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A Walk in the ‘GARDEN’ for TheatreLab.

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Mackensie King Directs ‘Secret Garden.’

You all know how much I love these interviews with local leaders in the arts. This time around, I was thrilled to catch up with Mackensie King of TheatreLab Dayton. They are bringing the classic ‘The Secret Garden’ to life at the Victoria this weekend. As a former elementary school teacher, I cant ell you, the story alone is magic. My interview with Mackensie went something like this.

JS: Hi Mackensie! How exciting to see ‘The Secret Garden’ coming to life here is Dayton. What made you choose this story?

MK: Well, first of all…hi Josh! Thanks for highlighting the arts in Dayton!! The Secret Garden is a story that transcends generations. It’s still taught in schools around the world and there is something so incredibly special about putting up something that is familiar to so many. And I mean the score… who doesn’t love a classical musical with sweeping Melodies?

JS: Right….if you haven’t heard the music folks…WOW! Just gorgeous! And although it is a world-renowned tale, let people know what the story is about.

MK: Ok. The musical is like the book but it strays from that path. It follows Mary Lennox, after suddenly losing her parents. She is taken to live with her uncle who’s wife also passed, and we watch this family deal with grief and learning to love and live again.

JS: And even though it has that sad overtone, there is so much to love about the characters and their hope fiiled plight! What do you feel people can expect from your production?

‘Secret Garden’ comes to Victoria.

MK: To start the music is stunning. All of the actors on stage have stunning voices and these tunes will stick with you. This show while classical, has the feel of a spectacle because of the large sets, incredible light and remarkable costumes.

JS: I know folks who truly think this musical is one of the greatest, ever….yet, so many folks have not seen it. It’s magical!

MK: It really is!

JS: So, tell us about you. Your involvement in the arts!

MK: Well let’s see I’m a Libra who loves reading… but seriously- I’ve been with TheatreLab since it’s inception in a multitude of different roles, but I am the current Artistic Director. I’ve directed many shows for TheatreLab, while also taking the stage whenever I get the chance!

JS: I think all theater people should try their hand at each and every part. I know you can sing young lady!! So, what is it that pulls you toward directing?

MK: I love the collaboration it allows. You really get to sit with the actors and come to know them through the process. Then we can take those things and apply them to the show so that the show has everyone’s prints all over it. I love when it comes together and I can sit back and see each persons ideas grow together into a beautiful final product!

JS: Yes, it’s all about the final product, and what folks walk away feeling. What do you hope people take from ‘The Secret Garden?‘

MK: After experiencing the loss of one of my best friends this year, this show has helped me look at grief in a completely new light. I hope the audience can take away that no matter how dark things can seem, there is hope. That we as humans can all at our core understand loss at some point and that if we talk about our sadness with others, we will feel a little less alone.

Classic Tale comes to Life this Weekend.

JS: That is the magic of live theater…feeling like you are part of something that can change you for the better!! What’s next at TL?

MK: We have a busy summer filled with classes, camps and more! Then in September, we will be right back at the Victoria Theatre with ‘The Producers!’

JS: GET OUT!!! I love ‘The Producers!’ I know you are all busy, busy with this weekend’s performances….anything else you want to add?

MK: Support local theatre!

JS: Bravo to that and ‘BREAK THEM LEGS!’ Thanks for meeting me Mackensie! And to see the show? What do folks need to know?

MK: The show runs May 12-13th at The Victoria Theatre. Ticket prices start as low as 18 dollars and can be found at theatrelabdayton.org.

JS: Thanks again!!

 

Downtown Housing Tour

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With hundreds of new housing units currently under construction, there’s never been a better time to think about living in downtown Dayton!

Find out why downtown is the hottest, most in-demand real estate market in the region during our free Downtown Housing Tour on Saturday, May 13, from 1 to 5 p.m., sponsored by AES Ohio, Centerpoint Energy, Dayton.com, Key Ads, Glasshouse Realty Group, and the Greater Dayton RTA.

DOWNLOAD THE EVENT MAP & BROCHURE

You’re invited to this showcase of downtown housing options in a variety of styles and locations. Take a sneak peek at some upcoming development projects and hear from downtown residents about why they choose to live downtown.

This is an open-house style event – there is no hard start or stop time! Start your tour at any of the tour sites, or at one of the information stations found on the map.

Metered parking spaces are free on the weekends and The Greater Dayton RTA has generously provided complimentary shuttles for quick transport between various tour locations. Guests are also encouraged to walk or use the Link Bike Share system to travel between destinations.

Experience the fun and convenience of downtown living, with restaurants, brewpubs, shops, performing arts, galleries and more just steps away.

Hop on and off the free tour shuttles, or see the tour on foot or bike.

DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS PANEL DISCUSSION

12:00 TO 1:00 P.M. ON MAY 13

AT GLASSHOUSE REALTY GROUP, 201 E. SIXTH ST.

Sponsored by Glasshouse Realty Group

What is it really like to live downtown? Find out from some of the people who live here! Join us for an informal panel discussion with downtown residents from a variety of age groups and backgrounds. Learn what they love most (or least) about being downtown and ask them your burning questions.

This event is free, but pre-registration is required for the panel discussion. Walk-ins accepted as space allows.

REGISTER FOR THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS PANEL DISCUSSION

 

GETTING AROUND

FREE SHUTTLES – Free housing tour shuttles, courtesy of the Greater Dayton RTA, will run during the event, making stops near each housing option on the tour. Hop on and off at any of the shuttle stops to check out as many or as few of the housing options as you like. A shuttle should be at each stop every 10-15 minutes.

WALKING – Walking is another great way to get around – most of the housing options on the tour are no more than a five minute walk apart.

BIKING – Or, try downtown’s Link bike share! Rent a green bike from one of the many Link stations throughout downtown and ride to another station near your next destination.

PARKING

Downtown has more than 13,000 parking spaces. You can find a list and map of garages and lots here, and street parking metered spots are free on weekends!

MORE DOWNTOWN HOUSING INFO

Our tour highlights just a few of the many apartments, condominiums, and traditional homes in downtown Dayton and its surrounding neighborhoods. For more info on downtown living, visit our directory of housing options and other resources.

The Big ShaBang Concert Features Exciting Regional Music

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The Big ShaBang is back! The concert showcase is the brain child of 19 year old local music phenom, Eleanor Dakota with support from Venus Child Productions. Dakota launched her first showcase last fall at The Brightside, and is back with a “Volume 2” edition. This spring showcase features awesome five musical acts: Six Foot Blond, Crabswithoutlegs, Frank Calzada, Keita, along with Dakota herself performing.

If you are looking for a fun night out that of new, hip music (that’s early – over by 10:30pm!) – this is the show for you! Head over to The Brightside for another special evening. The venue has quickly become one of the city’s favorite places to discover emerging talent.

This particular event includes the Dayton Battle of the Bands winners, Crabswithoutlegs, along with special guest Six Foot Blond from Bloomington, who are making their Dayton debut! The show kicks off with three special solo sets. Prepare for an eclectic evening that will remind longtime Dayton music fans of a night at Gilly’s or Canal Street Tavern.

There will be a food truck on site: Phat & Rich. Check out their Mexican inspired menu here: https://phatandrich.com/

Six Foot Blond is making their Dayton debut on May 11th at The Brightside

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, May 11, 2023

at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH)

Doors open 7pm / Show starts 7:30pm / Ends at 10:30pm

All ages welcome!

Advance tickets $12 / Day of show $18

Direct link to tickets here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/75151/orders/new

Note: The venue is handicapped accessible. There is free parking on either side of the building. For info about the venue visit thebrightsidedayton.com

Preview Crabswithoutlegs below!

Aullwood’s 18th annual Farm Babies Fest

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This weekend is Aullwood’s Farm Babies Fest at the farm at 9101 Frederick Pike.

Visit farm babies in the Bank Barn including goat kids and lambs. Welcome the Ohio School of Falconry’s Raptor Roadshow, watch these majestic birds free fly and learn about the ancient art of falconry during 45 minute shows each day. Enjoy performers from the Cincinnati Circus as they juggle on stilts and create amazing balloon sculptures. Take a turn on our stilts if you’d like to learn, or take a fun trip on the original Turtle Parade ride relocated from its previous home at Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati!

Sample great food from Timeless Tacos, Buckeye Burgers, Bella Sorella Pizza (Sunday May 14 only) and Graeter’s Ice Cream, or enjoy a classic hamburger or hot dog from the Vandalia Lions Club.  Try our classic free children’s activities, shop exciting craft vendors and browse the Greenview Garden Club’s Plant Sale. Don’t miss our “The Troll That Hatched an Egg” exhibition by Thomas Dambo as well.  Savor fun family time spent together on the farm!

Nonmember admission to Farm Babies Fest is the same as regular Aullwood Audubon admission, free for children 3 and under, $8.00 for children 4 to 12, $10.00 for seniors age 65 and over and active duty military members, and $12.00 for adults 13 to 64. Friends of Aullwood members with membership card receive discounted admission! FoA member admission is free for children 3 and under, $6.00 for children 4 to 12, $8.00 for seniors age 65 and over and active duty military members and $10.00 for adults 13 to 64.

YWCA Dayton names new President & CEO

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YWCA Dayton, the region’s oldest women’s organization, is pleased to name Terra Fox Williams as the next president and CEO.

Fox Williams’ commitment to YWCA Dayton’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women can be seen across her more than 26-year career. This includes her most recent position as Director for the Office of Health Promotion at Public Health — Dayton & Montgomery County, where she worked to end health disparities, build partnerships, and cultivate an inclusive work culture.

Fox Williams will take on her new role leading YWCA Dayton starting June 7.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to lead and serve in such a prestigious organization as YWCA Dayton. Throughout my life, I have found that a resume alone may outline the journey, but it is your ‘why’ that drives that journey. My ‘why’ has always centered on being a voice for the voiceless, and a resource to uplift and empower humanity,” Fox Williams said.

YWCA Dayton’s Board of Directors and leadership team selected Fox Williams after an extensive four-month search.

“We are excited to welcome Terra Fox Williams to YWCA Dayton and are confident she will bring her unwavering commitment and deep experience as a community leader to the YW’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all,” said Board Chair Jennifer Heapy.

At Public Health, Fox Williams was responsible for the strategic, operational and fiscal management for the Office of Health Promotion. This includes supervising the Bureau for Maternal & Child Health; Women, Infant and Children (WIC); Local Office on Minority Health; Food Equity Task Force, EveryOne Reach One Maternal and Infant Vitality Task Force; Health Equity Strategies and Initiatives; and Chronic Disease and Prevention.

Her successes include establishing a 5-year strategic plan for the Office of Health Promotion; securing more than $4.5 million in state and federal funds to address infant mortality; and implementing the Maternal & Child Health Division.

Beyond her most recent role, Fox Williams has decades of experience in public health and organizational leadership including past roles with Miami Valley Child Development Center, Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton, Wilberforce University, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, and Warren County Combined Health District.

Fox Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern University and A&M College and a Master of Science in Public Health from Wright State University.

In her new role as president and CEO, Fox Williams will be leading an organization that operates the only domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers in Montgomery and Preble Counties (including a 24/7 crisis hotline), four transitional housing programs for women and families, youth leadership and prevention education programming, and racial and social justice advocacy efforts.

YWCA Dayton’s Board of Directors thanks Patricia McDonald, interim president and CEO, who has been leading the organization since January.

Wiener Dog Races Back in the Oregon District!

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Derby Day is BACK and Registration for the Wiener Dog Races is OPEN!

The Oregon District is excited to bring back this crowd favorite event Saturday, May 6 celebrating our shortest K-9 friends! Proceeds of the event will benefit this year’s honorary charity, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

They also partnering with Tito’s Handmade Vodka“Vodka For Dog People” this year! The Oregon District Business Association will be donating $1 from each Specialty Tito’s and Lemonade Julep to the Humane Society of Dayton. Look for the Tito’s and ODBA booth and purchase a beverage to help us put on events like this and benefit our furry friends!  Clash Dayton will also be putting on a Derby Fashion Show in the afternoon!

Event Timeline
12:00 pm – informal Dog Costume Party with Tito’s giveaways — all well behaved dogs welcome!

2:00 pm – Annual running of the Wieners! Wiener Dog Races (advanced registration suggested)

4:00 pm – Awards circle

4:30 pm – Clash Dayton Derby Day Fashion Show

6:00 pm – Event concludes. Find your favorite place with a TV to watch the horse race 🙂

Register your wiener dog or wiener dog mixes at: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/derby-day-wiener-dog-race…

937 Salon and Spa 4th Anniversary Pay What You Can Event

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937 Salon and Spa was dreamt up, renovated and opened by Esther Laveck, with the help of her husband Jason in 2019. The salon had a mission to create a safe space for artists, and guests from every walk of life, race, identity and ability, to feel educated and cared for in a sustainable environment.
Now 4 years later they are celebrating their anniversary with a Pay What You Can event on Sunday, May 7th from 1-4pm.

They will be offering express manicures, express haircuts and express facials. All service proceeds will go to Dayton YWCA. Services are first come first serve and we will have a direct link for donations for payment. All products will also be 20% off this day only while supplies last!
Also on hand for the celebration will be the  Phat and Rich food truck, Wild Banana smoothie truck, Shop Cowboy Byrd jewelry, and Stone and Willow upcycled clothes.

937 SALON AND SPA

1835 East Stroop Road
Kettering OH

937 – 813 – 4835

2023 Dayton Region Walk of Fame Inductees Announced

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● Tom Archdeacon – A reporter, columnist, and sports writer whose name in the region is often synonymous with great reporting on local teams and athletes, Archdeacon’s career spans more than five decades. He began his
career with the Dayton Daily News in 1989, and has covered sports, as well as historic events that mark our lives. “Arch” is well-known for sharing the facts and breaking news, while also telling the stories that give those historic
moments meaning and connect with readers.
● Charity Broady – Having arrived with her father in the area around 1802,
Broady was an early Ohio pioneer who survived several pro-slavery attacks and stayed to rebuild the community. She went on to help found the First Wesleyan Church, was a charter member and trustee of the United Daughters of Zion, and was a conductor on Dayton’s Underground Railroad.
● Dave Chapelle – A well-known actor and comedian, Chapelle has had a majorimpact on the region. In addition to hosting the Gem City Shine in 2019, a benefit concert following the mass shooting in the Oregon District, Chapelle also created an entirely new concept for social-distanced entertainment, which was much-needed during the height of the COVID pandemic. Over the course of several years, he hosted “Chapelle and Friends” and “Chapelle Summer Camp”, bringing live performances of nationally-known comedians to his Yellow Springs venue.
● Marvin Olinsky – Retired CEO of Five Rivers MetroParks, Olinsky’s vision and
leadership helped Five Rivers become the park system that it is today. His dream of creating a unique facility and program for urban youth ultimately
became reality with the creation of Adventure Central, which has been serving the youth of Dayton for nearly two decades.
The inductees will be recognized at the annual Dayton Region Walk of Fame
luncheon which will be held on October 11, 2023 at Sinclair Community College.
Tickets are available online here.

Party with a PURRR-pose!

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Get Your Tickets!

There is nothing like a party where you can putt, dance and even get a psychic reading all in one stop! SICSA‘s Inaugural ‘PURRR‘ event is getting readied….and I had the joy of sitting down with Angie Tapogna (SICSA’s Director of Community Engagement) to get the ‘scoop’ on the big shindig! It went something like this…..

JS: ANGIE!! So good to see you! I can tell you, the cat’s out of the bag when it comes to the word about ‘PURRR!’ But, please let the readers know…what is the idea behind ‘PURRR?’

AT: Thanks Josh, so excited to share that Purrr is an opportunity for SICSA to raise funds for and highlight our feline friends.  In 2022, we cared for and placed more than 1,300 cats and kittens.  Beyond this, we provided thousands of public cats with spay and neuter surgeries. Now, with “Kitten Season” once again in full swing, we are focused on ensuring nursing mother cats and their litters can grow into healthy, adoptable cats.  The funds from Purrr help us to provide the specialized care these tiny babies need to survive.  When you support SICSA by attending Purrr, you allow us to provide kitten formula to orphaned litters, spay mother cats after their kittens are weaned, vaccinate the entire family, and so much more.  This is truly a party with a Purrrpose!

JS: Wow….the need is real. Hearing about the little kitties in the area obviously pulls at peoples’ heart strings. What can people expect from the PURRR event?

AT: People can try their hand at golf and putt to win top shelf wine and liquor, socialize at the bourbon and cigar bar, listen to the live jazz band, cuddle with kittens, bid on exclusive silent auction items, have a private session with a Pet Communicator, learn some new moves from professional ballroom dancers, dance the night away to a live DJ and music, and grab a group picture at the photo booth to commemorate the evening!  There will be a catered dinner and an open bar!

JS: OPEN BAR! Ummmhmmmm,…sounds PURRRfect! I know you are all working so hard on this event. And you have some great ‘moments’ planned throughout the evening. What can you tell us about that?

      Hip Party for the Kitties!

AT: Well, Josh, to kind of elaborate, there will be more than 30 silent auction items to bid on that include trips, concert tickets, sports tickets, fine wine and rare alcohol, fine dining, casual dining, and more.

JS: 30+ Items….wowzer! And anytime there are trips….I’m bidding!

AT: Yep,  the event will feature 60s Ultra Lounge Music with a live Jazz Band as well as a DJ and an open dance floor.  Professional ballroom dancers will perform a fun 60s cocktail style dance.

JS: Ultra Lounge….loving that Cool Cat vibe….

AT: Right and we’ll have a hole-in-one putting green for people to putt their way to winning top shelf wine and liquor.  And we’ll also have a Pet Communicator providing private sessions with guests who may want to get to know their pet better, or prepare their pet for changes, or to resolve a pet’s behavioral issues. And of course, we’ll have cuddle sessions with kittens for those who want to snuggle up to a fur baby or two.

JS: Not sure I want to know what my pet thinks of me….ha ha! That sounds so fun! Now, the details….you have my attention, and you know, curiosity will kill this cat…When, Where…etc….

AT: Of course, of course….PURRR is on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Moraine Country Club, 4075 Southern Blvd., Dayton, OH 45429.  Cost is $200 per person which includes a catered dinner and open bar.  The dress code is cocktail party. **TICKETS….CLICK THIS LINK….https://www.sicsa.org/purrr/

Join the Cool Cats at PURRR!

JS: Seriously….just sounds like a hit already! I know SICSA is so beloved in the area. May is busy….what if I can’t attend (I’ll be there by the way), but I want to support the organization?

AT: I am so thrilled you asked me that! SICSA has succeeded because of the generous support of the community.  We are always welcoming new volunteers and fosters to help us in our mission.  And of course, we are always grateful for donations that help us feed and care for animals looking for loving homes and help us rescue animals in need.

JS: Angie….you are the cat’s pajamas! So good to talk with you. I am wishing you all the luck at PURRR! Anything else you want to add?

AT: Yes! Actually….people do not have to attend Purrr to bid on our fabulous silent auction items.  They will be live on our website on May 18, 2023, at www.sicsa.org.

JS: GREAT!! Again….all the success! Thanks Angie.  One more time…***Tickets: https://www.sicsa.org/purrr/

Here’s a fun promo link…click and enjoy! https://youtu.be/Ti-USpyzG-M

 

 

 

Fall Greek Fest Cancelled- Drive Thru Food Event This Weekend

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The Dayton Greek Festival announced today via their Facebook page “will not be holding our regular festival in September.”   We confirmed with Erin Caldwell, the office manager for the Greek Orthodox Church, that it was a tough decision to make, but the challenges for this year just made it the right decision for now.  They just don’t have the volunteer core they need, pricing increases and challenges with getting the necessary supplies made the festival planning just overwhelming.  They are hoping they can work to build their team back up and bring the festival back in 2024.
They are also considering doing a fall drive thru for greek treats.
In the meantime, they are hosting a Greek Fest Express this weekend. You can preorder traditional Greek foods and pastries and pick them in a drive thru line.
Online ordering is open now, and you’ll pick the time you want to do your pickup.

 

Celebrating Yellow Springs Filmmaker Julia Reichert

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Steve Bognar invites the community to  join together this coming Saturday, May 6, at 4:00pm to celebrate his late wife  Julia Reichert’s remarkable life.

Everyone is welcome.  We’re gathering in a big tent on the front lawn of Antioch College, at the corner of Livermore Street and East Center College Street (1 Morgan Place, Yellow Springs, OH 45387).

The World House Choir will gift us with their amazing music, we’ll have stories, movie clips, poetry, food, drink and lots of photos.  Accessible parking on Livermore Street, regular parking on Livermore, East Center College and in the parking lot behind the Antioch Library (next to the Wellness Center).  Accessible bathrooms in McGregor Hall.

They will not be live-streaming this event, but we will record it and make it available in the weeks to come.  They also recorded the Lincoln Center celebration of Julia, which will also be available.

Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Benefits Local Hospital

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The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie 2023 charitable campaign kicked off today and will run through May 7th.  The week-long campaign sees Tims guests purchase millions of hand-decorated Smile Cookies and 100 per cent of the proceeds from each cookie are donated to support over 600 local charities and community groups, locally the cookie sales will benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital.

The first Smile Cookie campaign launched in 1996, originally raising funds for Hamilton Children’s Hospital. Since then, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $92 million across North America for charities and organizations selected every year by Tim Hortons restaurant owners. Recipients include local hospitals, community care organizations, food banks and schools. Last year’s campaign raised a record-breaking $15 million!

You don’t need a sweet tooth to show you’re sweet! Buy a personality pin to support Smile Cookie week in style. Guests can support a local charity or community group by purchasing a Smile Cookie for $1.50 plus tax or one of our fun Smile Cookie personality pins – Zany, Sweetie, Chippy or Grumpy – at participating restaurants for $2 plus tax!

To participate in this year’s Smile Cookie campaign, visit your local Tim Hortons restaurant or place an order through the Tim Hortons mobile app for delivery.

For a full list of local charities and community groups benefiting from Tim Hortons Smile Cookie 2023 campaign, visit www.timhortons.ca/smile-cookie.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

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The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It’s a way for us to recognize & acknowledge the contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have made to our history, our culture, and our country as a whole.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian Americans are anyone whose ancestry traces back to places such as China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, or one of many other regions on the Asian continent. Pacific Islander Americans are those whose ancestry traces back to places like American Samoa, Guam, Papua, and other various regions in the Oceania part of the world.

With May 1st approaching, ThinkTV has put together a collection of programs that we thought would be relevant to such an important month for so many people.

Contact: Robert’s Place

Robert’s Place is a nonprofit organization that provides spiritual, emotional and physical relief for all people, but especially for Pacific Islanders in crisis. In this video, CEO Dottie Alo discusses the organization and its resources.

https://video.thinktv.org/video/roberts-place-u4ou5f/

Mutually Inclusive: Mounting Asian American and Pacific Islander Discrimination

Our screens have been flooded with headlines of the surging hate crimes and incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islanders. America has a vast background of discrimination towards AAPI communities. On this episode of Mutually Inclusive we look at a brief journey through history to present time and talk with local leaders about where the fight against Asian hate is today.

https://video.thinktv.org/video/mounting-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-discrimination-owf4th/

Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi: Asian American & Pacific Islander

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is a beautifully diverse group of cultures, and Mickela gets a taste throughout the boroughs – from the Pacific Islands by learning the hula with the Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka to exploring the Filipino Community of Little Manila in Woodside, Queens, to practicing Japanese Taiko traditional drumming.

https://video.thinktv.org/video/asian-american-pacific-islander-aapi-AIbeWV/

A People’s History of Asian America

Produced in partnership by the Center for Asian American Media and PBS Digital Studios, A People’s History of Asian America tells the history of Asian Americans through the microaggressions and stereotypes this community faces.

https://video.thinktv.org/show/a-peoples-history-of-asian-america/

To The Contrary: Asian American and Pacific Islander Women

We speak with Madalene Mielke, the president & CEO of Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies about the role of AAPI women both as candidates and voters. What are the top issues for this demographic and what are the different ways this voting block affected the midterms?

https://video.thinktv.org/video/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-women-k6ph3q/

This post originally appeared on ThinkTV‘s website

It’s Almost Festival Time In Miami County!

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Summer is fast approaching—and that means the kickoff to many homegrown, outdoor events. Local festivals offer a great way to get together with family and friends and to enjoy food, activities and entertainment.

Miami County offers many festivals and events that will bring smiles and fun. Each one offers a unique experience. Here are some upcoming events in

Miami County.

Taste of the Arts
Piqua, May 12
This evening event is a great way to kick off summertime fun in Miami County. Stroll downtown Piqua during the family-friendly Taste of the Arts and enjoy food and live entertainment. Children’s activities are also planned.

At the corner of Ash and Main streets, local restaurants and caterers serve taster-size portions of their popular menu items. Most food items range from $1 to $4—so it’s a great way to sample appetizers, meals and desserts.This free evening event is from 5-9 p.m. Friday, May 12.

Food Truck Rally & Competition
Troy, May 20
This event draws thousands of people each year—and it returns to the Miami County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 20, this year.

The food truck rally allows visitors to try creative dishes and beverages at reasonable prices. Whether your passion is for the main course, a sweet treat or a specialty beverage, you will find the right truck for you.

Admission is free, and entertainment is provided throughout the day. It’s a great way to meet with family and friends, sit in the dining areas and enjoy unique flavors and tastes. The food truck rally is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Road 25-A, in Troy.

Troy Strawberry Festival
 Troy, June 3-4

Voted Best Ohio Festival for several years, this premier festival features everything strawberry—and so much more. Taking place in downtown Troy, the free event offers top art and craft exhibitors and numerous family-friendly activities, such as a strawberry pie-eating contest, diaper derby, corn toss and cruise in.

While enjoying the festivities, be sure to stop by the food booths. Many area non-profit organizations offer food for sale including the world-famous strawberry doughnuts.

Started in 1977, this festival draws up to 200,000 people annually and has been called the “Best in the Midwest.” The Strawberry Festival offers free parking and free shuttle service from the festival locations.

Family Days at the Johnston Farm
Piqua, Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11

History comes alive during this special event at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Road, Piqua. The weekend features hands-on activi

ties, costumed interpreters and demonstrations centering on life in the 1800s.

During this family-friendly weekend, people can visit John Johnston’s home and the Historic Indian and Canal Museum. Also, mule-pulled, canal boat rides will be offered on the General Harrison of Piqua.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 5. Admission is $9 for seniors, military, and AAA members. Ohio Historical Society and Johnston Family Friends members are admitted for free.

History Alive at the Johnston Farm
Piqua, Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30

Experience living history at its finest when dozens of the very best reenactors gather at the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency to present a historical timeline from 1748 to 1862. The event includes a wide variety of camps as well as civilian and military demonstrations and other activities, including the canal boat General Harrison of Piqua that depicts the time period.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 5. Admission is $9 for seniors, military, and AAA members. Ohio Historical Society and Johnston Family Friends members are admitted for free.

Miami County Fair, Troy
Friday, Aug. 11, to Thursday, Aug. 17

The fair celebrates Miami County’s rich agricultural heritage—and so much more. This weeklong family event features food, entertainment, livestock exhibits and competitions, rides, harness racing, a tractor pull, a rodeo and so much more.

The fair is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Daily admission is $6 for ages 9 and older, and free for children 8 and under.

Miami County also offers many other homegrown activities and events throughout the summertime, including musical performances, farmers’ markets, and more.

This post originally appeared on the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau site.

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Free Fitness Classes at Riverscape

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Cost can’t be your excuse on why you are not taking exercise classes this May.   RiverScape MetroPark has nearly doubled its free fitness offerings featuring high impact group workouts, mindfully-focused programs and dance fitness. Free fitness classes include Fitness in the Park’s yoga and Zumba classes, which presented by Kettering Health Network with additional support from McGohan Brabender. May’s fitness full fitness schedule is listed below:

ZUMBA IN THE PARK with Fit n Fruitful Wellness: 10 to 11 am

  • Saturday, May 13

YOGA IN THE PARK with Speakeasy Yoga: 10 to 11 am

  • Saturday, May 20

Amanda Miller

BOOTYMIX FITNESS with Amanda Miller : 6 to 7 pm

  • Monday, May 1
  • Monday, May 8
  • Monday, May 15
  • Monday, May 22

BOOTCAMP with The Unit: 6 to 7:30 pm

  • Monday, May 1 & Wednesday, May 3
  • Monday, May 8 & Wednesday, May 10
  • Monday, May 15 & Wednesday, May 17
  • Monday, May 22 & Wednesday, May 23
  • Monday, May 29 & Wednesday, May 31

TAI CHI & QIGONG with Immortal Tree Qigong: 6 to 7 pm

  • Tuesday, May 2
  • Tuesday, May 9
  • Tuesday, May 16
  • Tuesday, May 23
  • Tuesday, May 30

Rachel Pavkov, owner MVP Dance Fit

SWERK with MVP Dance Fit: 6 to 7 pm

  • Wednesday, May 3
  • Wednesday, May 17
  • Wednesday, May 24
  • Wednesday, May 31

INNERGIZE with Kelly Gibson: 6 to 7 pm

  • Wednesday, May 10

Dayton Arcade Secures $41 Million To Fund Next Step

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Dayton Arcade’s giant is one step closer to being fully awoken once more.

The development team behind the historic Dayton Arcade has secured the necessary funding for the $41M renovation of the North Arcade’s Third Street Arcade and Gibbons Annex, the final two buildings in the Arcade’s nine-building complex.

The Arcade’s Third Street and Gibbons Annex Buildings were built in 1902 as part of the original Arcade development. The historic Third Street Building façade, designed by Frank Mills Andrews in the Flemish guildhall style, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city of Dayton. Retail was shuttered in 1990 with the rest of the development.

Long seen as the last piece of the Dayton Arcade puzzle, completion of this second phase will allow the Arcade to serve as the retail hub and pedestrian connector in the center of downtown Dayton once again. The upper floors will be home to a 94-room Hilton Garden Inn with a lobby entrance from Third Street.

Danny Nagar of Century Hotel Group says “It has been a privilege to partner with Mira Development Company, Model Group, and Cross Street Partners in the redevelopment of the NorthArcade. By adding hotel rooms to the Arcade complex, we hope to invite locals and tourists to experience the strong food and entertainment scene that continues to grow here. This felt like a great opportunity to preserve and revitalize an iconic area and remove some of the roadblocks that have previously reduced travel to Downtown Dayton. We’re honored to be involved in this project and look forward to the impact that this will have on the local community and the guests that we’re eager to host.”

The first floor of the Third Street Building will house the Arcade’s retail marketplace, with 7,500 sf of small business retail space. Under the North Arcade’s iconic skylight will be small spaces for around 15 local and unique retail opportunities.

“We are very excited about this phase of the project, but it would not have happened without the unwavering commitment of the hotel team of Century Hotel Group and Mira Development,” says Dave Williams, Vice President of Development for Cross Street Partners.

“These projects don’t happen without strong leadership and support and that has continued from both the City, County, CityWide Development, and the Port Authority. The State and Federal Historic and New Market tax credits along with the Ohio Department of Development grant programs were critical sources in completing the North Arcade’s capital stack. It is a great finish to an amazing project and will be catalytic for the Main Street corridor, as well as providing much needed support for the Convention Center.”

The Arcade is a vital component for the reactivation of Courthouse Square and the revitalization of downtown Dayton’s central business district. Construction on the North Arcade has already commenced with anticipated completion of late Q2/Q3 2024.