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Archives for May 2021

Neon News: DREAM HORSE & Eric Bana in THE DRY Start This Week!

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We’ve got to clean house. If you still need to see THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS or GUNDA, Thursday will be you last chance to catch them at THE NEON. On Thursday night we’ll start the crowdpleaser DREAM HORSE, and on Friday, we’ll start the new Australian thriller starring Eric Bana – THE DRY.

On Friday, 2 new films will be available in our Virtual Cinema. WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT, based on the bestseller by Judith Kerr, was beautifully directed by Oscar winner Caroline Link (NOWHERE IN AFRICA). DRUNK BUS – a wonderful film that SLASH FILM calls “a unique and uplifting anti-road trip comedy” – is currently at “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for DREAM HORSE: “Experience the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town bartender, Jan Vokes (Toni Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope in their struggling community. Also starring Damian Lewis.” (Bleecker Street) This synopsis may sound familiar. We had a documentary about this story several years ago called DARK HORSE…this is the narrative retelling with the incredible Toni Colette in the lead role!
Synopsis for THE DRY: “Based on the global bestseller by Jane Harper, a federal agent’s homecoming leads to a deeply personal murder investigation that reopens old wounds and threatens to unravel the tight-knit small town.” (IFC Films) Starring Eric Bana! Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT: Available starting May 21! “From Academy Award® winning director Caroline Link (NOWHERE IN AFRICA) comes an adaptation of acclaimed British author Judith Kerr’s classic novel based on her childhood memories. The story of a Jewish family’s escape from 1933 Berlin to Europe tackles prejudice, exile, displacement and adaptation, as told from the perspective of the author’s alter ego, nine year-old Anna Kemper (Riva Krymalowski in her feature film debut). Anna is too busy with schoolwork and friends to notice Hitler’s face glaring from posters plastered all over 1933 Berlin. But when her father (Oliver Masucci) – based on the prominent theater critic Alfred Kerr – suddenly vanishes, the family is secretly hurried out of Germany. Anna begins to understand life will never be the same as she and her family navigate unfamiliar lands and cope with the challenges of being refugees.”
This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device or via the Eventive app on your Roku or AppleTV. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 access for $12
Synopsis for DRUNK BUS: Available starting May 21! “Michael (Charlie Tahan, OZARK) is a recent graduate whose post-college plan is derailed when his girlfriend leaves him for a job in New York City. When the bus service hires a security guard to watch over the night shift, Michael comes face to tattooed face with Pineapple, a 300-pound punk rock Samoan.” FILM INQUIRY writes, “”DRUNK BUS IS EDGY AND HEARTWARMING, BRINGING POWERFUL PERFORMANCES AND AN EVEN STRONGER MESSAGE TO THIS COMING-OF-AGE FILM,” and SLASH FILM calls DRUNK BUS “A UNIQE AND UPLIFTING ANTI-ROAD TRIP COMEDY.” This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device or via the Eventive app on your Roku or AppleTV. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 access for $12
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for RK/RKAY: “Director, writer and star, Rajat Kapoor, the ‘godfather’ of Indian independent film has created a charming ‘meta-movie’ about filmmaking itself in his newest, RK/RKAY. Working in the tradition of such classics as BEING JOHN MALKOVICH and THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO, the film tells the story of a film director whose main character usurps control of the plot line, and eventually, real life.” This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for US KIDS: “US KIDS is an insightful, rousing coming-of-age story of youth leaders determined to fight for justice at a critical time in U.S. history. Sparked by the plague of gun violence ravaging their schools, US KIDS chronicles the March For Our Lives movement over several years. The documentary follows Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky, Samantha Fuentes, gun violence survivors, and teenage activists as they pull together the largest youth protest in American history. Their movement went global with rallies on six continents and in over 700 cities in every state across the nation, expanding to address racial injustice, a growing public health crisis, and shocking a political system into change. The March For Our Lives movement was instrumental in the record youth voter turnout in 2018 and 2020.” This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $9.99.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Would you like to know what titles we have planned for our Virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On May 28, we’ll open AMERICAN TRAITOR – a film based on a true story starring Al Pacino, and we’ll also open TINY TIM: KING FOR A DAY – a heartbreakingly wonderful documentary about the “unlikely” pop star. On June 4, we’ll have a film for the adventurous, extreme sport lovers – SUPER FRENCHIE, and on June 11, we’ll start the wonderful festival favorite and love letter to Tel Aviv – SUBLET. On June 18, we’ll open the great new documentary about two literary icons – TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION (this film will also have 2 special, in-person screenings).More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
We have two different films coming down the road for special screenings. DISCLOSURE: TRANS LIVES ON FILM is set for Saturday, June 26 at Noon. This screening will be used as a fundraiser for David’s Place at Daybreak, and you can request your free tickets (though donations will be appreciated on the day of the screening) by clicking the image below. Click HERE to watch the film’s trailer.
On Saturday, June 19 at Noon & Thursday, June 24 at 7:30, we’ll have two special screenings of the new documentary TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION. You’ll want to make sure that all the literary lovers in your life know about this one. Click HERE to watch a trailer. Tickets are on sale now.
A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. At this time, THE NEON is keeping all COVID precautions in place until further notice (including social distancing, masking requirements for all patrons and staff without exceptions, air filtration systems, plexiglass barriers at all points of sale, etc.). THE NEON’s Board will be meeting over the next few weeks to determine if any of these precautions might be loosened anytime soon. If you’d like to weigh in with what you’d like to see happen, don’t hesitate to drop me a note…I will present your responses to the Board.

Four Free, Self-Guided Mindfulness Walks in FiveRivers MetroParks

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To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and make it easier for the community to de-stress outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks has established four Mindfulness Walks. Visitors will find signage along these short, easy walks inviting them to stop and engage in a variety of simple breathing and meditation activities. The mindfulness activities — developed with input from Dayton Children’s and Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services — can be done not only in the designated MetroParks but in any outdoor space.

“Spending time outdoors is a great way to stay active and improve your physical health, but time in nature improves mental wellbeing, too,” said Amy Dingle, MetroParks’ director of outdoor connections. “Connecting to your five senses, practicing mindful breathing and listing the things that bring you gratitude are tools that help build resiliency and wellbeing. The new Mindfulness Walks are a self-guided opportunity to help people learn how to use these tools and spend time in nature to reduce stress.”

Research shows that just 20 minutes a day immersed in nature significantly lowers stress hormone levels. Indeed, the mental health benefits of spending time in nature have been well documented and include:

  • Better sleep
  • Enhanced mood and feelings of relaxation
  • Lower depression and anxiety
  • Enhanced cognitive abilities, such as memory, creativity and problem solving
  • Improved self-esteem and relationships
  • Strengthened immunity and a reduction in chronic illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes

“Mindfulness means putting all of your attention on one thing. It means taking the time to really notice what you are doing in that moment. You are focused in a very relaxed way,” said John Duby, a physician with Dayton Children’s and professor and chair of Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine department of pediatrics. “Spending time in nature gives us a great chance to be mindful of all our senses, to focus on our surroundings, and respond to what we see, hear, touch and smell. Practicing mindfulness can help us learn to pay better attention in all of our daily lives. For me, Dogwood Pond at Hills & Dales MetroPark is a great place to relax.”

The new Mindfulness Walks are:

  • Eastwood MetroPark: 1385 Harshman Rd. (park entrance) or 4349 Springfield St.
    • Walk on the natural surface trail along the perimeter of the lagoon.
    • Near the Springfield Street entrance, take the stone bridges to the islands in the lagoon.
    • While you’re at the park, you can also walk the brown trail through the prairie and the blue trail along the Mad River — which is a portion of the Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail — as well as the paved Mad River Trail.

  • Huffman MetroPark, 4439 Lower Valley Pike
    • Park near the overlook shelter and take the short natural surface trail toward Huffman Dam.
    • Continue across the dam for scenic views and a connection with the paved Mad River Trail.
    • If Huffman Lake isn’t flooded, you can hike natural surface trails along the lake and Mad River.

  • Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd.
    • Park in the Argonne Forest lot, the first right-hand turn after you enter Possum Creek.
    • Hike the 1.5-mile pink trail and/or the 1-mile blue trail, both of which can be accessed from the parking lot.
    • Possum Creek is home to a robust network of natural surface trails, fishing ponds, horseback riding trails, a small farm and other amenities that allow you to explore the outdoors.
    • Note: The blue trail Mindfulness Walk is also available as an outing in MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. Visit metroparks.org/mobile for more.

  • Sunrise MetroPark, 50 N. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
    • This linear park, located along the west bank of the Great Miami River, offers great views of the downtown skyline.
    • Look for the Mindfulness Walk signage near the park benches and along the steps leading down to the river.
    • Continue your walk along the paved Great Miami River and Wolf Creek trails.

Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, while spending time outdoors. Current recommendations call for wearing a face covering outdoors if and when social distancing cannot be maintained. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response, visitwww.metroparks.org/covid and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park Ground Breaking

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Dogs everywhere are wagging their tails as Yellow Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist David Butcher steps forward to provide the funds needed to take Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park project all the way to the ribbon-cutting. A Village native, he comes from a family with a history of support for important causes. It seems that a giving heart runs in the family. “I learned at a young age about the critical role of generosity in our communities. That lesson continues to be a part of who I am and what I hope to accomplish,” explained Mr. Butcher.

The anticipated cost of the park increased as in-kind donors were forced to focus on Covid impact. Because of that, initial cost estimates grew, and the timeline got longer. “Despite the slowdown, we were able to move forward on the master plan, gather and analyze critical input from the public, create collaborations, finalize management policies, and more,” explained Beth Miller, founder of the nonprofit Wagtown. Ms. Miller was brought in by Village leadership to guide the process with her formidable dog-friendliness expertise. “The project has been fueled by passion, strengthened through input, guided by expertise, and now is ready to take off like a rocket ship. David Butcher has supplied the much-needed fuel to make the unique dog park dream a reality.” While the donation doesn’t cover every penny, it allows the group to move ahead with confidence that they will deliver on the dog-friendly promises to the community.

Known for its celebration of art, equitable environment, and deep personal connections, the town is perfect for innovative thinking, passionate volunteer involvement, creative solutions, and yes – one of the most unique dog park experiences in the country. Working with Wagtown’s SMART Dog Park program, the results will be a true reflection of the community’s culture with an eye on the future of the area. “We have built a community that is ideal for our Village and what we stand for,” explained Richard Lapedes, a long-time supporter of the park and owner of “Betty,” his sweet dog who found the site on a walk with her favorite human. “This dog park will be a treasure to bring together dog lovers from all walks of life. The sense of belonging and celebration of the spirit of our Village is now just around the corner. You’ll find it very soon at the entrance to the Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park!”

Mr. Butcher is providing resources to tackle nearly all of the major installation needs as well as some “wish list” items that appeared in surveys. “I’m very excited about what this will mean for the Village of Yellow Springs. This new play space will be a draw for people who want to see what’s possible for a dog park,” he beamed. “My roots are in my hometown. Like so many in the Village, I take personal pride in helping to add to the special atmosphere here.”

Groundbreaking for the Yellow Springs Dog Park will be…
• May 18
• 2:00 PM EDT
• Location: The Future Yellow Springs Dog Park! (Gaunt Park on the lawn area behind the water towers)
• Meet committee leaders and volunteers
• Find out what’s next in the creation of the Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park
If you’d like to be involved right now, visit the link below to see how you can join the excitement:
https://www.Wagtown.org/itstime

The park is expected to be completed by September. With outside resources, the creation and maintenance of the dog park can honor its commitment to have a very minimal impact on Village services and budget. Johnnie Burns, Director of Village Public Works, is a valuable partner as he guides decisions that will benefit the project without unduly impacting his team.

The dog park team has just announced the first opportunities to get involved in the adventure. After a lively Zoom meeting filled with excited dog owners (and non-dog owners), plans were announced for the first fundraising event, board positions were made available, and committees that will bring fun and fluff to life in Yellow Springs were kicked off. Enthusiasm was clear as the volunteers signed up to be a part of a new era in the Village and donors clicked to contribute. In addition to accepting board nominations for the upcoming Friends of the Dog Park group, fun teams like Groundbreakers, Brew Crew, SMART Squad, Poop Pride Patrol, and Waggers are looking for volunteers.

Contributing to the project was a perfect fit for the philanthropist. David and his partner, Rachel Hammond, drew inspiration from their rescue dog, Luna, to help bring the project to life. In addition to David’s generosity, he is enthusiastically rolling up his sleeves to help where needed. He plans to serve on the board of the park’s support association and is now reaching out to other community partners and business owners for additional support.

Miller explained that the impact of dog-friendliness was evident in many of the cities that she visited in Wagtown’s nonprofit’s research phase. “The phenomenon’s impact is undeniable. Regionally vibrant cities continue to benefit from the correlation. We love to see that happening, but progress toward dog-friendliness needs to be authentic, responsible, and powered by expertise. That’s where Wagtown can help,” stated Ms. Miller. America is becoming increasingly dog friendly, and it appears that the Yellow Springs area is no exception.

CLICK TO WWW.WAGTOWN.ORG/ITSTIME

Tickets for Alice Cooper Show at The Rose on Sale Friday

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Alice Cooper will make his long-awaited return to the road on a headline tour this Fall. The tour kicks off September 17 in Atlantic City and includes a stop in Huber Heights, OH at Rose Music Center on Tuesday, September 28. Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will appear as special guest.

Cooper, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, usually spends up to six months a year on the road, bringing his iconic brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock rock, Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie. Alice Cooper concerts remain a “not-to-be-missed” attraction!

Cooper’s universally acclaimed new album Detroit Stories is out now via earMUSIC. The record is a celebration of the sound and spirit of the Golden Era of Detroit rock, and debuted on the Billboard Album sales chart at #1 upon release in February.

The Associated Press called Detroit Stories “a masterpiece of classic rock, soul and R&B in homage to the city that produced him,” while Entertainment Weekly proclaimed the release “a love letter from Cooper to his city, and one that encourages a deep dive into his own back catalog and that of his peers.” Variety deemed the album “a delicious tip of the hat to ’70s classics such as ‘Killer’ and ‘School’s Out’ without sounding like a throwback.” Rolling Stone enthused, “That spirit of rock & roll abandon still exists in Cooper’s music half a century later, and his inherent showmanship is why people still fill theaters to see his guillotine act. It’s also why his records are still fun to listen to: You never know where he’s headed.” Get it here.

“We’ve always had fun touring together and it should be a heavy rock show with Ace and a great way to get everyone back to live concerts again,” says Cooper. “It should be a great night of virtuoso guitars!”

Ace Frehley, KISS co-founder and 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, continues his reflections on a lifetime in music with Origins, Vol. 2. No stranger to cover versions throughout his musical history — having recorded, rebranded and repossessed such notable nuggets as “New York Groove,” “Do Ya” and “I Wanna Go Back” over the course of his eight previous studio efforts — this new collection presents a thoughtful and exciting selection of songs that inspired and helped shape the legendary guitarist. Foremost of importance to the original Spaceman is delivering an album his fans will enjoy, but one where every song also has a place in his life’s jukebox.

“I’ve known Alice for over 30 years,” says Frehley. “We’re good friends, and we’ve toured together numerous times and always had a blast. Our musical roots are very similar, and the combination of our two bands make for a great event that nobody is gonna want to miss. Being off the road for more than a year because of the pandemic has been tough on everyone in the music industry, and I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the fans happy, healthy, and ready to rock.”

Tickets for the Huber Heights show will go on sale to the public beginning at 10am on Friday, May 21st at www.Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center box office.

Pandora Effect Plays Bike Night

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Over 11 years ago, six long time seasoned musicians who love to rock it out, joined forces to bring some amazing music to Southwest Ohio. Fronted by the amazing lead vocals of Pam Grote, Pandora Effect quickly established itself as a great live band that features expert musicianship, killer lead and backing vocals and splendid reproductions of some of the greatest songs ever recorded. From Led Zeppelin to Heart and Janis to Pink, Pandora Effect creates fun and excitement that will keep you rocking and on your feet all night long!

Take a Virtual Class on Cheese Boards

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Saint Anne’s Cheese Co. has just announced it will be offering a virtual class to teach you how to put together an elevated cheese board.  Invite some friends over to watch with you, it’s just $10/group and will take place on Tuesday, June 29th at 6:30pm and last about an hour.  Once you sign up you’ll be sent a zoom link 24 hours before the class.

June 5th they are offering an all day Farm to Table Cheese Making Experience where you’ll learn the basics of making Gouda Cheese. You’ll explore the use of fresh milk, cultures, rennet and salt to make cheese, visit aging room and see how the cheese matures.  You’ll get to enjoy plenty of samples, be served lunch and then learn to milk all the farm animals at a goat farm. Class costs $75

They also are offering a Mozzarella Class with Grist Kitchen on Sunday, June 27th  that will teach participants to stretch your own mozzarella and create your own burrata in just 30 minutes. Participants will make a pound of cheese and taste a variety of Italian food and drink.  This class runs $65.

To sign up for a cheese class visit Saint Anne’s Cheese Co website.

 

Yellow Springs Chappelle Shows Announced

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It looks like another summer of fun at the Wirrrig Pavilion is coming up.  Tickets will go on sale at noon today on ticketmaster for a series of Dave Chappelle & Friends shows.

Dave Chappelle hosts an exclusive evening of conversation and comedy in the era of social distancing. This event has extremely limited capacity to ensure the safety of all attendees. Doors open at 8:00 pm. No alcohol will be sold or permitted on the premises. As a friendly reminder, please be advised that The Wirrig Pavilion is located in a rural area where families, pets, and animals reside. We ask that all attendees please drive carefully, and adhere to all posted speed limit signs while travelling to and from The Wirrig Pavilion. MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES ONSITE AND TEMPERATURES WILL BE CHECKED UPON ENTRY.

Tickets will be available for 9pm shows on

Wed, May 26th
Thurs, May 27th
Fri, May 28th
Sat, May 29th

Ticket prices may fluctuate, based on demand, at any time.

 

 

 

Food Truck Spotlight: El Caporal

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Mark and Kelly Adams entry into the food truck world is quite interesting.  They had become friends with the owners of the previous Las Piramides restaurant on Wilmington Pike in Dayton; Pedro and Laura Mesa.  They ate there every Friday from the day they opened till the day they closed.  When they moved to Liberty Township due to a job change, they began  went hunting for a new Mexican hangout.  They wandered into El Caporal Restaurant on Tylersville Rd in Mason and saw Laura.  They had no idea they had opened another restaurant and  were ecstatic to see them again, and eat the amazing, authentic Mexican cuisine they had fallen in love with. They tossed around the idea of starting a food truck for years, but in 2020 everything got so crazy they figured they could go crazy, too.  So they bought a truck, had it wrapped by Vivid Wraps in Cincinnati, and fabricated by Street Food Ventures in Monroe and thus El Caporal Food Truck was born. The restaurant provides the food and the cooks, and Kelly and her  husband manage the operational side and work the window.  A true joint venture.

Kelly explained to us  “our food is restaurant quality that you can purchase from a truck.  The food is prepped in the restaurant kitchen by restaurant staff and cooked on the truck by restaurant cooks; all of whom are Mexican and have been cooking for years. Without a doubt their best selling item is tacos.

If you’d like to visit the restaurants, there are two El Caporal locations, one at 6011 Tylersville Rd in Mason and one at 7206 Towne Centre Dr. in  Liberty Township.” 
Kelly also shared that she and Mark are  both in their 50’s with 4 grandchildren; they call her Gigi, and her husband is Papa. We love working with friends and learning something new every day!
Where to find the El Caporal Food Truck:
Thurs, June 3rd 5-8pm
New Ales Brewing
1521 1st Ave, MiddletownSat, June 5th 11am -3pm
Miamisburg Craft Mall
18 N 2nd St, Miamisburg

Sat, June 12  noon-2pm
Middletown Jeep and Eats
500 Tytus Ave, Middletown

Sun, June 13th noon – 4pm
Idle Hour Swim Club
3590 Kemp Rd Beavercreek 45431

You can schedule and follow then via their Facebook page.

This Old Farmer’s Market Launchs Fifth Season

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Tis the season to get outside and support local growers and vendors. It is time for one of Dayton’s best farmer’s markets. It is time for This Old Farmer’s Market to launch its fifth season this Sunday, May 16th,  from 12 to 3 p.m.

This Old Farmer’s Market consists of local vendors offering a variety of food items including spices, fresh baked goods, sauces, coffees, teas, fresh produce, gluten-free options, fresh flowers, meats, jams, honey, snacks, pet treats and so much more! Located on the grounds of This Old Couch, 3930 Dayton Xenia Road in Beavercreek, we encourage everyone to join us for the beginning of a bigger and better season.

Plus, each week several food trucks will be on hand to provide you with some delicious drinks and foods! It’s an all-around wonderful way to support so many local businesses!

Food trucks attending this week include Craves and The Family Bean Coffee Truck

Market vendors attending Opening Day include:

  • Big Axe Spice

  • Blairquist Specialty Meats

  • Busy Bee Real Meals

  • Chesapeake Popcorn

  • Foxhole Farm

  • Heather’s Gourmet Caramel Apples

  • Hooting Hills Organic Farm

  • Jenny G’s Cupcakes & Treats

  • La Petite Lavender

  • Little Miami Farms

  • Nature’s Choice Microgreens

  • Pay It Forward CSA

  • Purely Sweet Bakery (gluten-free)

  • Spoonful: Cookie Dough

  • Stillwater Valley Orchard & Apiary

  • Sweet Emmy’s Herbals

  • Sweet Potato Blooms

  • Sweets by Sarah Alice

  • Taste-T-Love Baby Food

This Old Farmer’s Market

This Old Farmer’s Market offers a wide variety of produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, spices, sauces, snacks – all grown and prepared locally.

located at This Old Couch
3930 Dayton Xenia Rd,
Beavercreek, OH 45432
(937) 426-6005

Runs every Sunday from 12 to 3 pm from May 16th through October 17th.

McCoy on Movies: Spiral

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Chris Rock brings dramatic chops to Saw franchise’s latest spinoff

“Tell me one more time how you didn’t like either of the Grown Ups movies, I dare you!” Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks” (Chris Rock) lines up a potential shot in a scene from director Darren Bousman’s SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW. Credit: Brooke Palmer © 2020 Lionsgate Publicity. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:

 
 
 

DIRECTOR: Darren Bousman

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Samuel L. Jackson, Marisol Nichols, Richard Zeppieri, Ali Johnson, Edie Inksetter and Daniel Petronijevic

THE BACK STORY: Ezekiel “Zeke” Burns (Chris Rock) is a detective with a lot of stress in his life. In addition to going through a divorce, he’s still living in the shadow of his father Marcus (Samuel L. Jackson), the former South Metro Police Captain. Throw in the fact he also turned in a dirty cop and took a bullet when his backup failed to arrive and Zeke understandable seems grizzled well beyond his years … Which should in turn explain why he has little to no desire to train a rookie detective in William Schenk (Max Minghella).
But when Zeke (with his new partner in tow) is called to the scene of what was suspected to be a homeless man hit by a subway train, he quickly learns that he now has an even bigger problem to deal with: A possible disciple of the former John Kramer, the serial killer known as Jigsaw …
THE REVIEW: What happens if you were to upgrade the acting of the past Saw films while retaining the – with apologies to All Elite Wrestling – blood and guts for which the franchise is known? Spiral answers that question: You get a movie that satisfies America’s longstanding obsession with serial killers while delivering a dramatic stage interesting enough to make you keep watching between the absolutely gruesome – and yes, I do mean gruesome – murders.
Say what you want about Chris Rock’s past movie work; the man has quietly been putting in work both in front and behind the camera for several years – and Spiral is his arguably his finest acting performance to date.
Spiral doesn’t work with Rock’s nuanced performance. Even when his hardened detective cracks the occasional joke, it doesn’t feel like you’re watching the stand-up comic that has been slaying audiences for the better part of four decades. Instead, you are watching a man battling inner and external demons, both of which come to a head once he starts seeing bodies of people he has a connection to start to pile up. If you were to remove the torture devices, it wouldn’t be a Saw spinoff (obviously), but it would still work as a serial killer drama – and that’s a testament to how far both Rock and longstanding Saw franchise head Darren Bousman have come.
If there was one nitpicky problem with Spiral, it would have to be part of the ending. Without going into detail, the “too cool to be bothered” explanation by the killer takes away a bit from the dramatic crescendo to which the film builds; given their motivation, this moment needs to be a bit more impassioned as opposed to coming off like “Oh yeah – I killed these people … You want some coffee?” Throw in one seeming hole that may or may not have been left open to some sort of sequel and it takes away a bit from the apex of the story, which is as over-the-top as you’d expect but mostly works … mostly.
But for a film that is arguably the best sequel of a franchise that most people would have been hard pressed to ever imagine upon the initial installment’s release, Spiral avoids going down one in fine, brutal fashion.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

Miamisburg Restaurant Adds Patio and Tiki Bar

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Watermark Restaurant is getting a patio!  This Miamisburg restaurant that opened in 2017 is adding a massive patio, owner Eric Walusis says the patio will seat up to 120 people and they plan to host live music outside, sometime in June.

In addition, they will also be opening a Tiki Bar which will share the patio and is being opened in the building next door. This historic 200 year old building was the original school house in Miamisburg.  Walusis explains the feel of this bar, being called Backwater Voodoo will invoke a laid back atmosphere with a New Orleans theme that will be played out in the menu and cocktails.  Backwater Voodoo will open later this summer.

Watermark Restaurant
20 S 1st Street
Miamisburg, OH 45342

(937) 802-0891

Hours:
Tuesday- Thursday 5-9pm
Friday & Saturday 5-10pm
Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm

Centerville Grille Reopens at Yankee Trace

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It’s a fresh new look for The Golf Club at Yankee Trace that will greet you as you head into the Centerville golf club  the season.  The entire club got a remodel shares Jennifer Kelleher Wiley, an interior decorator with MODA4 Design.

lobby before

“My vision for the space at Yankee Trace was to create a comfortable, classic and sophisticated environment that can be used for multiple types of events from weddings to business events. We want the space to serve as an elegant backdrop so events can take on their own personality in the space,” Wiley said.

lobby after

“The lighter colors and updated lighting, as well as some new focal points like a bar and dressing up the fireplaces, has added a lot to the space and allowed it to stand out,” she said.

The remodel centered around the lobby, ballroom and restaurant areas. The restrooms, as well, were essentially gutted and redesigned. Now each restroom has a separate lounge area for guests and event hosts, which includes new wooden lockers on the men’s side.

The next phase of the remodel will focus on the patio space behind the clubhouse. Plans call to expand the patio and create tiers of seating and event space. The bar and fireplace will likely be shared indoor-outdoor spaces, and designers are working to make many of the areas functional through the colder months.

The Centerville Grille reopens on Wed, May 12th  and will be open for service Mon – Fri from 11am – 9pm. There is seating indoors in the  dining room or outside on the patio.  You order from the counter, inside, or at the window on the outside.

Director of Food Service Jason Pajari is looking forward to welcoming guests back and hopes to be able to bring back the Sunday brunch buffet and jazz on the green, which takes place on the patio in June, when they get the all clear from the health department as the effects of the pandemic lessen.

The newly refreshed menu is as follows:

SALADS

Bourbon Salmon Salad
Mixed greens, red onions, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes,
grilled filet of salmon laced with bourbon glaze / 15
The Yankee
Tomato ceviche, parmesan cheese and bacon. Served with grilled flat bread / 13 small 6

Dressing choices: Ranch, Italian, Blue Cheese, French,
Honey Mustard, 1000 Island, Honey Vinaigrette

ENTREES
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Roasted tomato sauce, garlic, shallots, and fresh basil tossed with pasta. Crowned with grilled chicken and balsamic reduction. Served with grilled flat bread / 18
Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Smoker white cheddar sauce tossed in a fresh pasta. Sautéed shrimp topped with green onions and Italian breadcrumbs / 20
Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Mixed greens, grilled chicken chipotle aioli, tomato ceviche, mozzarella cheese. Served w/ garlic parmesan fairway fries / 13
Coffee Crusted Medallions of Beef
Grilled medallions infused with coffee and laced
with chocolate and sea salt topping. Served with vegetables and roasted baby potatoes / 20
Double Eagle Tacos
Shrimp, beef, chicken, served on a flour tortilla, chili lime slaw, smoked white cheddar sauce and topped w/ fried tortilla strips
Served with garlic parmesan fairway fries / 15
Southwestern Quesadilla
Grilled chicken white cheddar sauce, tomato ceviche, onions. Drizzled with chipotle aioli and green onions / 13
YANKEE FAVORITES
Chicken Finger Platter
Fried chicken tenders served with garlic parmesan
fairway fries, & coleslaw / 16
choice of bbq, ranch, buffalo, or honey mustard dipping sauce
Philly Cheese Steak
Sliced ribeye, onions, and cheese sauce on a t toasted hoagie bun. Served with garlic parmesan fairway fries / 13
SANDWICHES

Gourmet Burger
  9oz grilled beef patty, lettuce, tomato, your choice of cheese on a toasted bun. Served w/ garlic parmesan fairway fries / 14
Golf Coast Cod
Fried filet of Atlantic cod, American cheese, and sun-dried tomato aioli on a hoagie bun. Served with garlic parmesan fairway fries / 15
Delmonico Burger
 9oz grilled beef patty, fried Delmonico onions, BBQ sauce, American cheese, and bacon on a toasted bun
Served with garlic parmesan fairway fries / 14

PIZZAS
Par 4 Cheese Pizza
 Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, provolone cheeses and red sauce / 16
Spinach and Shrimp Pizza
 Sundried shrimp, spinach, sundried onions,
alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese / 16
Southwest Chicken Pizza
 Grilled chicken, garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, tomato ceviche and onions. Laced with chipotle aioli and fried tortilla strips / 16
Due to the number of special events and weddings hosted at Yankee Trace, the Grille will only offer a limited menu on Saturday and Sunday for dining on the course or the patio:

The Main Ballroom can host 250 guests for events.

Adventure Reef Water Park Opens Memorial Day Weekend

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After a dry summer in 2020 due to the pandemic, Kettering’s 3-acre outdoor aquatic facility has announced it will open this summer. The 2021 Adventure Reef Water Park season starts with the park’s Memorial Day weekend kickoff which runs May 29-31. The regular season hours at the park start June 4. Hours will be limited to just noon to 5 pm daily, thought hours may expand later in the season, depending on ability to hire staff.

The water park features the highest and fastest slides in Montgomery County. Additionally, a splash pad, large water playground and plenty of deck seating and chairs greet water park guests. 

Admission for Kettering residents is $5 for adults , $4 for 3-17 years olds and $1 for toddlers 2 and younger. Non-residents pay $10 for adults, $8 for youth. Season passes for residents range are $55 for youth, $65 for adults and a family pass runs $195.  Non-resident passes run $85 for youth, $100 for adults and $295 for a family pass.  Purchase by June 6th for a 10% discount. 

Pass holders enjoy special benefits at Adventure Reef including early entry, exclusive use of the park on Sundays. Pass holders also receive food and drink specials at the concession stand. The water park is located at 2900 Glengarry Dr, in Kettering.

Sinclair Theatre presents: Puffs

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Sinclair Theatre proudly presents the hilarious comedy PUFFS, by Matt Cox, LIVE ON STAGE, beginning May 14-23 in Blair Hall Theatre on Sinclair’s downtown campus. Limited seating will be available and all COVID 19 safety protocols will be enforced.
The New York Times proclaims PUFFS, “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ “
Licensing agent Concord Theatricals claims: “This clever and inventive play ‘never goes more than a minute without a laugh’ (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Their hilariously heartfelt and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.”
Directed by Chris Harmon, the cast includes: Kasaahn Johnson, DeAndre Swann and Lilly Robillard as the three friends; Meredith Sandstorm as narrator; with David Shockey, Kylee Pauley, Mark Kreutzer, Callista Kinney, Leia Gaddis, Christopher Koehler and Grace Baumgardner.
PUFFS also provides unique opportunities for student designers Aurora Azbill (costumes), Carter Paige (props) and Liv McNamara (asst. scenic). Design team also includes: Chris Harmon (set), Daniel Brunk (sound) with Sinclair alums Jessy Henning (lighting) and Brian Morgan (stage manager).
“This production has been a long time in coming,” says Gina Neuerer, chair of Sinclair Music, Theatre & Dance. “PUFFS was originally planned as our opener in the fall and it has taken great coordination to be able to finally produce it on stage safely. We’re extremely grateful to Sinclair administration for approving our safety plan and allowing our students to perform live.”
Tickets cost $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. All tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.sinclair.edu/tickets The box office will not be open for will call or sales at the door. Patrons can show their e-ticket on their phone at the theatre doors for touchless scanning or they can print their tickets at home.
“Our software algorithm provides for social distancing by automatically seating every other row and maintaining 3 empty seats between groups,” says Patti Celek, Sinclair Theatre marketing and box office manager. “We encourage people to plan who they want to be in their party and purchase all tickets at the same time.”
All patrons will be required to wear a mask while on Sinclair’s campus. Free parking is available in the new lot directly across Fourth St. from Blair Hall which is in building 2 OR in the student parking garage on 5th Street.