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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.

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

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.

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Bob Niederman, Christmas, Christmas tree, Crestview Presbyterian Church, EnterTrainment Junction, EnterTrainment Junction train display, EnterTrainment Junction West Chester, Holiday, Journey to the North Pole, Liberty Township Christmas, Niederman Family Farm, Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Family Farm Liberty Township, Niederman Farm, Niederman Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Farm Liberty Township, Niederman's Family Farm, Rodney Barbour, Santa Claus West Chester, Santa West Chester, West Chester Christmas, West Chester Christmas photos, West Chester photo gallery, West Chester photos

Video: Crestview Presbyterian Church’s A Night in Bethlehem

The holiday season continues this weekend with many things to do in Greater Cincinnati and in the West Chester area.

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

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.

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: A Night in Bethlehem, A Night in Bethlehem West Chester, Bob Niederman, Christmas, Christmas tree, Crestview Presbyterian Church, Crestview Presbyterian Church A Night in Bethlehem, Crestview Presbyterian Church in West Chester, EnterTrainment Junction, EnterTrainment Junction train display, EnterTrainment Junction West Chester, Holiday, Journey to the North Pole, Liberty Township Christmas, Niederman Family Farm, Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Family Farm Liberty Township, Niederman Farm, Niederman Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Farm Liberty Township, Niederman's Family Farm, Santa Claus West Chester, Santa West Chester, West Chester Christmas, West Chester Christmas photos, West Chester photo gallery, West Chester photos

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.

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.

Niederman Farm’s Christmas Walk shines on - More than 1 million lights were turned on Friday when the Niederman Family Farm 12th annual Christmas Walk opened to the public. But one shining light is missing from this year’s display, which draws thousands of people each year.

Lakota West and Lakota East basketball teams make top 10 - The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at both Lakota West and Lakota East high schools made The Cincinnati Enquirer’s local coaches’ top 10 poll, which was released last Monday. The Lakota West boys’ program is the highest ranked team among the four, ranking No. 2 in the Division I poll.

WG Kitchen and Bar opens at Bridgewater Falls - Shauna Steigerwald reported for The Cincinnati Enquirer that the WG Kitchen and Bar at Bridgewater Falls Lifestyle Shopping Center in Fairfield Township opened for lunch at 11:30 a.m. last Monday. The 6,300-square-foot restaurant, wine bar and wine shop has a similar look and feel to The Wine Guy Bistro at Rookwood Pavilion.

Volunteers build a house for a 7-year-old’s family as she copes with cancer – Last Tuesday marked a new beginning for 7-year-old Yosselin Villatoro and her family. That’s because Yosselin, her 6-year-old brother, Freddy, and grandparents, Tammy and Keith Randall, moved into a new house built for the family by volunteers. Before they could move in, they were greeted Tuesday evening by 30 to 40 community members, who wanted to reveal the home they built for the family.

Third time stealing from employer gets woman prison - Former Dominion employee Cathleen Schmid of West Chester was sent to prison last week by Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Jerome Metz., Jr., for two years for stealing $214,717 from the company, Kimball Perry reported for The Cincinnati Enquirer. Dominion was the third employer she’s been convicted of stealing from but the first time she went to prison for it.

Butler County agrees to settlement with ex-director - Sheila McLaughlin of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the former executive director of Butler County Children Services who got the boot in an immediate reorganization of the embattled agency will be paid through Jan. 18 as part of a settlement with county commissioners.

Lakota class names hospital’s new surgical robot - With the help of a Lakota Plains Junior seventh grade science class, West Chester Hospital has a name for its new surgical robot – S.A.M. (Surgical Assisting Mechanism). Erin Middendorf’s class at Lakota Plains Junior School, which won the “Name the Robot” contest held in collaboration with the hospital and the school district, received a certificate signed by West Chester Hospital chief executive officer Dr. Kevin Joseph and chief operating officer Tom Daskalakis, as well as an iPad 2 for the classroom last Tuesday.

Clerk of Butler County Area Courts to return after retirement - The longtime clerk of Butler County Area Courts will retire this month to come back as a part-timer in February, allowing her to collect her pension as well as a salary, Sheila McLaughlin of The Cincinnati Enquirer reported last week. Butler County commissioners approved the Nov. 30 retirement of Debbie Bolser. She’ll be rehired on Feb. 1. In the interim, deputy clerk Melinda Parsons will fill in for Bolser.

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

Tags: Tags: Bob Niederman, da Vinci Si surgical robot, da Vinci Si surgical robot West Chester Hospital, Dr. Kevin Joseph, Hopewell Jr. School, Hopewell Junior, Kevin Joseph, Lakota East, Lakota Plains Jr. School, Lakota Plains Junior, Lakota West, Liberty Township Christmas, Niederman Family Farm, Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Family Farm Liberty Township, Niederman Farm, Niederman Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Farm Liberty Township, Niederman's Family Farm, STEAM2, West Chester Christmas, West Chester Hospital

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 will open for the 12th straight year Nov. 23, 2012, will do 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.

More than 1 million lights will be turned on Friday when the Niederman Family Farm 12th annual Christmas Walk opens to the public.

But one shining light will be missing from this year’s display, which draws thousands of people each year.

Bob Niederman, one of the founding family members of the event and the only son of Bob and Janet Niederman, died in December – midway through the unique event, which focuses on the Bible and the birth of Jesus Christ. Niederman, 45, died of cancer, leaving behind his wife, Bethann, and their five children.

“It has been a difficult year. It really has,” his father said. “He was always such an important part of this display from the very first year. Now, he is not here to help run things.

“But it proves one thing: We are not in control – God is.”

From his paintball course to his corn mazes to the football field he erected for local Pee Wee Football teams, the late Bob Niederman touched many lives in the region.

His visitation at Center Pointe Christian Church in Liberty Township attracted so many people that some waited in line five hours to pay their respects.

Bob and Janet Niederman stand outside the Nativity scene at the Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk. It was Bob who first thought of the idea, but he also leaned on his late son for advice on how to better run the family farm. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber Nov. 16, 2012.

Also in town that weekend was the Niedermans’ extended family. It marked the first time that all 16 grandchildren were together and the first time that some of them experienced the walk.

Seeing the faces of people who enjoyed the walk was extra special for grandson Brian Garver, who for eight years has led a group of volunteers setting up the event, only to return to his youth ministry in Pennsylvania before it begins.

This year, Garver and his team of 50 local volunteers set up the display in 10 days (Nov. 8-18).

“The thing that I miss is getting to see people’s faces when they walk into the barn and say how much they appreciate it,” Garver said. “I was able to see a little bit of that last year when I was back for Bob’s funeral. It was definitely bittersweet.”

In 2001, after the family spent thousands of dollars on three 400-amp transmitters to handle all the lights and on the purchase and refurbishing of life-sized Nativity figurines, the event began with the goal to spread the true meaning of Christmas.

“I can remember the first year, we had a man come in the barn crying,” Janet Niederman said. “He said, he hadn’t been to church for years and this was so meaningful. You hope that people would enjoy it in that respect and realize there is more to Christmas than just the commercial side of it.”

The barn also serves as an entertainment center, where volunteers perform holiday music and serve free cookies and hot chocolate.

“We always looked for a Christmas gift that we could give back to the community,” Garver said. “That is why we do this. It is our Christmas gift to the community.”

IF YOU GO

What: Niederman Family Farm 12th annual Christmas Walk, a free walk-through Christmas display that features a life-size Nativity and several Biblical scenes. In addition, there are hundreds of decorated trees and live animals.

When: Friday through Dec. 30; 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: 5110 LeSourdesville-West Chester Road, Liberty Township.

Directions: From Cincinnati, take Intersate 75 north to Exit 24 (Ohio 129 west); go 5.2 miles to Exit 21 (Ohio 747) toward Middletown. Turn right on Princeton-Glendale Road. Go 2.5 miles. Turn right on Kyles Station Road. Go left through roundabout onto Lesourdsville-West Chester Road; farm is on right (look for lighted arches),

Admission and parking: Free. A barn-shaped bank is available for visitors to leave a donation.

There’s more: In the barn, volunteers play holiday music, give out free cookies and free hot chocolate. The walking path is wheel chair and stroller accessible.

Information: 513-887-0725

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

Tags: Tags: Bob Niederman, Liberty Township Christmas, Niederman Family Farm, Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Family Farm Liberty Township, Niederman Farm, Niederman Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Farm Liberty Township, Niederman's Family Farm, West Chester Christmas

Below is the full article written by Sue Kiesewetter for the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Bob Niederman had two passions.

“He loved to farm, and he loved to have fun on the farm,’’ said Bethann Niederman, his wife of 23 years.

Niederman, 45, who died Wednesday after an eight-month battle with cancer, was the man whose paintball course, corn mazes and educational programs brought thousands of visitors to the family’s 214-acre farm to have fun.

To the children who came to the farm to learn about Butler County’s agricultural roots, he was known simply as “Farmer Bob.” To adults and his family, he was known for his sunny smile, “can do” attitude and problem-solving skills.

“He was a visionary. He worked through every crazy idea. He started the corn maze because he wanted to find someplace to play for the community,’’ his wife said. “He always said, ‘I can build that. I can make it or I can make it better.’ ”

And he did.

It was Niederman who diversified the cattle and dairy farm to bring in extra income. As the community became more suburban, it was Niederman who added barns to store boats and recreational vehicles.

When the local Pee Wee Football teams needed a place to play, Niederman built a field inside the hayfield around which his father erects the annual Christmas Walk Through the Bible display.

Except for his years at Ohio State University studying agriculture engineering, the 1984 Lakota High School graduate never left the family farm, raising his own five children in the house he grew up in. (more…)

Posted in: News |

Tags: Tags: Ashley Niederman, Bob Niederman, Niederman Family Farm, Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Family Farm Liberty Township, Niederman Farm, Niederman Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Farm Liberty Township, Niederman's Family Farm

The Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township, 4872 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road, opened its 11th annual Christmas walk to the public Friday. The display, which features nearly one million lights, will run through Dec. 30.

The Niederman Family Farm display features angels and life-size Nativity figurines. Visitors can also find 16 large oil paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New testaments.

What visitors won’t find – will be Santa’s sleigh, elves or red-nosed reindeers.

Like the first Christmas, there will be animals in two barns – donkeys, llamas, a pony, sheep and goats. Lights atop the larger barn alternate between displaying a red cross and a white star.

“I think people like to see a display where Christ is honored,” Janet Niederman told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We wanted to keep the Christmas meaning alive by having a Christian display.”

The idea for the project came from Janet’s husband, Bob. He talked with their four married children and grandchildren before deciding to move ahead.

“It was my husband’s vision 12 or 13 years ago to do this. He brainstormed with the family and tweaked the idea,” Niederman said. “We talked about what we wanted and how we wanted it to look.”

The couple got their first figurines at an auction from the late Carl Rudd, an Adams County farmer whose display drew thousands. Since the Niedermans’ first display opened in 2001, it has grown as each year the family added lights and other features. (more…)

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Liberty Township Christmas, Niederman Family Farm, Niederman Family Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Family Farm Liberty Township, Niederman Farm, Niederman Farm Christmas Walk, Niederman Farm Liberty Township, West Chester Christmas