Centerville, OH October 2023

Live In e Bethany Village

Savor the Season

Welcome fall! With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most flavor-packed issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite spots around town and ideas for you to try at home.

Part of the tradition of cooking is bringing people together through sharing family recipes and culture. Local entrepreneur, Spiro Collias, embodies this belief every day. Discover how tradition and legacy have inspired him to bring olive oil from his family estate in Greece to store shelves here in Centerville. Don’t forget to try some tasty recipes as well!

I’m a big fan of cooking shows like Top Chef. It amazes me how they take simple ingredients and create mouthwatering culinary masterpieces. While I may never reach their level, I remind myself they are professional chefs using top of the line equipment. If your kitchen is holding you back from releasing your inner chef, look no further than Kitchens by Design. Take a look at a recent local renovation as their expert team shares trends for kitchen remodel projects.

If you’re planning to get out of the house for a drink or a meal, we have you covered. Get your tastebuds ready as we take you around our community with fun ideas for a date night or sharing a brew with friends.

In a world of abundance, there are still those who struggle with food insecurity. One local organization is working to combat this and provide for those in need. We sat down with First Dawn Food Pantry to learn about their outreach and how the community can support their mission to serve more local families.

We hope this issue inspires you to cook up something great in your home and enjoy all of the wonderful culinary options in the Centerville area. Bon Appétit!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen Andrea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nina Weierman, Rod Bluhm, Nan Paraskevopoulos, Amanda Stout

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kelly Settle-Kelly Ann Photography, Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography, Christina Littleton Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER @CENTERVILLELIFESTYLE

Coming Together to Fight Hunger

From Ideas to

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

8: The final 2023 Party in the Park was held at Stubbs Park on August 11. 9: The City of Centerville and the Heart of Centerville and Washington Twp. sponsored the event. 10: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band performed for a large crowd at the pavilion. 11: The Humane Society of Greater Dayton 12th annual Fore Paws Golf Classic was on August 28. 12: Golfers enjoyed playing 18 holes at NCR Country Club while furry spectators looked on. 13: Breakfast and lunch were included in the outing along with raffles and prizes. 14: Proceeds benefited animals in need supported by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

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October 21–January 14, 2024

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

FOUNDING

ELM Foundation

BENEFACTOR

Linda Black-Kurek Family Foundation

The Berry Family Foundation/ Elizabeth Gray Fund

PATRON

Linda Lombard & Paul Marshall

DIRECTOR

Carolyn Brethen

SUPPORTING

PNC

PROMOTING

Martha & Mark Shaker

MEDIA PROMOTING

SPONSOR

ThinkTV PBS

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Kim Dinsmore & David London

Nora & Robert Newsock University of Dayton

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Ghost Walk on Main Fundraiser Returns on October 10

Gather your friends and join Centerville-Washington History for a haunted history walk through Uptown Centerville! At Benham’s Grove before your tour, shop Heart of Centerville & Washington Township (HCWT) vendors and enjoy dinner and beverages on the patio. Then experience visiting owls from the Glen Helen Raptor Center, historical reenactments, new stories and a shortened walk. This annual event benefits Friends of Washington-Centerville Public Library, Centerville-Washington History and a charity of choice for the HCWT businesses. CentervilleWashingtonHistory.org

Toulouse-Lautrec: The Birth of Modern Paris Exhibition at DAI

Known internationally as one of the leading Post-Impressionists, the art of ToulouseLautrec explores the cabarets, race tracks, music halls, circuses and cafés of bohemian Paris in the late 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec: The Birth of Modern Paris features the artist’s remarkable achievements in printmaking that blend modern life with the flowing lines of Art Nouveau. See the exhibition at the Dayton Art Institute October 21, 2023-January 14, 2024. For more information, visit DaytonArtInstitute.org

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Friends of Washington-Centerville Public Library Host Fall Book Sale

The Friends of the Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) will hold a fall book sale October 19-21 at the Centerville Library. The sale features thousands of books and AV materials in pristine condition and is a major fundraiser for the Friends of WCPL. The Friends of WCPL has funded more than $260,000 in library grant projects including special exhibits and events, facilities improvements, Creativity Commons equipment and much more. For sale times and information, visit WCLibrary.info .

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Centerville

Coming Together to Fight Hunger

First Dawn Food Pantry works with volunteers and donors to serve families in the community.

First Dawn Food Pantry is located on the lower level of Restoration Church in Centerville. This community outreach program began under prior leadership and has continued to grow with new guidance. Current Executive Director Mike Garland and Deputy Director Deanna Arellano run the organization like a well-oiled machine with the help of volunteers and donations from the community.

Mike and Deanna have combined their talents for about three years. Mike explains, “We work well together. She does a lot of day-to-day operations and manages volunteers while I manage funding, do outreach and work with other pantries and the local foodbank.”

First Dawn is an income-based choice food pantry that serves 18 zip codes in the Dayton area. Shoppers must provide photo identification and proof of address. Once registered, shoppers are assisted throughout the process by a volunteer. Foods are grouped and marked with a color card system to designate what each shopper may select based on their family size. Offerings include canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and meats. Pet foods, diapers and cleaning supplies are also available.

The food pantry serves the community on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Families may shop monthly. Deanna shares, “We just make them feel comfortable. We don't judge anybody and we're here to help.”

First Dawn Food Pantry was founded in 2015 and has served more than 100,000 meals to more than 11,000 people since. Tears of joy are a regular occurrence.

One shopper comments, “I’m so very grateful for these lovely people and those who offer food and necessities for distribution by the pantry. Thank you so much and God bless you all!”

First Dawn relies heavily on continual donations from individuals and local businesses. Current sponsors include Dorothy Lane Market, Bill’s Donuts and

Philly Pretzel Factory. Centerville Police and Moraine Police, Fire and Administration have also given tremendous support with monetary donations or food drives. First Dawn is currently seeking dairy, meat and produce sponsors.

“We've been very blessed with a lot of donations, but it's an ongoing and constant process,” says Mike.

He also coordinates with other local food pantries. If one food pantry has more cereal than they need and another is overrun with tomato sauce, they will arrange to balance their stock.

First Dawn Food Pantry gets assistance from multiple churches and organizations through Hope4 Centerville Washington Township. “A church or organization adopts us each month and they do a food drive which is amazing,” states Deanna.

The Centerville Noon Optimist Haunted Trail is an annual boon to the pantry typically garnering eight to ten barrels of donations. The event will be held October 10-11 this year at Countryside Park.

Grace’s Place is a monthly dinner at Restoration Church allowing pantry shoppers and volunteers to join together in fellowship over a meal. Grace’s Place serves more than 70 people on the third Thursday of each month from March to December except for November. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving meal is served and is open to the entire community.

You can help by donating, volunteering, holding a food drive or sponsoring a specific pantry need. Food, monetary and gift card donations can be made at Restoration Church Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Non-perishable donations can be dropped off inside Bill’s Donuts 24 hours a day.

RestorationCenterville.org/First-Dawn

“We just make them feel comfortable. We don't judge anybody and we're here to help,” shares Deanna.

From Ideas to Installation

DISCOVER THE LATEST KITCHEN TRENDS AND SEAMLESS REMODELING SOLUTIONS WITH KITCHENS BY DESIGN.

From birthdays to holidays and family dinners, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Since it’s often where we spend the most quality time with our family and friends, it’s understandable kitchens are one of the most remodeled rooms in a house aside from bathrooms. That being said, a full kitchen remodel can quickly become overwhelming as there are so many choices to make from appliances to faucets, backsplashes, flooring, cabinets, countertops and more.

This is where Kitchens by Design (KBD) comes into play. In business for the past 30 years and locally owned, managed and operated by the Moran and Haywood families, KBD is a one-stop shop for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. “We provide ‘idea to results’ service,” shares Calvin Moran, vice president of Go2-Pros and Kitchens By Design.

KBD clients meet with a design team member at their home, then visit the showroom to review a proposal and select materials. There is a preconstruction meeting with the project manager and the lead installer on the project who will carry them through the completion of the work.

The goal for this streamlined process is to help put the homeowner at ease and ultimately exceed their expectations for the remodel once completed. “As full-service providers, we can take a lot of running around off the client’s plate. There is no need to run

from cabinet supplier to flooring to paint to lighting. We handle it all including the installation,” explains Calvin.

KBD clients often rave about the professionalism of the craftsmen and the ease of working with them. Centerville residents Mike and Cara Berkshire, whose kitchen is pictured here, say that their experience with KBD was both fun and comforting. “Our designer did an excellent job of making our vision a reality by guiding us through selections and by asking about our goals,” shares Mike.

At KBD, they understand that as families evolve, so do their needs and expectations from their living spaces. That is why they are attuned to the current trends in kitchen design. Here are just a few of the trends to keep an eye out for:

1. EMBRACING GATHERINGS

The traditional concept of formal dining is making way for a more inclusive approach to kitchen design. Families are tearing down walls to create open-concept spaces that seamlessly integrate kitchens and gathering areas. This design philosophy fosters a sense of togetherness, allowing hosts to engage with guests while whipping up culinary delights. The kitchen is no longer just a cooking zone but a hub for interaction and shared experiences.

2. OPEN SHELVING ELEGANCE

Gone are the days of bulky wall cabinets dominating kitchen walls. Open shelving is taking center stage, offering a minimalist and airy alternative. These shelves not only provide functional storage but also serve as platforms for displaying cherished kitchenware and decorative items. The result is a kitchen that exudes openness and a touch of personalized style.

3. STATIONS FOR SEAMLESS FUNCTIONALITY

In response to the demands of modern households, kitchen layouts are evolving into functional stations. From coffee bars to baking stations and prep islands, this trend makes multitasking a breeze. This layout innovation transforms the kitchen into a harmonious space where multiple cooks can work in tandem without stepping on each other's toes.

4. THE ISLAND RENAISSANCE

Islands are no longer just an afterthought but integral to contemporary kitchen designs. These versatile structures maximize floor plan space that might otherwise remain unused. Island designs cater to diverse needs. School-aged children find a spot to do their homework, guests gather around for casual conversations and hosts utilize them for serving buffets during entertaining events. Islands seamlessly blend utility with social engagement, epitomizing the modern kitchen's adaptability.

Whether it's the fluidity of open spaces, the elegance of open shelving, the functionality of stations or the multipurpose potential of islands, KBD is a comprehensive solution center for bringing your kitchen dreams to life. For more information on what Kitchens by Designs offers, stop by their showroom or visit MyKBD.com .

Kitchens By Design

3105 Wilmington Pike, Kettering 937.294.2121 | MyKBD.com

“As full-service providers, we can take a lot of running around off the client’s plate. We handle it all including the installation.” - Calvin Moran, vice president of Go2-Pros and Kitchens By Design.

farm-to-table excellence

LOCAL GREEK ENTREPRENEUR SHARES CENTURIES-OLD OLIVE OIL TRADITION.

In the Greater Dayton area an exquisite farm-totable experience awaits local food enthusiasts. Spiro Collias, a Greek entrepreneur with a rich history rooted in the ‘Xenia’ - the ancient tradition of enthusiastic generosity, especially to strangers - has embarked on a journey to bring the essence of his family's ancestral olive groves to American tables. With his estate-grown, single-origin Greek premium extra virgin olive oil,

BY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHY LYONS–LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Spiro is redefining culinary excellence.

Spiro's story is one of passion and commitment. The Agia Marina olive oil, pronounced as "ah-YEE-uh marina," is a testament to the legacy of the Collias family. With more than a century of heritage, the 350 olive trees on Spiro's farm have stood witness to generations. These trees, cultivated with expert care and genuine affection, yield olives that are transformed into liquid gold: premium extra virgin olive oil.

In 2019, Spiro introduced his exclusive line of olive oil. The journey from his family farm in Crete to Ohio has been marked by dedication and attention to detail. He takes pride in personally

overseeing every aspect of production, frequently traveling back and forth from his home in Springboro across the Atlantic to ensure that the quality of the olive oil remains unparalleled. The result is a product that encapsulates the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean landscape.

Agia Marina olive oil strikes a beautiful balance between earthy and lively, making it a versatile companion to various culinary creations. Whether drizzled over a salad to enhance the freshness of the greens, paired with crusty bread for a rustic appetizer or used as a finishing touch to roasted vegetables, the oil elevates each dish with its depth and character.

“This is pure, single-origin olive oil. Other companies mix olives from trees on different farms, harvested at different levels of ripeness. I oversee every step of the process, and you’re not getting better oil than this,” says Spiro. Tourists have the remarkable opportunity to see the process firsthand. From about November 15 to December 15, Collias Estates provides free hotel rooms in Chania, Crete in exchange for helping with the harvest. Guests just have to book in advance and provide their transportation to the island.

“This oil is unique to the land and the climate, and my specific grove. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the ocean in one of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece,” says Spiro.

While olive oil is the flagship product of Collias Estate's samplings, their other offerings are worthy contenders. In keeping with the delicacy Spiro brings to his oil, he offers pure sea salt that can be crumbled between the fingers, aromatic Greek oregano dried on the vine and handmade olive-and-coconut oil soap gentle enough for the face and rich enough for the body.

With each bottle of Agia Marina olive oil, Spiro shares a connection, embracing the essence of kinship that resonates across oceans and time. The olive oil in each dish reflects ‘Xenia’ itself - imbuing each bite with a legacy of hospitality, and a tradition of sharing the best of what life has to offer. Collias Estates goods are available at Dot's Market at Cross Pointe and shipped throughout the United States from their online shop at AgiaMarinaOliveOil.com

dressing ingredients:

Spiro’s Greek Salad directions:

• 1/2 cup Collias Estates

Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 2 teaspoons, Collias Estates handpicked sea salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

salad ingredients:

• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 block feta cheese

• Fresh herbs of choice for serving: parsley, thyme (optional)

1. Mix dressing ingredients together and set aside.

2. Prepare salad ingredients and place in a serving bowl.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad.

4. Serving Suggestion: Keep the block of feta whole. Place in the center, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Break it up with a fork and mix into the salad when ready to eat.

Agia Marina Mediterranean Roasted Potatoes

ingredients:

• 4 large Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes, cubed

• 1/3 cup Collias Estates Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 Tablespoons Collias Estates handpicked sea salt

• 2 teaspoons oregano

• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for five minutes.

3. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the potatoes.

4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

A Night Out in Centerville

The Centerville area is blessed to have a wonderful variety of restaurants, breweries and other establishments to choose from for a night out. Whether you’re looking for a sitdown dinner date, good company and a couple of brews or a stroll with ice cream, we have you covered with the following area favorites.

THE FAMOUS RESTAURANT

An ever-changing menu including fresh takes on burgers and wings makes The Famous Restaurant unique. An extensive selection of drinks in a comfortable environment makes it a perfect destination for a casual night out. Try the Famous burger which comes with a butterflied hotdog, white cheddar cheese and more. TheFamousRestaurant.com

CHIAPAS MEXICAN GRILL

Chiapas Mexican Grill offers traditional Mexican food served with flair. This quaint restaurant boasts a large menu featuring Mexican favorites, desserts and beverages. Save room for flan or tres leches cake. ChiapasMexicanGrillOh.com

The local community offers numerous unique, delicious options for a night out on the town.

CHAPPY’S SOCIAL HOUSE

Turn the lights down at Chappy’s Social House. A quiet night out can be found in a booth for two. The rotating menu of beers complements the cuisine that includes beer-battered chicken and cod. Chappy’s also has a variety of events and promotions such as Chappy Hour and Taco Tuesday. ChappysSocialHouse.com

OLD BAG OF NAILS

If you crave seafood, Old Bag of Nails is your place for fish and chips or a shrimp po’boy.  Check out their wings with your choice of eight different sauces. An array of drinks and weekly promotions add to the appeal of this pub. Enjoy the atmosphere and finish up your meal with their famous carrot cake. OldBagofNails.com

GOLDIE’S FLAVORED SOFT SERVE

Recent Poet of the Year in Ohio and local resident Erica Manto Paulson suggests a different direction for your evening, “We love locally owned Goldie’s Soft Serve! There are dozens of carefully crafted flavors to choose from on the soft serve exclusive menu. Plus the owners of Goldies are committed to family and community and believe life is better with a family dog. We couldn’t agree more!” GoldiesSoftServe.com

LOOSE ENDS BREWING COMPANY

In-house brewed craft beers and an artisan menu make Loose Ends Brewing a great spot to hang out. Fare ranges from small plates to burgers and salads. If you order one of their charity beers, all proceeds are donated to a nonprofit organization. Add a little spice to your night with the Red Rock Chorizo Burger. LooseEndsBrewing.com

LOCK 27 BREWING CENTERVILLE BREWPUB

When you drive by Lock 27 Brewing in Centerville you’ll notice their outdoor patio is always full. Lock 27 offers rotating craft beers that include flagship, core, seasonal and specialty brews. The pierogies are a great place to begin your food selections. If you are looking for a fun night, check out trivia on Mondays or boneless wing Wednesdays. Lock27Brewing.com

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with this simple recipe.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice cream.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Spring Valley Potato Festival

BLEDSOE PARK | 8:00 AM

The 45th Spring Valley Potato Festival kicks off with the 5K Tater-Trot at 8 a.m. Arts and crafts booths and the farmers' markets open at 9 a.m. A full schedule of events includes a mashed potato tug-o-war, bike parade, kiddie tractor pull and children’s games. For the complete schedule see SpringValleyOh.com

Pumpkin Giveaway

COLDWELL BANKER HERITAGE - YANKEE CENTER | 9:00 AM

The Coldwell Banker Heritage 34th Annual Pumpkin Giveaway is back again for the season. Stop by their office at 8534 Yankee Street in Centerville on October 7th between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to pick up your pumpkin. ColdwellBankerisHome.com

Optimist Haunted Trail

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP RECPLEX COUNTRYSIDE PARK | 7:00 PM

The trails of Countryside Park will be filled with ghouls and goblins for this free event. Guides will lead kids down the frightening path. You are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to benefit First Dawn Food Pantry. The fun begins at 7 p.m. and is recommended for ages 8-16. CentervilleNoonOptimist.com

Cooking can be fun for all ages! Check out our food and drink catalog, with everything from cookbooks for kids and Fun with Frosting programs to A to Z Foods America database and cooking audiobooks for adults! Visit wclibrary.info to begin your next culinary adventure!

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Join the countless others who've found Lindner Center of HOPE.

OCTOBER

CPD Blood Drive

CENTERVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT | 3:30 PM

A blood drive will be held at the Centerville Police Department in partnership with the Community Blood Center October 18 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Blood Center is the chief provider of blood to hospitals in the area. Advanced registration is required. To register visit CentervilleOhio.gov

Fall Family Adventure

WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK | 5:00 PM

The whole family will enjoy a walk through the prairie, folk tales and live music. Explore the gardens of Wegerzyn and meet animal ambassadors. Games, crafts, face painting and a marshmallow roast will also be part of the fun! Goodie bags and refreshments will be available to all visitors. MetroParks.com

OCTOBER

Meet Your Parks Series

CONCEPT PARK | 9:30 AM

Gather with neighbors at Concept Park for light refreshments and park information. Attendees ages 16 and up will learn about the history and features of the park. The event will be held October 27 at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required for this free program and can be done at CWPD.org