Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
We will be pouring 6 California Cabernets ‘Blind’. Guess which are which and receive a Special Prize!
Cabernets to be tasted: 2011 Elizabeth Spencer, 2010 Trinchero Mario’s Vineyard, 2008 Heitz Napa Valley, 2010 Simi Landslide, 2012 Beringer Knights Vineyard, 2010 Jordan
$25.00 for the flight. No reservations necessary
Celebrating the first anniversary of local ad firm Lion + Panda turned into Dayton’s first Bloody Mary Showdown, sponsored by American Harvest Organic Vodka and produced by DaytonMostMetro.com and the ARC Ohio Associate Board. Held in the Coliseum at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 200 guests tasted their way through renditions of this classic brunch drink. Some were spicy, some were bold, some were even good for you, as they were chocked full of juiced vegetables. Local bartenders were recruited, and asked to bring 3 gallons of their best bloody mix and guests were asked to judge the event. Proceeds of the event were donated to the AIDS Resource Center Ohio.
Chef Matt Hayden of Scratch Event Catering provided a western inspired spread for the Showdown which included Texas inspired Eggs Benedict with Poached Egg, Smoked Beef Brisket, Smoked Gouda and Cilantro Lime Hollandaise on French Pastry, Border Home Fries toasted in cumin and coriander with Crumbled Chorizo and Mexican Crema on side. and scrumptious Tejano Chocolate Bites -Ancho Chili Infused Callebaut Dark Chocolate Bars with Candied Onion and Bacon Center.
On their way out each guest had just one vote to select their favorite Bloody Mary. Many of the participants were really challenged by this and suggested adding categories, like best garnish, most creative, most traditional, as well as best table decor. Look for those categories in the 2015 Bloody Mary Showdown.
The votes were very close and first through fourth place were only 7 votes apart. You’ll have to wait to taste the winning cocktail, created by MacKenzie Manley. She’s a bartender who spent years working at the Pour Haus, and is now in the process of opening her own place. Mack’s Tavern will be open in just a few weeks on St. Rt. 725 in Washington Township in the strip mall where The Melting Pot and Big Lots are. She describes her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.
Second place was claimed by Tim Gross, representing McGillicutty’s Pub in Kettering. Tim shared with us that he started out as a customer, then worked the door, helped at as a bar back and eventually learned to bartend at the neighborhood tavern. He only works on Sunday’s and that shift helped him perfect his drink, which he calls Tim’s Sunday Vacation, garnished with a small salad, including celery, olive and green beans.
The ladies of Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery, which serves up brunch every weekend on Fifth Street, and were picked by many as the favorites heading into the contest, took third place with a bloody Erin Welch called the Radical Tomato.
Other participants included the owners of AleFest, Jennifer Dean and Amanda Pond, serving up Bloody Ale- a cocktail featuring the smoked porter from Warped Wing, instead of vodka. Gretchen Kelly represented Kohler’s Catering, Nicole Fiely and Emily Mendenhall served it up for Lily’s Bistro, Jamie Gaulding of World BBQ shared his Bloody BLT, while Constance Myers of Tuty’s Bar & Grill had a buffet of garnishes available. Smart Guy in a Tie Cocktails Brian Petro brought the heat, Suzy Switzer of Trolley Stop’s had a garden fresh veggietastic Bloody. The Oregon Distric was well represented with Natalie Chalita and Adela Gloady of Salar serving up a Red & Rye, Nicole Hiserman from Blind Bob’s, and Kristen Todd from Tumbleweed Connection all offering something slightly different.
While there was no official prize for decor, there’s no doubt that Lonnie House , who was representing Masque had the most awesome diorama, complete with voodoo doll and dry ice to go with his Mary’s Voodoo File Rougarou!
With out a doubt, what all of the guests agreed on was the event was a hit, and MostMetro.com is already thinking about the next event. So you’ve got all winter to work on your recipe’s because the next Bloody Mary Showdown will add a category for amateur bartenders as well.
Cheers to all who made this event a success!
The Dayton Theatre Guild, who staged memorable local premieres of “Fuddy Meers” and “Kimberly Akimbo” by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (“Rabbit Hole”), delivers a splendid local premiere of “Good People,” Lindsay-Abaire’s 2011 Tony Award-nominated working-class dramedy about misunderstanding, regret and neighborhood pride in South Boston’s Lower End a.k.a. Southie.
Delicately directed with impressive authenticity by Debra A. Kent, this terrifically insightful, humorous and engrossing character study concerns the resilient yet brash Margaret “Margie” Walsh, a down-on-her-luck single mom of a handicapped adult whose search for employment reunites her with her high school boyfriend Mike, a successful doctor. When Margaret realizes just how far removed Mike has become since their youth, sparks fly with the underlying knowledge that everybody’s perspective of the past is never the same no matter how hard you choose to see it differently.
(l to r) The cast of the Dayton Theatre Guild’s local premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Good People” features Alexander Chilton as Stevie, Shyra Thomas as Kate, Rachel Wilson as Margaret, Heather Martin as Dottie, Shawn Hooks as Mike, and Wendi Michael as Jean.
“Good People” continues through Oct. 19 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org
Corner Kitchen Owners: Jack & Natalie Skilliter. Photo by Jim Witmer
MostMetro breaks the news: Natalie and Jack Skilliter are pleased to announce that their planned restaurant at 613 East Fifth Street in the Oregon District will be called, “Corner Kitchen.”
“While we are still a few months away from opening, plans are proceeding. We are describing ‘Corner Kitchen’ as a ‘finer diner’,” said Jack Skilliter, chef of Corner Kitchen. “We intend to provide our guests with mouthwatering updates on many familiar classics. Corner Kitchen will bring a warm spirit to Dayton, a relaxed mood and affordable, farm-fresh food.”
“Our name represents the essence of who we are and what we do,” explained Natalie Skilliter, owner of Corner Kitchen and vice president of vellaINC public relations. “The restaurant will be located on the corner of Fifth and Wayne in the Oregon District and, inside, the ‘kitchen’ will be open and in the middle of the restaurant; thus the name, ‘Corner Kitchen.’ It’s pretty simple. We will feature delicious food prepared with love and entirely from scratch and our flavors and our service will be exceptional.”
In addition, the Skilliters have been asked to provide a sampling from their planned menu in the Red Ribbon Lounge this year at Masquerage, the AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s signature event.
AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) is Ohio’s premier nonprofit provider of a comprehensive and coordinated response to HIV/AIDS, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. With an atmosphere that sizzles, non-stop entertainment that takes your breath away, delicious food, and heart-pumping music to keep your body moving all night long, Masquerage is one event NOT to be missed! Tickets are still available for the October 18 event and can be purchased at www.masquerage.org.
Event Producer Lisa Grigsby shares, “We are thrilled to be able to debut Corner Kitchen to our Red Ribbon Lounge guests. Being able to offer our VIP’s an exclusive first taste of this new eatery is exactly the kind of thing that makes Masquerage Dayton’s Party of Parties!”
“We are honored to be asked to participate in Masquerage this year,” said Skilliter. “It is the most fun event in Dayton with proceeds going to an important organization, ARC.”
ABOUT CORNER KITCHEN
Corner Kitchen is the incarnation of the Skilliters’ personal style, sensibility and, taste. The restaurant will showcase their passion for flavor, their commitment to excellence, and their genuine dedication to community.
Their combined and significant experience in the restaurant industry will help Natalie and Jack integrate all they have learned from the fine dining establishments in New York and Washington DC where they have worked. Local-sourcing of food and beverages is very important to the couple, as is a passion for excellence in all things—from unobtrusive, yet attentive service, to a menu offerings created entirely from scratch, to a well-rounded and interesting wine list, to affordable, fun, and simple cocktails.
Seafood Dishes like “Mariscos Acapulco” are ‘Must Eats’ at El Herradura Restaurant
Whether you like the authentic Taqueira style Mexican food, or the somewhat Americanized Tex-Mex food found around town, you can find both options at El Herradura Restaurant.
Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew have visited this spot on Upper Valley Pike in Springfield a couple of times. We have been there when it is packed, been there when they had Mariachi Bands, and been there on a quiet Sunday afternoon. One night Dayton Most Metro’s own Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining even joined us! So this article takes all angles into account.
The menu is extensive, and we’ve tried many dishes. Sure, we can give honorable mention to their delicious queso and salsa, but let’s dig deeper. We discovered some secret offerings that you can take advantage of everyday. But, in our opinion, when it comes to this menu, seafood is king !
HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— Located at 1236 Upper Valley Pike in Springfield and open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
— They have a large outdoor patio deck with decorative umbrella tables, and a fun atmosphere
If you get a Taco, get it “Paul’s Way”
— Mom and Pop Restaurant owned by husband and wife Paul and Yadira DePuy. Yadira is a native of Mexico, while Paul grew up in Springfield. The menu reflects some of Yadira’s family recipes and some of Paul’s food loves.
— Large Bar area that is perfect for happy hour or “just drinks” nights.
— HD TV’s throughout the Dining Room for Sporting Events !
We made our way through the literally hundred options on the El Herradura menu and now we point you toward the best stuff on the menu ..
Get ready Dayton foodies, here is your “Must Eats!”
MUST EATS:
— BLUE CADILLAC MARGARITA: This is actually a “must drink,” that packs a powerful punch. We found this to be our favorite margarita. In fact “The King” loved it. His expertise in Margaritas goes back to his Air Force days in Texas! The berry flavor is delicious. Beware: this potent potion is a served in a big margarita glass. Make sure if you order it, that you eat something, or you will be run over by the Blue Cadillac !
“Tilapia Cancun” at El Herradura Restaurant: You gotta try it !
—CANCUN TILAPIA: Grilled, Whole Tilapia served with rice, beans. One of the Big Ragu’s favorite’s. Exotic, delicious and the fish is very tender and delicate. The filet meat slides right off the bone. Sure, you have a whole fish on your plate, but are you a Food Adventurer or not ? Impress your amigos, by ordering this eye catching plate. The taste will have you hooked, pun intended.
— MARISCOS ACAPULCO: Grilled scallops, grilled shrimp, and pan seared imitation crab served on a hot fajita plate with mango, Mexican rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and guacamole. It is creamy and delicious. One of those meals you can’t stop eating, even when you are full.
— TACO’ S PAUL’S WAY: This is a little known secret that is not on the menu. It is how many of the employees and owners eat their tacos.. the authentic way. Paul’s Way Taco’s are served on soft corn tortillas, with your choice of meat, chopped onions, cilantro and fresh limes. There is no cheese on this one. Listen Gringo, these tacos are the real deal, and it is how they serve ’em up South of the border. We suggest the chorizo meat or chicken meat in the tacos. Get an authentic taste of Mexico City, and you don’t need a passport.
— SEAFOOD CHIMICHANGA: Pan seared scallops, shrimp, and a cheese sauce, rolled inside a tortilla. The Chimichanga is not huge, we could have ordered two of them. Your friends will have a fork in your plate looking for a taste, but tell them to scram, Vamoose ! They can get their own. This seafood chimichanga ranks among the top of all time.
Owners Yadira and Paul, DePuy, a true “Mom and Pop” Restaurant !
— SEAFOOD MOLCAJETE: Fish, Scallops, and shrimp served in a bowl with red, yellow and green bell peppers. onions, cheese, rice, tomato, lettuce and sour cream. The pile of seafood is delicious and they’re tagline is “more shrimp than you can eat.” This is a Food Adventure dish for sure !
— FRIED BANANA BURRITO: Banana lovers will crave this sweet dessert. It is like bananas foster in a blanket. Pan seared bananas, wrapped in a tortilla then fried. It is finished with drizzles of chocolate, caramel and cinnamon. Not a large burrito, the size is just perfect for a delicious end to your meal, muchacho.
Springfield has a new El Hefe (boss) in town. Take our lead, hit up the seafood dishes and the Paul’s way Taco’s. Our list of Must Eat’s won’t disappoint. Whether you live in the Springfield area, or are passing through, make El Herradura your destination for a meal, soon. Have a cold Dos Equis on tap for us!
As we leave Springfield and get back on the road, we say to you .. ADIOS AMIGOS, see you next week…
Want more food photos and insight on Dayton’s best Food Adventures?? Then shake your maracas, and “like” Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew HERE !
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Guest Contributor Bill Perry, Director of Brand Management at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area
Our power to affect change in this world can often feel limited. Child abuse, disease, natural disaster…at times, so many problems can feel too big for one person to impact. But this November, we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people right here in Montgomery County with our votes. Our votes FOR Issue 11, the Montgomery County Human Services levy, will protect quality programs and critical services to people in need in every community in Montgomery County. That’s a big deal.
Issue 11 provides human services that include early diagnosis and treatment of mental and physical disabilities, valuable in-home support for our frail elderly, and foster care and adoption services for children who need loving homes to thrive.
Human services provide programs and services we might all need someday. Children are born with disabilities every day, and the sickness of addiction can attack anyone regardless of background. Have a friend or family member who has been laid off and had a difficult time finding work? What about an elderly neighbor who wants to remain in their own home but needs some support with nutritious meals, health or personal care to do so? Today more than 50,000 people from every community in Montgomery County rely on these critical, quality human services that help change lives for the better.
Human services help more than just individual families, too. Consider the outbreak of disease and what it would be like to live in a community without the nearly 21,000 immunizations provided to the public in a year’s time. Vaccinations prevent our children from contracting crippling vestigial diseases, and flu shots keep us healthy and prevent us from missing work. Public health services also conduct nearly 10,000 restaurant and grocery inspections and nearly 5,700 workplace air-quality reviews every year. Issue 11 can help keep these major lines of defense strong.
Montgomery County Human Services’ finances are reviewed regularly to assure accountability with our tax dollars. A local panel, the Human Services Levy Council, that includes independent business leaders, financial experts, and citizen volunteers work very hard to make sure human services programs work and run efficiently. Since 2011, the Montgomery County Human Services budget has been reduced by $16 million. Knowing the budget is lean and accountable, the Human Services Levy Council recommended Issue 11, which is a renewal of the current 7.21-mill levy and an increase of one mill.
It is $3 a month more per $100,000 of property to protect human services from $70 million in cuts— that represents more than half of the annual funding. Cuts of that magnitude would mean falling woefully short of meeting actual human services’ needs.
With our votes FOR Issue 11, we can continue to protect our county’s at-risk children, serve citizens with developmental disabilities, enable frail seniors to stay in their homes, provide supportive services to people looking for jobs, and help our community fight infectious diseases and drug abuse.
Between working and taking care of our families, it can feel like there is no time to make a difference in the world. So, on November 4th, we have a real opportunity. Voting FOR Issue 11 will protect services for others and for ourselves, and improve quality of life for everyone in Montgomery County.
Please join me in supporting and voting FOR Issue 11 to protect critical human services.
Submited by Bill Perry of Kettering, Ohio, Director of Brand Management at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you love pancakes? Of course you do! Do you know who runs Dayton? No … maybe? Well you’re in the right place to find out who runs Dayton and how you can too on October 12, 2014!
The Dayton River Corridor Classic (DRCC), the longest running half marathon in Dayton, is entering its 38th year of taking runners around Great Miami River and natural trails in Dayton. You can choose between the half marathon and the 5K which makes this a great race for all runners, no matter the experience; this race is walker, wheelchair, and family friendly and a ton of fun! Now, I know you’re wondering about pancakes and what they have to do with this, but first let’s talk about something new and special happening this year.
Provided by the Dayton River Corridor Classic
Awareness and support are very important to local charities which is why the Dayton River Corridor Classic has partnered with seven Dayton charities for the Run Dayton 2014 – Charity Contest. It’s a simple voting contest that includes two rounds – Round 1 ended September 30th and three charities advance to Round 2 ending October 11th – asking people to share their favorite charity on Facebook and Twitter then submitting a vote. A total of $5000 will be divided as follows: $2,500 for the winner, $1,500 second place, and $1,000 for third.
The three charities that have advanced to Round 2 are Hannah’s Treasure Chest, The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton, and Safe Harbor House. You can’t always donate time and/or money, so this is a no-cost way for you to support and help make Dayton a better place to live and play with just a few clicks!
Provided by the Dayton River Corridor Classic
Oh yeah, about those pancakes … there will a whole lot of them at the race and they’re FREE … along with coffee, juice, and toppings, but only if you run Dayton ($5 for non-runners).
The Dayton River Corridor Classic is intimate, fun, and competitively friendly making it a staple in Dayton, Ohio. Online registrations end tonight at 8pm, so get on the list now or get signed up at the Expo on Saturday or 7:30 on Sunday morning prior to the race. Otherwise, vote here, and we’ll see you and the family October 12th having fun running, exploring, and supporting Dayton![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Some beer festival are all about the masses, offering hundreds of beers, where theirs something for everyone. But for Big Beers & Barley Wines, the focus is more narrow. From it’s inception in 2009, when Mike & Donna Schwartz, owners of Belmont Party Supply, teamed up with Resident Home Association who support individuals with developmental disabilities, to host a small boutique quality beer fundraiser. Showcasing about 100 beers, attendance that first year was about 300 guests. Now five years later the event has grown quite a reputation for showcasing premium and rare craft beers. Last year there were about 500 in attendance, and with the increased interest in craft beers, there’s no doubt that this event will probably have increased attendance this year. Organizers have acknowledged the desire to keep this event intimate and will probably cap ticket sales at about 700.
This years event, scheduled for Sat, Oct 11th from 4-8pm, will continue that tradition of extraordinary beers inside the Roundhouse at 
Montgomery County Fairgrounds. For your $35 admission you’ll get a tasting glass and 20 samples of unique and rare craft beers. All proceeds from this event go to Resident Home Association. Non-drinker/DD tickets are $10.00 and are available at the door day of event.
One of the unique aspects to this festival is the special tappings that happen throughout the event, usually by beer reps who are more than willing to share the history of the brews as they pour.
You can pick up tickets at your favorite beer stop including: Belmont Party Supply, BrewTensils, 5th Street Wine & Deli, Bee Gee’s Market, Boston’s Bistro, Chappy’s Tap Room, Harrigan’s Tavern, King’s Table, Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery, Pour Haus, South Park Tavern, Thai 9 and Trolley Stop or purchase tickets online.
DMM TICKET CONTEST:
We’ve got a pair of tickets to share with one lucky beer fan. To be entered in our random drawing, fill out the form below and convince us below why you should win these tickets. Share this story on your facebook page to double your chances to win!
Congrats to our winner Marshall Weil from Tipp City!
Welcome Olivia Barrow!
On Thursday of last week I made one small decision that changed the course of my evening, and afforded me a simple, but powerful realization.
I was biking home from work, through the Oregon District. I stopped in at Derailed to see if Mindy was available to tame my unruly bangs, a free service she offers between cuts.
She wasn’t available. I was bummed.
I was in the middle of unlocking my bike when I realized there was no need to get home right away, and a store I had wanted to check out was still open.
So I made a simple decision: why don’t I stay downtown just a bit longer. (Thanks Jackson Browne.)
Scavenger- Newest Pop Up Shop
I biked back to Scavenger in the St. Clair Lofts. On the way I ran into John Drake on the sidewalk in front of his gym and caught up with him.
I walked into Scavenger, introducing myself to the owner Jess. I quickly made a new friend, found a new supporter of Dayton Inspires and discovered my new go-to store for all future birthday and Christmas shopping.
I left glowing with appreciation of the fact that I live close enough to downtown (where I work) to enjoy the close-knit communal feeling of Dayton.
But this was my epiphany. Just because I live close, and I bike to work, that still doesn’t guarantee me the local, let’s-slow-things-down-a-bit lifestyle that I crave. I have to make the choice to take advantage of that every day.
Daytonians as a whole could do a better job of this. Actually, Millennials everywhere could probably do a better job of this. We have a vague idea of what we want in life, and what kind of cities we want to live in, and we like to gripe endlessly if our city doesn’t have that particular air of urban vitality that we’re looking for. But when it does, do we even take advantage of those specific elements that make the city cool? Or do we just pop our collars with a self-satisfied smirk that we live in a ‘cool city’, and then go right back to watching New Girl on the couch, working out at L.A. Fitness and shopping at Target?
Meanwhile, brave entrepreneurs are fighting to establish those completely one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, art studios and gyms that make a downtown vibrant, different and worth sticking around in. And they’ll keep struggling until the Millennials – the Pinterest generation that these stores are targeting – figure out that their role in this city is to be better consumers.
How do you become a better consumer? Create the future you want with your spending. Whenever you have the choice, choose to support the businesses that you would be sad to see close. Because they will, if you’re not there. Don’t just think, ‘Oh a new place opened downtown, I hope people go to it.’ You have the ability to change Dayton with every dollar you spend.
But this is more than just a buy local rant. Spend your time in the places that make Dayton, Dayton, where you’ve got a good chance of seeing someone you know. You never know what creative, awesome ideas can come from spontaneous collaboration over a beer at Fifth Street Brewpub.
Build a relationship with every single service provider you use – your hairstylist, your bartender, your dentist, your mailman, your barista, anybody. Relationships only happen if you develop local habits, but these are the kinds of habits you’ll never want to kick.
I wish I could cite some study that proves that living the Interstate-commuting, strip-mall-shopping, chain-restaurant-eating life will turn your soul into mush, but I have to assume that study is still under review.
Maybe you’ll just have to believe me on this. There is so much more to Dayton than you know, and it’s just waiting for you to discover it, support it, and make it home.
In the process of developing final engineering plans, RiverScape River Run partners discovered new opportunities to improve the project, including improved access to the Great Miami River, a better experience for whitewater paddlers and stronger ties to the riverbank. Many of these opportunities weren’t available when the initial concepts for RiverScape River Run were being developed due to other downtown construction projects, such as I-75.
The improvements will require some modifications to the project design. As before, RiverScape River Run will feature two structures that span the Great Miami River, each with two passageways: one smooth water passageway for novice paddlers and one whitewater play feature. The first of these structures will be located, as previously planned, at RiverScape MetroPark. The second structure will be located where the low dam now exists, closer to the Dayton Art Institute and Dayton’s west side. The low dam still will be removed.
These project improvements will alter the project’s construction schedule. However, the project partners determined the improvements are significant enough to be worth the extra time required to develop and implement them.
Permit-level engineering of the new, improved final design will be completed later this fall. Final engineering will be completed later this year, and project partners anticipate bidding construction of the project in February 2015 and beginning construction of the in-river structures in July 2015, which is when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit allows construction in the river. (The Corps does not allow construction in the river during fish spawning season, which runs from April 15 to June 30.) A specific construction timeline will be developed after U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ final approval of the modified design and after the construction contractor has been hired.
The RiverScape River Run partners are Five Rivers MetroParks, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, City of Dayton and Montgomery County.
The improvements to RiverScape River Run include:
“The new location of the second structure further downstream also allows the benefits of the project to be more broadly spread in the community,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks Deputy Director. “This location ties more strongly to the west side of Dayton, strengthening the river’s role as a uniting force in our city. RiverScape River Run will provide a way for everyone in our community to enjoy the river and experience the outdoors.”
In addition, new river access points will be established along both sides of the downtown riverfront and existing ones will be improved.
“The Dayton community is ahead of the trend in implementing an in-river whitewater feature,” Scarff said. “In-river construction does not provide the assurances of building on land, and Dayton’s commitment to uncompromised flood control requires that the excellence of the RiverScape River Run exceed standards required by most cities. While the project has presented some unique challenges, those challenges have presented unique opportunities to improve the project and its benefit to the community.”
Project partners have worked closely with the consultants, who have been recognized by their peers as industry leaders, to ensure a successful River Run. The consultants, Recreation Engineering and Planning (REP), specialize in dam modification, whitewater parks, and riverside design and restoration. The firm has 27 years of experience and has worked on more than 80 in-stream design projects — accounting for more than 80 percent of all the whitewater parks in North America. REP also was selected for its expertise in designing whitewater parks that integrate the river with the surrounding community and use natural-appearing engineering solutions, along with its expertise in designing parks that combine public safety, recreation and environmental improvement.
“RiverScape River Run remains among the most impactful projects planned for our region,” Scarff said. “River Run was identified as a high-priority project in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan because of its potential to improve economic vitality and help regional businesses attract and retain top talent. Motivated by this potential, the greater Dayton community raised $4 million to fund this project, with funding coming largely from the private sector.”
Indeed, it’s anticipated RiverScape River Run will experience the same success as similar projects elsewhere in the United States. Reno, Nevada; Missoula, Montana; and Golden, Colorado; have seen tremendous positive impact to their downtowns as a result of building whitewater play parks.
This cabaret will feature selections from shows that Dare To Defy Production will be doing in the near future as well as songs that reflect our dreams both as actors, characters, and a new company.
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Trick or Treat began with the Celtic tradition of celebrating the end of the year by dressing up as evil spirits. The Celts believed that, as we moved from one year to the next, the dead and the living would overlap, and demons would roam the earth again. So dressing up as demons was a defense mechanism. If you encountered a real demon roaming the Earth, they would think you were one of them. Fast forward to the Catholic Church who put their own spin on the ritual. They turned the demon dress-up party into “All Hallows Eve,” “All Soul’s Day,” and “All Saints Day” and had people dress up as saints, angels and still a few demons. . This event was devised so that beggars could go around asking for food, usually barley or oat cakes, in exchange for prayers. The Catholic church said the prayers were an extra bit of “insurance” that a dead person’s spirit would be given entry into heaven. Soul Cake day is no longer in common practice in England, but it is still rather popular in Scotland and Ireland and from this, it is believed, the concept of trick or treat arose.
Trick or treating didn’t start happening in America until sometime in the early part of the 20th century. It was first found in magazines and papers in the latter part of the 1930’s. Throughout the 1940’s trick or treat started to get into full swing due to many of the children’s books and TV shows. In 1952, Walt Disney permanently burned it into the minds and hearts of America when his cartoon, Trick or Treat debuted. Trick or treat was here to stay. Trick or treating became more widely practiced throughout the 20th century. In recent years many people have started to have issues with the “trick” bit. The original idea was that if you did not give a “treat” to the trick or treaters they would then play a “trick” on you. While egging house or car windows or papering someone’s house or tree could be considered harmless fun, the increase of vandalism for the sake of the “trick” has caused trick or treating to actually be banned in some areas. For those who still like to dress in costume in pursuit of candy you’ve got lots of opportunities to do so, as communities all over the Miami Valley each choose their own night to celebrate. As best we know, here’s where you’ll be welcome at strangers doors:
Clark County Trick or Treat
Enon Trick or Treat
New Carlisle Trick or Treat
Hauntfest on 5th (Oregon District Party)
South Vienna Trick or Treat
Springfield Trick or Treat
Arcanum Trick or Treat
Jackson Center Trick or Treat
Beavercreek Nazarene – Hall-o-fun-a-weenie
Anna Trick or Treat
Bellbrook Trick of Treat
Bethel Township Beggar’s Night
Brookville Trick or Treat
Cedarville Trick or Treat
Covington Trick or Treat
Franklin Trick or Treat
Germantown Trick or Treat
Middletown Trick or Treat
New Bremen Trick or Treat
Piqua Trick or Treat
Scene75 HalloScene Indoor Trick or Treat
Sugarcreek Township Beggar’s Night
Tipp City Trick or Treat
Town & Country Halloween Spooktacular
Troy Trick or Treat
Urbana Trick or Treat
Vandalia Trick or Treat
West Alexandria Trick or Treat
West Milton Trick or Treat
Wilmington Trick or Treat
Beavercreek Trick or Treat
Beavercreek Township Beggar’s Night
Butler Township Beggar’s Night
Centerville Trick or Treat
Clearcreek Township Beggar’s Night
Dayton – City of Dayton Trick or Treat
Englewood Trick or Treat
Fairborn Trick or Treat
Huber Heights Trick or Treat
Kettering Trick or Treat
Lebanon Trick and Treat
Madison Township Trick or Treat
Miami Township Beggar’s Night
Miamisburg Trick or Treat
Moraine Trick or Treat
Oakwood Trick or Treat
Riverside Ohio Trick or Treat
Springboro Ohio Trick or Treat
Trotwood Trick or Treat
Union Trick or Treat
Washington Township Beggar’s Night
Waynesville Trick or Treat
West Carrollton Trick or Treat
Xenia Township Beggar’s Night
Xenia Trick or Treat
Yellow Springs Trick or Treat
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Here’s one wild weekend with hot food and cool entertainment! Lots of great ‘hot’ people (hot food makers, bloggers and chiliheads) come out for samples, fun, contests, prizes, and great crowds to fill The Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim’s on October 4th and 5th
(Manray Photo courtesy: Dayton Music Fest)
Dayton Music Fest organizers Don Thrasher and Kyle Melton take a seat with me in the patio area at South Park Tavern. While we are sitting at our table, an influx of people come and go throughout the duration of the early evening. It’s mostly due to the establishment’s half off priced pizza promotion that they are running that evening. For some others, they have chosen to stick around and settle in the covered patio. Those same individuals are also taking full advantage of the fall weather and the terrific selection of craft beers that are waiting on tap.
Since the end of May, the duo listened to 60-100 demos of submitted music from bands that wanted a chance to be selected. Now the final preparations are underway. The duo are in the middle of a press junket, including a couple of radio spots and our meeting. Melton and Thrasher have also been preparing for their set in the music event with their band, Smug Brothers and currently run the indie label Gas Daddy Go. While sipping on a beer, Thrasher and Melton talk about some of the acts that will be taking the stage.
“Have you had the chance of checking out Manray yet? Definitely check them out,” Thrasher mentions. “Also don’t miss out on catching Dead Rider. They love playing here in Dayton, so we are thrilled to have them coming and playing in town.”
Dayton’s music scene has seen some bands get included in the national spotlight. You have Kelley and Kim Deal’s alternative rock band The Breeders see their hometown success sky rocket in the 90s to become indie legends. You have the recently split lo-fi rockers Guided By Voices, led by the one and only Robert Pollard, blaze through with their endless releases of new material. You also can’t forget the past local bands Enon, Swearing At Motorists, and Brainiac who left their imprint on the music scene in Dayton. With the widespread talent circling around the area, it would be difficult to not have an event like Dayton Music Fest. It’s a celebration of the melting pot that is the music that surrounds the city.
In 2004, Dan Clayton, Andy Ingram, and Shawn Johnson felt that the national scene wasn’t giving the Dayton area the appreciation that it once did. Johnson and Clayton threw out the idea that Dayton needed a showcase the burgeoning music scene. The duo quickly went to work on setting up the bands and locations for the shows to be at. They then recruited Ingram to create the posters and flyers. No one knew exactly how it was going to turn out, but they felt that it was needed to be done.
Now it’s 10th year, the Dayton Music Fest has become one of the highly anticipated and heavily attended events in the area each fall. Individuals from all corners of life will be able to
seize an opportunity to come out and partake in the celebrated music scene. Festival goers will fully consume all of the special, unforgettable performances, along with some surprises.
As soon as the final band finishes up their set Saturday night (Motel Beds at Blind Bob’s), both Melton and Thrasher will be no longer curate the event.
“We were at practice Sunday night, and afterwards we looked at each other and said, “You done after this one?”. We shook our head in agreement,” Thrasher explains when the decision was made to call it a day.
Besides increasing the visibility by scheduling some of the selected bands and artists to perform at The Midwest Outdoor Experience, which is one of the largest festivals in the Midwest. This past April, Melton and Thrasher had a kickoff event for the Dayton Music Fest with a special concert-the Buffalo Killers performed with a backing choir at the Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Dayton, 20 W. First Street. You can get the DMF mobile app, where you can rank and follow the bands with Q&A posts.
The duo has handpicked local band’s Speaking Suns bassist Conor Stratton to take over the reins. “We think that he is going to be great,” Thrasher says. “He manages the band, and runs his record label (Great Guys Records). He’s already been calling some people and is getting a team together.” As for Melton and Thrasher? They will continue to play in Smug Brothers and prep some upcoming releases with Gas Daddy Go.
While it will be tough for Melton and Thrasher to no longer coordinating the yearly festival, they have no regrets on ending their run.
“We wanted to give someone else a chance to do it, and make it even better,” Melton says. “We did some great things to make the festival better. Five years is a great run.”
A run that deserves a toast while sitting in the patio at South Park Tavern.
The Dayton Music Fest is on Friday, October 3rd starting at 7pm at The “Old” Yellow Cab, Saturday October 4th from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. at Eastwood MetroPark, or Saturday night beginning at 9 p.m. in the Oregon District. For more information on the Dayton Music Fest, please visit daytonmusicfest.com.
You are invited to taste over 30 of the best wines from the Jackson Family Portfolio. Enjoy great wine selected by Josh Dotson and food prepared by Chef William Pence.
Guest Contributor Stephanie Hicks
For many, October signifies the start of fall… People begin enjoying pumpkin “everything” and start thinking up amazing Halloween costumes. While I, too, partake in pumpkin latte, cheesecake, pie, cookies, etc. binge eating, and spend hours online trying to find the perfect, creative costume for my son, I also celebrate my wedding anniversary and my husbands birthday (along with eight other birthdays in our family).
But this year, October means something more than fall flavored goodies and special days… This year I’ve come to recognize that October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month.
During this past year, both my mom and my younger sister (age 26) had breast cancer scares. Within a few short months, they each found lumps in their breasts, had ultrasounds, mammograms, biopsies, and eventually surgery. Waiting for results for my mom and baby sister proved to be one of the hardest moments of my life. Every worst case scenario would constantly fly through my head: What would I do with out my mom? What would I do with out my best friend/sister? Henry (my son) hasn’t spent enough time with them.
After what seemed to be the longest waits ever, both my mom and sister received negative results and a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders (and theirs as well). 
We thought that our family had dodged a bullet and we were in the clear, but not long after my mom and sisters happy news did we receive the opposite from my aunt.
Aunt Donna has always been like a second mom to me, and the moment we found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I feel like a little piece of me died. How could this even be happening? The three most important women in my life were faced with this incredible fear, and now my Aunt’s nightmare was coming true.
Aunt Donna, wife and mother of three, and proven to be even stronger than I ever believed possible. She underwent surgery to have one of her breasts removed, continued working during her chemotherapy, and even moved my grandmother into her home so she could take better care of her. 
Not once did she complain”why me” or show the world how scared or tired she was. She is the epitome of what a breast cancer survivor is.
On Wednesday, October 1st (the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month), Aunt Donna had her last chemo session. She will have to continue with radiation before they can reevaluate her condition, but in the mean time we could not be more proud of her.
On Saturday, October 18th, my family and I will be walking in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, OH. While I know it’s too much to ask for everyone to join our team and walk with us, I ask that you contribute something to this cause, as every donation matters.
Here is the link for you to join our team “Save Second Base” or to make a donation.
