There will be two areas in West Chester where the community can recycle their Christmas trees this January. Those recycling areas will be located at Keehner Park and Beckett Park.
Christmas trees will be accepted at both locations through the end of January.
Trees will be need to be cleared of all decorations and should not be wrapped in plastic. Artificial trees will not be accepted at the recycling locations.
Mulch from the trees, after chipping, will be used throughout the year in West Chester parks.
The drop-off area at Keehner Park, 7211 Barrett Road, will be located near the tennis courts.
Beckett Park’s drop-off area will be located in the parking area just before the gate. Beckett Park, 8558 Beckett Road, is located off Union Centre Boulevard.
Both locations will have signs designating the correct drop-off spot.
The recycling collection is available until Jan. 31 and is only for live Christmas trees. Other yard debris will not be accepted.
Trees will be chipped and mulch will be used throughout the year in West Chester parks.
Both parks are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
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.
Speaker of the House John Boehner of West Chester became the 61st Speaker of the House Jan. 5, 2011. Photo taken by Michael E. Keating.
Enquirer poll: Should John Boehner keep his job?- House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester was on the hot seat last week from those worried that he will give in to President Barack Obama’s demands for higher tax rates in their negotiations to reduce the deficit.
Butler County ready to approve 2013 budget – After at least three years of slashing expenses, layoffs and stagnant pay, Butler County’s budget woes seem to be easing up, Sheila McLaughlin reported last week. Commissioners are expected to approve a 2013 general fund budget of just more than $79 million, about the same as 2012. They’ll vote Dec. 27.
On this birthday, a special number is the one-two know – John Johnston shared the story of Jack Greenlee of West Chester Township, who turned 12 on 12/12/12. Twelve-year-old birthday boys and girls everywhere have extra reason to whoop it up last week. After all, the calendar won’t show this kind of confluence of numbers again until Jan. 1, 2101, or 01/01/01.
West Chester parks to accept trees for recycling in Jan. – There will be two areas in West Chester where the community can recycle their Christmas trees this January, the Township announced last week. Those recycling areas will be located at Keehner Park and Beckett Park. Christmas trees will be accepted at both locations through the end of January.
Lakota East defeated school district rival, 77-73, Lakota West on Saturday, Dec. 15. Photo taken by Barb Trimble of TrimPhotoAndVideo.com. For more photos from this game, visit http://proofs.trimphotoandvideo.com/g/121512east_west
Lakota East edges Lakota West 77-73 in classic – Lakota East held off school district rival Lakota West, 77-73, Saturday night in a game that went down to the final seconds. The Thunderhawks, No. 3 in the latest Cincinnati Enquirer Division I coaches’ poll, led Lakota West, No. 2 in the same poll, by 10 points with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds, however, closed the gap to one and trailed 74-73 with a minute remaining.
EnterTRAINment Junction extends hours – Due to popular demand, EnterTRAINment Junction extended its hours starting this past Saturday through Dec. 30. The West Chester model train destination will now close at 9 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. Bill Balfour, who was the venue’s general manager before it opened in 2008, says more than 20,000 people will visit the EnterTRAINment’s free holiday train display and its Journey to the North Pole attraction before the new year.
Speaker John Boehner on the shooting in Newtown, Conn. – House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester ordered flags over the United States Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Friday. He also issued a statement.
Brian Garver (on lift, on left), who is the grandson of Bob and Janet Niederman, spearheads the set up for the annual Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk. The event, which opened for the 12th straight year Nov. 23 did so without one of its founding family members Bob Niederman (parents are Bob and Janet) who passed away midway through the event in December of 2011. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber Nov. 16, 2012.
The holiday season continues this weekend with many things to do in Greater Cincinnati and in the West Chester area.
However, at the same time, there are many other things to do close to home.
All weekend
Christmas at Junction continues - The Christmas season at EnterTrainment Junction features multiple attractions that will run through Dec. 31. The Main Street Holiday Trains exhibit features three free train displays. There is also a Christmas Journey attraction where visitors walk through a winter wonderland to visit Mrs. Claus and Santa. Extended hours (open until 9 p.m. Dec. 15-23, Dec. 26-30) begin Saturday. Closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve. Closed on Christmas.
Niederman Farm’s Christmas Walk shines on - More than 1 million lights were turned on the day after Thanksgiving when the Niederman Family Farm 12th annual Christmas Walk opened to the public. The unique holiday event focuses on the Bible and the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas Walk is open until Dec. 30 and is available from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The farm is located at 5110 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township.
Friday
Lakota West Swing Dance – The Lakota West Jazz Bands will perform at the school’s annual swing dance event this Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. The dance is for all ages and is open to the community. The dance will be held at the high school’s cafeteria, 8940 Union Centre Boulevard in West Chester. Throughout the evening, party goers will enjoy dancing and listening to music from the big band era as well as holiday classics performed by the various Lakota West Jazz Bands.
Saturday
Santa Suit Fun Run – The first annual Mojo Running Santa Suit Fun Run will take place this Sunday at 11 a.m. in The Streets of West Chester. 500 people in Santa suits will participate in the event. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Reach Out Lakota, which is a charitable organization aimed at assisting individuals and families in the Lakota school district through its food and clothing pantries.
Lakota East Freshman School to host robotics tournament – A total 24 teams will compete this Saturday at the Thunderhawk Regional FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League tournament in attempt to qualify for the iSPACE District Tournament. The robot competitions, which will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., are free to attend and will be held on the Lakota East Freshman School, 7630 Bethany Lane.
Rodney Barbour will perform at ‘A Christmas Music Festival’ Saturday at Crestview Presbyterian Church in West Chester.
Brass Band to perform Christmas concert- The Cincinnati Brass Band will perform “A Christmas Music Festival” at Crestview Presbyterian Church, 9463 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Rodney Barbour, Claire Northcut and the Crestview Chancel Choir will also be performing.
Toys for Tots collection – Bridgewater Falls shopping complex is partnering with B105 to host a drive for the United States Marines’ Toys for Tots program. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at stations located at the end of the Staples parking lot from noon to 2 p.m.
Miami’s VOALC to host shopping event with Santa – The Miami University Voice of America Learning Center will host a special holiday shopping event that will feature Santa Claus and plenty of Miami University gifts. The holiday shopping event will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Learning Center’s lobby.
Voice of America Museum opens for tours Saturday – 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.
Lakota East at Lakota West – Both Lakota boys’ basketball programs are ranked in the top half of The Cincinnati Enquirer’s coaches’ poll and both are unbeaten. No. 2 Lakota West (2-0, 1-0 in GMC) will host No. 3 Lakota East (5-0, 1-0 in GMC) at 7:30 p.m. Each team plays on Friday night, so their records will change by gametime Saturday. The two rivals will face each other again this season on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Lakota East High School.
Remember to share your holiday photos
Photos of Olde West Chester Christmas Walk and other holiday events in 2011
The 2011 WestChesterBuzz holiday photo gallery is made up of photos provided by community members, WestChesterBuzz, West Chester Township and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Please feel free to submit your 2012 holiday pictures through WestChesterBuzz.com’s photo page or by emailing akiefaber@westchesterbuzz.com.
There will be two areas in West Chester where the community can recycle their Christmas trees this January. Those recycling areas will be located at Keehner Park and Beckett Park.
Christmas trees will be accepted at both locations through the end of January.
Trees will be need to be cleared of all decorations and should not be wrapped in plastic. Artificial trees will not be accepted at the recycling locations.
Mulch from the trees, after chipping, will be used throughout the year in West Chester parks.
The drop-off area at Keehner Park, 7211 Barrett Road, will be located near the tennis courts.
Beckett Park’s drop-off area will be located in the parking area just before the gate. Beckett Park, 8558 Beckett Road, is located off Union Centre Boulevard.
Both locations will have signs designating the correct drop-off spot.
The recycling collection is available until Jan. 31 and is only for live Christmas trees. Other yard debris will not be accepted.
Trees will be chipped and mulch will be used throughout the year in West Chester parks.
Both parks are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
However, at the same time, there are many other things to do close to home.
All weekend
Christmas at Junction continues - The Christmas season at EnterTrainment Junction features multiple attractions that will run through Dec. 31. The Main Street Holiday Trains exhibit features three free train displays. There is also a Christmas Journey attraction where visitors walk through a winter wonderland to visit Mrs. Claus and Santa. The holiday attractions are open from 10-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12-6 p.m. Sunday. Extended hours (open until 9 p.m. Dec. 15-23, Dec. 26-30). Closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve. Closed on Christmas.
Niederman Farm’s Christmas Walk shines on - More than 1 million lights were turned on the day after Thanksgiving when the Niederman Family Farm 12th annual Christmas Walk opened to the public. The unique holiday event focuses on the Bible and the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas Walk is open until Dec. 30 and is available from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The farm is located at 5110 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road in Liberty Township.
A Night in Bethlehem – This Saturday and Sunday, the Crestview Presbyterian Church, 9463 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, in West Chester is hosting its fifth annual holiday event where visitors can become an interactive part of ancient Bethlehem. Visitors will receive customers and get to walk through Bethlehem. There will also be many hands on activities. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on both nights.
Friday
Lakota boys’ basketball season tips off – Both the Lakota East and Lakota West boys’ basketball teams will be in action on Friday. Lakota East (3-0) – No. 7 in The Cincinnati Enquirer preseason coaches’ poll – will host Colerain (1-0), while Lakota West (1-0)– No. 2 in Enquirer preseason poll – will host No. 4 Middletown (0-1). Both games will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Adopt a pet or have your pet met Santa - The Liberty Veterinary Hospital, 6823 Yankee Road, will host a unique holiday event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a pet adoption drive, a Humane Society fundraiser and a holiday craft and bake sale.
Fairfield Twp. Christmas Parade – Bridgewater Falls, a popular shopping location for West Chester and Liberty Township residents, will host its Christmas Parade this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The parade ends in The Village at Bridgewater Falls. Families can meet Santa Claus at Buffalo Wild Wings from 12 to 2 p.m.
Walk on Wild Side – Voice of America Park will have it Walk on Wild Side Hikes event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the event, park goers can explore the park with the aid of a MetroPark guide. The hikes are open to all ages and last approximately an hour. Walkers should meet at The Ronald Reagan Lodge.
Sunday
Pioneer Christmas - Santa will also be at the annual Pioneer Christmas event in the cabin in the clearing at Keehner Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. This event will provide children with an opportunity to celebrate Christmas like the pioneers did in 1833. There will be some traditional pioneer fare such as buffalo, deer chili, molasses cookies and apple cider.
Santa’s Workshop – Voice of America Park will host a holiday event this Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at The Ronald Reagan Lodge. The event will include a visit from Santa, food, entertainment, activities and crafts. Admission is $12 per person (ages 13 to adult), $9 per person (ages four through 12) and free for children under the age of 4.
Remember to share your holiday photos
Photos of Olde West Chester Christmas Walk and other holiday events in 2011
The 2011 WestChesterBuzz holiday photo gallery is made up of photos provided by community members, WestChesterBuzz, West Chester Township and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Please feel free to submit your 2012 holiday pictures through WestChesterBuzz.com’s photo page or by emailing akiefaber@westchesterbuzz.com.
At The Big Tree Plantation in Morrow, generations of families gather to hunt down and cut down their Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving. Kevin Donahu of Loveland pulls the sled with the family’s tree while mom Donna, dad Michael and brother Brian follow. File photo.
Sure, you can buy a Christmas tree from a roadside seller or big-box store, but for many families, there’s nothing quite like visiting a tree farm and cutting their own. We’ve sorted tree farms by county to make your search easier. Note that most farms provide saws; free shaking, baling and drilling of trees; hot drinks and roaring fires to keep you toasty and lots of holiday cheer.
Wherever you go, call in advance for details.
WARREN COUNTY
Big Tree Plantation, 2544 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow. Types: Fraser, Canaan and balsam fir; up to 14 feet. Precut white and Scotch pine, and Douglas and Fraser fir; up to 15 feet. Baled Colorado blue, Norway and Serbian spruce, and Canaan and balsam fir. Delivery, set-up and pickup service available. Cost: $25 and up. Open daily through Dec. 23. 513-836-0975; www.bigtreeplantation.com.
Rossmann’s Christmas Tree Farm, 7917 S.R. 132, Blanchester. Noon-5 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Cut-your-own Canaan fir, Scotch and white pine. Wreaths, swags and primitive crafts available. $30-$85. 513-317-0692; www.rossmannsctf.com.
Wertz Family Tree Farm, 5682 Union Road, Franklin. By appointment only. Cut-your-own Canaan and Concolor fir, Scotch pine, and Norway and blue spruce. Trees 4-15 feet. Pre-cut trees: Canaan and Concolor fir, scotch pine and blue spruce. $35 and up. 937-746-7870; www.chooseatree.com.
BUTLER COUNTY
John T. Nieman Nursery, 3215 Hamilton New London Road, Hamilton. Canaan and Douglas fir; Norway and blue spruce; Scotch and white pine. Up to 20 feet. Wreaths, swags, arrangements. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23. Cash only, $20-$200. 513-738-1012; www.johnniemannursery.com.
Koch Christmas Trees, 6232 Hamilton-Scipio Road, Oxford. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 24. Other times by appointment. Cut-your-own Scotch and white pine, Canaan fir and pre-cut Fraser fir. Trees ranging in height 5-10 feet. $35-$100. 513-756-1998; www.kochchristmastrees.com.
CLERMONT COUNTY
Dirr Nurseries, 6066 Goshen Road, Goshen. Thousands of cut-your-own Canann and Balsam fir, and Scotch and white pine; up to 12 feet. Cost: $40 any size. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Sundays through Dec. 24. 513-625-2000; www.dirrnurseries.com.
ADAMS COUNTY
Miller’s Christmas Trees, 1600 Eckmansville Road, West Union. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays through Dec. 23. Hand sheared Scotch pines up to 7 feet. Pre-cut trees available. Easy access to fields. $25-$30 trees; $22 and up wreaths. 937-544-2220.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Country Pines Christmas Tree Farm, 8280 W. Third St., New Lebanon. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily through Dec. 23. Scotch, white pine and spruce up to 9-feet. Pre-cut pines and firs 6-11 feet. Tree wagons, shaking, bailing, saws, wreaths, garland and other natural decorations available. Table top and live trees for replanting. $15 and up. 937-835-3464; www.christmas-tree.com/real/oh/countrypine.
Photos of Olde West Chester Christmas Walk and other holiday events in 2011
The 2011 WestChesterBuzz holiday photo gallery is made up of photos provided by community members, WestChesterBuzz, West Chester Township and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Please feel free to submit your 2012 holiday pictures through WestChesterBuzz.com’s photo page or by emailing akiefaber@westchesterbuzz.com.
This weekend will be extremely busy with the Olde West Chester Christmas Walk taking place this Saturday. However, if it is just too early to think about Christmas, there are many other things to do close to home.
Friday
Women of Excellence gala - The West Chester ▪ Liberty Chamber Alliance will honor ten women during its Women of Excellence Dinner and Gala Friday at the Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre. The event will honor women, who have enhanced business, education, culture and philanthropy in the community and in the surrounding region. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7:15 p.m. and awards at 8:30 p.m. Call 513-777-3600 for tickets.
Saturday
Self-defense class - 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. To register for the free class, contact Christine Tarmey at 513-759-7254.
After two years of being shutdown to the public, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester opened its doors to the public for a few weekend tours in late 2011. After renovations were completed in July, the museum is now planning to be open on the third Saturday of every month for the time being. Photo by Tony Jones.
Christmas at the Junction – The Christmas season at EnterTrainment Junction begins Saturday and will run through Jan. 1, 2013. The Main Street Holiday Trains exhibit features three train displays. There is also a Christmas Journey attraction where visitors walk through a winter wonderland to visit Mrs. Claus and Santa, who will be on vacation after Christmas.
Tour the National VOA Museum - With the recent completion of some significant construction work, the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting re-opened for tours in July and will provide another opportunity for the public to tour the West Chester landmark this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Those unfamiliar with the museum will be surprised to learn how much history is in West Chester.
Farmers’ market - The weekly farmers’ market season is over, but the winter farmers’ market gets started this Saturday at the Square at Union Centre. This Saturday’s market will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Additional winter farmers’ market sessions will take place Dec. 15, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 6 and April 27. The market will take place, according to its website, rain, sleet, snow or shine.
Bone marrow donor drive at Yelton’s Jewelers - A bone marrow donor drive will be held Saturday in the parking lot of a West Chester Township jeweler. Yelton Fine Jewelers will host the Be the Match bone marrow donor drive in its parking lot, 9263 Schulze Dr. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., anyone aged 18-44 can register at the organization’s van to be a bone marrow donor.
Formal dress charity football game in West Chester - A local heart disease survivor is spearheading a charity football event this Saturday where its participants wear formal dresses. The festivities kickoff at noon at the Lakota East soccer stadium on the campus of Hopewell Junior School at 8200 Cox Road in West Chester. The event, which is called the Red Dress Powder Puff football game and is aimed to raise awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women, will include two-tag touch football, music and food.
Olde West Chester Christmas Walk - One of West Chester Township’s biggest events of the year, the Olde West Chester Christmas Walk, will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. this Saturday. After the Christmas Walk afternoon activities, sponsored by the Merchants of Olde West Chester, there will be a holiday parade starting at 7 p.m. on Cincinnati-Dayton Road and that ends with a tree lighting ceremony at the Township Administration building.
Sunday
‘Fibers of the Soul’ exhibition - “Fibers of the Soul,” an exhibition of the work of West Chester artist Carole Gary Staples, opens with a free public reception from 2 to 5 p.m. this Sunday at Miami University’s Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester.
After the Christmas Walk afternoon activities, sponsored by the Merchants of Olde West Chester, there will be a holiday parade starting at 7 p.m. on Cincinnati-Dayton Road and that ends with a tree lighting ceremony at the Township Administration building.
Olde West Chester Christmas Walk schedule
12:30 to 5 p.m. – visit with Santa at the North Pole Annex
1 p.m. – cookie walk at West Chester Presbyterian Church
2 to 7:30 p.m. – mini mall at Focus on Youth
2 to 7 p.m. – petting zoo at Thousand Words
2 to 7 p.m. – pony rides at Village Spa
4 to 7 p.m. – Animal Friends Humane Society at Village Spa
4 to 7 p.m. – chili dinner at St. Johns Catholic Church
7 p.m. – Parade from Union Day School to Township Administration building
7:45 p.m. – lighting of the community Christmas tree at administration building
Christmas Walk music schedule in the gazebo
2 to 3:15 p.m. – Midnight Rose (Celtic trio, harp, violin, flute)
3:30 to 5 p.m. – Rob Fenker
5:15 to 7 p.m. – Ed Holcomb (jazz)
8 to 9 p.m. – West Chester Symphony Quartet at Book Bums
As in years past, all interested participants are invited to join in the parade.
To register for the parade contact Laura Groff at lgroff@westchesteroh.org or call 513-759-7312.
Photos of Olde West Chester Christmas Walk and other holiday events in 2011
The 2011 WestChesterBuzz holiday photo gallery is made up of photos provided by community members, WestChesterBuzz, West Chester Township and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Please feel free to submit your 2012 holiday pictures through WestChesterBuzz.com’s photo page or by emailing akiefaber@westchesterbuzz.com.
West Chester Township is now taking submissions from local individuals, businesses and organizations interested in participating in the annual holiday parade on Saturday, Nov. 17.
One of West Chester Township’s biggest events of the year is the Olde West Chester Christmas Walk and holiday parade on Cincinnati-Dayton Road. Photo provided from 2011 parade.
The parade, and the tree lighting to follow, is held in conjunction with the Olde West Chester Christmas Walk, sponsored by the Merchants of Olde West Chester.
The parade begins at Union Day School at 7 p.m. and will work its way down Cincinnati-Dayton Road toward the Township Administration building, where the tree lighting will take place at the conclusion of the parade.
As in years past, all interested participants are invited to join in the parade.
To register for the parade contact Laura Groff at lgroff@westchesteroh.org or call 513-759-7312.
The Christmas Walk will begin at 2 p.m. that same day. The event features entertainment, crafts, activities and shopping for those looking to get their holiday shopping completed early.
There will be two areas in West Chester where the community can recycle their Christmas trees this January. Those recycling areas will be located at Keehner Park and Beckett Park.
Christmas trees will be accepted at both locations through the end of January.
Trees will be need to be cleared of all decorations and should not be wrapped in plastic. Artificial trees will not be accepted at the recycling locations.
Mulch from the trees, after chipping, will be used throughout the year in West Chester parks.
The drop-off area at Keehner Park, 7211 Barrett Road, will be located near the tennis courts.
Beckett Park’s drop-off area will be located in the parking area just before the gate. Beckett Park, 8558 Beckett Road, is located off Union Centre Boulevard.
Both locations will have signs designating the correct drop-off spot.
The recycling collection is available until Jan. 31 and is only for live Christmas trees. Other yard debris will not be accepted.
Both parks are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
