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New Oregon District Mural To Bring Some Lovin’

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In August, Atalie Gagnet, Tiffany Clark and Zack Sliver began working on a collaborative project to create a memorial for the  Dayton community after a mass shooting in the Oregon District. From fundraising for the project, creating the concept and design, and getting permits, this small group of three took on the might task of creating this art piece.

According to Atalie, “the floral theme represents those who lost their lives and those affected and the concept came from John Legend performing at Blind Bob’s Bar to lift the community- covering Marvin Gaye’s, What’s Going On.”  She’s also quick to thank their assistants, Cheyanne Lumpkin and Leslea Hipp for their hard work and the  Mendenhall Family for their hospitality and perfect wall, the community donors and Bryan Devilbiss at Vandalia Rental and Sherwin Williams for their donations.

Zack Sliver expressed his thought , “Thank you to Dayton for your continued strength. We don’t “Got to Find a Way,” we already know how to “Bring Some Lovin’ Here Today.   Let us not forget who we lost and always to look for the light in the darkness.”

Gaye’s introspective lyrics explore themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of ecological issues before the public outcry over them had become prominent.”

Written by Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops Benson said, ‘My partners told me it was a protest song. I said ‘no man, it’s a love song, about love and understanding. I’m not protesting. I want to know what’s going on.'”

All photographed captured by  Jordan Lynn Freshour.

New Dining Experience Coming to Wright Dunbar

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The Wright Dunbar neighborhood is about to embark on a creative new project, which will become a dining destination on Wes is in the process of creating  a food hall, that will have space for 5 restaurant concepts, a coffee shop and bar at 1100 West Third Street.   The Dillin-led project is a joint venture with nonprofit Wright-Dunbar, Inc. with support from the City of Dayton.  The 6,000 square foot building will have indoor and outdoor seating, and perhaps a rooftop deck (pending approval by the Landmarks Commission). A garage door on the east side of the building will open up the space, making it east to feature live music.

Early renditions of W. Social Tap & Table:

Each eatery would have their own counter, so guests can order from different restaurants then join together in communal seating.  One bar would serve the entire building. Projected opening could be as soon as fall 2020.  Interested in leasing space in the Food Hall?  Contact Dillin.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Montgomery County Small Business Grant Applications Now Open

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Now accepting applications for small business grants
Thank you for signing up to receive updates about the Montgomery County Small Business Grant Program from the Office of CARES Act.
We are pleased to announce that the application for small businesses is now available online.
Some basic information about the small business program:
  • Grants will be up to $10,000 per business
  • Must be locally owned
  • Must be located in Montgomery County
  • Must have fewer than 30 employees
  • Must have gross annual receipts of less than $1 million
  • Must not have already received federal assistance (SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Paycheck Protection Program, or other programs funded by the federal CARES Act)
Please note that you will need to upload supporting documents in the online application. Click here for application instructions and a list of the documents you’ll need to submit.
Click the button below to start your application.

Are You Up For The MetroParks Trails Challenge?

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

The new MetroParks Trails Challenge includes 25 trails that range in mileage and difficulty, providing a variety that allows everyone to participate — including kids. Join the challenge by completing just one trail or complete all 25, in addition to pop up challenges that will be announced throughout the season.

 

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

How to Participate:

  • Download the trails log and fill out the entry form at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
  • Complete the trails in any order and at any time, tracking progress on the trails log.
  • Submit the trails log no later than Oct. 4 to be eligible to receive a prize.
  • Optional: To receive emails about pop up challenges and the chance to win additional prizes, register online or sign up for Five Rivers MetroParks’ monthly outdoor recreation email.

 

How to Win Prizes:

  • Everyone who completes just one trail in the challenge will be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop of their choosing. Participants will receive one entry for each trail they complete. Complete all 25 trails and get 25 chances to win.
  • Everyone who completes at least 18 trails will receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker. Also, 100 people completing at least 18 trails will be selected at random to receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge T-shirt.
  • Winners will be notified by e-mail or phone and prizes will be distributed after Oct. 4.

 

How to Plan Ahead:

  • Some of the trails in the challenge are segments of larger trails, so participants may have to hike, bike or shuttle back to their starting point. Other trails included are loops, starting and ending at the same point.
  • Some of the trails require special gear, such as a mountain bike or kayak, but participants can walk, hike, run or jog 19 of the 25 trails.

 

“Whether you’ve never been on a trail or have hiked every MetroPark, there’s something for everyone to experience,” Ryberg said. “The trails included in the MetroParks Trails Challenge were selected to give people the opportunity to build their trails experience over time.”

 

Participants and Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations, particularly for social distancing and wearing face coverings, while spending time outdoors. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response and related closures, visit metroparks.org/covid-19 and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Goat Yoga is Back!

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It’s time to get outside and spend time in nature and replenish your mind and body Goat Yoga is back is Dayton with our first session of 2020. Class will limited to 15 people to maintain social distancing. register at www.secreteden.net $25 cash or check at gate

What does “Defund Police” Really Mean?

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Taking a moment to read about “Defund Police” you would find it doesn’t mean do away with police It’s about cutting police budgets to spend money on social and community programs and hiring people to handle situations that may not require a police presence.  Unfortunately to  many folks this will become a right wing rallying cry to scare white people into thinking there will be no police departments and scared white people vote republican.

We’ve pulled together some info to help understand what defunding really means:

 

Here’s another explanation:

City of Dayton Issues Guidelines For Additional Outdoor Seating

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New City of Dayton guidelines for outdoor dining and customer service areas will assist businesses in expanding seating capacity while meeting social distancing health and safety standards.
The Pop-Up Patio Program provides businesses with guidance on planning, installing and operating new patios and customer seating on private property or in public right-of-way areas including sidewalks or curbside parking zones.
City of Dayton staff members will assist businesses with the application and permitting process, as well as guidance on public safety, construction, building materials and aesthetic appeal.
Included are guidelines for patio expansions, parklets (platform cafes) and pedlets (temporary walkways around expanded seating areas).

extended patio at Mudlick Tap House in progress. Photo by Steve Seboldt.

In recognition of the needs of businesses, guidance is provided for both temporary and permanent (beyond Oct. 31, 2020) installations.  Mudlick Tap House is currently waiting for approval by public health and the liquor board for approval of their additinoal seating.
Availability of the Pop-Up Patio Program guidelines follows discussion of a proposal by the City Commission on May 27. The program was developed by the City of Dayton Departments of Planning and Community Development, Public Works, and Economic Development, in cooperation with the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
Interested businesses my contact the City of Dayton at [email protected] or 937-333-3683, or go to daytonohio.gov/patio for more information.

Mike Elsass Donates Art to Support Local Business

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Renowned Local Artist Mike Elsass is reaching into his own collection to spread the color of energy around to local Dayton businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Elsass has started by donating two pieces inspired by local hattery Brim to the business in support of his favorite hat shop to help cover costs during the pandemic.

The two piece set, which is done in the iconic Elsass style of paint on rusted steel, each measure 20.5” x 20.5”, and are valued at $1,000, but Brim will be auctioning them off via a local pickup-on auction on ebay to raise money for the shop. Opening bid is set at $500.

Owner Amelia O’Dowd has maintained paying employees despite having been closed since the initial shutdown order. Brim is now going through the process of reopening slowly for appointment-only shopping, but like so many businesses, is working to catch up to business lost.

Mike personally selected and signed the pieces before dropping them off (socially-distance style) to be signed and then auctioned by Brim.

“I want to do whatever I can to help these businesses that need help right now,” Elsass said. “Dayton is hurting, and if art can help, I want to help.”

The pieces for Brim are listed at a starting bid of $500, but Elsass is hoping they can go much higher to help the business.

One of the two pieces is signed on the back by both Elsass and the Brim staff of the selected as a message of appreciation for the eventual buyer.

O’Dowd said she was extremely thankful for the unexpected help.

“All of us at Brim are very thankful for Mike Elsass leaning in and supporting us and our small business as we navigate these uncertain times.”

Watermark Adds Sunday Brunch

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Chef Maria and Watermark are launching  a new meal, and a new vibe!  Chef shares that over the years, many people have asked about brunch, and that they are now ready to launch a Sunday brunch.  This Sunday – June 7 – they will hold a special sneak-peek Soft Opening – and YOU are invited!

Image may contain: food

 

This new menu will feature both breakfast favorites, as well as the creative and delicious dishes you expect from Watermark! The incredible Smoked Salmon Tart, a mouthwatering Blueberry-Lemon Scone, and a hearty Pork Belly Hash are just a few. You can view the entire Sunday Vibes Menu HERE.  (Please note there are a few items that will not be available until our official public opening on June 14.)

CALL for reservations at:  937-802-0891
This June 7 Soft Opening will fill up FAST!

Regular Sunday brunch service will begin on June 14, and online reservations will be available starting on Monday, June 8.

Watermark Restaurant

(937) 802-0891
20 S. 1st St

Miamisburg, OH 45342

Dayton Metro Library Offers Curbside Service at All Locations

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Dayton Metro Library is now offering curbside pickup of reserved or requested materials. Curbside service is available at all Dayton Metro Library Branches and the Main Library, Tuesday through Friday, 3- 6pm and Saturday, 12 – 3pm. Bagged materials will be placed directly into vehicle trunks, or patrons can pick up their marked bag at the Library entrance.

 

Patrons may reserve items for themselves using the online catalog or call the Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665 to request materials they want to borrow. Borrowers will be notified via email, text or phone call when their items are ready, and should call the Ask Me Line to arrange for pickup. The items will be checked out to their account, then bagged for carryout at the location of their choice.

 

“We are eager to safely provide the books and other materials people want, while maintaining all health and safety guidelines,” said Deputy Director Rachel Gut.

 

Book drops are now open to accept returns as well. Borrowed Library materials must be placed directly into book drops or the return slot of the Automated Materials Handling machines at the newer Branch Libraries. Library staff will not directly accept returned materials. Items borrowed before March 13 had due dates extended to June 30.

“All returned materials will be quarantined for four days,” said Gut. “After the quarantine period, the items will be checked in and shelved, so they can be safely borrowed by other Library patrons.”

 

Library staff have received training on COVID-19 safety protocols. Staff wear protective face masks, wash hands frequently, wear gloves as needed, check their temperature prior to arriving at work, and follow established protocols for the safe handling of materials. Library buildings remain closed to the public at this time.

 

“In a recent poll, our patrons affirmed that what they miss and want most from their Library right now is access to the physical collection,” said Gut. “We are pleased to be able to offer that access with curbside service, but we look forward to a time when the public can browse our shelves once again.”


For more information about curbside service, or to request items to borrow, call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665 or visit the online catalog atDaytonMetroLibrary.org. The Ask Me Line is now answered live Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Messages can be left at other times.

Great Miami Riverway Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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The Great Miami Riverway and the National Association of Professional River Anglers (NAPRA) announce the first GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge to be held on the Great Miami River from June 1-30. This fishing event is a family-friendly, catch-and-release virtual tournament where anglers will utilize the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches.

The tournament is open to all ages. Registration is $25. Prizes will be awarded in three categories:

• Top Slam—the total length of your five largest smallmouth bass.
• Biggest smallmouth bass (in length).
• Biggest smallmouth bass (in length) for kids 12 and under (angler’s age on or before June 30).

The “top slam” winner will receive a $100 gift card while the other two winners will receive $50 gift cards.

The Great Miami River is Ohio’s best river for catching smallmouth bass, according to the number of smallmouth trophy fish registered on Ohio’s Fish Ohio database, the Ohio Department of Natural Resource program for recognizing significant catches for all species caught in Ohio waters.

For a complete list of rules, visit their website.

RTA launches Mobile Fare Payment Option

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The Greater Dayton RTA is making it even easier for customers to ride with the launch of Tapp Pay—its new mobile fare payment system, today, June 1. Tapp Pay is available only within the Transit app— RTA’s official, free real-time information and trip planning mobile application—which allows customers to purchase and use bus fare with their mobile devices.

The RTA is excited to expand its partnership with Transit, which thousands of its customers already use for trip planning, tracking rides, and making multimodal connections, while bringing in new partner Masabi, a fare payment provider, to further simplify the riding experience.

 

“We’re thrilled for the launch of Tapp Pay and what it means for our customers, especially during a time where customers can utilize this as a way to increase their social distance while riding,” said Brandon Policicchio, Chief Customer and Business Development Officer for the RTA. “Now they can manage their entire transit experience from a single app.”

 

Today’s announcement further expands upon the RTA’s efforts to keep both passengers and employees safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Tapp Pay’s launch is coming ahead of its expected summer launch in order to assist passengers with their social distancing efforts as those making essential trips can purchase both regular and reduced-fare passes using Transit without interacting with anyone else and store them in a wallet inside the app for later use. Once they are ready to board, passes can be activated and visually validated by the bus driver from a safe distance, which also speeds us the boarding process and limits issues at the fare box, RTA officials said.

 

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to ride public transportation. During the coronavirus response, drivers and essential workers depending on transit as a lifeline need to stay safe, and this solution helps them do that,” said David Block-Schachter, chief business officer at Transit. “RTA’s passengers already rely on Transit to find their next trip and track their ride. Adding Tapp Pay gives riders everything they need in one app. And by minimizing contact between drivers and riders, Tapp Pay in Transit helps keep everyone a little bit safer.”

 

The RTA joins more than a dozen other agencies offering mobile ticketing through partnerships with Transit and Masabi, including those in Cincinnati, Butler County, and Northern Kentucky. Mobile ticketing in Transit is made possible through Masabi’s Justride SDK, which allows Transit to request fare types, make payments, and deliver visual and dynamic barcode tickets to riders through secure ticket wallets. With the launch of Tapp Pay, the RTA gains access to the Justride Hub, giving it real-time sales, usage, and validation data as well as an extensive customer services interface.

 

“Providing a safe way for riders to access tickets and pay for transit services is crucial in helping transit agencies keep both riders and operators safe and keep crucial services going during the COVID-19 response,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO at Masabi. “The RTA has accelerated this launch and should be commended for the great work it has done, together with our partner Transit, to get this service live for riders in a short amount of time.”

 

Transit is available to download for iPhone and Android at www.transitapp.com.

‘Tip Jar’ virtual concert raises funds for hospitality workers

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On Saturday, May 30th, Dayton musicians come together in a virtual concert called ‘Tip Jar: A Show of Thanks’ to raise funds for Dayton’s hospitality workers.

The idea stemmed from the staff of Tender Mercy, the chic new underground bar that opened right as the coronavirus shutdown was happening. The team wanted to help fellow workers who are struggling financially from lack of income.

The Kiwis, Photo by Libby Ballengee

Led by co-owner Chris Dimmick, the team partnered with the Dayton Foundation and the Ohio Restaurant Association to set up a special fund for Montgomery and Greene County workers.

Dimmick and team also partnered with three local production companies to film the pre-produced show: Ambient Productions, Sound Valley Dayton, and Venus Child Productions. The filming occurred over 3 days and 4 locations: The Brightside, Ned Peppers, Tender Mercy, and Toxic Brewery. Fourteen local acts took to stages in empty rooms to film their favorite songs.

Nasty Bingo, photo by Libby Ballengee

The result is fast paced and diverse showcase of local talent (full list below) in a telethon style show that will air on Dayton.com’s Facebook page on Saturday, May 30, from 8-9:30 p.m.
Organizers are hoping to raise $100,000 for the restaurant relief fund. Currently they have $68,000 pledged from area businesses, and hope the remaining funds will be donated as the show airs. Daytonians are encouaged to watch, share and be generous, %s the community supports the very people who have always served us.

How to watch:
What: Tip Jar: A Show of Thanks
When: Saturday, May 30, from 8-9:30 p.m.
Where: Streaming on Dayton.comʼs Facebook page.
More info: Facebook event details
For those who wish to donate to the Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, you can do so by visiting the Dayton Foundationʼs website. If you are a restaurant worker in need of monetary help, you can apply for this relief by visiting the relief fundʼs website.

THE PERFORMERS

NOTE: Performances not in this order, youʼll have to wait and watch for yourself!

– Nightbeast
– Nasty Bingo
– The Story Changes, featuring members of Hawthorne Heights
– The Kiwis
– Jessica Hung, Concert Master of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
– Kevin Carter featuring Valerie (performs “Dayton Strong” song)
– Allison Justice of The Katawicks (The Katawicks won the Dayton Battle of the Bands)
– Tino
– Paige Beller
– Elijah Seabrook
– Amber Hargett
– Mariah J
– KAM
– Zack Sliver & Adam West

Day Air Credit Union Provides Meals to First Responders in Dayton During COVID-19

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As part of an ongoing response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Day Air Credit Union has provided more than $7,500 in meals to first responders. Day Air provided lunch and dinner to first responders serving in Kettering, Centerville, Washington Township, Vandalia, Beavercreek, Butler Township, at the University of Dayton, and on the VA Campus.

“We’re pleased to be able to show our appreciation to those who protect and serve our communities during these uncertain times,” said Bill Burke, President and CEO. “Our approach during the COVID-19 pandemic is to ensure the well-being of our associates and members, without the help of first responders this would not be possible.”

Day Air worked with local restaurants and food trucks including Beavercreek Pizza Dive, Submarine House and Claybourne Grill to provide meals to respective police and fire departments. All three restaurants were eager to assist Day Air in providing this token of appreciation to first responders, and even added complementary desserts to go with the meals.

In addition to providing meals to first responders, Day Air is providing a number of relief programs for their members throughout the community impacted by COVID-19. These programs include: a Here to Help Loan, temporarily waiving certain fees, suspending foreclosures and auto repossessions, PPP Loans, Skip-A-Pay programs, and more. For the latest information on how Day Air is supporting associates, members and the community through the COVID-19 situation, please visit dayair.org/covd.