Can you believe the year is almost over?
You’ve all been doing an amazing job in the restaurants, and we can’t wait for you to see how we’re celebrating YOU in this October edition of the SFM Newsletter!
Our teams have been crushing it this quarter — serving smiles, supporting schools, and bringing our communities together one fry at a time. As we wrap up another incredible season, we’re so thankful for our hardworking crew and loyal guests who make every day feel golden (arches and all).
Be sure to check out our new RMHC Corner and all the great things we’ve been up to over the past three months. And as always, if there’s something you’d love to see in the next edition (coming in Winter!), please share your ideas with Lindsay or me.
Here’s to warm cups, happy hearts, and a fantastic fall!
All the best,
Cindy Frantz
Recruitment/Community Relations
Meet Trish — our amazing Director of Training in Kentucky and a proud breast cancer survivor. She shared her journey with us and talked about how her McDonald’s family lifted her up through it all.
What motivated you to stay strong through your breast cancer journey?
What kept me going was knowing that I could still have a career through it all. Life doesn’t stop — and staying involved in the things that made me feel fulfilled, both personally and professionally, really helped me stay strong.
How did your McDonald’s family help support you through your journey?
My work family supported me in everything I needed; days off for treatments and doctor appointments, and just by showing their support through it all. If you find yourself going through this battle, let your family, friends and McFamily support you any way they can!
What message would you like to share with other women and team members this Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Stay positive!!! There will be bumps along the way with your treatment, and you won’t always feel 100%, but you cannot overcome this if you do not stay POSITIVE. Keep your faith. You are stronger than you think. And Early detection saves lives!
Feeding Those Who Feed Us
This fall, our teams and local students came together to support the farmers who keep our communities thriving! Our Greenville North restaurant partnered with Versailles High School’s Ag students to deliver lunches to farmers working in the fields of Darke County, while our Piqua East team joined forces with Miami East High School’s FFA class to do the same in Miami County.
It’s a small act of appreciation that goes a long way — and we’re proud to work alongside the next generation of agricultural leaders to give back to those who feed us all.
Calm
Many of us are so busy, so focused on everything going on in our lives, that we don’t take the time to have a moment of calm. As soon as we sit down to take a moment for ourselves, our brains start thinking about all of the things we need to do, and we can’t truly rest.
Calm is feeling relaxed, without tension, desire or attachment. Calm is the sensation of being relaxed in mind and body. Let’s start with tension. Most of us carry tension in our neck and shoulder muscles. To achieve a feeling of relaxed calm, begin by noticing the tension in your neck and shoulders. Then, consciously relax those muscles and feel the sensation. Practice this several times a day, in different environments. We want to teach our mind and body to be able to get to relaxed calm whenever we want to.
Next, we will practice letting go of desire and attachment. Desire is the feeling of wanting something you don’t have, and attachment is the feeling of wanting to hold onto something you do have. Sometimes, what we want and what we hold onto are not healthy, helpful or necessary. Once you have reached that sense of relaxed calm in your neck and shoulders, notice what your mind is desiring, or attaching to. Practice letting go of these desires and attachments, and noticing the calm emotional feeling that results. This practice will take more time, but is the path to true happiness.
To learn more, or to find mental health resources, please visit the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services website at https://www.tcbmds.org.
BRAD REED is the Associate Director and Chief of Community Engagement for the Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services
A McDonald’s Love Story
Some love stories start with a glance — this one started across a McDonald’s counter! From a high school crush to a wedding surrounded by coworkers, Steve and Elizabeth’s story proves that McDonald’s isn’t just about the food — it’s about the memories we make along the way.
Read the full story here: https://scottmcdonalds.com/a-mcdonalds-love-story-steve-elizabeth/
Coming Soon: A Brand-New Sidecar Health App in 2026!
You’ve already taken control of your healthcare and saved on premiums — now get ready for even more ways to save and simplify your experience.
In 2026, Sidecar Health is rolling out a reimagined app designed to make managing your care easier than ever:
– Guaranteed costs (or earnings) for nearly every doctor
– Simpler expense submissions
– AI assistant support when you need it
– Maternity Care Specialist for growing families
Get ready — healthcare on your terms is about to get even better.
Coming up
At Scott Family McDonald’s
Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 11th. Look forward to Veterans Day Meals and Ribbons for Veterans to hang in our lobbies for the month of November!
Food Drive
We will be hosting a Holiday Food Drive in our lobbies Nov – Dec. Ohio will be donating any food collected to Veterans Affairs, Kentucky is TBD.
Thanksgiving
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with family! If you need help with Thanksgiving food, please reach out!
More to come in December!
The classic McRib, Grinch Christmas Socks, 12 Days of Christmas, Door Decorating Contest, and more!
On Friday, October 17th RMHC Dayton staff, Board members and volunteers visited all 86 McDonald’s stores that support RMHC Dayton and RMHC of the Bluegrass staff and volunteers traveled to all 82 restaurants across Central and Southeastern KY to say THANK YOU for supporting the Ronald McDonald House!
In Q3, Scott Family restaurants raised $115,424.07 (over half of total raised) for RMHC of the Bluegrass, and $105,073 for RMHC Dayton!
Kenzie was promoted to 2nd Assistant at Towne!
Tabitha was promoted to 2nd Assistant in Winchester!
Makayla was promoted to 1st Assistant in Winchester!
Jenteal was promoted to General Manager at Bellefontaine North!
SMX Grads in Kentucky!
Zach has been promoted as our newest Supervisor in Ohio!
SMX Grads in Ohio!
SFM Donates Nearly 106,000 Food Items to Local Charities
At Scott Family McDonald’s, we don’t just serve food — we serve our community. Thanks to you, our amazing crew members, we’ve turned unused food into more than 105,000 donated items for local families in need!
What started in 2022 at our Towne Centre restaurant has now expanded to all 15 Ohio locations — with hopes to reach Kentucky next!
Together, you’ve helped ensure that great McDonald’s food doesn’t go to waste but instead goes to local partners like UR Daily Bread, Grace Resurrection, and the Bethany Center.
Every time you help tally, freeze, or pack up those extra items, you’re part of something bigger — fighting hunger, reducing waste, and giving back to the communities we call home. That’s something to be proud of!
Read more on our blog – right here on our website: https://scottmcdonalds.com/scott-family-mcdonalds-donates-nearly-106000-food-items-to-local-charities/
ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP
This Roasted Pumpkin Soup recipe is an easy vegetarian soup recipe that’s wholesome, delicious, full of flavor, filling, and so satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 lbs pumpkin or butternut squash, halved and seeded
– 4-5 garlic cloves
– avocado oil spray
– 1 sweet onion
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 cups veggie broth
– (Optional) plain yogurt, pumpkin seeds, sliced scallions, fresh herbs
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and cut the pumpkin or butternut squash into 2-inch pieces and place on baking sheet with the garlic cloves.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and lightly spray with avocado oil spray to coat.
4. Play sheet on middle rack of the oven and roast until the pumpkin is tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prep the remaining veggies. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 sweet onion, the chopped carrots and chopped celery stalks and saute until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add smoked paprika, roasted pumpkin, and garlic. Pour in 3 cups veggie broth and bring to boil.
7. Remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with desired toppings!
ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP
This Roasted Pumpkin Soup recipe is an easy vegetarian soup recipe that’s wholesome, delicious, full of flavor, filling, and so satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 lbs pumpkin or butternut squash, halved and seeded
– 4-5 garlic cloves
– avocado oil spray
– 1 sweet onion
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 cups veggie broth
– (Optional) plain yogurt, pumpkin seeds, sliced scallions, fresh herbs
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and cut the pumpkin or butternut squash into 2-inch pieces and place on baking sheet with the garlic cloves.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and lightly spray with avocado oil spray to coat.
4. Play sheet on middle rack of the oven and roast until the pumpkin is tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prep the remaining veggies. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 sweet onion, the chopped carrots and chopped celery stalks and saute until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add smoked paprika, roasted pumpkin, and garlic. Pour in 3 cups veggie broth and bring to boil.
7. Remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with desired toppings!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and early detection is key to successful treatment. Getting a mammogram every year can help catch changes early, even before symptoms appear.
Did you know Premier Health’s Mobile Mammography travels to businesses and public venues throughout Southwest Ohio? Mammograms on-the-go make it easy and convenient to stay on top of your annual screening.
We’re working to host the Mobile Mammography at our locations and will share details as soon as we can. In the meantime, you can check their schedule or make an appointment by scanning the QR code.
Share Your McMoments With Us!
Do you have a story like this to share? Photos from your workday that make you smile? Something fun, creative, or just plain happy?
We want to see it! Submit your story or photos on our website by scanning the QR code — and you might see your moment featured!
Are you Ready to Further your Education?
Archways to Opportunities gives you all of the resources you need to begin or continue your college education!
Archways To Opportunity
McDonald’s and its independent franchisees are committed to helping employees further their education and achieve their dreams.
To help individuals who work at a company-owned or independently franchised restaurant, we created Archways to Opportunity, a comprehensive education strategy with multiple programs that give people an opportunity to grow and learn – no matter where they are on their journey.
How do I earn my High School Diploma?
You can graduate from high school by taking classes online – whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you – through Career Online High School. And, you may be able to apply credits from high school courses you’ve already completed.
How do I choose an affordable path to college?
If you are ready to get started working toward your college degree, Archways to Opportunity® offers programs to help make your goals a reality – in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Our programs can help you explore educational opportunities while getting financial support to make your educational journey easier.
How do I figure out the right path for me?
Figuring out the next step in your education and career journey may feel like a lot. Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions has Success Coaches who are available to help you identify your education needs, review your career goals and develop a plan for the future. Your coach will continue to support you throughout your experience to ensure that you successfully achieve your goals and complete your program.
How do I improve my English?
We want you to feel confident in all that you do. If you are bilingual, this includes being comfortable talking in English. Whether you are speaking to customers or staff, your voice should be heard. English Under the Arches® can help.
With the support of English Under the Arches, you can improve your English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
How do I earn my degree for free through CTU?
The Commitment Grant, along with maximizing Archways to Opportunity tuition assistance, covers 100% of eligible students’ online tuition, including eBooks and student fees, at CTU helping you to pursue your educational goals without the need for student loans.
Eligible students may utilize the Commitment Grant towards any Associate or Bachelor’s degree program offered at CTU.
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