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Archives for April 2020

Local Costume Designer Turns To Making Masks

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John models his creation.

As a costumer, John Faas has sewn for over 20 years, privately. Three years ago he began building recreations of professional theatre costumes as an artistic outlet. You may have seen some of his work being modeled by The Rubi Girls, John has costumed for Stebbins High School (briefly) while his husband was their theatre director. The crowning moment of John’s entire career was having the opportunity to meet his long-time idol, Jerry Herman (composer of Hello, Dolly, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles, Mack and Mabel, and many others) and legendary stage and screen actress, Carol Channing).  You can see more of his fabulous designs on this gallery on his website.

John with Carol Channing

Now with COVID-19 cancelling all local productions, Act II Costumes owner John has turned his sewing skills to producing face masks which are especially in demand  now that the CDC recommendation suggests that all Americans wear them when out in public.

John’s masks are made from cotton and cotton/poly blends right here in his Dayton studio. These masks will be machine washable and reusable.

You can order your masks by sending $5.35 (for 1 mask) or $12.88 (for 3 masks) via his paypal (paypal.me/JohnFaas).  Please include your name and contact information. Once your order is ready, he will let you know. W are taking all precautions due to quarantine guidelines.
PLEASE DO NOT JUST SHOW UP.

 

 

Due to quarantine guidelines, he cannot let anyone into the studio, so it is imperative that they know how to contact you so we can get your masks to you efficiently and safely. The studio is located above MJ’s on Jefferson at 24 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, Ohio 45402. Please contact via phone at 937-305-9552 or via messenger on our business page.They can run them down to you “curbside (at our location)” or we can arrange a meeting/delivery for those who are unable to travel. For orders outside of the Miami Valley, we can discus shipping costs privately.

 

For more info check John’s website:

https://www.act2costumes.com/contact

Selling the for $4.99 per mask plus sales tax (total $5.35 total for one mask)
OR a 3-pack for $11.99 plus tax ($12.88)

DAI Museum Store Adds New Items and Offers Free Shipping

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Although the Dayton Art Institute and its Museum Store remain closed due to efforts to minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the DAI’s online Museum Store remains open for business. More than 100 new products have recently been added to the online store, which features everything from items related to DAI exhibitions, art books and unique jewelry, to housewares, boredom busters for the kids and gift items for nearly every occasion. Newly added products include decorative items from Charley Harper Studio and Macone Clay, jewelry and apparel, fun gifts and activities for the kids, and a variety of art-related home décor items.

 

While many sites like Amazon are currently only shipping essential items, the DAI’s full online store is available for purchase, offering a variety of options for birthdays, weddings or other special events that you might not be able to attend in person right now. While the museum is closed, the online store is offering free shipping, as well as complimentary gift wrapping, for all orders.

 

Like other arts organizations and businesses around the country, the Dayton Art Institute is facing many financial challenges and uncertainties during this closure due to the pandemic crisis. The DAI needs the public’s support more than ever, and all purchases from the online Museum Store directly benefit the museum.

Here are a few of the featured new items:

Poppies Mini Ruffle Vase $59.00
Sweet Statement. Ready for fresh cut florals or displayed by themselves.
Details:
Approximately 6″H

Handmade by Glass Eye Studio in Seattle, WA

 

 

 

 

Japanese Garden $16.95

For centuries, Japanese artists have honored simple beauty in prints, paintings and books. This adult coloring book recreates 23 artworks for you to color—images of flowers and trees, garden residents such as the bird and the butterfly, and in-the-moment scenes of people taking in the pleasures of these peaceful corners of the world.
Starry Sky LED Light $11.95
If your little one is scared of the dark, the Starry Sky LED Room Light sheds light on peaceful sleep and less fear. Twinkling stars are backlit by an LED glow that mimics the night sky while lighting up dark bedrooms.
Macone Wall Art $28.00
Wood art by Michael Macone with the quote, “Family: A little bit of crazy, a little bit of loud, a whole lot of love.”  Printed with archival ink on archival paper, attached to wood and UV coated to last a lifetime. Can hang or stand with included peg. Measures 4.25″ X 10.25.”

Go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/shopdai to shop the online Museum Store, and be sure to also follow the store’s new Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/daimuseumstore, for additional offers and updates.

Think TV’s David Fogarty To Retire

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ThinkTV and CET President David Fogarty announced that he will be stepping down from his position effective June 30, 2020, after more than 40 years in public media.

Fogarty has been the President and CEO of Public Media Connect, the regional partnership of ThinkTV in Dayton and CET in Cincinnati for 11 years. He has also been president of the Southwestern Ohio Instructional Technology Association since 2017 when SOITA joined the partnership. Previously, he served as president of ThinkTV since 1993.

“While I take pride in these organizations and what they have accomplished, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with committed trustees, talented staff, generous donors, community partners and professional colleagues who have made those accomplishments possible,” Fogarty said. “As I leave my position, I continue to have faith and confidence in the cultural, informational and educational mission of Public Media Connect, as well as an appreciation for my career, longevity and good fortune.”

COVID-19 Causes Dayton Pride To Move to August

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The annual Dayton Pride Celebration that traditionally occurs the first weekend of June will be moving to August for 2020.   In an email released by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center they’ve stated:
 “It is with your health in mind that the Board of Directors of the Greater Dayton LGBT Center habe decided to postpone our annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration this year. It was a heartbreaking decision, but we are dedicated to hold Pride this year while doing what we can to keep everyone as safe as possible. The new date for Dayton LGBTQ+ Pride will be August 21-23, 2020.”
The three day celebration brings the community together with performances by Dayton’s Rubi Girls and Gay Men’s Chorus on Friday night, a parade of cars, floats and organizations that begins Saturday’s festival at Courthouse Square with over 60 booths, food trucks and entertainment and Sunday’s Spikes and Heels kickball tournament.
More information is available on the Center’s website.

Sinclair Theatre Students Sew Masks for Essential Workers

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Sinclair College’s Theatre department sewing machines continue whirring across the Miami Valley as students, staff and volunteers make masks in support of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Costume shop manager and adjunct faculty member Kathleen Hotmer spearheaded the project providing the opportunity for displaced workers and Costume Fundamentals students to do something meaningful during this chaotic time when so many people feel helpless.
“Sewing is meditative so it is a nice thing for the students who are stressed to have something calming to work on.  It’s also a really great opportunity for Theatre to contribute to the community in a meaningful way,” Hotmer said.
More than 400 masks are being produced and distributed by Sinclair students, staff and volunteers:  Aurora Azbill, Garrett Hensley, Chloe Marstellar, Jordan Ross, Bailey Rhonemous, Katelyn Pennington, Gabby Neuerer, Brandy Mariani, Stephanie Poulson, Angel Ruiz-Crabb and Carol Price.
Sinclair Theatre is collaborating with Wright State University’s costume shop students in this project. Carly Kimmins, WSU costume shop manager, has been sewings masks as well as working on community outreach. She has been the main force behind finding donation sites in need of masks. The Dayton Sewing Collaborative is also part of this team and has created a free mask request online form at https://bit.ly/39DEuZP.
Hotmer delivered mask kits with materials to all the stitchers and provided construction tutorials. The first batch of masks has already been distributed to Dayton Fire Department, Grace Hospice, Cincinnati Birth Center, and South Community (Mental Health Providers).
Hotmer plans to “porch pickup” completed masks from this week and distribute to additional donation sites including Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association,
Goodwill Easter Seals, Planned Parenthood, and Miami Valley Hospital.
For more information on how you can help, contact [email protected], or visit Dayton Sewing Collaborative’s website: www.daytonsewing.com/covid.

Troy Strawberry Festival Cancelled Due to COVID-19

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The Troy Strawberry Festival, Inc. Board of Directors announced today that based on an abundance of caution it will cancel the 2020 Festival presented by Kettering Health Network. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the members of the Festival committee as they prepared for the festival over the past year as well as our non-profit organizations, arts and craft vendors, performers and sponsors who were primed to celebrate with us,” said Linda Roth, Chairman of the 2020 Troy Strawberry Festival. “Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our volunteers, guests and all Festival supporters and as such we are following the recommendations of national and global health experts.” The 2020 Troy Strawberry Festival was scheduled for Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. Roth stated, “Ultimately, the Festival is committed to providing a fun, family friendly festival that supports our local non-profits. We are looking at ways we can do that over the coming weeks and months.”

Planning a Virtual Passover?

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Passover is an eight-day holiday that commemorates the departure of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago.

The name is a reference to Exodus 12:13, in which God inflicts 10 plagues upon the Egyptians after the Pharaoh refuses to free the Israelites. During the final plague, the killing of the firstborn sons, God “passed over,” or spared, the houses of the Israelites.

Passover is observed from the 14th day of the Hebrew calendar month of Nissan until the 21st day, which this year begins Wednesday, April 8th at sunset and runs through Thursday, April 16th.  Jews who follow the holiday’s tenets can not eat chometz – any leavened good that contains wheat, rye, barley, oats or spelt that has been allowed to ferment and rise. Stricter rules say anything made with soy, corn or corn syrup is also forbidden.

Passover is observed with a religious feast called a Seder. Seder guests take turns telling the story of the Exodus, which is recorded in books called Haggadahs.

A single platter displays six symbolic foods:

  • Haroset, a paste of fruit, nuts and wine that symbolizes the mortar the slaves used.
  • A hard-boiled or roasted egg, which represents spring.
  • A shank bone, which symbolizes the animal sacrifice the Israelites made before they left Egypt.
  • A bitter herb, which represents the bitterness of slavery.
  • Karpas, a green vegetable that invokes spring and is dipped in saltwater to symbolize the tears of the enslaved Israelites.
  • A second green vegetable, typically Romaine lettuce, which is eaten with matzo and the bitter herb.

The festival typically brings friends, relatives and even strangers together for a celebration of freedom highlighted by a Seder dinner. But this year, like many other events and celebrations, Passover plans will be  altered because of the spread of the coronavirus, we suppose Seder via Zoom or Facetime  may become the reality.

We also expect preparing the meal may be tricker this year, with many folks staying at home and not feeling comfortable doing the grocery shopping for all the elements traditionally include in the Seder dinner.

Bernstein’s Fine Catering is offering and easy solution, but  orders are due tomorrow, Friday April 3, by 3:00 pm!  Pick up will be Wednesday, April 8, between 9am – 3pm. They will be implementing a structural pick up system to ensure distancing, safety, health, and efficiency. This will be clearly posted online as well as our entrance day of pick up!  Below is a copy of the Passover Menu:

What Are You Watching?

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Stuck. Stranded. Isolated. Alone.
We are running out of words used to describe our new lives. All of us, trying to keep our brains active, our hearts full and our imaginations intact. Guess where we are turning….television. And in record numbers. There is no way to even convey the amount of time Americans are spending watching tv. And good for us! Or is it? We will let the experts debate what all of this is doing to us as a society. My plan, is to share with you some ideas on what is worth your while cognitively! And what’s really just out there to keep you thoughtlessly entertained. Please, I mean this, let me now what you are watching. I want to share with our readers your insights, opinions and recommendations.  Write to me!!!

 

‘TIGER KING’ A Low-Hanging Fruit.
So, in the world of streaming, some things are just meant to be chewed up, swallowed and onward we march! No real thought necessary. ‘Tiger King’ has become a phenomenon. It’s over-the-top, ridiculous and mesmerizing. It bothers you that you can’t get enough, and yet, there is something redeeming in knowing your life really is so much better than most. The cast of characters keep us waiting to see how much deeper this s*itshow can get. The stupefying Joe Exotic; the reactionary activist (and possible murderess) Carole Baskin; the duel gay-for-pay husbands; the under-the-radar schietster Bhagavan Antle; the adorable new husband Dillon…..ok, ok…enough! They are Really, Really are ludicrous! BUT they are REAL!

This ‘story’ of lies, deception, probable murder, the exotic animal industry and male bravado has to be seen to be believed (and even then it seems fictitious!) Focused mainly on a zoo in Oklahoma, a too-big-for-his-britches zookeeper takes on the world of animal rights only to end up accused on murder-for-hire. (Yep, that’s my synopsis.) I know 90% of the tv watching population has already seen this documentary-drama, so I don’t feel a need to get to the meat nor potatoes in the show. I am however, feeling a sense of responsibility to remind people, we must be concerned about the animals in this series. Scraping off the awfulness and hatred this show exposes leaves us forgetting the underlying story…zoo animal lives are at stake. Take a minute, read about how we can support the cats, and make sure the ‘dogs’ remain under investigation or jailed! ***I have heard they are making a movie of this movie….which can only mean one thing….there is more money to be made!

‘Tiger King’ score – 7.5/10. Anytime a show can get this much attention, there has to be meat to it.

‘OZARK’ Third times a charm!
‘Ozark’ is really intoxicating! This season, I think it’s best yet, has some of the best twists, turns and cliffhangers in this series’ life. Casino shenanigans, a hard to stomach cougar-style relationship and triple dose of doubling crossing await you this year in the Byrde family drama. The writers bring us a fresh batch of Tennessee troubles yet they never put us through character assassination! You cannot help but fall in love with the performance given by Julia Garner (Ruth). Her foul-mouthed, take-no-prisoners attitude is truly a highlight this time around. Matched with the creepy, yet sympathetic performance of Tom Pelphrey (Ben), the couple are magic….albeit dark! Laura Linney and Justin Bateman do what they do so well, make us believe that this could happen to any upwardly mobile suburban family (working with a Mexican Cartel.) Season three really gives the kids a chance to show their wares as well. Skylar Gaertner who plays the stoic, yet seemingly disturbed Jonah, gives a haunting performance throughout the season. Perhaps my favorite performance this season goes to the quirky and comical Marylouise Burke (Sue.) Burke’s psychologist to the craziness that is ‘Ozark’, is spot-on. She relieves the show’s mounting tensions with her squeaky, endearing therapeutic advice. If you are new to this exciting, borderline-frightening thriller, start now! It’s smart, savvy and so well acted!

‘OZARK’ score – 10/10. Heart-pounding drama!

 

‘CRIP CAMP’ Heart-warming and Empowering.
From the opening scenes, home movies that drive the film, ‘Crip Camp’ gives us all a glimpse into the Disabled Rights Movement. Thanks to Jonathan McNeal at the Neon Movies, word around town has spread about this uplifting documentary. The movie takes us to Camp Jened, a camp in the Catskills that served young people with disabilities for 25 years. You see first-hand how bringing this population together without the forces of the outside world, allows for honesty, tears and the beginnings of a revolution. We get to follow the real-life heroes from Camp Jened’s start, to the growing movement of the 1970’s, to updates from today. The film thrusts us into how changes begin. More importantly, it takes us through how changes ebb, flow and eventually become rightfully resolved. What really makes this movie even more important is it never tries to manipulate us, or reduce its importance to some silly one sided message. It has guts and its rawness is there for the world to see. You cannot help but cheer on the people who inspired this film, but even more-so, you can’t help cheering on its broad, strong underlying message….PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!

‘CRIP CAMP’ score 9/10. Hope is alive and well!

See ya next time with 3 more to watch….or maybe not watch!!

Local Garden Center Offers Online Ordering

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The Corona Virus has changed the way we are all doing business and for the Knollwood Garden Center that means setting up an online ordering system for your spring planting.

Customers are able to use the online order form to place orders for vegetables, herbs, potatoes, onions, asparagus  as well as flats of pansy, viola and other annual flowers as well as potting soil and other needed supplies for your garden.

Staff will be on hand each day from 10am – 4pm to receive forms and answer calls. There is a Special Instructions box at the bottom of the form for any items not on the form and questions. Every customer will receive a phone call to answer questions, work out any substitutions, and to collect your payment information. If you have Reward Cards or coupons, you mention them when paying by credit card over the phone and you must have them with you when you pick up..

This Pickup Only program, will allow Knollwood to operate with a skeleton crew for safety, using distance, sanitizing, gloves, and masks. Customers will be asked to remain in their cars at their scheduled pickup; shopping indoors and out will not be allowed.

Knollwood
Garden Center

3766 Dayton Xenia Rd
Beavercreek, Ohio 45432-2831
(937) 426-0861

RTA Rolls Out Special Bus to Promote 2020 Census

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April 1 is Census Day, and the Greater Dayton RTA is celebrating by rolling out a census-themed bus April 1 through August 31 to increase questionnaire participation and promote census jobs.

Every 10 years, the U.S. conducts a census to determine the allocation of congressional seats as well as federal funding throughout the country. This federal funding helps shape vital programs and services offered in our community, including public transit. Participation in the census is required by law and can be completed over the phone, by mail, and—new this year—online. The easiest way for participants to complete the survey online is with their census ID, which can be found within the letter or questionnaire sent to their home by the Census Bureau. However, responses can still be submitted online if the census ID cannot be located.

 

“Census results play a critical role in how much federal funding our communities receive to support essential services, including public transit,” said Brandon Policicchio, Chief Customer and Business Development Officer for the RTA. “We want to do our part in encouraging everyone to complete their questionnaires.”

 

Through funding provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Dayton-Montgomery County Complete Count Committee, the RTA is launching a census-themed bus on April 1. The bus is decorated with census-related graphics and encourages riders to complete their questionnaire. It also refers those interested in a census job to call 1-855-JOB-2020.

 

The bus will rotate between routes daily to maximize exposure and give everyone a chance to ride. The daily schedule is located on the RTA’s website: iriderta.org/census2020.

 

For more information on the 2020 Census and to complete the questionnaire online, visit 2020census.gov.