Dayton Most Metro

UD Student Breaking Into the Professional Boxing World

June 14, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Many young professionals get career ideas from their parents, friends or maybe even school professors. Jose Santana Jr., a senior at the University of Dayton, became hooked on boxing at the age of 15 while admiring boxer Felix Trinidad. It wasn’t until he was finishing up high school at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, that he realized he wanted to work in boxing for a living.

Santana (left) with Freddie Roach, trainer of seven-division world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao

His dream in working in boxing professionally finally became a reality after his freshman year of college at UD. Taking lessons learned from classes he took freshman year, Santana decided to call a Cleveland radio station to see if any internship spots were available. “The classes I took as a sport management major really taught me how make connections, which sounds easy, but you try picking up a phone and calling a business executive who has no idea who you are and try to make friends with him,” said Santana. “It can be a nerve-wracking thing to do for an 18-year-old.”

He talked to Antonio Castro, who gave him the job of promotions assistant which entailed booking guests, helping plan the show and answering phones.

After writing for a small boxing web site, Santana was able to put together a portfolio and send it to a bigger boxing web site called SecondsOut, which is based out of London, England. After doing this, he was able to secure a writing position for them last June.

Securing an internship is a very important thing to do for college students and some, like Santana, try and get a head start early. The key time to start really looking for internships for the summer would be in the early spring, as companies are looking to fill positions and get training started before students are out of school. Although some companies still look for interns in the summer, it is best to go out and search actively early and often. I can attest to this as I had applied to more than 15 internships for this summer and was able to get interviews for three by applying early and asking about certain programs.

Even though he has clear connections and a job in Cleveland, Santana says he may need a change in scenery if he wants to move up in the boxing world. “The high profile jobs in the industry are located in Florida, New York, California and Las Vegas, so I may have to move to one of those areas.”

Boxing may not be as popular in the United States as it is in other countries, but Santana and his family still embrace the cultural significance that comes with it. Santana, who is of Puerto Rican descent, would often get together with his entire family to watch big fights, and it was a time to enjoy the fight and spend time with family. “I fell in love with the atmosphere and the sport that way,” said Santana.

Santana also works for Antonio Castro’s boxing promotions company called Warner Promotions, which he was able to get after working with him. “Promotions is difficult work where your money is on the line and you are depending on people buying tickets to make a profit,” said Santana. “If you really want experience dealing with all that, you have to jump right in there and an internship is going to be very beneficial.”

“Get to know people who work in your desired industry. That is huge. They know other people who know other people and soon enough you have a whole tree of connections,” said Santana.

Dayton Sports Weekly Update: 6/14/2010

June 14, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Good Morning , here are last weeks sports stories from Dayton Ohio, just in case you may have missed them:

The Dragons did pretty well this last week. Though they didn’t see any action at home, they did win 4 games out of 6 including a double header this last Saturday that resulted from a postponed game on Friday against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. In the first game of the day, the Dragons managed their second shutout game of the year as well as their largest margin of victory by defeating Wisconsin 10-0. Outfielder Cameron Satterwhite has been on fire this year, hitting .476 over the last 10 games and .375 for the season. He had hits at his first three at bats during the first game of the double header, and achieved his first professional home run that night. Starting pitcher Jacob Johnson won his third straight decision, with 5 scoreless innings; Chase Ware and Jason Braun finished up the game. The Dragons started the second game of the double header by taking the lead in the third inning with a 3 man home run by Chris Richburg (.258). Wisconsin fought back later in the game but never regained the lead.

As I had hoped, the Dragons made a good drive against some less prominent teams in the league but dropping two against Beloit helped them get above .500 this week. Fort Wayne is up early this coming week, but the Dragons still have a good chance at starting strong against them. The Dragons have won 4 of 6 games against the Tin Caps this year, including a three game sweep in early May. This weekend however 5/3rd field will expectantly be packed for a series against the Great Lakes Loons. The Dragons have only played the Loons one other time this year, splitting a four game series 2-2. The Loons have a dangerously good win percentage while playing away (almost .700), so the Dragons need to keep on their feet and show the Loons who’s house it is.

There hasn’t been too much word from the Gems in the last week, and we’re still waiting on the announcement of who is going to actually coach the Gems next year but all was not quiet on the hockey front. As the merger between the CHL and IHL continues to develop, two IHL teams have announced they will not be playing next year: The Flint Generals and the Port Huron Icehawks. Including 13 returning teams from the CHL, that will make for a total of 17 teams to be split into two conferences. These haven’t been decided yet but most likely Dayton will still be playing it’s three adversaries of the IHL from last year. Last time I noted that Dayton is unlikely to continue busing it’s team from game to game, but upon examining the likely conference alignments, there is a pretty good chance few flights may ever be scheduled unless they end up making it to the playoffs. This is definitely positive, but it will mean The Gems will have quite a few long rides ahead of them in comparison to last year. Still, if they were playing in the ECHL, it would be the same story. Here is hoping these two leagues can come to an agreement quickly on how to merge together before the seasons starts.

The Dayton Dutch Lions started last week with their first loss of the season. An uneasy loss of 4-1 against the Indiana Invaders on Wednesday could have meant signs of trouble, but the Lions found redemption back at their home field against the Toronto Lynx three days later on Saturday 2-0. Whatever it was they put in those boys’ coffee that morning most have done the job because they out shot Toronto 14-4. Mounting frustration and unnecessary tackles from Toronto was awarded with 5 yellow cards and an ejection of their coaching staff. I was at that game and the swears coming off the field from Lynx players were loud enough to silence the crowd in the stands. Their aggravation was palpable, needless to say. It only mounted as the second goal from the DDL would come late in the second half as Steven McCarthy pitched the ball back into play near the Lynx goal and with a confounding luck and lack of an organized defense by Toronto, managed to fling the ball right into the net. The game paused around the 85th minute for inclement weather, but was resumed only 15 minutes afterwords, and the Lions took home the win before the clouds opened up that night.

The Lions have 3 games over the next 6 days. As stated last week, they will be travelling to Rochester NY for the first match against the Rochester Rhinos in the US Lamar Hunt Open Cup. On the 17th they’ll play The Cleveland Internationals, and Saturday will be back in town to face The Columbus Crew of the MLS at Baujan Sports Field. Buy your Tickets. Good luck Lions!

I will squeak out a few headlines here:

Several Wright State Baseball players have joined the professional ranks during this years draft. Gerald Ogrinc has signed as a free agent with the Milwakee Brewers and Alex Kaminsky has signed with the independant Northern League. Relief Pitcher Greg Robinson signed with the Arizona Dimondbacks, and second basemen Aaron Fields was drafted by the Cleveland Indians. Not a whole lot else floating around in Raider territory at the moment but congratulations to all those guys.

Last week I had mentioned two track athletes that were competing in the NCAA track and field championship this year. Some news here about how they did. Katie Nagoette finished 17th overall in the pole vault. Junior Mallory Barns placed 19th in the hammer throw and is Dayton’s first ever All-American in track an field. This is a dry spell for any collegiate sports, heck the next date listed on the Flyers page is in August, so that will tell you how quiet the summer can be. Still, as I mentioned before, things will start to pick up for both the Flyers and the Raiders in the next few months, but for now, I humbly pass along the news that is passed to me.

Take care for another week. There will be great games going on in Dayton next weekend with both the Dragons and the Lions, so what are you waiting for? Get to a game!

Dayton and Regionalism

June 9, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 7 Comments

This week, The Brookings Institute published a study called “The State of Metropolitan America.” The premise of the study is that we can no longer define metropolitan areas in the same general terms used in the 80s and 90s because the demographic trends of the 2000s have reshaped the character of metropolises in America. The report is grounded with the premise that population growth is an important “barometer of economic and societal well being.”

The study generally categorizes cities into the new terminology that reflects the demographics, such as “Mid-sized magnets” and “Skilled anchors” instead of “Sunbelt” or “Rustbelt” cities. One of the buckets is called “Industrialized Core” and represents the slow growing, less diverse, older and less educated cities that are “disadvantaged.” The Dayton, Ohio region is lumped into this category with 17 other cities, including our standard Ohio and Michigan counterparts of Toledo, Youngstown, Cleveland, Grand Rapids and Detroit. The study compares statistics from 1990-2000 and 2000-2009, focusing on population trends, including growth/decline, shifts between cities and suburbs, and diversity of population, as well as household growth/decline. Dayton ranked in the lowest 10% for every statistic cited in the study, except of course the statistic about the greatest rate of decline in under age 45 population, in which we scored in the top 10. The study specifically highlighted our significant loss of households in the “married with children” category – declining over 16% in the last 8 years. This statistic is key data to defining our regional strategy since it skews the population age for the next generation.

Our regional strategy builds on our position in the defense industry and the region’s roots in aerospace technology and manufacturing. We are focused on four strategic growth areas: Aerospace R&D, Information Technology, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, and Human Sciences/Healthcare. The key points of our strategy focus on a highly educated workforce with our pillar community educational institutions (universities and hospitals) leading the way to differentiate our region.

This focus steers us toward the more palatable characterization of “skilled anchor” metropolis with other post-manufacturing Midwestern cities such as Akron, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. This type of city is characterized as slow growing, having a less diverse population, and higher than average education levels. The anchors specified are service centric – such as hospitals and educational institutions. The “skilled anchor” cities are distinct from “Industrialized Core” cities economically but share the challenges of primary growth in lower density suburban areas/decentralization and an aging workforce/growing senior population comparative to other age groups.

The conclusion of the study suggests that regional collaboration is critical within the new demographic realities. It is not clear if the new characterizations of the metropolitan areas will remain true through the rapid transformations of the coming decades, but the study points out very clearly that the response to changing demographics must be shared across local dividing lines for the region to sustain its unique identity and growth rate.

Without regional collaboration, the “Industrial Core” cities will not transition, ultimately being usurped in the list of top 100 metropolitan areas by smaller cities with higher population growth due to immigration and emigration from the likes of Dayton. The Dayton region must be a cohesive voice representing the metropolitan area to the state; and local leaders must forge new solutions to tackle the challenges of fiscal crises, outdated infrastructure and lacking capacity to extend needed community services.

Dayton’s leaders are making visible strides to position our region as a hub for aerospace technology and a service centric, highly educated, knowledge based economy. While the vision is sound and is being realized incrementally, three primary questions remain un-answered on how we move toward regional growth rather than continue on the decline.

What is the approach for the Dayton region to position ourselves more competitively based on the pending merger with the Cincinnati statistical MSA?
How do we plan to more cohesively address economic development opportunities with a regional voice, enabling us to successfully execute our planned strategy?
Are we ensuring that the human capital of the region fits with the strategic plan for growth? There seems to be a gap in the required education, skill set and age demographics for a service and knowledge based economy with a declining population under the age of 45.

What will Dayton’s story be 10 years from now when population and growth charts for the coming decade are analyzed? Are we going to trend toward population growth? Continue to be considered a beleaguered region mired in population loss? Or will we allow ourselves to lose our identity entirely to become part of greater Cincinnati? The answers to those questions will come when we begin to measure our success as a region/metropolis (household income, employment and population) instead of individual cities and towns. The clock is ticking and the decade is already 5% gone. We know what we want to be as a region, but we need to start taking action now to make it a reality.

Look for more in this series about Regionalism in Dayton coming soon…

For more DMM conversations on Regionalism, check out the discussion on the DMM Forum.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS…?

June 8, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 5 Comments

The Bengson's performing on the rooftop terrace of Dayton's Firefly Building

…a butt-kicking, heart-breaking, raucous, Vaudevillian Cabaret!

What?

Yeah…I thought the same thing, the first time I was forcibly encouraged to attend a performance by Shaun & Abigail Bengson. “What are we going to see again? Who are these people? Can’t we just go to Chappy’s instead?”

Then, upon exiting the venue I asked…”What did I just see? Who were those people? When are they performing again? Is there a CD?” The performance WAS heart-breaking, it WAS butt-kicking. I fell in love with these performers, and the 20-some characters from around the world that they introduced me to that evening.

Shaun & Abigail Bengson. Performers like no other. To be frank…you, yes YOU….have NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER to miss their performances whenever their nomadic path winds through Southwest Ohio. Sorry if that sounds too strong for a friendly little blog post, but I am forcibly encouraging you to attend a performance of AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS by The Bengson’s at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival this week.

Shaun & Abigail Bengson's AIN'T THAT GOOD NEWS

"Not only a tremendous musical talent, but also a raw honesty and sincere righteousness." THE NEW YORK TIMES

Shaun McClain Bengson was a local boy. Bellbrook. You might’ve even seen him perform as a kid…BHS marching band & theater productions, Sinclair Jazz Combo, community theater groups. In 2001 he began to explore beyond the Miami Valley. First he attended college at Indiana University (studied Ethnomusicology & Traditional Indiana Fiddling), then after graduation Shaun moved to New York City as a part of the city’s teaching fellows program. He became a music teacher in NYC. He was assigned to a school for special education students, in a unit for students with Autism. It was in this unit where Shaun crafted programs such as “Little Kids Rock!” and then “The New Manhattan Music Project,” where his students wrote, produced & performed their own musicals. It was at the performance of these musicals where Shaun found love. In walks Abigail Nessen, out walks “The Bengson’s,” and a new band called the “Zombie Nationalists.” They were engaged within two weeks and writing their first musical.

The couple is constantly touring. They have traveled to South Africa, West Africa, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Europe as well as many areas of the U.S. They perform while touring, but more importantly they connect to the people they encounter, educating kids and talking with families. They collect stories along the way. These stories…NO…these people become the Bengson’s show.

Those of you who attended last week’s production of RENT in C{space got just a glimpse of Shaun & Abigail. Shaun led the rockin’ band, giving this version of RENT an instrumental style of it’s own. Abigail portrayed “Mimi.” Her Mimi was perhaps a tinge “Joplin-inspired.” She took the dark role & gave it a fierce, hard edge that was probably more truthful to the character than “glam’d” for Broadway.

Currently they are touring with AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS, finishing up a new album called THE PROOF, and writing their next show which is titled the same as the album. The new show, which will employ a cast of 12 and an 8 piece band, will be developed through a residency in Vermont followed by an Off-Broadway run in 2011.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS is described as

…a raucous vaudevillian cabaret, full of roaring original music and impassioned characters. The Bengson duo evoke the quintessentially American stories of the immigrant and the outcast and play at the heart of the political struggles of our age through a melding of the musical forms of Tin Pan Alley, the Old South, German Weimar and rock and roll. The show is constantly evolving. As the Bengsons travel, they trade songs and drinks for new stories from the personal to the divine, and shift the work to reflect where they’ve been, and each new community they’re in. This work was made possible through support from the Puffin Foundation.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS opened on Sunday night in the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. You have three more chances to catch their show, so you will need to start making arrangements today. Hire a babysitter, make dinner reservations and ORDER YOUR TICKETS before they are gone!

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS @ The Cincinnati Fringe Festival

Wed. June 9 at 9:30p / Thurs. June 10 @ 8:45p / Sat. June 12 @ 9:00p

Venue: The Coffee Emporium, 110 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio

Tickets: $12 online at www.cincyfringe.com/aint-that-good-news

More Info: www.bengsons.com or email Shaun & Abigail at [email protected]

When you get the chance to meet Shaun & Abigail after the show, make sure you give them a hug for us…but be careful what you say…you never know, it might just make it into their next musical!

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] &Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)

Dayton Sports Weekly Update: 6/7/2010

June 7, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

Welcome to the first edition of the Dayton Sports Weekly Update. Join us every Monday for a rundown of all of your favorite home teams from the UD Flyers to our newest club, the Dayton Dutch Lions. We’ll try to keep you up to date on anything you may have missed last week, and everything you want to know coming up this week from stats, and scores to the latest news. Enough talking though, let’s jump right in.

The Dayton Dragons are still selling out games but are having a difficult time finding a good rhythm. They’ve dropped six of their last ten games, and out of those, 4 of them have been by one run. What makes that even more difficult is that those one run losses cost them 3 out of their last 4 series. The Dragons play away from home for the next two weeks and won’t be back at 5/3rd field until June 18th.

This week they will be playing at Beloit and Wisconsin, and next week they’ll be playing at Fort Wayne. Currently Fort Wayne is the only team out of those three that stand at a PCT of .500 or greater, so it’s a good week for the Dragons to make up some lost ground against some less challenging teams in the league.

The Dayton Gems had an interesting first year in Dayton. After being competitive for half of the season they embarrassingly slid into last place in the league. Ownership was at one time taken over by the IHL and then transferred to new ownership early on. They also seem mired in an endless list of traded and cut players, which would be fairly typical of any first year team, especially if you don’t know who you’ve got playing for you. Still, with such a difficult end to the year, the big guys upstairs clearly were not happy with Coach Marks and let him go, as well as several other staff members in an effort to right the ship before it falls to far.

If that wasn’t enough, the IHL’s contention as a league was in serious doubt at the end of the season with a flutter of rumors being passed around about their inevitable folding. It was just recently announced however that the IHL and CHL intend to merge together into one large league similar to that of the ECHL, with two separate divisions. This has a lot of implications for the Gems, namely their viability as a team in Dayton and how critical next year will be for them. This will expand their playing area drastically, including a half dozen teams from Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Louisiana, and Colorado, to name a few. Having said that, Dayton can no longer be considered in a “bus league” and will definitely have to hope fans will be curious about this new league to fill seats fast. I for one encourage anyone who hasn’t seen the Gems play yet, do so next year when their season starts. They did great things for the community last year, and though beleaguered as they were, deserve our support.

The Dayton Dutch Lions are doing an amazing job in their first year in Dayton. In the giant unending tangle of a mess that is the United Soccer League, Premier Development League, the Dutch Lions find themselves in second place in the Great Lakes Division, suffering not a singles loss all season. For those who might be unfamiliar with soccer, the Dutch Lions hold a record of 3-0-3 or 3 wins no losses and 3 draws. As a result they are one point behind the Chicago Fire. They tied their last game this weekend against Forest City London 1-1.

With their winning record so far this year, the Dutch Lions have also found themselves qualified for the 2010 U.S. Lamar Hunt Open Cup. As one of 8 PDL teams to make the Open Cup, make no mistake that this is a prestigious honor. The US Open Cup is the longest running cup series in the United States, dating back to 1914. Qualifying teams can be from any tier of the United States Soccer Federation, from amateur teams to the MLS. Since the inception of the MLS back in 1996, they have won the cup every year except 1999, in which the Rochester Rhinos beat out four MLS clubs to claim the championship. The luck of the draw has placed the Rhinos as the Dutch Lions’ first opponent in the tournament starting June 15th.

The Dutch Lions have an exhausting schedule ahead of them before June ends. On the 9th they play an away game against the Indiana Invaders, but return home this Saturday the 12th to play Toronto. Then on the 15th they’ll be travelling to Rochester to take on the Rhinos in the first round of the US Open Cup, followed by an away game on the 17th against the Cleveland Internationals. This will all be topped off by a home game (they are the away team however) against the Columbus Crew at Baujan Sports Field at The University of Dayton. I’ll have my tickets for that one, I hope you will too. All in all one heck of a next few weeks, all the best to the DDLFC.

What to say about university athletics in our town? There is a heck of a lot going on and I will not do them justice here, but I will try to capture what I can about what is going on right now around town. Though inevitably our thoughts will drift back to Basketball here in Dayton, I’ll try to be true to all the student athletes out there who play hard for WSU and UD.

Recently Raider’s Baseball found itself in the Horizon League Championship game after finishing the regular seasons with a 29-23 record. On May 30th however they stumbled against Milwaukee 14-7 to end their season. Though a disappointing end, the Raiders have found themselves as perennial contenders in the Horizon League, finishing the last 5 years over .500.

Women’s Softball also find themselves in the Horizon League Championship this spring, and after winning 4 out of 5, advanced to the NCAA Regionals in Ann Arbor. Though they ended their season there, the Raider posted their second ever NCAA tournament win this season, an encouraging end to a great season.

There is more to mention here about upcoming news for the Raiders, but we’ll have plenty of time to get to it. Check back soon.

The Flyers equally will have plenty to talk about in the upcoming months, especially as fall sports start to pick up steam so bare with me for now. The Flyers had a more difficult time this year in both Baseball and Softball, both finishing with losing records, but the Flyers soccer team faired better in their spring training, going undefeated, and shutting out the likes of Ohio State and Wright State, and finishing with a 2-2 tie against Kentucky.

Dayton has also had great success this year in Track and Field. This week two members will be competing in the upcoming NCAA Championship in Eugene Oregon; Junior Mallory Barnes (hammer throw) and freshman Katie Nageotte (pole vault). But there have also been several other distinguished athletes from various events noted this year, including Ashley Cattran and Sarah Allen who were recieved ESPN acedemic all-district honors this past week. Cattran was also recently announced as the A10 student athlete of the year.

Well that’s it for this week, come back again and we’ll let you know what’s going on in the Gem City. Show your pride for Dayton and those who play here, get out and watch a game!

A Photographic Journey of Woodland Cemetary

June 3, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

The 200-acre Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum in Dayton is one of the nation’s oldest “garden” cemeteries. Founded in 1840 by John Van Cleve (the Van Cleve family is one of Dayton’s “founding families”), this spacious, rolling area is the final resting place of many notable Daytonians including aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, novelist and poet Paul L. Dunbar, columnist Erma Bombeck, inventor Charles Kettering, and John Patterson, the founder of National Cash Register.

Words don’t do this historic landmark justice. So here are some pics:

Woodland Cemetary, located at 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.

The Liberty Bell -- in Dayton?

Woodland has over 100,000 monuments.

James Ritty, inventor of the cash register, which he sold to John Patterson for $6,500.

Historic tours can be scheduled for visitors. Be prepared to walk uphill!

Living the good life...even in death.

I know Stroop Rd is in Kettering, but who was Stroop?

More striking memorials.

The Wright family plot.

Headstones of Orville, Wilbur and Katharine Wright.

The grave of Johnny Morehouse, a five-year-old boy who fell in the waters of the Miami & Erie Canal. Morehouse's dog jumped in the water, attempting to save him, but was too late.

Visitors to the Morehouse site leave toys and dolls.

Many of the trees at Woodland are more than 100 years old.

A beautiful angel.

A majestic monument watches over the resting souls.

The roads are suitable for walking or cycling

Grave site of Paul Laurence Dunbar. The tiny headstone is that of his sister Elizabeth, who died at age 2.

A 29,000 pound boulder marks the grave site of Erma Bombeck.

Living Healthy as a College Student

June 3, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 8 Comments

Healthy habits are hard to stick to for many people, especially those of us still in college. With limited choices of healthy eating, and not much help from university cafeterias, loaded class schedules and weekend drinking, it can be hard for students to avoid the “Freshman 15”. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are many things that college students, and anyone else that’s struggling with their health, can do to curb their decline in fitness.

The University of Dayton RecPlex

The University of Dayton has many clubs and activities that students can take advantage of in order to stay active and in shape. “It’s easy to get caught up in the drinking culture and realize you’ve wasted a whole day playing outside and eating nothing but 12 wings for an entire day,” said UD sophomore Seetha Sankaranarayan. Organized clubs like Triathlon Club and the rowing team can provide workouts and direction for some students. I am president of Flyer Marathoners, a running club, and our goal is to get students to be able to run a half marathon at some point. This can be done with proper diet and exercise, all which can be achieved through our group runs or the wealth of advice our club members have.

Besides clubs, UD’s state-of-the-art recreational facility, the RecPlex, has fitness classes that can be taken. This includes anything from kick boxing to personal training. “Typically there are between three and eight participants (at least two in order to teach) in each class,” said UD fitness class instructor Sara Mrowzinski. Attending these classes can be a great way to get yourself motivated if you lack the self-motivation. The city of Dayton is also a great biking community, as headlined by this article, and provides some great routes.

Although I may be a little biased, running, along with a healthy diet, seems to be one of the best ways to shed pounds and stay healthy. Even though it may be hard to start off, once you get yourself going you may find yourself actually enjoying it. Setting goals for yourself is key for running or any workout plan. A goal like “run 5 miles this week”, or “sign up for a 5k race” is a simple idea that can help you stay motivated. I am a definite example of this as I started running during the summer after my freshman year at UD (2008). Since then I have lost 25 pounds and hope to never look back at what I used to be. Setting goals around your work or school schedule is something that will help you not only in health, but also in time management. On Friday June 11, there will be a 5k in downtown Dayton. For more information on that you can read over the race details. For a list of 5k’s in your area click here.

A late-night favorite among UD students: Cousin Vinny's Pizza

The biggest dilemma on the weekend is what to wear when you go out to party, and not what you are actually doing to your body in the process. A typical night for some of UD’s biggest drinkers can yield more than 10 beers. That’s almost 1,000 calories, and that’s if you’re drinking light beer! Add this to late night food items like pizza and burgers and your body screams at you in the morning, along with a few added pounds of weight gain.

“I think if you make a strong enough effort it’s easy enough, but when work picks up staying healthy always falls by the wayside,” Sankaranarayan said. Although some of this may be okay in moderation, the elimination of exercise from a diet can lead to a terrible combination.

The main point here is in order to stay on track and not get sidelined from any unnecessary weight gain, you must take the initiative apply yourself. Don’t wait for your health to get out of control. Joining a running group, club sport, playing weekly intramural sports or even cutting out the soda in your diet can lead to a healthier lifestyle that you will never regret.

This Zumba Queen Will Get You Lean: This ain’t sweatin’ to the oldies!

May 26, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

Yvette Williams, aka "The Diva"

The old school method of getting a bikini ready bod for the summer used to involve breaking out a dusty old VHS tape, popping it in the VCR and listening to a poofy-haired, tiny shorts-wearing man scream positive affirmations at you through the television set.

But that was then. If performing awkward, antiquated dance moves in your living room wearing day-glow leg warmers isn’t cutting it any more, then it might be time to switch your style up.

The “new” way, ladies and gentlemen, to sculpt a hot bod is zumba.

And zumba ain’t no joke.

To characterize zumba – a fitness regimen that blends Latin grooves and dance moves – as simply a health craze would be a transgression and an inadequate description of the art form.

Zumba is a lifestyle for enthusiasts who shake their hips to the slick sounds of salsa, merengue and other afro-cuban inspired international rhythms. The popularity of zumba dance has exploded in recent years as many are discovering the numerous benefits of this fun, yet challenging, activity.

No one knows this better than Yvette “The Diva” Williams, a certified fitness instructor and sports nutritionist who has been leading high energy zumba sessions throughout the Dayton area for the last two years.

Williams, originally from Queens, New York, leads zumba workouts at DK & J Pump in Trotwood, Premiere Ladies Fitness in Kettering and Therapy Cafe in downtown Dayton.

Dayton MostMetro recently sat down with this mother of two for an honest discussion about zumba, music and machismo:

Dayton MostMetro: When did you develop your interest in fitness?

Yvette Williams: I began bodybuilding late…at thirty! I grew up always being unhappy with the way that I looked. I’ve always been a very self conscious person, never really liking the way that I looked. So, at thirty, I decided to do something about it. I was watching the Olympics…and was looking at some videos of track and field. [I was] looking at the bodies and how muscular [the women] were. I saw how beautiful they were. They were attractive and sexy. They didn’t look like men – they looked like shredded, beautiful women. I wanted to look like that.

DMM: How were you introduced to zumba?

Williams: I’ve always had a love for Latin music – especially from being in New York City for as long as I was. I grew up with the authentic Latin music…Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Mongo Santamaria, um…Ray Barretto, Willie Bobo. All of them. I grew up with this music! It was a very strong influence in my family – in my household.

I was at a gym, and I heard the music and it was catchy. I thought, “What are they in there doing?’ I ended up taking classes from an instructor named Christi Siler…and we had a ball! I loved the music! I loved how she moved! I found that I already knew the moves because I grew up with this music. I thought, “Oh my gosh. I can do this!” I really did it for the love of the music.

"The Diva" in her element

DMM: When did you began teaching your own classes here in Dayton?

Williams: I became certified and started teaching about a year later…The classes have just sort of taken off. I’m just appreciative – and very grateful – that people like what I do!

My style is very authentic. Zumba is a Latin word. It was developed by Alberto Perez, who is Colombian. So, in that spirit – it’s Latin. It’s what I identify with. It’s very authentic. [It’s] heavy salsa! Heavy meringue and reggae-ton! I stick with the authentic Latin moves, rather than incorporating too many other things. I’ve learned that the Latina population really appreciates that, because I’m not watering down anything…It is what it’s supposed to be.

DMM: So, what’s so cool about the zumba dance routines?

Williams: You’re working out without even feeling that you’re working out! You just let the music takes you wherever it wants to take you…The music is very motivating. It’s captivating and fun music. It takes you somewhere else!

It allows you a chance to escape. There’s whooping and hollering…clapping and cheering! The zumba logo says “Join the party!” So, we treat it like a party! It’s fun, and exciting. Every class is different…I’m trying to get some more men in the class…

DMM: …Which brings me to my next question. What was the inspiration behind your Zumba Men’s Challenges?

Williams: Diva is trying to gain more testosterone in her classes! [Laughs.] I’m not going to get the men in here by saying, “Would you guys please come to my zumba class?” Because they’re going to say that zumba is for girls! So I said, okay…How about if I challenge them? And I find that if I challenge them it’s like, “Hold on, wait a minute! You’re not gonna challenge me…” [Laughs]

When I challenged them, they came.

DMM: So you had a favorable response?

Williams: We had a huge one the first time. The entire dance floor was covered, and there were people going all the way to the back wall. That was in February. At the second men’s challenge, the men outnumbered the women.

Everybody can Zumba!

DMM: What is the age range for zumba? And are there any restrictions?

Williams: Before you start any fitness regimen, you should always check with your doctor. There are different levels. There’s even Zumba Gold, for the elderly or for people who have had injuries. But it’s all ages [for zumba.]

My classes are very diverse — from ages 13 to 60.

DMM: Lastly, what would you say to anyone who may be on the fence about trying your classes?

Williams: For the ladies, it’s just an amazing way to get fit and toned for the summer. I tell everybody, “Before you strut, you gotta sweat!”

For my men, I tell them, “Zumba ain’t sissy, it’s sexy!”

Williams is also a gifted vocalist who has performed on stage during Urban Nights

Mondays
DK&J Pump 1790 Shiloh Springs Rd Trotwood, OH
7:00pm $5 for non-gym members

Fridays
Therapy Cafe 452 E. 3rd St Dayton, OH
6:30pm $6

Saturdays
Premier Ladies Fitness, Kettering OH
1:00pm members only

Ms. Williams would like to give a special shout out to DJ Danny D for providing her with fabulous Latin music and remixes!

Jonathan Larson’s RENT @ C{Space in Downtown Dayton

May 26, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 32 Comments

Jonathan Larson's RENT at C{Space June 3-5 www.RENTdayton.org ~ Win Tickets Below!

On June 3rd Encore Theater Company will open it’s summer season of musicals with a show which has become a cornerstone for the musical theater world of the past decade and a half. ETC will present Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical RENT in C{space on three evenings next week, and if you don’t plan ahead, you just might miss out this highly provocative production in a truly unique downtown venue (Saturday is nearly sold out & tickets are selling fast for the other performances).

The musical, which is based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village. AIDS and both it’s physical and emotional complications pervade these characters as they struggle to find their place in a quickly changing world.

We think of RENT as this iconic “rock opera” legend but what RENT was saying and how it was saying it was revolutionary in 1996 and the theater world has never been the same. The number of doors RENT opened for new musical theatre writers was unprecedented. Shows that have followed – like SPRING AWAKENING & 2010’s AMERICAN IDIOT (Yes, the GreenDay one) – are indebted to Larson & his show for their success. RENT’s influence is still profound in shows opening today, fourteen years after it quietly opened it’s Off-Broadway run the night after Larson died of an aortic aneurysm.

When talking with cast members of the show, it’s interesting, almost comical actually, to realize that for many of them, their first knowledge of this show was the 2005 film version. As depressing as that is to this almost-40-year-old, who could’ve been in the original Broadway cast (if he could act & sing that is), it’s also refreshing. This cast is approaching this material with such an infectious energy! They are exploring the souls of these characters, but through a new point of view, in a very different world.

“To be able to experience something so beyond myself in sharing with my fellow castmates and it’s viewers, the very real struggle that these characters live through has been life-changing. This chance to live in love, to spread the message to carry on and be thankful every single day has been a gift.”

Drew Bowen, “Roger”

“Being a part of RENT is something deeply profound that I’ve strived for in my art and I finally have the chance to play my dream role. I’ll carry with me the artistic lessons that I’ve learned from this production as I pursue my stage career.”

JJ Parkey, “Mark”

Since ETC carries as its mission the development and preservation of new musical theatre, it seemed only fitting that we honor Jonathon Larson – the pioneer who made our work and our mission possible. Along with a unique group of collaborators including C}Space, Sinclair Community College Theatre Department, AIDS Resource Center of Ohio, and Project Runway Finalist Althea Harper, ETC invites you to rediscover why you fell in love with RENT all over again and see this generation-defining musical in a fresh innovative production against the backdrop of one of Downtown’s Dayton’s most unique spaces.

Jonathan Larson’s RENT will play June 3, 4 & 5 in downtown Dayton’s C{space at 7:30pm each evening. An additional 11:30pm performance will take place on Friday, June 4th. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. You can order tickets by visiting www.RENTdayton.org

WIN TICKETS to RENT!

It’s easy! Just COMMENT to this post before midnight Saturday, May 29th to be entered into a drawing to win a set of tickets to the Encore Theater Company production of RENT. We will be giving away one set of tickets for each 7:30 performance (Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 1 winner per performance)…but you can help DOUBLE the number of tickets we will be giving away! If 50 readers “SHARE” this post, by clicking the FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON before midnight Saturday…we’ll give away two sets of tickets for each evening’s performance! Start Sharing!

Dayton Dutch Lions Feature Former UD Standouts

May 26, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

Former University of Dayton men’s soccer standouts Randy Dennis and Jeff Popella are happy to stay in Dayton a little longer than expected after graduation a few weeks ago. Both are playing for Dayton’s newest professional sports team, the Dayton Dutch Lions. “It’s great to be out here with all the guys playing soccer, but I still miss home,” said Randy Dennis, whose family resides in Texas. Dennis was a key member of the Dayton Flyers defense last season, as he played in all 20 games and helped lead them to 14-5-1 record and a regular season Atlantic 10 title.

The Dutch Lions play in the fourth tier of United States soccer, the Premier Development League, and look to win the league title in their first season of play. The team consists of many Dutch players, most of whom have played professionally for top teams in the Netherlands, and many younger American players from various universities and clubs around the United States.

The team, along with guidance from coach Sonny Silooy, looks to combine the precision play of Dutch soccer, with the physical play of US soccer. “Team unity is very important to us as we play different styles of soccer, said Popella. “There is the language difference (Dutch and English) and also trying to blend our styles of play together, so we all need to work especially hard on the team mentality.”

Priding themselves on youth development, the Dutch Lions consider their team the “Gateway to professional soccer” and strive to develop talent with players as young as four. Try-outs for the Dutch Lions Academy begin on June 1 for boys, and June 2 for girls at the Miami Valley South Stadium at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the academy, check out their web site.

The team plays their home games at the Miami Valley South stadium at Bellbrook High School. “The Dutch guys are used to soccer-only fields, so some of them don’t like the lines on the grass from football games,” said Popella. Even with this being the first season of soccer for the team, they have already developed a sizable fan base called the Orange Legion that supports them at every home game.

A few players from the Dayton area are on the Dutch Lions roster, including Popella and midfielder Eric Kissinger. Kissinger attended The Miami Valley School for high school and played D – III soccer at Haverford College. Kissinger looks to experience a successful season with the Dutch Lions as he only enjoyed 12 wins in his four years at Haverford. Popella attended Carroll High School before playing soccer for UD, where he scored seven goals in 11 games for the Flyers, as well as converting two penalty kicks.

Off the Beaten Path: Dayton’s National Park Offers Unique Cycling Experience

May 24, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Park Ranger Mark Dues leading cyclists along the Great Miami River.

Cyclists looking for an atypical riding experience will find one this summer as Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park has announced their 2010 bicycle tour dates.

The “Bike With A Ranger” program, sponsored by the National Park Service, is an exciting, yet casual, way to explore Dayton’s historic sites. Park guide, and experienced cyclist Mark Dues will lead the tours – interpreting the region’s rich heritage of creativity and innovation along the way.

Two bicycle programs will be offered:

“The Gem City: Cradle of Creativity”

Learn how Dayton became a hotbed of inventiveness, innovation, and creativity. This bicycle ride on flat terrain along quiet urban streets and bike trails visits the Wrights’ bicycle shop; the home of internationally-renowned poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar; the invention and transportation exhibits at Carillon Historical Park; and various historic sites in Downtown Dayton. The tour ends where it started–in Wright-Dunbar Village. The Wright Cycle Company Complex is located at the intersection of West Third and South Williams Streets, 22 South Williams Street, Dayton OH 45402, just west of downtown. June 6, July 11, August 8, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Huffman Prairie and Historic Patterson Field (Wright-Patterson AFB, Areas A & C)”

Discover how one of the largest aviation complexes in the world, Wright-Patterson AFB, began as a humble 84-acre cow pasture just a few miles northeast of Dayton. This moderately difficult bicycle ride down mostly bicycle trails and less-traveled roads will take the trail leading to Huffman Prairie Flying Field and historic old Patterson Field (present day Wright-Patterson AFB, Areas A & C). Due to Air Force security requirements, all participants must register at least seven days prior to the tour. No exceptions! The tour will end where we started–at Wright Memorial Hill. Wright Memorial Hill is located close to the intersection of State Route 444 and Kauffman Road, just 1.5 miles east of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. At Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center, 2380 Memorial Rd., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433. June 20, July 25, and August 22, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

– All participants should be present no later than the times mentioned above for sign-in and orientation.

– Bicyclists should be in good physical condition and feel comfortable gearing up and down hills.

– Inclement weather may cause tour cancellation. Huffman Prairie Flying Field may close without prior notice since it is located on an active military installation.

– Participants are required to bring their own bicycles and personal gear, including snacks and/or lunch. Proper wear of helmets is required.

– Bicycles should be in good operating condition and are subject to safety inspections.

For additional information, or to register for these free tours, contact Mark Dues at 937-425-0008.

Greater Downtown Dayton Plan Update

May 18, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The organizers of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan unveiled “the plan” earlier today, and we’ll have more info to share soon – but for now check out the video that Dayton’s Kenny Mosher put together that sums up just how important Downtown Dayton is, and why the entire region should believe in its future.

The Downtown Dayton Plan from Kenny Mosher on Vimeo.

RIP Jason Dryden 1975-2010

May 18, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

…this past Thursday, May 13, Sleepybird bassist Jason Dryden was found dead in his home. You can read the official news here. We’re very saddened here at The Buddha Den for this loss, as we’ve worked with Sleepybird on several occasions over the years. The remaining members of Sleepybird will host a memorial gathering for Dryden on Friday, May 21 at Shon Walter’s house, 157 Samuel St. in Dayton. Below is a special outtake given to us by the band from their last album, The Sadness Will Last Forever….

MP3: Sleepybird “World”
Download audio file (World.mp3)

In Celebration of AmeriCorps Week

May 13, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 4 Comments

The following was submitted by DaytonMostMetro.com reader Caitlin Closser

With any revelation arises the need to announce it to the world, and I wish to announce that I am in love…with service. This love is not without its challenges. However, now that I’ve experienced the warmth, inspiration, and pure joy that serving creates, I know I’ll never be without it in my life again.

Service and I were mere acquaintances in the past. Sure, we had met a few times, on various projects. The response had been positive, but life, as always, got in the way. With the need to earn a living, there just wasn’t enough time for it. That is, until AmeriCorps came along.

Laid off unceremoniously from my last job, I found myself unemployed and stranded. My previous company unleashed nearly 300 of us into an unforgiving job market. The months following the layoff were bleak. There was a shortage of jobs I was interested in, and I wasn’t qualified for any of them. That was when I discovered AmeriCorps, a program that has existed since the Clinton administration, but was little known to me. I pursued AmeriCorps for practical reasons: to build my resume, to gain the experience I lacked in the community development field.

AmeriCorps, the domestic cousin of the Peace Corps, is a year-long service commitment. AmeriCorps members work in widespread fields, from community development to conservation to education. In exchange for their service, members earn a small living stipend and an education grant upon completion.

This is just the part they tell you about. The part that doesn’t fit so neatly into word packages is the assurance that for maybe the first time ever, you are doing something meaningful with your life. It’s the smiles, the hugs, the thank you notes from the people you are helping. It’s the ability to see the incredible progress volunteers can make towards repairing a home in a single day.

I currently serve with Rebuilding Together Dayton, a non-profit that performs home repairs and modifications at no cost to the low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners who live in them. We are fueled by hard-working volunteers and generous sponsors. Our mission is a safe, warm, and dry home for every Dayton homeowner.

The work can be tedious, tiresome, and downright filthy. Just last week I had to dive into a dumpster from one of our project sites to try and retrieve stray tires before the trash could be picked up. On a regular basis I talk with homeowners whose life stories that are so sad they would melt your heart.

As this is AmeriCorps week, I wish to celebrate by offering this homage to a program that has changed my life. I encourage you to pursue your own love affair with service. Visit AmeriCorps’s website. Seek out serving opportunities near you.

Is it challenging to live near the poverty line? Sure is. Is the work difficult? At times, terribly. Does it feel like I am working towards an unachievable goal? Sometimes it does.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Dayton to Daytona: A time for celebration

May 13, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

For the 2,500+ University of Dayton students who make the long journey to Daytona Beach, Fl., it can be the best week of their lives. The traditional trip was from May 4 – May 10 this year and did not fail to disappoint. The week-long party has been going strong since 1978 and is in the hearts of many as an important tradition and final send off for seniors.

Source: Ashley Laker

A room of five will run students $209 each, according to this year’s rates. Any additional information can be found here. This is a very competitive deal which averages to less than $30 a day for a beachfront apartment! The main hotel overlooks a large pool area where Budweiser provides free beer during a few precious hours of the day.

With all this free beer in mind, UD had to be concerned about student safety, especially after incidents at other schools that have been making national news. Because it is an unfamiliar city, students are highly encouraged to stay together at night, and to never go out alone. “You always need to have someone with you when walking to any other place in the area,” said UD student Ashley Laker. “I would never recommend walking alone.”

UD is well-known for having a feeling of togetherness among its students and it is one of the first things that visiting students and prospective students notice when they come to the campus. This feeling is emphasized during Daytona as a large part of the student population converges on Daytona Beach to have one last party and to be with their friends one last time before graduating to “the real world”.

Among the highlights of the trip (besides the free beer of course) are the live performances by popular bands and artists. With popular past performances by bands like Reel Big Fish, UD does not fail in bringing the bands we all like to Daytona. This year’s headliners were up-and-coming Hip-hop artist Mike Posner and Pop-punk band Boys Like Girls. A spirited 2009 performance from Mike Posner is here:

Hearing about all of this just makes me excited for my turn to join in and bask in the sun that is Dayton to Daytona. For all of you Dayton alumni, what were your favorite memories from Daytona? Please feel free to share them!

Come Celebrate a Victory for Dayton

May 13, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

Written By DaytonMostMetro.com guest contributor Val Hunt Beerbower – PR Specialist at Five Rivers MetroParks

Cyclists celebrate a victory for Dayton during Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights this Friday!

Cycling is taking Dayton by storm, and this pedal-powered movement has captured national attention.

The League of American Bicyclists has honored Dayton, Ohio, with its bronze-level status for a bike-friendly city. “Communities from all areas of the country, climates and populations see bicycling as an integral component of building livable communities,” said League President Andy Clarke. “The Bicycle Friendly Community program is recognizing those leading the way.”

To celebrate this designation and highlight the emerging prominence of bicycling in Dayton, a special escorted group ride is scheduled in concurrence with Urban Nights. Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights, a group ride, kicks off festivities at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Fifth Third Field. “This is a great way to bring cycling to the attention of Urban Nights patrons and raise awareness of bicyclists’ right to share the road,” said Andy Williamson, assistant outdoor recreation manager for the Outdoor Recreation Department at Five Rivers MetroParks, and spokesperson for the Drive Less Live More campaign. “It’s a bigger and bolder version of the regular Courteous Mass rides, in which we promote group cycling with an emphasis on learning the rules of the road. This is more of a parade – complete with local celebrities!” In addition to Dayton Police Department officers, Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights will host two Dayton City Commissioners.

There is much cause for celebration within the cycling community. The application process to become a BFC is rigorous; currently only 140 of the 359 total applicants have a BFC four-year designation. Communities vying for BCF status must establish records in two or more of the five categories which are known as the Five Es:

Education: Does the community have systems in place to train children and adult cyclists?
Engineering: Are bicyclists included in the city’s transportation plan?
Enforcement: Do police officers understand and enforce bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities?
Encouragement: Does the community participate in Bike Month, offer bike rodeos, host community bike rides, or otherwise encourage cycling?
Evaluation: Does the community have methods in place to ensure their bicyclist programs are making a difference?

Adding to the excitement of the occasion is the upcoming opening of the new RiverScape Bike Hub, part of RiverScape MetroPark’s latest development phase. The Hub will feature secured, patrolled areas with 40 bike lockers, four showers, 42 storage lockers, restrooms and food concession stand, making it convenient for bike commuters to head to work on two wheels as well as families in need of a pit stop while enjoying an afternoon on the recreational trails. “The Hub is only the third bike commuter facility to open east of the Mississippi,” says Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation Director Greg Brumitt. “Washington, D.C., and Chicago are the other east coast locations, and we’re only the third in the Midwest (besides Chicago and Minneapolis) to open a hub. Certainly, we’re the first mid-size city to open a special bike hub, and that’s something to cheer about.”

Anyone who can ride a bike is invited to join the celebration at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Fifth Third Field. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the sights and sounds of Urban Nights. Five Rivers MetroParks will have its own bike-friendly activities—free bike rentals and pedicabs will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

Learn more about other cycling activities and opportunities by visiting the website www.metroparks.org/cycling or calling (937) 275-277-4374.