Since its inception in 1996 as a part of the City of Dayton’s bicentennial celebration, the Dayton Region Walk of Fame has recognized individuals and groups for their outstanding and enduring personal or professional contributions to the community, nation and the world. The Walk of Fame honors them by setting memorial stones in the sidewalks of Dayton’s historic Wright Dunbar District. The stones can be enjoyed year-round on West Third Street between Broadway and Shannon and on North and South Williams Streets.
“We have another year of outstanding inductees,” said Harry Seifert, president and CEO of Wright Dunbar, Inc. “They are all excellent examples of the exceptional people who made great strides in their personal lives and have remembered the Miami Valley as their home.”
The 2022 class of inductees are:
Phyllis G. Bolds (1932 – 2018) an African American woman, was internationally known in the field of aircraft dynamics. Known as Phyllis Allen, she was a member of the High School National Honor Society and Valedictorian of her 1950 graduation class at Dunbar High School. She was the recipient of the first ever Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Debutante Scholarship. In 1954 she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. She furthered her education by earning a Master’s of Science in Computer Science from the University of Dayton and a Middle Management Program Masters from Simmons Women’s College in Boston. Mrs. Bolds began her career as a physicist with the United States Air Force in November 1955. While working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, her achievements were numerous and astounding and included the publication of 30 technical documents. Bolds worked at Wright-Patterson’s flight dynamic laboratory from 1957 until her retirement in 1987. She succeeded in a field that, at that time, was predominately male and she always remarked that she did not allow that to bother her. Bolds also said that one of the most important Air Force scientific achievements she worked on was with the over 40,000 scientists, scholars, and experts on the design, development and deployment of the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
Neal Gittleman (1955 – ) Artistic Director and Conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, has given the Dayton region a world-class orchestra and educational programming for almost three decades. One of his initiatives was the development of the Stained Glass Concert Series which brings the orchestra to Dayton’s African American community through concerts at neighborhood churches and in conjunction with the church’s choir. Mr. Gittleman was a supporter and leader in the merger of the Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Ballet, and Dayton Opera into the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. The merger significantly broadened those organizations’ reach and offerings through collaborative efforts. Gittleman initiated the SPARK program (School Partners with Artists Reaching Kids) which integrates the orchestra’s musicians with eight area schools’ musical curriculum. Although Mr. Gittleman has spent the last 27 years in Dayton, he has conducted many of the country’s leading orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra; the Chicago, San Francisco, Minnesota, Phoenix, Indianapolis, San Antonio, and Omaha Symphony Orchestras; and the Buffalo Philharmonic. He has also conducted in Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, and Mexico.
Roger Glass (1943 – ) is a pillar of the Dayton business and philanthropic community. As president and CEO of Marion’s Piazza, his focus on quality and consistency has created a recipe for success that has earned both national and local recognition. He is a caring leader serving as a mentor and guide to junior employees and is generous with his time and his investment in people. Glass was a founding board member of Aids Resource Center Ohio, now Equitas Health, and championed the rights and dignity of those affected by HIV/AIDS from the early 1980s on. He has been instrumental in creating an organization that focuses on care support, funding, and education for those living with the disease. Mr. Glass is an ardent supporter of Chaminade Julienne High School and the University of Dayton serving on boards and committees for both organizations. Glass believes in the power of learning and his business acumen provides vision, structure, and direction for the non-profits he serves. He also is a frequent supporter of numerous local arts organizations. His philanthropy in Dayton is not for any recognition but is truly a gift of sincerity and from the heart.
A.B. Graham (1868 – 1960) a native of Champaign County, Ohio is considered the founding father of 4-H programs which serve youth in rural, suburban and urban communities in every state in America. In 1902 Graham began holding Boys and Girls Agriculture Club meetings in the basement of a building in Springfield, Ohio. These meetings were the precursor to 4-H. In 1905 Mr. Graham became the first superintendent of Agricultural Extension at The Ohio State University. He would later serve in the Extension office in Farmingdale, NY and nationally in Washington D.C. as the Federal Extension Director. It was the Extension Service development that made it possible for the “agricultural clubs” to be unified and nationalized as the official 4-H program in 1916. Graham was an enthusiastic teacher of values of rural and farm living. Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio is named for him.
Sharon Rab (1946 – ) writer and educator, is the founder and co-chair of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, an award known throughout the world to recognize Dayton’s role in cultivating international peace and the outstanding individuals who have done so. Rab taught English at both Kettering Fairmont High School and Miami University, Oxford. She earned her BA in English at Miami University and Master of Education in Curriculum and Supervision at Wright State University. Rab was inducted into the Chester Roush Educational Hall of Fame and the Montgomery County Public Education Academy of Excellence. She has served on numerous local, state, and national boards in the areas of arts, literature and education, including the Dayton Council on World Affairs and the Dayton Peace Process Committee. Rab has also been the executive director of the Muse Machine’s Creative Education Institute. For 20 years Rab produced and hosted Writer 2 Writer, a cable television show in which she interviewed hundreds of local, national and international authors. In 2007 she was named one of the Top Ten Women in Dayton.
Guided By Voices (1983 – ) described as “forefathers of lo-fi rock,” Guided By Voices was founded by lead singer Rob Pollard, a Dayton native and Wright State University graduate. For over 30 years, this independent band has released 35 albums and has sold thousands of records on private labels. The group has maintained a massive cult following all over the world and has been praised as very influential by music publications including Spin, Harp, Magnet and Rolling Stone magazines, and MTV. The band made several television appearances including stints on Austin City Limits, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Late Show with David Letterman. They also played on the X-Fest stage in Dayton in 1996 and 1999. The band continues to play and release albums with its latest album Crystal Nuns Cathedral released March 4, 2022.
The 2022 Inductee Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 12 at Sinclair Community College Conference Center in Building 12. Tickets for the event are available now with details on the Walk of Fame website at www.daytonregionwalkoffame.org.
Gina Ferraro grew up on an eight acre farm in rural Ohio; raising pigs, chickens, turkeys & Golden Retrievers. She showed pigs at the county fair for 10 years while playing basketball & soccer. She was offered a soccer scholarship to Urbana University, but turned it down to attend Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Military veterans will have the opportunity to connect with employers and service organizations at the 
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes the efforts of Ohio’s distinguished men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces and then continue to contribute to their communities, state and nation through exceptional acts of volunteerism, advocacy, professional distinction, public service and philanthropy.
Better Business Bureau serving Dayton and the Miami Valley hosted its Torch Awards For Ethics dinner (formerly the Eclipse Integrity Awards) this evening. About 400 people joined the organization at the David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center to honor five organizations with the prestigious Torch Awards For Ethics, five Students of Integrity Award winners, as well as its Legacy Award, Community Honor and Dave Donaldson Award of Distinction-3D Award recipients. It also presented its fourth class of Spark Award winners.
Bella Sorella Pizza Co., the winner in the 1-10 employee category, is a mobile food business serving premium, quality simple food with the freshest ingredients, which are many times harvested from its own garden and farm. Bella Sorella is unique as most of its staff doesn’t need to work; most are retired or already have well-paying full-time jobs, but they want to work with Bella Sorella. The team wants the company to have the best showing and reputation and this is evident time after time at events. They do it with smiles and good attitudes. Even though the business is small, it’s made a commitment to be involved in the community, providing support to Pelotonia, Aullwood, Kleptz YMCA and more. This family-run business is truly invested and dedicated to incredibly hard work and love of food.
The winner in the 11-50 employee category, NextGen Federal Systems, a national company with a local presence, provides innovative software and systems engineering solutions and services for Department of Defense and intelligence community customers. The company operates with integrity, thriving on customer collaboration and transparency. It follows industry best practices and gets customers involved in the development of systems the company builds for them. The company’s ethical culture begins with new employee orientation, is reinforced by the Employee Handbook Code of Conduct and Business Ethics and is followed up with annual trainings and check-ins. NextGen and its employees support local charities and engage in its communities. Its beneficiaries include Dayton VA Fisher House, Dayton Regional STEM School, Angel Tree and various Veteran activities. NextGen Federal Systems is focused on being an ethical company and seeks to be a trusted partner with all its constituents.
The winner in the 51+ employee category, Voss Chevrolet, a family-owned business, is the largest auto dealership network in the Dayton/Miami Valley area and is recognized as a leader and innovator in the industry. ‘Built on Trust, Driven by Integrity’ is the foundation of every policy and procedure created and followed at Voss Chevrolet. And, it starts with employees. The leadership knows a culture where customers are treated with respect is impossible without a culture that treats employees with respect. The leadership educates, trains and empowers every employee to carry the integrity in the organization out into the community. They give back to the community in many ways from local school events and sports to libraries, parks, festivals, parades and many other types of fund raisers. Integrity and character are more than just talk at Voss Chevrolet.
Miami Valley Meals, the winner in the nonprofit 1-10 employees category and formerly known as Set the Banquet Table, was founded with the intent of supporting local hunger-related charities. The team has identified and implemented best practices for fighting food insecurity and cultivated lasting connections between itself and the human services network. It’s the only organization in the Dayton area that provides chef-prepared meals in bulk to local nonprofits using recovered food. Since its inception, it has partnered with 78 distribution partners, 30 food recovery partners and numerous other community organizations. The team has never lost sight of the goal to provide a nourishing meal that provides a sense of warmth, care and dignity for the recipient. By collaborating with each other, they have created a space free from discrimination and judgment, that’s welcoming for all and provides opportunities for growth. Miami Valley Meals has a culture centered on creativity, adaptability, respect and hospitality.
eliminate hunger and its root causes. The culture is focused on being able to adapt, continuously improve, “lead with yes”, be a leader in our community and nationally, believe in employees’ abilities to lead and lead with “grace in the gray space” for clients. The organization’s grown from distributing five million pounds of food in 2009 to distributing over 17 million in 2021. It rescues 6.5 million pounds of food annually through local food organization partnerships. Plus, it’s built a greenhouse, which can produce up to 1,000 heads of lettuce weekly. The Foodbank strives to be transparent to donors. In fact, it maintains a four-star rating on Charity Navigator and a platinum rating on GuideStar. The Foodbank is a strong servant leader, dedicated to world class excellence.
The Community Honor Award was presented to the Greater Miami Valley myVeteran Community. The organization brings together local Veteran service providers, resources, advocates, and other stakeholders to improve outcomes for Veterans, service members and their families. It drives a shared understanding among stakeholders of the complex challenges Veterans and transitioning service members face and leverages its collective strengths to improve the Veteran experience.
Think Patented is a marketing execution company that delivers its clients’ messages to their intended audiences through technology, printing, signage, promotional items, mailing and fulfillment solutions. Its team believes success is determined not only by revenue, but by the satisfaction and loyalty of employees, customers and vendors, and is only possible because of its commitment to ethics, innovation and community involvement. The company provides internship and apprenticeship programs to area youth, giving them real-world experience and helping them prepare for a career in the industry. The team also volunteers to provide mock interviews, portfolio reviews and externships for students at the Modern College of Design.
Agape Media specializes in video and photo production. By using light and sound, stillness and motion, filming and editing, heart and soul, Agape Media uncovers the best versions of stories to be told. The founder strives for integrity and trust in its workplace that reflects the success of its clients. Developing the business on deep friendships mixed with pre-established trust and respect, its team has the best interest for each other as individuals and the company. The ultimate goal for the team’s production is to be that craftsman and collaborative partner that builds virtual connections through storytelling. The company hasn’t hesitated to give back to the community. It works alongside and partners with local companies or nonprofits whenever possible. It’s committed to Declare, City of Trotwood, Elija Seabrook (artist and producer), Vandalia Barbershop, as well as nine different Christmas productions during the pandemic in 2020.
Pink Moon Goods specializes in crafting a selection of home goods that combine skill, intelligence and virtue for ethical living. The founder’s goal is supporting both the local economy and global market by bringing the best products to customers. Its priority is to source goods that promote sustainable practices with natural materials, promoting its commitment to reduce the carbon footprint. It views every new project as an opportunity to build a reputation for excellent service through designing, crafting and delivering a quality experience and product for every client. Operating with dedication and personal connections, it’s always welcoming others’ input and willing to ask for help to improve. They know creating trust will allow the business to adapt a positive brand image. In its efforts to give back, the founder has partnered with YWCA Dayton on multiple projects. The owner is also involved with GoRecycle to provide battery recycling.
Noticing a demand for homemade baby food, Taste T Love Baby Food – a company that offers convenient, nutritious and affordable options for customers – got its start. It creates homemade food options for first time eaters, toddlers and a growing population of all other ages and genres of people. From the start of its journey, the business has grown to serve outside of just online subscribers and farmer’s markets. Focusing on feedback, communication, transparency and recognizing the constant need for improvement is vital to the success of a leader, the team and business. Allowing the team to shine in different areas is a major factor contributing to how the business thrives. Showing support for the community, the team has given back in unique ways, such as partnering with childcare centers who are under Child and Adult Care Food Program and recently securing a partnership with Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Tumble LLC, a minority-owned, on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning start-up in the Miami Valley, was inspired by the owners after a personal struggle with laundry and dry-cleaning while living on a college campus. The team believes empathy, dedication, passion and hard work are key factors in building relationships and making a positive impact in the community. By bettering the business, it continues to devote itself to providing excellent customer service. Creating an honest and open policy in the workplace allows new ideas, growth and value to the business as a whole. With a mission to give back to the community, it recently partnered with Clothes That Work. For every order the business receives, it donates one article of clothing to Clothes That Work. The plan is simple – the more the business grows, the more it donates.
Backwater Voodoo, located at 103 S 2nd St in Miamisburg, is also hosting a KISS Rum Tasting on Tues, May 10th from 6:30-8pm. Tickets for the tasting run $55 and can be 
Clothes That Work is holding its eighth annual Men At Work Fundraiser, helping to fund the mission of preparing individuals for employment success. The virtual event d ends May 19 during a Facebook Live event hosted by Alexis Larsen.
baskets throughout the campaign from The Clothes That Work online Boutique. To 
Street parking in downtown Dayton is easier and more convenient now that Passport Parking mobile payment is live at nearly 1,300 parking spaces.
“Our downtown workforce is returning to the office, and we’re so excited to have them back at The Square Is Where,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, President of the Downtown Dayton partnership. “The ample seating, games, and live entertainment make Courthouse Square a great place for downtown office workers to catch up with friends and coworkers they may not have seen while working from home.”
Stay up to date with special events all summer long on 
The 10th annual TEDxDayton signature event will take place Friday, October 14, in downtown Dayton. 
The Miami Conservancy District (MCD) announced the selection of MaryLynn Lodor as its new general manager. She is currently chief operating officer/deputy director of the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, a Cincinnati and Hamilton County metro-area wastewater utility that provides sewer service to about 230,000 households and businesses.
Founded in 1915, 
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is again offering a gravestone restoration class with expert Misti Spillman. Misti has a background in researching and restoring cemeteries. She worked as an AmeriCorps member at the Ohio History Connection and serves as a reference and liaison to numerous museums and historical societies throughout Ohio. Misti is the owner of Reviving Cemeteries, LLC.