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Megan Cooper

Exploring Dayton’s Public History

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TAS

George Willeman was featured in the documentary THESE AMAZING SHADOWS.

Each year, the public history students at Wright State University hold a graduate symposium to enable them to present their research and capstone projects. If you love local history, you won’t want to miss some of the great stories these students have discovered.

PLUS: The featured speaker this year is George Willeman (pictured right), Library of Congress Film Vault curator and WSU film grad.

The symposium will be held on Friday, March 14, in the WSU Student Union. The Symposium is free, but please RSVP by March 7. RSVP by calling the Wright State University Archives at 937-775-2092 or register at http://www.libraries.wright.edu/calendar/events.php.  Free parking is available in the Visitor Lot of the Student Union. See map at www.wright.edu/university-maps/campus-maps.

It’s a full day of great local history compiled by the students. The schedule includes:

8:15-9:00 Registration and Refreshments

9:00-9:15 Welcome

9:15-10:00 Keynote Speaker, George Willeman, Library of Congress Nitrate Film Vault  Manager

10:00-10:15 Break – Snacks provided

10:15-11:15 Session I: The Legacy of World War I

  • Kaitlyn Goss: “Miami Valley African-American Communities During World  War I”
  •  Karis Raeburn: “The Amazing Adventures of Alice Carr”
  •  Kyle Yoho: “A Long Way from Home: The Story of Clark County Men Serving  with the 324th Field Artillery in the Great War”

11:15-12:45 Lunch – Enjoy a meal at the Student Union or one of the many area restaurants

12:45-1:00 Introduction to Wright State University’s Public History Program, Dawne Dewey, Head of Special Collections and Archives and Director of  Public History

1:00-2:00 Session II: Interpreting Local History 

  • Christopher Erb: “Dayton and Its Gem of an Arcade”
  •  Seth Marshall: “Interpreting the Battleship: USS Indiana”
  •  Rebekkah Mulholland: “A Forty-year old Legacy: The Unique History of  Wright State University”

2:00-2:30 Poster Session and Break- Snacks provided

2:30-3:10 Session III: Women with Nerve 

  • Sarah Aisenbrey: “Virginia Kettering: A Legacy in Dayton”
  •  Marcus Manchester: “The Legacy of Dorothy Stang”

3:10-3:15 Public History 40th Anniversary Preview

3:15-3:30 Closing Remarks

PH Symposium_2014Flier_final

DCDC’s Christmas Concert ** Ticket Contest**

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DCDCYou’ve never seen the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company like this before. Sure you know their cutting-edge, contemporary, world-renowned choreography and talent. But for Christmas, you get to see that exciting skill matched with multiple choirs (adult and children’s), live music, a recording star from gospel music and more. And – you just might get to see if for free if you’re one of Dayton Most Metro’s ticket winners.

IN THE SPIRIT OF…  BEHOLD HIS HOLY NAME

Saturday, December 14th at 7:30pm , and Sunday, December 15, at 4:00pm, 2013

Dayton Convention Center, 22 East Fifth Street, Dayton, Ohio For Tickets call 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com  Seating for this concert is general admission – so get there early for a great seat!

This will be the seventh production of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s most beloved dance concert. This time around the production will be a festive holiday season extravaganza!

The “In the Spirit of...” series taps into the deepest origins of the African-American community that gave birth to the dance company. The resulting blend of the art of globally-informed contemporary dance with the African-American Church, whose history and art have had global impact, will make for a dance-music concert experience not to be found anywhere else. Highlights include a community choir, a children’s choir, live instrumentalists, liturgical dance and plenty of holiday song, dance, and joy! Lift your spirit up and behold His Holy Name! Guest appearance by nationally renowned Gospel singer and recording star – Shirley Murdock!

To enter to win our random drawing for tickets to Sunday’s show, just like this post, tell us why you should win and fill out the form below.
Our contest is closed.  Congratulations to our winners Mark Brewer & Amy Kiser!  Enjoy

An International Celebration of Christmas – Open House

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Is it a crèche or a nativity set? Whatever you call it, you’ve not seen them like this before!

The origin story of the Christmas display many of us have beneath our tree or on the mantle dates back to 1223 when St. Francis of Assisi (then a deacon) visited the small town of Grecio and had no room to preach in the small church. He brought the community to the hillside and created a live nativity with a baby, hay in a manger, animals and more to share the story of the first Christmas. Since then, Christians around the globe commemorate the birth of Christ with these displays with their own artistic flair.

crecheUD’s Marian Library has one of the largest collections of international Nativities in the United States. Each year new sets are designed and presented in multiple exhibits within UD’s Roesch Library. This year, you can see the collection during a special Thanksgiving Open House celebration (and on display through January 26).

To Attend the Open House:
Saturday, November 30 from 1-5 pm. The afternoon will include four exhibits, creative children’s activities, refreshments, live entertainment, The Stable Store, and a place to catch the football games and scores. It is free and open to all.

The collection will be on display continuing through Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 – Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014creche1

The collections of the University of Dayton’s Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute include thousands of nativities from around the world that reflect a variety of customs and traditions. Depicting the story of Christ’s birth and presence, these crèches are expressions of how Christianity has shaped the culture and faith of people all over the world.

During each Christmas season, they select a new group of sets from of the large and diverse crèche collection and explore new themes shown in exhibits on campus and throughout the community. The featured exhibits, shown on three floors of UD’s Roesch library building, have become an anticipated annual event – changing every year. Exhibits are unveiled and activities begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving during our popular open house event. Designed for all ages and featuring many activities for children, this day has become a Thanksgiving tradition for families. After the turkey has been eaten and the Friday shopping has been completed, this event is a perfect ending to Thanksgiving and beginning of the Christmas season.

For complete information:
www.udayton.edu/libraries/manger
Curious how different countries display the Nativity? Click here for some of the international creches in the UD collection and notice how each country makes it their own – like the kangaroo in the Australian set or the rooster in sets from Latin America.

Also available: The Digital Archive of the Creches.

 

Feast for the Community

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feastThere’s a bit of a storied history of the event that has come to be known as the Feast of Giving. Previously sponsored by a corporate foundation, in 2008 they decided to give it up as a major event, but Dayton wasn’t ready to let it go quietly. In fact, there was quite an uproar. Now, a true community effort – with the combined support of  Dermatologists of Southwest Ohio, Stratacache, Lastar, RTA, ABC22/FOX45 and hundreds of partners and volunteers – this is the fifth year that it has been the Feast of Giving.

I had heard about this free Thanksgiving meal, but never really understood what it was. Without taking the time to learn about it, I assumed it was a large-scale soup kitchen set-up. Just like I wouldn’t take advantage of the generosity of a service organization feeding the homeless on any other day, I sure wasn’t going to go in for a meal on Thanksgiving.

I sure was wrong.

The Feast of Giving, Thanksgiving in Dayton is an event that reaches out to bring the entire community together. It is a dinner, a feast2celebration, a community event based on the following principles:
To provide a dinner for anyone that might be spending the holiday alone.
To provide a dinner for those that are homeless or less fortunate.
To provide a dinner for anyone who wants to attend.

I talked to a couple people who work behind the scenes to make the event happen. Leslie Barrow, from the Dayton Convention Center – the host of the annual event – shared that over the last five years it really has become a huge community event. Complete with live music by the Chris Bowman Band, guests eat, drink, dance and celebrate the day. Kids have their own room with special kid-themed arts, crafts, tattoos, music and more. Plus, Ident-A-Kid will be there providing their services.

Continuing the family theme, for those who need – gloves, hats and coats are available to keep kids and adults warm as winter blows into Dayton.

Although there are many services for those who may need extra support, this is a community party for every. Barrow shared that in the past, she’s visited a friend from church each Thanksgiving. When Barrow asked about this year, her friend said, “I’m not cooking this year – I’m coming (to the Feast of Giving) with you. I’m 65; I want to volunteer and enjoy the meal and the day.” The fact that it’s a party for the whole community is reflected in the numbers – the number of guests coming through the lines has doubled in the last 5 years. Barrow says, “it’s a wonderful melting pot of people – a true reflection of this country and our community.”

Last year, they broke a record with over 8,500 attendees and they’re prepared for all that and more. The volunteer slots are all taken – but you can still enjoy the meal and the day. There’s room at the table (and on the dance floor and in the crafts room and at the karaoke stage) for you and your family. Join in the community celebration. With the party happening from 11AM – 2PM, you can enjoy lunch with your neighbors in the region and dinner with your family.

feast1Kathy Shearer from Ovations Food Service (the catering company that handles all the food preparation) shared that the Feast is a “true community event.”  Shearer has noticed many changes since the event has become the “Feast of Giving.” She lists so many reason why there’s a great positive feeling from everyone – no ticket is required, it’s all-you-can-eat, there are plenty of events and everyone has a great time. Is it a family event? Shearer shared the story of a multi-generational family of 28 people who came to the Feast because there wasn’t room in anyone’s home to get that many people around a table. There’s plenty of room at the Feast!

RTA buses are free from anywhere to downtown until 4PM, and guests who drive can park in the Transportation Center Garage for free.

Over 500 volunteers come together to make the event a reality. But don’t plan on deciding to help out at the last minute – all the volunteer slots have been filled since late September by families, church groups, organizations, individuals and friends. People are still calling, and the team has to turn away volunteers every year. (If you really want to get in on the action of serving, House of Bread and many other great service organizations accept volunteers 365 days/year.)  Donations to this great event are accepted through a fund at The Dayton Foundation.

Starting at 2AM, the Ovations staff will be there to start the cooking in preparation for an 11AM doors open. What will they be cooking? Here’s the feast by the numbers:

  • 8,500 served in 2012 – and room for more in 2013
  • 2,617 lbs turkey (that’s a ton + a quarter!) donated by Cooper Farms
  • 800 lbs cole slaw
  • 2,000 lbs green beans
  • 2,000 lbs cranberry sauce
  • 2,000 lbs mashed pot
  • 2,000 lbs stuffing
  • 100 gallons gravy
  • 10,000 dinner rolls
  • 10,000 ice cream cups
  • 1,300 pies (fruit, sweet potato, pumpkin and chocolate cream)

Mike-Sells, Wallingford, Produce One, Victory Grocers, I Supply, and Ovations all donated food to make the event happen. Leftovers will go to House of Bread and St. Vincent de Paul to continue the spirit of giving.

Shearer shared that the Feast of Giving is an event that everyone should experience. “When you leave at the end of the day, it’s very humbling – it’s awesome. You don’t even care that you worked Thanksgiving. People are having a blast.”  Join the party between 11AM-2PM on Thanksgiving.

Library Seeks Feedback

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Library

New Main Library Community Forum

Would you like to be among the first to see the preliminary design concepts for the new Main Library?  Join the architects designing the flagship facility for Dayton Metro Library on Thursday, November 21st from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium.  You will see the first renderings and have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed new facility that promises to be a downtown destination for patrons of all ages.

This is the FINAL of three community forums hosted by the Library in preparation for a major overhaul. The library is a major community asset for research, education, entertainment and more – how will these changes affect you? The architects are there to talk plans and hear feedback. Take an hour to learn about the new growth and expansion of your library.

Keep up with all the information at the facilities page!

 

Award-Winning Doc Part of Human Rights Discussion

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TUHUDThe University of Dayton invites the Dayton community to a special screening of a recently released documentary by local filmmaker Aileen LeBlanc, Take Us Home, this Thursday, 7:30 pm, Sears Recital Hall (Humanities Building).

Take Us Home presents a personal, human look into the journey of Ethiopian Jews to Israel and sparks deep questions about justice, race, immigration, and identity. Following the screening Aileen LeBlanc will join Theo Majka and Mark Ensalaco for a panel discussion about the film. Refreshments will be served.

This is a FREE event sponsored by ArtStreet, the Human Rights Studies Program, and FilmDayton.

ArtStreet hosts the Friday Film Series – showcasing cutting edge, contemporary and classic films that focus on universal themes and include post-screening discussions with special guests.

ArtStreet Film Series Special Edition: Take Us Home

Date: November 21, 2013

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Sears Recital Hall, Jesse Philips Humanities Center

Sponsor: ArtStreet, Human Rights Studies Program and FilmDayton

Contact:
 Brian LaDuca

Phone number: 937-229-5101

Website: ArtStreet

Presented by ArtStreet, the UD Human Rights Studies Program and FilmDayton. Local filmmaker Aileen LeBlanc’s documentary presents a personal, human look into the journey of Ethiopian Jews to Israel – an issue which is in the news now and soon to be in the hearts of all who care about injustice, race, immigration, acceptance and identity. Hosted by director Aileen LeBlanc.

This event is free and open to the public.

Together We Are Greater…Dayton

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Shoes

“Morrison elementary students bring hundreds of cards to Dayton Children’s Hospital as part of Shoes4theShoeless “Kindness Matters” campaign!”

Together, individuals and communities across the region create Greater Dayton. And through working together, we are a greater Dayton. It’s simple. It’s true. And now, that spirit of volunteerism – those people who make Dayton greater – get a moment in the limelight. The Dayton Foundation invites individuals and groups to connect right now through their newest social media campaign.

Last month, The Dayton Foundation launched the “Together we are Greater…Dayton” social media campaign on the Foundation’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to increase engagement and dialogue with fans about the philanthropic and leadership efforts happening in the Dayton Region.

Chris and CP Mentee

“I truly believe in the mission of the College Promise program in helping to give students from lower income families the same opportunities as other kids. My College Promise mentee is such a beautiful and kind young lady. I’m so proud to be helping to lead her to her dreams of an education and a bright and promising future. #Togetherwearegreater…Dayton”

The campaign encourages Dayton-area residents to show how they are making Dayton greater. Fans on the Foundation’s social media pages were asked to share photos and short stories about how their volunteer activities or charitable support is helping to make a difference in the community. Photos get uploaded to the Foundation’s “Together we are Greater…Dayton” Tumblr account.

 

The Dayton Region has a long history of individuals helping others in times of need. It is this passion and commitment of everyone working and participating together that helps make Greater Dayton great. This was celebrated at The Dayton Foundation’s annual meeting November 6 with highlights demonstrating the camaraderie of donors, not-for-profits, volunteer and the community.

GET INVOLVED: The campaign concludes this Thursday on November 14, 2013.  So, hurry up and snap an action shot or submit a photo and tell The Dayton Foundation (and the wider community) what’s happening to make Dayton GREATER.

To see more “Together we are Greater…Dayton” photos and upload your own, visit http://togetherwearegreaterdayton.tumblr.com/.

Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School students and faculty participated in Join Hands Miami Valley, our area’s celebration of National Make A Difference Day, organized by the United Way of Greater Dayton. More than 150 members of the CJ community spent Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26 volunteering at 13 different service sites in greater Dayton. In this photo, a student volunteer is harvesting seeds on the prairie at the Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mt. St. John (Bergamo) in Beavercreek.

A CJ student volunteer is harvesting seeds on the prairie at the Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mt. St. John (Bergamo) in Beavercreek.

Together for FB WV

“Our World Ventures team is making a difference in the community by making what we like to call “Blessing Bags” and passing them out to people on the street and people in need. It’s amazing to be a blessing to someone in Dayton, the city that we love. #Togetherwearegreater…Dayton “

 

 

 

Lights, Camera, Dance!

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Lights Camera Dance

Photo by Andy Snow”

Lights Camera Dance is a brand new idea – Gem City Ballet is opening up their ballet performances this season to photographers of all stripes or experience levels, and then hosting a juried show &  sale at the end of the season.   Earn money and support Gem City Ballet at the same time.  You’re probably saying – “You can’t take photos during a performance; that’s just wrong!”  But they’ll make it right.  Live dance can be one of the most exciting and challenging subjects for a photographer – beautiful dancers moving in colorful costumes under intense lighting.  This project will give photographers  a chance to explore this subject area with an intimacy and freedom seldom available.

The schedule of events includes:

  • Essentials of Dance Photography – an optional seminar taught by Andy Snow and held in the performance space, Sunday September 8, 2013, 2 pm.  A bargain at $20.
  • Performances to photograph – October 12, 2013 and/or February 8, 2014.  Please register!  Registration Deadline is September 13, 2013.
  • Access to rehearsals in the weeks prior to performance to become familiar with the dances and plan your photos.
  • Submit 3-5 framed prints of your choosing and/or up to 20 digital prints, submission deadline March 7, 2014.
  • Display at the GCB studio and at area galleries and art venues in Spring of 2014, including the final GCB repertory show of the season, April 25-27, 2014.
  • Online and live sales, March 15-April 30, 2014, will be split 60% to the photographer and 40% to Gem City Ballet, with copyright retained by the photographer.

Details and the registration link can be found at http://www.gemcityballet.org/LCD.html

Rubi Girls Event Features Film

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Film is a powerful medium for education, advocacy and entertainment. Jonathan McNeal, who many know as the manager of The MakeUpNeon Movies downtown, is a filmmaker with a story to tell. He created a short that shared some of the stories of the Rubi Girls and their great work in HIV/AIDS awareness and entertainment. McNeal’s film is a centerpiece of a special event planned for August 3 – their Decade of Decadence Party.

The Rubi Girls documentary premiered in San Francisco in 2003 and has garnered awards and played around the world. In celebration of the tenth anniversary, The Rubi Girls invite you to their Decade of Decadence Party and Film Screening. Combining live performance, interview and archival footage, the documentary not only traces the history of the group and their madcap antics, but also attempts to redefine the term family values. The evening will include the film screening, a live Rubi Girls show and a Q&A followed by the kind of after party you’d expect to be thrown for this milestone event. The after party will include a DJ, a few additional Rubi performances, hors d’ouvres catered by Veritas Events, operator of Roost and Leo Bistro at The Dayton Art Institute, cash bars and other terrific Rubi surprises. (More info and tickets)

The Rubi Girls are Dayton’s beloved, comedic drag troupe…who now have helped to raise over 1 Million Dollars for HIV and LGBT-related causes.  What started as something just for laughs on Rubicon Street in the late 1980’s has blossomed into a FUNdraising phenomenon. FilmDayton spoke to filmmaker and Rubi Girl Jonathan McNeal to learn more about the evening and his experience with how his film has sparked conversation and advocacy.

Q: How long have you been involved with the Rubi Girls and what has your experience been like?

I’ve been with The Rubi Girls since the late 1990’s.  I was a fan first…a groupie even.  Once they found out I was a film student, they asked me to start videotaping their shows.  Eventually, as I got closer with the group, I started taking the camera backstage, too.  (Backstage was just as fun as what was happening on-stage.) After a year or more, I started to really become part of the family dynamic that was happening, and they eventually asked me to start performing with them.  Though I never would have asked on my own, it was what I wanted all along.
 
Q: How did the idea for a documentary come about?
I did research on a different documentary for about a year, and I determined it would be too expensive to pursue.  A friend said, “There’s a great story happening right in your own backyard.  It might be familiar to you, but it’d be a fresh story for a lot of people.”  That’s when I decided to start exploring the idea and asking if The Girls would be game.
 McNeal1
Q: Even as a group insider, did you learn anything from the process of creating the film?
I was still relatively fresh to the group when we started filming.  Though I had performed for almost two years with the troupe, I had missed out on over a decade of their evolution.  Asking questions and digging for answers taught me a lot about the history that I didn’t know.  In addition, the process of making the documentary helped me realize why the group was personally so important to me.
Q: Where has the film been shown and what kind of reception have you gotten?
The movie premiered in June of 2003 in San Francisco.  Immediately after that first screening, numerous LGBT film fests invited THE RUBI GIRLS to screen at their festivals.  That was a really great way to see the country…it played in Seattle, Chicago, Reno, Atlanta, Fire Island and many other cities.  Audiences loved the movie and loved the Girls, and a few awards were garnered along the way.
 
Q: What’s your feeling about bringing this film back to the public 10 years after its creation?
It’s great to bring the film back to the community where it all started, but interestingly, the movie has had continual play since its premiere.  Several colleges and organizations have used the film over the years for various reasons – either as an educational tool or part of a festival or celebration.
Wigs
Q: What’s the goal of the evening for you?
The goal of August 3 is true with the mission of The Rubi Girls.  We want to create a space that is vibrant with fun and creativity…that also allows us to spread the word about what’s important to us and our causes.  We always bring some component of HIV/AIDS awareness to our shows, and fundraising is a major aspect of what we do.  The Rubi Girls have now helped to raise over 1 Million Dollars for HIV and LGBT-related causes…and that’s something we’re very proud of.  The money raised during this event will be split between The Dayton Art Institute (to be used for sound upgrades in their auditorium) and RubiBenefits (to assist with a variety of causes that we support).
Q: And anything else you’d like to share/add?
The support of the Dayton community has been incredible.  The love from the press, the admiration and generosity from the fans, and the willingness to assist from so many local businesses has been instrumental to our success.  This embrace, combined with the success of the documentary, has allowed us to spread our message to numerous cities across the country, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Join the Rubis on August 3 to support RubiBenefits and help with sound upgrades for the DAI auditorium.

Dayton Native to Premiere Her Web Series at Wiley’s

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2 HOPEFUL SPINSTERS announces the Dayton premiere of their upcoming comedic web series. The screening will take place on Wednesday, June 12 at 8:00 p.m. at Wiley’s Comedy Club, 101 Pine St  Dayton, OH 45402, (937) 224-5653.  The doors open at 7:30pm for an 8:00 pm show.  Admission is FREE. Reservations can be made on the website http://2hopefulspinstersdayton.eventbrite.com or by calling Kurt Olt at (937) 776-7647.

2 HOPEFUL SPINSTERS is an original web series created by, produced by and starring Heather Olt and 2HS Baking PhotoDellany Peace, two real-life happy (GASP!), single ladies living in L.A.  Inspired by society’s “norms,” a few offhanded comments from friends and family and the constant stigma of “spinsterness” hanging over their heads, the series is a little bit “Thelma & Louise,” a little bit ADHD and 100 percent “crazy/real.”  Their pilot episode marks the jumping off point for 2HS’s mission statement to redefine the word spinster by blowing up every myth and double-standard that lies in their path.

2HS had their Hollywood Premiere on May 1st, 2013 at the world famous Arclight Hollywood Cinemas where a sold-out crowd, including co-star Michael Madsen, joined them as they embarked on their sometimes humiliating, occasionally time-bending and always empowering adventures of self- introspection and societal experimentation to shatter the glass ceiling that still tries to hold them back.

They are currently in pre-production for their Season One Finale which will feature fellow Daytonian Allison Janney.

 

Come Cheer on Dayton Native Heather Olt Since graduating from Oakwood H.S. in 1992, Heather has worked professionally in theatre, television and film.  She played one of the lead roles in the tour of Brigadoon that opened at the Victoria Theatre in 1998 and in 2011 performed her one-woman show, Believe It Or Not It’s Just Me, to a sold-out crowd at Canal Street Tavern.  Her tv/film credits include Scandal, Body of Proof, Up All Night, The Mentalist, American Horror Story, Chuck, Dexter, Eagleheart, Nip/Tuck, the award-winning short Groom’s Cake and it’s upcoming feature sequel, Birthday Cake.

About “2 Hopeful Spinsters” The web series is directed by James Parris (The Lion King, Spiderman, X2: Xmen United, I Robot, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).  Accomplished writer/director, Matthew Sidney Long (Bailey, X-Gen), joined Peace and Olt early on in penning and producing the series, which features a highly acclaimed cast including Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Vol.1, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Donnie Brasco), Todd Sherry (Suburgatory, Parks and Recreation, Just Go With It, Get Smart, Rita Rocks), Jim Turner (Arli$$, Bewitched, Castle, Grey’s Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory), and Zack Stentz (writer- X-Men: First Class, Thor, Starship Troopers, Fringe).

FREE Multimedia Camp for Teens – Apply Now

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June 10-28, 2013, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm

The Westcott House and The Now Device are working together to host a FREE camp for teens interested in creativity! Apply by June 4 with a letter of intent and a recommendation from a teacher.

Students will have a unique opportunity to work with artists, architects and design professionals, while building their own portfolios of digital art inspired by the national landmark, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House. Studio projects will combine the technology of digital videography, computer-based editing and photography, with techniques of design and creative thinking. A field trip to Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, is included.

Free of charge; lunch provided. Limited to 12 students. To apply, students must e-mail a letter of interest to Marta Wojcik at mwojcik@westcotthouse.org by Tuesday, June 4th. More information: http://www.westcotthouse.org/programs-events/DesignStudio.html

Mystery Tour Shows the Magic of Dayton

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There are plenty of hidden gems around the Dayton community. Good Samaritan Hospital is inviting the community to enjoy the sunshine and explore the region in an interactive road rally/scavenger hunt to benefit the hospital’s cancer patients and programs.

On June 15, 2013, the GR8 N D8N Mystery Tour will begin at Good Samaritan Hospital at 8 am and travel throughout the Greater Dayton area, ending in the early afternoon with an “End of the Road” picnic and awards ceremony back at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Teams will use their personal cars to follow clues, solve puzzles, perform challenges and collect answers to a set of questions. Each team must earn points for accuracy and creativity to win! Prizes will be awarded for highest score, best team costumes, best antique vehicle, and best luxury vehicle. There will also be a few surprise awards.

It’s a great opportunity for city dwellers to appreciate the area and suburbanites to learn more about the city. Volunteer opportunities also available.

Cost: $50 for a two person team, $25 for each additional team member.

To register or learn more, visit  http://gr8nd8nmysterytour.com

 

Down the Path from Novice to Filmmaker

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A Web PhotoA quick update on one of the cool things happening in our community:

Sure, it takes a lot more than a weekend to become a filmmaker. The best are always learning, exploring and growing. But for a great jumpstart to a filmmaking hobby, career, education – FilmDayton offers the Filmmaker Boot Camp, a two-day intensive experience where participants are the writers, directors, cast, crew and editors.

Last weekend, eleven aspiring filmmakers joined FilmDayton instructors at DATV for this experience in filmmaking. On day one, they dove in with a mini-film school with workshops in visual style, writing, production techniques and editing. Over the course of just two days, they took this information and created their own short films.

Now, their creations are available on the FilmDayton YouTube page. Check out the work of the newest filmmakers in our community!

Some photos from the event.

The short films: 30 Minutes for Lunch, Passing Notes, Deadline.

Want to get involved?

  • The last Tuesday of every month, FilmDayton offers Film Connections – part networking and  part education, this is an opportunity for aspiring and professional filmmakers to come together around a topic of importance and share updates. Great topics coming up include actors and directors (May), animation (June) and a collection of updates from members (July).
  • Are you more of a film lover and less of a filmmaker? Don’t worry – you’re joining us at the right time. The 2013 Eichelberger FilmDayton Festival will host thoughtful, engaging, entertaining and fun features that are locally connected as well as show the best of shorts submitted from across the globe. Save the date for August 23-25, 2013.
  • There is not currently another boot camp scheduled, but you can get on the FilmDayton mailing list (scroll to bottom of page) to be kept in the loop for all future projects. We host boot camps as well as professional development workshops on varying topics. you can also bring an exclusive boot camp in for your class, business, organization.

Jewish Film Fest Features Tackle Universal Themes + TICKET CONTEST

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JewishFilmFestLogo_13Join in the Bar Mitzvah year of the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival!

You can see the full brochure online now!

The Dayton Jewish International Film Fest lets you take in great films over many weeks in multiple venues. This year, documentaries and features both in English and with subtitles demonstrate a wide range of subjects. All connected to Jewish heritage, but all tackling universal themes such as friendship, love, jealousy, dance, religion, war and more. With award-winning titles that emphasize the human experience, these films will appeal to diverse audiences.

The Festival begins with a screening of The Other Son at The Neon on Thursday, April 18 and includes features at The Neon, Antioch University and the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education until closing night on May 9.

13th Annual Dayton Jewish International Film Festival
FULL SCHEDULE

OPENING NIGHT – Thursday, April 18, 7pm @ The Neon
The Other Son (Feature) – A moving and provocative tale of two young men, one Israeli, the other Palestinian, who discover they are accidentally switched at birth, and the complex repercussions on themselves and their respective families. Reception begins at 7pm, film starts at 7:30pm. Co-sponsored by Ryan Levin of the Levin Family Foundation.

Sunday, April 21, 3pm @ The Neon
My Best Enemy (Feature) – Two friends race to save a priceless Michelangelo drawing in this thrilling World War II story of friendship, love and betrayal.

Tuesday, April 23, 7:15pm @ The Neon
Melting Away (Feature) – A family drawn into crisis tracks down their estranged son, and finds the unexpected. Co-sponsored by the LGBT Film Festival, partnering with PFLAG.

Nicky's Family

Nicky’s Family

Thursday, April 25, 7:15pm @ The Neon
Nicky’s Family (Documentary) – The uplifting and heartwarming story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who ran a secret rescue operation of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. A Discussion with Felix Weil will be held after the film.

Monday, April 29, 7pm @ Antioch University Midwest, PNC Auditorium
The Other Son (Feature) – A moving and provocative tale of two young men, one Israeli, the other Palestinian, who discover they are accidentally switched at birth, and the complex repercussions on themselves and their respective families. Co-sponsored by Antioch University Midwest and Ryan Levin of the Levin Family Foundation.

Tuesday, April 30, 7:15pm @ The Neon
Naomi (Feature) – A cautious tale of love and jealousy between Ilan Ben Natan, an aging Professor, and his younger wife, Naomi. Discovering his deepest fears, Ilan commits a horrible act and comes face to face with the consequences.

Thursday, May 2, 7:15pm @ The Neon
Lea & Daria (Feature) – The powerful, true story of two thirteen year old girls —the famous Lea Deutsch and her dancing partner, Daria Gasteiger. When faced with the political realities of World War II, the two forge a dramatic friendship.

Sunday, May 5, 2pm @ Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture & Education
Hava Nagila (The Movie) (Documentary) – Follow the infectious party song on its fascinating journey from Eastern Europe to the cul-de-sacs of America in this hilarious and surprisingly deep film. Co-sponsored by the JCRC.

 Tuesday, May 7, 9:30am @ The Neon
Torn (Documentary) – Can one be a Catholic priest and an observant Jew at the same time? Follow Romuald-Jakub Weksler-Waszinel on his amazing personal journey as he learns to accept his two conflicting identities. Coffee will be served at 9:30am, film starts at 10am. Discussion with Karen Bodney-Halasz to follow.  Partnering with Hadassah.

Tuesday, May 7, 7pm @ Antioch University Midwest, PNC Auditorium
Nicky’s Family (Documentary) – The uplifting and heartwarming story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who ran a secret rescue operation of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. A discussion with Felix Weil will be held after the film. Co-sponsored by Antioch University Midwest

Thursday, May 9, 7:15pm @ The Neon
A Bottle in the Gaza Sea (Feature) – A turbulent-but-tender long-distance friendship starts when a young Palestinian finds a letter floating in a bottle, written by a 17 year old girl living in Jerusalem. Based on the award-winning novel by Valerie Zenatti.

Enjoy a few trailers from the films – The Other Son, Hava Nagila (The Movie), and Torn

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Trailer for Hava Nagila (The Movie) from Katahdin Productions on Vimeo.

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TICKET CONTEST

Contest Closed – Congratulations to our winner: Will Crawford

FilmDayton in the Community

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FilmDayton LogoYou hear great updates from Jonathan at The Neon and Jeff at Rave here on Dayton Most Metro regarding the films coming to town – but what about the film projects FROM town? What about the creative and talented filmmakers who are here in our community making a difference and doing great work? I’m happy to catch you up on just some of the work of FilmDayton and our film scene today. To stay in the loop on all the projects, follow FilmDayton on Facebook for join the email list.

FilmDayton is dedicated growing our own film community with classes, workshops, networking opportunities, screenings and the annual festival. Plus, FilmDayton works to support projects that come to the region – like the upcoming feature We’re Doing Fine  shooting in Dayton this fall.

Networking and film talk at 2012 Festival

Networking and film talk at 2012 Festival

Here’s a quick update on how you can learn more and get involved in our film community!

1) The 2013 Eichelberger FilmDayton Festival will be a major leap forward for our region’s festival – coming up August 23-25! We are truly an international film festival with shorts from multiple continents already submitted. Save the date, because you won’t want to miss:

  • Juried shorts in the genres of narrative, documentary, horror, Ohio-based, and animation/experimental. Encourage the filmmakers you know to submit!
  • The Festival is known for our great shorts, features, workshops and fun. Last year, we launched the FilmDayton Awards. The team is now accepting submissions for nominees in our community who have great achievements in career film work, demonstrated support for the film community, and emerging artists demonstrating innovation and skills.
  • FilmDayton has partnered with Sundog Film Festival – a showcase films from talented high school media arts students across the state. Teachers and students can submit now to be a part of this networking/education event for young filmmakers.

Award for Web (1)2) Education is at the core of what we do. And this spring, the schedule continues. FilmDayton’s popular Film Connections welcome filmmakers and film lovers to network, learn and share updates on great projects. Often hosted at ThinkTV, this spring we’ll be taking a couple field trips to DATV and Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. Only $5 to attend a FREE for members.

3) And for those aspiring filmmakers who wonder how to get into the game and what it’s all about, FilmDayton is excited to bring back our popular 48-hour Filmmaker Boot Camp. This is an intensive weekend introduction to film making including writing, shooting, directing, editing and more. Participants walk in green and walk out having complete their own short film.

4) Freak Club – In 2012, FilmDayton tackled a wildly ambitious project – to create our own Web series. Started as an out-growth of Film Connections, this project challenged us to put our money, time and efforts where our mouth was. We advocate for the Dayton region as a great film community – saying that we’ve got the talented cast/crew and varied locations needed for film projects. The Web series set out to prove it! After hearing story pitches, re-writing scripts, location scouting, casting, lots of pre-production, three full weeks of shooting, and months and months of editing – we’re in the final stages. FilmDayton is welcoming local musicians to put the final touch on the Web series – titled Freak Club – by submitting two minutes of an original composition to be used as the closing credits. Get involved today!

So – that’s just some of the big stuff happening with FilmDayton this spring/summer. We hope you’ll be a part of it! Stay tuned to the DMM events calendar to see great auditions, events, workshops and more happening.

Innovation Comes in Small Packages: JavaJig

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I love this city. Just when I get frustrated or bored or feel that I’ve seen it all, something happens to remind me about the cool people in our community.

Walking back to my office after lunch, I cut down St. Clair Street by the CADC art gallery, H. David Clay Studio and American Pi (three great shops!). But on the East side of the street – not so much. Until a sign caught my eye. A new coffee shop? In the Lofts on St. Clair (not to be confused with the St. Clair Lofts…). Can’t be; I kept walking. But my confusion must have been on my face because a guy popped out of the little storefront to offer me a cup of coffee.

As strange as that was, curiosity got the better of me, and I walked in. What is this place? Clean, but small – I didn’t have the feeling it would be my regular coffee joint. Especially when I saw the Keurig coffee maker behind the counter. In this age of pour over coffee (even though I still love my drip), I didn’t really imagine the market was ready for a ‘barista’ who made coffee via K-cup. I started to dig out a couple bucks and almost regret walking in.

Good news for everyone – the hot cup of coffee goodness isn’t why they’re there. I had walked into Terre Verde Trading Company, a storefront that offers coffee to customers, but the coffee is on-the-house for shoppers there to pick up ground coffee, mugs, chocolates, gifts, and the JavaJig. The what? The JavaJig!

JavaJig is a Dayton invention. A solution for the single-serve k-cup coffee machines. You know the ones I’m talking about – popular brands include Keurig, Mr. Coffee or Cuisinart. You put the water in the carafe, pop in a disposable, single-serve K-cup of coffee (Green Mountain, Dunkin Donuts, etc), push the button and get your large or small pour directly in your mug. What’s the problem? Why did it need a solution?

How about a lot of waste – both money and trash? Each of those little cups of ground coffee cost about $0.40. Cheaper than a cup at the neighborhood coffee shop, but when you’re making them at home, it ends up being about $30/pound of coffee!  And trash…  each cup you drink results in that little K-cup going in the trash. That’s a lot of waste when you add it up. The JavaJig is the solution!

The JavaJig is a reusable K-cup including a filter form, outer cup and lid; add right-sized paper filters and you’ve got the opportunity to make your own K-cup at home for 1/2 the price of the boxed versions. Add in the bonus of making it with your favorite coffee flavors and you’re set to go. The only trash is the compostable paper filter that pops out easily and goes in the trash when done.

JavaJig has been such a hit, it’s already been picked up by Melitta – the people known for coffee filters. So, although you should stop by to give props to the invention team at Terre Verde Trading Company, you can buy this Dayton invention at your local grocery.

And don’t deny it – someone you love, loves their coffee. You may be buying one of those Keurig (or similar) coffee makers for VDay. According to the JavaJig Web site, “There are currently more than 10 million single serve cup units in operation globally.” So, go ahead with the popular choice and buy that machine, but make it personal (and environmentally and fiscally sound) by including a JavaJig and filter set.

Not a bad adventure for an afternoon walk. I walked back to my office with a hot cup of coffee and the knowledge that as soon as I think I’ve seen it all, there are interesting and exciting people creating, inventing and making this city a better place. Everyone knows Dayton for the electric starter, cash register, and airplanes. But Dayton is also the creative home of the pull-top tabs on cans, ice cube trays, and now the JavaJig – the little things that make our life better. What did you invent today?

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NOTE: I’m a little behind – although it took a personal interaction for me to notice the JavaJig team, they have been in the news these days. Learn more here or here.