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Volunteers for Dayton! Opportunities: September 4-11

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Greetings MostMetro-land!

Welcome to our new weekly round-up of urban Dayton volunteer opportunities!

Mural by David Kenworthy at Garden Station

As someone who’s been involved in a lot of community improvement projects at both grassroots & government levels, I’ve sensed a need to better coordinate all the amazing energy that people have for our center city these days. I’ll be pulling these from our Facebook group and items that you e-mail me. So if you’re looking for ways to get involved in Dayton’s revival, check back here every week. Be sure to report back what you’ve accomplished!

Get Your Hands Dirty – Help Wanted!

    • Install a mosaic mural:  East End Community Services and K12 Gallery need your help at 504 Xenia Avenue in the Twin Towers neighborhood. Tues. & Wed., Sep. 4-5; drop in any time from 8:30am until 2pm. Bring work gloves if you have them and dress to get messy! For more info call Amanda at 259-1898 or e-mail her.
    • “First Friday Park” Planting & Volunteer Social:  Downtown volunteer Brian Ressler took it upon himself to get a grant to beautify the highly-visible triangle between St. Clair & Patterson at Fifth. Now he needs some extra hands to help plant flowers! Gather for drinks, pizza, and First Friday after. Friday, Sep. 7, 6pm; more info & RSVP here.
    • Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest: Talk about slacktivism! All you need to do to show your support for downtown is buy a ticket and show up to hear great music. Saturday & Sunday, Sep. 8-9.
Downtown Mural Volunteers

Downtown Mural Project volunteers cleaning. Photo: Carli Dixon

  • Volunteer at Urban Nights: Downtown’s favorite street party needs your help! Visit the Downtown Dayton Partnership and sign up to be a trolley or walking guide, serve beer, or survey guests at this Friday, Sep. 14th event.
  • The Dayton Skatepark Project: Join other skateboarding enthusiasts in their quest to start a downtown skatepark by following their page.
  • Dayton Unleashed is a grassroots group improving a fenced area at Deeds Point for use as a dog park. Learn more at their page and stay tuned for volunteer clean-up dates.
  • Donate Dayton items for the RNNC basket: Each year neighborhood activists represent Dayton at the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference and contribute a Dayton-themed basket (including gift certificates, mugs, T-shirts, etc.) to be raffled off. Contact Sandy Melke to contribute.

Crowdfunding

We know that money is often tight these days, but remember that there is power in numbers – even the smallest donations can add up for grassroots projects!

Future Fifth Street Co-op Brewpub

  • Build a park in St. Anne’s Hill: This historic neighborhood just east of downtown hopes to raise $1500 as a match to their City of Dayton mini-grant. Learn more and contribute on Razoo.
  • Own a brewpub: Speaking of St. Anne’s, their cooperatively-owned Fifth Street Brewpub is still seeking inaugural members, so for $100 you could be an owner too!
  • Cityfolk Post-Festival Appeal: The weather was truly unkind this year, shutting down the downtown festival twice and resulting in a 60% loss compared to other years. To keep the festival, the concert season, and the Culture Builds Community educational program going, Cityfolk hopes to raise $100,000 by the end of the year. Please give at the Cityfolk website.
  • Give a Dam!: Over $3.8 million has already been raised for the River Run project, but now it’s your turn to give a dam.
  • Success! Congrats to Sew Dayton and the Downtown Mural Project for meeting their recent crowdfunding goals (although I’m sure they’ll continue to take your money).

 

You can also join our group to participate in discussions on Dayton activism–this week’s hot topics include food trucks, bike share programs, and the Priority Board system–send me volunteer opportunities, or just check back here next Tuesday!

 

 

The Beauty of Boudoir

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During my career as a makeup artist there have been few things as rewarding and yet questioned than boudoir photography. I have been in the beauty industry for over ten years and what orginally attracted me to it was both my early career in the theater business and retro/pin up style. When I began in the boudoir business almost 6 years ago with Dayton photographer Tracy Abston, I knew this was where I wanted to be and also wanted to get the stigma that boudoir is anything less than tasteful. It never comes as a surprise that when I tell someone I do makeup for a boudoir studio they look at me like I work in porn! Boudoir is not porn and it is also not glamour shots lol.

Boudoir photography is nothing new to the world. Since the beginning of time we have been obsessed with capturing soft curves, swells, skin, and general beauty of a female in relaxed poses capturing the attention of not only men, but also other women. The female form is a curiosity, and a beauty to withhold in and of itself. The resurgence of boudoir has taken off once again the last five years. Women from all walks of life have once again started celebrating the female form. Many women do this for a gift for someone but most times it is a gift to themselves. It most circles it is now seen as perfectly acceptable to do these photos and not only that but it is a sought after service.

What makes boudoir so beautiful is not only the actual art of the photography but how it can affect a client who comes in. Women do these sessions for multiple reasons; weight-loss, a recent divorce, a loss of self esteem, new boobs, a wedding or anniversary present or even to remember themselves in a certain way.  These sessions are not a one time thing, once women see themselves in this new image they always want to come back for another one and I can personally attest to that! The beauty of boudoir is that it can change a person. As women we are constantly judging ourselves and expecting to look a certain way. Our stomachs will never be flat enough, our thighs small enough or lips full enough. We are our own worst enemies. Not only do we constantly obsess about our looks but so many women lose themselves over the years. We have had so many women come in who have put themselves on the backburner for years in order to make other people happy whether in their personal lives or at work. Boudoir is about bringing that woman back and letting her see that she still has it in her!

 

There are so many memorable women that I have had the the pleasure of working with but there a few that really stand out as what boudoir is about.

Miss A

Miss A is very dear to my heart we nearly had to beg her to come in after she tried backing out but her daughter talked her into it. She was turning 50 and had a very rough few years with family issues and losing herself in general. Her daughter had recently been diagnosed with a horrible disease and Miss A was really having a rough go at life. The funny thing about her is that she is not only absolutely beautiful but this is also a woman who has biked across Ohio in a day, ran marathons and dedicated her spare time to children in need! This is a woman who had so much to give that literally forgot to give back to herself. There are no words to describe her reaction when she looked in the mirror at herself in fact when we heard the silence we knew….it was a good thing she was waterproofed 🙂 She said she had never felt so beautiful in her entire life. The smile in her pictures brought her back to life and you could see the woman she had lost. I can only hope that on days where she is feeling down about herself that she will look at her pictures and see the woman that she is. Beautiful. Strong. Deserving.

 

Miss D

Miss D was another woman who came in for a very different reason. She was in late forties and had recently been diagnosed with a disease that would eventually cripple her within 5 years. She came in to the boudoir studio to have pictures made for both her husband and for her child who was under the age of 10. She wanted her child to remember as being beautiful and healthy rather than sickly. She was reserved and did her photos wearing jeans and a tshirt in the courtyard but by the end she had an inner diva in her that produced some stunning sexy photos! Once Miss D let her inner model come out she was amazing. I often think of her and wonder how she is doing. For her, boudoir was about preserving a moment in time that she felt beautiful and wasnt thinking about what the future would bring. Miss D’s photos showed a woman who was living for the moment and doing a fabulous job at it!

More Boudoir reactions:

“Thank you so much for my sneak-peak!! I have been nervously but anxiously checking my e-mail repeatedly over the past two weeks!! I would literally jump every time my e-mail chime on my phone went off. When I finally saw the e-mail from you I quickly scrolled down to the photos and I was in complete shock. I can’t believe the woman in the photos is me. I’ve looked at them ten times already and I’m still amazed. You have such an unbelievable talent which is not limited to actual photography. You’re amazing at what you do and how you make your clients feel. I remember thinking after my session that I had never felt so comfortable in my own skin nor had I ever felt better about myself than I did at that moment. The experience of the session alone was well worth it and did so much for me and I love that I will have the photos to remind me. I can’t say thank you enough and I absolutely can not wait to give my husband his 1st anniversary gift!!”

“Although it’s been over a year since my session and my little black book wedding gift to my husband, the pictures are still making quite the impact! I originally wanted to get boudoir pictures done because my husband was deploying overseas …for the military, but it was perfect timing to give the book to him as a wedding present. I was just as nervous when he was opening it as I was when I got the e-mail from you with password to the album. But the look on his face made me feel as happy, sexy and confident as I felt when I looked at them for the first time. Anytime I am having feeling bad about myself or having a “fat” day, one glimpse at those images and remember the look on my hubby’s face. How could I feel bad knowing what he sees and how looking at me makes him feel? Thank you for helping me create the perfect wedding present and for giving me the confidence to just be me!”
“When I found out that my husband was searching the internet for a boudoir photo session for me, I sort of panicked. I’m 63 after all and why would it be a good thing to have photos of me at this stage in my life? But, after reading the information for ‘blush boudoir’, I agreed to do this for him. After my photo shoot, I felt like a new woman! We love the coffee table books and as I age, we will look back on this experience with a smile on our faces. I am so glad I did this!”
Boudoir is not about how you think you should look. Boudoir is about who you are as a woman and the woman that you should be celebrating today. You dont have to be a size 0 and you certaintly dont have to wait to celebrate something in your life to do one of these sessions. Boudoir is about being comfortable in your own skin and taking time for yourself. If you give or show these pictures to someone then that is just an added bonus. This is about you and how you see yourself. I will warn you however, that these sessions are addicting and you will probably be back for more 🙂

Interested in your own boudoir shoot?  Read more testimonials, see more pictures and check out package options at BlushBoudoir.com and on the Blush Boudoir Facebook Page.  Read our first feature on Blush Boudoir from back in July 2010 here.

 

New Pop-Up Shop “Sew Dayton” to Open in Downtown Dayton

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A new business will open downtown on Friday, Sept. 7, as part of the third phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown storefronts called Activated Spaces. Sew Dayton, owned by two seamstresses, will offer fabric and patterns, custom party dresses, bags, and a variety of accessories, as well as offer classes.

Sew Dayton will pop up for an initial six months at 16 Brown St. in the Oregon District. The store will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours will be extended to 9 p.m. during First Fridays and Urban Nights. The store’s number is 937-234-7938.

Tracy McElfresh, left, and Jesy Anderson are opening Sew Dayton, a new Pop-Up Shop operated through Activiated Spaces. The store, which will host a soft opening during the Sept. 7 First Friday, will offer sewing classes, custom clothing items and accessories.

Sew Dayton is a collaboration between two existing businesses, Dresses by Tracy McElfresh and JKessel Design. McElfresh is a third-generation seamstress. Her business partner, Jesy Anderson, began sewing three years ago and has not stopped. Together, the pair is excited to bring their love for fabric to a downtown storefront as they continue to offer their custom-designed products and as they teach the art of sewing to others.

Sew Dayton also has a Kickstarter fundraising webpage, and its $5,000 goal has been met through pledges by more than 70 backers. In return for their pledge, these backers will receive anything from handmade zipper pouches or headbands to private sewing lessons, depending on their level of investment.

The opening of Sew Dayton builds on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first two phases, launched in November 2011 and May 2012. Two of the initial three businesses in the pilot are approaching their one-year anniversary: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. All three shops from the second phase remain open for business and include: American π, 37 S. St. Clair St., Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St. and Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.

Two more Pop-Up Shops will open as part of the third phase of the project. They will be announced soon and are anticipated to open this fall.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 5,730 square feet of retail space during its first two phases, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and Vintage Barbershop. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, a past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information about Activated Spaces.

Wergerzyn’s Throwing A Garden Party

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Imagine the Wegerzyn Gardens transformed into Alice’s Wonderland on Thursday, September 13th, for this year’s Garden Party!

  • Like Alice, you’ll start your adventure by entering a rabbit hole (our unique Patrick Dougherty sculpture) where you will enjoy cocktails and appetizers. (Served from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.)
  • Pleasant strains of live music will draw you further down the path to a savory table-served dinner by Elite Catering. And yes, tea will be served too!
  • Like the Mad Hatter, you’ll hop to a tantalizing array of exciting adventures and one-of-a-kind creations for your home and garden at our auction tables.
  • When you thought there couldn’t be more, you will be treated a bountiful assortment of irresistible desserts fit for a king or queen–of hearts, of course!
TIckets for this fundraiser run $75 per person and can be reserved online.    Perhaps you’d also like to support the event raffle.  You could win a three-night trip for two to Napa Valley’s romantic Wine Country!  Trip includes round-trip airfare from Dayton to San Francisco; a superior room in the luxurious Meritage Resort and Spa; intermediate rental car; $50 spa credit; and a 5 1/2 hour customized wine country tour including transportation, sampling and lunch.  Thirty-day notice is required. No cash value.  Additional nights can be added at winner’s expense.  Contact Uniglobe VIP Travel for details (888-338-4814 or 937-424-3171).  Raffle tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100.   The winning raffle ticket will be drawn at the Garden Party and you need not be present to win. Proceeds benefit the Wergerzyn Gardens Foundation.

Eyebrows… Sisters not Twins.

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The first thing most people notice about you will be your face and as a makeup artist I notice all the little things. Now to all my friends reading this dont think I stare at you and pick you apart lol. One of the biggest things I notice that often goes over looked are eyebrows. Yeah you know the lines of fur above your eyes? Many people dont realize just how important they are to framing your face. I have done makeovers on women who are shocked by the transformation just by changing their eyebrows. There are tons of ways to manage brow fur these days and along with that are price points for every budget. I hear all the time that “I cant afford brow waxing” “my skin is too sensitive” “it hurts” Ladies there are no excuses these day and there is way for everyone to have perfectly manicured brows for a mere cost.

Plucking- Tried and True?

I cannot and have never plucked my own eyebrows or anyone elses.  In my opinion it is painful and unecessary. With that being said I have several friends and clients who do pluck and do a wonderful job. It’s just not for me. Here are a few tips:

  1. Exfoliate and apply teething gel for pain. Brush brows up and out.
  2. Situate yourself near a window with light pouring in or under a bright light with a good mirror (magnifying mirrors are best, but be sure and flip it over to see your overall effect in the regular mirror).
  3. Make sure you have a good pair of tweezers with a slanted edge. I recommend Tweezerman.
  4. Tweeze hairs in the direction they grow. Don’t grab too many hairs at a time. You can hold skin taut as you pluck.
  5. You can start anywhere, but I usually tweeze the area under my arch first, then I move above the brow and I clean up in between my brows last. It’s a myth that brows should never be tweezed from above. You want both the bottoms and tops to be smooth. So be careful, but tweeze the top AND the bottom.
  6. The best brows have a slight arch. To find yours, take a long eyeshadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of your eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of your brow should be. Tweeze the hairs underneath the arch.
  7. The space between your brows should be equal to, or a little wider than, your eyes. To find where your brow should go, take the brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the side of your nose. Where the brush meets your brow is where your brow should begin. Tweeze the strays in between.
  8. Stop every few hairs to step back and look at the job you’re doing. If you overpluck, you’re stuck. Unlike most hairs on your body, your brows won’t always grow back once they’re yanked. In fact I have seen many women who’s do not come back 🙁
  9. Once you’re done plucking, you can apply aloe vera gel, which will calm the redness right away.

Waxing Vs. Threading the Debate

When it comes to eyebrow grooming, many ladies debate which method is best threading or waxing. Threading is an ancient technique where a string is used to remove hair. Whereas waxing, Uses a wax-based resin that is placed on the skin and then rips off the unwanted hair.

Many women have extremely sensitive skin and are more prone to threading. Threading has little to minimum contact with the skin. Waxing however, tugs at skin when the hair is removed, and causes irritated sensitive skin making it turn pink to extremely red. Threading solely uses a string to remove the hair, unlike waxing that contains resins and preservatives; artificial fragrances and ingredients that can be a problem for sensitive skin. Sometimes having an allergic reaction is mistaken as sensitivity. Waxes are often based on a certain ingredient like: lavender, tea tree, chocolate, acaí berry and the list goes on and on. With threading eyebrows there’s no need to worry.

So who should wax?

Wax works well for skin that is not overly sensitve and should always be done by a professional. It shoud not be overly painful. Technicians will often go through after the wax and pluck unwanted hairs they were missed. You may have some slight redness and swelling but it should only last a couple hours. Here is what you can expect at your appointment:

An upscale salon or spa will lead you into a private room onto a facial bed where you will lay down, and they will wrap hair in a towel or push it back with a head band. A bright facial and magnifying light will be turned on to see the brows closely. Some salons that mostly specialize in hair services, simply clip hair back and do the waxing at the shampoo bowl.

Professional Eyebrow Waxing Consultation

At this time they should consult with you on how you want your eyebrows shaped. Do you like them full and defined, just cleaned up, or a large arch?  The technician should never just start waxing at away at your brows without knowing what you want your brows to look like.

The Waxing & Shaping

If needed, your brows will be trimmed with scissors. Don’t be scared and think they are taking your entire brows away. The excess bulk that’s removed makes for a much cleaner look.

They will cleanse your eyebrow area, apply powder and then the warm wax and strip (for soft wax). When hardened, it’s ripped off quickly. Your first wax will probably hurt a bit, but will get better each time. The hair underneath, in the middle of brows and on top (if you wish) will be removed.

Post-Wax

Wax cleanser will remove any residue, and a skin soother helps calm skin and ease redness. Any tiny hairs that were missed by the wax will be cleaned up with tweezers to fine-tune the brows.

The technician will then give you a mirror so you can see how your brows look. If they were shaped too thin, unfortunately there’s not much you can do but use an eyebrow pencil until they grow back in. But, if they are too thick then ask the technician to make them thinner.

If you like the way they’re shaped, make a standing appointment. Your brows will always look great, and never over-grown.

So who should Thread?

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to break out threading may be a better option for you. Although it is mildly painful the threading has no direct contact with your skin. It is very important to go to a reputable threading expert. If you do not you could end up with uneven brows, ingrown hairs or experience unecessary pain. I personally have never tried threading but am curious to see how it feels as compared to waxing.

Now you have the low down on what is involved these days in the brow world and this is just the beginning. There are even more options of penciling, tattooing, dying and even using laser hair removal. Here are my final tips for you:

1. Find a REPUTABLE salon for any service. If it sounds to good be true it probably is.

2. Even if you over pluck dont panic you can always pencil them in until they come back.

3. Irritation from waxing is short lived dont freak out it will go away!

4. Dont obsess over matchy matchy brows they are “sisters not twins”

5. At home waxing may seem like a good idea……it’s most likely not especially after that second glass of wine 🙂

If you have brow experiences please share them with us. We always want to hear the good, bad and the wonderful in the beauty world!

xoxo

Michelle

 

Urban Mosaics: Being Natural = Being Empowered

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As I sit here in my new salmon-colored t-shirt, sporting the word “honey” across the front (a term of endearment used for fly girls) I realize this is exactly the feeling Stacy Edey was trying to achieve when she set out to start her own innovative t-shirt company: I feel beautiful; I feel comfortable; I feel like me. According to Edey, her clothing line, Urban Mosaics “promotes the indefinable beauty of natural textured hair signified by abstract works of wearable art, and instills a paradigm shift in the conscious mind.”

What does all of that mean? It means that Stacy figured out a way to encourage African-American women to be comfortable with who they are at their roots – literally.

“I would say that the majority of black women’s hair is not naturally straight. The process of relaxing hair involves a harsh chemical called lye, which changes the chemical compound in hair and straightens it,” says Edey. Stacy explained that the process of straightening dates back hundreds of years to when it was widely believed that it was more acceptable for black women to have straight hair rather than kinky hair because it made them look more like everyone else. But Edey references a favorite quote from Marcus Garvey that she believes says it all: “Take the kinks out of your mind instead of your hair.”

With a professional background in Human Resources and a graduate degree in Management, in 2011 Stacy felt it was time for a change. She went back to her roots by making the Big Chop- cutting off all chemically-straightened hair. “It was a very liberating experience; I had about “that much” hair,” Stacy says as she pinches her thumb and index finger together. “I had what’s called a TWA- a teeny weeny Afro.” In addition to feeling liberated, Stacy explained that it was a struggle not knowing how people would react to her new shorter haircut, and as it grew out, her natural, textured hair. “There were a lot of pressures compounded on me. I didn’t know how to care for my natural hair. I didn’t even remember what my real hair texture was like- I was probably about 8 years old when my hair was introduced to chemical relaxers. I had no idea what to expect.”

As Stacy’s journey continued, she found a t-shirt online that simply said, “Love your roots.” The artwork on the shirt depicted a tree trunk in the shape of a woman’s face and leaves and branches that symbolized her hair. Edey adds sentimentally, “I thought it was so profound, and I realized how it made me feel when I wore it out in public. When I wore that shirt I felt a sense of empowerment. This is my hair. This is who I am. I love my roots-my heritage.”

Edey began to have an affinity for t-shirts with statements such as “Same Girl, Different Hair.” Edey explained, “I liked the way the shirts changed my disposition,” and claimed she wants to be able to share her perspective of natural beauty with the world while offering shirts that portray a unique type of artistry as well. To this end, Edey has enlisted the help of Cleveland, Ohio sneaker artist Van Monroe to create most of the designs, has them printed on 100% organic cotton shirts, and sells them on her website: Urban-Mosaics.com. A portion of the proceeds is then donated to Stivers School for the Arts, as Edey encourages women of all ages to believe in themselves and believe that they can impact positive change in the world through their passions and views.

Through Urban Mosaics, Edey strives to be a catalyst for change; she endeavors to change the way people feel and think about their hair, their heritage and ultimately themselves. Edey believes that despite initially appealing primarily to African-American women, her shirts will transcend nationalities- that anyone will be able to wear them, regardless of ethnicity or heritage because believing in who you are- at your roots- is a universal concept.

Edey recalled an anonymous quote she once read, “Being natural is not a statement. It’s the closest to being who I am,” and added, “I found a way to create a business that surrounds my passions. I know it’s a cliche to believe in your dreams, but if you have passion and surround yourself with the right people, you can make your dreams come true.”

 

Downtown Dayton is going to the dogs…

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"Woof!" (translation: "We want our own downtown park!")

Just over the pedestrian bridge spanning the Mad River as it converges with its sister rivers in Downtown Dayton, and past the beautiful Deeds Point where statues of a couple of famous Dayton brothers look over the downtown skyline, exists an abandoned park that is getting a new life with the help of some dedicated downtown dog owners with a mission of creating downtown dog park.  The group was started by David Hurwitz, Uli Fiedler, Karen Stephens, Darryl Demure (aka Ms. Demure from Bazzaroworld), and Aaron Sorrell – Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Dayton.

While this team of dog enthusiasts is fairly new and not yet an official non-profit organization, their goal is to obtain their 501 (c)(3) status very soon with money they hope to raise at a benefit on Thursday August 16th at Club Aquarius.  They’ve already made quite a bit of progress in cleaning up the lot and even installing a fence with a double-gate (a must in any dog park), and they have bigger plans that include transforming the existing building that sits on the lot into a hot dog and/or mocha stand.  If they win a $500,000 prize through the 2012 Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest, that could soon be a reality!

To keep up with progress, you can follow their Facebook group page called Dayton Unleashed.  And if you have a dog and live in the downtown area (or even if you don’t), be sure to come out on Thursday night for an entertaining event with Ms. Demure at Club Aquarius.  This is a group that is doing great things and deserves support from the community!

Two Dayton Seamstresses Need Your Help To Sew Their Dreams

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Sew Dayton is a fun new sewing shop located in downtown Dayton, Ohio with a modern style and a pinch of vintage inspirations. It’s not your grandma’s traditional sewing store but she would still love to shop here!

[yframe url=’http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2071372453/sew-dayton-fun-trendy-pinch-of-vintage’]

Our Dayton, Ohio community has an amazing group of emerging crafters and artists. Dayton is thriving with creativity and it’s exciting to see the arts develop in our community. With all this talent you might be surprised to know that Dayton, Ohio is missing a place for people to learn how to sew! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced level sewer, there is a need for a space in Dayton that offers private lessons, group classes, high quality fabrics & notions, modern & vintage patterns and knowledgeable staff.

Sew Dayton is dedicated to helping clients solve problems and answer questions about sewing projects of all levels at any step in the process. Our goal is not only to be a great resource for all sewers but to offer sewing materials you can’t find anywhere else. Sew Dayton will stock both modern and vintage fabrics which is lacking in our area. If you’re looking for materials that are on target with current trends, then Sew Dayton is your store!

Core Values at Sew Dayton:

·       Customers and clients should be treated like family.

·       Every customer is welcomed with a smile (and a hug)!

·       We gladly help all clients no matter the size of the project or the experience of the sewer.

·       Your projects are important to us.

·       Customer service is a top priority. We will take time to listen and understand your needs.

Tracy McElfresh of Dresses by Tracy McElfresh, LLC will be part of Sew Dayton!

Sew Dayton is passionate and energetic about the art of sewing. We are excited to share our knowledge with others and we are dedicated to our community and to the success of arts in Dayton.

One of the goals of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan is to help launch entrepreneurs down the path of owning their own business while revitalizing Dayton’s downtown abandoned store fronts. Activated Spaces was developed as a partnership between the Downtown Dayton Partnership, UpDayton, and Generation Dayton to see this goal come to life. Sew Dayton has applied to be a part of this amazing project.

Working with Activated Spaces allows us to set up shop in an empty street level store front in Downtown Dayton. Sew Dayton will receive a reduced rate rent and a start up lease term that works for us.

Sadly, some storefronts in Dayton have been left vacant and neglected over the years. Activated Spaces requires that we give our space some TLC in order to get the doors open. With a donation from you, it will be possible for us to revitalize our storefront space and open the doors with Sew Dayton up and running within the 30 days. Sew Dayton needs your help!

Jesy Anderson of JKessel Design will be part of Sew Dayton!!

In order for Sew Dayton to flourish we will need to set up an account with a modern and trendy fabric distributor, purchase additional fabrics, notions, patterns, sewing machines for classes, and make over our storefront. This is where the initial start up cost exceeds our current savings.

Donations will help us achieve our goal of opening a new shop in Dayton! You can give now through their Kickstarter Campaign.

We want our dream to succeed and with your help it will blossom and become a reality. We want to keep our dollars local and help our community thrive while we fulfill our dream of opening Sew Dayton.

Thank You,

Tracy McElfresh and Jesy Anderson of Sew Dayton

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Dayton Home Sales Stats for June 2012

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Dayton Home Sales Stats for June 2012 - Click Image to Enlarge

Every month the Dayton Area Board of Realtors (DABR) crunches through the sales data for the previous month and publishes the stats. They compare monthly sales to the year prior. It’s a nice way to gauge the general and overall real estate health of the Greater Dayton area.

These sales are single-family homes and condominiums reported by the Dayton Area Board of Realtors, in areas that could include everything from the Indiana border to Springfield; Celina to Hamilton, so it’s a very broad picture, so as I say with nearly every post, your community and your neighborhood might tell a very different picture- talk to a real estate agent to find the data that will directly affect your home. Commercial buildings or homes sold outside the Multiple Listing Service are not included.

So how did we do in June?

Brisk sales throughout the first six months of this year produced year-to-date across-the-board improvements over 2011. From January through June, 5,412 transactions were completed, compared to 5,014 during the same period in 2011, an increase of nearly 8%.

That’s sales. What about price?

This activity generated over $647.4 million in total sales volume for the first six months, a very strong 15.8% increase over 2011. The average sale price jumped to $119,657 while the median rose to $98,500, increases of 7.3% and 10.6%, respectively, in a year-over- year comparison.

The DABR website has other charts and graphs as well to help you make sense of what is happening in the Greater Dayton Area. Take a look!

Downtown Buildings Will Be Lit Friday for Photo Contest

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Amateur winner Bruce Soifer's photo of the Dayton skyline, taken during downtown's light up night in 2011.

From 8 to 11 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 3, most of downtown’s buildings will be lit for photographers who would like to capture city nightscapes to enter in the photo contest Downtown in Focus. While photographers can enter photos taken during the night or day, tomorrow evening will be an opportunity to take shots when downtown Dayton’s skyline will be brightly lit.

The owners of 27 downtown buildings — including the Kettering Tower, KeyBank Tower, CareSource building and new Premier Health Partners Center — have agreed to light up for the evening.  A complete list follows, and photographers interested in knowing if a specific building will be lit up can visit www.downtowndayton.org or contact Anna Beyerle at 224-1518, ext. 235.

Downtown eatery Smokin' BBQ lights up near the Oregon District.

The buildings will be lit during First Friday, downtown’s free monthly art hop. This week’s event will feature a free concert by Stranger at RiverScape MetroPark from 5 to 7:30 p.m., as well as gallery openings at locations throughout downtown, a variety of roaming entertainers, and much more from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details about events taking place during this month’s First Friday.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership, City of Dayton, Kaplan College and Dayton Daily News are sponsoring Downtown in Focus. One amateur winner and one professional winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

  • Downtown Festivals: Images showcasing individuals or unique moments at any of downtown Dayton’s summer events or festivals.
  • Active Downtown: Photographs featuring people participating in active lifestyle activities, such as biking, kayaking, dancing and running in downtown Dayton.
  • Scenic Downtown: Creative images featuring buildings, architecture, skylines, parks, the river or any other picturesque view of downtown.
  • Best in Show (selected by the judges)

CareSource Management Group's building is a staple among downtown's bright lights.

A panel of judges will select the winners in each category and award a $250 cash prize to the Best in Show winner in each division. Honorable mentions also will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. Contest winners will be recognized at the Sept. 14 Urban Nights and all entries will be displayed in a special exhibit during Urban Nights.

The deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Official contest guidelines and entry forms are available at www.downtowndayton.org.

Cast Your Vote For Top Model in Hospice Style Show

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The Jungle of Life Style Show and Luncheon to benefit Hospice of Dayton will be held Friday, September 21 at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College. This popular fundraiser showcases the latest in men’s and women’s fashions while raising important funds for Hospice of Dayton patient and family services and programs. Local celebrity models will share the runway with Hospice of Dayton employees. All proceeds of the event benefit patient care at Hospice of Dayton for those facing life- limiting illnesses. Vectren, Premier Health Partners and the Levin Family Foundation are title sponsors of the event, now in its ninth year. The dessert sponsor is Caresource and supporting sponsors include Freund Freeze & Arnold LLC, KeyBank, Garland Johnson Dental and Photographer Andy Snow . The program will be hosted by WDTN TV news anchor Marsha Bonhart.

Tickets are $70 per person and the deadline for registration is September 14, 2012. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hospiceofdayton.org, or by contacting Special Events Coordinator Marsha Bernard [email protected] or 937.258.5537. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship information, please contact the Director, Community Outreach & Special Events, Amanda Burks at 937.258.5537 or email her at [email protected].

Event highlights will include a silent auction, a “wild” style show featuring fashions from Bello One, Pieces of Style, TheSecret Ingredient and Joli Boutique, and a fabulous raffle featuring unique items and experiences, including a trip to Grand Cayman. Also new this year is the online “Top Model” Contest. Hospice is asking you to cast your vote for your favorite model.  That might be Brent Johnson from Square One Salon, Kim Faris  from Lite 99.9, Bootsie Neal from Wright Dunbar, or a  dozen more choices.  Votes are $5 each and online voting in now online. The model with the most votes will be crowned “Top Model” at the luncheon and all proceeds raised will be used for patient care and services.

Hospice of Dayton is a non-profit organization serving an eight county area in southwestern Ohio providing superior care and services to over 700 patients daily. Medicare certified and accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Hospice of Dayton has earned national and state recognition for programs and innovation. Services are available to patients with a variety of life-limiting illnesses including cancer, ALS, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Heart Disease, Liver Disease, Pulmonary Diseases, Kidney Failure, Stroke and Coma. Along with the fundamental mission of celebrating the lives of patients, Hospice of Dayton is also committed to serving as a community resource for end-of-life education and an advocate for patient self-determination.

Earnest Money: Quick tips and good faith deposits in Dayton

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The Ohio Association of Realtors just produced a video regarding the legal implications of earnest money as it can be one of the most confusing aspects of a real estate transaction, and the video release is timely because I’ve seen a definite shift in seller thinking about earnest money so I thought this would be a good topic to discuss in some general terms. What is “earnest money”, what does it do, and how is it disbursed?

Please note: I’m a Realtor, I am not an attorney and I don’t play one on TV. What is included here is intended as very basic, general real estate information so if you need legal advice, please consult your attorney.

Also note: Real estate is local. If you are reading this from outside the Dayton area, please get specific advice from a local real estate agent.

In Dayton it’s called “Earnest Money Deposit” in other areas it might be called a “Good Faith Deposit” but regardless, the purpose remains the same- to let a seller know that your offer is serious and prevent a buyer from simply walking away from a home because of cold feet or a change of heart without losing something of value. An Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is an amount of cash that a buyer offers up, to be delivered upon acceptance of an offer. But it’s not given to the seller, it is held in a non-interest bearing escrow account, and is not co-mingled with a broker’s operating funds. Here’s how the EMD is explained in the Dayton Area Board of Realtors (DABR) Purchase Contract:

EARNEST MONEY; DEFAULT. Upon presentation of this offer, Purchaser has delivered to _____ Broker, the sum of $_______ as earnest money, to be (1) deposited in the Broker’s trust account promptly after acceptance of this offer or (2) returned to Purchaser upon request if this offer is not accepted. The earnest money shall be paid to Purchaser or applied on the purchase price at closing. If the closing does not occur because of Seller’s default or because any condition of this Contract is not satisfied or waived, Purchaser shall be entitled to the earnest money. If Purchaser defaults, Seller shall be entitled to the earnest money.

Sellers need to understand that the money is not a deposit for them. It does not go to them at closing, it is not theirs. Buyers need to understand that they can get that money back at closing if the terms of the contract are met. Both parties need to understand that they both have to agree on how the funds are disbursed. More from the DABR Purchase Contract:

The parties acknowledge, however, that the Broker will not make a determination as to which party is entitled to the earnest money. Instead, the Broker shall not release the earnest money from the trust account until one of the following occurs: (1) the transaction closes and the Broker disburses the earnest money to the closing or escrow agent or otherwise disburses money pursuant to the terms of this Contract; (2) the parties provide the Broker with written instructions that both parties have signed that specify how the Broker is to disburse the earnest money; (3) the Broker receives a copy of a final court order that specifies to whom the earnest money is to be awarded; or (4) the funds become unclaimed and the Broker turns them over to the Division of Unclaimed Funds. In the event of a dispute between Seller and Purchaser regarding the disbursement of the earnest money, the Broker is required by Ohio law to maintain such funds in its trust account until the Broker receives (A) written instructions signed by the parties specifying how the earnest money is to be disbursed or (B) a final court order that specifies to whom the earnest money is to be awarded. If within two years from the date the earnest money is deposited in the Broker’s trust account, the parties have not provided the Broker with such signed instructions or written notice that legal action to resolve the dispute has been filed, the Broker shall return the earnest money to Purchaser with no further notice to Seller. Payment or refund of the earnest money shall not prejudice the rights of the Broker(s) or the non-defaulting party in an action for damages or specific performance against the defaulting party.

So, once an offer is accepted, try thinking of the EMD as belonging to both the buyer and the seller and they both have to agree on what happens to that money. As the contract states, if “(1) the transaction closes … the Broker disburses the earnest money to the closing or escrow agent or otherwise disburses money pursuant to the terms of this Contract”. We always defer- we have to do what the contract states, so if the there is a successful closing, the money is disbursed at the closing table, typically to the buyer, or if there are other instructions as to how that is disbursed, then we follow those terms. But what if it doesn’t close? We still follow the contract:

(2) the parties provide the Broker with written instructions that both parties have signed that specify how the Broker is to disburse the earnest money;

There is a specific form that will attach to the contract and gives the broker specific written instructions, agreed upon by both parties. Sometimes the money is just given back to the buyer and everyone moves on, sometimes the two parties split the money and move on, or the seller could end up with the money. It’s all negotiated and agreed-to in writing, or the broker is not allowed to release the funds. But what if the buyer and seller cannot agree to how EMD should be released? Again, we defer to the contract:

(3) the Broker receives a copy of a final court order that specifies to whom the earnest money is to be awarded;

If the parties cannot agree, one of the parties has the right to take the issue to small claims court and a judge decides how it disbursed. But even that doesn’t always happen, so then our contract says:

or (4) the funds become unclaimed and the Broker turns them over to the Division of Unclaimed Funds. In the event of a dispute between Seller and Purchaser regarding the disbursement of the earnest money, the Broker is required by Ohio law to maintain such funds in its trust account until the Broker receives (A) written instructions signed by the parties specifying how the earnest money is to be disbursed or (B) a final court order that specifies to whom the earnest money is to be awarded. If within two years from the date the earnest money is deposited in the Broker’s trust account, the parties have not provided the Broker with such signed instructions or written notice that legal action to resolve the dispute has been filed, the Broker shall return the earnest money to Purchaser with no further notice to Seller. Payment or refund of the earnest money shall not prejudice the rights of the Broker(s) or the non-defaulting party in an action for damages or specific performance against the defaulting party.

The contract is very specific about EMD and it’s imperative that everyone understands how they could be impacted by an earnest money deposit. 

How much money should a buyer put down? Everything is negotiable and EMD is no different. Personally, I think the minimum they can get away with and still let the seller know they are serious is best, as a buyer you certainly don’t want to tie up your money unnecessarily as we just discussed it can be a point of negotiation and possible contention. So what’s typical? Well, foreclosures almost always ask for $1000.00, but sometimes a seller will take as low as $250.00 or $500.00 on lower priced properties. It varies from property to property and transaction to transaction, but figure between 5 and 10%. Also, while it is typical for an EMD to be a personal check, and it is customary for the buyer’s broker to hold the EMD, some sellers will want to have the EMD be a certified check and they will ask for their broker to hold the EMD, but remember, how the EMD is handled is determined by the contract, so neither broker can make an independent decision on how or when to release the earnest money.

While we see signs that the market is improving, we are a long way from the days where a seller would simply release the EMD because they knew another buyer was right around the corner. Earnest money is an increasingly critical negotiating tool, and in 2009 the Dayton Area Board of Realtors Purchase Contract changed to provide the detailed instructions you see above, so don’t be surprised if a seller asks for a large EMD to make sure a buyer is serious, or does not agree to Release of Escrow without a fight. Each transaction and each offer will hold some unique circumstances so please ask  your real estate agent or lawyer as many questions you need to feel comfortable with the earnest money.

Looking for some insider baseball? To get the nitty gritty on some legal issues regarding earnest money, check out the Ohio Association of REALTORS Attorneys Peg Ritenour and Lorie Garland as they talk to REALTORS about how to deal with earnest money accounts with regard to Ohio laws.

Image credits:
Dayton Area Board of Realtors
LuMax Art

Aug. 3 First Friday to Feature Free Kayaking and Cycling, Live Music, New Art Exhibits, and Much More

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3.

RiverScape MetroPark will host the final First Friday @ 5 concert in this year’s series, with Stranger performing from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The park’s concession stand will be open and beer will be sold from 5 to 7 p.m. MetroParks employees will demonstrate various kayaking skills on the river and free kayak rentals will be available, courtesy of Cox Media Group Ohio. Free bike rentals will be available, courtesy of AAA, and the Junior League of Dayton will sponsor free bike helmets and fittings.

At the event, RTA will debut its new “On the Road” bus, a hands-on, retrofitted bus available for tours. The bus has special features, including computer kiosks for website training, interior LCD monitors with video montages and an exterior monitor for outside viewing. The bus is part of a mobile community outreach program that connects RTA to special events in the Dayton community.

Kayak raffle tickets will be sold to raise money for the Last DAM Summer, the fundraising effort for the RiverScape River Run project.

Also during the First Friday @ 5 concert, guests can show they give a DAM about the RiverScape River Run project by making a donation to the Last DAM Summer fundraising campaign. Basho Apparel will be at RiverScape hand printing special I Gave a DAM T-shirts. The shirts usually are reserved for those who donate $100 or more to the project, but only during First Friday @ 5, the shirts will be available to those donating $50 or more. In addition, Whitewater Warehouse will be selling raffle tickets for $10 each or three for $20 to win a Perception Prodigy 10 kayak the business has donated, with all proceeds going toward the River Run project.

This is the last summer a dangerous low dam in the Great Miami River will stand in the way of paddlers and others who want to enjoy the river. River Run, the next phase of development at RiverScape MetroPark, includes the removal of the low dam, making a seven-mile stretch of river navigable from Eastwood MetroPark to Carillon Park. In place of the dam, two smaller drops will be installed upstream near The Landing and RiverScape. These peninsulas will span the river and be notched with two openings where water will pass — an easy pass-through for novice paddlers and a more challenging route for skilled paddlers. The River Run project has some DAM good benefits for downtown Dayton and the region, including a safer river, improved water quality and aquatic habitat, and the creation of a regional destination for outdoor recreation.  Call 224-1518 for more information.

During First Friday, saxophonist Tyrone Martin, magician Scott Miller and steel drum performer Joseph Glenn also will provide entertainment while roaming the streets of downtown.

Tyrone Martin, a saxophonist, will perform as part of First Friday's roaming entertainment.

Club Masque, 34 N. Jefferson St., will host the Theme Release Party for AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s 11th annual Masquerage from 6 to 8 p.m. Masquerage raises funds to provide HIV/AIDS outreach, prevention programs, free HIV testing and counseling to the Dayton area. The release party will feature a fashion show by the Rubi Girls, produced by Square One Salon and Spa, as well as drink specials and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $20 before the event and $25 at the door. Tickets for Masquerage will be available, and the cost of the $20 release party ticket can be applied toward the $50 Masquerage ticket. Theme Release Party tickets can be purchased at masquerage.org or by calling 461-2437.

Tap into your inner artist

Several of downtown’s art galleries will be hosting special events and openings for August’s First Friday. Blue Sky Project, will host the opening of a collection of work by Adam Parker Smith in Blue Sky’s 8 N. Main St. space and a showing of art by Charlotte Gordon in the 33 N. Main St. space. CADC, 35 S. St. Clair St, will feature mixed-media furniture and paintings by Christy Jennewein and music by classical guitarist Eric Loy. Guests can sign up for September furniture classes taught by Jennewein. Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will display works of art by gallery owner Mike Elsass. The Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St., open 5 to 8 p.m., hosts the opening of an exhibit of landscape paintings by Sinclair Community College students and a preview of the Plein Air exhibit opening Aug. 19. Vega, Chaminade-Julienne High School’s a Capella group, will perform at 6:30 p.m.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St.:, open 5 to 8 p.m., will host a gallery talk featuring artists from the 21st annual Open Members Show, starting at 6:15 p.m. Artists include Matthew Burgy, Steve Hill, Kelly Joslin, Martin Hunter, Terry Welker and Jud Yalkut. Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will show new work by ceramist Tim Carter and laminated wood turnings by Tom Drummer. H. David Clay Studio, 33 S. St. Clair St., featuresFunctional and decorative pottery made on the premises. Lastly, K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS, 510 E. Third St., hosts the opening of “Distance,” a contemporary photography show from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibition will feature more than 40 national and local artists.

Rock out with live music

Hey There Morgan performs at the First Friday @ 5 concert series at RiverScape during July 6, 2012's First Friday. This month's concert features local band Stranger, as well as free kayak and bike rentals.

The music doesn’t end after the First Friday @ 5 concert! Explore downtown’s other rockin’ live music spots. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., will have live music at 9 p.m., featuring GB&AJ, Gold Shoes and Hazy & the Rugged Child. Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St., will host Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m. Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., also will have live music starting at 7 p.m. Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., hosts live music by the Andy Shaw Band beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Food and drink specials

If you’ve worked up an appetite during some fun downtown activities or want to quench your thirst with a drink special, we have plenty of choices for you. Many downtown restaurants offer dinner and drink specials for First Friday patrons.  Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St., Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St. and Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St., feature 10 percent off food. Coco’s Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave. and Thai 9, 11 Brown St., both offer 15 percent off food. Sa-Bai, 200 S. Jefferson St., offers 15 percent off food and a $5 Long Island Iced Tea. Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., has no cover and 20 percent off food. Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St., features $5 for a 6-ounce glass of red or white wine.

De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., will host “Meet the Mixologist,” a meet-and-greet event from 6 to 10 p.m., during which De’Lish’s new drink menu will be unveiled. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and wine and cocktail tastings. Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St., will have dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Olive, an urban dive, 416 E. Third St., will feature Jeni’s Ice Cream and broadcast Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St, will have a happy-hour band and half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m., with additional live music at 9:30 p.m. The Vault, 20 N. Jefferson St., has extended happy hour until 10 p.m., a live band and free food.

Entertainment for all ages

If you want to experience something different – like a bike ride, walking tour or indie film – downtown has options for you as well. The Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton will begin at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets. All walks are $10 per person, and advance reservations are required. Contact tour guide Leon Bey at 274-4749 or email [email protected]. At Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city. Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., will host auditions for Dayton Out Loud, a variety show to be performed during the Sept. 14 Urban Nights. Open auditions begin at 7 p.m. for acts less than three minutes, including a Cappella, spoken word and poetry, and comedy. To sign up for an audition time, e-mail [email protected].

Visitors observe paintings at Gallery 510 Fine Art. This month, the gallery will feature ceramist Tim Carter and laminated wood turnings by Tom Drummer.

Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St. Suite C, open 5 to 8 p.m., will feature art by Scott Ryan and have information about upcoming programs for children, teens and adults in the center’s new space above the Record Gallery in the Oregon District. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities and light refreshments will be provided. To check out a movie at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times. Urban Krag, 125 Clay St., will have the climbing gym open until 11 p.m.

The Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., will play the 1962 film “Murder on the Orient Express,” part of the theater’s Cool Films Series at 7:30 p.m. Free popcorn and soda served starting at 6:30 p.m.; tickets cost $5. Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., will feature comedian Touchee Jackson, with opening acts by Adrian Cosby, Greg Sparks and Jack Wilson. Show begins at 9 p.m., tickets are $15. The Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St., will host an art show featuring Robert Blackwood working on a 3D installation piece called “Crystal Vision,” from 6 to 11 p.m. Visitors can watch Blackwood work on the sculpture, which will be completed in time for the Sept. 7 First Friday.

Shop ‘til you drop

Many downtown retail shops have sales and special events during First Friday. From clothing to music stores, check out these downtown deals. Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., will have free makeup lessons. Clash Consignments, 521 E. Fifth St., is hosting a celebration of the store’s one-year anniversary and move to its new location in the Oregon District. Live music by Infidel-icious, Ronin Ichi and Black Lotus Clan will start at 6 p.m., as well as henna by Lily Whitehead. Elysian Fields Books, 436 E. Fifth St., will have a book signing and reading at 7 p.m. by children’s author Scott Mallory, who recently released “Bad-Off Boris and the Cupcake Cave-In.” Hangar18, 114 N. St. Clair St., features 15 percent off all items.

 

Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., will host a fair-trade food tasting. Record Gallery, 16 Brown St., will feature 20 percent off collectable albums and 10 percent off general merchandise. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., will have a sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., Bonnett’s Bookstore, 502 E. Fifth St., Feathers Vintage Clothing, 440 E. Fifth St., Found Treasures 4 You, 502 Wayne Ave., and Jimmy Modern, 605 E. Fifth St., will be broadcasting Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM.

The First Friday @ 5 concert series is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks, Clear Channel Radio, Bud Light Lime and the Downtown Dayton Partnership. First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

Call for Round 2 of Downtown Community Mural Project

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A team of downtown arts leaders and activists consisting of Lisa Helm (Garden Station), Jerri Stanard (K-12 Gallery) and Carli Dixon (Atta Girl), is spearheading an effort to beautify a section of East Third Street with a new mural project. In much the same way as the Wayne Avenue murals at the underpass next to Garden Station, this new set of murals at Third and Webster will be selected from submissions by local artists, and a stipend will be awarded to each winning artist. The project will be partially funded by a Neighborhood Mini Grant from the City of Dayton.

Due to the close proximity of the 2nd Street Market, a vegetable and fruit theme has been adopted for the murals. The theme may include, but is not limited to, large scale, colorful fruits and vegetables (local to the area preferred), and related items. Abstract and non-conventional interpretations of produce are also welcomed.

“If some of the images were inspired by famous artists that would be an amazing transition from the HAALO project, (on 3rd Street just west of the proposed murals) completed by 30 teens from the Montgomery County Juvenile Court program, and would allow the walk-by patrons to learn about art history in a fun and memorable way” says team member Jerri Stanard of K-12 Gallery. Some ideas for submission of artwork for the underpass at Third and Webster could include: Keith Haring “Carrots”, Giuseppe Arcimboldo “Vegetable Faces”, Edward Hoppers “Ears of Corn”, Mary Cassatt’s “Cucumbers”, Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Okra” or “Green Beans”, and Tripoli’s “Tomatoes”.

The spaces available for painting will include the areas on the retaining wall on the southeast side of the intersection as well as sections under the overpass. Spaces on the retaining wall are approximately 13’ x13’ and the underpass spaces are 8’x 8’ squares (see attached pictures, these can be used as a submission template by printing or tracing dimensions).

A committee comprised of artists, area business owners and city representatives will select the winning designs. Designs will be judged based on originality, appropriateness for the space and design quality.

Each artist whose mural design is selected will receive $125 upon completion of each mural. Sixteen gallons of

The 2009 mural project

exterior paint will be available to all of the artists to share. The colors will include red, orange, yellow, light and dark green, sky blue, lilac, and purple. Also, a $75 supply stipend per mural will be given to each artist to individualize his/her palette.

Multiple submissions are encouraged. Submissions may be submitted in any format or size, as long as the proposed design is clearly illustrated. Artists also are encouraged to submit a resume or letter outlining their qualifications to complete this type of project.

Submissions are due by 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 1. Winners will be announced at Urban Nights on September 14 at an event in Garden Station.

Submissions can be e-mailed  or mailed to:

Downtown Mural Project c/o Carli Dixon, 811 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Winning artists will have until Friday, November 2, to finish their work. The murals will be unveiled that evening at First Friday festivities. “The City of Dayton grant to create more murals along East Third Streets puts us that much closer to competing with Philadelphia’s public art and becoming the destination where tourists will stay an extra day to experience all the incredible amenities we have in Dayton Ohio”, says Stanard.

Additional donations are also being accepted to help fund the project through indigogo. “The Neighborhood Mini Grant from the city will cover the cost of about 13 murals and requires a 50% match”, says Lisa Helm. “While we will more than meet our match requirements with the value of all the volunteer hours, we need the money for paint and artist stipends. There are 37 spaces in the intersection available to paint, it would be nice to fill them all, if not with full murals at least with bright colored spaces between some of the murals “

Clean up days are scheduled for the morning of August 25 and 26.  Volunteers will be needed to clear brush, weeds, trash and to prime the spaces. Updates will be posted at www.facebook.com/GardenStation

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Lisa at [email protected] or 937-610-3845.

Masquerage 2012- What’s the theme?

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The most frequently asked question of anyone involved in the planning, organizing and production of the AIDS Resource Center extravaganza known as Masquerage is “What’s the theme going  to be?”   Well, here’s YOUR chance to be one of the first to know!

An announcement of this magnitude deserves more than a simple post on the Masquerage web site.   It deserves a crowd of enthusiastic revelers to join Dayton’s own Rubi Girls at the fabulous Club Masque for a special style show produced by Square One Salon to help give you idea’s on how to dress for this year’s theme!  So join ARC Ohio  on Fri, August 3rd, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Club Masque and be amongst the first to know the theme for the 11th annual Masquerage.
In the past 10 years over 6500 attendee’s at Dayton’s Party of Parties For A Cause has helped the organization raise over $1,000,000 so ARC Ohio can continue to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS .  Specifically funding raised through Masquerage help  provide:

  • Outreach and prevention to individual at risk for infections
  • FREE HIV testing, counseling and referral services
  • Case management and support to HIV-infected individuals and their loved ones
  • Advocay concerning issues that affect the HIV community

Masque Nightclub will open it’s doors early just for Masquerage fans.  Here’s your chance to visit one of the midwest’s most talked about nightclubs to start off your First Friday.  Your $20 advance tickets include the exclusive reveal of the 2012 theme, appetizers, special drinks prices and other surprises. Tickets will be $25 at the door.  Masque is located at 34 N. Jefferson Street, Dayton, OH 45402.
As a special incentive to Theme Release Attendees, if you purchase your ticket for the Oct 20th Masquerage event at Club Masque that night, you may apply the $20 ticket to your ticket purchase price.  General admission tickets will be $50 and Red Ribbon Lounge VIP Tickets will run $150.  Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at 937-461-2437 x 2029.

Mad Molly & Batty Bonnie from Masquerage 2011

“Masquerage has become a signature event of AIDS Resource Center Ohio.  It brings people together for a spectacular evening while generating greater awareness about HIV/AIDS.  It also raises much-needed funds to benefit those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS” said Bill Hardy, executive director of AIDS Resource Center Ohio.   This year, he anticipates that the organization will provide assistance to nearly 4,000 individuals living with HIV and their loved ones, and reach thousands more at risk of HIV infection.  “We provide care and services for those already infected with the virus and help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS”.

This year, the goal is to raise over $150,000 and and a sold out crowd is expected.  Each year a committee of dedicated volunteers work to coordinate a new theme, so that the event is bigger and better than the year before.

Guests can purchase a general admission ticket to the event for $50 in advance or $60 at the door, which includes a welcome drink courtesy of Jagermiester, dancing, entertainment and munchies. For a VIP experience, Ribbon Lounge tickets will again run $150 and include general admission amenities plus complimentary valet parking by Lexus of Dayton, the spectacular views from the 2nd floor lounge, mask painting,  open bar, appetizers and the always coveted swag bag.

Masquerage 2012 is made possible by: Levin Family Foundation, Jagermeister, Lexus of Dayton, CareSource, The Light Fantastic, Square One Salon, Premier Health Partners and MJ’s Cafe- the hosts of the official After Party.  Additional sponsorship opportunities still exist, contact ARC Ohio for more information.

 

 

Amateur and Professional Photographers – Bring Your Cameras Downtown!

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Amateur and professional photographers are invited to participate in Downtown in Focus, a photo contest aimed at finding new and distinctive shots of our downtown. The City of Dayton, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Kaplan College and Dayton Daily News are sponsoring the contest.

"Epcot, Dayton (RTA Hub)" by Robin Feld won 2011's professional "My Downtown Favorite" and "Best in Show" categories.

One amateur winner and one professional winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

  • Downtown Festivals: Images showcasing individuals or unique moments at any of downtown Dayton’s summer events or festivals.
  • Active Downtown: Photographs featuring people participating in active lifestyle activities, such as biking, kayaking, dancing and running in downtown Dayton.
  • Scenic Downtown: Creative images featuring buildings, architecture, skylines, parks, the river or any other picturesque view of downtown.
  • Best in Show (selected by the judges)

Terry Orf's "To Be Young Again" won last year's "My Downtown Favorite" and "Best in Show" in the amateur category.

A panel of judges ― consisting of professional photographers, photography editors and instructors, and community leaders ― will select the winners in each category and award a $250 cash prize to the Best in Show winner in each division. Honorable mentions also will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. In addition, City of Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell will select one photo that best represents the City’s “Dayton Originals” motto. This photographer will receive a gift basket from the City of Dayton.

Contest winners will be recognized at the Sept. 14 Urban Nights, and all entries will be displayed in a special exhibit during Urban Nights.

From approximately 8 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, during First Friday, many of downtown’s buildings will be lit for photographers who would like to capture night shots of the city.

Debra L. Barnett's "Waiting for Fireworks" garnered the amateur award for "Downtown at Night" in 2011.

The deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. There is no fee for application or participation. Photographers are not required to be Dayton-area residents, but winners must be age 18 or older. Photos must have been taken in Greater Downtown ― which includes the Central Business District, Oregon Arts District, Webster Station and the ring of neighborhoods that surrounds downtown ― within the past calendar year. Official contest guidelines and entry forms are available at www.downtowndayton.org and www.daytonohio.gov.