Centerville, OH March 2025 by City Lifestyle

A Fresh Start

March arrives with a spirit of renewal, inviting us to reimagine the spaces where we live and thrive. In this issue, we explore inspiring stories showing how thoughtful improvements and community collaboration can bring new life into the places we call home.

Local businesses recently joined forces to support a veteran in need by donating a complete renovation to make his bathroom more accessible. In a remarkable display of unity and care, dedicated partners rallied together to turn what should have been a four-week project into just 14 days. This heartfelt gesture honors a legacy of service and reminds us of the power of community.

For those planning their next home project and looking for advice on how to create both beautiful and functional spaces, we’re here to help. Trusted professionals share tips on smart electrical upgrades, energy-efficient systems and innovative kitchen renovations that blend modern design with traditional charm—ensuring every detail works to make your house truly feel like home.

Like spring flowers, art seems to be popping up all around. A local Realtor® is transforming her office into a vibrant rotating gallery by partnering with the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA). Drawing on her volunteer and board experience with the DSA, she has created a dynamic space where art moves beyond traditional galleries to become part of everyday life.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep our magazine longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art, reference material for local businesses or a conversation starter. We are proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

May these stories inspire you to cherish the sanctuary of home, where every corner holds the promise of new beginnings and lasting comfort.

ANDREA, PUBLISHER

March 2025

PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen Andrea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marie Kriedman, Nan Paraskevopoulos, Nina Weierman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Austin + Shilo Creative, Chris Griffith–Bluedog Media, Dennis Young

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

A Place For Friendship At Bethany Village

At Bethany Village, residents like Mary nd connection, comfort, and community every day. Whether it's learning to embrace life's changes together or lending a helping hand, our community is built on trust and care. Discover a life enriched by friendship, wellness, and purpose at Bethany Village.

Scan the QR code to see how residents like Mary ﬁnd purpose, joy, and support at Bethany Village — where aging is a journey shared together. (937) 888-3372

Mary Arnett

inside the issue

meet your Centerville neighbor

Dr. Michael Albert, pediatric orthopedic surgeon brought to you by Dayton Children’s Hospital

Centerville resident, Dr. Michael Albert is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and division chief of orthopedics at Dayton Children’s Hospital. He specializes in caring for kids with conditions such as:

• Spinal deformity and scoliosis

• Fractures

• Knee injuries

• Club feet

• Hip dysplasia

My primary motivation is the joy I get in helping families get through major and minor orthopedic issues. Every child is special and I try to treat each patient as if they are my own kids.

About Dr. Albert:

• Dr. Albert was one of the first surgeons in the country to pioneer the ApiFix minimally invasive surgery for scoliosis

• Dr. Albert received the 2022 Health Care Hero award for innovation from the Dayton Business Journal.

• Dr. Albert was born and raised in Ohio and attended Miami University. scan to learn more and book an appointment

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Washington-Centerville Public Library's Noon Year’s Eve event helped kids celebrate the new year early. 2: There was a big turnout for the event which featured a countdown and balloon drop. 3: Attendees were welcomed with snacks and fun crafts to do before the countdown. 4: The Noon Year’s Eve event featured a photo booth to capture all the celebration memories. 5: Lynda Blackmon Lowery delivers an inspiring message at the CW Diversity Council’s Annual MLK Breakfast. 6: Mistress of Ceremonies, Marsha Bonhart, speaks to the sold-out crowd. 7: The Deron Bell Jazz Trio provided music for the event.

ROBERT E. DALEY, COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

MEGAN SUTTLES

Great Smiles

S TA R T WITH U S

$75 EX AM AND X-R AYS

(ADA code D0150, D0210) $244 Value New patients only. Not valid with any of fers or prior services. Does not include cleaning. Must present of fer for redemption.

We are offering $500 off all-inclusive Invisalign for new patients. Our full price is $4799. With this of fer you will get the lowest price of $4299. Most insurances accepted. Payment plans available. Cannot be combined with any other of fer or discount. This of fer is good for 2 weeks from the date of your original consultation.

We are pleased to announce that we are in network with Delta Premier and Superior Dental. Call 937 434 -1151 to schedule!

Dr. Heidi Sprowls has been practicing dentistry in the Dayton area for over 20 years. She attended Indiana University School of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Sprowls has an amazing team working with her to provide gentle comprehensive care.

city scene

8: Michelle Daniel celebrated the Grand Opening of Centerville's The Lifestyle Technique, a fitness and wellness center. 9: Centerville’s new Chicken Salad Chick opened to a line of patrons wrapping around the building. 10: The Fairy Godmother Events opened a whimsical new party venue in Uptown Centerville. 11: The ribbon cutting for The Fairy Godmother’s Cottage featured entertainment, characters, cocoa and champagne.

12: Town Hall Theatre presented its Showcase Series, Snow White and the Seven Endings January 17-19. 13: This comedic play reimagines the classic fairy tale through the perspectives of seven forest dwellers. 14: Each character tells the story uniquely, adding a fun twist to the classic tale.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

CITY OF CENTERVILLE

DEB SORTMAN

business monthly

Friends of WCPL Present: Out of the Pocket with Kirk Herbstreit

Friends of Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) invite the community to join hometown hero Kirk Herbstreit to support the expansion of WCPL’s Creativity Commons at their fundraiser on April 26 at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace. Kirk, the voice of college football and Centerville High School (CHS) and Ohio State University quarterback, will be joined by special guest Peter Herbstreit, emcee Teri Herbstreit and interviewer Ryan Hawk, another acclaimed CHS quarterback. Attendees can also enjoy a bourbon and cigar bar, music, dinner and more! FriendsWCPL.org/Out-of-the-Pocket

Laurie Westheimer Selected for the 2025 Ohio Realtors® Leadership Academy

Laurie Westheimer, licensed Realtor® and lead agent of the Westheimer Group, a Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Agency, has been selected as one of 11 candidates throughout the state for the 2025 Ohio Realtors Leadership Academy (ORLA). ORLA is an intense nine-month, five-stage program focused on goal setting, communication, business relationships and personal growth. Development retreats help enable participants to positively influence their communities and the industry. OhioRealtors.org | WestheimerGroupDayton.com

Centerville Teachers Receive $12,450 in Grants from Education Foundation

The Centerville Education Foundation (CEF) recently awarded $12,450 for 19 classroom grants, to be used by teachers in Centerville City Schools for upcoming projects. Recipients included teachers Nick Seuch and Nicole Wentz at Weller Elementary. Their students read the book The Magical Yet and used clay and markers to create their own “Yet” to reinforce themes of persistence and adaptability (pictured). Funds were donated by community members, parents, students and alumni through the CEF. CentervilleEducation.org | Centerville.k12.oh.us

Photography Provided

Photography by Sarah Swan-Centerville City Schools

Visit 25+ knowledgeable vendors, collect samples, take part in health screenings, & enter to win fabulous door prizes!

Oakwood (937) 299-3561 Washington Square (937) 434-1294

Springboro (937) 748-6800 DOROTHYLANE.COM SATURDAY

MARCH 15–JUNE 8, 2025

Image Above: : Jamie Wyeth (b. 1946) Great White Shark (detail), 2011, Charcoal, oil, and watercolor on toned paper board 24 x 18 in. Private collection.

LEAVING no one behind

Local businesses donate free renovation to a Vietnam Veteran in need of an accessible bathroom.

ARTICLE BY MARIE KRIEDMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENNIS YOUNG

Volunteers on day one of the renovation.

Marine Captain Zach Hollingsworth, a former Centerville High School basketball coach and history teacher, co-founded small batch bourbon distillery Freedom Whiskey Co. in 2017. He maintained his Marines Semper Fi commitment (a shortened version of “Semper Fidelis,” which is Latin for “Always Faithful”) by honoring his fellow veterans with an annual appreciation event.

Zach’s previous wife, Krista, and his parents have stayed “Always Faithful” and continued the appreciation event after his death in 2021 following years of battling depression and PTSD. The seventh annual Capt. Zach Hollingsworth Memorial Veteran’s Day Event in November 2024 raised more than $64,000 for veteran organizations.

“Zach's main mission when starting the company was not just to create a great tasting bourbon, but more importantly, to help and support veterans and their families,” Krista shares. “We had no idea how much the event would grow each year and how much of an impact it would truly make.”

The November Veteran’s Day event also launched a renovation project for a local Vietnam Veteran, Mike Vanderveen, who lost both legs after stepping on a landmine.

The originators of the project, Springboro’s Willow Creek Developers and Builders, have long supported veterans.

“I’ve always had the desire to serve where I feel like our country fails to support, which is most evident with our veterans,” Nathan Arndts, COO of Willow Creek explains.

Nathan and his wife Tish, who owns Willow Creek, worked with Krista to announce their new initiative to offer a room renovation for a veteran at the event and solicit nominees. Fred Rojas, the senior vice commander of VFW Post 9550 in Centerville, volunteered to create the nomination process and serve on the selection panel.

Vietnam Army Veteran Mark Kucharski heard about the initiative and knew exactly who to nominate – his friend Mike – who was ultimately selected as the winner by the panel of volunteers.

“When we read about his accident and living conditions, we all knew he was the right choice,” Nathan shares.

Willow Creek renovated a bathroom in Mike’s Moraine home for free, enlarging the space and ensuring it utilized accessibility upgrades to work specifically for Mike. The estimated cost was $40,000, and what should have been a four-week project was completed in only 14 days.

“It has given me the motivation to keep moving forward to do everything I can to help the veteran community and just people in general.”

Fred coordinated with VFW Post 3438 who donated money for Mike and his wife, Ollie, to stay in a hotel during the renovation. He also worked with the Vietnam Veterans Association and an anonymous donor who provided new linens and bathroom essentials for Mike. While dozens of volunteers participated in the effort, Fred explains that Nathan was the main point of contact and an instrumental part of the project.

“He’s done all the coordinating of finding donors to provide all the supplies and material needed for the bathroom remodel,” Fred says.

Willow Creek completed the demolition, carpentry, electrical, drywall, painting and more. Korrect Plumbing donated labor, plumbing and HVAC materials. Mannington Flooring donated new flooring materials and Cutting Edge Flooring provided labor for installation. Winsupply donated all plumbing fixtures and The Barrel supplied food.

Appliance Gallery provided a new dryer for Mike and his family, Triton Steam Cleaning offered cleaning services and Freedom Whiskey Co. donated food, labor and support for the project.

Nathan says Willow Creek will participate in future projects with Freedom Whiskey Co., and noted that Krista motivated them to help others.

“If more people get involved, we can hopefully grow this to help change more lives,” Nathan tells us.

Krista emphasizes the importance of community, connection, understanding and family.

“It’s about coming together to support one another and recognizing the sacrifices our veterans make,” she continues. “It has given me the motivation to keep moving forward to do everything I can to help the veteran community and just people in general.”

For more information about the annual Capt. Zach Hollingsworth Memorial Veteran’s Day Event, visit HaveaShotofFreedom.com. To learn about Willow Creek Developers and Builders, visit WillowCreekBuilds.com

Mike Vanderveen and his wife Ollie embrace after seeing the renovation for the first time.

bright ideas

Bonham

Electric, Inc. provides professional electrical service and helpful tips for homeowners.

ARTICLE BY NAN PARASKEVOPOULOS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Based in Dayton, Bonham Electric, Inc. is an electrical contractor that works in residential, commercial and new construction settings. Founded by brothers Bob and Chuck Bonham in 1959, the company is a trusted name in electrical services in the Miami Valley. Sixty years later, Bonham Electric, Inc. is still a family-owned and operated business.

Add More Outlets

When considering new construction or putting an addition on your home, add more outlets than you think you need. Adding these in the original construction prevents having to use extension cords or opening up the wall later on. “It pays off to think about what small thing could make your life much easier,” advises Alex.

Consult Before Install

Homeowners remodeling a kitchen or bathroom may consider talking with an electrician before installing cabinets. Installing the lighting in conjunction with cabinet installation could be helpful. “Under cabinet lighting is something that could be done much cheaper from the beginning and not require the destruction of cabinets down the road,” says Alex.

Estimator and Electrical Engineer Alex Farlow shares, “The company was passed on to Jeff Bonham who is the name everyone thinks of when they see the lightbulb on the side of our trucks.”

Although the company has expanded from their humble beginnings, they maintain pride in their skill and professionalism. Bonham Electric, Inc. provides free estimates and is available 24/7 to address emergencies.

Bonham’s experts can tackle a wide variety of home projects large and small. They can perform a complete rewiring, outdoor lighting and standby generator installation just

to name a few. They can also check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are correctly installed and in working order. Rest assured, your family’s safety is always top of mind for their electricians.

The company also has options for energy-efficient systems, as a DP&L Channel partner specializing in lighting conversions and installation. These home updates could be retrofits, solar panel installation or LED systems.

Alex offers these helpful tips for homeowners planning home improvement projects:

Bundle Your Upgrades

Alex shares, “If you are considering working on one project, think about other electrical needs that could be done at the same time.” Whether it’s time to upgrade to USB outlets or change out a light fixture, hiring electricians once for multiple projects is more cost effective than having them come out for multiple service trips.

Know your limits! While it can be tempting to fix things around the house yourself to save money, working with live electricity is dangerous. Hiring a professional ensures the safety of yourself, your family and your property. Even projects that appear to be in proper working order can short out, causing fires.

For more information or to schedule an estimate, visit JeffBonhamElectric.com

collaborating for the sake of art

Realtor® Laurie Westheimer partners with the DSA to bring local art to a wider audience.

As a young mother on a career pause, Laurie Westheimer pursued her passion for creativity by seeking volunteer opportunities with local arts organizations, staying engaged and connected to her community. Now, as a successful Realtor® and lead agent of the Westheimer Group, partnering with the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) to help strengthen the local arts scene is a natural fit.

“I live and work in this town, and I want it to be a vibrant, cultured community,” Laurie shares. After a visit to the DSA High Street Gallery during a holiday event, Laurie was ready to become more involved with supporting the DSA. “I served a three-year term on the DSA Board of Directors and assisted with fundraising initiatives,” she recalls. Her time on the board deepened her connection to Dayton’s creative community and laid the foundation for an innovative partnership: transforming her real estate office into a rotating art gallery.

“When I first toured my new office space at the corner of Far Hills Avenue and Dorothy Lane, I thought, ‘This would be a great spot to showcase local art,’” Laurie explains.

ARTICLE BY NINA WEIERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUSTIN + SHILO CREATIVE

She reached out to DSA Gallery Director Jo Bell, who embraced the idea, leading to quarterly art installations featuring talented local artists.

“There is incredible power in collaboration, and patrons like Laurie provide invaluable support through her advocacy and generosity," shares Jo.

Founded in 1938 as an exclusive art club, the DSA has evolved into an inclusive nonprofit art organization with the mission to connect, support and educate artists and the community. “At DSA, we strive to make these relationships mutually beneficial: businesses and patrons enjoy increased visibility, creative marketing opportunities and the cultural enrichment that art brings to their spaces. At the same time, artists gain exposure, financial support and opportunities to connect with new audiences,” says Jo.

Artist: Erin Smith Glenn; "Jessica, In Honor of Her HAIRitage"

By showcasing art from DSA artists in her office, Laurie brings local art to a wider audience and reaches people who may not have ventured to the DSA gallery on their own. “Our vision incorporates artists and art lovers, as well as those who don’t know they are yet. One of the more exciting challenges of our organization is figuring out how we can reach more people and improve their experience with art,” explains Jo.

Countless studies have been conducted on the many benefits of viewing artwork in the home, a gallery or a museum. “One of my favorite studies showed that viewing original artworks in person triggers an emotional response 10 times stronger than viewing reproductions. The presence of an authentic piece can create a deeper, more personal connection engaging the viewer on a self-reflective and emotional level,” says Jo.

Laurie supports local artists and introduces her clients to the transformative power of art through the exhibitions she curates in her office. While she acknowledges the difference between staging a home to be market ready and curating a home for personal comfort, Laurie believes art is integral to creating inviting and unique living spaces. “I love walking into homes that showcase personality rather than looking like a generic showroom,” she says.

Laurie’s partnership with the DSA exemplifies the power of collaboration. “Our first installation with artist Mikee Huber was a great success. She sold several pieces and gained new followers,” notes Laurie. A new art installation set to debut in March celebrates the work of painter Alisa H. Workman whose passion for nature, science and vibrant color shines through her bold, floral acrylic paintings. “Alisa’s artist statement reveals how deeply personal her art is. Her first painting, 'SURVIVE', emerged from a period of profound loss and challenge. Her mission is to transform darkness into vibrant beauty, embracing color as a source of energy and joy,” shares Jo.

Laurie Westheimer

A thoughtfully chosen piece of artwork and the right home can inspire, uplift and create a unique atmosphere that enriches daily living. Laurie’s story is a testament to the value of incorporating art into everyday experiences. Her dedication to the DSA and her clients highlights how creativity and community can intersect to enrich both.

You can view art from DSA artists by stopping by the High Street Gallery (48 High Street, Dayton) on Fridays and Saturdays from 12–5 p.m. Admission to the gallery is always complimentary. The current exhibition is their annual members’ show, “Part of a Whole.” This impressive showcase features the work of local artists, highlighting a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles. They have divided this year’s members’ show into two parts, one in March and another in April.

In addition to exhibitions, the DSA offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including art workshops, artist talks, professional development classes, live music events and more. To become a DSA member or learn more about upcoming shows and activities visit DaytonDSA.org and follow them on social media. For more information on Laurie’s real estate services visit WestheimerGroupDayton.com

Jo Bell

Left to right: Artist: Lauren Wells, "Untitled"; Artist: Sophia Hoersten, "Passing Time"; Artist: Colleen Kelsey, "Still Life with Flower"

Left wall to center wall: Artist: Lindsey Tribelhorn, "Surface Tension"; Artist: Tamiko Stump, "The Veil"

Left to right: Artist: Roxanne Grooms, "See Inside"; Artist: Julie Martin, "It Waits Just There"; Artist: Colleen Kelsey, "Tumble”

THE HEART OF THE HOME

Kettering's Kitchen By Design offers seamless, well-designed kitchen renovations.

ARTICLE BY MARIE KRIEDMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS GRIFFITH–BLUEDOG MEDIA

The kitchen before renovation.

In many homes the kitchen is a hub of activity. It’s where we prepare school lunches and a quick breakfast before a busy day, as well as make family meals, indulgent weekend brunches and holiday spreads.

The kitchen is where little fingers learn to help, plans are made, feelings are explored, coffee is shared, mishaps become lessons learned and the everyday mystery of “what’s for dinner” is solved.

Design trends and personal taste make each home a unique space, but functionality is also essential in kitchens. A well-designed kitchen can make cooking a joy and create an automatic gathering place for families to talk and munch.

Kitchens By Design (KBD) is a Kettering business that was founded more than 25 years ago. KBD’s team transforms design concepts into reality, with a full range of skills and talents needed for a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.

The company, owned by Jay Moran, completes more than 150 renovation projects each year.

John and his wife Amy worked with KBD last year on a kitchen remodel project. The family purchased a home in Beavercreek and wanted to update the kitchen before moving in. They were ready to start work immediately and knew where to turn.

John notes that the original galley kitchen in the home was small and the space felt dark and unwelcoming.

“We wanted to open up the space to make room for a larger island, more cabinet storage and make the space flow into the great room,” John explains. “We removed the walls separating the two spaces which brought in more natural light to the kitchen space.”

John and Amy worked with designer Diana Moran. Diana, who has worked as a designer for more than 20 years, tells us that one of the main goals was to maintain the house’s Tudor design. She adds that the inspiration for the project was to keep the overall feel without going too modern or contemporary.

“WE HAVE A SPACE WHERE WE CAN ALL SIT AND EAT TOGETHER IN THE KITCHEN, AS WELL AS SPEND TIME WITH EACH OTHER.”

“The house was built in the late 1970s and the kitchen was dark and cramped,” she comments. “The overall footprint of the functioning kitchen was not more than 10-foot by 10-foot, with a tiny island in the middle of it. We didn’t want to change the façade, but we wanted it to feel like one big living space.”

The renovation included widening all the doorways, removing a walk-in pantry, removing a dropped ceiling, adding cabinetry and trim, moving all the appliances and updating the lighting.

The kitchen project took about six months from beginning to end, including designing the layout and selecting materials. The actual construction was completed in a little over a month.

John’s favorite aspect of the new kitchen is the addition of the peninsula that connects the kitchen to the great room.

“It allowed the entire space to flow together and feel like one large room,” he explains.

The new kitchen space was important for John and Amy because the kids are older and living very active lives. The family wanted an area where they could be together.

“My kids use the peninsula to eat and do homework, while my wife and I make a meal,” John shares. “We have a space where we can all sit and eat together in the kitchen, as well as spend time with each other.”

Large remodeling projects like John and Amy’s kitchen are complex and can take time. John encourages anyone interested in remodeling to lean on the expertise of their design and contracting teams.

Diana reminds us that there are many elements involved in a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel which can include plumbing and electrical work. Homeowners should not tackle these on their own unless they’re experienced and licensed. John agrees, “With a remodel,

there may be surprises once construction starts.” Homeowners should utilize the resources available and not be afraid to ask for expert advice.

“There are so many decisions around design and material selections. Working with a designer can make the remodeling experience feel seamless and less overwhelming,” explains John.

Diana adds, “When I talk to customers, most have ideas about what they want and they’ve already done some research. The next step is working with an experienced designer and a reputable contractor to bring those ideas to life. We have a wealth of talent and we’re happy to share that.”

For more information, visit MyKBD.com or call 937.294.2121.

The Joy of Tidying

ARTICLE BY KIMBER PATTERSON

HOW TO GET STARTED AND STAY MOTIVATED

Call it spring cleaning or IG envy, but this is the time of year I want everything – and I mean EVERYTHING –organized in my kitchen and closets. While I’m pretty good at maintaining an already-tidied space, tackling the not-so-tidy closet is where I need help. Heather Bifulco of TidyHomes came to the rescue with some great advice on getting started.

“My biggest suggestion is that you start small,” said Heather. “Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session. Our clients really struggle with the edit phase of the organization, but by the end they completely loosen up and start to have fun. For example, start under the kitchen sink. Lots of wins to be had there!”

Great tip. Now I had a plan of attack.

Next up? Creating categories. Organizing a space means taking out EVERYTHING and categorizing. Once that’s done, Heather always thoroughly cleans to inspire the flow of great ideas and have a fresh slate. Consider everything from dusting the baseboards to replacing light fixtures to adding a coat of paint to change up and freshen the new look.

rid your home of things that don’t work, things you have a better version of, things you never use and things that no longer make you happy,” says Heather. The key word here is ‘things.’ “Whether it’s an old umbrella or a new pair of rain boots,” she said, “the ask is the same.” Deep breath. That green hat I’ve loved forever? Keep. Three versions of the same jacket? Donate. The pile of single gloves? Toss. Once I got going, it became easier and faster to make those decisions.

Once you can actually see everything you’re keeping, you want what you use most often within arm’s reach. Seasonal items can go on higher or lower shelves. The sweet spot of shelving is dedicated to what I need to grab daily. Heather found beautiful baskets and bins that make me happy just to look at them. “Finding containers you love will provide so much motivation toward completing an organization project,” she said.

Now for the fun (and sometimes hard) part: touching every item in the category piles and asking myself whether something actually serves a purpose. “This is the time to

The whole goal at the end of organizing is to have no clutter. That’s right, this isn’t an attempt to harness clutter, but to eliminate it entirely. That being said, some of us live with little people who contribute to clutter every day. Heather’s advice on that subject turned out to be life-changing. She suggests creating ONE drop zone, not several.

“My biggest suggestion is that you start small. Don’t aim to tackle your pantry or closet in one organizing session.”

Finally she revealed her most important tip.

“There are no exceptions to this,” she admits. “Labeling is the key to maintenance and to eliminating the pain of not being able to find something. We have so many beautiful options for labeling now that it shouldn’t even be a question. Label. Always label.”

Great advice from the top of my closet to the bottom. This is why I’ve already scheduled Heather to help me organize the entryway and kitchen! @tidystylehome

events

MARCH 2ND

Annual Bollywood Gala

Washington Twp. RecPlex West Auditorium | 3:00 PM

Come celebrate the magic of Bollywood on Saturday, March 2 from 3–6 p.m. at the Washington Twp. RecPlex. Enjoy an afternoon of Hindi singing, dance, music and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the Yukta Garg Memorial Foundation, supporting recreational programs in our community. Celebrate culture and a great cause. WashingtonTwp.org/Recreation/Events

MARCH 6TH

Heartfulness Meditation

Woodbourne Library | 7:00 PM

Discover how the simple act of pausing can transform your meditation practice. Join a certified trainer from the Heartfulness Institute at the Wodbourne Library to explore effective techniques for mindfulness and inner peace. With a presence in over 160 countries, this global nonprofit has guided millions toward a more balanced, centered life. Events.WCLibrary.info/event/13166975

MARCH 18TH

Coffee & Networking

Washington Twp. RecPlex | 8:00 AM

Join the South Metro Regional Chamber of Commerce and Washington Township for a morning of coffee and conversation at the RecPlex, held the third Tuesday of each month from 8–9 a.m. Township staff will be available to answer questions and a representative from South Metro Chamber will be on hand to connect with business leaders. WashingtonTwp.org

MARCH 20TH

Practical Approaches to Weight Management Class

Kettering Health Years Ahead | 1:00 PM

If you want to lose weight but aren’t sure where to begin, this complimentary class with Kettering Health (6661 Clyo Rd) might be a great start. Chelsea Zestrow, APRN-CNP will share practical and sustainable strategies for weight management that you can apply to your daily life without relying on drastic measures or quick fixes. Registration is required. KetteringHealth.org/Event/Practical-Approaches-to-Weight-Management

MARCH 20TH

CWPD Spring Equinox Celebration

Bill Yeck Park, Smith House Entrance | 4:00 PM

Celebrate the first day of Spring with the Centerville-Washington Park District at a brand-new family event! Attendees will enjoy a variety of flower-themed activities including story time and crafts and will receive native wildflower seeds to take home and plant in their gardens. Registration is requested. CWPD.org/Events

MARCH 22ND

Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) Health Fair

DLM Springboro | 11:00 AM

Join DLM Springboro for a celebration of wellness at their annual Health Fair! This complimentary event featuring 30+ vendors and wellness practitioners offers each guest free screenings, incredible door prizes and an exclusive goodie bag filled with samples to take home and enjoy. DorothyLane.com/HealthFair