It’s Easy To Make Friends
Meet Tom Adinaro, a 25-year Army veteran and retired colonel who embodies the spirit of community and vibrant living at Bethany Village. As an active women’s volleyball o cial, he referees at college, high school, and club levels, recently o ciating an NCAA game. His passion for bringing people together is evident in the neighborhood get-togethers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection within his block.
Scan the QR code and discover how Tom continues to serve and engage with his community or call us to schedule a personal consultation with Dana today.
Tom
Full of Thankfulness
As we enter the season of gratitude, I am reminded of our incredible community. The people and businesses I interact with daily make this role so rewarding. From local initiatives to longstanding family-owned establishments, I am constantly inspired by the generosity and spirit of those around Centerville and Washington Township.
In this Thankful issue, we highlight stories that remind us of the profound impact nonprofits have on strengthening our community. Dayton Children’s Hospital Foundation continues their incredible work of supporting children and families through community-driven fundraising efforts—including events happening this month. Their work ensures that specialized care is available to those who need it most. Likewise, Canine Companions is transforming lives by providing expertly trained service dogs, empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independently.
You’ll also read about the importance of connection and the personal journeys of people finding new beginnings and lasting legacies. After years away, Linda and Vern Garrison returned to the Midwest and found their home at Bethany Village, where they are embracing this next stage of life. Meanwhile, with its long history and commitment to organic farming, Hungry Toad Farm continues to nurture the local community by providing fresh produce and flowers.
Our mission at Centerville Lifestyle is “Connecting Our Community One Page at a Time” and none of this would be possible without the dedication and support of so many. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our editorial team, whose passion and creativity shine through every issue. To our advertising partners, thank you for believing in our vision and helping bring these stories to life.
If you’re a freelance writer, photographer or a local business who would like to support our mission through your talents or advertising, contact me at mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com.
Wishing you all a season filled with gratitude and cherished moments!
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Karen Andrea
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nina Weierman, Marie Kriedman, A.J. Lape
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Christina Littleton Photography, Austin + Shilo Creative
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard Learn
inside the issue
Families Thankful for Specialized Care
Upcoming
How Linda and Vern Garrison found a new beginning at Bethany Village.
Nancy Kelly of Centerville's Hungry Toad Farm scoops up some of their popular potatoes. Learn why being part of a community is as essential as the organic
city scene
1: A Sense of Taste is an annual culinary tasting event in Centerville supporting Centerville-Washington History. 2: Attendees included Washington Township Administrator Mike Thonnerieux, Fiscal Officer Gary Smiga and former Trustee Dale Berry. 3: More than 200 guests enjoyed tastes from 16 area establishments. 4: Centerville-Washington History Board President Ed Ross poses with a sign of the many event sponsors. 5: Centerville City Council members Belinda Kenley, Bill Serr and Mayor Brooks Compton joined the fun. 6: Centerville Florist provided the centerpieces. Edde Osborne played saxophone and flute throughout the evening. 7: Centerville-Washington History staff members Susan Melville and Carrie Burns at the check-in table.
Photography by Bob Daley, Centerville-Washington History
8: The Annual Officer John P. Kalaman Memorial Golf Tournament funds three scholarships to deserving students. 9: The outing was a success this year with 112 golfers participating. 10: Lt. Green delivers lunch to a golfer on the course. 11: John and Paula Kalaman arriving with Sgt. Bennett, Ofc. Eshler and Curt Kolsovsky. 12: Golfers Ofc. Stewart, Sgt. Parker, Det. Warden, Sgt. Pauley, Ofc. Eshler, Ofc. Turner and Ofc. Elders. 13: Ofc. Stewart, Ofc. Keller and Chief Brown chat before golfing. 14: Dispatcher Holland, Dispatcher Hogg and Sgt. Parker getting fueled up to golf.
Photography by Sgt. N. Pauley
city scene
15: A crowd gathers for the new Dayton Children’s Foundation campaign and mental health building naming. 16: The Mathile family tours Dayton Children’s new mental health building now dedicated in their name. 17: Debbie Feldman announces the new Mathile Center for Mental Health, the family's first named Dayton building.
Photography by Dayton Children’s Hospital
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business monthly
Dorothy Lane Market Champagne Soirée Tickets on Sale in November
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) invites you to immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience and savor the wonderous world of sparkling wine during their Champagne Soirée at DLM Oakwood! A ticket to this exquisite event offers you the opportunity to taste from a selection of about 50 champagnes and sparkling wines as well as a bevy of hors d’oeuvres for the perfect pairings. Tickets go on sale starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, November 14. DorothyLane.com/Champagne
Flight Solutions Now Offering Ownership Shares in Private Aircraft
Weary of the hassles of commercial flights? Discover Flight Solutions, a luxury private travel company, now offering limited ownership shares in three locally-based aircraft. The ultimate in convenience for both business and pleasure travel, Flight Solutions simplifies the process and reduces travel time by managing custom travel from door to door. Learn the details about Flight Solutions’ services and ownership in private aircraft to change the way you travel. 513.200.0698, FlightSolution.com
Shiver Security Systems Donates Sixth K9 to Miamisburg Police Department
Shiver Security Systems, Inc., a family-owned residential and commercial security solutions company, has supported the Miamisburg Police Department K9 unit for many years through the Matt Haverkamp Foundation. Their sixth donated K9, Bolo, is a male German Shepherd born in Hungary and imported through the Netherlands. Bolo will train for a few weeks with the Kettering K9 unit and then hit the streets with his partner at the Miamisburg Police Department. MattHaverkamp.com | ShiverSecurity.com
Photography by Dorothy Lane Market
Photography by Flight Solutions
Photography by The Matt Haverkamp Foundation
Vote for Finalists in the Snap Centerville Photo Contest 2024
View the highlights of the Snap Centerville Photo Contest at the Woodbourne Library gallery space through December 1. Vote for your favorite photos in two different categories showcasing the talented people in our area. The winners will be featured in the Centerville Art Gallery at the Centerville Police Department from December 3-31. The contest is sponsored by the Washington-Centerville Public Library, The Centerville Arts Commission and the City of Centerville. WCLibrary.info | CentervilleOhio.gov
Photography by Washington-Centerville Public Library
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EFFORTS HELP DAYTON CHILDREN’S EXTEND SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
ARTICLE
BY MARIE KRIEDMAN
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENISE JOHNSON & PROVIDED
Ezra J. Hartke Race for Hope
Photo By: Denise Johnson
A common medical mantra is that kids are not little adults. Children’s care requires specialized expertise, sound knowledge and most importantly, a gentle nature for kids and reassuring communication with parents.
“Our mission is to be there for those kids and families no matter what, with whatever they need to make sure every child receives care that’s just as special as they are,” emphasizes Jena Pado, CFRE, vice president and chief development officer
for Dayton Children's. “There truly is not an area of the hospital that is not impacted by our generous community of donors.”
Several upcoming fundraisers will benefit specific areas of care. The Ezra J. Hartke Race for Hope will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Nov. 16 at Kyle Park in Tipp City.
Ezra was diagnosed with a brain tumor at three years old and passed away when he was four. Nearly 4,700 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year.
From the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa
“OUR MISSION IS TO BE THERE FOR THOSE KIDS AND FAMILIES NO MATTER WHAT, WITH WHATEVER THEY NEED.”
Ezra’s family was touched and humbled by the support they received during Ezra’s care, and they were determined to give back. The race is sponsored by the Berry and Denise Johnson Foundation (Ezra’s grandparents) and in six years, the Race for Hope has raised more than $90,000 for Dayton Children’s and pediatric brain tumor research.
“Specifically, the Race for Hope supports the Living Biobank at Dayton Children’s and its work in pediatric tumor research,” Jena notes. The Living Biobank is a worldwide partnership for scientists to gain knowledge about what
happens inside a tumor and how tumors use energy to grow.
Another upcoming event is the popular Sugarplum Festival of Trees, which will be held from 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 through noon on Nov. 10 at American Legion Post #598 in Kettering. This festival is entering its 57th year and is sponsored by Terrific Women in Giving (TWIGs).
The event kicks off with Swigs with TWIGs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. Holiday trees, auction baskets, food trucks, an ugly sweater contest, a 50/50 raffle, craft beer and wine tastings, an online auction and more will be part of
By: Denise Johnson
the evening. The fun continues with the holiday extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Visits with Santa are open 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
A boutique will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Kettering Holiday Arts & Craft Show. This event is free and the boutique will feature handmade items and baked goods in the Lathrem Senior Center. The Sugarplum Festival raises more than $100,000 annually and involves over 200 volunteers. The funds raised at the events support children who receive mental health care through Dayton Children’s.
OTHER FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
• The Little Exchange Holiday Hope for Kids: The community boutique is hosting an online auction Oct. 30 through Nov. 3.
• Giving Tuesday: Held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (12/3), all donations (up to $25,000) will be matched by Boom Crate.
“We know that kids will never stop needing our care, and that’s why we’ve committed to do more to help all kids thrive in our community and beyond,” Jena explains.
“Dayton Children’s recently announced our Do. More. campaign, working to raise $75 million by June 30, 2025, to elevate mental health, advance care for kids and remove barriers to care.”
For more information about upcoming events, visit ChildrensDayton.org/Events.
Photo
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 about the future," Linda explains. "Bethany Village met all of our criteria. It’s beautifully maintained, there are so many activities, and it doesn’t feel like you’re growing old here."
Both Linda and Vern knew it was time to make a change and move back to Ohio. "We loved Florida because of the friendships and activities, but it was time to come back north," Linda shares. "Frankly, I missed the Midwest weather,” she jokes, noting that she missed having all four seasons. “But most importantly, I missed being close to family. All of our kids are building their lives and to be able to experience what they're doing is a wonderful blessing. I'm so happy to be closer to them and our wonderful grandchildren.”
For Vern, the community’s amenities and ease of living make Bethany Village the perfect fit. "My favorite part is that I don’t have to clean up after dinner," he chuckles. "But seriously, the staff here are excellent, they pay attention to your needs and they keep everything extremely clean. It's a great place for someone my age to stay active, with a beautiful pond for walking and indoor spaces for winter exercise.”
Linda fell in love with watercolor painting when she and Vern lived in Florida and she even served as president of the local art club. At Bethany Village, Linda is organizing a paintand-sip event for fellow residents. “We have an art room here and Bethany Village supplies the materials for group activities related to
art,” shares Linda. “I think we're going to do a little snowy scene with a mailbox and a cardinal and maybe people can share it with people they love over the holidays.”
Since moving back to Ohio, the Garrisons have had the chance to reconnect with their family, particularly their daughter who lives nearby in Kettering. "We’re thankful to share meals and activities with our family again. Watching our great-grandson play golf has been such a joy," Linda says.
As the holiday season approaches, Linda and Vern are looking forward to their first Thanksgiving celebration with family. "We celebrated Christmas in July this year to avoid anyone traveling in bad weather, but Thanksgiving will be a special time for all of us to be together," Linda shares.
For anyone considering making a move closer to family, Linda offered some advice: “Pay attention to what your current needs are with a realistic look to the future.” She stressed the importance of finding hobbies and activities to be involved in and making sure that any move will meet those needs as Bethany Village has done for them. Find out if Bethany Village could offer you or a loved one a home, community, friendship and more at BethanyLutheranVillage.org
“BETHANY VILLAGE MET ALL OF OUR CRITERIA. IT’S BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED, THERE ARE SO MANY ACTIVITIES, AND IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE YOU’RE GROWING OLD HERE.”
Honoring the innate intelligence of the body to heal itself while focusing on addressing the root cause of: Welcoming
Hungry Toad Farm Feeds Their Neighbors
ARTICLE BY MARIE KRIEDMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA LITTLETON PHOTOGRAPHY
Organic produce and flowers are only part of the community connection for this local farm.
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 honey, coffee, cheeses and handmade soaps. Located at 9307 Rooks Road (off Clyo Road), the farm store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, March through December. The fall seasonal offerings include lettuce, winter squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, chrysanthemums and dried florals.
“A long time ago, when I was a kid, there weren’t housing developments all around me,” Michael remembers. “I have lived here darn near all my life and I’m 75 years old. As they have built more developments, there are also more people who desire organic food.”
Michael started the three-and-a-halfacre farm in its current configuration in the early 1990s. “Organic is a term that is loosely used,” Michael explains. “I was first certified around 2000. In the last few years, I haven’t certified because the cost has become prohibitive. However, I continue organic farming by the rules issued by the USDA. This property has always been organic.”
Michael notes that the farm has two or three volunteers, but mostly, “Nancy and I do it together.” Nancy Kelly, 72, and Michael have been partners for 14 years.
“We met on Match.com,” Nancy tells us. “I visited him when I knew he would be working at the Second Street Market because I could see him interact with his customers. He looked a little tired, so I bought him a cup of coffee.” They've been supporting each other ever since.
CONTINUED >
Michael Malone and Nancy Kelly
“Our
primary goals are to serve our neighbors and provide them organic produce and flowers.”
Being a part of the neighborhood is as essential to the farm as growing quality products.
“You get back what you give out, and I always looked at creating a better community as creating a better world,” Nancy notes. “We are small, friendly and old-fashioned. I like people to come and see what it is, and if it’s for them.”
“Nancy is the flower goddess of the farm,” Michael gushes. Nancy laughs that the farm came along with the man. “My mother and I used to collect wildflowers along the road and create arrangements,” Nancy remembers. “Flowers are just pretty. It’s something I have been drawn to most of my life.”
Nancy has been eager to be part of the farm and help Michael realize his dreams, noting that he has an immense drive. “The customers are more than customers,” she enthuses. “They’re our neighbors and our friends and people we have known for a long time. It’s an organic farm and the community is growing organically too.”
For Michael, the best part is the broad range of customers including families with children. “The older I get, the more I enjoy interacting with kids,” he says. “Whenever I have the opportunity, I am very happy to walk kids around the farm and teach them what I can.”
The pair has slowed down a bit, and the community is embracing them and the farm.
“I find as we get older and we can do less and less, we have more people willing to volunteer. I’m thankful for all the people who keep this place going,” Nancy remarks. “As Michael and I age, we rely more on the community, and we hope we’re giving them an education for anything they want to grow.”
For more information and seasonal availability, visit HungryToadFarm.com.
Nancy with some of her favorite flowers, Lisianthus.
Michael with their rescued Corgi, Ruby.
A collection of Michael’s work boots from his many years of farming.
PUPPY POWER
CANINE COMPANIONS PROVIDES TRAINED DOGS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
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 is clear: to enhance the lives of people through the power of incredible canine companions.
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden-cross puppies are bred in Santa Rosa, California and carefully selected by veterinarians based on their health and temperament. After their time with volunteer puppy raisers in different locations around the country, including in local homes with volunteers from the Cin-Day Chapter, the pups go to regional centers to undergo specialized training and socialization tailored to the unique needs of the people they will assist.
Some dogs alert their hearing-impaired owners to alarms, ringing phones, unusual sounds and danger. Others assist with fetching items, opening drawers and doors, paying with credit cards and helping with dressing and laundry. For those on the autism spectrum, dogs offer comforting nudges and help redirect heightened emotions. For veterans with PTSD, dogs interrupt anxious behaviors, wake them from nightmares and create a personal space in public.
Dogs trained by Canine Companions provide crucial support in various settings. They work in physical and occupational therapy, assisting at several Cincinnati Children’s Hospital locations. Canine Companions is also the only organization to place a dog in the Cincinnati court system, offering comfort to children.
Diane Gudaitis and Beth Tumbleson are two dedicated puppy raisers with the local Cin-Day Chapter. Canine Companions’ dogs get their start at these loving homes.
Canine Companions is driven by passionate volunteers who help raise puppies to enhance the lives of people who need them.
Diane shares, “A raiser has the dog full time. They get the dog at eight weeks and raise them in their homes up to 18 months. We’re involved in the long-term development of the puppies, preparing them for their future roles as service dogs by teaching them 30 commands, which are the foundation for their advanced training.”
At 18-months-old, the dogs transfer to a regional training facility. “Our training center near Columbus evaluates each dog's strengths and temperaments to ensure they’re perfectly matched with individuals based on their specific needs,” Diane explains. “They then undergo six more months of extensive training.”
Realizing everyone may not have the time for an 18-month commitment, Canine Companions has started a program where volunteers can become starters or finishers. Starters and finishers each have the dog for six or nine months. Volunteers can also become sitters, providing temporary care that matches their calendars.
Beth shares a glimpse into a day spent training her puppy, Brazil. “Puppy raising includes socializing her, taking her to puppy and obedience classes and taking her out in public,” she says. “Whether it’s to a church or a park, I make sure she has a full range of experiences around other animals, people and places.”
While other service dog organizations charge in the five-figure range, Canine Companions’ dogs are provided free of charge. The application process enables accepted applicants to have a companion animal within a year and a half to two years.
“We not only raise and train puppies but also fundraise and host gatherings to support the cause, ensuring everyone has the support and resources they need,” Diane adds.
Beth notes, “Even though puppy raising is an unpaid position, it's worthwhile. It's a wonderful way to invest in and empower someone with a disability. You feel good about the commitment. It’s exciting and it’ll change you.”
The journey of these service dogs is supported entirely by sponsors and donors. Many local vets also offer discounts on their services.
Canine Companions is looking for help to continue this life-changing work. Volunteer puppy raisers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these dogs and teaching them the foundational skills they need to become successful service animals. Additionally, support as a corporate or individual sponsor is crucial in sustaining programs and expanding their reach.
Diane urges, "We are always in need of more puppy raisers to join our organization."
Canine Companions is committed to reaching an ambitious goal by 2025—to become the most recognized leader in their industry, providing expertly trained, high-quality service dogs free of charge to all qualified applicants. As they strive to eliminate their waitlist, they aim to set a new standard of best practices, ensuring that no one in need is left waiting.
Join the Cin-Day Chapter of Canine Companions in this fulfilling journey of service to make a profound difference, one puppy at a time. Canine Companions | 800.572.BARK Canine.org
Dogs trained by Canine Companions can help clients with nearly 65 different disabilities.
Volunteer puppy raisers play a pivotal role in shaping Canine Companions’ dogs, teaching them foundational skills to become successful service animals.
Diane Gudaitis and Casper on the day he moved to the North Central Training Campus for continued training.
2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Ceremony
Cornerstone Park | 11:00 AM
Each Veterans Day at 11 a.m., the City of Centerville and VFW Post 9550 host an annual ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Cornerstone Park while Stubbs Park is under construction. The public is encouraged to attend and pay tribute to veterans who have shaped the nation's history and preserved its freedoms. For information, please call 937.433.7151. CentervilleOhio.gov
NOVEMBER 15TH - 16TH & 22ND - 23RD
Centerville High School Theatre: Once Upon a Mattress
Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM
The Centerville High School theater department presents their fall musical performance, Once Upon a Mattress. Based on "The Princess and the Pea," this musical comedy classic centers on Prince Dauntless who is desperate to find a wife and Princess Winifred who shows up from the swamp to claim the crown. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. CentervilleHSTheatre.com
NOVEMBER 18TH
The Great Turkey Trek
Forest Field Park | 12:00 PM
Join the Centerville-Washington Park District for the Great Turkey Trek! Help find missing turkeys on a one-mile walk or 5K hike to win a Thanksgiving-themed prize. Bring new, unopened colorful socks for Shoes for the Shoeless (children’s sizes preferred). Registration is encouraged. Enjoy the season of gratitude outdoors! For details visit CWPD.org.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Woodland Lights Opening Night
Countryside Park | 6:00 PM
Kick off the weekend with the enchanting Woodland Lights at Washington Township’s Countryside Park. Stroll through the beautifully lit half-mile paved path and enjoy the holiday spirit with family and friends. Tickets for Woodland Lights can be purchased at the gate or WoodlandLights.org.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Uptown Holiday Concert
Town Hall Theatre | 3:00 PM
Get ready for an afternoon or evening of fantastic music at the Uptown Holiday Concert featuring The Fries Band, Ashley Martin, Prime A Capella and many more performers. Showtimes are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at Brushfire.com/ WashingtonTwp.
NOVEMBER 24TH
Uptown Holiday Walk & Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Uptown Centerville & Benham’s Grove | 2:00 PM
Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, festive characters and a variety of kids' activities. Uptown businesses will offer special promotions, and there will be approximately 20 pop-up Heart of Centerville and Washington Township vendors to explore. End the day with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting ceremony at Benham’s Grove at 5 p.m. CentervilleOhio.gov
Our free-range flock is locally raised to our non-GMO specifications by Bowman & Landes. It’s an antibioticfree, vegetarian-fed turkey with no added hormones that we are proud to have available for your table.
