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Tomfoolery Outdoors

Miami County Home Grown Stories: Tomfoolery Outdoors

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HomeGrownStories – Tomfoolery Outdoors has a mission to encourage people to live an active outdoor lifestyle while making a difference in the world. The company’s founder, Tom Helbig, an outdoor adventure enthusiast, has just returned to Ohio from a 5-week adventure in the Great Exumas region of the Bahamas. This tropical excursion was spent on stand up paddleboards and had Tom and his group camping outside for 34 of the 35 nights spent on the most crystal clear water Tom has ever seen. Tom was interviewed for Miami County Visitors Bureau’s new series  #HomeGrownStories campaign before he sets off on his next adventure following the blue blazes of the The Buckeye Trail Association, Buckeye Trail in Ohio.

On living in Miami County:
I live in a camper full-time at Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City. I have lived in Miami County on and off since 1998. I’m originally from the Cleveland area. My post-college career is what brought me to Miami County where I worked as the Special Olympics Coordinator at Riverside in Troy. After working at Riverside I worked at Five Rivers MetroParks for seven years as the special events and development coordinator. I’ve lived north of Dayton, primarily in Miami County since moving to Tipp City in 1998.

On starting his own business, Tomfoolery Outdoors:
I loved all of my previous jobs, they were very rewarding and had a great impact on the community, but I was spending a lot of hours working especially in the evenings and weekends. My work life balance was not in balance. I did not get to spend much time outdoors. I was approaching 40; I’m not going to call it a mid-life crisis, but I started to reflect on my life. I realized I didn’t want to spend my life behind a desk. I had always kind of had an entrepreneurial spirit and I had a lot of ideas for teaching people some of the skills I knew. I left my job at Five Rivers MetroParks and started Tomfoolery Outdoors in May 2014. May 3rd this year is my 3-year anniversary.

On the community response to Tomfoolery Outdoors:
It’s been really positive in the first 3 years now. I’ve promoted a really playful, fun, whimsical lifestyle, a lot of my events have a quirky nature to them and I think people are drawn to that. A lot of people crave that quirkiness. I am who I am and I’m an adventurous spirit. That energy lives within my company and people have embraced it.

Why he loves Miami County:
I love the people number one. There are a lot of just down to earth, kind and very supportive people in the area. From an outdoor and natural standpoint, I enjoy that we have bikeways and rivers to paddle and hiking trails in the Miami County Park District. It’s a very good area for someone that likes the outdoors like myself.

Hobart Urban Nature Preserve in Troy

There’s a big community focus in Miami County. When I worked for the Special Olympics the community really supported the program. I got to know the athlete’s families. I saw members of the program graduate from high school and go on their first dates and ski down a mountain for the first time. There’s this amazing community-family feel of Miami County. Now, as a small business owner in Miami County, I take a lot of pride in my foundation of my business that it started in Miami County.

How is Miami County different from places he has visited:
The outdoor recreation opportunities are really strong which is very unique. I think sometimes we take for granted what we have in our community: the bike path, the recreational trails, and the parks. I really like the small towns in Miami County; Troy, Piqua, Tipp City. I enjoy that corridor in Miami County. It’s fun to go somewhere where you know people. It’s a like a family, we’re-all-in-it together type of attitude.

His favorite Miami County event and spots:
Canoegrass is my favorite event. I think it’s the best event, even though I might be biased. We put a stage on the Great Miami River and everyone hangs out in the water. We have bluegrass and Americana bands on stage and it feels like you’re hanging out with 400 of your best friends on the river.

I love 311 Drafthouse in Piqua and I love Leaf AndVine in Troy. My favorite private park is Adventures on the Great Miami and my favorite public park is Charleston Falls Preserve.

This story first appeared on the Miami County Convention and Visitors Bureau website.  Follow author,  storyteller and interviewer, Courtney Denning, at ThisOhioLife.com.

 

 

Next up for Tomfoolery:

Tomfoolery Outdoors and the Massie Creek Paddlers have partnered to bring the Reel Paddling Film Festival to Dayton, Ohio and the historicThe NEON on Thursday, March 23rd at 7pm. Tickets are $11 in advance and $15 at the door.
Purchase tickets:
https://events.ticketprinting.com/event/22459

Festival will be 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission. Social begins at 7:00 pm and films begin promptly at 7:30 pm.

Rapid Media’s 12th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases the world’s best paddling films to audiences in Canada, United States and around the world. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle.

The Reel Paddling Film Festival is a film contest awarding winning films in 10 categories. The winners and other shortlisted films are then toured to more than 100 cities around the world, screening for an audience of more than 30,000 outdoor adventure enthusiasts, their friends and families. The Reel Paddling Film Festival is produced by Rapid Media. Rapid Media also publishes four leading paddlesports magazines: Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots and Kayak Anglermagazines. Your ticket to a Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour stop includes a free one-year digital edition subscription to all of the above magazines. Special offer details are available in your evening program

Gobbler Gives Bike Tour

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Ride a Bike, Make a Difference with Tomfoolery Outdoors and Foodbank Dayton for a food delivery via bicycle on November 19. The Gobbler Gives Bike Tour will celebrate the season of giving with a fun bike ride and food drive. Load up your panniers, baskets, backpacks, trailers with food items and then pedal on a historic tour of Downtown Dayton while visiting food pantries on our way to the Foodbank Dayton. Please note this is different from previous years and will be a shorter ride. This route will focus more on the mission of our ride and allow beginners to participate.gobbler_gives_bike_tour_-_cover_photoRide a Bike, Make a Difference with  Tomfoolery Outdoors and Foodbank DaytonTomfoolery Outdoors and Foodbank Dayton

At the Foodbank Dayton celebrate with fellow riders as we weigh food, enjoy live music, snacks and warehouse tours.  At the finish line enjoy a sense of pride for giving to those in need and being active! If that isn’t enough, we have live music, food and beverage for all riders. Stay tuned for details of start, finish and celebration details. Think Thanksgiving feast with your new bicycling family.

Entry fee includes event shirt, celebrations at half way mark and finish line along with other surprises. Food and percentage of proceeds benefit The Foodbank Dayton. You must register by November 9 at noon to guarantee a tour shirt. Online registration closes at noon November 15.

Event day details:112519_b78e4996cc044f6b9698204a786a7732
9 – 9:30 am: Registration at Nucleus in Downtown Dayton
9:45 – 11:30 am – Ride to Foodbank Dayton with a Food Pantry visit
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Celebration and weigh in at Foodbank Dayton
12:15 – 1:15 pm: Historic Food Pantry visit
1:30 -2:30 pm: Thanksgiving Feast at Nucleus in Downtown Dayton.

Sag and shirt sponsorship by Black Pug Bike Repair

Entry Fees:
$25 Gobbler Gives Bike Tour by November 6
$30 Gobbler Gives Bike Tour by November 9 (Shirt deadline)
$35 Gobbler Gives Bike Tour by noon November 15 (online registration closes)
$45 Gobbler Gives Bike Tour Day of event registration (available but not preferred)
Availability

Gobbler Gives Bike Tour Online Regisration

MR. TURNER Opens and Fun MARIGOLD HOTEL News at THE NEON!

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mr-turner-19Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that TIMBUKTU did not fare very well for us at THE NEON. Though it was an award winner at Cannes and it nearly swept the Cesar Awards last week (the “French Oscars” – it won 7 awards including “Best Picture”), today (Feb. 25) will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a film that many art enthusiasts have been anxious to see – MR. TURNER. We’ll also hold onto the film that just garnered Julianne Moore her first Oscar – STILL ALICE. Remaining showtimes for this week are available on our website – www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for MR. TURNER: Given 100% reviews by The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and many more! “This film explores the last quarter century of the great if eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Profoundly affected by the death of his father, loved by a housekeeper he takes for granted and occasionally exploits sexually, he forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies. Throughout this, he travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy, visits brothels, is a popular if anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts, has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that he can paint a snowstorm, and is both celebrated and reviled by the public and by royalty.” (taken from Metacritic.com) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a special screening of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE this Saturday at noon. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is a 2014 American satirical film written and directed by Justin Simien. The film focuses on African American students who attend a predominately white university. This is the fourth annual movie sponsored by the Junior Leaguers of Dayton as a fundraiser for scholarships. The film will be followed by a community discussion led by Jeannette Taylor, program coordinator for NCCJ. The cost is $30 per ticket which includes the cost of movie, soda, a glass of wine, popcorn and the discussion.” (Taken from event press notes.) Tickets can now be purchased at THE NEON’s box office.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is happening at numerous venues around Cincinnati, but one special screening is coming to Dayton on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 – ON BEAUTY. “Rick Guidotti, who after 15 years of working for clients such as Yves Saint Laurent, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, grew tired of seeing the same ideal of beauty ‘spit up at us constantly.’ In a moment of serendipity, Rick walked by a young woman with Albinism at a New York City bus stop, and wondered why she wasn’t considered beautiful in his other world. This exploration resulted in a show-stopping magazine spread for Life Magazine called ‘Redefining Beauty.’ The Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival, organized by LADD and presented by Macy’s, is our region’s largest film festival celebrating the stories, lives and art of people who experience disability; all of the film screenings benefit local nonprofit organizations.” For more information or to order advanced tickets, click this LINK to the official site.

On Sunday, March 8 at 3:00 (Please Note – the date/time in a previous newsletter was incorrect!), Taller Trees Productions will premiere THE FALL LEAGUE – a locally produced documentary about seniors, softball and life. “This heart-warming documentary captures the story of a Dayton senior league (all players are over age 63), but it goes much further, exploring the impact of the sport in regard to family relationships, the bonding and camaraderie between players, and topics of aging that are necessary considerations for active seniors…the movie has been accepted for the Indy Sports Film Fest Experience in Toronto…and Louisvilles’ International Festival of Film.” (taken from press notes) To read more about the film and its production and to view the trailer, visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK. Tickets, just $7 each, are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Many people involved with the production of the film will attend the screening.

“On Sunday, March 15 at 3:00, The Turkish American Society is proud to present a special, one-time screening of director Hasan Kiraç’s TWO HEARTS AS ONE (Birlesen Gönüller). This powerful film – one of the most expensive productions in Turkish film history – is based on a true story. Starting in 1940’s Soviet Russia, and continuing into 1990’s, this is the story of four hearts which couldn’t be stopped by distances and years. Newlyweds Niyaz and Cennet are forced to separate when war rears a violent and chaotic head. Niyaz is taken to Red Army to fight on the Soviet side, while Cennet is sent to a camp when the Nazis took over their village…Woven into the narrative is the story of Yunus and Dilek, a loving couple from Turkey who leave for Almaty, then the capital of Kazakhstan, in the 1990’s. Ambitious Yunus is planning to build a school, but he has no resources at all. His wife Dilek sympathizes and supports him, but their enduring poverty wears her patience and resolve – until a chance encounter provides some much-needed perspective. Tickets for this special event are $10 and are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Presented in Turkish, with English subtitles.” (Taken from press notes) Check out the trailer – It looks lovely!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154LpFZZBnI

Save the date for this year’s REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL. It is set for Thursday, March 19 at 7:30. More details will be available soon.

And here’s the fun news! THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is slated to officially open on March 6. But if you just can’t wait, we’ve managed to get the film a day early. There will be a special screening on Thursday, March 5 at 7:40! Regular ticket prices will apply, but bragging rights are free! (Plus we’ll have some fun prizes!)

Thanks for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 27 – Thursday, Mar. 5:

MR. TURNER (R) 2 Hr 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:15

STILL ALICE (PG-13) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Saturday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Tuesday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 5:20

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (R) 1 Hr 48 Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

ON BEAUTY (NR) 32 Minutes + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Thursday: 7:40

COMING SOON:

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

March 6 – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
March ? – WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
March ? – LEVIATHAN
March ? – RED ARMY
April 3 – WOMAN IN GOLD
TBD – MOMMY
April ? – WILD TALES
April ? – GREY GARDENS

Ride a Bike, Make a Difference! Gobbler Gives Bike Tour & Food Drive.

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10653330_350921931738201_9094962948137169053_n1-300x238Join Tomfoolery Outdoors and The Foodbank Dayton for a food delivery by bicycle. The Gobbler Gives Bike Tour will celebrate the season of giving with a fun bike ride and food drive. Load up your panniers, baskets, backpacks, trailers with food items and then pedal 17 miles from Adventures on the Great Miami to the Foodbank Dayton.

We will start at noon on November 23.

At the Foodbank Dayton celebrate with fellow riders as we weigh food, enjoy live music, snacks and warehouse tours. Your load will be lighter as we ride 17 miles back to Adventures on the Great Miami.

At the finish line enjoy a sense of pride for giving to those in need and being active! If that isn’t enough, we have live music and organic Turkey leg from Bowman Landes Farm for all riders.

Entry fee is $40 per person that includes t-shirt and celebrations at half way mark and finish line. Food and proceeds benefit The Foodbank Dayton.

Motorcycle riders will have a chance to join the Gobbler Gives Bike Tour with a route that will begin at Adventures on the Great Miami, travel to Buckeye Harley Davidson and other surprise stops before joining the halfway celebration at The Foodbank Dayton. Motorcycle riders are encouraged to bring donated food items to deliver to the Foodbank on their bikes. All riders will enjoy a finish line celebration with the bicyclists at Adventures on the Great Miami to show we can share the road and all have fun on two wheels.

You must register by November 17 at noon to guarantee a tour t-shirt. Online registration closes at noon on November 21.Entry fee is $40 on-line in advance. Ride day registration is available for $50.

Run, Swim, Splash, Crawl Your Way Along The River

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river_rampage_1-02Tomfoolery Outdoors challenges you to the River Rampage this Sat, Sep 13, at 5:00pm.  Run, swim, splash, crawl and slide your way through the beautiful riverfront property at Adventures on the Great Miami.

This isn’t your ordinary mud run or obstacle race! This is one part trail run, one part river swim with an epic slip n slide finish. Throw in food, live music, beer, bonfire, and camping and we have the recipe for a memorable finish line celebration. Not to mention, a great place to share stories from the race. Set up camp before the race and make it an overnight adventure.

River Rampage Course includes

  • 1.5 mile trail run through the woods and Adventures on the Great Miami Campground.
  • .75 mile Great Miami river swim, run, crawl, splash downstream.
  • 50 yard downhill slip n slide finish

Little Rampage Course includes

  • .75 mile trail run through the Adventures on the Great Miami Campground.
  • .25 river swim, run, crawl, splash downstream
  • 50 yard downhill slip n slide finish

**Competitors must wear shoes and be able to swim in water over their head for 25 yards.

**Floatation devices are acceptable but you must wear/carry them on the trail run. i.e. – water wings, pool noodles,

Pre-Registration

  • Everything Package: $35 includes River Rampage t-shirt, camping and finish line celebration
  • $10 Little Rampage: race and finish line celebration

Race Day Registration

  • $45 includes camping and finish line celebration. T-shirts may NOT be available on race day!
  • $15 Little Rampage: race and finish line celebration
**Celebration includes FREE beer, food, live music, and camping. Music starts at 6:30 featuring Andy Mustang, music 8:45pm-10pm TBA