4 Paws for Ability

The Big Read is Going to the Dogs

February 12, 2018 By Lisa Grigsby

The Big Read is going to the dogs! The annual community reading project hosted by area libraries, colleges, Books & Co., and others, is focused this spring on the unique ability of dogs to impact human lives.

By popular vote last fall, readers chose The Underdogs: Children, Dogs, and the Power of Unconditional Love by Melissa Fay Greene to be the topic of book discussions and special events taking place March 4-April 14 across the Miami Valley. The Underdogs tells the story of Xenia, Ohio-based service dog organization, 4 Paws for Ability and its founder, Karen Shirk. The book weaves the latest scientific discoveries with Karen’s story and the stories of children with disabilities and their families.

Sponsoring libraries have a variety of dog-focused programs scheduled – ranging from dog massage to basic obedience to K-9 law enforcement and more. 4 Paws for Ability will lead more than a dozen programs giving insight into their service dog training program, along with demonstrations by a dog in training. There are also more than 30 book discussions scheduled at participating libraries.

“The book showcases a nationally recognized organization that is based right here in the Miami Valley, and we’re looking forward to all the excellent discussions and other programs related to the book and its themes,” said Dayton Metro Library’s Ben Murphy, co-chair of The Big Read.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Melissa Fay Greene, along with 4 Paws founder Karen Shirk, pays a visit to the Dayton Metro Library on Thursday, April 12, 6:00 pm in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum. They will talk about the book, the dogs that are trained at 4 Paws, and the wonderful families they serve. Audience questions are welcome.

“We’re eager to learn about how Ms. Greene researched her book, how she worked with Ms. Shirk on the project, and to hear more about families who have been impacted by the unconditional love of dogs,” said Murphy. It will be a homecoming for the author, who lived in Dayton when she was a child. The program is free and open to the public.

A complete schedule of events, as well as information on the book and the author, is available at BigRead.org.

IDA & WORDS AND PICTURES Open Friday at THE NEON!

July 23, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see LIFE ITSELF, THIRD PERSON or CHEF (which has been here 9 weeks!), you’ll need to hurry. Thursday will be your last chance to catch any of these films at THE NEON. On Friday, we’re clearing the decks for two new films – the critically acclaimed and powerful new film IDA and the romantic drama WORDS AND PICTURES. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for IDA: At last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, I saw 30+ films. This film was at the top of my list (with films like 12 YEARS A SLAVE and PHILOMENA), but it won’t stick around for too long. I hope you’ll hurry down. “From acclaimed director Pawel Pawlikowski comes IDA, a moving and intimate drama about a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, discovers a dark family secret dating from the terrible years of the Nazi occupation. 18-year old Anna, a sheltered orphan raised in a convent, is preparing to become a nun when the Mother Superior insists she first visit her sole living relative. Naive, innocent Anna soon finds herself in the presence of her aunt Wanda, a worldly and cynical Communist Party insider, who shocks her with the declaration that her real name is Ida… In this beautifully directed film, Pawlikowski returns to his native Poland for the first time in his career to confront some of the more contentious issues in the history of his birthplace. Powerfully written and eloquently shot, IDA is a masterly evocation of a time, a dilemma, and a defining historical moment; IDA is also personal, intimate, and human. The weight of history is everywhere, but the scale falls within the scope of a young woman learning about the secrets of her own past.” (taken from Music Box Films press notes) Click on this LINK to visit the official website.

Synopsis for WORDS AND PICTURES: “A witty romantic drama, WORDS AND PICTURES stars the engaging duo of Juliette Binoche and Clive Owen working together on-screen for the first time. Prep school English teacher Jack Marcus laments his students’ obsession with social media and good grades rather than engaging with the power of the written word. A one-time literary star, Jack has not published in years filling his spare time with drink versus the art of language. He meets his match in Dina Delsanto – an abstract painter and new teacher on campus, who was once celebrated for her art. From the start, the two flirt and provoke each other with equal relish.” (taken from Roadside Attractions press notes) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

On Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30, The Evangelical Immigration Table will host a one-time screening of the documentary THE STRANGER. “This film was produced to motivate evangelical Christians to take a stand for immigration reform. The film tells the story of three families caught in our broken immigration system. The film is a stark reminder that immigration isn’t just a political issue, and it certainly isn’t a liberal or conservative issue. It is an American issue, and it is a spiritual issue. Tickets are $5 (Now Available at THE NEON’s Box Office) and all proceeds will go to local refugees served by New Path Outreach, a ministry of Ginghamsburg Church. Watch the film. Then call your Congressman.” (taken from press notes) A panel discussion will be held after the screening.

On Thursday, July 31 at 7:30, 4 Paws For Ability will screen LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT. This tugg screening has crossed its required threshold, but more tickets are still available…with a portion of the proceeds going to the group that provides service dogs to children in need. “LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero because of their love of Batman.” Follow this LINK to find out more about the film, watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

On Sunday, August 3 at 1:00, SPAN Ohio will hold a one-time screening of THE HEALTHCARE MOVIE. “Single Payer Action Network Ohio (SPAN Ohio) is proud to host THE HEALTHCARE MOVIE on the 49th anniversary of our own Medicare system. THE HEALTHCARE MOVIE is a 65 minute documentary that reveals the intensity of the political struggle that led to Canada’s universal medical care system, and exposes public relations campaigns that have been prevalent in the U.S. since the early 1900’s to dissuade the American public from supporting national health care. Every day people are dying or going bankrupt due to the ills of the United States system. Who are we in the face of this human tragedy? If you agree that people are more important than profits, then you must see this film. Admission is free and open to the public.” (taken from SPAN Ohio press notes)

“On Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 Boston Stoker is proud to present A FILM ABOUT COFFEE to the Dayton Area. The film, which first premiered in Seattle at the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), explores the world’s involvement and fascination with specialty coffee from crop to cup. It captures in-depth views on the current state of specialty coffee with footage from throughout the US, Africa, South America and Japan. Boston Stoker is a specialty coffee roaster and wholesaler that has operated out of Dayton, Ohio since 1973. The company has a long history with direct trade work within the coffee industry, focusing on Heart to Honduras.” (taken from Boston Stoker press notes) This screening will be an Ohio premiere! Click this LINK to find out more about the film. Click this LINK to visit Boston Stoker’s official site.

Save the Date! On Saturday, August 30 at noon, Roosevelt Class of ’67 is planning a fundraiser with a screening of BUCK AND THE PREACHER. More details will be in next week’s newsletter.

I’m delighted to announce that our opening date for BOYHOOD has been moved up! It will now open on August 1, and we can’t wait!

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 25- Thursday, July 31:

IDA (PG-13) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:20, 9:20
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:20
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

WORDS AND PICTURES (PG-13) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:50, 5:10
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

THE STRANGER (NR) 45 Min + Discussion
Tuesday: 7:30

LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT (NR) 1 Hr 17 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Aug 1 – BOYHOOD
Aug 8 – I ORIGINS
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO
Aug 29 – CALVARY
TBD – TRIP TO ITALY
TBD – LOVE IS STRANGE
TBD – ALIVE INSIDE
TBD – SKELETON TWINS

Star-Studded THIRD PERSON Opens Friday at THE NEON

July 8, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had a lot of fun this weekend with A HARD DAY’S NIGHT. Audiences applauded after each screening, and some folks even admitted to having cried tears of joy during their revisit with The Beatles. If you’d still like to see it, Thursday will be your last chance at THE NEON. Thursday will also be the last day for the ground-breaking film OBVIOUS CHILD. On Friday, we will open the new film from Paul Haggis – THIRD PERSON. SNOWPIERCER (which had a terrific opening weekend) and CHEF will stick around for another week. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for THIRD PERSON: “THIRD PERSON tells three stories of love, passion, trust and betrayal, in a multi-strand story line reminiscent of Paul Haggis’s earlier Oscar-winning film CRASH. The tales play out in New York, Paris and Rome: three couples who appear to have nothing related but share deep commonalities: lovers and estranged spouses, children lost and found.” Starring Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, Adrien Brody, Olivia Wilde, James Franco and many other well-known actors.

There’s been a locally-initiated tugg request for the film NO ORDINARY HERO: THE SUPERDEAFY MOVIE on July 23 at 7:30, and the event will only proceed if 62 tickets are purchased by July 14. (If the threshold isn’t met, your card will not be charged.) “When a deaf actor who plays a superhero on television looks beyond his cape to influence a deaf boy to redefine what ‘being normal’ means, he also finds inspiration to transform himself.” Visit the official LINK to watch the trailer and to reserver your ticket.

On Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30, The Evangelical Immigration Table will host a one-time screening of the documentary THE STRANGER. “This film was produced to motivate evangelical Christians to take a stand for immigration reform. The film tells the story of three families caught in our broken immigration system. The film is a stark reminder that immigration isn’t just a political issue, and it certainly isn’t a liberal or conservative issue. It is an American issue, and it is a spiritual issue. Tickets are $5 (available starting July 11 at THE NEON’s Box Office) and all proceeds will go to local refugees served by New Path Outreach, a ministry of Ginghamsburg Church. Watch the film. Then call your Congressman.” (taken from press notes) A panel discussion will be held after the screening.

On Thursday, July 31 at 7:30, 4 Paws For Ability would like to screen the documentary LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT. This is a tugg screening…which means that 62 people need to reserve tickets by July 20 for the engagement to move forward. “LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero because of their love of Batman.” Follow this LINK to find out more about the film, watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 11- Thursday, July 17:

THIRD PERSON (R) 2 Hr 17 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday: 2:20, 5:10, 7:50
Tuesday: 2:20, 7:50
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:20, 5:10, 7:50

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

SNOWPIERCER (R) 2 Hr 6 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 8:00
Monday: 2:50, 8:00
Tuesday: 2:50
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:50, 8:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 18 – LIFE ITSELF
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

The Beatles & SNOWPIERCER This Weekend at THE NEON

July 2, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

You only have until Thursday (July 3) to see JODOROWSKY’S DUNE…Thursday will be its last day at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 films. One is the remastered and restored Beatles’ classic – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT – celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The other is a genre that doesn’t get much play around THE NEON…it’s a sci-fi action film by beloved and master filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. It’s called SNOWPIERCER, and the cast is amazing – Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Chris Evans and more! OBVIOUS CHILD and CHEF will continue their runs for another week. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for SNOWPIERCER: This film has been receiving incredible reviews, and it has a lot to say about our society. “In this sci-fi epic from director Bong Joon Ho (THE HOST, MOTHER), a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet. The final survivors board the SNOWPIERCER, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. When cryptic messages incite the passengers to revolt, the train thrusts full-throttle towards disaster.” (A24) Claudia Puig of USA TODAY wrote “A rare hybrid that perfectly blends the dazzle of a futuristic action thriller with the intellectual substance of an art film.” Scott Foundas of VARIETY wrote that the film has a “respect for the audience’s intelligence rarely encountered in high-concept genre cinema.” Peter Travers of ROLLING STONE wrote, “SNOWPIERCER is everything TRANSFORMERS wishes it could be: A slambam sci-fi thriller with a brain, a heart and an artful sense of purpose.” Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for A HARD DAY’S NIGHT: ONE WEEK ONLY! RESTORED & REMASTERED!! “Meet the Beatles! Just one month after they exploded onto the U.S. scene with their Ed Sullivan appearance, John, Paul, George, and Ringo began working on a project that would bring their revolutionary talent to the big screen. A Hard Day’s Night, in which the bandmates play wily, exuberant versions of themselves, captured the astonishing moment when they officially became the singular, irreverent idols of their generation and changed music forever. Directed with raucous, anything-goes verve by Richard Lester and featuring a slew of iconic pop anthems, including the title track, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and “If I Fell,” A Hard Day’s Night, which reconceived the movie musical and exerted an incalculable influence on the music video, is one of the most deliriously entertaining movies of all time.” (Janus) Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

Would you like to win tickets to A HARD DAY’S NIGHT? Listen to WSWO – Oldies 97.3 for chances to win tickets. WSWO is working on getting guest musicians to perform Beatles classics on our patio on Saturday afternoon starting at 4:00. For more information, follow this LINK to their facebook page.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, even if you’re not up for a movie, be sure to check out our patio. We’ve really spruced things up with new furniture, new umbrellas and beautiful plants. Our beer selection is pretty awesome (not to mention our iced coffee and other cold drinks), so think about our patio as a great place to unwind down the road.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 4 – Thursday, July 10:

OBVIOUS CHILD (R) 1 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:15, 9:45
Sunday – Thursday: 3:15

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 7:20

A HARD DAY’S NIGHT (NR) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

SNOWPIERCER (R) 2 Hr 6 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:45
Sunday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:20, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 11 – THIRD PERSON
July 18 – LIFE ITSELF
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

Jane’s Best Bets (1/12 – 1/16)

January 11, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I’m ready for another great week…and the official kick-off to “Fish Fry Season” this Friday! If you don’t like fish, don’t worry, as there are plenty of other options as well!

On Wednesday, head to The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting. Wear your Flyer gear and head to the UD Arena to watch UD play St. Joseph’s. If you like live music, watch Frozen Feet (which is probably pretty accurate this time of year) at Oregon Express or check out the Old Time Acoustic Jam at The Trolley Stop. Oh…and if you’re like me and kill every plant you come in contact with, get some good plant advice at Cox Arboretum for Lunch and Learn: Fool Proof Plants.

On Thursday, be one of the first 50 customers at PNC 2^nd Street Market for their Customer Appreciation Days in order to receive a gift. While there, enjoy musical entertainment and also participate in their Winter Flower Arranging. Help out 4 Paws for Ability, a wonderful charity that helps people with disabilities by attending their Charity Quarter Auction at the American Legion. If you love acoustic music, head to Dublin Pub to see Nick Mitchell perform. It’s cold outside so go INTO Victoria Theatre for Into the Woods. And finally, I’d love to see you at The Wine Loft for Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday! Plus, you’ll have a chance to win a Wine Loft gift card!

On Friday, again head to PNC 2^nd Street Market for one of their Customer Appreciation Days and their Winter Flower Arranging. I know this is DaytonMostMetro.com, but if you’re feeling like doing a little traveling, I’ll give you the okay just this once to go to Cincinnati for The 53rd Annual Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show. If you are in the advertising industry, head to Brixx for their Hermes Call for Entries & Happy Hour. While you’re downtown, brave the elements by attending the Star-Late Skate at RiverScape. Or attend At the Movies with Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Schuster Center, Into the Woods presented by Muse Machine at Victoria Theatre, or Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild. And finally, help kick-off fish fry season by attending the Holy Angels Fish Fry and Silent Auction!

On Saturday, head to Spinoza’s for their Yeti Beer Breakfast!, where they will also have live jazz music. What a great way to start your Saturday! You can continue the eating out tradition for the day by attending the Wine Luncheon at Jay’s Seafood…which is absolutely delicious! Up in Yellow Springs, head to their Winter Farmer’s Market. Over at another kind of market, the PNC 2^nd Street Market, bring the kids and participate in their Winter Family Fun Day. If you really should be working on that next house project, head to the Miami Valley Home Improvement Show for some great ideas! Give your skating skills a try as part of Ice Skating with Generation Dayton. Don’t worry, if you fall…I mean when you fall…you’ll be in great company! For some theater action, get tickets to see Into the Woods at Victoria Theatre, Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild, At the Movies with Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Schuster Center, or Justin & Ryan: A Night of Improv, which is also at the Schuster Center. Help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by attending the Let it Breathe Wine Opener at Taj Ma Garaj. Or head over to Blind Bob’s for the North Main Flower Man Benefit, which will feature several bands. Why not party AND support a good cause?!?!

On Sunday, head over to Books & Co. for their Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop. If you’re feeling like life is a little too hectic and would like to hit the pause button, just head over to Pause to Ponder at Gallery St. John to see photographs of scenes from Dayton. Or see A Student of People Exhibit, which is an exhibit featuring people from different walks of life. If you still haven’t made it to the Miami Valley Home Improvement Show, make your way there to get some fantastic ideas for your home. Love prime rib? Treat yourself and perhaps someone else (if you’re really nice) by heading over to Fleming’s for their Prime Rib Dinner, which is featured at the special price of $29.95. If you would like to catch a show, see Into the Woods at the Victoria Theatre or Ravenscroft at the Dayton Theatre Guild. And if your taste in music is rather eclectic, definitely check out 3 Mo’ Divas at the Schuster Center…which sounds like it will be a great performance!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why couldn’t the pony talk?

He was a little horse.

“These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar. There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today! Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE! And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!