHTS FOUR WEEKS OF PLANNING TO FIZZLE THE HOLIDAY FRAZZLE

PAC E

YO U R P R E P ARTICLE TERA MICHELSON

WEEK ONE Take inventory of the gifts, wrap and decor you already DON’T LET THE HOLIDAYS HAPPEN TO YOU—AVOID HAVOC BY GETTING OUT THE CALENDAR AND

have in storage. Plan travel and social events. Order any tickets, bakery items and specialty meats. Make time to make merry: put on a holiday playlist and deck the halls.

MAKING A PLAN. Break the cycle of hustle and bustle by pacing your preparation over the next four weeks. month ahead, it’s just as important

WEEK TWO

to remove some events from your

Organize a gift-wrapping station complete with tags and

schedule as it is to add some. To

ribbons. Plan menus and stock the fridge and bar with

determine what truly makes your hol-

non-perishables. Select outfits for special events: laun-

idays bright, consult your loved ones

der and press in preparation. Purchase, wrap and mail

and decide which events will make

gifts—don’t forget teachers, coaches and neighbors.

For a meaningful and peaceful

the cut this year. Reflect on past celebrations to remember the difference between the stressful, nice-to-dos and the favorite memory-making moments. Allow time for wonder and

WEEK THREE

joy. Enjoy tried-and-true traditions

Deep clean. Donate used toys and clothes to make

and explore new adventures.

With a little bit of organization and a lot of intention, you’ll be on your merry way through December.

So, make your lists and check them

room for new. Buy or charge batteries for electronic gifts. Keep a couple of spare, wrapped presents on hand for surprise guests. Bundle up and enjoy a tour of local light displays.

twice, because ready or not, here come the winter holidays. Follow this week by week guide to fizzle the holiday frazzle.

WEEK FOUR Make a final grocery trip for fresh fruits, veggies and other perishables. Bake cookies for loved ones, including Santa. Relax and sip hot cocoa by a fire as you read your holiday mail. Soak in the spirit of the season.

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West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle | December 2020