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Nominations Now Open for DBJ Forty Under 40

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The Dayton Business Journal has begun accepting nominations for the 2021 Forty Under 40 awards program. The annual awards recognize the rising leaders in Dayton under the age of 40.

The DBJ will run a special publication July that will feature the 40 top nominees, all of whom must be under the age of 40 as of July 8.

Click here to fill out the free nomination form

A panel of independent judges will choose the winners, who will be honored at an awards ceremony July 9.

Nominations will be judged on professional accomplishments, community leadership, and awards and milestones. These three areas should be addressed in the nomination.

Play Downtown Dayton Winter Bingo!

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) has introduced a new way to explore downtown and create a citywide adventure with the Downtown Dayton Winter Bingo card. The game begins today and players can complete a bingo of challenges for the chance to win downtown Dayton prizes through Feb 15th.

Players will complete “challenges” that will have them exploring downtown Dayton dining, arts, culture, shopping and entertainment. The challenges include opportunities to explore in-person following social-distancing guidelines, or tasks that can be completed online from home. If they complete five challenges in a row on the game card  to make a “bingo,” players can submit their card into the drawing to win prizes. Join in the fun at our Facebook event page here.

“We hope people take the chance to explore downtown, support our small business community, learn about a new spot in downtown Dayton, and continue to safely visit downtown restaurants, shops, arts galleries and more in the new year” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

The full bingo board of challenges is available at the Downtown Dayton Winter Bingo page.

HOW:  Do it, capture it, submit it!

  • Complete 5 squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to make a bingo.
  • Snap a photo or take a screen grab to prove that you completed the task. All tasks MUST be completed using a downtown Dayton business or location.
  • Email your final completed bingo entry and supporting proof to [email protected] to be entered to win prizes from the Downtown Dayton Partnership. See submission rules below.

 

PRIZES: To be eligible for prizes, you must submit your completed bingo on or before Monday, February 15, 2021.

Grand Prizes – At the end of Winter BINGO, five winners will be chosen to receive a Downtown Dayton Prize Pack, which includes more than $100 in gift cards to downtown restaurants, bars, and retailers.

RULES: How to submit your bingo:

Following the rules below, email your submission to: [email protected] on or before Monday, February 15, 2021

  • Only submit a full bingo (five completed tasks in a row).
  • Only one entry per person.
  • All bingo tasks should be submitted in one email. The email needs to include the following:
  • A screen grab or photo of your bingo card with your 5 completed tasks marked off.
  • Proof* of your completed tasks either in the body of the email, or as attachments to the email. Read on for Proof* of Completion rules.
  • Your name, contact phone number, and email

 

*PROOF of bingo square task

Virtual (purple): Take a photo or screen grab of your completed social media or website task (example: screen grab the website you explored, or the new Facebook page you “like”). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

 

Support Local (teal): Take a picture of yourself completing the task (example: snap a selfie while you’re at the local coffee shop). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

 

Get Out & Explore (navy): Take a picture while you’re completing the task. (example: snap a selfie in front of a downtown mural). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

 

For more information, including helpful tips on places to visit to complete some of the bingo challenges, visit the Downtown Dayton Partnership website. Here you can find the pages for OPEN* downtown Dayton restaurants, OPEN* retail, OPEN* things to do, Find it Downtown guides and downtown Dayton self-guided tours.

 

The Centerville Art Gallery Features Art From Four Local Women

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The Centerville Arts Commission is pleased to announce the Centerville Art Gallery will feature the work of four local artists throughout the month of January. The exhibit may be viewed 24 hours a day at the Centerville Police Department, 155 West Spring Valley Road.

 

Kelly Ingerson

Kelly Ingerson, born in Adelaide Australia, lived in rural country on cattle and sheep farms until she graduated high school. Kelly immigrated to Dayton, Ohio in 1997. Her tremendous love of the outdoors and the ocean is shown vividly through her photography, capturing the emotion of the moment.

Colleen Kelsey

Colleen Kelsey is an artist whose work begins in drawing and concentrates also in painting.  Her artwork explores the modern relationships that exist in the self and community. In her most recent painting series, Kelsey studies the interaction of color in compressed spaces as she depicts single figures or figure couples.

Clara Coleman

Clara Coleman is a painter and art instructor from Dayton. Clara received her BFA from Wright State University and went on to receive a graduate degree in painting from the University of New Hampshire. She teaches toddlers through eighth grade at the Montessori School of Dayton and is an instructor for high school drawing students at the Wright State Art Academy.

Jennifer Shonle

Jennifer Shonle received her MFA in Painting from Miami University in 2007. A Beavercreek resident, Jennifer paints in her studio at the Dayton Society of Artists space, located in Saint Anne’s Hill.

The Centerville Arts Commission was created by Centerville City Council to involve citizens in the visual and performing arts. For more information, please call (937)433-7151.

 

Panera Bread Wants You To Round Up to Help Animals

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Panera Bread and the Humane Society of Greater Dayton are working together again this month with one goal in mind – helping homeless animals in the Miami Valley!

Throughout the entire month of January, Panera Bread’s largest franchisee, Covelli Enterprises, will support the Humane Society of Greater Dayton through the Covelli Cares Change Roll-Up Program in all 13 Panera Bread locations in the Greater Dayton region.

“Together when we roll-up our change we are changing the life of a pet in need,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “We are honored to have a partner such as Panera Bread and Covelli Enterprises. Together, and with all of your help, we will make an enormous impact on these animals by providing them with the medical care, nourishing food and love they need while they wait for their forever family.”

 

Locations participating in this program include:

  • Beavercreek
    • 2752 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek, OH 45431
    • The Greene, 49 Chestnut Street, Beavercreek, OH 45440
  • Centerville
    • 11 N. Main Street, Centerville, OH 45458
  • Dayton
    • 1203 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409
    • 6550 Miller Lane, Dayton, OH 45414
    • 2500 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459
    • 6130 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45459
  • Englewood
    • 9194 N. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45415
  • Huber Heights
    • 8104 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights, OH 45424
  • Kettering
    • 4110 Far Hills Road, Kettering, OH 45429
  • Miamisburg
    • Austin Landing, 10551 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg, OH 45342
  • Springfield
    • 1950 N. Bechtle Avenue, Springfield, OH 45504
  • Troy
    • 1920 W. Main Street, Troy, OH 45373

 

For all of January, customers are encouraged to Round Up for Rover by rounding up their order totals to the nearest dollar (or more) at the register at any local Panera Bread location. 100 percent of these donations will be given to the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

Tobin Sprout’s Empty Horses Album Release

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The Yellow Cab Tavern is excited to welcome back Tobin Sprout of Guided By Voices
on January 9th for his hometown album release show for Empty Horses – out on

Fire Records. Support comes from  Nick Kizirnis and  Me Time.
Cover starts at 7pm and music at 8pm with tickets at $10 in advance and $13 at the doors.
Tickets are available here: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/…/tobin-sprouts-empty…
Listen to lead single, “The Man I Used to Know” at https://www.rollingstone.com/…/tobin-sprout-the-man-i…/
Tobin Sprout Painter, illustrator, author, songwriter and former Guided By Voices guitarist, Tobin Sprout reinvents his craft with a stark and poignant solo album – a dramatic and unexpected departure from his previous work. His new album, Empty Horses, comes out June 5th on Fire Records.
Listen at http://www.rollingstone.com/…/tobin-sprout-the-man-i…/
Nick Kizirnis After many decades playing everything from indie rock to instrumental surf to rockabilly, Nick Kizirnis’s first solo album in five years heads into new musical territory, featuring songs about heartbreak and heartaches, influenced by Gram Parsons, Roy Orbison and other masters of the sad song.
Listen at www.nickkizirnis.bandcamp.com/

Online Beginner Yoga Series

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New to yoga? This is your perfect starting point. In this four week series we will explore some basic elements of yoga, including breath, asana (poses), meditation, yoga philosophy, and even yoga etiquette. This class is designed for the beginning yogi, however, is a great workshop for experienced practitioners who wish to hone in on the basics.

This course will take place on four consecutive Sundays beginning January 10th. We will meet each Sunday with our video cameras on to dive into introductory learning of yoga. Please register through the “Online Event” link. You will need the following: ​*Zoom *a quiet space *a yoga mat *computer with speakers and microphone DATES: January 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st TIME: 3:00 – 4:15p COST: $39 per person Click the “online event” link to register. If you should miss a session, videos will be available to view until Sunday February 7th. However, please note that you will get the most out of these sessions by attending “in person.” Please Note: This product is non-refundable.

Frequent Visitor to Young’s Jersey Dairy? Get A Club Card!

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Young’s has created a new program that benefits guests that visit us more than once or twice a year with an annual pass for unlimited fun throughout 2021. This pass will be good until December 31st, 2021.

Here’s what you can expect with your Club Cowvin membership:

Unlimited Rounds of Miniature Golf
Unlimited Medium Buckets at the Driving Range
Unlimited Tokens at the Batting Cages
Unlimited Cowvin’s Fast Slide Rides
Unlimited Moovers & Shakers Rides
Unlimited Access to Cowvin’s Kiddie Corral
Unlimited Wagon Ride on the Farm Rides
Special Member-Only Deals throughout the Year

Adults (Ages 12+)
$95 Until Dec 31st, 2020
$105 Starting Jan 1st, 2021

Children (Ages 11 & Under)
$55 Until Dec 31st, 2020
$60 Starting Jan 1st, 2021

You can pre-purchase your Club Cowvin passes online and will be mailed to you within 1-2 business days.

Your card is the only way to receive the benefits of Club Cowvin – so you will need to have your card present at time of purchase. You will need to have a valid email address when signing up for Club Cowvin and we will use this email to communicate special deals for our members.

 Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd
Yellow Springs, OH 45387

General Information/The Dairy Store: (937) 325-0629
Udders & Putters: (937) 325-0502

Recycle Christmas Trees & Lights With MetroParks

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Don’t ditch your tree in the landfill – recycle it with MetroParks and

Ohio Department of Natural Resources!

Photo taken prior to the pandemic and does not reflect current CDC best practices.

Five Rivers MetroParks  be collecting used holidays trees at Eastwood MetroPark (lakeside).Ohio Department of Natural Resources will bundle and sink them in lakes within local state parks to help bolster aquatic habitats.
Drop off dates include: Saturday, Dec. 26, through Thursday, Dec. 31, and Saturday, Jan. 2, through Thursday, Jan. 21. Trees must be free of all decorations, paint and artificial snow.

Five Rivers Metroparks and ODNR participated in a similar conservation project in early 2019, when Metroparks’ parks and conservation staff and volunteers and ODNR sunk nearly 750 trees into Eastwood Lake. The results of that project also have been successful, improving Eastwood Lake’s aquatic habitat and opportunities for angler

Christmas Lights Recycling

Five Rivers MetroParks and Cohen Recycling are making the holidays greener by providing bins at six MetroParks locations where residents can drop off holiday lights to be recycled. Recycling these lights supports MetroParks’ conservation mission, as Cohen will make a donation to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation based on how many lights are recycled.

Drop off unwanted lights at any of the following MetroParks locations through Sunday, Jan. 31. Light strands should be loose and not in bags or boxes.
Drop-off locations are contactless, but residents are reminded to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings if they encounter other park-goers who aren’t in their households.

  • The following locations are accessible during park hours, daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
    • Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Rd., Dayton: Recycling bin is located at the entrance to the Visitor Center.
    • Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook: Recycling bin is located at the main parking lot entrance under the kiosk.
    • Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton: Recycling bin is located at the front of the main building.
    • Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton: Recycling bin located at the education building at the Possum Creek Farm.
    • Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton. Recycling bin located outside the Visitor Center entrance.
    • 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton: Recycling bin is located at the southeast entrance and is accessible anytime.

Extra waste generated during the holidays — including decorations, food and paper waste —amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, according to the Use Less Stuff Report and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

This is the second holiday season the recycling program has been offered. Last year, MetroParks collected 3,600 pounds of lights. Cohen donated $2,000 to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation to support MetroParks’ mission to protect the Dayton region’s natural heritage.

“It was a great first year for MetroParks, and the agency expects to increase collection significantly this year,” said Tim Pritchard, Five Rivers MetroParks’ sustainability coordinator. “The holidays are a busy time and recycling might not be top-of-mind, so we wanted to make it easy for people to make more sustainable choices. Cohen is helping keep waste out of the landfill while supporting MetroParks’ conservation mission.”

Dayton Apoints Manager of the Division of Management and Budget

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The City of Dayton has announced the appointment of Monica Jones as manager of the Division of Management and Budget, effective immediately.
As division manager, Jones will assist the Director of Procurement, Management & Budget with oversight and evaluation of organization-wide budgets, management control systems, policies and planning, and day-to-day operations and expenditures.
Jones will also direct the management of the City’s intergovernmental relations activities, including legislative and policy issues at the federal, state, and local levels. She will lead teams and task forces related to special initiatives.
Jones joined the City of Dayton in 2012 and worked as a management analyst until 2015. She then joined the Office of the City Manager as Assistant to the City Manager. Her accomplishments include co-leadership of a team managing the $17+ million program to apply and distribute federal CARES Act funds in mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the City of Dayton, Jones worked as a budget officer for the City of Smyrna, Georgia. She earned a B.S. in Public Affairs and a Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University.
“Dayton’s residents and business community have already benefitted from the excellent management of public resources provided by Monica,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “I am confident she will continue to bring innovation and sound management to City programs and operations.”

Culture Works to Manage Dayton Arcade Events

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Culture Works has signed a multi-year agreement with Cross Street Partners to provide event management services for the Dayton Arcade.

“When we launched our rebranding efforts in 2018, we made the definitive statement that Culture Works sits at the intersection of culture and community,” said Lisa Hanson, Executive Director for Culture Works. “We believe that the Dayton Arcade will be the physical representation of that ideal. This partnership will give us the ability to fuse local arts and culture into the daily operations of one of the most innovative working spaces in the country, and it will bring additional funding to our arts organizations and cultural institutions.”

When the South Arcade opens to the public in 2021, it will feature two unique event spaces – the Rotunda, which can accommodate seated groups of more than 700, and the Tank, a unique theater in the round underneath the Rotunda which can comfortably hold gatherings of 150 or more. Culture Works, as the Dayton Region’s local arts agency and united arts fund, represents more than 180 organizations throughout an eight-county service area and is uniquely positioned to activate these spaces with performances, exhibitions, and events utilizing local talent.

 

“From the beginning, we’ve always envisioned the arts as being a part of the activity inside the Arcade,” said Dave Williams, Senior Development Director for Cross Street Partners. “So, when we started having conversations with Culture Works about their move into the facility, it naturally led to this agreement to maximize the potential for the space.”

Kevin Tunstall

Both the Rotunda and the Tank will be available to rent for private events. Cross Street Partners has already received dozens of calls from individuals and organizations looking to utilize the South Arcade for a variety of events—from weddings to large fundraisers. By engaging a nonprofit organization like Culture Works into the event management process, proceeds from these rentals will be used to create a new revenue stream that will provide additional funding opportunities for local arts organizations.

Individuals and organizations interested in touring and renting event space at the South Arcade should contact Kevin Tunstall, Events Director for Culture Works, at 937.222.2445 or send an email to [email protected].

Looking for Someone Else to Prepare Your Holiday Meal?

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If you’d like to avoid hours in the kitchen this holiday season, there are many options for you to just, order, pick-up, reheat and enjoy.  We will continue to update this list, so check back often.

Amber Rose Restaurant & Catering 

1400 Valley Street, Old North Dayton      937-228-2511
Bernstein’s Fine Catering
3100 Woodman Dr, Kettering     937-898-2761

 

 

Brock Mastersons Catering

450 Patterson Rd, Dayton      937-298-1234

Please place your order by Monday, December 21st by 5 p.m.
Pick it up Thursday, December 24th between 11 am -2 pm, reheat, it’s so easy, relax and enjoy your family.
Christmas/Holiday Dinner Option A $139 for 4 includes
Oven Roasted USDA Prime Rib- creamy horseradish sauce, Honey Glazed Sliced Ham, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Praline Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans Almondine, Artisan Rolls with hand whipped herb butter
Christmas/Holiday Meal Option B $99 for 4 includes
Oven Roasted Turkey (white and dark meat, sliced/pulled), Giblet Gravy, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Praline Sweet Potato Casserole, Cornbread Stuffing, Seasoned Green Beans, Cranberry Relish, Artisan Rolls & whipped butter
Cherry House Cafe
1241 Meadow Bridge Dr Beavercreek, OH 45434     937-320-6200
Let’s us make breakfast for Christmas morning! Quiche , 6 muffins and two pounds of fruit salad for only $35 , place your orders now and pick up by 2pm Christmas Eve
Club Oceano Seafood and Bar
Special Holiday To-Go Family Meal Box
The festive meal includes 24oz Prime Rib (Christmas limited edition item) and 24oz Salmon along with family style sides of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, rosemary mushrooms, and corn succotash. Dessert is our house-made carrot cake. Plus a complementary bottle of champagne from Club Oceano for you and your family to celebrate this holiday in style. This Holiday To-Go Family Meal Box serves 4-6 people for $195.
Order before December 21st by calling Club Oceano at 937-988-0909. Pickup on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 4pm to 10pm. Food will be fully cooked and ready to eat so you can spend more time with your family.
250 Warren St Dayton, OH 45402.    (937) 228-2626
Cracker Barrel 
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville,      937-432-2431
7171 Miller Lane, Dayton.    (937890-0047

Available for pickup 12/21–12/24 (until 1pm).
From your oven to table in 3 hours or less | Serves up to 10

Comes with: Spiral Sliced Sugar Cured Ham, Cornbread Dressing, Roasted Gravy, Cranberry Relish, Choice of 3 Country Sides (each serves 10), Sweet Yeast Rolls, Apple Pecan Streusel Pie & Pecan Pie.  Substitute our Green Bean Casserole for any Heat n’ Serve side, or add as an additional side for an added cost.Includes easy-to-follow heating instructions and leftover recipe

Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering
2318 E Dorothy Ln., Kettering, Ohio 45420
(937)-299-0089

Dewberry 1850
1414 S. Patterson in the Marriott at UD     (937) 586-4150

Orders are live now at https://dewberry1850christmas.eventbrite.com


Elite To Go

Dayton Masonic Center: 525 West Riverview Avenue      937-559-4590
[email protected]

Holiday Ham Feast -Feeds 4-6 people  $99.00

Ready to heat and serve this dinner includes a smoked quarter Ham with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze. Paired with 3-Cheese Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Fall Vegetables with Pecan Crumble (an Elite favorite!), Green Beans Almondine with Soft Dinner Rolls.

Note: Heat and eat within 36 minutes.

Traditional Holiday Turkey Feast (Feeds 7-10 people)

Traditional Holiday Turkey Feast (Feeds 7-10 people) $129.00


This goble ‘til you woble feast includes an Herb Crusted Frenched Turkey Breast (8-9 lb. avg). Paired with Mashed Red Skin Potatoes (x2 because we know everyone loves these), savory Turkey Gravy, Apple Sausage Stuffing, classic Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Fall Vegetables with Pecan Crumble, Spiced Cranberry Sauce and Soft Rolls.Note: Heat and eat in 1 hour 20 minutes.
El Meson
903 E Dixie Dr, West Carrollton        937-859-8229

 

 

 

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

3500 Rigby Rd, Miamisburg,      937-865-9355

Prime Rib Feast Includes:

Prime Rib, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Corn Bread Dressing, Horseradish Sauce & Aus Jus, Spiced Pecan Green Beans, Broccoli-cheddar casserole, Deviled Egg Tray, Chocolate Cheesecake with raspberry sauce, Bread and whipped Butter

$169.95 (Serves 6) or $299.95 (Serves 12)

Turkey Feast Includes:

Roasted sliced Turkey & Gravy, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Corn Bread Dressing, Homemade Cranberry Sauce, Spiced Pecan Green Beans, Broccoli-cheddar casserole, Deviled Egg Tray, Chocolate Cheesecake with raspberry sauce, Bread and whipped Butter

$139.95 (Serves 6) or $249.95 (Serves 12)

 

Jimmie’s Ladder 11

936 Brown St. Dayton, 937-424-1784

Dinners can be prepped “to be reheated” for December 23rd pick up for your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. (Family Dinners are portioned to feed 4)

 

Key Ingredient Catering
Order at [email protected]

 

Kohler’s Catering
4572 Presidential Way, Kettering    937-291-3600

Pick-up or Delivery available December 10th thru December 24th and New Year’s Eve Day (10:30 to 1:30 p.m.) with a 48 hour advanced notice.
Call us at 937-291-3600 or email us at [email protected]

HOLIDAY HAM DINNER PACKAGE  $150.00 Serves 8
Sliced Glazed Ham, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Honey Glazed Carrots, Fresh Green Beans, Garden Salad with Dressing, Mini Cheese Appetizer Display, Dinner Rolls, and Traditional Holiday Cookies

TURKEY DINNER PACKAGE $150.00 Serves 8
Whole Roasted Turkey (White & Dark Meat), Homestyle Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Honey Glazed Carrots, Fresh Green Beans, Garden Salad, Mini Cheese Appetizer Display, Dinner Rolls and Traditional Holiday Cookies

PRIME RIB DINNER PACKAGE $200.00 Serves 8
Boneless Prime Rib with Au Jus, Double Stuffed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Fresh Green Beans, Traditional Caesar Salad, Tuscan Antipasto Appetizer Display, Dinner Rolls and Traditional Holiday Cookies

BEEF TENDERLOIN DINNER PACKAGE $265.00 Serves 8
Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Sauce, Double Stuffed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Assorted Greens – with Fresh Strawberries, Pecans, Gorgonzola with a White Wine Vinaigrette, Tuscan Antipasto Display, Dinner Rolls and Traditional Holiday Cookies.

 

Rich Taste Catering Co.

140 W.Third Street, Dayton     937-524-5103

Roost Modern Italian 

524 E 5th St Dayton, OH 45402.    (937) 222-3100

Short rib roast with garlic & black pepper focaccia crust $53
Lasagna Verde Al Forno $40- $140
Roasted Beet Winter Salad $30
Michigan Cheery Bread Pudding w/Brand Sauce $14

 

Salar Restaurant and Lounge

400 E 5th St Dayton, OH 45402      (937) 203-3999

Place your order anytime before December 22 at 6pm to pick up on Thursday, December 24th between 3-6pm.

Texas Beef & Cattle Company
1101 W 3rd St. Dayton, OH 45402     (937) 723-9958

Warped Wing Brewery

26 Wyandot St, Dayton, OH 45402      (937) 222-7003
25 Wright Station Way, Springboro, OH 45066   (937) 222-7003

New Pick-Up Zones Make Curbside Pick Up Easier Downtown

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As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to wreak havoc on Dayton’s small businesses, the Downtown Dayton Partnership and the City of Dayton announce a new strategy aimed at increasing potential for sales of downtown’s collection of local restaurants, pubs, retailers, and other downtown businesses. Starting today, Dec. 17, customers can access Pick-up Zones: free, temporary parking spaces specifically for carry-out, curbside pickup, and delivery drivers retrieving orders.

“This pandemic already decreased indoor capacity for our restaurants and retailers, and with the colder months ahead of us, we wanted to make sure we were using every opportunity to help these businesses earn revenue,” said DDP President Sandra Gudorf.

There are currently 18 temporary, on-street Pick-up Zones located near businesses whose customers would benefit from the visibility and convenience of these designated zones. The Pick-up Zones are located in on-street spaces currently designated as loading zones or metered parking. The Zones will be marked with the highly visible, green-branded signage. Vehicles with their flashers on will be permitted to park at no cost for up to 10 minutes within the zone.

“We’ve seen a drop in sales since office workers haven’t been coming downtown,” said Whitney Wedding, owner of Winans Chocolates + Coffee, 221 N. Patterson Blvd. “The new Pick-up Zone will make it quick and easy for customers to grab a latte, chocolates, or holiday gifts. It also is more practical for our curbside pick-up orders for those who are unable to come inside the shop.”

Pick-up Zones will also be a boon for retail businesses, as well. “For those who don’t take advantage of our free delivery service, our customers only need very short trips to our shop, either to drop off their dry cleaning and laundry items or pick up their fresh, pressed orders,” said Vanessa Lloyd, owner of A+ Cleaners at 105 E. Second St. “The new Pick-up Zones will allow us to serve our customers quickly and conveniently.”

The temporary Pick-up Zones will be in place until April 30, 2021. “It is our hope that initiatives like this will be enough to sustain our small business through the next couple of months, until the widespread availability of a vaccine or warmer weather enables more people to patronize their favorite downtown restaurants and pubs,” Gudorf said.

For those businesses without a dedicated parking area, Pick-up Zones will offer a new, convenient option for customers. Nearly all downtown restaurants and retailers offer pick-up, carryout, and/or delivery options. To see the latest list of businesses that are open and what services are provided, visit DowntownDayton.org/Open.

 

Dayton Metro Library Bridges the Digital Divide with GET CONNECTED Program

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Dayton Metro Library is working to bridge the digital divide with Get Connected, an exciting new initiative made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and CARES Act funds. Get Connected will provide four months of FREE internet access to 800 local households in need. The program launches on January 5, 2021, and applications will be accepted through February 27, or until the 800 household maximum is reached.

 

“Not having home internet access is a real disadvantage in today’s world,” said Megan Cooper, DML Development Manager. “Students are trying to learn remotely, adults may be looking for work, and many households are struggling to make ends meet. Get Connected will help people get the home internet service they need.”

How does it work? Dayton Metro Library is the initial account holder of record. The Library will cover the cost of Spectrum broadband service and equipment for four months. After that time, participants may choose to transfer the service into their own name, or they may return the equipment and let the service end. Those who choose to transfer service may be eligible for reduced rates through Spectrum’s Internet Assist Program.

“Because Dayton Metro Library is the account holder of record, this program can benefit someone who has been locked out of internet service due to bad credit or past due bills,” said Cooper. 

Get Connected will benefit 800 households in the Dayton Metro Library service area. Applicants must be DML cardholders age 18 and older. To be eligible, households must be in the DML and Spectrum service areas, and not current Spectrum internet customers. Applications will be available starting January 5 at all DML locations; a printable application will be available at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/GetConnected.

 

“Dayton Metro Library is committed to building equity in the community,” said Tim Kambitsch, DML Executive Director. “This includes connecting patrons with support systems and increasing access to resources for minority, disadvantaged, and new residents. By providing free home internet access, we are breaking down barriers and providing an opportunity for people to continue affordable internet access into the future. This could positively impact a child’s success in school, an adult’s search for employment, or an older person’s abilty to stay connected with friends and family.”

 

Full program details are available at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/GetConnected. Complete an application at any branch of the Dayton Metro Library starting January 5. For more information, or to make arrangements to apply curbside, call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.