WestChesterBuzz.com

The farmers’ market season in West Chester Township begins Saturday. The weekly market will take place every Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Square at Union Centre.

Also taking place this Saturday and every other Saturday during the farmers’ market season is the Art Market, which features the work of local artists.

The farmers’ market (picture above from market season) features all local vendors with produce and meats grown and raised locally and products made by hand. The availability of produce is dependent upon weather conditions, but shoppers can choose from a variety of foods including homemade breads and desserts, honey, jams and jellies.

Vendors listed on the farmers’ market website includes Adopt-a-Plant (hydroponic lettuces), Backyard Orchard (located in Rising Sun, Ind.), Blackbird Pond (soaps), Chesapeake Popcorn (gourmet seasonal popcorn), Chestnut Cakery (cakes, cookies, scones, whoopie pies, etc.), Crisenberry Baking Company (organic artisan breads and cookies), Chris’ Honey (local honey and bee wax products), Dienger Gardens at Double J Farm (greens, beets, leeks, onions, carrots, tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, pumpkins, potatoes, etc.), Gravel Knolls Farm (locally-grown produce), The Jam & Jelly Lady (homemade preserves), Millbranch Farm (produce, olive oil based soaps and lotions), Morning Sun Farm (organic beef, chicken, lamb, pork, lard, eggs and turkey; ground wheat and spelt flour; homemade cereals), Ohio Farm Direct (organic cheeses, yogurt, syrup, lettuce and tomatoes), Torta (bakery), True Nature Dog Treats (homemade treats for dogs), Webber’s Farm (vegetables) and Wooden Shoe Baked Goods (baked to order cookies and scones).

For information about the West Chester Farmers’ Market, visit www.westchestersfarmersmarket.com.

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Square at Union Centre, Square at Union Centre West Chester, the Square at Union Centre, the Square at Union Centre West Chester, West Chester Farmers' Market

The West Chester Police Department will host its annual Bike Rodeo Saturday to remind young cyclists of important safety rules. The Bike Rodeo will be offered from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the West Chester Library.

The event was originally scheduled for May 5, but was postponed due to rain.

Children will have their bikes inspected and then will go through age-appropriate obstacle courses, complete with cones and street signs. Upon completion, goodie bags and certificates will be given out.

In order to participate, children must be accompanied by an adult, have a bicycle and a helmet. Big Wheels and non-motorized scooters are also welcome.

The Bike Rodeo is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 513-759-7280 or visit www.WestChesterOH.org.

The West Chester Library is located at 9363 Centre Pointe Drive.
For future library events, visit the West Chester Library events page on WestChesterBuzz.com or visit the library’s online community calendar.

Posted in: Events, Library events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Bike Rodeo, bike safety, West Chester Library, West Chester Police, West Chester Township Police Department

The West Chester Police Department will offer a free self-defense class for women Saturday.

The self-defense class will take place from 10 a.m. until noon. According to a press release from the township, the class is designed to encourage women to be prepared and confident when faced with a potentially dangerous confrontation.

Classes are for women age 16 and is offered at the police department on Beckett Road.

Participants should dress comfortably in order to participate fully in the class.

To register for the free class, call 513-759-7254.

Posted in: Events, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: self-defense training, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department, West Chester police self-defense training

The Cincinnati Reds No. 1 and No. 2 starting pitchers in their rotation, Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos, will be in West Chester this week for signing sessions at the Sports Gallery, 7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos during a game against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park. Photo taken by Jeff Swinger.

Latos, who was acquired by the Reds through a trade with the San Diego Padres this offseason, will be signing autographs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. During the event, Latos will sign any item for $30.

Meanwhile, Cueto is scheduled to host a signing session at the Sports Gallery from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Cueto will sign any item for $35.

The Sports Gallery will have baseballs, bats, photos, cards, helmets and other Reds collectibles available for purchase during the signings.

In addition to Latos and Cueto, Sports Gallery co-owner Mark Fugate recently announced that the store would also host rookie catcher Devin Mesoraco and slugging outfielder Jay Bruce for additional signing sessions this summer.

Mesoraco is currently scheduled to host a signing from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 6. Bruce will host his signing session from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14.

For information about mail order items or to buy tickets, which are limited, call 513-759-4256.

Posted in: Business, Events, News, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Cincinnati Reds player appearances, Cincinnati Reds player signings, Devin Mesoraco, Devin Mesoraco Cincinnati Reds, Devin Mesoraco signing, Jay Bruce, Jay Bruce Cincinnati Reds, Jay Bruce signing, Johnny Cueto, Johnny Cueto Cincinnati Reds, Johnny Cueto signing, Mat Latos, Mat Latos Cincinnati Reds, Mat Latos signing, Sports Gallery, Sports Gallery West Chester

The next session of the West Chester Nature Basket program will take place at the Keehner Park owl shelter at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The program is for children, ages 3-to-5, and their adult companions. The Nature Basket session includes a story, a talk about seasonal nature and a craft. Adults with children will be needed to help with the craft activity.

Supplies need to be prepared beforehand, so registration is required for each session.

To register, call 513-759-7312 or e-mail lgroff@westchesteroh.org and leave your name, home phone number and the number of children who will attend.

There is no charge to attend the program. The program will not be canceled due to rain.

The Keehner Park owl shelter is located at 7211 Barret Road in West Chester Township.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Keehner Park, Keehner Park owl shelter, Keehner Park West Chester, Nature Basket, West Chester Nature Basket program

The Angel Fund, which provides one-time financial assistance to local residents and business members who are in an extraordinary, urgent or unusual circumstance, will host its first fundraiser from 6-to-9 p.m. Thursday at Jag’s in West Chester.

Jag’s chef Michelle Brown has prepared a “Dinner by the Bite” menu to compliment the Angel Fund’s live and silent auctions.

The cost to attend is $65 a ticket. To RSVP, call 513-874-5459.

The Angel Fund is a Board Designated Fund held at the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty. The fund provides one-time emergency assistance to people who live or work in West Chester/Liberty whose need cannot be addressed by any other charitable, governmental, religious or social services agency or organization.

A person in need cannot come directly to the Community Foundation of WCL and request for aid from the Angel Fund. Instead, an “Angel” must request help for a neighbor, friend, associate or family member whom they suspect is having difficulties making ends meet.

For additional information regarding the Angel Fund, visit the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty’s website at www.wclfoundation.com.

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Angel Fund, Angel Fund West Chester, charity, Community Foundation WCL, Community Foundation West Chester/Liberty, Jag's, Jag's Steak & Seafood, Jag's Steak & Seafood West Chester, Jag's West Chester, WCL Community Foundation

During a focus group at the Lakota Central Office May 3, 2012, it was the students teaching Lakota administrators on how to better run the state’s seventh-largest school system. In picture, Lakota student Jennifer Shafer shares her opinion. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Lakota students share opinions on how to run district – During a focus group session at the Lakota Central Office last Thursday, it was the students teaching Lakota administrators on how to better run the state’s seventh-largest school system.

Lightning strike levels Liberty Township home – Gary Keller’s 4,000-square-foot, $900,000 home caught fire after being struck by lightning during last Wednesday’s storm.

Former Lakota West football players get chance with Bengals – Lakota West graduates Grant Hunter and Josh Chichester will both have the opportunity to prove to the Cincinnati Bengals that they are worth a roster spot. Hunter, who played linebacker at Butler, was among one of the 14 college free agents that the Bengals signed Wednesday. While Chichester, was one of the three players with local ties who were invited to try out at next weekend’s, May 11-13, rookie minicamp.

Ex-assistant prosecutor indicted in Butler County – Sheila McLaughlin reported last week that a former Butler County assistant prosecutor was himself indicted for allegedly forging an indictment against an alleged robber. Jason Phillabaum, who has been working in private practice, is charged with two counts each of forgery and tampering with records and misdemeanor charges of derelection of duty, interference with civil rights and using a sham legal process.

Schedule released for 2012 West Chester concert series – The schedule for the 2012 Fifth Third West Chester summer concert series at Keehner Park has been released. The free Saturday concerts will take place at the Keehner Park amphitheatre from 7 to 9 p.m.

After-Hours on The Square at Union Centre 2012 schedule – DV8 will kick off the 2012 season of the First Financial Bank After-Hours on The Square concert series in West Chester May 24. The band will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Square at Union Centre. The concert series will take place every Thursday

Mojo Running moves to new location – Mojo Running, the West Chester running specialty store, is itself on the move. The shop relocated from 9318 Union Center Blvd in the U.S. Bank Plaza to a more visible space two miles away, at 8777 Cincinnati Dayton Road in Olde West Chester, near the Post Office, owner Paul Heintz said.

Lakota West sweeps rival – For the second time in four days, a Lakota West pitcher shutout the defending Division I baseball state champions. Behind sophomore pitcher Grant Schuermann, Lakota West blanked the Lakota East Thunderhawks by the score of 3-0 on April 27. Then, last Monday, it was senior Zak Farmer who shutout Lakota East in a 7-0 victory at the Hawks Nest.

Posted in: Board of Education, Events, Levy news, News, School events, Schools, Student achievements, Weather |

Tags: Tags: Butler County weather, Gary Keller, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East Ray Hamilton, Lakota East Sports, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota preschool, Lakota preschool program, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota student focus group, Liberty Township weather, National Weather Service, West Chester weather

The West Chester ▪ Liberty Chamber Alliance will host its 2012 Business Expo at Skatetown USA in West Chester from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor will speak at the West Chester ▪ Liberty Chamber Alliance luncheon, which will take place just prior to the Business Expo. Photo provided.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature more than 80 booths from businesses in West Chester and Liberty Township, as well as from surrounding areas.

Prior to the Expo, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Chamber will host its monthly luncheon offering members and guests the opportunity to network and enjoy a “Taste of West Chester and Liberty.”

The luncheon speaker is Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, who will be speaking on the “Common Sense Initiative.” According to the website of Ohio Governor John Kaisch, the initiative will review Ohio’s regulatory system to eliminate excessive and duplicative rules that stand in the way of job creation. Taylor is also expected to speak about the federal health care laws and how they affect Ohio insurance rates.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $40 for members of West Chester ▪ Liberty Chamber Alliance and $50 for non-members.

To make reservations, please call the chamber at 513-777-3600 or visit www.TheChamberAlliance.com.

Statetown USA is located at 8730 North Pavilion Drive, which is near the intersection of Union Centre Blvd. and 747.

Posted in: Business, Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Business Expo, Chamber, Liberty Township business news, Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, luncheon, Mary Taylor, West Chester business, West Chester business expo, West Chester business news, West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance, West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance luncheon, West Chester Liberty Chamber Business Expo

Sue Kiesewetter reports

Attorney Jack Painter will speak on the Obama administration’s challenge on constitutionally limited government at the group’s May 7 meeting.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m., at VanGorden Elementary School, 7475 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road, in Liberty Township.

Painter is founder of the Indian Hill Tea Party now known as the Liberty Alliance. His talk and the meeting are open to the community.

Following his talk, Ken Korn will present his regular feature, Four Minutes with Our Forefathers, which examines the constitution. Free copies of “A Guide to Sound Money” will also be available.

For more information, call 513-755-0591.

Posted in: Events, News, Political events, Tea Party |

Tags: Tags: Indian Hill Tea Party, Jack Painter, Jack Painter Tea Party, Ken Korn, Liberty Township Tea Party, VanGorden Elemenatry School

Left, Riley Kirchner, 9 and his brother Parker Kirchner, 6 of Miamisburg watch as two train pass each other at EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester where visitor where coming to stay out of the day long rain while enjoying the World's largest indoor train display. October 19, 2011 The Enquirer/ Tony Jones

Looking for things to do close to home this weekend?  From bike rodeos to Derby Day celebrations, here’s what’s happening in West Chester this weekend.

Bike Rodeo
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5
West Chester Library, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, West Chester.

West Chester Police department hosts event that includes inspection of children’s bicycles and children’s obstacle course with aid of police officers. Big Wheels and non-motorized scooters welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their bike and helmet.  Free.   513-759-7280; www.westchesteroh.org.

EnterTrainment Junction Spring Celebration
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, May 5; noon – 6 p.m. Sunday, May 6
7379 Squire Court, West Chester.

Scavenger hunts, including bunnies and chicks hidden in the model train display. Purchase any admission and get half-off a second admission of equal or lesser value, plus receive a ticket for a return visit until May 22.  Free with admission: $12.95, $11.50 ages 65 and up, $9.95 ages 3-12.  513-898-8000; www.entertrainmentjunction.com.

Barbeque Wine Tasting
3-6 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester.

Learn how to pair the best wines for your summer barbeques.  Cost is $10 for five wines.  513-942-9463; www.littlesonomawines.com.

Derby Contest/Celebration
4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Mitchell’s Fish Market, 9456 Waterfront Drive, West Chester.

Half-price appetizers, $5 Mint Juleps and Margaritas, $10 Buckets of Beer. Chance to win $100 gift card.  Ages 21 and up.    513-779-5292; mitchellsfishmarket.com.

Agape
4 p.m. Sunday, May 6
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 7393 Dimmick Road, West Chester.

Musical by Marty Haugen. Music and storytelling bring to life words of modern day prophets Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero and Native American wisdoms, tying them to biblical stories. Adult, youth and children’s choirs and instrumentalists.  Benefits World Hunger Relief.  Free.  513-777-4370; www.ctkluth.org.

Posted in: Events, Library events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: agape, barbeque wine tasting, Bike Rodeo, christ the king lutheran church, derby day, EnterTrainment Junction, little sonoma, mitchell's fish market, spring celebration, West Chester, West Chester Library, West Chester Police