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Jane’s Best Bets (6/29 – 7/4)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Can you believe the 4th of July is already upon us?  Let’s have a great red, white, and blue week!

On Wednesday, you will be able to enjoy a special Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine.  Sports fanatics should plan to watch the Dragons as they play the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Field.  If you have a constant craving for live music, listen to k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang at the Fraze Pavilion or make your way to Yankee Trace for Jazz on the Green.  And if you love musicals but prefer to stay indoors, make sure you have your tickets to see The Lion King at the Schuster Center.

On Thursday, head to The Moraine Embassy for After Work Thursdays.  If it’s your date night, take your honey out for a delicious dinner at Coco’s Bistro, where they will be offering 1/2 Price Wine by the Bottle.  If you haven’t yet been to a Pecha Kucha, I encourage you to go to the Yellow Cab Building for Volume 7.  It will be a great idea sharing party, with short presentations by a wonderful and diverse group of people!  (For more info, check out the article here.)   And finally, all of you who would like to hang out in Margaritaville should be sure to get your tickets to see Parrots of the Caribbean as part of the 7th Annual Concert for Literacy at the Fraze Pavilion.

On Friday, put your gardening skills to good use at RiverScape with RiverScape Gardeners.  Although you may not be taking that Italian vacation this summer, you can still see Reflections of Italy at Elaine Balsley Fine Art.  In the evening, you will want to be downtown for First Friday, which is a monthly art hop held at several locations throughout downtown.  (For more info, you can click here.)  If you’re a biker, enjoy the summer weather and participate in the Courteous Mass Ride, starting at Fifth-Third Field.  Also there, you will be able to catch the Dragons game where they will be playing the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  In addition, the Cityfolk Festival will be going on at RiverScape.  Or for a blast from the past, head to De’Lish for An Intimate Evening with Chico DeBarge.  And if for some odd reason you’re not downtown, it is perfectly acceptable only if you are wearing your boogie shoes and getting down tonight with KC & The Sunshine Band at Fraze Pavilion.

On Saturday, RiverScape is the place to be.  Consider “Riding the River” with their kayak rentals, or joining in the fun at the Cityfolk Festival.  Over at Fifth Third Field, the Dayton Dragons will be playing the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  Or, you can catch The Lion King (please don’t actually take him home) at the Schuster Center.

On Sunday, the Cityfolk Festival will still be going strong.  There are also a variety of celebrations around the Miami Valley, including the Fairborn Family Block Party, the Star Spangled Celebration at Vandalia Sports Complex, and the Annual Fireworks Buffet at the Dayton Racquet Club.  Also, if you’re downtown, be sure to see the City of Dayton Fireworks!

On Monday (hopefully you have the day off work!), there are several 4th of July celebrations in the area, such as the Americana Festival – Street Fair (Centerville/Washington Township), the Fairborn 4th Parade
at Fairborn Plaza, the Beavercreek 4th of July Festival at Rotary Park, and Kettering’s Go 4th Celebration at Delco Park.  And if you’re not at one of them, hopefully you’re celebrating the day by cooking out with family and friends!

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

What did one flag say to the other flag?  Nothing, it just waved.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (6/15 – 6/19)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

After two weeks free of Jane’s Best Bets, you may have thought that you had successfully gotten rid of me (and my dumb jokes).  Sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not the case.  Here is a listing of some events going on this week, including the opening of The Lion King. Speaking of lions, let’s go ahead and get to the “mane” events!

On Wednesday, bring out your creative side with Creative Card Making at the Dayton Art Institute.  For those of you thinking of starting your own business, make your way to The Entrepreneurs Center for their New Business Information Session.  At the Fraze, enjoy the Austrian Festival Spass Nacht…which is absolutely free!  Listen to Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace Golf Club.  And finally, I’m not “lion” to you when I tell you that you don’t want to miss Disney’s The Lion King, which is being performed at the Schuster Center.  (It is being performed through July 10th, so even if you don’t get to see it this week, you’ll still have an opportunity!)

On Thursday, all you gardening gurus can put your talents to good use at Riverscape as part of RiverScape Gardeners.  I’m definitely not in that crop.  Instead of planting my own garden, I’d prefer to get vegetables at the grocery or at a place like Centerville Farmers Market, located at Centerville Shopping Center.  If you are all about networking and live up north (or don’t mind making your way up there), attend ‘Be An Exceptional Presenter’, which is a free networking event featuring Gary Mull as the guest speaker at Club 55.  At the Dayton Art Institute, attend the Twilight Concert (not to be confused with that Twilight vampire series, which I am still clueless about).  Let your hair down (or put your hair back) and head to La Comedia to see the popular musical Hair Spray.  Or go to Veteran’s Park Amphitheater for Annie Get Your Gun.  And if you feel like singing yourself, make your way to Champps for Karaoke Thursdays.

The Fabulous Menus!

On Friday, all live music lovers will want to attend the Ole’ Tyme Music Festival at Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village.  If you’re not there, then I order you to catch one of my favorite bands, The Menus, as they play at Sharkey’s.  Beer lovers should make plans to attend the 6th International Beer Fest at Jungle Jim’s.  At Fifth Third Field, watch as the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts.  And if you want to experience theater, be sure to get your tickets to see Hair Spray at La Comedia, Annie Get Your Gun at Veterans Memorial Park, Disney’s The Lion King at the Schuster Center, or The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show at The Loft Theatre

On Saturday, visit Practice Yoga on Fifth for their Birthday Party/Open House, which will include FREE classes, live music, mini-massages, and much more!  Don’t know how to bake but love to decorate?  Consider heading to Ele Cake Company and decorate a cake for your dad for their Father’s Day DYO Cake.  It’s picnicking season, so find out about Healthy Picnic Foods at PNC 2nd Street Market.  While downtown, you’ll also be able to participate in the Kayak Float/Ride the River Rentals at RiverScape and then later listen to the sounds of Bonneville as part of the Free Summer Concert Series.  All you 80s music lovers should go go to the Fraze to catch the GoGo’s and the B-52’s as part of Mix 107.7 Summerfest.  I just couldn’t keep my lips sealed about that one.  If you would prefer to stay inside, then catch one of these shows:  Disney’s The Lion King (Schuster Center), Hair Spray (La Comedia), or Annie Get Your Gun (Veterans Memorial Park).  And if you want to get groovin’, head to Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village for the Ole’ Tyme Music Festival.

On Sunday, be sure to wish the fathers you know a Happy Father’s Day.  Several places will be offering brunch, including the Dayton Woman’s Club (I find that kind of ironic), Boulevard Haus, Blind Bob’s, or the Dublin Pub.  Afterwards, take your dad to watch the Dragons play the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth-Third Field.  And if he likes doing outdoor activities, take him to RiverScape where there will be Ride the River Rentals.

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

What do you call a show full of lions?

The mane event.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (5/25 – 5/30)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is almost here?!?!  That means summer is right around the corner!  Be sure to make the most of these last few days in May!

On Wednesday, make your way to the Fraze Pavilion (I LOVE the Fraze!) for the Kettering Block Party.  If you want to sort of meet a former president, then head over to the Dayton Woman’s Club for the Abraham Lincoln Social & Luncheon.  Beer lovers should plan to be at Archer’s as they’ll feature a new craft beer.  Not only will you be able to think green, but you will also be able to “drink green” as part of Green Drinks May at Norton’s in Kettering.  And if you love listening to adorable kids singing their hearts out, be sure to attend the Kettering Children’s Choir 25th Anniversary Concert at the Schuster Center.

On Thursday, check out 42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse.  On the other side of town, you will be able to see the premiere of the documentary The Other Side at The Neon.  And if you want to be close to somebody, come to Right Next to Me at The Loft Theatre.  The only problem is, you really don’t know who “me” is.  If you are in the Oregon District, walk over to Dayton Theology on Tap at Oregon Express.  For all you old-fashioned book readers, check out a new option, The Nook, at Books & Co. at The Greene as part of their Nook Nights.  “Hungary?”  Make your way to Boston’s Bistro for their Hungarian Wine Tasting, which includes pizza, cheese, and chocolate!  And finally, over at the Metropolitan Arts Center, check out A Wine and Yoga Practice…which I of course think is an awesome idea!

On Friday, celebrate the weekend with Fiesta Friday at Bar Louie.  Or check out Trumpet Studio.  You may be asking, “What may ‘trump’ that?”  I’m not sure, but if you are looking to experience theater, there are several opportunities available, including  42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, Right Next to Me at The Loft Theatre, and Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  Then, go to bed early so you can enjoy the rest of Memorial Day weekend!

On Saturday, make your way to Dorothy Lane Market for Lobstermania.  If you’re downtown, be sure to participate in the Bike United Tour at Fifth Third Field and support the Dayton Dutch Lions’ campaign for healthy living with a fun downtown bike ride.  Plus, you will receive a ticket to the Dutch Lions’ first ever game at Fifth Third Field, and a Bike United T-shirt.  Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend by attending The Patriot Freedom Festival.  If you’re like me and love summer concerts, be sure to listen to the sounds of The Highway Junkies at RiverScape as part of the Free Summer Concert Series.  And finally, theater options for Saturday include Mauritius at Dayton Theatre Guild, 42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, and Right Next to Me at The Loft Theatre.

On Sunday, make plans to attend the 2011 Dayton Heritage Festival at Carillon Historical Park.  It is FREE!  You will be able to enjoy exhibit buildings, special activities, and live music.  You can make it an all-day affair, as there will also be food and drinks from a variety of local vendors.  Plus, there will be fireworks following the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance featuring Live Americana music!  If there isn’t something there that suits your fancy, then too bad!  Just kidding (although that’s all I’m talking about for Sunday)!   Also, if you want to give back and volunteer there, please shoot me an email!

My Team Last Year at the "Spike Out Blood Cancer" Sand Volleyball Tournament!

Usually I don’t talk about Mondays in Jane’s Best Bets, but this week I’m making an exception with it being Memorial Day.  If you’re not having a cookout, then there are a couple options.  Start the day off early by attending the ‘Spike Out Blood Cancer’ Memorial Day Sand Volleyball Tournament at J.D. Legends.  I played in it last year and had a blast!  Even if you don’t like volleyball or can’t attend, I encourage you to support Steve VanGorder’s Fight for a Cure, which supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  There are many ways to help, including making a donation, attending the Beatles Tribute Concert by Ticket to Ride, or purchasing a raffle ticket to win a brand new Camaro!  And if you don’t feel like sweating all day long or listening to Beatles music, consider staying inside for trivia!  There will be live trivia at the Pour Haus as well as trivia at Beef O’Brady’s.

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

At first the man didn’t like his haircut, but then it started to grow on him.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Arts and Entertainment on a Budget – Feb. 4th Edition

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The ice is finally melting, so cure that cabin fever and check out these wallet-friendly entertainment options:

The Super Bowl is sure to be a weekend highlight for many, but if football isn’t your thing, go see “9 to 5: The Musical” this Sunday instead! Get 4 tickets for just $90 or 2 tickets for just $50! Call 228-3630 or visit http://ticketcenterstage.com and use the code FOOTBALL.

Join JumpstART on Feb. 10th for Jump Into Theatre.  This young-professional branch of Culture Works is offering half-price tickets to “Twelfth Night,” plus a backstage tour.  Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours now!

Riverscape Ice Rink offers free skating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ($3 to rent skates), and only costs $5 (including skate rental) the rest of the week. You can even celebrate Valentine’s Day early at the  Saturday Night Sweetheart Skate from 7 to 10 p.m. on February 12.; the first 100 couples will receive a free flower from the Flowerman!

Encore Theater Company will host the New York bound musical “Hot Mess in Manhattan” on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 8 pm at Sinclair Community College, Building 8. Tickets will be $18 at the door, but reserve your table of 4 now and pay only $12.15 per person! Visit http://www.encoretheatercompany.com/ to order your tickets; just select “reserved table of 4” and enter the code “hotmess” to receive the discount.

Student and community theatre productions always make a great date night at a great price. The University of Dayton Theatre Program is presenting Sam Shepard’s “True West” Feb. 4-6 and 10-12; tickets are only $12.  Centerville High School will present “Crimes of the Heart” on Feb. 11 and 12; admission is free, but donations will benefit the CHS Drama Club. These are just a few of the upcoming (and affordable) theatre performances in Dayton; visit onStageDayton for many more.

Don’t forget to start your night out off right with a great meal! Dayton Dining offers lots of tips and discounts for local restaurants; just “like” their Facebook page for the inside scoop.

Finally, buy your tickets now for “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and save 35%!   This Broadway Series production will be at the Victoria Theatre from March 8-20. Visit http://ticketcenterstage.com before Feb. 18th and use the code JANET.

Jane’s Best Bets (2/2 – 2/6)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Hello February…and hello icky weather!  If you’re reading this, that means you still have power, which is a great thing!  I hope you also have the power to get up off the couch and enjoy some of these events!

On Groundhog Day (a.k.a. Wednesday), eat lunch at Smokey Bones for their $5 Lunch Special.  Over at the Schuster Center, check out the Visual Voices Art Exhibit:  Dayton Skyscrapers 2011, which celebrates “women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton African-American community.”  There will be a sea of food at Dorothy Lane Market as part of their Oyster Bar Happy Hour, as well as at Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday.  If you are a fan of environmental causes and would like to know more about the lives affected by the water industry as well as public water rights, then you will want to attend the Environmental Film Series: Tapped at Cox Arboretum.  Enjoy an adult beverage at The Wine Loft for their Happy Hour, The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, or Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Taste the Wines of Frog’s Leap event.  If you’re downtown, head to the Schuster Center to see 9 to 5: The Musical (I’m looking forward to it after my 9 to 5 job!) or to The Loft Theatre to see Twelfth Night.  Over at Clark State Performing Arts Center, watch Fiddler On The Roof…I’m hoping he doesn’t fall down with it being icy!  And finally, support the UD Flyers as they play St. Bonaventure at UD Arena…and hopefully get a victory!

On Thursday, celebrate the Chinese New Year with dinner specials at both The Nanking Inn and Kabuki.  Have you always wanted to dance, but keep putting it off?  If so, boogie your way to Michael Solomon Pavillion for International Folk Dance Lessons.  Over at the Dayton Racquet Club, attend the Go Red for Women/American Heart Month Kickoff.  At The Neon, check out Pecha Kucha Night Dayton, Volume 6, in which there will be several short presentations by noteworthy people around the city about their creative endeavors.  The presentations will be followed by a screening of the documentary DIVE, which is based on the topic of food waste at L.A. supermarkets.  For more information about Pecha Kucha, click here.  If you like meeting new people, head to Cedarville University to meet Dolly… be sure to tell her Hello, Dolly! Also, at the Schuster Center, you will be able to see 9 TO 5: The Musical, and at The Loft Theatre, you can catch Twelfth Night.

On Friday, after you get out of the shower, be sure to put on your red for the National Wear Red Day, in honor of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Movement.  If you wish, you can continue to celebrate the Chinese New Year at China Dynasty, The Nanking Inn, or Kabuki.  Get out your dancing shoes and head to the Michael Solomon Pavilion for the Contra Dance Party – Cityfolk.  If you love a good fish fry, head to either the Ascension or the St. Mary Fish Fry.  All you art lovers will want to participate in First Friday, the fabulous art hop which happens the first Friday of each month downtown.  There will also be many wonderful shows going on in our great region, including 9 to 5: The Musical (Schuster Center), The Octette Bridge Club (Beavercreek Community Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Dayton Playhouse), Twelfth Night (Loft Theatre), The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical! (Town Hall Theatre), and True West (University of Dayton-Kennedy Union Boll Theatre).  And finally, listen to The Rocket Man, The Eagles, Diana Ross, and The Beatles as you skate at RiverScape for their event, Peace, Love, and Skate: 60s and 70s.

On Saturday, bring your Valentine and go to the wonderful El Meson for their Cooking Class for Lovers.  For all you techies, head to the Dayton Diode Open House which has been called a “YMCA for nerds”…perhaps I should go then!  When tragedy strikes, it is important for a community to join together.  Over at St. John’s Lutheran Church, bring your friends and participate in the Dodgeball Tournamnet to benefit the Suzanne Waughtel Hopper fund.  In the evening, there are opportunities to support other great causes.  You can attend the 21st Annual Artemis Center Gala ‘Be a Star, a Purple Carpet Event’ at Sinclair or Sing your Heart Out For A Good Cause (the American Heart Association) at The Wine Loft.  All you “pasghetti” lovers (as many kids call it!) will want to go to the American Legion Post 598 for Franco’s FAMOUS Spaghetti.  Over at RiverScape, participate in the Star-Late Skate.  Also on Saturday, there will be a plethora of theatre options, including 9 to 5: The Musical, The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical, The Octette Bridge Club, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Twelfth Night, and True West.

On Sunday, consider going to Alex’s for their Jazz Brunch.  Or you can Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers at Coco’s Bistro.  If it’s not too cold, perhaps you’ll want to learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  Sundays are a great day for the arts, so consider checking out the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition, Visual Voices Art Exhibit; Dayton Skyscrapers 2011 at the Schuster Center, Folk Art from the Collection of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP at The Dayton Art Institute, or A Student of People Exhibit at Troy-Hayner Cultural Center.  Or check out one of the many theatre productions going on around town.  If you still haven’t done so, be sure to check out DMM’s onStageDayton, where Shane, Katherine, and Russell keep you up to date on the Dayton theatre scene!

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

How many pessimists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Nevermind.  Nobody would get the joke anyway.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/19 – 1/23)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I have to be honest…writing this column each week has been a bit overwhelming, and this week is no exception!  As I have been researching events to share with you, I have realized that there are just TOO MANY great things going on in Dayton from which to choose!  In an effort to reduce the time it would take you to read about all the events going on this week, I have narrowed them down to a hopefully more manageable number!

On Wednesday, you can yell “checkmate” as part of the Chess Club at the East Branch of the Dayton Metro Library…or perhaps you better whisper it since you’ll be at the library.  Test your dance moves with Zumba at the East End Community Center.  Since you worked out, you can head over to Nick’s Restaurant for their Kahlua Tasting (you can’t go wrong with kahlua!), The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, The Caroline for their Eel River Brewing Company Beer Tasting, or Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar for their Wine Down Weekdays! Or check out the movie Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music at The (Fabulous) Neon.

On Thursday, if you don’t know much about twitter, be sure to check out How To Use Twitter for Business.  When I gave up Facebook for Lent last year (except on Sundays, which was still incredibly difficult!), I created a Twitter account to “replace” it.  However, to this day, I still don’t know how to use it, so I could definitely benefit from this workshop!  If you think ice skating is a breeze, learn some additional skills at RiverScape as part of So You Think You Can Skate? I definitely wouldn’t be able to cut it for that one, but perhaps you are much more talented than I am!  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s The King’s Theme: Bach’s A Musical Offering…who could turn down beautiful music in a beautiful environment?  While you’re there, be sure to take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays, as you will get free admission to two of their exhibits!  And finally, whether you’re good or bad, check out Jekyll & Hyde, which will be performed at Wright State.

On Friday, learn the basics of Bread Baking at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Some music options are the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bach: A Musical Offering’ at the Schuster Center, Betty Buckley – Broadway by Request at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, and Bruce Jordan with Sinclair Jazz Ensemble at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.  I Hate Hamlet. Sorry to all the English teachers I have had in the past.  Actually, this is the name of a dramatic comedy you can see at The Playhouse South.  You can also catch Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State and Ravenscroft at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And no matter your religious affiliation, if you missed the kick-off to fish fry season this past weekend at Holy Angels, be sure to head to St. Albert the Great for their Fish Fry!

On Saturday, get some tips on taking care of plants over the winter with the Plant Doctors at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  If you’ve never tried yoga and you’re wondering what all the hype is about, head to the Sri Yoga Open House at Sri Yoga Center, where you will be able to participate in FREE yoga classes!  Bring the whole family to Victoria Theatre for The Gizmo Guys – Comedic Juggling Duo.  If you have an ear for music, head to Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm for the Moon over Aullwood Musical Performance, Gilly’s for the Dayton Blues Society Winter Blues Showcase, or to Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater for the Community Wind Symphony Concert.  Or if you’re like me and are a fan of music by THE Eagles (I can’t remember if any of them are bald), then head to the Schuster Center for ‘One of These Nights: Music of the Eagles’.  To catch some theater, purchase tickets to Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Seth Rudetsky’s Big Fat Broadway Show at Clark State Performing Arts Center, or Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University.  For a thrill, check out AMA Arenacross- Professional Racing at the Nutter Center.  Plus, be sure to get the DaytonMostMetro.com discount for Saturday’s show ($4 off your ticket) by entering the promo code MMETRO!  And finally, although it was a tough loss to Xavier, hopefully the Flyers will get a victory when they take on Fordham at the UD Arena…and hopefully you’ll be there to cheer them on!

On Sunday, you will be able to attend one of the events you may have missed earlier in the weekend, such as the AMA Arenacross- Amateur Racing at the Nutter Center, The Gizmo Guys – Comedic Juggling Duo at Victoria Theatre, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, or Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild.  If you like art, you can catch the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition.  And for all you social justice activists out there, head to the Dayton International Peace Museum for their exhibit, Under Our Noses: Modern Day Slavery and What You Can Do About It.

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

How do you identify a bald eagle?

All his feathers are combed over to one side.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/12 – 1/16)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why couldn’t the pony talk?

He was a little horse.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/29 – 1/2)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

With Christmas shopping finished, Christmas decorations put away until next year (if you’re an overachiever), and 75% off Christmas sales, it’s time to say goodbye to Christmas and hello to a brand spanking new year!

On New Year’s Eve Eve Eve (Wednesday), enjoy some good food at Champps for their 9.99 Fajitas or go to the Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesdays.  “EVE”n though it’s not officially New Year’s Eve, drink some bubbly as part of the Champagne Tasting at Arrow Wine or the Special Sparkling Tasting at Chin’s Ginger Grill.  You may not need to get a cab for this “cab”aret show, but perhaps you may take a trip to Canal Street Tavern for Believe It Or Not It’s Just Me.  And finally, I do believe that the Flyers are going to pull off a win as they play George Mason at UD Arena.

On New Year’s Eve Eve (Thursday), if your New Year’s resolution is to cook more, attend the Couples Cooking Class at Culinary Company.  If it is to cook less, then practice by eating out at Rue Dumaine as part of their $25 Prix Fixe Menu.  I’m glad I just have to write about it and not talk about it because I’m sure I’d butcher that name.  Which reminds me of the butcher who backed into his meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.  Sorry…I couldn’t pass up that one!  Moving on…if you like live music, head to the Oregon District for The Original Acoustic Revival Open Mic Stage at The Trolley Stop or the Blues Jam at Oregon Express.  And for those of you with kids, take them to the Kids’ New Year’s Eve at the Boonshoft for a fun time!

On New Year’s Eve (Friday), you can leave your kids at the babysitter’s.  But first, you might want to take them to see the Harlem Globetrotters at the Nutter Center.  I remember my dad taking me to see them as a kid and they were amazing!  He says that every kid should see them at least once, so if you have the opportunity, get tickets!  Afterwards, go out for a fabulous dinner at one of the many restaurants celebrating New Year’s Eve with special meals, including Amelia’s Bistro, El Meson, The Melting Pot, Meadowlark Restaurant, or Rue Dumaine.  Or, do a little “pre-gaming” at the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine.  Even if you’re not Italian, attending the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘New Year’s Eve Concert: Viva Italia!’ at the Schuster Center is a good option!  And for all you hockey lovers, watch the Dayton Gems take on the Evansville Icemen at Hara Arena as part of the Biggest Family New Year’s Eve Party in Dayton.  If you’re not heading off to a party, there are a variety of places around town to ring in the new year, including the New Year’s Eve Skateat RiverScape, the Black and White Ball at Bar Louie, The big NYE Party at El Meson, and the New Year’s Eve Party at Wiley’s.  And like I’ve said before, please drink responsibly.  Free cab rides are being offered to Montgomery County residents so be sure to take advantage!  Just remember…449-9999!

On New Year’s Day (Saturday), for Pete’s sake, please sleep in…and perhaps take the day easy by watching some football on the couch!  If you do venture out, head over to RiverScape for their New Year’s Day Skate.  You will still be able to see Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at Kettering Tower.  After a crazy busy few weeks, attend Candlelight Yoga & Meditation at Practice Yoga on Fifth for a little relaxation.  And finally, watch some UD basketball action as the Flyers take on New Mexico at UD Arena.

On post-New Year’s Day (Sunday), again I hope you find some time to relax and watch some football since it’s the last day of the regular season!  If you don’t have a place to watch the games, head to The Dock for 79 Cent Draft Beer Football Happy Hour.  If you’re not a football fan, head to Little Art Theatre for Brunch and a movie.  Or head to the Dayton Art Institute to see 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, or the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week (well actually a couple one-liners!). Drum roll please…

A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

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

Have a great week Dayton…and Happy New Year!

Meet Your MetroParks

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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

    Enjoy 18 holes of disc golf at Englewood MetroPark.

    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

    Find farm-fresh produce at the PNC 2nd Street Market

    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

    Have you visited Sunderland Falls at Taylorsville MetroPark?

    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.

DIY, Riverscape-style

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A century ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright looked at their bicycles and said, “I think we might be able to fly these things.”

Today, some hearty fellow Daytonians followed in their footsteps, sort of. They looked at piles of debris and said, “I think I can row this.”

And then they tried.

At Riverscape, in the shadow of the Engineers Club and a statue of the Wright Brothers taking flight, we watched do-it-youselfers take part in Dayton’s Outrageous River Derby. If I heard emcee Commodore Jim Bucher of WDTN Channel 2 correctly, this was the 14th one.

But it was my first, and it turned out to be a beautiful day to hang out by the river for some silly fun. The gist of the event is this: Make a raft, any kind of raft, get it in the river, and race it down the river a hundred yards or so. Try not to sink.

Themes included a Lady Gaga boudoir and an Abe Lincoln who looked suspiciously like a plastic Jesus with an electrical tape beard. A last-minute entry was made of a pipe frame, cardboard, saran wrap and duct tape.

Was there lots of duct tape, you ask?

Did Wilbur wear a funny hat?

The paddle prizes didn’t go only to the swift. The judging panel included an engineer, some student artists from Stivers and K-12 gallery, who gave out prizes in categories like creativity and most-likely-to-sink before the race even started. I can’t tell you who won the superlatives because we’d taken a pause from the sun to get snacks for our boys.

Poor Man's Kayak, the derby winner

But then again, I can tell you who won: Everyone there because it was just goofy fun, a gorgeous blue sky, a soft breeze and a great time at Riverscape.

After we downed our snacks, we sat at the river’s edge and watched the race. Honest Abe got a little dishonest help from someone pushing, and Lady Gaga was surprisingly strong. What I mean by that is that I still have no idea how she stayed afloat.

But they finished second and third. The race went to Poor Man’s Kayak, which turned out to be a fine kayak indeed, held aloft by rows and rows of one-liter soda bottles on its underside and sped along by a very able rower with a great sense of balance.

I’m not sure we’d have made Orville and Wilbur proud, but I have no doubt our hometown ingenuity would’ve made them laugh.