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

Archives for July 2021

Deadline Approaching for Entrepreneurs to Apply to Retail Lab

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP), along with its small business development partners, is inviting business owners to apply to the third session of the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab small business accelerator program. The Retail Lab is an intensive 12-week experience for business owners aiming to launch or grow their first-floor business in downtown Dayton. Applications will be accepted through July 22.

The Retail Lab has two main goals: To continue energizing downtown with vibrant storefronts, and to provide a supportive pathway into the downtown market for emerging first-floor entrepreneurs, especially woman-owned and minority-owned businesses.  The Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will provide a series of workshops, pitch opportunities, and services that connect the participating businesses to the people, ideas, capital, and resources that will help them thrive and grow in downtown Dayton. Weekly workshops will be held downtown.

Eligible businesses include boutiques, shops, cafes, studios, and restaurants – any consumer business that adds to the vibrancy of downtown’s sidewalks. Applicants should either be located in downtown Dayton or aiming to launch downtown in the next 6 to 12 months. Interested small business owners can find more information, including the program application, at DowntownDayton.org/retail-lab. Applications for the Downtown Dayton Retail Lab will be accepted through July 22, with the program slated to begin in August.

 

The Retail Lab leverages support from many business resource partners including the Entrepreneurs’ Center, the Miami Valley Small Business Development Center, Five Rivers MetroParks – 2nd Street Market, Launch Dayton, and The Hub at the Dayton Arcade. “Building a successful business is full of challenges, but the Retail Lab equips participants with a network of peers and resources who can help them move forward faster,” said AJ Ferguson, director for entrepreneurship and innovation with the DDP and coordinator of the Retail Lab program.  “The Retail Lab was an amazing experience. Not only did I learn about areas of improvement for my business but I was able to make connections with fellow business owners,” said Lindsey Deck, a previous Retail Lab participant and owner of Space Three fitness studio in downtown Dayton.

 

Participation in the 12 week program is provided at no cost, and in addition to the support businesses receive through the workshops, each participant is eligible for up to $1,500 in services from creative, marketing, and operations consultants to implement a strategic improvement in their business.

July 2021 | Application & Selection Process
Deadline to apply: Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:59pm
August – October 2021 | Weekly Workshops (tentatively Tuesdays from 9am to 11am)
November – January 2021 | Capstone Project with Service Provider Support
February 2022 | Demo Day Presentations

Questions about the Retail Lab should be directed to AJ Ferguson, [email protected], or call (937) 681-9793.

 

Groundbreaking set for Wright Dunbar Food Hall

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A groundbreaking will be held with City of Dayton Commissioners, Dillin Corp & Wright Dunbar, Inc. for the W. Social Tap & Table on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at 1100 W Third Street, Dayton OH 45402.

This $2.1 million project will be the first food hall in Dayton. The former 6685 square foot conference center will have a bar and coffee in addition to seven local independent restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining options. The project has been in the predevelopment stage since 2019. Construction begins mid-July 2021 with a target opening date of fall 2021.

The W. Social is adjacent to the National Aviation Heritage Historical Park in the Historic Wright Dunbar Business District. The goal of this project is to bring much needed food choices to West Dayton while supporting local entrepreneurs. The added seven restaurants will also support the thriving residential neighborhood, Wright-Dunbar Village as well as the continued growth, investment and redevelopment of the Wright Dunbar Business District. The W. Social Tap & Table is a joint venture between Wright Dunbar, Inc. and Dillin Corp. This project is funded through private investment, equity, private funding and City of Dayton West Dayton Development Trust Fund.

Warped Wing To Launch Bottled Soda Brand

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The newly forged Warped Wing Soda Co. will soon be releasing a non-alcoholic, gluten-free, and caffeine-free root beer. The root beer is made with real cane sugar and will be available in 6pk 12oz bottles. The soda will be released to retail partners and will also be available at the Warped Wing Taproom in Dayton and the Warped Wing Barrel Room & Smokery in Springboro.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Nick Bowman, VP/Sales & Marketing and Managing Partner at Warped Wing. “We have been testing our housemade root beer as a draught only offering for a few years with tremendous success and now we have the
opportunity to offer it as a bottled option to our valued customers. We have seen a growing demand for a true craft soda and we are proud to be part of this category,” said Bowman.
The launch of the new soda brand will coincide with a partnership with Graeter’s Ice Cream. A special collaborative root beer float has been developed to bring both of these craft brands together and will be exclusively offered at both Warped Wing locations beginning Friday, July 23rd. The Dayton area Graeter’s Ice Cream shops will have bottles of root beer available for carryout as well as a special root beer float package available for delivery the following week. Additional venues for this collaboration are still in development, such as a “Movie Night” inspired float where families can enjoy a night on the lawn at Wright Station across from the Barrel Room & Smokery. More information will be forthcoming as details come together.
The root beer will start hitting the market the week of July 26th and you can find it at your favorite local accounts that carry Warped Wing products. “We also have other flavors in the development stage but we are going all in on root beer out of the gate,” said Nick Bowman. “We see this eventually becoming a portfolio of sodas to satisfy a wide variety of palates.”

ANTHONY BOURDAIN Doc Opens and SUMMER OF SOUL Keeps Soaring!

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Another great weekend! SUMMER OF SOUL keeps soaring, and THE LONELIEST WHALE was much loved with a couple sold-out shows. Both films will share a screen for another week, and in our large auditorium, we’ll be opening ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN – a film that has already sold dozens of advance tickets! We also have numerous special events in the coming days…please keep reading.

NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN: “It’s not where you go. It’s what you leave behind . . . Chef, writer, adventurer, provocateur: Anthony Bourdain lived his life unabashedly. ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how an anonymous chef became a world-renowned cultural icon. From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (20 FEET FROM STARDOM, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?), this unflinching look at Bourdain reverberates with his presence, in his own voice and in the way he indelibly impacted the world around him.” (Focus Features) CLOSED CAPTION DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR THIS FILM. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR THIS FILM. HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR THIS FILM. Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for THE GOD COMMITTEE:”An organ transplant committee has one hour to decide which of three patients deserves a life-saving heart. Seven years later, the committee members struggle with the consequences of that fateful decision.” This film is available to watch on your computer or mobile device as well as via Roku, AppleTV and Chromecast. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48-hour access for $7.
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.
Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen! We’re working on securing a couple more titles, but for sure on July 23, we’ll open the Ben Platt & Lola Kirk drama – BROKEN DIAMONDS. On August 13, we’ll bring the brilliantly strange new Polish film NEVER GONNA SNOW AGAIN. On August 20, we’ll start DRAMARAMA – a charming love letter to drama nerds. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Attention Families with Young Kids! Continuing this Saturday, July 17 at 11am, THE NEON and ThinkTV PBS will keep moving with our FREE Summer Family Film Festival. Each week, doors at THE NEON open at 10:30am, and tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Featuring episodic shorts from popular characters in the PBS Kids library, these screenings will give an opportunity for families to enjoy the movie-going experience together in a budget-friendly way while keeping kids thoughtfully engaged over the summer. Each Saturday will focus on a different program, and activity books will be available for children to take home after the screenings. This film festival is made possible from the generous support of The RubiGirls Scholarship Initiative. \Week #3 (July 17) will feature DINOSAUR TRAIN. Week #4 (July 24) will feature ODD SQUAD. Week #5 (july 31) will be CURIOUS GEORGE. Week #6 (Aug 7) will be READY JET GO. Week #7 (Aug 14) will be PEG & CAT. (more title details coming soon)
Scripted in Black, an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black + Brown unconventional creatives, has two more screenings left in their series. “When SIB thinks of super chill kick back Thursday vibes, we envision a film series featuring just a few of the greatest Black classics + favorites to date. Whether we are learning from the past, relishing in hood politics, or examining the dynamics of friendship, this film series allows us to collectively experience the art of cinema, together. Featuring three Black-owned local businesses and partnering with THE NEON in Dayton allows for mingling amongst the creative community + supporting the local business ecosystem. This movie night series is a chance to celebrate as a community the importance of Black storytelling and the way it honors the multi-dimensional layers of our culture, experience, and perspective. This movie night series is the perfect way to close out a busy work week and step into the weekend with laughs, high vibes, + a little reminiscing on the good old days.” (Scripted in Black) Tickets are $20 each and come with a complimentary popcorn and soda. Each film will be preceded by a business mixer from 6:00-7:00 on THE NEON’s patio…then films will start at 7:15! Series sponsored by Westchester Education Services. July 15 – PAID IN FULL, featured business – AKenlo. July 22 – THE WOOD, featured businesses – Teddy’s World.
HEALING THROUGH FREEDOM, FREEDOM THROUGH HEALING – “This collection of short films reflects the Black experience in America’s modern criminal justice system. Adopting nuanced explorations of police brutality, incarceration, mental wellness, and the path to healing our communities. Featuring works from local artists Brie Hope, Dionte’ Allen, Leroy Bean, and Mariah Johnson. Premiering Sunday, July 18 at 7:30p and 9p EST. Tickets are $25 for the show, $35 for show and after party plus free 3pm reception at Ed Dixon’s Gallery with ticket purchase.” (The Artist Power Hive) Tickets are available HERE.
Local filmmaker Max Kaplan will host the Dayton premiere of his latest short film HAWAII here on Wednesday, July 21 at 7:00 and 9:00. “HAWAII is a coming of age story that follows two high school sweethearts Erika Bierman (THE HUNGER GAMES, DUMB AND DUMBER TO) and Stone Taul (GOOD KIDS) as they say goodbye to everything they have known during their last summer before college; playing music, making memories, and chasing dreams, but ultimately learning how to say goodbye. The film is based on the director Max Kaplan’s high school experience and his time playing in the Dayton psych band Nudists on Strike. HAWAII boasts an incredible compilation soundtrack by both popular and local artists including Summer Salt, King Shelter, Surf Team, Nudists on Strike, and Sister Owsley. Two of Kaplan’s freshman shorts, GET THE F*CK TO CHURCH and SONG OF SONGS will also be shown. After the screenings there will be a Q&A with the cast and crew of HAWAII, actress Erika Bierman, director Max Kaplan and producer Savannah Webb.” (Luminous Coast) Tickets are $10 each and available now on THE NEON’s website and at our box office! Click the image below to watch the trailer for HAWAII.

‘Bright Star’ Review – Epiphany Lutheran Church – A Story You Won’t Forget

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Margo Russ (Alice Murphy) in Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production of “Bright Star,” continuing through July 18. (Photo by Megan Wean Sears)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerous hymns speak to perseverance and questioning life’s outcomes. The following lyric is from one of my favorites:

And we wonder why the test
When we try to do our best
But we’ll understand it better by and by

It’s in the understanding – no matter how many years it takes, no matter how confusing or worrisome it weighs on the mind– that we ultimately discover what our trials and tribulations were all about. And, sometimes, we are inspired beyond belief.

In composer/librettist Steve Martin and composer/lyricist Edie Brickell’s heartwarming and heartbreaking Tony Award-nominated 2016 musical Bright Star, currently receiving an outstanding local premiere courtesy of the Epiphany Players Drama Ministry of Epiphany Lutheran Church, an array of folksy North Carolinians come to terms with the choices, regrets and sorrows of the past. A few individuals are also unknowingly intertwined, raising the stakes which result in a payoff so neat and tidy it seems far-fetched. Nonetheless, this story of love, loss, faith, forgiveness, hope, miracles, and redemption is compelling.

Terrifically directed and choreographed by Megan Wean Sears, Bright Star is set in the mid-1940s with flashbacks to the early 1920s. The focal point is Alice Murphy (Margo Russ, excellently authoritative and narratively inviting), the no-nonsense editor of The Asheville Southern Journal who sees potential in aspiring writer Billy Cane (charming Tommy Cole in great voice). As Alice mentors Billy, who recently served in World War II, the action shifts to her rebellious upbringing in Zebulon as a spunky 16-year-old (fiery, feisty knockout Charlotte Kunesh, fittingly dressed in red, white and blue symbolizing the firework she is) smitten with handsome Young Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Nick Abouzeid in a breakthrough portrayal), son of Mayor Josiah Dobbs (gritty Christian Schaefer). The flashbacks are central to the tale’s impactful resonance. However, unlike the Broadway production in which I doubted the realism of older characters portraying their younger selves, it is a thrill to see Sears approach her staging by mirroring the conceptual allure of Stephen Sondheim’s 1971 gem Follies, a musical in which past and present walk side by side.

Martin, the Hollywood icon who began playing the banjo as a teenager, and Brickell, who leapt onto the music scene in the 1980s with her folk/rock band New Bohemians, create a tuneful, toe-tapping and often lovely score perfectly suited to the Appalachian landscape. Highlights include engaging opener If You Knew My Story, lively hoedown Woah, Mama, cheery Sun’s Gonna Shine, uplifting At Long Last (given a stirring, full-throttle treatment by Russ), and bouncy title number (brilliantly staged with road trip whimsy as Billy travels from Hayes Creek to Asheville).

In another agreeable departure from the Broadway production, Sears places the entire cast on stage throughout to attentively observe the action. In fact, I don’t believe anyone is positioned in the same spot twice, a subtle feat. Her decision not only guarantees seamless fluidity, especially for scene changes, but effectively fuels the story’s intimate emphasis on family and community. Due to the significance of the flashbacks, it is imperative to spotlight Kunesh and Abouzeid’s impressively expressive work in their Epiphany debuts. Without delving into plot specifics, Kunesh’s passionate and riveting contributions to Please Don’t Take Him, a total departure from Young Alice’s free-spirited sass, exemplifies her mastery of character and purpose (which she also exhibited in Muse Machine’s Mamma Mia! and In the Heights). Abouzeid, humorously reflecting on Those Canaan Days four months ago as Dan in Alter High School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, has suddenly transitioned into a genuine leading man. The dynamic heartache he displays in Heartbreaker, interpreting lyrics about parenthood to gripping effect, is an incredible sign of his maturity as a young actor.

Elsewhere, praiseworthy performances extend to the delightful Riley Francis as Billy’s childhood friend Margo (providing a sweetly yearnful rendition of inner monologue Asheville), John Benjamin as Daddy Cane, Brett Greenwood as Daddy Murphy, Jessica Pettit as Mama Murphy, Kath Meyer and Desmond Kingston as Journal employees Lucy Grant and Daryl Ames (Meyer’s feminine flair electrifies boozy ensemble number Another Round), Nicholas Bradley as Jimmy Ray Dobbs (joining Russ for a tenderly poignant I Had a Vision), Sara LiBrandi as Florence, Katie Kress as Edna, Bobby Morgan as Mayor Dobbs’ slick sidekick Stanford Adams, Caleb Campbell as Max, Brady Kress as Dr. Norquist, Larry Klueber as Stationmaster, Sandy Schwartzwalder as Government Clerk, Martha Armstrong-Benjamin as Well-Dressed Woman, and John Morgan as Young Daddy Cane.

The appealing cast includes Quinn Bennett, Andrew Gochenaur, Reese Hornick, Laura Morgan, Eric Pettit, Megan Rehberg, Liza Russ, and Meredith Russ.

Sears’ expert artistic team includes set designer Seth Wade, costumer Kim Harvey, lighting designers Matthew Benjamin and Gabe Reichert (supplying beautifully evocative hues), sound designer Ryan Burgdorf, and properties designers Jason Hamen and Adrienne Ausdenmoore.

Music director David Brush leads a fantastic bluegrass band consisting of fiddler Bebe Blumenthal, guitarist Jay Brunner, cellist Bryce Kessler, bassist Joshua Neiman, drummer Joshua Riedy, pianist Damien Stout, violinist/violist Alice Wagoner, and banjoist David Wells. Perhaps Epiphany should consider Oklahoma! next summer if only to reunite these dandy, down-home musicians.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Epiphany Players Drama Ministry, an outreach artistically spearheaded for many years by the late Kay Frances Wean. Bright Star is another luminous, vocally strong, must-see testament to the caliber of artistry I have come to expect from the troupe. Always have, always will.

Bright Star continues through Sunday, July 18 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The production runs 2 hours and 30 minutes including one 15-minute intermission. Reserved seating is $15. For tickets, visit epiphanydayton.org/summer-musical. For additional information, visit call (937) 433-1449 ext. 103 or email [email protected].

 

 

All You Can Eat Chocolate Party

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After a year off due to the pandemic, Bellbrook Chocolates is bringing back their All You Can Eat Chocolate Party on Saturday, September 25th.  You’ll be invited into the Candy Kitchen and will have the opportunity to taste all the chocolate they make.

There will be a Chocolate Painting demonstration at 7:30pm. Water, coffee and complimentary wine available. TICKETS are limited and can be purchased at Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe, Bellbrook Chocolates at the 2nd Street Market, online or at their booth at the 2nd Street Market (which reopens this Saturday).  Be warned this event does sell out!

Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe

Cross Pointe Centre
101 E. Alex-Bell Road
Centerville, OH 45459

(937) 436-5066
Monday – Wed  10am – 7pm
Thursday & Friday 9am – 7pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday noon – 4pm

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Fair Food Elevated

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Visitors to the Montgomery County Fair are going to have some choices to make when it comes to lunch and dinner.

Grumpy’s BBQ and their chopped brisket!

Sure, you can find funnel cakes and all manner of fried foods and frozen drinks, but did you know that Gourmet Corndogs are a thing? I found awesome bbq today with Grumpy’s BBQ. They are local, came down from Greenville and they are serving up some awesome chopped brisket, more than the bun could handle. With a half dozen sauces, pickles, peppers and onions, you can top it the way you like. Big sandwich, big dring and slaw, $10.00.

Two soft tacos from Taco Depot

Tacos at a fair? Yes indeed. Taco Depot from Bellefontaine (pronounced Bell Fountain) Ohio are serving up pretty loaded soft tacos for $3.00. A great lunch that won’t break the bank. They invited me back for a wet burrito. Imagine a burrito made with beef and beans, then rolled, then covered in nacho cheese sauce? Get an extra napkin and carry that thing to a picnic table to eat with a fork.

Back to that gourmet Corndog. I’ve got my eye on the Reuben corndog from Bite Me, find this yellow truck and go fancy with your next corndog. No matter what you want, you are sure to find it. Soul food, fried pork tenderloins, deep fried desserts, you’ll find it all at the fair. Now through Saturday night!

 

Bite Me

 

OneFifteen Awarded Grant to Support Mental Health of Clients through Bicycling

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The Better Bike Share Partnership recently awarded OneFifteen, the newly opened addiction recovery campus, a grant to support the mental and physical health of patients and staff. The grant will allow OneFifteen to offer helmets and an Annual Membership to the Link: Dayton Bike Share System to staff and clients who complete a cycling safety class with Bike Miami Valley.

Photo Credit – Tina Rezash

Bike Miami Valley co-operates the Link: Dayton Bike Share system with Greater Dayton RTA. The City of Dayton recently supported the expansion into the Carillon neighborhood where the OneFifteen campus is located. “We were thrilled to receive a grant to do specific outreach and engagement with the recovery community,” says Laura Estandia, executive director of Bike Miami Valley. “Our hope is to break down barriers to bicycling through this program so that OneFifteen clients can reap all of the mental and physical health benefits cycling offers.”

“The benefits of physical activity during a recovery journey are well-documented. Being able to provide free access to bicycling for our patients is such a gift. OneFifteen is grateful for the grant from the Better Bike Share Partnership, and the new bike-sharing station installed on our campus by Link: Dayton Bike Share system, that allow us to offer this additional benefit,” said OneFifteen Assistant Medical Director, Dr. Brian Merrill.

Photo Credit – Tina Rezash

The Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) is a collaboration funded by The JPB Foundation to build equitable and replicable bike share systems. The BBSP offers several grant cycles throughout the year. OneFifteen was one of 12 recipients to be awarded a mini-grant in the most recent cycle. “Better Bike Share mini-grants allow us to support and share lessons from small, innovative projects,” said Zoe Kircos, director of grants and partnerships at PeopleForBikes and manager of BBSP. “We look forward to learning from these grantees and seeing how their strategies help more people access bike share systems.”

Fifth Street Brewpub Announces New Brewmaster

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Fifth Street Brewpub’s founding Brewmaster, Darren Link, retired after nine years of brewing some truly creative and tasty beers for this co-op owned brewery.

Today they’ve announced that  Jon Naghski will be the new head brewer.  Jon  has spent the last  nine years working for Goose Island Beer Company. Most recently he served as the Head Brewer at the original Goose Island Clybourn location in Chicago.

General manager Tonya Brock says, “as we continue to grow into the next chapter of the Brewpub’s story, we look forward to having Jon Naghski on board. His years of experience and skill will help us continue to build our solid legacy through fine-tuned beers and maximized production. Jon’s tenure with an international branded brewery has grown his longing to re-connect with the community of drinkers we serve. This combined with his passion of all things beer will only add to our storytelling from ingredients to last drop in the glass. As a co-op, we have always found purpose in sharing a place where stories are made and shared with our community…around a pint of beer.”

As Jon says, “I am impressed by the strong bones that the community continues to build with Fifth Street and am excited to meet people and make some beer.”

A special Meet the Brewer & Annual Hop Picking Party is scheduled for Wednesday, 8/18 5-7pm.

 Fifth Street Brewpub

1600 E 5th St
Dayton, OH 45403

(937) 443-0919

Tuesday – Thursday 4-1opm
Friday & Saturday noon-10pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm

IHOP offering 58-cent pancake stacks July 13th

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In celebration of their 63rd anniversary, IHOP is offering up 58-cent pancakes at restaurants across the nation. A short stack, which is three pancakes, usually costs about $5.59.

The price is a nod to the year IHOP began. The chain opened in 1958 in Toluca Lake, a Los Angeles suburb. Today, there are over 1,600 locations nationwide.

The offer is valid for one day only on Tuesday, July 13, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Any guest who visits a participating IHOP location can order a short stack of pancakes for just 58 cents. The deal is limited to just one order per guest, for dine-in service only.

 

 

6930 Miller Lane
Dayton, OH 45414
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday  06:00am – 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday   6:00am – 12:00am

Butterfly Walk

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These walks meet in front of the Nature Center at 1000 Aullwood Road! Join Sam Romeo and Aullwood’s Long-term Butterfly Monitoring team to identify, count and monitor butterfly and skipper populations. Butterfly enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to participate! Bring binoculars if you have them. These walks meet on the sidewalk in front of Aullwood Nature Center at 1000 Aullwood Road. You must preregister for walks by calling 937-890-7360 or clicking on the red PREREGISTER NOW button here to register online. The walk starts promptly at the scheduled start time and ends promptly at the scheduled end time. The number of participants for this walk is limited. This is a Community Science project and there is no cost to attend.

Ready For Some Fun at the Montgomery County Fair?

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Mackenzie Hoog was named Fair Queen in 2020 but due to the cancelation of the fair due to Covid-19 her reign has been extended so she’ll reign over the 2021 Fair that kicks off this Sunday and runs through July 17th.

The 169th edition offers a vast array of over 21 delicious fair food vendors offering up just about everything to tantalize the taste buds. Plus, this year ‘scooters’ are available for rent so you can zip around the fairgrounds. Safely of course.

Opening ceremonies are at noon on Sunday hosted by  Kristi Leigh of the Mix 107.7 Morning Show, followed by the judging of the pie baking contest. 

With rides provided by Big O’ Amusements, games, entertainment, demo-derby, Tug-A-Truck, tractor pulls, dog show, petting zoo, rodeo and of course the 4H programs and FFA (Future Farmers of America) plus, much more.  A new addition to the fun this year- pig races!

Admission $10 per person – includes track events & parking. Kids 6 and under free with paying adult.  You can buy your tickets in advance online, or at the gate.

$20 All Day Ride wristbands available. Rides open Sun 12-4pm, 5-10pm and; Mon – Sat from 1-5pm, 6-10pm.

Highlight include:

• Mon July 12th 7pm – Demolition Derby
• Tue July 13th 7pm – KOI Drag Racing
• Wed July 14th 8:30pm – Truck/Tractor Pull
• Wed July 14th 3:00pm – Goat Showmanship
• Thur July 15th 6:30pm – Tug A Truck
• Fri July 16th 12-5pm – Drill Team Competition
• Fri July 16th 7pm – Demolition Derby
• Fri July 16th 7-10pm – Flashback The Band
• Sat July 17th 7:30pm – Rodeo

And of course their’s the Fair Food!

A stop at Bite Me Corndogs for a bacon cheddar corndog, with some Potato Tornado Fries,  to be washed down with a frozen lemonade,  followed up with a little dessert from Rollie Polar’s Thia style rolled ice cream and some snacking on funnel cakes, elephant ears and deep fried oreos and of course you can’t leave the fair without some cotton candy!

 

 

Rediscover Downtown Dayton Action Plan

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This spring, an effort was launched with public and private leaders to create the Rediscover Downtown Dayton Action Plan, with the goal of identifying short-term and long-term recommendations and setting a vision for downtown’s recovery following the pandemic shutdown. The Action Plan provides a series of targeted strategies and initiatives that will continue the momentum of growth that Dayton businesses, employees, residents, and visitors have worked on over the past several years.

“Coming out of the pandemic, it was clear that strategic actions would need to be taken by stakeholders from across the downtown Dayton landscape to ensure the blueprint for downtown Dayton success that began with the launch of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan in 2010 continues well into the future,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Our partners knew that we could quickly and proactively come together to make a plan that would leverage the opportunities that were created by the pandemic, including available relief funding and the community’s desire to rediscover life in the core of our city.”

The Rediscover Downtown Dayton Action Plan steering committee formed in early spring, led by co-chairs City of Dayton Commissioner Chris Shaw and Dan McCabe, Chief of Staff at CareSource and the CEO of the CareSource Foundation. The steering committee recruited 100 community volunteers and stakeholders who are committed to downtown’s continued growth and recovery. The team of diverse leaders, business owners, residents and stakeholders worked over a few months, and convened eight different subcommittees, including:

• Future of Office                                                 • First Floor & Small Business Relief

• Outdoors & Recreation                                    • Downtown Development

• Arts, Entertainment, Culture & Venues       • Public Realm & Transportation

• Residents                                                            • Marketing

Out of many meetings and discussions, each subcommittee outlined hurdles caused by the pandemic and then produced a list of recommendations that could  be addressed immediately or planned for in the near future, to ensure the success of downtown Dayton. The full Downtown Dayton Rediscover Action Plan and recommendations can be found at: www.downtowndayton.org/rediscover  

“We are inspired by the energy and enthusiasm that has shown through this planning process,” said co-chair Chris Shaw. “The proactive work that was done to form this plan, and the commitment we already have from stakeholders to bring recommendations to life, proves that the entire downtown Dayton community is in this together.”

“This Action Plan shows that not only our business network, but also the people who live downtown and who come to downtown to enjoy the amenities here, are on board to accelerate downtown’s recovery,” said co-chair Dan McCabe. “We are now inviting our entire community to learn about these efforts and to support our downtown community as we work to bring the vision to life.”

Some of the short-term action items have already been underway, including a Rediscover Downtown Dayton marketing initiative of downtown businesses, partners and stakeholders working to rally the core of the city out of the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown.

Office leaders who have begun to welcome employees back, or who are planning to soon reconvene their teams in downtown workspaces are also using tactics recommended by the Downtown Recovery Plan.

“Despite all the struggles that have come with the pandemic, progress continues,” Gudorf said. “There is much more work to be done, but the Action Plan can serve as a guide for how we can shape the future of downtown Dayton.”

The challenges of 2020 did not stop the growth and redevelopment in downtown Dayton that has been in the works for several years, and last year $90 million of projects were completed in downtown Dayton. Confidence in downtown’s momentum remains strong, with more than $200 million of planned projects in the pipeline.Throughout the pandemic, the community rallied around several relief efforts that were designed to help our independent small businesses that are the lifeblood of our city. Although commercial activity took a significant hit in Dayton and nationwide due to the pandemic, more than 20 new businesses opened in downtown Dayton in 2020.

More information on the efforts to grow downtown Dayton’s business and entrepreneurship network, attract visitors and residents, and create a community of vibrant arts, entertainment and culture can be found at www.downtowndayton.org.

Oh Kee Pah – A Celebration of Phish at The Brightside

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A special night dedicated to celebrating the music of Phish featuring Dayton’s own fantastic four: Chris Houser (The Werks), Dino Dimitrouleas (The Werks), Nathan Springhart (Arrows of Neon) & Rob Brockman (Subteranean)- featuring 2 full sets of music from 8:30pm – midnight on Sat July 10th at The Brightside in downtown Dayton!

Voltzy’s Burgers Return at Garlic Fest

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VOLTZY’S IS COMING TO GARLIC FEST !

Foodies are marking their calendars for Saturday, July 24th, for something they thought would never happen. That is the day where Voltzys Hamburgers make their triumphant return at Dayton’s Garlic Festival.   

As many of you know, restrauteur Rick Volz passed away earlier this year seemingly bringing an end to  30 year career of serving up some of Dayton’s freshest burgers with side of sarcasm.   The run was over, so we thought … but former manager of Voltzy’s has other ideas.  Sammy Bowman has decided to keep his legacy alive.  She is planning on continuing the business, and the first step is a rebirth at Dayton’s Garlic Festival at Carroll Hgh School on Saturday July 24th, frm 1pm -10pm.

New Owner Sammy Bowman

 

Voltzys new owners will be on hand as a food vendor serving up those sliders topped with grilled onions, cheese and sweet heat mustard.  There will even be a garlic option!  Sure you can deviate from the toppings, but you might get scolded !  The new staff will be grilling burgers on Rick Volz’s old catering grill !

WHO ARE THE NEW OWNERS ?

For years Sammy Bowman worked as the “right hand girl” at Voltzys, as his assistant.  From orders to cashier, and food prep to customer service, Sammy helped in every aspect of the business.  As Rick became ill, she helped him the last few years in every aspect of his health struggles.  Dozens of doctors and hospital visits, years working with Rick, left Sammy with a desire to carry on.  Things are tight lipped about what will happen with the negotiations of the current location in Moraine which remains closed, or if they will be moving.   One thing is for sure, if this event goes well, you can expect more bookings of private events and festivals.  It looks like the road back will be one step at a time, and Sammy is taking the leap of faith with pride.  She knows “Voltzy” would be happy to know they are carrying on his tradition of good food.  We agree….

About Garlic Fest
SATURDAY JULY 24th
CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL
4524 LINDEN AVE, DAYTON 45432
1pm-10pm
www.GarlicFestDayton.com

Free Admission
Live Bands, Beer, 15 Food Vendors
Cooking Demos, Dunk Tank, Garlic Hall of Fame
Beginner Bocce Tournament, Craft Vendors
$100 Garlic Eating Contest, Gambling/Casino
Indoor air conditioned, and outdoor seating

 

Volzy and Sammy work a side gig

Those cheese burgers !

 

 

 

His Legacy rolls on ….