Health + Wellness

Dental Hygienist Shortage

The dental industry is facing a growing challenge: a nationwide shortage of dental hygienists. Recently, West Chester Family Dentistry (WCFD) was recently featured on Local 12 News as part of a report discussing the issue and potential solutions. Our very own Dr. Phuoc Tran and dental hygienist Michele Helmers shared valuable insights on the topic, bringing attention to concerns within the profession and the importance of maintaining high-quality care for patients.What’s Causing the Dental...

Arts + Culture

Purposeful Painting

Turning Creativity into Compassion Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided In the Greater Cincinnati area, a brushstroke is more than a burst of color—it’s a symbol of hope. Founded in 2012 by Mari Knight and her husband Lou, Purposeful Painting blends art and local love through Co-Creation Artworks™. What began as a heartfelt holiday gesture—using their Christmas funds to help struggling friends—has blossomed into a thriving nonprofit organization. In 2024, through creative classes...

Arts + Culture

Artistic License

Liberty Township Ceramics Artist Effortlessly Crafts Something Special Article by Bill Furbee | Photography by Len Kaltman + Karen Eberhardt For 24 years, celebrated local artist Karen Eberhardt has been crafting ceramic creations and bringing brilliant, artistic—and quite functional—triumphs to the homes of neighbors and customers worldwide. But it almost didn’t happen, she admits.  “Ceramics came to me in a roundabout way,” Eberhardt says. After majoring in Fine Arts at University of...

Food + Beverage

Sweet Treats for Your Sweetheart

A Roundup of Local Desserts to Satisfy Your Valentine’s Sweet Tooth Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Provided This Valentine’s Day, satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet tooth with cookies, cakes or chocolates from one of West Chester and Liberty Township’s bakeries. Go with a traditional favorite or try something new; this is our roundup of fresh and local desserts to win your valentine’s heart and celebrate the season of love—no baking required.  Delicious Designs Cookies For tasty and...

Beauty

Beauty from Within

Beaux Mondes Salon and Spa Weaves Wellness + Beauty in a Tranquil Transformation Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Amanda Lippert Photography Beauty that comes from within is unstoppable. Confidence and joy glow through healthy hair, skin and nails. Beaux Mondes Salon and Spa in West Chester embraces the fact that beauty and wellness go hand in hand. New Owner Michelle Clapsaddle believes that when we feel our best, we look our best. She is leading the popular spa through a makeover...

Fitness

More Than a Workout

F3 Nation is Changing Men’s Lives Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Lowell Michelson On a cold, winter Saturday in West Chester, just before the sun is up, 15 local men are gathering at the Union Centre clocktower to work out. The guys of F3 Nation are pumped to greet the day and each other for an hour of sweat therapy. More than 5,000 groups of men like this one will meet in 410 regions around the world at various times throughout the week to exercise together. Not only are they...

Sports + Recreation

Fencing Finesse

Regional Fencing Tournament En Garde at Liberty Center Article by Mike Burcham | Photography by Provided by USA Fencing A unique event is coming to Liberty Township in February. The Queen City Cup youth fencing tournament is making its Butler County debut at Liberty Center, showcasing the finesse and skill of this strategic sport. “We’re thrilled that the Queen City Cup fencing tournament will be hosted in Butler County in 2025,” said Kathryn Rawlinson, vice president of marketing and...

Health + Wellness

Breathe Easier

The American Lung Association is Creating a Healthier Future for Southwest Ohio Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided by American Lung Association The American Lung Association (ALA) has been a steadfast advocate for lung health, addressing respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer. With a mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, the organization’s work impacts communities across the country, including right here in Southwest Ohio. From...

Life + Culture

Wrap it Up

Pro Tips to Make Your Holiday Packages Shine Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography Some argue that the best gifts come in small packages, while others claim that the most memorable presents come under gigantic bows. When it comes to holiday gift-giving, presentation matters. We turn to professional gift wrapper Amber Blakley, founder of Westfield Wrapper, for her tips to make your holiday packages shine this giving season.  Stock a Wrapping Station Prepare...

Life + Culture

Christmas Cheer

Kids 'N Cops Program Strengthens Community Bonds During the Holidays Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided by West Chester Township The holiday season can be a time of joy and togetherness, but for some families and children, it can also bring challenges. To spread cheer and ensure every child feels special, West Chester’s Kids ’N Cops program—part of a national initiative by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)—works to make a difference. Each year, officers from the West Chester...