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Riverway Talks: Old Town Canoe Co. Conversation! 🚣

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Join Dan Foley, director of the Great Miami Riverway for a conversation with Alex Sherbinow, Marketing Manager with Johnson Outdoors and Old Town Canoe Co., one of America’s largest manufacturers of canoes & kayaks. He will discuss the company’s interesting history, and the current unprecedented trends in watercraft sales.

Old Town Canoe Co., a Johnson Outdoors brand, has produced canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks, life jackets, and paddles since 1898 . Their legacy began with they built canvas-covered wooden canoes. The company began making kayaks in 1995. In 2000 the company was making more kayaks than canoes.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER Tickets on Sale May 21st

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Dayton Live is proud to confirm that chart-topping a cappella group STRAIGHT NO CHASER will finally hit the road in-person this year  after a year of cancellations due to the pandemic.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER ushered in the modern a cappella craze with their breakthrough version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” twelve years ago.  Since then, the group has clocked in two RIAA-certified Gold records with more than 1 billion streams and sold more than 1.5 million concert tickets worldwide to their unforgettable live shows.  Last year, the group unveiled their latest holiday album, Social Christmasing, featuring the group’s signature twist on Christmas classics like “Silver Bells” and “Frosty The Snowman,” five new original songs, and a hopeful take on the Counting Crows classic “A Long December.”

The “Back In The High Life” Tour, kicking off October 22 at Minnesota’s Mystic Showroom.  The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center will welcome STRAIGHT NO CHASER back to Dayton for one night only on December 22, 2021.

The general public on-sale date is tomorrow: Friday, May 21 at 10 A.M. at https://daytonlive.org/events/straight-no-chaser or by phone at 937-228-3630.  For more information, visit https://sncmusic.com/tour.

“To say we are excited is a huge understatement,” said group member Steve Morgan.  “We cannot wait for the curtain to come up and for us to see actual fans and not cardboard cutouts.  We are so grateful for our fans who invited us into their homes to perform virtually over the last year, but there is no replacing the real thing.  We cannot wait to feel the energy of being in the same room as our fans again.”

“Back in the High Life” will give fans the first opportunity to see the group perform that song in-person plus tracks from last year’s album Social Christmasing, as well as a mix of brand new arrangements and fan favorites, with a setlist changing each night.  STRAIGHT NO CHASER will release a deluxe edition of Social Christmasing later this fall. More details will be released soon.

Looking ahead to the holidays, the nine group members have compiled their favorite cocktail and food concoctions in Straight No Chaser Sound Bites: A Cappella, Cocktails, and Cuisine, a recipe book with personal family memories shared with the broader Chaser family and published by Red Lightning Books (a sister company of IU Press).  Sound Bites is due out November 2, but it is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Red Lightning, and on Straight No Chaser’s site.

 

Dayton Air Show Drops Drive-In Format And Returns To A Normal Show

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Governor DeWine’s announcement that Ohio’s health restrictions will end on June 2nd has given the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger the green light to conduct a “normal” show in 2021. Show officials jumped at the chance to fully reopen and present a traditional show program complete with static display aircraft, specialty seating and a star-studded line-up of top aerobatic performers.

This year’s show will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on July 10th and 11th. 2021 marks the 46th anniversary of Dayton’s premier summer event held at Dayton International Airport.

“Hurray! We are back to a normal show,” proclaimed Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air and Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the event. “We’re so excited to return and give the people of Dayton an outdoor summer event to enjoy with family and friends. We have an incredible lineup of performers, comfortable seating and delicious food and beverages, so come on out and enjoy summer…it’s been a long time since we have been able to do this,” Buchanan added.

Show officials have spoken to Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County and received Ohio Department Public Health’s new order permitting the show to return to normal operations. The show will operate as it has in the past. Static aircraft will be available for public viewing and popular specialty seating areas like the Pavilion, Blue Sky Chalet, and Photo Pit will be open.

The show values its customers and will be implementing some new initiatives that will make guests feel comfortable and safe:

  • ➢  Fresh Air: Everything is outdoors. Nothing like good ole fresh air on a beautiful summer day.
  • ➢  Space: We have over 100 acres of show grounds. Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the show.
  • ➢  Hand Sanitation Stations: Hand sanitation stations throughout site for guest convenience and safety .
  • ➢  Specialty Seating: All umbrella table seating areas, Pavilion, Blue Sky Chalet, private chalets and Chairman’s Club spaced a minimum of 6’ apart.
  • ➢  Cleaning: Tables, restrooms and other surfaces disinfected each day.

    Show spectators will enjoy a full, four-hour feature flying show in 2021. Joining the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be an all-star lineup including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, the amazing Shockwave Jet Truck, all-new Lucas Oil Airshows, and Jacquie B “Ladies, it’s Time to Fly” aerobatics. Additional attractions to the 2021 show will be announced soon.

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    This year is a special year for the Thunderbirds in Dayton. Flying in Thunderbird # 6 as opposing solo will be Dayton native, Major Kyle Oliver. Born at Wright-Patterson AFB Medical Center, Kyle went on to graduate from Beavercreek High School and Ohio State University. He was inspired to join the U.S. Air Force while watching the Thunderbirds as a teen visitor to the Dayton Air Show. What a true Dayton, Ohio homecoming!

    2021 show tickets are on sale now at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can enjoy a print-at-home option on all website purchases. Beginning June 1, 2021, customers can conveniently purchase discount general admission tickets at area Kroger stores. This Kroger exclusive offers $3.00 off adult and children’s tickets at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton/Cincinnati region. Visit the show’s website for additional information.

    Any drive-in tickets purchased for the 2021 show will be automatically refunded. Please visit the show’s website for further information and instructions. Any specialty seating that was purchased for the 2020 show or 2021 show before the change to a drive-in format will be honored at the 2021 show on July 10th and 11th. Visit the show’s website for more information.

Four Free, Self-Guided Mindfulness Walks in FiveRivers MetroParks

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To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and make it easier for the community to de-stress outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks has established four Mindfulness Walks. Visitors will find signage along these short, easy walks inviting them to stop and engage in a variety of simple breathing and meditation activities. The mindfulness activities — developed with input from Dayton Children’s and Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services — can be done not only in the designated MetroParks but in any outdoor space.

“Spending time outdoors is a great way to stay active and improve your physical health, but time in nature improves mental wellbeing, too,” said Amy Dingle, MetroParks’ director of outdoor connections. “Connecting to your five senses, practicing mindful breathing and listing the things that bring you gratitude are tools that help build resiliency and wellbeing. The new Mindfulness Walks are a self-guided opportunity to help people learn how to use these tools and spend time in nature to reduce stress.”

Research shows that just 20 minutes a day immersed in nature significantly lowers stress hormone levels. Indeed, the mental health benefits of spending time in nature have been well documented and include:

  • Better sleep
  • Enhanced mood and feelings of relaxation
  • Lower depression and anxiety
  • Enhanced cognitive abilities, such as memory, creativity and problem solving
  • Improved self-esteem and relationships
  • Strengthened immunity and a reduction in chronic illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes

“Mindfulness means putting all of your attention on one thing. It means taking the time to really notice what you are doing in that moment. You are focused in a very relaxed way,” said John Duby, a physician with Dayton Children’s and professor and chair of Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine department of pediatrics. “Spending time in nature gives us a great chance to be mindful of all our senses, to focus on our surroundings, and respond to what we see, hear, touch and smell. Practicing mindfulness can help us learn to pay better attention in all of our daily lives. For me, Dogwood Pond at Hills & Dales MetroPark is a great place to relax.”

The new Mindfulness Walks are:

  • Eastwood MetroPark: 1385 Harshman Rd. (park entrance) or 4349 Springfield St.
    • Walk on the natural surface trail along the perimeter of the lagoon.
    • Near the Springfield Street entrance, take the stone bridges to the islands in the lagoon.
    • While you’re at the park, you can also walk the brown trail through the prairie and the blue trail along the Mad River — which is a portion of the Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail — as well as the paved Mad River Trail.

  • Huffman MetroPark, 4439 Lower Valley Pike
    • Park near the overlook shelter and take the short natural surface trail toward Huffman Dam.
    • Continue across the dam for scenic views and a connection with the paved Mad River Trail.
    • If Huffman Lake isn’t flooded, you can hike natural surface trails along the lake and Mad River.

  • Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd.
    • Park in the Argonne Forest lot, the first right-hand turn after you enter Possum Creek.
    • Hike the 1.5-mile pink trail and/or the 1-mile blue trail, both of which can be accessed from the parking lot.
    • Possum Creek is home to a robust network of natural surface trails, fishing ponds, horseback riding trails, a small farm and other amenities that allow you to explore the outdoors.
    • Note: The blue trail Mindfulness Walk is also available as an outing in MetroParks’ mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. Visit metroparks.org/mobile for more.

  • Sunrise MetroPark, 50 N. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
    • This linear park, located along the west bank of the Great Miami River, offers great views of the downtown skyline.
    • Look for the Mindfulness Walk signage near the park benches and along the steps leading down to the river.
    • Continue your walk along the paved Great Miami River and Wolf Creek trails.

Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, while spending time outdoors. Current recommendations call for wearing a face covering outdoors if and when social distancing cannot be maintained. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response, visitwww.metroparks.org/covid and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park Ground Breaking

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Dogs everywhere are wagging their tails as Yellow Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist David Butcher steps forward to provide the funds needed to take Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park project all the way to the ribbon-cutting. A Village native, he comes from a family with a history of support for important causes. It seems that a giving heart runs in the family. “I learned at a young age about the critical role of generosity in our communities. That lesson continues to be a part of who I am and what I hope to accomplish,” explained Mr. Butcher.

The anticipated cost of the park increased as in-kind donors were forced to focus on Covid impact. Because of that, initial cost estimates grew, and the timeline got longer. “Despite the slowdown, we were able to move forward on the master plan, gather and analyze critical input from the public, create collaborations, finalize management policies, and more,” explained Beth Miller, founder of the nonprofit Wagtown. Ms. Miller was brought in by Village leadership to guide the process with her formidable dog-friendliness expertise. “The project has been fueled by passion, strengthened through input, guided by expertise, and now is ready to take off like a rocket ship. David Butcher has supplied the much-needed fuel to make the unique dog park dream a reality.” While the donation doesn’t cover every penny, it allows the group to move ahead with confidence that they will deliver on the dog-friendly promises to the community.

Known for its celebration of art, equitable environment, and deep personal connections, the town is perfect for innovative thinking, passionate volunteer involvement, creative solutions, and yes – one of the most unique dog park experiences in the country. Working with Wagtown’s SMART Dog Park program, the results will be a true reflection of the community’s culture with an eye on the future of the area. “We have built a community that is ideal for our Village and what we stand for,” explained Richard Lapedes, a long-time supporter of the park and owner of “Betty,” his sweet dog who found the site on a walk with her favorite human. “This dog park will be a treasure to bring together dog lovers from all walks of life. The sense of belonging and celebration of the spirit of our Village is now just around the corner. You’ll find it very soon at the entrance to the Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park!”

Mr. Butcher is providing resources to tackle nearly all of the major installation needs as well as some “wish list” items that appeared in surveys. “I’m very excited about what this will mean for the Village of Yellow Springs. This new play space will be a draw for people who want to see what’s possible for a dog park,” he beamed. “My roots are in my hometown. Like so many in the Village, I take personal pride in helping to add to the special atmosphere here.”

Groundbreaking for the Yellow Springs Dog Park will be…
• May 18
• 2:00 PM EDT
• Location: The Future Yellow Springs Dog Park! (Gaunt Park on the lawn area behind the water towers)
• Meet committee leaders and volunteers
• Find out what’s next in the creation of the Yellow Springs SMART Dog Park
If you’d like to be involved right now, visit the link below to see how you can join the excitement:
https://www.Wagtown.org/itstime

The park is expected to be completed by September. With outside resources, the creation and maintenance of the dog park can honor its commitment to have a very minimal impact on Village services and budget. Johnnie Burns, Director of Village Public Works, is a valuable partner as he guides decisions that will benefit the project without unduly impacting his team.

The dog park team has just announced the first opportunities to get involved in the adventure. After a lively Zoom meeting filled with excited dog owners (and non-dog owners), plans were announced for the first fundraising event, board positions were made available, and committees that will bring fun and fluff to life in Yellow Springs were kicked off. Enthusiasm was clear as the volunteers signed up to be a part of a new era in the Village and donors clicked to contribute. In addition to accepting board nominations for the upcoming Friends of the Dog Park group, fun teams like Groundbreakers, Brew Crew, SMART Squad, Poop Pride Patrol, and Waggers are looking for volunteers.

Contributing to the project was a perfect fit for the philanthropist. David and his partner, Rachel Hammond, drew inspiration from their rescue dog, Luna, to help bring the project to life. In addition to David’s generosity, he is enthusiastically rolling up his sleeves to help where needed. He plans to serve on the board of the park’s support association and is now reaching out to other community partners and business owners for additional support.

Miller explained that the impact of dog-friendliness was evident in many of the cities that she visited in Wagtown’s nonprofit’s research phase. “The phenomenon’s impact is undeniable. Regionally vibrant cities continue to benefit from the correlation. We love to see that happening, but progress toward dog-friendliness needs to be authentic, responsible, and powered by expertise. That’s where Wagtown can help,” stated Ms. Miller. America is becoming increasingly dog friendly, and it appears that the Yellow Springs area is no exception.

CLICK TO WWW.WAGTOWN.ORG/ITSTIME

Tickets for Alice Cooper Show at The Rose on Sale Friday

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Alice Cooper will make his long-awaited return to the road on a headline tour this Fall. The tour kicks off September 17 in Atlantic City and includes a stop in Huber Heights, OH at Rose Music Center on Tuesday, September 28. Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will appear as special guest.

Cooper, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, usually spends up to six months a year on the road, bringing his iconic brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock rock, Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie. Alice Cooper concerts remain a “not-to-be-missed” attraction!

Cooper’s universally acclaimed new album Detroit Stories is out now via earMUSIC. The record is a celebration of the sound and spirit of the Golden Era of Detroit rock, and debuted on the Billboard Album sales chart at #1 upon release in February.

The Associated Press called Detroit Stories “a masterpiece of classic rock, soul and R&B in homage to the city that produced him,” while Entertainment Weekly proclaimed the release “a love letter from Cooper to his city, and one that encourages a deep dive into his own back catalog and that of his peers.” Variety deemed the album “a delicious tip of the hat to ’70s classics such as ‘Killer’ and ‘School’s Out’ without sounding like a throwback.” Rolling Stone enthused, “That spirit of rock & roll abandon still exists in Cooper’s music half a century later, and his inherent showmanship is why people still fill theaters to see his guillotine act. It’s also why his records are still fun to listen to: You never know where he’s headed.” Get it here.

“We’ve always had fun touring together and it should be a heavy rock show with Ace and a great way to get everyone back to live concerts again,” says Cooper. “It should be a great night of virtuoso guitars!”

Ace Frehley, KISS co-founder and 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, continues his reflections on a lifetime in music with Origins, Vol. 2. No stranger to cover versions throughout his musical history — having recorded, rebranded and repossessed such notable nuggets as “New York Groove,” “Do Ya” and “I Wanna Go Back” over the course of his eight previous studio efforts — this new collection presents a thoughtful and exciting selection of songs that inspired and helped shape the legendary guitarist. Foremost of importance to the original Spaceman is delivering an album his fans will enjoy, but one where every song also has a place in his life’s jukebox.

“I’ve known Alice for over 30 years,” says Frehley. “We’re good friends, and we’ve toured together numerous times and always had a blast. Our musical roots are very similar, and the combination of our two bands make for a great event that nobody is gonna want to miss. Being off the road for more than a year because of the pandemic has been tough on everyone in the music industry, and I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the fans happy, healthy, and ready to rock.”

Tickets for the Huber Heights show will go on sale to the public beginning at 10am on Friday, May 21st at www.Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center box office.

Pandora Effect Plays Bike Night

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Over 11 years ago, six long time seasoned musicians who love to rock it out, joined forces to bring some amazing music to Southwest Ohio. Fronted by the amazing lead vocals of Pam Grote, Pandora Effect quickly established itself as a great live band that features expert musicianship, killer lead and backing vocals and splendid reproductions of some of the greatest songs ever recorded. From Led Zeppelin to Heart and Janis to Pink, Pandora Effect creates fun and excitement that will keep you rocking and on your feet all night long!

This Old Farmer’s Market Launchs Fifth Season

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Tis the season to get outside and support local growers and vendors. It is time for one of Dayton’s best farmer’s markets. It is time for This Old Farmer’s Market to launch its fifth season this Sunday, May 16th,  from 12 to 3 p.m.

This Old Farmer’s Market consists of local vendors offering a variety of food items including spices, fresh baked goods, sauces, coffees, teas, fresh produce, gluten-free options, fresh flowers, meats, jams, honey, snacks, pet treats and so much more! Located on the grounds of This Old Couch, 3930 Dayton Xenia Road in Beavercreek, we encourage everyone to join us for the beginning of a bigger and better season.

Plus, each week several food trucks will be on hand to provide you with some delicious drinks and foods! It’s an all-around wonderful way to support so many local businesses!

Food trucks attending this week include Craves and The Family Bean Coffee Truck

Market vendors attending Opening Day include:

  • Big Axe Spice

  • Blairquist Specialty Meats

  • Busy Bee Real Meals

  • Chesapeake Popcorn

  • Foxhole Farm

  • Heather’s Gourmet Caramel Apples

  • Hooting Hills Organic Farm

  • Jenny G’s Cupcakes & Treats

  • La Petite Lavender

  • Little Miami Farms

  • Nature’s Choice Microgreens

  • Pay It Forward CSA

  • Purely Sweet Bakery (gluten-free)

  • Spoonful: Cookie Dough

  • Stillwater Valley Orchard & Apiary

  • Sweet Emmy’s Herbals

  • Sweet Potato Blooms

  • Sweets by Sarah Alice

  • Taste-T-Love Baby Food

This Old Farmer’s Market

This Old Farmer’s Market offers a wide variety of produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, spices, sauces, snacks – all grown and prepared locally.

located at This Old Couch
3930 Dayton Xenia Rd,
Beavercreek, OH 45432
(937) 426-6005

Runs every Sunday from 12 to 3 pm from May 16th through October 17th.

Adventure Reef Water Park Opens Memorial Day Weekend

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After a dry summer in 2020 due to the pandemic, Kettering’s 3-acre outdoor aquatic facility has announced it will open this summer. The 2021 Adventure Reef Water Park season starts with the park’s Memorial Day weekend kickoff which runs May 29-31. The regular season hours at the park start June 4. Hours will be limited to just noon to 5 pm daily, thought hours may expand later in the season, depending on ability to hire staff.

The water park features the highest and fastest slides in Montgomery County. Additionally, a splash pad, large water playground and plenty of deck seating and chairs greet water park guests. 

Admission for Kettering residents is $5 for adults , $4 for 3-17 years olds and $1 for toddlers 2 and younger. Non-residents pay $10 for adults, $8 for youth. Season passes for residents range are $55 for youth, $65 for adults and a family pass runs $195.  Non-resident passes run $85 for youth, $100 for adults and $295 for a family pass.  Purchase by June 6th for a 10% discount. 

Pass holders enjoy special benefits at Adventure Reef including early entry, exclusive use of the park on Sundays. Pass holders also receive food and drink specials at the concession stand. The water park is located at 2900 Glengarry Dr, in Kettering.

City of Dayton Offers Tax Filing Assistance

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In-person assistance for City of Dayton income tax customers is available by appointment as the May 17 filing deadline approaches.
Extended office hours will be available on Friday, May 14, and Monday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Appointments may be made at https://daytonincometax.setmore.com.
The tax office is located at Dayton City Hall, 101 W. Third St. (use the Third Street entrance).
Dayton tax forms can be found at daytonohio.gov/taxforms, and credit card payments can be made at daytonohio.gov/paytax. Individual filers can file and pay via ACH online at cityofdaytontax.com.
The Dayton municipal income tax filing deadline for individual taxpayers has been extended to Monday, May 17, 2021. Late filing penalties, and late payment penalties and interest, will not be imposed from April 15, 2021, through May 17, 2021, for these extended filings and payments.
For more information, contact the Dayton tax team at 937-333-3500

Join the 2021 Superhero Donut Run

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The 2021 Superhero Donut Run 5k/10k/Fun Run benefiting the Dayton Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation, Inc will be LIVE and IN PERSON on Saturday, May 15th! Come out in your Superhero costume and run to help grant the Special Wishes of Dayton area children who are battling life-threatening illnesses.