Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Bryan Suddith

The Quest For Dayton’s Best Taco!

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tour_de_taco_final_for_stephanie_2_There is only one way to determine Dayton’s Best Taco. Gather 10 or 12 of your closest friends and plan an epic Taco Tour. Stop at the 4 hottest taco spots in Dayton in one afternoon, try everything and take great notes.

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Chiapas Pork taco al pastor

DaytonMostMetro.com joined up with Bryan’s Burger club and set out to find the best taco. The afternoon started at one of Dayton’s newest Taquerias, Chiapas Mexican. Located on St. Rt. 48 in Centerville, near Bill’s Donuts we easily found space for 10 on the patio.

We surprised them with 10 people so service was a little slow but the tacos were great. Soft and warm corn tortillas were filled and full of flavor. Chicken and beef were the favorites. Chiapas has a very nice Chorizo taco that is almost sweet behind the spice of the Mexican sausage. Beef tongue is a classic choice and was enjoyed by two members of the Taco Crawl team. These tacos are served with cilantro and onion. A salsa verde and red hot sauce are on the table as well. I like mine with a little of the house salsa and nothing more. Chiapas tacos are the real deal at were at the top of the price range at $2.75 each. If you are south of town, this is your stop.

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Chicken & Shrimp at Taquiera Mezteca

Our tour took us into the heart of downtown to the famed Taqueria Mixteca. Located on East 3rd St, Mixteca is a downtown staple. Located just east of Keowee a few blocks they serve a top-notch taco. I was impressed with the chicken taco. Great spice and cooked well. Other favorites of the group were the fish taco, Chorizo with some spice, and the ground beef. Again, cilantro and onions are standard. Tacos are $2.35 each, fish, tongue, and shrimp are in the $3.00 range.

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Chicken & Chorizo at Garcia Mobil Truck

We were in an out of Taqueria Mixteca in record time to catch the Taqueria Garcia Mobil food truck located a block away before it closed at 3pm. $2.00 tacos out of a food truck and this place was the crowd favorite. They serve a Chorizo/Chicken taco that has the best of both worlds in one fold. Spicy Chorizo and savory slow cooked chicken under some cilantro and onion with a squeeze of lime. Add their Salsa Verde and grab two napkins. We got there late so they were out of Tripe, the group tried the other offerings, the steak (Asada) and pork (Al Pastor). For the price and service, you can’t beat this food truck.

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Taco Loco chicken loco and pork taco

Tired with three stops under our belt, or over it, we made our way to Taco Loco located on Burkhardt near Spinning Road. By far the friendliest service by the nicest staff. 10 of us stopped in on what had become a cold rainy afternoon. The place was full with families enjoying full plates of Mexican fare. The quickly rearranged tables and set about getting us more tacos. Tripe is available on weekends and their steak and chorizo tacos were enjoyed. None of us has the nerve to try the gizard taco.  The chicken was nothing to write home about and was the only low point of the day. The atmosphere and service made up for it. Prices as low as $1.90 for beef, chicken, pork, and chorizo, tongue and tripe tacos were in the $3.00 range. Great service and a great menu make this a place to return to.

Did we find the best? Positively. Our group agreed they loved each place and enjoyed tacos at every stop. The food truck won our hearts and stomachs. The staff at Taco Loco won us over with hospitality and patio dining at Taqueria Mixteca and Chiapas is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends. Go try them yourself and tell us what you think.tourdetaco

Here were some additional comments from our Facebook invite page:

-Garcia Mobil was the best taco of the day.
-Chicken and Chorizo combo taco at the truck is a real winner.
-Best onions at the truck.
-Chiapas had the best tortillas.
-The ladies at Taco Loco were the best!
-Al Pastor and Steak tacos at Chiapas were also quite tasty.

Guerilla Art in Dayton?

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xx-powerful-street-art-pieces-that-tell-the-uncomfortable-thruth25__880I tend to think of Guerilla Art in places like Detroit, Pittsburgh or Chicago. Big murals spray painted at night on an abandoned building. Not graffiti but a commentary on the community or social condition, placed anonymously, carefully, but in the public square. That is how I imagine big city street art.

Dayton likes public art. We see it everywhere. Even suburban cities like Kettering are known for their large collections of public art in parks and public spaces. However, Guerilla Art and Street Art is different. It doesn’t ask permission or obtain permits. A Guerilla Artist doesn’t expect the work to stand forever but hopes it sparks a conversation. This week, in what may be the first in a series of Guerilla Art pieces found it’s way into Dayton.

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Finding this piece on Instagram I reached out to a few of the photographers and began asking questions. I ended up speaking with Peter Benkendorf, Founder & Catalyst at Dayton’s Collaboratory, and I was able to get a few questions answered by the DaytonWood artists.

Tell me about DaytonWood:

“The specific concept came to us about a year ago. One of our other members was already doing stuff on his own. That’s what got us thinking about getting a group together.  We were looking for some spontaneous creativity, in a city that prefers managed and controlled creativity. When we shared DAYTONWOOD, everyone said, hell yeah!  “DAYTONWOOD” was intended as a humorous play on the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign. It was NOT related to the mission of Film Dayton or the fact that Boy Band is being shot here right now. ”

How many people were involved in the construction and placement?

“Seven people total. We are calling ourselves “NFC Collective””14711578_10157522807815177_8755284399217653793_o

How many man hours did it take to construct and place DaytonWood?

“30 – 40 hours total and a little more than $200 in materials.”

Where is the work now?

“Parts unknown. We assume it was picked up by the Conservancy District. ”

Would you consider the piece to be Guerilla Art? Yes

Was this a one-time occasion or do you hope to do more?

“The group is fired up. I think we can expect to see more activity. Nothing specific is planned, however, we all share a frustration that for all the talk of a vibrant arts community, there is little support for the individual artists, particularly the visual artists, that tend to be the leaders in community-based development. ”

What did the team hope to accomplish or communicate with Daytonwood? 14680868_10157520230415177_5260557901129600581_o

“We wanted to create some buzz and start a larger conversation about art, specifically Street Art, Public Art, Performance and Guerilla Art.”

Tell me more about how you see Dayton’s acceptance of this type of art:

“Dayton seems to prefer art only if it is officially planned or organized. Dayton is run like a SixSigma company, a Lean Manufacturing operation. The primary purpose of which is to reduce defects and improve efficiency.

In lean manufacturing the last thing you want is unbridled creativity. Because all that does is increase defects from lack of conformity. We don’t really value individual talent in Dayton, a legacy of our history of manufacturing and military. Both sectors are very much “command and control” and see talent as replaceable. Until that changes, we will continue to nibble around the edges. A real transformation in the arts will be elusive.

On a more positive note, we recognize that for a city our size, we are very fortunate to have the arts organizations we do, DPO, the Ballet, Opera, DAI, DCDC, Human Race, DVAC, etc. These are wonderful assets for the residents and when people are considering relocating for work. ”

So, the conversation has been started and we are left with two questions:
Is Dayton ready for this type of art and where did the DaytonWood art piece go?

Find more DaytonWood photos on Instagram at @nicholaus

Old Fashioned Diner With Old Fashioned Prices

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img_1927-2Dayton is good at keeping secrets. I’ve been searching for little out of the way diners for years in Dayton and am always happy to find a hidden gem. Over at Dayton Diners and Dives I have chronicled my love for East Dayton’s Hasty Tasty, Abner’s, East 5th Grill and other old school breakfast and lunch spots.

This week I discovered another. Located near the yogurt and ice cream at the end of aisle 1 inside Dot’s Market on Patterson is The Bullpen. Originally an ice cream and soda fountain spot, it opened in 1964. I’ve been there two times in the last 5 days and I will be back again sooner, rather than later.

Consider getting a burger hand made from Dot’s famous ground beef. Or a bowl of chili made with the same top cuts. What if you could enjoy a turkey club with big slices of Dot’s hand sliced bacon on top? You can in the Bull Pen.

The Bull Pen is a no-frills diner. It seats 10 at the U shaped counter and has space for another 40 in seats and booth backed tables. Little has changed since the 70’s included the regulars and staff. My waitress Brenda has been serving regulars in the Bullpen for more than 30 years. The avimg_1926erage tenure of the men at the counter was no less than 25 years as regulars. I was there for lunch this week and the dining room was half full with retirees and lunch hour workers of all stripes.

The menu is simple and yet meets every need. Salads, sandwiches, and signature burgers round out an affordable lunch menu. I had the Queen sized cheeseburger, with a cup of chili and chips for under 7 bucks. They offered a King size and Bison burger as well. The Club Sandwich I spotted was overflowing with turkey and topped with thick sliced bacon on toast. Broasted Chicken, a fried fish plate, chili dog lunch, tenders and wings makes the lunch menu big enough for everyone.

img_1920-2Dinner specials include those old favorites, fried shrimp basket, liver & onion, chopped sirloin and the roast beef or turkey hot shots. These dinner plates are served with two sides and a roll, all under $10.00.

I stopped in for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I was the 7th one in the door and I arrived 5 minutes after opening. I enjoyed a great biscuit and gravy with a scrambled egg. My coffee cup was well attended to and my entire bill was under $7.00.

The breakfast menu is simple, affordable and straightforward diner fare. Two eggs, toast and home fries are only 3.99. The Big Bull Breakfast, 3 eggs, home fries, meat, toast is under $6.00. Biscuits and gravy, omelets and fried mush are standard offerings alongside waffles, pancakes, potato cakes and grits. I’ve got my eye on the country fried steak breakfast next time.

Dot’s Bull Pen restaurant is the kinda place you are treated like a local on your first visit. Top notch service, great ingredients, and low prices make this a standout on my list of go-to Dayton Diners. A few additional notes: Pies by Dayton’s Mehaffie pies filled the glass case and the Red Velvet Cake was calling my name as I left to get back to work.

Somehow this little corner diner, at the end of Aisle 1 has been a hidden gem for over 50 years. Next time you are shopping for ribs, brisket, burgers or tenderloins at Dot’s meat counter, treat yourself and stay for lunch. The Bull Pen, located at 2274 Patterson Rd in Kettering, and is open Monday to Saturday 7am – 7pm and Sundays 8am to 2pm.

Why Is Mike Building An Indoor Bike Park?

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1654967_10152660196201124_1838755000_oWe caught Mike Bisig right before he took the stage with the Cricketbows at Jimmies Ladder 11 this week. Mike is a high school music teacher during the day, rock band guitarist at night, and he is the guy who is bringing an indoor bike park to Dayton.

Dayton deserves a place where enthusiasts can ride, no matter the weather.  Kids deserve a safe place to ride where they can increase their cycling skills without the worry of automobile traffic or crowded bike paths.  Mike’s Indoor Bike Park will provide these things while working to bring the cycling community together and bring new life into Dayton’s downtown area.

We spoke with Mike about this newest addition to Dayton. He confirmed the former manufacturing facility that is located just east of the Water Street development off of East First Street is under contract. Mike said if things continue to move on schedule, he will open doors to riders in early 2017.

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We asked Mike about the biggest hurdle to creating something like this in Dayton. Mike stated that there is no real business model for a facility of this kind.  There are less than 10 indoor bike parks of this type in the US. Even fewer that are stand alone facilities that are also profitable. Mike has been studying Ray’s Mountain Bike Park in Cleveland as the model for his park in Dayton.

Ray’s Mountain Bike park in Cleveland was the first and the most successful indoor bike park. Mike has made more than 30 trips to Cleveland to ride and study the park. Mike is using Ray’s as a template but is giving it a unique Dayton spin. Mike plans to replicate the season pass model from Ray’s, but at a lower price point. The Dayton park will also be open year round accommodating riders when the weather is too cold, too wet or trails are unusable in local parks.bikemike2_1_orig

The Dayton park is being built to be accessible to all skill levels and bikes. Most riders, according to Bisig will be coming in with a type of mountain bike. BMX bikes will also find the park fitting for their type of riding. During our conversation, Mike expressed how the design in Dayton is created to be a low barrier to entrance, meaning kids and adults can find something to do without a special or expensive bike upgrade. Bring a bike, bring a helmet and plan to ride.

Throughout our talk Mike returned time and time again to teaching. Mike is a teacher at heart and his vision is for the Bike Park to be a community centered facility where kids learn to ride and learn to ride safely. Mike hopes to partner with groups to teach bike safety for indoor riding and on the road riding. Mike is aware of Dayton’s love affair with the bicycle and he hopes to honor that with Mikes Bike Park.
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Mike was pleased to report that the necessary zoning variance has been granted by the City of Dayton in recent days. That was the last major hurdle prior to finalizing the purchase. We asked Mike: What is the most surprising part of starting a business like this in Dayton?

Mike said the most exciting and most surprising part has been the outpouring of support and offers of volunteer help. He reiterated that the Dayton bike community is a generous one and he is busy managing all the offers for help.

bisig-face_origAre you a bicyclist or a business owner and interested in helping? Mike says visit the park’s webpage for details on sponsorships and volunteering. The park still has room for corporate sponsorships as well. Businesses can partner in a few different ways.

Besides writing a check, material donations and professional services are also welcomed.  Building an indoor bicycle park requires an immense amount of wood and lumber.  There is a  need for standard sized lumber (2×4, 2×6, 4×4, etc.) as well as plywood, larger logs, pieces of trees, and just about any other larger pieces of wood that you can think of.  They will be painting many of the walls inside the park and can use donations of paint, rollers, brushes, sand paper, and other basic painting materials.
 If you can donate materials, please CLICK HERE .

 

There is a grassroots campaign to help pay for the cost of building the wooden structures inside of Mike’s Indoor Bike Park.  These funds will also be used to upgrade the restroom and changing facilities, install a state-of-the-art video system for watching riders throughout the park, and to help make Mike’s Indoor Bike Park as safe as possible for all riders.  Every dollar earned from this campaign will go towards creating an amazing riding experience for cyclists of all ability levels.  Every dollar helps, so if you can give, give what you can so we can all enjoy the best indoor riding experience possible!  CLICK HERE to donate today.

 

Dayton’s Story Slamm Returns To The Stage Bigger Than Ever

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ssMore than 10 years ago Shelley Hulce began to gather fellow fans of The Moth podcast for Story Slams. Story Slams are similar to Poetry Slams but a bit more structured. The premise was simple. People sharing true stories, in person, unscripted and live. For more than a decade a small group of storytellers have been meeting in coffee shops, libraries and bars in and around Dayton.

In February I traveled to an official Moth event in Louisville to watch how the event is produced. I was pleasantly suprised to see that more than 300 people came out to a venue to listen to great stories.

First some background:
The Moth organization was founded in 1997 by poet and novelist George Dawes Green in New York City. Green wanted to recreate those sultry summer evenings in his native Georgia, when moths were attracted to the light on the porch where he and his friends would gather to spin spellbinding tales. He began to host events in his apartment, then in bars, and now in theatres across NYC and hosted around the world.

The Moth story slam rules are simple. True Story. Told in the first person. Without notes and told live. Each month the Moth hosts story slams and the events are centered on a theme. Storytellers come prepared with a story on theme and put their name in a hat.

I was chose to share a story in Louisville in February and was selected that nights Story Slam winner. I knew I had to create a similar event in Dayton.  This month the Dayton Story Slamm kicks off with Stories of Failure at Wiley’s Comedy Joint in the Oregon District. Storytellers should come prepared with a 5 minute story on the topic of Failure. 10 names will be chosen to share their stories and judges will score each story. The winner leaves with $50 cash and title, Dayton Story Slam Champion!

Judges will be looking for the following in each story:
Does the story have a beginning, middle and ending?
Was there a hook to the story, did it grab the audiences attention?
Was it near the time limit of 5 minutes.
Was the story related to the theme.

You don’t need to be a storyteller to attend or to enjoy the evening. If you are a fan of The Moth Radio Hour, Radio Lab podcast, Snap Judgement show or this American Life on NPR,  you will enjoy the pace and entertainment that only live storytelling provides.

Admission is $5.00 and the bar will be open. Stop in and tell a story or sit back and enjoy a few of Dayton’s best sharing theirs.

Details on the Story Slamm Dayton Facebook page.

Lunch from a Gas Station?

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When I lived in Baton Rouge it was common knowledge that the best Boudin Sausage could be found at a roadside gas station on Airline Highway between the capital city and New Orleans. Last year in Kansas City I had the best “burnt ends” at Joe’s. Joe’s is a working gas station where the line for BBQ is an hour long most afternoons. It should have been no surprise that the best Fried Chicken in Kettering can be found at Town and Country Shell Gas Station on the corner of Far Hills and Stroop Road.

 

ChickenFor months, I have kept this little bit of information to myself. Great fried chicken and potato wedges that surpass everyday fast food offerings. Krispy Krunchy Chicken also serves up great wings, fried fish and cajun season fried shrimp. I casually mentioned that this fried food haven was now filling growlers with local beers to the Food Adventures Crew and my secret was out.

 

I unofficially joined the Food Adventures Crew this week and hosted them at my favorite gas station. Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu joined me for lunch and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Ragu had the wings, both the bbq and buffalo, as well as the traditional breaded whole wings. Chef House was the most cautious, but with the help of her Housemade Thai Spiced Hot Honey she was quickly on board with the fried chicken fingers. Hungry Jax brought the kids and they approved of the chicken fingers and Mac & Cheese. I stuck to the Cajun fried chicken. We arrived at the end of the lunch hour and the fries were in short supply, so I opted for a side of Jambalaya.
The chicken was cooked perfectly. Crispy flavorful coating and moist and slightly spicy chicken underneath. As a former Louisiana resident I can say the Jambalaya, sausage and chicken, was as authentic as I have found anywhere in Ohio. Two forks up for the spicy rice dish served inside a gas station.

 

The highlight of the lunch came in two parts. Chef House brought an empty 1/2 growler andtaps filled up with Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb for only $8.00. Gamma Bomb is their American IPA and it really worked with spicy chicken. At 92 IBU it was a bit hoppier than I like but fit the bill for a lunch hour drink. The second surprise was the complimentary honey cheddar biscuit that comes with every order. The Big Ragu was a happy camper when he found the biscuit in his bag atop the wings. The biscuit is sweet and savory all in one buttery bite. This biscuit is almost a sweet dessert after the spicy chicken.

 

A two piece lunch with a side, biscuit, and fountain drink runs about $7.50. Fish and shrimp options can be a little pricier. Family packs and lunch portions are both available. There are only a half dozen seats in the station, but this food is perfect to grab for home or work when in a hurry. With 16 beers on tap and their own growlers for sale it is easy to find a beer to accompany lunch or dinner. You will find Dayton area favorites like Warped Wing, Toxic Brew and Yellow Springs Brewery as well as Rhinegeist, Mad Tree and my personal favorite, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, on tap for a glass, sampler flight or a growler to go.

 

If you find yourself south of town at lunch or in need of a quick grab to take home to the family, keep Town and Country Shell Station in mind. Sometimes the most unlikely of spots offer exactly what you are looking for. Order an extra biscuit. You’ll thank me later.

 

Find them on Facebook or on the web for a full menu and hours.

Last Call For Grandma Moses and the Handicraft Tradition

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checkered_house_web800Handicrafts and fine art don’t normally go together in my mind. My grandmother was a great quilter, yet I have never associated her traditional needlework as fine art. If you are like me in this thinking, think again.

The Dayton Art Institute is closing a months long exhibition centered on Grandma Moses. American Sampler: Grandma Moses and the Handicraft Tradition closes on February 21 and you don’t want to miss it.

Grandma Moses, Anna Mary Robertson Moses (1860–1961), was a lifelong professional seamstress until she begin creating works of art late in life at age 78. A sample of more than 50 of her pieces are on display. Her work covers a variety of mediums including paintings, embroideries, a quilt and other handmade items.

The entire exhibit pays homage to other artists and handicraft works. A tapesty sampler from England that dates to 1675 makes the modest fee worth it. Just feet away hangs a Grandma Moses quilt that was reminiscent of my own grandma’s quilting style.

Grandma Moses and Woldemer Neufelds paintings of rolling hills beyond small midwestern towns tell a story. The paintings are a view into American life 60, 70 or 80 years ago. I found myself moving back and forth between the two comparing styles. Both Moses and Neufeld lend their brush to depicting rural Ohio.

Checkered House is one of her paintings on display. Grandma Moses shares personal stories about this home that has been part of her family in New York for more than 200 years. The personal nature of her work and its approachability makes this art exhibition one appealing to the entire family.

Organized by The Dayton Art Institute and curated by Dr. Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, Chief Curator, Curator of European Art, American Sampler is on until February 21, 2016.

Exhibition Admission
Museum Members: Free
Adults: $14
Seniors (60+): $11
Students (18+ w/ID): $11
Active Military: $11
Groups (10 or more): $11
Youth (ages 7-17): $6
Children (6 & under): Free

Advance tickets can be purchased at etix.com

Prices include admission to the exhibition and the museum’s permanent collection.

Sword Fights in Garden Station

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You read that right! Sword fighting in Garden Station. Among the garden plots of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers a sword fight or two will happen this weekend. Dayton’s all volunteer BeSpoke Theater will be sharing their production of Macbeth for free this weekend. Bring a lawn chair and a few dollars for a cold 5th Street Brewpub beer and enjoy the show nestled into the back Garden Station.
The venue at Garden Station
Bespoke is one of Dayton’s newest production companies specializing in Classical Theatre. Shakespeare in the park is a lot different than enjoying a show in a traditional theater. The actors compete against the elements and surrounding environment. When Macduff has to pause for a passing train or Lady Macbeth has to enunciate beyond siren moving up Wayne Avenue. I was in attendance for the Sunday afternoon performance last week and found the benefits outweigh the distractions.

First, much of the story of Macbeth happens in the out of doors. The sounds of buzzing cicadas added to the story. Tonight’s show and Saturday’s as well will be visually more interesting as the torches come out as the sun sets in Dayton. Outdoor theater also allows the actors to bring the story withing feet of the audience. Having Banquo or Malcom run past you so close you feel it is an experience you normally don’t get in the Schuster or Victoria.

There are three shows remaining. 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday and a 4:00 pm start on Sunday. The show is free and donations are accepted at the end of the show. Stop in to Garden Station, soak up the city with a 5th Street Brew and take in some Shakespeare. The price point is perfect and the venue is perfect for children and families.

Here’s What You Missed At Pecha Kucha 24

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Nearly 300 people gathered in the historic Engineer’s Club Auditorium on Thursday night to hear 9 presentations each lasting only 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Dayton’s historic club was the host to the 24th installment of Pecha Kucha. A Japanese born presentation built around 20 slides each shown for 20 seconds as the speaker discusses their topic in sync.

These presentations, held quarterly, cover a range of subjects and are presented from every day people. One of Dayton’s cheerleaders,Charlie Campell, opened the night reminding us how Great Dayton really is.

Volume 24 also featured a veterinarian, Bethany Horn, who found love in New Zealand and moved to Dayton after purchasing her home online. Brian Petro, bartender at Rue Dumaine, shared his love for bad cocktails from the 70’s and 80’s while weaving references of pop culture into his discussion.  Backpacker Kriss Gang told his story of tackling peaks in the White Mountains of New Photo 2Hampshire with his son. Cincinnati organizer and blogger Austin Radcliffe brought stunning photos documenting his professional success as a curator and artist.

Pecha Kucha talks can be fun, serious and informative. Many times one talk can be all three simultaneous. Volume 24 delivered that multiple times last night by the three ladies on the stage.Emily Fleitz somehow made discussing women’s menstrual health in Tibet engaging, comfortable and informative.  The same holds true for local Labor Attorney Lela Klein who redefined Rosie the Riveter for us by sharing modern day tales of women in transit manufacturing. Local storyteller, Lisa Holmes, also moved the crowd with her poignant story of overcoming dyslexia to now using her gift of storytelling to teach in local schools.

In closing the room was challenged by Rodney Veal to consider how we use vocabulary as shared his work building an art installation investigating the word Ghetto at UD. It was impossible to not think beyond that term as he shared the art he created around that word.

Pecha Kucha is a free event and open to the public. As you can see from this most recent event, the topics cover a range of issues and interests. For more photo’s from Volume 24 look here.

The next Dayton PK event is scheduled for December 17. Follow www.pechakucha.org/cities/dayton for information or to register as a speaker.

24th 20×20 Pecha Kucha Night Thursday

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engineers-club-of-dayton-1-728Dayton’s Engineers Club is a living memorial to the men and women that built our city. Walking through the Club you can easily imagine Charles Kettering or the Wright Brothers sitting and discussing the social and political issues of the day. It is here you can find rich pieces of Dayton’s at every turn.

 

It is the mission of the Engineers Club to “foster the advancement of business, education, engineering and science, and to promote the professional development of its members.” If you have never had the pleasure of visiting the club Thursday night is your chance to soak up all that is Dayton while enjoying the 24th Volume of Pecha Kucha.

Pecha what? Pecha Kucha are 6-minutes 40-seconds presentations accompanied by 20 slides. The speaker must use 20 slides that automatically advance every 20-seconds. Pecha Kucha rules are strict and going over your time is prohibited. Generally each slide only will contain a single image. The format was developed in Tokyo (hence the Japanese name) by two foreign architects: Mark Dytham and Astrid Klein.

 

Dayton gathers 4 times a year for Pecha Kucha. It is free and open to the public. Volume 24 is scheduled for Thursday August the 20th and will begin at 7:30 pm. According to the Dayton PK website you can expect a diverse roster of presenters.

 

“Emcee Duante Beddingfield will keep us on our toes as the mic passes between: Emmy-winning artist Rodney Veal, Rue Dumaine bartender Brian Petro, artist Austin Radcliffe of “Things Organized Neatly,” attorney Lela Klein, the “great” PR man Charlie Campell, Chef Anthony Head, librarian Lisa Holmes, Tibetan traveler Emily Fleitz, veterinarian Bethany Horn and adventurer Kriss Gang.”

 

The event is free and a cash bar will be available. Don’t miss out on this unique style of presenting in one of Dayton’s most unique spots.

A Difference Maker in Dayton: Lisa Tucker

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Councilman Brooks Compton, volunteers and Centerville PD take time to play kickball over lunch today at Chevy Chase Apartments. Photo by Bryan Suddith

If you drive south on Main Street out of Dayton you eventually will find Bill’s Donuts. A south Dayton establishment and mainstay on any Best Doughnuts list. Drive a little farther south on Main Street/Far HIlls/St Rt 48 and you come to Chevy Chase Apartments in Centerville. With a little over 200 apartments this enclave Centerville residents is often overlooked.

More than 400 kids, school age and younger, live in those 200 apartments and many are short of adult role models and attention. It is estimated that the majority of these kids are in single parent households or households where both parents, or grandparents, work to make ends meet.

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Lisa Tucker

Lisa Tucker, daughter of Bill’s Donuts namesake, Bill Elam, decided she should get involved there. So last summer she called a few friends, grabbed some hotdogs, chips and plenty of doughnuts and set out to make some friends on the playground. This summer she, assisted by employees, friends and various church groups, delivered lunch and fun to kids every Monday of their summer break. For 9 consecutive Monday’s she brought lunch, some entertainment and adults to hangout on the playground in the middle of the Chevy Chase courtyard.

I had the privilege of spending two Monday lunch hours with the kids and Lisa. When I asked her about the kids she simply said “these are great kids, they just want someone to hangout, play kickball, push them on the swing and listen.” So that is what I did, assisted with a few magic tricks to break the ice, I simply hung out and played.

Today I witnessed a Centerville Police officer, full uniform, 90 degrees playing kickball with about a dozen of the kids. Assisted by City Councilman Brooks Compton, volunteers and a Bill’s employee, the kids got a full hour of kickball with new friends.  I figure more was done to understand these kids in 4 innings of kickball that can ever be attained by a commissioned study or committee investigation.

While taking pictures it became clear to me that peace in our community and communication between folks in the cul-de-sacs and the folks in large apartment complexes doesn’t have to be complicated. All you have to do is show up and toss the ball.

Today 50 kids are happier because they got a hot dog, a balloon animal, a doughnut and some playtime with folks who just wanted to hang out. Easy as that.

 

make_a_differenceEditor’s Note:

Do you know someone who’s making a difference in the Dayton region?  Someone who gives of their time and talent to make our community a better place?  An unsung hero that is quietly making an effort to make someone’s life a little better?  Nominate them as a DMM Difference Maker and we’ll honor them and share their story.  Send us an email with their story.

 

Local Endurance Athlete Goes the Distance for Sick Kids

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tim on eliptigoRunners and athletes in the Miami Valley and beyond know Tim Rieger. Tim is both a Centerville High School and University of Cincinnati standout distance runner. Tim’s running accomplishments include winning the Flying Pig Marathon in 2005 and long list of top finishes in 50 and 100k races.

Recovering from an injury, Tim found himself on an Eliptigo bike.  The Eliptigo is powered by an eliptical type machine that moves the wheels on a bike. Tim recently decided to go the distance on the bike for A Kid Again. Since 2010 Tim has served the children’s charity as a board member here in Southwest Ohio.

Tim shares some history and the inspiration for this challenge in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BASW5uxe1U&feature=youtu.be

A Kid Again strives to foster hope, happiness and healing for families raising kids with life-threatening illness. This statewide Ohio charity just celebrated 20 years of serving these special kids and their families. Tim had a big goal of raising $10,000.00 for the charity by riding his bike 250 miles in 24 hours.

It only took Tim, a Vice President at Dayton based McGohan Brabender, three weeks to reach his goal. He is now looking to meet a new goal of $15,000.00 before his 24 hour challenge in just 3 more weeks.

Here is an update from Tim this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-aEaS0Q_Sk&feature=youtu.be

Tim says this 24 hour 250 mile challenge is the toughest he has attempted to date. In the past he has biked 200 miles, and once ran over 40 miles in 6 hours.

On August 21st, Tim starts his 24 Hour 250-mile journey on an ElliptiGO to raise money and awareness for the charity.  The ride will start at the Home Office of A Kid Again at 777-G Dearborn Park Lane in  Columbus and will travel through Dayton. From Dayton Tim will bike to Cincinnati where he will finish out the remaining distance of the 250 mile distance at Lunken Airport on the Lunken Playfield Loop.

Observers are welcome to come out and encourage and cheer Tim on the Lunken Playfield Loop. Tim has asked for your help to give Illness a GIANT Time Out for the kids and families of A Kid Again!

Dayton, Meet Uber

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UberUber has reached Dayton. Uber, a German word, means over, above or across.  In America we have used the word Uber to add emphasis to almost anything we are excited about. Dayton has lots to be excited about with the addition of Uber in the Miami Valley market.

Uber, the app and San Francisco company, was founded in 2009.  In its earliest days Uber was a smartphone app tool used to request black car ride service. The app became popular quickly because it allowed the user to track the cars location and estimated time of arrival.  Since 2009 the company has grown to service 200 cities in 53 countries around the world. 2012 was the mark of big growth when Uber expanded to allow any qualified driver with a suitable car to drive.

I began to drive for Uber in December of 2014. I had a few friends that were driving part time and making a little cash on the side. The process of applying to join the Uber fleet was tedious, but not difficult. The registration requires an Uber amount of paperwork and a background check. Uber is very cautious and vets drivers and their cars in a very systematic manner. Interior and exterior photos of my vehicle, a 2005 Honda Odyssey had to be submitted along with proof of insurance, vehicle registration; and a copy of my driver’s license had to be submitted online.

New Uber drivers are required to complete a short online training program to become familiar with the Uber app. Uber operates on two mobile apps. The Uber partner app is for drivers. This app allows drivers to log on when they are available and ready to drive. The app alerts drivers when a nearby rider has requested a ride. Drivers have 15 seconds to accept or reject the ride. The app only tells the driver where the pickup spot is. Normally it is within 5-15 minutes of your actual location. The app allows the rider to see the driver’s progress in real time and the driver alerts the rider upon arrival via the app.

For the driver it is a very easy process. Once the rider is in the car the destination address is entered. The app is complete with mapping and turn by turn directions. Once the ride is complete the driver acknowledges arrival to the destination in the app and payment is made immediately. Riders are required to have a credit card on file in the User app. No credit card information is shared between the rider and driver. The app calculates and makes the transaction. Drivers are paid weekly.

Are all riders drunk? No. Most of my riders are not intoxicated. My riders include college students who do not have a car on campus, people out for dinner and drinks, out of town visitors and the occasional late night reveler. More often I carry a small group of friends out for a night together. Uber is easier to request than a cab, normally cheaper and more dependable in the suburbs for a ride when needed.

Is it dangerous? No, not really. Riders are registered with Uber as well. Their identity is confirmed as they have a credit card on file with Uber to cover charges. Both the driver and rider know who to expect at pick up. The drivers photo and license plate number are sent to the rider so they know who to look for.

Recently I was dispatched to a home in Oakwood and my passengers were three teenaged girls. The app was registered in their parents name. The Uber app for riders allows the rider to share their trip with anyone in real time. Once they started their ride with a swipe on their iPhone, their parents were able to watch the ride in real time and see they were dropped off at the correct destination in short order.

Drivers are independent contractors and are responsible for their own gas and maintenance. Uber will also provide a phone for you for a modest $10.00 a month so your personal phone and data plan is unaffected.

In Dayton on a typical Saturday night I will drive 7-8 riders, a total of 150-180 miles and my income will be about $150.00. My expenses are about $15 in gas and 5 hours of time. Not a bad way to make a few dollars spending money.

If you have a car in good shape, clean inside and out, and are interested in driving for Uber, use this referral code (FA2RX) when you register online at Uber.com. As demand increases for this service, the demand for drivers also increases.

Dayton is still a young market for Uber and the ability to drive on your schedule makes this an appealing way to make some extra cash driving around town.

Rwandans Who Now Call Dayton Home Celebrate 20 years of Recovery in Rwanda

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africa tri colorAlmost 20 years ago on the campus of Murray State University I watched news coverage of the beginnings of the Rwandan Genocide. Standing in the midst of fellow classmates we watched the reports of Rwandan’s seeking refuge to escape the brutality falling them. Over 100 days in April, May, June and July of 1994 more than 1,000,000 Rwandans were murdered by their neighbors, friends and co-workers. In the simplest of terms the Hutu majority constructed a campaign to eliminate the Tutsi minority. For my generation this would come to pass as the largest ethnic cleansing genocide of our lifetime.

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Bryan’s family, Claude’s family and Laurent’s family in Bryan’s Kettering home after pizza!

This past week I found myself at my dining room table sharing pizza and chocolate chip cookies with new and old friends. My newest friend is Claude. Claude is a website developer from Rwanda. He and his wife emigrated from Rwanda two weeks ago and have settled in Dayton Ohio. Sitting at the far end of the table was my friend Laurent. Laurent’s family are Rwandan and he too has settled in Dayton Ohio.  We discussed American food, weather, church, kids, family and work.

What made this evening special is that Claude’s tribal ancestry is Hutu. Laurent’s tribal ancestry is Tutsi. 20 years ago these two men would have been risking their lives to be in fellowship with one another. 20 years is not a long time to erase such a devastating event. These two men see each other now only as Rwandan brothers who are making a life in America for themselves and their family. I simply invited them over for pizza and soaked in the sight of forgiveness and a renewed pride for the homeland Rwanda. The Genocide and its after shocks are not forgotten or ignored, simply forgiven among men who have a common country and common hope for the future.

My wife, Melissa, is working with Laurent to plan a celebration of Rwanda’s progress since those dark days in 1994. Laurent’s vision is to pull together all of Dayton’s Rwandan population for an evening that celebrates the Love and Hope Rwandan’s hold of their future in spite of their history.

First Baptist Kettering has agreed to host this event where local Rwandan’s will share their music, their culture and most importantly their stories of what forgiveness can do for a nation in need of healing. Dayton Ohio has welcomed more Rwandan’s that most any other city in the United States and the East African community continues to grow. Many men and women from the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda were affected by the genocide and now are neighbors again here in Dayton

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You are invited to join us on April 12th, 7:00 pm to share in this celebration. Opportunities to meet men and women who escaped the genocide will be on hand to tell their stories and share their love for Rwanda. Music, dance and stories will fill an evening that remembers the past and celebrates the bright future before Rwanda.

For more details on this event, visit our calendar.