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Save The Seed Love Brunch To Support The Mustard Seed Home

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This past Winter, The Mustard Seed Foundation announced that in 2017 would they need to find a new home for their foundation, reaching out to their community of supporters and the city of Dayton to help them raise $60,000 towards a new location. Now being being less than 60 days from needing to vacate their present home and $25,000 left to raise for a down payment, they can see the light at the end of the tunnel but still need help in keeping a roof over their young families’ heads.

The Mustard Seed Foundation addresses the physical, social, and educational needs of teen mothers and their children. Providing a safe, secure and supportive environment clients are able to break through barriers and reduce the percentage of child abuse and neglect cases and multiple unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, their programs assist with completing educational goals which will enable them to become self-sufficient.

This Saturday, February 11th, De Lish Café will host a Brunch to support the foundation. In addition to a spectacular brunch created by the chef at De’Lish, they will have a dessert auction featuring tasty treats from Dayton favorites:

Loyal Tee’s Custom Cakes LLC
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It’z All Goode Catering
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Twist Cupcakery
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Cake, Hope, and Love
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Tricia’s Delicious Catering
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SWEET RAIN Desserts
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ele Cake Company 
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Bless Me Sweets
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Cakes in the Jar
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Sugar Sweets by Peeks
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Butter, Baking and Bacon

Tickets are nearly sold out, but if you would like to purchase tickets to attend you can do so at http://tmsfofdayton.org/lovebrunch/ or in person at The Mustard Seed Foundation office. 

** ALL OF THE AUCTION MONEY WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE MUSTARD SEED FOUNDATION. **

Founder Shondale Atkinson

Since opening its doors, the Mustard Seed, it’s Founder Shondale Atkinson and team have been committed to empowering pregnant and parenting adolescent moms and their children to achieve their highest potential. Through education, leadership skills, and self-respect; we are ultimately breaking the cycle of family abuse, neglect, and poverty. Providing a variety of programs and services focused on four critical need areas, residential, health/wellness outreach, prevention & awareness the Foundation has had a positive impact on teen development, the lives and families of these young girls who so urgently needed their services.

If you are not able to attend the Brunch this Saturday, donations towards this final push of $25,000 can be made here http://tmsfofdayton.org/96-2/donate/

Mystery Monday – February 6, 2017

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Welcome to Week 52 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 51’s Mystery Photo is: The CSX Railroad’s Great Miami River Train Bridge in downtown Dayton. I took this photo on January 4, 2017.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Su Neal of Dayton. Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 52:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Announcing (DE-FI) Fashion Week’s Full Schedule

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We are (DE-FI)ng Fashion Week! With a different Fashion Show popping up every week that garners applause as models sashay up and down the runway, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of lights, camera’s and action BUT the fashion show is just the tip of the iceberg and only makes up 5% of the Fashion Industry.

Mb Hopkins Art Raises Funds For Mental Health Services for Refugees

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Bill Franz, local photographer who captures so many great thing in the Miami Valley and shares them on his  Dayton at Work and Play site snapped the picture below.  He met artist Mb Hopkins last night at Courthouse Square as he was photographing the Emergency Protest Against Trump’s Refugee Ban.

Mb had created a beautiful art work and was giving prints to people in exchange for their contribution to the local Unitarian Fellowship for World Peace. This organization provides no-fee mental health services in several languages to refugees and immigrants.

“The best part of last night — well, there were many best parts — was getting a big hug from a woman in a hijab, and having several teachers who wanted multiple posters to share with their teacher friends and to put up in their classrooms. Teach your children well! Great, loving crowd”,  says artist Mb Hopkins.

If you would like to own your own print, you can find them at Eclectic Essentials and CLASH in the Oregon District and at Sam And Eddies Open Books in Yellow Springs! All money goes to Unitarian Fellowship for World Peace.

2017 Super Bowl Commercials

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For many, the commercials at the Super Bowl are almost a bigger draw than the actual football game.  In the very first Super Bowl in 1957 a 30 second spot sold for only $42,000.  In 2007  spots sold for about $2.6 million.  At an average cost this year of $5 million per 30 second spot, advertisers often but these spots long before the teams have claimed their championship spots.  Fox reports that over 90% of this years spots were sold by December.   The Super Bowl ads are the most expensive commercials you can buy.  Ads during the World Series this year topped out at $500,000 and during the Oscars last year cost about $2 million.

Last year’s average Super Bowl spot was seen by about 112 million viewers, and it’s this huge draw that makes companies spend months trying to create the epic ad that will go viral.  There is no exact recipe, as over the years  celebrity, spoofs and little old ladies have all topped the ranks of best commercial ever.  Coco-Cola’s Mean Joe Green is a classic from 1979, Wendy’s 1984 hit, Where’s the Beef and Apple’s 1984 Introduction of Macintosh are some of the most successful commercials ever.

Here’s a look at what 2017’s Super Bowl ads look like:

Lady Gaga stars in Tiffany & Co. FIRST EVER Super Bowl commercial!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OGTdbGZE0o

FIJI Water is a gift from nature to us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=MeF134YMoS0

Tom Brady stars in this Intel 360° Technology spot proving you can make anything look epic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTw7eten1no

Mr. Clean gets a little sexy in this spot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=GDzMxlw2Fgo

 

This is the story of our founder’s ambitious journey to America in pursuit of his dream: to brew the King of Beers.

The Coen Brothers, produced this “Born to be Wild” spot featuring Peter Fonda.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvHFM8c7cPM

 

Ford Encourages us all to Go Further

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhtHflDrnAU

 

Papa John’s is a long time Super Bowl Advertiser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5GKhjJ5uno

 

If you can’t believe your eyes when you see the new Buick, then you’re in for a big surprise with “Not So Pee Wee Football,”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx2PMnSzCB4

Here’s the extended cut of the Lexus spot Man and Machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_iktzXK4K0

 

Roadside Assistance in the 2017 Kia Niro can assist you from most places on earth, even an iceberg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLL2yLAu7wk

Who says romance is dead? Skittles proves it’s not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r9HyWPlTtI

“Yellow Tail Guy”

Wendy’s, hit it big in 1984 with there “Where’s the Beef”commercial, rated as the 2nd most influential spot.  Here’s the spot that will air this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfrmSVZXfuE

 

 

The ‘HILL’ is Alive, St. Anne’s that is!

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There was a day when driving east on 5th Street, you may have wanted blinders, hoping to just pass quickly through the abandoned houses and businesses. My, oh my, how things have changed! Today, when you begin your ascent into St. Anne’s Hill, you actually slow down to see all the progress! And it is everywhere.

“Today, you see banners, flowers and bustling businesses,” says St. Anne’s Historic District board member Mary Jo DuPree. “It’s really an exciting neighborhood.” St. Anne’s Hill, once known as Vinegar Hill due to all its rich orchards, has been working on its renaissance for some time, and it has paid off. “No doubt that the 5th Street Brew Pub was instrumental in putting St. Anne’s back on the map.” DuPree goes on, “but when you reside here, it is the sense of community you really appreciate.” She recalls her first day as a resident like this, “I was moving things into my new place and my neighbor literally came by and said ‘Need a ladder? Need a screwdriver? Need anything at all…let me know!’ That means a lot. People here foster goodwill for each other.”

Neighbors in St. Anne’s Hill quickly become friends through a plethora of activities. “We have chili cook-offs, soup and salad socials, Porch, Patio and Deck parties, game nights and lasagna dinners.” Says Chris Sidner, a resident. “We also have events for people outside the neighborhood to enjoy like our Christmas and Garden Tours.”

You would think a transition like this would take a PR maven, but it is ‘word-of-mouth’ that has propelled St. Anne’s Hill. You cannot talk with this group of neighbors without getting the sense that they want everyone to know how great it really is. “We have a website (Stanneshill.org), a Facebook page, and a neighborhood newsletter, but it is the people’s stories about living here that inspire new neighbors.” DuPree adds.

In this hotly divided political time, St. Anne’s stands proud of its diverse community. Within its radius, you will find a Turkish Center, a Mosque and many people from many backgrounds. It is the mix that makes the area so appealing. “You will find quite a wide range of people here. The LGBTQ community is very prevalent here.” says Sidner.

The neighborhood, which is made up of about 300 or so parcels abuts Huffman Historical District and Newcom Plain. St. Anne’s resurgence is inspiring these areas to follow suit, with more and more homes being renovated in both.

St. Anne’s, even with its eye on the future, keeps its roots in the past. The homes are updated respectfully and thoughtfully. The storied past of this section of the city, spared in the 1913 flood, was used to assist Dayton’s wounded and ill. It was the location of the first Anticoli’s restaurant. It is home to the invention of the Forkula and the Water Broiler. And of course, the beer being brewed on 5th Street, flows daily.

Dayton is known for her historic areas. Oregon, with her restaurants and nightlife; South Park, with her wide boulevard and eclectic homes; Wright-Dunbar, with its tribute to the names we still hold dear; McPherson Town, and its stories of survival and revitalization; Dayton View, with its prominent past and unparalleled architecture…The list goes on and on!

For St. Anne’s Hill it comes down to taking care of folks! “We depen

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d on a network of people. Through that network, you find diversity, safety and a sense of home!” DuPree says.  On your next Sunday drive, head up 5th , open your eyes, and enjoy this little gem of a neighborhood. You’ll like what you see!

 

Mystery Monday – January 30, 2017

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Welcome to Week 51 of Mystery Mondays. The answer to Week 50’s Mystery Photo is: The Schantz Memorial Fountain on Riverview Avenue near downtown Dayton. The fountain stands on the site of the Schantz family owned Riverside Brewery and the birthplace of brewer Adam Schantz, Jr. which was on River Street. These properties were razed along with River Street after The Great Flood of 1913 in order to improve the Great Miami River channel. I took this photo on December 10, 2016.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Matthew P of Dayton Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 51:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

10 Steps to Buying a Home

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While buying a home in Dayton Ohio is a process that tends to follow a predictable series of steps, some steps can be complex and may need more oversight to see them through successfully. Think of a real estate agent as a trail guide. They’ve been down this path many times before, they know where the tricky parts are and how to proactively navigate through those brambles. Having an experienced professional (that would be me!) guiding the process can help get your transaction completed smoothly.  Let’s take a quick overview of each step:

Step 1- Find a Realtor You Can Trust
First things first- Trust! You have to find a Realtor who is going to really listen to your needs and who YOU feel comfortable with. When interviewing Realtors pay attention to what and how they are communicating with you. Is this transaction about YOUR needs and wants, or is it about a commission check for them? Of course we work to pay our bills just like you do, but YOUR needs come first. You should have no doubt that your Realtor is working in YOUR best interest, not her own. At our first meeting, we will sit down and discuss YOUR needs and wants, and I will briefly explain the buying process and my fiduciary duty to you.
A further discussion about Step 1, can be found here.

Step 2- Explore Your Financial Options & Get Pre-Approved
Can you afford to buy a home right now? And if so, how much home can you afford? How much home is in your financial comfort zone. You see, you might be able to afford a home, but maybe not in the neighborhoods you really want (I can tell you about some financial options if that is the case). Or financing a home is not the issue, but how big a mortgage do you really want? If you enjoy spending money on something other than a mortgage, I completely understand and won’t push you to buy more home than you are comfortable with. All of these questions need to be taken into consideration in order for you to be happy with your home. I don’t want you to happy with your home for the first month you live there, I want you to be happy for as long as you live there! Over the years I have worked with a number of lenders I can introduce you to, each one tends to specialize in a particular type or style of loan, that way, you can tailor your financing to help you meet YOUR individual needs and find a loan you can actually live with.
For more details about financing a home, check out the blog post, here.

Step 3- Exploring Neighborhoods
This is important. You buy a home, but your neighbors come with it. Don’t let other people tell you where to live- including a Realtor. Do your own due diligence when searching out neighborhoods. Here’s my tip- find out when the middle school lets out and park near a bus stop and listen and watch the middle school kids as they walk home. You will learn a lot about the neighborhood by observing middle schoolers- think about it. That age has no filter on their mouths. Stop by the neighborhood on a Saturday and talk to the neighbors- don’t be shy- neighbors are a wealth of information not only about what is happening in the neighborhood, but about any home you happen to be interested in. Utilize this excellent source of first-hand knowledge as most neighbors love to talk and welcome in potential new neighbors.
Find more detailed information about finding neighborhoods, here.

Step 4- Finding a Home, AKA The Fun Part
This is where the planning and research you’ve done in the first 3 steps pays off. Now we get in my comfy car and head out to explore the homes and indulge in some dreaming. I will set you up in the MLS so only the homes that meet your needs get sent directly to your inbox. We can discuss the pros and cons of each home. I will look for potential flaws- not to scare you away, but to make you aware of issues you might have to address down the road. Nearly every flaw that is found either by me, by you, or by an inspector, has a solution but the question is always- are you comfortable with it? So we will look at floor plans and how they might be a good fit for your lifestyle, but we will also try to find out if there is water in the basement or duct work, if the windows need replaced and are there HOA rules and regs that restrict the type of window replacement? Stuff like that comes up in almost every home. Remember, I’m the trail guide. I’m here to help you find solutions.
This step is discussed in more detail, here.

Step 5- Making an Offer
Not nearly as stressful as it may seem, I will give you stats on homes in the area, as much of the history of the home as we can find, and anything else that might help you determine not only what the seller might accept, but what you will be comfortable with, because sometimes those are two separate things, and if we can get to a meeting of the minds, then we have an accepted contract. The contract itself is one used by the Dayton Area Board of Realtors, approved by their cadre of legal experts, and used by agents in the general area. In brief, it describes the home, the offer you are making, and the timeline to be expected. This is a legally binding contract so it’s important that you understand it. We will take some time with this step because I will go over it with you  clause-by-clause, discussing the ramifications of each item in the contract and answering your questions and concerns.
Details about Making an Offer can be found here.It's gonna be alright

Step 6- Negotiation Period
Stay calm. Most offers are not accepted without some negotiating between buyer and seller so we enter into a negotiation period where any number of things might need to be tweaked in order to make all parties happy. The typically negotiated items are price, seller-paid closing costs, and a closing date, but don’t be surprised if things like appliances, occupancy dates, and earnest money get changed. Everything is negotiable, so don’t panic, stay calm, and trust your Realtor (see Step 1!).
Negotiating an offer can be stressful, but knowing what to expect will help. Find out how to navigate the negotiation period, here.

Step 7- Inspection Period and Transaction Coordination Period
A lot happens behind the scenes during this time frame- typically about 2 weeks total. This is the time when you are contractually able to make any inspections you want to have made. Usually buyers start with whole house and wood destroying insect inspections and see where that leads them. We also need to get title work started and the lender begins working on getting the loan approved, appraisals ordered. Don’t panic, you have hired professionals, we do this work for a living so your Realtor will make contact with your lender and the title company you’ve chosen and we will get to work coordinating all those items. Your job at this point is to hire the inspector ( I can give you a list of the best in the area), go to the inspection to learn more about your home, cooperate with your lender to provide any additional documentation they might need as they work through the underwriting process, and to secure home owners insurance.
Inspections and loans and titles, oh my! Take a look at Step 7, here.

Step 8- Repair Period
Depending on what the purchase contract says, once you get the results of the home inspections, if there are any habitability issues that were discovered, you can decide whether you will ask the seller to make repairs. Like Step 5 when you made the offer, the repair period is usually done with some negotiating involved. If an agreement cannot be reached, again, depending on what your contract says, you have an option to terminate the contract. At this point, you’ve likely spent money on inspections and other fees so it’s not a small thing to walk away from the contract. One of the reasons I look for flaws when we initially see the home is that while I am certainly not an inspector, there can be potential problems that you might want to know about before you make an offer.  This is also the time any title issues would be discovered.
Get the details on negotiating repairs, here.

Step 9- Clear to Close
At this point, all contract contingencies have been removed and the underwriter has okayed the loan, we have a clean title, and we are clear to close. You would schedule utilities to be transferred into your name, we schedule a 24 walk-through inspection to check that the home is in the condition it was when you wrote the offer, and we schedule the closing.
Almost there- Check out more about Step 9.

Step 10- The Closing
In Dayton, we often hold “round table” closings where all the parties still down at the same time and sign documents to transfer title, the final step to home ownership. By systematically and carefully working through the previous steps, we’ve successfully navigated the process and you are now ready to create memories in your new home. Congratulations- you did it!
What happens at the closing?

Applications Now Being Accepted For Pop Up Shops!

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Activated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for short-term retail and service businesses to open downtown this spring as part of the twelfth phase of its Pop-Up Shop Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Baker Salvage Co. on St. Clair

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be filled out online at www.activatedspaces.org, or downloaded and emailed to Jen Cadieux at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, February 17. Tenants will be notified the week of March 6, and retailers must be ready to open in May.

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday and Summer in the City. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.

Activated Spaces volunteers are building on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s previous phases. Thirteen of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still including: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.; Hicks’ Barber Shop, 16 Brown St.;  Twist Cupcakery, 25 S. St. Clair St.; Fronana, 27 W. 1st St; Mitosis Creative, 14 W. 1st St. Suite 302; Baker Salvage Co, 31 S. St. Clair St.; Starred by Tamika, 37 S. St. Clair St.; Buckeye Laptop, 133 N. Ludlow; and Soccer Shots, 39 S. St. Clair St.  Since the inception of the project in 2011, more than 21,000 square feet of previously vacant space has been occupied and 41 new jobs have been created.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to Pop-Up owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Once a match is made, a small stipend is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team to each of the businesses each month for the first three months to assist in off-setting startup costs.

The Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations UpDayton and Generation Dayton with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, the City of Dayton Neighborhood Mini-Grant program, and community volunteers. Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

Nominations Now Open To Recognize Local IT Professionals

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Technology First is an industry-led, industry-driven trade association. Their goal is to develop the Dayton and southwest Ohio region into the best-connected information technology community. As new technologies enter the marketplace leveraging the experience of peers and the knowledge of suppliers becomes necessary to make better, faster decisions.

The Technology First Leadership awards recognize the contribution of information technology students and professionals ensuring a vibrant Dayton community.  Recognizing individuals and teams exemplifying Technology First values: creating a community to share knowledge, grow business, and explore the future.

 

Categories are below – NOMINATE today!

Award of Excellence – Student Project
An IT college student or team that exhibited excellence while delivering a capstone project.

Outstanding Technology Team
An IT department that has impacted the efficiency, productivity & performance of their company.

Best IT Services Company
An IT company that has increased its investment in the Dayton region through revenue, jobs, or capacity.

Emerging Technology Leader
A young professional that has exhibited excellence in the workforce in the first few years of their career.

IT Executive of the Year
A senior level professional responsible for influencing progress and developing teams through leadership excellence.

The Leadership Awards will be presented at the University of Dayton, Flight Deck on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

To become a sponsor and have your company seen as an advocate of the tech community, please reach out to Kindra Beck at [email protected].

Mystery Monday – January 23, 2017

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Welcome to Week 50 of Mystery Mondays. We had many who entered the contest say that these are the arched windows inside The Dayton Arcade’s rotunda, but no the answer to Week 49’s Mystery Photo is: The arched windows on the second floor of The Coliseum at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, built in 1922. I took this photo on January 15, 2017 during the Bloody Mary Showdown event.

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Charles H of Germantown. Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 50:

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

Metaphorically Speaking presents Love, Sex, & Poetry: ‘Til Death Do Us Part

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Producing gritty, sexy, energetic, poetry slam competitions is how it all began nearly four years ago for the poetry collective Metaphorically Speaking. Today the group has morphed into a major player in Dayton’s arts and entertainment community. The group has moved from producing monthly poetry slam competitions to producing full stage productions to nearly sell-out crowds. On Saturday, January 28 at Victoria Theatre Metaphorically Speaking presents Love, Sex, & Poetry: ‘Til Death Do Us Part, a tale of the highs and lows of the journey to find love and the sacrifices we make to hold on to it.

Love, Sex & Poetry features Metaphorically Speaking founders/spoken word artists Tony “Ace Metaphor” Nalls and Jay Martinez. Spoken word artist Tripp Fontane, comedian BooMan, lyricist JiGi, and actress/dancer Vanae Iesha round out the cast with DJ Big Al and Musical Director Terence O. Hayes, Jr. providing the soundtrack and musical backdrop for the show. “This show is different than what our fans are used to seeing from us,” said Nalls, “It’s not a slam, it’s a production in two acts with a lot of moving parts, high and lows. We want the audience to feel every emotion possible…sad, happy, excited, and angry. We want them to feel a part of the production.”

 

Metaphorically Speaking has come a long way from its start as a monthly poetry slam competition. Early shows saw modest turnouts but commitment, hard work, and dedication have yielded significant growth for the group. Each performance at the Victoria Theatre has grown with 900 attending the April 2016 Battle of the Sexes. The group seeks to sell out the venue for Love, Sex & Poetry. “This journey has been amazing,” said Natasha R. Moreland Spears, the groups manager, “They say slow and steady wins the race, and Metaphorically Speaking is winning in the pursuit to bring poetry and the arts to the masses.”

Metaphorically Speaking is not a small, exclusive group of artists. It is a collective that incorporates all forms of art to support and engage the broadest aspects of the community. This is most evident in the group’s work with elementary and high school students through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, HRC and Dayton Public Schools, and the Montgomery County Juvenile Department. “Poetry is an amazing form of expression,” said co-founder Jay Martinez. “It’s a place to dump your secrets, your fears, and your hopes without judgement or vulnerability.” Metaphorically Speaking is creating movement of poetry and the arts that is expanding; broadening both its artistic and academic components.

The four partners of Metaphorically Speaking, Tony Nalls, Jay Martinez, Natasha R. Moreland Spears, and Frank “Buddy” Pitts, are excite about the future of the collective. From the launch of an academic arm later this year to the growth of its entertainment endeavors, the collective is positioning itself for longevity. “We are methodically and consistently expanding our brand,” said Pitts, the company’s strategist and graphic designer. “As creatives, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to expand our territory while remaining true to who MS is and to our fans.”

Metaphorically Speaking’s Love, Sex & Poetry: ‘Til Death Do Us Part will take place from 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main Street in Dayton. This show is rated mature for language and adult content. Tickets range from $33.50 to $83.50 and may be purchased at www.ticketcenterstage.com. To stay up to date on all things Metaphorically Speaking, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat pages @metaphoricallyspeakingdayton.

Have You Renewed Your Dog License? Deadline Jan 31st

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Licenses are to be renewed annually by January 31st. If you obtain a dog after January 31st, you are required to license your dog immediately.  A penalty equal to the cost of the dog license applies after 30 days of acquiring your pet. Unless confined in a registered kennel, dogs must wear their license tag at all times. All dogs discovered without a dog license tag are subject to impounding, sale, or destruction. No refunds are given on dog licenses.

If your dog’s tag is lost, the County Auditor will issue a duplicate tag for $5.00 when provided with proof of licensing. Transferring the ownership of your dog to another person must be done through the Auditor’s Office and costs $5.00.

Ohio law requires dogs over 3 months of age to be licensed. The county is authorized to hold a licensed dog for up to 14 days after mailing a notice of its capture to the owner before it can either be humanely destroyed or adopted. Unlicensed dogs may be destroyed or adopted out after being held for 3 days.

A dog that is not wearing his/her license is held for only 3 days so make sure your dog has his/her license on!

Why License Your Dog? IT’S THE LAW!
If your dog is ever missing, a dog license tag provides a quick and accurate way of notifying you if someone else finds your pet. It is also Ohio law that all dogs are licensed:

  • All dogs three months of age or older must be licensed. No dog shall be harbored, kept, or owned without displaying a valid registration tag. (The law applies regardless of whether the dog is kept inside or out.) ORC (Ohio Revised Code) 955.21
  • A penalty shall be assessed if dog license is not secured on or before January 31st, or within 30 days after the dog becomes 3 months of age, or is brought from outside the state. ORC 955.01
  • Certificates or registration and registration tags shall be valid only during the CALENDAR year in which they are issued and during the first thirty-one (31) days of the following calendar year. ORC 955.09

There are 4 methods to apply for/renew registration:

1. If you received a dog license reminder and want to renew by mail, correct all license information on the form, if necessary. You can make copies to add new dogs, if needed. Select fee, indicate whether your dog(s) has been spayed or neutered, and sign and date form. Mail the top half of form, check or money order made out to Montgomery County Dog License to the following address:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY DOG LICENSE
PO BOX 972
DAYTON, OH 45422-1031

Include veterinarian certification for the spay/neuter fee exclusion, if necessary. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your application and payment so that your tag(s) may be sent to you.

2. Apply/renew online and pay with a credit card, debit card or e-check. Your tag(s) will be sent to you. If you need a veterinarian’s certification for the spay/neuter fee exclusion, you must use the mail-in option or the 4 outposts listed in method no. 4. Three-year and permanent licenses are not available online.

3. Print a blank application and mail it and your check to the address on the application. Include veterinarian certification for the spay/neuter fee exclusion, if necessary.

4. Go to any of our outposts. If you have a spay/neuter fee exclusion and need to provide veterinarian certification, breed registry number, or hunting license number, you must go to the Auditor’s Licensing Office or the Animal Resource Center.

Roadtrip: Hamilton’s IceFest Worth The Drive

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Downtown Hamilton will be transformed as IceFest returns this weekend.  As the City of Sculpture’s premier community event and fundraiser. this year’s theme, ‘To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before’, pays tribute to the explorer in all of us with ice sculptures centered around the frontier of exploration, science, and technology as well as the people who have taken us there over the years.

Due to the unseasonable 50s-60s tempteratures predicted for the weekend the ice carving professionals have recommended that they put out half of the ice sculptures Friday night and the other half Saturday morning.

Friday Night: Sculptures will be put out along the courthouse lawn near dusk for the Technicolor Ice Walk which will compliment the live Fire and Ice carving demonstration occurring next to Second Street at 7pm. Our showcase carver will also be working out in front of the Government Services Building on his large 10 block showcase sculpture throughout the evening.

Saturday: Additional sculptures will be placed along High Street in front of the buildings spanning from the Government Services Building to the Key Bank building at Second Street.

Activities planned for the weekend:

Friday, January 20th: 4pm – 9pm
All Day: Amateur Photo Contest sponsored by Barclaycard
All Day: 12 block ice carving showcase – Government Service Center
4pm: Ice Sculptures along High Street from Front St to MLKJ Blvd
5pm-8pm: Children’s Area Activities at Journal Square sponsored by The Lane Libraries
4pm-8pm: ArtFest craft fair located in Government Service Center
7pm: Fire & Ice Demonstration presented by Tri-Health at Second Street
Sunset – 9pm: Technicolor Ice Walk – lighting sculpture display around Courthouse

Saturday, January 21st: 10am – 4pm
All Day: Amateur Photo Contest sponsored by Barclaycard
All Day: Ice Sculptures along High Street from Front St to MLKJ Blvd
All Day: Children’s Throne photo-op Sponsored by Rose Automotive
10am-4pm: Children’s Area Activities at Journal Square sponsored by The Lane Libraries
10am-4pm: ArtFest craft fair in Government Service Center
10am-2pm: Ice Carving Competition presented by Miami Regionals on Second St. (Mercy Hospital’s People’s Choice & Best of Show Award Ballots available at Info Booth on Second St.)
12 noon: Meijer Soap Carving Competition Awards at Courthouse Gazebo
2pm: Carruthers Family Human Sled Race on Court Street (south side of Courthouse)
3pm: Speed Carving Demonstration presented by Chaco Credit Union at Second Street


Saturday Activities hosted by the Lane Public Libraries

IceFest Activities at the Lane Tech Center: Saturday, 10AM – 2PM
Warm up during IceFest with a fun craft and hot chocolate at the Lane Libraries Community Technology Center located at 10 Journal Square, right next to the Children’s Area.

Minecraft Snowball Fight: Saturday, 10AM – 2PM
Stop in to the Lane Libraries Community Technology Center during IceFest to join an epic Minecraft snowball fight. Pick a team, create and throw Minecraft snowballs and avoid letting your opponents connect!

Meet a Penguin at IceFest!: Saturday, 12PM – 2PM
Presented by the Lane Libraries, Held at Miami University Hamilton Downtown: The Newport Aquarium’s Wave Foundation presents interesting facts about African Penguins followed by a meet and greet with a live penguin! Don’t miss this awesome program and photo op brought to you by the Lane Libraries.

Dayton Foundation Opens ScholarshipCONNECT for 2017-2018 Applications

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The Dayton Foundation has launched its 2017-2018 scholarship application process and is pleased to once again offer students access to ScholarshipCONNECT, an online scholarship search and college readiness resource. Students can access ScholarshipCONNECT by visiting the online site.

ScholarshipCONNECT offers over 170 scholarship opportunities through The Dayton Foundation and educational foundations that are part of the Foundation. The system uses a detailed questionnaire to match students, based upon their educational interests and background, to possible scholarship opportunities. Students and parents also can help plan and pay for college by accessing links to online financial aid, scholarship and loan resources, and tools, such as a college debt calculator.

In fiscal year 2015-2016, The Dayton Foundation and the Dayton-Montgomery County Scholarship Program, a component fund of The Dayton Foundation since 2006, have awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to help nearly 1,400 students advance their educational goals.

The deadline to submit a completed ScholarshipCONNECT online application for scholarships for the 2017-2018 school year is March 10, 2017. For more information and success stories from previous years’ scholarship recipients, visit ScholarshipCONNECT, or connect with The Dayton Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

Dayton Book Fair Announces 2017 Beneficiaries

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After reading scores of applications from many deserving organizations, the Dayton Book Fair Foundation announced on Monday that they have chosen three area non-profits to benefit from the proceeds of the 2017 Book Fair.  The three chosen are Caesar’s Ford Theatre Co., Dayton Public Radio (“Discover Classical”) and the Artemis Center.

 

Caesar’s Ford Theatre is a fledgling theatre company based in Fairborn who works to bring Ohio history and literature to outdoor theatre, and to make live theatrical works accessible to all.

 

Dayton Public Radio is an independent public radio station, existing without the benefit of university funding, and bringing all classical programming to Dayton and its surrounds. While Discover Classical is one of only about 2 dozen all classical public radio stations nationally, it reaches citizens in our community that would otherwise lack the opportunity to discover classical music or experience live performances.

 

The Artemis Center provides counseling, advocacy and support to battered women and children in the community. In addition to helping people in crisis, Artemis has become a community resource for creating a coordinated response to domestic violence. Because all systems must work together to protect victims and hold batterers accountable, Artemis and the YWCA Dayton joined together to form The Family Violence Collaborative in 1993. This Collaborative has brought together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection and health care professionals to develop protocols of response.

“We had a tough time choosing this year,” said executive director, Larkin Vonalt. “There were so many excellent applicants and after we winnowed those down to about ten, we spent hours picking the final three.”

In 2016, the Foundation chose FilmDayton, K12 Gallery & TEJAS and the Learning Tree Farm. Each of those organizations was awarded an equal share of the net proceeds from Ohio’s largest used book sale— ten thousand dollars each.

 

“We hope that this year’s grant will be as much or more,” Vonalt said, “though we are still searching for a new home for the Fair after the closing of the Montgomery Fairgrounds.”

The Book Fair Foundation collects donated books at their offices at 2181 Embury Park Rd in Dayton. You can even call and have them pickup your books if you’re unable to drop them off.Call (937) 999-4491  and they will schedule a time that is convenient for you to pick up your books. They can even bring boxes and pack them if you need help with that.

Each year they sort about 50 tons of books into around sixty different categories which are sold over the second weekend in November at their annual fair. The organization is all-volunteer and is a registered 501c3 charity.