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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for December 2017

$10-a-Month Film A Day Pass

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If you’re a fan of going to the movies, actually in the theater, Movie Pass is for you!  For just $10/month you can see a movie a day.

Created by  Netflix co-founder and former Redbox president Mitch Lowe, launched the service in 2011, but at $50 a month it didn’t get a lot of buzz.  Then this past summer they lowered it to $9.95/month and guess what- it’s taking off.   I tried to join in September, but kept getting kicked off the website when I tried to sign up.  And then over Thanksgiving weekend I tried again. It went through and less than a week later I got my card in the mail.  I was ready to check out some flicks.

Here’s how it works, you must download the Movie Pass app and allow it access to your location.  It will then tell you what theaters in your area accept the pass.  I live in Springboro and when I logged in  I have the option of using the card at the Dayton South Rave, Huber Heights or The Greene, The Neon, Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 at Fairfield Commons, The Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg the Byjo Theatre in Germantown, the Little Art in Yellow Springs and more.

Once you figure out what movie you want to see, you drive to the theater and then when you are within 100 feet of the entry you check in to the movie you want.  This loads money onto the card that will pay for your show when you swipe the card like a credit card at the counter.  (Just an FYI- your check in doesn’t guarantee you a seat- so you must still arrive early).

 

I had some concerns that perhaps Movie Pass might hurst local theaters, so I asked Jonathan McNeal from The Neon about it.  Here’s what he had to say:

“MoviePass has been around for quite a while and THE NEON has accepted it for years.  When they lowered their membership price, a bunch of free press created much wider awareness.  It does not hurt our bottom line.  The transaction is completed like a traditional credit card, and the entire ticket amount gets paid to THE NEON.

There’s a bit of a learning curve that comes with the card.  Don’t let their tag line fool you. “Any Theater. Any Movie.  Any Day.”  That’s not entirely true.  You can’t just pull it out and use it any old time at the box office.  You must first install an app and approve the transaction before you approach the ticket counter at the cinema of your choice.  (Of course we hope your choice is at THE NEON.)”

 

So far in the first month I’ve had the card I’ve seen five movies- so do the math, that’s $2 a flick- a true bargain!  And I have to admit, there is something great about seeing films on the big screen without any distractions.   The only drawback is, if you go with friends, each of you have to purchase your ticket individually, so be aware, might not be great on a date.  It’s also not valid on 3D or Imax films.

So bottomline, while I can’t figure out how this company will every make any money on this, I highly suggest getting or giving MoviePass to your friends who love films.

Luminaries of Dayton: Frederick and David Rike

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Frederick Rike (1867-1947) was President of the Rike-Kumler Department Store Company in Dayton. He began at Rike’s as a salesman and a buyer of notions, handkerchiefs, hosiery and gloves. He eventually worked his way up to the post of President, which he held for 40 years, seldom missing a day at work in the store. It was Frederick Rike who moved the store to the corner of Second and Main Streets that it anchored for so long. He was active during the recovery efforts from the 1913 Flood and served on the charter commission which reorganized Dayton’s government under the city manager format. He had worked for the establishment of the Miami Valley Conservancy District, and served as president of the Dayton Boy Scouts and Community Chest.

Frederick Rike died on November 19, 1947 and is located in Section 37 Lot 1226.

David L. Rike (1904—1982) carried his family’s legendary Dayton department store into the 20th century. Rike’s Department Store, a long and storied Dayton institution, was founded by David’s grandfather in 1853. David’s father, Frederick, inherited the family business and upon his death in 1947, David was elected president. In 1965, he became board chairman and chief executive officer.

As Rike’s expanded and progressed and flourished under David’s tenure, he maintained a staunch humanitarian mindset, even creating a special employee fund for families experiencing financial distress. In turn, he always encouraged his employees to give back to the Dayton community.

A graduate of both the Princeton School of Business Administration and Harvard School of Business Administration, Rike used this business acumen for the betterment of the Dayton region. His dedication to Rike’s historic Second and Main location exemplified his love and belief in downtown Dayton.

David L. Rike was born on October 24, 1904 in Xenia, Ohio and died on January 16, 1982 in Dayton, Ohio. He was married to Margaret Craighead Shaw. He is located in Section 37 Lot 1226.

Visitors take in the holiday window displays at Rike’s department store in 1945, the first year they were on display in Dayton after being relocated from the NCR offices in New York City. Photo courtesy of the NCR Archive at the Montgomery County Historical Society
Photo taken 12-20-1945

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

Scholarships for Students with Passion For The Arts

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Culture Works is now accepting applications for the 2018 Leonard P. Roberts Scholarship–open to Dayton Region high school seniors and college students with a passion for the arts.

The Culture Works Leonard P. Roberts Scholarship was established in 1993 in honor of Mr. Roberts, who was Chairman of the Dayton Performing Arts Fund (now Culture Works) at the time of his death. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 1994, $392,600 from the Leonard P. Roberts Scholarship Fund has been provided to 186 students to assist them in their educational pursuits.
Culture Works is pleased to offer scholarships to students who demonstrate participation in and patronage of the arts. Candidates must be graduating high school seniors living in the Dayton Region (Butler, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble or Warren County) or college students at any level who live in and attend college in the Dayton Region. Priority will be given to students majoring in arts disciplines, business, and engineering; however, all majors may apply. Scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 – $4,000.

 

Scholarship Criteria:
• Plan to be a full-time student for the entire upcoming academic year
• Demonstrate participation in the arts
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
How to Apply:
The 2018 scholarship application is available through The Dayton Foundation’s ScholarshipCONNECT. Students will need to create a user account on the ScholarshipCONNECT website and complete the general application in order to apply. The deadline for applications is March 9, 2018. Applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications in the spring.

VTA President Ken Neufeld Announces Retirement

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Victoria Theatre Association Board of Trustees Chairman, Martha Shaker, announced the retirement of VTA President and CEO, Ken Neufeld at a meeting held this morning. Neufeld will officially retire on Aug. 31, 2018, following the Association’s Annual Meeting. VTA is the owner and operator of the Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, the Metropolitan Arts Center (home to The LOFT Theatre), and the Arts Garage. A national search for VTA’s next President & CEO will begin shortly.

 

At the meeting, Shaker thanked Neufeld for nearly a decade of leadership and fiscal responsibility, then spoke regarding the high points of his tenure.

 

“We thank Ken for his unyielding leadership and dedication to the VTA and this community,” said Shaker. “Clearly, the arts community is in a better place today because of Ken’s vision and passion for the arts. The improvements and innovation in our programming, our latest fundraising campaign as well as improvements to our physical plant, can all be credited to Ken’s leadership. We are sad to see Ken and his wife, Lesley, leave us but wish them the very best in retirement. “

 

“President and CEO, Ken Neufeld has expanded the VTA’s programming to feature a broad range of performances for diverse audiences that have attracted thousands of new patrons to VTA venues and downtown Dayton,” Shaker continued. “He has guided significant growth of VTA’s Education & Engagement initiatives, and has put in place new marketing, sales and technology initiatives. He instituted the Next Stage Campaign, which has raised more than $13 million, including $10 million for the VTA’s endowment and $3 million designated for infrastructure improvements in the Association’s facilities. Neufeld has also been an active participant in a number of Dayton organizations, including the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the strategic planning committee of Culture Works.”

 

After meeting with VTA Trustees, Neufeld shared his news with VTA staff, where staff thanked him for his tenure and leadership and wished him well in his future endeavors.

 

Neufeld’s thoughts regarding his decision.

 

“My decision to retire, was not easy, but the time is right. The organization is in great shape and ready for new ideas and leadership,” said Neufeld. “I will miss working at VTA and all the people in this wonderful community, but it is time for us to explore other opportunities. Lesley and I look forward to returning to Canada’s West Coast after almost 20 years of absence.”

 

Regarding his time at VTA.

 

“My time at VTA has been the most rewarding of any of the forty years I have worked in the arts,” said Neufeld. “I am enormously grateful to the VTA Board of Trustees, all of our managers and staff, our donors and sponsors, and our dedicated VTA volunteers for their support, guidance, teamwork, and generosity. When I began in June of 2009, it didn’t take long for me to observe that Dayton, and the Miami Valley are special. This is a vibrant arts community with generous supporters and highly engaged, enthusiastic audiences. Our facilities at the Victoria and the Schuster Center are world class. It has been a privilege and honor to work here. My wife and I have enjoyed living in Dayton immensely.”

 

VTA’s Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for Neufeld’s successor as soon as possible.

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Victoria Theatre Association is one of Dayton’s premier arts organizations, presenting the Premier Health Broadway Series, the Morris Furniture Company Family Series, the Cool Films Series, Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, National Geographic Live Series, sponsored by Subaru of American and Wagner Subaru and The Discovery Series, which features curriculum-enhanced live theatre productions for school children. In addition to the performances it presents, Victoria Theatre Association also manages the historic Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, and the Metropolitan Arts Center, which houses The Loft Theatre. Victoria Theatre Association receives funding from a variety of diverse public, corporate, individual and private sources, including the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District and the Ohio Arts Council. The Ohio Arts Council and The National Endowment for the Arts helped fund this program or organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

 

The Donut Haus Ownership Changes

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As many of you have probably heard, after 32 years of running The Donut Haus, owner Mike Hemmert has sold the business to his protege Ryan Tripp. Ryan worked at the Haus for 8 years before he launched Bear Creek Donuts in downtown Miamisburg.  Ryan and his wife Danielle are Springboro residents and will continue many of the community traditions that have been established.

Mike took to his facebook page to address some of the questions that have come up:

 

1. The Business name will remain the same. No change. It was important to the new owners that value the Brand~~ to continue as The Donut Haus.

2. You can find DH products in 6 Counties as we travel 110 miles nightly to service our Wholesale Clients. No change.

3. We are training 2 new Bakers so we can continue our staffing level of 6 Bakers.

4. Recipes and Product Line—no changes. The new owner-Ryan had worked at the DH since age 14 for 8 years. In April, 2016, he started Bear Creek Donuts and he earned the right to all the recipes and serves the exact same donut in Miamisburg.Again, no change. I believe in time, you will see Ryan add additional products that I am really excited about for our Community.

5. Ryan and Danielle own a home and live in Springboro in the Tamarack neighborhood. They are both Springboro graduates and Ryan holds a Bachelors Degree in Neuroscience from Wright State.

6. Ryan and Danielle take over ownership on Jan. 15 and I will hang around for a month or so to finish training the new Bakers.

7. To the Springboro Band and it’s Board of Directors—we have so enjoyed are partnership with Christmas in Springboro. No change planned. Both Ryan and I will continue to be involved. I have been so impressed with the Band Parents and their commitment to their kids and the Program that I Plan to start a yearly monetary Scholarship exclusively for a Band Member to begin in 2018.

8. To Doni and Glen Owen—both Ryan and I will be involved with Erika’s Walk and Fundraiser in Dec. each year. No changes and we look forward to next year!

As I hand the “Rolling Pin” to Ryan & Danielle~~please welcome your new Owners!!

The C word … cancer

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The C word … cancer

a guest post by Rick Cartwright

On September 21, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Hearing the words, ‘cancer’ felt so terminal. Teresa and I were shocked, terrified and overwhelmed. So let me step back a few weeks before continuing.

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Annual physicals are no fun. My annual physical has been in July for several years. It would start with a blood test, and then a visit with the doctor a couple weeks later. July 2017 was no different. At the appropriate time during the physical, the doctor became by best buddy, but this time was different. He had a very serious and preplexed look on his face. He said, “Your prostate has a different texture and does not feel the same”.

That alone may not have been reason for concern, but he noticed that my PSA results had jumped from the normal 1.6 – 1.8 to 3.6. We talked about waiting for a few months, or taking additional steps immediately. In the end, he suggested I see a urologist right away.

It took nearly a month. I meet with a urologist in August. He took my history and then did an exam. He said it was nothing to worry about yet, but that it was not normal. He said it could be a calcium deposit, but he would do an ultrasound and then if necessary a biopsy at our next visit.

The following month, the ultrasound was schedule. The process was not painful, but it was no walk in the park either. Things when well, until I heard him talking … it was not normal, and I new it wasn’t normal when he gave me an injection in the prostate. The biopsy was painful, at least that shot was pure pain. He proceeded to take twelve slices, and I was so glad to be finished with that. He told me many times that my prostate was not enlarged at all, and did not look like the prostate of a 59 year old dude. I kept thinking, just take the whole thing, now please … this hurts.

A week later, September 21, we met with him for the results of the biopsy. Cancer .. that was a punch in the gut. He said, “it’s a very aggressive form of prostate cancer, and you could have weeks or years to live”. My Gleason Score was 7/8. I am sure I was sheet white, and feeling like death had just trumped my hand. A year earlier, my father had been diagnosed with brain cancer, and he passed away on January 23, 2017 .. it was so close, and the word, ‘cancer’ resonated over and over. Not long ago I also lost an uncle to PC, and another had been treated successfully. I was very aware that PC could be a killer, and I didn’t want to be the next victim.

The urologist scheduled an additional test for October 30, and also scheduled a full body bone scan for October 9 at Kettering hospital, and then we parted ways. We were left to deal with the angst alone.

By the way, don’t ask me to explain the Gleason Score in any detail. The scores range from 2 to 10. You add two numbers together, and get a score for each side of the prostate. 8, 9 and 10 are considered an aggressive form of the cancer. That 8 looked very scary, and I was totally freaked out.

Five weeks .. wait 5 weeks for more testing. Who is going to help me with this cancer, and why this test? As it turns out, the doctor, the urologist, was leaving for vacation, and his office was even shutting down for a couple weeks. My mind was on overdrive at this point. I can’t wait .. what do I do?

Once at home, I called my family doctor. After all, he stared this sequence of events with that exam in his office. The most important call of my treatment was that phone call. The scheduler that answer the phone was so patient and kind. I told her I had just been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. She said, “My husband had prostate cancer”. She shared their story. I am not going to share those details, but her kindness and the reassurance helped so much. It was not that she listened .. it was that she engaged with me. She is not paid to do that. She is paid to schedule doctor visits. We talked a long time, and I am so grateful for her patients and attitude.

I met with the family doctor the next day. As it turns out, the nurse that I met with prior to the doctor seeing me was the wife of a prostate cancer survivor. She was also very kind and openly shared their story. My doctor and his staff were amazing all through this. I had a great visit with the doctor, and started to decide on a plan.

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I posted the following words on Facebook soon after I received the news: “Well, this is not the news you want to share with friends. Today I heard those dreaded words … “It’s cancer” .. yes, those words. Yes, the timing is really bad.“

I have been very transparent on social media through this process. The outpouring of love and support has made a big difference. It was in all of that support that I found the strength to move forward and to own my health care.

While my urologist was out, I decided I wanted to see someone at OSU, The James. I considered many alternatives, but I wanted help from someone that worked with prostate cancer every day, and that understood the latest research. I started reading as much as I could find. To me, very early in the process, it seemed that a radical prostatectomy was the right option for me.

I talked to so many people that had survived PC, but a dear friend that had it in his early 50’s reached out to me by email. Those email conversations were the most important. I owe my friend Chris for his understanding, patience and kindness. Thank you, my friend. You made a difference.

I still had this problem .. my urologist was out of town, and my records were in his office. It didn’t matter that I wanted to see someone at OSU, I was stuck. I left a message at their office, then called OSU. They were kind, but they needed my records in order to proceed. I was stuck until someone returned to the urologist office. Once they did, I immediately arranged to pickup my records, and dismissed them from my medica care. My family doctor transfered the records to OSU, and a few days later I had an appointment.

Everything about treatment seemed to come slowly. From the time I first knew there was an issue, to the time I was diagnosed, to the time I saw a surgeon .. it all took so much time. I had read that prostate cancer is a ‘slow’ cancer, but it was inside me, and I was frustrated more often than not.

Then there is the depression. There are some really negative people in this world. I remember a conversation I had with someone at work … so much negative energy. He was just trying to help me see the facts, and understand this was not going to be easy. At that point in time, I needed positive energy. I decided to avoid anyone that could not contribute to positive thoughts.

I had a full body bone scan and a PET Scan on October 9th at Kettering hospital. Other than a long day, this was painless. When it was finished, I had to get the high resolution images on CD to take to OSU, but other than that, it was done. I walked out with two CD’s, and a thankful heart. Something actually was moving forward.

I didn’t expect to hear anything from this test until I met with the surgeon at OSU. As it turns out, they sent the results to me, at home. When I came home from work on Wednesday, October 18, I had a letter waiting for me. I guess that since I had fired the urologist, and since he was the one that ordered those test, they just sent them to me. NO CANCER IN THE BONES .. that’s my version of the results. They did spend most of the letter talking about my bones, and various issues relating to aging. This was the 1st time in my life that I was happy about being told I was getting old. That was a turning point, and the best news of 2017 yet.

On October 26, I visited with the surgeon at Ohio State. He was so very detailed. He gave me all the stats, talked through all of the options, and was so very good at helping me with questions. They took blood samples, and we scheduled the surgery for November 7.

Radiation was an option that was discussed. Clearly, that would avoid surgery, but 8 weeks, 5 days a week of radiation was not attractive. There are many options with radiation, but in the end, I went with surgery. I felt that for us, for me .. the best solution was to remove the prostate.

Given my Gleason Score was so high, the doctor told me he would do some extra cleanup in the pelvic floor. That would include the removal of the nearby lymph nodes. He said that would add about 20 to 30 minutes to the procedure, but it improves my odds for the long-term.

So the date was set for November 7. Report time: 5:00A. The good news … we have a date, and a plan.

That went well for a few days, then I received a call from the hospital. They said the robot was not available and my surgery would be delayed. They were talking late December, unless I wanted to have it done one November 22. That’s the day before thanksgiving, and my 60th birthday. I didn’t even give it a second thought … ‘let’s do it’. I love thanksgiving, but I need this cancer removed from my body.

Did I mention that my surgery was going to be robotic? The surgeon told me that robotic surgery lowers blood loss, reduces the risk of infection, and recovery is much faster .. that all sounds good. They call it da Vinci Surgery.  Compared to the surgery that was common years ago to remove the prostate, this is amazing.  Read more here:

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About three days before the surgery, the surgeon called me and told me that after a review by the team at OSU, they had downgraded my cancer. Recall my Gleason Score was 7/8. He said they had determined the correct score was 6/7. That may sound insignificant, but that meant I had a much better outlook for the future, and that my overall risk was reduced. I did a little happy dance right there in my office. This did not change the strategy for the surgery, but sure felt better.

One of the reasons I chose to go to OSU, was my opinion that I wanted to be treated by someone that did this surgery frequently, and was very involved in prostrate cancer every day. This revised diagnostic confirmed by believe. I’m not suggesting you have to have your surgery done at OSU, but I do suggest finding someone that does this frequently and at a hospital that specializes in cancer.

Through all of this I was trying to stay focused and get some work done. In retrospect, I was not nearly as effective as I was hoping. I was working, but my mind was often on the surgery. It was becoming increasingly difficult to focus. Now the time was extended, and the effort to focus more difficult.

My family was very supportive during this time. One son and his wife agreed to accompany us to OSU. I was concerned about Teresa having to do this alone, and they agreed to come along. We planned to drive over the night before the surgery and spend the night at a local Marriott. I had a report time of 5:15A, so this really helped. My oldest son agreed to watch the dogs. That was significant .. the dogs fare like babies sometimes.

The day of the surgery came quickly. I arrived at they hospital at 5:00 .. and things happened quickly. Everyone was so kind, did their jobs so professionally. I was in the PreOp room by 7:00, and the next thing I new I was awake in recovery.

My surgery was schedule for 4 hours. It took 6. The extra time was required because they took lymph nodes as part of the strategy to treat my aggressive cancer. The doctor met with Teresa and said it looked like there was no cancer outside the prostate, but pathology would test the removed material and we would be given an update in a couple weeks.

Nov 22, just before surgery

 

I didn’t have much pain. The front of my stomach / chest felt like it was just hanging on my body. I was up walking that evening, maybe 5 or so hours post surgery. To be honest, the cathidor was more of an issue that the IV or the incisions. When I was able to finally look, I could see 7 incisions. One was still connected for drainage. They superglued them closed so I had no stitches.

Early Thanksgiving morning, they started to become concerned that I was not generating enough urine. As it turns out I was very dehydrated. Once they increased my fluid intake (via IV mostly), the output increased. By noon, I was ready to be discharged, and head home.

So what did they do during my surgery. First, and most important, they removed my prostate. He had told me he was taking the prostate and was not going to be able to preserve the nerves. When he actually was doing the surgery, he saved the nerves. This is good for the future. More on that later. For now, picture this: the nerves are attached to the prostate on the outside surface. To save them, the robot had to peal them off the prostate and then reattached them inside (somewhere).  They will take some time to start working again. I am grateful for the attempt to save them.  He also took 37 lymph nodes.

Just after surgery

It was so good to come home. I was not in pain, but getting up and down was not easy. Teresa had to help me when I got in the wrong position. I could not sleep on my side, my preferred sleeping position. I sleep on the couch or recliner for the first 7 days.

I started walking right away. At 1st, it was .5 to 1 mile a day. I’m on the 3rd week now, and I’m at 3.5 to 4.5 miles a day. I can’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. I return to work soon, and then plan to retire at the end of 2017. That was already in the plan, and I’m continuing with that plan.

A couple of comments about the side effects of radical prostatectomy. The side effects of the surgery and of radiation are about the same. The 1st is urinary incontinence. This is tough, and takes time. I am not doing to bad, but I’m still not ‘normal’ yet. Some guys never get back to normal. I am hopeful.

The second common issue is erectile dysfunction. Again, some men recover in a few months to a year to 18 months. Some don’t. Time will tell.

That can all be depressing, but I am alive. The doctors primary goal is to preserve life. I have talked to men that struggle with these outcomes. I get it .. but I also am extremely thankful to be alive.

That’s my story. I am happy to talk with anyone that wishes to discuss PC and the surgery option. I am grateful to everyone involved in my journey. Those that supported me emotionally with kind notes and calls, the doctors and staff, and especially my family.  When it’s all said and done, it’s about those you love. For me, that’s my wife and my family, and great friends. ❤️❤️

And now to continue the healing process.

~ Rick

©2017 Rick Cartwright

RICK CARTWRIGHT  
 This story was originally posted on Rick’s Reflections and is re-posted with Rick’spermission.

Christmas Calamari – Food Adventure’s Monthly Recipe

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Christmas Calamari – a tradition at Jax’s house

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

This month’s Food Adventure recipe features our resident Italian mom, Jackie Scanlan, aka “Hungry Jax.”  This active foodie has a passion for food, is always hungry, and somehow always stays thin.  Speaking of skinny

HERE’S THE SKINNY on CHRISTMAS CALAMARI by Jax:

The Italian Christmas Eve tradition of “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” has always been one of my favorite meals of the year. I can remember my grandparents’ house filled with the fragrance of the sea. Fried smelts, broiled scallops, shrimp cocktail were just a few staples for that night. My favorite dish is what I’ve dubbed as Christmas Calamari, which is dish of linguini piled high with a chunky white wine marinara and fresh calamari. While you can use frozen calamari in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh. Dorothy Lane Market or Foremost Seafood will happily help you get the best calamari for this dish. I’ve always just used the rings, but the tentacles add a great amount of flavor as well. You can prep this sauce and freeze it ahead of time, then add the calamari that night. This sauce is also great without the calamari if you have some family that may not be fans of the sea!

Sauce is life !

Here is a definite MUST EAT you can fix at home !

Christmas Calamari

You’ll Need:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves chopped garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 tsp crushed red pepper 9or more if you like it spicy)
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper (1/2 if you’re using finely ground)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped parsley (reserve about 1tbs to use for garnish)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2lb calamari rings
zest of 1 lemon and Parmesan cheese for serving
1lb linguini

DIRECTIONS:
On medium heat in a medium saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add in diced tomatoes (juice and all), red crushed pepper, black pepper and salt. Once tomatoes are starting to come to a low boil, lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, start the water to boil the pasta and follow the directions as noted on the package.
After simmering for 20 minutes, add the white wine and parsley. Continue to simmer until your pasta is done.
While draining your pasta, add the calamari to the sauce. They only take 3-5 minutes so do not overcook or else they become rubbery.

Ladle sauce on top of your pasta and garnish with lemon zest, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Seasons Eatings! ~ Jax

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones from the Food Adventure Crew.

Can’t get enough Food Adventures?  Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu on Facebook.  Since 2008, we have been the local food blog with the most original content. We feature recipes, weekly articles on Dayton Most Metro, dinner events, charity events,  festival partnerships, a full website, TV spots, original photos on all social media outlets and so much more.

Secret Italian Recipe cooking at Jackies House !

Top Ten Visual Arts Events in 2017

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It was a vibrant year for the visual arts in Dayton. Choosing only ten exhibitions and events is not an easy feat, and regrettably there were many that didn’t make this list. The ten here inspired me, and in my opinion were remarkable for the many reasons listed below! Enjoy!

Robert Blackstone
Crystal City
Courthouse Square, Downtown Dayton
Ongoing, opened in September 2017

Robert Blackstone’s imagination, memories and stories infuse his monumental Crystal City with a wide range of emotion and wonder. Created in several versions over the past 25 years, Blackstone’s large-scale installation is dense with materials from thrift shops, garage sales, the garbage and off the street. Crystal City is a memorial to family, to Dayton, a testament to love and an ongoing passion for creating something meaningful. Check in at the Collaboratory to learn when Crystal City is open to the public at http://www.daytoncollaboratory.org.

Susan Byrnes
Motion Capture
Dayton Art Institute Experiencenter
December 2017 – April 2018

Inspired by movement, painting and technology, Susan Byrnes’ Motion Capture is a series of photo stills, animations, and clothing with imbedded light technology. Created with students at Dayton’s Cleveland Elementary School and in collaboration with artist Tess Cortes, Motion Capture demonstrates “light drawing,” and the ever-present technological tools that influence our daily lives. Download the Pablo app, put on the light-up jacket and shimmy on the exhibition dance floor to create your own light drawing! More information at http://www.daytonartinstitute.org.

The Secrets We Keep
New Works by Zoe Hawk, Ashley Jonas & Stephanie McGuinness
Dayton Visual Arts Centre
January 13-February 24, 2017

 

The Secrets We Keep featured paintings, prints and installations referencing domesticity and relationships. The intimate worlds created by artists Zoe Hawk (Doha, Qatar), Ashley Jonas and Stephanie McGuinness (Dayton, Ohio) reveal many ideas of the home and of the familiar, but also inner anxieties and the unexpected. Learn more at daytonvisualarts.org.

Michelle Stitzlein
Industrial Nature
Springfield Museum of Art
January 21 – May 28, 2017

Texturally dense, found object tapestries made Michelle Stitzlein’s Industrial Nature a knockout exhibition. Stitzlein’s transformation of garden hoses, wires, hub caps, and other household items were pushed to a grand scale, giving the audience an opportunity to reckon with the environment, waste and nature, all while being drawn into beautiful abstract worlds. Learn more at http://www.springfieldart.net.

Beth Cavener Demonstration
Rosewood Arts Centre
April 27 – 30, 2017

It is not often that a three-day artist demonstration can impact people’s lives, but it happened with ceramic artist Beth Cavener. In conjunction with the Hi Fructose exhibition at the Akron Art Museum, Cavener spent three days at Rosewood explaining her ceramic sculpture process to a captivated audience while creating a 500-pound clay hare. Her tenacity as an artist, innovation with material and generosity in sharing her story was truly inspiring. Learn more at http://www.playkettering.org/rosewood.

Colette Fu
Structure Unbound: Interdisciplinary Book Art
The Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, Wright State University
January 17 – February 26, 2017

Structure Unbound examined how pop-up books and paper structures can create narratives and stories in three-dimensional space. Colette Fu was the featured artist, whose artwork demonstrated the mastery of documenting ideas, people and moments of rural Chinese traditions in the form of a pop-up book. Her artworks are remarkably constructed, visually compelling, fresh, and transform what could be traditional documentary images into contemporary times. Learn more at liberal-arts.wright.edu/art-galleries.

Reimagining Works
Dayton Metro Library

Terry Welker, “Fractal Rain,” 2017, stainless steel, acrylic prisms.

The Dayton Metro Libraries, through the conceptual direction of local art hero Jane Black, launched Reimagining Works in conjunction with the renovation and rebuild of their dozen-plus facilities. Reimagining Works asked artists to find inspiration in the Dayton Art Institute collection and propose a new piece to add to Dayton’s legacy. This year, the Main Branch in downtown Dayton opened to much celebration and included significant works by Terry Welker, Susan Byrnes, Paula Wilmot Kraus, Katherine Kadish, Andrea Myers and Gretchen Durst Jacobs. Learn more at daytonmetrolibrary.org.

Rosewood Gallery’s Year of Paper
Cynthia Gregory, The Poet’s Desk, March 6 – April 7, 2017
Heather Lea Reid, Intersubjective Indulgence, March 6 – April 7, 2017
Emily Moores, Cathedral, April 17 – May 19, 2017
Nicholaus Arnold, No One Was Having a Very Good Time, July 17 – August 18
Frank Travers, What Remains, July 17 – August 18
Andrew F. Dailey, Drawn Through, October 16 – November 17

Nicholaus Arnold, “No One Was Having a Very Good Time,” 2016, paper bag installation.

Mid-career artists working with paper stood out in Rosewood Gallery’s 2017 solo exhibitions. The material was pushed in different directions by each artist, including Heather Lea Reid’s colorful depictions of her daughter, Emily Moores reimagined architectural space in cut paper, Cynthia Gregory’s re-creation of objects in paper, Andy Dailey’s intimate graphite drawings, Nicholaus Arnold’s ominous environment of paper bags, and Frank Travers anthropomorphic prints. Through these many exhibitions, these artists reinforced the material as a versatile vehicle for art. Learn more at www.playkettering.org/gallery.

James Luckett, The View Behind the Café, and Leah Stahl, Artifacts
Dutoit Gallery
June 2017

Leah Stahl, “Unknown Backseat Specimen 23” from “Artifacts” series

Both James Luckett and Leah Stahl find the invisible in the world they inhabit, and create images that recognize the beauty, oddities and unexpected things most would not even think to notice. Luckett’s The View Behind the Café manages to find still lifes in a strip mall parking lot by his place of employment. Stahl’s children unintentionally helped inform her project Artifacts creating the evidence that Stahl documents of things they touched, lost and discarded in the nooks and crannies of their lives. Learn more at www.dutoitgallery.com.

Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence
Dayton Art Institute
June 24 2017 – September 10 2017

Ntombephi “Induna” Ntobela, “Tribute to My Sister Bongiswa,” 2010. Glass beads sewn onto fabric. Anacostia Community Museum/Smithsonian Institution

The DAI’s summer exhibition was colorful, intricate and awe-inspiring. Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence showcased the labor-intensive artworks created by a group of South African women. The subjects depicted range from AIDS awareness to the natural world to religious icons. An exhibition sure to cause anxiety for the impatient artist! Learn more at daytonartinstitute.org.

BONUS PICKS

Beth Holyoke
The Refugee Series
Yellow Springs Brewery
March 6 – April 2
Affected by the tragedy of the Syrian refugee crisis, artist Beth Holyoke has spent months volunteering in Greek refugee camps and translating the crisis into her artwork. Drawn onto ceramic pieces, Holyoke captures stories, feelings and the effects of transience and displacement. Learn more at yellowspringsbrewery.com.

Breathing Deeply, Pushing Back
Dayton Visual Arts Center
August 25 – September 22
A remarkable exhibition that hinged on so-called controversial artwork created by teenagers, Breathing Deeply, Pushing Back was an investigation of the artist as activist. The exhibition featured students from the Dayton Regional STEM School and guest artists Michael Casselli, Carris Adams, Juan-Si Gonzalez and Christina Springer.

Tyler Peffley
Diction
Blue House Gallery
June 2017
Tyler Peffley exhibition Diction explored moments of technology, place and popular culture in over 70 drawings. Often representing the figure in decades past, Peffley utilizes the intimate and immediate media of watercolors and graphite to capture each scene. Learn more at http://thebluehousearts.com/.

The Shopping Bag Hosts Holiday Toy Donation Drive

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FLOC (For Love Of Children) and The Shopping Bag are teaming up to make Christmas one to remember for underprivileged children throughout the Miami Valley . The Shopping Bag will be a drop off location for new toys to benefit FLOC’s annual Christmas for Kids program.

“ The FLOC toy shelves are very barren this year, but the need has increased ”. Said Beth Mann , President of the Board of Directors .

“The partners hip with The Shopping Bag and the good people of the Miami Valley will guarantee a very Merry Christmas for the hundreds of families we serve.” She added.

From Friday December 15, through Friday December 22 , drop off a new, unwrapped toy to The Shopping Ba g and receive a gift card to The Shopping Bag per family donation . In addition, The Shopping Bag will also match all toy donations.

Toys will be handed over to FLOC on December 22 in time for Christmas.

“When made aware FLOC was in need of toys this close to the holidays , we jumped at the chance to help because the holidays are more about giving than receiving . Hearing children would possibly not have a gift under the tree, our team said this couldn’t be and we had to step into action. ’ Said Lauren Murphy – Zahora , President of The Shopping Bag.

“ The Shopping Bag appreciates the opportunity to do our part in making Christmas extra special this holiday season for children throughout the Miami Valley .” Lauren added.

Drop new unwrapped toys at The Shopping Bag, located at  3109 Far Hills Ave. in Kettering during these hours:  Tues – Friday 1-7pm, Saturday Noon – 6pm

Luminaries of Dayton: Mitchell “Booty”Wood

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Mitchell “Booty” Wood studied trombone at Dunbar High School. After graduation he joined the Lionel Hampton Band and later played with Duke Ellington and Count Basie. By his count, he traveled more than 2 million miles on the road playing jazz in Sweden, Japan, South America, Mexico and France. In each band he held the position of first trombone and won high praise from the band leaders and their enraptured audiences. After his travels, Booty returned home to Dayton and Dunbar High School and Central State University to teach jazz, using it as a vehicle to promote the benefits of constant practice, discipline, and the joy of music.

Mitchell “Booty” Wood died on June 10, 1987. He is located in Section 300 Lot 40.

 

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the University of Dayton Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum website.

Brilliant FACES PLACES Among Jonathan’s Favorites Coming to THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone!

We have had a terrific year with many big successes. Our two current attractions are garnering a lot of raves from critics and audiences alike, and I still hear people talking about other films from earlier this year like MAUDIE, THE BIG SICK, FLORIDA PROJECT, THEIR FINEST, I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, and LOVING VINCENT (we still intent to bring this film back for a handful of shows when we can squeeze them in). Thus it might be hard to believe that the best films of the year are still on their way to THE NEON. Among them is a little gem called FACES PLACES. If you’ve been here in the past month, you’ve seen the trailer for this enchanting and uplifting documentary. It will open this Friday and play for just one week! Don’t miss it! On Thursday of next week, we will have preview screenings of THE SHAPE OF WATER (one of the absolute best films of the year – and certain to be a “Best Picture” contender) and DARKEST HOUR (almost certain to win an Oscar for Gary Oldman).

Many folks have been asking lately for my favorites of the year. 4 films immediately come to mind. Films that stood out that I can’t stop thinking about…and can’t wait to see again. FACES PLACES is one of them. The other three haven’t yet played anywhere around us but will soon be on their way – THE SHAPE OF WATER, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME and A FANTASTIC WOMAN. I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.

Synopsis for FACES, PLACES: “89-year old Agnes Varda, one of the leading figures of the French New Wave, and acclaimed 33 year-old French photographer and muralist JR teamed up to co-direct this enchanting documentary/road movie. Kindred spirits, Varda and JR share a lifelong passion for images and how they are created, displayed and shared. Together they travel around the villages of France in JR’s photo truck meeting locals, learning their stories and producing epic-size portraits of them. The photos are prominently displayed on houses, barns, storefronts and trains revealing the humanity in their subjects, and themselves. FACES PLACES documents these heart-warming encounters as well as the unlikely, tender friendship they formed along the way.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

If you need gift-giving ideas for the film lover in your life, we’ve got you covered. NEON gift certificates are available at our box office in denominations of $5 and $10. We also just got in a new batch of NEON t-shirts with our slogan “Good To The Last Frame” on the back. Hurry in and get ’em while you can!

We also are helping The Rubi Girls by selling their annual wall calendar. The Rubi Girls are a charity-driven comedic drag troupe in town, and 100% of all calendar sales will go back to The Rubi Girls and the causes they champion. Calendars are $15 each or 2 for $20.

Our FAMILY HOLIDAY FILM SERIES has just one film left. Admission is free for children 12 and under, and general admission is just $2. This Saturday, December 16 at Noon, we’ll wrap up the series with HOME ALONE – can you believe this comedy classic starring Macaulay Culkin is already 27 years old?!? Tickets are first come, first serve – available 45 minutes before the screening.

Mark your calendars and please help spread the word. CHAVELA, a beautiful, award-winning documentary about Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, will have two special screenings in late January. On Saturday and Sunday, January 27 & 28 at Noon, director Daresha Kyi (who grew up in Dayton and graduated from The Miami Valley School) will present her documentary and participate in a Q&A. Ticketing details will be available soon. To learn more about the film, please click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Thursday, Dec. 21:

LADY BIRD (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Dec 12-14): 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Friday (Dec 15): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday (Dec 16): 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (Dec 17): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Monday-Wednesday (Dec 18-20): 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday (Dec 21): 3:00, 5:10
FINAL DAY – Dec. 21!

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE… (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Dec 12-14): 2:50, 5:15, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (Dec 15 & 16): 12:20, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday (Dec 17): 2:20, 5:00, 7:30
Monday-Wednesday (Dec 18-20): 5:00, 7:30
Thursday (Dec 21): 5:00
FINAL DAY – Dec. 21!

FACES, PLACES (PG) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday-Thursday (Dec 15-21): 3:00
Final Day – Dec. 21!

THE SHAPE OF WATER (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Thursday (Dec 21): 7:30 – Preview Screening!

DARKEST HOUR (PG-13) 2 Hrs 5 Min
Thursday (Dec 21): 7:40 – Preview Screening!

HOME ALONE (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min
Saturday (Dec 16): Noon

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Dec. 21 – SHAPE OF WATER
Dec. 21 – DARKEST HOUR
TBD Possibilities – NOVITIATE, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, PHANTOM THREAD,
FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL, A FANTASTIC WOMAN, 

 and the return of LOVING VINCENT

Downtown Boston Stoker Closed Temporarily

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Oh no!  Went to meet somebody at the 2nd Street Boston Stokers only to find out it’s “closed for maintenance.”  A quick call to the corporate office and we found out that according to Travis Goodspeed,
“they started having issues exactly 2 weeks ago today.  The building has to deal with some plumbing issues and then we’ll have to replace some cabinetry and carpet.  We don’t have a realistic date, we’ll reopen yet.”

In an email response from  Anna McCormick, Manager, Dayton Boston Stoker she says,

“We hope to have a temporary bar in place by the 1st of the year. We should have everything rebuilt and fully operational by mid January.”
So  stay tuned….

 

In the meantime may we suggest you get your coffee and schedule your meetings at:

The Ohio Coffee Co. 

located on the S.W. corner of Fifth Third Building
1 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45402

open 9am – 2:30pm

Table 33
130 W 2nd St

open 8am – 8pm Tues – Fri
open 8am – 3pm Sat & Mon

Carmen’s Deli

​Corner of Jefferson & 2nd  Inside of the Kettering Tower
40 N Main Street, Suite 60

open 8:30am-2:30pm  Monday- Friday

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dining for 2017

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Holidays are for spending time with family and friends. However, the holidays can become stressful when you have a houseful of people and are trying to prepare that big Christmas dinner everyone is expecting. Not to mention all the dishes that come with cooking at home that add to the exhaustion.

But just a heads up- your options for dining out can be limited on these days.  We’ve put together a list of suggestions, are we’ll keep are ears open to keep adding options as we hear who’s open.  If you know of someplace, please let us know.

Christmas Eve, Sunday Dec 24th

 

Table 33  8am – 3pm  Christmas Eve Santa Brunch
130 W. Second St., Dayton, Ohio 45402

Santa has already called in for his spot and he’ll be with us all day!
Make sure you reserve a spot for you and your family.
By reservations only   info@table33dayton

 

Mudlick Tap House  11am – 4pm  Christmas Eve Brunch
135 East Second St., Dayton, Ohio 45402

(937) 895-4066  Now accepting reservations for all party sizes!

Start your Christmas celebrations with a holiday brunch at the Tap House!

Ele

Fleming’s Steak House  11am – 9p
4432 Walnut St at The Greene, Beavercreek OH 45440
An ongoing celebration of exceptional steak and wine

Pasha Grill   11am – 10pm
72 Plum St at The Greene, Beavercreek, OH 45440
Reservations accepted   (937) 429-9000

The finest in Mediterranean fusion cuisine and an affordable and creative selection of wine and specialty cocktails.

The Caroline 3-8pm  Christmas Eve Buffet 
5 South market Street Troy, OH 45373
Accepting Reservations (937)552-7676
Buffet price for adults is $26, children 5-12 $14, and kids under 5 are free with a kids menu available!

 

Lily’s Bistro    5-8:30pm    Fried Chicken and Champagne
329 E 5th St, Dayton, Ohio 45402

Reservations suggested (937) 723-7637

While at first odd bed fellows Fried Chicken, while humble, is perfectly paired with the mighty Champagne. A must try.

Our Chefs are working up a very special menu full of premium appetizers and entrees to go with our local, free-range fried chicken.

Young’s Jersey Dairy Store  7am – 4pm (kitchen closes at 2pm)
6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387   (937) 325-0629
Serving up breakfast, sandwiches and ice cream treats

 

 

 

Christmas Day, Monday Dec 25th

It may seem like everything is closed on Christmas Day, but there are actually a surprising number of restaurants that are open on Christmas. Many McDonald’s, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts will also be open in the morning, but it varies by location.

Ajanta India Restaurant    11am  – 8pm
3063 Woodman Dr, Kettering
(937) 296-9200

Amar India   12-9pm
2759 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Miami Township
(937) 439-9005

CJ Chan  11am – 10pm
536 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, (937) 259-9866
2747 W. Alex-Bell Road, Moraine, (937) 259-8882

Dad’s Family Restaurant    8am – 3pm
3131 S. Main Street in Middletown
(513) 423-0022

IHOP: IHOP fans can rejoice because all IHOPs are open on Christmas Day, sticking with their usual 24/7 hours.

Pasha Grill   11am – 9pm
72 Plum St at The Greene, Beavercreek, OH 45440
Reservations accepted   (937) 429-9000

The finest in Mediterranean fusion cuisine and an affordable and creative selection of wine and specialty cocktails.

Shen’s Szechuan & Sushi    11am – 10pm
7580 Poe Ave., Vandadlia
(937) 898-3860

Sky Asian Cuisine  3-9pm
4090 Wilmington Pike, Kettering
(937) 949-9883

TGI Friday   3-9pm
2799 Centre Drive,  Beavercreek near the Fairfield Commons Mall
(937) 429-0019

Waffle House  Open 24/7, 365 days a year, this restaurant is the gift that keeps on giving.

WDAO’s 27th annual “Love Feast” doors open at 11am, dinner served at noon by Creative Catering.  Free for anyone who may be lonely or hungry on Christmas Day.  Held at the Wrigth Dunbar Events Center at the corner of W. Thirds Street and Williams.

Children Celebrate the Season at the Sugar Plum Tea

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Downtown there are many treasured holiday events that delight children: the stunning window displays, the Tike Shoppe, and of course, Dayton Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” performance at the Schuster Center. 

Before the Sunday matinee performance, the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer organization, The Dayton Ballet Barre, hosts their annual Sugar Plum Tea, at the gorgeous Dayton Woman’s Club on Sunday December 17th.  It’s a delightful Christmas tradition that’s a perfect way to make The Nutcracker holiday tradition that much more special!

The afternoon starts off with a beautiful tea service, along with sandwiches, fruit, and delicious desserts. Parents are encouraged to get holiday photos of their little ones with the Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Fairy by the gorgeous Christmas tree inside the parlor. One of the Dayton Ballet teachers, along with two of the Dayton Ballet II dancers, give the children a dance lesson, followed by a reading the story of the Nutcracker.

Got a little one who is too little to sit still for the entire Nutcracker performance? This is a great intro event into the performing arts, and give them a taste of this beloved holiday tradition. Tickets are $15 for each child and adult and available from Ticket Center Stage or in limited quantities at the door. Tickets to The Nutcracker performance are sold separately.

How to Go?

The Dayton Ballet Barre’s Sugar Plum Tea

at The Dayton Woman’s Club: 225 NORTH LUDLOW STREET DAYTON, OH 45402

Sunday December 17th 12:30pm-2pm (The Nutcracker performance starts at 2:30pm)

 

Tickets $15 for both children and adults. This is a fundraiser for The Dayton Ballet Barre!