Life + Culture

Picture Perfect Focaccia

Surprise and delight your family and friends this fall with savory, decorative focaccia bread. Article by Stephanie Amlung & Amanda Stout | Photography by Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography Decorative Focaccia Bread Recipe Servings: 24 Ingredients 16 ounces warm water (110 ° F), divided into 2 bowls. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 7 grams of active dry yeast 2 ounces olive oil, for making the dough 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt, for sprinkling...

September 2024

Life + Culture

The Gift of Fun

Karen Wellington Foundation strives to put fun on women’s calendars for making memories during difficult times. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Provided The Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF) aims to make cancer easier for women and families. Karen Wellington was the inspiration for it all. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old and passed in 2007 at the age of 40. The foundation strives to capture Karen’s energy, zest for life and spirit by focusing on the joy of...

September 2024

Life + Culture

Food2Go Helps Students with Weekend Food

Community volunteers support Centerville families experiencing food insecurity. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Provided As many families know, weekends can quickly fill up with errands, kid sports, outdoor activities or prepping for the upcoming week. Weekends can be extra challenging for families who are food insecure. Food2Go is a local food program that provides weekend meals for preschoolers through twelfth graders in Centerville City Schools. The program began in 2008 and is...

September 2024

Life + Culture

Savoring Julia

The DLM Culinary Center team keeps the spirit of Julia Child alive. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Christina Littleton Photography Julia Child was a legendary cookbook author and television pioneer, bringing one of the first cooking shows to American TV. Her relatable, unpretentious personality and willingness to laugh off errors reassured viewers that they too could try French cooking without fear of failure. The same warmth and authenticity that Julia Child was so loved for can be...

September 2024

Arts + Culture

Break Out the Lederhosen!

Oktoberfest, Dayton Art Institute's largest fundraiser of the year is coming soon. Article by Nan Paraskevopoulos | Photography by Provided Since 1971, Dayton Art Institute's Oktoberfest has been a cherished tradition in Southwest Ohio delighting visitors with its vibrant celebration of German culture and serving as the museum's largest annual fundraiser. Over the years, this event has grown into a beloved festival that draws more than 30,000 visitors, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the...

August 2024

Life + Culture

Offering Compassion through Clothing

Threads of Miami Valley provides free clothing to people in need for more than a decade. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Amanda Stout Starting as an annual church ministry event in 2011, Threads of Miami Valley has grown to provide between 350 and 400 families with clothing and other essential care items every month. Executive Director JoBeth Hopp has been with Threads since the beginning and has witnessed firsthand the difference it makes in the community. “Every single person that...

August 2024

Arts + Culture

Thrifty Finds for Fall

Local style expert shares trends and tips for incorporating thrifting into your fall wardrobe updates. Article by Amanda Stout | Photography by Austin + Shilo Creative Dayton-area stylist Amanda Whitt loves to express herself through fashion and enjoys sharing her savvy shopping choices with others. “I love it when something I'm wearing sparks a conversation and I get to tell someone I got it for $5 at Goodwill. I enjoy showing people that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or buy...

August 2024

Arts + Culture

A Cut Above

Willow Rust offers stylish handcrafted furniture pieces to be treasured for a lifetime. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Kelly Settle–Kelly Ann Photography Sarah Nussman and Jenny Andrea, co-owners of custom furniture shop Willow Rust, are prime examples of how passion, hard work and a commitment to quality can turn a small venture into a successful and meaningful business. What began as a way for Sarah and Jenny to make a supplemental income has transformed into a thriving...

August 2024

Arts + Culture

Children’s Books to Talk About

Marie Kriedman writes children’s books to spark curiosity and start family conversations. Article by Rod Bluhm | Photography by Provided By second grade, Kettering writer and editor Marie Kriedman was reading like a fiend. After initial struggles, she credits her mom and teachers with helping transform her into a voracious reader. Marie loved Charlotte’s Web and Harriet the Spy as a young reader. Reading was a constant in her life and on her journey to pursue a degree in journalism at...

July 2024

Life + Culture

Back to School Bites

Busy Bee Real Meals offers busy families healthy options for meals and after-school snacks. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography The back-to-school rush is upon us. Between extracurricular activities and the busyness of life, lunch and after-school snack planning sometimes falls by the wayside. This leaves parents to understandably reach for prepackaged items, even if they aren’t always the healthiest options. Inspired by her experience as a busy mom, Brandy...

July 2024