Join us for the 35th Annual The Taste festival presented by the Kettering Moraine Oakwood Chamber of Commerce. It promises to be a fun evening of good food, music, and networking. The event will be hosted in Lincoln Park Civic Commons. Enjoy samples of delicious food from a variety of local restaurants. It’s sure to be taste-sational.
The Lifespan of a Fact at Dayton Theatre Guild
A fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker for a prominent New York magazine is assigned to fact-check an essay about the suicide of a teenage boy. It is written by a talented and established writer, and publishing his piece can save the struggling magazine from collapse. The two battle over facts versus truth, with the magazine’s editor, who wants to run the story and who assigned the fact-checker to look it over, serving as referee.
Great Northern String Band Plays Wandering Griffin
If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead you won’t want to miss the return of the GREAT NORTHERN STRING BAND to the Wandering Griffin Brewery & Pub on Saturday, August 27th!
Five Rivers MetroParks Wins Grant to Restore Wetlands In Trotwood
Land once slated to become a landfill is one step further toward a long-term vision of becoming a new MetroPark.
Five Rivers MetroParks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) held a groundbreaking on Friday, Aug. 26, for the Spring Run Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project in Trotwood. The project is fully funded by a $499,500 grant, just $500 short of the maximum amount available, from Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative — which, unlike most grants, does not require local matching funds. Five Rivers MetroParks has partnered with ODNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Pheasants Forever on this project.
“This is a great example of how MetroParks staff come together to make things happen,” said Becky Benná, Five Rivers MetroParks chief executive officer. “MetroParks’ 10-year comprehensive master plan identified this area as underserved, and MetroParks wants to eventually create a new MetroPark at the Spring Run Conservation Area. A site master plan has been created for the area and, working with the city of Trotwood and other partners, MetroParks is gradually acquiring the means to make that happen.”
The Spring Run Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project is the 76th H2Ohio project in the state, with most projects located in northern Ohio. “We feel very fortunate to be one of just a handful of H2Ohio projects in southwest Ohio,” said Grace Dietsch, MetroParks regional manager of conservation.
About the Spring Run Conservation Area Wetlands Restoration Project
The 550-acre Spring Run Conservation Area is comprised of two land parcels: the 190-acre former Larch Tree Golf Course and the 360-acre Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank, the property once planned to become a landfill. Spring Run is adjacent to the 2,384-acre Sycamore State Park — creating a nearly 3,000-acre natural area for wildlife habitat and open space protection west of Dayton in Montgomery County.
The Wetlands Restoration Project will create approximately 22 acres of wetlands on the former golf course property. Once complete, the 20-month project will have numerous benefits, not only for Spring Run but for surrounding areas as well — including improved water and air quality.
The project will:
- filter pollutants from groundwater to improve water quality and drinking water
- reduce flooding and erosion
- significantly expand wildlife habitat
- create additional public access to a large natural area for an underserved community near Dayton
- expand outdoor recreation opportunities for the region’s residents
- improve biodiversity by removing invasive plants and introducing native ones
- provide additional scientific research opportunities
Acting as the kidneys of our ecosystem, wetlands improve water quality and help with flood abatement while providing plant and wildlife habitat. The new wetlands at Spring Run will store approximately 33 million gallons of water.
Five Rivers MetroParks has experience restoring wetlands at other sites, such as at Germantown MetroPark and the Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank. Spring Run, like these and countless other sites throughout Ohio, once had naturally occurring wetlands that were purposefully drained decades ago so the sites could be used for farmland. Spring Run has a high concentration of hydric soils, which are permanently or seasonally saturated by water — making the transition from golf course back to wetlands more successful.
The Spring Run Conservation Area Wetlands Restoration Project will include a variety of tasks, including:
- Heavy equipment will be used to used to create shallow depressions and other areas that hold water from both underground springs and rainwater.
- Pollinator plants that thrive in wetland environments will be planted along the edges of the wetlands, and native trees and shrubs will be planted near the wetlands to create shade and wildlife habitat.
- Logs and limbs will be scattered throughout the wetlands to create refuge and perching areas for wildlife.
The H2Ohio grant already has allowed MetroParks to purchase two pieces of much-needed equipment that will be used to complete this project and for ongoing management of this site.
“When Gov. DeWine announced $5 million in H2Ohio grant funding for projects in the Ohio River Basin, I knew it was time for something to happen at the golf course,” Dietsch said. “Five Rivers MetroParks is a conservation agency with a mission to protect our region’s natural heritage, so this project is a perfect fit for the H2O initiative and its goals to restore and enhance wetlands.”
More About Spring Run Conservation Area
Spring Run is located in the Wolf Creek Watershed, part of the Great Miami Watershed — the largest in Ohio, which provides water to more than 2.3 million people.
Five Rivers MetroParks purchased the Great Miami Wetland Mitigation Bank in 2008 and has since been converting the former farmland to a natural area. It now includes several different habitats, including 25 acres of wetlands along with prairie, forest and grassland habitats. The land is home to such native plants as swamp milkweed — a food source for the now-endangered monarch butterfly.
One result of MetroParks’ restoration work at the Mitigation Bank thus far: The area has become a significant birding site. According to data from the citizen science app eBird, the public has spotted more than 200 species of birds, some of them rare, at Spring Run Conservation Area — which is about half of all species that even live in or migrate through Ohio.
The Mitigation Bank also serves as a regional economic development tool: If an existing wetland is damaged, qualified developers can purchase federally required credits from the Great Miami Mitigation Bank. The funds are used to restore wetlands at the Mitigation Bank and support other projects in MetroParks. Because wetland banks are on larger tracts of land and are permanently protected, they are more effective at replacing the wetlands that are lost.
Five Rivers MetroParks purchased the former Larch Tree Golf Course in 2014 with a Clean Ohio grant and was one of first park agencies to take over a closed golf course, which is now an industry trend. Since the purchase, MetroParks has demolished dilapidated structures that were on the site but little else has been done.
The Spring Run Conservation Area Wetlands Restoration Project marks the first significant work to be done on the former golf course property.
Spring Run is located near the Wolf Creek Paved Trail, and several of the former golf cart paved paths are still intact. Long term, both are part of Five Rivers MetroParks’ vision to transition Spring Run from a conservation area to a MetroPark.
“The Spring Run MetroPark master plan creates an environment that showcases the natural habitats and creates a comfortable introduction to experiencing nature for those who may not be accustomed to spending time outdoors,” Dietsch said.
“Area residents are already using the area for walking, birding and fishing, and when this project is done, the site will have 50 acres of wetlands for wildlife and people to enjoy,” Dietsch said. “This certainly will be one of the most significant and impactful projects I will work on in my career.”
How to Visit Spring Run Conservation Area
Conservation areas are part of the nearly 16,500 acres of land MetroParks owns and manages. Unlike MetroParks’ 18 clean, safe parks, most conservation areas — including Spring Run — don’t have developed public access, such as a paved parking lot, or amenities found at most MetroParks, such as restrooms and water fountains.
However, Spring Run, 2765 North Snyder Road, is open to the public. Parking, including a handicap space, is available outside the gate. Five Rivers MetroParks locations are open 8 am to 10 pm April 1-Oct. 31 and 8 am to 8 pm Nov. 1-March 31.
Sonic Introduces New 2 For $5 Menu
Sonic just launched a new 2 for $5 Menu where you can mix and match two classic menu items for $5 at participating locations.
As part of the promotion, you can get any two of the following classic menu items for 5 bucks:
- Regular Fritos Chili Cheese Wrap: Crunchy Fritos chips, chili and melted cheddar cheese are all wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla.
- Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger: Two pure beef, seasoned patties layered with two slices of melty American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a golden, toasted bun.
- Small Jumbo Popcorn Chicken: Breaded all-white meat chicken and fried up until golden.
Just be aware that no customizations can be made when ordering though the brand’s mobile app, so you’ll have to order at the drive-in to make customizations.
Sonic’s 2 for $5 menu can be found at participating locations nationwide for a limited time.
Roger Glass, Marion’s Piazza Owner Died
On Wed, Roger Glass, the president and CEO of Marion’s Piazza, and major philanthropist died Wednesday at hospice. He was 80 years old.
Roger Glass was the 2nd generation owner of the business started by his father, Marion Glass, founded in 1965. He said “My dad realized that a quality product was important, so he already had a great reputation in town,” recounts Glass, who owned, the buiness with his two sisters. “The business was successful right away.”
In 1965, a local theater company initiated Summer Stock, bringing in big-name celebs to star in a play for 12 weeks. Each week of the production, from 1965 to 1995, Marion’s hosted the cast party, serving up pies to hundreds of entertainers—including Betty White, Mickey Rooney, Barbara Eden, Joan Rivers and Zsa Zsa Gabor—whose photos now fill the walls. Over the decades, Marion’s steadily expanded to nine locations, each with seating for hundreds, while maintaining a focus on quality ingredients, edge-to-edge toppings, and warm service and ambience.
In his later years, Glass became a philanthropist supporting causes across the community. Sponsoring the city of Dayton Fireworks, Chaminade Julienne High School’s athletic facility, which opened in August 2016, is named Roger Glass Stadium and most recently The University of Dayton’s first building dedicated to visual and performing arts which will be named for the 1967, president and CEO of Marion’s Piazza.
The Roger Glass Center for the Arts, at the southeast corner of Main and Stewart streets, will elevate the arts on campus and provide greater connection with the Dayton community through concerts, dance and theater performances, and art exhibits featuring students, faculty, visiting artists, and community members. Glass, who holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from UD, is the lead donor on the project.
The University of Dayton’s first building dedicated to visual and performing arts will be named for local entrepreneur and philanthropist Roger Glass ‘67, president and CEO of Marion’s Piazza.
The Roger Glass Center for the Arts, at the southeast corner of Main and Stewart streets, will elevate the arts on campus and provide greater connection with the Dayton community through concerts, dance and theater performances, and art exhibits featuring students, faculty, visiting artists, and community members. Glass, who holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from UD, is the lead donor on the project.
“When I went to UD, everything was scattered,” Glass said. “This is an opportunity for all of the arts at UD to come together and have an amazing place to display their talents. Not only the university but the community will be able to take advantage of the center for the arts.”
Rick Springfield, Men at Work, & John Waite At Mix 107.7 SummerFest
In the early 1980s, Rick Springfield signed to RCA Records and was then cast as “Dr. Noah Drake” on the soap General Hospital. While he had released six albums in the 1970s, his 1980 break-through album Working Class Dog gave him the #1 single “Jessie’s Girl.” From his music and TV exposure, he became a teen idol. He continued to star on “GH” while touring and releasing Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet, with the hit “Don’t Talk To Strangers.” Upon releasing his 3rd album with RCA, Living In Oz, he quit “GH” and went back to his rock roots. Living In Oz is considered by many his finest (and hardest rock) album. He starred in the movie Hard to Hold in 1984 and released the soundtrack to it with the hit “Love Somebody,” followed by “Don’t Walk Away” and “Bop Til Ya Drop.” His next album, Tao, was followed up in 1988 by Rock Of Life.
History Dinner at Ohio’s Oldest Tavern
This event will begin at 10pm with a charcuterie board featuring German cheeses and meats, one draft or wine included in your ticket (cash bar will be available all evening), we will gather into the cabin where a prefixe dinner will be served and the history talk will begin. After dinner and dessert you will have the opportunity to experience the tavern in its quietest hours and will be able to experience the private areas of the 200 year old building, ask questions and enjoy the night until 1am.
We will discuss the history of the Trail Tavern building, its inhabitants, and its role and connection in the area’s history.
The menu choices will be:
Beef Goulash over mashed potatoes or German egg noodles, dinner salad, dessert
Beef Cabbage rolls over mashed potatoes, dinner salad, dessert
Pork Jaeger schnitzel with mushroom gravy, dinner salad, dessert
Vegetarian Jaeger schnitzel with mushroom gravy, dinner salad, dessert
Unfortunately we will not be able to do substitutions on the menu.
***To maximize the experience within the cabin area seating will be 4 to a table regardless of the number in your party.
City of Dayton Announces Broadband Investment
Today, the City of Dayton announced it is making an investment of over $200,000 to begin breaking down the digital divide in Dayton neighborhoods.
The initial project, a fiber inventory, is made possible by the Dayton Recovery Plan resulting from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money granted to the City in 2021.
The “Improving Our Neighborhoods” priority area of the Dayton Recovery Plan includes $55 million of identified investments, of which $ 2.1 million has been allocated to amenity improvements such as the fiber inventory identifying where improvements in digital access need to be made.
“We are excited to take this first step in addressing the digital divide in our neighborhoods and to begin the work to modernize our digital infrastructure,” said Jon Rike, Chief Information Officer. “This assessment will provide insight as it relates to modernizing the fiber network in Dayton and identifying opportunities to utilize fiber as an economic development vehicle.”
The City has awarded a contract to Apex Advanced Technology LLC of $235,906 to collect and inventory fiber infrastructure assets both inside the existing City facilities and right of way areas. The findings will be used to make data-based decisions regarding future expansion, tracking, and monitoring network changes. The fiber inventory is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2023.
“From the very beginning we wanted to use the money received (from ARPA) to lead and champion projects that would create long-term transformation for residents and would help disrupt multi-generational poverty,” said Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “By addressing the digital divide in neighborhoods, we have an opportunity to help those most affected by the health impacts of COVID and previous disinvestment.”
Of the roughly 58,000 households in Dayton, 42% do not have access to reliable broadband/high speed internet (U.S. 2020 Census). The lack of high-speed internet access can negatively impact economic growth, household income, educational performance, healthcare access, and employment searches.
The persistence of multiple digital divides — in availability, affordability, digital literacy, and connecting devices — means that Dayton will need multiple long-term strategies to close the gaps, including:
• Finding providers that offer low-cost services
• Connecting digital literacy training with residents
• Making low-cost computers available
• Providing public access community hubs through City of Dayton recreation centers.
Long-term, Dayton’s role in addressing digital equity will be as a facilitator, whether as a participant in public/private partnerships for broadband connectivity or in building relationships to address issues such as access to devices and digital literacy training.
St. Anne’s Cheese Academy’s Last 3 Classes of Summer Session
Annie Foos opened the Saint Anne’s Cheese Co. in 2014. Mid-America has had a number of fledgling farms trying to provide the best of goat, cow, and sheep milk products. Her passion is to share their cheese making stories and teach people to make cheese in their own kitchens while helping farmers “Saving their Herd.” Over the past years she has educated thousands of cheese lovers to elevate their cheese game. Her motto is “changing the world one nibble of cheese at a time.
But she realized she needed a way to reach more people and this summer she launched St. Anne’s Cheese Academy, offering classes out of the newly expanded Grist on West 5th Street. There are still 3 classes in the summer session, before she takes a break to start making cheese for the busy fall season.
Sun. Aug. 28 4-6pm, Burrata & Ravioli Making $125
(Truffles, Lobster & Burrata) in Homemade Ravioli. Learn how to make ravioli with the most elite flavors of Italy.
Wed. Aug. 31 4-6pm, Mimosa & Mozzarella Making – Free
Sip on a Mimosa made from Prosecco and make your own Mozzarella. Then, create a traditional Caprese Salad with some fresh basil and bread right out of the oven.
Sun. Sept 4 | Kids, Mozzarella & Pasta making
Bring your 6-15 year old child or grandchild to Food Adventure. Come make some Mozzarella and then create your own pasta shapes. $85 for One Parent and Child/ $35 for Additional Parent or Child.
Tequila and Cigars at Patterson Pub
The Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy Announces Season
The Arbogast Performing Arts Center (APAC) is thrilled to announce a return to the stage with a jam-packed agenda of performances as it announces its highly anticipated 2022‒2023 Season. Executive Director Jeanne Ward and the entire APAC team invite the community back for a new season overflowing with exciting performances that include everything from Rock to R&B to a taste of country to gospel performers to a variety of engaging programs sure to entertain both the young and the young-at-heart!
In its inaugural 2021-2022 Season, the APAC presented nine performances and welcomed over 6,500 attendees to its brand-new theater. The 2022-2023 Season is set to even further dazzle and delight audiences from the Upper Miami Valley and Greater Dayton Region with fifteen new performances spanning a variety of genres.
The APAC kicks off its 2022-2023 season in rockin’ style as The Guess Who takes center stage at the APAC on September 17. Once referred to by Rolling Stone magazine as “one of rock’s most consistently fascinating maverick bands,” The Guess Who will thrill audiences with the smash hits from their early years, along with a new batch of original songs, for a dynamic night of rock at the APAC.
The fall line-up continues at the APAC with a pop worship concert overflowing with inspiration as I AM THEY takes the stage on September 24 to share their journey and their faith with the greater Miami County community.
In October, a capella group Naturally 7 takes center stage, although “a capella group” so vastly underplays what they do that they had to coin the phrase “Vocal Play.” This dynamic group has been hosted by late-night comedian and “Carpool Karaoke” collaborator James Corden on “The World’s Best,” and musical maestro Quincy Jones has declared that “Naturally 7 is the future of vocal music!”
In November, one of the most recognizable voices on country radio comes to Troy as Josh Turner visits the APAC. Turner’s distinctive resonant baritone has brought him five Number One hits and five gold and platinum albums. Additionally, Turner has scored multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM Awards nominations and has received six Inspirational Country Music Awards.
The holiday season launches with great fanfare when the APAC welcomes Sandi Patty at the end of November. As one of the most highly acclaimed performers of our time, with five Grammy awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and eleven million units sold, Sandi Patty is simply known as The Voice.
In December, the APAC is delighted to welcome back The Texas Tenors for a performance they call Deep in the Heart of Christmas. With over half a million followers on social media and more than 20 million views on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, this trio is considered the most successful touring group in the history of America’s Got Talent.
Then, Lightwire Theater combines theater and technology to bring a festive holiday story to life through their internationally-recognized signature brand of electroluminescent artistry with A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship, and hope, set to timeless holiday classics from famed artists including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Tchaikovsky.
In January, bedtime has never been so exciting when Llama Llama -Live! arrives at the APAC. This hilarious new musical, based on the bestselling children’s books by Anna Dewdney, will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart.
Magician and Illusionist Mike Super has pioneered a new form of magic with his down-to-earth style, infectious humor, and enchanting personality, resulting in him being named Entertainer of the Year, Best Performing Artist of the Year, Best Novelty Performer of the Year, and America’s Favorite Mystifier on NBC’s hit TV Show Phenomenon. He returns to the APAC in February with a brand new show for Troy that he likes to call Mike Super: Illusionist 2.OH!
Then, music royalty takes center stage at the APAC in February as The Oak Ridge Boys come to town. The Oaks bring four decades of charted singles and 50 years of tradition to Troy for a fantastic evening of Front Porch Singin’.
The APAC springs into action in March as the #1 Michael Jackson tribute show in the world, MJ LIVE!, comes to Troy. From iconic dance moves like the moonwalk to timeless hits like “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It,” the spot-on show brings all the Gloved One’s staples to life in a “Thriller” of a musical spectacular honoring the King of Pop.
Then, Hollywood comes to the APAC as the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra delivers the sights and sounds of cinema’s biggest box office hits. This gala symphonic concert features over 80 musicians and chorus members celebrating the music of John Williams, James Horner, and, of course, Hans Zimmer. The music of Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Forrest Gump, Batman, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more come to life in epic fashion this March.
In April, Fairytales on Ice transports audiences to the heart of France, where magic is alive and memories are made. Join our heroine Belle as she journeys to the castle of the Beast to rescue her father. A cast of world champion ice skaters, cirque performers, and live singers bring this magical tale to life right on the APAC stage!
Then, the unique ballet company Ballet 5:8 engages the Greater Miami Valley community through breathtaking dance. Ballet 5:8 will perform BareFace, a brand-new full-length story ballet by Ballet 5:8 co-founder Julianna Rubio Slager, inspired by the C.S. Lewis novel Till We Have Faces. The intriguing ballet uses the passion-filled myth of Cupid and Psyche to examine love’s motivations, pitfalls, and blind spots. The artistry and athleticism of the Ballet 5:8 dancers will captivate the APAC audience this April.
Finally, the APAC season draws to a close in May with a riveting performance that brings the legendary power and presence of music’s greatest icon, Elvis Presley, in the world premiere concert tour called Elvis: The Concert of Kings. Featuring three of the world’s finest Elvis tribute performers, the evening promises to leave audiences “all shook up” by the spot-on look, vocals, and charisma, all brought to life in this sensational salute to The King.
SEASON MEMBERSHIPS: One of the best ways to secure a seat at any APAC performance is to become a Season Member. An APAC Season Membership provides attractively discounted tickets on select performances, depending on the level of membership selected. In addition, a Season Membership includes the ability to select specific seats in the theater, special recognition in the APAC lobby, a VIP Dining Card offering a 10% discount at participating community dining partners on performance days, and other perks offered throughout the 2022-2023 Season. Most importantly, an APAC Season Membership will contribute to the APAC’s mission of creating community with its Pay It Forward program, allowing the APAC to give away tickets to those who may not be able to purchase tickets on their own.
For more information, to order tickets to any of the APAC performances, or to become an APAC Season Member, call the Box Office at (937) 418-8392 or visit online at www.arbogastperformingarts.org.
Firebirds 2 Course Menu for $24.95
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is offering a 2 Course Menu for $24.95 per person that is available through September 6 for Dine-in or Curbside Pickup
FIRST COURSE – (choose one)
Caesar, Mixed Greens or BLT Salad
Chicken Tortilla Soup or Chef’s Daily Soup
MAIN COURSE (choose one)
Wood Grilled NY Strip
topped with BLT butter, choice of side
Grilled Salmon
with charred corn salsa, choice of side
Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
Wood grilled chicken tossed with balsamic and basil marinated tomatoes, penne pasta, parmesan cheese and spinach
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Austin Landing
3500 Rigby Rd
Miamisburg, OH 45342
(937) 865-9355
11:00 am-10:00 pm 7 days a week
A Night with 38 Special
RTA Extending FREE Weekend Rides Through New Year’s Day
With gas prices remaining high – the Greater Dayton RTA wants to encourage community members to save money by using public transit by extending its free summer weekend rides through January 1, 2023.
There is a lot happening on the weekends, whether you’re making an essential trip or attending an event, the RTA wants to ensure equitable access to community members. The free weekend rides will apply to both fixed-route and paratransit services every Saturday and Sunday through January 1. Riders will get to reap the benefits of extended weekend hours as the RTA now proudly serves Montgomery County every day from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. on most routes.
“With the RTA now offering the same level of service seven days a week, we felt free rides on the weekends would be a great way to get folks familiar with using RTA and providing them with a reliable transportation option for all their weekend needs,” said Bob Ruzinsky, RTA CEO.
To find route times, customers can plan their trip using the free Transit app, or find their route schedule at www.iriderta.org.
Tour de Donut!
The Tour de Donut is a unique bicycle event, where your ability to eat donuts is just as important as your ability to ride your bicycle fast. The event is a mass start timed ride where riders visit donut stops and eat donuts. For each donut the rider eats during the ride (and keeps down) they have 5 minutes deducted from their ride time. There are prizes in several classes including a Tour de Donut championship jersey for the best adjusted “donut time”.