















My photo this month includes my kids in honor of our annual Kids + Pets issue. But as I write this letter, I’m feeling particularly nostalgic over the use of the word “Kids” in that title. My oldest son turned 18 this summer, and in just a few weeks we’ll be dropping him off at college. While I’ll always think of him as my baby no matter how tall he gets, he’s no longer a kid. So for the first time our “Kids + Pets” title has really struck a chord with me since it’s time for me to drop the “s” now that the word “kids” is singular in my home.
About half of our readers do not have children in their home, which is why we always split this issue with our beloved pets. For those who have a 4-legged fur baby, a 2-legged feathered friend or even the kind of pet that slithers or swims, our pets hold a very special place in our hearts and our homes.
This month's stories are all inspired by kids and pets. Our local author spotlight includes books for children or young adults, and even one written by a local student. We have a nonprofit feature on Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Butler County, showing how an adult can make a huge impact on a child in our region. If our adorable cover model caught your attention, flip to page 18 to see more stunning photos of pets and their people. My dog has picked up some bad habits (like greeting every visitor to our home by joyfully jumping on them or licking their face). If your pet is like mine and could benefit from some behavior management, flip to page 14 for some great training tips.
What children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shape how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the kids and pets in your life this month.
PUBLISHER
Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
A.J. Lape, Amanda Stout
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anjali Fong Photography, Cathy Lyons—Lyons Photography, Ted Wilson
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER
MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
1: West Chester Township celebrated their bicentennial with a Founders’ Day weekend of festivities. Following are highlights. 2: Keehner Park hosted a concert by the West Chester Symphony + an ice cream social. 3: Congratulations to the West Chester Fire Department for winning the Founders’ Day Chili Cook-Off hosted by C3. 4: The new West Chester Township History Center was dedicated + celebrated with a ribbon cutting. 5: Trustee Mark Welch, Fire Chief Prinz + Police Chief Herzog volunteered in the dunk tank. 6: The UCBMA Food Truck Rally featured 40 food trucks, live entertainment + a spectacular drone show. 7: Blessid Union of Souls headlined the annual UCBMA Food Truck Rally.
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Chloe’s journey begins with a simple request.
“Can you teach me how to do a cartwheel?”
With unwavering encouragement, her mentor replies, “Stand tall. Take a deep breath and believe in yourself.”
Week after week, for an hour and a half at her elementary school, Chloe met with her Big, diligently working on stretching her arms, gliding through the air and kicking her leg over. Chloe now performs a cartwheel with ease.
Jayden and Todd share a similar bond within the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County (BBBS) program. Todd was a Little himself and wanted to
give back to the program that had been good to him. Matched with Jayden, they embark on exciting adventures to the zoo, movies, sporting events and play board games. Jayden was struggling academically and socially before Todd, but his grades have improved as well as his connections with others.
Heartwarming success stories like Chloe’s and Jayden’s are just a glimpse into the transformative power of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County.
Located in Hamilton, BBBS of Butler County is part of a national network that is proudly recognized as “the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States,” according to their website.
Research shows that participants are more likely to excel academically, foster better relationships with their families and avoid illegal drug or alcohol usage.
Director of Partnership Development and Volunteer Recruitment Jessica Huentelman explains, “Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships. We really want our youth to reach their full potential.”
Huentelman’s desire for helping others began in high school when she became a Big Sister. “It kind of kickstarted my passion for helping others,” she says.
BBBS is currently facing a critical need for volunteers. The organization saw a decrease in volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic but an increase in children needing mentoring. Over one hundred children are currently on a waitlist to be matched with a mentor.
“It normally takes six months to a year for Little Sisters to be matched,” shares Huentelman. “Little Brothers are different because we don’t have as many male volunteers coming through our system, so they typically wait a year to be matched.”
To keep the waitlisted Littles engaged, BBBS sponsors outings to Kings Island or Cincinnati Reds games throughout the year. These events provide an opportunity to build rapport between potential Bigs and Littles.
Volunteers must be eighteen years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license and means of transportation.
The application process involves listing three references, followed by a phone call orientation, driving history and background check. Once approved, volunteers choose between participating in the community-based or sitebased program.
“Our community-based program matches youth with an adult in the community. They pick the child up from home and take them to do outings two-four times a month,” Huentelman says. “In the site-based program, we match elementary school students with mentors. The mentors are typically high school or college students, but we also have adults from the community. Site-based mentors meet once a week during the school year.”
BBBS recommends cost-free activities for volunteers and assigns a support specialist to be a point of contact for any needs that arise.
Huentelman adds, “We provide monthly check-ins for the first year and offer training. I like to think of it as just being a friend to the child. You’re there to listen and support them.”
BBBS also offers a program called Big Duos where volunteers can mentor with a partner, co-worker, friend or sibling already in the program.
Participation in BBBS is free of charge. For adults that are unable to commit to mentorship but still want to support the program, there are volunteer opportunities and an option to donate or sponsor a match for $1,000. From cartwheels to life skills, join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County on their mission to make a difference in the lives of children.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the mentors and mentees.
certified dog trainer and advises that you can never start training too early.
“I am a big believer in setting your dog up for success because then you’re setting yourself up for success,” she says.
Pups can start group training sessions at eight weeks with Puppy Kindergarten then move on to Good Dog Manners classes. After completing their training, dogs can test for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certificate.
As a pet parent, you want your dog or cat to be safe, happy and healthy above all else. At PetSuites, they promise to provide a personalized, safe and loving environment for your pets and memorable service for you.
PetsSuites began in Erlanger, Kentucky, and the Mason location just celebrated their first anniversary. Their resorts are colorful, inviting and clean, always ready for hours of enrichment for their pet guests.
The PetSuites resort experience offers many options including grooming, training, overnight suites, double-level cat condos, playtime with dog friends or one-on-one with Pet Pros. No matter your pet’s temperament, there is a tailored experience for everyone.
For new puppy parents or frisky fidos that need a little extra support, PetSuites Mason has a variety of training options and tips to share to promote safety and good dog manners.
PetSuites Mason General Manager Carrie Downey started her PetSuites career as a
If your dog needs to brush up its skills or is picking up bad habits, you can try a one-on-one session with the trainer or add tutoring to your daycare or boarding stays.
“You can teach an old dog new tricks! It’s a matter of meeting them where they are and teaching them that training is fun,” Downey describes.
The PetSuites company policy is to use only positive reinforcement.
“It’s all about creating a positive connotation to the relationship between you and your pet. That sets a great precedent for good behavior and recognition,” explains Downey.
Katie New, PetSuites Mason’s full-time canine trainer, also offers seminars just for pet parents such as potty training tips and tricks. Some techniques are best learned in a classroom setting to help set the knowledge base so training practice can happen at home.
Look : The ‘look’ command is one of the best ways to teach your dog to avoid potentially dangerous situations. If they get away from you, using the ‘look’ command instantly focuses their attention. “That would be the very first thing to start teaching your dog. It helps them learn that good things come from your human,” shares Downey.
Place: PetSuites is partnering with local breweries like Cartridge and Sonder to teach dogs good ‘patio manners.’ “Our trainers visit dog-friendly patios and help reinforce good dog manners such as the ‘place’ command,” she says. ‘Place’ helps your dog learn that good things happen when they go to a specific spot and stay. Their human can then sit with friends and enjoy a beer without their dog lunging or pulling.
Focus/Recall : If your dog learns good focus and recall, you can get them away from a busy street or a dog that may not be so friendly. “Training is beneficial for the dog and their human’s quality of life. Routine and regimen can build a dog’s confidence and help prevent dangerous situations,” explains Downey.
PetSuites Mason is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week for daycare and boarding, plus enrichment activities like play, grooming and training.
It’s easy to book through their app and keep track of your pet through features like “pawgress” reports, photos and video snippet updates.
A new PetSuites resort is being built in Liberty Township with a tentative October opening.
To learn more or book your furry pal’s first resort stay or service visit Mason.Pet SuitesofAmerica.com
The bond between a pet and their people can be hard to put into words. The unconditional love we give to and receive from our pets differs from other relationships. Photographer Anjali Fong uses her creative gifts to celebrate and memorialize these special bonds.
Fong has long been known for her stunning black-and-white family photography and professional headshots, and she recently branched out to include pets in these sessions to meet the growing requests from her clients. Feel the love in these heartfelt photographs of some of our readers and Cincinnati-area residents with their beloved fur babies.
| IMAGE 1
2-year-old Eaden adores Maluk (10), his 100pound Alaskan Malamute. The family recently relocated from France to Northern Cincinnati.
| IMAGE 2 Dr. Jennifer Dehnbostel, owner of Animal Hospital of West Chester, loves all animals, but her Spaniel, Albert (10), holds a special place in her heart.
| IMAGE 3
Lakota teacher Kelsey Sucher adopted Moose (3). This Labrador/Pit Bull mix is the definition of rescued + loved.
| IMAGE 4
Tonia Wheeler celebrates the fifth anniversary at The Fetchington Pet Hotel with her playful, ball-loving Border Collie mix, June Bug (3).
IMAGE 5
American Staffordshire Terriers Kobe (2) + Cruz (3) share doggy kisses.
IMAGE 6
Bob Buring is a retired physician who spends his time working at Cincinnati Nature Center + playing with Buttercup, his rescue Terrier mix.
IMAGE 7
Reese E. Pieces (10) is an Australian Shepherd who provides unwavering love for Erica, who proudly serves with the National Guard.
CONTACT FONG TO BOOK A PHOTO SESSION WITH YOUR PETS OR HUMANS.
AnjaliFong.com
513.951.8328
fong@anjalifong.com
“EVERY HIGH AND LOW I’VE BEEN THROUGH IN THE PAST DECADE, SHE’S LOVED AND BEEN THERE FOR ME UNWAVERINGLY AND I OWE HER MY LIFE BECAUSE CARING FOR HER HAS SAVED ME AND MADE ME A BETTER PERSON.” - ERICA
Discover the electrifying antics of Darcy Walker, the feisty sleuth featured in two book series by local author and West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle writer A.J. Lape. Lape is a master of mystery, deftly weaving humor, faith and coming-of-age into murder and intrigue. The female sleuth thrillers begin with The Darcy Walker Teenage Sleuth Series and continue to trace her adulthood adventures in the Darcy Walker Investigations Series. You can’t help but cheer on this endearing heroine in her crime-solving capers as she lives life like a verb and on a mission for justice. Find more book series by this talented novelist at her website.
The latest thriller in the Jack and Maddy Gamble Series by Gregor Pratt, Dragon’s Eye will keep you guessing with twists and turns and a scorcher of a plot. This is the second book in the series, a follow up to Pratt’s timely drama, Ebola Island (2019). When Maddy disappears from their idyllic life, Jack questions everything he’s ever known about his wife, racing the clock to unravel the puzzling mystery. The local novelist delivers a page-turner packed with international intrigue and a compelling cast of characters that leaves readers wondering where fact ends and fiction begins.
GregorPratt.com
Adventures of Hope is a book series designed to support children through life’s adventures. In A New Family for Hopi , the first of nine stories, an adorable and tenacious pug discovers who they are and what gifts they bring to their world by finding belonging, activating their voice, navigating family dynamics and more. Written by educators and brought to life by illustrator True Knowles, the inspiring book explores themes of adoption, sharing, friendship and new beginnings. Based on realistic life events, these books stir readers of all ages to be curious and courageous as they step into the unknown.
AdventuresofHope.org
Children’s book author Kristy High is passionate about literacy. As an educator and advocate for emergent readers, she wants her books to not only share a message, but also bring families together. In her latest book, the award-winning writer introduces young Alex who is excited that Grandma is moving in with his family. When he learns she has dementia, he wonders if their relationship will ever be the same. With relatable characters in real-life situations, High tackles a challenging topic that starts conversations and relieves anxieties that children might have about someone close to them who is living with dementia.
KristyHigh.com
Book One in the Reality’s Reach trilogy, The Broken Shards is a sci-fi story from the creative mind of Lakota ninth grader Ruthvik Kotagiri. In just one year, Kotagiri penned and self-published a complicated tale of four best friends that travel to the moon and must fight for their survival against a major threat to their world. Find this adventure story on Amazon in both print and electronic versions, as well as at our local MidPointe Library. The two follow-up novels will soon be available to complete the three-part action and adventure series.
Amazon.com/dp/B0BQ9L2P8C/
Follow West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle on social media throughout August for the opportunity to win many of these books in our Back-to-School Book Giveaway.
Facebook: facebook.com/westchesterandlibertylifestyle Instagram: @westchesterlibertylifestyle
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.
The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.
Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.
All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor. Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.
Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor
run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.
Want to go the fancy route?
Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com
Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
Community First Aid Day
THE SQUARE @ LIBERTY CENTER | 12:00 PM
Join in the first annual Community First Aid Day at The Square @ Liberty Center, 12-2 p.m. Liberty Township, the Liberty Township Fire Department and Liberty Center are excited to host this first-ever event to equip our community with safety skills for emergency response. Learn bystander CPR and more. Liberty-Township.com
Power of the Purse Summer Meeting
EDGE TEEN CENTER | 6:00 PM
Power of the Purse hosts its summer event August 8, 6-8 p.m. at EDGE Teen Center. Dinner, drinks and purse raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Local women are invited to join the group to vote for a nonprofit organization that directly serves area women and girls to win a $10,000 grant to be awarded in December. NorthernCincinnati.Foundation
Voices of America Country Music Fest
VOICE OF AMERICA METROPARK | 5:00 PM
Don’t miss this epic debut gathering of country music’s hottest artists for four days of live performances at Voices of America Country Music Fest. See the full 2023 lineup online, including Thursday’s bonus evening of music from 5-10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday shows from 1-10 p.m. Tickets and details are available at the website. VOACountryMusicFest.com
FT. LIBERTY PLAYLAND | 10:00 AM
Free summer arts and crafts for all ages will be led by the Fitton Center for Creative Arts at Ft. Liberty Playland. Come anytime during the 90-minute window on August 10, 10-11:30 a.m., to enjoy the activity. Liberty-Township.com
PROMOSPARK | 4:00 PM
Cocktails, Careers + Conversations will host their quarterly happy hour from 4-6 p.m. at PromoSpark in Fairfield. The group was created by six local ladies to give female executives in the Cincinnati region an opportunity to meet and network in a social environment. No RSVP is required. Facebook.com/FemalePowerhouses
MANOR HOUSE | 6:00 PM
Join the important mental health conversation at this free community education series sponsored by the Lindner Center of HOPE. Presented by Staff Psychologist Allison Mecca, this session will address psychological well-being through radical openness and healthy coping to reduce psychological suffering. Register online. LindnerCenterofHOPE.org
FITTON CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS | 5:00 PM
The 2023-2024 season launches at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts with this free, open-house-style event for the community. Take in live music, a gallery opening celebration, interactive art demonstrations, food, drinks, performances and even more surprises. Annual memberships and tickets to any or all of the shows for the 2023-2024 season will be available for purchase. FittonCenter.org
Common medical conditions treated include rashes, eczema and psoriasis. We routinely conduct full body examinations and skin cancer evaluations.
Dr. Elizabeth Muennich specializes in facial rejuvenation and youth restoration offering a complete selection of non-surgical aesthetic procedures including laser skin treatments, BOTOX® Cosmetic, facial fillers, PDO threads, laser hair removal, chemical peels and more.
FOUR BRIDGES COUNTRY CLUB
The Emery Golf Outing is more than a game. Have fun and support Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Charitable Care Fund, assisting families with medical bills if their child needs a long hospital stay or continued care. Enjoy 18 holes of golf and refreshments at Four Bridges Country Club, sponsored by Emery Federal Credit Union. 513.530.9351, marketing@emeryfcu.org, EmeryFCU.org
WETHERINGTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB | 1:00 PM
Hit the links to support the Rotary Club of West Chester/Liberty, providing local impact grants for nonprofits and student scholarships. Registration includes all it takes for eighteen holes of golf, including a cart, lunch, dinner, drinks, prizes and raffles. Shotgun start begins at 1 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Find details and registration online. WestChesterLibertyRotary.org
JAG’S STEAK & SEAFOOD
Make your reservations now for the 2nd annual Key to Great Futures Dinner at Jag’s Steak & Seafood, a fundraiser event to support Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty. Seatings are available throughout the evening to enjoy Jag’s Surf and Turf and Raw Bar at the Table with a selection of side dishes, wine and desserts. By Reservation. BGCWCL.org
The 5th Year in a Row!
tzeuch@sibcycline.com
FEATURED: 6108 Wiltshire Ct
SCAN TO FIND OUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE
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Excellent condition in Fosters Pointe! Open foyer & family room bring in abundance of natural light. Remodeled kitchen incorporated the dining room space to make it larger & more functional. 1st floor study with built-ins. Remodeled primary bath. Updated hall bath. Newer windows (2013). 2nd floor loft/bonus rm. Finished lower level. Stamped concrete patio overlooks park-like back yard.
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WP Land’s newest Market Home in Kensington! Fall of 2023 Availability! 1st floor primary suite, gourmet kitchen with Thermador appliances & breakfast nook, 1st-floor study, large 2nd-floor bonus room, finished lower level with 5th bedroom. Covered deck with fireplace. 3 Car garage. Culde-sac street. Over 4500 sqft of living space! Kensington offers a community pool and minutes from Deerfield Town Center, Five-Seasons, I-275 access & more!