Announcing our next Yoga & Wine Wednesday in our UpSide Loft! Join us on March 29th with Elesha Snyder for a stretch and some socialization!
Admission is $20 and you can venmo Elesha directly to save your spot!
Archives for March 2023
Paddling Film Festival at The NEON

23rd Annual Ceramic Fundraiser Soup Dressed Up
Students and staff have created hundreds of bowls fro you to choose from, each one unique and artistically prepared. Select a bowl and enjoy bread dessert and soup that have been generously donated from local restaurants.
Enjoy dinner and bid in our silent auction with magnificent works from local artists.
DQ Free Cone Day!
Grab a free cone Monday, March 20!
Spring begins on March 20 and the best way to kick off treat szn is with Free Cone Day at a DQ® location. On March 20, stop by your local DQ® location and grab a small cone free of charge. That’s right, the iconic curl you crave is 100% free on March 20. All you have to do is show up and order! And as long as you’re stopping by, check out the rest of the menu and enjoy even more delicious DQ® Treats. Because nothing says treat szn like a classic DQ® Treat.
Neil Berg’s 50 YEARS OF ROCK’N’ROLL
With a cast of stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals, as well as incredible rock’n’roll singers, celebrated composer and lyricist Neil Berg shares the often-unknown songs and stories behind the fifty-year history of the music that changed the world!
From the rock and roll of the 1940s, through the glory years of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, up until MTV in the early ‘80s, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘N’ Roll pays tribute to iconic artists including Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, The Who, Janis Joplin, Simon and Garfunkel, Carole King, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Journey, and others!
Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘N’ Roll spotlights the incredible influences and cultures which make up our “melting pot” which poured into the fabric of our music and influenced generations around the world. (Presented by The Springfield Arts Council)
Help Celebrate Local Veteran’s 100th Birthday
A Dayton veteran who spent his life giving back to others is turning 100 years old next month, and his family and friends are asking for the community’s help with a special birthday surprise.
Master Sergeant Richard Gard will be turning 100 on April 6, and his loved ones are asking the community to send him birthday cards. They are collecting the cards for the big reveal on his birthday.
You can mail a card to: M/Sgt Richard Gard, c/o 70 Pine Street, Franklin, OH 45005
Master Sergeant Richard Gard was born April 6, 1923 in the Ohio half of Union City, and his family settled in the Dayton area.
He met his future wife, Gladys, while roller skating in Dayton. Upon his completion of basic training, Gladys traveled to Louisiana where they were married prior to his deployment overseas. They will celebrate their 79th wedding anniversary in June.
Landing in Normandy on D-Day+3, Master Sergeant Gard participated in the breakout from the beachhead through France to Brest.
During the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. In addition, he earned two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart, as well as decorations from Bastogne, Belgium and France.
Master Sergeant Gard was recalled to active duty for the Korean War in 1950. After the war, he earned an engineering degree from the University of Dayton.
In addition to the cards, a birthday parade will be held for Master Sergeant Gard on April 6 at 5:30 p.m. starting on Pearhill Drive in West Carrollton.
The parade will feature Centerville VFW Post 9550, West Carrollton Police and Fire, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harold Schnell Elementary, West Carrolton Marching Band, plus a flyover from a 1943 PT-19A Cornell warplane by the Butler County Warbirds.
This story by: Callie Cassick first appeared on WDTN on 3/15/23
Subway is bringing back its ‘Footlong Pass’
Subway has announced that it’s bringing back its popular Footlong Pass. This $15 sandwich subscription is a sweet deal for anyone who is obsessed with their footlong subs. With the pass, you can get any footlong sub at 50 percent off its usual price. To purchase a Subway® Footlong Pass, you must be a Subway MyWay® Rewards member.

Those who get the pass are allowed to redeem the promotion once per day for the whole month of April, for a value of $150 – making the pass a total steal. This is a good time to check out the Subway Series menu. There’s a lineup of 12 signature sandwiches ordered by name or number, and passholders will have time and opportunity to try them all.

Wright State Theatre presents ON THE TOWN
Wright State Theatre will present the landmark dance musical comedy, ON THE TOWN from March 17 – April 8 at Wright State’s Festival Playhouse. The production will feature Leonard Bernstein’s full score played by an onstage orchestra, and dazzling dances by guest choreographer, Josh Walden.

Trinity Woolf, Ben Ohnemus
ON THE TOWN tells the story of three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City, at the height of World War II. Exuberant, bursting with youthful energy, optimism, silly humor, romance and exquisite music, Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green reinvigorated contemporary Musical Theatre when this show premiered in 1944. Though almost 80 years have passed since then, the show retains a freshness and vibrancy that audiences will find undeniably contagious.

John Cuozzo, Melissa Matarrese
Wright State Theatre’s production features a 19-piece onstage orchestra, led by Faculty Music Director F. Wade Russo, that includes students and faculty from the School of Fine and Performing Arts, as well as local professional musicians. This collaboration is a celebration of Wright State’s newly merged Arts programs into the School of Fine and Performing Arts. ON THE TOWN also features exciting new choreography by guest artist Josh Walden. Walden, a long-time Broadway veteran performer (42ND STREET, A CHORUS LINE, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES) directs and choreographs extensively across the US, with notable productions at some of America’s finest regional and off-Broadway theatres. Their visit has brought a level of excitement and energy that student performers will carry with them for their entire careers. Walden says, “All the choreography in ON THE TOWN has to be intrinsically linked to the clear storytelling of 3 sailors on leave for 24 hours in New York City. From the launch of the ensemble welcoming the sailors with menacing smiles to the many ballets exploring the longing each character feels to connect, every step needs to be essential and deeply connected to want and need. Now, couple all this with the disciplines of ballet and the stylistic moves of the movie musicals from the 40’s and you have our entire physical score. And the students at Wright State University have all risen to this choreographic challenge with great skill and a full-body commitment. ON THE TOWN has proven to be a great representation of their true triple-threat status.”

(left to right) Ben Ohnemus, Tanner Gleeson, John Cuozzo
“ON THE TOWN was a revolutionary musical in it’s time that raised the bar for what a Broadway musical could be in just about every way, while still maintaining an incredible sense of joy, romance and silliness.” says Director Joe Deer. “This new production captures all the energy of that moment and brings it vividly to life in ways that burst off the stage. Most of the characters are exactly the age of our students, who have found a joyful connection with the story that’s thrilling to see in rehearsal. And having a full orchestra and the incredible talents of our students, faculty and staff all harnessed to bring this exuberant show to Dayton is really a dream come true. Our gifted guest choreographer, Josh Walden, has brought a special level of artistry to this production, including four ballets and many other smaller dances that audiences will be dazzled by. I’m truly excited to share this with Dayton.”
Music Director, F. Wade Russo leads the largest musical ensemble Wright State Theatre has ever presented performing one of the musical theatre’s landmark scores. Russo says, “The collaboration between Music and Theatre programs on ON THE TOWN represents Wright State’s commitment to the artistic and professional development of our students. It gives student musicians the opportunity to work and perform alongside their professors as well as with local professionals to hone their musical skills outside of the concert experience. The score is remarkable. Leonard Bernstein utilizes the jazzy rhythm of Gershwin, the boogie woogie swing style of Glenn Miller & Harry James mixed with the orchestral grandeur of Prokofieff, the contrapuntal precision of Bach and the lyricism of Jerome Kern to reflect the complicated urgency of life in wartime America. Not unlike Lin-Manuel Miranda’s use of hip hop and rap to make the story of HAMILTON relevant to contemporary audiences.”
ON THE TOWN is directed by Joe Deer (Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre), choreographed by Guest Artist Josh Walden, music directed by F. Wade Russo (Faculty Music Director) with Scenic Design by Pam Lavarnway (Emeritus Professor of Design), Lighting Design by Prof. Matthew Benjamin, Costume Design by Zoe Still (Instructor of Design) and student Associate Costume Designer Carrie Wieland. Properties are designed by resident Properties Master John Lavarnway, Sound by Department Sound Designer James Dunlap and Technical Direction by Kevin Nedberg (Department Technical Director). The production is Stage Managed by guest artist Nia Burns, with student Assistant Stage Managers Sarah Rowell and Juliette Trumbull. Major support for this production comes from The Musical Theatre Initiative at Wright State University and several private donors.
ON THE TOWN performs from March 17-April 8 (the last week of March will be off for Wright State’s annual ArtsGala). For tickets and information, contact Wright State Creative Arts Center Box Office atwww.wright.edu/theatre or (937) 775-2500
Sycamore 10 ish Miler
Race Day Registration. All participants will be expected to pay on site according to the fee schedule shown below. We recommend that you arrive at least one hour before the race to park, register and warm-up prior to the race start.
FEES:
All Current Members Run for Free (Bring Your Membership Card)
Non-Members:
– $10 for ages 15 and up
– Free for ages 14 and under
Members, you absolutely MUST show proof of membership to be eligible for the member fees! No exceptions! Not an ORRRC Member? Click here to find out how to become a member and learn the benefits of membership.
Minors must have the liability waiver (this is also the registration sheet at the event) signed by a parent or guardian.
RACE DIRECTORS:
- Dan Cross
VOLUNTEERS: Meet some new friends and have a great time while making a valuable contribution to the local running community by volunteering at this event. If you would like to help, please contact the race director(s) (below), and we’ll be sure to find a job for you!
CJ Fish Fry Is Saturday!
Carryout is available from 5-5:30 pm and is $16 per meal (no beverage).
$27 day of | $22 online presale
Carryout: $16 presale | pick up is from 5-5:30 pm
We appreciate the support of those who wish to contribute to the silent auction. If you have an item or service that you wish to provide for the auction, please email Blue Green Club at [email protected]. Thank you!
Tim Hortons Roll Up To Win is BACK
Tim Hortons’ Roll up To Win is back with bigger and better prizes than before- including a daily $1,000 jackpot! Guests can earn a roll by purchasing hot or cold beverages (excluding espresso shots, fountain drinks and Ready to Drink beverages) and scanning for Tims Rewards with their Tim Hortons app or physical Tims Rewards card in store, or purchasing eligible items on the Tims app or online.

Tims has partnered with renowned brands for prizes this year, including the following:
– A 3-night vacation for four to Universal Orlando Resort, including roundtrip airfare and accommodations
– A 2023 Bronco Big Bend™
– Electronics including Samsung 65″ TVs, Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 tablets, gaming consoles and Skullcandy SLYR® Wired Gaming Headsets
– Subscriptions to the SXM app to stream ad-free music, sports and entertainment
– Subscriptions to The Athletic, providing in-depth, personalized sports coverage
– Thousands of Tims products from free drinks to baked goods and gift cards
Be sure to get as many rolls as you can before the contest ends on April 2!
St Patrick’s Day 3.1 Beer Run
Our World Needs Hugs….Enter Mama Bears!

We are at a weird crossroads in our country. America was once the vision of open-mindedness and acceptance, but we have fast become a cancel culture hell-bent on us vs. them. Blame whatever you need to….social media, Trump, Russia….but the truth is, empathy can only come from one place….US! In this time of deep judgement, angst and side-eyeing, Emmy-winner Daresha Kyi‘s ‘Mama Bears’ documentary teaches us about the impact of self-awareness. (Kyi is from Dayton!)

Daresha Kyi Connects Again!
The film centers on conservative, ultra-religious mothers who happen to be parents of LGBTQ children. And there within lies the door to understanding. It isn’t easy, quite the opposite. Their journeys that we join are tough, raw and at times, very uncomfortable. Luckily, Dayton was privy to this heartfelt film thanks to the Director herself arranging a screening at the Neon Movies. Thanks to the Hope Collective Church, the film was free…they hold their services at the Neon on Sundays. Fear not, however, the film is coming to PBS on the Independent Lens series Tuesday, June 20th. And it is a must-see.
The ‘Mama Bears’ movement is expanding daily, as more and more mothers ‘come out of their own closets’ to help their LGBTQ children navigate a less than perfect world. Their stories….told masterfully, because it is those dealing with the situations that share them…range from a lesbian making her way ‘out’ with a devout, yet open mother; a trans child, facing a Texas backlash about bathrooms; and a mother learning that her son may not be exactly what she envisioned. Each, heart-wrenching and jolting to these mothers who have long relied on the word of ‘God’ as translated by a fundamentalist congregation.
You are with the mothers, on a path….at times wanting to shake them silly, and at others wanting to hold them and show them they can do this! And they will ‘get there’…in their own time…weaving through a series of setbacks as they try to keep their deep Christian voice, and yet protect their own. For those in the LGBTQ community, the pain is familiar. The idea that parents can be so sure of their feelings, that they lose sight of their love for their own children…hard to swallow, but it’s real. It’s all around us. And as the film unfolds, slowly, they begin to hear a different voice…a new idea….a threat of sorts to their everyday…but oh, what reconciliation can do! They begin to realize that nothing and no one should stand in the way of a good life for their kids. That inner-voice is really the driving force behind any and all Mama Bears!

Kimberly and Kai Shappley face Trans-Phobia.
We see in the struggle, the need for acceptance and camaraderie. And, through Facebook, and word of mouth, these newly awakened mothers find their children, themselves and their pack! That pack, Mama Bears, can be seen throughout our country at PRIDE events, PFLAG meet-ups and more….there for one simple reason, to give Free Hugs to those LGBTQ kids and adults, who have lost that connection in their own life.
Allow yourself the opportunity to watch the film…it’s hopeful, Especially in this world of ‘No Drag Queens,’ ‘No Trans,’ and ‘No Way But My Way’ mentalities. Our world is suffering, not because we lack the ability to understand and listen….but because we CHOOSE not TO! You might be surprised how this film helps us open up….and open wide our arms for one big MAMA BEAR HUG!
Enjoy there trailer:
Smashburger Wings BOGO Starts Today
Smashburger is celebrating March Madness this year with a buy one, get one free order of wings starting March 16, 2023.

The special offer is valid on the purchase of a 6-piece order of wings any flavor:
at regular price online/in-app and in stores with promo code “MADWINGS,” while supplies last.
This offer is available at participating locations on the following dates:
- March 16 to March 19, 2023
- March 23 to March 26, 2023
- April 1 to April 3, 2023
Smashburger’s March Madness BOGO deal is limited to a maximum of two orders per transaction.
St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Kicks Off at 6am
Carmichael’s Pub wants to start your St. Patrick’s Day off right.
From 6am – 11pm they’ll be serving up biscuits w/your choice of gravy, scrambled eggs, potatoes O’Brien and your choice of bacon or sausage fro just $6.
They are also offering $1 off all breakfast shots and domestic beer bottles for just $2.75
Carmichael’s Pub 
Subterranean and Visitor at Brightside
You’re invited! We are throwing a pop-up rock show at The Brightside’s VodVil Bar with our friends Visitor & Subterranean on Saturday March 18th! It’s going to be a seriously fun show with two awesome local bands! And it’s just $10 advance or $15 day of show. The fun gets going at 8pm at The Brightside. Bring your good vibes and boogie with us!
HOW TO GO?- Sat, March 18, 2023- Doors open at 8pm- Show starts at 8:30pm- At The Brightside (905 E 3rd St)- $10 advance here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/71829/orders/new – $15 at the door – Free on-site parking available (both sides of building)- All ages welcome (over 21 w ID to drink, under 18 with an adult / parent)- No food truck at this event, so outside food is OK, but no outside beverages of any kind.
