A free financial education seminar designed for parents and grandchildren to have conversations with their children and grandchildren to promote financial responsibility, management and develop financial independence. Teach them early because we can’t always be there for them.
children
Local Soaper Creates Storybook Line to Support Dayton Children’s Hospital
When a rep from Dayton Children’s Hospital approached entrepreneur Katie Hall about having a coin jar at her 2nd Street Market booth, Katie saw an opportunity to make a much larger impact.
Next month, the founder of Fox in Socks Soapery will release a new line of storybook soaps to support the institution’s work.
The soaps — locally made and sourced, true to Fox in Socks’ mission — will be packaged to look like children’s books. Katie will open up sales Nov. 2 with a faux book launch party at 2nd Street Market that will feature face painting & a scavenger hunt through the market.
Katie will also be accepting children’s book donations during the launch party — and she’ll match every book donated with a bar of storybook soap that will be delivered to a patient at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
“I knew I wouldn’t make an impact with a coin jar,” Katie said, reflecting on her foot traffic. “I said, ‘I want to make you a specific line.’”
The solopreneur made the jump from hobbyist to small business owner about five years ago. She tapped the knowledge she gained studying biotechnology to create her formulas, then she set off visiting Ohio Proud farms to locally source as many of her ingredients as possible.
“I want to build community one bar at a time,” she said. “When you buy a bar of my soap, you’re supporting up to 15 small businesses. My dream for my business is to source enough product that I can impact other small business owners to reach their dreams, too.”
Katie will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from the upcoming storybook line to Dayton Children’s Hospital.
LAUNCH PARTY:
Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 8am – 3 pm
Stop by the 2nd Street Market on Saturday, November 2nd. The party starts in the Market Pavilion with family storybook activities, face painting, an Instagram photo booth and then you’ll be on your way to hunt for sweet treats throughout the market.
Your treasure hunt will end at the shop where you will get the chance to see (and smell!) the new children’s Storybook Soap. 25% of all Storybook Soap sales will go directly to Dayton Children’s Hospital. Still want to give more to Dayton Children’s Hospital…for every children’s book that is donated during the launch party, I will donate a swag bag full of goodies to a child at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
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After School Tuesdays at The Human Race Theatre’s Creativity Center @ The Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center
Kids, spend an afternoon The Human Race Theatre Company’s Creativity Center and you will be transported into the imaginative world of theatre. Each week will be designed to introduce a new skill or theatrical area. Develop your skills in improvisation, explore stage makeup technique, write a dramatic script, choreograph a new dance, act out your favorite myth or tall tale. Learn monologues, rehearse scenework and participate in mock auditions. And best of all, make new friends! Healthy afternoon snacks will be provided. This activity is for kids ages 8 – 13.
Event Details:
Cost: $15 pre-reg/$18 at the door
2013 Dayton Holiday Festival Continues Downtown Throughout December
The Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights kicked off the Dayton Holiday Festival this past Friday, but events continue throughout the season as part of this month-long celebration that has been kindling the holiday spirit downtown for 41 years.
In addition, a special holiday edition of First Friday will be held throughout downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 6. Shop for unique and locally made items, view festive window displays that are part of the first Downtown Holiday Decorating Contest, enjoy live holiday-themed entertainment, and take advantage of discounts and special deals. A complete list of this Friday’s activities is available online.
The Dayton Holiday Festival’s Family Weekends, sponsored by DP&L, include:
Family Movie Series
Dec. 7, 14 & 21 — noon
The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.
Bring the family for fun, festive films. Enjoy the following movies during this year’s series: Dec. 7 – Rise of the Guardians, Dec. 14 – Home Alone, Dec. 21 – White Christmas. Titles subject to change. Free for kids 12 and younger, $2 for adults. 937-222-7469.
MUSICAL WONDERLAND
Dec. 7 — 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Dec. 8 — 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Schuster Center DP&L Stage, Second and Main streets
Enjoy several talented music groups performing during the first weekend in December. 937-228-7591.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 22 — 11 a.m.
Dec. 9 and 16 — 6:30 p.m.
Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.
Have a meal with Santa before or after visiting The Tike’s Shoppe and other downtown holiday attractions. Reservations required. Call for cost. 937-910-8000.
Virginia Kettering’s Train Display
Through Jan. 6 — Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Chase Bank lobby, Kettering Tower, Second and Main streets
View this one-of-a-kind model train display, given to the community by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering. The train can be viewed through the building windows at Second and Main streets at any time.
Wonderland Windows
Through Jan. 2 — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed for private functions some days)
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Main streets
Experience the magical Rike’s holiday displays. 937-228-7591.
The Tike’s Shoppe
Through Dec. 23 — hours vary
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Ludlow entrance
A special shop run by kids, for kids ― and priced within a kid’s budget. Santa is available for pictures from 2-5 p.m. each day of the Tike’s Shoppe. Managed by YES! For Youth. 937-212-1878.
The Dayton Holiday Festival is presented the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund. A complete list of festival events is available online, as well as a calendar of other downtown holiday events.
The DDP’s website has a complete list of downtown’s events, a dining guide, parking map and more at www.downtowndayton.org. Follow the DDP on Facebook to keep up with downtown events and news.
Favorite ‘Kids Eat Free’ Places in Dayton
Still feeling it in the pocketbook from all those back to school clothes and supplies? Then listen up, because we have some Food Adventure scoop for you.
We have compiled a list of The Big Ragu’s and Crew’s favorite “Kids Eat Free” places. Gather up the gang, but make sure you know these basic guidelines:
— Generally each “free kid’s meal” is earned with 1 paying adult. So if you are in the Brady Bunch, it looks like only Bobby and Cindy get free grub. Well, unless you bring Alice and Sam the Butcher.
— Also, there are age limits on the “kids” (typically 10 and under). Don’t expect your Senior Prom King son to get a zero cost meal anytime soon. Make him mow some lawns or something.
Without further ado, here are our favorite KIDS EAT FREE spots in the Dayton area.
Whether your kids are angels or brats, it won’t cost you a dime at these Miami Valley eateries:
STEAK THYME: Kids eat free Wednesdays after 5pm at this underrated restaurant in Kettering. May we suggest a cheesesteak? If not, how about a burger or gyro ?
LA PINATA: Niño’s eat free every Sunday at this hot spot in Centerville. Kids love the free chips and salsa. It really doesn’t matter what they order, it will be a delicious combo of corn tortilla, beans, rice and cheese. Great, cheap Mexican food here!
THE SUBMARINE HOUSE: Kids eat free everyday after 4pm at this East Coast style sub shop . We don’t suggest they try the super duper cheesesteak challenge until they are 21. Instead they will want to go with winners like the cheese pita pizza or the chicken tenders and fries.
FRICKER’S: Every frickin day, kids 10 and under eat free. Wings, chicken chunks, boneless wings and burgers are the most popular. Gourmet kids love the Frickin Chicken Pizza.
OINKADOODLEMOO: Tuesdays, kids eat free in the Oakwood restaurant. That is a good deal, because good bbq isn’t cheap.
SKYLINE CHILI: Wednesday nights, kids eat free! Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that this Cincinnati style chili place is an acquired taste. Finicky kids will eat the plain hot dogs all day long !
DE’LISH CAFE: Kids eat free Thursdays until 8pm. This is an upscale bistro, with some gourmet dishes. Show your kids the great food photos on the website, before you go there.
FLYBOY’S DELI: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-8pm, no cost for kiddos. Like the marquee says, “Eat in New York City, without leaving historic Dayton.” They offer 4 pizza choices and 4 panini choices. From Buffalo chicken pizza to ham sandwiches, make sure you take them to the rooftop seating area for a fun Food Adventure.
EARTH FARE: Thursdays 4-8pm, kids eat free. The organic, gluten free and healthy food choices here are endless.
WG GRINDERS: Kids eat free everyday. This Columbus based eatery has great sub sandwiches. Some are colossal creations!
CHAIN FAVES:
QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL – Fun atmosphere at Qdoba where after 4pm on Sunday nights, you guessed it, kids eat free !! Get the kids involved topping their own “lil burrito.” Good, Mexican street food and it’s pretty healthy!
BEEF O’BRADY’S -Already a kid’s paradise, this place features a ‘kids eat free’ night on Tuesdays from 4-8pm. The chicken nuggets always score a touchdown with the little ones.
ALMOST FREE:
LAROSA’S – Kids get unlimited spaghetti dinners for 99cents on Mondays and Tuesdays ! Buddy LaRosa’s gang will make your kids smile with this deal. We see sauce stained cheeks in your future.

Kids Eat Free at La Pinata on Sundays !
Nothing beats good free food. It is a great money-saver for families on a budget. So take advantage of these deals, especially at the restaurants you may already frequent. Maybe there is such a thing as a free lunch!
Want more food, fun and serious eats with couple of kids at heart? Check out FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook, HERE !
Browse the photo gallery below from some food shots from our favorite KIDS EAT FREE places. Did we miss one? Which “kids eat free” spots are your favorites? Comment below and let us know !
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A Window of Opportunity To Change Lives
This coming Monday April 4, Linda Vista, Inc. is hosting its 2011 Window of Opportunity Luncheon at 12:00 noon at the Holiday Inn, 2800 Presidential Drive. The Mistress of Ceremonies will be local television personality Marsha Bonhart. Featured speakers include the Honorable Barbara Gorman of Montgomery County Common Pleas Court and Amos Otis, President of SoBran.
The luncheon is the first fund raiser for Linda Vista. Funds raised will be used to support the organization’s efforts to transition homeless women and their children to permanent housing.
“Linda Vista provides housing and a high quality program that teaches self-sufficiency to homeless women ready for change. Linda Vista provides the women with a clear vision to the future for themselves and their children,” says Carmen Gooden, founder and executive director of Linda Vista. More than a way to raise dollars, this event seeks to enlighten a broader spectrum of the community about the staggering number of homeless women and children in need of housing and support services how Linda Vista is working to meet that need.
Since opening its doors in 2006, the Linda Vista has become a recognized provider of homeless services by the City of Dayton and Montgomery County homeless solutions program. For twenty-four months, residents participate in life skills sessions, job readiness training, parenting classes and personal development workshops. The children are enrolled in an on-site after school program and on the weekends and during school breaks, participate in cultural, sports and arts activities.
Nearly two hundred (200) women and their children have been referred to Linda Vista for housing and services from 2006 – 2010. Over the last three years, Linda Vista has maintained a 80% success rate for a positive exit (clients exit to permanent housing) and has maintained 100% capacity since 2009.
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Carmen and her staff seek to inspire the community to take a step forward to provide a caring and loving facility for women where they can regain and perpetuate their self-dignity in a challenging world. It is their firm belief that it “takes a community to heal a community.”
As one of the graduates of the program stated, “Life is a journey, but we are not defeated anymore.” Strong, meaningful words, from a person that has a new life, a successful life thanks to Linda Vista.
Open a window of opportunity for a deserving family by attending this event. Tickets can be purchased for $35.00 by calling 277-9663 or 397-6537.
Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 11/25 – 12/08
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2010 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season for many Americans. We take it as an opportunity to spend time with family members, enjoy more food than we’ve eaten in the past week, and get a head start on holiday shopping. Unfortunately, it often becomes stressful as we attempt to ensure everything is ready and perfect and everyone is happy.
I’m grateful for the thriving arts base we have in the greater Miami Valley region, and for the power of theatre. Not only is theatre cathartic, it can be a wonderful experience for family and friends, to bring all of us closer together and remind us of the important things in life. Whether you need a break from slaving over a stove and want to step back in time to the ‘70s, are trying to teach your children important lessons about generosity and the “reason for the season,” or are just in the mood to laugh and enjoy a good show, there’s a great one for you over the next couple of weeks. Put down the TV remote and take a break from the thousands of things you’re trying to get done, gather some friends or family, and spend some time enjoying a show and growing closer together.
And, to all our onStageDayton readers, Happy Thanksgiving!
Another Openin’, Another Show
…SHOWS OPENING SOON
8-Track: the Sounds of the 70s
HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY
The Story: This new musical revue celebrates “the songs of the ‘70s in all their glory, or lack thereof! Expect plenty offlashy outfits and hairdos as four talented performers rediscover the heart and soul of the forgotten decade, with music made famous by artists from Donna Summer to the Eagles to Debby Boone” (HRTC).
Dates: December 2 – 22, 2010
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: 8-Track, DMM Event
A Christmas Carol
BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE – CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The Story: When a young boy struggles to understand why his grandfather would give money to the poor, the grandfather tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he recalls it, and the story of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, where ghosts of past, present, and future persuade the stingy Scrooge to change his life, comes to life as a play-within-a-play in this heartwarming story.
Dates: December 3 – 12, 2010
Tickets: 927-439-4737
More Information: Look for my children’s theatre feature next week, and go to Beavercreek Community Theatre and the DMM Event.
Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
TOWN HALL THEATRE: LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The Story: The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill… that is, until first grader Junie B. Jones draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school. And if that’s not enough, their music teacher announces the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant!
Dates: December 3 – 19, 2010
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, DMM Event, and watch for an OSD feature article next week!
One Short Day
…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
The Basics: Featuring an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers, and musicians, in this show, ornaments come to life as costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season.
Dates: November 26 – 28, 2010
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, DMM Event
SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES
Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features? Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at onStageDayton@gmail.com
~KN
Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally basedEncore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.
Meet Your MetroParks
As a former journalist, the election season has always been an exciting time for me, but when I took up my mantle with Five Rivers MetroParks, I would be on the other side of the proverbial punch card. No longer simply an observer, I kicked off my new career with a tall order—volunteer with the MetroParks levy campaign. Through those months of phone calls and canvassing, I discovered that many Dayton area residents knew of the MetroParks closest to their home, but weren’t aware of the total number of parks, or the number of acres we protect. I thought it would be appropriate today to give you a little overview of each of our facilities.
- Aullwood Garden MetroPark: This 31-acre garden situated on the edge of Englewood MetroPark is the former home of John and Marie Aull, whose world-wide travels inspired this luxurious shade garden. Lenten roses and other choice shade plants are featured at this estate garden.
- Carriage Hill MetroPark: Take a trip back in time at this preserved 1880s historical farm.
Photo by RA Makley: Check out the Riding Center at Carriage Hill MetroPark. Weekend trail and pony rides start again in April!
Children love to learn about agricultural and professional skills popular during the turn of the 20thCentury. This 900-acre park, located in Huber Heights, also offers hiking and equestrian trails as well as fishing ponds, a 14-acre lake, and the nearby Carriage Hill Riding Center, where trail and pony rides are offered April through October.
- Cox Arboretum MetroPark: Mature forests populate this 189-acre park south of Dayton near Moraine and Miamisburg, along with diverse gardens, such as the Edible Landscape Garden and the Clematis Arbor. The Butterfly House is a favorite summertime destination to view native butterflies and moths in various stages of metamorphosis.
- Deeds Point MetroPark: The landscape beds this park perched downtown along the Great Miami River offer visitors a floral garden paradise in an urban setting.
- Eastwood MetroPark: Paddle in the 185-acre lake, ride the Mad River bikeway, fish in the lagoon or river or hike 3 miles of wooded and open meadow trails in this park just off State Route 4 near Riverside. Both the Buckeye and North Country National Scenic trails run through this park. This is the site of the annual GearFest recreation celebration, which takes place in the fall.
- Englewood MetroPark: The potential for recreation is endless in this 1,900-acre park. Choose from 12 miles
of scenic trails, 3.5 miles of bridle trails, paddling on the Stillwater River, and great spots for fishing. This park also boasts a unique feature—an 18-hole disc golf course. Disc golf is an easy-to-learn activity that involves throwing flying discs into a “basket” situated a distance from the starting point.
- Germantown MetroPark: The size, quality and age of the woodlands make this 1,665-acre park the most diverse of the natural areas. The park also contains large open grasslands, cedar glades and dry hillside prairies. One popular weekend attraction (particularly for birders) is the Nature Center with its Window on Wildlife.
- Hills & Dales MetroPark: This Olmsted-designed park has 63 acres of native plants and landscaped areas situated in the crux of Kettering, Oakwood and Dayton. Recently renovated to restore its former beauty, this park boasts 2 miles of wooded trails, including the Adirondack boardwalk that gives visitors a tour of the wetlands.
- Huffman MetroPark: One of the most prominent amenities of this park located just east of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is MoMBA, the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area. About 8 miles of track snake their way through this wooded sub-facility. MoMBA’s trails are constructed to help the novice gain mountain biking confidence and challenge the most experienced rider.
- Island MetroPark: Towering sycamore and cottonwood trees lend shade to those seeking respite from the bustling city in this 33-acre park, located just north of downtown Dayton. Landscaped beds, a seasonal water playground, picnic shelters and the historic bandshell are other hallmarks of this park.
- PNC 2nd Street Market: Pick up farm-fresh produce, meats,cheeses, eggs and dry goods as well as flowers, wine, jewelry, soaps,gifts and more. The Market highlights the growers, producers and
artisans we have right here in the greater Dayton region. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
- Possum Creek MetroPark: Head southwest of downtown Dayton to find this 556-acre park and enjoy its many amenities, such as Polly Possum’s Math Farm, fishing ponds, historic Argonne Forest, 100-plus-acre planted prairies and the sustainable farm.
- RiverScape MetroPark: Downtown Dayton’s favorite hangout has become an indelible icon with its fountains and renovated amenities. The covered pavilion provides shade for summer concert and festival-goers in the summer and doubles as an outdoor skating rink in the winter. Cyclists who commute or ride for recreation have welcomed the new bike hub. Children can splash around in the interactive fountains or get a brief history on Dayton’s innovative past while traveling the Dayton Inventor’s River Walk.
- Sugarcreek MetroPark: This diverse area—with all stages of succession, mature forests, a trio of 500-year old white oaks, varied topography, a planted prairie, meadows and scenic Sugar Creek—is located near the Bellbrook area. Its trails are popular among trail runners, dog walkers and equestrians.
- Sunrise MetroPark: The walkways of this tiny urban oasis, conveniently located just north of downtown Dayton, are filled with stunning views of the city’s skyline. Prairie plantings and wildflowers draw in wildlife from the adjacent river habitat, and make the park a serene spot for relaxing. Catch a glimpse of the large and graceful blue herons that frequent the area.
- Taylorsville MetroPark: There’s no shortage of history or nature to encounter along this 1,300-acre park’s 13 miles of trails, nestled just outside Vandalia. Visitors also can link up with the Buckeye and North Country
trails. The Buckeye Trail completely encircles Ohio and is over 1,200 miles long. The North Country Trailextends into seven states and will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States when completed.
- Twin Creek MetroPark: This 1,000-acre park situated in the southwest corner of Montgomery County is home to 20 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, and ample access to the Twin Creek, one of Ohio’s cleanest waterways. Hike the Twin Valley Trail, a 22-mile backpacking trail connecting Twin Creek and Germantown MetroParks.
- Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark: With about eight different formal garden areas, this north Dayton park is a haven for plant lovers, featuring something in bloom nearly year-round. The Children’s Discovery Garden here offers fun and learning through the joy of gardening. Visitors can also enjoy paved bikeways and the Marie Aull Nature Trail.
- Wesleyan MetroPark: Home to Adventure Central, a program aimed at getting urban youth engaged in the outdoors, this 55-acre park offers its west Dayton neighbors a place to enjoy nature, whether hiking on 1.5 miles of trail, cycling along the Wolf Creek Bikeway, playing on the playground equipment or fishing in Wolf Creek.
Now that you know a little bit about each park and its respective subfacilities, plan your next adventure today.