Community

Your Chance To Support Our Troops

August 31, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Operation Show Our Love, a non-profit operation that sends tons and tons of supplies to the Troops, needs your help. Cindy Millikin, who runs Operation Show Our Love, has received many requests from the troops themselves and they need these items IMMEDIATELY.

There’s a complete list on the website www.operationshowourlove.org but some of the more requested items (or current items we have requests for right now) are:
ground coffee, powdered creamers, sweeteners
toilet paper
Campbell’s cup a soup (soup in hand) in the cups you just heat up in the microwave
Any dry soup mix in a cup that you add boiling water to
Slim Jims/Beef Jerky/beef sticks
Drink flavorings in the little packets that you add to a bottle of water
Any candy not chocolate
any and all snack items that are individually packaged so they can take them on missions with them like nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, power bars, cookies, crackers, candy, granola bars, gum, mints….again, ANY individual snack items not chocolate.
Vienna sausages (non pork) , tuna pouches
DVD movies
Baby wipes
eye drops (for dry eyes)

Deck The Walls will be accepting the donated items at their location at 4015 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio through Saturday, September 3, 2011.

At that time, Operation Show Our Love WILL pick up the items and ship.

Please feel free to log onto http://www.operationshowourlove.org/ to see what is needed.

Our Mission is to improve the morale of our Military Personnel who are overseas fighting for our freedom and to let them know that those of us at home care about them and support them! We do this by collecting and shipping donations of snacks and toiletries to allow our troops to have a ‘part of home’ in a foreign land, and humanitarian items to distribute to the local population to build relationships that will help now as well as in the future.

Looking Back at a Dayton Dragons Internship

August 30, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Brooke with Dayton Dragons Staff

As a little girl I always remember my mom talking about how when she was a little girl she loved to go watch “The Big Red Machine” in Cincinnati. Her fond memories of Johnny Bench and Pete Rose always peaked my interest in the sports industry and inspired me to study marketing. Little did I know that some day, Dayton would have its very own piece of sports history and that I would have the honor and privilege of being a part of it for two historic seasons. While completing my masters degree and Sports Management Certificate at Wright State University, I was very lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to work for such a great staple in the Dayton region, the Dayton Dragons.

I have learned so much over the past two seasons and have gotten to do things I thought were only possible outside of the Dayton city limits. Meet Archie Griffin, check. Meet Ervin “Magic” Johnson, check. Chauffeur Hall of Fame sports writer Hal McCoy around, check. Witness sports history being made as the Dragons break the streak for most consecutive sell outs in ANY sport, double check!

Brooke with Archie Griffin

My experience there is beyond words. The perception and intended purpose of the function of an intern sometimes has a stigma attached to it. When I told people I had quit my job to pursue higher education and to be able to do this internship, I was perceived as crazy, especially in the current economy. However, the invaluable knowledge and experience I received by being a part of the Dragons team was priceless beyond words. I started in an intensive learning process which involved learning the core values of what makes this team so successful and supported by the Dayton community. I was able to assist in planning and executing various events at the park, give VIP tours to various sponsors and guests, researched ways to make various programs better, learn outside of the box marketing techniques and directly provided unsurpassed customer service to our fans. All of this while being 15 minutes from home right here in Dayton.

Brooke with Hal McCoy

The Dayton Dragons are just one of the many things I love about Dayton. My experience at Wright State University, another priceless gem of Dayton, the ability to be able to afford to raise a family here some day, coupled with the ever changing and growing amount of shops, restaurants, music and arts is why I chose to make Dayton my home.

This article was submitted by Brooke Johnson-Leppla, who interned with the Dayton Dragons as a student at Wright State University where she is currently an academic advisor.

Can Dayton’s newest mall push the northern suburbs to new Heights?

August 29, 2011 By Teri Lussier 1 Comment

Here’s one of the lessons that the current residents of the Rustbelt have learned in the past few decades: Cities are fluid. They change, they morph, they grow and they stagnate, they change, they morph, they grow again and again. It’s kind of the beauty of the pulse of a city- what’s new becomes old and everything old is new again. For the past few years we’ve been watching quite a bit of decay and deconstruction in the Dayton area, but there’s been growth, too.

Austin Landing gets a lot of attention, but north of the river is a residential development called Carriage Trails, and its proposed anchor shopping mall, The Heights, has potential to bring a new interest, money, and energy to the Montgomery/Miami County border. Development in this part of Dayton is a healthy, thing and the timing is good. We’ve watched the demise of the Salem Mall, and retail pull out of downtown- what were once the two most convenient locations for shopping for Dayton north of I-70. So the northern Dayton area could use a bold plan. Today’s Dayton Daily News has a comprehensive look at The Heights, you can read that here.

I’ve heard mixed opinions from northern residents. With limited northern retail options, some of the comments I’ve heard suggest that finally we don’t have to drive to Beavercreek, Kettering, or Centerville to shop at a mall. I’ve also heard that Huber has seen some tough times recently so why would anyone put in upscale shopping here? Someone expressed the sentiment that we already have bus service so it could fill a void that the Fairfield Commons is unwilling to address.

This mall is likely to attract residents from all over the northern Miami Valley- residents from Brookville or Greenville to the west, Piqua, Troy, Sidney to the north, and Springfield from the east. It’s just off I-70 and 5 minutes east of I-75 so it could be destination for a largely under served area. The real estate side to this is that for homes in the area, this will make them more attractive and bring renewed interest and energy to the area, because the truth is that most people like to live in a somewhat concentrated area, not far from their jobs and retail, and this development will compliment a prime real estate combination- we have variety. The Huber Heights/ Bethel Twp/ Tipp City area has a wide range of older and newer housing stock, and a wide range of home prices, making for a nicely diverse selection for home buyers to choose.

With all the changes Dayton has seen in the last few years, growth is good to see, but this isn’t everyone’s idea of positive growth. I’m curious what you think? Are you looking forward to seeing a new mall in northern Dayton?

Micheal “SUGAR” Ray Richardson- The Bitter and The Sweet

August 22, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Micheal Ray Richardson was known for many things. He was known for his quick-witted tongue, his killer defense, his controversial ban from the NBA and his incessant drug use.

No matter what you remember of Richardson’s stead in the NBA, you can’t deny he was and still is a champion, the king of comeback and arguably one of the best to ever play at his position.

Micheal was given the nickname “Sugar” for his sweet moves on the court. He was a four time NBA All Star — twice with the New York Knicks and two times with the New Jersey Nets — and made All Defensive First Team twice. His ability to burn a hole in the net with his wicked jump shot was second to none.

Micheal played in the NBA from 1978-1988 along with other legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Larry Byrd, Michael Jordan and Artis Gilmore.

When critics squawked at what was considered Richardson’s unruly behavior, he simply responded with putting up undeniable stats averaging 16 points, seven assists, and five rebounds per game. To the naked eye it may have seemed as if he was winning the battle with his impeccable talent, but he was no match for the war on drugs that the late 1970s and early 1980s brought to the community and the professional game of sports.

In spite of Richardson’s plausible career in the pros, Richards found himself caught up in the fast life and quickly spinning out of control. He began to habitually do drugs and as a result, his addiction caused him to be banned from the NBA permanently after failing three consecutive drug screenings.

For most, being banned from professional basketball, having a controversial personal brand, and a lingering drug addiction, would have destroyed more than just a career in the pros, but possibly even life itself; however, Richardson showed resiliency throughout his personal trials and battles with drugs and got his life back on track.

Richardson would eventually end up quitting drugs in 1988, had a successful 13 year career overseas after his 10 year stint in the NBA, clinching 3 championships while in Italy and another in South France, obtained a job working for the NBA in London, and would become the Community Ambassador for the Denver Nuggets in 2001 teaching children about the negative effects of drugs.

Richardson coaches a minor league basketball team called the Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry in Lawton, Oklahoma, which he led to three championships in the Premiere Basketball League and was a strong contender to clinch a fourth during the 2011 basketball post season play.

He contributes his success as a coach to his passion for the game and being able to communicate with his players.

Richardson stated, “It’s not always about the X’s and O’s, but having the players believe in me as a coach and having effective communication with my players on and off the court.”

Richardson attributes his ability to redirect the once grim forecast on his life to Jesus Christ, personal mentors, his strong belief in himself and his don’t quit mentality.

Richardson stated, “Lots of people have problems and they don’t see a way out so they quit. The difference with me was I did not give up. When you have an addiction you have to change the people, places and things that surround you to achieve the change you want to have in your life. I did just that. I believe leaving the league [NBA] and playing basketball overseas not only saved my career, but my life.”

Micheal continued by stating, “A major eye opener for me at the time was the passing of the number one draft pick, Len Bias of Landover, MD who passed away from a drug overdose. That made me further realize that I had a second chance at life and I needed to make a change.”

Richardson is a father of two, which one of his children is studying at Virginia Tech and will be a doctor in the upcoming year. Richardson also holds basketball camps nationwide teaching children basketball and life skills while empowering them to have greater self-esteem.

Richardson closed the interview by stating, “I share my story because some people want to get out [war on drugs] but cant. I’m not talking about stuff I read in a book, but actual stuff that has happened to me. When you are doing it [drugs] you can’t tell its affecting you, but it is. I made an example of myself and I got caught. In life you have to be responsible for your own actions.”

Micheal “Sugar” Ray Richardson is not only the king of controversy, comeback, and a man of character, but a living testament that in life, you have to sometimes take the bitter with the sweet.

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What’s the single best reason for buying a home in Dayton OH?

August 20, 2011 By Teri Lussier 4 Comments

Let’s say you are thinking of buying a house. You are probably watching the news for real estate market insights, you are listening to your friends tell you about their experiences- good, bad, indifferent. You might be a bit nervous and scared about buying right now and you’ve seen what has happened over the past decade so you are smart to be cautious. It’s difficult for even experienced Realtors to look into their handy-dandy crystal balls these days because we are seeing some unprecedented changes in the real estate market, coupled with unprecedented changes in the Miami Valley. Erring on the side of caution is wise under these circumstances so take a deep breath and understand that following your gut will keep you out of trouble.

But still, you want a home of your own. You want to paint the walls with salmon-colored chalkboard paint, and put down exotic Brazilian hardwood floors. You have kids in 4-H and two horses you are tired of boarding. Or maybe you simply can no longer stand the thought of paying a cheap and stingy landlord for a roof over your head. Congratulations! You just discovered the best reasons for buying a home.

Forget about the real estate boom. For hundreds and hundreds of years, people who were smart and competent and knowledgeable were buying homes primarily for those same reasons. They didn’t buy a home because real estate was a great financial investment, because it wasn’t. They didn’t buy a home because they thought they could make money from selling it in a few short years, because they couldn’t. They bought a home because they wanted a space of their own. A space where they got to call the shots, paint with the colors that made them happy, use the land the way they wanted, not beholden to a landlord, and put down roots in a community that they loved, and if we think about the lessons of the past few years, those just might be the best reasons for buying a home.

In many respects, this is a perfect storm for home buyers: Inventory is up, interest rates are down, prices are down. The difference in the boom years and now is that there is no real indication that prices are going to up any, if at all, at least not for quite awhile, but don’t despair, you do have options. You can buy a home because you want a place of your own. You can buy a home as an investment or rental property, including duplexes and multi-units. And you can buy a home in a part of the country that is experiencing better economic times than Dayton- there is still money to be made somewhere.

I saw an interesting real estate forecast that makes sense to me, if you want to gaze into that crystal ball you can find it here. There are places where you can invest in real estate and still make (some) money. There are real estate markets and niches that are more lucrative than others, but understand that Dayton is a different market with, in my opinion, a long way to go before we see solid recovery. What that means is for most home buyers in Dayton Ohio, a home represents a place of their own and all the joys that come with that freedom. If you think about it, “”because you want to” might be the best reason of all to buy a home.

Photo: TLussier

Urban Nights Crew Needed!

August 20, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Love Downtown?
Volunteer to be on the Urban Nights Crew!
The Downtown Dayton Partnership needs you to help with Urban Nights on Friday, September 16, 2011. Urban Nights is a free event that showcases downtown’s housing, visual and performing arts, and other creative spaces. Approximately 100 businesses and organizations will be participating in the event, and expected attendance is 30,000+.
Shifts are from 4:45-7:30 p.m. and 7:15-10 p.m. You will be contacted before the event with details on everything you need to know for your shift. Crew Members are needed for the following duties:
*Shuttle Guides – shuttles are offered to help patrons get to some of the participating locations – guides will help direct patrons on the shuttles, answer questions and explain what each stop is for
*Walking Guides – serve as a guide for a designated area of downtown and help answer patron questions, provide directions, etc.
* Info Table – assist in supplying event materials to patrons and answer questions
* Survey Crew – ask patrons a short list of survey questions at the info tent and in other key areas of downtown

If you can help please send an email to Krystal Luketic with your full name, phone, preferred job and shift and t-shirt size. Sign ups end Aug 31st.

Men For Sale… (for a good cause, of course)

August 16, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

For those ladies out there that want to give to a good cause AND get a date out of it, the Dayton Racquet Club is the place to be this Friday August 19th as PUSH holds their second annual Men in the City Bachelor Auction event where 17 eligible bachelors will be sold… er, “auctioned” off to the highest bidders. Oh yeah – your’s truly will be one of those eligible bachelors, and I promise a nice evening out for the woman who bids the highest amount for me! (Did I just actually write that?) Well, it is for a good cause so if you need no further info then just buy your auction tickets here; otherwise continue reading AND THEN buy your tickets!

Checking out the goods at the 2010 Bachelor Auction

PUSH (Professionals United for Sexual Health) is a group that formed two and a half years ago to engage the next generation of volunteers and supporters in education, outreach and fundraising efforts for Planned Parenthood. PUSH raises money specifically for its free condom program (over 80 thousand condoms have been distributed in 23 Ohio counties since its inception) and for a comprehensive health educator position that covers the entire Miami Valley. Their first Bachelor Auction took place last year and was a great success, and organizers hope that this year will be even better – which should be no problem since your’s truly will be in this year’s auction. Yes, I just wrote that.

The doors open at 7pm at the Dayton Racquet Club (top floor of the Kettering Tower in Downtown Dayton – best views in town!) and tickets cost only $20 – and only $15 if you purchase your tickets in advance. Advance ticket purchasers will double their door-prize chances and the first 100 to buy tickets will get a sweet swag bag (settle down, I said SWAG not SHAG) so you’ll want to get those tickets in advance. Not to mention that last year’s event sold out!

Each man comes with (I can’t believe I just wrote that) a dinner at a local restaurant and “activity” package, with activities ranging from couple’s massages to rock climbing – all donated by generous area businesses. I’ll assume that a free hotel room is probably not one of the donated activities but who knows.

So who will you ladies be bidding on? Well here is the list – and yes I will shamelessly start with myself (click on each picture for a whole profile including IQ, Income Bracket and Bicep Measurements). I’m very sure the auction night will be a blast, much money will be raised… and I’m praying that I go for more than the minimum bid. So come out and help a good cause – and my ego! Buy your tickets today!

Bill Pote | Age 40

Nikolas Hunt | Age 27

Thomas Porter | Age 28

Jeremy Roadruck | Age 36

Troy Singer | Age 45

Larry "Lorenzo" Imundo | Age 37

Luke Notestine | Age 29

Josh Zehnder | Age 33

Derek Smith | Age 30

Andy Sedlak | Age 23

Frye Guy | Age 31

John Drake | Age 55

Ben Czajka | Age 34

Bill Draugelis | Age 44

Charles “Chuck” Hiatt | Age 51

Rich Wirdzek | Age 32

Tom Helbig | Age 37

History In The Making – Heritage Center Grand Opening

August 11, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton History and Carillon Park are proud to announce the grand opening of the Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship on August 20 from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. It will mark the largest single public opening of new exhibits and attractions at Carillon Park since the Park’s debut in 1950. The Heritage Center will showcase nearly 1,000 rarely seen artifacts as well as the restored original Deeds Barn, renovated ARMCO steam locomotive, brightly painted Carousel of Dayton Innovation, the We Progress Through Change Theatre, Dayton made toys, plus the evolution of Huffy, NCR, Duriron, DRT, General Motors, and many more.

Some of the special attractions and new exhibits:

Deeds Barn featuring the 1912 Cadillac owned by the Kettering Family
Carousel of Dayton Innovation
We Progress Through Change Theatre
History of NCR
Exhibit of Dayton Built Cash Registers
Birth of DELCO
Evolution of General Motors in Dayton
Birth of Aerospace
John Patterson’s Business Legacy
World of Dayton Printing
Heavy Manufacturing
Top Secret Projects: Dayton’s Desch Bombe and Dayton’s Manhattan Project
Dayton Made Toys
Armco Locomotive
Juvenile Manufacturing Company

For more information, please call 937.293.2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.

Dayton History is Montgomery County’s official historical organization. Consisting of Carillon Historical Park, Hawthorn Hill, Patterson Homestead, Old River Park, Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, Memorial Hall and Old Court House, Dayton History brings the past to life to understand the present and inspire the future by collecting, preserving, interpreting, presenting and promoting the region’s past.

Seeing the City from New Eyes

August 10, 2011 By DowntownPartnership 1 Comment

A native of Cincinnati, I didn’t really dip my toes into everything Dayton has to offer until my freshman year of college at the University of Dayton. While some of my classes exposed me to popular sites in the city, such as the Schuster Center, I took it upon myself to explore lesser-known pockets of downtown. After four years of living and working in Dayton, I am still finding interesting new places, but I am proud to say I definitely know more than I did when I was a freshman.

Making old new again

As a girl who perpetually has nothing to wear (yet a closet full of clothes), I’m always on the prowl for new additions to my wardrobe. In the past few years I have gained a huge appreciation for vintage clothing, although I am still learning how to filter through what’s gold and what’s just … old. The best place I’ve found to score some great finds? Feathers Vintage Clothing. Located in the Oregon Arts District, it’s the perfect place to browse before grabbing a stuffed burger at Blind Bob’s. Disclaimer: One glance at its front window, filled with the kinds of clothes you dream about stumbling across in such a store, and you will have no choice but to stop and see what’s inside.

Lights, Camera, Action

The best movie experiences are ones in which the whole audience connects over the film. While these occasions are rare, they make going to the movies special. At The Neon, one gets that sense of community during every film. Plus, the selection is awesome – way better than any other theater in the area. It offers everything from Oscar-nominated blockbusters to the lesser-known movies all the cool kids rave about. If you’re wary about seeing a movie that hasn’t been over-advertised, check out The Neon’s website. It provides great summaries, as well as a schedule for upcoming films.

Music to my ears

My inaugural trip to Omega Music was on a first date. After a delicious dinner at Thai 9, we went on a romantic walk down the brick-paved stretch of Fifth St. in the Oregon Arts District. While the night was awkward (Sorry I was more excited about buying that live concert CD than I was about being on that date with you), I still love going back and browsing the music selection. The staff also is really friendly, which I haven’t always encountered in music stores. I still think of that long-lost first date every time I walk into Omega, but at least there’s great music to make me forget it.

Get Lucky

As a lover of food (but by no means a connoisseur), my favorite places to eat are ones that have a unique, but not intimidating, menu. Enter Lucky’s Taproom. A descriptive beer menu for someone who knows nothing about beer (i.e., me) and a staff willing to make recommendations? Sign me up. The first time I went to Lucky’s I ordered the fish and got to choose the beer it was battered in. Awesome. Apparently quality is always Lucky’s standard, as the food is excellent every time I go.

Hit the pavement

A longtime runner before college, I saw my move to Dayton as a chance to get to know a new city – on foot. Confession: In high school I ran almost 10 miles daily with my cross-country team, but when left to my own devices, I am way too tempted to sit on the couch and watch reruns on E! instead of getting up and exercising. Having new, uncharted territory encouraged me to start running here, but it was the awesome routes that kept me going. I love cities, yet I love being in parks; lucky for me, downtown is a blend of both. Check out the Five Rivers MetroParks website for more information on all of the trails available.

This is by no means a complete list of things to do in downtown Dayton. Be sure to check out the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website for more information and other suggestions of great places in the city to visit.

We Challenge You To “Find It Downtown”

August 4, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

A scavenger hunt team in a totally different city - it is the best stock photo we could find...

Not all projects end with the exact same plan they started with – in fact, most don’t. However, the hallmark of any good team is the ability to adjust.

When the updayton nightlife team first met at the Young Creatives Summit last April, they rallied around the idea of using artist propelled rickshaws to connect various parts of downtown. This plan was proposed in response to a challenge from the Downtown Dayton Partnership to add a new aspect to First Friday that would help connect the many offerings from the galleries, restaurants and bars around downtown.

Well… not even a week after the Summit, Tricab was unveiled. Not wanting to compete with a new business, the nightlife team went back to the drawing board. This resourceful group of volunteers quickly responded with another popular idea discussed at the Summit: a First Friday Scavenger Hunt. Says, team lead Duante Beddingfield of the scavenger hunt idea, “The Downtown Dayton Partnership and AAA have a great passport incentive that’s designed to get people around to all the galleries on First Friday, and we wanted to design something similar to move people around through the businesses and special events that are available as well.”

After a couple months of planning, the team’s first hunt is set for this Friday, August 5^th. The evening promises to be jam-packed with fun clue finding at stops at some of downtown’s best restaurants, venues and street art spaces. Finding businesses to participate hasn’t been hard, says Beddingfield, “We’ve been knocked out by how enthusiastic the response has been from the business owners who want to be involved.” In fact, a number of businesses are already lined-up for the group’s next hunt this October.

To get started on the Hunt this Friday, pick up your clue sheet from First Friday volunteers at RiverScape immediately following the First Friday After 5 Concert. After completing the clues, head to the after-party destination: Lucky’s Tap Room and Eatery where complimentary drinks await everyone who completes the Hunt.

If you have questions about the event, contact Duante Beddingfield at [email protected].

Aug. 5 First Friday has everything from skatedecks to a scavenger hunt

August 3, 2011 By DowntownPartnership Leave a Comment

Looking for a different way to explore downtown? The Aug. 5 First Friday is rolling in with a night of live music, art shows and entertainment.

Broaden Your Horizons

First Friday will be the continuation of the First Friday Passport Program. Pick up a First Friday Passport at RiverScape and other participating locations (click here for a list) to win prizes from AAA Miami Valley, which each month will award two prizes of one-year classic AAA memberships, with free renewals for existing members. Everyone who enters for the monthly prize now through Dec. 2 also will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize of a $1,000 travel gift certificate.

The passport must be stamped by at least four locations, and visitors can get all four stamps during one First Friday or complete it another month. Once completed, they simply fill out their contact information and drop their passports in any of the First Friday Passport boxes that will be at all participating locations.

Get a Clue

The Aug. 5 First Friday is also the premiere of the First Friday Scavenger Hunt, an event hosted by volunteers from the young professional organization updayton. Teams of friends and families are invited to enjoy an evening packed with clues that include stops at some of downtown’s swankiest restaurants, venues and art spaces. Follow the clues to the final destination ― the First Friday After Party, where complimentary beer, wine and light snacks await everyone who completes the hunt. Clue sheets also will be inside First Friday passports.

Skateboards, Sculptures and Still-Life

Another featured event is the “The Art of Skate,” an art exhibit featuring skate decks and paintings celebrating skating culture past and present. Held at the Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St, more than a dozen artists contributed to the project, including Amy Kollar Anderson, Rev. Chad Wells, Mike Guidone and Jason Goad, along with two California artists. The exhibit will be open until midnight, and the skate decks will be raffled later in August.

New to the city’s arts scene, the Dayton Arts Project will present local artists’ work, followed by a performance of choreography, dance and media at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre. Featured artists include Damon Sink, who will create new live music in a collaboration with choreographer Rodney Veal; choreographer Ashley Sass, who will present her work, Momentum; Tom Watson III, presenting his Stem/ReAssemblage series; and Ben Quinn, who will display five new large works in a mixed-media exhibit.

Additional art shows include:

The Blue Sky Project’s final exhibit will be showcased at 8 N. Main St. In this eight-week summer artist-in-residence program, five professional artists from throughout the world have worked with area teens in a collaborative art-making process that resulted in the new works of contemporary art that will be on display.
The Cannery Art and Design Center, , 434 E. Third St., will host Doug Benedict’s “Found Object Steel Sculpture,” along with live jazz, wine and hors d’œuvres.
Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will present an introduction to the Record Gallery, a new store featuring collectible music items, along with new works by Mike Elsass and Bob Rhodes.
Color 2 Gallery, 519 E. Fifth St., will host Mike Elsass’ reception for the graduates of Stivers.
Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will host its 20th Annual Open Members’ Show in the gallery. A selection of artists from the Members’ Show will give brief gallery talks about their work.
Elaine Balsley Fine Art, 523 E. Fifth St., will feature artwork by Stivers School for the Arts graduates.
Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will feature new figurative wood carvings by Marvin Olinsky and new still-life paintings by Nancy Hatton.
K12 Gallery, 510 E. Third St., will feature the work of TEJAS summer art camp students, as well as work by local painters in an exhibition centered on landscapes and showing films created by students throughout this year in K12’s first Film Fest.

Hitting the Right Note

In the Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., the Dayton Creative Circus Collective will host Free Music First Friday featuring a rare Dayton appearance by The Hiders from Cincinnati. After its 2006 debut, the band was named by NPR’s World Café as an “artist to watch.” Tim Pritchard of the local band Floods will open at 8 p.m.

More live music will be featured throughout the Oregon District. Check out the Trolley Stop, the Oregon Express, the Tumbleweed Connection and the Dublin Pub for a variety of performances all night. Additionally, Practice Yoga will be hosting the WYSO-FM Rev. Cool Around the Fringe Dance Party, and several participating First Friday locations will be playing the long-running radio show.

Rock Out

Local musicians Blind Karma will play the First Friday @ 5 show at RiverScape MetroPark. The concession will be open and beer will be sold during the performance from 5-7 p.m. The concert will wrap up in plenty of time to head to the galleries and other arts venues taking part in the First Friday art hop.

…And There’s More!

Celebrating its grand opening will be Clash Consignment Co., 113 E. Third St., which features items for adult women and men, including an eclectic and funky mix of vintage to modern clothing, jewelry, shoes and other accessories. The store also carries original work by local artists, and will be hosting DJs during First Friday. New to First Friday is District Antiques, 122 Van Buren St., which specializes in antiques, collectibles, home furnishings and artwork. Patrons will receive 15 percent off new items and 10 percent off consignment items during First Friday. Martha Mellon Interior Design Studio also will offer free 30-minute in-store design consultations. Visitors are asked to bring their room measurements, photos, fabric samples, and toss pillows and other accessories to help with the design consultation. A variety of roaming performers will provide entertainment (weather permitting). This month, catch The Dropbacks juggling duo, the Circle Nerdz breakdance crew, solo saxophonist Tyrone Martin, and accordion and violin duet Nathan Rogers and Liz Landis.

From approximately 8 to 11 p.m., many of downtown’s buildings will be lit for amateur and professional photographers who would like to capture night shots of the city in preparation for this year’s Downtown in Focus photo contest, held in conjunction with the Sept. 16 Urban Nights. Visit DowntownDayton.org for contest details.

Visitors also can get outdoors during First Friday for Courteous Mass, which will meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field at 5:15 p.m. for a bike ride through the event action. Gem City Circle Walks will host two historical walking tours led by longtime local history buffs Leon Bey, Nancy Roach and Curt Dalton. An Oregon Arts District walk will begin at 5 p.m. and the “Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton” will begin at 7 p.m. Each walk is $10 and advance reservations are required by contacting Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

In addition, all the restaurants, retail shops, bars and clubs, and other establishments throughout downtown will be open during First Friday. For regular updates about this event, follow First Friday on Facebook or text “FirstFridayDayton” to 90210.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from AAA Miami Valley, the Oregon District Business Association, Clear Channel Dayton, Heidelberg Distributing Co., Five Rivers MetroParks, Culture Works 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. Click here for a complete list of events taking place downtown.

Add address – also, check for addresses throughout. Since this doesn’t start with the list, as in the release and brochure, there may be other places the address needs to be included.

First Friday band likes pop, rock, ‘unexpected elements’

August 3, 2011 By DowntownPartnership 1 Comment

When Greg Bell plays a show with his band, Blind Karma, he goes for impact.

“My first job is to do something that will astound my band mates to break that ice on stage,” he says. “Then we can address the audience as a unit.”

From Bell’s description of the band’s performances, it is clear it set out to entertain, no matter the cost.

“I don’t mind looking foolish if that opens the door to get the audience involved,” he says. “Generally, if I see someone shoe gazing, I will do something so ridiculous they can’t shoe-gaze anymore.”

Audiences can expect this outgoing presentation when Blind Karma performs at the Aug. 5 First Friday @ 5 summer concert at the RiverScape MetroPark pavilion .

Formed in 2008, Blind Karma is a trio of Daytonians who bring crowds to its feet with a variety of cover songs from as early as the 1960s. Bell says the band likes to play rock and pop music, but also tries to include unexpected elements in their concerts.

Although the band has original material, they are currently only playing covers. They pull their material from a variety of decades as to find something that appeals to everyone in the audience.

“I’m always hoping for that little extra something to remind the audience how special that song, that time period was,” Bell says.

Off the long list of songs on Blind Karma’s setlist, Bell declines to list a favorite to play live (“That’s like asking me to choose amongst my children!”) but admits “Time” by Pink Floyd is especially meaningful to him.

“It’s one of the most beautiful, moving songs,” he says. “I want to do it justice and play it with conviction. It has the potential to be an emotionally charged song.”

As far as venues go, Bell looks forward to playing in Dayton for a variety of reasons: playing downtown at RiverScape MetroPark, working with sound engineer Monika Shroyer and participating in a community event, such as First Friday.

Bell recognizes Dayton as a grounded place to perform — each venue has unique strong points and the and want to create the best experience possible for the audience.

“There is a direct connection here in town of people wanting to do the best we can with what they’ve got,” he says.

You can catch Blind Karma when they play the August 5 First Friday @ 5 concert from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. The concession will be open and beer will be sold from 5-7 p.m. The concerts will wrap up in plenty of time to head to the galleries and other arts venues taking part in the First Friday art hop.

URS Rubber Duck Regatta Adoption Agents Needed

July 31, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton (URS) is seeking volunteers to attend local festivals in the Dayton area during the summer to promote the 8th Annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta and sell $5 duck adoptions. The 8th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta is the release and river race of up to 15,000 bright yellow rubber ducks for a controlled race down the Great Miami River. Ducks will be “released” south of downtown’s Pedestrian Bridge, float down the river and finish at RiverScape’s Festival Plaza. This event takes place on September 17th in conjunction with the Taste of Miami Valley. (One duck “adoption” equals one entry/duck in the race”)

Volunteers are needed to work Festivals throughout the Dayton Area – Promote and sell duck adoptions for the 8th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta (click here for more info)

- German Fest Picnic – Saturday, Aug 13, 12 – 11 pm & Sunday, Aug 14, 12 – 6pm
- Young’s Jersey Dairy – Saturday, August 20, 9 am – 3 pm
- Popcorn Festival – Sat, Sept 10, 9 am – 8 pm & Sun, Sept 11, 10 am – 6 pm
- Cheese & Quackers Wine Tasting – Friday, Sept 16, 5 – 8 pm
- Rubber Duck Regatta – Saturday, Sept 17, 2 – 6 pm

To become a volunteer you must:

Be fifteen years old (unless acompanied by an adult)
Complete an application and orientation

To request more information about volunteering or how your corporation can team build at URS, email Diane Osman at [email protected] or call (937) 233-1230 ext.130.

Share The Power Of The Suit

July 31, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

It’s time once again to clean out your closet and donate your gently-used professional clothing to help men and women enter the workforce. For the fourth year Men’s Warehouse is partnering with Clothes That Work to help disadvantaged job seekers get a boost of self-confidence during the fourth annual National Suit Drive, the country’s largest collection of gently used business attire.

The suits will provide men with a fresh start and the ability to go into an interview feeling confident and well equipped to put into practice their new skills. Although the recession has affected a broad spectrum of the American workforce, more than 70 percent of job losses have befallen men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, due to the economy’s particularly heavy impact on male-dominated industries such as construction and manufacturing.

“With nearly one out of ten working-age men unemployed in this country, the weak economic recovery has disproportionately hurt the male workforce,” said George Zimmer, Men’s Wearhouse founder and CEO. “By collecting and donating professional clothing, Men’s Wearhouse aims to help men ‘suit up’ for job interviews and give them an important boost of confidence that will help them reach their goals.”

Nationally, Men’s Wearhouse hopes to collect more than 100,000 articles of clothing to benefit charities like Clothes That Work. To thank donors for their generosity, Men’s Wearhouse will reward them with 50% off a purchase at Men’s Wearhouse and will donate a tie for every suit received in the month of August. And besides clothing, for every “like” on Facebook, Men’s Wearhouse will donate $1 to the cause, up to $10,000.

No complaining if the jury gets it wrong…

July 20, 2011 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

(Taken from information provided by Dayton History)

Interior of Old Courthouse taken from the Visitor's Galley looking down (from Montgomery Co. Collection at Dayton Metro Library)

Innocent or Guilty? You Decide…

Join Dayton History for an interactive courtroom drama at the Old Courthouse. This summer, the sensational 1896 Bessie Little (don’t click on this link unless you want the WHOLE story pre-trail – and that takes the fun out of it) murder case will be re-tried, with the verdict decided by you – the audience. After listening to evidence from both the prosecution and defense, spectators will be left to determine whether Bessie Little met death as a result of suicide – or murder. With one of Dayton’s most notorious court cases re-enacted, audience members will learn what law and order was like in the Gem City at the turn of the twentieth century.

Performances will be held at the Old Courthouse at 3rd and Main on the following days:

Friday July 22, 7:30 pm Saturday July 23, 7:30 pm Sunday July 24, 3:00 pm
Friday July 29, 7:30 pm Saturday July 30, 7:30 pm Sunday July 31, 3:00 pm
Friday August 5, 7:30 pm Saturday August 6, 7:30 pm Sunday August 7, 3:00 pm

Ridge Ave Bridge over the Stillwater (from Dayton Metro Library collections)

$10 – Dayton History Members $12 – Non-members
Reservations suggested
Suggested ages: 14 and up
For more information call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org

SPOILER ALERT:

In doing some research for this, I learned that lil’ Bessie Little’s ghost still haunts the bridge at Ridge Avenue over the Stillwater where the suicide/murder happened.

Arts Volunteering Opportunity

July 14, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Each season, 1,000 volunteers from the Dayton area donate more than 60,000 hours of their time to the Victoria Theatre Association. Volunteers primarily work as the ushers for our performance theatres at the Victoria Theatre, Schuster Center and The Loft Theatre. Ushers are responsible for taking tickets, seating patrons, enforcing house policies, assisting patrons and answering questions. They also assist with mailings, staff fair and festival booths, and other tasks. We’ve just heard that the Variety Series is especially in need of volunteers.

Orientations dates are Wed, Aug 3rd at 3pm or 6:3opm and Sat, Aug 6th at 1oam. Fill out the application – download here and send it in our just bring it with you to orientation.

Here’s what’s coming up for the Variety Series: