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

Archives for October 2020

Virtual Small Business Competition To Award $5000 to Local Entrepreneur

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On Friday, October 16th at 5:30 pm, Co-op Dayton and Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) will host “Pitch Night: A Celebration of Cooperative and Community Enterprise.” This online event invites the community to cheer on eight teams of entrepreneurs from Co-op Dayton’s business incubator program and to vote for their favorites. Teams will compete for $5,000 in prizes including: a $2,000 cash prize, $2,000 worth of in-kind services from The Entrepreneurs Center, and a $1,000 cash prize for the team with the most votes from the audience. Guests will also have the opportunity to get to know the entrepreneurs through a virtual meet and greet after party featuring DJ Ron Hunter.

The event celebrates the hard work that the start-ups put toward creating co-op and community enterprise business concepts. The teams spent seven months in Co-op Dayton’s incubator program, performing market research, building financial models, and ultimately developing business plans. The teams will each present business pitches from a wide variety of industries, including: construction, marketing and design, tourism, retail, health and wellness, food service, and agriculture.

“Each of these teams represents something we need in our solidarity economy.  This is asset-based community development, in which we each bring our gifts to the community in a cooperative way,” said Co-director of Co-op Dayton, Amaha Sellassie.

WPCU provided financial support and two business plan judges: Tim Mislansky, Chief Strategy Officer, and Heather Corbin, Member Business Service Manager.

“The teams identified problems in our communities that could be solved by a cooperative and then worked to take their solutions from the idea stage into sound and sustainable business plans,” said Mislansky. “Cooperatives really are a great business model for consumers because they solve the challenges facing our communities in ways that all their members can benefit. For example, WPCU is a financial cooperative and when the credit union does well the members benefit with competitive offers and at times a Special Patronage Dividend.”

“Each group has a limited amount of time to share their business story and to talk about the social impact and financial sustainability of their organization,” said Corbin. “It is difficult to judge when each of these start-ups identified services for the communities that really need them.”

“Like many of these teams, WPCU is a member-owned cooperative, and so we understand the unique value that comes from people helping people,” said Tracy-Szarzi Fors, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for WPCU. “We’re proud to support this program and excited to see the impact that these new start-ups could bring to their communities.”

Guests can register for free and join the virtual event by visiting coopdayton.eventbrite.com. For more information on Pitch Night, please contact Rachel Meketon at [email protected].

 

 

Duante’s Fond Farewell to his Favorite Dayton Foods – Part 1

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All things come to an end, and we knew at some point Duante Beddingfield would leave us.

Duante Beddingfield

Many of you know him from his work covering arts and events over the years here at Most Metro or the local newspapers. Some of you may know him from his jazz performances, singing at venues like Gilly’s, Blue Note, and the Levitt Pavilion. Maybe you’ve listened to his Monday night jazz show, Equinox, on WYSO over the last three years, or attended Stivers School for the Arts with him, or salsa danced with him, saw him hamming it up onstage in a play or at a karaoke bar, or maybe he supported you as an artist or small business owner. Maybe he pissed you off at some point. Even if you’ve never met him, you probably knew Duante. 

We’re proud to be the first to announce he’s been hired to be the new arts and culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. And proud to say we had him first! He’ll be leaving Ohio soon, but he asked if he could write one last thing on the way out. If you know Duante, you know he’s not only a major foodie but was also a professional restaurant writer in town for years, and so we’re presenting his list of the top ten restaurants he’ll miss most when he moves to the Motor City. 

Duante was never known for keeping things short, so we’re posting it in two parts… Here’s part one – see part two here!

10. (tie) 

Chicken Head’s (aka The Chicken Spot) (3261 W. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton)

Decades from now, when we regale our great-grandchildren with stories of The Chicken Sandwich Wars of the Early 2000s – of the Colonel’s ridiculed surrender to General Lee’s, which led to the Donut Treaty; the fall of the Burger King during the Battle of the Black Bun; of the bloody Chick-Fil-A Crusades, which divided a nation and pitted brother against brother – one name shall ring out as the baddest mothercluckin’ in the buck-buck-buckin’, and that name is Chicken Head’s.

Opened just over a year ago as The Chicken Spot (only the name has changed, nothing else) in a tiny storefront on the northwest side in a time when businesses were closing left and right in that part of town, it was seen by many as a high-risk, sentimental move by chef-owner Anthony Head when a downtown or suburban opening would have all but guaranteed major success. And yet, success came quickly anyhow. 

The superiority of the product (which I’ll get to in a moment) was undeniable; that was never in question. What mattered is that it was standing up and providing for an underserved population. West Dayton has received national news coverage for years as one of the country’s largest per-capita food deserts. But not only are fresh groceries too often out of reach for west side citizens; dining options in the long-blighted area are extremely slim. Save for a few low-level fast food shops that have been in place forever, no new food-related businesses open doors in that part of town. I know because I grew up there in the prosperous eighties and nineties, and watched it rot and die around me before I finally pulled up stakes and moved to a more convenient neighborhood across town because I was tired of driving 45 to 60 minutes one way for not only my bougie artisan cheese, but for bread and jeans and movie theaters and someplace I could take a girl on a date. 

When The Chicken Spot opened, delivering a good product, made well, reasonably priced, right there in the hood City of Dayton leadership has firmly ignored and disserviced for years, two things happened among the people who live around there. It sent a message to them saying, “We’re here for you. This isn’t a chain – it’s one store. If other people want us, they’ll have to come to us. We’re here for you.” The other thing is the community recognized that and agreed, “We see you, and we love that you’re here for us. We’re gonna show up for you.” And they did. 

And so did everyone else. Chef Head is no fool. With a deep background in corporate business leadership, a long history in culinary education in the region at both the secondary and collegiate levels, and name recognition in the dining scene as a groundbreaker and rainmaker, he knew what he had, and he knew what he wanted. The shop is nothing to speak of. No tables, no dine-in. Carryout only. It’s a small commercial kitchen with a tiny lobby to wait for your food, which will be handed to you in the kind of greasy, nondescript paper bag that can only mean great times lie ahead. Very low overhead, maximum profit. Not even a website, just a Facebook page. Why pay for marketing when you have a product so good the word of mouth works for you? Head’s name and connections would do most of the marketing. I mean, look…here it is, happening in real time while you read this, and he doesn’t even know I’m writing this.

And the word took mere days to spread. Soon, people of every background and income level were driving in from the far suburbs (places I refer to as “The Deep South,” like Miamisburg, Washington Township, and Springboro) and Way Up North (y’all know who y’all are) to get this damn sammich. Everybody was talking about it. The menu was based around it, a very limited menu that focused on doing a few things and doing them best. 

So let’s talk about The Medusa.

Thick, marinated, breaded, fried chicken breast, on a sandwich bun, topped with home collard greens and mac and cheese, plus pickled onions. An entire soul food dinner on one sloppy, impossible sandwich. I don’t know what to tell you. It’s life-changing. Throw a slice of the pound cake in there for dessert, you got all you need. 

Chicken Head’s praises have been sung by every regional publication. They eventually, reluctantly, joined Doordash, and later expanded their delivery area to seven miles, so you can enjoy the Medusa or a bag of jumbo wings in your home as far away as WPAFB base housing, West Carrollton, New Lebanon, and Brookville. Go to them, bring them to you…it doesn’t matter. The Medusa is the single most talked about menu item of the last year in Dayton. If you haven’t had it yet, get on board. (Facebook)

Pasha Grill (72 Plum Street, Beavercreek)

When I think of Pasha Grill, no matter what I’m doing or how I’m feeling, a smile immediately comes to my face. Mediterranean food, with a heavy emphasis on Turkish, is the focal point of their menu, and it yields some of the most complex, gorgeous flavor profiles you can find within a day’s drive. 

Let me start by saying I have tremendous respect for this place because when it opened in 2008, it was the only locally owned restaurant at The Greene Town Center, Greene County’s sprawling, hotly contested outdoor mall development that opened in 2006 with a flight of chain restaurants, bars, and shops, delivering major blows to downtown Dayton, the Dayton Mall, and The Mall at Fairfield Commons all at once. We saw other locally owned restaurants come and go over the years, unable to keep up with The Greene’s high rent, and a couple of times over the years it’s looked like Pasha was all but done, but they’ve thrived over and over, and they’re still with us. Pasha Grill is a survivor, and that makes me rabidly want to see them supported indefinitely. 

The great thing about Mediterranean food is it’s equally rewarding for vegetarians and omnivores. There are great, delicious options to be had on all sides, and there’s plenty available for the vegan and gluten free. The same, honestly, is true of pretty much any non-American or UK-related cooking, ha. Let me tell you about the Shepherd Salad. Plum tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and parsley tossed in red vinegar and olive oil. It’s dynamite. There’s a small and a large – but even the small is large, just FYI. There’s the vegetarian mousakka, basically a veggie lasagna with layers of eggplant, potato, carrot, zucchini, and mushroom with bechamel sauce, topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce. 

Mixed grill kebab from Pasha Grill

And for the true meat lovers, there’s the grill section of the menu. There are nine different types of kebab, all ranging from roughly $15 to $22, and depending on which one, they come with veggies and sauces and such. But if you order the Mixed Grill Kebab for $31.95, you get half portions of FOUR types of kebab (made from chicken, beef, and lamb, each with different seasonings and flavors), plus a bunch of pillowy fresh bread, rice pilaf, and grilled vegetables. It’s an absolute steal, enough to feed two or three (or four, if you’re light eaters or just kind of picking at it as tapas with wine), and is probably the best value in Dayton for the amount and variety of food you get. It’s worth it to pay a couple extra bucks and tack on an extra side of rice pilaf and an extra side of grilled vegetables. They literally bring you an entire, huge tray of just different meats. God, it’s glorious.

They’re also on Doordash. And, let me tell you…on a chilly evening, a delivery from this place can really light up your night. They deserve our support. (website)

 

9. Chiapas Mexican Grill (298 N. Main Street, Centerville)

Tacos at Chiapas Mexican Grill

When it comes to tacos around here, you simply cannot beat the ultra-authentic, soul-warming offerings made in-house by the folks at Chiapas. For five years running, downtown Centerville has been blessed with the flavor and value this place brings, and a new second location in Moraine will celebrate its one-year anniversary next month. They feature my favorite chorizo queso (they run a little small here; I always order two), and their chicken and al pastor tacos never fail to satisfy (though they also have steak, chorizo, carnitas, fish, shrimp, and tongue, if that’s how you get down). The tortas (super flavorful Latin sandwiches) and soups (don’t miss the pozole!) are wonderfully down-home in their approach, and as with any Mexican restaurant, there are a number of familiar dishes and combos…but make no mistake, this is not just any Mexican joint. If you’ve not been, do yourself the favor. Oh, and their chips are great! (website | Facebook)

 

8. El Meson (903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton)

El Meson’s paella

When it comes to other forms of Latin cuisine, look to this popular regional destination that’s still got new things to say in 2020. “El meson,” in Spanish, can mean a country tavern, but it can also refer to an inn, or a large table. Any or all of those feel appropriate here, where the Castro family invite you in as gracious hosts to enjoy a meal with them. 

The staples remain over time, things like the overstuffed empanadas, addictive chicken tinga nachos, Cuban sandwiches, and famed tortilla soup. But the thing I’ve always had tremendous respect for is that El Meson never rests on its laurels, with the Castros complacent to keep a winning formula the same with the old “If it ain’t broke…” attitude. They’re always changing things up, always finding new ways for people to experience and interact with food and culture. Entrees rotate on and off the menu regularly. In non-Covid times, elaborate trips are organized annually to take groups of customers to Latin countries where they dine like citizens and delve into the lifestyles that gave birth to the dishes we love. Fun and informative, themed tastings and catered dinners are held almost weekly. They’re still among the only brick-and-mortar restaurants to take advantage of the food truck explosion, with vehicles traveling the area frequently. And this month, they’ll introduce Viva La Vida, A Recipe for Life, a video subscription streaming service where Bill Castro and chef Mark Abbott will provide monthly content about food, wine, cocktails, cooking techniques, and traditions from around the world. 

The paella, a time-honored Spanish dish, is the jaw-dropping, signature house specialty (and the tart and tangy, vegan-friendly aji dip, which can also be purchased by the container, is always a big hit). A favorite for me is the carne asada fries, a rich, messy, smoky pile of punch-in-the-mouth flavor priced for one, but big enough for two and leftovers. Have it with a big, bold Spanish or Argentinian red wine. 

It’s cool that El Meson always delivers the things you love, exactly as you remember them. But what’s even cooler is that the Castros use that consistency and comfort as a platform to continue pushing themselves and the restaurant forward, and to bring us along with them, so that while you’re never let down, they never give you the same experience twice. Mad respect. (website | Facebook)

 

7. Zombie Dogz (Food truck)

Damn, damn, damn. One of the first, and certainly one of the most seismic, casualties of the Covid-19 among the local restaurant scene was Zombie Dogz, which operated in brick and mortar form on Brown Street after rocking the region since 2012 as a food truck that cultivated a monster following for its premium hot dogs with wildly inventive toppings and horror-themed names. (The Dogz boast over 40,000 Facebook followers, equivalent to around 30% of the City of Dayton’s population; the Dayton city government itself has fewer than 35,000 followers on Facebook). 

Though the restaurant has closed its doors, the beloved truck still preys by day and stalks the night, appearing at all corners of the metro area to serve long lines of customers, some of whom drive in from other counties or cities to carry back stacks of dogs for friends and relatives. I’ve waited for hours in freezing temperatures and pounding rain to scratch that itch that only the Dogz can, and I know many of you will continue to. 

I’ve got a soft spot for my early favorite, the Dead Dixie, with diced green apples, barbecue sauce, bacon, and bleu cheese hitting an insane four-points combination of sweet, sour, salty, and umami. And I love the Waking Dead, a breakfast dog with bacon crumbles, sausage gravy, a fried egg, and maple syrup drizzle, taking the trophy for messiest meal in the Valley. But the big winner is the seasonal Germanator, a stunner topped with garlic-crusted beef, homemade beer cheese, and fried onions. And keep an eye out for the holiday season, when the Poultrygeist becomes available for a limited time. A giant hot dog heaped with white meat turkey, Stove Top stuffing, homemade gravy, and drizzled with original cranberry sauce? That’ll make your heart and your stomach grow three sizes, trust! 

Follow the food truck on Facebook to keep up with its locations and times. (website | Facebook)

 

6. Old Scratch Pizza & Beer (812 S. Patterson Road, Dayton)

Old Scratch Pizza

A giant from the moment it opened, this place slings high-quality, creative pies that keep people coming back again and again. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve picked up from them for family nights during the pandemic. Old Scratch’s team of master pizzaioli take great pride in their work and can be seen from anywhere in the main dining hall as they work their craft in tandem,  like a fine tuned machine. Beer on tap, wine by the carafe, and a full bar with bartenders who are always fun and highly skilled make this as great a place to stop in for a happy hour with friends as it is for dinner with your household. Winning appetizers are the meatball tray and the whole roasted cauliflower. You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas, but – and this is surprising coming from a red-sauce junkie like me – the white pizzas are where their innovation really shines, with options like the prosciutto arugula, which basically comes with a huge arugula salad on top of an already sumptuous pizza, and the Brussel Crow, with brussel sprouts, wilted shallot, taleggio cheese, bacon, and an apple cider reduction. The salads are massive meals unto themselves (not joking – they’re very, very big), and a soft-serve machine by the door sends kids home smiling. A Centerville location recently opened in addition to the original. (website | Facebook)

 

Check back tomorrow for Duante’s top five restaurants he’ll miss most.

Company 7 BBQ Chief Smoky BBQ Wins First Place

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Since 1991, the National Barbecue & Grilling Association has been the voice of the industry, representing restaurateurs, caterers, and suppliers to competitors and the public at large.  Every year the National BBQ and Grilling Association runs the Awards of Excellence, with several categories including sauces and rubs.

This year Englewood’s Company 7 brought home first place in the Tomato Mild BBQ Sauce category, which is described as Key foundation ingredient must be tomato, i.e., ketchup, tomato paste, and etc.  The top 3 ingredients must have tomato and the mild component.

Their Chief Smoky BBQ Sauce was the winner!
But winning awards is not new for Company 7- they have been names National BBQ News Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America from 2015 – 2018.
Check out all their awards here.
You can purchase bottles of their six main sauces to use at home:
Company 7 BBQ  was founded by a family of firefighters. Décor evokes the feel of a 1920’s fire house – warm woods and a lot of brass. The facility is decorated with fire awards and memorabilia that the owners have collected over the past 25 years.
Company 7 BBQ has the advantage of two state-of-the-art slow cookers, each of which can cook 1,000 pounds of meat at a time. This is a huge investment, competitively unmatched, but these computer-controlled monster slow rotate meat for up to 18 hours through carefully controlled, rotating, cook cycles that seal in moisture while infusing the wondrous delicate flavors of authentic BBQ.
 Any first responder with picture ID gets a 10% discount on a single entrée or sandwich or slider price. This discount is stand alone and cannot be combined with other discounts such as “lunch special” or “senior discounts”.

Company 7 BBQ
1001 S. Main
Englewood, Ohio 45322

937.836.2777

Mon-Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: Noon – 8pm

Spend This 3rd Sunday at Front Street

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Spend the afternoon exploring our campus, shop local vendors in the Market, tour art studios, gallery exhibitions and workshops.  Enjoy lunch from The Rolling Oasis Food Truck, and live music by Scott Lindberg.  Design your own FREE Spin Art T-shirt in the courtyard, while supplies last! Don’t forget to bring a small piece of art and an old book to trade at the Little Art Gallery and Little Library.  3rd Sundays are always free to attend and family friendly!  Visit our website for full lists of vendors, open studios, and gallery exhibitions!

Dayton Holiday Festival Will Televise Tree Lighting and Offer a Drive-Thru Parade

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In its 48th year, the month-long Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by DP&L, will return to celebrate the holiday season with some necessary changes to keep our community safe. The Dayton Holiday Festival will not gather guests in downtown Dayton for a tree lighting and traditional parade, but kick off with a televised Grande Illumination on Friday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. on WHIO-TV Channel 7 followed on Saturday evening with a Dayton Drive-Thru Children’s Parade in Lights on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 6 pm to 10 pm in downtown Dayton.

 

Instead of gathering in a large crowd, the Dayton Holiday Festival Committee hopes to continue Dayton traditions in a way friends and families can safely celebrate together, while keeping the health and safety of the community in mind.

“We want to continue to bring holiday joy in our community and we have worked hard to come up with a creative way to continue some of the most cherished holiday traditions in the Dayton community with the Dayton Holiday Festival,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Thanks to the ingenuity and dedication of our Dayton Holiday Festival team, we’ve reimagined our traditions in a safe way that we hope our community can celebrate two magical nights of holiday spirit with us.”

 

Mark your calendars to tune in to the tradition of lighting the larger-than-life holiday tree on Courthouse Square during a special 30-minute broadcast that will air on WHIO-TV, Channel 7 beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. The partnership with WHIO will showcase musical entertainment from some of the area’s top performers, a look into area holiday traditions, and several surprises.

 

The following evening, on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Main Street in downtown Dayton will transform into the Dayton Drive-Thru Children’s Parade in Lights. Spectators will slowly pass through several blocks of downtown streets in their own vehicles, getting an up-close view of the lineup of festive floats, holiday entertainment, and hundreds of thousands of lights that will be on display along downtown Dayton’s Main Street.

 

The Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights is a holiday favorite.

Details of the Dayton Drive-Thru Children’s Parade in Lights, and the holiday traditions that will continue through the month of December, will be available in the coming weeks on the Dayton Holiday Festival website.

 

The Dayton Holiday Festival is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, and is presented by Dayton Power & Light.  Additional support comes from White-Allen Chevrolet, CareSource, Dayton Children’s Hospital, NECA/IBEW Electrical Professionals, and the Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund. Special thanks to WHIO-TV, Dayton.com, and iHeart Media for in-kind media support.

 

For a complete list of downtown’s events, a dining guide, parking maps and more, visit www.downtowndayton.org, and follow the DDP on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to keep up with downtown events and news.

This Week at The Neon & The Dayton LGBT Film Fest starts Friday

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Two new films that are already hot with Oscar buzz open this Friday at THE NEON. If you need to see THE WAY I SEE IT (which received rounds of applause this weekend), SAVE YOURSELVES! (the sci-fi/comedy with lots to say about today’s social media obsessed culture), or KAJILLIONAIRE (Miranda July’s latest Sundance hit), you only have until Thursday. ON THE ROCKS and THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 open on Friday!

In our Virtual Cinema, we have two new films. SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND opened today, and AGGIE (about Agnes Gund) opens Friday. More about both of those below.
On top of all that, The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Fest starts Friday! Though most films are virtual, there is also one package of terrific short films that will be offered 4 times in-person at THE NEON. If you’re not interested in a pass that gets you everything…and you just want to support a film or two…I highly recommend the documentaries KEYBOARD FANTASIES (I just bought Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s new album) and AHEAD OF THE CURVE. If you’re more interested in a narrative, fiction film, TWILIGHT’S KISS is one that our regulars would love, and SHIVA BABY is the edgy comedy that has been a big hit on the festival circuit. BREAKING FAST is labeled as “A Ramadan Rom-Com” – and it’s the charming, feel-good film that we’ve chosen to open our festival. If you need a tutorial about how to access films and purchase tickets for the festival, this LINKwill take you to a video I made. Click on the image below to go right to the festival’s official site.
New Bookings for In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for ON THE ROCKS: “A young New York mother faced with sudden doubts about her marriage teams up with her larger-than-life playboy father to tail her husband. What follows is a sparkling comic adventure across the city—drawing father and daughter closer together despite one detour after another. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola brings a light touch to this blend of an exuberant love letter to New York, a generation-clash comedy about how we see relationships differently from our parents, and a funny celebration of the complications that bind modern families even as they tie us in crazy knots. Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.” Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7: Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin (THE WEST WING), this film with a stellar cast is already getting major Oscar buzz! “The film follows the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It features an ensemble cast that includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniel Flaherty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, Frank Langella, John Carroll Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Noah Robbins, Mark Rylance, Alex Sharp, and Jeremy Strong. Sorkin originally wrote the screenplay in 2007, with the intent of Steven Spielberg directing the film with mostly unknown actors. After the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike and budget concerns forced Spielberg to drop out as director, Sorkin was announced as director in October 2018, and much of the cast joined that same month.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND: Available now! “Like many survivors of the Holocaust, after World War II, Saul and Ruby moved to America, started families and careers, grew old, and retired to South Florida. For them, retirement could have been the last chapter in their story. But then they decided to start a klezmer band, named the Holocaust Survivor Band. The band summons the bittersweet memories of childhood in Poland, but more than that, it is a celebration of life. In this utterly heart-affecting and enthralling film, we follow Saul and Ruby’s musical journey, which begins in total obscurity, playing in residential homes for the elderly and small Jewish community organizations, to being invited to perform at venues across the country, including a coveted performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. This unique and compelling story is about having the courage to live one’s dreams, finding purpose and meaning in life at any age, the transcendent power of music, and the importance of speaking out against anti-Semitism and bigotry.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and then gain access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for AGGIE: Available Starting Oct. 9! “AGGIE is a feature-length documentary that explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund’s life. Emmy-nominated director Catherine Gund focuses on her mother’s journey to give viewers an understanding of the power of art to transform consciousness and inspire social change. Aggie is internationally recognized for her robust and prescient support of artists–particularly women and people of color–and her unwavering commitment to social justice issues. After falling in love with art as a high-school student, Aggie discovers a new way of looking at the world. The film opens with Aggie selling Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” For $165 million to start the Art for Justice Fund. The proceeds from one of the highest grossing artworks ever sold fuel a monumental effort to reform the American criminal justice system and end mass incarceration. The film captures Aggie as a true maverick who demonstrates the unique role and potential of collectors and benefactors to use art to fight justice. This is untapped terrain, and we see Aggie leading the way.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and then preorder access to the film for $12. (The film will be available starting this Friday!)
Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for ONCE UPON A RIVER: “Based on the best-selling novel by Bonnie Jo Campbell, ONCE UPON A RIVER is the story of Native American teenager Margo Crane in 1970s rural Michigan. After enduring a series of traumas and tragedies, Margo (newcomer Kenadi DelaCerna) sets out on an odyssey on the Stark River in search of her estranged mother. Jane Smiley for The New York Times wrote, ‘an excellent American parable about the consequences of our favorite ideal, freedom.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and unlock the film for $12.
Synopsis for THE DISRUPTED: “What do a farmer in Kansas, a laid-off factory worker in Ohio, and an Uber driver in Florida have in common? All three are resourceful, positive thinkers who strive to adapt and thrive despite dehumanizing forces at play in the American economy. As the film’s heroes face these roadblocks with courage, certain ideals remain sacred: family, love, and staying strong in the face of adversity.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and unlock the film for $12.
A customer recently asked me to repost instructions as to how to use our Virtual Cinema. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how it all works. Click HERE to see all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema.
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Oct. 14, we’ll open MY NAME IS PEDRO – an inspiring documentary about a teacher and how transformative a single person can be to the community at large. On Oct. 16, we’ll open the sweet and funny DATING AMBER. On Oct. 21, we’ll open the festival hit MAJOR ARCANA, and on Oct. 28, we’ll open the recently restored (both in quality and length) important documentary from William Greaves – NATIONTIME (trailer will be available soon). On Nov. 6, we’ll open Fredrick Wiseman’s new highly acclaimed doc CITY HALL. We’re still trying to nail down RADIUM GIRLS and other titles…so stay tuned!
As a reminder…tickets for STEVIE NICKS 24 KARAT GOLD THE CONCERT are on sale now. Current scheduled shows are for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1:00 and 7:00. If you’re a Stevie fan, you don’t need more than an announcement to get your tickets…but if you’re not sure, here’s a TRAILER.
Local filmmaker and author Mathew Klickstein has a new book hitting the shelves, so we’re taking a look at a film that he produced & directed about the same kids.”ACT YOUR AGE: THE KIDS OF WIDNEY HIGH STORY (2010) is a rollicking rollercoaster of a rowdy ride up the West Coast during the world-famous Kids of Widney High’s 2008 headlining tour from Los Angeles to Seattle and back. Intimately chronicled through a punk-influenced DIY ‘video diary’ lens, ACT YOUR AGE takes the viewer into the green rooms, hotel rooms, bars, onstage and into the road-tripping van of the Kids, a group of singer-songwriters with developmental disabilities initially based out of an East Los Angeles special-ed music program.
This new tenth anniversary edition of ACT YOUR AGE has been polished and remastered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act and the release of the Kids’ first book, THE KIDS OF WIDNEY JUNIOR HIGH TAKE OVER THE WORLD!, out in stores now. Come see the world through the eyes of a ‘Kid.’ ACT YOUR AGE director/producer Mathew Klickstein – a longtime author/filmmaker/journalist and recent transplant to Dayton – will be in-person for a brief introduction and follow-up Q&A after the film.” (taken from press notes) Tickets, $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors, are now available on our website.
Because distributors continue to push back their titles, we will have more weeks when we need to explore some classics. So on Oct. 23, we’re going to take a look at some early favorites from Tim Burton – PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE and BEETLEJUICE. Please help us spread the word…these should be a lot of fun. (Maybe even free prizes for people who ride their bikes to THE NEON for Pee Week!! We’ll see.)

Mamma DiSalvos- Authentic Italian Family Owned Restaurant

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Far too often the end of the year brings a notable list of our favorite restaurants that have gone away.

Dayton is famous for these lists. Every year we create them. We applaud the new ones and mourn the old ones. For some of us, reminiscing the old spots is akin to showing everyone our old baseball cards. Talking about the old days. The better days.  Dayton is especially fond of these lists. I have stories from my early days in politics from Dominic’s on South Main. When I worked for the county it was long lunches at Grubb Steak on North Main where friendships and memories were made.

Everyone has a spot to add to this list. Maybe for you, its the The Parkmoor, Chin’s, or Duke’s Golden Ox.

These places were vintage Dayton and tons memories were made in these spots.  That is how I feel about Mamma Disalvo’s today.  For more than 4 decades, Mamma and her sons have been serving up Dayton’s best Italian cuisine from a little spot in Kettering.

Mamma’s is a date night place for us. We go there for Valentine’s and anniversaries and those occasions when we have time to sit and enjoy the pace of appetizers and a drink, salad, then dinner and a quiet dessert, all while never feeling rushed.

Mamma’s is a comfort place. The food is homemade, by family, and served like you are family. We keep going back and encouraging our friends to go for two reasons. The first, we don’t want it on the year-end memories list. Second, it’s just really good food and what Vinny, Mamma’s grandson, is doing in the kitchen just feels natural and right.

Vinny recently returned from six months in Italy where he studied his craft, learning to cook authentic Italian food.  He trained close to wear his family, generations before, called home. He studied in Italian, taking a crash course upon arrival so he could learn the recipes and techniques in the native language. He returned with a new confidence, new recipes, and some serious bread making skills.

Recently I sat down with friends and enjoyed a chef’s dinner served by Vinny himself. It was if the baton had been handed off insuring Mamma’s was set for another generation. It was course after course of his best stuff, minus the famous meatballs.

We shared end of season tomatoes, with fresh mozz and basil underneath a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. This came alongside Mamma’s antipasto platter with shaved Parm, olives and an assortment of cured meats and prosciutto. Dishes like this are for sharing, for talking, reaching and passing, and taking your time. The creamy prosciutto just melts on the tongue and when followed by a flake of the parm, you experience a near perfect bite.

The main courses followed, a carbonerra with peas, panchetta, tomatoes, broccoli and an egg sauce that was perfect. Tossing hot pasta with egg is no easy task and Vinny executed flawlessly. My favorite dish made the list and that is the Rigatoni with Vodka sauce. I’ve asked for this sauce to be bottled and sold like Mamma’s marinara and salad dressing to no avail. I just keep ordering.

Vinny surprised us with fresh bread and plate of shrimp scampi. You could smell the butter and garlic 10 feet ahead of the platter. Cooked perfect and balanced with a hint of the white wine added some acidity to cut the rich butter that coated the shrimp.

And then there was dessert and I am thankful he brought half slices. The tiramasu is killer with real espresso and dark chocolate working together in a bitter sweet balance. A great evening, full of sharing, conversation and a meal prepared by family. Mamma’s family. It felt like home.

 

Small side note: Their pizza is fantastic. Call ahead and pick it up or stop in and enjoy a glass or two of wine with your pizza. You won’t be disappointed.

The search for authentic Italian, in a local, family-owned and prepared, restaurant is over. Mamma’s is it.

Hours:
Wed-Sat  4 – 9pm
Sun 4 – 8pm

MetroParks introduces Heart Healthy Trails initiative

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Five Rivers MetroParks has launched a Heart Healthy Trails initiative to help people improve their physical and mental health outdoors. Three existing trails recently were designated as Heart Healthy Trails, with plans to launch an additional two trails in upcoming months.

According to the American Heart Association, just 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a few times a week will improve heart health. Additionally, exercising outdoors provides benefits traditional gym workouts do not, including a reduction of depression and stress, an increase in vitamin D and more.

Heart Healthy Trails make it easier for people to exercise outdoors because they’re:

  • Easy to moderate
  • 1 to 2.5 miles long
  • Walkable at a brisk pace
  • Marked every quarter mile to help users track their pace

 

“These are easy, entry-level trails on paved or flat surfaces without a lot of elevation change,” said Angie Sheldon, MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator. “Signage on the trails also helps people start walking outdoors as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Each trail is a little different, depending on the location and length, so people can try them all or pick a favorite.”

 

The American Heart Association recommends walking at a brisk pace, working toward walking at least 2.5 miles per hour or 24 minutes per mile.

MetroParks’ Heart Healthy Trails are:

  • Wolf Creek Trail (start at Olde Town Depot, intersection of Wolf Creek Pike/Main Street and Broadway, Trotwood): This paved recreation trail is marked every quarter mile, so users know when to turn around to get the distance they desire. The trail is marked for a 2-mile (1-mile out and back walk). Those who wish to continue along the trail can visit Sycamore State Park.
  • Island MetroPark (101 E. Helena St., Dayton): This trail is a paved 0.65-mile loop around the perimeter of the park. Trail users will enjoy landscaped beds, views of the Stillwater River and “Ashzilla,” one of the biggest trees in MetroParks. Located near the parking lot, “Ashzilla,” is a large white ash tree. Walk the loop two or three times to get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise.
  • Germantown MetroPark (6206 Boomershine Rd., Germantown): Users will trek/walk new natural surface trails at the park. The Heart Healthy Trail includes portions of the purple, brown and orange trail loops, totaling 1.7 miles. Trail users can connect to Germantown MetroPark’s extensive trail system via the orange trial.

 

The Heart Healthy Trails are featured in MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, allowing trailgoers to easily navigate the trails, locate amenities and more. Download the app at www.metroparks.org/mobile.

 

Learn more about MetroParks’ Heart Healthy Trails by visiting www.metroparks.org/heart-healthy.

The Miseducation of Julio Mateo

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When I spoke to Julio Mateo for 90 minutes at the end of August, Kyle Rittenhouse had just days ago murdered two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Ruth Bader Ginsberg was still alive, and we hadn’t yet learned the inevitable news that the men who murdered Breonna Taylor in her own bed would face no consequences. Every time I sat down to transcribe my interview with Mateo, it seemed that some cloud in our national consciousness would shadow whatever it is I wanted to write.

Julio Mateo

Nearly a month later, Mateo’s message resonates even more clearly than it did before. Mateo, whom I’ve gotten to know a little bit over the past few years in the downtown Dayton scene, is calm, articulate, and thoughtful. He’s a consensus-builder by disposition who moved to the Dayton area to attend Wright State University and quickly ensconced himself in the sort of Dayton positivity movement that encompasses efforts like the Longest Table, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, and UpDayton. 

But something has shifted for Mateo recently after months of involvement in the Community Police Council, particularly after George Floyd’s murder in May and the national uprising that ensued and touched Dayton. He’s gone from unabashed Dayton cheerleader to weary idealist. What follows is an edited (for clarity and conciseness) compilation of our Zoom interview and email exchanges.

Downtown Dayton May 30, 2020

Jason Harrison: I first met you as a dude about downtown, and like everybody seems to know who you are, but I’ve not really known or understood your background or relationship to Dayton. Can we start there and you just tell me when you got here and how you got involved with stuff?

Julio Mateo: I got here in 2002 as an exchange student. I was studying in Spain, where I grew up. I was at a school in Salamanca, which is away from my hometown. And that school when I was a junior developed a relationship with Wright State. It was the first time they had an exchange program with the United States. I had no idea what Dayton was, and I signed up mostly to learn English, and that’s how I got here. Eighteen years ago, almost to the day actually. 

I came [back] for grad school [in 2003]. I did my master’s and my Ph.d. I didn’t finish my Ph.d, I did most of my school work for Ph.d. Around 2012 or so I took a job in a small company in Springboro doing research in human factors. So, decision making, cognitive skills, a lot of cross cultural competence training and research and modeling for the military.

It wasn’t until I moved downtown, which was in 2015, that I really started getting engaged. I connected to the Downtown Dayton Partnership, and Scott Murphy invited me to participate in the Start Downtown initiative, which was to create an ecosystem to support entrepreneurs downtown and to kind of promote that. So that was 2016, and that was kind of like where I got connected to a lot of people. It was mostly about how to make downtown more vibrant at the time.

Right around the same time I learned about UpDayton and I learned about the summit, went to the summit in 2016 for the first time. The Longest Table project was pitched, and I went to the first meeting they had, and I ended up becoming the dialogue committee chair, so developing the dialogue at the table, which is very consistent with the work that I’ve done. I didn’t intend to become the dialogue lead, but I ended up becoming the main point of contact for the person helping develop the conversation at the table. 

Downtown Dayton May 30, 2020

From there what happened is the Gem City Market was also something that came up and what happened is from that whole process between Longest Table and other initiatives, cooperatives, and things like that, I became much more connected to other parts of town besides downtown.  And I started learning and connecting with people from outside, and I became painfully aware of things that I wasn’t really aware of.

I was not very connected to things before 2015 or 2016. And it was a gradual process, right, because it started with Downtown Dayton Partnership and Up Dayton and eventually the Longest Table for example, started moving to different parts of town. So then you have like different meals on the east side and the west side and different areas and then you start like meeting people in those areas and sit at a table and then you start listening to people and you kind of learn about things that have to do with everything. It could be the opioid epidemic, it could be like, you know, blight, or abandoned housing and the impact that has on things like crime. All these sort of things you just learn from sitting at the table. 

The Longest Table had a big impact on me and my process. I learned a lot about Dayton through the process. What started as an interest in downtown walkability and vibrancy and like you know the downtown core, it became much more, you know, downtown will be fine. But I mean there are a lot of things out here that are much more important. 

Harrison: At some point you made your way into the work on policing issues. Talk to me about that process.

Mateo: In 2017, at the time at work we were wrapping up work with the Navy SEALS. We were asked to develop a weeklong training course for the new Navy special operators who were coming in, and we helped develop that and deliver that. The course involved some theoretical parts and there was a very big part that was in a village interacting with role players from other cultures. We developed scenarios based on interviews with former and current Navy SEALS. 

We were thinking about how to transition this sort of training into other areas including law enforcement. So I actually reached out to the Human Relations Council and to the police department. I was trying to partner with them to apply for [Department of Justice] funds, but it didn’t really pan out. 

The Human Relations Council then asked me to be a part of the Community Police Council because of this expertise specifically on cross-cultural competence training. I became part of the council in 2017 I believe.

Wayne Avenue May 30, 2020

Harrison: What were your initial impressions when you joined that effort?

Mateo: My initial impression was that it wasn’t what I expected. So I thought the Community Police Council was gonna be you know kind of, what it’s supposed to be. I thought it was gonna be a joint effort of people from law enforcement and people from the community kind of working together trying to figure out how to improve community-police relations. And technically I guess you could argue it is that but I think what struck me at first was how there was clearly two sides. It wasn’t a group working together to build this together, it was more of a, you know, it seemed to lead conversations in which the community is asking you know we think things should change this way, and law enforcement most of the time is explaining why things are done the way they are or asking how the community can help communicate their message or help people trust them more. It just didn’t feel like a joint effort or a team effort. 

Harrison: You said when you first joined, you thought people would work together.

Mateo: Yeah, so I was expecting, they were asking me to join in part because of this expertise and this experience, and I was expecting them to be asking how they could improve kind of thing. You know what I mean? But it wasn’t that sort of like hey we want the input from community members to figure out how to improve or how to change. In hindsight now I hear this and I think I was very naive to think that. But at the time that’s how naive I was. Clearly as you got into it, it wasn’t a desire to change that brought them to the table. 

Even when the description of how the community police council started, a lot of it was about having community help present the police version to the community in a way that is heard. 

Listening to Mateo talk about what he expected on the Community Police Council was eerily similar to the way former Community Police Coordinator Jared Grandy described his initial experiences. The police were not seeking partners in the community through the council, it seemed, but rather a mechanism of co-option. The baseline assumption wasn’t that the police needed to change anything about the way they did business, but merely in the marketing of their actions. To them, it was a public relations problem and not a fundamental cultural or systemic issue.

After the George Floyd uprisings around the country at the end of May and the beginning of June, the City of Dayton scrambled to respond. What they came up with was a set of five, mostly underwhelming proposals for police “reform,” including five working groups that included dozens of community members.

Harrison: Has that restructuring addressed the lack of partnership (between the police and the community)? Ostensibly that’s why the reorganization happened is we want to make things better. Has the reorganization made things better?

Mateo: Okay, so first of all, I do not think…it has never been presented to us as a reorganization. I mean the CPC still exists the way it was before, although people are a little bit more confused about what our role is. We’ve been asking that question. 

At the time, and we expressed this frustration, the CPC had been working for years. We’ve proposed recommendations, some of which are going to be the same recommendations that will be proposed by the working groups. The frustration was, why can’t we do both? Why can’t we implement some of the things that have been already developed in a room with police with commissioners with the city manager and implement that now and do the working groups. Those two things aren’t incompatible.

The positive thing I would say about the working groups is there is a higher level of transparency that I think is better than it had been at CPC. I still continue to have some skepticism about why this process has to be this long and whether or not the recommendations at the end of the process are going to be eventually implemented in a way that’s going to effect a profound change. 

Mateo serves on the training working group chaired by City Commissioner Darryl Fairchild and Stacy Benson-Taylor, regional director for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. 

Mateo: Honestly, learning about the training that is currently received. It just reinforces this concept that there is more than the training that is being received. There is also a whole culture behind it. The training is all about the concepts of gaining compliance and police legitimacy and making sure that people are basically compliant with police orders. 

From a community standpoint we want to create safer spaces, we want to keep the peace. I actually think the working groups, the way they are being developed right now, are creating a vehicle for the community to learn more about how the police work. I think that’s a positive thing. I think it’s critical to have a more informed public. 

Even after all these years on the CPC, I hadn’t actually been shown the materials, what they actually teach the trainees. Being able to see that for me is a huge improvement. 

Harrison: I’m wondering, having more transparency in the training, have you been impressed in a way you didn’t expect, like some of the training is actually pretty good?

Mateo: I wouldn’t say that. The de-escalation training that is received is almost exclusively about mental health crises. As a community member I would like to see de-escalation being a driver of any situation. Preventing escalation in a police encounter should be the driver whether I’m going through a mental health crisis or not. 

Even the term de-escalation implies that the situation already is escalated. I think many times, the actions of the police officer could escalate. 

The training that they have shared with us was actually developed by the Ohio Peace Officer’s Training Academy. It wasn’t developed by the Dayton Police Department for the Dayton Academy. They are required to teach it as the state provides it from what I understand. So in many ways we’re learning the minimum state requirements for teaching the subjects. And from what we’ve been able to gather, that’s primarily the thing they have been teaching at the Dayton Academy. The working group has the opportunity to recommend things to teach on top of that to enhance the training. 

Looking at what is provided by the state, it does not make me feel any better. For example, when people talk about procedural justice, it’s a tactic to ensure or enhance police legitimacy. That ultimately is the goal, and they say that in the training. Therefore treating people fairly and respectfully is a means to an end. Which conveys a very specific culture, and it separates the community and the police. The language of the training really invites this separation.

Procedural justice is a term well-known in the academic literature on public safety. Here’s how a 2015 paper published in the  St. Louis University Public Law Review explains the the idea. 

Enforcing the curfew May 31, 2020

“Procedural justice focuses specifically on judgments about the interaction between an authority figure and someone who is subject to that authority (such as a police officer and a citizen). Legitimacy, on the other hand, focuses on broader judgments about institutions such as the police, the law, or the government. Although the meaning of legitimacy is currently being debated by scholars, it is generally concerned with whether the authority exerted by an institution is rightful, proper, or appropriate. When the police are viewed as corrupt, brutal, or inept, citizens are unlikely to view them as legitimate sources of authority. In the U.S., several recent use of force incidents have led to a substantial legitimacy crisis in policing, particularly in minority communities.”

Based on Mateo’s description, it seems that the Dayton Police focus on the first part of the theory (the connection between procedural justice and legitimacy) but not the second, which is the perception by particularly black communities that the police are corrupt, brutal, and inept. The police, in other words, assume their legitimacy, while policed black communities try in vain to enact changes they need to see to address corruption, brutality, and ineptitude.

Perhaps no other recent incident illustrates the divide between the way that the City of Dayton—including the Department and its civilian oversight alike—views public safety and the way that huge swaths of the community experience it than the calamitous decision making that went into policing the local George Floyd protests.

Harrison: Talk to me about May 30, May 31. Wayne Avenue.

Mateo: There was a statement on Friday from the [Dayton Police Chief, Richard Biehl], saying that they were going to protect people’s right to express their First Amendment right. I think this is important, the way the situation was framed by the Police Department the day before the protest

The part I never understood [about what happened on Wayne Ave] was the decision to completely block the street, to create the dead end, to frustrate a crowd that had been marching peacefully. These actions are known to frustrate and create high emotions. They didn’t redirect the crowd. They didn’t block the highway if the highway was the concern. They didn’t allow for the peaceful expression of the demonstrators’ emotions and feelings. 

There were also accounts of cruisers pushing from the other side of the crowd, and that eventually led to someone throwing something at a cruiser that was pushing from the other side. And the police were prepared to use tear gas and that’s what they did. If the goal was to keep it nonviolent and to protect people’s right to express their First Amendment right, there were a lot of other tactics they could have used. It just seems like these are tactics that have been proven to elicit this result. 

Having been engaged in these conversations about how can we develop better community-police relations, I would have imagined that the consequences of tear-gassing the community should have been obvious to them by now. It was devastating. And it was not at all perceived to be a big deal by the Dayton Police Department.

Mateo was adamant that his interests are not traditionally political so much as he wishes to see transparent avenues for citizens to be able to make positive changes in their communities. The events on Wayne Avenue seemed to irrevocably change Mateo’s point of view about what community engagement means for him and completed his transition from an idealistic supporter of Dayton to someone acutely aware of how the power structure is failing its people.

He shared with me a personal journal he wrote in the aftermath of the Wayne Avenue protests. 

Enforcing the curfew May 31, 2020

“I am at a loss. I am frustrated, angry, sad, and honestly it feels like a punch in the stomach given all the work I have put over the past three years. I am so disappointed. And I know many of my fellow community members are also disappointed on the actions of the DPD. The CPC was not contacted or involved or questioned regarding those actions. Something needs to change.”

One of the most dangerous aspects of the Trump presidency is it obscures the systemic anti-Black nature of policing that could only exist with Democratic Party acquiescence and collaboration. The police tactics that Mateo found to be so devastating were praised by City leadership in the hours following the protests. 

As I’ve gone back to look at contemporary statements from City leadership from the end of May and the beginning of June, I’ve been unable to find any language remotely critical of the Dayton Police Department’s tactics during those two days of protests. 

“I’ve been talking to other cities across the state of Ohio and they have had the same experience,” Mayor Whaley told WHIO. “The protest goes fine, it is the dissipation of a couple of people trying to get around, trying to get on the interstate, trying to cause some problem. It’s not even the protests, it’s just these small groups. With what they do, they are not set to have their voice heard; they are set to destruct. And so we have to protect the community.”

The current City leadership has all the outward appearances of standing with Black protestors and women. But its actions—enacting curfews to quiet protests, using riot police known to escalate tensions, and launching tear gas some experts believe could have deleterious effects on women’s reproductive health—are at odds with authentically supporting Black Lives Matter and intersectional feminism.

For those of us in Dayton who agree with Mateo that the community needs a process for enacting change, the question is who is standing in the way of that locally? The easy boogieman for progressives over the last four years has been the president, but the more uncomfortable answer might just be the Democratic Party itself. That leaves Black communities stuck between an outrageously racist Republic Party and an outrageously cynical Democratic Party. There has to be another way.

Call For Art Honoring RBG and Her Legacy

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Carmen Ferraro and Sarah Richard and Tabitha Peters-Guidone have partnered to open a new co-op ceramic art studio at Front Street that will open this December called MADE.  “But in the time being, we want to celebrate RBG’s legacy so we’re setting up the space to showcase local artists of all mediums. No restrictions, no fees. Art must be submitted by the 30th via email for review,” according to Tabitha.

 

Kevin Myers Views of Dayton: Miamisburg

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On Feb. 20, 1818, four men from Pennsylvania — Emanuel Gebhart, Jacob Kercher, Dr. John Treon and Dr. Peter Treon — offered for sale at public auction 90 lots in a new town by the name of Miamisburg. Situated on the left bank of the Miami River, the plat was divided into square lots containing one-fifth of an acre.  he name Miamisburg was derived from the Miami Native American tribe that resided there, combining “Miamis” with “burg,” which denotes a borough or town.

 

By 1832, the unincorporated community had become a village and achieved City status about 100 years later.

Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro was started in 1986, and quickly became known as one of the Miami Valley’s “hot spots” to get great food, or just to hang out relax and grab a drink with good friends.

22 cents. Thats all movie lovers had to pay to see a movie at the Plaza Theatre when it opened on December 25th 1919 The Weaver brothers believed “if they build it the people would come” It would feature clear projection, new movies, a Wurlitzer organ, and almost 700 seats. The Theatre remained a community icon for 50 years until 1968 when televisions and other commercial factors began competing with Theatre goers. The Theatre became a western retail store in 1968 which closed in 2002; the Theatre stood vacant from 2002 until it was beautifully restored. The Plaza Theatre is well known as the place for many first dates. Check out the story behind these locals and committee members in the videos below. The Plaza Theatre reopened on Christmas Day of 2015, thanks to the efforts of the non-profit organization passionate about revitalizing the unique downtown Miamisburg.

Grandpa Joe’s is filled wall to wall (to ceiling!) with every candy you can imagine, as well as hundreds of glass bottle soda pops and novelty gift items. Need a gift for someone who’s difficult to buy for? Look no further than Grandpa Joe’s! Their passionate and knowledgeable staff is made up entirely of candy experts/historians/lovers, so when you come looking for “that one candy you used to get as a child,” we guarantee we’ll figure it out (or die trying).

This little courtyard is a perfect spot to enjoy a beverage from A Taste of Wine with some sweets from local bakery Amy Cakes.

No matter where you go in Miamisburg, you’ll be welcomed!

You can see more of Kevin’s phots on his Facebook page or on SmugMug.

Acoustic Folk Jam

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If you’re looking for a safe way to gather with friends and enjoy playing and/or listening to music, have we got a deal for you!

Join us on Tuesday, August 18th, beginning at 6:30 PM for this month’s Acoustic Folk Jam Session. You can play an instrument, sign along, or just listen…whatever you’d like to do is fine!

We’re sure this will be a fun time; why not join us? If you’d like to do so, please use the Zoom information provided below:

Chamber Names New Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.

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The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the promotion of Stephanie Keinath to the role of Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. Keinath has been with the chamber for 13 years and previously served as Director, Public Policy & Economic Development and Manager, Public Policy.

“Stephanie is an exceptional strategic leader who will help guide our business community through their continued evolution.” said Chris Kershner, president & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. “Stephanie has led the business community in the areas of public policy, women’s leadership and workforce, and I’m excited to expand her reach to support our employers.”

In her new role, Keinath will oversee the strategic operation of the chamber’s programming, including several brands that function under the chamber umbrella. These recognizable programs include Leadership Dayton, the Leadership Dayton Alumni Association, EMPOWER, the Executive Women’s Council, the Dayton/Miami Valley Safety Council, the Dayton Area Logistics Association, Generation Dayton, and more. Keinath will also manage member networking events for the chamber’s nearly 2,200 members as well as the organization’s advocacy efforts on public policy issues that affect the region’s business community.

“I’m so excited to do work that I deeply care about in the community I love. The challenges of these last several years have underscored the need for organizations like the Dayton Area Chamber to continue doing what we do best – supporting, connecting and growing our businesses and leaders across the community. I’m grateful for all the ways the DACC has invested in me over the course of my career, and eager to bring it to bear in this new role,” said Keinath.

In recent years, Keinath has grown her skills in education and workforce attraction and alignment, positioning herself as one of the leading experts in the nation on the role trade associations play in strengthening the talent pipeline from educational institutions to industry. In 2010 and 2011, Keinath was selected as a ‘Business Leads’ Fellow for the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce. In 2019, she completed a year-long national fellowship focused on education and talent development, sponsored by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. This year, Keinath was selected for the U.S Chamber of Commerce Business Leads Elite Fellowship Program, focused on leadership in education and workforce policy and programming. She also serves on the U.S Chamber’s Education, Employment & Training Committee.

Keinath already has a local reputation as a leader. She received the Better Business Bureau’s Women in Business Networking “25 Women to Watch” Award in 2017, and was chosen as a Dayton Business Journal’s ‘Forty Under 40’ Award Winner in 2011.

Keinath is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Dayton and is actively involved in the community, serving on the Welcome Dayton Committee. Stephanie also recently began serving as a trustee for Board of Directors of the National Aviation Heritage Area, and assumed the role of president of the board for The Contemporary Dayton in September 2020.

Keinath holds a certificate in non-profit and community leadership from the University of Dayton and is a graduate of the 2017 Conscious Feminine Leadership Academy through Women Writing for (a) Change, Cincinnati. Stephanie earned her BA in International Studies from Wright State University and her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Dayton.

She and her husband Marcus reside in Washington Township.

 

Justice on Tap!

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Justice on Tap! a virtual event, will highlight locally produced craft beer and a sampling of wines that guests can enjoy in the comfort of their homes. Join in the event on Thursday, October 8, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Nick Bowman of Warped Wing Brewing Company and Patrick Thimons of The Dayton Beer Company will showcase their craft beer and taprooms. Rob Vonderbrink of Heidelberg Distributing will provide advice on making wine selections. Rob Russell of Russell Total Wealth and Wellness will be our emcee for the evening.

The event will benefit Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc., Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc., and the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project. The nonprofit organizations provide free legal assistance to individuals facing domestic violence, elder abuse, disability concerns, housing, veterans, special education, unemployment benefits, consumer and immigration issues.

Purchase tickets and be entitled to a sampling of beer and wine that can be picked up in Dayton in advance. General admission: $50. Discounted admission: $25 for students and new attorneys (0-2 years). Take a chance on raffle items, too, for $5 a chance or $10 for three entries.

Make reservations online.

Wing Zone Worth Checking Out!

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Ratna and Amit

Almost two years ago I wrote here about my Quest for the Best Wings in Dayton.

Over those two years, I have had some stellar wings. Recently stumbled upon some bad ones, and always end up back at my go to. Elsa’s or Fricker’s are my regular.

Then I found a little spot in West Carrollton. A locally owned franchise of Wing Zone. This little joint is tucked inside an old Taco Bell building on South Dixie in the heart of West Carrollton. Ratna and Amit are a husband and wife team who chose Dayton for their franchise, coming here from Chicago.

Wing Zone is more than wings. But I was there this week to eat the wings and that is what I did.

I tried the traditional and boneless variety. Both were spot on and good sized. These are a lightly breaded wing and settle in or call ahead. These are made to order. There were no heat lamps spotted in the kitchen holding food.

I had the Thai Chili and the Garlic Parm (which was buffalo ish in nature). Both had great flavor and heat, but enjoyable. We also tried the Tame (a mild buffalo flavor) and that was my favorite. All the buffalo flavor without unnecessary heat.

The menu is full of surprises beyond wings. Tenders are a big seller and so are the Thigh Wings! Yes. Thighs. Imagine a cut down chicken thigh, deep friend and sauced. Its a dark meat wing!

I tried the Cajun Burger too. Spicy! Great all beef patty, again cooked to order, blackened and topped with bacon and a spicy sauce. Liked the fact that the lettuce, tomato and onion are packed separately so they burger bun doesn’t get soggy.

I skipped the salads, wraps and quesadillas, but made note of these items for a future visit. There are even a few dessert options including Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks, Funnel Cake Fries and Oreo Churros.Pricing beats most other competitors and the service is top notch. Ill be back for a carryout order again soon.

Here are my tips:

  • Try a few sauces.
  • Call ahead for pick up at their drive-thru window
  • Or…order for delivery if you are south of town.

Get a side of fries or the wedges, these were great dipped in ranch like we do here in Ohio.

 

Wing Zone (West Carrollton)

654 E Dixie Drive
West Carrollton City, OH 45449

(937) 660-5267

Sun – Thurs 11am – 11pm
Fri and Sat 11am – midnight2I

Find their entire menu on their website or on their Facebook page.

Southern Accents- Tom Petty Tribute Band Plays 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q

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The depth of the care and effort that Southern Accents put into their stage-presence and matching Petty’s moves & music separates them far from any other tribute band out there; they play it like it was their very own while showing respect to its original creator through their bold & perfect impression. They bring the timeless melodies, sweet rhythms and wild rock-music of Tom Petty to the stage for everyone to experience & fall in love with all over again, passionately, accurately and vibrantly, recreating some of the most important songs to have ever been written throughout our music’s history.