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Urban League Hires New Executive Director

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The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio has named Nikol Miller the newest member of its executive team. Nikol is a mission-driven lifelong public servant with immense experience in community outreach, public policy, fundraising, and media relations. She will begin her role as executive director of the Miami Valley Urban League on March 8, 2021. Helen Jones- Kelley, executive director of ADAMHS Board for Montgomery County and Urban League Board Trustee, said, “The Miami Valley Urban League Advisory Board is excited to welcome Nicole Miller as our new director! In addition to her remarkable contributions during her tenure at RTA, Nicole grew up in the Miami Valley and has fostered important relationships here that will allow her to hit the ground running in taking the MVUL in its service to this community to the next level.”

She began her career as a Legislative Aide in the Dayton City Commission. She worked on projects to incentivize small business development in the Wright-Dunbar and Tech Town in the early 2000s. In 2004, she went to Chicago and worked in development for the Metropolitan Planning Council, a public policy and issue advocacy organization that focused on issues around sensible growth primarily related to transportation, affordable housing, and land use.

At the start of the 2010 Census, she was brought on to handle the Chicago Region’s media relations and then promoted to the Regional Director’s Special Assistant, working on the decennial outreach component projects. Ms. Miller’s other Census-related experiences after 2010 include: supervising the data collection for the ambulatory care surveys, training organizations and people on how to access census data from American Factfinder, and eventually working with a team of consultants to develop the national outreach plan for the 2020 Census.

Nikole served as Chief of Staff for Chicago’s 7th Ward Alderman, Natashia Holmes. In this role, she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office and introduced new community involvement initiatives to promote housing and economic development and guide decisions for community improvement.

In 2016, the Greater Dayton RTA hired Nikol as community relations manager. She was responsible for maintaining RTA’s community relations program by developing partnerships with stakeholders and community groups to advocate for RTA interests while fostering communication throughout the agency’s footprint.

Nikol Miller is a graduate of Miami University. She is a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. She serves on the boards for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Greater Edgemont Community Coalition, Fiver Rivers Health Center Edgemont Campus Board, African American Community Fund Board, City of Dayton’s Community and Neighborhood Development Advisory Board, and OnMain Advisory Board. Nikol resides in Dayton’s Sunnyview-Catalpa neighborhood with her dog, Neo, and is a seven-year cancer survivor.

The mission of The Urban League is to transform generations by promoting personal empowerment and economic self- sufficiency. The Urban League combines two divisions: Greater Cincinnati Urban League and the Miami Valley Urban League. Together, we serve 12 counties from Northern Kentucky to Dayton, Ohio. Visit their  website for more information.

RFP for Artwork for the New Burkhardt Branch Library

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The Dayton Metro Library and The Dayton Art Institute seek to commission site-specific art installations for the new Burkhardt Branch Library in Dayton. Proposals will be accepted through April 2, and the commissions will be announced on April 16. Detailed information about this Request for Proposals can be found at:DaytonMetroLibrary.org/works/artists.

ReImagining Works is a partnership between the Library and the DAI to acquire original artwork for each of the Dayton Metro Library’s new or renovated locations. Artists are invited to propose newly created artworks conceived in response to three artworks from the DAI’s permanent collection. These inspiration pieces were chosen by public vote, particularly Burkhardt Branch Library patrons. Artists may develop a response to one or all artworks.

The inspiration pieces are Joy of the Waters, a bronze sculpture by Harriet Whitney Frishmuth; Flying Pup King, an acrylic painting on canvas by Yoshimoto Nara; andVendedoras De Frutas, an oil on canvas painting by Alfredo Ramos Martinez.

The newly designed 17,800 square foot Burkhardt Branch Library will be located at the corner of Burkhardt and Shedborne Avenues in east Dayton. Proposed artworks should reflect the distinctive personality of this location; resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds; inspire collaboration, learning and creativity; and contribute to an inviting, engaging and stimulating environment.

From the proposals received, the DML ReImagining Works Committee will select the winning artists, who will meet with DML and DAI staff, architects, and construction representatives to confirm plans for the commission. The artists will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement by May 2021, and complete their work by December 2021.

 

Susan Anable is The Dayton Art Institute’s project manager for ReImagining Works. Due to safety considerations, in-person informational meetings will not be held. Instead, artists may email Susan at [email protected] with questions about the project or the art locations. Additionally, Susan will schedule individual phone calls with artists. To schedule a phone consultation, email [email protected].

 

For more information on the RFP, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/works/artists. ReImagining Works is made possible by an anonymous bequest. More information about the project, including photos of installations at completed Libraries, can be found atDaytonMetroLibrary.org/Works.

 

Make Valentine’s Day Extra Special For Kids in the Hospital!

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Kids love to make and give valentines. Every year, Dayton Children’s Child Life team plans extra special Valentine’s Day crafts for kids who are in the hospital over the holiday so they can have the chance to make something special for a loved one.

This year, you have a chance to make something special too — a personalized Valentine for a child in the hospital!

Simply click the photo, choose your design and add your name. Children’s will  make sure it’s delivered to a boy or girl who is spending Valentine’s Day at Dayton Children’s!

Please help ensure every child spending Valentine’s Day in the hospital gets a card that shows exactly how much they are loved. It’s so easy, and it means so much.

P.S. After you send your card, please share this post so others have the chance to get involved too!

Cory Breth plays the Little York

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My song “Kentucky” is about long-distance friendships. For me, it’s about my friends that became family through vacation. I love them all a whole lot. There’s a special edition of the song available on all platforms RIGHT NOW. It includes the album version, an acoustic version, and the original phone demo so you could hear where the song started. Go give it a listen, share it with your friends, and throw it on a playlist!

Call For Art fo DSA’s Spring Show

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Unite is the Dayton Society of Artists’ 2020 annual spring juried show. The call for art is open to all mediums, techniques, and styles. Work is encouraged to, but does not have to fit the theme, “unite.”

Any artist, 18 years or older, who lives, works, or attends school within 50 miles of the gallery is eligible to enter. Jacinda Russell will be this year’s juror and over $1000 will be awarded in prizes! Please note: this year all submissions will be digitally submitted instead of physically at the gallery. An online exhibition will also be created at daytondsa.org/unite and images will be shared on social media.

Submissions Due: March 1, 2021

Prospectus

Apply Now

Elvis Tribute Show at Stuart’s Opera House

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Award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Dwight Icenhower returns  to the Stuart’s Opera House Stage (both in-person and livestream options available) on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Dwight will perform two unique live shows in our historic theater called, “Back to My Roots.” The show is an intimate, unique and heartfelt show with Ohio native, Dwight Icenhower. In this show, you will be taken on a musical journey through songs and stories of Dwight’s life and career, starting where it all began: in Ohio. You will even get the chance to participate in the show by asking Dwight your own personal questions or even requesting your favorite song! You know him and love him as Elvis and after this show you will know and love him as Dwight Icenhower!

Per health department recommendations, we are permitted to sell 60 tickets for each live show, one show will be at 1:30pm ET and the second show will be at 6pm ET. In addition to the live, in-person performances, we will also be livestreaming the 6pm show. Tickets for the live show are $50 each. To purchase limited in-person tickets for these special events, you must call 740-753-1924. Online tickets are not available for these concerts. The livestream will be available to watch free of charge at stuartsoperahouse.org, but donations to Stuart’s Opera House are welcomed and encouraged.

Want to ask Dwight Icenhower a question or make a song request?
Email [email protected]

Please include your first and last name, where you are from, your question for Dwight, and your song request.

IMPORTANT INFO:

Stuart’s Opera House, like all performance venues, have been shuttered since March of 2020. The only way we can all safely get the live performance industry back is if everyone agrees to adhere to strict safety protocol. We greatly appreciate your respect for and support of the following guidelines.

This is a socially distanced event that will take place indoors in our historic theater. You should enter with the guest(s) you intend to sit with for the event. A nose and mouth covering is required to be properly worn for all of those in attendance. No one will be allowed entry without a face covering. Stuart’s Opera House will have face coverings available for guests who need one. The mask must be worn at all times, including in the Theater and the Grand Lobby. If you are taking a drink, the mask may be removed to do so, but must immediately be put back on after you are done taking the drink.

Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in pods. Pods are a small group of people who agree to sit together and socialize with one another exclusively. These are the people who you have been regularly exposed to throughout the pandemic. Each group of seats will be spaced at least 6 feet apart in the theater. We ask that if you purchase your tickets in a pod, that you arrive with the other members of your pod, so you can be seated at the same time.

Upon entry, each guest will be asked to sign a form indicating that they have not experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to the show. If guests have experienced symptoms within 48 hours of the show, they are not permitted to attend the show. Please call Stuart’s Opera House and we will issue you a refund for your ticket(s).

Because of the current pandemic, we are asking audience members to stay in their seats the entire show. We will not have our usual bar service, but we will provide a complimentary bottle of water for every attendee.

 
Dwight Icenhower will perform at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio on Saturday, March 13th at 1:30pm and 6:00pm. The 6:00pm show will also be livestreamed. Tickets to either live show are $50 each. To purchase limited in-person tickets for these special events, you must call 740-753-1924. Online tickets are not available for these concerts. The livestream will be available to watch free of charge at stuartsoperahouse.org, but donations to Stuart’s Opera House are welcomed and encouraged.

DSA’s 16th Annual Printmaking Exhibition, Litho-Lino-Mono-More

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Opening February 5, the Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is pleased to exhibit their 16th annual printmaking exhibition. The call for art was open to all adult printmakers who live, work, or attend school in Ohio. Julie Harris, graduate of Wright State University and assistant professor at Kean University, juried the entries for the exhibition.

Christine D’Epiro Abbott, Columbus 
nearest and dearest, 2020

Litho-Lino-Mono-More 2021 features thirty prints by eighteen artists who use a wide variety of printmaking methods such as screenprinting, etching, mezzotint, linoleum and woodblock printing, collograph, and serigraph. The artists included in the exhibition are Vanessa Bahr, Janet Ballweg, Stephanie Berrie, Brent Billingsley, Claire Bowman, Christine D’Epiro Abbott, Cassidy Ely, Nicole Fiely, Autumn Geer, Robin Landis, Gabrielle Lawrence, Arturo Rodriguez, Libby Slauenwhite, Ryan Stoneberger, and Kathryn Yarkosky. The artists represent a wide swath of Ohio’s cities including Toledo, Berea, Athens, Columbus, and Cincinnati. DSA is also pleased to report that three local DSA members, Shannon Grecula, Melanie Morrett, and Charles Wright, were selected to participate in the exhibition.

DSA’s annual printmaking exhibition was first started by David Smith, a well-known Dayton artist and an avid supporter of the DSA, sixteen years ago to honor his wife and printmaking artist, Kay Smith. An award will be given in memory of Kay’s legacy as well as a first and second place prize. In lieu of a reception, award announcements will be made over a facebook video and will be included on the home page of the DSA’s website.

Paul Rienzo
Yellow, Goodbye, 2021

Showing concurrently is Paul Rienzo in the DSA’s project space. Rienzo is a Chemical Engineer and a self-taught artist. His photo-realistic Millennial Parade series “convey[s] observations about evolving American society. The parade serves as a metaphor for trends of constructing of new realities and their blending, inflated importance, complexity, teaming up, the daily marching by of what matters, and anxiety.”

The exhibitions will run from February 5 through February 27. DSA’s gallery is open 12-5 Friday and Saturday, and 6-9 on First Fridays. The gallery is free and open to the public but is operating by appointment only during the pandemic. Appointments may be made on their website’s homepage, daytondsa.org or by calling 937-228-4532. The exhibition will be viewable online at daytondsa.org/llmm2021.

Partners for the Environment launches fundraising campaign

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Twelve groups from across the region are partnering to raise funds to continue their crucial missions of protecting and preserving our vital natural resources.

Today, more than ever, help is needed to support the work to preserve and protect the green spaces we love. In the midst of a global pandemic, our parks, forests, wetlands, hiking trails, rivers and streams are there for us. They give us a place of peace, discovery, joy and rejuvenation for our physical and mental wellbeing. And we need them to be there for us in the future. We need clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy soils to grow our food.

For the month of February, the Gifts That Grow campaign unites local and regional not-for-profit groups to help raise awareness and needed funds to continue their work. The campaign is a collaboration managed by the Partners for the Environment including:

 

    • Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
    • Beaver Creek Wetlands Association
    • B-W Greenway Community Land Trust
    • Brukner Nature Center
    • Central State University
    • Clark County Park District
    • Glen Helen Association
    • Learning Tree Farm
    • Little Miami River Watershed Network
    • Marianist Environmental Education Center
    • Tecumseh Land Trust
    • Rivers Institute at the University of Dayton

 

The Gifts That Grow fundraising campaign will run through February 28, 2021.

They need your help today! Donate now at https://tinyurl.com/GiftsThatGrow2021.

The funds raised during the Gifts That Grow campaign will be split evenly among the participating organizations. The Partners for the Environment is a Component Fund of The Dayton Foundation. For more information: www.gdpartners.org

 

The Partners for the Environment is an alliance of environmental organizations, government and civic organizations, and public and private educational institutions. These organizations share the common goal of protecting, restoring, preserving, and promoting the environmental and agricultural resources of the Great Miami River and Little Miami River Watersheds – an 18 county region in southwest Ohio.

City of Dayton Offers Tax Preparation Assistance

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In-person assistance is available to City of Dayton income tax customers. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4.30 pm. To schedule an appointment call 937-333-3500 or go to daytonincometax.setmore.com.
Customers who need to drop-off income tax documents and/or payments can use the secure dropboxes located inside and outside City Hall (Ludlow side of the building). Customers may also make income tax payments and submit supporting tax documents online at daytonohio.gov/paytax.
Visitors to City Hall must wear protective masks or face coverings (masks will be provided when needed). Temperature checks may also be required before entering City offices. Please limit the number of individuals attending, with just one accompanying a customer when needed.

The Gem City Sewing Company Opens at The Dayton Mall

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Dayton has always had the reputation for being a globally recognized hub for innovation! The Gem City Sewing Company has a goal to provide high-quality design, cut and sew training to build on local industry momentum connecting the existing collaborative community to workforce development, technology and manufacturing.

The GCSC will offer workforce development for train to sew programs in under-served communities to pair skilled sewist with sewn goods employers including the Dayton Threads and the Dayton Garment & Textile District Resource Directory, as well as manufacturing small sewing projects for paid work, earning $12-17.50 an hour.

Their Workforce Development program will work with area manufacturers and community organizations to develop our Industrial Sewing Training programs that prepare individuals for employment in the sewing industry.

They are here to make a difference and they will do this in several ways:

 

  • Teach job skills for sewing type occupations for employment or entrepreneurship, focusing on our local core
  • Foster social capital across cultural relationships in ways to lift everyone up
  • Develop & sustain community interest & involvement in social justice through our activities
  • Provide learning opportunities that will create a legacy for new generations to the creative life
  • Collaborate & cooperate with other non-profits with similar objectives

 

Training will consist of the following areas:

 

  1. Module 1 Basic Skills
  2. Module 2 Garment Introductions
  3. Module 3 Commercial Track
  4. Module 4 Quilting

 

Training Programs will consist of 3-6 months of instruction with required homework. Mandatory testing will take place after each completed module.  For more info email [email protected]

The Gem City Sewing Company is a subsidiary of The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC,  a volunteer community Think Tank providing access for emerging designers, aspiring models, sewist, and textile makers into the fashion industry.

 

BaconFest – Now Happening at Dorothy Lane Market

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Although this year’s BaconFest may look very different without tastings and the event excitement, Dorothy Lane Market thought about it and decided that the bacon must go on! They are still raising the curtain to highlight the star of the frying pan—BACON!

We’re talking about DLM Uncured Bacon that contains no nitrates or nitrites, and is lifetime antibiotic free. During BaconFest, look for featured bacon-licious products weaved throughout our offering in just about every department, through Feb. 9th.

From Bourbon Salted Chocolate Bacon to Bacon  & Cheddar Stuffed Portobello, you’ll find bacon-centric products all around the stores. From the Bacon Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread and the Maple Bacon Baby Cake in the Bakery to Chuao Baconluxious Chocolate Bars, uncured Bacon Marmalade, Bacon Cheddar Bratwurst or Palo

Bacon Cheddar popcorn in our aisles you’ll find so many bacon infused products, all specially marked around the stores. You can even try their Bacon Roll Sushi!

 

They’ve even created a shopping checklist so that you can make sure you check out all the bacon offerings between now and February  9th.  This promotion is being held all all 3 DLM locations.

Design a T-shirt for Giovanni’s – Win Pizza For a Year!

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Giovanni’s in Fairborn is looking for some creative new shirt designs to represent their business.  Here are some of their previous shirts:
You may send your design to them by mail, drop off at the restaurant or send by messenger on Facebook.

Two winners will be declared.  One will be chosen by Giovanni’s and the 2nd will be chosen by voters on social media.
Winers  will be awarded 1 free large pizza a month for 12 months!
All designs are due by March 1st 2021
Please let me know if you have any questions!!

 

Giovanni’s Fairborn

215 W Main St
Fairborn, OH 45324
(937) 878-1611
Wednesday – Sunday  11am – 9pm

Reservations suggested for dine in

4th Annual Oyster Fest at Lily’s!

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From Tuesday, January 26-Sunday, February 7 (excluding Mondays when they are closed) from 5-9pm Lily’s  will be celebrating these delightful bites of pure ocean flavor! Guests can enjoy a massive selection of the oysters prepared in a myriad of ways at this Oregon District eatery.  What you’ll find on the Oyster Fest Menu:

RAW

Oysters on the half shell choose either Assorted East Coast (Washburn, Bluepoint; typically ‘meatier’ but individual sizes vary) or West Coast (Barron Point-typically deep-cupped and more petite) $2.50 each choose up to 1 sauce per 2 oysters: horseradish, cocktail sauce, or lemongrass mignonette. Saltines and hot sauce available at no cost upon request

Oyster shooter – ‘Bloody Mary:’ Belle of Dayton Vodka, Lily’s signature Bloody Mary Mix, celery& raw oyster 7

Bloody Mary Shooter. Photo by Donald Lawson

Sake: Chilled sake, ponzu citrus soy vinaigrette, sesame seed, raw oyster 7
SOUP AND APPETIZERS:

Oyster and potato leek New-England style chowder 6

Oysters “Cochon-feller”: oysters baked on the halfshell with butter, garlic, and sambal, inspired by Emily’s favorite oyster preparation from her former employer, Cochon, in New Orleans 12 add freshly baked rosemary-garlic focaccia bread for dipping +5

Photo by Donald Lawson


add freshly baked rosemary-garlic focaccia bread for dipping +5


Fried Oysters with Lily’s spicy remoulade 10

Fried oysters. Photo by Donald Lawson

ENTREES:

Oyster Scampi: shucked oysters and angel hair pasta in a white wine, garlic, and butter sauce with fresh herbs and oven-roasted cherry tomatoes 20

Fried Oyster Po-Boy: Fried oysters on french bread, ‘dressed’ with lettuce, tomato, and lily’s remoulade, served with house garlic fries 17

Oyster Po Boy. Photo by Donald Lawson

Lily’s is also offering specials on champagnes and sparkling wines, which serve as the perfect beverage to pair with oyster.
CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE SPECIALS:

LAURENT-PERRIER Brut Champagne (187mL-enough for two to toast)
Crisp, fresh and elegant, Brut LP is a pale golden hue, with fine and persistent bubbles. $16
CANARD DUCHENE Authentic Brut Champagne
Freshness and intensity bring together nobility and nature. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the wine is characterized by fresh fruit aromas jostling with brioche notes. The fruit aromas carry through to the palate and intermingle with pastry notes. $60
JCB NO. 21 FRENCH CREMANT
This is a top-of-the-range crémant that is crisp and textured while also fruity. It has richness, laced with acidity and citrus. Fresh and full of apple flavor, it’s an impressive wine that offers Champagne taste at a kinder price point. $38
POEMA CAVA BRUT ROSE
Fresh and elegant notes of strawberry, raspberry and rose petals. Balanced acidity keeps the wine light and fresh. $30
GIANCARLO PROSECCO
Easy drinking bubbles from Italy $28

Lily’s Dayton

Oregon District
329 E 5th St
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 723-7637
Tuesday- Thursday:  5-9pm
Friday: 5-10pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm (Brunch) 5-10pm

Sunday: 10am-2pm (Brunch) 5-9:30pm

Register Now for MetroParks 2nd annual Trails Challenge

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The MetroParks Trails Challenge is back for 2021, with new trails and more time in which to complete them. Starting Feb. 1 and running through Oct. 31, participants can check off 28 trails for hiking, walking, cycling, paddling, running, mountain biking and even horseback riding.

Five Rivers MetroParks locations’ are home to 160 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The greater Dayton region is home to more than 340 miles of paved trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network — and 270 miles of river corridor.

More than 900 people registered for the inaugural 2020 MetroParks Trails Challenge, with participants completing more than 4,000 miles of human-powered travel — that’s longer than the Amazon River.

“Because participants explore the trails on their own time and in their own way, it’s easy to practice safe social distancing while participating,” said Randy Ryberg, MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator. “The MetroParks Trails Challenge is a convenient way to improve your physical and mental health while connecting with nature and enjoying an active lifestyle.”

How to participate:

How to win prizes:

  • Complete just one trail in the challenge, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop of your choosing. You’ll receive one entry for each trail you complete. Complete all 28 trails and get 28 chances to win.
  • New for 2021, youth ages 14 and younger who complete just one trail will be entered to win a Kids Adventure Pack, which includes cool outdoor gear. Youth also will receive one entry for each trail they complete.
  • Also new this year, everyone who completes just one mountain bike trail will be entered to win a Huffy Mountain Bike. Participants will receive one entry for each mountain bike trail completed. Complete all three trails and get three chances to win.
  • Everyone who completes at least 18 trails will receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker. Also, 100 people completing at least 18 trails will be selected at random to receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge T-Shirt.
  • Winners be notified by e-mail or phone. Prizes will be distributed after Oct. 31.

How to plan ahead:

  • Some of the trails in the challenge are segments of larger trails, so participants may have to hike, bike or shuttle back to their starting point. Other trails included are loops, starting and ending at the same point.
  • Some of the trails require special gear, such as a mountain bike or kayak, but participants can walk, hike, run or jog 21 of the 28 trails.
  • Participants must use necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and lifejacket, during their adventures.
  • Some park and trail amenities, such as water fountains, remain closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please visit www.metroparks.org/covid to learn which amenities are closed.
  • Check the status of trails at MetroParks’ alerts page (metroparks.org/alerts), the Miami Conservancy District’s Trail Conditions page and the Miami Valley Trails’ alerts page.

 

Participants and Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, while spending time outdoors.