WestChesterBuzz.com

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

Thirty-six teams from throughout the nation will gather at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting to cook up their special recipe for the Barbecue Bash.

This year’s bash, which will take place Friday and Saturday, serves as the first ever Buckeye State BBQ Championship. It is a qualifying event for the Ohio Triple Crown and Jack Daniels’s World BBQ Championship.

“We’re really excited. This is a huge fundraiser,’’ said Sandy Likes, who is co-chairing the bash with Bill Zerkle. “The guys really get into it with decorating their trailers and booths.”

Hosted by the Rotary Club of West Chester and Liberty, the bash will be held on the front lawn of the museum. Guests are asked to use the VOA Park Dr. entrance off Cox Road, not the Tylersville Road entrance.

Hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday. Parking and admission is $5 per car load or $2 per person who walks in.

There will also be live music provided by nine groups in the non-profit Cincy Blues Society, museum tours, food from a dozen vendors including barbecue, beer, beverages, and a Kids Zone with activities for children that include inflatable rides, face-painting and a petting zoo open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday.

Barbecue teams will be competing in chicken, ribs, pork and brisket categories for cash prizes totaling $7,000.

Performance Schedule

Friday

• 6 p.m.: Blue Sacrifice
• 7:30 p.m.: Brad Hatfield Band
• 9 p.m.: Leroy Ellington Blues Band
• 10:30 p.m.: Chuck Brisbin and the Tuna Project

Saturday

• 4 p.m.: John Redell and Blues in The School Students
• 6 p.m.: Them Bones
• 7:30 p.m.: Ri and the Ramblers
• 9 p.m.: Tempted Souls
• 10:30 p.m.: G Miles and The Hitmen

Local barbecue team competitors

• Qubed, Loveland
• Retired and Rubbin’ It, New Richmond
• Blue Dog BBQ, Mason
• Something Serious BBQ, Cincinnati
• Historic BBQ, Lebanon
• Weq4u, Florence
• Velvet Smoke BBQ, Cincinnati
• Fumo Comedo, Cincinnati

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

Tags: Tags: BBQ Bash, BBQ Bash VOA Museum, VOA Museum, Voice of America Museum, West Chester Rotary Club

PHOTOS MAY NOT APPEAR ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

Another West Chester’s Nature Basket session will take place this Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Station Road Schoolhouse.

The program is typically offered once a month and is held at either the Station Road Schoolhouse, 6670 Station Road, or at Keehner Park’s Owl Shelter, 7211 Barrett Road.

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

To register, call 513-759-7312 or email 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.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Keehner Park, Keehner Park owl shelter, Nature Basket, Nature Basket photos, Station Road Schoolhouse, West Chester Nature Basket program, West Chester Nature Basket program photos, West Chester photo gallery, West Chester photos

PHOTO GALLERY MAY NOT APPEAR ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

The fourth annual Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta is scheduled to take place July 20 at Voice of America Park in West Chester Township.

This event, which attracts thousands of onlookers, involves participants building a cardboard boat and then racing them in the lake at VOA Park. Last year, awards were given to the best show boats, fastest boats, as well as the people’s choice, judge’s choice, best theme, best sinking, most entertaining and for the craziest boats.

To register a boat, the cost is $20 for community members and $40 for organizations.

Currently, the event is offering sponsorship opportunities to local businesses.

“Sponsorship packages are designed at various levels of support to provide businesses with a wide variety of opportunities to promote their company and products, while supporting the community they serve.” said Kelly Barkley, Community Relations Coordinator for MetroParks.

Barkley and her team are also looking for volunteers. Last year, nearly 100 helped with the event.

For sponsorship, volunteering or boat building opportunities, visit www.yourmetroparks.net or call MetroParks at 513-867-5835.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Crazy Cardboard Regatta, Crazy Cardboard Regatta photos, Crazy Cardboard Regatta West Chester, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Ronald Reagan Lodge, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, West Chester photos

The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting will once again be open for tours this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The West Chester landmark has opened on the third Saturday of each month since July, so the public can have the opportunity to learn about the history of Voice of America.

Since the building, the Bethany Relay Station, was built in 1944 until 1994, it delivered U.S. news in a total of 52 different languages throughout the world and was originally created under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. to combat Germany and Japan shortwave transmitters, which shared anti-American propaganda to the world.

“Locally we want people to understand the history that has been made in West Chester and all the history of broadcasting that has been developed here in Greater Cincinnati,” VOA board chairman Ken Rieser said in a recent interview with WestChesterBuzz.com.

“There is also a certain draw to the people behind the Iron Curtain, the people in China and places where there have been problems understanding and knowing what the truth was. This place is a draw for them. They just want to see it.”

To see it for yourself, donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12 are suggested.

• Story: Anniversary of VOA marks beginning of national museum
• Story: Voice of America Museum rich in Cincinnati history
• Story: Voice of America Museum Board gets official go ahead

Clyde Haehnle, who is also on the board of directors, provides a tour of VOA Museum. He was a project engineer at the Voice of America Bethany Relay Station and was involved with the project when it was built in 1944 under the direction of Powell Crosley Jr. Photo taken by Tony Jones.

The West Chester Board of Trustees agreed in late March to contribute $85,000 to the board of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. Earlier that month, the trustees officially agreed to enter into a five-year lease with the museum board. The lease agreement put the museum board in charge of maintaining the landmark off Tylersville Road and allowed them to raise funds as a non-profit corporation.

It will take roughly $12 million to convert it into the revenue-generating museum.

As of right now, it consists of exhibits featuring the old relay station; Media Heritage’s Greater Cincinnati Museum of Broadcast History; the Gray History of Wireless Museum; and the West Chester Amateur Radio Association control room.

In addition to Saturday’s tour, the museum is looking for volunteers and docents.

Those wishing to volunteer can contact Dave Snyder at DavidSnyde@aol.com.

For more information about VOA museums, go to www.voamuseum.org.

The museum is located at 8070 Tylersville Road in West Chester.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Ken Rieser, National VOA Museum of Broadcasting, National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, VOA Museum, VOA Museum of Broadcasting, Voice of America Museum

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

Naturalist Daniel Boone will lead a walk Saturday at Wetlands West Park in Liberty Township.

Walkers should meet at 10 a.m. at the flagpole at the park, located at 6906 Van Gorden Road, for the 90-minute walk.

During the walk Boone will introduce participants to woody plants, wild rose family members, crabapples, wild plums and hawthorns. Trails are easy walking but not all are paved.

There is no cost to attend and all ages and experience levels are welcome. Bring field guides and binoculars.

For more information, call 513-759-7500.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Daniel Boone, Naturalist Daniel Boone, Wetlands West Park, Wetlands West Park Liberty Township

Just before the first explosion went off, Maureen Heintz of West Chester was only a few hundreds away from the finish line, having her picture taken and enjoying her first Boston Marathon.

“She was probably just 200 yards from the blast when the first one went off. She said could feel the concussion of it and the buses were shaking where she was standing,” her husband, Paul Heintz said.

• Second part of interview with Paul Heintz
• Third part of interview with Paul Heintz

When Paul heard about the explosions, he was already back at the hotel, roughly two miles from the finish line. He immediately did the math in his head and knew that his wife had to be just finishing the race.

Paul and Maureen Heintz have their photo taken near the finish line nearly 24 hours before explosions killed three and injured more than 180 people (CNN report as April 16 at 4:15 p.m.). Photo provided.

He went for his cell phone and tried to call her cell, but it wouldn’t go through. He then planned to go back, but received a text just before he left the hotel.

“I’m fine. Very scared, but don’t come down here. They are sending us all away. Sit tight,” the message from his wife read.

“They” were the police. Just moments after the first explosion, an officer looked at Maureen and told her and everyone around her, “get your stuff and move. That way (away from the explosion).”

Then the second explosion went off. That was when things got very chaotic and hectic, Paul said.

Runners then raced to the buses, which held their gear and clothes.

Marathon volunteers remained on duty instead of fleeing, throwing bags out the windows of the buses. Runners helped each other find their bags and escape the area.

“They were pushing the people out because they needed to immediately have the ambulances (there). The response was pretty tremendous, she said, in terms of how quickly help was on the scene,” her husband said.

With it still fresh in her mind, Maureen wasn’t able to talk about the experience to The Enquirer or WestChestBuzz. After getting back to West Chester at 2 a.m., she was back at work this morning. Maureen is principal of Colerain High School.

“I think work is what she needs right now, just to keep her mind occupied because she was very shaken up. Several times throughout the evening, she just broke down crying,” her husband said. “She was very visibly shaken, but she is tough.”

Maureen and Paul, who owns Mojo Running in Olde West Chester, went to the marathon with other local runners Jill Cummins, Robin Delnoce, both of West Chester; Susan Vogt of Loveland; Dan Rebella of Cincinnati; Lecia Holley, Lisa Wilber, both of Loveland; and Heather Fenton of Fairfield. All of the runners in the group were uninjured. Cummins, Vogt and Maureen Heintz all crossed the finish line just minutes before the first explosion.

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

Tags: Tags: Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Boston Marathon West Chester runners, John Boehner, John Boehner Boston Marathon, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester

At least 134 runners from Greater Cincinnati and four from West Chester were listed as entrants in Monday’s Boston Marathon. Many have been reported safe, as friends and family continue trying to reach others.

According to the Associated Press on Tuesday morning, the bombs took the lives of three, including an 8-year-old boy, and wounded more than 140 others.

House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester issued the following statement Monday evening after ordering flags over the U.S. Capitol to be lowered to half-staff out of respect for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Medical workers aid injured people at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon following an explosion in Boston, Monday, April 15. Photo taken by Charles Krupa for the AP.

“Words cannot begin to express our sorrow for the families who are grieving so suddenly right now,” Boehner said in a statement. “The House of Representatives offers its prayers to the victims and the city of Boston. We also give thanks for the professionals and good Samaritans who prevented further loss of life. This is a terrible day for all Americans, but we will carry on in the American spirit, and come together with grace and strength.”

Tony Delnoce of West Chester said that his wife, Robin and three West Chester residents – Paul and Maureen Heintz and J. Jill Cummins – were all safe. Paul Heintz is the owner of Mojo Running in Olde West Chester.

• Cincinnati residents share firsthand experiences of the tragedy
• Feds seek suspects, motive in Boston bombings

The first bomb went off within 20 minutes of Robin Delnoce crossing the finish line. She was walking back to her hotel room at the Marriott Copley when she heard the explosion.

“She was unintelligible. She was very rattled, shaken by the whole experience,” Tony Delnoce said of reaching his wife by cell phone.

Delnoce said he has attended the marathon twice to route his wife on but didn’t go this year. She has participated in five Boston Marathons, he said.

Understanding how the families are lined up along the route there and understanding the explosion came from a building alongside I’d be willing to bet the bulk of the runners are OK and the runners families took the brunt of the injuries,” he said.

Boston police and marathon organizers have a strong presence at the event, he said.

“I can’t begrudge the City of Boston or the marathon organizers. They do a good job,” Delnoce said.

“If a bomb goes off in a hotel next to the finish line where nobody can get in to a hotel room to check it out, I can see where that can be a problem.

The couple’s 13-year-old daughter, Abby, said she talked to her mom by phone after she heard the news of the explosions from her father.

“Whenever she answered, she was crying,” Abby said. “I said, ‘I wish I was with you,’ and she said, ‘No, I wish I was with you.’”

Sheila McLaughlin and Associated Press contributed to this report

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

Tags: Tags: Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Marathon bombs, Boston Marathon Cincinnati runners, Boston Marathon local runners, Boston Marathon West Chester runners, John Boehner, John Boehner Boston Marathon, Mojo Running, Mojo Running Olde West Chester, Mojo Running West Chester

Another West Chester’s Nature Basket session will take place this Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Station Road Schoolhouse.

The program is typically offered once a month and is held at either the Station Road Schoolhouse, 6670 Station Road, or at Keehner Park’s Owl Shelter, 7211 Barrett Road.

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

To register, call 513-759-7312 or email 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.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Keehner Park, Keehner Park owl shelter, Nature Basket, Nature Basket photos, Station Road Schoolhouse, West Chester Nature Basket program, West Chester Nature Basket program photos, West Chester photo gallery, West Chester photos

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

The work of a Liberty Township artist will be on display through April 13 at Mason’s Gallery 42.

Artist Don Schuster’s Beckett Ponds Series along with a selection of other landscape paintings are part of his exhibit at the gallery, 117 W. Main St.

From artist Don Schuster’s Beckett Ponds Series. Provided.

Admirers may meet Schuster during a public closing reception, set for 5-9 p.m., April 13 at the gallery. Wine, d’oeuvres and live music will be offered at the reception.

Schuster attended the University of Cincinnati’s Design, Art, Architecture and Planning program, graduating with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in printmaking.

The gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays. It is also open other times by appointment.

For more Information or for an appointment, call 513-234-7874.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Don Schuster, Don Schuster’s Beckett Ponds Series, Mason’s Gallery 42

Lakota West jazz band performs at the 2012 Jazz ‘n Cakes breakfast. Photo provided.

There is plenty to do in West Chester and Liberty townships this weekend.

For things to do in Greater Cincinnati, visit Cincinnati.com’s new Things to Do page.

When you are not out and about, visit the new video page on WestChesterBuzz.com To view West Chester and Liberty Township related videos, visit westchesterbuzz.com/videos.

Friday

Lakota East Theater presents ‘The Secret Life of Girls’ – Lakota East High School’s Thunderhawk Theater and its newly founded Zonta Club have partnered to present a community event that focuses on the struggles faced by young women in today’s society. In its production of “The Secret Life of Girls,” 7 p.m. Friday, friendly athletic competition among a group of girls takes a spiraling turn as each girl’s personal battles surface.

French Riviera to be featured at Armchair Program – Residents of West Chester Township are invited to experience the French Riviera without ever leaving their hometown. The Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France will be discussed at this week’s Armchair session at Township Hall, 9113, Cincinnati-Dayton Road, at 7 p.m. Friday.

Saturday

Some of the many raffle baskets on display at the 2012 Lakota West Jazz ‘n Cakes event. Photo provided.

Lakota West bands Jazz ‘n Cakes breakfast – The Jazz ‘n Cakes pancake breakfast and Market Street fundraising event will take place Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at Lakota West High School. The breakfast is one of the most important band fundraisers of the year. The event itself will feature live music by Lakota West High School jazz bands, as well as the 7th grade jazz bands from Lakota Plains and Lakota Ridge Junior Schools.

MDA Muscle Walk – MetroParks of Butler County is hosting this year’s Southwest Ohio Muscle Walk for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The event will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Voice of America Park in West Chester. To register, visit www.musclewalkmda.org/southwestoh2013.

Helicopter Easter Egg Drop – Watch candy-filled eggs fall from a helicopter as at the annual egg drop at The River Church, 5546 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, in Liberty Township. The event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, includes the egg drop and hunt, face painting, wandering magician, up-close look at helicopter, photos with Easter Bunny, craft and cupcake walk.

Police’s identity theft program – The West Chester Police Department is offering a free shredding and identity theft awareness event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. During the event, West Chester police will be at The West Chester Activity Center, 7900 Cox Road, to accept personal paperwork for shredding and to answer any questions related to identity theft.

Dudley Memorial Park cleanup – Volunteers are needed for Saturday’s work date at Liberty Township’s Dudley Memorial Park. Parks Committee member Chuck Holliday has organized the session, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon at the park, 5700 Yankee Road.

Easter egg hunt set for special needs children – ABC Pediatric Therapy Network, 9902 Windisch Road, West Chester, will host an Easter egg hunt for children with special needs 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23. The event is being organized by Sidney Crecelius, 15, a Mason High School sophomore. The event is limited to 100 children. To reserve a spot in the egg hunt, email sidney.crecelius@aol.com.

Portman to speak at Butler Co. Rep. dinner – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman will be the featured keynote speaker at the Butler County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day dinner on Saturday. The event opens with a 6 p.m. social hour at the Oscar Event Center at the Jungle Jim’s Fairfield complex, 5440 Ohio 4. Dinner and the program follow at 7 p.m.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events, School events, Schools |

Tags: Tags: ABC Pediatric Therapy Network, ABC Pediatric Therapy Network West Chester, Jazz 'n Cakes, jazz band, jazz ensemble, Jazz n' Cakes Pancake Breakfast, Lakota East, Lakota East High School, Lakota East Theater, Lakota East Zonta Club, Lakota West, Lakota West jazz band, Sidney Crecelius, Sidney Crecelius West Chester, Zonta Club