West Chester & Liberty, OH June 2023

The Men’s Issue

Last month was our women’s issue, so as we promised men, this month is all about you! This is one of my favorite issues each year because I’m the only woman in my household, so I spend most of my time immersed in “guy stuff.” Our home is such a man-zone that my dog (a girl) isn’t even allowed to wear bows—my sons take them off every time she returns from the groomer, defiantly declaring, “No bows allowed!”

My favorite sport to watch is football. Last season Lakota West gave us some amazing football to watch as coach Tom Bolden took the Firebirds to the regional finals in the playoffs. Lakota East recently announced some exciting news that Jon Kitna, former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, will be their new head football coach. Our guest writer this month, Zachary Shultz, recent graduate of Lakota East and Editor for SPARK, shares about both Lakota coaches’ leadership styles and the upcoming season.

One West Chester man noticed the problem with long-term brain damage being caused by high-impact sports and decided to take matters into his own hands. Read about how his invention is changing and saving lives on athletic fields and in our military.

We also shine the spotlight on a local couple that is launching a nonprofit in honor of their youngest son, Dylan Jones, a 2019 Lakota West graduate whose light was extinguished too early this past fall. Learn more about how the Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry will honor his life and legacy.

If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, take a trip to the Salty Dog Museum in Shandon. Flip to page 16 to read about how two men turned their passion for antique cars into a hidden gem in our county.

With Father’s Day this month, you might be searching for the perfect gift for that special man in your life. On page 30, we share ways to give the gift of spending time together this Father’s Day.

June is a great time to let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say, “Thank you!” You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

A.J. Lape, Zachary Shultz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Len Kaltman

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Lakota’s Military Commitment Ceremony celebrated students committed to serve in a branch of the military or attend a military academy after graduation. 2: The winning team in the Lakota INCubator entrepreneurship final pitch competition. 3: Cocktails, Careers & Conversations held a spring gathering. Visit their Facebook page for future event dates. 4: Past recipients of the Chamber’s Women of Excellence Awards gathered for a reunion. Nominations are being accepted now. 5: Attendees at the Cocktails, Careers & Conversations spring event. 6:

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AFC Urgent Care celebrated their grand opening at the VOA Plaza in West Chester. 7: The grand opening of Dunkin’ on Tylersville Road included a donation to the Anthony Muñoz Foundation.

Celebrate West Chester Founders’ Day—June 1-4

West Chester celebrates its bicentennial birthday June 1-4. Join in the free festivities beginning with The Remains at The Takeover concert on Thursday, June 1. The party continues through the weekend with Friday’s Union Centre Food Truck Rally featuring Blessid Union of Souls and a drone light show; The Olde West Chester Founders Festival and West Chester Symphony Orchestra on Saturday; and concludes Sunday, June 4 with "VOA Days,” including an afternoon of activities. WestChesterOH.org/200

Summer Fun at the Lakota Family YMCA

Make a splash in the two pools at the Lakota Family YMCA this summer! Indoors or out, the Y is the place to be for aquatic fitness and recreation. Choose from a variety of levels for swim lessons to match the skills of each family member. Discover water aerobics, swim laps or dive into the Stingrays swim team. Stop in for a tour at your convenience or see the website for full member benefits. LakotaYMCA.com

LOCAL INVENTION SCORES BIG

ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

WEST CHESTER INVENTOR INSPIRED BY NATURE TO PREVENT BRAIN TRAUMA

The Q-Collar™, a wearable device designed to protect athletes and military personnel from concussions, has generated buzz for its groundbreaking approach to preventing brain injuries. Invented by Dr. David Smith of West Chester, what many don’t know is the inspiration behind it comes from an unlikely source: the woodpecker. The one-ounce bird known for its relentless drumming on trees has provided the key to a game-changing technology that protects the user from the debilitating outcomes of head trauma.

By initiating the back-filling of blood, the Q-Collar helps the skull act as a natural cushion.

Dr. Smith explains how we are like a woodpecker. “We have two muscles in our necks called the omohyoid muscles. Upon yawning, these muscles harmlessly collapse our jugular veins, and a small amount of diverted blood flow fills up the skull like bubble wrap or an airbag.”

Dr. Smith previously owned a wound care company and got the idea to harness the power of the woodpecker while presenting at The Army Research Lab. While his lecture was on strategies to keep soldiers from bleeding out on the battlefield, the subjects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and “brain slosh” came up.

BRAIN SLOSH Theory™, pioneered by Dr. Smith, describes the mechanism of brain injury and movement inside the skull—which can happen despite wearing a protective helmet. After discussing how

Dr. David Smith, inventor of the Q-Collar.

science still hasn’t moved the needle after  100 years and $100 billion dollars’ worth of research, there was an inspiring comment from the crowd.

Dr. Smith says, “A PhD in the audience piped in, ‘I think if someone could just figure out how a woodpecker can slam its head into a tree 80-million times and fly away... would we have this whole thing solved?’”

This one statement catalyzed 14 years and 25 publications’ worth of research, development and evidence that led to FDA approval of the first and only medical device authorized to make claims in preventing TBI. To get FDA approval, however, requires an immense amount of patience and analysis. Dr. Smith wanted to show the military specifically that he could take an IED-level force and move it through a soldier’s brain without it “absorbing, ripping or tearing” during the process.

Dr. Smith had some help investigating the effects of improvised explosive devices by utilizing a local bank scheduled for demolition as a testing ground.

“We blew up a bank in Cincinnati with 30 Hamilton County SWAT officers with C4 high explosives and detonator cord during breacher exercises,” he explains.

Brain scans were taken at the beginning of the operation and again at the end.

Dr. Smith says, “When [the Q-Collar] was on those [15 wearing it], energy forces went right through.”

He published his study, and as a direct result, Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital performed their own testing in animals and reported similar findings. This further got the military’s attention and led to an eventual partnership between Dr. Smith’s team and the Army.

Forty NFL players used the Q-Collar in 2022, and Dr. Smith shares that the device has “full endorsements by the Premier Lacrosse League, the International Bobsled and Skeleton Organization, multiple professional and collegiate soccer and basketball players, rodeo professionals, acrobatic pilots and NASCAR racers.”

But the Q-Collar isn’t just for contact sports or those in high-risk fields. It can also benefit anyone concerned about TBI or brain health in general. Dr. Smith and his wife wear theirs when they bike or at target practice, to block ringing in the ears afterward.

Dr. Smith’s research doesn’t end with the Q-Collar. He has 42 patents and currently is working on a sleep

apnea mask called the SAGE Rebreather™, which is in clinical trials. This device holds the potential to be another trailblazing discovery since only 20% of those diagnosed with apnea follow through with CPAP usage because of discomfort and frustration with the machine. This local doctor-turned-inventor strives to use his knowledge to help save and improve lives.

The Q-Collar is available for order online–use the promo code “QCollar10” for a ten percent discount. Commercial purchases are available for large groups–reach out to Dr. Smith at his website for more information. Q30.com, DavidSmithMD.com

ANTIQUE ROAD TRIP

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AT THE SALTY DOG MUSEUM

The Salty Dog Museum may sound like a Carolina beach stop, but it’s actually an antique car museum like no other, located just on the other side of Butler County in the small town of Shandon. A showcase of Model Ts, Model As, racecars, motorcycles and fire trucks, the museum boasts two sprawling galleries full of beautifully restored vehicles.

ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN

Co-owners Mark Radtke and Ron Miller share a love of cars and racing that intersected at the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah, where together they won world records in the land speed race in 2008, 2010 and 2012 in a purpose-built car. The museum name, “Salty Dog,” is a nod to those world-famous racing grounds.

A row of antique Fords.

Mark and Ron opened the museum in 2008 to share their personal collections with the public, an opportunity to preserve history and bring together others that enjoy vintage vehicles.

Visitors are greeted by a personal docent, sometimes Mark himself, who shares transportation history and interesting anecdotes. Pass through the lobby to view display cases of antique auto paraphernalia like hood ornaments, gas caps and emblems. Rows of gleaming vintage hoods sparkle in the showroom, each topping a functioning car with a story.

“Our collection shows the evolution from horsedrawn to Henry Ford,” says Mark.

“We enjoy the cars and the people who come to see them,” says B.J. Miller, son of co-owner Ron Miller who is in the family business of vehicle restoration.

Just past the rows of early vehicles is a collection of hot rods, racecars, motorcycles and camping trailers.

“B.J. and his wife got married in 2006 and they pulled a camper behind a powder blue Model A—they hauled it up to Canada for their honeymoon for two weeks,” Mark says.

The trailer is on display, setting the scene of a 1950s campsite.

A second gallery is dedicated to firetrucks and firefighting equipment. The oldest fire truck on display dates to 1902. Mark demonstrates its foot-pedal gong that rang as a call to neighbors to assemble the bucket brigade. Many of the trucks took years to piece together.

Salty Dog Museum Co-Owner Mark Radtke + B.J. Miller, son of Co-Owner Ron Miller.

“The first one I brought here was out of a children’s shoe store in Tri-County Mall back in 1984. It took me 20 years to restore it,” Mark shares.

Many of the trucks have been donated to this nonprofit museum that restores them with care to their original state of candy-apple red with polished chrome parts.

Peek into the adjacent workshop to see where the real magic happens: a crew of mechanics have a meeting under an open hood of the latest restoration project. They rebuild the vehicles and their engines onsite at Ron’s Machine Shop.

Schedule a road trip to the Salty Dog Museum this summer, a view into transportation history that won’t disappoint.

The Salty Dog Museum is open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment only at a suggested donation of $7 per person.

4985 Cincinnati Brookville Road, Shandon, OH 45063 513.265.8750

SaltyDogMuseum.com

THE SALTY DOG MUSEUM

The 1902 American Metropolitan Steamer was pulled by three horses and carried a steam engine water pump.

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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

MEET LAKOTA’S HEAD FOOTBALL COACHES AS THEY PREPARE TO KICK OFF THE 2023 SEASON

The stadium roars as the players hit the field. The student section screams, parents applaud, the cheerleaders do a routine and the marching band plays the fight song. Sprinting down the field is the football team, ready for another match. Following close behind is the team of coaches who dedicate time and effort to the players in order to make them successful. These coaches impact the teams in many ways. Meet Lakota’s head football coaches, Tom Bolden at Lakota West, and starting this year for Lakota East, Jon Kitna.

ARTICLE BY ZACHARY SHULTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN

Tom Bolden + Jon Kitna prepare Lakota's football teams for the 2023 season.

COACH TOM BOLDEN

LAKOTA WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Coach Bolden was Head Coach at Colerain High School for 12 seasons of Greater Miami Conference (GMC) wins before coming to West in 2019. Since then, he has led the Firebirds to success with three GMC titles and three Regional Finals.

Coach Bolden loves the community of West and the townships around it. He coaches in a straightforward style.

“I’m in the business of building toughness, so I am straightforward and pretty aggressive. A lot of times I’ll wear my emotions on my sleeve. My coaching style is not something I do, it’s who I am,” says Coach Bolden. “At some point, football is going to be over for these kids. My goal is to build them into productive citizens: great sons, brothers, boyfriends, husbands and fathers. That’s the big picture goal, but we’re going to have fun and win a lot of football games on the way.”

Coach Bolden accredits the team’s success to a great support system from the athletic department, administration, parents, community and most importantly, his wife. Each year, he makes sure the team knows that despite how past seasons have gone, there will always be new challenges.

“You learn each year. I always tell the kids that the biggest thing to understand is that this is their team,” Coach Bolden says. “Each year is a new challenge.”

COACH JON KITNA

LAKOTA EAST HIGH SCHOOL

Coach Kitna comes to Lakota East from a career of coaching high school football in Washington, Texas and Arizona after 16 years in the National Football League (NFL) where he played for the Bengals, Seahawks, Lions and Cowboys, and coached a year for Dallas.

When approached for the job, he saw a great opportunity to not only be closer to family in the area but also to coach where his desires for the team are in alignment with that of the district. Coach Kitna wants to develop REAL leaders and push the Thunderhawk program into relevance on the state and national level.

“We’re in a business of training leaders and using football as the driver of that. I want to produce young men that will be great members of this community for years and years to come,” Coach Kitna says. “We want to be an excellent football program.”

Coach Kitna learned a lot from his time in the NFL and applies that knowledge in his coaching style.

“You have to know how to manage a football game, how to manage a clock, manage players and build relationships,” Coach Kitna says. “My time in the NFL was an incredible opportunity to train me for what I believe is our calling. When I say ‘our,’ I mean my wife and I—it’s our call to coach and teach at the high school level.”

ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN

Dante Jones + Yasmen Brown-Jones, loving parents of Dylan Jones, #14 for the Firebirds during his high school football days at Lakota West.

14 Forward

FOUNDATION LAUNCHES TO

June 5, 2001 launched the too-brief life of Jacob “Dylan” Jones, a beloved son, brother, athlete, honor student, performer and friend. In a response of hope to Dylan’s untimely death at age 21, this year his birthday will be honored with the launch of the Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry.

Angel 14 is a resource for young people to connect to mental health professionals. The nonprofit organization is under the direction of the Jones family: Dylan’s parents, Yasmen Brown-Jones and Dante Jones, and his two older siblings, Dante II and DuVall. They seek to provide a safe place where teens, especially athletes, won’t fear judgment but can easily seek help with emotional needs.

Dylan was a dynamic personality. Known for his funky socks and tennis shoe collection, he loved to laugh, run and sing. His kindness and acceptance made him a natural friend to nearly everyone he met. As a spiritual soul, he was an encouraging force in the world. He excelled in track and football at Lakota West before his graduation in 2019, where he sported a jersey marked with the number 14, the namesake of the foundation.

“So many people know Dylan from his number, 14,” says Yasmen, Dylan’s mom. “We hope Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry can leave a legacy of a voice of strength and encouragement. We know that pouring our hearts into it is going to be a way to honor him and the impact that he had on the community,” she says. “He was such a beautiful person.”

Next March, the West Chester-Liberty Chamber Alliance will give out the first annual Big Spirit Award and Scholarship for area youth in Dylan’s name. Local high school and college students will be eligible for this special award.

“I almost feel like the energy that I have for loving my son and missing my son has to go somewhere,” Yasmen shares. “I can’t think of a better way to use it than to give back, because that’s what he always did.”

Angel 14 Foundation and Ministry embodies Dylan’s spirit and carries on the legacy of his brief but shining life. Visit the website to read and share stories about Dylan Jones and tap into the resources provided in his name. Angel14.org

NEW

HONOR JACOB “DYLAN” JONES

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

THURSDAYS

The Takeover Concerts

THE SQUARE @ UNION CENTRE | 6:00 PM

Dance your way through summer at the free, live concerts at the clock tower each summer Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy food truck eats, craft beer and live music. See the website for the full schedule of local bands. WestChesterOH.org

Keehner Park Concert Series

KEEHNER PARK AMPHITHEATER | 7:00 PM

The Keehner Park Concert Series launches on June 3 and continues on most summer Saturdays through September 4, 7-9 p.m. Bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic (alcohol is not permitted) to enjoy the sounds of the first concert, the West Chester Symphony Orchestra, and a celebratory ice cream social. Admission is free. See the summer lineup online. WestChesterOH.org

JUNE 10TH

Family Promise Dot Dash 5K

MARCUM PARK, HAMILTON | 8:30 AM

Connect the dots in our community to ensure every child has a home. Lace up your running shoes to help local nonprofit Family Promise of Butler County eradicate family homelessness with their annual Dot Dash 5K. Run for fun or against the clock—all ages are welcome. Stick around afterward to shop at the Hamilton Flea. Register online. FamilyPromiseButlerCountyOH.org

JUNE 12TH

Mason-Deerfield Rotary Golf Classic

FOUR BRIDGES COUNTRY CLUB | 10:30 AM

Put your putt in action to benefit the Mason-Deerfield Rotary Club at their 27th annual Charity Golf Classic. The outing includes 18 holes, lunch, dinner, contests and more. Rotary is an international service organization. Register online. CharityGolfToday.com/MasonDeerfieldRotary

JUNE 15TH

Creative Arts in the Park

FORT LIBERTY PLAYLAND | 10:00 AM

Free summer arts and crafts will be led by the Fitton Center for Creative Arts at Fort Liberty Playland this summer. Each month will feature a different craft. Come anytime during the 90-minute window on June 15, 10-11:30 a.m., to enjoy the activity. Liberty-Township.com

JUNE 17TH

School of Fish

RESERVES PARK | 10:00 AM

Learn the art of fishing at this free class for all ages. Rods and bait are provided, donated by Hamilton Bait & Tackle. Fishing licenses are required for those ages 16 and older, available online at OhioDNR.gov. Liberty-Township.com

JUNE 30TH - JULY 2ND

Taps Tastes + Tunes

VOA MUSEUM OF BROADCASTING | 5:00 PM

The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting hosts the 5th annual Taps Tastes + Tunes, a three-day outdoor festival featuring food, games, rides and live music. The event is June 30, 5-11 p.m.; July 1, noon-11 p.m.; and July 2, noon10 p.m., ending with a fireworks finale. Parking is available at VOA MetroPark. Free admission. WestChesterOH.org

Photos by Kristen Groeniger

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The 5th Year in a Row!

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