Archives for October 2009

King of the Queen City Author Comes to Shake It Records

October 14, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

…thanks to Joe at Each Note Secure for bringing this to our attention…

…for longer than most people realize, this region has served as fertile soil for many genres of music. One of the most influential, yet unacknowledged, forces in the region was the formidable King Records. One of the pioneering independent labels in American music, King Records put Cincinnati on the musical map in the 1940s and 1950s with an impressive stable of acts, ranging stylistically from blues to bluegrass to R & B to western swing…

…the author of King of the Queen City: The Story of King Records, Jon Hartley Fox, will appear at Shake It Records in Cincinnati this Sunday, October 18 at 2 pm to discuss the new book. Here’s a little background on the book:

King of the Queen City is the first comprehensive history of King Records, one of the most influential independent record companies in the history of American music. Jon Hartley Fox tells the story of a small outsider record company in Cincinnati, Ohio, that attracted an extremely diverse roster of artists, including the Stanley Brothers, Grandpa Jones, Redd Foxx, Earl Bostic, Bill Doggett, Lonnie Johnson, Ike Turner, Roy Brown, Freddie King, Eddie Vinson, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and even a young James Brown. While other record companies of the day made their fortunes by concentrating on one style of music, King Records was active in virtually all genres of vernacular American music, from blues and R & B to rockabilly, bluegrass, western swing, and country.

State School Embarks on Tour, Stops by WYSO

October 13, 2009 By Juliet Fromholt Leave a Comment

If you haven’t checked out State School’s Cats in Boxes EP, you’re missing out on one of the fantastic newer bands Dayton has to offer. Fresh from their performance at Dayton Music Fest, this indie folk act is preparing for their upcoming Southern tour. But before they leave, they’ll be stopping by WYSO for a live set on Kaleidoscope, this Wednesday (October 14th).

You can catch Kaleidoscope on Wednesday nights, 8-11pm on 91.3FM, or you can listen online at wyso.org. You can also catch State School at their next local gig on November 8th at Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District.

Wright mansion open for tours

October 13, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Hawthorn Hill, the Wright brother’s “success mansion” is available for educational tours thanks to a partnership between Dayton History and The Wright Family Foundation.

Constructed in 1913, the opulent Oakwood mansion was home to Orville, Katherine and their father Milton Wright. Orville lived in the mansion nearly 35 years until his death in 1948.

Many distinguished visitors have been guests at the house, including Charles Lindbergh, President Franklin Roosevelt, former Ohio Governor James Middleton Cox, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

Tours are conducted on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Advance, prepaid reservations are required; space is limited.

Tours depart from Carillon Park via shuttle promptly at the aforementioned times. Ticket price is $12.00 per person. A special combination ticket for admission to both Carillon Historical Park and Hawthorn Hill is available for $15.00.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991, the home provides a fantastic glimpse into the mind or Orville Wright, who designed the estate.

For additional information or to make your reservation, call Guest services at 937-293-2841.

Italian Dinner for 2 just $34

October 13, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

franco Located just east of the Oregon District, Franco’s Ristorante Italiano serves up recipes right from the old country. Owner Franco Germano explains, “ my culinary experiences began in my home in Italy, and have now been carried all the way to you.”

You’ll find a menu stuffed with traditional offerings from appetizers like calamari, stuffed ravioli and antipasto, with entrees including the house specialties Marsala & Piccato offered over your choice of chicken, veal, fish or shrimp, as well as the pick your own pasta dishes, with limitless creations.

To celebrate their 34th anniversary this month, Franco’s is offering a 2 Dine for $34 Dinner Special during the entire month of October:

Insalata or Zupppe
Choice of pasta: Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Ziti, Capellini, Ravioli or Lasanga
Choice of Sauce: Marinara, Meat Aauce, Italian Sausage, Meat Balls or Alfredo, Spumoni Ice Cream & a soft drink

The celebration will continue with a very special 6 course Dinner and Wine Tasting on Monday, Oct 19th beginning at 7pm. Advance reservations for $65 per person (tax & gratuity included) will be required and can be made at 222-0204. Menu includes:

Antipasto
Baked Zucchini and Eggplant with Fresh Mozzarella Cheese and Tomatoes topped with Balsamic Vinegar, serve with Focaccia Bread

Insalata
Caesar Salad

Primo
Boneless Beef Rib Alla Toscana with Linguine in a Tomato Sauce

Secondo
Vitello Alla Milanese Medallions with Asparagus and
Garlic Mashed Potatoes in a Marsala Wine Sauce

Dolce
Caffe Bianco Gelato

Buon Appetito!

Joanne Dugan: On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You

October 13, 2009 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

According to Joanne Dugan, art is all around us. The key to discovering it is careful observation.

As a photographer, artist, designer, and writer based out of New York City, Joanne has taken this philosophy to heart and incorporated it into every aspect of her diverse career. And now, Dugan is going to share her experiences and collection of work to the community this month.

“The exhibit is thought-provoking and challenges the viewer to stop and look closely at what’s in front of you,” said Jayne Matlack-Whitaker, the curator of Joanne Dugan’s exhibit for the Rike Center. “I’ve been familiar with the transformation of her work for awhile and I think her exhibit will be beneficial to the Visual Arts Department. It’s going to be a different show than what we’ve had in awhile.”

Joanne Dugan Exhibit 1 Joanne Dugan’s exhibit, On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You: ABCs, 123s and New York City, will be on display in the Rike Center gallery from October 1–29. The collection of photographs reflects Joanne Dugan’s experiences of seeing art everywhere in Manhattan and also encourages others to do the same throughout their daily lives.

Her images of New York City have also appeared in six award-winning books, including her own photographic children’s book ABC NYC: A Book About Seeing New York City and its sequel 123 NYC: A Counting Book of New York City.

“She blurs the lines of distinction that may exist between a designer, photographer, artist, and writer,” Jayne said.

On Wednesday, October 28^th, Joanne Dugan will be leading ArtStreet’s Wednesday Workshop session, which runs from 7-9 PM in Studio E. For more information about ArtStreet’s Wednesday Workshops, go to http://artstreet.udayton.edu.

“The fact is that her work does present a real mixture of ways to use ones eyes and photography. She’s doing the workshop to help people understand that her images are inspired from New York, but that anyone can do that anywhere.

The end of the exhibit will conclude with a closing reception on Thursday, October 29 from 5-7 PM in the Rike Center. This will be an amazing opportunity to not only see On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You one last time, but to also speak with Joanne Dugan herself.

“She is encouraging people to look at their surroundings,” Jayne said, “and to see the potential of making images possible. All you need is wonder, interest, and a keen observation for what’s right in front of you.”

Be sure to check out Joanne Dugan’s exhibit throughout the month of October. For more information about the On Seeing What’s Right in Front of You exhibit, contact Todd Hall, the Rike Center gallery coordinator, at 937-229-3261 or [email protected].

Step Right Up and Experience Masquerage

October 12, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

postersnapshot Masquerage is Dayton’s hottest “nothing-like-you-have-ever-seen-before” event, and this annual masked party is fast becoming THE event of the season. With a different theme each year, Oct 17th’s Masquerage will feature a circus theme complete with performers, games, magic and even a circus “animal” or two. It promises to be “An Evening of Fantastical Oddities and Astonishing Wonders!”

Guests will mingle with sideshow “freaks,” play midway games, have their fortunes told and be amazed by high wire acts. The non-stop entertainment features aerialists, sword swallowers, dancers, whip artistry, and other scintillating side show stunts provided by Freakshow Deluxe.

And a tradition at the event, the Rubi Girls, a group of gay men in their 30’s and 40’s who perform comedic drag for charity, will grace the stage with a couple of sizzling songs sure to whip the crowd into a frenzy with their hilarious antics.

Food items themed for the Big top will be provided by members of the Dayton Independent restaurants including The Chimneys, Madison’s Bistro, The Dock, Christophers, The Barnsider and Bahn Mai Thai Café. Chef Matt Hayden will dazzle us with freaky Molecular Gastronomy demonstrations. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on marvelous and unique gift baskets including certificates to area eateries, spas and once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the silent auction.

Since the inaugural year, AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s (ARC Ohio) signature annual fundraiser has become the fastest growing, “must-attend” event in Dayton, bringing people together to have a great evening, generate greater awareness about HIV/AIDS and raise much-needed funds to benefit client services and people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. The diverse population of attendees and varied venues contribute to the growing popularity and success of the event. Proceeds from Masquerage benefit ARC Ohio.

“Masquerage brings people together for a spectacular evening while generating greater awareness about HIV/AIDS. It also raises much-needed funds to benefit those living or affected with HIV/AIDS” said Bill Hardy, CEO of ARC Ohio. There are 2,800 reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the agency’s service area and another 700 or more undiagnosed cases. This year, the organization will provide assistance to nearly 2,000 individuals affected by HIV, and will reach thousands more with testing and prevention efforts.
The 2008 Masquerage had over 700 attendees and raised more than $140,000. This year, the goal is $150,000 and a sold-out crowd is expected. Each year a different setting is uniquely transformed through décor and lighting into what has been described as a “surreal fantasy land.” Masquerage 2009 Event Chair Don Augenstein is thrilled with this year’s event. “Every year the committee thinks of ways to increase the excitement and make it even more over-the-top than previous years. And given the events of the past, this is one difficult challenge. But our committee was undaunted and this year, I truly believe we have done it again. This is not the circus of your childhood.”

Guests can purchase a general admission ticket to the event for $50 which includes a welcoming cocktail, fabulous food, unlimited dancing and endless entertainment. Tickets may be upgraded to the $140 VIP level – which includes exclusive access to the Red Ribbon Lounge with table service, the Biltmore Champagne Bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, exclusive performances and a one-of-a-kind Swag Bag full of take-home treats as well as valet parking. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.masquerage.org.

Make A Difference in Northern Miami Valley

October 11, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

images-10 Roll up your sleeves and join hundreds of local residents in volunteering for Make a Difference Day!

Two hundred-fifty volunteers are needed to make a difference in communities throughout Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties on October 23 and 24 in celebration of Make a Difference Day, a national day of volunteering sponsored by USA Weekend. Volunteers are expected to complete nearly 20 community service projects, ranging from hosting Nintendo Wii parties for older adults to literally putting a roof over the head of a local kidney transplant recipient, for 12 local social service agencies. Projects are available from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on both October 23 and 24. Volunteers may sign up individually or in groups for specific projects available throughout Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties by visiting www.handsonwestcentralohio.org/MakeADifferenceDay.htm or by calling HandsOn West Central Ohio at (937) 778-5220, ext. 461. All ages are welcome!

Make a Difference Day activities are coordinated regionally through a partnership between five local nonprofit organizations, including: Darke County United Way, HandsOn West Central Ohio, Piqua Area United Way, Shelby County United Way and Tipp City Area United Way. The group hopes to engage hundreds of volunteers from local churches, businesses, schools and more in service projects that help nonprofit organizations better serve area residents in need.

Make a Difference Day is a national day of volunteering sponsored by USA Weekend. More than 3,000,000 volunteers nationwide participated in Make a Difference Day 2008, held annually on the fourth Saturday of October since 1992. Ohio has led the nation in the number of service projects sponsored in conjunction with Make a Difference Day since 2000. Last year, more than 40,000 volunteers completed over 1,000 community service projects in Ohio for this national day of helping others.

To learn more about this event, visit www.handsonwestcentralohio.org/MakeADifferenceDay.htm.

Thirsty Thursday w/HYPE

October 11, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

s159749128867_7756 Join the members of HYPE on Thursday, October 15th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Harrison’s in Tipp City for Homecoming Night.

HYPE is an organization formed by a group of Young Professionals (at the urging of the Covington, Piqua, Tipp City and Troy Chambers of Commerce) with a shared interest in ensuring the Northern Miami Valley is a great place to live, work, play and grow – now and in the future. By opening doors to social engagement, community involvement and professional development, HYPE seeks to establish and empower a community of young leaders capable of supporting long-term success for the region.

Support your favorite college football team and wear a shirt with their logo. Featuring a 50/50 raffle, flip cup and other “college” games, $1 drafts, and a door prize of a 4-Pack to Harvestfest on October 31st in Tipp City.

Sing your favorite 80’s tunes and sign up to participate in our wing eating contest! For $25, contestants will compete for a chance to represent HYPE during the wing eating contest at the October 31st Harvestfest in downtown Tipp City. Participants get a free T-shirt and all the wings they can eat for five minutes. For more info contact
[email protected]

This Flag Signals Hello

October 10, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dave Doughman

…if you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, yr well aware of our infatuation with Dayton’s storied musical past. We’ve been fortunate enough to cover some of Dayton’s most recognizable names over the past few years, but one has steered conspicuously under our radar….

…until now…

…late yesterday we received this communique from somewhere deep on the Continent. Check it out…

Where in the hell is Dave Doughman?
he’s in Berlin,
but he’s heading to Dayton,
Thursday October 29, when Swearing At Motorists play Canal Street Tavern.
For S@M’s first (and only) North American show in 3 years,
Dave will team up with Don Thrasher to perform Swearing At Motorists’ critically acclaimed album Number Seven Uptown in sequence.

…that’s right! Swearing at Motorists will make a single US appearance in Dayton at Canal Street Tavern with original drummer, Don Thrasher. We suspect that this will be a homecoming of EPIC proportions. Also on the bill for this event are Thrasher’s new outfit, Smug Brothers, and Jay Madewell makes his triumphant return DJing Fab Gear, spinning soul, funk, 60s garage and more. If yr in the dark, Fab Gear is one of Dayton’s best dance parties and will be spinning before, between, and after the bands…

…over the coming weeks we’ll have several special Swearing at Motorists exclusives and rarities here at The Buddha Den in anticipation of this big show. Here’s the first offering: a special new track called “It’s Love that Chooses You”, recorded on March 22 of this year for the I Will Not Return Your Records internet radio program…

MP3: Swearing at Motorists “It’s the Love That Chooses You”

Become a Steward of Dayton History

October 8, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy of www.daytonhistory.org.

Don’t know much about Dayton history?

Well, here’s your chance to learn about Dayton’s rich historical legacy while giving back to the Dayton community.

Dayton History, Montgomery County’s official historical organization, offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for enthusiastic individuals willing to share their talents, while learning new skills.

The preservation organization operates Carillon Park, Patterson Homestead Historic House, Hawthorn Hill, the Archive Center, Kettering-Moraine Museum and Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial.

Dayton History needs volunteers in these positions:

Historical Interpretation
Archival Processing
Office administration
Horticulture
Print Shop
Special Events

Wright State grad student Ryan Qualls, who has been volunteering with Dayton History since last October, loves the variety and flexibility of the organization.

“It’s a great learning experience,” said Qualls. “They’re so many things to do. You have a variety of duties you can choose from.”

Qualls spends his time processing collections, installing exhibits and assisting with archival preservation at the Archive Center.

For more information on how you can assist in preserving the region’s grand history, contact Dayton History volunteer coordinator Andrea Green at 937-293-2841 ext. 102 or [email protected].

Volunteer opportunity at new homeless center

October 8, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

St. Vincent de Paul Center is looking for volunteers to help serve dinner at their new gateway shelter for homeless men.

The Gettysburg Gateway for Men will open on Oct. 16. The facility is located at 1613 S. Gettysburg Ave.

Volunteers are needed Oct. 19-23.

Interested parties should contact contact Molly Savage at (312) 943-6776 ext. 2220 or [email protected].

Call for Dayton’s Best Rock Talent

October 7, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Smashburger will celebrate its Ohio debut with Dayton’s Rock Your City Band Competition. The winning band will play a one-hour set at Smashburger—The Shoppes at 725, 2315 Miamisburg-Centerville Road—at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2009. Ohio’s first Smashburger will open on October 15th, 2009.

Dayton’s’ Rock Your City Band Competition
Entry deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2009
Gig date: Friday, October 30, 2009, 7p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gig location: The Shoppes at 725, 2315 Miamisburg-Centerville Road.

Entry Procedure:
1. Upload a brief video performance (PG, please) to YouTube by
Sunday, October 30, 2009.
2. Send the YouTube link, band contact information and any questions to
[email protected].
3. Log onto www.smashburger.com/bands for more information.
Bands entries and their video will be posted on the Smashburger Web site.

Fans can vote online at www.smashburger.com/bands to determine the winner of Dayton’s Rock Your City Band Competition. Log onto www.smashburger.com/bands to see how the bands are faring. The winning band will be announced Monday, October 26, and will be “paid” in Smashburgers. Don’t forget to remind others to vote too!
Bands are responsible for transporting their own instruments and taking care of any sound equipment needs.

About Smashburger
Headquartered in Denver, Colo., Smashburger is a fast-casual restaurant designed to be “every city’s favorite burger place.” Developed and owned by private equity and concept development firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger is engaged in the development of company and joint venture partner store development. In addition, Smashburger has sold franchise agreements totaling 200-plus locations over the next five years. The company, joint venture and franchise development deals are part of Smashburger`s national expansion plan to open 500 restaurants across the country, with 30-60 of those scheduled for 2009. For those that crave a better burger experience, keep watching for Smashburger to come to your community. To learn more, please visit www.smashburger.com.

One Minute More: Pianist Guy Livingston to Perform at UD

October 7, 2009 By Dayton937 1 Comment

The University of Dayton Arts Series always brings unique and engaging arts performers to campus, and Guy Livingston is certainly no exception. This American-born pianist from Paris will be shaking up any traditional ideas you might have about attending a piano performance. His concert scheduled for Wednesday October 14^th, “One Minute More,” is ideal for music lovers with short attention spans. Livingston will perform a collection of contemporary works that are just one minute in length, accompanied by video projection. Where else can you hear new music from 60 different composers in one short hour? Visit his website at http://www.guylivingston.com for sample clips (and be sure to check out the world’s shortest opera).

Livingston is also one of the foremost experts on radical composer and pianist George Antheil, a self-declared “Bad Boy of Music” who led a musical revolution in 1920’s Paris. During his visit to UD, Livingston will lecture on Antheil’s Ballet Mécanique and the collaboration between musicians and artists that occurred during this influential time period. In preparation for Livingston’s visit, the UD Arts Series will also be hosting a free screening of Bad Boy Made Good, a documentary film about Antheil’s tumultuous life and work.

Bad Boy Made Good: Music Documentary Film
Monday, Oct. 12 at 8 pm
No tickets required for this free event.

The Avant-Garde Crossroads of Art & Music: Ballet Mécanique
Lecture by Guy Livingston
Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 1:30 pm
No tickets required for this free event.

Guy Livingston: “One Minute More”
Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 8 pm
Tickets are $14 for general admission; $8 for University of Dayton faculty, staff and alumni; and $5 for students. Contact the UD Box Office at 937-229-2545.

All events will be held at Sears Recital Hall on the University of Dayton campus. For more information about the UD Arts Series: 937-229-2787 or http://artsseries.udayton.edu.

Things To Do In Dayton (10/7 – 10/11)

October 7, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Ah yes, October in Dayton – a favorite time of year for many. Football, jacket-weather, leaves changing color, Halloween… and many things to do, which we conveniently let you know about every week with the DMM Event Calendar…

Starting with Wednesday 10/7 check out Pacchia’s Local Food Week Farmer/Chef special made entirely with locally grown & produced ingredients. Speaking of local – looking for local music? Go no further than the Oregon Express for the weekly Buddha Den NTRO/XPO, or for jazz check out the weekly Jazz – Dave Greer Classic Jazz Stompers and spectacular city views at the Crown Plaza Hotel.

Then on Thursday 10/8 do some drinking and networking with Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at the Engineer’s Club. Of course, the polar opposite of that young professional’s group is the Dayton Circus and they have their weekly Burrito Jam at Garden Station. And since this is Local Food Week, go check out the cooking demonstrations and a Benefit Screening of Fresh, The Movie at Second Street Market – this movie may completely change your perspective when it comes to what you eat!

Friday 10/9 starts out with Wright State University’s Social Work Alumni Society First Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Therapy Cafe. Or if you still have your Z Cavaricci’s and Aqua Net from 20 years ago then bust them out and get down to the 80’s Dance Party at Playhouse South. Got kids? Then get them in the Halloween spirit with Young’s Dairy Haunted Wagon Rides! Don’t got kids? (or DO have a babysitter?) – then get your pre-Masquerage groove on at Poelking Lanes for Masquerage On The Fringe! And yes, we have that listed under Participatory Sports – The Dude abides!

So did you think festival season was over? Think again – on Saturday 10/10 in the southern neck of the region in Waynesville we have the Sauerkraut Festival – who knew that Sauerkraut had its own festival? And then of course to the east we have one of the most popular fests of the year – the Yellow Springs Street Fair! Lots of good food, local art and excellent music will be happening in YS (and while you’re there be sure to get your pumpkins at Young’s Dairy)! To the north up in Troy we have the Fall Farm Fest and to the west (well, if you live in the ‘creek, anyway) we have the Garlic Fest – which is good timing since we’ll be needing a good defense against those pesky vampires that will appearing in a few weeks! Finally, if you haven’t checked out the Creative Soul of Dayton Exhibition then do yourself a favor and do it, at the Armory Building in the OD!

Finally to close out the week on Sunday 10/11, you’ll have a chance to hit any of the festivals you missed on Saturday (except YS Street Fair so you better have done that on Saturday!). If you’d like to sit inside and be entertained then we suggest you check out the ScreenPeace Film Festival showing The Emerald Forest (at the Little Art House in YS or The Neon in Downtown Dayton), or The Miracle Worker – a play at the Dayton Playhouse. Or finish out Local Food Week and get your hands dirty at Garden Station and learn The Magic of Compost!

These are just some featured events from the DMM Calendar – go over there for even more things happening this week and beyond. And if you have an event you’d like to promote or just want to help us become the number one event calendar in the Dayton Region (we’d like to believe we already are) then be sure to submit your events.

Cheers!

Moving Towards Bike Friendly: Bike Lanes in Dayton

October 6, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Over the past 2 years the Miami Valley has made numerous strides toward making the region a more vibrant and livable community focusing on pedestrian and bike friendly amenities. The completion of the Comprehensive Regional and Local Bikeway Master plan, Miami Valley Cycling Summit and many more efforts has driven the movement forward. Following the Cycling Summit, communities and organizations across the region committed to continuing the process and moving their community closer towards Bike Friendly Status.

The City of Dayton is following through with their promises regarding Bike Friendly projects and the evidence is now striping the way, literally, as they are marking the first on-road bike lanes in the Urban Core. The Bike Lanes and Sharrows are designed to encourage more cyclists to travel on the roadways and as a communication tool to let motorists know where cyclists will be. This method of cycling infrastructure has been widely used across the country in cities such as Portland, Minneapolis, Louisville, Washington DC, Tampa and many more.

The BikeWalkDayton Committee is responsible for recent projects and the movement in becoming bike friendly. This group is comprised of City Leaders, Planners, Engineers, Advocates and other members of community organizations such as MVRPC, Five Rivers MetroParks, and Miami Conservancy District. The team’s goal is to work on addressing the comments and issues presented at the Cycling Summit and working toward making the City of Dayton a more Bike Friendly Community. Word on the street is that the team has also committed to submitting the Bike Friendly Community Application by the Spring Deadline. With the new bike lanes, BikeWalkDayton Committee, new RiverScape Bike Hub and other events such as Courteous Mass, I foresee a bronze – maybe even a silver designation right off the bat.

Throughout the cycling advocacy community in the US, there remains a lot of controversy surrounding Bike Lanes. Let the Outdoor Evangelist be the first to tell you, when bike lanes are improperly engineered they can be dangerous, if not fatal. However, if strategically implemented they can provide another method to get more cyclists on the streets, which is exactly what this community needs. There are many opposed to bike lanes. Many advocates can be considered members of the “Everyone Should Ride on the Street, NO Matter How Many Riders There Are” group. However that philosophy doesn’t grow a community, nor does it provide for good forum articles.

Just this past week the first Grassroots Cycling Advocacy meeting took place, one of the main objectives arising out of the Miami Valley Cycling Summit. This group is vital to the future of cycling in the region and hopes to provide a voice for all cyclists in the future. Cheers will surely be had at their next meeting over the success of the bike lanes.

So, kudos to the City of Dayton and kudos to the BikeWalkDayton Team. The striping of the bike lanes is more than just the simple act of paint on the street – it is the future of the City of Dayton. This future differentiates the city from the rest of the region as one of the most bike friendly communities in the Midwest and (of course), “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of the Midwest.”

Get Your Butt in the Saddle and Ride!

Local Food Week Continues

October 6, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Celebrate Local Food Week at Rue Dumaine as they feature a Friday lunch menu filled with products grown and purchased locally.

Roasted sweet potato* soup with house cured pancetta -$4.5

Swiss chard*-goat cheese* pie-$6.5

Grilled fresh fish (TBD), olive oil crushed purple potatoes*, arugula*, and tomato*-almond relish -$11

Pan-seared chicken livers*, agri-dolce relish*, roasted potatoes*, and wilted kale*-$12

Curried chicken* salad sandwich on sesame semolina bread* with bibb lettuce*, and crudité* -$9

Apple*-quince* galette -$4.5

*Miami Valley grown or produced

Madison’s Bistro Local Food Menu includes:

Fall Squash Chowder – $3.95
Pears, Roasted, Fried, Frisée, Prosciutto, Balsamic Vinaigrette – $6.95
Chicken & Butternut Squash Risotto – $12.95
Apple, Pear and Dried Cranberry Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream – $6.95
or the entire 4 courses for $26.95

You can make reservations by calling 435-7080 or online at
www.madisonsbistro.com

Other restaurants serving local menu’s this week include Coco’s Bistro, Pacchia and Rue Dumaine. “We think it’s important for people to understand that there is an amazing bounty of fresh, locally grown food available right here in the Miami Valley,” said Noreen Willhelm, chair of Miami Valley Grown. “Whether you’re looking for chicken, honey, pumpkins, cheeses, fish, sausage or collard greens, you can find it within a 50-mile radius of Dayton.”

For the last few years, food advocates have been working to introduce their own communities to the concept of supporting local growers and food producers, in an effort to reduce the need to ship food across the country and to highlight the flavors and variety of regional produce.

“It’s a question of food security,” Willhelm said. “When we buy locally, we know where our food is coming from and where it’s been and there’s much less likelihood that the supply can be disrupted.” The movement really took off in 2008 when gas prices in the United States spiked, causing significant price increases to cover the cost of shipping food from places like California to Ohio.

For other Local Food Week activities, please visit Miami Valley Grown