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Courthouse Square

Courthouse Square Summer Fun Begins This Week With Curio

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Throughout the summer months, fun, out-of-the-box entertainment can be found on Courthouse Square, with CURIO serving as the hub of community, connection, and collaboration!

CURIO at Courthouse Square is the next evolution of programming formerly known as “The Square Is Where.”  Featuring free lunchtime entertainment from noon to 2 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each week during the summer months.

Big ideas can come in small packages, and CURIO is the first step in a larger, longer-term plan to revitalize Courthouse Square. This shipping container transformed into an event hub has been combined with new outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot!

Food vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown.

 

 

Summer Lunch Fun Begins at Courthouse Square

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership is excited to welcome lunchtime crowds back to The Square Is Where. Office workers and downtown residents are invited to Courthouse Square for outdoor seating and free live entertainment every weekday through the end of September.

Daily lunchtime entertainment begins Monday, May 2, with an official kickoff party planned for Friday, May 6. No programming will be scheduled during the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5.

“Our downtown workforce is returning to the office, and we’re so excited to have them back at The Square Is Where,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, President of the Downtown Dayton partnership. “The ample seating, games, and live entertainment make Courthouse Square a great place for downtown office workers to catch up with friends and coworkers they may not have seen while working from home.”

The Square Is Where runs from 11:30am to 1pm every weekday on Courthouse Square, located at 23 N. Main Street. Visitors are welcome to pick up lunch or order delivery from local eateries, or purchase food from on-site mobile food vendors.

Each week, The Square Is Where programming will be provided by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with financial support from Montgomery County:

  • Music Mondays – Request your favorite songs from a live DJ
  • Trivia Tuesday – Answer questions and compete prizes in weekly trivia games
  • Big Game Wednesday – Play a game of giant checkers, Connect 4, or cornhole with friends
  • Second Thursday of the month – Name that tune for five in a row with Music Bingo
  • Third Thursday of the month – Space Three offers lunchtime fitness classes for Tone it Thursday
  • Fridays Live – Enjoy your lunch hour to the tune of a different live band each week

Stay up to date with special events all summer long on The Square Is Where webpage. The site also features a downtown lunch map with all of the locations open during lunch hours for meals, drinks, and treats. Or, take a spin on the Lunch-O-Maticto let luck choose your menu for you.

Special giveaways will take place throughout May to celebrate the return of The Square Is Where. Stay tuned to the Downtown Dayton Partnership social media for more information.

 

 

Dayton participates in the March For Our Lives

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Student at University of Dayton speaks at Dayton’s March for Our Lives. March 24, 2018. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Dayton student speaks at Dayton’s March for Our Lives. March 24, 2018. Photo by Libby Ballengee

On March 24th, 2018, Dayton Ohio participated in a sibling march at Courthouse Square to support the March For Our Lives in Washington, D.C. The march was created by, inspired by, and led by students who are rightfully scared of the rampant mass shootings across the country, particularly in public schools. They are demanding that their lives and safety become a priority. 

All the Dayton area students and teachers who spoke were powerful and passionate, rejecting the current government’s proposed solutions and half measures. Arming teachers is a dangerous and unfunded idea, a hero’s tale that is based on fantasy and not fact. The lack of universal background checks and gun show loop hole is a crime. And reminding politicians who are bribed by the NRA that they’re time is up. They are now, or soon will be, of voting age. It was a powerful and moving display of solidarity that will not soon be forgotten.

Organizers of the March For Our Lives are suggesting that all concerned citizens do three things: Register, Educate & Vote. Here are some ways to get started:

Register to Vote here – April 9th Deadline for voter registration for May 8 primary election (30 days before primary election). Oct. 9th Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 6 general election.

Protestors at Dayton’s March for Our Lives. March 24, 2018. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Educate yourself about Candidates here

Vote in upcoming Elections:

May 8, 2018. Primary Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm

November 6, 2018. Election Day. Polls are open 6:30 am to 7:30 pm

Connect with March for Our Lives Dayton:

You can also follow March for Our Lives Dayton on Twitter: @MarchForOurLivesDayton

Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MarchForOurLivesDayton

The National March for Our Lives website: https://marchforourlives.com/

3rd Annual Mass Meditation & Yoga Event at Courthouse Square

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Dayton’s Mass Meditation and Yoga event at Courthouse Square is planned for September 21, 2017 from 5:30-7pm

For the third year in a row, the Heartfulness Institute of Dayton invites the entire community downtown to Courthouse Square on Thursday Septemeber 21st, 2017 for free, beginner-friendly yoga and meditation sessions. This lovely, community building event celebrates both the autumn equinox and the United Nation’s International Day of Peace.

The idea for this type of “mass meditation” came from Libby Ballengee, a local event organizer, who was inspired by a similar event that was planned for New York City’s Central Park. She dubbed the first event “Dayton Big Quiet” and sought out assistance from meditation experts. Ballengee explains, “It started as a “what if” conversation on Twitter, and the idea took off. It was recommended that I check out the Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek for help, and I’m so glad I did! They were the perfect partner for this event.”

They were perfect for the event because teaching meditation to the community is their speciality. The Natural Path Meditation Center is also known as The Heartfulness Institute of Dayton, a non-profit educational organization. They offer free relaxation, meditation, and yoga classes, as a service to the community, so that everyone has the same tools to manage stress. They are not affiliated with any religions. The meditation trainers simply want to help spread inner peace to all, in an effort to achieve world peace. The Dayton organization has been recognized by the State of Ohio for its significant contributions to the region.

Most recently, the organization opened a center inside the Fairfield Commons Mall, which offers these same free classes. It’s an incredible way to disconnect from our busy, plugged-in world, and simply let our minds rest. You can try out this heart-based meditation style at the meditation center in Beavercreek, the mall location, or downtown at this unique first day of fall event!

How to Go?

 

3rd Annual Peace Day at Courthouse Square

5:30pm Free Yoga class

6:15pm Free Heartfulness Meditation for Humanity

Come to either event or both! #DaytonBigQuiet

NOTE: Please bring your own yoga mat, towel or blanket for yoga. Organizers will have some chairs provided for meditation if you don’t want to sit on mats during meditation.

 

Info on Heartfulness at Fairfield Commons:

Yoga 
Tuesday 6 pm – 6.45 pm
Thursday 1 pm – 1.45 pm
Sunday   2 pm – 2.45 pm

Group Meditation :
Monday   9.15 pm-9.45pm
Tuesday  6.45pm – 7.15pm
Thursday 1.45 pm -2.15 pm
Friday      9.15 am – 9.45 am
Sunday    2.45 pm – 3.15 pm

Drop-in Relaxation and Meditation Sessions at all other times.

 

Info on Heartfulness Meditation Center in Beavercreek:

Heartfulness Introductory Session: Every Sunday 12:15pm and Thursday 7:15pm.

Clink above for information on additional series classes, yoga classes, private sessions, and more. All no charge!

Downtown Partnership Looking for Tree For Courthouse Square Festivities

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hqdefaultThe Search is on for Perfect Tree to Adorn Courthouse Square During Annual Dayton Holiday Festival 

The Dayton Holiday Festival committee is searching for a tree that will be the centerpiece of Courthouse Square this holiday season. The selected tree will be decorated with more than 50,000 lights and be unveiled at the Grande Illumination ceremony on Friday, Nov. 25.

Guidelines are:
The ideal tree is approximately 45 to 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
Colorado green spruce or blue spruce trees are preferred, but other types of evergreens will be considered if they are grand and stately.
The tree must be located on nominee’s property in the front or side yard.

Miami Valley residents who believe they have the perfect tree can nominate it by calling Colleen Turner at the Downtown Dayton Partnership at (937) 224-1518, ext. 221, or email turner@downtowndayton.org. The winning tree will be selected by a search crew at the end of October. PSC Crane and Rigging will transport the tree to Courthouse Square at no expense to the owners, who will have the opportunity to be part of the official tree-lighting ceremony.

The 2016 Dayton Holiday Festival and Grande Illumination ceremony are scheduled to take place Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving. Maps, program information, sponsors, schedule of events and other details about the event are forthcoming. For more information about Dayton Holiday Festival activities, call (937) 224-1518 or visit www.downtowndayton.org.

Ashes to Go – Taking Ash Wednesday to the Streets

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For many, finding time during the week to attend church can be quite a challenge. But what if church came to you? On Ash Wednesday, February 10, Ginghamsburg Church will be offering “Ashes to Go,” a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, at Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton from 11am-1:30pm.

Ginghamsburg Church is part of a nationwide movement that has clergy and lay people visiting transit stops, street corners, coffee shops and college campuses to mark the foreheads of interested passers-by with ashes and invite them to repent of past wrongdoing and seek forgiveness and renewal.

In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. For centuries, Christians have received a cross of ashes from palm leaves on the face at the beginning of the Lenten season as a reminder of mortal failings and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness. Ashes are applied to the forehead, often with the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” “Ashes to Go” provides the opportunity to participate in that tradition for people who have lost their connection to a church, or have never participated before.

Ingrid McIntyre receives ashes from street chaplain, Lindsey Krinks. About 30 people gathered as a community to share in the Ash Wednesday liturgy and to raise awareness of those suffering from homelessness and poverty. McIntyre is a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tenn. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

Ingrid McIntyre receives ashes from street chaplain, Lindsey Krinks. About 30 people gathered as a community to share in the Ash Wednesday liturgy and to raise awareness of those suffering from homelessness and poverty. McIntyre is a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tenn. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

“Ashes to Go” is about bringing spirit, belief and belonging out from behind church doors, and into the places where we go every day. “It’s a simple event with deep meaning, drawing on centuries of tradition and worship to provide a contemporary moment of grace,” says Pastor Rosario Picardo, Executive Pastor at Ginghamsburg Church.

“As people get busier and busier, we need the church in new and non-traditional ways. We especially need reminders of forgiveness in the tough places of our working lives. The people who accept ashes on the street are often people longing to make a connection between their faith and the forces of daily life, and “Ashes to Go” helps them feel that connection,” Picardo continues.

In addition to offering ashes and prayers, the church is offering free food from PA’s Pork, which will be on location at Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton from 11am-1:30pm.  They will have pork as well as a vegetarian option and a gluten-free option while supplies last.

Contact Pastor Rosario Picardo, Executive Pastor of New Church Development and Senior Pastor at The Point Campus of Ginghamsburg Church, rpicardo@ginghamsburg.org or 937-667-1069 for more information about “Ashes to Go” in downtown Dayton, Ash Wednesday, February 10 from 11am-1:30pm.

Ginghamsburglogo

For more information about Ginghamsburg Church, visit their website—ginghamsburg.org.

Ginghamsburg Church is committed to changing the world, serving over 60,000 people annually in Miami and Montgomery Counties through its outreach services. Since 2005, the congregation has invested $7 million into sustainable humanitarian projects in the Sudan and South Sudan. A member of the West Ohio Conference of United Methodist Churches, the church has campuses located at Tipp City – 6759 S County Rd 25A, Tipp City, OH 45371; Fort McKinley – 3721 W. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, OH 45406 and The Point, 506 E. Main Street, Trotwood, OH 45426.

 

 

Food Trucks Rally For Charity

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10351524_797210350338237_7343648853761494128_n-3The Dayton Food Truck Association is holding their first Charity Rally tonight  from 4-8pm at Courthouse Square.  Black Label Entertainment will be providing music for the evening.  While not all the association trucks will be on hand, the following trucks  are scheduled to be serving up street food:

East Coast Eatz, El Meson, Flour Power Pizza, Go Cupcake Horseless Buggy Eatery. Hunger Paynes, Kowalski Hots, Lilia’s Outdoor Cafe, McNasty’s, Mohawk Freestyle Grill,  PA’s Pork, The Shakery Juice Bar

According to Vanessa Back of the Dayton Food Truck Association, “each truck will have a tip jar and those proceeds along with a set % of sales from each truck (which she did not want to disclose) will be donated to be split amongst the four  charities.” Guests are encouraged to bring donations for the chosen charities.

Dayton food truck charity truck rally 112014

 

Courthouse Square performers add entertainment to lunch hour

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Free pizza is served to the crowd in the square.

Now that the rain has finally stopped, Courthouse Square is the place to be weekdays at noontime.

Starting June 21 and lasting through Sept. 15, The Square is Where … will feature a variety of performers. Entertainment booked to date includes belly dancers, jugglers and a saxophonist.  The festivities will occur around noon on most Tuesdays through Fridays.

Spectators can enjoy the show while grabbing lunch served by food vendors. Additionally, the YMCA will be hosting practice yoga and Zumba classes, perfect for those looking to recharge during their lunch breaks.

The Square is Where … is inspired by Affair on the Square, an event that took place more than a decade ago.

Now the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Montgomery Country are presenting The Square is Where … is a part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan to encourage growth and development in the city center.

“We’re trying to show there is a thriving, vibrant downtown during the work day,” says Krystal Luketic, special event coordinator for the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

As details become available, a complete schedule will be posted on www.DowntownDayton.org and www.mcohio.org. Any local performers interesting in entertaining on the square should contact Ashleigh Nunamaker at 937-224-1518, ext. 235 or intern2@downtowndayton.org.