Archives for May 2025
Local Residents Hold “People’s Town Hall” in Dayton, Highlighting Urgent Community Concerns
With the absence of their elected representative, concerned citizens of Ohio’s 10th Congressional District gathered on Thursday evening for a grassroots “People’s Town Hall” at Sinclair Community College in Dayton. Organized to address pressing local and national issues, the event offered a platform for residents to voice their concerns directly, despite Congressman Mike Turner’s decision not to attend.

Rose Lounsbury emceed the People’s Town Hall. Photo by Libby Ballengee
An empty chair on stage symbolized the Congressman’s absence, underscoring what many attendees described as a lack of accessibility and accountability to constituents.
Speakers at the event covered a wide range of issues currently affecting District 10 residents, including the impact of recent state and federal policy changes on immigration, Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and layoffs of government workers.
“This town hall is about people standing up for each other, especially when our leaders won’t show up to hear us,” said one local attendee. “These are life-or-death issues for many in our community. We deserve to be heard.”

Speakers from The People’s Town Hall. Photo by Libby Ballengee
The town hall drew attendees from across the district, including retirees, veterans, public workers, and families concerned about the direction of policy decisions that directly affect their lives. Several speakers called for more transparent and responsive representation in Congress, and urged community members to stay engaged and active.
While Congressman Turner declined the invitation to attend, organizers say the event marks only the beginning of ongoing efforts to bring constituent voices to the forefront.
The People’s Town Hall was coordinated by a coalition of grassroots advocates committed to elevating civic engagement and local accountability, including Melissa Rodriquez, Leslie Merry, Kim Senft-Paras, Rose Lounsbury, and Laurel Kerr.
Attendees were encouraged to follow up with action items, including checking their voter registration status, signing the local petition against Ohio House Bill SB1, and contacting their representatives about their concerns.
Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine – Now Bigger and Better

Deepika & Jay
After just 3 years in business Gulzer’s Indian Cuisine has moved. The new space more than doubles the seating going from 73 seats to 168, which includes private space to reserve for meetings or events. But don’t panic, they are literally moving just next door to the former Flyboy Deli spot at 219 N. Patterson Blvd, across from the Day Air Ballparkb downtown.
Deepika Singh, who owns the restaurant with her husband Jay, was kind enough to give me a tour, but was quick to point out that all the finishing touches were still in progress as I was taking pictures. She says they really weren’t looking for a new place, but when the space became available, it just seemed like the right thing to do. She also hinted that they’ll hold on the space next door and that may become an American restaurant in the future.

The transformation of the space is impressive, bringing in the bright colors, wall accents and more to create an Indian flare in the eatery. The Singh’s are proud to offer a sanctuary wher people can escape the stresses of daily and simply enjoy moments of good food and good company.
A bigger space means a bigger buffet and an addition of an ice cream cooler as well. The buffet is available for lunch, seven days a week and offers many vegetarian options.

You can now sit at the bar and enjoy a mango lassi, cocktail or a bottle of wine with your meal.

Or grab a table across from the bar.

One of two area’s that be reserved for private events:

Also with the new space, a new menu, with Owner Jay and his father, Paramjeet, are the chefs. Tbey are best known for recipes from the northern region of India, especially their Karai dishes – which blend three sauces cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, and pepper as a base. In Indian food its all about the curry and gravy’s are the foundation for each dish and then flavors are built from there. Here’s just a peek of the menu:


Gulzer’s Indian Cuisine
219 North Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402
937-985-9420
Mon Thurs 11am – 2:30pm and 5-9pm
Fri 11am – 2:30pm and 5-10pm
Wasabi To Open in Springboro

contributed photo








Springboro, OH 45066
Fri 11am -3pm, 4-10:30pm
Sat noon – 10:30pm
Springboro, OH 45066
937-907-5010
Mon – Thurs 11am -3pm, 4-9:30pm
Fri 11am -3pm, 4-10:30pm
Sat noon – 10:30pm
Sun noon – 9:30pm
Are You Dating in Dayton?
It’s your favorite Culture Celebrator here again with a question.
How is dating in the Miami Valley in 2025?
As a culture guy, I like discuss all facets of popular culture, including local culture. And a big part of any local culture is its dating scene. I’m genuinely curious about the social landscape of the Dayton area when it comes to meeting new people. If you are familiar with my work, I’ve written about this topic before. Dating habits can reveal other social information that can be very useful for think tank discussions among social scientist types.
So, if any of you are single, how do you date? Where do you go to meet people? What kind of potential mate are you looking for? Are you even looking? What online dating sites do you use? Is dating easy these days in the Dayton-ish area? Or is it difficult?
If you’re a fan of my content, you know the drill. If you’re a newbie, give me your answers either in the comments section of the social media site you read this article on, or, you can send them directly to me at [email protected]. Let’s rock out…to culture.

Laura Sanders: Force of Nature Opening Reception
Laura Sanders is a Columbus-based artist who also maintains a studio in New York City. Sanders’ lush figural paintings often feature women outdoors and deal with themes of survival, of both people and the environment. Another theme evident in this mid-career survey is the passage of time, as depicted in the portraits of her model, her daughter Elena, from a young girl to an adult woman.
Opening Reception: May 16, 2025; 6-8 pm
Win a Harley, Grant a Wish!
A stunning 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob (1746cc Milwaukee-Eight Engine, 15,600 miles) has been donated to Breast Wishes for a special raffle! This bike has had just one owner, and she’s thrilled to support our mission—helping bring joy to those living with breast cancer.

She hopes this raffle gives someone the chance to ride a Harley who might not otherwise be able to afford one.
Raffle Details: Tickets: Buy online: $50 each or 3 for $125
Only 200 tickets will be sold—incredible odds!
They must sell at least 100 tickets or all purchases will be refunded by 6/21 Sales close: 6/14
Winner drawn live at the 16th Annual Chrome Divas Ride on June 14th Don’t miss your chance to ride away for a cause!

Chrome Divas Ride for Breast Wishes
Saturday, June 14, 2025
This ride starts and ends at the Union VFW Post 5434. Registration starts at 10am and kickstands up at noon.
Breast Wishes Foundation was started to honor the memory of Kelli James, who lost her battle to breast cancer at the age of 40. We granted our first wish in 2017 and now average about 100 wishes per year. Each wish is $1,500 and we rely on the generosity of our community to make these wishes come true!
Zen Grill Now Open in Kettering
Zen Grill at 2821 Wilmington Pike is now open, between Jersey Mike’s Subs and Wingstop in Kettering! Owned by Hannah & Bob Hannah Huang, say their meals are a balance of simplicity and taste—grilled proteins, crisp vegetables, and fragrant rice, elevated with their signature sauces. It’s everything you love, with nothing you don’t.
The express hibachi menu is thoughtfully crafted to highlight fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the timeless art of Japanese cooking.

All food will be cooked to order with customers choosing the base, meat, vegetables and sauces for their bowls. Their signature sauce for the bowls is a yum yum sauce (a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce), but other options include ginger, teriyaki, soy or siracha sauces.
Discover the beauty of less at Zen Grill—where flavor speaks louder than words.
Zen Grill
2821 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45419
937-716-1369
Tues – Thurs: 10:30am – 9pm
Fri – Sun 10:30am – 9:30pm
Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast
Five Rivers MetroParks invites the community to celebrate National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16, during its annual Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave.
From 7 to 9 a.m., hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will gather to enjoy a free, flying pancake breakfast, coffee, live music, cycling-related exhibitors, a photobooth and more during this celebration of human-powered transportation.
The String Cheese Incident at The Rose
The past three decades have written a story packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the Internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely unique approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” With the Internet as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information online, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base. Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” SCI put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On The Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the Internet. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development. Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to build their brand.
Take One Small Step with WYSO and StoryCorps

The initiative brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a conversation — not to debate politics — but to simply get to know each other as people. WYSO and StoryCorps are inviting the southwest Ohio community to join the nearly 6,000 people in 50 U.S. states who have participated in a One Small Step conversation.
In collaboration with StoryCorps and other community organizations throughout southwest Ohio, we invite you to meet someone new—a fellow resident with different perspectives from you, who you might never talk to otherwise—for a meaningful 50-minute conversation.
WYSO is one of just four stations selected nationally to host One Small Step in 2025.
With participant permission, these conversations will be preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
We’re teaming up with civic organizations, churches, and other community groups and leaders to spread the word and connect southwest Ohio residents from all backgrounds who are ready to take One Small Step. Do you want to get your group or organization involved in the effort? Contact Ryann Beaschler for more details.
We’ll be matching participants and hosting recorded conversations throughout 2025.
Matching Partners & Preparing:
- For people interested in getting matched for a conversation, the first step is to fill out the One Small Step Questionnaire
- Your responses will help us find the best conversation partner for you. Remember: People are complex and rarely, if ever, “exact opposites.” We’ll read your answers carefully to pair you with someone with a perspective different from your own. Thoughtful matching takes time, so thank you in advance for your patience.
- If we find a match for you, we’ll reach out to hear more about your goals. When we schedule the One Small Step conversation, we share materials to help you prepare.
- The One Small Step conversation takes place virtually or in person
- Requirements for virtual participants: reliable internet connection and a computer with a video camera and a microphone.
- A day or two before the virtual recording appointment, the facilitator will do a short “tech check” with you to make sure the StoryCorps virtual recording platform works on your device. If the recording appointment is in person, the facilitator will contact you to confirm appointment details, and recording location.
The One Small Step Experience:
- At your One Small Step appointment, you meet your conversation partner, and a facilitator provides an orientation, ground rules, and suggested questions.
- When ready, the facilitator starts the recording and helps you begin the conversation by prompting four kick-off questions. After that, participants drive the conversation by choosing more questions and listening with an open mind.
- The conversation lasts about 50 minutes, and the whole process takes 75-90 minutes (including time for addressing tech issues, the orientation, and a post-conversation debrief and paperwork).
Participant Agency and Privacy:
- Your comfort level and consent in this process is our first priority.
- You drive the conversation. You choose what questions to discuss, and you can decide to conclude the conversation at any time. The facilitator’s chief role is to ensure you and your partner both feel comfortable, respected and in control during the discussion. They may suggest follow-up questions, but all questions are optional.
- After the recording ends: you decide whether you want to share it with our station, StoryCorps and the Library of Congress. There is no obligation to share. You can keep the conversation private if you wish. You can also share the conversation, but keep your name/identity anonymous.
- Regardless of your decision, you and your conversation partner receive a digital copy of the recording.
- The recording can be preserved in the StoryCorps collection at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.—only if both participants agree to share it.
How WYSO Works with These Recordings:
- A few conversations, with participants’ permission, will be edited for brevity and broadcast on the radio.
- If your conversation is selected for editing/broadcast by the station, we will notify you, and preview the edited clip for you to ensure you’re comfortable with it before it’s broadcast.
Rob’s Restaurant and Catering Has New Owners
Rob’s Restaurant and Catering in Brookville has new owners. Chad and Heather Pennington are the The husband and wife team are the 3rd set of owners to lead this family friendly eatery. Opened originally in 1976 by Bob and Brenda Kilgore, it was then purchased in 2003 by Joe and Shelley Swartztrauber. Joe passed away in 2017 and Shelley posted today on her facebook page that she has officially retired. Here’s an excerpt from her post:
Shelley
“Rob’s has been a family business from the beginning with generations of family and friends working here. To the hundreds of people who have worked here through the years, I thank you. I’m sure you all have at least one memorable story to tell.
Rob’s Restaurant & Catering
705 Arlington Rd
Brookville, OH 45309
(937) 833-3310
Fri & Sat 7am – 9pm
Sun 7am – 8pm
Warped Wing Celebrates 11 Years with Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout
Warped Wing Brewing Company announces the return of their Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout, taking place Saturday, May 17th starting at noon at their original Downtown Dayton Taproom to celebrate 11 amazing years of craft beer and community.
“Last year’s 10-year party was an absolute blast – we had such a great time, we thought, why not do it again?,” said Nick Bowman, Co-Founder and VP of Sales & Marketing. “It’s the perfect way to kick off summer – cold beer, smoked foods, good friends, and live tunes”.
The party kicks off at noon, rain or shine, with festivities expanding outdoors under a tented lot and featuring the beloved Trotwood Trailer, live music and DJs all day, and a lawn-chair-friendly setup perfect for hanging with friends.
The tap list is stacked with fan favorites like Fly Light Lager, Gamma Bomb IPA, and Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, alongside limited releases like Trotwood Lime and the long-awaited return of Magic Melon Watermelon Gose and SeñorWITa Mexican Style Witbier. Guests can also look forward to the debut of Gamma Juice IPA (available on draft), Superdelic Double IPA (available on draft and in cans), as well as Agave Spring Maibock aged in Tequila Barrels (available on draft and in bottles). Plus of course Warped Seltzer and housemade soda cans too!
On the menu: Outside you’ll find house-smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches along with classic beef hot dogs. Inside, the kitchen will be firing up a full lineup of crave-worthy options including Tater Bombs, smoked wings, burgers, sandwiches, and more – designed to pair perfectly with a pint (or two).
Music Schedule:
12–1pm: DJ Set
1–3pm: Benny Hill (acoustic Americana, rock, country)
3–4pm: DJ Set
4–6pm: Steven Gregory (singer-songwriter vibes)
6–7pm: DJ Set
7–9pm: Nothing But Treble (acoustic trio)
9–10pm: DJ Set
So grab your crew, bring a lawn chair, and come raise a glass with us at the Warped Wing 11th Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout!
The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Hights Celebrates 10 Years!
The wildly successful Rose Music Center at The Heights is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a stellar 2025 season featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment (see full list of 2025 concerts announced to date below). Located just north of Dayton in beautiful Huber Heights, Ohio, The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights is a 4,200-seat, fully covered outdoor amphitheatre located in The Heights development of Huber Heights, Ohio.
The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights is owned by The City of Huber Heights and managed by MEMI (Music and Event Management, Inc.) The Heights is a destination for retail, dining and entertainment conveniently located off of I-70. Construction of the Music Center began in 2013 and was completed in 2015.
More than 430 artists have performed at the venue to date (2015-2024) including Billy Strings, Brandi Carlile, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Goo Goo Dolls, Hank Williams, Jr., Diana Ross, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Santana, Shawn Mendes, Sugarland, The Doobie Brothers, Train, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many, many more. Rose Music Center has hosted 298 Concerts, 61of which were SOLD OUT! Since opening its doors Rose Music Center has welcomed more than900,000 fans!
“The Rose is a special venue because there’s nothing like it in the region and it draws concert goers from all over the country to our city to see the incredible acts year after year,” said Huber Heights Mayor, Jeff Gore. “The Rose has also been a tremendous economic growth engine for Huber Heights as it is the center of our emerging entertainment district. The Rose generates a buzz of excitement that businesses and individuals want to be around and be part of. Our residents are proud that Huber Heights is the home of The Rose and attend the venue every opportunity they have to do so. It offers a great night out to enjoy with friends and family.
The relationship that we have also established with Stuart and Mimi Rose is vital to our success,” Gore continued. “MEMI has fostered that relationship and friendship into what it has become today. The name Rose and Huber Heights are synonymous to music, fun and entertainment. It’s impossible to express our gratitude to Rose’s foundation but there isn’t a person around who doesn’t understand how respected they are and what they mean to us as a city.”
“For 10 years The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center has been more than a stage – it’s been a home for artists, a place where crowds become family, and the heart of Huber Heights,” saidMEMI Director of Marketing, Lane Kolkmeyer. “MEMI is grateful to Stuart & Mimi Rose and The City of Huber Heights for their decade of partnership. To every concertgoer – whether you’ve been with us since opening night or just discovered our stage last week – we’re here because of your passion, energy, and support. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we wouldn’t want to. We look forward to the next 10 years of community, unforgettable memories, and the beats that bring us together.”

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In celebration of the 10th Anniversary the venue has created special merchandise to commemorate the occasion, including the following items:
- Two different 10th Anniversary T-shirts available for purchase
- A 10th Anniversary Poster that highlights 115 artists that have performed at Rose Music Center – available on-site
- Two different 10th Anniversary Koozies – available on-site
Where to purchase 10th Anniversary Merchandise: items will be sold at the venue this summer. The T-Shirts are also available to purchase online HERE.
10th Anniversary 2025 Concerts at The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights:
May 18 – The String Cheese Incident w/ The Wood Brothers
May 24 – Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Tour (1st show)
June 10 – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ w/ Abraham Alexander
June 13 – Chase Rice w/ Drake White
June 14 – Buddy Guy w/ Eric Gales
June 15 – Lynyrd Skynyrd
June 19 – David Foster & Chris Botti feat. Katharine McPhee
June 20 – The Wiggles
June 23 – Rick Springfield w/ John Waite, Wang Chung, & Paul Young
June 27 – The Fab Four – Ultimate Beatles Tribute
July 2 – Greensky Bluegrass
July 3 – Kansas & 38 Special
July 6 – Chicago
July 12 – Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms w/ Spin Doctors
July 16 – Leftover Salmon & The Infamous Stringdusters w/ Kitchen Dwellers
July 19 – Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute
July 20 – +Live+ & Collective Soul w/ Our Lady Peace & Greylin James Rue
July 25 – Straight No Chaser w/ O-Town
July 26 – Bachman-Turner Overdrive & The Marshall Tucker Band w/ Jefferson Starship
August 2 – April Wine & Molly Hatchet w/ Sweet
August 3 – Air Supply
August 5 – Toad The Wet Sprocket w/ Semisonic & Sixpence None The Richer
August 6 – The Black Crowes
August 7 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
August 8 – America
August 9 – Dark Star Orchestra – Grateful Dead Tribute
August 16 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder + The Oak Ridge Boys
August 17 – Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Tour (2nd show)
August 18 – Rob Thomas w/ A Great Big World
September 6 – Bonnie Raitt w/ Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band
September 21 – X & Los Lobos
MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com, RoseMusicCenter.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.
QUICK HITS- 60 Second Movie Reviews
Reviews for movies you’ve likely thought about seeing in 60 seconds or less
Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!
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Miss the days when Rami Malek was running around help take down evil corporations as Elliot Anderson on Mr. Robot? Get your fix of him taking out the people responsible for the murder of his wife while exposing government corruption in THE AMATEUR while it’s still in theaters. Instead of being your typical action movie shoot-em-up, Malek’s portrayal of mild-mannered Charles Helle to bring more of a thoughtful exploration of a man seeking vengeance and justice, his brain being more intriguing than sheer brutality. While the film’s climax is the one moment that feels the most implausible, the near two hour joyride en route to getting there is strong enough to overcome it. Think of THE AMATEUR like watching the nerdy, undersized kid show you why you should never underestimate someone determined to use the one skill they have – their intelligence – to play chess with a bunch of criminals barely skilled at checkers.
RATING:
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THUNDERBOLTS* (a.k.a. *THE NEW AVENGERS)
Miss the days when Marvel Studios paired up fish-out-of-water people who had to learn how to work together otherwise the entire world – if not universe – might perish? THUNDERBOLTS* brings those days back with a fantastic mix of humor, action battle sequences and most importantly, humanity helping to showcase the different aspects of being a hero (not to mention life) and dealing with one’s own personal demons. THUNDERBOLTS* might not only help those who often don’t feel seen to do so and come to terms with their own pasts so they don’t continue affecting their future, but also do the same for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Florence Pugh shows how a strong female lead should work (looking at YOU, Captain Marvel entries) while David Harbor provides enough laughs as The Red Guardian that you should definitely consider booking his limousine service.
Yin Yoga with Sarah
Join Sarah Sears for restorative Yin Yoga in our Energy Enhancement System at 7-8:30 pm. Our system detoxes you at the cellular level using scalar energy and re-energizes the cells for optimal natural healing. Sarah’s class is $25. An optional extra hour in the EES is available from 5:45-6:45 for $25. Text or email Sarah to register at 937-414-9158 or [email protected]. Venmo @reconnectandrise.




