Archives for October 2021
Dayton’s New Police Chief Starts Dec 20th.
After a six month nationwide search Shelley Dickstein, Dayton City Manager has announced that she has appointed Kamran Afzal as the new chief of police for the Dayton Police Department. After less than 2 years as Hopewell, Virginia’s Police Department, Chief Afzal, the majority of his experience comes from his years as the Arlington County Police Department in Arlington, Virginia, where he spent 24 years with the last 11 ½ years as a member of their command staff team. Additionally, Afzal served as Chief of Police for the Durango Police Department from April 2017 to December 2018. Chief Afzal will begin his service with the Dayton Police Department on December 20, 2021.
Dayton City Manager is pleased to announce that she has appointed Kamran Afzal as the new chief of police for the Dayton Police Department. Chief Afzal has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement operations and executive leadership, including his most recent service as the police chief in Hopewell, Virginia. Chief Afzal will begin his service with the Dayton Police Department on December 20, 2021.
Hayner Opens a New Season of Free Drawing Room Chamber Concerts
The Drawing Room Chamber Series at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is a special opportunity to experience professional musicians and orchestral instruments in an intimate atmosphere. These concerts are usually composed of up to five musicians. One thing that is unique to chamber concerts is that the musicians are presenting music that that they have chosen themselves. This is not practical for a larger philharmonic where the pieces that are performed may have been chosen by committee agreement.
The chamber experience is intimate because the music that they perform are pieces that especially move them, pieces that they love to play. The musicians will have the time to talk about why they are playing the music that they chose. They will share bits of wisdom and history and help you to understand what the music means to them. Another thing unique to Hayner’s chamber concerts is that the audience is seated on the same level and in close proximity to the musicians. One tends to hear the instruments with the entire body and not just the ears. The Drawing Room Chamber Concert series is a rich and unique way to experience the same instruments that our young people are learning for band. The series is curated and hosted by Steven Aldredge of Wright State University. Steven is a gifted collaborative pianist as well as a soloist and published composer in his own right.
The 2021- 2022 Drawing Room Chamber Concert Series is on the last Tuesday night of most months in the school year at 7:30 pm. It opens this year on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 7:30 pm with violinist with violinist Tom Sobieski. He will be performing some of his favorite macabre and spooky pieces as only the violin can play. He will be performing some of his favorite macabre and spooky pieces as only the violin can play.
In November the Western Ohio Tuba Quartet will return to the Hayner to masterfully perform holiday favorites on four tubas. Their work is called “masterful” because of the skill of the four tubists. This concert is guaranteed not to overwhelm as one might think, although it might make you vibrate a little!
Tuesday, January 25, 2022, will be a concert with Dayton’s volunteer chamber choir, Musica. Over 18 vocalists will light up the Hayner Ballroom. Flutist Christopher Chaffee will return to the series on Tuesday, February 22 and Amanda Roberts and friends will take the March 29 Drawing Room Chamber Concert. Closing the season on Tuesday, April 26 will be Steven’s own quartet Tutti Solisti. This final concert always brings surprises and special treats.
The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center is located at 301 West Main Street in Troy, Ohio. Most concerts, including the Drawing Room Chamber Concert Series are free to the public. Free reservations will be needed for the series due to limited seating. You may obtain your tickets at www.TroyHayner.org/music . Just navigate to the Drawing Room Chamber Concert page and select your favorite concert or phone the Hayner at 937-339-0457.
Back on Top (of the Market!)
For Bonnie Mendelson and her two children, the excitement of seeing the Top of the Market‘s Renaissance comes at a bittersweet time. Since the passing of Dayton Icon, Sandy Mendelson, the family has been moving his dream for the deli and event space forward. It has gained traction and attention in recent weeks…and it’s just getting started.
“The place has a renewed electric energy. The community has been so supportive of our recent changes. It feels so great!” says Heather Mendelson-Goodrich.”We are feeling the uptick in business, and people are talking about the changes.” And there have been plenty. In recent months, a new menu, an added cocktail bar and a change in hours have highlighted the Top of the Market. “It is becoming the place to once again be seen.” Says Bonnie Mendelson. “We are having some great events here and our new team is outstanding.”
Heading up that ‘new’ team is New York Transplant, John Capobianco. With his vast experience in hospitality and restaurant ownership, Capobianco brings new eyes and ideas to the space. “It’s really exciting to be part of this. In a very short time we have been able to construct a comfortable lounge area, create a comprehensive new menu and open a nice bar area…All New and Just For You!” Capobianco smiles as he delivers the new motto! But it hasn’t all been smiles for the Top of the Market. Changes take time, and there are inevitably bumps a long the way. Staffing changes, ordering new furnishings and get the ‘word out there’ are just a few of the challenges.
“We’re getting there.” says Capobianco, who has found Dayton the friendliest of cities. “People are so happy for us, which means so much.” The Market employs around 20 workers and features a new Executive Chef, Will Campollo. “Everyone’s getting on-board. Events are up!” There are two main event spaces, the Warehouse which accommodates 350 people and the Loft which accommodates 170. Both spaces have all the necessary parts and pieces for meetings, weddings and other large get-togethers.
The Bar and Bistro, which will have a Happy Hour from 4-7pm (closing at 10pm), will also feature some signature cocktails, including the ‘Stacked’ Paloma (Tequila, Mexican Ginger Ale, Jarritos and Fresh Lime juice) and the Dayton Rubi (Grey Goose, Prosecco, St. Germaine and Cranberry Juice). The Bar and Bistro will begin it’s soft-opening around 11/8.
The Gourmet Deli, which is already a go-to for downtowners, is now open Monday-Saturday 10-7pm. New items are being rolled out as we speak…tacos, stir-fry, various bowls and the much-loved Bowl and a Half (Bowl of soup and half a sandwich.) “We recently added Saturdays and they are picking up. There is also patio seating for the bar and deli! We are really looking forward to enhancing our deli by adding local retail, grocery items and the likes. (Think local eggs, dressings, honey…etc…). What makes it even more convenient to our customers is the amount of free parking we offer on the south side of the building. There is so much going on in the Webster Station area, it’s good to be involved in it and with the support of Harlan, Bonnie and Heather, the sky’s the limit!” Capobianco added.
“We really appreciate John,” says Bonnie Mendelson, “and all he has brought to the market,” It’s always good to be back on TOP!
The Top of the Market, Gourmet Deli and The Bar and Bistro are located at 32 Webster Street in Dayton. For more information call (937) 224-3663.
Dayton Dia De Muertos Is Moving to Oct 31st
Dia de Muertos is a unique and colorful holiday observed across Mexico, the southwestern United States, Latin America and right here in Dayton, Ohio. During Dia De Muertos people reminisce on the lives of loved ones who have died by creating and sharing ofrendas (Day of the Dead alters), food, sugar skulls, papel picado banners, processions, calaveras (skulls) music, traditional dance while wearing sugar skull painted faces and bright costumes.
This year, our Grand Marshalls will be representatives from the Dayton Book Fair. Due to a generous community grant in 2019, we are able to continue the event despite limited fundraising opportunities over the past two years.
New for 2021 – prizes will be awarded for “Best Presentation”. Participants can choose traditional clothing/make up, puppets, hand-carried/wheeled floats. First prize will be $100 gift card for a local restaurant, with second and third prizes at $50 and $25. Criteria for award include Best Cultural Representation, Creativity, Execution.
- 12 pm – 2 pm: Gather for the Pre-Parade activities at 5th and Jefferson. Expert face painting and the NEW 2021 Dayton Dia De Muertos T-shirt for sale. Food Truck, and Billie Gold Bubble Tea will be there for refreshments.
- 2 pm – 3 pm The Dayton Dia De Muertos cdeparts 5th and Jefferson and proceeds through the Oregon District in Downtown Dayton to Dutoit St, with arrival at the Missing Peace Art Space.
- 3 pm – 6 pm Music, food, and a celebration of the lives of our friends and family members who have passed. ORGULLO MEXICANO (student dancers), LESLIE PEREZ AND THE ALACRAN DE DURANGO (Mexican folk music), and TEAM VOID (Luche Libre Surf Rock) will perform. REV. COOL of WYSO’s Around the Fringe show will MC the event and DJ high energy traditional and not so tradition Latin dance beats between sets and to end up the evening.
- Traditional foods available from vendors. New this year, a recreation of a Mexican cemetery, with community offrendas (alters).
The Brightside Drag Brunch
Brunch and a show! This ticket includes a fabulous meal as well as an incredible show with some of the best Drag Artists Dayton has to offer! Brunch begins at 1pm. Purchase your tickets online.
Meet Amber Tipton, Baker Extraordinaire
Amber Tipton was 43 years old when she began culinary school with her youngest daughter, a journey that ultimately led her to launch The Neighborhood Nest Gluten-Free Baked Goods.
The Fairborn bakery is dedicated to gluten-free goodies, and also accommodates individuals who are dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan and keto, she said.
“We’re very focused on the people that can’t just eat the regular food that’s out there every day,” Amber shares.
The dedication is personal for Amber. While she was in culinary school, her middle child was diagnosed with Celiac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A year later, Amber was diagnosed with Celiac disease as well.
“At that point, I knew what was out there, and I was not eating that way,” Amber recalls.
She had one pastry class — her only pastry class — left to complete in her final semester. Her professor allowed her to bring in about 70 pounds a week of gluten-free flours and alternative ingredients.
“At the end of the 16 weeks, if I plated my things the same as everyone else and slipped them into the lineup, no one could pick mine out,” she said.
Neighborhood Nest was born.
‘THE BEST BAKERY IN DAYTON’
Neither baker or entrepreneur was on the list of things she thought she’d be when she grew up — a list that included counselor, race car driver and mortician, among others, she said. But as her family grew and she found herself hosting birthday parties and family gatherings and church pitch-ins where attendees always asked for her recipes, an idea began to form.
And as her youngest daughter grew out of homeschooling age, Amber found herself looking for something new to do. She planned to open a diner — instead she opened a bakery.
“After our diagnosis, I really experience what it was like to go out and eat and try to be safe,” she said. “Cross-contamination is such an issue for people. It can lead to anything from a distended belly and discomfort to vomiting that can leave you in the hospital. I wanted to give people a space that they can come into and have absolutely everything at their finger tips.”
It’s giving people back something they miss, she continues.
“One of my very first customers, it was the first time in 22 years that he’d had a strawberry cake for his birthday,” she recalled. “That is why we do this.”
Amber doesn’t yet take a paycheck from her business, so that feedback from customers who haven’t had their favorite treat in so long and tell Amber that hers is even better than they remember is what keeps her going, she said.
“My goal is not to be the best gluten-free bakery in Dayton,” she said. “It’s to be the best bakery in Dayton.”
JUST START
Her advice to other dreaming moms or older women who want to do something different? Don’t limit yourself — just start.
“There’s no rules to life,” she said. “We’ve been told there’s a lot of rules to life, but there’s really not, and you don’t have to know everything to start, just start. Have a plan and a goal, be a little tenacious, and just do it. I don’t know enough to be afraid of what I take on usually, and so, I just do it.”
“I’m Amber Tipton, and I’m an Entrepreneur.”
313 W. Main St.
Fairborn, OH 45324
Wed – Fri 8am – 6pm
3rd Annual Awards To Honor Local LGBTQ Influencers
After kicking off with a huge celebration in 2019, followed up by a virtual production in 2020, the third annual awards will be handed out again virtually by the LGBTQ HER/HIStory Project. The Rubi Awards are presented to people, events, or locations that are important parts of our local LGBTQ history. They are named after the Rubi Girls, a local group that has developed a national reputation for fun events that raise money for important projects. The Rubi’s represent the best values of our community: creativity, self-determination, community engagement, and bridge-building. You can watch the awards on Wednesday, October 20th, at 7 pm via Spectrum Cable channel 5 or MVCC channel 991, or www.datv.org for the Live stream.
This year the Rubi Award winners are in memory of Jerry L. Mallicoat, one of the founders of the project. The winners are Jerry L. Mallicoat, Leslie Loper, Father Richard Young, Linda Bush, Sandy, Oleh Mudry & David’s Place, Randle B. Moore III, and Michael Knote.
The LGBT Center have begun gathering items from her/history books, banners, signs, buttons, evening gowns, and sports uniforms. All these things inform and explain what our community has experienced and how it has changed. These items are housed in the archives of the Leon Bey Memorial Library at the LGBT Center in downtown Dayton. If you have material like this to contribute please contact them through email at [email protected] and we will arrange to accept your contribution.
You can watch the 2020 Awards that honored the “Godfather of Modern Gay Fiction” author Victor Banis Jr., and a former New York Metropolitan Opera choreographer and ballet dancer Stuart Sebastian. Also honored was ally Cassie Barlow, a retired Colonel and Base Commander for the 88th Air Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and Darryl Demure, who is the host and producer of the longest-running LGBT-themed TV talk show in the U.S. on local cable channel DATV.here:
Dayton Breweries Medal at Ohio Craft Brewers Cup
The Ohio Craft Brewers Cup judging took place last week and the best THREE beers in each category were awarded medals by a panel of judges.
Dayton Area Breweries bringing home medals:
Belgian/French Ale
Silver- Eudora – CHEVAL MAGIQUE
BROWN/DARK ALE
Gold – MOTHER STEWARTS – PORTER
EUROPEAN LAGER
Gold – Eudora – DAYTONIAN RHAPSODY
HERB/SPICE/PEPPER
Bronze – DAYTON BEER CO – JALAPENO FACE
IMPERIAL STOUT/PORTER
Silver – DAYTON BEER CO – JAVA MONSTER
STOUT
Gold – EUDORA – THUNDERBALL
WHEAT BEER
Silver- SOUTHERN OHIO BREWING – CLOUDY NOT HAZY
WOOD BARREL UNDER 8% ABV
Gold – DAYTON BEER CO – BA CHOCOLATE SUGAR SHACK
WOOD BARREL OVER 8% ABV
Silver – DAYTON BEER CO – MIDNIGHT DREAM
The Caroline Hosts Sonder Brewing Co. Beer Tasting
VOSS – KOLSCH
BLANC – BELGIUM WHEAT
BLUE GRASS MONDAYS – SOUR
OTTO – DOUBLE TIRAMISU STOUT
KATO – COFFEE KOLSCH
TO THE MOON – DOUBLE IPA
5 Stunning Foliage Hikes in Ohio
Ohio is a beautiful state for going out on long hikes and taking in the scenery of nature. And when it comes to breathtaking foliage, you’ve come to the right place. Experience the change of seasons to its fullest with these five stunning foliage hikes in Ohio!
1. JOHN BRYAN STATE PARK
John Bryan State Park is the most beautiful state park in Western Ohio. It has over 752 acres to explore containing an extraordinary limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River.
2. MOHICAN-MEMORIAL STATE FOREST
Mohican-Memorial State Forest has 32 miles of hiking trails that provide beautiful foliage and scenery for you to spend the day enjoying. The trails curves through the primitive and scenic areas of the forest.
3. SUGARCREEK METROPARK
Sugarcreek MetroPark has oak trees that are estimated to be over 550 years-old, a tallgrass prairie, and woodlands. The scenic Sugar Creek beckons visitors. Much of the 618-acre park used to be farmland but now provides scenes of gorgeous foliage!
4. SCIOTO TRAIL STATE PARK
The Scioto Trail State Park is an idyllic 218-acre state park, nestled in the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest. The ridge tops and snaking forest roads offer awe-inspiring vistas of the Scioto River Valley in a beautiful remote setting.
5. CONKLES HOLLOW STATE NATURE PRESERVE
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is 87 perfectly-preserved acres of forest land with beautiful foliage in Hocking County. Its sheer cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rise almost 200 feet above the valley floor and the gorge is 100 feet wide in places!
This piece by By Mat Stevens first appeared in Step Outside.
https://stepoutside.org/
Karaoke for a Cause benefits the Pink Ribbon Girls
8/4 Memorial Committee to Host Community Resiliency Forum
City of Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, in conjunction with the Oregon District Business Association, has convened a committee to lead the efforts to develop a memorial to honor to those who were lost and affected by the events that happened in the Oregon District on Aug. 4, 2019.
The primary focus of the committee will be to listen to the community and create a memorial that helps the community heal after the tragedy that happened on Aug. 4, 2019. This work includes collecting input from the broader community, which will start with a Community Resiliency Forum that will be open to the public. The meeting will be held at the Dayton Metro Library on October 21 at 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss where we are two years after tragic violence impacted our community in the Oregon District. Helpful information and resources will be provided for those individuals who are still struggling. Input will be collected for a memorial.
Anyone who would like to attend the forum can RSVP to [email protected] or call/text 937-985-1628 by Wednesday, October 20. Information about the meeting will also be posted on www.downtowndayton.org and the Oregon District Business Association website at www.theoregondistrict.org. In addition, both websites will include a link to a survey for anyone in the community to take after the Community Resiliency Forum.
“This memorial will be an important step in the healing process for our Oregon District community and our entire city as we remember those who were lost and grieve with those who were affected by this tragedy in the heart of our community,” said Natalie Skilliter, president of the Oregon District Business Association and 8/4 Committee member.
Whaley has asked Downtown Dayton Partnership President Sandra K. Gudorf and Sandy Hunt, the Director of the Victim and Witness Division of the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, to co-chair the planning committee.
“The goal is for this memorial to support our community as they continue to heal from the tragic events on August 4, 2019,” Gudorf said.
“The 8/4 Memorial Committee will be working with survivors, victims’ families and those directly affected in our community, but also is seeking input from our community, because we recognize the impact it had on us all,” Hunt said.
Along with Gudorf and Hunt, members of the Aug. 4 Committee include: Survivors, representatives of victims and victims’ families, Oregon District businesses and neighborhood residents, and others from across the Dayton community.
The Nerve Presents: The Dream of the Burning Boy
Since the sudden death of his favorite student, high-school teacher Larry Morrow has been falling asleep at his desk and dreaming. The school’s guidance counselor is hanging inspirational posters designed to help everyone “process their emotions.” The student’s sister and friends—more agitated and hormonal than usual—find little solace in Dante’s Inferno. And as Larry’s dreams intensify, a shocking secret is exposed. A secret that will change everything. Searing yet surprisingly funny, THE DREAM OF THE BURNING BOY is about finding the strength to move on…and the courage to live without regret.
Trees Will Be Planted to Replace Hundreds Destroyed during the 2019 Tornadoes.
Five Rivers MetroParks and the Arbor Day Foundation have partnered to plant 100 trees at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, which was significantly impacted during the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes. Planting will take place on Friday, Oct. 22, 9 to 11 am.
Employees from State Farm and students from Chaminade Julienne High School have volunteered to help MetroParks staff and volunteers plant the trees. Ohio Sen. Steve Huffman also will attend and participate in the tree planting.
“Five Rivers MetroParks has a specific long-term role to play in ongoing efforts to recover from the tornadoes, which is restoring lost habitat,” said Becky Benná, Five Rivers MetroParks’ executive director and CEO. “An untold number of trees, shrubs and other plants critical to our region’s wildlife and natural heritage were lost during the storms. It’s important we replant in the areas where so many were lost to tornado damage. We’re so grateful to the Arbor Day Foundation and State Farm employees for their contributions toward this years-long effort.”
Trees offer vast benefits for communities. Thriving urban forests bolster human health, from encouraging physical activity to reducing respiratory illnesses stemming from air pollution. In the United States, park trees alone remove about 75,000 tons ($500 million) of air pollution each year, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Urban trees reduce runoff of sediment, pollutants and organic matter into streams, improving water quality.
“We are proud to encourage and support local efforts to plant trees,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Cities and towns around the globe that line their streets and fill their parks with trees are building healthier, happier communities.”
“Trees can help make communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather,” said Mary Kay Quist, State Farm vice president of agency sales. “State Farm is committed to helping communities recover from disasters and manage future risks, and we are proud to support tree planting in Dayton as part of that effort.”
Dayton Ghost ‘n Goblin 5k
This is the Miami Valley’s premiere Halloween fitness & fun event! Bring your friends and family, then run, walk, or zombie-crawl for 3.1 miles of fun! We’ll have pizza, awards, and prizes for you when you’re done!