Charity Events

This Must Be The Party!

April 6, 2017 By Dayton Most Metro

This Must Be the Party! is a brand new benefit show produced by the Dayton Ballet Barre, as a fundraiser for the Dayton Ballet. This “dance party for the dancers” is a special collaboration by the region’s most talented musicians, performing songs from The Talking Head’s epic 80’s rockumentary “Stop Making Sense.” This classic performance will be recreated by this fantastic ensemble on Saturday April 15th at Oddbody’s Music Room. Doors open at 8pm, and Show runs from 9pm–11:30pm. The best part is that it’s a super affordable way to support the Arts in Dayton: Just $15 for pre-sale tickets or $20 at the door, day of show. 18+

Libby Ballengee, President of the Dayton Ballet Barre and a local music promoter through her own music production company, Venus Child Productions, explains the origin and inspiration for this event: “It was an easy ‘win’ all around – the Ballet Barre needed a fundraiser, a group of musicians wanted a reason to perform this album (because it’s so fun!), and lots of my friends would be in heaven if we did this show. I could not be more excited for this show! This is truly going to be an extremely fun event!”

The incredible line-up of Dayton, Cincinnati and Louisville musicians performing include: Brian Hoeflich, Patrick Himes, Nathan Lewis, Erich Reith, Greg Lewis, Aaron Holm, Dan Hereford, Keith Cost, Khrys Blank, Mykal, John Dubuc, Nathan Peters, Brian Spirk, Eric Cassidy, and Matt Byanski.

Big thanks go out to the sponsors of this event: Houser Asphalt & Concrete, Nightstar Security, Turner Property Services Group, On-the-Go Prints, and Oddbody’s Music Room.

How to go?

Saturday April 15th 2017 at Oddbody’s Music Room.

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm. 18+ with valid ID.

$15 advance. $20 day of show.

For tickets: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1437688

The Fry at Incarnation is Tonight!

March 10, 2017 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

One of Dayton’s biggest Fish Frys is tonight !

Incarnation Parish will be buzzing tonight, as one of the area’s biggest fish fry’s gets cooking.

Food, Black Jack, Live Music, Beer, and Wine will be the hallmark for this year’s event, and as always we expect lots of people, and lots of fun. The Food Adventure Crew will even be on hand dealing blackjack for charity. Come try your luck at other Monte Carlo style games of chance and enjoy some special unveilings.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE FRY at INCARNATION:

Fun times at the Blackjack tables

WHEN: Tonight, March 10th, 2017 –
—Carryout Meals 5pm – 6:30pm,
—Eat in 7pm – Midnight

WHERE: Incarnation School, 55 Williamsburg Ln. in Centerville

COST: $20 at the door includes all you can eat fish dinner with

Fish, Beer and More !

fries and cole slaw, and a non-alcoholic drink
—Beer and Wine will be on sale prices ranging from $2 to $5

SPECIAL EVENT: Warped Wing Brewing Company will be tapping a special experimental hop series beer.

WHY: All proceeds benefit the Incarnation School and PTO

Beware, this is a big party and you will be around a big crowd. There are also silent auction

The cafeteria will soon be full !

items, raffles and so much more. This is a perfect event to meet up with a group of friends and have yourself a little Food Adventure.

The atmosphere is casual with the event being held in the school cafeteria and school gymnasium. We hope you stop out and fill yourself to the gills with some great fried fish !

For more foodie action all over the Dayton area from dives to fine dining, check out Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here…

Feel free to browse our gallery below from past fish frys at Incarnation.

All you can eat

Hecht Family frying fish

Charity workers

Tartar and cocktail sauce

Take a chance on me

Everyday we’re shuff-a-lin

Five For Drinking: Bloody Mary Edition

January 11, 2017 By Brian Petro

The simple, savory, Bloody Mary. What spices would you add?

The Bloody Mary is THE brunch cocktail. There can be an argument for the mimosa, but it lacks the vibrancy a Bloody Mary offers. The vodka and tomato juice are essentially blank canvases for the spices the bartender chooses to add. When concocted during Prohibition, it was a half and half blend of vodka and tomato juice. The tomato juice was a gift from American bartenders fleeing to practice their craft; the vodka was provided by Russians fleeing an unstable country. They met in Paris, and the rest is history. Eventually the mixture was spiced up. The story goes that a Russian businessman had no interest in the plain tomato juice that was common in the drink and requested it get spiced up. Ever since that day, the Bloody Mary (or Red Snapper, as it was known for a brief period) was a mixture of spicy tomato juice and vodka.

After that, the sky became the limit for what you could do with a Bloody Mary. How to you utilize the savory and sweet characteristics of the tomato? Do you bring the strong heat, or are you looking for something that is a little more balanced for a meal? Does the cocktail even matter at all; are you shooting for some crazy garnish? When you start from a spicy tomato juice as a base, you really can go anywhere with it, as these five variants prove:

Bloody Maria

1.5 oz. tequila (I enjoy reposado in mine)
2 oz. tomato juice
2 oz. orange juice
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 tsp. chilé powder
2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Sliced jalapeno pepper

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the jalapeno and serve.

Some Bloody Maria’s call for just substituting out the vodka with tequila and calling it a day. This one reaches into the Mexican tradition of drinking sangrita (“little blood”) with tequila. Sangrita is made with a mix of fruit juices, traditionally pomegranate, orange, and lime, and served as a compliment to the peppery tequila. This recipe blends it all into one glass in a much more American way. The chilés provide the heat, this time in powder form.

Bloody Caesar

So. Many. Spices.

1.5 oz. vodka
3 oz. tomato juice
1.5 oz. clam juice (yes, really)
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
4 dashes Tabasco sauce
.25 oz. lemon juice
Pinch of pepper

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Celery stalk

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the jalapeno and serve.

More popular in Canada than in the United States, the Bloody Caesar adds some clam juice for additional richness. Taking out the salt is needed because that juice will add enough to the cocktail. You can simplify the recipe by using 4 oz. of Clamato juice as a base.

Bloody Bull

1.5 oz. vodka
3 oz. tomato juice
2 oz. beef bouillon
.5 oz. lemon juice
3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of celery salt
Pinch of pepper

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Celery Stick

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the jalapeno and serve.

Before bacon was a flavor in everything, there was beef bouillon to add meaty goodness. That richness we were discussing with the clam juice is achievable with beef bouillon.

Crosby Gaige’s Cocktail Guide and Ladies Companion, asserting that vodka is the spirit of choice.

Red Snapper

1.5 oz. gin (Belle of Dayton makes a dandy one.)
4 oz. tomato juice
.5 oz. lemon juice
3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of celery salt
Pinch of pepper

Glass: Tall
Ice: Cubed
Garnish: Celery Stick

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds, then strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the celery stick and serve.

The charm of this cocktail is the savory nature of the tomato juice. Why not add even more flavor by using gin? We are in a Golden Age of Gin. Distillers are taking liberties with the herbs that make up its flavor profile, providing a wide selection for cocktails.

Michelada

4 oz. Mexican lager (any lager will work)
3 oz. tomato juice
1 oz. clam juice
.5 oz. lime juice
3 dashes of Tabasco sauce
2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes Maggi seasoning (soy is an acceptable substitute)
.25 tsp. chili powder (plus more for garnish)

Glass: Pint
Ice: None
Garnish: Lime Wedge and chili powder

Run the lime wedge around the rim of a pint glass. Pour chili powder on a plate. Roll the wet rim of the glass in the chili powder, tapping the glass after to remove the excess. Pour all of the ingredients, except for the lager, into a mixing tin. Shake well for 20 – 30 seconds. Fill the pint glass halfway with the Mexican lager, then strain the contents of the tin into the glass. Stir a few times gently, then serve.

More clam juice. There are versions of this cocktail where it is just the beer and the spices, and no tomato juice. Maggi seasoning is similar to soy, but you may be able to find it in some specialty grocery stores. Lucky Star offers a Mexican lager you can grab in a growler and Trotwood by Warped Wing is always a favorite.

There is a cocktail in there somewhere.

The spices added to most of these cocktails are typical for a Bloody Mary: Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco (or other favorite) hot sauce, salt, pepper, and some citrus. There is a wide variety of other flavors you can add to the mix to cater to your personal tastes. Like the Old Fashioned, every bar has their variation, and every bar’s variation is the best around. For the garnishes, there is nothing fancy here. You can be as simple or complex as you would like. Tradition calls for celery sticks, olives, or a citrus wedge.

Looking for more variations on the theme? This Sunday is the Second Bloody Mary Showdown, where some of the best bartenders in Dayton will attempt to prove that their recipe is the best one in the Miami Valley. Scratch Event Catering will be providing the brunch fare you will be enjoying with the Bloody Mary samples. And you can vote for the best one!

Bartenders will be competing for bragging rights and $300 cash for the winner. Awards will also be given out for best table decor and best garnish. Scheduled to compete are:

Champ Mack’s tavern will be on hand to defend her title!

Lily’s Bistro
Good Time Charlies
Trolley Stop
Whole Foods Market
Mudlick Tap House
Vue Ultra Lounge
Mack’s Tavern
MJ’s on Jefferson
Old Scratch Pizza
Kingspoint Pub
Meadowlark
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Fifth Street Brewpub
Smart Guy In A Tie Cocktails

The event is produced by Planned2Give, an event planning service that provides support for local non-profits and proceeds from the event will benefit The Greater Dayton LGBT Center. The event takes place at the Coliseum in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds from 11am to 2pm and tickets are $25 in advance, available online or at Mack’s Tavern, The Vue or Lily’s Bistro. Come on out for a bite of brunch and a spicy start to you Sunday!

A Dayton Lesson for 2017

December 31, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Kim and Craig Jolly and their family

Here is a story you won’t soon forget. This is Steve Milano aka The Big Ragu. Typically I write about local restaurants and local eats. No Food Adventures today. Today, instead we give you some food for thought.

While most people are making plans and new year’s promises, others are making very simple ones. Their new year’s resolutions are to continue the fight, to live, to survive. This article is not only about a lifelong Dayton resident, it is about every person right now who is in a life and death battle with an illness. It is a lesson for all of us to remember.

Craigs Cat Scan

Flashback 30 years ago, to August, 1987. The Centerville football team locker room empties as the players trot down the gravel to the practice field. It has been a long 8 months of weight lifting and conditioning. The original crowd in January of 100 perspective players has dwindled down to about 50. The ones who are left are preparing for their first game. One of those who persevered is a sophomore named Craig Jolly. Craig was strong, and motivated. Even then he was a fighter and a survivor in every sense of the word. I know. I was a senior playing offensive line too, and he was right there every practice, every step of the way.

New medicines and experimental treatments are a source of hope

Today, Craig has a family. He has a local home with his wife Kim and two young daughters. Unfortunately, Craig has something else. He has a battle to fight. But that is ok, because to his family, he is Superman. On July 14th, 2016 Craig was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblostoma tumor, the most deadly and aggressive form of brain cancer there is. He was told then that the median life expectancy was 16 months.

Ironically this being the holiday season, jolly is a word used quite often in songs, holiday movies and tv shows. Their whole life, they lived with this name, Jolly. They are straining to hold onto that faith and their namesake.

His sister, Heather summed up the situation best on his DONATION PAGE:

Craigs sister Heather tries and comfort her brother’s pain in the hospital

Craig doesn’t live like he is dying. Craig lives like he is living.
And he always has. My brother has an enthusiasm for life, like I’ve never known. He effortlessly fills a room. He’s not just a piece of a part, he’s the whole show. He tells the jokes, and then he laughs at them too. And once you’ve heard his laugh you’ll remember it all your life. It bounces off walls and echoes down halls and it is unbelievably and undeniably infectious.

Craig isn’t just living, Craig is life.

Craig after a chemo treatment #oursuperman

He is the pulse of our family. The heartbeat of our home. And the first love of my life.
I have watched Craig fight, everyday these last 5 months. Everyday he fights. But he’s not just fighting cancer he’s fighting all the sadness and headache that comes with its demons.
That come with dying. But you’d never know. If he gets down, he gets back up.
Every. Single. Day. He fights.
He fights for happiness, for love and for joy. He fights for laughing and smiling and living out loud. He fights for Kim and for Evan and for Anne.
And everyday he wins.
I will be in awe of his strength, determination, and optimism for the rest of my life. I will be devoted, admire and respect him, for the rest his.

Craig has decided not return to work. His wife Kim has taken an immediate indefinite leave of absence from her work to devote herself to his round the clock care. They have spent money investigating countless studies, trials and equipment in pursuit of any glimpse of hope. But it doesn’t matter. Their commitment to each other is endless. .

Craig’s sister Heather describes Kim and Craig’s interaction:

Kim and Craig Jolly

Kim’s look is one of unconditional, unwavering, endless love. She has been our rock. Craig’s is one of a man completely still smitten, 20 years later. I see gratitude in his embrace and the hardest part is, I see an apology in his eyes.
I’m sorry we didn’t get forever. I’m sorry you’ll raise our children alone.

A PLAN OF ATTACK:

Heather goes on to explain that in late November/early December, doctors learned that Craig’s tumor despite being cut out, despite being radiated, despite being starved with a ketogenic diet, despite being poisoned with chemotherapy, is back, and has very aggressively grown and spread throughout his brain. But here’s the thing, you’d never know that either. Craig’s entire brain is swollen, shifted past midline, and infected with tumor. And yet he’s still just laughing, loving, living Craig. Is it sheer willpower? Or is it a miracle?

Endless tests, xrays and more

Surgery: Craig had decided to go forward on December 29th, with a very involved tenuous second craniotomy where they will remove all areas of tumor, a significant part of his brain and then inject a trial vaccine into the cavity to try to eradicate it. Craig fully understood the risks and possible outcomes. But you see, Craig is a fighter. He wants to go down swinging.
He wants to live life… living, as his family says.
Craig knew that regardless of the outcome, the knowledge gained from this trial will eventually help others.

The family asked Craig the week of his diagnosis 5 months ago if his sister could make him a “Go Fund Me” page, knowing very well

Craig and his daughter

the catastrophic cost that come with terminal diagnosis’s. His pride just smiled, shook his head and declined.
“We’re okay he said, we don’t need it now.”
This time Heather didn’t ask him. This time she is asking anyone to help. He needs it now.
Heather wanted to raise money so Craig could enjoy these moments free of financial worry. So he can have some relief to spend time with his family stress free. So he can continue to spend his time living his life living, for all the days of his life.

Heather writes: “And I would be absolutely grateful beyond measure, if you would help me. #oursuperman”

UPDATE DECEMBER 28th – THE POWER OF POSITIVITY, PERSEVERANCE and PRAYER:

The family has been holding onto hope this holiday season. Again, Craig’s little sister writes on her Facebook page:

Superman and his sister Heather

“Hope has been a word that’s hard to get close to these days. Hope has an electric fence wrapped and entangled around it; you can only get shocked by it so many times before you stop trying to get near it. There’s been so many times along this journey that we’ve gotten too close to Hope only to be jolted, thrown back in the air, and dropped to the ground.

But that wasn’t today. Today Hope knocked one out of the park.”

Craig explains why in his Caring Bridge Entry below.
#lovewins #thepowerofprayer #oursuperman

“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Not exactly the words you expect to hear from your neurosurgeon the night before brain surgery. My pre-operative MRI was significantly improved to the point that he had to double-check to be sure it was still mine. Mid-line shift was gone, swelling was down, and new lesions are now imperceptible. The main tumor that was 5.7 (and too large for me to qualify for the Tocogen trial) was now at 4.3cm. They’ve already submitted paperwork to see if I can re-qualify for the Toca trial, but for now we are standing down – no surgery tomorrow!!

And. . . exhale. This punctuates a couple day stretch where both car

Craig and his sister Heather share a laugh

batteries died, our dishwasher and sink broke, our basement flooded and we had to rush to the hospital to get a platelet draw again to see if I could even do surgery. Seriously, what a roller coaster.I’m gonna curl up in a warm bed and sleep well tonight. Or maybe now. Now feels good. . . “
Craig

It is great news heading into the new year and we wish Craig continued improvements. We hope this story is an inspiration and lesson to many. Please note as you ring in the new year. Some have resolutions that may be way different than yours. Take a lesson from perseverance and never giving up.

We wish a fantastic new year to Craig and his family and everyone who took time to read this article.

In 2017, you never know who will step out and be a superhero, but the Jolly family definitely has a #Superman.

If you would like to help donate to Craig’s cause, click the Go fund me links above or go to his Caring Bridge site HERE.

Craig Jolly and his sister Heather

Join the fun at the Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday December 10th!

December 7, 2016 By LIbby Ballengee

Please join in the 11th Annual Santa Pub Crawl on Saturday December 10th from 5pm – 11pm. This fun holiday event benefits the Marine’s Toys for Tots Foundation and is presented by the volunteers at The Gem City Podcast, who love to make sure all kids get a gift at the holidays! This year’s goal is to get a gift to 6,000 local children!

Please bring an unwrapped $10 value gift or a $10 cash donation to participate. Registration will be held at both The Dublin Pub and Oregon Express, so you park at either end of the District to get started! Registration starts at 5pm, but you can join anytime throughout the evening.

We encourage you all to wear your favorite holiday gear – and as always – will end the evening with a costume contest at Blind Bob’s at 10pm for best male, female, couple and group. Fantastic door prizes available too! We have “celebrity” judges this year to make things even more interesting. The Bud Light Girls will be out handing out swag and snapping photos too!

It’s a fun night out in the Oregon District and a great way to support area children who would otherwise go without toys this holiday. This is your chance to be a true Santa this season!

Special Thanks to the sponsors this year: Budweiser, Buckeye Vodka, Dayton DUI, Folio Designhaus, and Epic Life Fitness!

Dec. 3rd Bazaar to Feature Free Mimosa Tasting !

November 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

A great, local event !

Tired of your average bazaar? This one promises to be fun and fulfilling!

This Saturday, Dec. 3rd in Moraine, The Greater Dayton Apartment Association office is hosting a Holiday Bazaar!

All proceeds benefit their related charity, called The Rent Foundation, which helps keep families from being homeless, by paying their rent in times of unexpected hardship. Over the year, the Rent Foundation has helped hundreds of local families, and your support, will help them continue to help hundreds more.

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON THE SATURDAY, DEC. 3rd HOLIDAY BAZAAR:

—WHEN: This charitable event takes place Saturday December 3rd, 2016 from 10am – 3pm

Free Mimosa Tasting !

—WHERE: The event center located at 3155 Elbee Rd, suite 300, Moraine, OH 45439

****Please note the event center is on the 3rd floor, so use the elevator in the lobby!

—WHAT: They are offering a festive day of shopping. Some traditional booths mixed with some fun and funky local craft-vendors that you’re sure to LOVE! We are also offering a Mimosa Tasting for our shoppers 21 and up sponsored by a local business, called “My Catering Gal.” There will also be raffle prizes.

—WHAT ELSE: Baked Goods, Bourbon Balls, Snacks & Refreshments Available During the Show for Additional Purchase.

—COST: Admission at the door is $3.00. No charge for children under 12. All proceeds benefit GDAA Rent Foundation. Snacks and raffle tickets will also be for sale at the event. There will be a Coloring/Craft Table for Children.

—LIST OF SOME OF THE VENDORS and LOCAL BUSINESS ON HAND

****Traveling Vineyard ****Usborne Books & More

****Plunder Design ****Lularoe

****Mary Kay ****She Blingz by Shonda

****Pure Romance ****Origami Owl

****Lillarose ****Pampered Chef

****Poetic Xchange ****Lipsense

****Scentsy ****Younique

****Wildtree ****Mama Aswan Butters & Oils

****Custom Burlap Wreaths by Babes & Burlap

****Stained Glass Home Accents ****LIVELOVEBEAD

****Hand Crafted Quilted Purses by Blue Line Design

****Custom Jewelry ****31

****Scent Hound Candles ****Home Accessories,

****Photography by Alison ****Hand-crafted Baby Items

****Unique & Delicious Vendors ****Desserts

****Butter Rum, Apricot Brandy & Harvey Wallbanger Cakes by Langford’s Gourmet Cookies!

A great opportunity to put a dent in your holiday shopping list !

From hand lotions to handcrafted items, this promises to be a blast. Please join us at the bazaar and know you are supporting a good cause as well. This is a “MUST SEE” event, don’t miss your opportunity to support local vendors and charities.

Dec 3rd from 10am -3pm

FULL DETAILS

Pints & Whiskers

November 22, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Chris Paxton, owner of Centerville’s Whiskeryman Grooming Company is partnering with Warped Wing Brewing Company to present Dayton’s 2nd Annual Pints & Whiskers Beard and Mustache Competition at Warped Wing Brewery this Saturday night, Nov 26th. While it’s free to compete, participants must register, startingat 6pm and judging will take place at 8pm.

The four categories will be:

Todd -defending Beard Champ from 2015

1. Best Beard
2. Best Mustache
3. Best Partial Beard
4. Best Whiskerina – This is the women’s fake beard category. Fake beards are usually crazy and handcrafted monstrosities, made of everything from real human hair or yarn, to moss and flowers or even rubber snakes.

This event is for everyone and will help raise awareness and funds for the ALS Foundation. This organization is leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. A 50/50 raffle will take place that will help raise funds for one particular family in the Dayton area that is battling ALS.

“Nite at the Races” is Back!

October 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Endless Beer? Endless food? Bet Cash? Win Cash? Pull Tabs? Raffle Prizes? And all for charity?? YES! This is one time you are encouraged to “horse around.”

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association‘s charitable arm, “The Rent Foundation,” is again hosting a “Nite at the Races” event on Friday night, November 18th.

For the first time ever, this year’s event is being held at the ARBOR HALL in Dayton.

You will be able to bet cash and win cash on horse races shown on the BIG SCREEN and so much more. Saddle up! Are you ready? Because ……

Dozens of Raffle Prizes

HERE’S THE SKINNY on “NITE AT THE RACES !”

—WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT NOV. 18th from 6pm – 11pm

—WHERE: ARBOR HALL, 2150 Arbor Blvd, Dayton, OH 45439

—COST: **TICKETS are $15 at the door and includes all the food, draft beer and soft drinks you want.**

—FOOD: Wings, Pizza, Taco Bar, Hot Dog Bar and more.

Bring your friends and family! You must be 21 or older to attend.

4 WAYS YOU CAN WIN and HELP THE RENT FOUNDATION!

$15 includes all the beer and food you want

— BET CASH, WIN CASH – Bet on horse races that will be shown on the big screen, pick the winner!

— “OWN” A HORSE at AUCTION – Be the winning bidder on a horse that wins the race!

— PULL TABS – Cash prizes for pull tabs. Last year there was a $250 pull tab winner

— BUY A WINNING RAFFLE PRIZE TICKET: Liquor, Gift Baskets, Restaurant Gift Cards, Designer Purses, Electronics, massage certificates and much more.

What is the Rent Foundation? This charitable group helps prevent homelessness by paying rent for families who are in crisis. These are everyday families who are dealing with an unforeseen circumstance or a

family tragedy, and need some temporary help. By partnering with the Greater Dayton Apartment Association (GDAA), the money raised will help benefit people living in those apartments communities across the Miami Valley.

What better way to help real people in the Dayton area?

And what a deal for endless drinks, food and entertainment for such a low price. It is a no brainer! Please help, by attending this event for a great cause.

SEE YOU AT THE RACES !!!

The night will be a blast, and will help house families. Help support this worthy Dayton cause. See you Friday, at the races !

Raffle Prizes include this lottery tree !

Hot Dog Bar, and drinks – all included in admission price !

Beer, and Betting on Horses !

Hot Dog Bar with the fixings !

Wine Basket raffle prizes

Kegs and Horses

Lots of winners

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So many raffle prizes of all sorts

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Volunteers for the event

another winner

Brookville’s Girls Tennis Team Wins Local Tournament

September 29, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Brookville HS Girls Tennis Team 2016

Congratulations are in order for the Brookville Girls Tennis Team. They were declared winners of the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament, September 20th at Thomas Cloud Park.

Brookville High School, out of Brookville Ohio, bested the following local teams:

Beavercreek HS – Beavercreek, OH

Carroll High School – Dayton, OH

Catholic Central High School – Springfield, OH

Jennifer Lee Schmidt, 1985 Carroll Graduate

Kenton Ridge High School – Springfield, OH

Lehman Catholic Schools – Sidney, OH

Tippecanoe High School – Tipp City, OH

Valley View High School – Germantown, OH

It was a big win for Brookville who scored the most points in the day’s matches to surpass the other schools. There were competitive girls tennis matches with some of the area’s most talented players.

The Tournament was well attended

Individual awards included :

1st Team Singles Champion: Jillian Milano, from Carroll High School who won the 1st Team Tournament Singles title for a record 4th year in a row.

2nd Team Singles Champion: The title went to Ashley Wallace from Kenton Ridge High School.

3rd Team Singles champion: Leena Koklades from Brookville High School

Other winners included:

1st Team Doubles Champions: Danielle Spanbauer & Alissa Otte from Carroll High School

Kenton Ridge players receiving awards

2nd Team Doubles Champions: Anna Vandewiele & Kailey Helton from Beavercreek High School.

THE HISTORY OF THE TOURNAMENT:
The year was 1985. The parents of former Carroll High School student Jennifer Lee Schmidt had reported their daughter missing from the area of Purdue University. She was never found.

Concession profits went to charity

Carroll High School has tried to turn this heartbreak into a positive, by sponsoring a memorial Girls’ Tennis Tournament in Jennifer’s honor each year.

It was a great tournament, a good cause and a beautiful setting.

There was also a concession stand with doughnuts, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs run by our own Food Adventures Crew. All proceeds from the concession stand benefitted the annual event and the Carroll HS Girls Tennis Team.

The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax make up Dayton’s Food Adventure Crew. You can find them writing articles on Dayton Most Metro almost every week since 2011. Follow their trips on Facebook by clicking here. From local mom and pop restaurants, charity event, festivals, cooking classes, TV spots, and everything food related

Please browse the photos below from the awards ceremony and more.

champs – Brookville

Waiting for awards

Congratulations Brookville !

Jillian Milano – 1st Singles Champ

More winners from Kenton Ridge

Stacks of burgers were sold

Brookville gets another award

Carroll Singles award

Intense competition

Why Cancer Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me

September 26, 2016 By Robyn Warner

September is National Blood Cancer Awareness month and the 29th of September is the annual Light the Night walk in Dayton. Sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and held at the Fraze pavilion, this event is the epitome of community. Hundreds of people gather together to support patients & survivors, remember those who have lost the battle, and honor the families and friends who never stop fighting. It also raises hundreds of thousands of dollars every year that is used for research & development of new treatments as well as continued patient care.

As a survivor of blood cancer, I wanted to write something to help raise awareness and attempt to offer a positive take on such a terrible disease…

If you have been anywhere in ear shot of me in the last 5 years, you know that I had cancer. It is one of my favorite things to talk about- not because it gets me attention (well, not entirely), but because it is therapeutic for me. Talking about it so openly has allowed me to face the awful things that come along with fighting and beating and recovering from the cancer. In the last year, though, my 5th year in remission, I realized something: cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me.

The process was long and excruciating, and I wouldn’t wish that pain on anybody. But I do wish more people could see this life through my eyes. I went from an underachieving, lost, young adult to an underachieving, lost, young adult who lives fearlessly, loves deeply, and laughs louder than anyone enjoys listening to. The petty things that once troubled me don’t even appear on my radar anymore. The feelings I was afraid to show to protect myself from being hurt now exude from everything I am. The small things that they say mean everything, do indeed mean everything to me these days. It is liberating to live a life not bound with fear and it has allowed me to feel a kind of happiness that you see on a little kid’s face when the ice cream truck turns onto their street.

In the past, I have described cancer as a tunnel. At the beginning, it is nearly impossible to see the light at the end. Some people, too many people, never make it out. But those of us that do, walk out into the brightest, warmest sunlight we have ever known. The world above is far more beautiful when you have been trapped beneath it for so long.

In my life after cancer, I have learned a few things that define how I live each day:

· Though it is flawed and sometimes disappointing, this world is actually an amazing place. Every single day, beautiful things happen, but so many people miss them because they are hanging their heads. Our time here is too short to let the bad overshadow the good.

· Guilt is consuming- I felt a lot of it because I lived when so many others died. I also felt guilty about being the reason everyone I loved was so sad. But in life, you will make mistakes, hurt people, disappoint yourself and others. Letting the guilt weigh you down makes it so much harder to rise above the pain. The moment I let go of my guilt is the moment I started to find my way back.

· No words are more powerful than the ones that tell others how you feel. Life is defined by the relationships we build and the love that we give. When someone makes your life better, tell them. Tell them why and how much they matter to you. And tell them often.

· Society will try to define us- try to mold us into what is considered “normal”. It will try to influence who we are and what is important to us. Don’t let it. We have an obligation to ourselves and the people who love us to be authentic.

· When I was younger, I used to think being popular mattered. I wanted everyone to like me and I didn’t handle it well when people didn’t. But through this experience I learned that it is not about being loved widely, it is about being loved deeply. And trying everyday to be someone worthy of it.

Cancer is the worst. That is why raising money for the LLS has become a passion for my family and friends. But who I am now, I owe to this disease. My eyes might be the same blue, but the world they see isn’t.

Please consider making a donation to the cause, you have no idea how much of a difference it is making!

Artemis Center & YWCA Host 5K Walk to Support Domestic Violence Hotline!

August 29, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton will, for the first time, host a collaborative friend and fundraiser to promote awareness of domestic violence and raise funds to support the Domestic Violence Hotline share by Artemis Center and the YWCA Dayton. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes™ Domestic Violence 5Kwill be held Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, in conjunction with the University of Dayton School of Law Human Rights Awareness and Advocacy group and the University of Dayton Women’s Center. Synchrony Financial will be the presenting sponsor.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes™ Domestic Violence 5K is an event that highlights domestic violence as a critical community issue and educates the community on the work of Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton. Activities include a 5K run/walk/stroll, as well as a 1-mile walk by men and women, wearing heels, to emphasize the crucial role male voices play in ending violence against women.

All proceeds will support Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton’s
shared 24-hour crisis hotline
(937-222-SAFE), the only such hotline in both Montgomery and Preble counties. The hotline office staffed in equal parts by trained YWCA Dayton and Artemis Center staff. In 2015 alone, more than 8,600 crisis calls were received through the hotline.

The 5K, chip timed by Key Sports, will start and finish at the University of Dayton River Campus (1700 S. Patterson Blvd.), with an easy out-and-back course perfect for experienced runners, hobby joggers, walkers and families alike. No animals allowed; strollers are welcome.

Registration opens at 8 am, with the race beginning at 9 am, rain or shine. Registration fees are tax-deductible; early-bird registrations run through Sept. 9 and guarantee a T-shirt: Adults, $25; Students with ID and Children 3 and up, $20. Children 3 and under, free.

Support Breast Cancer Charities through 5k For Kelli on Saturday Aug 20th

August 17, 2016 By LIbby Ballengee

Kelli’s family remembers her through this annual fundraiser!

The Breast Wishes Foundation presents the 4th annual 5k for Kelli to honor and support women with breast cancer and to remember all those we have lost. The 5k for Kelli is a fun and family friendly event that gives 100% of its proceeds to local charities: The Noble Circle Project, Good Samaritan Hospital’s Breast Health Center and our very own Breast Wishes Foundation which grants wishes that bring joy to women and their families affected by breast cancer.

This race is in memory of Kelli James who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2006, and is organized by her two loving sisters. Kelli loved fairies so they encourage everyone to wear tutus and wings…no fairy gear? No problem! We will have plenty to purchase at the merchandise tent with all proceeds going to charity.

Organizers will have free coffee, fruit, and cookies. There will also be free face painting and colored hair spraying. Day Yoga Studio is offering a free pre-race stretch and warm up. The Shakery Juice truck will be there selling delicious juice and healthy sandwiches.

Raffle tickets for $1 include prizes like a 50″ flat screen TV, Kings Island tickets, massages, $100 Kroger gift card, Restaurant gift cards for Luckys, Roost and even the Oakwood Club! Great prizes to the Top 3 male and female runners in each age group and the Top 3 male and female runners overall. Age Divisions include: 19 and Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Over

When: Saturday August 20th– Onsite registration starts at 7:30 am. Race starts at 9 am.

Where: Wegerzyn Gardens 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue in Dayton. The 5k loop begins and ends close to Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park but takes place on the Stillwater River Bikeway and Recreation Trail.

Cost: $25, which includes commemorative t-shirt. Please note, shirts are unisex and run a little small so plan accordingly.

NOTE: Early Packet Pickup at George’s Family Restaurant 5216 North Dixie Drive in Dayton on Thursday and Friday August 18th and 19th from 9a-7p.

A Casual Gathering of Friends

July 28, 2016 By Megan Cooper

Hundreds of people come through the doors every single day. Seats are always full. There’s security, but no bouncers, and everyone is welcome.

No – it’s not the next big dance club – it’s the House of Bread. Located on the near west side, and nestled in the neighborhood near a park, the river, and other partnering social service agencies, sits the small, welcoming destination. They serve a free, nutritious meal to approximately 230 men, women and children 365 days a year. Eight to 12 volunteers work the front lines everyday, as they help prepare and serve those in need of a meal.

Ambassador Tony Hall will speak at the 2016 House of Bread Gala

With food insecurity and challenging times for many in our community, House of Bread is a long-time area resource offering a simple, yet vital service – lunch. On Saturday, August 6, you can give back to this organization that has given to so many in our community by attending the House of Bread gala.

While it’s known as “the gala,” the subtitle is a “casual gathering of friends.” Executive Director Melodie Bennett shares, “Just like our mission, we keep our gala simple. We serve dinner buffet style, so our guests continue to enjoy conversation while standing in line for dinner.”

While every year guests learn something knew about the House of Bread and get fabulous deals on generously donated silent auction prizes (trips! packages! tickets! art! more!), this year the House of Bread is pleased to welcome Ambassador Tony Hall as the keynote speaker. Ambassador Hall (bio) has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, and he is well-respected as a leading authority on programs to serve the poor and hungry, and ways to move people out of homelessness. For an organization that dedicates itself to being open daily and meeting the needs of those who would otherwise go hungry, this is a perfect fit. Knowing what a powerful message he conveys, Bennett says, “I’m very excited that our group of supporters will get to hear Tony Hall speak about his work in preventing hunger!”

While the mission is vital for the community, and the event is simple in its approach, there’s certainly great fun to be had. Lisa Stokely volunteers to lead the silent auction committee, and every year works with generous organizations and individuals to put together fabulous packages. Stokely provides some of the highlights of the auction, “Once again, the generosity of our community has reached new heights. We have so many wonderful items that we created sections this year. Bidders can shop through the entertainment section, offering concert tickets, theatre tickets and more. In the sports section there are opportunities to get to all the hottest games in town, including a private suite at Fifth Third Field for 14 guests. In the artwork section we offer original artworks by renowned Dayton artists, including Riverscape artist, Amy Deal, acrylic painter, Ron Rollins, and a sculpture in a series created by famed sculptor, Terry Welker. In our get-away section, one generous donor has given HOB incredible luxury vacation weeks for the high bidders to enjoy the US Virgin Islands, Marriott Grande Vista Resort in Orlando, and a cozy cabin in Branson, Missouri.” There’s truly something for everyone at a great price for a great cause, and I’m told that access to the silent auction itself is well worth the price of admission!

But – if you were looking for a more exclusive, club experience – they’ve got that for you, too! Bennett shares, “We started what we call Club 365, which is a request to our supporters to make a financial g

ift of $365 at our Gala. It’s the idea of giving $1 a day for us to be open and serving during the next year.” (Note: While Club 365 is a special opportunity, no donations above the price of admission are required at the event.)

All donations from the event – ticket sales, silent auction bids and donations to join Club 365 – support the important mission of House of Bread. Mark your calendar and get your tickets now for this simple event that makes a monumental impact on our community, and will leave a lasting impact on you as well.

HOW TO GO:

House of Bread Gala… a casual gathering of friends

Saturday, August 6
Sinclair Building 12
6pm-10pm

$75 per person
$600 per table
$2,500 sponsorship level

Appetizers, Music, Silent Auction, Dinner, Cash Bar, Networking Tony Hall, Keynote Speaker
Supports their mission to serve a hot, nutritious lunchtime meal every day of the year to anyone in need!Tickets available until August 3, 2016. Buy your tickets today!

Dayton Music All-Stars Gather for Aria Marie Fundraiser

June 29, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton music scene is a generous one, gathering often to give back to the community and loved ones through benefit shows. One that is particularly exciting is coming up at Oddbody’s Music Room. Nightbeast, Jasper the Colossal, Shotgun Surprise and Team Void are all performing together to benefit the Aria Marie Foundation on July 9th, 2016.

The Aria Marie Foundation was founded in March 13, 2014 by Dale Spradling, lead singer of Shotgun Surprise shortly after Aria Marie, his daughter, lost her life tragically. She left behind a beautiful baby girl, Maleigha Nicole. Dale was inspired to start up the foundation to help children who have lost one or both parents by raising money to provide a small college fund for each child and providing Christmas presents to the children yearly.

Attending this show is a win-win for rock fans. Very reasonable, typical entry fee to see one some of Dayton’s best rock bands, plus help give back to a deserving charity! If you want to make a donation to the Aria Marie Foundation, click here.

How to go?

Oddbody’s Music Room

July 9th, 2016

Doors 7pm. Show 8pm.

Door Donation $5

All ages w/ ID.

This event is sponsored by Centerville Pizza And BBQ

One-Time CLOSET MONSTER Screening – Proceeds Benefit Orlando

June 25, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Dayton PRIDE will close out month-long events with the screening of the award-winning film CLOSET MONSTER…and 100% of the proceeds will go to victims’ families of the horrendous massacre in Orlando. “CLOSET MONSTER tells the story of Oscar Madly, a creative and driven teenager who hovers on the brink of adulthood. Destabilized by his dysfunctional parents, unsure of his sexuality, and haunted by horrific images of a tragic gay bashing he witnessed as a child, Oscar dreams of escaping the town he feels is suffocating him.” (taken from press notes) Tickets available now at THE NEON’s box office – just $8 each. (Editors Note: the showing for CLOSET MONSTER is Thurs, June 30th at 7:30pm)

THE NEON is located at 130 E. 5th St. in downtown Dayton. The box office opens daily by 2:30 and by Noon on weekends. For additional information, call (937)222-8452 or visit THE NEON’s official site – www.neonmovies.com

The Dayton Women of Bocce Ball

June 17, 2016 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

If strength is in numbers, then bocce ball is alive and well in Dayton, Ohio. You may remember we did a story on the Sons of Italy, Bella Villa Hall’s men’s bocce league.

Well move over fellas, it is the ladies’ turn! Thursday’s in the summer, the bocce courts are ruled by the women.

Now, let’s get rollin’….

Family Fun: Eldora & her grandson enjoy a bocce match

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE WOMEN OF DAYTON BOCCE BALL:

— You have to be a member of the Italian club, John Pirelli Lodge (click here to join) to be in the leagues. That means you or your spouse must have some type of Italian lineage in your genealogy. Sometimes the courses are open to the public like the July 15th Bocce Bash and Bocce Classic Weekend

— The Women’s bocce League plays Thursday nights, during the summer.

Helen Longo (middle) and her longtime bocce teammates

— The league started in 1979, with 2 dirt courts. Now they are turf and much easier to maintain.

— TRIVIA: The turf on the bocce courts was donated from University of Dayton’s, Welcome Stadium

— Currently, they have about 12 womens bocce teams with 4 players on each team. There are about 50 – 60 lady players in the Dayton area.

— Players range from 17 years old to 80 years young

Mary D’Amico pointing out the closest ball

— A year end banquet, each year is planned to pass out awards. Food Adventures is sure some incredible Italian food is served.

Melody Sorice Knostman (right) with a bocce buddy

As we watched the matches and talked with the ladies, there were lots of cheers and jeers going on at different courses. One thing was for sure, these people were having fun. Some wore fun hats, while others had family members cheering them on. Sometimes there are snacks and at special events there are food and beer booths. We met some great Daytonians and we want to share them with you. So here are some of the Dayton Women of Bocce Ball !

THE WOMEN OF DAYTON BOCCE BALL:

— ELDORA PERFILIO: She says she is out here to compete, but doesn’t take it as serious as some. Eldora says she comes for the fun times and friendly people in the league.

Maria Napier (left) measures the distance to confirm a winning point

— MELODY SORICE-KNOSTMAN: Melody has been playing bocce ball in the back yard, since she was a kid. Her favorite part of the bocce legue is getting to spend time with the ladies. There were definitely a lot of laughs on Melody’s court as they were having a great time.

— MARY D’AMICO: She is a tiny little spitfire and has been playing bocce ball for decades. After hearing some of the women talk, she chimed in “They like to win you know, don’t let them fool you!” Mary was quick to point out some rules on her court, and seemed to be incredibly

Thursday night fun at Bella Villa Hall

knowledgable about the bocce sport.

— HELEN LONGO: For 36 years Helen has been playing ball in the bocce leagues. She was one of the first founding members. She shared the long history of women’s bocce at the club with us. It has been going on so long innher opinion because it is “just a lot of fun.”

— MARIA NAPIER: Maria agrees that it is all about having fun. She has been playing for 2 years, and says it is a great time. She also enjoyed a cold adult beverage on the hot summer evening.

Julia Hall shows perfect bocce form

— JULIA HALL: For the past 10 years Julia has been a part of the leagues and again points to the good times. She enjoys meeting new friends of all ages. “There are a lot of nice people here.”

The photo definition of “chillin” in the dictionary

That seems to be the theme. Fun times, good friends and anyone can play bocce ball. Any age, man or woman can adapt fairly easily. Whether you are a beginner or playing for years, you can still compete with anyone and have fun.

Bocce is a simple game to learn, it is a cross between shufflebord and bowling. The rules are simple. you first roll a little yellow ball called a “pallino” to the far end of the court. You then try to get your bocce balls closest to the small yellow ball as possible, while your opponents do the same. Whoever is closest to the “pallino” earns points and thats how you win the game. Typically you play until someone has 21 points. It is easy to get the hang of it and you will be addicted in no time.

Juggling the bocce balls

If you would like to play bocce ball, there are 2 fun events coming up that are open to the public.

THE BOCCE BASH is for Beginners. It will be played Friday, July 15th during the Sons of Italy Food Truck Rally. Teams of 4 can sign up to comepeter for a $200 grand prize. The Signup sheet is HERE. You do not have to be a member of the club to play in this event.
THE BOCCE CLASSIC: Want to play in one of Dayton’s biggest bocce tournaments? CLICK HERE

For the 2 events above, there will be food vendors and beer trucks, and even some live music! Just want to observe? Admission is free to come and watch. Eats and drinks are available for purchase by anyone. Take the weekend of July 15th-17th to play some bocce, have a few beverages, and taste some of Dayton’s best food.

You may even see the Food Adventures Crew at the Food Truck Rally and Garlic Fest the same weekend.

For more Dayton food info, follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.