The Kids + Pets Issue
don’t let summer sickness stop summer fun
• Rashes
• Bug bites
Visit Kids Express Centerville for: quick care for sick kids open 7 days a week located in Sugarcreek Plaza
• Sunburn
• Swimmers ear
• Colds
• Ear infections
• And more!
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Setting Up for Success
It’s that time of year when local families switch from summer to school mode. While it can be stressful at times, there is a lot of excitement and our August issue shares ways to help the transition go smoothly.
Keeping your students healthy, fueled and focused is key to classroom success. Take a look at nutritious and tasty back-to-school tips and recipes from the Busy Bee Real Meals team and organizational solutions for your kids’ spaces from the experts at Closets by Design.
Storytime is filled with opportunities for learning and imagination. For local author Marie Kriedman, storytime sparked a lifelong love of reading and writing. Learn more about her journey to become a published author as well as her favorite children’s books to read with her kids.
This is our Kids + Pets issue, so we couldn’t leave out our furry friends. Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) has helped countless animals find shelter and forever homes. Join us in celebrating their 50th anniversary by reading about SICSA’s history, upcoming events and how you can help them continue their mission.
We hope this month's collection of stories inspires some wonderful family moments and sets everyone up for a successful school year.
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Karen Andrea
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rod Bluhm, Nina Weierman, Nan Paraskevopoulos
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography, Christina Littleton Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Doggone Good Works
Miami
Children’s Books to Talk About
Marie
Back to School Bites
Busy
Grown Your Library has
Do you use a rotary phone? No? Neither do we.
The Washington-Township Public Library has rolled out innovative services that will blow your mind.
With just your library card*, you can unlock a world of possibilities:
• Craft custom etched glassware
• Binge the latest shows
• Entertain and educate your kids with preloaded tablets
• Emblazon t-shirts and other gear with your artwork
• Get creative with jewelry-making kits
• Wield a laser cutter for precision projects
Whether you’re a techie, artist, or lifelong learner, come explore, create, and experience things you never thought possible at a library.
Level up your library experience today at the Washington-Centerville Public Library.
*Creativity Commons only charges for materials used.
Hatch ROAST Repeat
city scene
1: The DAI Associate Board with Art Ball chairs Julie Forman and Martin Gehres. 2: The DAI Art Ball, Dayton’s longest-running and premier formal event, celebrated its 67th year. 3: The Art Ball highlighted the influence of disco and club culture on contemporary art. 4: Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, formal dinner, bourbon bar and a late-night snack. 5: Some exhibits at the DAI were open to guests for viewing. 6: Live music and dancing in the museum’s Hale Cloister added to the fun. 7: A silent disco provided by Not So Loud Silent Party was a hit among guests.
Photography by Dayton Art Institute
Great Smiles START WITH US
Not only do we provide cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages, we also provide all-inclusive Invisalign treatment. In honor of our first responders and our educators we are offering a discount in appreciation of your hard work and service to our communities. For $3200 you can straighten 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 August 31, 2024 if you mention this ad.
Dr. Heidi Sprowls has been practicing dentistry in the Dayton area for over 20 years. She attended Indiana University School of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Sprowls has an amazing team working with her to provide gentle comprehensive care.
8: The Taylor Swift tribute “Twist on Taylor” thrilled fans at June’s Summer Concert Series. 9: The concert featured songs from Swift’s country and pop collections. 10: Simply Queen performed at the Party in the Park at St. Leonard in June. 11: The band returned to Centerville after playing the music of Queen here in 2023. 12: Young artists create at the Superhero Smash working with chalk, sand and masks. 13: A wee superhero meets his alter ego as his mom offers encouragement. 14: Superheroes pose for photos with guests while the party continues.
Harmonious Living At Bethany Village
Meet your neighbor Mary Arnett
Mary Arnett’s life at Bethany Village is a beautiful blend of music and friendship. With a background in the local philharmonic, her involvement in music has been a gateway to building meaningful friendships, which she holds dear. Mary’s story is a testament to the enriching power of music and community connection.
business monthly
Bethany Village Now Provides Paid STNA Training Program
Bethany Village has launched a paid training program to become a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA). The development of the program was based on a desire to increase staffing and retention at Bethany while improving competency and professionalism among new hires. The course takes 75 hours over 12 days. All participants in the inaugural class in April passed their certification tests and have been hired into nursing positions. For application information visit Hireology.com
The Westheimer Group Partners with New Brokerage
The Westheimer Group has partnered with a new brokerage. Laurie Westheimer, who leads the team of real estate professionals, has taken on the role of lead agent of the Kettering/Oakwood branch of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty located at 3000 Far Hills Avenue. While they will continue to serve the real estate needs of the entire Miami Valley region as they have for the last nine years, this move will allow them to do so from a more centralized and visible location. BHHS.com
Photography by The Westheimer Group
Photography by Bethany Village
Centerville Washington Public Library Hosts Wright Brothers Exhibit
The work of renowned Dayton photographer Dan Cleary occupies the Woodbourne Library in tribute to the Wright Brothers. The exhibit blends historical images of the pioneers in flight with Cleary’s recent photos taken at the same locations. Explore the legacy of Orville and Wilbur Wright through this visually compelling journey of photographs. “The Wright Brothers: Then and Now” will be on display at the Woodbourne Library gallery space through September 3. WClibrary.info
Photography by Dan Cleary
DOGGONE GOOD WORKS
Miami Valley nonprofit celebrates 50 years of supporting pets and their communities.
ARTICLE BY NAN PARASKEVOPOULOS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
In 1974, amid a growing need for a more compassionate approach to animal welfare, the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) was founded in the Miami Valley. What started as a small group of dedicated individuals has since blossomed into a mainstay of the community, tirelessly advocating for the well-being of animals and people who care for them.
“I truly believe in our vision of a future where every pet has the loving home they deserve."
SICSA's mission transcends traditional sheltering. It envisions a future where every animal, from dogs to community cats, finds not only shelter but also a true home within the heart of neighborhoods and communities. This vision is passionately upheld by Jack Omer, who transitioned from the Board of Directors to become SICSA's president and CEO last year.
Jack says, “I truly believe in our vision of a future where every pet has the loving home they deserve."
Integral to SICSA's success are its volunteers and foster caregivers, whose commitment ensures that animals receive the love and care they deserve.
"We are always looking for volunteers and foster caregivers,” shares Jack. “We understand that for various reasons people are not always able to foster long term, so we created a great program that allows caregivers to foster our animals for as little as an afternoon. This helps animals learn about the safety, comfort and love that comes with living in a home environment.”
Beyond domestic pets, SICSA's good works extend to community cats. Dedicated volunteers—known as cat captains—work actively to trap, spay, neuter and care for feral cat populations throughout the Miami Valley. At a cat colony in Centerville, a caretaker left a note at a feeding station to let people know that the cats were all spayed and neutered through a community cat partnership with the City of Centerville and SICSA. Upon finding the note, another Centerville resident showed up to SICSA asking how they could help.
“We connected her with the SICSA volunteer, and as a result, the cat colony has additional caretakers who purchased new water bowls and are cleaning and maintaining the area where the cats live,” shares Jack.
Looking forward, SICSA remains committed to evolving its programs to meet the ever-changing needs of animals and the community. The organization continues to emphasize education, outreach and collaborative partnerships to build a future where every animal is cherished and cared for.
One such educational initiative is SICSA’s Humane Education Program. This program offers educational opportunities for a variety of age groups, teaching important lessons about responsible pet ownership, the humane treatment of animals and the critical role of spaying and neutering in controlling pet populations. School visits and community workshops are just a few ways SICSA engages with the public to nurture a deeper understanding and respect for animals.
Additionally, SICSA has established strong relationships with local businesses, veterinarians and other nonprofits to create a robust network of support for animals in need. These partnerships have led to initiatives like the Pet Food Assistance Program, which provides pet food and supplies to families experiencing financial hardship.
As SICSA commemorates its 50th anniversary, the organization will reflect on its journey. The upcoming Sunrise with SICSA Mission Breakfast, scheduled for September 5th at Sinclair College, will celebrate achievements and reinforce the timeless principles upon which SICSA was built.
“This is a fantastic event to learn about all the great things going on at SICSA and to refresh everyone on how everything we do ties back to our mission from 50 years ago,” explains Jack.
To learn more about how you can support SICSA, whether through volunteering, fostering, donating or simply spreading the word, visit SICSA.org.
CHILDREN’S books TO TALK ABOUT
ARTICLE BY ROD BLUHM PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
MARIE KRIEDMAN WRITES CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO SPARK CURIOSITY AND START FAMILY CONVERSATIONS.
By second grade, Kettering writer and editor Marie Kriedman was reading like a fiend. After initial struggles, she credits her mom and teachers with helping transform her into a voracious reader. Marie loved Charlotte’s Web and Harriet the Spy as a young reader. Reading was a constant in her life and on her journey to pursue a degree in journalism at Miami University.
Marie’s interest in writing children’s books began during her college days. She initially pursued publishing her work with established book publishers and what was intended as a short break from this type of writing quickly became years passing by. Still, working in copy editing and freelance writing continued to give her opportunities to hone her skills, while life experience added wisdom.
Her first published children’s book, Saying Goodbye to Olivia , was written to honor Marie’s daughter, whom she lost in the second trimester due to Trisomy 18. Writing helped her through the grieving process and reignited her passion for writing. Saying Goodbye to Olivia was a challenging book to write at a time when Marie and her husband were grieving the loss of their daughter, and their two young children had many questions. Yet Marie was determined that good would come from Olivia’s passing.
“My writing happens because of my whole family. My husband found my publisher and pushed me to keep writing, our sons asked questions and I wrote my first published book to honor Olivia and process my grief.”
It was important to her to help families in similar circumstances. Marie explains, “Saying Goodbye to Olivia is the book I wish I had when I lost her.”
The excitement of seeing her first book published differed from that of the typical author. “Holding my daughter’s book for the first time was very emotional. I’m very proud to have shared Olivia’s story on her behalf,” she says.
Four of Marie’s books have been published by Chilidog Press with a fifth anticipated this summer and four more in the pipeline. Her book Santa’s Toy-Tastrophy was inspired by real events surrounding the tale of a delayed gift delivery by jolly old St. Nick! The central question: How will Santa and his elves get the misplaced present to a little boy waiting for it after Christmas Eve has come and gone?
Little Brother to the Sun is Marie’s personal favorite. The book teaches children about the relationship between the Earth, sun and moon. It was written to honor her sons. “I love the way the illustrations bring the story to life. It also has a bit of a surprise ending,” shares Marie.
Olivia Had Trisomy 18 is the sequel to Saying Goodbye to Olivia . The book addresses the basic chromosome science surrounding Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and miscarriages and is aimed at older kids. Marie’s books are written for kids in elementary school or younger, but she takes pride in not speaking down to her readers. Her goals are that each book sparks curiosity, helps a child learn and prompts family conversations.
Marie credits her positive experience as an author to her journalism background, family and the opportunity to be hands-on and involved throughout the publishing process.
“My writing happens because of my whole family. My husband found my publisher and pushed me to keep writing, our sons asked questions and I wrote my first published book to honor Olivia and process my grief,” says Marie.
Finding time to write books could be a challenge for a busy mom who works a full-time job and also writes for newspapers. However, Marie admits to being a night owl who finds time to write after her kids are in bed. Right now she’s hard at work on her next release, My Dragonfly Friend , which will be completed this summer.
For more information and to purchase books visit BooksbyMarie.com.
MARIE’S CHILDREN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Her Favorites:
• Berenstain Bears series by Jan & Stan Berenstain
• Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
• Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Cracker Jackson by Betsy Byars
Favorite Books to Read to Her Children:
• A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
• Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
• Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
• Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
• Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
Back to School Bites
BUSY BEE REAL MEALS OFFERS BUSY FAMILIES HEALTHY OPTIONS FOR MEALS AND AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS.
ARTICLE
BY NINA WEIERMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHY LYONS–LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY
The back-to-school rush is upon us. Between extracurricular activities and the busyness of life, lunch and after-school snack planning sometimes falls by the wayside. This leaves parents to understandably reach for prepackaged items, even if they aren’t always the healthiest options.
Inspired by her experience as a busy mom, Brandy Skelton, owner of Springboro’s Busy Bee Real Meals, helps time-pressed parents provide healthy food options. “I realized I could help busy moms by reducing their stress, giving them more time with their families and time for doing what they enjoy,” says Brandy.
Busy Bee offers family-style prepped dinners, single-serving heat-and-eat meals and ready-to-eat items, including snack dips and packs, breakfasts
and wholesome sweet treats made from whole, unprocessed ingredients. Customers simply order online and choose a pickup location.
Offering a healthy spin on familiar favorites is something that Brandy specializes in and she understands what it’s like to have picky eaters. She has a couple of tips and tricks to try:
• “Try to pair less healthy items with healthier options like dips or sweets with fruits or veggies,” says Brandy.
• Allow kids to help with the meal process from shopping to cooking. “It’s a good time to read labels, talk about ingredients and why some choices can be healthier than others while balancing taste too,” shares Brandy.
She also shares two of her favorite recipes to try cooking with your kids.
Monster Energy Bites
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup oats (any are fine, quick or rolled)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup mini M&M's
DIRECTIONS
1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly.
2. Roll into one-inch balls.
3. Store in the fridge. They freeze and thaw well and are great for any time snacking or travel snacks.
Create-Your-Own-Combo Stromboli
For this recipe use any combo of meats, veggies and sauce. Suggested combos: Chicken, veggies, bacon and ranch; beef and cheddar; spinach or broccoli and cheese; eggs, veggies, salsa and cheese.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound pizza crust
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups veggies, chopped
• 2 cups meat, roughly chopped
• 1 cup sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with floured parchment paper.
2. Roll the dough into a rectangle on the floured parchment.
3. Cook the meat and set aside.
4. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add veggies and sauté until soft.
5. Spread 1/2 cup sauce over the dough.
6. Layer with meat, veggies and cheese. Fold edges over filling, place seam side down.
7. Brush with olive oil, slit the top and bake for 25-30 minutes.
8. Cool, slice and serve with dipping sauce and salad. Enjoy for dinner and the leftovers are perfect for lunch!
For more no-stress help with balanced, healthy meals any day of the week, check out BusyBeeRealMeals.com.
EXHIBITION SPONSORS
PATRON SPONSOR
Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel
Charles F. Kettering Foundation
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SPONSOR
Dr. Bob Brandt, Jr.
Catherine Gordon & Felice Nudelman
Rainbow Elder Care of Greater Dayton
Todd Kepler & Dirk Kreutzer
Sara M. & Michelle Vance Waddell
ALLY SPONSOR
Bader+Simon
The Longfellow Commons Community of United Church Homes
Dr. Rachael Richter & Carol Weinert
Michael Roediger
TNT Unlimited Professional Painting
Emily, Kaytee & Parker Yantis-Houser
MEDIA SPONSOR
ThinkTV PBS
* This exhibition
Speak
Left: Casey Riordan, Shark Girl as Boxer (detail), 2016, mixed media. From the top left, clockwise: V. L. Cox, Hands Off II, 2017, mixed media. Heather Jones, There’s No Plan (detail), 2019, sewn cotton. Chakaia Booker, Urban Butterfly, 2002, rubber tires, wood. Shelley Brenner Baird, 19th Amendment (detail), 2019, collaged signs.
Closets by Design offers flexible solutions for every age, space and stage.
ARTICLE BY NINA WEIERMAN
Closet Creations for Kids' Spaces
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA LITTLETON PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether your child is an infant or a teenager, trying to figure out how best to organize their closet can feel like a puzzle that just can’t be solved. Deciding which storage solutions will work best now and into the future as they grow is a difficult task, and that isn’t even considering visual appeal.
The professionals at Closets by Design bring specialized knowledge and experience to create customized solutions tailored to individual needs. Their expertise not only enhances the functionality of the space but also adds a touch of elegance to the home.
“When we moved into our home in Mason, one of the first things we did was call Closets by Design,” shares homeowner Sarah Newcomer. “They understood my vision perfectly.”
Designer Joey Adams helped bring Sarah’s ideas to life, creating customized closets for each of her three children that would not only meet their individual needs but also grow with them. “The adaptability of the Closets by Design system works so well for children's closets because they are fully adjustable and can be changed as the child grows and has different needs for their storage space,” explains Joey.
Sarah loved being able to design three unique closet spaces. “My oldest has a larger walk-in closet so we were able to add a custom built-in hamper, one of our favorite features,” expresses Sarah. Although the closet in her middle child’s room is smaller, Joey was able to design a system that provides ample hanging and shelf space. “We love having the option to change the shelving and hanging arrangement even after it’s installed,” Sarah says.
As a designer, Joey understands that it is not only the functionality of the closet space but also the overall look. For her youngest child’s closet, Sarah wanted to make sure the appearance matched the rest of the room.
“The adaptability of the Closets by Design system works so well for children's closets because they are fully adjustable and can be changed as the child grows and has different needs for their storage space.”
“I loved that I could pick out rose gold bars for the hanging sections and rose gold handles for the drawers to match the rest of the room,” shares Sarah. “Changing the hardware along with picking out a drawer face that had a more sophisticated trim detail elevated the look of the closet.”
In this closet, Joey maximized space by utilizing triple hanging bars. In time, one of those rods can be removed for a traditional double hang or rods can even be swapped out for additional shelving. “Utilizing triple hang for little girls is a great option because they have so many cute dresses and outfits,” notes Joey. “I used drawers to store hair ties and bows, diapers, etc. and those drawers will be usable for underwear and socks as she grows.”
Extra shelf space in each child’s closet offered room for items like memory books, special keepsakes and often-used items like humidifiers and extra hangers.
Every Closets by Design project begins by listening to the client’s needs. “We are as close as you can get to a custom closet without the custom closet price. I love designing here, because with the factory in Cincinnati, we can be more custom than our competitors,” explains Joey.
Joey's passion for her work results in beautiful spaces and happy customers. “Working with the designers at Closets by Design was a smooth and easy process. We are so pleased with our closets,” shares Sarah.
Cincinnati.ClosetsByDesign.com | 513.469.6130
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
DOG
SOCIALIZING
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99% working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
AUGUST 9TH
Party in the Park: The
St. Leonard | 5:30 PM
2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute
The City of Centerville and the Centerville Arts Commission Party in the Park Series continues at St. Leonard! The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute featuring Shawn Gerhard is a high-energy act based in Nashville. Food trucks and beer sales will be available to guests. The free concert will begin at 7 p.m. CentervilleOhio.gov
AUGUST 10TH
Boomerfest at St. Leonard
St. Leonard | 12:00 PM
The Heart of Centerville and Washington Twp. and the City of Centerville present Boomerfest, a free music festival featuring rock and soul from the Baby Boomer era on August 10 at noon. Enjoy food trucks offering a wide selection of delicious foods, craft beer and cocktails. A kids’ area will provide youth activities. ChilivingCommunities.org
AUGUST 11TH
Cruise-In to the Ice Cream Social
Washington Township RecPlex | 11:00 AM
After an unprecedented turnout in 2023, the RecPlex will once again host the Cruise-In to the Ice Cream Social. See more than 200 classic cars and play games while enjoying complimentary hotdogs, burgers and ice cream! The RecPlex is expected to be open for swimming, open gym and rock climbing. For more information and Cruise-In registration visit WashingtonTwp.org.
AUGUST 17TH
Movie Party in the Park: Ratatouille
Forest Field Park | 7:00 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly evening that includes viewing Ratatouille on the big screen at dusk. Games, crafts and activities will precede the movie. The Claybourne Grill food truck will be there to accommodate your dinner orders. The event is scheduled for August 17 at 7 p.m. Registration is requested for planning purposes. For registration go to CWPD.org.
AUGUST 24TH
Springboro ARTfest
S. Main St, Springboro | 10:00 AM
The Springboro Arts Council presents ARTfest on Main on Aug. 24. The festival highlights Historic Downtown Springboro and features work from 100 artists, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, a children’s tent, music and entertainment. Artwork will include paintings, sculptures, pottery and more. Admission is free. This event is pet friendly and will be held rain or shine. ArtFestonMain.com
AUGUST 27TH
Tail Waggin’ Tutors
Woodbourne Community Room - Woodbourne Library | 4:30 PM
Independent young readers (kindergarten-Grade 5) will spend an hour reading to a therapy dog at this special event. Kids can work on their reading skills while enjoying time with a tail waggin’ tutor. This event is scheduled for August 27 at 4:30 p.m. Registration is not required. WCLibrary.info
