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A Little Girl Named Liberty, You’ll Never Forget

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Liberty Ray Vieson

Yesterday, the Dayton area lost a young 13 year old friend who was simply one of a kind.  Today, we tell you about her family, her life, her fight and her legacy.  Her name was Liberty Vieson.

We are very lucky at Food Adventures. We have a platform where we are be able to shine a light on certain local causes and charities throughout the year. Each year through our activities, we are able to volunteer time and money to about 50 to 60 charities. We meet some incredible people. Some who are lifelong devotees to a cause, and others who are going through hardships. Some of these people leave an unforgettable impression on your heart and soul.

One such girl was Liberty Vieson.  We met her 5 years ago when she was just 8 years old, and she was already an embattled warrior.  She was fighting a disease that affects children called Ataxia-Telangiectasia or A-T for short.  Her parents Mike Vieson (a classmate of ours) and his former wife, Stephanie had asked for help in organizing a benefit for Liberty, whom they call “Libby.”

Liberty and her mom

The benefit was on a spring day in 2011 at Soft Rock Cafe in Centerville.  Raffles, 50/50 prizes and karaoke filled the afternoon.  The atmosphere was light and hopeful.  The event highlight was when her parents thanked the supporters, and Libby herself picked out raffle item winners.  Liberty was the sweetest little girl.  But it was obvious her sickness was deadly.  It was attacking her little immune system and other cells causing loss of muscle control.  Although towards the end of the event she was tired, she still cracked smiles and stole people’s hearts.

Libby and her dad

As the next five years passed we would hear updates of Liberty’s ups and down with the disease.  In 2016, Liberty’s illness progressed.  Her family comforted her and prepared for the worst.  She battled back from a very close call and was able to spend more time with her family.  It was nothing short of a miracle.

But today, Ataxia-Telangiectasia or A-T is incurable.  The average person with the disease lives to be about 22 years old.

So,  2017 came and Libby went about her life, but the odds were insurmountable and time was on the disease’s side. On the morning of February 27th, Liberty passed away.  Her fight, her pain, her suffering was over.  Her name was ironically perfect, because now she is free.  Try to imagine being born into this world where from almost the get go, your body is fighting against itself.

All dressed up – She was a real life princess

The tremendous love the Vieson family gave Liberty and how they rallied around her is a lesson for every family.  We send our deepest condolences to that incredible family and the friends who helped make her time on earth special.  Thank you for sharing your story willingly with us, and sharing the little angel Liberty’s personality with us as well.  We will never forget this young hero.

To learn more about this heartbreaking disease, please visit atcp.org

If we learn more about a donation fund, we will pass it along.

On behalf of The Big Ragu, Chef House and Hungry Jax, we salute each and every one of you who have dedicated your life to fight for a charitable cause like Liberty and her family.  For those who have lived for a charity that has affected you day in and day out.  Your efforts not only affect families now, you affect the future of this community, and that is priceless.

ATCP.ORG to learn and help support a cure for this disease

Libby on a Food Adventure

Liberty (right) and with her sister and friend

Soft Rock Cafe benefit

She fought for 13 years

Liberty’s mom (left) having Karaoke fun at Soft Rock

Liberty’s Aunt (right) with friends

Liberty with her dad

With her sister, dad and uncle Jeff

Libby picking raffle winners

Libertys mom thanks the crowd

Big Ragu with Libby and her sister

Liberty (left) with a friend

family

Pool fun with her mom

Motorcycle game with dad

Libby in a princess hat with her family

A tired little girl

Dress up

OSU Game

fun with Dad and her sister

Dealing with a tragic illness

A young hero who never gave up

 

 

Read Between the Lines with DCDC March 4th & 5th

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Photo by Paul B. Goode

Last year, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was awarded the highly-coveted Bessie award for Outstanding Revival, for it’s revival of Donald McKayle’s iconic “Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder.” The Huffington Post listed it as one of the top 10 dance performances for 2016.

Daytonians have the opportunity to see this work, along with two others, as part of DCDC’s newest production “Vantage Points: A Read Between the Lines,” March 4 & 5 on Dayton’s historic Victoria Theatre stage.

 

 

“It is very interesting that a piece choreographed in 1959 — by a master choreographer — is still very resonant, and unfortunately very relevant, today,” DCDC Artistic Director Blunden-Diggs said. Alastair Macaulay, dance critic for the New York Times wrote “Rainbow evokes how much there was for many African-Americans to transcend. It’s a strong piece of American dance history; I’m grateful to have seen it.”

The concert lineup also includes the world premiere of a new work by Ray Mercer, a longtime cast member of Broadway’s “The Lion King.” Mercer’s new work pulls the viewer into the choreographer’s mind to experience dance from the choreographer’s vantage point.

 

 

The concert doesn’t quite fall in Black History Month, but the audience could extend the celebration into that first March weekend with the show, Blunden-Diggs said. “To be able to put these works on stage that have been created by us, for us, makes a really strong statement,” she said. “Come celebrate black history with us, because DCDC is black history.”

The show is sponsored by the Dayton Power & Light Foundation with media sponsor Synchrony Financial. Catch it at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4 and 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5. Individual and group tickets are available at ticketcenterstage.com or by calling the box office at 937-228-3630.

For more information on DCDC and our upcoming shows, visit dcdc.org, and connect with us on social media: follow @daytoncontemporarydancecompany on Facebook and Instagram or @DCDCLive on Twitter.

How to Go? Vantage Points: A Read Between the Lines

Saturday, March 4, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 5, 2017 | 4:00 pm
Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio

Tickets start at $24.50 +

Cheap Flights to Myrtle Beach!

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Budget airline Allegiant Air just announced they are adding a fourth destination for their flights out of the Dayton airport. Service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina will begin on May 24th, with 2 flights each week.  Current cities serviced by this low cost airline include Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers.

This no frills airline flights start as  inexpensively as $50 each way, based on availability, check the calendar on their website to see what flights are available, as costs can double based on the days you fly and how far in advance you purchase.   Also be aware costs are based on payment by debit card, use a credit card and there will be a surcharge to cover those fees.

Passengers can bring one personal item, like a purse or briefcase, but you’ll pay extra for a carryon bag.  You’ll also have the option to pay to choose a premium seat or take a chance on getting an assigned seat once you check in at the airport.  Options are also given to book hotels and rental cars with your ticket.

For more low cost flights, you can fly Allegiant out of Cincinnati to New Orleans, Hilton Head, Newark airport in New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Austin, San Juan or Las Vegas.

Trump Cards: Anger and Hope. Red and Blue.

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Recently, I had the bright idea to have a dear friend, let’s call him RED, a serious Republican (thus the nickname) and sometimes Trump supporter…. and another friend, let’s call her BLUE, a serious Democrat (thus the nickname) and serious Trump hater…meet me in the window of Ghostlight coffee for a cup of Joe and a chat. I really wanted to see if there was any common ground left in this battle of the political positions. Little did I know by conversation’s end, the thought of running into Wayne Avenue and causing a hit and run would appear relieving.

‘How did we get here?’ I begin. My voice is strong to start. ‘And how do we figure this mess out?’
Red jumps in quickly. ‘You have to go way back…that’s for sure. This isn’t a contemporary problem. I think you can go back to Reagan to see when things began to change. Many in the conservative movement look at him as the last great President. So, now we have Trump, and it feels similar.’
Blue sits quietly. Like a spider.

‘Keep in mind, Reagan understood the working man. He knew that middle class mattered, and since then, the middle class has been completely forgotten.’ Red continues.’Finally, this election we fought back. And won.’

I interrupt. ‘Won what exactly?’
Red sips and says, ‘I think we won recognition. Attention maybe. Look, we have paid for everything in this country. We have paid for the rich in their Wall Street mess, and the poor in providing them insurance we can’t afford.’

Blue leans in. She seems ready to speak. ‘I want to say I get that. I do. I do understand the idea that people have paid a lot in the past and especially the working Americans. But Trump? That’s a win? This is little like social suicide! And the insurance comment bothers me. I feel everyone should have insurance. It’s moral. It’s ethical. I feel it’s more Republican than they even realize.’

She sits back. All calm…for now. I look around the coffee house. No one seems to feel my nervousness, so I proceed.
‘What is it about Trump? Why do so many hate this guy?’ (I play dumb…I think I already know.)

Blue starts off this section of chatter. ‘He said things, and did things I cannot forget and may never forgive. Look, I understand the pendulum theory. Democrat-Republican-Democrat-Republican. Checks and Balances and so on. I could have handled Kasich, even Bush. This guy is insensitive and out of touch. He’s beneath the office.’
Red swallows and speaks up. ‘He finally said what many of us have waited to hear for years!’
‘About women? Or Disabled people? What did he say?’ Blue shoots back.
Red remains calm. ‘He said the little guy was done taking it. He said it was going to come our way for a while. And if you honestly look at it, Clinton said nothing, about anything, ever, except him.’

My turn. ‘So you like Trump? Is that what you are saying Red?’

Quiet for a moment. ‘I don’t know about that. I have to say, much of what went on during the campaign bothered me. On both sides.’ Red goes on, ‘I was done with the Obama era for sure. Come on. I understand the redistribution of wealth, but where was my share? I want my kid in college, not paying into a system that sends everyone else’s but mine. Unfair!’
Blue responds. ‘At the core, I see what he means. I do. But, you have thrown the baby out with the bath water. In exchange for financial issues you have accepted a man who will demonize women, muslims, gays, blacks…the list goes on. What’s worse?’

I see a semi-truck making its way down Wayne…one quick jump and I’m out of this conversation…permanently. ‘Blue, is there any chance this man can rise above his rhetoric for you?’

‘No. Since the election, I see him as even worse. I think he is proving to be what he said he would be. He’s a bigot. He’s not trustworthy. And he sounds like he might even be Russia’s buddy.’
Red laughs. ‘Come on. I remember when Obama won and everyone was going to prison camps, old people were going to be put to death and blacks were going to throw whites out of the country. None of that happened. This is no different. It’s said to scare us. Media.’
‘I can’t handle that response. I really can’t.’ Blue jumps back in, ‘The media never said Obama was putting old people to death. What do you want, a country where the media is stifled. Careful. Be very careful. One person’s voice leads to terrible things.’

Quick change of subject. ‘So Red. What do you see as our future with Trump?’

‘Well, first of all. I am not 100% behind the travel ban. I think it’s not a real healthy idea. I like the idea of security in our country, but that’s a strange price to pay. And I also think the wall is wacky. Reagan, sorry to bring him back into this, tore down walls. I like that better. I think Trump has the right idea. Put us back in the game. Let’s shows the world our guidance again. A stronger, more prosperous place. Let’s lead by strengthening the very people who are America. IT’s our backs that carry it.’

I turn to Blue. ‘What do you see?’
‘I feel very imperiled by his presidency. The world could quite easily lose respect for us. We have long been the voice of diversity and intelligence. I don’t think of him as a great spokesperson. I wish Republicans, in general, would realize that it is their vision of social freedoms that keeps more of us from trusting them. Trump, and his party need to stay out of people’s personal lives. It’s that easy!’ Blue wrings her hands. ‘He is unsettling. He just is. People died, are dying, for our freedoms. His pen is taking them away with no fight at all.’

For a brief spell, I let them steep. Then, ‘Where do you agree? How do we meet in the middle again?’

Blue starts this time. ‘It’s all up to the people. It is. I can’t believe we elected this arrogant misogynist. We did. So, now, I think, we the people, need to listen to the needs of our citizens. I kind of think Trump may, by accident, bring people together by making missteps that unite us. Look, I love this country. I love being American. I want a healthy dialogue with my friends of all thoughts. I just don’t want to sit back and think things are just going to work out. We have to make things work out.’
Red retorts, ‘Ok. Ok. So, if the middle means talking with people of different ideas, I’m in. I would say, he (Trump) probably can’t do that. At least, not yet. I concur as well about love of country. And I have no doubt Democrats love this country. But, being American still means working hard and earning a good living through that work. That’s what ultimately drew us to the polls. Obama won because the rich had gone way too far in causing economic collapse. People were angry. Trump won because entitlements went way too far and people are angry. It would be so nice to vote for a President because you wanted him or her to win…not the other to lose.’
Blue remarks, ‘Good point. I agree to that!’

I think we are making some headway. ‘One more thought. Do you think the divisiveness of today can be fixed, and by who?’
Red says ‘Us. Not politicians for sure. Not the media. Not social media. Us. Real people meeting and giving each other a chance to express ourselves without fear of some kind of retribution or ridicule. There’s been too much of that.’
Blue concludes. ‘In a way, your point reminds me that politicians separate us. They do. We have to choose a side. That alone makes the process acrimonious. And, I’ll agree that the media needs us apart to keep us entertained and validated. I will likely never support Trump. I will never support him. But my ears are open to whatever can heal us. I want that. I want a great America. I think the next step is the public coming together and finding a way to elevate moderate voices. Somewhere in the middle lies the truth. Let’s get there!’

Not so bad. Maybe they are on to some thing!

Gem City Catfé Launches Fundraiser

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 Gem City Catfé is launching a Kickstarter Campaign on March 1, 2017 with a goal of $20,000 to help cover costs of starting Dayton’s cat café.

 

Gem City Catfé’s location at 1513 E. 5th Street in St. Anne’s Hill is already purchased and under construction. The location boasts a full-service espresso bar with unique, premium baked goods, separate cat lounge area, and community event space. Visitors can enjoy a coffee and visit the cat lounge or watch cats play through a glass partition in the café. The upstairs event space, “The Canopy”, will be used for fantastic events with felines and private rentals. 

 

Money raised will be used entirely for café setup with additional funds being used for furnishings, cat walks and trees, stair chair-lift for upstairs accessibility, and kitty cams. Backers can earn rewards like their name on a “Community Pawrtner” wall, early entry to the Catfé, a Kickstarter exclusive tee, Catfé membership, VIP party tickets, a private party for 12, and an Emerald Mug granting the backer a lifetime of free coffee.

 

“We feel Dayton is the perfect place for a locally focused organization like Gem City Catfé,” says Co-Founder, Sabrina Cox. “We’ve seen amazing support so far; people are ready to make a difference and invest in their communities.”

 

To celebrate the launch, the Catfé will hold a daytime party at Boston Stoker downtown at 34 W. 2nd St. from 9:00 – 5:00 PM. The “After Dark” party from 5:00pm – 8:00pm will be held at Proto Build Bar, 534 E. 1st St. Owners Sabrina Cox and Karin Gudal-Johnson invite the public to both events for a meet and greet and special information regarding Gem City Catfé and their Kickstarter campaign.

Democrats Candidate Training Offered

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Have you been thinking about running for office?   The Montgomery County Democratic Party will host a seminar on March 11 & 12 at the IBEW Local 82 on Poe Ave.
This is the intensive 2-day seminar you have been looking for – a training for Democrats who either are planning to run, or on the cusp of making that choice. When you sign up, please commit to attending both days because every part of the agenda builds on the previous section.

They will be focusing on the nuts & bolts work of fundraising, legal compliance, gathering signatures, messaging, voter contact, and creating a campaign plan. When you leave your seminar manual will be your campaign plan.

Please come prepared to learn, work hard, and network with other local candidates. Coffee, lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided each day, and your seminar fee helps cover the cost of catering. Vegetarian options will be available. Please respond to [email protected] with any other dietary restrictions.

Saturday & Sunday, March 11 & 12, 2017 – Coffee Hour & Lunch will feature Keynote Speakers addressing the issues on the daily agenda.

Pecha Kucha #30 Tonight in South Park

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It all started for Dayton Pecha Kucha August of 2009 at c{space.  A crowd of 75 gathered to hear speakers do a 20×20, which means each talk is illustrated by 20 images that show for 20 seconds each, a total of six minutes and 40 seconds.

While it was new for Dayton, Pecha Kucha was actually created in Tokyo in 2003 by a couple of architects, Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, who were seeking a way to encourage student presenters to use PowerPoint in a more organized and succinct manner. The format works best when the presenter picks a main idea, writes a script for his presentation that supports that main idea and then breaks the script into twenty “scenes” that become slides. Only at this point should the presenter begin to think about finding or creating images to go with each slide. Part of the spirit of pecha kucha is that an image on a slide should support what the speaker is saying and not be something the audience has to read.

It was South Park resident Jill Davis that brought the concept to Dayton, entering into a verbal licensing to present these PK Nights 4 times a year.  In a 2013 interview with Meredith Moss Davis claimed, “despite my shyness, I harbored a fantasy of maintaining a salon, like Madame de Recamier, so I would be surrounded regularly by really interesting people,” she said. Going into the eighth year for these events, Davis has created a must attend event, that are fun, interesting and inspiring 
With her partners Matt Sauer andShayna McConville they’ve continued to find unique spaces to host the event, recruited speakers from all over the region, made sure that beeer is part of the mix.

Tonight is the  30th PKDayton and will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 500 Hickory St, Dayton, OH 45410.  The event starts at 7:30pm, but it’s usually best to arrive early and find a seat. About half way through the speakers  there is usually an intermission (for beer and networking) and the presentations usually wrap up about 9:30pm

Elom grew up in Senegal, West Africa before making Dayton her home.

The lively Elom Dossa will be the  emcee. Speakers (not in this order) are:

Kevin Uppstrom – Photos from my world travels as a cargo pilot
Kristina Bilberry – My Catholic University Educated, Black, Female, Daytonian Privilege
Pat Santucci – Creative candy making
Aaron Glett – How to accomplish things when you are different
E. Andi Woods-Fasimpaur – Visual journaling
Marsha Theresa Danzig – Amputee yoga teacher and memoirist
Jude Walsh Whelley – Why I dance
Jill Davis – PK Dayton Founder

Dayton Residents Can Request a Tree Planting in Your Neighborhood!

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City of Dayton residents can apply for free trees for your tree lawn while supplies last!

The City of Dayton will be planting shade trees on Dayton homeowners’ properties this Spring to help make neighborhoods greener and replenish the population of urban trees.

There are 13 species of shade trees available, and homeowners will work with an urban forester to determine a compatible tree based on tree lawn size and whether overhead wires are present. Please note that trees must be planted in the public right-of-way (tree lawn) and that this tree lawn must be at least 3 feet wide and 20 feet from overhead power lines. (This does not include street light wires and telecommunication lines.)

A city contractor will be conducting the tree planting and will run from March 1st to May 31st. The city will water these trees for the next two years. Requests must be received by April 1, 2017. Interested homeowners are encouraged to request a tree as soon as possible because supplies are limited.
Request a tree for your property by calling the Public Works call center at 333-4800 or using the Dayton Delivers app

Dayton Germanfest Picnic Announces New Location

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The Dayton Germanfest Picnic is excited to announce that its new venue is RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton. “We received over 30 suggestions of new locations from all over the Miami Valley,” explained Chairperson John Koerner, “but because of the 127-year connection of our sponsor, the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner, with the downtown area, we really wanted to keep it in Dayton proper if at all possible. A survey conducted on our Facebook page showed that RiverScape MetroPark was by far the most popular choice. Dayton Celtic Fest and other festivals have put RiverScape MetroPark on the map as Dayton’s favorite spot to celebrate, and we look forward to building on that tradition, and infusing it with our own special German ambience – we call it Gemütlichkeit.”

Photo provided by Theresa Gasper

When the Liederkranz received word that Carillon Park would no longer be available for the Germanfest Picnic, Val Hunt Beerbower and Sandy Gudorf from the Downtown Dayton Partnership were among the first to contact us to offer to help us find a new location. The Partnership helped us meet with the folks at Five Rivers MetroParks, who have been a joy to work with. The rest, as they say, is history.

The new location will allow for future growth of the Germanfest Picnic, starting with extended hours this year for the Germanfest Picnic – 5-11 p.m on Friday, August 11, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, with a Polka Mass at 10 a.m.

The Germanfest 5K and 10K will have a new route this year, and has been moved to Saturday morning, August 12 at 9:00 a.m.  Registration information is available at www.keysports.net.

The Dayton Liederkranz Turner is most grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support we have received from the Dayton community this past couple months, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Germanfest Picnic’s new home at RiverScape MetroPark for its 34th edition on August 11, 12 and 13. A full range of sponsorship, marketing, and publicity opportunities are available.

Dog Therapy Helps Kids Read

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Last week NPR released a story about “How Reading Aloud to Therapy Dogs Can Help Struggling Kids.”  It really resonated with me.  Here are the highlights of the story:

While many people are familiar with therapeutic pets and how they can help lift up people’s spirits, bringing them into the classroom might sound far-fetched. How can a therapy pet possibly teach children the life lessons of kindness and empathy? Can a pet really alter the way that students feel about learning?

Educational therapist Rebecca Barker Bridges believed that a dog could help students feel more confident about learning, and so she adopted Stanley, a golden retriever.

Pets are very nonjudgmental, and their calming presence distills stressful situations,” Bridges says. “For children who feel insecure about their capacity to do things like reading, therapy pets bolster their self-confidence, which reduces their anxiety.”

“Students feel self-conscious about reading because they’re afraid of being judged by students and teachers if they don’t do a ‘good job.’ But Stanley dismantles this fear for them. He makes learning joyful,” says Bridges.

After reading this I though wouldn’t this be great way to help our Dayton area students!  Then yesterday as I was scrolling through Facebook I find this post on Bill Franz’s Dayton at Work and Play and realize Dayton’s already got this going on.

 

At Wright Memorial Public Library recently I saw children reading aloud to Riley and another dog. I asked Riley’s owner Lesley Neufeld how Riley had gotten that job.

“Riley is a certified Animal Assisted Therapy dog trained at Dogtors Animal-assisted Therapy” Leslie said. “The training was 10 weeks during which time the professional trainers test the dog/handler teams for aptitude and temperament, instruct us on various topics, observe us in role playing exercises, and put each team through a practical test, plus a written exam for the handler. Dogs must already be obedience trained coming into the program.”

“Riley and I did some visiting at Hospice of Dayton and an assisted living residence, but he is such a natural with kids that we only do reading now. We go to Wright Library, Centerville Library and Parkwood School in Beavercreek. There is no scientific evidence on reading dogs, but there are theories about kids getting over their fear of reading aloud because of the calming, non-judgmental presence of a dog.”

Just one more of the many positive, cool things Dayton has going on.  So proud of our Region and all those who make a difference in such a caring way!

DP & L Offers College Scholarships for Energy-Related Careers

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The Dayton Power  and Light Company (DP&L), a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES), and Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (Vectren), are offering three  scholarships to high school seniors who plan to work in the energy industry.

 

Each $1,000 scholarship will be granted for college tuition and expenses to deserving students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, knowledge and an interest in continuing their studies by pursuing an energy-related career.

 

The scholarships will be facilitated by the Ohio Energy Project, a non-profit energy education organization that also works with DP&L and Vectren on their energy efficiency programs and activities, including the annual Energy Fair. The University of Dayton is host to the Energy Fair which allows area high school students to teach students in grades 3-8 about energy efficiency through hands-on experiments and games.

 

Students applying for the scholarships must be graduating seniors and members of families who are DP&L or Vectren customers. Students must demonstrate involvement in energy-related classroom, school or community activities or programs.

 

The deadline for applying for a scholarship is April 15.

 

Information about the scholarships has been distributed to area schools. To obtain an application package, visitdpandl.com/scholarship.

Making A Difference In Dayton: Norris Cole

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Norris Cole is a professional basketball player.  He played with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2015-2016 season. Prior to playing with the Pelicans, he played for the Miami Heat.  A Dayton native, Norris graduated from Dunbar High School as the Salutatorian and Cleveland State University with a degree in Health Science.  Norris was an accomplished basketball player, setting career highs and receiving a number of accomplishments while at Cleveland State University where his jersey was retired February 12, 2016.  Since entering the NBA, he appeared in the NBA finals his first three seasons and captured NBA Championships in his first two.

While basketball is a significant part of Norris’ life, education has always been a priority.  He has a passion for the Dayton community and is committed to stressing the importance of education and positive character development among youth.  The Norris Cole Foundation provides Norris an opportunity to give back beyond his notoriety as a professional basketball player.

On Sat, March 11th the Norris Cole Foundation  will host the Cole Climb.   Says Scott Sliver, member of the Cole Climb planning committee, “Norris (The Norris Cole Foundation) promotes education, health and well-being, and community service… All of which are extremely important to the future of our city. Norris is from Dayton and still very much involved right here at home. I’m very excited to be a small part of this event!”

Runners will climb 30 flights of stairs or 600 steps (10 flights or 200 steps for kids). Climbers are lined up in the order the entry was received and start every 10 seconds. Order and approximate start times will be posted at norriscolefoundation.org on March 4th. Race participants who register the day of the event will start after the last pre-registered runner.
Start a race team and compete in one of three divisions: Female, Male or Co-Ed. All teams must consist of 4 team members. Co-Ed teams must be 2 females and 2 males. Top 3 teams in each division receive awards.
Online registration now open.

Received by March 4, 2017
Pre-Registration—$30
Kid’s Climb—$15

Onsite
Registration—$40
Kid’s Climb—$20

Team/partner registrations must be received by March 4, 2017 and submitted in one envelope or email. Team/partner registrations cannot be taken onsite.

Registration includes: t-shirt, recovery bag and after-party

Schedule*
Registration opens at 8:30am
Fun climb begins at 9:45am
Race begins at 10am
After part opens at 11am
Kids Fun Climb begins at 11:15am
Dayton Police and Fire Challenge begins at 11:45am

*schedule based upon the number of participants

PRACTICE CLIMB: March 4, 2011 @ 10AM

Dayton at Work And Play: Bonnett’s Book Store

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Bonnett’s Book Store (502 E. 5th Street) was opened in the 1930’s, which probably makes it the oldest business in The Oregon District. I dropped by recently to learn more about the store’s history from Kevin Bonnett.

“My grandfather made the money he used to start this store by writing crime stories. They were published in pulp magazines like Black Mask and Thrilling Detective. We found a letter he wrote saying that he had sold 5 stories for $50 each, so maybe that was what he used to start this store.”

“The original name of the store was Bonnett’s Back Issue Magazines. Pulp magazines often had long stories told in installments. So when you finished reading an installment you could sell your used magazine to my grandfather and buy one with the next installment of the story you were reading.”

“Most of the toys you see in the store date back to my father’s time. A customer who was moving out of town gave my Dad a toy to remember him by, and he placed it on a shelf in the store. My Dad thought that toy looked lonely and added a few. Then other customers started giving toys to the store and here we are. People are constantly asking about buying some of the toys, but they aren’t for sale. They’re part of the store’s history.”

RTA Shows Love To Customers By Offering Free Rides

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The Greater Dayton RTA is offering a Valentine’s Day gift to its customers who use the Transit app – free rides on Tuesday, February 14 if you show the app to your driver.

Any rider who has Transit app open on their smart phone and presents it to the driver while boarding on Valentine’s Day can ride all day at no charge. This free ride day is the result of more than 1,000 customers downloading Transit app during an RTA promotion before the New Year. The app now has more than 2,200 downloads in Dayton.

Transit app was included as part of RTA’s RideTime real-time bus tracking technology rollout in December 2016. It works on any Apple or Android smartphone and is free to download in the App Store or via Google Play when users look for this logo:

Transit app uses RTA’s real-time GPS technology to enable users to track their bus, send alerts for when the bus is approaching a stop or nearing their destination, or plan a trip.

Riders who haven’t yet downloaded Transit app are encouraged to try it out and enjoy a free ride on Valentine’s Day. RTA staff hope customers will love Transit just as much as they do.

How-to guides, videos and links for how to use Transit app along with RideTime phone, text and computer-tracking features each are available at iriderta.org/ridetime. Information can also be found on the agency’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

RTA is Ohio’s greenest fleet, and serves 3,300 stops on 31 routes throughout Montgomery and parts of Greene County. The agency operates diesel, hybrid diesel, and electric trolley buses that take people to work, school and shopping. Customers ride RTA on more than 9 million passenger trips each year. 

 

Last Minute LOVE, LOOT and LUST!!

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Uh-Oh! Valentine’s day crept up on you! Now what?? No need to worry! Agnes and Orson Gifts and Goods has the last minute magic covered. Here are some unique ideas for you and your Loved-One!

For the Traditional – Cards, candles and love notes are always a hit. If you the irreverent lover, be sure and find one of the many off-color cards in store. There are plenty.

Love Notes are Always Fun!

For the Jewelry & Leather Lover – nothing says ‘Love You’ like earrings, or a new bag! If you are wanting to make a lasting impression, start with the Matt and Nat collection!

Jewelry…Always a winner!

For the Earthy Partner – Terrariums are so much fun to grow together! Go Green, and be a champion of all things natural. Look for the ones in the larger vessels…go BIG!

For the Eccentric Mate – you will find everything from hanging whales, to signs of innuendo! One thing A&O does very well, is find something you never knew you, or the ones you loved, needed.

For the cool cat – there is nothing more year-round then sunglasses. A collection of the stylish, to the statement, to the stud is here for your pal. Sunglasses provide the fun and fantasy of donning a new look daily…and they are a great price point gift!!

For Your little Valentine – an assortment of adorable pillows awaits. Handmade right here in Dayton, these keepsakes always bring a smile to moms and dads alike!

For the Sophisticated – look into A&O’s antiques and collectibles. Why not place those roses in a vase for the 1920’s! A wide selection of Martha Stewart’s favorite, Frankoma, really says ‘I Thought About this Gift!’

Frankoma has been gaining popularity again!

Great gifts are yours at A&O, with holiday hours: Open Saturday 11a – 4pm. Monday 12P-5p. Tuesday 11a – 7pm.
The New Agnes and Orson is located at 514 East Third Street in the Cannery Building!!

Dayton Region Walk of Fame Accepting Nominations

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Wright Dunbar, Inc. announces that 2016 Dayton Region Walk of Fame nomination forms are now available online at www.daytonregionswalkoffame.org. Paper nomination forms are also available at the Wright Dunbar, Inc. office, 1105 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402. Nominations must be typed and received by noon on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 online or in the Wright Dunbar office. 

Individuals or groups from the Dayton region or who have spent a significant amount of time in the region and have made an enduring impact on the local community, the region, the nation and/or world are eligible for nomination. Arts/Culture, Aviation, Business/Corporate Leaders, Community Service, Education, Entertainment/Media, Environment, Government/Military, Invention/Innovation, Law, Medicine, Philanthropy, Science, Significant Personal Achievement and Sports are the categories highlighted.

 

Last year’s honorees were Nancy Cartwright, Dr. Martin Delany, Donald (Don) J. Donoher, Harold (Hal) McCoy, Bette Rogge Morse, Robert (Bob) P. Ross and Norma Ross, Dr. Benjamin Schuster and Marians Schuster and General Janet Wolfenbarger. A list of past inductees is available at www.daytonregionswalkoffame.org.