Arts + Culture

Holiday Reads Unwrapped

Get into the holiday spirit with book picks from the Washington-Centerville Public Library. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Megan Suttles & Provided The holiday season is a time for family, traditions and creating special memories. What better way to enhance this magical time than by cozying up with books that embody the holiday spirit? Whether you're looking for something to share with the kids, a creative craft book or a festive cookbook for your holiday gatherings, the...

Arts + Culture

Holiday Magic In Santa Claus, Indiana

Nostalgic holiday traditions for the whole family to enjoy are just a car ride away. Article by Sarah Skate | Photography by Spencer County Visitors Bureau Live reindeer, miles of light displays and delicious gourmet treats are just a few of the magical Christmas offerings for Santa Claus, Indiana visitors. About three hours southwest of our area, the town has loads of unique shopping, vibrant restaurants and family-friendly activities.  “The holiday season in a town called Santa Claus is...

Food + Beverage

Homefull is About Solutions

Local program focuses on supporting families facing food and housing insecurity. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Austiin + Shilo Creative For individuals and families struggling to survive, housing and food insecurity are just some of the aspects of poverty that they must learn to navigate. Cold winter conditions in the Miami Valley are an added element as warm winter clothing is an additional expense. It is hard to know where to turn for help, and that is where Dayton’s Homefull...

Life + Culture

Beautiful Holiday Brunch

Make any holiday brunch bright with easy recipes to impress your guests. Article by Angela Broockerd & Amanda Stout | Photography by Janie Jones It’s the most wonderful time of the year to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the holiday season. Brunches are a great way to enjoy a casual, cozy get-together with the special people in our lives. These recipes will set you apart whether you’re bringing a dish to a gift exchange or mixing up a drink at a New Year’s Day brunch bash...

Life + Culture

Grateful to be Home

How Linda and Vern Garrison found a new beginning at Bethany Village. Article by Nina Weierman | Photography by Austin + Shilo Creative After spending the past decade enjoying life in Florida, Linda and Vern Garrison have found their way back to the Midwest, just in time for the holidays—and they couldn't be more thankful to be “home.” Originally from Cincinnati, the couple settled into an apartment in Bethany Village in Centerville. “At 92 and 80, we knew we needed to think realistically...

Life + Culture

Families Thankful for Specialized Care

Upcoming fundraising efforts help Dayton Children’s extend support to the community, children and families. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Denise Johnson & Provided November is nestled between Halloween festivities and the busyness of December celebrations. It is a time for thankful acknowledgments of all that we have and gathering for shared meals. In the spirit of thankfulness, Dayton Children’s Hospital partners with local groups to fundraise and give back to the community. A...

Life + Culture

Hungry Toad Farm Feeds Their Neighbors

Organic produce and flowers are only part of the community connection for this local farm. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Christina Littleton Photography Hungry Toad Farm, which has been a subsistence farm since 1829, is tucked in among trees and residential neighborhoods in Centerville. Owner Michael Malone emphasizes, “Our primary goals are to serve our neighbors and provide them organic produce and flowers.” The farm offers many seasonal crops, flowers and items such as local...

Life + Culture

Puppy Power

Canine Companions provides trained dogs to empower people with disabilities. Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided Imagine a world where wagging tails bring hope, independence and joy to those in need. This is the reality that Canine Companions for Independence has been creating since 1975, by providing expertly trained service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities free of charge. With more than 7,800 graduate teams and a robust network of volunteers, their mission...

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...

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...