Dayton937

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

Dayton937

Local Filmmaker has Multiple Film Projects Ahead

By

Jacob Stuart is collaborating with Dougie Brimson (CEO of Red Bus Movies, Green Street, We Still Kill the Old Way) to bring the true story of Roy Larner to the screen. Known as the “Lion of London Bridge,” Larner famously shouted “F**k you! I’m Millwall!” as he single-handedly fought off three terrorists during the 2017 Borough Market attack.

Actor Leo Gregory (Green Street, Top Dog) is set to portray Larner, with plans for crowdfunding to give the public a stake in this powerful story of resilience and injustice. Roy Larner will serve as a script consultant to ensure the film’s authenticity.

Get involved in supporting the project: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jayne-jacob-369.

 

Mystery Thriller Daggers Inn Enters Final Stages of Post Production

Stuart, Consulting Producer on Daggers Inn, is thrilled to announce that the film, starring Terry Bamberger (Call the Midwife, The Good Ship Murder), has completed principal photography and is now in post-production. This atmospheric mystery thriller follows an enigmatic young woman determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s murder in a secluded English village. Produced by Raya Films, Daggers Inn promises a suspense-filled narrative set against an evocative rural backdrop.

The production team is actively seeking finishing funds to complete post-production and bring this gripping story to audiences. The film will be available next year on most major VOD channels. To learn more about how you can support the film, visit https://rayafilms.com/daggersinn

Jacob Stuart is an internationally produced, award-winning screenwriter and producer whose films have featured renowned actors, including two-time award-winner Kevin Spacey, Alan Ruck, Costas Mandylor, Dave Sheridan, and Felissa Rose. As a screenwriter, his projects have included Emmy Award-winner Bill Oberst Jr., with many of his written works available on Tubi, Amazon, and more. Jacob is also the Founder of Screenwriting Staffing, an online community that connects screenwriters with industry buyers and employers. Over the past decade, Jacob has facilitated more than 300 deals, options, writing jobs, and representation agreements. Notably, he facilitated Bramble House Christmas on the Hallmark Channel, starring Autumn Reeser.

St Francis of Assisi Fish Fry

By

The Men’s Club of St Francis of Assisi of Our Lady of Light family of parishes will be having a Fish Fry on Friday November 22, 2024.

The fish will be prepared by the Hecht family as they have done in the past. The menu, also, includes baked beans, cold slaw, french fries, baked fish and refreshments. Raffles and some casino games will be available.

$20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door
 Make reservation: call 937-689-2570

Mystery Night features “Clue” Movie Party

By

Join Dayton Dinner Theater for a night shrouded in mystery, featuring themed food, drinks, music, trivia, and an interactive screening of the classic film Clue! This exciting event, held at The Brightside, includes creative pizza from Dayton Pizza Factory, a delightful salad, an appetizer, and dessert crafted by Baker Benji. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Award-winning and nationally known actor Andrew Mitakides will be leading an interactive murder mystery skit. Musician Matt will be performing live mystery songs and playing name that tune.

And of course, costumes are encouraged. Choose your favorite character to wear!

Doors open at 5:45 pm, with food and live music from 6 to 7 pm. The movie begins at 7 pm, followed by a brief intermission for dessert and trivia at 8 pm, concluding the film around 9:15 PM.

HOW TO GO?

Nov 24, 2024 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH

Tickets $28 – available here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/clue-mystery-movie-party

Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise we have open seating. For table reservations or other questions, please email   [email protected]

Burger Night at Giovanni’s

By

THIS Tuesday is Burger Night!!!!
Tuesday November 19th 4-8 is Burger Night
Featuring guest favorites like
Bruschetta Burger
Meatball Patty Melt
*Award Winning* Gorgonzola Stuffed Burger
We will be serving all burgers with either fries or homemade onion rings. Burger night is a guest favorite.
Burger Night is always a hit and we often sell out. If you would like to preorder your burger, just send us a message on Facebook.

Belly Dancing with Josh

By

Have you ever been curious about belly dancing but were afraid to try it? Now is your chance to find out how healthy your body can be as you move along with Josh. Join us in an inclusive environment that welcomes all, from first timer to expert. This class is beginner friendly, designed for all genders and is free.

Blues Fest with Eric Jerardi and Noah Wotherspoon.

By

We are excited about hosting Blues-centric evening with our friends Eric Jerardi and Noah Wotherspoon. These two locals are legendary! This is a must-see show for blues and live music fans alike.
Join us on Thursday, November 21st at 7:30pm at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).
Doors open 7pm / Show starts at 7:30pm
General admission seated tickets are $25 advance / $30 at the door
Tables with tickets included:
2 top VIP Table – $80 (includes 2 tickets close to stage)
2 top Bistro – $70 (includes 2 tickets)
4 top Tables – $140 (includes 4 tickets under cc holder’s name)
10 top Table – $300 (includes 10 tickets under cc holder’s name)
All ages welcome!
Drinks available to purchase. Outside food allowed (no outside drinks)
Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St. Dayton, OH. More info: www.thebrightsidedayton.com
Tickets are available at link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/118760/orders/new

Taco Bell’s 30 Day $10 Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass is Back

By

Taco Bell's mobile app next to Nacho Fries.

Taco Bell’s $10 Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass is back for a limited time through Monday, December 2, 2024.The pass is only available to Taco Bell Rewards members through the Taco Bell mobile app. From the purchase date, the Nacho Fries Lover’s Pass is good for 30 consecutive days of free regular Nacho Fries (one per day), except on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas.

Taco Bell regular Nacho Fries feature an order of seasoned fries with warm nacho cheese for dipping. They regularly cost a suggested price of $2.39. As long as you redeem the pass five times (or four times if Nacho Fries cost more than $2.50 near you), you’ll save some money. If you somehow manage to use it for 30 days, you’re looking at over $70 worth of food for $10.

Taco Bell offered the same deal around this time last year. It’s basically a 30-day subscription for fries.

Square One Salon and Spa Celebrates 25 Years

By

Square One Salon and Spa, a cornerstone of beauty and wellness in Ohio communities, announces its 25th anniversary on November 15, 2024. Founded in 1999 in downtown Dayton, Square One has grown to serve six locations across Ohio while remaining firmly committed to local ownership and operation, exceptional client care, staff development, and community engagement.

Joshua Stucky, Brent Johnson and Doug Henderson

From its inception, Square One has been guided by its Four Corner Focus, a philosophy that remains at the heart of the company’s operations today. This focus encompasses:

  1. Clients: Providing undivided attention and total satisfaction, welcoming clients as permanent members of the Square One family.
  2. Community: Drawing strength from the community and actively contributing to its wellness and growth.
  3. Heart: Supporting those facing extraordinary challenges through dedicated charitable efforts.
  4. Team: Fostering a work environment that goes beyond business, emphasizing enjoyment and shared experiences.

“We’re honored to be celebrating 25 years of serving and celebrating our clients, every single day,” said Brent Johnson, co-founder of Square One Salon and Spa. “This milestone reflects the trust our community has placed in us, the ongoing dedication of our incredible team, and the enduring relevance of our Four Corner Focus.”

From its beginning, Square One has expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of clients, now offering a comprehensive range of beauty and wellness services, including hair styling, expert hair color, all types of hair texture services, rejuvenating massages, advanced skincare treatments, and professional nail services. The salon also proudly carries products from renowned brands such as Aveda and Smashbox Cosmetics, emphasizing its commitment to quality and self-care.

Doug Henderson, co-founder, emphasized the salon’s holistic approach: “Over the past 25 years, we’ve evolved from a hair salon to a complete beauty and wellness destination. Our focus has always been on enhancing not just our clients’ appearances, but their overall well-being and confidence, all while staying true to our original mission and values.”

Key Highlights of Square One’s 25-Year Journey:

  • Expansion from one Dayton location to six salons across Dayton, Columbus, New Albany, and Centerville
  • Continuous local ownership and operation, maintaining a strong connection to the communities we serve
  • Development of a comprehensive education program and career path for beauty and wellness professionals
  • Ongoing commitment to using and promoting sustainable, high-quality products
  • Industry-leading benefits package for team members, including health and dental insurance, matching 401(k), and additional perks rarely found in the beauty industry
  • Numerous community initiatives and charitable partnerships.

To mark this significant milestone, Square One is launching several initiatives:

  1. Two Days of Celebration: A special 25% discount on select products on November 15 and 16, 2024
  2. 25th Anniversary Team Appreciation Event: An exclusive team celebration on November 16, 2024, to honor staff and their contributions to our combined success

Josh Stucky, co-founder, reflected on the salon’s impact: “As we look back on 25 years of growth and change, one thing has remained constant – our commitment to our local communities, as embodied in our Four Corner Focus. We’re not just a business in these communities; we’re neighbors, friends, and active community members dedicated to bringing out the best in the people and the communities we are so privileged to serve.”

The public is invited to join in the celebration by sharing their Square One memories on social media using the hashtag #SquareOne25 and by visiting any Square One location during the anniversary month to say hello.

 

 

ALMOST, MAINE at Dayton Playhouse

By

On a cold, clear winter night with the northern lights illuminating the sky, the residents of Almost find themselves navigating the complexities of love in unexpected and often humorous ways. The play captures moments of romance, heartbreak, and the magical realism that adds a touch of whimsy to the storytelling.”Almost, Maine” is a play written by John Cariani that takes place in the fictional town of Almost, which is located in a remote, northern part of the United States. The setting is quirky, as Almost is not quite a town due to its lack of organization, and it’s almost in Canada. The play consists of a series of nine interconnected vignettes, each portraying a different aspect of love.

Dayton Playhouse

Located in: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
1301 E Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45414
Showtimes:
Nov 15, 16, 22 & 23 8pm
Nov 17 & 24 2pm

Tix $18-20

Burger King Unveiled 3 New Whoppers

By

In February, BK® launched its first-ever Million Dollar Whopper Contest, allowing consumers across the U.S. to submit the ingredients of their dream Whopper sandwich for a chance to win $1 million prize and see their creation sold in restaurants nationwide for a limited time.  Now, after reviewing more than one million creative and mouthwatering submissions, Burger King and its team of flame-grilled experts have selected the three finalists:

Fried Pickle Ranch Whopper (Created by Fabian of California) – The Fried Pickle Ranch Whopper features ¼ lb.*** flame -grilled beef patty, topped with pickle ranch, lettuce, fried pickles, bacon, and Swiss cheese – all on a toasted sesame seed bun.

  • Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper (Created by Calvin of California) – The Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper features ¼ lb.*** flame-grilled beef patty, topped with maple bourbon BBQ sauce, crispy onions & jalapeños, maple bacon seasoning, bacon, and American cheese – all on a toasted sesame seed bun.
  • Mexican Street Corn Whopper (Created by Kelsie of Nebraska) – The Mexican Street Corn Whopper features ¼ lb.*** flame-grilled beef patty, topped with street corn spread, lettuce, tomato, Southwest seasoned tortilla crisps, and Mexican spicy queso – all on a toasted sesame seed bun.

You’ll be able to try these 3 Whoppers, plus the new Pickle Fries at participating Burger King restaurants nationwide while supplies last starting November 14th.

Additional details regarding the availability of the three Million Dollar Whopper sandwiches and how Guests can help crown the $1 million winner will be available in mid-November.

WYSO Launches Music-Only Streaming Channel

By

WYSO Public Radio, a nonprofit, community-owned public radio station serving Southwest Ohio with news, music and storytelling, has launched a music-only streaming channel called Novaphonic.

The channel can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by streaming online at novaphonic.fm or by broadcast on any HD radio.

With this dual-channel model, WYSO’s existing music programming—such as “Midday Music,” “Around the Fringe” and “Tables of Content”—will be simulcast on WYSO and Novaphonic, meaning there will be no interruption to the current WYSO schedule.

However, when WYSO begins a news show such as “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered,” Novaphonic will continue to air locally hosted music shows. The result will be a 24/7 schedule of music curated by the WYSO music team and reflective of music and musicians from our region and beyond, and from numerous genres.

Juliet Fromholt

“Our goal is to support a community of musicians and music fans and for that community to feel welcoming and inclusive. Diversity is an essential part of our daily mix of music,” said Juliet Fromholt WYSO’s Music Director (left). “When we say ‘Roots,’ we’re talking about bluegrass and folk, country and Americana. Rock sounds obvious on the surface but gets richer when we think about everything from punk to indie rock and everyone from Big Mama Thorton to David Bowie to St. Vincent and the Linda Lindas. Rhythm is hip-hop, yes, but it’s also jazz, R&B, soul and of course some Dayton Ohio Funk! Pop music on Novaphonic takes those catchy hooks and melodies from mainstream music and puts them in the hands of artists on the fringes of it. So think Bjork, Sylvan Esso, Bartees Strange and Mitski. And world music brings us sounds and songwriting from artists whose musical traditions and influences find their home in many places, but especially the global South.”

More information, including the full program schedule for Novaphonic and a link to listen online, can be found at novaphonic.fm.

Fall Bird Walk

By

We’ll finish our bird walks for the year looking for year-round residents, and winter birds like White-throated Sparrow and Brown Creeper. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. The walk is slow-paced, and mostly stays on the road surface, but sometimes does venture “off-trail” into the grass. All ages welcome. The tour will meet at the Eichelberger Plaza at the main gates of the cemetery.

Your nature guide will be Amanda Lawson, an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.

All tours require a reservation and there is a suggested $5 donation. All donations support the Woodland Arboretum Foundation which focuses on the restoration, preservation, horticultural and educational projects needed to keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Miami Valley: 2025 WiBN’s Women to Watch

By

The Better Business Bureau’s Women in Business Networking (WiBN) program is thrilled to announce the 2025 Women To Watch honorees. WiBN Women To Watch honorees are dynamic professional women who have been recognized for inspiring and encouraging those around them to actively challenge the status quo, working to improve their communities, develop their employees and advocate for women in general. Rather than being content with others just watching them work, these women involve those around them in their endeavors thereby increasing their collective impact. They embrace the WiBN theme for 2025 – ”Empower To Excel”.

Sheri Sword, WiBN executive director, shares, “WiBN is thrilled to spotlight the women in the Women To Watch Class of 2025. They are role models for women in our marketplace. They strive for excellence in all they do whether it’s in their work, play or volunteerism. We applaud their efforts.”

2025 Women To Watch include:

Claudine Bennett

Dayton Metro Library

Claudine is the External Relations Manager for the Dayton Metro Library. Prior to that, she was the Marketing/Communications Manager for 23 years for the City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. She holds a BA in Communications from Wright State University and an MPA from the University of Dayton. Claudine brings 31+ years of communications experience with daily work in marketing, public relations, brand management, crisis communication, and strategic communications.

Kandise Bobo

Sincalir Community College

Kandise Bobo, an accomplished leader in business education and community engagement, serves as the Executive Director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at Sinclair Community College. Armed with an MBA and years of experience in both academia and the business world, Kandise provides small business owners with the resources and support they need to succeed. She also teaches business classes at Sinclair and the Dayton Correctional Institute, where she is dedicated to helping students of diverse backgrounds gain practical business knowledge. Kandise is also actively involved in various community initiatives, including her position as a board member of the Dayton Foodbank. Through her leadership and advocacy, she strives to address food insecurity and promote equitable access to nutritious food for all members of the community.

Demarus Crawford-White

NPower Ohio

Demarus Crawford-White is the Executive Director of NPower Ohio, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, with a focus on non-traditional age student populations. Deeply aware of the burden of student loan debt, she has consistently sought creative solutions to help students navigate and avoid its consequences. Crawford-White has a long history of community involvement in Dayton, volunteering with several organizations that align with her commitment to improving the community by empowering others. She is a 2024 Leadership Ohio fellow, a 2019 Leadership Dayton graduate, and an active member of the Dayton Metro Library Foundation board, WYSO Community Action Board, and the Downtown Dayton Residents Association. At NPower Ohio, she is passionate about helping young people, retired military members, and their spouses transition into well-paying careers without educational debt. She and her husband Michael, residents of Dayton, are proud grandparents of five amazing grandchildren.

Dr. Carmela Daniels

Department of Veteran Affairs

Dr. Carmela Daniels is a dedicated social work educator and practitioner with over 20 years of experience serving diverse populations. She is a leader in the field, known for her expertise in anti-oppressive practice and her commitment to racial equity within social work and homeless programs. Dr. Daniels is also a sought-after speaker, offering presentations and workshops that blend humanity with purpose in leadership roles. She is a social work educator who has taught social work at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of social workers. Currently, Dr. Daniels is spearheading initiatives within the Department of Veteran Affairs to address racial equity, focusing on transforming homeless programs into equitable and just systems. Her work is a testament to her lifelong dedication to social justice, community support, and empowering marginalized voices. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her service to communities in need.

Jocelin Dean

Dayton Development Coalition

Jocelin Dean serves as the Associate Talent Manager for the Dayton Development Coalition. In this role she works to support the workforce and talent needs of our long-standing local businesses and crafting recommendations to attract new businesses to the Dayton Region. Jocelin is a native Ohioan, growing up in Columbiana County before receiving her Bachelor’s in Communication from Wittenberg and settling in Dayton with her husband Nick and two children,  Sophia and Miles. She’s involved in several community organizations including the Junior League of Dayton, Ohio Cooperative Education Association, Levitt Pavilion (joining their board in November) Engineer’s Club, Dayton Area Logistics Association, and Board Development Committee for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. Additionally, she was recognized by the Dayton Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 recipient in 2019 and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Dayton.

Amanda DeLotelle

Miami Valley Meals

Amanda DeLotelle is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Miami Valley Meals, where she leads a team in transforming donated food into nutritious meals for those facing food insecurity. Under her leadership, MVM is set to donate over 1 million meals by its 5th anniversary in 2025 and has earned accolades including the BBB Torch Award. Amanda holds a BA in Telecommunications and an MA in Digital Storytelling from Ball State University. Her career includes a successful tenure at the Victoria Theatre Association, where she advanced to General Manager of the Food and Beverage Department, refining her leadership and management skills. Deeply committed to her community, Amanda graduated from the 2023 City of Dayton Neighborhood Leadership Institute and is active in initiatives like the Montgomery County Food Equity Coalition. Amanda’s supportive family and team inspire her, and she is passionate about cultural engagement, travel, and making Dayton brighter for all.


Adrienne Draper
Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office/Englewood City Council (Posthumously)

Adrienne was employed at Montgomery County Treasurers Office and Bella Sorella Pizza. She was elected to Englewood City Council in 2019 and served until her death. She was previously employed at Sinclair College and Englewood Tim Horton’s.

Adrienne graduated from Northmont High School in 2016, where she participated in DECA, achieving Top 10 finalist placement at ICDC Nashville 2016. She attended Sinclair College and was a student ambassador, and continued her education commencing with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Wright State University in April, 2024, where she served on the WSU President’s Student Advisory Panel.

 

Jessica Galloway

Visionary Home Solutions

 

Donnica Hawes-Saunders

The Averity Group

Donnica Hawes-Saunders is the Founder and CEO of The Averity Group, a full-service, solution-oriented public affairs firm that helps organizations transform their reputation at the intersection of communications, social impact, and public policy. In 2023, The Averity Group was named one of the top reputation management agencies in the U.S. by Design Rush. Donnica has been awarded the Yahoo Finance EMpower 100 Global Future Leaders & Top 20 Highest Achieving Changemakers for her strategy, execution, and advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion and the PRISM International Diversity Impact Award for creating and institutionalizing HBCU programming in global organizations. Donnica holds a J. D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, and received a B.A., magna cum laude, in Sociology and Anthropology from Spelman College.

Catherine Hernandez-Hogan

Wright State University

Catherine Hernandez Hogan, Senior Director for Latino Affairs and Community Engagement at Wright State University, has dedicated her career to supporting college students globally through recruitment, admissions, programming and inclusive excellence. During her tenure leading Latino Affairs, she increased the total Latino student population by about 30% from 2022 to 2024 and achieved a historic 16% increase in Latino student retention from 2023 to 2024. She was honored statewide with a 2023 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award from the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and regionally as a recipient of the 2024 Leaders in Diversity Awards by the Dayton Business Journal. Catherine serves on the board of the El Puente Learning Center and tirelessly advocates for Latino students, emphasizing that they belong on campus, that they matter, that they have what it takes to succeed, and that by getting their degree, they can impact their families for generations.

Jessica Holderman

Dayton VA Medical Center

Jessica Holderman is a licensed independent social worker currently serving in a healthcare administration role as the Executive Assistant to the Medical Center Director at the Dayton VA Medical Center. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of the American College for Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Jessica participated in and completed the year long VISN 10 Leadership Development Institute (LDI) in 2017 and the MidCon Administrative Officers Academy in 2021. She currently resides in Beavercreek, Ohio with her husband, Jordan, and her two children, Jack, and Juliet. Outside of work, she enjoys spending her time with her family, being involved and volunteering for her children’s extra-curricular activities and singing with her church praise and worship team.

Beth Hutter

MVH/GS Foundations

Beth Hutter’s career has included a wide range of experience, but her true love is non-profit fundraising. For the past 20 years Beth has focused on fundraising within the Dayton community. Currently serving as Vice President at both the Good Samaritan Foundation and the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation, she is deeply involved in all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, endowment development, and donor stewardship. Her expertise spans campaigns, grants, annual giving, and non-profit finance and operations management. Providing resources for the medical staff, volunteers, patients, and families every day brings meaning to her life, alongside her family. She has also served on various non-profit boards, further enhancing her commitment to community impact. Outside of work, Beth has been happily married to her husband Kurt for 38 years and takes great pride in their three daughters and son-in-law. She cherishes her border collie, Ace, and sweet cat, Zucca

Teresa Macalolooy

Macalogic

Teresa Macalolooy is the founder and CEO of Macalogic, an Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). Macalogic supports its federal clients in four domains: Software Development; Program Support; Enterprise Architecture; and Compliance. Macalogic IT consulting includes full system and network support for commercial clients. Ms. Macalolooy serves as a mentor to professionals interested in expanding their government careers. Macalogic is a people-centered company with a strong culture of value-added support to the community and our clients. Before starting Macalogic, Ms. Macalolooy spent nearly 30 years serving in a variety of technical, program management, business development, and leadership roles for large, small, and mid-size companies. Ms. Macalolooy earned a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University in 2001, graduating Suma Cum Laude. She is a lifetime member of AFCEA, where she currently serves as the Executive VP and Chair of the Wright Innovative Technology Summit (WITS) conference.

Beverly Martin

VA Center

Dr. Beverly Duffey Martin is a motivational speaker, accomplished musician, song writer, singer, author and pastor. She has been featured on television programs, including TBN, which she has hosted on numerous occasions. She authored an array of plays, poetry and has three albums to her credit. Dr. Bev’s international ministry has earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including being selected to participate in the Business & Professional Women’s Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.; was keynote speaker for Dept. of Defense (Defense, Finance & Accounting Service); and much more. Dr. Bev fulfilled most of her undergrad academia at Cal State University, completing her last year at Central State University, receiving a B.S. Degree in Education with a Music minor. She earned two master degrees: from IAU in Pastoral Counseling, and the University of Dayton Social Agency Counseling. Dr. Bev received a PhD in Counseling from IAU.  She received a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, specializing in Administration of Urban Ministry and Church Development.

Kirsten Mendoza

University of Dayton

Kirsten Mendoza is Associate Professor of English and the Associate Director of the Human Rights Studies Program at the University of Dayton. She received her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012. A year later she graduated with a Masters in English from Loyola University Chicago. In 2018, she completed her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University. Her research, which focuses on sixteenth and seventeenth century drama and literature, has been supported with grants from the Huntington Library, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the American Council of Learned Societies. She has been teaching at the University of Dayton since August 2018. As a professor who educates future high school teachers, she is particularly committed to inspiring her students to understand the work they do in the classroom as a form of empowerment that engages with difficult social justice issues as they strive to create a world that is historically informed, compassionate, and just

Kathryn Mullen

Thomas B. Fordham Foundation

Kathryn Mullen has been with the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation since 2005. As Vice President for Sponsorship and Dayton Initiatives, she oversees the Fordham Foundation’s charter school sponsorship operation, comprised of a portfolio of ten public charter schools in sixteen buildings serving approximately 6,500 Ohio students. Her sponsorship duties include managing the charter school application and contract process, school evaluations, providing customized assistance to schools, managing charter renewals and non-renewals, facilitating school closures, negotiating contracts, consulting, researching policy solutions and sharing information on sponsorship best practices. Kathryn serves on the board of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and is a regular presenter at NACSA’s annual conference. In Dayton, Kathryn leads the Fordham Foundation’s efforts to work with education, civic, community, and business leaders to strengthen educational opportunities for Dayton area children. Kathryn holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School.

Meghann Naveau

Brigid’s Path

Meghann Naveau is married to the cute guy she started loving in 2006 and mom to two confident kids. She is a proven marketing and communication practitioner who has worked with nonprofits and businesses across numerous industries to build brands, tell stories, and plan well. Meghann is a graduate of the University of Dayton (Communication) and an avid runner and reader. She is an active lay Marianist and collaborates on numerous faith-related projects that help people better love their neighbors.

Jessica Olsen

Greater Dayton RTA

Jessica Olson is the Director of Communications and Training for the Greater Dayton RTA, recently recognized with a national American Public Transportation Association AdWheel award for the agency’s “Proudly Serving Project” which highlights communities RTA serves through individually designed fixed-route buses. She also received the APTA AdWheel Grand Prize award in 2024 for RTA’s “Caring for Our Community” campaign highlighting good works by employees. She serves as Director of Marketing the Heart of Centerville Washington Twp., a small business association, where she’s assisted in the promotion and execution of large-scale events. She also serves on the marketing committee for the Americana Festival. Olson co-owns JJ’s Boutique, located in Front Street Art Galleries in Dayton, in which she creates artwork utilizing wood windows and dried flowers. She’s a graduate of Wright State University and resides in Centerville with her husband and four children.

Ashley Prichard

Waibel Energy Systems

Ashley Prichard, HR Director, just celebrated her 20-year anniversary at Waibel Energy Systems, Inc. She has held many roles with the company, including administrative, graphic design, and marketing. In her current role, she is passionate about improving the employee experience, creating growth opportunities, and workforce development. She advocates giving back to the communities in which we work and spearheaded a volunteer time off policy that gives associates paid time off to volunteer and support causes that are important to them. She is a member of the 40 under 40 class of 2023. Ashley lives in Springboro, has been married to her husband Zac for 15 years, and has three children: Stella, Savy, and Brooks.

Samantha Redden

Appliance Gallery

Samantha Redden is the Marketing and Community Relations Manager for the Appliance Gallery, podcast host, fitness professional, type 1 diabetes (T1D) advocate, and current Mrs. Ohio American titleholder. Samantha was diagnosed with T1D at the age of nine and has used her own diagnosis to raise awareness and support for others living with the disease. She was named the 2019 Diabetes Female Fitness Influencer of the Year by Myabetic and currently serves on the Southwest Ohio board of directors for Breakthrough T1D. As a fitness professional, Samantha remains committed to health and wellness advocacy. She also hosts “The Samantha Show,” streamed in over 37 countries, where she shares insights on confidence and personal development. Samantha won the title of Mrs. Ohio American in June of 2024 and recently competed at the national Mrs. American pageant in Las Vegas, NV.

 

Carolyn Rice

Montgomery County Board of Commissioners

Carolyn Rice has served as County Commissioner since January 2019 and as County Treasurer from 2007-2018.  Carolyn worked in the private sector for 17 years before entering public service. As Commissioner, Carolyn has focused on issues including early childhood development, homeless solutions, work-based learning, addiction prevention, criminal justice, mental health, sustainability, and resiliency. Carolyn serves as Chair of the Land Bank and on numerous boards including Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the County’s Homeless Solutions Policy Board.  She is active with the County Commission Association of Ohio, the National Association of Counties, Rotary Club of Dayton, Dayton Council on World Affairs, and the Dayton Sister City Committee. Carolyn has been recognized by the Ohio Land Bank Association, YWCA of Dayton, NCCJ, Dayton Business Journal, and the Dayton International Peace Museum.  Carolyn graduated from Miami University of Ohio and Wright State University and is married with grown children.

Kellie Schneider

The Foodbank, Inc.

Dr. Kellie Schneider is a scholar and educator with a background in Industrial Engineering. Kellie is the Chief Knowledge Officer at The Foodbank Inc. where she and a team of other magical unicorns work to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Kellie supports the critical infrastructure of The Foodbank including compliance & reporting, warehouse operations, professional development, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement. While delighted to be recognized, Kellie believes the women we should be watching are the ones she supports, mentors, and works along side of every day.

Denise Swick

Swick Real Estate Group

Denise Swick is a respected real estate leader with over 35 years of experience in the Dayton area and a track record of selling more than 3,500 homes. As the Owner of the Swick Real Estate Group, she expertly helps homeowners through every step of the buying and selling process. In addition, she is the Founder and CEO of Downsize Allies, providing full-service downsizing management to assist clients with transitions to smaller homes or new living situations. Denise’s career is built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for her clients.

Tywauna Wilson

CompuNet Clinical Laboratories

Tywauna Wilson, MBA, MLS (ASCP)CM is an accomplished medical laboratory leader, author of “Some Leaders Wear Lab Coats,” and host of the “eLABorate Topics” podcast. With two decades of progressive medical laboratory and healthcare leadership experience,  she  leverages her clinical expertise to mentor and coach emerging and new leaders. Ms. Wilson is viewed as a leadership innovator in the medical laboratory community and has received several accolades in the past year including: 2023 American Society For Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Mentorship and the 2023 Diversity MBA Media Top 100 Under 500 Emerging Leaders awards. Mrs. Wilson currently holds the position of System Technical Director of Chemistry at CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, here in Dayton, Ohio. In this role, she leverages her clinical expertise to provide strategic planning, standardization, implementation, and collaboration across ten laboratory sites. Tywauna is committed to guiding the next generation of confident, competent laboratory leaders.

• Claudine Bennett, Dayton Metro Library
• Kandise Bobo, Sinclair Community College
• Demarus Crawford-White, NPower Ohio
• Dr. Carmela Daniels, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Jocelin Dean, Dayton Development Coalition
• Amanda DeLotelle, Miami Valley Meals
• Adrienne Draper, (post humorously), Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office and Englewood City Council
• Jessica Galloway, Visionary Home Solution
• Donnica Hawes-Saunders, The Averity Group
• Catherine Hernandez-Hogan, Wright State University
• Jessica Holderman, Dayton VA Medical Center
• Beth Hutter, Miami Valley Hospital/Good Samaritan Hospital Foundations
• Teresa Macalolooy, TM Capture Services, LLC dba Macalogic
• Beverly Martin, Veterans Affairs Center
• Kirsten Mendoza, University of Dayton
• Kathryn Mullen, The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation
• Meghann Naveau, Brigid’s Path
• Jessica Olsen, Greater Dayton RTA/Heart of Centerville
• Ashley Prichard, Waibel Energy Systems
• Samantha Redden, Appliance Gallery and current Mrs. Ohio American titleholder
• Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County Commission
• Kellie Schneider, The Foodbank, Inc.
• Denise Swick, Denise Real Estate Group & Downsize Allies
• Tywauna Wilson, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories

Learn more about all of the honorees at the Better Business Bureau website at the following link: www.bbb.org/local/0322/top25/honorees

A celebration for all of these honorees is planned for October 11, 2025.

DŌZO Every Wednesday at Tender Mercy

By

Located in the back room of Tender Mercy, Dōzo is an elevated sushi experience. The four-course, prix-fixe menu rotates monthly, with curated sake and wine pairings.  The dinner  is $75 per person and available from 5-9pm.

The current menu offerings:

Reservations are required to dine at Dozo. When reserving you’ll be asked to use a credit card to hold your reservation. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice or you don’t show up for your reservation, your card will be charged $20 per person. You can specify if your party would prefer to sit at the sushi bar or at a table .  Party sizes are limited to 6 or less. Guests must be 13 or older and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Dōzo in Tender Mercy


607 East 3rd Street
Dayton, OH 45402

937-453-0007
Parking: Street parking, valet

Red Lobster Overhauls Menu After Emerging From Bankruptcy

By

Seafood-restaurant chain Red Lobster is looking to make a comeback from bankruptcy with a new menu, a new 35-year-old CEO, and a new way forward.

Damola Adamolekun, the new chief executive of Red Lobster, is taking over a chain in turmoil. And he’s only 35.

“There’s a hole to climb out of, for sure, and that will be the hardest part,” Adamolekun told CNN last Friday in his first on-camera interview as CEO.

The new Red Lobster menu includes nine new items:

  • Lobster Pappardelle
  • Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops
  • Lobster Bisque
  • Lemon Basil Mahi
  • Simply Prepared Mahi
  • Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
  • Roasted Asparagus

Red Lobster’s new Lobster Pappardelle

Red Lobster’s revamped menu will be 20% smaller and won’t include the popular $19.99 all-you-can-eat Ultimate Endless Shrimp.

Also returning to the menu one of their more popular items hush puppies. “There was a social media riot over us taking off the hush puppies a few years ago,” CEO Damola Adamolekun told NBC News. “I expect a stampede into our restaurants because we’re bringing back the hush puppies,” he jokingly added.

hush puppies

New to the lunch menu- an endless soup, salad & cheddar bay biscuits combo for $9.99.  Choose from clam chowder or lobster bisque and a house salad, caesar salad or coleslaw.

The new menu comes as the chain’s CEO Damola Adamolekun is rolling out a comeback plan that also includes a revamped look and an advertising campaign aimed at bringing in younger customers.

“We want to make the restaurants more fun,” Adamolekun shared. Diners will soon notice new lighting at the restaurants and new music as part of Adamolekun’s efforts to attract younger customers who might have grown up going to the chain but haven’t been back for some time.

Red Lobster recently emerged from bankruptcy with a $60 million restructuring deal backed by Fortress Investment Group, which involved closing about 100 of its 640 restaurants, leaving 544 Red Lobsters remaining in the U.S. and Canada.

It’s been a tough year for fast-casual and family-style chains. Red Lobster, whose visits decreased nearly 45% year-over-year, joins a growing list of chains that have filed for bankruptcy as a result of weakening sales due to higher prices, inflation, high-interest rates, and the need for strategic realignment to meet shifting consumer habits.

However, there is good news for disappointed shrimp lovers. The new CEO did hear customers complaining about the tartar sauce recipe and promised a new, “better” one is coming soon.

 

Aldi Thanksgiving Basket Offers A Meal For 10 For $47

By