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Archives for February 2025

ART Matters, A Grass Roots Symposium on Why Arts Matters

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EPIC Inspires announced its inaugural event “ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium” to be held on February 28, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at The Tank Theatre inside the historic Dayton Arcade.

Renowned artists, architects, designers, city leaders, and creative visionaries will come together to explore opportunities for artists and the economic impact and importance art has at the intersections of innovation, culture, and community. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., will provide opening remarks, and closing remarks will be made by Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. The keynote address “Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio” will be presented by Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.

The goal of this event is to educate the community on why art matters and provide inspiration to those who seek art as a profession, while elevating the effect art can have on the Dayton metropolitan area. Attendees will discover the power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect through engaging, thought-provoking discussions designed to spark new perceptions and foster collaboration across disciplines. Presentations featuring diverse experts will illuminate how industries can benefit from integrating artistic perspectives and reveal ways to cultivate successful partnerships with artists. Conversations will explore strategies for artists to position themselves as valuable collaborators in nontraditional spaces and delve into innovative ways art can coexist with various fields to drive creativity, alliances, and economic growth. 

Dana Wiley, owner of the Dana L. Wiley Gallery and president of EPIC Inspires, LLC, said, “Initiating this art symposium is an important step in building a bridge where artists, ideas, and communities meet in collaboration to inspire and redefine the boundaries of creativity. My hope is that we can cultivate opportunities for creatives, ensuring their success, as they are the foundation for vibrant and dynamic communities.”

Organized by EPIC Inspires and sponsored by CreativeFuse, Sinclair Community College, Taft Law Firm, and Wright State University, the symposium will feature nine breakout sessions for attendees to select from, including two panel discussions exploring opportunities for artists across industries and the current state of artmaking in 2025. Featured presenters and panelists are industry leaders comprised of Michael Roediger, director and CEO of The Dayton Art Institute, Lisa Hanson, president and CEO of Culture Works, Frances Jo Hamilton, director of revitalization at Heritage Ohio, and Brandon Ragland, artistic director of the Dayton Ballet, among many others.

“This symposium pulls together artists, builders, and creators to talk about how art matters in their respective fields, but also to talk about why art matters, period, full stop,” said Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr.

Tickets are $20.00 for students and $65.00 for the general public and include a boxed lunch from Tony & Pete’s. A networking reception will be held at the Dana L. Wiley Gallery in The Dayton Arcade following the event at 4:15 PM, where attendees can meet and greet the guest speakers. To get more details about “ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium,” and purchase tickets, visit: Eventbrite.

AGENDA:
A
9:00 AM – 9:25 AM Check-in at the Tank Entrance

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM Opening Remarks Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr.,  The Tank

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM – Choose from one of these 3 presentations:

*Art, Identity, and Transformation: The Power of Creative Philanthropy, Josh Stucky, The Galleria

*On the Frontlines: Artists discuss the current state of artmaking in 2025, The Tank 

Panel: Rodney Veal, Jamal Durr, Brandon Ragland, and Kevin Harris

*Redefining Beauty: The Art of Efficiency and Resilience in Design Mary Rogero, Dana L Wiley Gallery

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM – Choose from one of these 3 presentations:

*Tell The Story: The Art of Visual Speaking, Gary Hinsche, Dana L Wiley Gallery

*The ART of Toy Design: The Process of Toy Design, How Art is at the Foundation, Tom Osborne, The Tank

 *How Art Breathes Life into Forgotten Places, Dave Williams, Dana L Wiley Gallery

11:50 AM – 12:50 PM      Lunch pick up is in the Tank Reception Area. Seating available in the Galleria and The Hub.

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM- Choose from one of these 3 presentations:

*From Workspace to Living Room: How Art Alters the Way You Feel, Litsa Spanos, The Galleria

*Creative Crossroads: Exploring Opportunities for Artists Across Industries, The Tank\

Panel: Debi Chess, Andy Aidt, Lisa Hanson, Frances Jo Hamilton, Michael Roediger, and Craig Gossman. Location: Tank

*ART in Design: What is Art, Why does it Matter, and How do I get it?, Rich Johnson, Dana L Wiley Gallery

1:50 PM – 2:10 PM  Break

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

KEYNOTE: Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio, Donna Collins The Tank

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM., Closing Remarks – Shelley Dickstein, The Tank

4:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Reception – Join us in the Dana L Wiley Gallery for refreshments. Food Provided- Cash Bar

EPIC Inspires is a grassroots initiative launched by community members with passion for the arts and a desire to explore the Educational, Promotional, Inspirational, and Connective impact of the arts. The EPIC Inspires mission is to unify Dayton’s dedicated arts community through curated exhibitions, special performances, and collaborative experiences. We aim to present Dayton as a vibrant hub of creativity in all its diversity to celebrate the art and artists in this metropolitan area.

Wendy’s New Thin Mints Frosty Is Here!

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Wendy’s  new Frosty in partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA makes its debut today!  According to Wendy’s, its newest limited edition Frosty combines the “flavor of two iconic fan favorites — Girl Scout Thin Mints and our beloved Frosty dessert — for a delectable, minty treat.” And, as it noted, “everyone knows Thin Mints are extra delicious when frozen,” which, honestly, is impossible to argue with as it’s a verifiable fact. Best of all, fans can enjoy the new Thin Mints swirl in either a Wendy’s Classic Chocolate or Vanilla Frosty.

The development team behind the Thin Mints Frosty wanted to play up the concept of frozen Girl Scout Thin Mints, based on the widely circulated belief that these cookies taste even better straight out of the freezer. Simply adding crumbled frozen cookie pieces to the Frosty didn’t satisfy the developers (not to mention Dairy Queen did exactly that with the Blizzard years ago). Instead, Wendy’s came up with a chocolate swirl inspired by Girl Scout Thin Mints, which exists somewhere between cookie butter and ice cream fudge topping. Being able to try the Thin Mints Frosty in vanilla or chocolate adds another layer of intrigue to Wendy’s Thin Mints innovation.

 

Discover Paddlesports

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In this interactive, in-person program paddlers will determine which level of difficulty is appropriate for their level of experience. There will be information provided about paddling opportunities within MetroParks and our surrounding area. Perhaps most importantly, this program will provide you with the resources to feel empowered to make your own decisions about your next paddling trip.

Two One-Act Plays in One Night Through Sunday

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Double the laughs, double the fun! Experience a night of side-splitting entertainment with two hilarious one-act plays back-to-back.

Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche: Come join the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein at their 1956 Annual Quiche Breakfast, where they pay tribute to the most perfect food in the world, the egg. Secrets will be revealed and laughs will be had, as the women face the unknown… and the possibility of a world without eggs.

The Butler Did It: Next, enjoy a classic whodunit comedy, where nothing is as it seems! This cast of colorful characters, plenty of misunderstandings, and, of course, a butler, create a witty and entertaining mystery that is sure to make you laugh out loud.

Don’t miss this double feature of comedy! It will be an evening full of laughter.

Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal at The Rose

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TajMo – the historic collaboration between two generations of American music masters – have announced their long-awaited return with Room On The Porch, a new full-length album out May 23 on Concord Records. The ten-song collection finds Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal reuniting for their first release together since 2017, when their debut collaboration brought them from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to the GRAMMY stage where they took home Best Contemporary Blues Album. Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ will also bring their TajMo live show back on the road in 2025. The duo will celebrate Room On The Porch in over a dozen cities across the United States, including Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center at The Heights on Tuesday, June 10.

“We’re just trying to keep the culture moving forward,” said Taj Mahal during the duo’s acceptance speech that year; a joint mission statement that radiates as strong as ever with Room On The Porch.

“That first album turned out so great that part of me wondered if maybe we just got lucky,” jokes Keb’ Mo’ on reuniting with Taj Mahal. “But when we got back into the studio together, I felt that same magic again, and I realized it wasn’t luck at all.”

Featuring a tracklist with more original, co-written songs than ever before, Room On The Porch (which Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ also co-produced together) brings out the best in both of these legends. The music is warm and inviting, rooted in the joy of human connection and the power of positivity. There’s no greater example than the album’s title track, which unites TajMo with Ruby Amanfu for a much-needed ode to friendship and community in these divisive times: “Stay as long as you like / That’s alright / Come up on / There’s room on the porch for everyone.”

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, February 28 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

 

2025 Chair of Walk of Fame Announced

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Debbie Lieberman, a new member of the Wright Dunbar, Inc. Board, will chair the 2025 Walk of Fame Committee. She has chaired numerous large events including past Artemis Galas. Her outstanding history of service in Montgomery County and her love for the area are recognized and highly respected.
The Walk of Fame event is September 24 at Sinclair College. Nominations for the 2025 induction ceremony will be accepted until the deadline of February 28, 2015. The nomination form may be found online at daytonwalkoffame.org
History of the event
The Walk of Fame was begun by Celebration Dayton ’96 at the main terminal of the Dayton International Airport in 1996 in recognition of the region’s Bicentennial. Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first two inductees in 1995 to jump start the idea. The project was transferred to the 2003 Inventing Flight Committee in 1997. Today the Dayton Region Walk of Fame is in the Wright Dunbar Historic District in Dayton on West Third Street. It is managed by Wright Dunbar, Inc. and an event Executive Committee.
Almost 200 individuals or groups have been recognized in the last three decades. Stones to recognize them are placed in the sidewalk for a truly outstanding learning experience. Inductees represent the following fields: Arts and Culture, Aviation, Business/Corporate Leaders, Community Service, Education, Entertainment/Media, Environment, Government/Military, Invention/Innovation, Law, Medicine, Philanthropy, Science, Significant Personal Achievement and Sports. Nominations are considered active for three years.
2024 Awardees were The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, the Osborne Brothers, and Dr. G. Douglas Talbott. No

35th Annual Day of Caring Pancake Brunches This Sunday

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From the first pancake brunch with 12 locations this event has grown  to  locations in over 7 counties. As in the past, churches, community organizations, and public foundations host, prepare, and serve the annual pancake brunch.  “Each year, 500 volunteers get together to serve over 7,000 meals,” Day of Caring 365 Trustee Steve Pax said in a news release. “Those who are homeless or hungry find a generous support from our community during Thanksgiving and Christmas, however The Day of Caring Pancake Brunch takes the last Sunday in February to remind the needy that we don’t forget about them. We show that we care 365 days a year.” In 2012 the Simply Essential Hygiene Pantry was created and it currently serve 19 partner agencies in Greene, Miami, and Montgomery Counties in Ohio.

Brunches run on average $7 for adults and $5 for seniors (over 60) and children (under 12). Most brunches include pancakes and sausages, coffee and juice,  but each location put their own spin on additional offerings.

Montgomery County

American Legion Post 598

5700 Kentshire Dr. Kettering OH, 45440 (937) 433-9327

10:00AM – 12:00PM

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 

500 Belmonte Park North Dayton, OH 45405  (937) 224-0601 

Honey Puffs in lieu of Pancakes

11:30AM

Community United Methodist

339 Meyer Ave Riverside, OH 45431 (937) 253-5169

9:00AM – 1:00P

Epiphany Lutheran Church

6430 Far Hills Ave Centerville, OH 45459  (937) 433-1449 

9:00AM-12:30PM 

Grace United Methodist Church

1001 Harvard Blvd Dayton, OH 45406. (937) 671-3065

10:00AM – 1:00PM

Omega Baptist Church

1821 Emerson Ave. Dayton, OH 45406 (937) 278-1006

8:00AM – 11:00AM

Polk Grove United Church of Christ

9190 Frederick Pike  Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 890-1821

9:00AM – 2:00PM

Salem Church of the Brethren

6037 Phillipsburg-Union Rd. Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 836-6145

11:00AM- 2:00PM

Shiloh United Church of Christ

5300 Philadelphia Dr. Dayton, OH 45415 (937) 277- 8953

9:30AM-12:30PM  

Zion Lutheran Church

5550 Munger Road Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 434-9422

9:00AM- 1:00PM

Greene County

Abiding Christ Lutheran Church 

326 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd  Fairborn, OH 45324  (937) 878-2888

9:30AM – 1:00PM

 Xenia Adult Recreation Center

338 South Progress Drive Xenia, OH 45385 (937) 376-4353

9:00AM – 1:00PM

Mosaic Church

350 N. Fairfield Rd Beavercreek, OH 45430 (937) 426-6491

8:00AM – 1:00PM

Clark County

An-Nur Islamic Community Center

743 W. Liberty Street Springfield, OH 45506

11:00AM – 2:00PM

Warren County

St Augustine Catholic Church

5715 Lytle Road Waynesville, OH 45068

11:45AM – 12:45PM

Lobsterfest Returns to Red Lobster

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 Red Lobster’s most legendary event of the year is back and bigger than ever. Lobsterfest® returns through April 20, 2025, and this year, it’s not just great, it’s the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time. Red Lobster® is owning its lob-star status with unmatched quality, bold flavors, and an elite new lineup of lobster creations designed to make this year’s celebration truly unforgettable.

After last year’s success, Red Lobster is doubling down on its lobster authority, rolling out 10 mouthwatering new dishes alongside the ultimate Lobsterfest upgrade: a Create Your Own option. For the first time ever, guests can build their dream plate by selecting two or three lobster entrées, customizing their perfect Lobsterfest feast.

“Lobsterfest is the ultimate celebration for lobster lovers, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level with more variety, more flavor, and more ways than ever for guests to satisfy their crustacean cravings,” said Nichole Robillard, CMO at Red Lobster. “From brand-new lobster creations to our exciting new Create Your Own option, we’re serving up a lobster-loaded lineup that’s sure to please any palate.”

Only at Red Lobster can fans indulge in the one-of-a-kind Lobsterfest celebration, featuring 10 all-new lobster dishes – like Lobster & Shrimp Linguini and a Lobster Roll – plus a Create Your Own option. Returning fan favorites, including hush puppies and popcorn shrimp, are back, all served with endless Cheddar Bay Biscuits. To top it off, guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails, making every bite and sip an unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the most legendary Lobsterfest yet. The countdown is on, so get ready to feast like a GOAT at Red Lobster. To view the complete Red Lobster menu or find a restaurant location near you, visit Red Lobster’s website.

Beans & Cornbread Winter Hike

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Cabin Fever? Join us at Caesar Creek State Park for a breathtaking hike in this winter wonderland!

Start at the Nature Center and take a guided hike of the park.

See scenic views of the lake, frozen waterfalls and the Swinging Bridge!

Warm up later at the Nature Center with a hearty lunch for a $5 per person cash donation.

Hope to see you there!

Hyryder- Grateful Dead Tribute

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Immerse yourself in the timeless magic of the Grateful Dead with x dedicated to capturing the spirit, improvisation, and musical exploration that defined an era.
Hyryder brings the legendary dead tunes to life with passion and authenticity.
Come and join the ride—where the spirit of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead lives on, revitalized by the sonic mastery of Hyryder.
Elevate your concert experience, relive the magic, and let the music carry you away with the ultimate Grateful Dead tribute–Hyryder.
HOW TO GO?
Hyryder at The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
Friday, February 21, 2025
Doors 7pm / Show 8pm
Tickets $15 advance
$20 day of show
Ticket link: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/…/hyryder-a-celebration…
All ages welcome!

The Great Guinness Toast at Dublin

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THE GREAT GUINNESS TOAST
– Win a pint of GUINNESS a day for a year –

Friday Feb. 21 at 10pm
Toast with the pubs and bars all across the country. The winner of the toast competition becomes the Great Guinness ToastMaster 2025 and will win a free pint of Guinness a day for a year.
Live music from Jamesons Folly!!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You simply sign up before 9 PM on Friday February 21 at the front door of Dublin Pub.
At 10 PM we will start the ToastMaster competition. You will simply read your toast on stage like a superstar and finish with a mighty cheer “Slainte!!” (pronounced Slan-Che).
Hints for using Guinness or Dublin Pub or Becoming a Grandmother always carry weight.
HOW DO YOU WIN?
The competition is simple to win. The winner of the competition wins by audience applause, so if you want to be crowned the Great Guinness ToastMaster 2025, you should bring as many friends as possible.

Dayton At Work and Play: Ed Dixon

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I remember showing some of my work at the gallery’s original location near the Arcade. Now it is in a great space near RiverScape.

Ed’s gallery is best known for its annual “We’re Doing it ALL Wrong” exhibition that runs from August 1 to September 28 this year. Artists from across the country submit work that highlights important social issues. I asked Ed where he got the idea for this annual show.

“I started my gallery 7 years ago” he told me. “From the first I wanted to do an exhibition with art work that was thoughtful and thought provoking – maybe even art that spurred people to take action. I didn’t want it to be political. I wanted it focused on issues. During that annual exhibition we sometimes have nonprofit nights, where people can learn more about the local groups that are addressing the issues referenced by the artists in the show.”

There is an interesting mix of art currently in the gallery, with prices ranging from $100 to $8,500. In the first photo above, Ed is standing in front of a beautiful painting by Beavercreek resident Alisa H Workman. She describes her work as lightly abstract floral art.

A group of colorful abstracts currently in the gallery was painted in Cuba by the late Julio Antonio Pino Varens. He had a friend in Dayton who arranged to have the work sent here.

 

 

Also traveling a fair distance are the two pieces currently in the corner by California artist Juko. “She grew up in Dayton” Ed told me. “We went to school together. We lost touch when she moved away and only recently reconnected. In California she got a PhD and has had a great career in forest conservation. And she paints amazing abstract works that I’m happy to bring to Dayton.”
“One of the things I like most about having a gallery is choosing what work to show. This spring we’ll be showing work by Dayton’s Susanne Scherette King. I’ll enjoy being surrounded by her work for a month.”


Next time you’re downtown you should stop by Edward A Dixon Gallery and see what art Ed is currently surrounding himself with.

222 North St Clair
Dayton, OH 45402

Hours:
Thurs, Sat & Sun 12pm – 5pm
Friday 3pm – 8pm

Can’t visit during normal hours?  Make an appointment!
Click here to make an appointment or
You can also call 937-985-2115 or email [email protected].

Miami Valley Meals 2nd Pierogi Sale Kicks Off Wed

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 Miami Valley Meals (MVM) is bringing back its popular spring fundraiser, Pierogi with a Purpose, in which sales of handmade pierogi benefit hunger relief across the Miami Valley.

MVM’s professional chefs and volunteers will be preparing thousands of handmade pierogi for the community to enjoy. Pierogi will go on sale Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and the sale will remain open until March 12, 2025, or until sold out. Pierogi will be sold by the dozen for $15/dozen and frozen for easy storage and preparation. The event is a pre-order event; buyers will be asked to select a scheduled pickup time at checkout. The pierogi are filled with potato and cheese and are vegetarian-friendly—perfect for those celebrating Lent.

This new tradition, started in 2024, was inspired by MVM Board Chair Ricia Ballas.  Ricia stated, “I grew up making pierogi with my mom. To me, they represent not just a yummy comfort food that we always ate on Christmas Eve and during Lent, but the act of making and eating pierogi represents family to me. Growing up in northeast Ohio, handmade pierogi were always available, churches and restaurants sold them, but we just don’t have that in the Dayton region. I’ve been encouraging pierogi-making for years, I just needed to find the right partner in Stan Troha [former board member of MVM] and the right organization. Miami Valley Meals is that organization.” 

All proceeds raised from pierogi sales will benefit MVM’s mission to transform donated food into nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity across the Miami Valley. The inaugural fundraiser last year sold out within two weeks and brought in over $9,000 to support Miami Valley Meals. 

Taylor Naragon, Communications Manager at MVM, shares, “This event really exemplifies how food and community come together for the greater good. I had no idea how beloved pierogi were until we launched this event last year, and was amazed at how many people rushed to purchase them. Our volunteers have the best time making them, and we all bonded together over it. It’s a really special event, and we’re thankful for the enthusiasm the community has shown us. Every purchase helps us continue our work to provide chef-prepared meals free of charge to local families in need. It’s a delicious way to pay it forward!”

2nd Street Market’s Chefs Featured on Top Vegan!

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Filmed in Columbus, Ohio, this all-vegan competitive cooking reality series delivered culinary excitement and fierce competition. Eight vegan chefs and home cooks will compete and at the end of each episode, one contestant will be eliminated Top Chef-style. Competitions will see the contestants make vegan spins on classic dishes, paying homage to veganism’s roots.  Ultimately the winning chef is named Top Vegan.

In the shows first season Dayton Native Rhea Adkins of Vegan It IZ Eats, LLC,  showed off her culinary skills for multiple episodes. Rhea adapted a plant-based lifestyle after going on a spiritual fast in 2017 and a cancer scare with her mother. While eating plant-based foods she noticed an increase in energy and overall health. She then began to research and pilot her plant-based food products. Rhea’s desire is to see everyone live their best life full of energy.  She is also the author of the book “Plant-Based Jumpstart,” and the mother of two.

Larry & Lester of Invoke

In this second season for the show eight chefs competed in eight challenges for the  grand prize of $20,000 and title of “Top Vegan.” One of those contestants was Dayton’s own Lester Gates, who is the owner and chef at INVOKE with his brother Larry, opened at the  2nd Street Market six years ago. Since then, the restaurant has gained traction, serving modern takes on classic favorites, along with vegan options. Some of its staples include grain bowls, cashew-based “cheese cake,” and vegan crab cakes.

The show was filmed at culinary facility located on the campus at Columbus State Community College. Produced and hosted  by Chad Goodwin, owner of  4th and State, a vegan restaurant in Columbus.

Seaon 2 Contestants form left to right: Lester Gates, Sarah Martin, Candace Meredith, Jani Espinosa, Logan McMahan, Desireé Johnson, Elisa Vales, Matteo Silverman.

“We’re trying to make something that I think is severely lacking in the competitive cooking reality series as a whole,” said show director Logan Solana. “We want to show the world that going vegan is possible, and you don’t have to give up the things you love on an all-vegan diet.”

Chef Lester

Chef Lester said the 10 day experience “was amazing, exciting and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I enjoyed working with all the other contestants.”

Since the show, he’s been working on launching his Invoke Red Sauce which he featured in the business pitch of the final episode of the show, and getting it into stores.

You can watch the final episode of the show below:

 

Invoke at the 2nd Street Market
600 E 2nd St,
Dayton, OH, 45402

Hours:
Thu-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm
Sat 8:00am-3:00pm
Sun 11:00am-3:00pm

McCoy on Movies: Captain America: Brave New World

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Mackie solid despite underwhelming adventure awaiting Captain America: Brave New World

The final theatrical poster for CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD.  © 2025 Walt Disney Studios. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Shira Haas and Xosha Roquemore

DIRECTOR: Julias Onah
 
THE BACK STORY: Steve Rogers may have walked off into the sunset … But that doesn’t mean America won’t continue to face threats, domestic, international and – as any dedicated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) watcher can tell you – across galaxies and multiple universes. That’s why Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is on the case, taking up his mentor’s mantle, complete with a new Falcon – a.k.a. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) in training by his side. In addition to a new title, Sam also has a new boss in the form of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford, taking over the role left vacant by the late William Hurt), a.k.a. the newly elected President of the United States of America. 
 
The discovery of adamantium on a celestial island (yes, X-Men fans and the five of you that liked the Eternals movie, adamantium has made its way into the main MCU) is set to once again change the world. That’s why a seemingly changed Ross is looking to shed his hotheaded reputation and lead a peace treaty involving all the world’s major nations.
 
Problem is, Ross hasn’t been exactly honest about a few things, leaving Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito) on the hunt to steal the precious metal for an unknown buyer. But as things unfold and land his role model, the original Captain America Isiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) behind bars,  Sam ends up trying to prevent an international incident … Even if Samuel Stearns (Tim Blake Nelson) has plans that might otherwise sending Ross into a rage where he – and the entire world – will end up seeing red as a result. 

THE REVIEW: Given the current political/social state of America, it should come as zero surprise that if you are the type that has demonized the letters “DEI,” CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is not the film for you. Likewise, if you are suffering from superhero fatigue and/or cannot see past the skin color of the film’s titular character, you should stay home as well.

 

However, if you enjoy most of Marvel Studios’ releases and are able to watch a story that focuses more on traditional superhero values (peace, a man with designs on revenge and/or justifiably using his intelligence/force for the right reasons but in nefarious ways), BRAVE NEW WORLD hits the mark more than it misses. 

 

Much moreso than in the lackluster Falcon & the Winter Soldier Marvel limited series, Mackie carves out his own niche as Cap in BRAVE NEW WORLD, paying homage to Chris Evans work in the role while putting his own stamp on the character. Wilson’s status as a black man is a minimal part of the story, which instead focuses on a man trying to honor his predecessor and serve the country that, in 2025, all of its citizens may or may appreciate his service. With Mackie’s Sam Wilson rumored to lead the next iteration of The Avengers, his performance shows he has the stamina to step into the role Evans helped define … Even if he still needs a bigger defining experience to firmly establish him as such.

 

In fact, if there is one thing that could be seen as more of a letdown, it’s the fact that BRAVE NEW WORLD simply follows the beats required of a standard Marvel adventure: There’s a hero facing some sort of internal crisis, a villain with motivations you can somewhat understand and some really good fight sequences with jokes throw in occasionally for good measure.

What BRAVE NEW WORLD needs, however, is a truly remarkable villain and definitive moments that make it feel like less of a prelude to other adventures. Nelson’s version of the man known to many comic book fans as The Leader doesn’t feel like he’s truly capable of such a name and you’ll either enjoy Ross’ gamma antics or find them too familiar to drive you. (The latter crowd is the type that almost takes more enjoyment in not enjoying something ala Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons.)

All things considered, in trying to show Sam Wilson can be just as good as other heroes, BRAVE NEW WORLD is fine … But it fails to do the one thing it needed to do, which is the exact opposite of the aforementioned sentence: Give him a adventure that make his heroics stand out in definitive fashion as compared to the rest of his peers. 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):