Centerville, OH April 2024

Paving a Path to a Bright Future

Investment. This is an interesting word as it carries numerous meanings. Most people likely think it takes more of a financial focus. For our first Investment issue, however, we wanted to showcase investment in developing and providing opportunities for people and our community.

The American Institute of Architects-Dayton sparks creativity while laying the foundation for future architects. Learn more about their design competition for students throughout the Dayton region, including students from Centerville!

While the Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL) offers wonderful child and youth programs, they know lifelong learning is also very important. Explore WCPL’s Adult Education Programs ranging from financial and technology literacy to workforce development and learn how they’ve helped individuals and businesses.

One business that loves showcasing the development and talents of its team is Dorothy Lane Market (DLM). We sat down with DLM’s Pâtisserie Manager to learn how a creative idea becomes a delicious pastry and to get a sneak peek at the upcoming Garden Party Pastry Show on April 18 at the Springboro location.

Five years into the Uptown Action Plan, it’s hard not to see the bevy of new restaurants and infrastructure improvements in Centerville. From Manna and The Brunch Pub to parking and safety, City of Centerville Development Director, Erik Collins shares exciting updates and future plans.

With so many great things happening in our community, we hope you‘re able to invest some of your time reading this month’s issue of Centerville Lifestyle

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

Karen Andrea

Nan Paraskevopoulos, Nina Weierman, Rod Bluhm

Matthew J. Capps Photography, Christina Littleton Photography, Tracy Doyle for Dorothy Lane Market

MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER

@CENTERVILLELIFESTYLE

Not

your teeth and get the smile you’ve always wanted. This fee includes one set of retainers and free whitening! This offer is good through April 30, 2024 if you mention this ad.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Photography by Tracy Doyle, Dorothy Lane Market

1: The Dorthy Lane Market (DLM) Culinary Center hosted a FUNdue class for kids Grades 4-6. 2: DLM artisan bread and sliced sausage were perfect for dipping in cheese. 3: Instructor Zebbie Borland led the young chefs through both sweet and savory fondues. 4: Participants in the FUNdue kid's class started with a cheese fondue. 5: The DLM Culinary Center offers a wide range of classes each season. 6: DLM Culinary Center instructor Zebbie Borland has been teaching classes at DLM for 34 years. 7: The young chefs also made and enjoyed chocolate and caramel-based sauces.

8: The company of Centerville High School (CHS) Theatre production of The Great Gatsby. 9: More than 1,000 people attended the CHS Theatre production of The Great Gatsby 10: Jay Gatsby’s obsession, Daisy Buchanan with her husband Tom. 11: The cast put on three performances and broke the record for winter ticket sales. 12: Daisy Buchanan has a serious conversation with her friend Jordan Baker. 13: Much of the cast looks on at a pivotal point in the play. 14: Daisy laughs as shirts rain down in a display of Gatsby’s wealth.

Photography by Barry Burtenshaw

February 26. 16:

Photography by Kevin Risner, WCPL

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EXHIBITION SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR

Linda Black-Kurek Family Foundation

Patty & Jerry Tatar

DIRECTOR

Carolyn Brethen

Barbara Pereyma-Farrara

Linda Lombard & Paul Marshall

Robert & Christina O’Neal

A grant from the General Fund of The Troy Foundation

PROMOTING

Wanda & William Lukens

SUPPORTING

The Grimes Family

The Daniel Kerber Family

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

The Fulker & Armstrong Families

Julia D. Hobart

Rachel, Helen, Katharine & Surrie

Hobart & Denler Hobart Gardens, LLC

The Family of Glyn & Gladys Williams

Winans Coffee & Chocolate

FRIENDS OF AKA

Howard & Harriet Cary Family

Dr. Jason & Tiffini Johnston

Koverman Staley Dickerson Insurance

Irma Osadsa & Thom Payne

Laurie & Tom Pew

15: Jim McCutcheon, known as “The Guitar Man,” performed at Woodbourne Library on

Jim has been a staple in the local music scene while enjoying a 45-year career. 17: Guests enjoyed music by Bach, Henry Mancini, Don McLean and many other artists.

business monthly

Washington Twp-Centerville Events Location Move for 2024 Season

Due to ongoing renovations at Stubbs Park, many Washington Twp-Centerville community events have been relocated to the campus of St. Leonard’s for 2024. The move will allow the events to be presented and attended in the same quality manner as in the past. The temporary venue will be home to the Centerville Merchant Market, Summer Concert Series, Party in the Park, Mystery Night Out and Fall Fest in 2024. CentervilleOhio.gov

Officer Scott Thomas Retires from Centerville Police Department

Officer Scott Thomas retired from the Centerville Police Department in February after 33 years of service. Officer Thomas worked as a K-9 handler with his partner Jake. Together they worked and assisted in many cases throughout the region. He also served as a trainer and mentor for new police officers. Officer Thomas received several accommodations including being named the John P. Kalaman Officer of the Year, receiving the department's Medal of Valor and a Life Saving Award. CentervilleOhio.gov

Photography by St. Leonard's

Photography by City of Centerville

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Centerville High School Students Inducted into National Honor Society

The Centerville High School (CHS) National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 183 new members during a ceremony held in February. CHS now boasts 256 junior and senior members of NHS. Inductees were praised for their perseverance exhibited through their academic careers due to pandemic-related issues. NHS represents excellence in character, leadership, service and scholarship. Students must have a 3.65 GPA to be eligible for induction into the CHS chapter of the NHS. Centerville.k12.oh.us

Photography by Centerville City Schools

Big Dreams

LEARN HOW THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTSDAYTON IS INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARCHITECTS.

ARTICLE BY NAN PARASKEVOPOULOS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A unique design competition in Dayton is encouraging students to think creatively about addressing housing shortages. This year’s American Institute of Architects (AIA) Dayton’s student design competition is centered around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

ADUs are permanent and nonmobile and must be able to fit within a residence’s remaining lot space. Ranging between 300800 square feet, ADUs serve as versatile housing solutions. To guide the students in their designs, three distinct use cases have been outlined: an extension of the home, an extension for experience (Airbnb) and an extension for access (affordable housing rental).

The initiative serves as a launching pad for students curious about architecture. Students are also exposed to related fields such as sustainability, structural design and historic preservation. The hands-on experience of designing based on specific needs allows students to explore whether architecture aligns with their aspirations.

AIA Associate Director Katie McCall says, “Even if some of the students have an idea of what being an architect entails, this competition allows them to start designing.”

Technical aspects like site plans, floor plans and elevations are crucial to creating a winning design. However, the AIA also judges narratives and concept statements, showcasing how each student addressed challenges as they were revealed. Ultimately, the competition is about the process just as much as the scholarships awarded.

“I did this competition when I was in high school,” says AIA Associate Director Lauren McCarroll. “The fact that architects contributed their time to teach me meant a lot. Getting to do the same for students now is pretty special.”

“Even if some of the students have an idea of what being an architect entails, this competition allows them to start designing.”

-Katie McCall

“One of our goals is to connect with the community. A big part of that is investing in the next generation of architects."

-Lauren McCarroll

The Dayton Metro Library Southeast Branch is displaying submissions from March 22 to April 12, offering the public an opportunity to appreciate the work of the participating students. High school students living in Montgomery, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Preble and Shelby counties can participate. This year seven Centerville students registered for the competition.

“One of our goals as AIA Dayton is to connect with the community,” says Lauren. “A big part of that is investing in the next generation of architects.”

By providing a student platform for real-world design challenges, AIA Dayton is inspiring young minds to explore the possibilities within the field of architecture.

Centerville High School junior Ian Halferty shares, “Creating my models has helped me learn more about 3D printing and different types of buildings. AIA Dayton has provided me with knowledge of architecture before any job experience and I really appreciate it.”

This competition serves as a beacon for students considering architecture as a career, demonstrating the impactful intersection of creativity, design and community engagement. Find out more at Classic.AIA.org/Dayton

ARTICLE BY NAN PARASKEVOPOULOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS PHOTOGRAPHY

FROM LEGACY TO IMPACT

THE WASHINGTON-CENTERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY DRAWS DIVIDENDS FROM INVESTING IN ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

Libraries have been a cornerstone of enlightenment and education for centuries. One such center of knowledge is the Washington-Centerville Public Library (WCPL), where  Kevin Risner serves as the Adult Services Specialist. Kevin's professional choice is also a familial legacy. Growing up with a mother who was a librarian at the Dayton Metro Library, his formative years were spent surrounded by books. Later, during his enlistment in the U.S. Army, libraries provided him solace and a quiet escape from the barracks. This rich history culminated in his pursuit of a Master of Library Science, fueled by a passion for research and service.

"I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Centerville and Washington Township for their investment in the library."

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE WCPL’S ADULT EDUCATION/ WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS?

Approximately 10 years ago WCPL received a grant from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and American Library Association (FINRA/ALA) to present adult programs on financial literacy. That led the library to invest time and effort to form partnerships with organizations that continue to this day. Popular programs from outside speakers include estate planning, home buying, elder law, scams and fraud targeting seniors, social security and Medicare.

WCPL staff provide instruction on Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) using various devices (smartphones and tablets) and database/internet searching. I regularly provide instruction on the equity research/investment databases. Sometimes these are held in a class setting, but we have a popular Book a Librarian service where patrons can schedule a 30-minute to one-hour one-on-one session with a librarian on the topic of their choice.

WCPL provides online access to LinkedIn Learning, Udemy and JobNow with a library card. My colleague Gregg also hosts a monthly Job Seekers Networking group on the third Thursday of each month.

CONTINUED >

Library patron and small business owner Ron Draving with WCPL Adult Services Specialist Kevin Risner.

DO YOU HAVE COLLEGE-AGE PROGRAMS?

While we don’t have any college-specific programming, the reference librarians frequently assist college-age students in their research projects, and we have an Anime program and hands-on instruction on the equipment at the Creativity Commons that attracts this age group.

ARE THERE ANY PATRON SUCCESS STORIES THAT ARE MEMORABLE FOR YOU? HOW DO THE LIBRARY'S INVESTMENTS ENRICH PATRONS' EXPERIENCES?

The library has invested in resources that assist small business owners and sole proprietors. The A-Z database and Reference Solutions are resources that can assist in researching competitors or creating mailing lists. Gale Legal Forms will provide support to business patrons or patrons who represent themselves in court. Patrons with no computer experience still come to us for basic instruction. The Book a Librarian service has been a great help in getting people online. I’ve recently assisted patrons with setting up their first email accounts, using the local grocery apps for digital coupons and accessing the local newspaper.

Ron Draving, the owner of the Classic Limo Co., is an example of a small business success story. I’ve helped him edit a promotional video, set up business pages on Google, Microsoft Bing, Yelp and Facebook and assisted in setting up payment methods on Venmo and Cash App. My colleague Felicia Brock has assisted him in creating invoice templates to bill his corporate clients.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Centerville and Washington Township for their investment in the library. Most of our revenue is derived from the local library levy. Without its passage, we would not be able to provide the range of services that we currently offer.

WCLibrary.info

CREATIVITY IN BLOOM

Sample the latest confections from the pastry chefs at DLM at the upcoming Pastry Show.

ARTICLE BY NINA WEIERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACY DOYLE, DOROTHY LANE MARKET

Walking into Dorothy Lane Market (DLM), you might find yourself drawn by the sweet smell of homemade coffee cakes directly to the pastry counter. Passing eye-catching displays of fresh fruits and delectable cheeses, DLM pleasantly awakens your senses in a way unlike any other grocer. Even if you didn’t come in for any treats, the colors of all of the magnificently detailed fruit tarts, sugar cookies and Killer Brownies in the case at the Pâtisserie are hard to resist.

“The Pastry Show gives us a chance to mingle with the customers and see the joy our desserts bring them.”

Known for providing high-quality products and offering personalized and attentive customer service, there is no doubt that what DLM offers is truly something special.

Each year at their annual Pastry Show, DLM gives ticket holders a little peek into how the magic happens in the Pâtisserie Department. “It’s a fun experience not only for our guests but for the pastry chefs to stretch their creativity and try new things we haven’t done before,” shares the Director of Central Baking Operations at Dorothy Lane Market, Lindsey Lucas.

This year’s upcoming Garden Party Pastry Show is taking place from 7-9 p.m. April 18 in the loft of the Springboro location and offers the public a chance to meet the talented pastry chefs behind the delectable culinary creations in the DLM Pâtisserie Department. We sat down with DLM Pâtisserie Manager, Chef Amy Brown, to learn more about the upcoming show and DLM Pâtisserie.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH DLM AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT IT?

Amy: I’ve been working at DLM for 10 years. I love the fact that we can be creative and bring our ideas for new items to work and we get to bring those ideas to life with top-quality ingredients.

HOW DO IDEAS BECOME PASTRIES AT DLM?

Amy: Any product we produce has gone through a lot of testing. It starts as an idea someone brings in. Once we have tested and gotten the taste right, we will usually come up with a few different visual options to take to the retailers. After we get it cleared with them, we test for shelf life and the best way to ship.

HOW DOES DLM INVEST IN THE ONGOING TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PASTRY CHEFS?

Amy: One of my favorite ways that DLM shows appreciation is by sending us on work trips to different cities to visit other bakeries for inspiration.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT ONCE THEY ARRIVE AT THE PASTRY SHOW THIS YEAR.

Amy: Guests can expect to have full bellies when they leave! We like to use the show to debut some of our new pastries that will be on our spring menu, but we also have a lot of things that will only be available at the show. Between the atmosphere we set with the piano playing, beautiful pastries, delicious savory foods and amazing service, it is just a night that will easily become a core memory.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PASTRY SHOW?

Amy: As pastry chefs, we are in the back of the house most of the time. The Pastry Show gives us a chance to mingle with the customers and see the joy our desserts bring them. It is an amazing feeling to see people appreciate the hard work you put in.

Find more details and tickets for the Garden Party Pastry Show at DorothyLane.com/PastryShow

Envisioning Uptown

Learn about the successes laying the foundation for a brighter future for Centerville’s historic heart.

ARTICLE BY NINA WEIERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA LITTLETON PHOTOGRAPHY

The heartbeat of Uptown Centerville has quickened with an array of new developments. Walking through Uptown, your senses are awakened by the sights of colorful murals, the aroma of the many new restaurants that now call Centerville home and the sound of people visiting the businesses along Main and Franklin.

Since 2019, when the City Council approved the Uptown Action Plan, Centerville has been invested in creating a more functional, unique, upscale location for shoppers and diners. The Action Plan includes six focus areas: improving walkability and reducing traffic congestion, improving parking, scheduling and organizing new events, focusing on business development, creating branding and increasing green space.

“The city has been doing an excellent job of working the plan that was put together. Investing public dollars has resulted in what we now see in Uptown,” shares Erik Collins, City of Centerville Development Director.

Just in Uptown alone since May of 2023, Centerville has welcomed four new restaurants including Manna Uptown, Agave & Rye, Meridien and The Brunch Pub in January of 2024. “We’re seeing what we refer to as a spinoff effect. We are hearing from some of our merchants, whether it's Burgundy Chic or Pieces of Style or other establishments, that customers will go to a restaurant like Manna and then visit the Town Hall Theater creating a ripple effect on the economy,” states Erik.

Outside of new businesses and restaurants, residents may have noticed the addition of public parking in Uptown. Not only have about 150 new parking spaces been created, but the city has been focused on creating strategic partnerships to add 141 more. “The big thing is always how you make it convenient for the residents. The city has been very focused on investing in public infrastructure by acquiring, demolishing and improving to the tune of more than 3.5 million dollars that has been converted into public parking,” shares Erik.

The Action Plan also encompasses looking into ways to make sure that people who are parking and going from their car to places in Uptown have a good experience. This includes considering things like lighting, greenery, hardscapes and more. “One of the things that we are doing now is repositioning the area to make it safer to drive and walk in Uptown,” conveys Erik.

The city is focused on creating the best possible quality of life for those who live in Centerville and visit here. “We want to make sure we have a variety of businesses in Uptown that are going to complement each other so it becomes a hub where people can go to multiple places within walking distance,” states Erik.

While it’s exciting to see the progress that has already been made in a short amount of time there is still more to come. This year there will be a new 6,000-square-foot building constructed in Uptown across from The Brunch Pub for a new restaurant, and there is an active pipeline for different types of projects in Uptown.

“I’ll compare it to this: Our good friends in Miamisburg created their master plan in the year 2000 and they are still working through their plan in 2024. We did ours in 2019. I think it’s going to be at least 10 years, but if you look back at what we have accomplished in this community so far it’s pretty remarkable,” reflects Erik.

For more information about the Action Plan and upcoming improvements to Uptown Centerville visit CentervilleOhio.gov

“The city has been doing an excellent job of working the plan that was put together. Investing public dollars has resulted in what we now see in Uptown."

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 8TH

Eclipse Viewing with CWPD: Family Fun

Forest Field Park | 1:30 PM

View the full solar eclipse with friends, neighbors and the Centerville-Washington Park District! Enjoy activities planned for the whole family. Kona Ice will be on hand depending on the weather. Registration is requested but not required. Registrants will be notified of a weather-related cancelation. For details and registration go to CWPD.org

APRIL 13TH

Kids Create: Flower Cookies

Grant Park Kennard Nature Nook | 3:00 PM

Bake sugar cookies with instructor Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling and decorate the treats to look like beautiful flowers in honor of spring! This event is for children ages 6-10. Registration is required by April 8. This event is scheduled for April 13 at 3:00 p.m. To register visit CWPD.org

APRIL 18TH

Glass Fusing: Whimsical Garden Decor

Activity Center Park Community Room | 6:00 PM

Kathy Woodruff from Busy Beaver will demonstrate the basics of glass fusing in this inaugural class. Participants will create two small glass pieces suitable for display in their garden. The event is scheduled for April 18 at the Activity Center Park Community Room. You must be 16 to enroll. Registration is required by April 14. To register go to CWPD.org

APRIL 20TH

Centerville Wellness 5K Run/Walk for Health

Primary Village North | 8:30 AM

The Centerville Wellness 5K Run/Walk for Health is open to all Centerville City Schools staff, family and friends. Check-in/registration begins at 7:45 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers and door prizes will be given to Centerville City Schools employee participants by raffle. For more information and registration go to FindaRace.com.

APRIL 23RD

Arbor Day Ceremony

Iron Horse Park | 11:00 AM

Celebrate Arbor Day! Centerville has received the Tree City USA award each year since 1986. The Arbor Day celebration is organized by City Beautiful members in honor of the award. After a ceremony led by City of Centerville dignitaries, trees will be planted with the help of students from local schools. CentervilleOhio.gov

APRIL 27TH

Turning Point Health & Wellness Open House

Turning Point Health & Wellness | 10:00 AM

Please join Turning Point Health & Wellness on April 27, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. for an Open House highlighting their practices. They will have presentations from each practitioner sharing helpful tools for optimal wellness. Sign up for a presentation on their website and you’ll be automatically entered to win a special giveaway. Learn how they can help you achieve better health. TurningPointHealthandWellness.life/Events