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Summer Adventure J U LY 2 022

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6451 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45459

July 2022 PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Jennifer Lorenzetti | jennifer.lorenzetti@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Time for an Adventure Summer is made for exploration. Without the busyness of the school year, we have the time to hit the road and discover something new. I remember cramming into the back seat with my siblings as our family traveled to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Of course, there were moments of annoyance and the inevitable invasion of each other’s space, but what I recall most of all was the fun we had singing to the radio, playing car games and mastering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Game Boy. This month’s issue is packed with summer fun activities all within a short drive from home. Did you know there are more than 50 parks in Centerville and Washington Township? We sat down with Kristen Marks, executive director of the Centerville Washington Parks District, to learn more about the wide array of amenities throughout our communities. If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water, look no further than Bellbrook Canoe Rental. Read about its 50-year history and all of the ways to disconnect, unwind, and enjoy the Little Miami River. Another long-time favorite of the Greater Dayton area is Young’s Jersey Dairy. Only about a 30-minute drive from Centerville, this destination is truly for the whole family. Take a look at the many activities that will make this trip a fun-filled day to remember. There are so many things to do and ways to get involved this summer. No matter where your adventure takes you, whether it is your favorite spot at home, in the passenger seat on a road trip, or poolside on vacation, we hope you enjoy the summer issue of Centerville Lifestyle.

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Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Ragain CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Lori Balster, Katie Bray, Jennifer Lorenzetti CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Kelly Ann Settle -- Kelly Ann Photography Renae Denbow and Photography Provided

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Centerville Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Centerville 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 Centerville Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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J U LY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Summer and Adventure Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Young’s Jersey Dairy Is a Family Tradition

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Hometown Hero

Our Town

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Get Active

FI T NES S

Outdoor Adventure

Events

Make This Short Road Trip, and Your Family Is Sure to Leave with Full Bellies and Fond Memories

20 Centerville-Washington Park District 1,000 Acres of Year-Round Fun

30 Float Away from It All

Bellbrook Canoe Rental Offers Perfect Summer Getaway

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Kelly Ann Settle - Kelly Ann Photography Float away from it all with a kayak from Bellbrook Canoe Rental.

FO O D + B EV E R AG E

ENT ERTA IN M E N T

J U LY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1 - 7: More than 8,000 people attended The Centerville Merchant Market on May 22, 2022. Organized by The Heart of Centerville Washington Twp. (HOCWT) and the City of Centerville, the event showcased nearly 100 vendors, a dozen food trucks, and several live musical acts. Those interested in participating in upcoming events or becoming a HOCWT member or vendor for these events should visit www.hocwt.org and look under “Latest News.” Photography by Christina Littleton Photography

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @centervillelifestyle

9 MCCONNELL PHOTOGRAPHICS/ TRAPSPEED PHOTOGRAPHY

MCCONNELL PHOTOGRAPHICS/ TRAPSPEED PHOTOGRAPHY

8: A Special Wish Dayton held a pair of fundraising events in May. 9: Dancing with the Dayton Stars raised $65,000. Winners included Nate Thompson and Megan Evans (professional). 10: Winner Courtney Duetsch and Vitaliy Kozhev (professional). Online Voting winners: Courtney Duetsch and Michelle Garel. 11: Runners, families, and friends participated in the Superhero Donut Fun Run at Centerville High School. 12: Winners of the different races/categories took home grand prizes of Bill's Donuts for a year! 13: A Special Wish Foundation - Dayton Chapter would like to thank the local business sponsors. 14: Visit www.ASpecialWishDayton.org to learn about future events and how to get involved.

JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C E N T E RV I L L E

J U LY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Washington Township Receives Clean Ohio Grant The Washington Township RecPlex has been awarded a grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund for the second phase of the revitalization project in Countryside Park. This phase of the project will address the declining water quality and aquatic life in both Turtle and Heron ponds as well as the expressed interest by residents for more water-based recreational activities and facilities.

Photography Washington Township

Sabrina Pritchett to Join Dayton Art Institute Leadership Team The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced that Sabrina Pritchett will join the Dayton Art Institute leadership team as the museum’s External Affairs Director. In her role as External Affairs Director, Pritchett will oversee all aspects of marketing, communications and media relations for the museum, as well as guiding the museum’s signature fundraising events, Art Ball, Oktoberfest and Bourbon & Bubbles.

Photography Dayton ARt Institute

Lindner Center of HOPE Announces Vision for World-Class Mental Health Treatment Center Lindner Center of HOPE, a nationally renowned nonprofit comprehensive mental health center of excellence, today announced it would launch a new, $30 million development campaign to expand its facilities, staff and services. The campaign kicked off with initial pledges of more than $6 million, including $2.5 million from William and Sue Butler and Corporex Companies, LLC, and $3.5 million from several other individual and corporate donors.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Centerville

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

The summer heat is here, and what better way is there to cool off than visiting some of the best spots in town to have fun with friends and family in the water? We have you covered with both hidden gems and tried and true venues to beat the heat and enjoy the water this summer.

Lakes and Water Activities BELLBR OOK CANOE R ENTAL: Kayak, canoe, or tube down the river in the

coolest activity in the Miami Valley. 3234 Washington Mill Rd Bellbrook, OH ACTIVITY CENTER PARK: Centerville's Activity Center Park offers a splash pad

that is a favorite with kids. 221 N Main St Centerville, OH THE GREENE: The splash pad at The Greene offers fun for the kids while parents

can listen to live music or browse stores. 108 Magnolia St Beavercreek, OH DUNSIANE SWIM CLUB: With ample space on beautiful grounds, Dunsinane Swim and Tennis Club provides the perfect backdrop for social events and summer family fun! 600 W Spring Valley Pike Dayton, OH FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS: Eastwood Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds in the Miami Valley are home to many great paddling opportunities, like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. 1441 Wesleyan Rd Dayton, OH

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Bellbrook Canoe Rental

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Inspiration for your best local life.

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Explore Wright State University July 22 during Raider Open House. • Tour our campus and housing • Connect with faculty and students • Get your questions answered

Schedule your visit right now: wright.edu/RaiderOpenHouse JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C E N T E RV I L L E

YOU NG ’ S J ERSEY DAI RY IS A FA M I LY T RA DI TION

Make This Short Road Trip and Your Family Is Sure to Leave with Full Bellies and Fond Memories

ARTICLE BY KATIE BRAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENAE DENBOW AND PROVIDED

H OM E TOWN H E R O | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

CONTINUED > JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C E N T E RV I L L E

Just north of Centerville in Yellow Springs, Ohio, lies a historic family-run farm, Young’s Jersey Dairy. Besides being a working dairy farm that attracts more than 1.2 million guests annually, it houses an abundance of fun activities perfect for the whole family. The farm was founded in 1869 by relatives of the Young family, and later purchased by the grandfather of current CEO Dan Young in 1948, following World War II. “It’s a family tradition,” Dan says. “We’ve changed a lot. It’s been exciting moving from just an agricultural enterprise to adding entertainment, to create all the family memories that we’re able to provide to the public.” Dan has been working for his family’s farm for more than 50 years and now jokingly prefers the title “chief ice cream dipper.” Guests looking for a heartier snack can get a full meal at The Dairy Store. The major attraction though, is the homemade ice cream. “It’s a fairly high butterfat ice cream, so it’s pretty creamy,” Dan says. “The flavors are put in by hand or as it’s coming out of the machine.” Guests can easily spend the majority of a day at Young’s Jersey Dairy, as there are so many activities for the whole family. These include two miniature golf courses, batting cages, a kids’ barrel ride around the farm, a giant slide, and a kiddie corral. For an extended trip, the scenic and vibrant town of Yellow Springs lies just down the road. For bike lovers looking for an enjoyable excursion, the Little Miami Scenic Trail extends into Yellow Springs. Young’s Jersey Dair y is perfect for your next weekend family road trip. Young’s Jersey Dairy 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs 937.325.0629 | YoungsDairy.com

H OM E TOWN H E R O | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

“It’s a family tradition. We’ve changed a lot. It’s been exciting moving from just an agricultural enterprise to adding entertainment, to create all the family memories that we’re able to provide to the public.”

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CENTERVILLEWASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT 1,000 Acres of Year-Round Fun

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LORENZETTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CENTERVILLE WASHINGTON PARK DISTRICT

If you’re looking for a great way to get outdoors this summer, look no further than your own backyard. CentervilleWashington Park District (CWPD) offers 51 parks encompassing 1,000 acres, with options available for kids, pets, and adults. Each park offers its own amenities and activities. The park district includes eight community parks, nine nature parks, and 34 neighborhood parks, all geared to different interests and activities. For example, Activity Center Park offers a sprayground for kids (and maybe a few adults) to play in the water and cool off. Oak Creek South Park includes a skate park with challenges for skateboarders. Oak Grove Park includes a fishing pond, an archery range, and a dog park. All community parks also have picnic areas and shelters and are home to special events and athletic leagues. Nature parks are minimally developed and offer a variety of natural areas (like forests, wetlands, and meadows) that serve as homes for indigenous wildlife. These parks allow the community to learn more about the environment and the conditions that the original inhabitants of the area may have encountered. Kristen Marks, executive director of CWPD, says that she is proud of the way the park district has adapted to the changing needs of the people of Centerville and Washington Township. An increase in community interest CONTINUED >

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C E N T E RV I L L E

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

in hiking has led to all of the community parks having hiking and multi-use trails. “Every few years, we do a needs assessment and survey,” she explains. In the last survey, community members indicated that they wanted more shade, so CWPD is adding additional shelters and planting trees to increase the number of cool oases. Accessibility is another issue that is important to CWPD. The district has developed a transition plan to ensure facilities and amenities are accessible to all community members and are working to make this a reality. Kristen is proud of the diversity of facilities and experiences available at the wide variety of parks in Centerville and Washington Township. “There’s something for everyone,” she says. Centerville-Washington Park District CWPD.org/Parks

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O UTD

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FLOAT AWAY FROM IT ALL

ARTICLE BY LORI BALSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY ANN SETTLE - KELLY ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | E NTE RTAI NME NT

Whether it’s the first time or the hundredth time, lazing down the river in a canoe, kayak, or tube—the sun on your face, with no sounds but birdsong—is the essence of summer relaxation. Bellbrook Canoe Rental has been providing hourslong trips to relax and unwind since 1972. “It’s a way for people to get outside, it’s easy to do, it’s cheaper than a plane ticket to Florida or some other destination. It’s a way to get away from electronics for a few hours,” says Max Mullikin, who owns Bellbrook Canoe with his cousin, Sol Mullikin. “It’s good, relaxing fun. You can paddle through at your own pace, or not paddle, and float down the current.” Bellbrook Canoe Rental was the first livery (rental) on the Little Miami River. Begun by Charlie Fife in 1972, it’s been in Max’s family for 15 years. “My dad thought having a canoe rental would be a cool, fun idea—something cool to pass on to his kids,” reflects Max. While he admits that his own involvement in canoes was limited to a Boy Scout outing or two prior to acquiring the business, Max agrees with his dad. “It’s turned out to be great. Running Bellbrook Canoe has been a blast.” One of the great things about canoe, kayak, and tube trips is that they don’t require people to have prior knowledge or extensive training. No experience is needed. “We provide some basic directions, like how to turn. It’s not too difficult,” explains Max. “We get a lot of nervous people who have never been out on the river before. But after they come back from their trip, they tell us it was a lot easier than they thought it would be.” As far as whether to pick a canoe, kayak, or tube, that depends on personal preference and what kind of trip is desired. Canoes are either one or two-person. They can go faster with two people, but the two-person ones are also harder to steer. Max says that kayaks are easier to steer and harder to tip over than canoes. Tubes have no steering. “Tubes are especially good for hanging out, relaxing, and working on your tan,” he says. The canoes and kayaks go on the same 5.2-mile stretch of river. The tubes have a shorter route, but they can go over and over again at no extra charge until the end of the day.

BELLBROOK C A N O E R E N TA L CONTINUED > JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C E N T E RV I L L E

As far as how rough the water is, never fear. The Little Miami has few rapids if any. Most of the water is slow-moving. The water is usually great, however if it gets too high, people aren’t allowed out in the boats or tubes. “If it rains up north a lot, where the Little Miami starts, then we get all that water, and it makes the water too high down here for people to go out boating or tubing,” says Max. When arriving to canoe, kayak, or tube, Max advises not to wear your Sunday best! Wear swim trunks or a swimsuit. Wear old shoes (not flip-flops—those tend to get lost). Leave towels in your car. Wear whatever you would normally wear to the pool. “The Little Miami is a Class 1, meaning it’s a super nice river,” remarks Max. “There is also a ton of wildlife out there, and you’re likely to see a surprising amount of it. There are lots of turtles.

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | E NTE RTAI NME NT

We probably have hundreds out here. There are even some as big as trash can lids!” The turtles are often by the river, sunning themselves. There are also lots of birds. You may not see them, but you’ll hear them singing. It’s pretty common to see deer too. Basically, he says, “If you’re wanting to get away for a few hours to experience nature, this is the place to go!” Bellbrook Canoe Rental 3234 Washington Mill Road, Bellbrook 937.848.4812 | BellbrookCanoeRental.com

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

We Look Forward To Seeing You! JULY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C E N T E RV I L L E

J U LY 2 0 2 2

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JU LY 1 ST - 3 1 ST

Summer Concert Series

STUBBS PARK Enjoy a variety of free concerts on Sunday evenings from 7–9 PM. A full calendar is available at: CentervilleOhio.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1500/15

JU LY 3 RD - 4 T H

Americana Festival

DOW N TOWN CEN TERVILLE Ohio's largest one-day festival begins on the evening of July 3rd at the Centerville High School Stadium, 500 E. Franklin Street. A variety of food vendors will be on hand at the stadium entrance. The celebration continues on Monday, July 4th with a 5K run, parade, arts & crafts street fair, live entertainment, auto show and lots of food concessions. americanafestival.org

J ULY 7 T H

Yankee Street Market

8491 YAN KEE ST. DAYTON , OH 4 5 4 5 8 Yankee Street Market is owned and operated by a full-time farm family. They plant their own planters, hanging baskets & bedding flats. They grow the majority of the produce sold in their market. Weekdays, 10 AM-6 PM; Weekends, 10 AM-5 PM. yankeestmarket.com

J ULY 1 5T H

Party in the Park

STUBBS PARK Join the City of Centerville and Heart of Washington Township Centerville at Stubbs Park! This event features the following: Live music 6:30-8:30 PM, family-friendly movie starting at 9 PM, food trucks, local vendors & shopping, beer and wine sales. hocwt.org/events

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