Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

Centerville Revamps Uptown S P O R T S + R E C R E ATI O N C EN T ERVI L L E BASK E T BAL L WI NS S TAT E C HA M PI O NSH I P LI F E + C U LTU R E N E W C H RIS T M AS T R AD I T I O NS F RO M AC RO S S T H E U. S .

Compassionate Care, Comfort, and Support.

Assisted Living Memory Care at Bethany Village Pavilion Assisted Living Memory Care provides compassionate care for the ultimate peace of mind. Residents living with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia participate in a range of innovative memory care programs designed to fit their interests and enhance their quality of life.

At Pavilion, your loved one will enjoy: ~ Soothing, secure environment with modern suites and spaces ~ Music, art, and pet therapy programs to encourage self-expression, including the Scripps Opening Minds through Art which provides opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for people with dementia ~ Conversation programs to prompt communication and connection ~ Movement-based activities to exercise the body and mind ~ Resident turn down service to promote relaxation at bedtime ~ Dedicated nurse on site 24/7 and a social worker to support residents and families

Arrange your private tour today! (937) 433-2110 BethanyAssistedLiving.org

Schedule a Short-term Stay at Bethany Village! We’re proud to offer respite care, enabling your loved one to experience life in our beautiful community and access the same personal care, services, and support as our full-time assisted living and memory care residents.

Find your passion. Find your people. Find your mentor. Find your future.

wright.edu/now

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Greg Scott | greg.scott@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy Holidays, South Dayton! THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS IN FULL SWING.

Jennifer Lorenzetti | jennifer.lorenzetti@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Zane Smith

Some of you may have attended the Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival. Hopefully you visited with family and friends at Thanksgiving. Remember, this is

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Seth Pollock, Ally Straczek

also a good time to embrace someone who is less fortunate. As we journey through the last month of 2021, we should all take stock of what is truly important. Given the trying times we have endured—and the toll they have taken on our economy—it is essential to appreciate and support local businesses and programs. Speaking of local business, in this issue of South Dayton Lifestyle, you will read Jennifer Lorenzetti’s story about a major project for Uptown Centerville that promises to make shopping in the city an even more enjoyable experience. The city has unveiled plans to revamp its Uptown area, which will include business development, events, improved parking and walkability. Of course, the City of Centerville can reflect on a state championship, thanks to its boys’ basketball team. Seth Pollock’s story describes how the defending state champion

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Centerville Elks became one of the premier basketball programs in the state of Ohio.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Lastly, we know the holidays are about tradition. Ally Straczek’s piece highlights

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

how the season is celebrated nationwide. This piece may intrigue you to a point of

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

following suit. You’ll also read how some of our community partners celebrate the

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

holidays with each other and their customers.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

There is plenty to celebrate this holiday season. We hope you take joy in everything our community has to offer. Happy holidays to each and every one of you. And remember…please support our local businesses and shop local! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Greg Scott, Publisher

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CUCUMBER KEY PHOTOGRAPHY 4

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

Proverbs 3:5-6 South Dayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Dayton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in South Dayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 16 Back for More Centerville Elks Become Basketball State Champs

20 Centerville Revamps Uptown Plans to Make Uptown More Pedestrian Friendly

22 New Holiday Traditions Six Ways to Sprinkle More Holiday Magic into 2021!

26 Gratefully Giving Away After a Successful Campaign Last Year, Lifestyle Publications Is Giving $300,000 to Recipients in Need This

22 26

Christmas Season and Beyond...and We Need Your Help!

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Local Limelight

22 Trend Setter 26 Giving Back 30 DIY 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Artist’s Palette

GOOD TIMES

Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest It’s a flashback to the end of summer, when the Dayton Art Institute held its annual Oktoberfest. We can tell by the smiles that a good time was had by all!

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

Homearama 2021 This year’s Homearama featured new ideas in home construction and interior design. Photo credit: Home Builders Association of Dayton

Ralston Crawford: Air + Space + War

NOW OPEN—LIMITED ENGAGEMENT! Ralston Crawford (American, 1906–1978), Bomber, 1944, oil on canvas. Vilcek Collection, VF2016.03.02

Ralston Crawford: Air + Space + War was organized by the Vilcek Foundation in collaboration with the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the Dayton Art Institute.

: Stories of Emotion NOW OPEN—LIMITED ENGAGEMENT! Norman Rockwell (American, 1894–1978), Study for Artist Facing Blank Canvas (Deadline), 1938, oil on board. Private collection

Plan your visit at daytonartinstitute.org CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

AROUND TOWN came into people’s homes as story illustrations and on covers for periodicals such as American Magazine and The Saturday Evening Post. While few saw his original art, Rockwell became a household name beginning in the 1920s, through reproductions of his work, which also appeared on advertisements, posters, and calendars.

DAYTON ART INSTITUTE PROMOTES ELAINE GOUNARIS TO INTERIM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has promoted Elaine Gounaris to interim development director for the museum. Gounaris served as DAI’s sponsorship &

WOODLAND LIGHTS RETURNS

special events manager for the past eight years. As sponsorship & special events manager,

On November 19, Woodland Lights will opened for

Gounaris has been the chief fundraiser for the muse-

its 29th season as the Miami Valley’s premier holiday

um’s three signature events—Bourbon & Bubbles,

lights festival. The event includes returning favorites

Art Ball, and Oktoberfest—and helped raise more

such as horse drawn carriage rides, festival food, and

than $1.9 million in sponsorships for those events.

visits with Santa Claus in his historic log cabin.

She has also overseen the event management for

The festival is open Friday through Sunday,

both Art Ball and Oktoberfest, as well as helping

November 19 through December 19, and nightly from

develop and launch the popular Bourbon & Bubbles

December 20 through December 30. The festival

event, which sold out each of its first three years.

is closed December 24 and 25. Hours of operation

Gounaris has served as the main staff liaison to the

are 6-9pm, with the entry gates closing at 8:30pm.

museum’s 64-person associate board and helped

Festival location is at Countryside Park on the recre-

guide this volunteer group in its efforts to assist with

ation campus, 895 Miamisburg Centerville Rd.

organizing and carrying out Art Ball and Oktoberfest.

NORMAN ROCKWELL: STORIES OF EMOTION ON VIEW AT DAYTON ART INSTITUTE The Focus Exhibition Norman Rockwell: Stories of Emotion is on view at Dayton Art Institute through February 13. This intimate exhibition features a dozen original works by America’s most beloved illustrator.

She has 25 years of experience in fundraising, event production, and volunteer management. A resident of Oakwood, Gounaris has served on the Wright Library Foundation board for nearly four years, most recently as its president, helping the foundation achieve its $1.5 million capital campaign goal.

CENTERVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES TEXT-TO-911 PROGRAM

The featured works in Norman Rockwell: Stories

The dispatch center for the Centerville Police

of Emotion—including 12 original paintings and

Department can now accept text messages

drawings, three lithographs, and other Rockwell

through its 911 system. Anyone within the city lim-

related items—highlight the artist’s ability to

its of Centerville or West Carrollton can now text

express emotion to showcase universal human

directly with 911 dispatchers for help.

themes. Additional works by other artists help put

“Voice 911 calls are still preferred, but texting offers

Rockwell’s work in a broader, art-historical context.

another option for those with hearing impairments

A master at picturing the poignant moment

or who cannot safely call 911. It is best to remember:

that can tell a complete story, Norman Rockwell

Call when you can, text when you can’t,” Centerville

has long been celebrated for his humor and

Police Department Chief Matt Brown said.

artistic skill. A talented artist with a keen eye for

To use the texting feature, the texter needs to

detail, Rockwell was America’s premier illustra-

text “911” in the “to” field of a new text message and

tor for more than six decades. Before television

include the location and nature of the emergency

Rockwell’s colorful and entertaining images

in the “message” field. The texter should expect CONTINUED >

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

Everything in its place.

Garage Cabinets • Custom Closets Entryway Storage • Laundry Organizers • Residential & Commercial

7678 McEwen Rd. Dayton OH 45459 937-228-2628 | gfcohio.com 937-519-4094 | daytondesignerclosets.com

Professional-Grade Garage Flooring • Epoxy Floor Systems

AROUND TOWN to answer additional questions from the 911 dispatcher until help arrives. If the text for help is sent from outside the geographical boundaries of Centerville or West Carrollton, the sender will receive an autopopulated response indicating that the service is not available. It is then recommended to make a voice 911 call.

“HOLLY DAYS” RETURNS TO THE DAYTON ARCADE The Dayton Arcade’s Rotunda will once again be decked with boughs of holly for this year’s festive holiday celebration, “Holly Days 2021.” This year’s three-day event, organized by Cross Street Partners and Culture Works, will bring back some of the same nostalgia that powered the past Holly Days. “Holly Days 2021” will incorporate the newly restored Rotunda event space as a food and artisan market, perfect for shopping locally this holiday season. The Contemporary Dayton will also have its Holiday Gift Gallery available, with a focus on multicultural artists, woman creators, and sustainable items. Holiday décor and surprises will be sure to delight Daytonians of all ages. Photo: Laura Mckenzie Waters

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/SouthDayton using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

WINTER AND REVEL WINTER IS A TIME TO ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WHILE USHERING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you are enjoying one of the many festive activities our city has to offer or spending time with loved ones, the memories made will be cherished.

SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS AND EVENTS + Woodland Lights in Washington Township is a popular choice for families who want to take a walk through a magical land of lights, rides, live animals, and, of course, Santa. Countryside Park + The Clifton Mill Christmas lights are an extravaganza of millions of lights decorating the historic mill and its environment. 75 Water St., Clifton, OH + Light Up Middletown is a driving tour through a 100-acre park. Smith Park + Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods is a drive-through tour of a mile of holiday displays. Sharon Woods + The Christmas Light Show at Coney Island is worth the trip, featuring light displays synchronized to holiday music on your radio. Coney Island, Cincinnati 14

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

Plan Today for Your Holiday Meals and Gift Giving!

the Ultra Premium Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar E S TA B L I S H E D I N 2 0 1 2 original

Gourmet Pantry Food, Beauty Products, Unique Gift Sets In-Person and Virtual Wine Tastings and Boutique Wine Cellar*

Visit thespicyolive.com for online orders and recipes Sign up for our newsletter. Receive recipes, gift ideas, wine events and more! 7671 Cox Lane off of Tylersville Rd. 513.847.4397 *Wine Cellar @ The Spicy Olive

Great Holiday Gift Selection ORDER TODAY! A N LL EW

West Chester

The Spicy Olive’s Simple Brined Basted Turkey

Montgomery

Montgomery Sq. Shopping Ctr. 9901 Montgomery Rd. 513.376.9061

D UR AR YO S C D S AD INE S U B

Oakwood

The Shoppes of Oakwood 2510 Far Hills Ave. 937.247.5969

Scan for recipe

November Flavors of the Month: Fig Balsamic and Herbs de Provence Olive Oil

We are the only Ultra Premium Olive Oil Specialty Retailer in Cincinnati & Dayton • TheSpicyOlive.com •

Mathnasium will give your child an edge in math, and that leads to improved confidence overall. We give students the personalized instruction they need to accelerate their math skills and have a successful school year. Our expert instructors don’t just teach students to memorize or calculate; they teach them to truly understand the way math works. Which is why Mathnasium students make huge strides in the classroom and become more motivated and selfassured overall. Join over a million parents who have trusted Mathnasium to build their children’s confidence and transform their math skills. Our live, face-to-face instruction is offered both in-center and online. Cont act us t oday for a free assessment .

You’ll see a change in more than their math skills.

Beavercreek

(937) 306-8855 3899 Indian Ripple mathnasium.com/ beavercreek

Centerville

(937) 496-5874 977 S Main mathnasium.com/ centerville

Springboro

(937) 350-5459 786 N Main mathnasium.com/ springboro

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Back for More ARTICLE SETH POLLOCK

CENTERVILLE ELKS BECOME BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPS

ON MARCH 21, 2021, CENTERVILLE WAS THE

Brook Cupps said. “Nobody was worried about

BASKETBALL CENTER OF THE STATE OF

what they looked like or worried about how many

OHIO. That night years of hard work culminated

minutes they played. It was just complete joy and

in the Elks’ first ever state championship, a 43-42

celebration with each other.”

win over Westerville Central in the Division I

With four returning starters from that champion-

Boys title game at UD Arena. That night will live

ship team, expectations are once again high for the

forever in the memories of the players, their fam-

Elks. Their roster includes some names that you’ll

ilies, and their fans. “It was pure joy,” head coach

be seeing at the next level before too long. Senior

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

Tom House is a Florida State commit; senior Rich Rolf has

the results of every single game. “Our goal was never to

multiple Division I offers, including Toledo and Eastern

win the state championship,” Cupps said. “Our goal was

Kentucky; and junior Gabe Cupps’ (Brook Cupps’ son)

to attack every opportunity with purpose and maximize

offer list includes Ohio State, Indiana, and Michigan.

the level of our team.” That attitude is a focal point of

But while fans may be looking at schedules and marking

every decision the program makes. “We are definitely a

up likely wins and losses, Cupps says that years of coach-

process oriented program, where we surrender the out-

ing have led him to realize that focusing on the process of

come. We’re going to embrace the best process we can;

building his team is more important than obsessing over

and we’re going to trust that that’s going to give us the CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

“The guys we have are very motivated and driven to continue to perform at a really high level.” best shot at the outcome we want, knowing it doesn’t

part in the Premier Health Flyin’ to the Hoop High School

guarantee anything.” While he understands why com-

Basketball Invitational at Trent Arena, where they’ll face

placency could set in after reaching the mountaintop,

talented Southern California Academy.

Cupps believes his team is fully committed to continu-

Whatever the scoreboard says, Coach Cupps will

ing the work that brought them to the top. “The guys

continue to practice his philosophy. “We’re just going

we have are very motivated and driven to continue to

to get back to work, try to maximize this group, stay

perform at a really high level.”

uncomfortable, keep growing, and become the best

The Elks begin their title defense on December 3, at Springfield High School. On January 16, they’ll be taking

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

team this group can be.”

1-on-1 assisted stretching Stretching is for Every Body and Everybody. Stretching is for everyone of all ages, shapes and sizes. Stretching especially when done consistently and effectively by trained professionals, can help increase mobility, decrease the risk of injury, improve sports performance as well as overall wellness.

Call the Studio & Book Your $49 Intro-Stretch Today! 999 S. Main St. Centerville, OH 45458 centerville@stretchlab.com | stretchlab.com

937.221.96o9

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

“THE FIRST IMPROVEMENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE INTERSECTION OF MAIN AND FRANKLIN STREETS, THE CENTER OF THE UPTOWN AREA.”

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

ARTICLE JENNIFER LORENZETTI PHOTOGRAPHY KATE BOSTDORFF

PLANS TO MAKE UPTOWN MORE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY

CENTERVILLE

REVAMPS UPTOWN WHEN MIKE NORTON-SMITH BECAME DEVELOPMENT

however, the city is back on track. A steering committee made up

DIRECTOR FOR CENTERVILLE IN 2018, HE STARTED HIS

of urban planning and engineering firms met and gave recommen-

TENURE IN THE JOB WITH A BIG WALK AROUND THE

dations about how to bring Centerville up to date, while keeping its

UPTOWN DISTRICT. He visited stores, restaurants, and

historic charm.

other businesses, and he asked them how they were doing.

The first improvements will take place at the intersection of Main

The answer was “not well.” Businesses reported trou-

and Franklin streets, the center of the Uptown area. Norton-Smith

ble with traffic, parking availability, and a general lack of

says the plan will increase the green space in the area, encouraging

“pedestrian friendliness.” These factors were at least partly

visitors to “stay in the district awhile” to shop and eat. The intention is

responsible for a gradual reduction in the number of retail

to attract new businesses that fit with the character of the community.

establishments, from 12 to 14 down to two or three. Clearly something had to be done. Norton-Smith started to develop the Uptown Action Plan in 2019, and he was

One such business is Bekle’s Humidor, a cigar shop with a dedicated smoking lounge. Other planned businesses include a brunch pub. There will also be a new logo that reflects the tone of the area.

soon ready to develop and release the master plan. Then,

As we look forward to 2022, we should see the beginnings of a revital-

as he says, “COVID happened,” and progress stopped. Now,

ized Centerville, where the community can gather and enjoy its amenities. CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

TREND SETTER

NEW H O L ID AY TRADITIONS SIX WAYS TO SPRINKLE MORE HOLIDAY MAGIC INTO 2021!

THERE’S AN ENERGY AROUND THE HOLI-

inspiration we found some holiday cel-

DAYS THIS YEAR, WITH A RENEWED OPTI-

ebrations from around the U.S. that we

MISM FOR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY GATH-

can embrace here in Ohio. All of them

ERINGS AND EVENTS. We all love our family

bring a renewed sense of celebration,

traditions around the holidays; but we thought

family, and community into the “most

this year would be the perfect time to introduce

wonderful time of the year.”

a few new customs into your celebrations. For

ARTICLE ALLY STRACZEK

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

Race Off the Calories

Santa Stops Here

Roasting by the Fire

Baking can be a wonderful family

Arrange a Santa tour! Rutledge,

holiday activity; but if you need help

Pennsylvania, celebrates Christmas

Hawaiians enjoy the Christmas feast

burning off those extra calories, run!

with a Santa tour of the borough.

with a pig roast and a hula dance.

Columbia, South Carolina, holds an

“Santa Stops Here” signs are dis-

Even if you want to keep the traditional

Ugly Sweater 5k during the holidays.

played, so residents know where to

turkey and fixings for dinner, you can

So indulge in those goodies, dress up

bring young kids for a magical visit

always get an outdoor fire going for

in your best ugly sweater, and run off

with Santa. Most residents light up

s’mores, Christmas caroling, and the

the calories in style!

the town with luminaries, to bring

Hawaiian hula dancing afterward!

Change

Christmas

dinner!

glowing light to the occasion.

Gingerbread Goodness

Spirited Milk

Christmas Tree Charitable Giving

Gather friends and family to partic-

Incorporate a Swedish Christmas

Take inspiration from Boise, Idaho,

ipate in a gingerbread house contest!

Eve tradition into your festivities.

where they combine celebration and

In Reno, Nevada, the May Arboretum

In Wilmington, Delaware, children

charitable giving. Residents and local

Society hosts an annual Gingerbread

leave milk for the Tomte spirits on

organizations can sponsor, donate,

House Competition and Festival that

Christmas Eve. According to tradition,

and decorate a Christmas tree, which

encourages families to enter their

a visit from the Tomte spirits results in

is displayed throughout the holidays

gingerbread houses, made entirely of

gifts for good children!

at a local center. All funds raised ben-

edible ingredients.

efit community health care.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

GIVE THE GIFT OF ORGANIZATION Decrease stress and enjoy more access to your kitchen with custom pull-out shelves for your existing cabinets

12 NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS

*On Approved Credit*

FET

50% OFF

G IN

WE ’

FOLLOW RE

Y GUID

INSTALLATION* *Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Shelves. EXP 1/31/22

Locally Owned and Operated

Schedule your FREE design consultation!

(937) 998-4173 | shelfgenie.com

Purchase a gift certificate for your loved ones this holiday season! ACE Dermatology

a little gift for you For Cosmetic Services

To Mrs. Clause From Santa Amount $100.00 Expires 12/25/2021

Gift Certificate

This gift certificate is valid for use on all our cosmetic services including Botox, fillers, lasers, chemical peels and microneedling as well as on all retail purchases.

(937) 885-4412 WWW.ACEDERM.COM 8367 YANKEE STREET DAYTON, OH 45458 24

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

Medicare Has Options Do You Know Yours?

Open Enrollment October 15 - December 7

Stephanie Iiams Insurance Broker (937) 619-9939 SIiams@usabg.net

BBB+ Rating | 30+ Years of Business

Harmoni Salon & Spa 237 N Main St. Centerville, OH 45459 HarmoniSalonAndSpa.com 937-938-6841

We Look Forward To Seeing You! CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

THEY NEED YOUR HELP FINDING THOSE RECIPIENTS. ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON

Last year’s giveaway campaign culminated in the distribution

PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

of $250,000 throughout the year to recipients from across the country who had various needs. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community members such as judges, Anna Sarol

police officers, teachers, mentors, social workers and readers like you nominated community members who were facing hardships. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers and stakeholders were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Anna Sarol. About six years ago Anna was paralyzed in a gymnastics accident when she was a freshman in high school, but until last year she did not have a stairlift in her home. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000 and made sure it was installed. “Stairlifts don’t come at a feasible price, and unfortunately our insurance denied coverage,” Anna says. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of the giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients. Among those recipients were single mothers, families with children who were facing illnesses, individuals impacted by the loss of a job, unexpected deaths and more.

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

Another nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her two nephews and niece. The children came from an abusive situation involving violence, drugs, and neglect. Kathy, a single parent, worked tirelessly to provide for these children, but the family was still living in poverty despite her working seven days a week. Additionally, Kathy lost her housecleaning job during the pandemic and resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy.

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

“When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors. They experienced Christmas like their peers, which filled them with such pride as it was something they have wished for all their lives.” The case manager says the lesson is clear – when we give back to others, we truly gain so much more in the process. She said she was filled with overwhelming joy when she saw the children’s faces filled with smiles and a Christmas tree in their home for the first time. In addition, the aunt’s expressed desire to give back to others made the giving cycle full circle. In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient. She was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children, let alone providing them with a fun Christmas. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which impacted her income as the students attended a nearby school after the building was hit. The whole town was struggling as 220 people were injured and five were killed because of the tornado, and everyone needed encouragement. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them, so they want to be a blessing and encouragement to others. With this year’s giveaway being increased to $300,000 to give away throughout the year, it’s clear this is an opportunity to change many lives in the same way Anna’s was changed. “As a 2020 recipient of the Christmas giveaway, I am forever grateful I now can access my basement independently,” Anna says. “Locating a fully accessible household in my area is nearly impossible, and living in a state that experiences tornado warnings means finding a way to get to my basement by myself is crucial. Not only this, but I also now have the option of utilizing another level of my house to hang out with friends and family.” *Names changed for privacy

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

DIY

H O P P Y+ F R E S H

D I Y H O P - I N F U S E D S H A M P O O ( & C AT S I F Y O U ' R E B R AV E ) PHOTOGRAPHY COLLEEN KELLY

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

F O R

P U P S

H O M E M A D E H O P - I N F U S E D D O G S H A M P O O Perfect for a fresh, deep clean scented with hops. + 1 pint gentle natural dish washing soap + 1 pint hop water + 1 pint apple cider vinegar + 3/4 cups hops + 4 oz. glycerin + 1 tablespoon baking soda 01 Infuse water and hops in a jar for at least an hour. 02 Mix all of the ingredients together and put in a bottle. 03 Grab your pup and suds up. Rinse thoroughly.

V O I L À !

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2-19

JAN 26 - FEB 6

WHO’S HOLIDAY

MELANIE PENN CHRISTMAS CONCERT, WITH LUMINARY WALK AND LIVE NATIVITY

HAMILTON

St. George’s Episcopal Church | 5520

told by America now. Featuring a

that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who,

Far Hills Ave., Dayton, OH 45429

score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B,

as she recalls that Christmas Eve when

Enjoy a free Christmas concert

and Broadway, Hamilton has taken

she first met the Grinch and the twisted

at 5pm, featuring Melanie Penn

the story of American founding father

turn of events her life has now taken.

(approximately 70 minutes—masks

Alexander Hamilton and created a

required indoors). An outdoor lumi-

revolutionary moment in theatre.

The Loft Theatre

Our special holiday show is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults only comedy

Schuster Center

Hamilton is the story of America then,

10-19

nary walk with hot chocolate and

(Visit DaytonLive.org for showtimes

live nativity follows. Professional

and tickets)

THE NUTCRACKER

under; reservation required for nurs-

nursery available for children 3 and

Schuster Center

ery (email associate@stgeorgeohio.

Join little Clara as she drifts into

org). StGeorgesDayton.org

restless slumber amidst tiny tin soldiers and menacing rodents, floats dreamily among the snowflakes, and is escorted to the Land of Sweets, where she meets the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Dayton

20-26 CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE Victoria Theatre

Ballet invites you to Dayton’s biggest

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up

and best holiday performance arts

the stage, in this awe-inspiring and

tradition! (visit DaytonLive.org for

eye-popping family holiday spectacular.

showtimes and tickets)

This annual tradition wraps a whimsical Broadway style musical infused with

Would you like to get in touch with

contemporary circus artistry into the

us? We would love to hear from you!

ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!

(visit DaytonLive.org for showtimes

SouthDayton using the Get In Touch

and tickets)

link and let us know what you think.

State Farm® helps you save money on your car insurance with a variety of great discounts. Discounts available in Ohio include: Auto

Home

Motorcycle

Life Boat

Pet Commerical

Chuck Baker

“Still need life insurance? Call my dad!”

Being a good neighbor is about more than just being there when things go completely wrong. It’s also about being there for all of life’s moments when things go perfectly right. With a passion for serving customers and commitment to empower our customers to make good decisions about insurance and financial services, our team looks forward to being a tremendous asset to our great community!

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

(937) 746-4593 chuck@chuckbakerinsurance.com 776 W. Central Ave. Springboro, OH 45066 Disclaimer: The above list is not comprehensive. Discounts and their availability may vary by state and eligibility requirements. Not all vehicles or drivers are eligible for discounts.

CityLifestyle.com/SouthDayton

ARTIST’S PALETTE

C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S C E L E B R AT E T H E H O L I DAYS OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS SHOW THEIR HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Dorothy Lane Market releases its Peppermint Killer Brownies just in time for the holidays.

Dayton Designer Closets and GFC gather for the holidays.

Dr. Shalini Bahl of ACE Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetics offers gift baskets each year.

South Dayton Lifestyle | December 2021

SPRINGFIELD MASONIC COMMUNITY

We Offer: •Independent Living Villas •Maintenance-Free Apartments •Assisted Living •Skilled Nursing

We are a thriving residential campus and community sitting on 250 acres of scenic, rolling hills. Our community members enjoy a fulfilled and empowering retirement with: • Active Lifestyles • Life-long Learning Programs • Volunteer Opportunities • Wellness & Recreation Activities • and so much more!

Call (937) 468-5129 today to schedule a tour. 2655 W. National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504 | www.smcohio.org Your Lifestyle. Your Choice. Your Home.