Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
The 2010 Immersed In Ink Tattoo Festival at Hara Arena was a spirited affair. Here are some pics from this weekend’s 3-day event that featured some of the area’s hottest tattoo artists.
WARNING: Some photos are of an adult nature and many display images of extreme body modification.
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The area just north of Grafton Hill is another historic Dayton neighborhood called Five Oaks. Each historic neighborhood in Dayton has its own vibe and to me, Five Oaks is one of the more difficult to get a handle on. Maybe that’s because there are several historic sub-districts within FO, or perhaps the gated streets, while creating “defensible space” throughout the neighborhood, also make it difficult for non-residents to casually wander through, but I’m told these gates do indeed serve their intended purpose of creating a strong sense of community and neighborhood ownership for the residents. This summer that sense of community was increased by one garden plot.
We know there are vacant lots all over the city of Dayton, and we know these lots can be purchased on the cheap. Often this
conversation ends with a shrug: “So what? What is the value of one empty lot in Dayton OH?” It’s sad that when real estate is abundant, we devalue it instead of seeing the smaller ways we can make big improvements to our life. Okay fine. One vacant lot might mean nothing to anyone else, but one vacant lot on Manhattan Ave. in Five Oaks has brought neighbors together in unforeseen ways.
Manhattan Ave has had a few Dayton tear downs. These vacant lots become weed infested, trash-collectors; eyesores that have to be maintained somehow. Typically, this falls on the neighbors to do the day-to-day or weekly maintenance, because as we know, the City of Dayton cannot keep up with these lots. The one thing all historic district residents share regardless of neighborhood, is a propensity towards DIY solutions to neighborhood problems. Finding a productive use for an empty lot is hardly a major problem to a neighborhood who argued for gated streets, and so, a little neighborhood garden was born.
The Five Rivers Metro Parks Grow With Your Neighbors Project pitched in with advice- lasagna gardening to get the thing up and going asap. One neighboring homeowner was persuaded to redirect his rain water downspout into a 
collection barrel to save watering. Discarded and re-purposed materials like bureau drawers were utilized throughout this little patchwork plot, but the real magic was in how this one lot became a gathering place throughout the summer, as neighbors began to connect with each other.
Neighbors know each other in Five Oaks, or, if you don’t know your neighbors, it’s a good bet they know you. They also know who lived in the home before you moved in, and probably the people before that. The homes have long and storied histories and this community garden allowed the residents to share their own stories with each other, adding to the history here.
I talked about how easy it is to create capital in Dayton. Can you see how that is happening at this garden? There is, at the time of this writing, a large concentration of families in Five Oaks and kids take to gardening like ducks to water so having families involved in the garden was a natural thing. People who only knew of each other, neighbors who may have only nodded politely to each other in passing, were now putting shoulder to shoulder to share skills and materials- this is social capital. As one long-time resident, Jim, told me “people who didn’t know each other, now know each other well. That’s what a neighborhood should be.” This is how families put down roots and grow a support network. Neighborhood support is vital to healthy neighborhoods and crucial for creating strong cities. With Lots Links and Grow With Your Neighbors, this social capital can be created for a song! Impossible in many parts of the country.
Manhattan Ave had their Harvest Party last weekend. About 20-30 people attended. Twenty to thirty people sharing the bounty from one lot? Obvious to the neighbors in Five Oaks, this type of micro-development offers some serious potential to create all kinds of good- a strengthened neighborhood, new friends, better support systems created- in addition to fresh food in a part of Dayton where grocers are scarce. Jim said there is a change in the neighborhood, “People are deciding to stay put. They are choosing to make the best of this situation.” I feel this change as well throughout the area, but it’s more acute in the city of Dayton. In Five Oaks, as in Dayton OH, you really can change the world, one vacant lot at a time.
Photo credits: TLussier
DaytonMostMetro.com does not normally endorse political campaigns, as our readers have many different political beliefs that we respect. But when it comes to ballot issues that have a huge impact on those in need, we are happy to lend our support and endorsement. This coming election will include something called Issue 9 which replaces the current Human Services levy in Montgomery County, and it is critical in that it:
While we totally understand that the bad economy has affected just about everybody, we think that asking for $1.30 per month more on a $100,000 property is very reasonable; most of those who pay it won’t even notice it, but those who rely on the services this levy provides certainly will. It is simply the right thing to do. If you’re wondering what good this money actually does, just check out the many testimonials that demonstrate how this helps.
I’m actually not that worried that any of our readers might actually be opposed to Issue 9 as I can’t imagine more than a tiny percentage would fall in that category. But it isn’t enough to say “yeah sure, I support that”. You have to follow through and vote – ANY TIME between now and November 2. And then make sure you ask your friends and family to do the same. For those on Facebook, please show your support by clicking on the ‘Like’ or ‘Share’ buttons at the bottom of this post, and then do the same on the Montgomery County Human Services Levy FB page. Let’s show everybody that the DaytonMostMetro.com community supports this important issue, and help those who rely on Human Services. And if you have a story to share about somebody you know who is helped by this program then please do so in the comments below.
…and I’m back!
So, the adventures haven’t been so adventurous lately- I know, I know. Life happens and we all get a little busy, which ties right in with this adventure. Maybe that’s over stating it…we’ll call this one a series of mini adventures. Between work, school, networking, volunteering, kids activities, or whatever it is that keeps you busy, you still have to find a little time here & there to connect with your peeps. Whether it’s your oldest friend on the planet, work buddies, or a favorite family member, find some time- these are the connections that feed your soul. Here are a few thoughts on the hows & wheres to make it happen!
Alfredo Wrap from Flavors Eatery
If you’re south of town, stop in to Flavors Eatery right across from Centerville High School. They have a huge and eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. On a recent visit, I tried the alfredo wrap (yummo!) it came with a side of chips drizzled in their famous garlicky dressing (to die for!). I think I may have developed a slight addiction to their coconut-pineapple smoothie while I was there. Make sure you take a sec to check out the funky art that surrounds you while you’re grabbing a quick bite with your girlfriends!
Downtown? Make a quick little journey over to Butter Cafe on Brown St. Please leave your diet at the door so you can enjoy their ever changing array of cupcakes and other sweet treats. This is a great option for those of you going the organic route. So many delicious choices on the menu, but I zeroed in on the chai french toast. Excellent choice, I must say! A little birdie told me their grilled pb&j is the way to go, perhaps I need to venture back down there to try it?
Do you prefer to catch up while shopping? If you haven’t yet, you HAVE TO stop in at Charming Charlie at the Greene. It’s pretty much the Disneyworld of accessories. Everything is grouped by color and the best part about it is the afford-ability! This is a great place for gifts as well as funky/trendy pieces that don’t qualify as investment jewelry. I really prefer to highlight locally owned places and stay away from the chain stores, but Charming Charlie just needed to be mentioned. I’m in love, I really am.
Would you rather sip while you chat? Yes, please. Head out to Cork & Vine
right off of Miller Lane. They boast an extensive wine list (adding new wines weekly!) as well as 30 different martinis and a selection of craft and domestic beers. Pull up a seat near the fireplace and discuss McDreamy’s hair last Thursday or how much you loved the Britney episode of Glee. Oh wait, that’s what I like to do, I’m sure you have your own topics of conversation.
Now, I don’t know about you, but during the fall, my favorite way to connect with friends is over FOOTBALL!!!!! I love it. I reaaaalllyy love it. Over the past few weeks, we have established my love for heels and lipgloss, let’s just say football completes the trifecta. Frickin Chicken Chunks, cheddar balls and Miller Lite is the standard meal of choice while comp
laining about my Fantasy Football team or saying loudly (over and over, as a self-calming measure) that the Browns can turn their luck around any minute. Many a Fricker’s have been graced with my presence (and that of my crazy friends) while we revel in the atmosphere of too much testosterone, hot sauce and the sensory overload of a million (give or take a few) tv’s.
This week, I am most looking forward to getting together with friends at Masquerage! This annual party of 
parties raises money for AIDS Resource Center Ohio and is hands down, one of the best events the Miami Valley has to offer. I have been obsessing about my costume for weeks and can NOT wait to see what everyone else is wearing! Do YOU have any Heavenly Pleasures or Sinful Delights you’d like to share with the world? Masquerage is the place to do it! I hope to see some of you there!
There you have it, some fun stuff to do while getting together with your peeps. I’d like to add that any food or drink mentioned in this article is fat-free, carb-free, calorie-free and has anti-aging benefits. This is a fact that I will firmly stand by (until challenged, at which point I will crumble like a stale cookie with the realization that maybe blatantly lying to myself doesn’t really work). As always, if you know of any place that merits checking out on my adventures, comment below or find me on Twitter- Nikkisayswhat. Until next time, lovlies…
Hint: Ag Town
Last week, the Where Am I? September 29, 2010 was pretty simple- Books & Co at The Greene. Now, newcomers to Dayton Ohio don’t recall the original Books & Co in Town & Country shopping center but trust me when I tell you they set the standard against which all customer service will be measured in the minds of many of us, but that’s okay. The new B & C is mighty service oriented too. Having a book lover help you find exactly what you are looking for is just as easy now as then, plus, you get to feel like a queen walking down that gorgeous staircase.
SummitUp is a one day conference on October 19 at Sinclair Community College, dedicated to exploring the integration of creativity, communication, and technology. With four keynote speakers (John Moore, Pete Blackshaw, Steve Lance and Brian Solis) and a number of breakout sessions with well-known social media experts, web gurus and marketing wizards, this is one event you can’t miss – especially if your job has anything to do with marketing, communication or technology. DaytonMostMetro.com’s Bill Pote will be leading one of the breakout sessions about building a community.
But don’t take our word for why you should be going to this thing – our friend Natasha Baker is just one of hundreds who will be there, and here is what she has to say:
For the majority of my career, I have worked for a company, but as an independent. We may call it the communications or PR department, but the ‘department’ usually consists of me and the occasional intern.
With the arrival of social media, I realized I had access to the best PR minds in the world for moral support, brainstorming, even the occasional proofreading in AP style.
My connections on Twitter and LinkedIn along with the multitude of bloggers I follow have become part of my virtual office. They have expanded my knowledge base and saved me from a few embarrassing typos!
That ‘s the beauty of social media, and it’s what SummitUp 2010 is all about. Networking, connecting, learning how to better use the tools at your disposal – you will find it all. With keynotes from some of today’s hottest names and breakouts that will give you the hands on instruction you need all at an incredible rate, SummitUp is the conference you don’t want to miss.
Get the details for SummitUp 2010 at www.summitup.org or follow the conversation on Twitter and Facebook. You will find me and my office mates in the front row!
Make sure you Register for SummitUp today! And here are just a couple of the keynote speakers for this year’s SummitUp:
John Moore is a marketing strategist. From 1994 through 2004, John designed and implemented marketing programs for both Starbucks Coffee and Whole Foods Market. He now operates the Brand Autopsy Marketing Practice, a consultancy helping businesses profit by marketing with passion and purpose. A long-time believer in word-of-mouth marketing, John puts his experience to good use as the Word of Mouth Marketing Association’s “Chief Evangelist.” In this role, John educates and motivates businesses to use word-of-mouth and social media marketing effectively and ethically. He is also the author of TRIBAL KNOWLEDGE, a business management book, and is active in social media circles.
Pete Blackshaw is a recognized expert in interactive marketing, word of mouth, and consumer understanding. He brings a broad range of experience to his role as Executive Vice President of Strategic Services for NM Incite, including public policy, interactive marketing, and brand management. In his previous role as Executive Vice President of Digital Strategic Services for Nielsen, Pete and his team worked with many of the world’s top brands and corporations to develop cohesive, consumer-centered digital programs and strategies.
Normally you’d have to consume a week’s worth of reality television to experience the dizzying array of human spectacle planned for the Immersed In Ink tattoo and alternative art festival coming to Dayton this weekend. If the thought of 3 days of circus sideshows, roller derby girls, midget wrestling, human suspension and live tattooing gets your motor running, then this convention will have you hittin’ on all cylinders.
The 2010 Immersed In Ink Tour makes a pit stop at Hara Arena, Oct. 15-17 with a full schedule of spectacular events. The convention showcases artists from all over the world and Dayton’s hottest inkers will be there to showcase their skill with the drill! Modified Skin, of Dayton and Lambadi City Tattoos, of Troy are a few of the local shops scheduled for live tattooing at the show.
In addition to the live events, Immersed In Ink Magazine will be covering the show and conducting an Alternative Model Search for all 3 days of the show, with the winner awarded a multiple page photo spread. Vendors will be on hand selling tattoo supplies and apparel also. Parking is free.
Peep the schedule below, then go online to buy your tickets. Tickets will also be available the days of the event, cash only.
Photo courtesy of Immersed In Ink.
Schedule of Events:
Friday:
3PM – Machine Seminar by Brandon Davis and Chris Vargas
6pm – Human Suspension by Aztlan Arts
7pm – Sideshow by Self Inflicted Studios
9pm – Best Ink of the Day
Saturday:
2PM – Musical Chairs by Gem City Roller Derby
3:30 – Sideshow by Stu Modifies and Aztlan Arts
4PM-8PM – Contest Registration
5pm – Human Suspension by Aztlan Arts
6pm-7pm – Circus Sideshow by Pickled Brothers Sideshow
8pm – Contest Judging
9pm – Live Music by Scott Diffee and his 6 String
10pm – Best Ink of the Day
Sunday:
Photo courtesy of Immersed In Ink.
1PM-3pm Contest Registration
2pm – Circus Sideshow by Pickled Brothers Sideshow
3PM – Brandon Davis Traditional Tattooing Seminar
3pm -Contest Judging
5pm – Human Suspension by Aztlan Arts
7pm – Best Ink of the Day
7:30pm -Best of Show
For additional information go to www.immersedinink.com.
National Coming Out Day is held on October 11th every year to commemorate the first March on Washington by LBGT people. Each year since, thousands of GLBT people and allies have celebrated National Coming Out Day in schools, churches and businesses nationwide through workshops, speak-outs, rallies and other events aimed at showing the public that GLBT people are everywhere.
On Oct. 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This was the second such demonstration in our nation’s capital and the first display of the NAMES Project Quilt, remembering those who have died from AIDS.
One measure of the march’s success was the number of organizations that were founded as a result — including the National Latino/a Gay & Lesbian Organization (LLEGÓ) and AT&T’s GLBT employee group, LEAGUE. The momentum continued four months after this extraordinary march as more than 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists from around the country gathered in Manassas, Va., about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the GLBT community often reacted defensively to anti-gay actions, they came up with the idea of a national day to celebrate coming out and chose the anniversary of that second march on Washington to mark it.
The first National Coming Out Day was celebrated on Oct. 11, 1988 with events in 18 states, and national media attention including The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, USA Today and National Public Radio.
Actress Amanda Bearse of Fox-TV’s Married… With Children agreed to be chairperson for National Coming Out Day 1994. At the time, Bearse was the only nationally known actress who was open about her lesbianism, and her participation in community events across the country drew a new and larger audience to the day. She appeared in a public service announcement with the message: “I’m not a straight woman but I play one on TV. And that’s where acting belongs — on television or in the movies. Not in real life. That’s why I stopped acting and came out.”
In 1995, Candace Gingrich (half-sister of then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich) become a National Coming Out Project spokesperson and full-time activist. That year, she traveled to 52 cities in six months, delivering the message, “Your brother doesn’t have to be speaker of the House for your voice to be heard.”
In September 1997 the project brought in its first straight spokesperson – Betty DeGeneres, mother of actress/comedian Ellen DeGeneres. The message she delivered and continues to spread is perhaps the most powerful of all. “The fact that I’m a mom advocating equal rights for my daughter and her partner underscores the point that ending discrimination based on sexual orientation is not just important to gay people, it’s important to their families and the people who love them,” she told HRC Quarterly in 1997.
Being Out Rocks” was the theme for National Coming Out
Project 2002, celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender musicians who have achieved their dreams while living open, honest lives. On National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11, 2002, a benefit CD featuring the songs of openly GLBT musicians and straight allies was released. Cyndi Lauper, Queen, k.d. lang, Jade Esteban Estrada and Sarah McLachlan are among the artists who donated songs to the album. “I hope that efforts such as this one will help teen-agers feel that they can be themselves – and not worry that their sexual orientation may be made an obstacle to their success,” said Grammy Award-winning artist Melissa Etheridge.
Each year National Coming Day is promoted by the Human Rights Campaign. This year’s campaign is focusing on social media. Encouraging folks to use the Coming Out for Equality Facebook app to show support and spread a message of equality to your friends and family. It’s the courage to come out as an active voice for LGBT equality that will result in real political and social change.
Read more about the importance of coming out for equality and how your actions make a difference »
Hint: Bibliophile
Where Am I? September 29, 2010 was Meadow View Growers. It’s a lovely local nursery in New Carlisle, Ohio, 755 North Dayton Lakeview Rd (Rt. 235). A nice place to purchase plants, but also garden sculptures and statuary, and indoor decorative items. My favorite Meadow View story: One very busy holiday, it was down to the wire and we still didn’t have a Christmas tree. Not such a huge deal, but we did want something under which to put gifts. We ran out to Meadow View for some last minute shopping and found what was the perfect tree for that year. I’ll describe it to you, but you can’t laugh (too hard). It was about 3 ft tall and red plastic “needles” with built in sparkle lights. I know, right? My husband and I looked at the tree and looked at each other and said, “Let’s get it!” Ridiculous and fun and it fit our moods perfectly, besides all that, it will give our kids a damn funny story to tell when they are older. We’ve been threatening to haul it out on St. Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, OSU football games, just for the heck of it. It’s a frivolous and festive tree for any occasion. I also have a vintage aluminum tree, but I’m the only family member who can appreciate that particular type of kitsch at Christmas.
Orange Barrels, Orange Barrels Every Where I see!
This quote from comedian Todd Yohn (and video below) is about to describe downtown Dayton as our federal stimulus money funds the final phase of the $3 million “Gateway Project.” Work is projected to begin this Thursday on Main Street and will continue through November. The following streets are set to be under construction:
• South Main Street, from Sixth to Washington;
• First Street, from I-75 to Main;
• Monument Avenue, from I-75 to Ludlow and from Jefferson to St. Clair;
• Patterson Boulevard, from Monument to the Riverside Bridge;
• Perry Street, from Monument to Sixth;
• Sixth Street, from Main to Wilkinson;
• Third Street, from I-75 to Webster; and
• Wilkinson Street, from Monument to Sixth.
Expect lane closures and plenty of those “Orange Barrels” as you cruise through downtown!
As a 15-year veteran of broadcasting and media production, Darryl Williams is uniquely qualified to provide small business owners, colleges and corporations with the tools and expertise needed to reach new markets through the ever-growing landscape of Internet radio.
Darryl Williams, founder of Full CirKle Media Group, an online media convergence company, seeks to help local companies expand their reach through Internet technologies.
Williams’ Full CirKle Media Group provides web hosting solutions and audio and video streaming services to a slew of clients throughout the country, but he’s most passionate about helping local business leaders reach new markets through the “true media convergence” potential that online media provides.
“After starting my own station, WDKK, about a year and a half ago, I began to offer my services to other individuals who wanted to do the same thing.”
Williams’ currently host 11 radio streams, including Wright State University’s 106.9 FM, which began streaming its student-run radio station through Full CirKle this fall. The Philadelphia native believes that businesses are beginning to see the value of a strong online presence.
“You can have the print component online, the live component…but then you also have an ‘on-demand’ component available through podcasting. Users can register and contribute to the site. If you want to have music, you can add that. Internet radio is a great option for churches to reach their sick members or people who are traveling. This technology is poised to make a tremendous impact on the way we communicate. The possibilities are endless.”
Williams offers packages for both ‘for-profit’ and non-profit entities, as well as for individuals who may want to have their own personal web portals for entertainment, inspirational or informational messaging through the 24-hour streams the company provides.
“What I really want to do is to help local companies maximize Internet technology. I would like to help put Dayton back on the map as innovators.”
D.A. Williams
Full Cirkle Media Group
www.wdkkradio.com
(937) 412-1177 – Bus
(937) 545-3280 – Mobile
WDKK is an independently owned Internet radio station that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of broadcast media and music. The format of the show is soul, funk and rhythm and blues – with an emphasis on the voices that mainstream radio has forgotten, but whose innovative sounds has inspired generations of subsequent vocalists and musicians today.
DAYTON, OH — ThankfulHome.org, a program of St. Mary Development Corporation, has launched a photo contest to allow people to share what they’re most thankful for in their homes. Photos can be of people, rooms or items — new or old. In addition to the photo, entrants can add a caption of up to 100 words. The contest ends Thanksgiving at midnight and the winner will receive a Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera.
Carole Baker is a huge fan of all things Dayton Ohio — AND she is passionate about teaching/inspiring Dayton business owners and professionals on the subject of leveraging social media tools. When business-owners ask her WHO should be using social media, she says: “All companies who rely on word-of-mouth can benefit as long as they realize that social media should be integrated into the overall marketing strategy, not created as a stand-alone marketing effort!” Find out more at OH! Social.
As the weather turns cooler, events keep heating up.. Check out one (or many) of the great options for YPs in the month of October. And be sure to check the DMM event calendar for more details.
Okay – to start out the month, I’m plugging a few events that aren’t specifically YP, but c’mon – these hit pretty close to the home of awesomeness…
Friday, October 1: FIRST FRIDAY – General fun and festivity – you know how that goes.
Saturday, October 2: Dayton Music Fest – $10 to see 20 bands all across Dayton.
Wednesday, October 6: Ballet Barre welcomes new associate board members at their meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club at 5:00 PM
Thursday, October 7: The Generation Dayton Golf outing from this summer was rescheduled for a great crisp, fall day. Members $60 and nonmembers $65. RSVPs required.
Thursday, October 7: The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals host a Professional Development Leadership Lunch featuring WSU President Dr. David Hopkins at the Dayton Racquet Club at 11 AM. $20 RSVP by October 1!
Thursday, October 7: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati presents Theology on Tap at the Oregon Express in the Oregon District. Join with other singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to discuss topics. 7:30-9PM
Friday, October 8: The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals present YP at Play at Therapy Cafe. This monthly event is gaining in popularity as grown-ups get together to play kids’ games.
Friday, October 8: The Young Republicans of Montgomery County enjoy a social night out at the Melting Pot. More information here.
Monday, October 11: The Young Republicans host their regular monthly meeting at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Town and Country.
Wednesday, October 13: JumpstART (aka the Culture Works Associate Board) is hosting an open meeting to welcome new associate board members and answer questions for anyone interested. At the Culture Works offices at 5:30 PM
Wednesday, October 13: HYPE hosts an informal lunch to welcome new members, highlight upcoming events, and have a good time. Join them at Night Sky in Troy at Noon.
Wednesday, October 13: updayton hosts their second annual Candidates Night at the Cannery Art and Design Center. Last year, this was one of the most popular candidates forums hosted by the League of Women Voters. Again they’ll challenge candidates with questions about revitalization, jobs, and budget issues as they relate to young people. 6 PM.
Thursday, October 14: Generation Dayton hosts Thirsty Thursday at Sidebar at 5:30 PM – free to attend, cash bar.
Thursday, October 14: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati presents Theology on Tap at the Oregon Express in the Oregon District. Join with other singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to discuss topics. 7:30-9PM
Saturday, October 16: JumpstART invites you to Jump into Dance with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Discounted tickets for the show and a fantastic afterparty at Sidebar.
Tuesday, October 19: Generation Dayton continues their monthly Business and Breakfast series with grub at First Watch in Town and Country at 7 AM.
Tuesday, October 19: The Dayton Creative Syndicate, the YP arm of the GDAA, is focused on all things creative. Now they present SummitUP – This is your chance to get the inside scoop on all things social media.
Wednesday, October 20: The Dayton Urban League YPs host their monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Urban League offices downtown.
Thursday, October 21: HYPE- the YP organization for the Northern Miami Valley invites all YPs from the region to their Third Thursday social at The Caroline in Troy.
Thursday, October 21: The Ballet Barre hosts a Happy Hour at the Wine Gallery in downtown Dayton – just a great time to get together with other arts minded YPs.
Friday, October 22: On the fourth Friday of every month, you can count on Gen D to introduce you to a great new lunch spot and throw in some networking and friends. This month – check out Amber Rose at Noon.
Saturday, October 23: A major initiative of HYPE is service and they show it at HYPE Make a Difference Day. Volunteer and see the major impact that people can have when they work together.
Monday, October 25: Generation Dayton has a book club! Get your literary groove on with them at 7 PM at the Cannery – no number 2 pencils required as there are no pop quizzes.
Tuesday, October 26: Dayton Creative Syndicate invites you to get creative with pumpkin carving and join them at Harrigan’s Tavern South at 6 PM for some drinks, socializing, and pumpkin fun.
Thursday, October 28: Every Fourth Thursday, the Young AFCEAns host a social – join them and chat them up to get the dish on communication, technology, and contractor stuff around the mysterious WPAFB.
Thursday, October 28: Generation Dayton has a hard-knocks workshop for anyone interested in entrepreneurship – “When Reality Bites” presented at The Entrepreneurs Center. Get the inside scoop on launching your business.
So – that’s what I was able to dig up from the approximately 20 YP groups that are floating around Dayton. If you’re already an active member in an organization specifically for people in their 20s and/or 30s, I encourage you to use the DaytonMostMetro.com online event calendar to promote your events – it makes it a whole lot easier for people to know what’s going on in the community and maybe, just maybe someone who didn’t know about a cool recreation group, 20-something group, or professional group may find that it’s a good fit.
And if you haven’t checked out one of these organizations yet – what are you waiting for? Most have pretty small membership requirements (if “official” membership is even required) and hook you up with a lot of great people to build your social and professional contacts. Whatever you’re looking for – there’s a YP group out there for you.
Did you catch Bill Pote’s post on the Palladium Boot video series, Detroit Lives? It’s fascinating, isn’t it? And it feels good to say that it’s no longer morbidly fascinating but rather, it’s exciting to see the sparks of energy emanating once again from the Rust Belt, and I see them here in Dayton, don’t you?
Oh, I know. If you left in the 70’s or 80’s, you’ll trip over each other to tsk tsk and tell us how sad and forlorn Dayton looks today. Yawn. Not a very original thought at this point in time, but here’s the thing: If that’s all you see, then you haven’t been looking in the right places because there are neighborhoods and pockets within neighborhoods where you can find vibrancy returning, and while it might be an unglamorous and gritty kind of life, it’s here. Hopes and dreams are being created one piece of real estate at a time.
My favorite line in the Detroit Lives series is from the 24 year old who has helped create an artistic center. He’s clearly doing what he loves, living a life that he loves and has carved something out of nothing- the American dream in a hipster hat and glasses. His excitement is palpable, “I’m 24 and I have a 9 story building at my disposal!” Wow. Consider the possibilities for this young adult and his future.
A couple of decades ago our cities were built from the top down. Industry and industry leaders made decisions for us: Decisions about real estate, about development, about commerce, about life in our Rust Belt cities. The government officials were there to see that things went along with these plans, and yes I’m simplifying. I’m sure there was more to this story, but the end result is that when these leaders left, they took plans and decisions with them and that’s what we’ve been living through for the past couple of decades. The needs of the people who live in the city haven’t changed; we still need food, clothing, shelter, goods and services, but methods of procuring these necessities have changed drastically. As Detroit Lives shows us, however, opportunities for individuals to build capital have increased, and this is creating unforeseen opportunities.
Consider: Real estate is dirt cheap here in the Rust Belt. A small business owner, entrepreneur, or artist can own property here- something they may not have been able to do 30 years ago. That’s property ownership on a small scale. Perhaps it’s only important to one person and the customers they serve, but this type of real estate capital is no less important to those lives who are affected by it, than large neighborhoods or city blocks or suburban developments.
But there are other types of capital that Daytonians can now create and enjoy on a scale unknown in decades prior- social and individual capital. A neighborhood day care, a small barber shop, or local pizzeria- real estate, buildings now have the chance to become a gathering place. This is a natural way for neighborhood support networks to be created and expanded on a very localized and organic basis. We see this type of social and individual capital in Grafton Hill and South Park and other neighborhoods in Dayton. Industrial leaders did this for our cities in the past, but the amazing thing about living in a Rust Belt city in 2010 is that here, social or individual capital is no longer the domain of the wealthy, well-connected, or politically powerful. This bottom up expansion is difficult to create in bigger urban areas, but Dayton is a nice scalable size for this type of networking, and it fills a very real need among hyper-local communities.
The generation represented in Detroit Lives is connected and networks in complex ways. They’ve see the collapse of cities, governments, corporations, unions. These entities will not be the source of solutions for this generation. These young adults are looking to themselves for answers, and that’s good for the Rust Belt. When entire buildings are wanted and can be bought inexpensively, and when these entrepreneurs can be allowed to expand on the capital they themselves can produce, we have the potential to see an increase in the type of capital that was once only the domain of the well-connected. This is a huge shift in attitude around the Rust Belt.
This is the place where incubation, experimentation, being free to fail and try again is inexpensive; we need to encourage growing individual and social capital. This micro-development can begin to bring life back to our city. I’m not romanticizing this. This requires tremendous hard work, tenacity, and focus, but more important for our future here in Dayton, it also represents the ability to get things done in a way that couldn’t happen in an, okay let’s say it, a thriving city. It’s the same thing happening with the refugees who are settling into Twin Towers. The sentiment is the same- “I own this one precious life. It’s mine. I’m going after my dream.” That ownership of your life, that ability to see, plan, realize a dream of your own is powerful stuff and I believe it might only be possible for the people who are now in an unprecedented position to enjoy it, because of the unique opportunities that living in the Rust Belt has presented to us.
If you want to make a difference in both your life and the lives of those around you, Dayton Ohio, circa 2010, is a prime piece of real estate.
Photo credit: TLussier
(From Tamera Geesling of the Junior League of Dayton)
Before there were mash-ups on Glee, there was M*A*S*H. Whether you watched the show live or the reruns, which still air, chances are you have seen an episode or two – or even all 251 episodes of M*A*S*H. And the show wouldn’t have been complete without Jamie Farr’s character, Corporal Max Klinger. On October 14, the Junior League of Dayton(JLD) welcomes Jamie Farr to town to kick of the 55th season of the Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center. WE HAVE FREE TICKETS – DETAILS BELOW!
Farr began his niche in television in the late 1950s. He became a regular on The Red Skelton Show and played second banana to Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show. He has appeared as a panelist on numerous game shows including The Gong Show, Match Game, Hollywood Squares and The $25,000 Pyramid. In 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But despite a half-century career in television, Jamie Farr is most remembered for his outrageous portrayal of Corporal Max Klinger. It was the ultimate comedic trifecta – a cigar chomping, hairy man in a dress. Originally hired for one-day’s work, Farr impressed the producers with his over-the-top character portrayal and he became a regular on the show’s eleven-year run. His antics and dresses were all a part of his attempt to garner a Section 8 Discharge from the military. But the joke was on him. In a letter home Klinger wrote “”You see, Unc? It’s no wonder I never got a Section Eight; there’s nothing special about me. Everybody here is crazy!”Farr shared a similar backstory with Klinger – a Toledo, Ohio native with a love for Packo’s Hungarian hot dogs and the Toledo Mud Hens. He was also the only regular cast member to have served in the Korean War (on which the show was based).
The final two-and-a-half hour episode aired February 28, 1983 and set records as the most watched program in television history with 105.97 million viewers. Nearly 77% of homes with a television were tuned into the finale. The record held for 27 years until it was recently surpassed by Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 with 106.5 million viewers.
After M*A*S*H ended, Farr kept busy with television, movie and stage appearances. In 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Off-screen, Farr became involved in charity work. Since 1984, the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic has been held in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. This tournament for professional female golfers on the LPGA tour has generated over $6.5 million for local children’s charities.
Tickets are $31 each (plus handling) and can be ordered by calling 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Series tickets are still available for $75 and $90 and include Jamie Farr (October 14, 2010 – support provided by The DP&L Foundation and Dayton Superior Corporation), as well as Archie Griffin (November 4, 2010 – presented by AAA Miami Valley with support from Liberty Savings Bank), Nick Clooney (April 7, 2011 – presented by Freund, Freeze & Arnold: A Legal Professional Association) and Gina Barreca (May 12, 2011). The Town Hall Lecture Series is also sponsored by its media partners, ThinkTV and Times Community Newspaper.
To date, the Town Hall Lecture Series has raised over $1.8 million to support local JLD community programs, such as POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources), a children’s advocacy program in partnership with The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, and the Holiday Hunt, an annual tradition of the Dayton Holiday Festival.
The Junior League of Dayton is an organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information about the JLD and its community programs, visit www.jldayton.org.
For a chance to win free tickets to this event (a $62 value), just comment below using your real email address (we won’t make it public) and then hit the Share or Like button so that your Facebook friends know about this event. We’ll announce the winner of a pair of tickets on Friday October 8th – good luck!
