Guest Contributor

Another 20 Reasons I Love Dayton, OH

March 30, 2016 By Guest Contributor

This guest post comes to us from Elizabeth Caraway, a Dayton blogger perhaps better known as Super Veggie Mom, who shares health and wellness information, recipes that have worked for her, tips about saving money, and angst over parenting struggles. She’s an Air Force veteran, former NASM-certified personal trainer, and a distance runner with almost a dozen half-marathons under her Adidas.

Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, OH

Almost two years ago, I published my original “40 Reasons I Love Dayton, OH” list. If you haven’t read that one yet, check it out first; otherwise, you’ll be wondering why obvious reasons like low cost-of-living, the Air Force Museum, and exceptional area parks are absent from this list. Now, though, I’ve had another couple years to get to know the Dayton area better and I am happier than ever that we have settled here. We were considering a move a few months ago, and I am so happy we decided against it. The longer I spend here, the more places and events I learn about, deepening my appreciation for the area. I’ve found that the people who complain about it are invariably the people who don’t take advantage of all there is to see and do.

As with my original list, I have tried to keep places to visit within a one-hour drive of Dayton; otherwise this would be a list of reasons to love Ohio.

In no particular order, here are another 20 reasons I love our area:

1. Hartman Rock Garden, in Springfield, is a stunning example of American folk art that I have affectionately dubbed the “Folk Art LEGOLand village.”

2. Urban Krag Climbing Center has 8,ooo sq ft of vertical terrain of varying heights for both advanced and beginner climbers.

3. The newly built Rose Music Center at the Heights brings in entertainment like Vince Gill and Gladys Knight.

4. Amazing charities (and their equally amazing volunteers and donors) like Shoes 4 the Shoeless, which provides new socks and shoes to area kids in need

5. Idle-Hour Ranch in Troy, provides sanctuary and care to more than 200 animals and is open to the public for tours.

6. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, about 45 min away, is an amazing outdoor sculpture park and also has a 10,000 sq ft museum of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan sculpture thousands of years old.

7. The Dayton Maker Fest encourages a collaborative DIY community in the Dayton area by showcasing exploration and tinkering.

Dayton Maker Fest showcases exciting tech

8. In addition to the larger performing arts theaters, Dayton has fantastic smaller venues like Black Box Improv Theater and the Playground Theater.

9. Gem City Comic Con in downtown Dayton brings together artistic talent, inspires the imagination, and encourages creative cosplay.

10. Miamisburg Mound Park is the largest conical earthwork of its kind in the United States and served as a major Native American burial site hundreds of years ago.

11. Although I included “festivals” in my original list, I truly feel the Ohio Renaissance Festival deserves its own shout-out due to its size (100 daily shows, 135 booths) and duration (7 weekends).

12. The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, an internationally recognized group of performers

13. A home for basketball fans with the UD Flyers and the First Four at UD Arena

14. TechFest, held at Sinclair Community College, offers free STEM family fun.

15. Hot air balloon companies that offer you the opportunity (and adventure) to see the area from a new vantage point

16. Chateau Laroche (Loveland Castle) in Loveland and the Piatt Castles in West Liberty and offer tours to learn more about their fascinating histories.

17. Nationally ranked health care

18. The Dayton Chess Club, in existence since 1957, offers the opportunity to stretch your mental muscles and enjoy yourself at the same time.

19. The impressive Dayton Masonic Center was completed over a 2-year, 9-month period by 450 workers in 1928 and hosts numerous tours and events, including the Festival on the Hill.

20. The Dayton Dutch Lions, a soccer team founded in 2009, which has experienced tremendous growth and success over the last several years

I still haven’t hit on everything–multiple water parks, beautiful houses of worship for the four major religions, abundant horseback riding opportunities, the Korean War Memorial, the 9/11 memorial, etc…..I could go on. I am in love with this area.

Incidentally, the most common suggestion from people for future lists was specific parks. I listed “Five Rivers Metroparks and city and county parks” in my original list because honestly, there are just TOO MANY amazing, gorgeous parks to list them individually. But yes, Wegerzyn, and Glen Helen, and Charleston Falls, and all the others around here are absolutely fantastic, and one of my favorite things about living in the Miami Valley is the abundance of parks and natural spaces.

California to Dayton: Best move ever?

March 13, 2016 By Guest Contributor

Believe it. I moved from California to Dayton, Ohio

The beginnings of my California-to-Ohio transition consisted of generally not knowing what I was getting myself into. I was clueless with regard to the weather, the people and the culture of Ohio. With a California license plate still on my bumper, off I went to be a 3D Artist at Marxent.

Yes. I moved to Dayton on purpose

My preparation for the trip meant extending my wardrobe beyond beach shorts, tank tops, and flip flops that I’d gotten used to wearing during California winters. Clearly I am only joking around. The fact I can now joke about it comes with the move, and a move worth taking it was.

You’ll definitely want to bring pants

I was raised in California and having lived mostly in San Diego and Los Angeles, I have grown up with the notion of an eternal summer. Let’s face it, I was a spoiled “dude” clueless about what awaited me in the coming seasons. I had seen winter and fall online and in films, of course. But was I ready for the real thing — that stuff called snow? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: My investment in pants was a good one.

A smooth and spectacular landing

After one layover and six hours of flight time, the plane finally descended. I’ve never seen anything so breathtaking. The city of Dayton, Ohio was stunningly draped in browns, yellows, and reds as we landed on a beautiful October day. I recall glancing at others on the plane looking at their electronic devices and thinking to myself, “Come on guys, look outside!” I was leaning over the edge of my middle seat, looking over the passenger to my right and trying to get a glimpse of the gorgeous landscape around my new home.

California could learn a thing or two

I will admit it. Snow is cold. Really, really cold. In spite of a season of cold, though, Dayton has greeted me with open arms. The Marxent team has been especially welcoming. My first day fell on a Friday, the day that the entire team participates in a weekly standup meeting. I was heartily welcomed by more than thirty strangers, now my friends. They eased my way in and introduced me to the culture of midwestern hospitality, Ohio-style. This kindness has also translated to every day interactions. Strangers I pass while walking in parking lots, local grocery stores, and malls acknowledge me graciously.

People look at each other here. They make eye contact and greet one another. This is something I would love to see more of in Southern California. Everyone here seems much more approachable than in Los Angeles. There’s a sense of warmth that overrides the cold weather.

Goodbye gridlock, hello awesome roommates

Being stuck in gridlock seems long gone as well as the ridiculous prices for gas. In fact, the cost of living here gives me the opportunity to live a life I’ve always wanted. I managed to find some awesome people off Craigslist looking for an extra person to occupy an empty room in the house they were leasing. Sure it was a precarious leap, but after calling and FaceTiming with my potential roommates, and again feeding off the good energy, I knew I was making the right move.

I actually enjoy my commute

University of Dayton is just down the road from where I live and I usually take the longer route home just for kicks while continuing to bask in the scenic and foreign environment. The falling leaves in the crisp air during my drives make this a momentous, new way of commuting I do not mind one bit.

Ultimately, it’s been one smooth transition thus far. Dayton has been nothing short of considerate and welcoming, and I’m sure that soon it will feel like home. I already have my coats, gloves, and scarves ready for my first winter, ever.

By Julius Edraisa who is a 3D Artist at Marxent. Marxent by the way is hiring.
This article originally appeared on the Marxent website and has been reproduced with permission.

Guest Contributor Tod Weidner Salutes Dayton & The “Old” Yellow Cab

February 7, 2016 By Guest Contributor

There’s a nondescript 1-story cinder block building hidden away between some warehouses and a community garden in Dayton, Ohio. For most of its life, it was a 4-bay garage where taxicabs were repaired, with some office space where said taxicabs were dispatched; just a weird little drab building in a neighborhood with other weird little drab buildings. Nothing special.

Several years ago, some enterprising creative types took ownership of the place; they removed the auto repair lifts and traded them for new ductwork. They put a quaint little makeshift bar at one end of the room, and put in some castoff vinyl booth seats and a menagerie of chairs, some lights, a stage, and a little PA system. Honestly, in the light of day, it doesn’t look like much. Looks, though, can be deceiving.

I’m not sure if it’s just a Midwestern thing (probably not) but, time and time again, I’ve seen instances in Dayton where folks will work some weird magic and harness some unseen mojo in a rundown place and turn it into something special, where castoff parts combine into an odd, glorious amalgam when the secret ingredient, people with open minds and a love of Art of all kinds, are thrown into the mix.

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Photo by Bill Cunningham

Last night, four bands, mine included, full of friends, played a special gig at The “Old” Yellow Cab building. Four bands, set up in a circle, playing unamplified acoustic instruments, trading songs usually played much louder and sweatier, with the audience in the middle. A surprisingly large crowd showed up. The place is just concrete floors and walls and a metal roof; it could have been an unmitigated disaster, a cacophony. Instead, people were quiet and respectful, the bands fed off the vibe, and, as a result, everyone was treated to a fantastic evening.

Here’s the thing: this weird little hard to find former garage ROUTINELY has magical nights like this. Ladyfest, Sideshow, Winter Folk Fest, art shows, album release parties…the list goes on and on. Last night, as folks filtered out, after the last unamplified chord faded away and the crowd had joined the bands in a big singalong that made your heart swell, I overheard a woman ask Jeff Opt, one of the guiding lights of Yellow Cab, what she could do to support the place. He said, “Just keep coming out to the shows.”

It’s that simple, really. These are anxious, heavy times we’re living in. If people “just keep coming out“, keep supporting Art whenever and wherever it happens, they create a warm little community that helps keep all the Dark away. Every town should be so lucky to have such a community. I know Dayton is.

About Guest Contributor Tod Weidner:

A lifelong Miami Valley resident, Tod grew up in Ludlow Falls before moving to Dayton in the early 1990s. Tod graduated from Milton-Union High School and Sinclair Community College, and also attended the Columbus College Of Art & Design until his scholarship ran out and he moved home to pursue the lucrative career of a struggling musician. Tod has been heavily involved in the Dayton Music Scene for over 20 years, as both a solo performer and a member of such bands as The Motel Beds, Shrug, The American Static, and Set The Controls, to name just a few. When he’s not playing, listening to, or reading about music, Tod keeps busy by fixing up his house, where he and his wife Patrice live under the strict and watchful authority of their two cats, Mikey and Joey.

Tune in to WYSO Thursday’s from 8-11pm to Tod’s show, The Jewel Case, a weekly celebration of all manner of musical goodness: deep cuts, forgotten treasures, and curiosities. Plus, a new theme each show spanning all genres, eras and locales.

Gluten Free Holiday Dayton Area Restaurant Guide 2015

December 21, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Having family in town for the holidays can be stressful, finding a place to eat that everyone agrees on, worse. Add to the mix that someone in the family has food allergies, finding a restaurant can be a nightmare. Heck, finding food at the grocery can be a headache.

Dayton has become a great place to eat, for all foodies, including those with sensitivities and allergies. The movement toward small and local has benefited Dayton and its large community of food sensitive eaters. We have a plethora of restaurants, breweries, farmer’s markets, and mom and pop shops from which to choose. Sometimes you just have to know which rock to look under to find the perfect cozy spot, but isn’t that the joy of a small niche place that nobody else knows about?

Maybe with this list of Dayton’s best kept secrets for the food sensitive, I will lift up a rock you may not have noticed before. Enjoy eating with your family this holiday season!

Local Restaurants:

Archer’s Tavern– offers a gluten free pizza

Arepas – simple yet flavorful Colombian comfort food. All dishes are prepared on site from scratch with fresh ingredients. Most dishes are gluten free.

Bad Dog Nice Taco – Chef Leeanne is happy to suggest her GF options

Boston’s Bistro – specialize in pizza’s with a GF option

Butter Cafe – You can order one of their sandwiches with gluten-free bread or have gluten-free toast with your breakfast order.

Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering – Providing traditional and innovative fare at reasonable prices, with many vegetarian and vegan options.

City BBQ – meats are smoked on-site at each restaurant, hand rubbed with spices.

Coldwater Cafe – Chef Nick is happy to prepare you many GF options.

Company 7 BBQ – nationally award winning BBQ

Corner Kitchen – this finer diner has a gluten free menu option

Crepe Boheme – if you call ahead they will make Gluten Free batter for Crepes

Dorothy Lane Market – check out their Gluten Free Support Group

Dublin Pub – Sunday Brunch – lots of options full of flavor and Gluten free

El Meson – A mainstay of West Carrollton, this upscale restaurant specializes in Spanish and Latin American food. Many of the dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the staff is gluten-free conscious.

Flying Tiger – satisfying Asian Fusion and American Chinese.

Fronana– a delicious, healthy frozen treat free of dairy, gluten, added sugar & artificial ingredients! They also have cones that are gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and made out of bananas!

Fusian – very good at explaining what all they do and what proteins are or can be gluten free.

Giovanni’s – offers a gluten free pizza

Hawthorn Grill – Plenty of gluten-free options available and can modify a dish to fit within the guidelines of any of your special needs.

Hot Head Burrito – check their allergen chart to make your order work for you

Lihn’s Bistro – the premier spot for Vietnamese cuisine which

Lucky’s Tap Room & Grille – A hip joint in the Oregon District serving up fine craft beers, soup, salads, and sandwiches. They have many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Meadowlark – great options for healthy eating and very familiar with gluten restrictions

Pasha Grill – An oasis for diners seeking gluten-free meals

Penny Lane art gallery

PF Chang– has gluten free menu and uses gluten free soy sauce when asked.

Rue Dumaine Restaurant American-meets-French cuisine from expert chef, Anne Kearney. They are gluten-free aware and happy to assist people with special dietary needs.

Salar Restaurant and Lounge – Vegan Friendly, French, Latin, Mediterranean Restaurant

Sinfully Gluten Free – Dayton’s only 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurant that serves pizzas, sandwiches, quiche, chicken wings, and dessert items.

Spinoza’s – Much of the food is locally sourced and the gluten free pizza’s are awesome and save room for the GF chocolate chip cookies.

Sunrise Cafe

Sushi Club

Sweeney’s Seafood

The Caroline: This Troy restaurant offers a complete Gluten Free Menu

The Chef Case: Located in the 2nd Street Market, The Chef Case offers conscious cuisine with a focus on local, healthy dishes. They serve individuals who follow a variety of special diets including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and casein-free.

TJ Chumps – with 4 locations, this locally owned chain offers a GF menu

Wheat Penny – This upscale pizza place offers gluten free pizza and desserts offered

Local Desserts:

Communitea – always a gluten free and a vegetarian option for our dining guests.

Ella Bella Gluten Free – Ella Bella Cookies sells muffins, banana nut bread, lemon bars, whoopie pies, cookies, and other tasty treats. You can call or email Ella Bella with your orders.

Neighborhood Nest – home-based bakery in New Carlisle that makes just about anything you can think of in gluten free

Oven Street

Purely Sweet Bakery

Stone House Sweets

*As with any food sensitivity, please talk to your server. You are your own best advocate.

This guest post written by Mandy Groszko, the owner of Ella Bella Gluten Free, a lover of food and all things local.

How to Be a Book Fair Beneficiary

December 7, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Each year, the Book Fair Foundation picks three to five organizations to share in the net profits from the Book Fair. In 2015, we had four: House of Bread Community Kitchen, Human Race Theatre Co., Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.

For 2016, we are looking for three Dayton area non-profits to be our beneficiaries for the Book sale. It’s easy to apply– simply write us a letter postmarked no later than January 9, 2016 detailing the merits of your organization. The letter should be sent to the Book Fair Foundation, Inc., 2181 Embury Park Road, Dayton, OH 45402. The board will meet over the weekend of January 16th, and the three groups chosen will be announced Tuesday, January 19th.

The letter can also be sent via email to [email protected]

There are a couple of things to keep in mind. We’d like to keep the money in our own community– the Greater Dayton area. (And yes, that would include Springfield, Middletown, Tipp City– but Cincinnati and Columbus are beyond our reach.)

We really would like the relationship between us and the recipients to be something of a partnership. We are a small non-profit ourselves, staffed entirely by volunteers. If your group can share some volunteers to help us during roundups, or at the sale or at the loft, that would be marvelous.

One of the things that happened when we separated from Planned Parenthood is that we lost a particular kind of customer– those people who came to buy books because they knew the money would benefit something they cared about. If you can help promote the Book Fair through your own organization, it will really help build sales. (To clarify, we are not asking that you spend money on this– free publicity is great– emails, newsletters, Facebook pages and the like.)

If you have a place for a Book Collection barrel, we’d love that. (We come and collect the books throughout the year.) Every barrel has a poster which lists information about the Fair and its beneficiaries. We will also mention your group in every print ad, on our website, Facebook page, bookmarks, on the radio and in television appearances. So there’s a little extra publicity for you too.

We are exploring the possibility of an Irish-themed evening sometime in March to help with overhead costs– tentatively we’re calling it “St. Patrick’s Festival of the Book.” If it happens that you have event space you’d be willing to share for that one evening, please let us know.

All of that said, we understand that there are some fantastic non-profits in the Dayton area doing very, very important work who don’t have space, time, money, or volunteers to spare. Send us an application anyway.

We hope to provide grants to a broad spectrum of groups working in the area of arts, education, conservation, environment, preservation, literacy, and social welfare– but we will consider any group that applies, provided that organization is registered with the state, has an IRS non-profit designation and is located within the geographical area we aim to serve.

If you have questions, feel free to send an inquiry through this page, by email ([email protected]) or leave a message at the office and we will call you back. Our number is (937) 999-4491.

This article submitted by the Book Fair Foundation.

Gals Flock To “Girl Develop It” Chapter

November 13, 2015 By Guest Contributor

On Saturday, November 14, the Dayton chapter of Girl Develop It (GDI), a national organization dedicated to helping women of diverse backgrounds learn web and software development, will hold the first day of a two-day introductory class on building a website with HTML and CSS. I would tell you to click on over to their website and sign up for the class, but it filled up on the first day.

“We’re thrilled that our HTML/CSS class in November filled up within a day,” said Sara Cope, who is not only the instructor for the class but, along with Catherine Devlin, is also one of the Dayton chapter’s co-founders. “It’s great to see the community as excited about this as we are.”

And the community is definitely excited. The group held a highly successful launch party at Proto Build Bar on October 20th. And on November 2nd the group reached 200 members on its Meetup site. That’s a very large support group for women looking to move into Dayton’s growing tech industry.

Even if you weren’t one of the lucky few to get into this course, the Dayton GDI group has a lot planned for the months ahead. “Next year,” says Ms. Cope, “we’ll offer classes in both front end and back end programming as well as workshops on specific tools like WordPress. We also plan to include sessions that focus on soft skills and job hunting.”

There are other ways to get involved with the group as well. Twice a month the group hosts “Code & Coffee” get togethers at Proto Build Bar. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, December 12th, from 10am to noon and is billed as “Code & Coffee & 3D Printing!!” “This month,” the page for the event says, “we’ll be 3D printing holiday ornaments or decorations with the help of Proto’s awesome staff!” The Code & Coffee events are free and open to everyone, regardless of gender or skill level.

Ms. Cope and Ms. Devlin are also always looking for volunteers to help out with events and other initiatives. “We can’t do this without help from the community!” Ms. Cope stressed. If you are interested in becoming involved in any way, you are encouraged to reach out to the group through their Meetup webpage.

Written by Katy Bowman

Top 10 Ways You Can Celebrate International Bacon Day!

August 31, 2015 By Guest Contributor

I’m sorry, I don’t mean to shout, but I can’t help it… International Bacon Day is coming up!! I’m excited. Are you excited? You should be excited! It comes but once a year, folks. Like Christmas. Or Super Bowl Sunday. Or Thanksgiving. Only this holiday is ALL ABOUT THE BACON. One day a year to truly celebrate your love for bacon. Think of all the turkey you eat on Thanksgiving–and you don’t even really like turkey!

But you love bacon, and you need to do right by bacon on bacon’s special day. Don’t hold back on bacon’s holiday. Break out of your usual bacon routine. Give everything you can to bacon on this day of all days, and make bacon proud. Fryin’ up some store-bought bacon and eating it with your eggs isn’t gonna cut it. Not this time. Not on Bacon’s Day!

If you’re wondering how you can do right by bacon, I’ll tell you how. I’ll give you 10 glorious ways to indulge your bacon love and spread the bacon joy this International Bacon Day!

10. Cure your own bacon

It’s not hard to make your own bacon. Really, it’s not. Imagine being able to determine exactly how your bacon tastes, and exactly how thick each slice is. It all starts with an uncured slab of bacon. You can get one at your grocery store or from your local butcher. He or she will probably be so happy that you’re asking for a slab of bacon, they’ll probably strike up a conversation with you about it and offer their advice on how to cure it. Or you can read this previous post about how to cure bacon.

9. Eat Bacon With Every Meal

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Start off the morning by cookin’ up a pound (or 2 or 3 or 7) of bacon and add it to your meals throughout the day. Bacon and eggs for breakfast. A BBBBBLT for lunch. Candied bacon for a snack and some bacon-wrapped filet for dinner. See how easy it is? Want someone else to cook for you on Bacon Day? Use the new Wordmap on Yelp to find the bacon in your neighborhood!

8. Join a Bacon of the Month Club

Is there anything better than getting bacon delivered to you every month? There’s really nothing better that I can think of. Unless magical bacon elves could also show up at your door and cook the bacon for you… Get your hooves on a Bacon of the Month Club!

7. Introduce a vegetarian to vegetarian “bacon” products

Did you know there are lots of “bacon” products that have no actual bacon in them? Here’s a list of non-meatatarian products that your vegetarian friends would love to know about. Bacon hot sauce, bacon flavored syrup, bacon seasoning, bacon popcorn, bacon cheese straws, bacon soda, bacon pretzels, bacon lip balm, bacon dental floss, bacon cologne, bacon soda and bacon soap!

6. Make Bacon-Infused Bourbon

If you’re a bacon fan and a cocktail drinker, you’ve gotta try making bacon-infused bourbon. Read our previous post on the process here. Not a bourbon fan? Just use your favorite type of alcohol and create your own bacon cocktail concoctions.

5. Cook a Recipe from “Bacon Nation”

Are all of your bacon ideas dried up in the recipe department? Order a copy of “Bacon Nation” and find 125 new bacony good recipes to inspire you in the kitchen! Like Bacon Peanut Toffee, or Bacon Swizzle Sticks.

Credit: Bacon Nation Cook Book

4. Make a Bacon Dessert

If you’ve never tried a bacon dessert, what are you waiting for? If you think that bacon and sweets don’t go together, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Because savory salty bacon just loves some sweet sugar accompaniment. For those who love dark chocolate and nuts in their dessert, try our Bacon Almond Fudge recipe. Need a gluten-free recipe? Try our Peanut Butter & Bacon Cookies! Or go All-American with our Bacon Weave Apple Pie. Or try Maple Bacon Caramels.

3. Throw a Bacon Tasting Party

When the theme is Bacon, there’s no limit to the types of parties that you can throw. Have a bacon tasting party! Buy several different types of bacon, cook them up, and sample all the different flavors of bacon. Pair each one with a specific dish or appetizer. Or pair bacon and wine. Or bacon and beer! Or bacon and cocktails, utilizing some of that bacon infused-booze you created in #6 (see above). Here are some appetizers we made at our last Tasting Party.

2. Create Your Own Bacon Recipe

What’s your second favorite food? You know, the one that comes right after bacon? Okay, whatever that food is, imagine how much better it would be with your first favorite food. If you answered “chocolate,” make some chocolate covered bacon. If you said “cheese,” make some cheesy bacon bombs. If you said PB&J, make a PBB&J. Heck, make a PBBBBBB&J! On Bacon’s holiday, it’s okay to go crazy! Here are a couple of favorite recent recipes from other blogs to help inspire you.

1.Attend the Bacon Festival in San Diego

Is there any better place to be on International Bacon Day than a Bacon Festival? None that we can think of. If you’re lucky enough to live in the San Diego area, the San Diego Bacon Fest is THE place to be on Bacon Day. Or if you’re on the east coast, you can head to the BaconFest VA in Roanoke, Virginia.

We want to hear how YOU will be celebrating International Bacon Day this year. Leave your ideas and photos in the comments section.

This post authored by Boss Hog from Bacon Today

3 Days of Germanfest Picnic Kicks Off Tonight

August 14, 2015 By Guest Contributor

The 32nd edition of the Germanfest Picnic, one of the oldest and most authentic celebrations of all things German in the tri-state area, returns to Carillon Historical Park in Dayton on August 14, 15 and 16.

2015 festival hours will be Friday, August 14 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, August 15 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 from noon to 6 p.m., with a Polka Mass at 11 am preceding the official opening time.

Highlighting the Keg Tapping and Opening Ceremonies with TV2’s Brian Davis at 6 pm on Friday, will be the presentation of Scholarship Awards to Emily Meyer, Matthew Pusheck and Thomas G. Adams. Besides recognizing these students’ outstanding academic achievements, the awards also reward their efforts to promote German culture. Over the past dozen years, the Dayton Liederkranz Turner has presented almost $40,000 in scholarships, which are funded with part of the proceeds from the annual Germanfest Picnic.

BEER! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing: Star City Brewing Company

July 6, 2015 By Guest Contributor

BEER! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing – Eudora Brewing Company

July 5, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Ohio ABV Increase Bill Gaining Traction

June 21, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Representative Dan Ramos, D-Lorain, continues to push legislation that would increase the maximum ABV for beer from 12% to 21% to modernize Ohio’s antiquated beer laws with H.B. 68. Neighboring states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania have no limits while Indiana limits beer to 21%.

This bill and other variations have been circling Columbus for years but it appears that the current group of legislators may finally be ready to act. A committee testimony hearing will be held on June 23rd and beer industry professionals are invited to attend to speak about their support for the bill.

All other supporters of the bill are encouraged to contact their local Representative to declare their support for a bill that will continue to drive Ohio’s thriving brewing industry.

Use the the link below to quickly find your Representative and send them an email.

Locate your representative

Why It Matters

There are a few reasons why this increase makes sense for the State of Ohio.

First, from an economic perspective it keeps Ohio tax revenues in state. There will be less travel to neighboring states to pick up highly sought after beers that exceed 12% ABV. We also saw the Stone Brewing East-coast brewery slip away from Columbus. Although, BrewDog will help fill that void (just don’t try to brew any Tokyo).

Second, it allows Ohio’s very talented brewers to be more creative when developing their recipes without worrying about ABV. There are many great beers in the 13-18% ABV range produced outside our state. More extreme malt bills and spirit barrel treatments can have an effect on the final alcohol content but create memorable flavor profiles.

Third, the current laws are antiquated and nonsensical. Raising the ABV limit on more limited production and generally more expensive beers will not lead to an increase in alcohol abuse. Some delicious 17% bum wine can be easily scored at nearly any gas station or thirsty folks can grab their favorite 40 proof plastic bottle vodka at Kroger.

This guest post written by Mike Stuart, Owner/Editor of Brew Professor
A Cincinnati-based beer blog that focuses on our amazing local craft beer breweries, craft beer trends, Cincinnati craft beer events, beer reviews, and homebrewing beers.

Claudia Carawan – “Positively Soulful Music”

June 21, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Vibrant, authentic and full of joy, Claudia Carawan is an award-winning singer/songwriter, inspirational speaker & performer whose music runs deep. Her voice has been described as “goose-bump inducing” and her original songs feature buoyant melodies fused with feel-good lyrics. In addition to being an award-winning songwriter, Claudia is also an inspiring speaker and teacher who facilitates classes and workshops. At the heart of Claudia’s music and mission as an artist is a belief that music is transformative. Claudia’s authentic and high energy approach gives her audience a feeling of empowerment, a strong sense of joy and the feeling that anything is possible.

Wright State student crowned Ms. Wheelchair Ohio

March 29, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Wright State student Jasmine Spradley lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but shines in everything she puts her mind to. That led to her to recently being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Ohio. Unlike the majority of beauty pageants, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio seeks to find a woman who can represent and advocate for Ohioans with disabilities.

Spradley received her first wheelchair when she was in first grade. When you use a wheelchair for a long time and for most of your mobility needs, it becomes a part of you,” she said. “I don’t think that people without wheelchair needs can understand that concept. In a way, the wheelchair becomes our legs or arms or body.” Because of the challenges she has faced with having a disability, Spradley was seen as an influential advocate for others with similar challenges. “I was surprised when they announced my name as the new Ms. Wheelchair Ohio. I wasn’t expecting to win and hadn’t thought about what to do if I did. I was excited, too,” said Spradley. “Ms. Wheelchair Ohio seeks to find charismatic and articulate women who can be an advocate for people with disabilities.”

She will continue on to compete in Ms. Wheelchair America in Des Moines, Iowa, against approximately 30 other women. “I am excited that I get to travel for Ms. Wheelchair America and that I will meet many other influential women with disabilities whom I would never get the chance to meet had it not been for this competition,” she said. Spradley is a psychology major who hopes to be a mental health therapist for families, married couples or college students. Raised in Piqua, with her three brothers, she has lived life with the genetic condition, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which produces fragile bones and a short stature. She relies on a powered wheelchair for mobility needs and avoid injury to avoid weakening her bones. “My class is largely discussion based and she is one of the most vocal contributors to our topics,” said Andrew Hampton, a graduate teaching assistant in the College of Science and Mathematics. “She seems comfortable debating me and generally has interesting insights into character motivations and the application to social issues. She’s also demonstrated a willingness to volunteer help to other students.”

Spradley is a member of the Ohio STEM Ability Alliance, which aims to find success for students with disabilities to locate jobs relating to their preferred STEM major. She also has been a part of Abilities United and Wright State’s Adapted Recreation, two other programs that seek to improve life for students with disabilities. Spradley has been a member of two choir programs, the Psychology Club, Residential Life through the Community Council and Student Government and volunteers for on-campus events. “My motto since coming to Wright State has been ‘Get Involved!’ I cannot stress it enough. If there is an activity, club or sport that you have a passion for, Wright State most likely has it,” Spradley said. She plans on earning her master’s degree in counseling in two years. Spradley is accepting funds for the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. For more information, email her at [email protected].

This article was written by Sarah Olsen and originally appeared on the Wright State University Newsroom.

BEBOP- Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Introduces Unique Summer Camp Experience

March 19, 2015 By Guest Contributor

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is starting a new summer children’s education program, called BEBOP – Beginning Experiences in Ballet, Opera and Philharmonic. The aim is to provide children, ages 8-10, early exposure to ballet, opera and the philharmonic orchestra during a week-long day camp filled with experiences designed to encourage creativity, to motivate curiosity and to inspire a life-long love of the arts.

We have an opportunity to help launch BEBOP through matching funds at .50 to every dollar donated! The project is live on CultureWorks’s Power 2 Give site and we are 89% to our goal! If you care about exposing kids to the arts, this would be a great way to help! Please consider a donation and share with your friends!

Is your child 8-10 years of age? Would you like them to experience the performing arts? This is a wonderful opportunity to do exactly that! This summer camp will be held at Wright State University June 15^th-19^th, 10am-3pm daily. Campers will explore:

The communicative and expressive value of dance, singing and instrumental music!
The ways that all three art forms work together, and the qualities that makes them unique!
Improvisation and movement!
A basic understanding of how to use their voices in song!
How orchestral instruments work!
Creating an information original performance piece!

Download a brochure with additional information here:

http://daytonperformingarts.org/files/uploaded/_pdfs/bebop_web_version.pdf

For more information contact Gloria Pugh at 937-224-3521 Ext. 1118 or [email protected]

THANK YOU to DP&L Foundation for matching funds, and Culture Works for facilitating this and on-going support!

This article contributed by Libby Ballengee

Ethan Hawke’s Shout Out to Dayton

February 23, 2015 By Guest Contributor

Photo by Nicolas Genin (used with permission)

Like many in Dayton, Ohio I was extremely pleased when actor/director Ethan Hawke (Boyhood) mentioned filmmaking in my hometown at this year’s Oscars. But it really should not be that astonishing since Dayton is so closely associated with performing arts. Theater certainly is well represented with the Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton Performing Arts, the Loft Theatre, the Victoria Theatre Association and The Human Race Theatre Company (just to name a few).

Dayton also has a history of famous actors within the community: from the voice of Bart Simpson (Nancy Cartwright) to Apocalypse Now’s Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) to President Kennedy (Rob Lowe in Killing Kennedy – it is interesting that both Sheen and Lowe have played President Kennedy in their acting careers, and that Sheen has played both John and Robert Kennedy.) At the inception of the silver screen Dayton was there in the form of silent film star Dorothy Gish. Dayton residents Katt Williams and the late Jonathan Winters have caused the world to laugh through their creative comedy antics. And of course there were, and are, many more from the Miami Valley who made or make Hollywood their home.

Dayton is also the home of budding filmmakers. Wright State University has a well-recognized film school and FilmDayton is a growing community of filmmakers who demonstrate their creative art. Nor does one have to travel far to find other filming communities; both the Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association (SOFA) and Mid Ohio Filmmakers Association (MOFA) are near Dayton. And of course the Ohio Film Office, and the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission are there to help creative filmmakers.

The point is that while my hometown was mentioned by name, it should come as no surprise. Nor, for that matter, if it were your hometown; for while these groups and associations are always helpful, the truth is that any art can flourish wherever there are creative people. Location certainly can be a benefit in building an artistic career, but nothing replaces individual creativity and ingenuity. Which when you go back and listen to Mr. Hawke’s comments, you realize that was his point. Art’s only limits are found in our lack of expression or use of our creative gifts. So let your art grow – whatever it is and wherever you are. When you do, there really are no limitations.

YouTube Link (a special thank you to Dayton’s own Gina Ferraro for capturing Hawke’s comments at the right moment)

Film Director Tom Dallis

Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Dayton, Tom Dallis is an American film director, producer, editor and scriptwriter. To date, Tom has produced dozens of documentaries and features including award winning films such as: Through A Lens Darkly, The Fall of Jericho, We The People: The Character of a Nation, Ancient Ways, Future Paths (a 6 episode film series), The Shortest Way Home, and the science fiction feature film The Watchers: Revelation. He will also be directing the upcoming horror film, Vestiges, and a science fiction web series.

He and his wife Amy have been married since 1994 and have one daughter, actress Carissa Dallis.
Be sure and check out his Creative Crosswalk Blog.

Top Ten for Dayton Visual Arts, 2014

December 28, 2014 By Guest Contributor

For the second year in a row, Shayna V. McConville, Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Kettering, has put together and shared with us her look back at the best of 2014. We hope you enjoy it!

Another year of amazing art exhibitions, artists and events! Although I couldn’t make it to everything and even putting this list together was challenging because of the many, many terrific activities of 2014, this does offer a glimpse of a great year of creativity in Dayton. Enjoy!

The Motel Beds and We Care Arts
January 18
Yellow Cab

We Care Arts, a nonprofit organization supporting artists with disabilities, and The Motel Beds, a Dayton-based rock/indie band, collaborated on an art/record series that would in turn support the WCA mission. WCA clients created 500 unique LP covers for the release of the Motel Beds’ “These are the Days Gone By.” A fundraiser, live performance and exhibition, the record release/art exhibition celebrated the musical and visual community in an accessible, meaningful evening, celebrating so many things that are great in Dayton.

Benjamin Entner and Steven H. Silberg
April 21 – May 16, 2014
Rosewood Gallery

The artwork of Benjamin Entner and Steven Silberg were refreshing examples of artwork not meant to hang on a gallery wall or sit on a pedestal. Entner’s singular piece Colossus was a larger-than-life, realistic inflatable black marker drawing of the artist, the figure’s feet crushing against one gallery wall and his head another. Floor to ceiling, the sculpture’s unexpected scale was awe-inspiring, as was encountering the subject himself, clad only in socks. Silberg, on the other hand, works primarily with the pixel, transforming vernacular pieces of technology into interactive artworks. When a viewer entered the gallery, a video camera activated and recorded movements throughout the space. These movements were translated into layers of color and form on a projection, thrown onto a large gallery wall. The longer the visitor was active in the space, the more complex the composition became, capturing layers upon layers of imagery. Read more about the exhibitions here.

Migiwa Orimo, Adornments
Dayton Art Institute’s Experiencenter
May 10, 2014 – April 12, 2015

Ordinary household items find transformation into beautiful, fancy objects, in the series Adornment. Migiwa Orimo, an artist known for her work exploring humanity and narrative through thoughtful, carefully constructed installations and paintings, created a subtle and exquisite body of work with these altered, everyday objects. Tassels, gemstones and ribbons adorn gloves, mop head yarn and mirrors; a carefully constructed cape and a banner; all pieces perfectly neutralized in immaculate white and frames.Architecture Week Kettering Art Tour
May 12, 2014

AIA Dayton celebrated Architecture Week 2014 with many activities, including a night of contemporary art and mid-century modern design. Organized by AIA member and artist Terry Welker, the private mid-century home of painter Susanne Scherette King was opened to participants, with architectural details, period furnishings, and her own contemporary paintings on display. Following King’s home, Studio 4095 at Town & Country Shopping Center, one of the first suburban shopping centers of its kind in the US, highlighted both the revitalization of an older Kettering landmark as well as the artwork of painter Ron Rollins and sculptor Terry Welker. Read more here.

Third on Third
Front Street

Rediscovering a place lost in the busy hum of a city is an exciting moment, particularly when it’s assets and vitality are brought into focus by a fresh, timely resurgence of activity. This is the beauty of the monthly Third on Third events, taking place both in an outdoor market on Third Street and also the Front Street Warehouses. With studios open to the public, the third floor of Front Street is suddenly a lively, creative place, allowing access to established and new artists and gallery spaces. Spearheaded by Peter Bekendorf of the Collaboratory, Third on Third is creating a new momentum for this arts destination.HWD Regional Sculpture Competition
August 25 – September 26, 2014
Rosewood Gallery

Featuring sculpture by artists from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, this year’s HWD Regional Sculpture Exhibition was an incredible variety of materials, techniques and concepts. Particularly interesting where the sheep rug, bear skin, aviation inspired sculptures and the use of common materials transformed into dense, lovely sculptures. Read more about the exhibition here.

Variations on Likeness: Keliy Anderson-Staley, Glenna Jennings, Julie Jones and Daniel McInnis
September 5 – October 18, 2014
Dayton Visual Arts Center

A curated selection of photographic portraiture including tintypes, installation, and large format pieces, the exhibition was thoughtfully selected and interesting in content, technique and formats. Anderson-Staley’s tintypes were mesmerizing visions into the faces of people from around the country, through the use of an intimate, romantic process; McInnis’ large format portraits captured individuals and couples in their own environments in great detail with clarity and vulnerability. Read more about the exhibition here.

Mary Ellen Croteau and Locked-In
Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery
October and November 2014

Chicago-based artist Croteau inspired many artists and visitors this fall with her installations created from found plastic objects. Collecting thousands of bottle caps and disposable shopping bags, Croteau has built new worlds out of plastic waste, drawing attention to the excessive materials utilized for each installation. Bottle cap paintings and recreations of a corral reef out of woven plastic bags were exciting and easily translatable to DIY art projects (although perhaps not at the same level of Croteau’s mastery). As Croteau’s exhibition came down, “Locked In” began. Three artists were selected to live in the gallery space with the following rules: 3 Days Locked In to Create an Art Installation, 3 Art Tools Each, 3 Boxes of Unknown Stuff to Work From, 1 Videographer 24/3 Filming It All. It was an unusual premise with incredible negotiations, ideas and processes, resulting in a successfully unique experiment. Read more about Croteau’s exhibition here.

Dick Black Estate Sale
October 24 – 25
Dayton Visual Arts Center

For over five decades, Richard Black churned out illustrations, graphic designs, paintings and drawings as a prolific artist and arts educator. When he passed away early in 2014, he left behind a massive collection of thousands of artworks. A weekend sale purged this collection—walls were filled from floor to ceiling with paintings, tables were layers deep in illustrations and sketches, and portfolios were bulging with graphic design work. The sale was a remarkable event, an uncurated view into the reality of an artist’s lifetime of production. Oddly, we were witness to work that was never meant to find an audience alongside work that put Black on the national art scene. The display of the bad, mediocre and the gems made this artist suddenly vulnerable but also allowed us a deeper understanding of his world.4th Annual Art Off
November 14
K12 and Tejas

An annual fundraising event for the K12 and Tejas scholarship program, Art Off was a lively, participatory event featuring artists of all ages. Painting over the course of a few intense hours, spectators watched and even voted for their favorite artist. Finished pieces were auctioned off, with an elementary school and high school “artist” taking first and second place for their innovative, unexpected and passionate paintings. Proclaiming this as the “Iron Chef” style battle for visual artists, the energy, variety of skills, diversity of participating artists and clear passion for art made this event dynamic and celebratory.Bonus Picks:

Beth Holyoke
Dayton Visual Arts Center
January 17 – February 28

Whimsical, funny, dramatic and sincere, Holyoke’s ceramic portraits touched upon a multitude of ideas of self, ethnicity, origin and color. A part of the REACH conference, which explores cultural similarities and differences, Holyoke’s work was a testament to the diversity of humanity, beyond her masterful ceramic techniques. Read more here.

Materialized
October 27 – December 7
Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries at Wright State University

McArthur Freeman II, “Pine App,” 2014. Cast bronze from 3D

Featuring 58 artists incorporating three-dimensional printing into their artwork, this exhibition was a glimpse into the present and future of this tool.Deco Japan
November 15, 2014 – January 25, 2015
Dayton Art Institute

A traveling exhibition featuring the decorative arts from an era marked by cultural shifts and Western influence, Deco Japan brought another world to life through prints, textiles, ceramics, metals, jewelry, painting and sculpture.