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Trotwood

SMOKE, SIZZLE & SOUNDS FESTIVAL & BBQ CONTEST Presented by Minster Bank

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📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
📍 Madison Park (301 S. Broadway St, Trotwood, OH 45426)
⏰ 12 PM – 7 PM
12:00 pm – 2:25 – DJ
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Top Secret (Live performance)
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Big Gil & His Funk All-Stars (Live performance)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Tony Terry and Vibe5 (Live performance)
🎶 LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT – We’ve got the groups to make you wanna groove all day long!
🍗 BBQ COMPETITION – Think your BBQ skills can take the heat? Cash prizes are up for grabs in pork ribs & chicken categories! 1st place: $500 | 2nd place: $250 | 3rd place: $175 (Limited to 15 teams – Sign up NOW!)
🍔 FOOD TRUCKS & BUSINESS VENDORS – From smoky ribs to sweet treats, enjoy a variety of flavors from some of the best local and regional vendors!
🎈 FOAM PARTY, GAME TRUCK & FAMILY FUN – A day for ALL ages, with activities to keep the little ones entertained!
🔥 BBQ MASTERS, READY TO COMPETE? 🔥
Put your grilling to the test and prove you’ve got the best BBQ in town! We’re following official Kansas City BBQ rules—so bring your A-game! 💪
👉 BBQ Contest Entry ($50): Register here: https://trotwood.org/…/01/SSS-BBQ-CONTESTANT-WAIVER-25.pdf
👉 Vendor Registration: https://trotwood.org/…/2025-Smoke-Sizzle-Sounds-Vendor…
🔥 TAG your BBQ crew, invite your foodie friends, and let’s make this the BIGGEST Smoke, Sizzle & Sounds Festival yet! 🔥

RTA Unveils First Two Community Buses In “Proudly Serving” Project

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The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is paying special tribute to the communities in Montgomery County it proudly serves with its “Proudly Serving” project, showcasing points of interest in various cities where its buses travel. The project officially kicks-off today, Oct. 11, with the debut of RTA’s first two buses: Kettering and Trotwood.


This project is the culmination of a vision RTA CEO Bob Ruzinsky had more than a year ago to honor the communities the agency serves, and how its buses can connect people to these places.

“Too often in our busy lives we overlook the great places all around us in the communities we each call home,” Ruzinsky said.  “These buses will highlight some of the great places in these diverse communities, and, we hope, foster increased community pride throughout Montgomery County.”

Each bus design was carefully crafted to emphasize points of interest in a specific community where the RTA takes riders. To capture these locations, RTA worked with a professional photographer to collect high-resolution photos of about 130 public locations around Montgomery County. The creativity doesn’t stop there, as the buses also feature a fun fact, estimated population, and the year the city or township was founded.

City leaders from Kettering and Trotwood were honored to be the first communities represented in the “Proudly Serving” project.

Trotwood has an interesting fact of its own: it is the only city in the United States named “Trotwood.” It was named after “Betsy Trotwood,” a character from Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield.” That fun fact is featured on the side of the city’s striking blue bus, along with pictures of the Trotwood Government Building, Trotwood-Madison High School, Trotwood Track and Field, Community and Cultural Arts Center, Iams Homestead Museum, and the Trotwood-Madison Park Playground.

“It feels good to be included. I realize we are the first of two (RTA is) starting out with, and it’s good to be first,” said Yvette Page, council member for Trotwood’s 2nd ward. “Most important is the vision of RTA and the collaboration of the RTA and the city of Trotwood, and that we are both here to serve the community.”

“Greater Dayton RTA kept this under wraps (pun intended) for over a year to surprise all of us with a unique way to honor the communities they serve,” stated City Manager Mark Schwieterman. “The truth is, this gesture reminds us of the terrific services RTA offers communities. We are humbled by the planning, coordination, and research that went into this project specific to each community. Residents will recognize things about their hometown on the buses and perhaps learn something new as well. Our sentiment is ‘Kettering is home,’ and this RTA initiative certainly enhances that feeling.”

RTA’s Kettering bus features colors associated with the city in addition to well-known places such as: Kettering Recreation Complex, Fraze Pavilion, Kettering Government Center, Polen Farm and Wenzler Park. There’s also a special nod to Bart Simpson on the side of the bus, connecting to Kettering’s fun fact that Nancy Cartwright, a Kettering native, is the voice of the character on “The Simpsons.”

In total, there will be 22 buses highlighting the different communities served by RTA’s traditional big bus service. The agency intends to roll-out at least one bus a month over the next year. This is just one of the many ways RTA is proudly serving the communities of Montgomery County.

For more information on the RTA and how it connects you to the communities of Montgomery County, visit www.iriderta.org.

Lularoe Clothes Dayton After Tornadoes

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Approximately 20 local LuLaRoe boutique owners, in coordination with nonprofit partner New Path Outreach, are gearing up to distribute 5,000 brand new dresses, skirts, tops, and leggings to women affected by Dayton’s Memorial Day tornado outbreak. Women of all ages, shapes and sizes are invited to participate in a special clothing giveaway scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on July 29 at The Point Choice Food Pantry, located at 506 East Main Street in Trotwood. Event details are available at https://tinyurl.com/lularoelovesdayton.

Free clothing for women impacted by the Dayton area tornadoes

All women affected by the Memorial Day tornado outbreak, particularly those in Trotwood and surrounding Montgomery, Miami and Greene County communities, are invited to attend this event. Sizes XXS to 3XL will be available, and all items are brand new with tags. This event is made possible through a generous donation from California-based clothing manufacturer LuLaRoe, and all guests will enjoy a personal shopping experience thanks to local LuLaRoe boutique owners.

Additionally, Kosins Tents & Events is transporting all donated clothing to the event location, free of charge.

While each LuLaRoe boutique is independently owned and operated, local LuLaRoe retailer and national top seller Nicolette Winner says giving back and community are part of LuLaRoe’s culture. “The best part of owning my own boutique is helping women of all shapes, sizes and ages feel as beautiful as I already know they are. My friends and I just want local women to feel confident as they face the challenges of rebuilding that lie ahead,” she says. “They need to know they are loved.”

“We appreciate the generosity of LuLaRoe and their independent retailers,” says Executive Director William Lutz of New Path Outreach. “Partnerships like these allow us to help those that really need our assistance in new ways.”

New Path is a faith-based nonprofit organization providing charitable services to residents in Miami County and portions of Montgomery County, including Trotwood and Harrison Township. You can learn more about the organization by visiting its website at www.newpathserves.org.

The mission of LuLaRoe is to create freedom, serve others, and strengthen families through fashion. LuLaRoe is proud of the impact Independent Fashion Retailers are making in their communities. Since the inception of the company’s Community Support Incentive, which encourages retailers to support causes in their own communities, LuLaRoe has donated over $7 million to organizations around the country. To learn more, visit www.lularoe.com.

Trotwood to Re-Open Renovated Cultural Center

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The City of Trotwood is proud to re-dedicate the Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center on Sunday, August 26, continuing its push to revitalize the creative and cultural aspects of the city alongside its established economic growth.

Special thanks are extended to Trotwood City Mayor Mary A. McDonald and State Representative Jeffrey Rezabek, 43 District, who recognized the community’s needs and worked to secure the funding and resources necessary to renovate and re-open the facility.

“I am extremely proud of Mayor Mary A. McDonald and the Trotwood City Council for their vision of this extraordinary community asset.” said Quincy Pope Sr., Trotwood City Manager. “This community and cultural arts center will positively impact Trotwood residents for decades to come.”

The effort to renovate the center is part of a larger campaign led by Mayor McDonald and the Trotwood City employees to achieve lasting growth within the city. Alongside drawing economic growth into the community by providing businesses an attractive place to grow, efforts like the rededication of the Community and Cultural Arts Center seek to give Trotwood an even stronger community foundation.

“The Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center will serve the Trotwood citizens as a great community asset for many years to come.” said Mayor McDonald. “We are excited for the many great future opportunities it will bring.”

The rededication ceremony takes place from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm Sunday at the Community and Cultural Arts Center, located at 4000 Lake Center Drive.

Musical guest, C. Baccus will be providing live entertainment during the event, and light refreshments will be offered as well.

China Cottage: A Food Adventure Favorite + *GIFT CERTIFICATE CONTEST*

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Chef Tiger Wang, Owner of China Cottage

This week, The Big Ragu & Crew grab a Tiger by the tail.  Your humble Food Adventurers have been dining at China Cottage restaurant since it opened in 1987.   Hairstyles and music have changed since then, but China Cottage’s menu has stood the test of time and remained one of our favorites.  Locally owned by Chef Tiger Wang, this popular eatery has four locations including Wilmington Pike in Kettering, State Route 48 in Centerville, Springboro Pike and Trotwood.

How did this Dayton original get its start?  In the mid-eighties, while working as a cook at Keeng Wha restaurant in Kettering, Tiger realized he wanted to start his own eatery.   A couple of years later, he opened China Cottage, with the help of his brother.  Tiger’s style of cooking is from Southern China and he was the first to feature General Tao’s chicken on a Dayton menu.  Three restaurant expansions later, China Cottage is still one of the most popular destinations in Dayton, to get your Chinese fix.

Medallion Scallops: only at China Cottage

So after a quarter of a century, what are some of the little known secrets of China Cottage?  The answer is in the Chef’s Specials section of the menu.  These are original  dishes created by chef Tiger Wang, that you will not find anywhere else.

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

— Elegant dining atmosphere and gourmet dishes with a Southern China influence.

— Like most Chinese places, the best prices here are at lunch time, where you also get a soup choice

— Locally owned for 26 years and still operated by the same chef.

— The Chef’s Specials are the highlight of the menu, with original meals found only at China Cottage.

— Chinese New Year dinners are hosted annually and include some incredible culinary creations within this 10 course meal.  Stay tuned to http://www.chinacottagerestaurant.com for information.

With so many great options, our list of favorites are as long as the Great Wall of China, but here are some highlights….

Fire Cracker Shrimp – an original China Cottage appetizer

MUST EATS:

— Fire Cracker Shrimp – Jumbo shrimp sauteed in a spicy sauce that features cilantro, lime juice, scallions, red pepper flakes and herbs.  It is served with 3 toasts for dipping.  Are you kidding?  Order this and thank us online later.  There is no appetizer like this in Dayton.

— Pot Stickers – Giant, deliciously meaty and perfectly seared.  That is pretty much all you need to know about these magnificent creations and the best pot stickers in the area.

— Hot and Sour Soup – The best in Dayton, hands down.  A spicy mixture of pork, tofu and vegetables make this a peppery soup a great way to wake up your taste buds.

— Medallion Scallops – Large, lightly breaded scallops in a slightly spicy brown sauce that will make your mouth water.  Tiger has a masterpiece with this original dish.

— Golden Calamari – Another signature appetizer from Chef Tiger.  Deep fried calamari, tossed in a ginger, chili pepper and scallion sauce that is beyond tasty.

— Rock Salt Prawns – Don’t like a lot of sauce?  Then this dish is for you.  Shrimp tossed is a dusty, pepper and flour mix with scallions.  The result is a smoky tasting, seared shrimp that was charred at high heats in the wok during frying.

Inside the best Pot Stickers in Dayton

Honorable mention menu items include the one-of-a-kind Creamy Chicken soup, the spicy Mala Pork, and the Happy Family combination of meats, vegetables and seafood served on a sizzling plate.  We would also be amiss if we did not mention the unique Sesame Shrimp dish with a very rich, sinful cream sauce.

All of these wonderful dishes are enhanced by great service, not to mention the fancy, contemporary Asian decor.  China Cottage is a great dining experience, and dare we say romantic place to take that special someone.

The Big Ragu is speaking from experience here, as China Cottage has always been a “go to” place for a great Food Adventure.  Take our advice, try something new and exotic.   Steer away from your standard, tired sweet and sour entrees and go for the menu section that says Chef’s Specials.  Here is another secret.  China Cottage maintains their quality because Chef Tiger splits his time each week between the four locations.  His continuous training of employees and supervision ensure that high quality standards are maintained.  If you have never stopped in China Cottage, give it a shot.  If you you visit this establishment frequently, then you know what we are talking about.   Just like the sign says at the Centerville location, this spot is “One of the Best.”   Chef Tiger, you have definitely earned your stripes as a Miami Valley culinary superstar!

Dayton Most Metro along with Food Adventures are GIVING AWAY A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO CHINA COTTAGE !  To be eligible, you must comment below and fill our the entry form, too  Tell us your favorite China Cottage menu item, or why you deserve the gift certificate.  Winner will be chosen on Monday!

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For more photos and Food Adventure fun, “like” Chef  House, Hungry Jax & The Big Ragu HERE on Facebook !

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