The Shamrock Shuffle is one of West Chester Township’s biggest events of the year and it takes place this Saturday morning. Photo provided.
Annual events at EnterTRAINment Junction and at The Square at Union Centre are a few of the many things to do in West Chester, Ohio, and Greater Cincinnati this weekend.
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
Chamber awards – The West Chester ▪ Liberty Chamber Alliance 2013 Chamber Awards celebration is this Friday at the Cincinnati Marriott North near The Square at Union Centre in West Chester. The event begins at 6 p.m. and requires a ticket to attend, which had to be purchased prior to the event.
Saturday
Shamrock Shuffle – One of West Chester’s signature events, the Shamrock Shuffle, will take place Saturday morning at The Square at Union Centre. The event will have more than 4,000 people participate and help more than 50 local charities. Event-day registration begins at 7 a.m.
Self-defense class – The West Chester Police Department will offer a free self-defense class from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday. According to a release, the class is designed to encourage individuals to be prepared and confident when faced with a potentially dangerous confrontation. The class is offered at the police department on Beckett Road.
Free mini model engineering show – There will be a special two-day mini model engineering show at EnterTRAINment Junction this Saturday and Sunday. According to the show’s release, the exhibit features working miniatures built by model craftsmen from throughout the Midwest. Hours for the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Winter farmers’ market – The weekly farmers’ market season is over, but the winter farmers’ market will be open this Saturday at The Square at Union Centre. This Saturday’s market will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Additional winter farmers’ market sessions will take place April 6 and April 27. The market will take place, according to its website, rain, sleet, snow or shine.
Sunday
Mini model show continues – The free mini-model exhibit will be on display in EnterTRAINment Junction’s indoor Main Street area and in its Expo Center. Hours for the exhibit are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
There will be a special two-day mini model engineering show at EnterTRAINment Junction this Saturday and Sunday. According to the show’s release, the exhibit features working miniatures built by model craftsmen from throughout the Midwest.
The free mini-model exhibit will be on display in EnterTRAINment Junction’s indoor Main Street area and in its Expo Center. Hours for the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Unique models at this year’s show include G-scale steam trains, a museum-quality ¾” scale C&O 2-6-6-6 Allegheny steam locomotive, a Ferris wheel, 1800s river steamboats, an operating miniature gasoline automotive engine, a 6’ remote control model helicopter, a 16’ steam launch, a large pond with model remote control boats navigating the water, and miniature costumes of soldiers, Native Americans and celebrities in scale scenes.
EnterTRAINment Junction is located at 7379 Squire Court West Chester, off I-75, at the Tylersville Road exit (#22).
For more information call 513-898-8000 or check out EnterTRAINment Junction’s website at www.entertrainmentjunction.com.
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.
However, due to a busy holiday season, the Buzz decided to recap some of the bigger stories in the month of December as many of us prepare for 2013.
MetroParks announces new motor vehicle permit plan – MetroParks motor vehicle permit hang tags will again be available free to all Butler County residents. According to a release from the park system, MetroParks of Butler County will be issuing hang tags that are valid for two years versus the current one-year tag due to suggestions from park customers for increased convenience.
Voice of America Museum Board gets key go ahead – The “last piece” to make West Chester Township’s Voice of America Bethany Relay Station a museum may finally be in place. During its Dec. 4 meeting, township trustees unanimously agreed to enter a five-year lease with the Board of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting, which will put the museum’s board in charge of maintaining the landmark and will allow them to raise funds as a non-profit corporation.
Township approves ‘No Parking Zones’ near local schools – The West Chester Board of Trustees approved last week the establishment of “No Parking Zones” near several of the community’s schools on Dec. 4. The schools affected by the new “No Parking Zones” are Hopewell Junior and Hopewell Elementary, as well as Endeavor Elementary and Adena Elementary.
John Boehner of West Chester became the 61st Speaker of the House Jan. 5, 2011. In December of 2012, Boehner found himself on the hot seat. Photo taken by Michael E. Keating.
Wish List: West Chester mom wants to hear books- Dorothy Jones of West Chester is a mother of three who lost her vision in 2001 following an operation to reduce pressure on her brain. This was life-altering for Dorothy, her husband and children, who were infants and toddlers at the time, Leigh Taylor reported last month.
Enquirer poll: Should John Boehner keep his job?- House Speaker John Boehner of West Chester was on the hot seat in December 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.
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 in December. 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 West grad John Conner signed by Cincinnati Bengals – When Chris Pressley suffered a season-ending knee injury on Thursday night, the Bengals did not have to look far to find someone to come in. The team signed West Chester native and former Jet John Conner to a two-year deal after a morning workout on Dec. 15 involving three players. Conner moves into Pressley’s roster spot after the Bengals placed him on injured reserve. Pressley suffered the injury during the first quarter of the 34-13 win over the Eagles.
Lakota community dealing with questions after elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn. – Many schools across the nation opened their doors on Dec. 17 after a weekend where parents, students, teachers and other school staff questioned what could be done to prevent a school shooting like the one that took the lives of 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Conn., on Friday, Dec. 14.
Coney Island, the way it was in 1965, is being built at West Chester’s EnterTRAINment Junction. The replica is expected to be finished in the spring of 2013 and could cost more than $100,000 to finish. Currently, the exhibit already features the Shooting Star roller coaster, which is almost 40 feet long. Photo by Adam Kiefaber Dec. 18, 2012.
Coney Island being built in West Chester- Replica of the Cincinnati amusement park in 1965 to be completed in spring of 2013 at West Chester’s EnterTRAINment Junction. The new Coney Island exhibit, which is expected to open this spring, is expected to cost more than $100,000 to build.
Two families who refuse to let tragedy divide them – In March, Lakota West student Zeke Stepaniak was killed in an automobile accident when he turned in front of James Moore, who was heading home from work. Within a few days of the accident, James had reached out to Zeke’s parents and Zeke’s grandmother had reached out to James. Story written by The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Krista Ramsey.
Butler County deputy delivers baby on Christmas Eve – Sheila McLaughlin reported Dave Runnells’ full-time job is as a Butler County sheriff’s deputy running the graveyard shift. His part-time job is deputy chief of the Madison Township Fire Department, where he’s also an EMT. That’s why Runnells didn’t hesitate to deliver a baby in the back seat of a couple’s car in Trenton early on Christmas Eve.
Lady Liberty battle continues – Kyle Garth isn’t giving up his fight to put a costumed Lady Liberty on Tylersville Road to wave customers into his Liberty Tax Service, Sheila McLaughlin reports. After losing a decision in Ohio’s 12th District Court of Appeals, Garth is taking the case to the state’s highest court in a legal battle that’s already cost township taxpayers $60,000 in legal fees, according to records obtained by The Enquirer.
Pipe bomb explosion still rings in West Chester - Five years ago, Robby Moser couldn’t sound taps on his trumpet at his best friend’s funeral. On Jan. 2, Moser will have a chance to perform in memory of his best friend when the now-Yale graduate student leads a concert at Center Pointe Christian Church in Liberty Township to benefit the Daniel Ferraro Memorial Fund.
Replica of the Cincinnati amusement park in 1965 to be completed in spring of 2013
Owner Don Oeters has one last section of unused space in his 25,000-square-foot model train display at West Chester’s EnterTRAINment Junction.
To fill the space, he had to decide between building a zoo, a circus or an amusement park.
Despite it being the most expensive of the three, Oeters went with the amusement park. The design is Cincinnati’s Coney Island circa 1965.
“I remember going there in the late ’50s all the way up until it closed (in 1971),” Oeters said. “As a kid you didn’t realize how good of a park it was, but there were only three other parks in the ’60s that were in a suburban area of a big city that had larger attendance than Coney Island.”
Coney Island, the way it was in 1965, is being built at West Chester’s EnterTRAINment Junction. The replica is expected to be finished in the spring of 2013 and could cost more than $100,000 to finish. Currently, the exhibit already features the Shooting Star roller coaster, which is almost 40 feet long. Photo by Adam Kiefaber Dec. 18, 2012.
The new Coney Island exhibit, which is expected to open this spring, is expected to cost more than $100,000 to build. In comparison, Oeters estimated that the zoo or the circus would have cost around $5,000.
One of the bigger features in the Coney Island exhibit, the Shooting Star roller coaster, is already in place and functioning. The roller coaster is almost 40 feet long.
“We are still in the early stages of doing the park. We have lots of rides ahead of us, but having the roller coaster already and seeing kids’ expressions and the enjoyment people are getting out of it – it has been worth it,” said Oeters, who says he rode the Shooting Star 22 times in one day.
The replica, which will cover more than a thousand square feet, also features working rides like the Lost River, a 4-foot tall Ferris wheel, Flying Rockets, Tumblebug and a carousel.
There will also be memorable features from Coney Island such as the front gate entrance way, Lake Como, Moonlite Gardens, the tree-lined Coney mall, picnic areas, Skeeball Arcade, basketball games and the Ohio River Gate with its steamboat landing.
Additional features include the Wild Mouse family coaster, a train ride, a haunted house, the Skyride, the Whip and Cuddle Up.
There will also be a working trolley line with running trolleys bustling along Kellogg Avenue and stopping at Coney’s front gate. The trolleys ran to Coney until 1925, making it one of the few historically inaccurate features of the exhibit.
“This project is truly amazing in both its scope and attention to detail. Seeing the park’s iconic rides actually operating in miniature is just wonderful,” said Vic Nolting, president of Coney Island.
EnterTRAINment Junction has had roughly $11 million poured into it over the course of the 4 1/2 years it has been open. It is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors this year, which would be a record for the venue.
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.
Due to popular demand, EnterTRAINment Junction is extending its hours starting this Saturday through Dec. 30. The West Chester model train destination will now close at 9 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.
The exceptions are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Even when EnterTRAINment Junction will close at 4 p.m. It will also be closed the entire day on Dec. 25. EnterTRAINment Junction opens daily at 10 a.m., except on Sundays when it opens at noon.
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.
“I don’t think we envisioned it becoming as big as it has become,” Balfour said in a recent interview with WestChesterBuzz.com. “I think we underestimated that whole combination of trains and Christmas.
“A lot of people remember having a train around their Christmas tree and it is very nostalgic and fun and it just comes together in a nice warm, happy package.”
The actual holiday train display, which also features lighted Christmas trees and musical artist Neil Young’s train set that he used to play with while on tour, is free for the public.
The free display, which opened Nov. 17, is put up in a two-week period while EnterTRAINment Junction employees take down the Halloween display at the same time.
Santa Claus at EnterTRAINment Junction. Photo by Adam Kiefaber.
Besides the free holiday train display, the Journey to the North Pole exhibit takes visitors through a series of rooms that feature falling snow, Christmas trees, Santa’s reindeer stables, an elf workshop, free cookies from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and a private visit with Santa Claus.
“We have a great Santa Claus experience,” Balfour said. “You walk through the North Pole, Mrs. Claus gives you a cookie and then you have private time with Santa and your family. That means you don’t feel that crush of people around you like you get with other Santa situations.”
Personal cameras are permitted into Santa’s house, however pictures with Santa will also be available for purchase as people leave the holiday attraction.
Tickets to take the journey to Santa’s house are $9.95 and include admission into the A-Maze-N FunHouse, which opened in March of 2011. The clowned-themed funhouse features four additional attractions including Curtain Chaos, Clown College, Mirror Maze and Journey Through the Black Hole.
According to Balfour, about 95 percent of customers purchase a Do-It-All pass for $15.95 for adults. The ticket includes admission into the funhouse, as well as into the venue’s 25,000-square foot indoor model train display, an interactive kids’ play area and into the American Railroading Museum.
What: EnterTRAINment Junction’s free holiday train display and Journey to the North Pole attraction.
When: Extended hours (open until 9 p.m. Dec. 15-23, Dec. 26-30). Closes at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve. Closed on Christmas.
Where: 7379 Squire Court, West Chester Township.
Directions: From Cincinnati, take Intersate 75 north to Exit 22 (Tylersville Road toward Mason), turn right onto Tylersville Road, take first right onto Kingsgate Way, take first right onto Squire Court.
Admission and parking: Parking and the holiday train display is free. Admission to the Journey to the North Pole exhibit, which includes admission to the A-Maze-N FunHouse attraction, is $9.95. Do-It-All tickets are $15.95 for adults. Tickets prices can vary for children (3 through 12) and ages 2 and under are free.
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.
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.
EnterTRAINment’s holiday attractions continue to grow – WestChesterBuzz.com visited one of the region’s biggest holiday attractions last week. More than 20,000 people will visit EnterTRAINment Junction’s free holiday train display and its Journey to the North Pole attraction before the new year, according to EnterTRAINment general manager Bill Balfour.
A female suspect is believed to have stolen a purse from the Splash N Dash in West Chester on Nov. 9. The suspect then used the victim’s credit cards at three locations, including Thorntons in West Chester. In photo, suspect is shown entering the gas station on Thornton’s security camera. Photo provided.
Police looking for West Chester laundromat thief- A female suspect is believed to have stolen a purse in early November from the Splash N Dash at 7770 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester, according to a police report that was shared by Crime Stoppers last week. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
Nude protesters jam John Boehner’s D.C. office – Several AIDS protesters took off their clothes in House Speaker John Boehner‘s office last Tuesday. A reporter for Talking Points Memo witnessed the disrobing and chanting, in which they rhymed “budget cuts will make us sick” with a “Boehner don’t be a (word we can’t use here.)”
Exchange “Food For Fines” at West Chester Library – WestChesterBuzz.com announced last Monday that the MidPointe Library System is once again offering its “Food for Fines” promotion, which allows library goers a chance to eliminate their overdue fees when they donate food. The program, which runs through Dec. 31, will eliminate one dollar of outstanding fines for each non-perishable food item a patron donates.
IKEA debuts redesigned marketplace – IKEA has redesigned the accessories marketplace (lower level) of its West Chester store and now has updated displays, new products and a redesigned layout for its cookware, bedding, lighting, home organization and textiles departments, among others.
Basketball season tips off – The Lakota East and Lakota West varsity basketball teams began the 2012-2013 season this past week. Through Sunday, both the Lakota East (2-0) and Lakota West (1-0) boys’ teams are unbeaten, while the Lakota East (0-3, 0-1 in GMC) and Lakota West (2-1, 1-1 in GMC) girls’ teams are getting adjusted with young rosters.
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 last Friday 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.
Spirit of Christmas: Nativity Exhibits - More than 400 international, privately owned nativity sets (photos below) will be on display at the annual Spirit of Christmas: Nativity Exhibits and Music this weekend (hours 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday) The event will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7118 Dutchland Parkway, in Liberty Township and is free to attend.
Friday
Lakota boys’ basketball season tips off – Both the Lakota East and Lakota West boys’ basketball teams will tip off the 2012-2013 season with games on Friday. Lakota East – No. 7 in The Cincinnati Enquirer preseason coaches’ poll – will play at Wilmington, while Lakota West – No. 2 in Enquirer preseason poll – will open at home against Talawanda. Both games will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Santa Claus at EnterTRAINment Junction. Photo by Adam Kiefaber.
Breakfast with Santa -Liberty Township’s Breakfast with Santa is changing locations to accommodate a larger crowd. The popular gathering with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be held Saturday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Liberty Heights Church, 7904 Princeton Road. It will still be hosted by Eli’s Sports Bar and Grill.
Photos with Santa – Tractor Supply Co., 4525 Hamilton-Middletown Road, in Liberty Township is hosting a special photo session with the big guy himself – Santa Claus. Children and pets can have their picture taken with Santa. A variety of print packages will be available.
Lakota West and Lakota East girls’ basketball to face top teams/players – Lakota West and Lakota East will face the two top teams in Greater Cincinnati, according to the Enquirer preseason poll, this Saturday. No. 6 Lakota West will host No. 1 Princeton, who features one of top ranked girls’ high school basketball players in the country in junior Kelsey Mitchell. Meanwhile, No. 8 Lakota East will play at No. 2 Mason, who features senior forward and Missouri commit Kayla McDowell. Both games tip off at 2 p.m.
Sunday
Former Hughes School opens for holiday open house - The former one-room Hughes School will open to the community Sunday for a holiday open house, decorated as it would have been in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The Liberty Township Historical Society is opening the Princeton Road school from 1 to 3 p.m. for the Christmas open house.
