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Archives for April 2019

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Golden Anniversary Celebrated with the Dayton Philharmonic!

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The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman, is honored to be a part of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s 50th Anniversary celebration for a special DCDC Golden Anniversary Concert on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton.

Founded in 1968 by the late Jeraldyne Blunden, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is the oldest modern dance company in Ohio. DCDC serves as a cultural ambassador to Dayton, the state of Ohio, the Midwest, and the nation. The company holds the world’s largest archive of classic African American dance works and one of the largest of any kind among contemporary dance companies worldwide. Noteworthy choreographers who have worked with the company include Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Bill T. Jones, José Limón, Donald McKayle, Ray Mercer, Bebe Miller, Doug Varone, and Kevin Ward.

Together, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will present a thrilling performance to honor DCDC’s 50th Anniversary as the region’s outstanding modern dance company rooted in the African American experience. The evening’s performance will consist of three engaging pieces that celebrate the artistry and athleticism of the full DCDC company of dancers.

The first of the three pieces presented will be the World Premiere choreographed by former DCDC artistic director Kevin Ward. The new work is entitledand each day you mean one more and is set to brand new music by composer and musician Derrick Spivey, Jr. and performed by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Neal, Derrick and Kevin–conductor, composer, and choreographer–have worked closely together over the last several months to bring this work to life.

and each day you mean one more is partly inspired by the poem “The Low Road” by Marge Piercy, which addresses the challenges faced by the lone actor for societal good and how, with the gradual attraction and enlistment of like-minded individuals, a real force for change can be built that can resist destructive reactionary forces. In creating the dance, choreographer Kevin Ward was inspired by many lone actors such as Fanny Lou Hamer, David Hogg, Fred Rogers, James Baldwin, Malala, Claudette Colvin, and many nameless actors, such as the U.S. prisoners who staged a massive strike against systematic abuse, even though it resulted in the cruelest solitary confinement, and how their efforts inspired millions to follow suit.

DCDC will also perform a signature work from their history called Children of the Passage. This work was co-created for DCDC by world-renowned choreographer Ronald K. Brown and Tony-nominated choreographer Donald McKayle, who passed away just over a year ago this April. The work follows a party of decadent lost souls that are haunted and later rescued by spirits that reconnect them to their ancient and ancestral character. The composition is a cadence that is drawn from the traditional marching jazz bands of New Orleans, with the grind and groove of the contemporary jazz and soul music. The language of movements is translated from the visual poetry of African and African American dance and the celebration of cultural rituals of yesterday and today.

The third work on the program is American Mo’, created by choreographer and DCDC Associate Artistic Director Crystal Michelle Perkins. The dance is a celebration of triumph over adversity. Dancers express freedom, courage and joy to Duke Ellington’s “Three Black Kings,” composed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This work originally premiered on September 19 & 20, 2015 as part ofAmerican Mosaic, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts and was performed with accompaniment by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center. DCDC has performed the innovative piece in New York City, Kazakhstan, and the Bolshoi in Moscow.

How To Go!

Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Schuster Center
Tickets for DCDC Golden Anniversary Concert begin at $15.50 and are available for purchase by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org. 
For more information on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, including by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.
For more information on Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, visit www.dcdc.org.

‘Sylvia’ Review – Human Race Theatre Company – Canine Connection

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Jealousy and obsession rule the roost in A.R. Gurney’s 1995 comedy Sylvia, a fascinating Manhattan love triangle between man, wife and man’s best friend delightfully presented by the Human Race Theatre Company at the Loft Theatre.

photo courtesy of Immobulous.

On one fateful day in the park, unhappy Greg (Jason Podplesky), struggling through a midlife crisis, finds the dog of his dreams in Sylvia (Alex Sunderhaus), an adorable mutt who loves him like no other, even proclaiming him god on multiple occasions. However, their cutesy relationship is quickly upended by the frustrations of Greg’s wife Kate (Jen Joplin), a teacher who’d rather treasure the peace and quiet that comes with being an empty nester added to the fact she can’t stand the idea of caring for another dog at such an inopportune time in her career. So, after 22 years of marriage, battle lines are drawn, leaving Greg to fight with Kate over Sylvia’s place in their lives and home as Kate seeks to fight with Sylvia over Greg’s affection, a decision that leads her to seek advice from gender-fluid therapist Leslie (versatile Rory Sheridan in one of three humorous roles).

In a hugely demanding and physical role, Sunderhaus, a Wright State University alumna hilariously seen last season at the Human Race in The House, is an absolute hoot once again. Whether scratching behind her ears, sliding across the floor, jumping on a table, sniffing furniture, rummaging through magazines, spinning in circles, rolling on the floor, or humping a leg, she epitomizes all the necessary animal characteristics with incredible exuberance and a charming twinkle in her eye. But perhaps most importantly, she grasps Sylvia’s genuine desire to simply please her owners by establishing a deep, sincere and loving connection, particularly Kate in spite of the obvious friction between them (the appealing Joplin is a wonderful foil for Sunderhaus). Throughout the show, lightheartedly directed by Marya Spring Cordes, there are many funny scenes shared between Sunderhaus and the believably infatuated and troubled Podplesky, but I believe the production’s hallmark lies in late Act 2’s beautiful, heartbreaking poignancy as a breakup becomes inevitable. All good things must come to an end, but no one said it wouldn’t sting, especially when the future involves a promise to move into a studio apartment on the Upper West Side near Central Park.

photo courtesy of Immobulous.

In addition, Eric Moore’s terrific revolving set, expertly lit by John Rensel, effectively captures the essence of the Big Apple from skyline to park while astutely maintaining focus on Greg and Kate’s home at all times. Jessica Pitcairn’s costumes for Sunderhaus in particular are equally noteworthy, ranging from casual to flirty with a pinch of leather-clad sexual vixen thrown in for good measure.

Shortly before Sylvia’s opening on April 26, Sunderhaus paused to reflect on the script and the complexities of her portrayal. A fan of legendary comics such as Mel Brooks, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Madeline Kahn as well as film classics such as Airplane! and Clue, she hopes audiences are ultimately charmed by the story and its heartwarming aims.
“Every being connects in their own way,” she said. “People and animals cross paths for certain reasons in life in order to show, teach or guide. This play is joyful, whimsical, sweet, and really tugs the heart in way that is super relatable. Whether you’re a dog person, a cat person or not even a pet person, everyone can feel what it’s like to have another being, a pet, in your life that creates certain feelings of love, protection, support, and real friendship.”

Sylvia continues through May 12 at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Act One: 65 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings; 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings; and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $37-$55 for adults; $34-$48 for seniors; and $19.50-$27 for students. Select side-area seats available for $14 and $27 at all performances. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit humanracetheatre.org. or ticketcenterstage.com. In addition, on May 7 at 5:30 p.m., the Human Race will host a “Puppies and Pints” event at the Loft Theatre in which craft beer and furry friends up for adoption will be on hand. The event is sponsored by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Toxic Brew Company. Patrons are also advised Sylvia is rated PG-15. Parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 15.

 

Humane Society Kicks Off Diamonds in the Ruff Campaign

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In honor of Tuesday being Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton is kicking off a campaign called Diamonds in the Ruff where they hope to find more animals homes and give one lucky person a diamond and gold necklace!

Starting Tuesday, April 30th, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton is offering adoptions fees for all animals for just $30 per animal. This campaign runs through Sunday, May 5th.

For helping save a shelter pet, you have a chance to win, too! For every person who adopts at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s main location at 1661 Nicholas Road or through one of our offsite adoption locations during this time, we will enter them into a drawing to win a 14k gold diamond paw print pendant necklace from Elizabeth Diamond Company, a retail value of $640.

Can’t adopt, but still want a chance to win? For every $30 you donate to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton through Sunday, May 5th you will get one entry into the drawing. Donations can be made online at www.hsdayton.org/donate.

“Supporting one of our Diamonds in the Ruff, be it through donations or adoptions, is a great way to really impact animals in our community,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “We are so honored to work with Elizabeth Diamond Company on this campaign and hope that we will not only raise much needed funds, but ultimately find lots of fantastic animals their forever homes!”

The winning ticket will be drawn at Elizabeth Diamond Company, 7245 Far Hills Avenue in Dayton, on Monday, May 6th at 2 pm. It will also be streamed live on the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s Facebook page .

All proceeds raised from this event help care for the homeless pets at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton receives no government funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals, companies and grants to run the programs and services it offers to the community. They are dedicated to building loving relationships between people and pets. Founded 117 years ago, it is the oldest and most-established no-kill animal welfare agency in the area. It focuses on pet adoptions, eliminating pet overpopulation, providing education and ensuring the humane treatment of animals.  For more information about the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, call (937) 268-PETS (7387) or visit www.hsdayton.org.

Love an Independently Owned Business? Show Them Some Love

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If you love an independently owned business, take a few minutes of your time and show them some love by recommending them on FB and/or leaving them a review on Google. Your favorite bars, pizza joints, restaurants, shops, anything.

The people on the other side of the review will be jumping up and down with excitement. They work really hard. Recommending the business they bust their ass for is the easiest way to put a smile on someone’s face. Small businesses live by their reviews and don’t have big budgets for marketing and advertising. The big box stores and mega corporations don’t need your reviews-we all know Target isn’t going anywhere. If we want to keep independent businesses around, we have to shout them out so people can find the gems.  It will make someone’s day. Instant karma points.

***Even better when you mention the specific name of the person that helped you. Customer service is hard, and calling them out for a job well done is the kindest thing you could for someone who took care of you or went the extra mile.

Conversely, when you have a bad experience or have something to say, it is always best to contact the business directly. No need to trash the entire establishment, their online reputation, nor hurt their future business because you have a very valid opinion about something or even because the mashed potatoes were a little cold for your liking.

We’ve all made some social media blunders at some point (??‍♀️guilty) and hopefully learned from them. Your opinions and feedback are valued more than you may realize to small businesses, and social media is very powerful.

If you care at all and want to truly help and make your voice heard, there’s a better way. Tell them privately. Bashing publicly because of a minor detail or single  bad experience hurts everyone that depends on that business for their livelihood; their staff, their families. Businesses want to hear your feedback to improve, to right wrongs, and to grow. Small business owners want to know what’s going on (especially when they’re not always standing right there) and love suggestions, advice, and constructive criticism. Owners and managers can’t have their eyes on every single little thing (though they try) nor control every circumstance. Businesses are compromised of humans, and humans make mistakes. If you see something that isn’t right, let them know privately and give them the opportunity to make it right. Most likely they will be more than grateful you called something important to their attention so they can address it and do better.

***Also if your server or rep isn’t perfect or makes a mistake, keep in mind it’s not personal and likely has nothing to do with you.

Instead of jumping to the conclusion that they suck, consider that the restaurant may be very short-staffed and they are doing the best they can given the circumstances, or maybe they were called in on their day off to help. They might be a student, working several jobs to make ends meet, tired from being up all night with sick children, or even all of the above. Many people in customer service don’t get sick days and can’t afford to not be at work. Maybe your server is struggling with some sort of loss or fighting a battle you know nothing about…all while Cheryl is running her ragged, she’s trying to make sure Karen’s complicated food order comes out okay, and Carol wants to speak to the manager. Consider all the variables before passing judgment.

And if you believe they are just the absolute worst at customer service, telling management privately or via email is better and far more effective. They can fix problems, implement more training, or decide their employment isn’t a good fit and move on. Telling Yelp that Jessica sucks and took forever to deliver your chicken sandwich isn’t worth it. Jessica may have only lasted a week and isn’t representative of their delicious food and standard service.

Remembering that people are people is so important. Life is hard, and we are all trying. It’s far more rewarding to build people up and do good than to be a dick.

Written by Brittany Danielle Smith, who owns two small businesses in Dayton, and originally posted on her Facebook page and is reprinted with permission.

Heart Mercantile
438 E. 5th St
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Open 11am – 8pm daily

A curated mercantile filled with clothing, home goods, local/handmade, dayton-centric gifts, jewelry, vintage finds and much more.

 

 

 

 

 

LUNA Gifts & Botanicals

261 Wayne Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Open 11am – 8pm daily

Luna is filled with lovely plants, fresh cut flower bouquets, and many unique gifts for all of the people you love. We sought to fulfill a little niche downtown, a place filled with beautiful things that we would want to find while out exploring, and enjoying the neighborhood that we call home.

 

Dayton Pub Run

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The FREE Runners Plus and Key Sports Pub Runs are simply a way to enjoy running and the local breweries in Dayton.

Our group route is about five miles, though you welcome to go more or less. Walkers and all abilities of runners are welcome! We’ll typically have demo shoes, door prizes, and prizes for showing up.

Registration is LIVE for 2019 Techstars Startup Week Dayton!

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In its fourth year, this free, annual, week-long, entrepreneur-led, volunteer-run, community-focused conference brings together the region’s thinkers, dreamers, doers, makers & entrepreneurs in venues located across downtown Dayton. All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.

“We’re excited to roll out our most community-driven conference yet,” Techstars Startup Week Dayton organizer John Owen said. “You asked and we responded — with new specialized tracks and evening sessions, there’s something for everyone.”

Last year, about 900 people attended 83 sessions & events featuring 88 unique speakers over the course of the week. This year, we’re on track to host more than 125 sessions featuring more than 100 speakers.

Base Camp this year will again be the Steam Plant, located at 617 E. 3rd St. in downtown Dayton.

The Steam Plant will host talks that appeal across industry lines — how-to sessions for entrepreneurs covering marketing, branding, legal business needs, sales & customers, funding & finance, and inspirational founder stories. Breakfast and lunch is provided each day, catered by Dayton food startups and businesses.

But this year, Startup Week will also feature industry-specific talks and workshops held in locations across downtown Dayton.

We put out a speaker call and tapped more than two dozen experts across the region to help organize these special tracks. As a result, food industry entrepreneurs will gather at Second Street Market on Monday afternoon, medtech entrepreneurs will gather at the 444 Innovation Hub on Wednesday, arts & music entrepreneurs will gather at The Brightside Music & Events Venue on Wednesday afternoon, defense entrepreneurs will gather at the 444 Innovation Hub on Thursday, and more.

Friday, June 7, will be the conference’s first community day as businesses along Third Street and Wayne Avenue open their doors to host workshops on niche topics including co-op opportunities, solopreneurship, retail options, social entrepreneurship, founder wellness and leadership.

Can’t get a day off? Techstars Dayton Startup Week has also added evening workshops this year. Topics range from building your business plan to paying yourself in these later workshops, held at Dayton Metro Library and The Brightside.

And don’t forget, Startup Week is all about connecting — our evening social events range from community pitch nights to happy hours to a startup market that will feature products, food and music from our city’s entrepreneurs! We’ll close the week on Friday with a business crawl through Dayton’s Oregon District, with built-in stops to help you build your own picnic basket for Friday night’s free concert at Levitt Pavilion.

Don’t want to wait until Monday, June 3 to start connecting? Catch the 2nd Annual Gem City Entrepreneur Resource Fair, Friday, May 31 from 5:30-8pm at Central State Dayton West, 840 Germantown St.

In December of 2017, eight Dayton young black professionals hosted the first resource fair, described as “one of the most successful community-wide resource/networking events for millennial and minority entrepreneurs,” organizer Ke Daniels said. This year, the resource fair will kick off Techstars Startup Week Dayton 2019!

Techstars Startup Week Dayton 2019 is made possible through support from title sponsors The Entrepreneurs Center and Wright State Research Institute and official media sponsor, Cox Media Group.

Make plans now to attend! 

Dayton at Work and Play: Compost Dayton

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David Weickert was the farm manager at Mission of Mary Cooperative (619 Silver Lane) in Dayton’s Twin Towers neighborhood. They are an urban farming cooperative helping people on the city’s east side.

Now David has his own business, operating out of the same location. He runs Compost Dayton. He collects food scraps from people who pay a monthly fee and then composts those scraps. His customers can get the composted materials for their own use or donate the material to Mission of Mary or some other group.

“A lot of people don’t compost for one reason or other” he told me “but they want to be part of a sustainable food system. Those people are my customers. Over the last three years we’ve doubled our size each year.”

 

 

 

 


This service is a great way for you to reduce your waste and help the environment, along with helping out the local food and sustainable agriculture movement.

For more information contact David at [email protected]om

Food Adventures Host a “Buck Wild Brunch at The Donk”

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Beef on Weck

For the first time ever, we will be hosting a Food Adventure BRUNCH !

Saturday May 18th at 11am, we are heading to the BUCKIN DONKEY Restaurant for a one time only,“Buck Wild Brunch.”  This will be the wildest, wackiest Food Adventure menu ever.  There will be 4 courses and an option for a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar.  The menu is crazy and fun, and this promises to be epic.

We will have door prizes and learn about the Buckin’ Donkey and the philosophy behind this one of a kind eatery.

If you have not been to The Buckin’ Donkey, then you are in for a treat and this is a perfect  chance to sample the most popular items on the menu.  If you have been to “The Donk,” then you know what we mean by wild and wacky menu items.  It is a delicious bachelor inspired menu on steroids.  Good food, with a Pittsburgh influence, from a local owner with decades of various restaurant experiences.

Frosted Flake French toast

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE “BUCK WILD BRUNCH at THE DONK !“

— WHEN: SATURDAY MAY 18th 11am -1pm

— WHERE: THE BUCKIN DONKEY in MORAINE at 2866 S Dixie Dr.

— COST IS PER $25 PERSON with an option for a MIMOSA and BLOODY MARY BAR for $5 to be paid the day of the event. Gratuity is not included.  Tickets are pre pay only and only available for purchase online at the link below.

*****BUY YOUR TICKETS BY CLICKING HERE *****

Jambalaya

Here is what is included ….

BRUNCH MENU:

COURSE 1:
FROSTED FLAKE FRENCH TOAST and BISCUITS and GRAVY:
A tasting of their famous, unique french toast that is made using Frosted Flakes cereal.  Also a sample of their biscuits and gravy.  A homemade recipe that has been curing hangovers for years.

 

COURSE 2:
Your choice of:
JAMBALAYA, GUMBO or CHILI:
The Jambalaya is absolutely amazing, and Big Ragu’s favorite.  The Gumbo is exceptional as well with flavorful sausage.  The chili is available almost daily and a staple at the Buckin’ Donkey.

Booth and Table seating

COURSE 3:
Your choice of:
a) BEEF ON WECK SANDWICH (with Au Jus for dipping)
The Most Popular item on the menu, it is a favorite or Beef lovers everywhere.  This is their take on the Italian Beef sandwiches famous in Pennsylvania, and New York.


b) BREAKFAST BURGER: a huge layered breakfast sandwich on a biscuit consisting of half pork and half beef patties, hashbrowns and eggs.  This is a bachelor creation on steroids or the Frankenstein monster of Breakfast sandwiches !

Breakfast Burger minus Egg

 

c) THE PORKY PIG DONUT BURGER:
A patty with ground beef and pork mixed is grilled and topped with 3 strips of bacon and american cheese. It served with 2 slices of glazed doughnut as the bun.

d) THE BLT and O BURGER:
Their burger grilled and topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and oh yeah a fried egg. Served on grilled texas toast

Gumbo

e) THE TRIPLE BYPASS BURGER:
A beef patty made with ground beef and bacon patty topped with bacon strips, a fried egg and cheese.

 

COURSE 4:
Your choice of:

a) HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER PIE:
Unbelievable, nuff said…

 

b) HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY CREAM PIE:
Wonderful flavor

Back Entrance

c) HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA PIE:
The name says it all…

**** CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS TO THE BRUNCH ****

All tickets are pre pay only, are only available online at the link above.

OPTIONAL BRUNCH ITEM:
MIMOSA or BLOODY MARY BAR will be available for purchase that morning for $5

HERE’s THE SKINNY on the BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

Blackberry Cream Pie

— Owned by Sean McKown, it is located in the old Murray’s Place Restaurant building at 2866 S Dixie Dr. in Moraine.

— Sean’s family background is part Italian, so his menu is influenced by that. It is also influence by his hometown of Pittsburgh.  That’s why you see many Polish and Italian dishes on the menu.

— Sean moved to Dayton at 11 years old and has worked running the kitchens at many successful restaurants.  The Buckin Donkey is the result of his dream to someday own his own place.

Chili

— Some of the unique menu items are the results of experiments Sean had feeding his friends who were hanging around his home after a night out.  The results are some magical creations.

— Thursday night is Trivia night at the Buckin Donkey.  The place is sports friendly, featuring a lot of Steelers memorabilia, but all NFL and sports fans are welcome.

— The Buckin Donkey is also known for their generosity in helping local charities.

Peanut Butter Pie

We are super excited to partner for this brunch event.  Don’t miss this extravaganza – Seating is limited and open to all ages. Other alcohol will be available for purchase for those over 21, as they have a full bar.

Food Adventures has a feature column here each and every week.  Stop back and check out more Dayton foodie news.  Follow us on Twitter HERE and follow us on Instagram HERE.

 

 

SEE YOU AT THE BUCKIN DONKEY MAY 18th !!!

 

Donut Burger minus bacon, after we added condiments

Booths and tables

Jambalaya

Homemade chili

Banana Cream Pie

Peanut Butter PIe

Porky Pig Doughnut Burger

Gumbo

Beef on Weck

Breakfast burger minus egg

Porky Pig Donut Burger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street Names of Dayton: Home Avenue

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HOME AVENUE, once known as KING AVENUE until 1895, is named for William King.

William King was the son of Victor and Jane (Moffit) King born in Tyrone Township, York County, now Adams County, Pennsylvania. He served as a Private in the Revolutionary War from his home state and afterwards moved to Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky in 1789. Because of his views on slavery, he moved his family to Dayton in 1799 and arrived in town with just one dollar in his pocket. He found few houses in the newly settled village so he and his family lived in their wagon until he could build them a log cabin to live in. In 1801, Mr. King and his wife Nancy purchased 500 acres of land in the Harrison Township area. He then purchased 1,160 acres which he sold in exchange for his payment. By this method, he was able to have his land paid off by 1807 with full title.

Mr. King then moved two miles west of the Miami River to the area of what would become Western Avenue* and Home Avenue. Mr. King took out a license in 1811 to run a ferry over the Miami River charging a man and his horse a fee of 12 ½ cents. He was a member of the Moral Society of Dayton in 1818, and was a Clerk and Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, of which he was one of the original members. In January 1819, he became a member of a corporation that operated a toll bridge which crossed the Miami River at Bridge Street until it was washed away in 1852. In 1829, he was moderator of the Dayton Temperance Society.  In 1830, Mr. King sold most of his large estate of 395 acres.

Mr. King married his wife Nancy Waugh on April 2, 1787 in Tyrone Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania. Nancy died on June 30, 1839 at the age of 67 and was buried at the Presbyterian grave yard on Fifth Street, as Woodland Cemetery had not yet been established. She received her final interment at Woodland on September 20, 1864.

William King was born January 3, 1764 and died September 19, 1863 in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 99 years. He lived longed enough to hear that Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that proclaimed that all slaves be freed by January 1, 1863.

There are eight King Family members buried side by side in Section 82 Lot 403 in Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

*Note: James H. McGee Blvd. was formerly known as Western Avenue.

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 and until 7 pm during Daylight Saving Time. 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.

‘The Library’ Review – Playground Theatre and University of Dayton – Blame Game

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Conflicting stories and incredible heartache are at the brutal center of Scott Z. Burns’ riveting 2014 drama The Library, terrifically presented by Playground Theatre and the University of Dayton in UD’s Black Box Theatre of Fitz Hall.

The cast of Playground Theatre and University of Dayton’s local premiere of Scott Z. Burns’ gun violence drama The Library. (Photo by Knack Creative)

Inspired by a series of events which spun out of control in the aftermath of the Columbine High School massacre 20 years ago, The Library, expertly and fluidly directed with grippingly intimate intensity by Michelle Hayford, concerns 16-year-old Caitlin Gabriel, a sophomore who survives a school shooting yet surprisingly becomes a community outcast. Caitlin’s account of the horrific event, particularly about her devout Christian classmate Joy Sheridan who was among the deceased, is at odds with what her fellow survivors believe. The play is effectively fueled by questions of whose truth, whose narrative, carries the most weight (a dicey blame game that even becomes fodder for surgery gossip), but the drama dealing with Caitlin’s home life, specifically her father’s infidelity, is an unnecessarily heavy-handed distraction. Still, the secrets and lies bolstered by misinformation in the media shaped around the dueling perspectives of Caitlin and Joy’s grieving, opportunistic mother Dawn heighten the play’s thought-provoking impact.

Jillian Mitchell as Caitlin Gabriel in Playground Theatre and University of Dayton’s local premiere of Scott Z. Burns’ gun violence drama The Library. (Photo by Knack Creative)

Jillian Mitchell, in a breakthrough performance, is an emotional knockout as conflicted Caitlin, whose intriguing relationship with gunman Marshall Bauer (an unnerving Skyler McNeely, who also composes an engrossing score) briefly takes the play to a deeply, fittingly disturbing level. Playground co-founders/artistic directors Chris Hahn and Jenna Valyn are a believably fractured duo as Caitlin’s devoted and worried parents Nolan and Elizabeth. The multifaceted Rae Buchanan shines as the religious, unyielding Dawn, who walks in faith without realizing her faults. Jacob Lee also delivers a strong breakthrough performance as Joy’s churchgoing friend Ryan Mayes, seeking to protect her legacy. A wonderfully authoritative Jenna Gomes De Gruy excels as Detective Washburn, whose recounting of the shooting sets up a dynamic finale impressively accented by Andrew Martin’s striking lighting design. Brett Bartlett (Nurse), Annabelle Harsch (Surgeon), William Boatwright Jr. (The Publisher), AJ Breslin (Father Dunston), and Shaun Diggs (Special Master Thornton) greatly complement the action.
Two months ago, primarily in response to last year’s school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida which killed 17 people, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation requiring a universal background check for firearm purchases, the first major gun control legislation in Congress in nearly 25 years. Burns unfortunately avoids the gun control debate, a misstep which also hindered Eric Ulloa’s Sandy Hook-inspired drama 26 Pebbles produced by the Human Race Theatre Company in 2017, but there’s no denying the timeliness of his script’s underlying message. After all, The Library is a testament to the serious work that must be done in order for true healing to begin in America.

The Library continues through April 28 in the University of Dayton’s Black Box Theatre of Fitz Hall, corner of Brown and Caldwell Streets, Dayton. The play is performed in 1 hour and 45 minutes without intermission. Performances are 8 pm Friday, 2 and 8 pm Saturday, and 2 pm Sunday. Tickets are $5-$12. For tickets or more information, call (937) 229-2545 or visit udaytontickets.com. Patrons are advised that talkbacks will follow each performance.

DLM’s Spring Fling Pastry & Food Show **Ticket Giveaway**

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It’s how we know spring is officially here- the Dorothy Lane Market Spring Fling Pastry & Food Show! On Thursday, May 2nd from 7-9pm at the Springboro store prepare to not only be delighted with each bite, but to meet the world class DLM talent who unleash their passion with a star-studded line-up at Spring Fling, in addition to making DLM shine daily with their talents!

Take your pick as to whether you’ll start with sweet or savory as you mingle from one station to the next at this open concept event. In addition to the 20+ pristine pastries, 15+ hors d’oeuvres, and a selection of wines and beers included with your ticket price, this year’s event also will include a flavored croissant station, galaxy cakes dripping with mirror glaze, a gourmet grilled cheese station featuring DLM Artisan Bread, as well as an artistically rendered sugar sculpture being built before your eyes!

DLM is also highlighting some of the talented Chefs and bakers that make all the treats they feature:

Carrie graduated with honors from The PA Institute of Culinary Arts in 1994, but her love for baking and cooking started with her Southern roots. DLM has been like a second home to Carrie as she’s been here for almost 20 years, spending the first 17 fueling her artistic side as a cake decorator. But the DLM Pâtisserie caught her eye after she saw how creative you can be while also learning the science behind perfecting beautiful pastries!

 

Born and raised in NYC, Tina grew up in an Italian-American household where the culture runs strong and the world revolves around food as she spent much time baking with her mother and grandmother. In 2002, she graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan with a degree in Pastry and Baking Arts. We love having Tina’s skills at play on the DLM Pâtisserie Team.

As the chef and culinary director for Dorothy Lane Market, you’ll see Chef Carrie’s menus brought to life at special DLM events, like our upcoming Spring Fling Pastry & Food Show, May 2! And thanks to her, your ticket to Spring Fling grants you access to not only world-class sweets and selection of wines, but a brilliant selection of hors d’oeuvre, too. Chef Carrie also helps shape the DLM Culinary Center’s class programming, shares her passion for food through her culinary classes, and aims to make the prepared foods found at DLM shine with the finest ingredients and a Flavor First mentality

Chef Amy decided to pursue her passion for pastry at The French Pastry School in Chicago. She now manages the DLM Pâtisserie and central bakery, which is responsible for making so much of what you find at the DLM Bakery!

Tickets for the Spring Fling Pastry & Food Show are $50 each and can be purchased at any DLM store on online here.

MostMetro.com Ticket Giveaway

We’ve got a pair of tickets we’ll be giving away to one lucky DMM reader!  Just leave a comment below and then share this article on your facebook or twitter page, and tag DaytonDining so we can see it and we’ll randomly pick a winner on Sunday!

Call For Nominations: 2019 Wilson A. Charbonneaux Award

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Engineers Club SealThis award, named for Mr. Wilson Charbonneaux, a longtime member of the Engineers Club of Dayton where he reenergized the Club’s Barn Gang and served on many of the Club’s committees. During his career, he established three successful companies and was personally granted 17 patents. He directed a great deal of energy to make science and technology understandable and accessible to the general public.

 

It is given to individual(s)/organization(s) for their innovative approaches to increasing the public’s understanding of science and technology. The quality of their outreach will be assessed. A demonstrated commitment to advancing and defining the role of science and technology in all aspects of society must be shown. Volunteer/not for profit activities will have preference over Government/Industry funded activities.

Past winners have included Dayton aviation writers, Howard R. DuFour, Fred Fisk and Marlin Todd, Melba Hunt and Mary Ann Johnson, a founding member of Aviation Trail, Ralph Dull Homestead, Dr. and Mrs. James Stewart, Mr. Walter Hoy and Mr. Stephen Frey. Organizations that have been honored are The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program in the Dayton Area, the Affiliate Societies of Dayton for TechFest, the Wright “B” Flyer organization, Team Ohio Rocket Club, Air Camp, Mound Science and Energy Museum Association and the Dayton Regional STEM Center’s Science Saturday.
Wilson Charbonneaux AwardThe nomination should include the name(s) of the individual(s) or organization, statements addressing the above criteria, and contact information. The award will be presented at the Engineers Club’s Annual Meeting Dinner in June, 2019.

 

Nominations should be sent to the Engineers Club of Dayton, 110 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45402 by May 15, 2019
For more information or to submit a nomination via e-mail, please contact Ms. Darbie Kincaid at (937) 228-2148, [email protected] or the following link on the club website at http://www.engineersclub.org. Please include in the subject line of any e-mail “Charbonneaux Award”

The Engineers Club mission is to foster the advancement of business, education, engineering and science, and to promote the professional development of its members. The Engineers Club offers individual memberships, including special memberships for students and non-residents, as well as corporate and group memberships. More information is available at http://www.engineersclub.org/.

Marvel Studios Delivers Its Genre-Defining Masterpiece with Avengers: Endgame

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WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson, Mark Ruffalo, Karen Gillan, Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, Dania Gurai and Josh Brolin … PLUS A BUNCH OF OTHERS (You want me to spoil it for you?!)


DIRECTOR(S): Anthony and Joe Russo
THE BACK STORY: The last time we saw them, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America (Chris Evans),  Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson),  Col. Rhodes aka War Machine (Don Cheadle) and Dr. Bruce Banner aka the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) were dealing with the aftermath of being the last heroes standing after “the mad Titan” Thanos (Josh Brolin) found all six of the Infinity Stones and snapped his fingers, eliminating half of the life in the universe in the process. Now, our heroes have no clue what to do with themselves or how to fix the catastrophe.


Luckily for them, the retired Hawkeye a.k.a. Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) survived the snap, as did Nebula (Karen Gillan), Thanos formerly war-minded adopted daughter, Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Scott Lang a.k.a. Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), who was stuck in The Quantum Realm. And once the pager from a former S.H.I.E.L.D. operative reaches Carol Danvers a.k.a. Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), it looks like there may be hope to undo the damage Thanos has caused. It’s just going to require (1) a bunch of time travel, (2) a lot of extremely coordinated teamwork and (3) a wee bit of luck to make everything go right. 


But with the literal fate of the universe hanging in their avenging hands, they’re the best – and only – chance we have …

THE REVIEW: Imagine telling someone a decade ago “Yeah, I heard Marvel Comics is going to form a movie studio and then make 20+ movies that will all tie together with a huge finale featuring 3 hours of action and emotion the likes of which has never been seen on the silver screen.” Given where superhero movies were as a genre before – 2007 gave us Spider-Man 3 a.k.a. the bad one, Ghost Rider and Fantastic Four featuring yup, Chris Evans – you would have a better bet thinking the Cleveland Browns would become Super Bowl champions.Fast-forward to 2019 and Marvel has made money hand over muscular fist to the point that the closing film is set to break records left and right and the only question now remaining is – much like the Avengers own prospects battling the toughest enemy they’ve ever faced – can Endgame live up to its massive hype?

Yes. The answer is a resounding, action-packed, emotionally charged and fitting–ending to the first 10 years of Marvel Studios yes.

Sure, next month’s collaboration with Sony, Spider–Man: Far From Home, is the official ending to Marvel Studios’ Phase 3 plans according to studio head Kevin Feige, but Endgame sure feels like a finale in a lot of ways. With spoilers abound on the Internet as of Tuesday, April 23 (when this review was posted), it’s hard to talk about Endgame in detail without giving away too much.

Thus, here’s a checklist of Marvel-themed .GIFs that will give you information without giving you too much information.

Comedy on the level of Thor: Ragnarok that brings great levity at times?

Plot that feels convoluted but makes sense for the most part?

Fight scenes that will have your adrenaline pumping?

Is there a moment that feels like Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women” should be playing during it to make it feel complete?

Moments that are pulled from the comics that feel natural enough to set up future cinematic adventures?

Worried about whether you’ll need tissues? Let’s just say I’d expect a lot of people to do this at some point during the movie …

With those non-spoiler spoilers out the way, here’s what I can say: Endgame ties together just about every Marvel movie where it feels like not only a conclusion, but a payoff for sticking with our heroes throughout this journey. We’ve watched them go from not knowing the powers they had or how to use them to maturing and growing with each conflict to now what may or may not be their final and greatest battle to date. The character arcs are executed to perfection, despite its run time, there never feels like any wasted moments and the climax is just about everything you could hope for … Unless you’re a D.C. Comics fan who still has hope Warner Bros. has ANYTHING ready to compete with this. Evans and Downey, Jr. doing the heaviest lifting in the film emotionally (with Hemsworth coming in as the third man quite well) with Renner and Ruffalo – much like their characters – exhibiting strong supporting player performances. To say more would be to ruin the experience, and given how much of an experience Endgame is, that would be a crime against (movie) nature itself.

Superheroes have come and gone over the years; what Endgame showcases, however, is that no matter how much their powers may make them cool or be the things many of us wish we had, its their human traits (yes, even in Rocket’s case) are what keep us watching. Infinity War is arguably the first superhero movie to end on a down note, but Marvel’s heroes have always shown reflected the best and worst parts of the human experience: The desire for power, the need for hope in the face of extreme adversity, the importance of family, you name it – Marvel has covered it and done so in quite spectacular fashion. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo have delivered a masterpiece of a movie, but since we all know comic book movies don’t win major awards, what we have to simply do is admire Marvel’s crowning achievement in all its glory and wait for baited breath to see what comes next.

Even when we’re down, Endgame proves that they are just a snap second from helping us all remember why movies like these give us hope for the future.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 


 

City Celebrates Arcade Financial Closing

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The long-awaited financial closure by developers of the Dayton Arcade is complete.

Earlier this month, Dayton City Commissioners voted on a variety of legislation, property tax incentives and energy improvements to prepare for the $90 million financial closing of the first phase of the Arcade project.

Photo by Andy Snow

The financing structure is being called one of the largest and most complicated deals of its kind and represents a number of firsts for Dayton and the region. Included in the financing is $10 million of support from the City of Dayton, the City’s largest economic investment since the construction of the Schuster Center in the early 2000’s.

In addition to City support, the financing package includes new market tax credits, federal and state historic tax credits, low income housing tax credits, Property Assessed Clean Energy financing, and private equity.

“I am excited to see all of the pieces of this deal come together,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “When complete, the Arcade will not only spur development downtown but act as an innovation hub connecting city neighborhoods with needed programming and opportunity.”

Nearly five years ago, Mayor Nan Whaley commissioned a task force to determine the future of the iconic site. Since then, City staff, community leaders and advocates have worked tirelessly to make the project a reality.

“For decades the Dayton Arcade served as the heart and soul of the City,” said Mayor Nan Whaley. “I am excited to see how the revival of this space will impact the entire Dayton community.  The Arcade project is a great example of how a public-private partnership can move our city forward.”

The Arcade Innovation Hub, a joint venture between the University of Dayton and The Entrepreneurs Center, represents the university’s largest investment in downtown in its history. The hub will bring hundreds of students and entrepreneurs to Dayton’s urban core.

Also in this first phase of Arcade redevelopment will be 126 units of affordable and market-rate housing targeted to the region’s arts and creative community.

The City of Dayton will recognize partners and the people who made the project possible at a private celebration next week.

2019 National Pretzel Day – Fun Facts & Ways to Celebrate

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The world can thank a frustrated teacher with leftover bread dough for the invention of the soft pretzel. In A.D. 610, while baking bread, an Italian monk decided to create a treat to motivate his distracted catechism students. He rolled out ropes of dough, twisted them to resemble hands crossed on the chest in prayer, and baked them. The monk christened his snacks pretiola, Latin for “little reward.” Parents who tasted their children’s classroom treats referred to them as brachiola, or “little arms.” When pretiola arrived in Germany, they were called bretzels.

Hard pretzels were “invented” in the late 1600s, when a snoozing apprentice in a Pennsylvania bakery accidentally overbaked his pretzels, creating crunchy, seemingly inedible, knots. His job was spared when the master baker, attempting admonishment, took an angry bite out of one–and loved it.

Until the 1930s, pretzels were handmade, and the average worker could twist 40 a minute. In 1935, the Reading Pretzel Machinery Company introduced the first automated pretzel machine, which enabled large bakeries to make 245 pretzels per minute, or five tons in a day.

More than $550 million worth of pretzels are sold in the United States annually; 80 percent are made in Pennsylvania, where hard pretzels originated.

The average U.S. citizen consumes up to two pounds of pretzels per year, but Philadelphians snack on about 12 pounds of pretzels per person every year.

Celebrate National Pretzel Day with these Deals:

Smales Pretzel Bakery – The bakery began with German-born Rudie Schaaf opening Gem City Pretzel on Warren Street in 1906, not long after he arrived in Dayton as a boy in 1895. The shop’s current location at 210 Xenia Ave. dates to 1926 when his daughter, Emma, moved it there and renamed it.

Smales’ history twists into the city’s at every turn. A stand operated in the old downtown Arcade for years. Armloads of pretzels were ferried to neighborhood groceries and found their way into the hands of generations of school kids.

Currently owned and operated by Emma Smales, Schaaf’s great-great granddaughter.Smales Pretzel Bakery will give each visitor a free pretzel from 7am – 1pm on Friday, April 26th

 

 

 

Auntie Anne’s – From April 26-28, customers can purchase any pretzel item and get an original or cinnamon sugar pretzel for free. The “buy one, get one” deal will be available to anyone at Auntie Anne’s website, as well as in the Pretzel Perks app. There is also a catering offer, get $25 off $100 orders with promo code NPD25, so why not treat your entire office/sports team to pretzels.

Another fun way Auntie Anne’s is celebrating National Pretzel Day is with the release of the new “A Twisted Day” shower curtain which features a special pretzel design. It joins the other “For the Love of Pretzels” collection of accessories and apparel  which donates 100% of sales to our charity partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.”

 

 

Philly Pretzel Factory Centerville – Giving everyone a FREE PRETZEL on Friday, April 2th ! No purchase necessary. Stop by and get your free pretzel…and bring a friend!

1063 S. Main St.
Centerville, Ohio 45458

 

 

 

Another locally owned shop, K & R Pretzel Bakery doesn’t have any special promo’s going on for National Pretzel Day, they just say they  are taking lots of order for the day. Started in 1967 by Karen & Ralph Glaze, hence the K & R name, Ralph learned pretzel making from a German pretzel maker.  Today the bakery is run by the next generation, siblings Pattie and James Glaze.  They have both hard and soft pretzels and you can read more about them here.

1700 Flesher Avenue in Kettering,
Open Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm, and Sat 11am-4pm.

If you know of other Pretzel day deals we missed, please add in the comment section below.