Dayton937

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

Lisa Grigsby

Short Films By, For and About Women

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lunafestLUNAFEST is a traveling film festival celebrating women filmmakers while also raising awareness for women’s issues and supporting nonprofits that benefit women in the US and Canada.  This years festival will be on Sun, March 28th from 3-5:30pm at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth Street, Downtown Dayton.  Ranging in style from Animation to Documentary, in origin from Brazil to Bulgaria,in subject from Beauty to Bicycling, tickets are just a $5 or $10 donation or $3 with a student ID.  As a special edition to the fest, Dayton Native, Alicia Conway will screen her short, RITE, followed by a Q & A with the filmmaker.  Rite portrays the day of a young girl’s coronation and entry to adulthood in a family with some grisly traditions.

For more information on the 10 shorts featured, click here.

Sponsors for this years local LUNAFEST include Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance, American Association of University Women and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.

images-92Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. To date, LUNAFEST has raised over $470,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

Taste of the Irish

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wdprJoin Classical 88.1 FM for their first Taste of The Irish at The Dublic Pub on Tuesday, March 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.  Located at 300 Wayne Avenue in the Oregon District Dublin Pub is know as the hub for all things Irish, so don’t miss this unique and exciting event! Holding the record for selling the most Irish Whiskey in the state of Ohio, there’s no doubt they know their spirits!

Tickets are $30 per person and include a sampling of Irish whiskeys, fine Irish fare, and live music.  Proceeds benefit your Classical 88.1 FM, WDPR.

To make reservations, call Jill Bishop at 937-222-9377 or visit www.dpr.org!

National Rebuilding Day is Sat, April 24th

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banner_rtd_logoThe annual signature event of Rebuilding Together,  brings volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners. Through in-kind labor and donated materials, Rebuilding Together Dayton is able to expand every dollar raised into $4.

Rebuilding Together Dayton provides home rehabilitation for low-income Dayton homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, so they may live in warmth, safety and independence.  Since it’s creation in 1996, they have repaired over 900 homes in neighborhoods across the city .

Rebuilding Day applicants must own their own homes in the City of Dayton and have a combined household income of less than 80% of the area median income. Preference is given to homeowners who are elderly and/or disabled and have lived in their homes for a minimum of 10 years. The 2008 recipients’ average income was 34% of median (around $14,000 annually) and average time in their home was 30 years.  Nominations are often made by neighborhood groups, churches, neighborhood development corporations, city housing inspectors, priority boards as well as individuals.

TOP 10 reasons to volunteer for  REBUILDING TOGETHER DAYTON

10. Take Action and Make an Impact – It beats being a couch potato. Get out of the house and be a part of what is happening in your city. Get in tune with your own skills and talents without someone telling you what they are. You have a voice and it needs to be heard. No one listens to the guy on the sidelines.
9. Food – Who says there’s no free lunch? Not us! We serve free lunches to everyone who volunteers. And if you’re lucky, your volunteer coordinator just might bring donuts for breakfast.
8. Leadership – Gain leadership skills and be the boss of your own community service project. Build a sense of responsibility.
7. Experience – Community service looks great on applications and resumes. Get “real world” experience right in your own backyard.
6. Guilt – Hey, is there anything wrong with a little soul cleansing? Besides, if you don’t do it, who will?
5. IT’S FUN!! Need we say more? Didn’t think so!
4. Friends – Meet new and interesting people. Who knows who you might meet?
3. Adventure – Go to new places. Learn a new skill. Get a little dirty!
2. New Wardrobe – Well, okay, it’s just a free T-shirt – but it’s COOL!
1. And the No. 1 Reason — IT’S FREE!! – Volunteer on Rebuilding Day and you can have a great time at no cost to you!


Ready to volunteer? Click here or  call Amy at 229-4893.

Feed Dayton: Urban Farming

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farmers marketImagine, if you will, an urban farming program that grows food exclusively for those who need it most.

Now picture this program growing large quantities of only a small variety of crops chosen specifically for their high nutrition value and quantity of harvest, rather than simply based on popularity or marketability.

What if this program engaged the residents from the nearby low income communities to come in and do the harvesting in exchange for keeping a portion of what they picked . . . 80% given to the agencies that feed people . . . 20% kept by those doing the picking.
What if this program dramatically lowered expenses by collecting valuable compostable materials from throughout the community such as leaves, grass clippings,  and wood chips, as well as horse manure,  fish from the nearby rivers, and other  organic fertilizers.

Want to know more? Feed Dayton is a local Urban Farming Program that is growing fresh produce for members of our community who are struggling during today’s difficult times.There will be a volunteer meeting on Thurs, March 18th at 6:30pm at the Life Enrichment Center on 425 North Findlay Street in Dayton.

Purpose of this meeting:

To inform and/or update everybody on what is happening with Feed Dayton at the start of the 2010 planting season. This is a great opportunity for all of us to meet each other, face to face. We will also be providing information on what we are looking for from our volunteers and the community, as well as what you can expect from Feed Dayton.

5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run

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ribbon2On Sat, April 18th students of the Boonshoft School of Medicine will host a 5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run at Wergezen Gardens.

Participants that preregister before April 15th can register for just $20. Registration begins at 8am and the race will begin at 9:30am, rain or shine.

AIDS Walk/Run

There will be prizes in men’s and women’s categories by age grouping.  All participants will be entered in a raffle for additional prizes.  Proceeds from the event will benefit AIDS Recourse Center Ohio and Miami Valley Positives 4 Positvies. Co-sponsors of the event are Five Rivers MetroParks and American Medical Student Association, BSOM Chapter.

To register online, click here.

Letters for Literacy- Scrabble Fest 2010

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Save the Date_Page_1The Miami Valley Literacy Council will host it’s 4th annual team competition on Thurs, April 22nd at The Engineers Club. Starting at 5:30pm with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, this event is a very mission-centric fundraiser. Teams of of to eight  play a slightly altered game of Scrabble that makes it fun to raise funds. Teams can buy extra letters, peeks in the dictionary or expert advice! After 2 rounds of game play, the team with the highest combined score is declared the winner of the huge traveling trophy and retains bragging rights.

Get your team together and come out and join this unique event. Single players will be matched with a team. Cost per player is $50, a table of eight is $500. For more info, contact the Miami Valley Literacy Council at 223.4922.

A New England Style Clam Bake at The Dock

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thedockEnter this Enon restaurant, and you’ll be surrounded by an indoor waterfall pond, palm trees, saltwater aquarium and an array of Jimmy Buffet inspired trinkets.  This tropical paradise is just 20 minutes from downtown, so  head on out and enjoy their special clam bake weekend Friday, March 19th through Sun, March 21st.

Order this special menu and you’ll get a bucket filled with four large shrimp, one doen mussels, one half pound of snow crab legs, four middleneck clams, a link of andouille sausage, and corn on the cob.  Accompanied by a Dock salad, twice-baked potato and fresh baked bread, all for just $26.95  And if seafood’s not your thing, there are plenty of chicken and steak items to choose, as well.

web_thedockThe Dock (937) 864-5011
250 W. Main Street, Enon
Hours:  Tues- Thurs  4-9pm, Fri & Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-8pm

Community Leaders Encouraged To Apply

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LDLogoLeadership Dayton, a program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, is a premier leadership development program designed to identify, educate and motivate a network of community leaders and increase the individual’s capacity to serve the Dayton region.  Each year about 40 applicants are selected to  learn through seminars, small work groups, panel discussions, direct interaction with community leaders, and a variety of experiential activities. Candidates must commit to attend an all day session one day a month,  as well as the kickoff retreat.

Leadership Dayton is the fourth oldest continuously operating community leadership program in the United States. This regional program and program participants live, work and serve in a number of counties throughout the Miami Valley including: Darke, Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren.

If you are looking to increase your capacity to serve the Dayton region and learn about the challenges facing your community, The Chamber urges you to apply to Dayton’s premier leadership development program.  Participants are selected based on a variety of criteria including the applicant’s leadership potential and demonstrated commitment to the community. 

If you’d like to be considered for the class of 2011, you’ll need to fill out an  application by Monday, April 5, 2010.


For more information about Leadership Dayton contact the Dayton chamber at 226-8256 or visit Leadershipdayton.org.

PS- As a graduate of the class of 2000, I highly recommend this program.  Feel free to contact me if you’ve got questions about Leadership Dayton- Lisa

Coco’s hosts Wine Tasting of Affordable Wines

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30-4-30-2010-201x300If you’ve ever walked into a wine store, looked at the selection, then picked a wine based on the label, you’re not alone.

Sure, you can read wine blogs, ask the clerk, but there’s nothing quite like tasting it.

Coco’s is hosting  another one of their fabulous 30 for 30 wine tastings- where you can find your preferred poison, along with appetizers and experts to help you choose the right wine at Coco’s or at Home.  The event will take place on Wed, March 24th.  Picking good wine should always be this much fun.

Space is limited, so make your reservation now by calling 228-2626 (coco) or online.   Just got the update, event starts about 6, however owner Karen Wick suggests getting there at 5:30pm!
The south side of the restaurant will have appetizers on either end, with lots of wine lined up in the middle!  Can’t wait, sounds great!

Afternoon of Spanish Cuisine & Culture for Planned Parenthood

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ppIt’s the second annual Tour the Globe fundraising event for Planned Parenthood.  This year’s featured country is Spain. Enjoy a festive afternoon packed with authentic Spanish entertainment and cuisine. Live Spanish music and Flamenco dancing will be provided by Flamenco Louisville. Special guest, Dr. Juan Palomar will conduct a Spanish wine presentation and tasting of his award winning Veleta/Dominio Buanavista Wines grown and produced in Dr. Palomar’s vineyard in Ugijar, Granada, Spain. A cooking demonstration and delicious Spanish feast will be prepared by El Meson.

Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: El Meson Restaurant, West Carrollton, Ohio

Ticket Price: $75 (includes tax-deductible donation of $45)

Tickets include one complimentary Sangria, a Spanish feast consisting of Spanish Tapas, a Paella Buffet, Flan for dessert, and an afternoon of Spanish entertainment!

You can purchase tickets at: www.ppswo.org
Questions?  Contact Karen Meade with any questions at 937-528-4678

The Barnsider Rolls Back Prices to 1975

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barnsiderKnown for steaks, chops and seafood, this Dayton restaurant is celebrating their 35th anniversary with a classic throw back menu from Tues, March 9th through Sat, March 13th.

You’re invited to sip on classic cocktails from the 70’s, like the Harvey Wallbanger, Pink Lady, Side Car or even a Stinger.  You’ll select your dinner from their retro menu that starts with Escargot or Baked French Onion Soup, and then the real bargins begin with Filet Mignon for just $14.95, a New York Strip for $13.95 or go way back with Smoked Ham Steak with Pineapple Chunks for just $7.95.

For more chances at bargains, purchase raffle tickets for nightly drawings to win dinner for 6 months, gift certificates and more.

The Barnsider 937.277.1332
5202 N. Main Street, Dayton, OH

HOURS: Monday – Thursday: 5:00-9:30 PM • Friday: 5:00-10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00-10:00 PM • Sunday: 9:00-8:00 PM

Wanna Propose With A $20,000 Ring?

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EDC_ROCKS_LogoOn Sat, April 24th Elizabeth Diamond Company and AIDS Resource Center of Ohio  join forces to raise much-needed funds and help one lucky couple take home a $20,000 Tacori engagement ring with a one and a half carat EDC diamond.

Theme and clues for the scavenger hunt will incorporate the Dayton region’s rich musical history. The winning couple will be announced at the EDC Far Hills Avenue location following the scavenger hunt .

The hunt will take place in downtown Centerville. Only 200 couples are eligible to participate. Couples can register right now in person at EDC or online at www.shopedc.com/huntfortherock. The registration fee is $25.00 with all proceeds benefiting ARC Ohio. In addition, every couple that participates will receive a gift bag featuring a $250.00 gift certificate to use towards the purchase of an engagement ring at Elizabeth Diamond Company. In addition to Tacori, other local businesses such as, Square One Salon, Heidelberg Distributing, Erika’s Photography, Visceral Gallery, Coolidge Wall Law Offices and Grapes Wine Lounge will be participating as sponsors to help truly make this a community wide event.

 

The EDC Hunt For The Rock will take place Saturday April 24th 2010 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Check-in starts at 10 AM. Theme and clues for the scavenger hunt will test participants knowledge of music including, the Dayton region’s rich musical history. EDC will announce the winning couple at its’ Far Hills location after the scavenger hunt has concluded. For more info, eligibility requirements and to register please visit www.shopedc.com/huntfortherock.

 According to Sonu Singhvi, owner of Elizabeth Diamond Company, “In the current economy, most couples have a lot of financial fears about how to take that next big step. That’s why we devised this with a $20,000 engagement ring as the prize, so they can take that step free from the burden of having to pay off a large loan. So, we hope that whichever couple wins, they’re ready to propose!” Mrs. Singhvi went on to state, “We’re also really excited to be partnering with ARC Ohio for this event. They do such incredible work in the community and it’s an honor to help ensure that it continues.”

 Elizabeth Diamond Company was voted best jewelry store by a recent poll conducted by activedayton.com. The company is locally owned and operated. Located one-quarter mile south of I-675 on Far Hills Avenue in Centerville.

ARC Ohio is geographically the largest AIDS Services organization in Ohio today. In the midst of growing complacency, difficult financial times, and still no cure or preventative vaccine, the need to raise funds and awareness has never been more crucial! 

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to provide services to those infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS.  They provide comprehensive support services, HIV testing & counseling, prevention education, linkage to care, and advocacy.


AleFeast – A Meca For Beer Lovers

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PHOTO_alefeast2

500 Beer Lovers at AleFeast 2009

Over 50 craft beers, paired with good eats from about a dozen eateries, sounds like a great recipe for the perfect Saturday afternoon.  At least Joe Waizman, founder of Dayton’s AleFeast, thinks so.  This will be the 2nd year for what  started as Winter Ale Fest.  The name change , according to Waizman, “was to better describe the event.”  Last year’s inaugural event was well attended and plans for this year have been refned to make the event even better.  The concept matches beer with food, so that you can experience the pairings and how food brings out the nuances in the beer, or vice versa.

Not a cheap event at $55 for advance purchae, $60 at the door, if this year turns out anything like last year, you’ll walk away more than satisfied you got your $’s worth! The event takes place upstairs and downstairs at Dayton Masonic Center, this Sat, March 6th from 1 – 4pm. Tickets can be purchased at Arrow Wine, Chappy’s, Dorothy Lane Markets, Thai 9, 5th Street Wine and Deli or online.

Breweries Participating:

d843d599-04fc-4db8-a609-56dec259c03cGoose Island, Great Lakes, Avery, Bell’s, Boston Beer Co., Brooklyn, Chimay Trappist, Bear Republic, Flying Dog, Founders, Franziskaner, New Holland, Troëgs, Dark Horse, Weyerbacher, Southern Tier, Lagunitas, Van Steenburge, Brewkettle, McAuslan, Redhook, Widmer, Mortgaat/Duvel,
Ommegang, Victory, Erdinger, Lindemans, Stone, Unibroue, Dogfish Head, Hoppin’ Frog, Thirsty Dog

On the Menu for AleFeast Dayton:

Chefs David Glynn and Mike Wilhelm: Jambalaya and seaweed salad with scallops

Bellyfire Catering: Italian sausage with caramelized peppers and onions.

Chappys Tap Room & Grille: Pulled pork sandwiches and homemade chips.

Culinary Company: Smoked beef brisket, Culinary Company Signature Cole Slaw, baked beans and cheesecake.

Dayton Nut Company: Fancy whole cashews.

Dorothy Lane Market: Chipotle chicken mac & cheese and an assortment of artisan cheeses.

Foremost Seafood: Blackened Tilapia fish tacos with roasted potatoes

Friesinger’s Fine Chocolates: Light and dark locally made gourmet chocolates.

Thai 9: Shrimp Blanket and Shrimp Salad

The Pub: Yankee Pot Roast

From The Unemployment Line To The Red Carpet

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images-7Last December when the last truck rolled down the assembly line in Moraine, many of the plant workers assisted in a local documentary about the closing.  Local filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert befriended a group of employees, following them in the last days of the plant and even taught some of them how to work cameras, which they snuck into work to document the last days on the assembly line.

Little did they know then, how that story would earn them a trip to Hollywood.  But this weekend, 4 of the former automakers will attend the 82nd Academy Awards in Los Angeles.  Paul “Popeye” Hurst, Kim Clay, Kate Geiger and Kathy Day will all head out to LA to celebrate the nomination of The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant, which is up in the documentary short category.

Last Truck Tuxedos

As part of the Cinderella story, Price Brothers donated tuxes to outfit both Clay and Popeye, while the women bought new dresses with funds raised by friends. A  donor “who would prefer to remain anonymous” (my guess- a major cable network) is footing the travel expenses for the foursome.

And while the trip is certainly a treat, all four of the former GM workers have said they ‘d rather be back at work.  None of the 4 have found full time jobs.

Filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, while too modest to admit it, were responsible for convincing HBO to lobby for making the trip to  the awards show possible for these subjects of the film.  It’s that rare sense of compassion these filmmakers have, that built the trust in their subjects in the first place, which made the film so moving and real.  Whether they come home with the coveted Oscar statue or not, the experience these former GM workers will have this weekend are sure to be once in a lifetime moments!

oscargoestoCan’t make the trip to LA to celebrate? Then join FilmDayton for an Oscar Watch party at Geez Pub & Grill on Far Hills Drive in Kettering.  Funds raised will support the local nonprofit who’s mission is to foster the growth of our regional film industry and audience.  The party begins at 7pm and a buffet of pizza, pasta, chicken wings and more are included in the $18 ticket price.  You can buy your tickets online or at the event.  There will be a silent auction for movie memorabilia, including a DVD copy of Last Truck, donated by Steve & Julia.

Bow Meow Brunch at Brio

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sicsaJoin The Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) for Brunch at Brio on Sun, March 7th from 11am – 2pm at the annual Bow Meow.  Brio will be serving up delicious golden brown stuffed French toast, housemade fluffy mini pancakes with fresh fruits, eggs and grilled breakfast meats. A sampling of different flavored housemade creme brulees, muffins and mini desserts. Brio Chef’s selections of housemade bruschettas, grogonzola lanb chops and Chicken Chipotle Panini. Served up  fresh juices, sodas, coffee, tea and a cash bar.

Tickets are $25 each or or 2 for $40 and can be picked up at Brio or SICSA or your can RSVP to Debbie at 937-294-6505 extension 12

Rare Dead Guy Ale To Be Tapped at Chappy’s

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images-90Rogue Ales is an craft brewery in Oregon known for fun, full flavored beers.  The brewmaster at Rogue believes “variety is the spice of life,” so they brew over 60 different ales from all natural ingredients.  This special keg release part at Chappy’s Tap Room and Grille in Moraine on Wed, March 3rd at 6pm is for a very special Rogue Dead Guy Ale-in the style of a German Maibock, using Rogue’s proprietary Pacman ale yeast. Deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich hearty flavor.

From the Rogue site:

“In a collaboration of crafts, Rogue Brewmaster John Maier and Rogue Spirits Master Distiller John Couchot have joined forces to create a distinct, innovative series of brews called John John Ales. The series will take Rogue Ales legends and age them in Rogue Spirits barrels. A 3,100 gallon batch of John John Ale produces 1357 cases of beer. The first of the John John series is John John Dead Guy Ale, Rogue’s award winning Dead Guy Ale matured in Rogue’s award winning Dead Guy Whiskey barrels.”

Having never tried beer aged in a whiskey barrel I looked for advice from the net and here’s what I found out from my friend Michelle at Drink of the Week:

“Since Dead Guy Ale is brewed in the German Maibock-style–a lighter version of traditional bock–the beer flavor does not overpower the whiskey notes, they just go together like beans and rice. The whiskey is definitely present with its warm smoke, but the ale offers a nice brightness that makes this pairing very smooth and drinkable.”

I say let’s go check it out oursevles, so see you at Chappy’s!