Centerville, OH May 2023

The Ladies Issue

Celebrating Women

While there are many reasons to celebrate this time of year, we love to put the spotlight on the women in our lives and those making our community a better place for all.

There will always be pivotal moments, positive and challenging, that can alter the course of life’s journey. We spoke with Casey Hookfin, Liz Fultz, and Jenell Ross to learn how following their passions allowed them to overcome challenges and set a new path forward in their career and life.

Many people think plastic surgery is just fixing imperfections. Dr. Gina Maccarone of Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery approaches each patient holistically, enhancing not only what they see in the mirror but also their inner confidence and self-esteem. Learn more about Dr. Maccarone and her motivation to be a “Surgeonista” in a male-dominated industry.

For 13 years, the local chapter of national nonprofit Girls on the Run (GOTR) has been helping young girls become stronger physically and mentally. GOTR Dayton is much more than walking and running. They incorporate lessons that focus on building confidence, and emotional and mental strength. Read more about the organization’s impact and their upcoming events.

Lastly, I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to all of the women who help make our publication possible: our many women-owned business advertising partners, readers, and our incredible team. Happy May and Mother’s Day to the amazing women and moms on our editorial team— Amanda, Karen, Kelly, Christina, Cathy, Nina and Nan, and to all the women and moms in our communities!

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen Andrea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nina Weierman, Rod Bluhm, Nan Paraskevopoulos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Christina Littleton Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER @CENTERVILLELIFESTYLE

Photography: Christina Littleton Photography

From left to right: Liz Fultz, Washington-Centerville Library Director, Janell Ross, President of Bob Ross Auto Group and Casey Hookfin, Career Specialist Program Manager at Dayton Children's. Photographed at Woodbourne Library in Centerville.

PREPARE TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN.

AND PEACE OF MIND.

Assisted living with an emphasis on living.

If there’s one thing you’ve learned in life, it’s to surround yourself with the right people. At Bethany Village, you’ll find like-minded friends and inspiring ways to engage mind, body and spirit – along with a skilled staff who work with you to create the right balance of care and support so you can remain independent and active.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Centerville High School’s Forte A Cappella in their video “Light Switch,” sung in English and Japanese. 2: Kumler Chapel at Miami University serves as the backdrop for the Forte video for “Shallow.” 3: “Disco Show Revolution” was filmed at the Centerville High School (CHS) Central Theatre. 4: Forte A Cappella performs at their video release concert at CHS Central Theatre. 5: The group performed all songs from their newly recorded videos. 6: Forte A Cappella belts out a number before a large crowd. 7: Members of Forte A Cappella finish their concert with a final song.

Photography by Ned Pennock

8: The Centerville Noon Optimists hosted the Tri-Star Basketball Competition at Watts Middle School. 9: Boys and girls ages 7 to 12 tested their dribbling, shooting and passing skills. 10: More than 100 kids participated and took home free gifts. 11: Trophies were awarded to the top three participants in each age group. 12: Parents watch as kids prepare for the Tri-Star Basketball Competition. 13: Many participants received a free basketball courtesy of Hustle Basketball. 14: Fun was the word of the day, rather than just emphasizing competition.

Photography by Centerville Noon Optimist Club

15: Centerville City Schools Metamorphosis art exhibition was held at the CHS Performing Arts Center. 16: The exhibit celebrated March as National Youth Art Month. 17: The art of students in grades K-8 was on display for all to see. 18: Students interpreted the meaning of metamorphosis in a variety of ways. 19: Young students’ art adorned the Performing Arts Center for two weeks. 20: Some art projects were completed in 3D. 21: A beautiful example of metamorphosis, the butterfly, appears ready to fly away.

Photography by Centerville City Schools

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meet your Centerville neighbor

Dr. Sarah Steward, pediatric orthopedic surgeon

brought to you by Dayton Children’s Hospital

Kids and teens are motivated to resume play and I love that I can help them return to their normal activities.

About Dr. Steward:

• Expertise in pediatric sports medicine and minimally invasive surgery

• One of only 6% of female orthopedic surgeons in the country

• Born and raised in the Dayton area

Centerville resident, Dr. Sarah Steward, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

She specializes in caring for kids and teens in orthopedic conditions such as:

• ACL tears

• Knee pain

• Shoulder injuries

• Fractures

• Ankle injuries

• Played basketball for CJ high school, Marquette University and one year professionally in Finland scan to watch Dr. Steward in action

Pictured: Dr. Steward with her daughters at UD arena

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

World Bank Investigator to Speak at The Miami Valley School

Arjun Ponnambalam, senior investigator at The World Bank, will bring his expertise in global affairs to Dayton in an informative talk presented by The Miami Valley School Speaker Series. Arjun is a longtime governance and anti-corruption specialist as well as a former Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. The event will be held at The Miami Valley School, 5151 Denise Drive at 6:30 p.m. RSVP is requested and additional information is available at MVSchool.com/SpeakerSeries

Photography by The Miami Valley School

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Want

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Dayton Children's Unveils New Specialty Care Center

Dayton Children’s recently opened a five-story specialty care center where the entire experience is built around the conveniences and care the families of the region have requested. The 150,000-square-foot building houses more than 30 pediatric specialties such as orthopedics, pulmonology, endocrinology and diabetes, neurology and gastroenterology. It offers space for the latest technology in a bright, welcoming atmosphere. “I feel heard,” says Tina Acres, a member of Dayton Children’s Patient and Parent Partner Program. ChildrensDayton.org

The Centerville Arts Commission Exhibits

Work By Mikee Huber

The Centerville Arts Commission featured the work of local artist Mikee Huber throughout March. Mikee is a Dayton artist who creates intuitive, colorful and expressive multi-media paintings. She is a 2022 recipient of a Dayton Region Arts Renewal Grant, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and administered by Culture Works. Active in the arts community, Mikee currently serves as a board member of the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA). CentervilleOhio.gov

• Nationally ranked academic programs

• Affordable tuition and housing

• Welcoming campus culture

•

Photography by Dayton Children's

Photography by Mikee Huber

Here’s why right now is a great time to be a Raider:

A return on investment among the best for Ohio public universities*

Forging New Paths

HOW THREE INSPIRING WOMEN IN OUR COMMUNITY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

ARTICLE BY NINA WEIERMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA LITTLETON PHOTOGRAPHY

Each of the women profiled in our annual Ladies issue has a uniquely inspiring story. They were chosen because of the positive ripple effect they have within the community and beyond. Within her role at Dayton Children’s, Career Specialist Program Manager, Casey Hookfin developed a work-study program to provide nursing opportunities to underrepresented populations. Liz Fultz, director of the WashingtonCenterville Library is one step ahead of the technological changes faced by libraries today and is committed to making sure the library serves the needs of our community. Jenell Ross, president of Bob Ross Auto Group leads one of only 285 African American-owned automobile dealerships in the country.

Career Specialist Program Manager, Dayton

Casey Hookfin

Casey began her nursing career 10 years ago as a floor nurse with Dayton Children’s hospital, but her inner drive and irrefutable leadership skills soon led her to her current role. Casey went from floor and travel nurse to unit nurse educator. Soon after she took on the new responsibility of unit nurse educator, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and presented a new challenge for Casey.

“It was such a critical time for our country and it became a crucial pivot in my career,” shares Casey. She was asked to build and manage the COVID-19 screening process for all Dayton Children’s campuses. Her success with managing this daunting task led her to be promoted to her current position, as career specialist program manager.

Casey recognized that people of color are underrepresented within the field of nursing and went on to create a work-study program, called rise, to provide nursing opportunities to Asian, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, Latino and Persons of Color. The rise career advancement program helps nursing students fulfill their professional and educational goals. Financial assistance is awarded to selected students who show scholastic achievement, promise for professional advancement, and the ability to contribute to the nursing profession and the community.

In its first year, the rise program had seven applicants and now in its third year, Casey is expecting more than 30 applicants. “My favorite part is notifying the candidates of their acceptance into the program. It often leads to tears on both ends. Seeing these participants write their own chapter is so rewarding,” explains Casey.

Many program participants have said that they would not have been able to achieve their dream of becoming a nurse without rise. Casey is invested in the participants. “I give each candidate a tassel when they start the program to visually motivate them. I’m excited to see them get pinned as a nurse,” shares Casey.

Outside of the amazing work that she is doing with rise, Casey participates in mentoring programs, has spoken to children at local schools and with the Girl Scouts of America and Young Ladies’ Aspiring Greatness. She serves as a Dayton Children’s brand ambassador and on several Dayton Children’s task forces. Unyielding in her goal to elevate young professionals, especially people of color, Casey is truly a trailblazer.

“My favorite part of the program is notifying the candidates of their acceptance into the program. It often leads to tears on both ends.

Seeing these participants write their own chapter is so rewarding.”

Children's ChildrensDayton.org

In her nearly 30-year career with the Washington-Centerville Library, Liz has witnessed firsthand the ways that libraries have had to adapt to the rapid advancement of technology and changes in the way people access information. It’s hard to put a finger on an organization that has had to adapt to the changing needs of their patrons quite as quickly as the library has and that was true before the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

“How people use our spaces is evolving and innovation is necessary to adapt our services for new technologies,” shares Liz.

Liz’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community is exhibited in her leadership in the renovation and expansion of the Woodbourne Library and the development of the makerspace, Creativity Commons, at the RecPlex. From sewing and embroidery machines to 3D printers and more, Creativity Commons invites library cardholders to learn new skills and turn their ideas into a reality. “One of the most overlooked but concrete ways libraries change lives, is by helping people develop new skills,” states Liz.

Outside of the library, Liz loves giving back through her participation with the Centerville Noon Optimist Club. She most enjoys participating in the Will Cale Scholarship Program. In addition to providing scholarship money, members serve as mentors to students who have personal struggles or other circumstances that put them at risk of not attending or completing college.

“Connecting with the students at such a pivotal time in their life and helping them navigate their college experience feels very meaningful,” shares Liz.

When asked what advice she would share with others, she says, “ Visit the library!” While in jest, her advice has a ring of truth to it and she adds, “No matter your position or circumstances, it is so important to be a lifelong learner. Reading, attending classes, trying new experiences, and connecting with others are key in continuing to grow and develop, and are central to what the library offers.”

“One of the most overlooked but concrete ways libraries change lives, is by helping people develop new skills.”

Liz Fultz

President, Bob Ross Auto Group BobRossAuto.com Jenell Ross

“I couldn’t have asked for two better parents for role models,” shares Jenell Ross, president of the Bob Ross Auto Group. Jenell’s parents were able to overcome many challenges and with only a high school education, her father Robert P. Ross Sr. became the first African American Mercedes-Benz dealer in the country in 1979.

“My parents defied many odds to succeed in their professions and they always reminded me that you can do anything you set your mind to,” imparts Jenell.

This is a sentiment that Jenell has truly embodied. Named president upon the passing of her mother in 2010 from breast cancer, Jenell leads one of only 285 African American-owned automobile dealerships in the country out of nearly 18,000. Within those 285 dealers, there are only four African American women. Beyond that, Jenell is also the sole second-generation African American female automobile dealer in the country.

Honoring her parents is something that Jenell has taken to heart. If you have ever driven down Loop Road in October, you have likely noticed how Bob Ross Auto Group turns pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation was founded in honor of Jenell’s mother and her battle with breast cancer. The focus of the foundation is prevention as well as assisting those who are underinsured or uninsured with receiving their mammogram screenings.

“It's very important to maintain an annual mammogram schedule and sometimes people don’t have the resources to do so. This is one of the ways The Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation can assist,” shares Jenell. In partnership with this foundation, Jenell ranked in the top 20 teams nationally for the funds raised for the American Breast Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Jenell was recently named Chairwoman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association and under her leadership, the Bob Ross Auto Group has received several recognitions. If she had one piece of advice to impart to others, Janell wants people to, “Understand that there are always going to be those who don’t want you to succeed. Don’t let them deter you from accomplishing your goals or achieving your dream.”

A Holistic Approach to Surgery

ARTICLE BY NAN PARASKEVOPOULOS

Plastic surgery has more to do with compassionate care than some may think, according to Dr. Gina Maccarone, an associate cosmetic surgeon at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center-Springboro. Dr. Maccarone’s holistic approach to surgery means she pays attention not only to the physical aspect but also to the emotional factors that may impact the patient's self-esteem and confidence. She works closely with her patients to create a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and goals, with a focus on achieving a natural, beautiful result.

“What we do in this field is much more than surgery, injections, or lasers. Patients should feel empowered when they look in the mirror which can improve their quality of life,” says Dr. Maccarone.

She recently joined the Plastic Surgery Experts at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery

PHOTOGRAPHY

Center after almost 10 years as a general and critical care surgeon. The addition of Dr. Maccarone has allowed them to open a new office in Springboro. This expansion will help them offer their services to a wider range of patients in Springboro, Dayton and Centerville in need of cosmetic and aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Maccarone is a native of the Cincinnati area and attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. While she is accomplished in general and critical care surgery, having completed fourteen years of education and an additional eight years of practice, Dr. Maccarone’s passion has always been in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. She was fortunate enough to have completed an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown, a highly respected plastic surgeon in the Cincinnati area.

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PROVIDED

Dr. Gina Maccarone joins the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center team at their new Springboro office.

The addition of Dr. Maccarone to the team at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center represents a significant expansion in the practice's capabilities.

Dr. Maccarone brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and surgical skill. Her professionalism and commitment to patient-centered care have earned her the respect of her peers. She is excited to fulfill her dream of becoming a cosmetic surgeon in the Dayton/Cincinnati area.

“It has been my lifelong dream to become a plastic surgeon, because throughout my life, the love of fashion, art and surgery have all been intertwined. I am so passionate about them that I coined the term ‘Surgeonista’ to integrate surgery and the artistry of fashion. I hope to set an example that women can function expertly in a male-dominated field and not lose an ounce of what makes them feminine.”

In fact, as part of her expert practice, she performs every procedure in pink shoes.

The Plastic Surgery Experts at The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center are already known for providing top-quality face and body cosmetic surgery. They offer a full range of surgical and non-surgical options to enhance appearance and improve quality of life.

Dr. Maccarone’s areas of focus include liposuction, fat transfer, breast augmentation, breast lifts, tummy tucks, eyelid surgery, facelifts, brow lifts, ear reshaping or repair, Botox treatments, and soft tissue fillers such as Restylane, Sculptra, and RHA, as well as skin care services and products.

Meghan Johnson, the anesthesia director at The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center expressed her excitement about the new addition to the team. “With her approachable personality and sensitivity to patient’s needs, combined with her surgical skill, the best in town just got better.”

As a doctor who prioritizes the patient's needs, desires, and expectations, and takes into account their unique circumstances and history, she is an excellent testament to her profession.

As Dr. Maccarrone says, “We are all as beautiful as we see ourselves, and the most important part of my job is helping my patients reveal that person."

The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center - Springboro 52 Remick Boulevard, Springboro  937.260.4405 | MandellBrown.com

ARTICLE BY ROD BLUHM PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A Run with Impact

GIRLS ON THE RUN DAYTON USES RUNNING AND POSITIVE LESSONS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND SELF-WORTH.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) was founded in 1996 by lauded author and runner Molly Barker. The Dayton chapter covers Montgomery, Clark, Greene and Miami counties and was started in 2010. More than 9,000 girls have taken part in local programs. Spring and fall programs each year culminate with 5K runs at Wright State University. The next 5K is May 6 with festivities beginning at 8:30 a.m.   Executive Director Kayleigh Clark has been with Girls on the Run Dayton for six years. Kayleigh was introduced to GOTR when she volunteered as a running buddy in Florida. She had such a positive experience that she reached out to the Dayton chapter when she moved back home to the area.  Despite what some may assume, GOTR is about so much more than running. Kayleigh explains, “The biggest barrier for us to break is that we are not a running program. Girls, coaches and volunteers don’t have to love running or be good runners to participate.”

“What we focus on is building strong girls both in confidence and emotionally, and we want them to feel secure and know that they have the tools to take on the world.”

- Kayleigh Clark, executive director, GOTR Dayton

“It is super important to see young girls learning confidence and having something that they’re passionate about and can look forward to.”

- Molly Eaton, GOTR mom and vendor

Each GOTR practice includes a lesson based on a social and emotional theme surrounded by positive self-talk with participants split into two age groups according to their grades in school (3-5 and 6-8). Training for the 5K is done in a safe space with healthy snacks provided. The practices and the season-ending 5K are not timed, yet accomplishment is celebrated.

“Your girl could walk the entire thing as long as she is moving forward. What we focus on is building strong girls both in confidence and emotionally, and we want them to feel secure and know that they have the tools to take on the world,” shares Kayleigh.

Throughout the program, girls learn the value of teamwork, empathy and motivation. They become physically active, gain confidence, feel a sense of achievement and learn about commitment to their community through a hands-on project. GOTR provides young girls with an environment away from social media that fosters the growth of the whole girl. A portion of Molly Barker’s vision was to break girls out of “the girl box.”

“It is super important to see young girls learning confidence and having something that they’re passionate about and can look forward to,” says Molly Eaton, a GOTR mom and vendor.

There are many ways to support GOTR. Volunteers are needed for the 5K on May 6 to help with inspiration stations. Women 18 or older can apply to be running buddies for girls who don’t have a family member or close friend to run with and anyone can register to run the 5K. Kayleigh notes, “We're always looking for dynamic people who want to volunteer their time whether it be at the 5K or to come on as a coach for the season.”

Donations can be directed to GOTRDayton.org/ Donate . Your support, whether a one-time gift or a monthly donation, funds scholarships for girls in need. GOTR is also looking for local business and corporate sponsors.

Girls on the Run Dayton is making a tangible difference by encouraging the growth of healthy, active and confident young women with high self-worth. Registration for the fall season begins May 1. For more information visit GOTRDayton.org

Photos by Kristen Groeniger

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

events

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

Mainstage Series: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr.

TOWN HALL THEATRE | 7:00 PM

Based on the book by Dennis Kelly, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr. comes to Town Hall Theatre weekends May 5-21. This is the tale of a girl scorned by her parents only to have her true potential discovered by a wonderful teacher. Matilda uses her cleverness to try to save her classmates. For showtimes and tickets go to WashingtonTwp.org .

Rotary Club of Centerville Annual Golf Outing

YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB | 8:00 AM

The third annual Rotary Club of Centerville golf outing is scheduled for May 5. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. A light breakfast and lunch are included. There will also be prizes and raffles. Proceeds help fund trade and college scholarships for Centerville and Washington Township students. To register please visit CentervilleRotary.com .

Centerville Farmers Market

ACTIVITY CENTER PARK | 9:00 AM

The Centerville Farmers Market returns May 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at its new home, Activity Center Park. High-quality produce and products will be featured. The market is sponsored by the City of Centerville and the Centerville-Washington Park District. For more information please visit CentervilleOhio.gov.

Centerville Merchant Market

STUBBS PARK | 12:00 PM

Organized by the Heart of Centerville & Washington Township and the City of Centerville, this market boasts over 100 vendors, live music, plentiful food trucks, local breweries and kid-friendly activities. This is a free outdoor event at Stubbs Park. Visit the market on May 21 from 12-5 p.m. For details go to HoCWT.org .

Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic

CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK | 12:00 PM

Celebrate the history of Dayton at this family-friendly event. Thousands come out each year to see costumed performers, witness historical demonstrations and participate in special activities. Performances by The Carillon Park Concert Band and the Dayton Philharmonic will cap the evening. The event is scheduled for May 28 at 12:00 p.m. For admission information please visit DaytonHistory.org

Memorial Day Ceremony

STUBBS PARK | 9:00 AM

The City of Centerville invites you to join them in honoring veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Local civilian and community leaders and community members will take part in the ceremony. This event will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial at Stubbs Park on May 29 at 9 a.m. For more information please visit CentervilleOhio.gov

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