Dayton Ohio

Luminaries of Dayton: Frederick Olt

July 20, 2017 By Angie Hoschouer

Frederick Olt was born in Dayton on September 25, 1874. He was the son of John and Philipena (Linxweiler) Olt. After becoming a partner in the butchering business with his father, Fred decided that office work was more to his suiting and obtained employment with the Schantz Brewery as a bookkeeper. Frederick’s sister, Mary, was married to Adam Schantz. In 1904, he advanced to the position of cashier and in 1906, he decided to go into the brewery business with his brothers and started the Olt Brothers Brewing Company. Mr. Olt married Laura H. Greve on April 6, 1902.

Fred Olt died August 28, 1958 at the age of 83. He is located in Section 101 Lot 2712.

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s five oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio as you will see as you read through this new MostMetro.com series. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

Luminaries of Dayton: The 4th of July in Dayton

June 28, 2017 By Angie Hoschouer

Simeon Broadwell

The 4th of July in Dayton

The first Independence Day celebration in Dayton was held in 1809. The townspeople assembled on the riverbank, marched to the courthouse, sang together, listened to speeches and heard artillery salutes, and then marched again, meeting at the home of Henry Disbrow for dinner. Activities included wrestling and shooting matches, foot and horse races and dancing into the evening.

In 1810, there were 17 toasts made to mark the occasion including these memorable ones:

Toast No. 3: To “The Constitution of the United States – May its duration be as lasting as the solar system.”

Toast No. 10: To “Agriculture – May our plowshares never rust, and may hungry of nations be fed with our superabundance.”

Toast No. 11: To “Manufacturers – May our exports exceed our imports.”

At the 1815 Fourth of July celebration, Dayton women were finally welcomed to join the parade march.

In 1816, one hundred guests had dinner together, enjoyed a vocal concert at the home of William Bomberger and attended a ball at Col. David Reid’s inn.

In 1822 at dawn, Dayton awoke to the sound of church bells and cannon fire. During the parade, four Revolutionary War soldiers carried the flag – Col. Robert Patterson, Simeon Broadwell, Richard Bacon and Isaac Spining. Nineteen patriotic toasts were given that day. Six more from fellow soldiers. Isaac Spining’s toast was “May the cause that first inspired the heroes of ’76 to shake off

Isaac Spining

the chains of slavery be very dear and supported by all Americans.” And the final toast of the day was to “The heroes of the Revolution that fell to secure the blessings of this day to us: may their children so maintain them that America may be a republic on the last day of time.”

The 1837 Fourth of July celebration was dubbed the celebration that wasn’t. Billed as a grand affair, the opening of the Miami Canal at Piqua was slated for the 4th of July. More than 1,000 people waited patiently for the arrival of Gen. William Henry Harrison in the first canal boat. Neither Harrison nor the boat arrived that day as there was not enough water in the canal.

The ladies of Dayton, determined to establish an orphan asylum, held an Independence Day picnic to raise funds in 1843.

This glimpse back at these early celebrations show that they were about community, sharing and remembering the sacrifices that others made during the birth of our nation.

The Washington Monument – 1986

John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Of course, the Declaration of Independence was debated in Congress and the wording revised and was finally approved two days later on July 4.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!
Your friends at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum

‘Circus 1903’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association –Under the Big Top

June 16, 2017 By Russell Florence, Jr.

In the mood to embrace the fantastical?

Step right up as the Victoria Theatre Association concludes its 2016-2017 Premier Health Broadway Series with a crowd-pleasing Midwest premiere of “Circus 1903” at the Schuster Center.

Circus 1903

A nostalgic ode to P.T. Barnum’s legacy and influence, “Circus 1903,” which premiered in Australia last year and had its American debut in Los Angeles in February, is not a play or musical. Arriving in town mere days after the 71st annual Tony Awards, the show may feel jarringly out of place to theatergoers accustomed to traditional Broadway Series programming. Nonetheless, it is a very entertaining and flashy theatrical depiction of a traveling circus, showcasing marvelous international talent fully prepared to amaze and astound with vibrant, death-defying displays under the direction of Neil Dorward (“The Illusionists”).

Act One standouts include dynamically jaw-dropping contortionist Senayet Assefa Amara (The Elastic Dislocationist) and lovely aerialist Elena Gatilova (Lucky Moon).

In the far stronger and better paced Act Two, exuberant speed juggler Francois Borie (The Great Gaston), skillful acrobats Anny Laplante and Andrei Kalesnikau (Les Incredibles), and handsome foot jugglers Alejandro and Ricardo Rossi (Fratelli Rossi) notably provide breathtaking, encore-worthy routines of astounding athleticism and showmanship.

The entire proceeding is admirably guided by the grandfatherly charm, narrative magnetism and quick wit of David Williamson as Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade. Williamson’s pleasant banter with impressionable youngsters bolsters the show’s heartwarming nature.

A show within a show

By and large, a lack of story structure is an issue and the show-within-a-show concept would be better served in a one-act format. Even so, the superb talent, mostly derived of generations of circus families from Mexico to Russia, and unique puppetry, under the direction of Mervyn Millar, are worth the price of admission. In fact, the show’s two puppet elephants are the brainchild of London-based Significant Object, the creative puppeteers behind acclaimed drama “War Horse.” Todd Edward Ivins’ eye-catching set, Angela Aaron’s attractively colorful turn of the century costumes, Paul Smith’s dazzlingly evocative lighting, and composer Evan Jolly’s dramatic score are added benefits fueling the captivating look and feel of a bygone era.

It can be argued “Circus 1903” is a programming option more inclined to suit a Las Vegas hotel than a Broadway touring house, but it’s certainly a worthwhile, family-friendly, thrill-inducing spectacle.

“Circus 1903: The Golden Age of Circus” continues through June 18 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 pm. Act One: 50 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $30-$97. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.

Circus 1903 flies into the Schuster Center!

Dive Bar Thursday: King’s Point Pub

June 15, 2017 By Brian Petro

Feast thine eyes on King’s Point Pub!

Heated discussions have occurred among friends about what constitutes a dive bar. The issues of size, food served, the motivation for going, and even spirit selection has been part of the debate. One thing that came out over time was the bar’s location. It had to be part of a neighborhood or some other small community. That could make it a biker bar, a Bengals bar, or a bar that most of Belmont are seen in after the end of a shift. Certain areas of town just do not lend themselves well to having a dive bar. They are too busy. In the center of it all. A place to go for the whole city to party, not just the people who live in that area. Some bars, like the Time Out Cavern, require a little extra effort to go there. There is one that, if you are not paying attention, you will miss as you head down Wilmington Pike. And King’s Point Pub is not a place you want to miss.

King’s Point Pub (4660 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45440) is a well-hidden prize located in the nearly empty Wilmington Height’s Shopping Center. Unless you know it is back there, it may be difficult for you to find. Based on the times that we have been there, plenty of people are finding their way back to this incredible space. The patio that greets you is a fair size, with plenty of room to sit outside and enjoy warm summer nights. Possibly with a game of cornhole. Yes, the patio is really that big. If cornhole is not your game, head inside to the roomy interior for plenty of dart boards and a few pool tables. Summer dart leagues are just starting to get tossing and keep an ear out for the cornhole leagues to begin. They currently are playing some Luck of the Draw games on Sundays at 2 PM, where you put your name into the hat and hope you get a good partner. They have been known in the past to hold the cornhole games inside if there was bad weather. Yes, the interior of the bar is really that big. One their neighboring party supply store shut down, they purchased the space and added it to their pub. There are a few pool tables inside for good measure.

Beer? Cocktails? What is your pleasure?

They have a healthy respect for the craft beer scene but are not going to deny a person a cold Coors Light if that is what they are after. They have eight taps ready and waiting for thirsty patrons, typically split between old favorites and the new brews in town. It is not a surprise to those in the know when they host a tap takeover by a brewery every now and then. If you prefer your beer out of a bottle or a can, they have a broad selection of those as well. Their liquor selection does not offer any incredibly rare or unusual. It does offer anything you could possibly want to drink while playing any one of a number of games there. While they do not have a cocktail menu to look over, most of the bartenders there have their own specials they offer to patrons. And if you get hungry from all that dart throwing and bean bag tossing, Troni Brothers Pizza is right next store and ready to help! They offer pizza (of course), wings, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They will even deliver it to their neighbors! That is some service.

One of the many factors that make a dive bar popular is being an integrated part of their community. The people there know who is coming in and when, and what drink to have ready for them when they arrive. They give back to the people who keep their doors open in ways that go beyond just discounts on

Darts for charity? King’s Point may be open to that idea.

drinks or a place to come when difficulties roll in. They support the causes that are important to the patrons. The staff gets to know the patrons, and the patrons get to know each other. King’s Point Pub is no different. They have a board of all the causes they have helped, including the Wounded Warrior Project (it is a bar that very much appreciates the military), being a top fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Awareness, and various other projects around the community. Speaking with patrons and employees alike, everyone is very friendly and helpful, willing to chat with strangers about this little home away from home. They also support national and local bands by hosting them at their venue (did I mention the place is large?), with acts like Mad Hatter and Full Frontal showing up to entertain.

Taking a few steps off the beaten path is worth it. That is where you find all of the most interesting things. King’s Point Pub offers a great atmosphere with delightful pizza and entertainment for everyone in the family. Whether you go to root on THE Ohio State Buckeye or try your luck at corn hole, this is a pub that is well worth the effort to get to know.

Flip Your City, Flip Your Life

June 7, 2017 By Nikki Nett

Live here, work here, play here.

And Invest here?

That’s the goal of Real Estate U

Headquartered in Beavercreek, Real Estate U is a nationally recognized Real Estate training company. The owners, Bonnie and John Cochran, lifelong residents of the area, are taking the knowledge from their online products and getting hands on with local Real Estate investors…and those who want to be.

John Cochran gives tips and systems to new Real Estate Investors

The Miami Valley is one of the most affordable areas in the country for Real Estate and that’s a blessing and a curse. Yes, it’s affordable to live here, but it also makes us a target. We’ve all seen the ads for “house flipping classes” where you visit a ballroom in a hotel, hear the spiel and run to the back of the room for a chance to buy a few spots in a class. It may start out as $97, but it quickly turns into thousands. And who does that go to? A salesman who flies in for the day, and is gone once your payment is in hand.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. The folks over at REU live by the “talk about it, be about it” mantra. They are taking what they have learned in a few decades in the business and sharing it with the community for free. FOR FREE. Tried and true lessons learned in THIS MARKET, Dayton and surrounding areas, with partners equally as familiar with the Gem City.

Who is this for?

Veterans – were you a lifer? One and done? Either way, you have the attention to detail, honor and commitment to successfully use the tools given to you. REU has your second career all lined up.

Newbies -You want to buy the block, you watch a lot of HGTV and it really seems like something you could do, right? Don’t run willy nilly into buying up properties – they’ll show you the ones worth looking for and how to find them.

Experienced investors – you’ve flipped a few houses, maybe won, maybe lost, but you know the process. Real Estate U will hand you best practices and proven systems to grow your business with no guesswork.

Contractors – you’re already doing the work why not keep it all in house?

SAHMs – you could pay a fee to sell a product for a commission (we all love leggings and want to lose weight) OR you can take the same amount of time (about 10 hours a week) and create serious generational wealth without having to recruit.

The entrepreneurial spirit, the “I can’t even deal with the college profs”, the young and hungry and live-by-my-own-rules crew – you make your own schedule and dictate your own income. Time freedom which leads to financial freedom is right at your fingertips.

And yes, the “I’m so over this 9 to 5” group. We see you and we want you to know there is life beyond the breakroom. (but grab that snackpack of Little Debbies from the vending machine on your way out!)

So, mark your calendars for June 15. The staff at Real Estate U is creating a workshop / networking group experience that you’ll want to attend.

Imagine a setting where the curious could interact with the experienced. Where they take stock of everyone’s unique abilities and allow them to shine. Somewhere that REAL ideas, REAL methods, REAL proven systems were implemented in REAL TIME – with everyone leaving knowing something new and making some money along the way.

And everyone there is on the path to becoming a successful Real Estate investor.

You don’t need money to invest.
You don’t need good credit.
You don’t need to know a single thing about how to flip a house.
You just need to want to learn. That’s it.

Priceless and also price-less. Real Estate U is putting this together in Dayton for free.

Save your spot today: http://bit.ly/DYTJunegroup it’s free!

Find them on fb: REUDayton

Double tap them on Insta: @therealestateu

The real Estate U training center in Dayton Ohio

Five Games To Introduce To The New Board Gamer

June 2, 2017 By Kim and Brian Petro

A classic!

I always loved playing board games as a kid. Monopoly, Sorry, Candyland, Mouse Trap, Life, I couldn’t play enough of them. More often than not, I had to twist someone’s arm to play with me, usually my mom. Fast forward a few years: I met my now husband and found out that his family really enjoys board games. Awesome! But not the games I remembered as a child; these games went to the next level. There were card games and games where you played tiles and games that had these really awesome contests between players. I was hooked. Each year his family visits a rural lake in Pennsylvania and there is no television and no WiFi. Just spending time with each other and yes, LOTS of playing board games. The first year I was asked to come along and I played all of these games. I was in heaven. I was also struggling to learn how all of these games worked. It can be totally overwhelming for people who love the oldies but goodies who want to transition into more modern gaming. Fear not gaming friends, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of five games for new gamers to assist you with that step into heavier gaming! We CANNOT stress this enough how much online play-throughs and reviews online help with understanding games. Without further ado:

Ticket to Ride: This is a train car laying, route/network building game that many consider to be one of the top games for people new to table top games. Your task in this game is to connect cities in the United States by train, based on cards that you draw. Taking a look at the game board, you will see a multicolor network of routes connecting different cities in the continental United States. Players need to collect colored cards that match the routes they are trying to build. When a route is completed, you may choose to build more routes until one player gets very low on trains. Then each player has one last opportunity to play any cards and place trains that they can on the board. At the end of the game, each player reveals their routes and points are tallied up to reveal the winner. It may seem like a lot, but this game really is pretty easy once you have played a couple rounds, but the strategy can be as deep as you would like it to be!
Sushi Go Party! (via Spielbound)

Sushi Go/Sushi Go Party: Sushi Go is a hand drafting game where you try to collect different sets of sushi to earn points at the end. Each player starts with a hand of 8 cards. Each time a player selects a card they want to play and passes their hand of the remaining cards to the player next to them. You continue to do this until all the cards have been played. Every card has a different way of scoring, from simply adding points to collecting dessert for the end of the game. The game is three rounds, so it goes very quickly. After each round, tally up the scores for each player. At the end of the third round, each player will add up their scores, highest score wins! Sushi Go Party is the reprint which includes the base game of Sushi Go, adding a board with various tiles that can be played that dictates what cards must be collected. This allows for varied gameplay, play for up to eight people and kicks Sushi Go up a notch!
Forbidden Island: This game is a cooperative board game where players play band together to gather the four treasures needed to win the game and escape the island. However, as the players scurry from place to place, the whole island is sinking. Players will move their pawns on the different tiles that make up the game board. Each game is unique because the tiles will be placed in a different configuration every time. Each player possesses a special ability to travel across the island and grab the treasures as the tiles are sinking, one by one. If you can manage to collect all four treasures and get every member of the team back to Fool’s Landing, you win the game! Co-op games are great for new gamers because everyone gets to pitch in and help each other in winning the game. It can be difficult to win this game, so don’t be discouraged if you lose. My husband and I lose this game all the time, but we keep coming back to it because of the challenge it presents and the fun it gives each player!
Build your city to greatness in Machi Koro.

Machi Koro: Bright Lights, Big City: In this game, you are the mayor of the city. Winning the game requires you to build the greatest city among all the players. Each player starts with a few resources, and use those to collect money and build more buildings. Once they are built, they give the player special abilities throughout the game. Players earn money, and gain other benefits, by rolling either one or two dice. Each card has a number that when rolled will give players money. The game is set up where three stacks of building cards make up the playing field: cards that are activated with one die (rolling a six or less), Major Specialty Establishments, and cards that are activated with two dice (rolling a seven or more). Players take turns rolling the die/dice, collecting or giving away money and then purchasing cards to add to their city or building their landmarks. Play continues until one person builds all six of their landmarks. I really love this game because it is so different every time, but the mechanics are very easy to pick up. There are many versions of Machi Koro. We chose this version because it takes all of the current versions and combines them to give you the best version of the game. If you cannot get this version, then the base Machi Koro game with the Harbor Expansion is just as good.
Bang: The Dice Game: This game is a Yahtzee-style dice rolling game where players get three chances to roll the dice and press their luck to try and shoot other players. Who you are shooting at depends on the role you have in the game. Roles are kept a secret, except for the Sheriff, who must reveal themselves at the beginning of the game. Depending on how many players there are will dictate how many roles show up in the game. The Outlaws are trying to gun down the Sheriff. Renegades are trying to gun down everyone. And if the Sheriff is lucky, they will have the help of a Deputy. Players receive a character card that gives them a special ability that only that player can use. Each turn the players roll dice and use those dice to complete their secret mission. Players take wounds, shoot other players, or drink beer to gain life all with the threat of an Indian attack looming. The person who can complete their roll mission wins the game. I love teaching this game to people. Most are familiar with Yahtzee, so transitioning to this one is very easy and most people really enjoy the Wild West theme. If the wild west is not for you, you may enjoy The Walking Dead version of this game.

You get to roll dice AND say you shot the sheriff.

We decided to add a sixth game to this list because we feel like this is considered to be, by most people, THE gateway game:

Settlers of Catan: For many, this is the game that really started the board game playing phenomenon that we know and love today. In this game you are trading and gathering resources to build settlements, roads and cities. Resources in the form of wood, grain, brick, sheep and stone allow you to build up your civilization. This is another modular board game where the game board is never the same. Each tile represents a different terrain that gives the player on that tile that resource (i.e. forests give wood, hills produce brick etc.). Each tile also has a number placed on it which represents the frequency in which each resource is produced. You are building networks in the form of settlements on the game board which help you earn points. Each turn players roll dice to see who receives resources in the form of resource cards. Players need to be careful, though. If you roll a 7 then the robber pawn comes out to steal your resources! Resources are collected and then used to develop your settlement. You can also trade with other players or the bank for these valuable resources. The player who achieves 10 victory points wins the game! We both felt that this is a wonderful game for those gamers who enjoy the complexity of games like Risk or Axis and Allies. This game relies more heavily on strategy, which is why it is our variable addition to our list.

There you have it, our top five(ish) games for new gamers! Please keep in mind that there are so many other games that are wonderful as gateway games, many of which we went back and forth on for this list. Ultimately, these are the games that won. Do you have a favorite game that you think should have been on this list? Let us and other new gamers know in the comments. Happy Gaming!

Luminaries of Dayton: John Doren

May 20, 2017 By Angie Hoschouer

John Doren was born in Athens, Tennessee in 1834. Early on he displayed marked journalistic ability, and at nineteen years of age, under Gov. Samuel Medary’s leadership, became managing editor of the Ohio Statesman. In 1857, he was made official reporter of the Ohio House of Representatives, and in 1861 received the appointment as private secretary to Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, in Washington, D. C., in the cabinet of Abraham Lincoln. He graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1865, and that same year he succeeded G. M. D. Bloss as editor of the Cincinnati Inquirer, a position which he retained until shortly before he became a resident in Dayton in 1870. He then became Editor and Owner of the Dayton Daily Democrat, the predecessor of the Daily News.

John Doren died on March 8, 1916. He is located in Section 101 Lot 1724.

Dive Bar Thursday – Theo’s Lounge

April 20, 2017 By Brian Petro

Welcome to Theo’s Lounge!

As the world keeps moving along, technology moves right with it. In the 1880’s, the first vending machines were released into the world. They were used to sell a wide variety of items, like postcards, candy, notepaper, drinks, and other small items. One of those items that were sold were cigarettes. As more and more were learned about cigarettes, the less and less you saw cigarette vending machines. They started to go the way of the phone booth and the metal-tipped dart board. All of them are items that started to disappear as the social need for them left as well. The ubiquity of cell phones turned phone booths into WiFi stations, and metal-tipped dart boards are dangerous! Cigarette vending machines disappeared as smoking also became more dangerous. You can still find one of these magical machines in very special places. Theo’s Lounge is one of those places.

Theo’s Lounge (7890 Paragon Rd., Dayton, OH 45459, (937) 813-8580) is not a place you would find if you were not looking for it. The only thing that indicates it exists as you drive down Paragon Road to 725 is a sign above the door. It sits in the shadows of the Paragon Club, and it thrives there. The minute you walk in you can tell it is a comfortable space, from the complete lack of windows to the music quietly playing the background. It is not an incredibly well-lit space or an incredibly large space, but that is part of the intimacy. That may also be why there is a wall of mirrors on the right, to make it look larger. They have a small patio out back as well, which is nice to enjoy on a summer night. Walking into the space, it is nothing but comfortable. Like slipping into an old sweater.

Does it get more comfortable than this?

The televisions and conversation provide the entertainment here; there is not room for much else. Certainly not pool tables. In fact, on the lone sign out front states that conversation is one-half of what Theo’s offers. The other half is cocktails, which come with enough variety to satisfy any palate. Is there a menu you can peruse? No, there is not. Every bartender has their own specials, along with a few of the classics that they make. There are so many regulars that the staff “knows three-quarters of the time what they want.” And the cocktails we enjoyed had a healthy pour. The same holds true for the beer selection. The most exotic you can expect is a Sam Adams Boston Lager or a Guinness. The craft movements do not hold much sway here. The food selection is just as simple. The offer fresh-made, self-serve popcorn in the corner, but also offer chips and pretzels for a modest fee. They have pizza if you are looking for something a little more substantial, and tasty snack known as Hanky Panks. They are a combination of rye bread, spicy sausage, and cheese. According to the bartender at the time, they are a “hillbilly thing.” We took her word for it.

Let’s go back to the bar’s atmosphere. The comforting feel comes from many of the little details. Though dark, we could tell they really spent time taking care of the space. It was clean in there. The lack of outside light makes it easy to lose track of time. The dark wood, mirrored wall, and lowered shelves over the bar made it feel like we were walking into the

They have a patio as well!

1970’s. And there could be a reason for that; Theo’s has been at this location, in various forms, since roughly that time frame. There is no opening a new dive bar; it has to be groomed into one after years of love and use. Like that old, comfortable sweater, it only gets that way through constant use. All the conversation was relaxed and casual, and they were set up for some big groups of regulars to come in. They take care of the people that come to their bar.

With the approach of summer, Theo’s is working on adding some events. There is a dart league being created, as well as a Ladies’ Night. The Kentucky Derby is a fancy affair there, with ladies coming in their finest hats and everyone enjoying some food and drink. They have their regulars, including the employees at many local restaurants. You know that if industry workers are going there, the place is low key and the drinks are good. Theo’s not only added events for the regulars, they added spirits. When I asked about a lone bottle of saki sitting on the shelf, the bartender told me there was a regular that requested it. So now they have it. It may be one of the few dive bars we have gone to that has saki!

We are used to things that move at breakneck speed. It is great to know that there are no-frills, no drama places like Theo’s Lounge where the world slows down while we are there, and there are plenty of friendly faces to spend that time with.

Theo’s Lounge is located at 7890 Paragon Rd., Dayton, OH 45459. You can contact them through their Facebook page or at (937) 813-8580. They are open Monday through Saturday, 3 PM to 2:30 AM and Sunday from 3 PM to 1:00 AM.

Luminaries of Dayton: The Anchor as a Cemetery Symbol

April 11, 2017 By Angie Hoschouer

Early Christians used the anchor as a disguised cross and as a marker to guide the way to secret meeting places. It is a Christian symbol of hope, it is found as funeral symbolism in the art of the catacombs. It is also an occupational symbol in sea-faring areas or the attribute of St. Nicholas, patron saint of the seaman, it symbolized hope and steadfastness. An anchor with a broken chain stands for the cessation of life. Anchors are also a Masonic symbol and often found on Mason’s graves as they were a symbol for well-grounded hope.

Dayton Bar Star: Amber Brady

April 10, 2017 By Brian Petro

Dayton Bar Star: Amber Brady of Lily’s Bistro

When you are bartending in a place like Lily’s Bistro, being curious is part of the job. They are constantly exploring what they can do with seasonal, fresh ingredients, meaning their menu is perpetually evolving. As their food menu changes, their cocktail, beer, and wine menus are always changing with it. Amber Brady, head bartender at Lily’s, has been handling that job for a long time and handling it well. She embraces the challenge of keeping up with all the working parts in the cocktail menu, from developing cocktails that pair well with food to navigating the complexities of Ohio liquor constraints.

Beyond her considerable talents, she has a personality that could light up a few city blocks. Her pride in the city she works in is almost a force in itself; she sees the wealth of culinary and bar talent Dayton possesses. The specials that Lily’s offers every evening are for a good reason. Emily and Amber use those to test concepts that, with a little bit of tweaking, could end up on a future menu. The well-curated cocktail, wine, and beer menus have something for every taste. If you love the classics, there are a few explorations of those cocktails. Those that want something more adventurous also have their Funky section to try out. And every new menu offers at least one gin, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and rum cocktail.

Lily’s chef,servers, Amber and owner Emily all have input on the cocktail menu.

Amber also knows how hard it can be to keep up the creativity. She enlists the whole staff to come up with their own ideas for cocktails, or suggestions for beer and wine. They know that there is wisdom in crowds, and they use it to keep their menu lively. The other challenge to the creativity, one that all Ohio bars face, is the state removing liquors to sell. Ohio controls what can and cannot be sold commercially in the state, so some of the bitters and Amari that Amber loves can be lost if they are not robust sellers. She does not lament it, she just sees it as an another challenge. This encourages more experimentation but ultimately is it difficult when a spirit can no longer be sold in a state. While a fine rhubarb liqueur can be replicated, there are subtle nuances that would be lost from a century-old family recipe.

If you have not met this bartending bundle of energy, you need to head over to Lily’s Bistro and experience Amber for yourself. Not only is she one of the top bartenders in the Dayton community, she is a huge advocate for the city where she creates those cocktails. If love is a secret ingredient in a drink, her drinks are filled with them.

How did you get into bartending?

I started in the service industry in the kitchens and back of the house. I have worked in several bar and restaurants and had bar-backed some. I had also worked auxiliary bars during high volume events. While I was working at Blind Bobs, Lily’s was born, and I came on as a server from the beginning. This opportunity grew into me bartending full time and eventually becoming the bar manager. I had always wanted to go a bit beyond volume bartending, and more into the culinary side of the craft and learn more about obscure spirits.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I enjoy making most drinks! I have favorites of the moment, however, I just really enjoy finding a good balance, putting it in front of a guest, and getting an honest reaction, hopefully a good one!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I don’t think any specific drink does that. Possibly a mojito on a super busy night, when I’m low on mint. We call it the “Mojito Effect”: once one goes out, every guest wants one. However, it’s a great drink that I don’t mind making at all, as long as there is plenty of mint!!

Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?

I tried to narrow it down but I just couldn’t! I love bourbon and gin especially, but I absolutely love just about any Amaro you put in front of me. I love being challenged by a spirit that might not be that accessible to most people and I really appreciate the craft that is behind most Amari.

The story behind the name Porn or Pawn is amazing…

When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?

We have so much bar talent in this city! I have a toddler, so I don’t get out much, but when I do I enjoy great cocktails at Coco’s, Wheat Penny, or Corner Kitchen, or a Porn or Pawn Pepper Ale at Toxic or a flight at Warped Wing. And of course, I love PBR’s on Bob’s patio!

Who is the most famous person you have served?

I made drinks for the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio. Sean Lennon was in Lily’s for lunch one day and I poured his girlfriend a lemonade. I’ve made Dave Chappelle a few mules.

What do you do when you are not bartending?

Spend time with my husband and son. I also go to school, work on a horror podcast and try to find time to play in bands! I’m a busy gal.

What are your favorite trends from the last year?

The resurgence of mezcal! Keep it coming!

What trends do you see coming to Dayton over the next six months?

Beverage wise, I think more rose, more sour beers, mezcal, and coffee cocktails! And I don’t mean Irish coffees, I mean coffee as a bitter component rather than the main ingredient!

What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?

Experiment. Keep an open mind. Find balance, speed, and consistency. Use jiggers. Learn as much as you can about everything behind your bar. Have fun with it!

What do you love most about Dayton?

We may be a smaller city, but we have a lot of heart. We find a way to reinvent and persevere and that’s inspiring.

Amber, her son and husband at Halloween.

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

While I have definitely seen a lot of crazy stuff in this industry, each Hauntfest on 5th that I work brings a whole new set of interesting sights to see!

How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?

I think that we think more of the bar industry than we once did. I think that in Dayton, Ohio, we are keeping up with the bigger cities and not just as bartenders, but as bar patrons. The bartending scene is constantly evolving. The business of booze is thriving. Here in Ohio, we have distilleries and breweries popping up everywhere. Social media has fueled the craft everything trend, including cocktails. As trends flow from bigger cities to smaller ones, we all grow. Our bar guests evolve as well. They are becoming more educated and open minded when it comes to their choices in beverages. I think that rules.

What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?

That a bar’s signature cocktail list is theirs, and we don’t all have the same drinks and ingredients. However, I will try my best to make something you’ll enjoy! Talk to us, we want you to enjoy your drink!

If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?

I am actually attending Sinclair Community College to hopefully one day become a Physical Therapist Assistant. However, it will be hard to get me out from behind the bar completely. I love what I do!

Lily’s Bistro Bar Hours are: Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm-11p. Visit Lily’s at 329 E 5th Street in the Oregon District

Dayton Bar Stars: MacKenzie Manley

April 3, 2017 By Brian Petro

MacKenzie Manley knows Bloody Marys…and how to run a bar!

You would be hard pressed to find people in Dayton that have not heard of Mack’s Tavern. Established in 2015, it made a splash quickly, earning national attention for rewarding their patrons for making good decisions. Had you not heard of them by that point, their yearly Irish Car Bomb Waterfall record has been the talk of the town every St. Patrick’s Day. Even before it was a physical bar, Mack’s Tavern was having an impact on the cocktail scene. If there has been a Bloody Mary Challenge in the city, they have won at least a share of first place. Mack’s Tavern has made such a large impact in the city because of its owner, Mackenzie Manley. It is her vision that has turned Mack’s into one of the best dive bars in the city.

Mackenzie was generous enough to answer some questions for our inaugural “Dayton Bar Stars” interview! Who better to kick off this series than one of the most beloved bartenders at one of the most loved bars in the city?

How did you get into bartending?

I got into bartending by working at a tanning salon. A customer asked if I wanted to bartend. I said I’m not a bartender just have waitressed. He said we will teach you, and off I went in 2006 to Pour Haus to work for Matt Hayden!

What is your favorite drink to make?

My favorite drink to make is my Green Iguana. I love seeing people’s faces after I tell them what’s in it and they taste how good it is.

Good luck finding MacKenzie without her sidekick Haze!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I don’t like to make anything with a sugared rim. It’s so sticky and messy to clean the glasses.

Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?

My favorite alcohol to work with is strawberry vodka. The possibilities are endless!

When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?

My favorite place to go out to is Theo’s Lounge.

Who is the most famous person you have served?

Most famous person I’ve served is the Denver Broncos player David Brunner

What do you do when you are not bartending?

When I’m not bartending at Mack’s, I’m here at Mack’s working on other parts of the business!

What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?

My advice to new bartenders: SMILE! Let customers know you see them and will be right with them.

What do you love most about Dayton?

I love the people!

Her home away from home…

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

The most interesting thing I’ve seen from behind the bar belongs on Skina-Max!

How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?

Bartending has given me more confidence and made me more outgoing.

What is your least proud moment as a bartender?

Least proud moment having to kick people out of the bar for misbehaving or stealing and having to make a scene to get them out.

What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?

I wish customers knew to have money or a credit card ready when they order a drink. And knew what they wanted to drink!

If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?

If I was not a bartender I would like to think I would work with animals.

As a two-time winner of the Bloody Mary Challenge, what’s the secret to a good Bloody Mary?

The secret to the best Bloody Mary is LOVE!

This is the first in a series of articles featuring Dayton’s Best Bartenders. Feel free to nominate your favorite mixologist for a future post. You can reach us at [email protected]

A Garden of Cocktail Delights

March 23, 2017 By Brian Petro

Get your hands dirty!

Spring has finally arrived! The days are getting longer, the ground is thawing, and the weather is getting warmer. It is the proper time to clean out the house and to have to start tending to the yard. The first order of business will be to clean up all the leaves and sticks that have accumulated over the cold winter months. Then it is time to get the garden, or gardens, ready. If you are one who plans everything out before heading to the nursery, make sure you consider what you may be drinking during the spring and summer months. You can have all the ingredients you need for warm weather sipping within your reach, fresh and ready for muddling, infusing, and otherwise flavoring your cocktails.

All liquor, no matter what you are drinking, is in some way plant based. While you may not have room to grow corn, agave, or wheat, everyone has a small plot of land that they can put a few herbs in. Maybe a strawberry plant or two. This garden can be the base for your special gin-like concoction. Possibly a delightful blueberry or mint infused simple syrup or liquor. Many of the bitters and amari that are so popular in the modern cocktail movement have dozens of herbs and other aromatics infused in them. Jagermeister, one of the best-known liqueurs, has no less than fifty-six herbs, roots, fruits, and spices. You may not need THAT many in your garden, but it can’t hurt to have a few very attractive, easy to grow options.

Fruits

I can see some strawberry syrup, strawberry vodka, strawberry shrub…

Strawberries – Is there anything that says summer more than a ripe strawberry? Perfect for garnishing and infusing, these juicy treats go with pretty much anything. They are a relatively hardy plant that can grow almost anywhere. They prefer a lot of sun but can make it with some shade. Because of their rapid growth, you need to give them room if you are planting them in the ground. If you plant them too deep, they will not grow at all. Maintain them, and strawberry plants will produce fruit for roughly four years. Plant them while there is still a chill in the air, then wait for them to flower. A month later, enjoy the fruits of your labor. Do not put them in bed the first year with flowers. The fight for resources will not go well.

Raspberries/Blackberries – Both pop up a little earlier in the season than strawberries do; they are almost the harbinger of fresh fruits. They will also grow rapidly, so they need room AND a good trimming. Let them go too far, and they start to turn into thickets. They do not enjoy lots of water, so be sparing when you give them extra watering. Missing the spring planting season is not a big deal; they will be fine if you plant them in summer. You can plant them anywhere in the garden, except near the tomatoes. Tomatoes can leave diseases that these berries can pick up. Speaking of…

Tomatoes – These are fruit. Keep that in mind. They are also a little sweet. If you grow them right, you can have fresh tomato juice for brunch Bloody Marys, or maybe make some tomato water. These guys are going to take a little more work. You are going to need a trellis or some method to get them off the ground and keep them clean and growing well. Like the other fruits, give them plenty of room to grow and lots and lots of sun. Unlike the berries, do not plant them too early. Cold is not their friend at all. Pro hint: plant the stem deeper for them to grow more roots and you to get more tomatoes.

Vegetables

Rhubarb is amazing, offering a tart crispness to cocktails.

Cucumbers – I could almost write “see tomatoes” for how to grow cucumbers. They want something to climb on, want warm soil, but they like much more moisture and fertilizer than the tomato. Throw some mulch on top of that soil to keep that water in, and you will have happy cucumbers. Perfect to muddle into a refreshing gin cocktail or use as a garnish.

Rhubarb – Hear me out. A simple rhubarb syrup, or making a batch of bitters with a little rhubarb as part of the mix, is a delight to have in your repertoire. Rhubarb growing is another early indicator that spring has sprung. This is one plant that enjoys the Ohio winter. More freezes of the ground can produce more stems. All rhubarb needs is fertilized, wet soil, plenty of sun, and some room to grow. Take care of this celery-like vegetable, and you can expect savory delights for up to eight years. Do NOT eat the leaves.

Herbs

Mint – You know that you’ll be having juleps and mojitos when it gets warm. There is no excuse for not having scads of mint in the garden or around the house. Growing these in pots and keeping them well trimmed is the best way to check their growth. Left to their own devices, they can take over a yard. Maybe the next yard. Possibly the world. Mint is aggressive when it comes to growing, but shy when it comes to the sun. Keep them in in the shade if possible. To get even tastier Kentucky Colonel in your harvest, trim the flowers when they start to appear. That will encourage more leaf growth. Which means more juleps for everyone.

Maybe I promised you a herb garden. Just not a rose garden.

Basil – You are already growing tomatoes, right? Add a little sweet basil to that plot of land, and you have plenty of flavors covered. They not only taste amazing together, but they also grow well together. You can plant them in pots while it is still cold out, then transfer them to the soil when it warms up. As the stalks get taller, they will start to flower. Like mint, trim the flowers when they start to emerge. Then bruise them up with some strawberries for a vodka infusion.

Rosemary – This potent herb can provide a refreshing burst of flavor to cocktails. You do not need much muddled into a cocktail to get that flavor going. Another easy grower, put it in the sun and stand back. This little herb will grow as much as you will allow it. It is a low maintenance herb to have. When the soil around it gets a little dry, give it some water, but otherwise do not worry about it much.

Sage – Delicious, and not just for cooking. It goes well with many fruits, especially citrus. Citrus is the soul of many cocktails, and sage and citrus work well together. Throw in some gin, and you have the base of an excellent cocktail started. This plant will sit nicely with the rosemary and the strawberries, so grow them all together. It loves our Midwestern weather and will thrive in this mild climate. It grows out, not up, so this is another one that needs a wide berth. After five years, digging it up and planting a fresh plant is recommended.

Mint juleps for all the days of the summer!

This is by no means a complete list. Dill, lemon verbena, thyme, and many other herbs can be added, depending on the flavors that you love. Marigolds, violets, and roses are edible and can offer some lovely garnishes to your cocktails. They may be useful additions. If you are looking at the long game, apple trees and grape vines will grow in this area, so you can start on those now and see some results in five years. You can even grow your lemons indoors if you have the patience, the vessel, and a window with good light.

The variety of things you can do with these plants is extensive. Even if you do not have a plot of land to call your own, you can use one of the community plots of land that Five Rivers MetroParks offers. Many herbs and flowers can also be grown indoors so that you can put fresh mint in your cocktails all year round. While the weather is nice, head out into the yard and get your hands dirty. Spend a little time getting your garden ready now, and you’ll be enjoying a strawberry basil lemonade cocktail right out of your backyard.

Luminaries of Dayton: The Mead Monument

March 21, 2017 By Angie Hoschouer

The Mead monument was once the tallest obelisk at Woodland Cemetery. Today, just a few short feet away from the Mead family lot stands the tallest obelisk, that of John Alexander Collins. During a search through the Wright State University Archives, a series of photographs were found of storm damage at Woodland involving the Mead monument. On the back of each photo was written “Storm Damage July 1944.” I did some checking with the local National Weather Service office in Wilmington and found out that there was a heat wave and drought in the summer of 1944. On July 11th the temperature was 100 degrees; on July 12th the temperature dropped to 83 degrees. The local office did not have written records dating back that far other than a few statistics but stated that with a dramatic drop in temperature, it was possible that a storm had blown through.

A search of the Dayton Daily News microfilm at the Dayton Metro Library Genealogical Center on Maryland Avenue revealed a Wednesday, July 12, 1944 page 1 short article titled, “Lively Shower Brings Relief from Heat.” The first paragraph states, “Residents of Dayton and vicinity Wednesday were given at least a temporary respite from the prevailing high temperatures with the first break coming shortly before 10 am Wednesday when the city was visited by a shower which peppered down right lively for about 10 minutes. It is estimated that about one-hundredth inch of rain fell.”

Most Dayton and Miami Valley residents know that the wind can pick up in an instant in the area and knock a few trees down. Perhaps the answer to what happened was truly blowing in the wind.

Dive Bar Thursday: Flanagan’s Pub

March 16, 2017 By Brian Petro

Welcome to the pub!

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, everyone looks to the Irish cultural touchpoints in town. When you are looking for a dive bar that is also Irish, the field goes down considerably. The Dublin Pub is thrown out immediately; it is incredibly Irish, but incredibly lovely as well. Paddy’s Irish Pub falls into the same category at the Dublin Pub. Tremendous and very nice, not especially divey. Harrigan’s Tavern? Difficult to classify it as a dive bar. Their menu is pretty extensive, which digs into the debate of what earns the distinction of a dive bar vs. a diner. At the moment, Harrigan’s still fits into the diner category until someone convinces me otherwise. I would make the same argument for O’Leary’s Pub and Grub, though most of my experience there was admittedly for trivia. Which left us one place suggested to explore: Flanagan’s Pub. This staple is best known for being part of the party atmosphere in Dayton every March 17^th, but did you know it was also open the other 364 days of the year?

Flanagan’s Pub (101 E. Stewart St., Dayton, OH 45409) is off the beaten path. But not by much. Nestled on the side of the road with a gas station for a neighbor, it is possible that as you explore the University of Dayton area, you could miss it. It has been a staple in the neighborhood for over twenty-five years, predating most of the shiny businesses that are there now. It has always been a friendly place for hard working people to get a drink, whether your work was done on a factory floor, the streets of the city, or in a library huddled over a book. Before it became the staple it is now; a laborer could get a beer topped with a raw egg and a shot of whiskey for just one dollar. How do you beat that deal? The discount has changed a little: if you are a police officer or firefighter, you can get 20% off your food bill. There are other ways Flanagan’s supports our first responders, but that is for later.

Ask for a cocktail, and you shall receive one.

Those that remember the days that Patrick ran the place also remember the beer selection. While favorites like Pabst Blue Ribbon ($2.50 pints every day), Stroh’s, and Red Dog are still available, the rest of the menu has expanded considerably. There are now craft beers of all stripes on tap. From the hoppy Bell’s Two Hearted IPA to the rich, dark smoothness of Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Blackout Stout, there is a little something for everyone. Pull up a stool on Saturday and you can enjoy $3 pints of local favorite Warped Wing all day! They are not afraid to experiment, either. Bubbles, the new rosé cider by Rhinegeist, was provided some space on the lines. There is also still plenty of Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen on draft they would not mind you coming in and finishing off. Possibly for brunch?

Brunches are popping up all over, and Flanagan’s Pub offers a dandy one from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are studying, you can get it (and anything else on the menus) to go back to your dorm. Omelets, sandwiches and specialty Belgian waffles are on the menu, along with any other breakfast food you could want. Their lunch, very popular with the hospital workers, police, and teachers during the week, has just as much variety. Pizza, wings, sandwiches and other bar fare is readily available until 10 PM every day, because you are going to need something to soak up the drinks while you sit and watch the University of Dayton play.

Is it an Irish bar? You tell me…

Games pre-empt almost any other event there, and they host the Flyer Feedback Show after each match. Wednesday night trivia, one of their most popular evenings, often loses its home when the Flyers are on the court. If you head in on a Friday or Saturday night, live music will be playing while you enjoy the cozy atmosphere. They are also open to any other events that may suit your fancy. The bar is available for private events. Rates depend on the number of people you are bringing, and what night you plan on hosting your little shindig. A Friday night gathering is going to be more expensive than crashing the place on a Tuesday night. But the opportunity is there, and they may even make a good deal on the food for you!

Of course, all this is nothing compared to the one event they are best known for: St. Patrick’s Day. WTUE makes their headquarters there for the day, and this year they will be joined by ALT 103.9. Doors will open at 6 AM for the festivities that will go on well past the end of the last March Madness first round game. From six to eight AM, the proceeds from the $10 cover fee ($15 if you want in and out privileges) will go to the fine men and women of the Dayton Fire Department. The public will also be allowed to participate in a live auction, also benefitting our friends at the DFD. From 8 AM to 10 AM admission is FREE. That’s right; you can enjoy live local bands and tasty pints of Guinness without having to pay the entry fee. If you need to get out and stretch your legs, maybe give your liver a break, you can catch the shuttle to the Dublin Pub and see what they have to offer. Maybe rush over and see another set by one of your favorite bands. While you are there, you can revisit past St. Patrick’s celebrations by looking over the pictures they have hanging on the wall by the stage. Those images go back decades and are now shown to a new generation of real Irish (for a day) folk.

The calm before the storm…

Sitting on the edge of a neighborhood in the center of a college campus, this emerald has sparkled for everyone. The regulars here still have their voices heard by the new owners, which has kept the feel of the bar the same as it was back in the day. They have had their creations added to the specialty cocktail menu, and they are in just as regularly as always. When the green dust settles on March 18th, and your liver is ready to head back out, be sure to add Flanagan’s Pub to your list of venues. Or just sneak back in for a hearty breakfast the next day. We hear it is the perfect cure for a hangover.

Flanagan’s Pub is located at 101 E. Stewart St, Dayton, OH 45409. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 2:30 AM, and Sunday from 11 AM – 4 PM. You can call them at (937) 228-5776, or email them at flanagansdayton (at) gmail (dot) com. You can follow their shenanigans on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Luminaries of Dayton: The Angel as a Cemetery Symbol

March 14, 2017 By Angie Hoschouer

Angels are often referred to as Agents of God. They direct you towards Heaven. They are the guardians of the dead and they symbolize spirituality.

Angels are shown in all types of poses with different symbolism. Two angels can be named and are identified by the objects they carry: Michael, who bears a sword and Gabriel, who is depicted with a horn.

Michael is known as the leader of the angels who remained faithful to God after after the great war in heaven, overcame and cast Satan from their midst. Gabriel was sent by God to announce the birth of Jesus.

An angel with a trumpet is a symbol announcing the resurrection of the deceased’s soul entering into Heaven. It is a metaphor for the joyous resurrection of the individual in the afterlife.

Other angels you may see in the cemetery:

→An angel carrying the departed soul, as a child in their arms or as a guardian embracing the dead.
→An angel flying represents rebirth.
→Angels gathered together in the clouds represent Heaven.
→Angels weeping symbolize grief or mourning an untimely death.

Oh my Goodness…and Grace!

March 3, 2017 By Nikki Nett

Sometimes, you stumble upon a Dayton Gem and can’t believe you never knew it was there. And sometimes, you trek through a way too cool old building to find a sunny little space full of awesome. Armed with a bottle of Pinot Grigio and some fancy schmancy plastic cups, I recently did just that.

Tucked away in the up and coming Davis-Linden building, you’ll find the just-barely-revealed-to-the-public Goodness and Grace Photography Studio. As my velvet heels made their way up the stairs to this new space, I couldn’t help but ooh and ahh over the industrial charm of the sprawling building. Once those fancy schmancy cups were full of the aforementioned Pinot, I sat down with my friend, Shana Lloyd, the Goodness & Grace owner for some girl talk and to hear about the big plans for the studio.

[Girl Talk omitted, because, duh]

Shana, this place is gorgeous. I’m guessing it was a blank canvas when you moved in, where did you find the vision to bring this to life?

Thanks! No disrespect to the Davis Linden Building, because I swoon daily walking into the warehouse but it was definitely blank and dusty. The first week of renovations was all about cleaning, sanding, spackling. I had a vision that didn’t necessary equate to warehouse chic. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about the industrial look and can’t wait to shoot in and around the building, but we wanted our place to be a little bit of magic in the center of it all.

The vision was pulled from various different sources of inspiration. Working with other portrait and commercial studios in the past, years in retail fashion marketing, I definitely knew what I loved and what I didn’t love, what I would do differently. I wanted to create a place that had all the comforts of home, with intricate details and energy I just wasn’t seeing elsewhere- energy that would inspire my clients, both portrait & commercial as well as myself. In short, I wanted to create a happy place. The new studio is really something special. We initially set out to create 3-4 separate shooting areas but then decided to create a workspace that could be used at every angle for our purposes and shooting purposes. We also have built in the flexibility to rearrange and create new areas at random if needed (and I am pretty random, so that is good.) Though the bulk of our business is outdoor photography, we can now provide our clients with an additional experience as well as a beautiful setting to meet with potential clients for consultations or product selection. The ideas don’t stop, so much so we’re already expanding and adding to our space. More on that later though!

So now it’s here, and it’s about to be to go-to creative space in the area, do you imagine that you’ll use it for more than photography?

You nailed it Nicole, it’s a space to create. Whether that is beautiful imagery or community, our new haven is really about building things that mean something. Portrait & Wedding photography is the bulk of our business and we are expanding into commercial, specifically fashion photography but we have also created a series of workshops that we are going to hold monthly that I’ve coined “Creative Wellness” – We’ve got a wide mix of topics and speakers planned with the goal of empowering visual artists, whatever their trade to live their dream and build a career that is gratifying and successful. Something I’ve always been passionate about is speaking, teaching, mentoring and now I have the opportunity to do that in an industry I truly love. Exciting times ahead!

Our first is coming up this March 23^rd and we’ve partnered with Dayton legend Andrew White of IndigoLife Media and Samantha Elder of PR In Pumps. The topic is personal branding and the struggles creatives face in breaking through the noise. You can learn more on our Facebook page here.

I’ve seen you progress as a photographer over the past year. Now that you have this space, will you focus on specific kinds of photos?

Girl, I am all over the place. I am still learning every day and frankly, I have no clue. I want to explore everything and anything I can get my hands on but I realize I also have a growth strategy for my business that needs my focus. Wedding photography is definitely on my heart though, I am inspired daily by amazing artists all around me and find so much joy in photographing them so I have definitely been zoning in on that area and will continue. But we are full service photography studio and with my schedule, existing clients and destination jobs, expansion is on the horizon. Over the next few months our goal is to grow our team to 5 photographers with diverse styles and areas of expertise.

We recently did an inspiration wedding shoot that has peaked the interest of many vendors, publications and talent. I was initially just so excited with the idea, but when we set out to bring it to life and then saw it happen because of our amazing friendors, it was surreal. We’ve build some amazing partnerships in Dayton. Something Old Dayton, Sherwood Florist, Blush Boudoir, Cake Hope & Love and many others have really helped to build our little business. Dayton is just so awesome. Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, focus. A lot is coming in the next few months as I mentioned. We are always evolving, I think you have to stay ahead in this business. We’ve been approached recently for several things like styling, wedding planning even renting our studio and we keep an eye on these requests to see where opportunity lies for the future. We want to meet the needs of various clients and so we will be launching several new products, collections and styles of photography for our portrait & wedding clients while expand further into commercial with our fashion clients. At the core of all is, a love for lifestyle photography. Images that are real, emotion that is raw and energy that is contagious – all of these being the common thread in our work, whoever the client.

So how are you bringing your biz into the business world? I know your professional background and just can’t imagine you staying away for toooo long…

Commercial photography has been a passion before I even knew I could operate a camera. In my past life, I produced multiple product shoots and was always curious about what it would be like on the other side. From styling to photographing, it has always been definitely a big interest. Last year the spark was really ignited when doing some work for Belle of Dayton, I knew when I was posing those bottles of spirits so that the light hit them just perfectly, I was going to do more of this. As I mentioned earlier, we are expanding our space and part of that will be to serve our product only clients. We’re cooking up some big ideas. There’s a hint in there.

And, girl…I know your love of community and how you build in an ability to give back to causes you care about. Tell the world how that fits in here.

At the heart of everything I do, is love for Dayton. Community is everything. When I first started on this journey I knew that I wanted to some how intertwine my passion for giving back into our business model. In August of last year with our rebrand, we share our mission to donate 10% of our session fees to Dayton organizations serving the community. We are able to help many, with our biggest giving campaign in November where we fed 100 families on Thanksgiving, providing a monetary donation that covered a full meal including Turkey to those families through the The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton. Like many things, we are looking at this program for opportunities to broaden it as well simplify for our partners. In the meantime, we’re looking for volunteer opportunities as well event sponsorship and in kind donations requests where Goodness & Grace would be a good fit. Agencies looking to partner with us can email [email protected]

What’s Next?

SO MUCH. With our opening this week and still many logistics to get through, we are excited about the next phase of this tiny but mighty business. The theme of this year, I can’t do it all. So the next few months are really going to be about growing the team, getting the word out, building our client portfolio, strengthening our brand and staying focused on community. We’ve hired consultants to help build strong product offering, expand our offerings, update our brand as well as develop a new website all with the intent of giving our clients the best experience.

Well, Shana thanks for chatting with me! All of us at DMM are so excited to watch Goodness + Grace grow!