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

Dayton Most Metro

Fetch a Fiat and Help Fido Raffle

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Get your motors running and buy your raffle tickets now for a 1 in 1,000 chance to win a brand new 2013 Fiat 500!

Raffle tickets cost $50 each and all proceeds from the event go directly to the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, the area’s oldest and largest ‘no-kill’ animal welfare agency.To purchase tickets stop by the Humane Society at 1661 Nicholas Road in Dayton or at the MeowZa Cat Boutique inside the Dayton Mall (across from Dick’s Sporting Goods). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.hsdayton.org/fiat.Tickets make great gifts, too! What better way to stuff some stockings this holiday season, then with a raffle ticket for each of your family members

Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Fetch a Fiat Raffle Ticket:

1. You can help animals get the food, shelter and medical care they need to have a second chance at a great life.

2. You never have to worry about parallel parking again.

3. You have better odds of winning a brand new Fiat than you do of winning the lottery!

4. You won’t have to spend your whole paycheck filling up your tank with gas each week.

5. You love animals just as much as we do!

6. You are too busy to volunteer or adopt, but want to still make a difference in the life of an animal.

7. You will get that great warm and fuzzy feeling from knowing you are impacting the life of an animal!

 

 

How Good are Your Odds? 

You have a 1 in 1,000 shot at winning this car!

These odds are better than:

  • Winning the Mega Millions lottery – 1 in 176 million
  • Finding a four-leaf clover on the first try – 1 in 10,000
  • Getting a hole in one while golfing – 1 in 5,000

 

Winner will be announced on Saturday, December 29 at 2 p.m. at the Bob Ross Fiat, 91 Loop Road in Centerville.

A minimum of 600 raffle tickets must be purchased for the grand prize winner to receive a brand new red 2013 Fiat 500. If 600 tickets are not sold, the grand prize winner will receive a 50/50 cash split with the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. For a complete list of rules, click here.

The wait is over! Little Art Theatre Grand Reopening is this weekend!

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sns020113LittleArt2On Saturday, September 28, the newly remodeled Little Art Theatre will reopen its doors to the public with an Open House and Grand Reopening Celebration — it’s your chance at a first look at the historic  Yellow Springs movie theater’s nearly half-million dollar renovation, financed by donations from people like you.

The Grand Reopening event takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. The Little Art will be open during that time for people to look around — old-time movies and cartoons will be shown in the auditorium, the concession stand will be open and free popcorn will be available, and special-edition Little Art T-shirts will be for sale. Children can stop in for face painting between 3 and 6 pm. Short Street will be closed for food trucks and dancing in the street, with movie-themed music provided by DJ Juju from 5 to 9 p.m. We hope you’ll come dressed as your favorite movie character! At 7 pm, the Little Art will premier its new animated short, “Welcome to the Little Art,” made by a team of volunteers and directed by award-winning local filmmaker Steve Bognar.

On Sunday, Sept. 29, a 12-day film festival begins with the screening of a fresh digital print of the 1923 comic silent film Safety Last! starring Harold Lloyd, a perfect way to honor the past with new technology. The “Back to the Movies Festival” continues with a parade of fan favorites and new movies from over the summer, including the 1965 musical The Sound of Music (one of Little Art patrons’ favorite films according to a recent survey), Before Midnight (2013), The Kings of Summer(2013), Renoir (2012), Mud (2012), Much Ado About Nothing (2012), the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom (2013), the Japanese animated film From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) and The Way, Way Back (2013). Regular programming returns on Friday, Oct. 11, with Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine. Visit www.littleart.com for show times.

Welcome back and we’ll see you at the movies!
~Jenny

Is There Room In Your Life For A New Furry Friend?

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8oiy1sx5vp1x941etpvikaefwlgar3k5Come, stay, adopt on September 28th at the third annual “WilmerHale Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest!”

International law firm WilmerHale is once again teaming up with the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and SICSA Pet Adoption Center for the “Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest” on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held outside the WilmerHale Offices, 3139 Research Boulevard (located in the Miami Valley Research Park), Dayton, OH 45420.

“With the unwavering support of our staff and partners, we hope to find loving, lasting homes for as many pets as possible,” said Donna Smith of WilmerHale’s Dayton Business Services Center. “WilmerHale is committed to working with our community partners on important issues to improve the quality of life for people and pets alike.”

“We are proud to once again join forces with WilmerHale and our adoption partners on such an incredible event,” added Animal Resource Center Director, Mark Kumpf. “Every homeless pet deserves a chance to find a loving, lasting home and partnerships like this definitely strengthen our efforts.”

Dozens of dogs will be available for adoption at this family-friendly event featuring music provided by Montgomery County Auditor and DJ Karl Keith! Plus, McNasty’s food truck will be there, too!

WilmerHale is a leading full-service law firm with 1,000 lawyers in a dozen cities in the United States and abroad.

For more information on the WilmerHale Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest, contact:

Montgomery County Animal Resource Center: (937) 898-4457 or http://www.mcohio.org/animalshelter
Humane Society of Greater Dayton: (937) 268-PETS (7387) or http://www.humanesocietydayton.org
SICSA: 937-294-6505 or http://www.sicsa.org

Barstools & Brushstrokes Combines Cocktails and Creativity

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barstools-and-brushstrokesBarstools and Brushstrokes is the newest twist for your happy hour!  Explore your creative side while recreating the featured nights painting with step-by-step guidance from the instructor.  Classes are for both the artistic and the not-so-artistic… the main objective is to have fun!!!

Instructors will guide you, step by step, recreating the featured nights painting. We provide all materials needed (canvases, easels, paints, aprons, etc…) just bring yourself and your creativity! It’s fun, easy, and totally stress free! You’ll go home with a 16X20 masterpiece that is “uniquely yours” and hopefully a new found talent that you’ll want to explore! All materials are provided (canvases, easels, paints, aprons, etc…) just bring your own personal style and we do the rest!

Upcoming classes:

 Oregon Express 7-9pm Wed, Sept 25th

Blind Bob’s 1-3pm, Sun, Sept 29th

 

**Events have food and/or drinks available for purchase.  
Check schedule to see specific event details and happy hour specials!**

Because of limited seating, signing up in advance is always recommended. Register online to confirm your spot in a class . If a class is sold out,  you can be  put on a waiting list or just show up at the scheduled event…though they don’t promise anything, due to last minute cancellations, they can almost always get you in!

– All supplies are provided, including aprons, but it is still recommended that you wear something you don’t mind getting dirty or possibly stained.  Barstools and brushstrokes cannot be responsible for any paint damage.

Friends of the Poor Walk

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logo-st-vincentThere’s still time for you to lace up a pair of your favorite walking shoes and join St. Vincent de Paul in raising funds to relieve poverty, on Sat, Sept 28th at The Job Center.  Check in beigins at 9am and the 5K walk begins at 10am.

There is no fee to register.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hOUoj77yc8′]
Walkers are encouraged to make a personal monetary donation and collect pledges from supporters.  On-line walker registration and pledging makes it easy for you to send e-vites to raise dollars and collect credit card donations.

Follow the steps below to get registered today!
Step 1: Go to www.svdpusa.net/fop/
Step 2: At the top of the page, select Walkers then select
Become a New Walker
Step 3: Your Conference/Council’s address is in Ohio
Step 4: Type #436 in the search box to find and select your Beneficiary –
District Council of Dayton
Step 5: Complete the registration form. In the Walk Event field, choose
OH Dayton: The Job Center, District Council of Dayton
For questions or paper registration forms contact Terry Williamson, Development Programs Manager at 937-222-7349 ext. 419 or [email protected]

 

 

Local Music Adds Hip Flair to Outdoor Recreation Festival

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moximage2By now, you probably already know that the Midwest Outdoor Experience presented by Subaru is the best weekend event to experience all things outdoors, from the intense (like the slackline skills area, practicing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard or trying out the mountain biking challenge course) to the more laid-back (fly fishing, orienteering and hiking are all great ways to relax with Mother Nature). But did you know that in addition to presenting a plethora of premier park pursuits, visitors to the annual Midwest Outdoor Experience also have access to fantastic local music, co-presented by public radio station WYSO and Dayton Music Fest?

The Midwest Outdoor Experience, set for Friday, October 4, through Saturday, October 5, will feature some of the best musicians Dayton has to offer. Celebrating nine years in the local music scene, the annual Dayton Music Fest “seeks to shine a spotlight on Dayton’s indie music scene” with performances taking place October 4-6 at several venues, including Eastwood MetroPark, home to the Midwest Outdoor Experience.

WYSO also contributes to the fun, presenting the musical lineup for Friday night, Oct. 4, featuring:

6:45-8:15 p.m.                   Jah Sol: With their combination of not only reggae, but soul, funk and disco, Jah Sol supplies the good times with their music. The eight member band gets the party going.

8:30-10 p.m.                      William the Accountant: Formed in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio, William The Accountant composes a musical playground of late ’70s new wave, Brazilian samba and New Orleans second line that defiantly incites activity and impulse.

Check out the Dayton Music Fest lineup at the Midwest Outdoor Experience, taking the stage moximage1Saturday, Oct. 5, featuring:

11 a.m.                                 Josh Eagle: This Cincinnati coffee-house regular shares personal, soft, longing, winged Folk. Eagle’s gripping voice, touching finger picking and bleeding harmonicas snatch you up like the raw, intimate music of Ray Lamontagne. Soothing and originally raspy, songs hurt and heal, gliding into calmness.

12 p.m.                                 Good English: Good English is a three-sister rock band from Dayton whose musical style is reflective of the indie, roots, blues, and folk rock that has influenced its members. Running counter to the usual young girl-band stereotypes, the band’s authentic instrumentation and rich vocals proves their budding talent as musicians, while their original songwriting and irresistible grace and beauty makes them a powerfully appealing package. They know how to rock, and they carry themselves with a sense of poise and style that is well beyond their years.

1 p.m.                                   Meghna & the Majority: Singer/songwriter Meghna Mahambrey first stepped on stage for a solo performance in her elementary school musical. She went on to cover the hits of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Etta James in her middle and high school talent shows. In college, she recorded an R&B/pop album; in graduate school, she recorded an acoustic/folk album. In December 2012, alongside her career in education, she released a jazzy, singer-songwriter album and formed her new band, Meghna & the Majority. With her soulful, seasoned voice, she sings – not for the fame, not for the fortune. She sings because she has a song.

2 p.m.                                   Kris N: With his second release and first full-length, “Lo-Fi Movement,” Dayton-based Kris N. has made a great pop record. Marked by strong melodies and lyrics that explore the place he is in and his life as a husband and father.

3 p.m.                                   Jah Sol: This group brings back the bass and keys, returning to the stage to bring the funk to attendees at the Midwest Outdoor Experience for a second time.

4 p.m.                                   Starving in the Belly of the Whale: Starving in the Belly of the Whale is the music of Ricky Terrell. Terrell is accompanied by a changing cast of musicians on each album to capture a unique, desired sound.

5 p.m.                                   The Repeating Arms: Max Nunery plays banjo, guitar, lap steel and sings back-up. Harold Hensley plays acoustic guitar and sings. Chip Pritchard plays upright bass and sings back-up vocals. Brian Spirk plays mandolin and fiddle.

6 p.m.                                   New Vega: The Southern Ohio four piece New Vega brims with vibrant hooks and aching melodies. Their debut album Tempo has captured the attention of major festivals and media outlets.

7 p.m.                                   PUBLIC: Formerly known as “crown” – PUBLIC is comprised of three friends who wish to always be allowed to dance, yell, and have fun with their music as long as inhumanly possible.

Other awesome activities that pair nicely with a fun-filled afternoon of outdoor adventure include:

That’s just a small slice of everything there is to do at the annual Midwest Outdoor Experience. Stop by (perhaps for a little overnight in the Eddie Bauer Campground camping) and discover why Dayton has rightfully earned the title “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest”!

Carroll HS Tennis Tourney Honors Memory of Woman Missing Since1985

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Jennifer Schmidt, 1984 Carroll Alumni who went missing in 1985

JENNIFER LEE SCHMIDT MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

This Saturday, September 21st from 9am-3pm, the Carroll High School Girls Tennis Team will be hosting a tournament in memory of 1984 Carroll graduate Jennifer Schmidt.

Jennifer disappeared and was feared abducted in August of 1985, while a student at Purdue University.   Sadly, she was never found.   Her memory lives on through this Saturday’s event which features many of Dayton’s best high school girls tennis players.

Local High School Tennis Teams featured in the tournament:

Carroll High School, Tippecanoe, Brookville, Beavercreek, Kenton Ridge, Catholic Central HS, Valley View and Wayne High School.

The event will be held at Thomas Cloud Park in Huber Heights.

Jennifer’s parents, Donald and Johnni Schmidt, will be there to support the tournament in her honor.

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GRILLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

There will be a makeshift grill and concession stand that will benefit Carroll HS girl’s tennis, featuring burgers, hot dogs, etc.   Breakfast, lunch and dessert will be served.

Also, Dayton Most Metro’s own food guys, Superfry & The Big Ragu will be donating their time as “Guest Grillmasters” and helping raise money for local girls’ tennis teams in Jennifer’s memory.  They will cook to order for players and fans alike

Please come out and grab a bite to eat and support Dayton area female athletes this Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park !

**SPECIAL NOTE:  There is a chance of rain this Saturday, so in the event of a rain out, the tournament will be held Sunday at the same times 9AM-3PM at Thomas Cloud Park.

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City Proclaims Today Food Truck Day!

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553099_214116038757677_1348289189_nOver the past couple years, at least one segment of the food industry seems to be burgeoning not despite the recession, but because of it: food trucks.  Given the tight credit market over the past few years, it takes more up-front capital to start new businesses. This makes the food truck market easier to enter than the traditional bricks and mortar restaurant business.  The Dayton region has over 30 trucks in operation, with many more are on the way.

Synergy Incubators, a start up non-profit  that collaborates to remove obstacles to success and to educate our next generation about nutrition, sustainability and community, has been working with local food trucks.  Tonight at 200 S. Jefferson Street, during Urban Nights, they will host their 5th food truck rally, partnering with the Foodbank to host Food Truck Bingo!  Attendees will have the chance to fill their bingo card by visiting the food trucks, as well as the Decoy – art boutique – studio sponsored children’s activities area & the Synergy Makers Market featuring 15 local Artisans as well!

The following Food Trucks will be serving up Street Food from 5-9pm tonight:

Bella Sorella Brick Oven Pizza
Cest Cheese
Cheeky Meat Pies
East Coast Eats
Fressa
Go Cupcake
Harvest Mobile Cuisine
Missourui Avenue BBQ
The Monchon
Ringo’s North Star Mobile Eatery

 

 

 

Spend Saturday at Taste of Troy

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taste-of-troyTroy Main Street, Inc. presents the 2013 Taste of Troy on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event is held annually in downtown Troy to showcase local restaurants in the picturesque town square.

Visitors can sample the culinary delights of fourteen hometown restaurants, listen to live music, shop at the Downtown Farmers Market, participate in beer and wine tastings, and visit dozens of downtown shops.

Expect to taste a wide range of food from a variety of independent restaurants including Cajun, Italian, Mexican, classic American fare, locally grown and raised, and more. New participants in this year’s Taste of Troy are the recently-opened Pinkies Up Tea House, Country Bulk Barn, Mojo’s Bar & Grill, Olive Oasis, and the Cakery.

“Tastes” for sale include a diverse array of menu items featuring up to three different offerings from each participating restaurant.

To satisfy a hunger for entertainment, several musical performances are scheduled for Prouty Plaza throughout the day. Slated to perform are Rum River Blend, Stephen Orban, Larry Lyons, and Megan Osman.

“Troy is unmatched in the quality and quantity of independent restaurants for a city of its size”, notes Troy Main Street Director Karin Manovich. “The Taste of Troy provides an opportunity for people to sample signature dishes from a wide variety of restaurants while enjoying live music.”

Two downtown establishments, La Piazza and The Caroline, will offer wine and beer tastings on their respective outdoor patios. The Downtown Troy Farmers Market will extend its hours until 2:00PM.

njoy wonderful tastings from the following participants:

A Fat Boyz Pizzaria
Al’s Pizza
The Cakery
The Caroline
Dunaway’s Beef & Ale
La Fiesta
La Piazza
LeDoux’s
Mojos Bar & Grille
Pinkie’s Up Tea House
The Olive Oasis
Winans Chocolates & Coffee

Pioneer Electric Cooperative is a member of the Touchstone Energy® alliance of electric cooperatives nationwide and is this year’s title sponsor. Admission to the Taste of Troy is free and open to the public thanks to their generosity. Gordon Orthodontics will be returning as a sponsor and participant in the event.

Entry into the event is FREE. Tickets for tastings are purchased at the event for $1 each. Menu items cost from 1 to 5 tickets.
For additional information, contact Troy Main Street at 937-339-5455.

Local Display Graphics Company Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary with Nonprofit Giveaway

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1003209_572480782809731_2098344961_nA social media contest for Dayton Area non-profits has the public commenting for votes on Insignia Display Graphics Facebook page. The contest began September 1, with all area nonprofits eligible to win a banner stand from the company, a $500 value.

“We are always trying to give back to the community somehow. Our staff chooses two charities per year to support annually, but this particular contest is just something a little extra to help celebrate our 10 year anniversary and to say thank you,” said owner Elizabeth Riley.

To enter a nonprofit organization, comment on the Insignia Display Graphics Facebook page with the name of the organization of your choice. One entry per person per day. The organization with the most votes/comments wins. Likes do not count as a vote. The contest runs through September 30. A winner will be announced October 1.

Insignia recently expanded, doubling the square footage of space at their 300 Gargrave Rd location in West Carrollton, and hiring two additional staff members.

 

Midwest Premiere of ‘Bayou Maharajah’ at Neon Profiles New Orleans Piano Giant

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Director Lily Keber’s acclaimed new documentary film Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker, will be shown on Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Neon (130 E. Fifth St., Dayton). Keber will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a discussion about the movie following the screening. Admission is $10. Advance tickets are available at the Neon.

James Booker, “The Piano Prince of New Orleans” who died 30 years ago this fall, was a mercurial figure in New Orleans, a prodigy who was leaving his mark on legendary R&B records while still in his teens. A spectacularly gifted pianist and vocalist whose style melded blues, jazz, soul, gospel and classical influences with New Orleans rhythms, his sound defied categorization.

Booker taught players like Harry Connick, Jr., and Dr. John, who described Booker as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.” As a sideman during his career, Booker played with the likes of Fats Domino, King Curtis, T-Bone Walker, Ringo Starr, Maria and Geoff Muldaur, Labelle, Joe Tex (including on his big hit “I Gotcha”), The Coasters, and the Doobie Brothers. His outrageous solo career was characterized by virtuoso performance, his bigger-than-life personality, and onstage performances in his underwear, dishing out drug-fueled conspiracy theories.

The movie includes archival footage of Booker in performance plus reflections by fellow musicians, observers and collaborators from the Crescent City and beyond which include Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Charles Neville, Hugh Laurie, Douglas Brinkley and many others. The film was introduced at the 2013 South By Southwest festival, where its final screening sold out, and has subsequently sold out screenings at the Film Society at Lincoln Center, Outfest and the Melbourne International Film Festival.

“This winning doc features a can’t miss subject and plenty of performance footage,” said The Hollywood Reporter, calling it a “must see for aficionados of New Orleans music [that is] also accessible to viewers who don’t know a Professor Longhair from a Dr. John.”

For more information on the film, visit bayoumaharajah.com, and for more information on the Neon screening, visit neonmovies.com or call (937) 222-SHOW (7469).

 

ENCORE Young Professionals Support Dayton Performing Arts Alliance With Season Opener

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549996_139136986247282_1881814290_nThe 2013/2014 Season is finally kicking off! Join ENCORE young professionals for an exclusive evening on the town to celebrate Dayton’s rich cultural arts heritage on Saturday, September 21st. 

♫ 5:30 pm – Pre-show “mix ‘n mingle” at the Dublin Pub in the Oregon District

♫ 7:30 pm – Migrate over to the Schuster Center

♫ 8:00 pm – The Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, and Dayton Philharmonic come together to present the 2013–2014 Season Opening Spectacular, featuring the music of three very different composers in three distinctly different formats.

✒ SINGLE TICKET COST: JUST $30/ticket

✒ SEASON TICKETS COST: $120/all 6 ENCORE performances. This discount is up to 77% off regular single ticket prices. You can’t get prices like this in ANY city in America!!! LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!! Only 15 more season ticket packages available.

✒ Call Ticket Center Stage (888) 228-3630 TODAY to reserve your tickets.

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ENCORE Season Lineup:

♫ Saturday, September 21 – Season Opening Spectacular ($36 single ticket)
♫ Friday, December 13 – The Nutcracker Ballet ($70 single ticket)
♫ Saturday, January 18 – The Music of the Rolling Stones ($53 single ticket)
♫ Friday, February 21 – Hansel and Gretel Opera ($87 single ticket)
♫ Saturday, April 5 – Oh What a Night: Billboard Hits of the 60s ($61 single ticket)
♫ Friday, May 16 – Beethoven’s Great Ninth ($47 single ticket)

 

ENCORE! is a special program created to engage young professionals in a lasting relationship with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance by bringing together like-minded individuals through performances, unique social events, special “perks” and networking opportunities. ENCORE! is cultivating the next generation of DPAA patrons and leaders to ensure that Dayton’s rich performing arts legacy will be enjoyed by many generations to come.

✒ Note: ENCORE! tickets can be exchanged for any production within the DPAA season as a $20 credit towards regular single ticket prices in your choice of available seating tier. Only one ticket per performance may be redeemed *´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•`

¤ Hosted by DPAA Advisory Board Members: Maha Kashani & Richard Kaiser

 

Leo Bistro Makes McClure Official

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leoLeo Bistro, the restaurant at The Dayton Art Institute, will go on hiatus for the week leading up to The DAI’s biggest event – the 42nd Annual Oktoberfest on September 27 – 29. Leo will take a vacation and be closed for business, September 23 – October 1, while the museum grounds and surrounding streets are being fenced; set up with temporary electrical power; and blocked by stages, tents and crowds of fun seekers.

 

“When Leo Bistro reopens on October 2, it will be fully powered by Elite Catering, and there will be a new, innovative menu that demonstrates what happens when food meets art” said Jane A. Black, Associate Director of The DAI. “You will find daily specials, a children’s menu, a ‘Quick Takes’ menu, and a new wine/bar/appetizer list. There will also be a calendar of exciting new special events taking place at the Bistro.”

 

The museum remains committed to providing a place where guests may enjoy refreshments whenever the museum is open. A full menu of soups, sandwiches, salads and entrees will be available from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and an array of lighter items and beverages will be available until the museum closes at 8 p.m. Leo will introduce a marvelous new weekend brunch menu, served 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

 

renee

Renee McClure, owner of Elite Catering

“It’s rather difficult to reach the museum during the fourth week in September, so it is a good time for Leo to take a break from day-to-day operations,” said Renee McClure, Elite Catering’s Chef/Owner, “We will be planning new items for our full-service weekday lunch menu, as well as enticing appetizers and drinks for the afternoon and early evenings. And we have some new-to-the-area food concepts for the weekend that are not to be missed!”

 

Renee McClure is a Dayton native, growing up in Beavercreek and graduating from Wright State University, with a BS in Business Management. She started Elite Catering in 2000 when her own search for a dynamic caterer left her empty handed. Over the past 13 years, she has spent much of her time not only learning new and creative ways to prepare and serve remarkable food, but also how to showcase it through artistic plate and buffet displays. Today, she shares her joy of great food and design through Elite Catering and now Leo Bistro.

 

Learn more about the menu and Leo special events when visiting Oktoberfest! The Elite team will offer tastings and give out deals at two new Oktoberfest-related preview events, the Young Professionals happy hour event, 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, and the Business Lunch, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday, September 27. They will also be previewing items in the Bistro at the Oktoberfest Preview Party on Friday, September 27, 7 – 9 p.m.

 

For more information about Leo Bistro, Oktoberfest and The Dayton Art Institute, please visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers. Look for the hashtag #OktoberfestDayton for the latest Oktoberfest updates.

 

ABOUT THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

As one of the Miami Valley’s premier fine art museums, The Dayton Art Institute offers a full range of programming in addition to exhibiting its collection.  Galleries hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. With support from the Chase Endowment Fund, suggested admission to the museum’s permanent collection is $8 adults, $5 seniors, active military and groups. Admission is free for museum members, students (18+ w/ID) and youth (17 and under). Some special exhibitions, programs and events may carry an additional charge and include admission to the museum’s permanent collection as part of that price. Free parking is available at the museum and the facility is fully accessible to physically challenged visitors.  The DAI’s Museum Store and Leo Bistro are now open during regular museum hours. For more information, please call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The DAI also receives support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.

 

The 1880s Are Alive and Well in Dayton

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mp1 Who knew Dayton had gone so retro?

We may have only recently entered the 21st century, but the turn of the 20th century is still alive here in Dayton. Thanks to the folks at Five Rivers MetroParks, you can experience what life was like in the 1880s right here in southwest Ohio.

 

Whoever said “what’s old is new again” obviously lived through the pain of watching fashion recirculate and stared in horrified amazement as his or her children begged and pleaded to purchase an outfit that eerily resembled an ensemble sent packing to Goodwill several decades ago. The same holds true in Dayton today. Know of anyone who knits from yarn they spun themselves and sews their own clothes? And would can their own vegetables for the winter and make their own cheese and soap? Or grow out their beards and curl up their moustaches and brew their own beer? You might refer to them as “hipsters,” but in the 1880s, they were just “people.”

 

That’s right; your great-great grandfather, who waxed his elegant moustache before snapping his suspenders and hopping on the seat of his fixed-gear bicycle, was a hipster before it was cool. Capitalizing on the re-emergence of the native hipster, Five Rivers MetroParks offers classes to teach you how to grow and pickle and can your own food. You can learn to make cheese and soap and even how to craft a microbrew. It’s all here. In Dayton. Again.

 

Grow your own

If you are passionate about growing your own food, MetroParks has programs that can help. mp2From tips about seed selection and planting to what to grow in the winter and even community gardening, Five Rivers MetroParks knows how to work with nature and wants to share that knowledge with you. Think you lack green thumbs? Maybe you just need the right instruction. Think about it – all those people living in the late 19th century didn’t simply wake up one day infused with vast botanical knowledge; they experimented, they failed a few times, but ultimately, they succeeded. They had to. The stakes were a little higher for pioneer who couldn’t simply shrug their shoulders and head to the nearest Wynn Dixie if they killed their sole source of sustenance.

 

Programs will take you from gardening newbie to horticulture diva and are available many of the facilities in the parks’ system including Wergerzyn Gardens, Cox Arboretum, Carriage Hill and many more. There’s even an annual gardening conference.

 

And as for resources, visit MetroParks.org for printable brochures with hundreds of tips, suggestions and helpful advice whether you’re starting out or trying grow your greenest garden yet.

 

It’s all here. At your MetroParks.

 

Down on the Farm

Food preservation in 2013: Adorable place settings and thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Food preservation in 1880: Avoiding starvation. True, modern living has provided us with the means to live comfortably. Heck, we could obtain essential nutrients from a powdered capsule if we want. But there’s no excitement, adventure or well-meaning intent from ingesting a pill, so people are looking back to the 1800s again, and Five Rivers MetroParks offers programs that will help you live more sustainably by preserving the food you just learned how to grow.

 

At Carriage Hill MetroPark, members of the canning club learn to preserve fruits and vegetables in an inexpensive and efficient way. Pickling classes are also available at Carriage Hill and Possum Creek MetroParks.

 

Brewing was an everyday part of life in the 1880s. Carriage Hill also offers “Making Small Beers” where participants discuss the actual brewing process and make some small beers using ingredients like apple, sorghum or maple.

 

Go Heirloom or Get What You Needmp3

The 2nd Street Market has all the programming you need to really go retro. With programs on handmade soap making, cheese making, canning and even sewing, knitting and quilting, you will find all of the homesteading skills you need. Check out the Heirloom Skills series of programs at MetroParks.org.

 

And if all this skill-building, growing, preserving and crafting sounds like too much for you, you are in luck. The vendors at the 2nd Street Market have done all the work for you.

 

You can find artisan bakers, canned vegetables or vegetables to can, knitted goods and home-spun yarn, fabrics to make your own clothes, fresh and organic meats like chicken and beef, handmade soaps and cheese, and so much more. More good news: By buying goods at the 2nd Street Market, you’re supporting local businesses and keeping your dollars at work right here in Dayton. That’s so 1880.

 

Great-great-grandpa had it right: Use resources wisely and make your own stuff. So go retro. Grow out a curly moustache. Take your horse and carriage (or ride your bike—fixie or otherwise) to a MetroParks facility today for everything you need to “live the dream of the 1890s.” [link to Portlandia]

Shyness – Small Talk is Big Talk

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shy Shyness can be painful.
Shyness is discomfort and a lack of confidence in social situations.   Shy people often “shy away” from social gatherings which can lead some to experience a less than fulfilling social and work life.   When it comes to developing social and business relationships, Small Talk is Big Talk.

There is quite a bit of buzz around introverts on the internet these days.  Being an introvert is not the same thing as being shy.  Many introverts can, and do, socialize easily.  Introverts get more energized by having quiet time rather than spending time in social situations.   Extroverts tend to get energized by being in social situations.

Both extroverts and introverts can experience shyness, and may struggle with small talk and one-on-one conversations.

According to shyness researchers Carducci and Zimbardo, “most shyness is acquired through life experiences.”  They also state “Shy people want very much to be with others but lack the social skills and self-esteem.”

When shyness has a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, it might be time to take some action on developing social skills and confidence.

Shyness is largely a “learned” behavior, which means it can be unlearned.  That is great news for the shy!smalltalk1

Two primary components of becoming less shy are developing social skills and improving self-esteem.   Small talk is an essential social skill for our personal and work lives.

Small talk has many functions in socializing.  It is used to establish a mutual willingness to be friendly, as an opportunity to discover mutual interest, as a prelude to business conversation, to pass time, and as a way to transition from meaningful conversation to politely ending a conversation.

Small talk is the first step to developing friendships and business relationships.    It is uncommon for two strangers to immediately engage in deep meaningful conversation without first exchanging at least a bit of small talk.

v14co4s2csapsx0vrip7lxfct61gwmmh-1Despite the term “small” small talk is a BIG deal.  Small talk is used throughout our lives, at parties, in elevators, in job interviews, at church socials, and in the break room at work. Small talk is a very big deal in dating and finding romance.

Local life coach and trainer Clara Jackson  is offering a 2 hour workshop on September 19th for shy people to learn some basic small talk skills.  For more information on the workshop click here.

Be A Part Of Selecting The New Menu at RiverScape Eatery

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silverfernThe care at RiverScape  wants your helpin in selecting their  new winter menu at the Silver Fern Café! This Saturday, September 14, from 4-6 PM, you are invited to taste and give feedback on some delicious foods that may find their way onto our menu this winter. Sample four different soups, a variety of Panini sandwiches, plus select a drink and dessert from an assortment of options for only $10!

After you’ve sampled, tell them what you think! Tickets for the Menu Tasting must be purchased in advance from Silver Fern Café. Check out their business hours, or call (937) 220-9670 for more information.