Community

TEDx Dayton Returns Oct 16th

August 25, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

In 2013 Larry & Marilyn Klaben lead the team that brought the TEDx talks to Dayton. More than 30 engaging speakers and performers took the stage during to unleash ideas that would Infuse and Inspire.

According to Dayton Daily News reporter Dave Larsen “More than 900 people attended the fast-paced, day-long forum, which featured more than 30 local speakers” who challenged us to follow the fear, find our voice, question the equation, get over ourselves, build memories, imagine a world with hate, embrace our past , move through the shadows, rewire our brains, adopt and date our city.

In 2014 there was a second sell out event, that promised to Explore, Exchange and Excite. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, we were asked if we were OK with ourselves or prisoners of shame, seeing our reality, or creating something timeless, exploring bias and creating successful collaboration, if we have to be a jerk to win or were having an alien experience were we stopping the silence, embracing our driveway moments and wondering if glitter makes everything better.

Tonight the official kick off for speakers and sponsors was held to introduce the third edition of TEDx Dayton that will happen on Friday, October 16th:

Registration will be open to the public starting at 9 am Wednesday, August 26 and you can register for $50, which includes lunch or at the student rate (ID Required) for $18. Organizers expect another quick sell-out this year, so don’t procrastinate if you want to be part of the audience for TEDxDayton this year.

Women, Wisdom and Wellness

August 24, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Presented by Miami Valley Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital

Tuesday, September 1 at the Dayton Marriott
Check-in: 5:30 pm.
Program, light dinner and activities: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Topic: “Why Weight? Healthier Living Begins Today.” Whether you are overweight or underweight, working to reach your healthy weight can be one of the best things you can do for your physical and emotional health. It can reduce your risk of illness, improve sleep habits and energy levels, and heighten your self-esteem. Join us as we discuss women’s health risks associated with weight and what you can do to reduce your risk factors.

Join special guest emcee Kim Faris, radio host for B945 and BIG 106.5, at this free event including:

A panel featuring medical experts discussing potential women’s health risks associated with being overweight or underweight:

Susan Emmerling, MD – Obstetrics and Gynecology
Mukul Chandra, MD, FACC – Cardiology
Anoopa Hodges, DO – Internal Medicine

Health care and nutrition experts with tips to get started on a plan to reduce these risk factors and achieve your healthy weight:

Michelle Kitze, RD, LD – Dietitian
Stephanie Cooper, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist

Immediately following dinner and the panel discussion, enjoy “girls night out” activities including free health screenings, chair massages, spa services, a chance to win door prizes and more. While the event is free, registration is required by 8/25/15, sign up here.

Heritage, Food, & Fun: The Dayton Lebanese Festival

August 23, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

The 22nd annual Dayton Lebanese Festival will kick off this Friday, August 28th and is an event that you do not want to miss! The festival is happening Friday from 6 pm until 11 pm, Saturday from 11 am until 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am until 6 pm at St Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church. This festival is rich in the Lebanese culture and heritage, including the famous tasty pastries. Even better news, it is free of charge!

Did you know that Lebanon is the oldest nation/country name in the world, existing for nearly 4,000 years? Another fun fact , one of the cities of Lebanon, Byblos, is the oldest existing city in the world. Also, there are no deserts in Lebanon, which makes this the only country that can make this claim in all of Asia and Africa. Come out to this great event to learn even more about this historical country.

The Festival will feature Middle Eastern dancing and entertainment, cultural displays, craft booths and amusement rides for all ages. Authentic hand-made Lebanese food will be available for sale including kibbee, kafta, beef and chicken shawarma (“Lebanese gyro”), tabouli and salata salads (Middle Eastern salads), stuffed grape leaves, hummus dip, homemade Middle Eastern mountain bread with zaatar seasoning, and fresh Lebanese pastries (e.g., baklawa, ghraybeh, nammoora). One particular note, grape leaves may have been the chosen attire of the gods, you can enjoy them for edible reasons as they are rich in vitamins and minerals!

This is the ‘end of summer’ festival season, so come out and support your community! The 22nd Annual Dayton Lebanese Festival has a lot to offer for the whole family. Heritage, food, and fun for all!

Here’s What You Missed At Pecha Kucha 24

August 21, 2015 By Bryan Suddith

Nearly 300 people gathered in the historic Engineer’s Club Auditorium on Thursday night to hear 9 presentations each lasting only 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Dayton’s historic club was the host to the 24th installment of Pecha Kucha. A Japanese born presentation built around 20 slides each shown for 20 seconds as the speaker discusses their topic in sync.

These presentations, held quarterly, cover a range of subjects and are presented from every day people. One of Dayton’s cheerleaders,Charlie Campell, opened the night reminding us how Great Dayton really is.

Volume 24 also featured a veterinarian, Bethany Horn, who found love in New Zealand and moved to Dayton after purchasing her home online. Brian Petro, bartender at Rue Dumaine, shared his love for bad cocktails from the 70’s and 80’s while weaving references of pop culture into his discussion. Backpacker Kriss Gang told his story of tackling peaks in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his son. Cincinnati organizer and blogger Austin Radcliffe brought stunning photos documenting his professional success as a curator and artist.

Pecha Kucha talks can be fun, serious and informative. Many times one talk can be all three simultaneous. Volume 24 delivered that multiple times last night by the three ladies on the stage.Emily Fleitz somehow made discussing women’s menstrual health in Tibet engaging, comfortable and informative. The same holds true for local Labor Attorney Lela Klein who redefined Rosie the Riveter for us by sharing modern day tales of women in transit manufacturing. Local storyteller, Lisa Holmes, also moved the crowd with her poignant story of overcoming dyslexia to now using her gift of storytelling to teach in local schools.

In closing the room was challenged by Rodney Veal to consider how we use vocabulary as shared his work building an art installation investigating the word Ghetto at UD. It was impossible to not think beyond that term as he shared the art he created around that word.

Pecha Kucha is a free event and open to the public. As you can see from this most recent event, the topics cover a range of issues and interests. For more photo’s from Volume 24 look here.

The next Dayton PK event is scheduled for December 17. Follow www.pechakucha.org/cities/dayton for information or to register as a speaker.

Kettering Goes High End With West End

August 15, 2015 By Nikki Nett

Girls Night Out is about to have a whole new feel.

Coming soon, to Kettering, will be a brick and mortar location for West End Naturals. The local cult favorite of anyone who has smelled the signature scented Iced Lemon Biscotti candles will be available to the public, along with many other uniquely scented products.

Started in 2010, West End Naturals has been quietly making an impact in the Miami Valley. Owner, Janelle West originally set out for her all natural candle & body products to be an alternative to the products she was finding in stores, often filled with artificial ingredients. What she found instead was an opportunity to make an impact beyond just making safe products.

The new Kettering location is introducing a unique concept to the Dayton area. In addition to having pre-made products for sale, they will also be hosting “Pour Your Own” parties. Guests will be able to choose from glassware available there, or bring a favorite piece from home and fill it with their favorite scented wax. How much fun is that? This will be a perfect activity for bridal and baby showers, teambuilding functions, holiday parties and more!

If you have supported fundraisers such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand or Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man / Woman of the Year Campaign, you may already have a West End Naturals product in your home. West has donated an extensive amount of products to these causes and more. In fact if her name sounds familiar, you might know her as the LLS Woman of the Year in 2013. Do you know of a group raising money for a cause? This may be the answer!

West End Naturals is located at 3805 Wilmington Pike in Kettering (just north of Stroop).

There will be a Grand Opening / Open House on Thursday August 27th at 6pm. Stop by and be ready to fall in love with this quaint little shop. You won’t want to leave, I promise.

3 Days of Germanfest Picnic Kicks Off Tonight

August 14, 2015 By Guest Contributor

The 32nd edition of the Germanfest Picnic, one of the oldest and most authentic celebrations of all things German in the tri-state area, returns to Carillon Historical Park in Dayton on August 14, 15 and 16.

2015 festival hours will be Friday, August 14 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, August 15 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 from noon to 6 p.m., with a Polka Mass at 11 am preceding the official opening time.

Highlighting the Keg Tapping and Opening Ceremonies with TV2’s Brian Davis at 6 pm on Friday, will be the presentation of Scholarship Awards to Emily Meyer, Matthew Pusheck and Thomas G. Adams. Besides recognizing these students’ outstanding academic achievements, the awards also reward their efforts to promote German culture. Over the past dozen years, the Dayton Liederkranz Turner has presented almost $40,000 in scholarships, which are funded with part of the proceeds from the annual Germanfest Picnic.

A Difference Maker in Dayton: Lisa Tucker

August 13, 2015 By Bryan Suddith

Councilman Brooks Compton, volunteers and Centerville PD take time to play kickball over lunch today at Chevy Chase Apartments. Photo by Bryan Suddith

If you drive south on Main Street out of Dayton you eventually will find Bill’s Donuts. A south Dayton establishment and mainstay on any Best Doughnuts list. Drive a little farther south on Main Street/Far HIlls/St Rt 48 and you come to Chevy Chase Apartments in Centerville. With a little over 200 apartments this enclave Centerville residents is often overlooked.

More than 400 kids, school age and younger, live in those 200 apartments and many are short of adult role models and attention. It is estimated that the majority of these kids are in single parent households or households where both parents, or grandparents, work to make ends meet.

Lisa Tucker

Lisa Tucker, daughter of Bill’s Donuts namesake, Bill Elam, decided she should get involved there. So last summer she called a few friends, grabbed some hotdogs, chips and plenty of doughnuts and set out to make some friends on the playground. This summer she, assisted by employees, friends and various church groups, delivered lunch and fun to kids every Monday of their summer break. For 9 consecutive Monday’s she brought lunch, some entertainment and adults to hangout on the playground in the middle of the Chevy Chase courtyard.

I had the privilege of spending two Monday lunch hours with the kids and Lisa. When I asked her about the kids she simply said “these are great kids, they just want someone to hangout, play kickball, push them on the swing and listen.” So that is what I did, assisted with a few magic tricks to break the ice, I simply hung out and played.

Today I witnessed a Centerville Police officer, full uniform, 90 degrees playing kickball with about a dozen of the kids. Assisted by City Councilman Brooks Compton, volunteers and a Bill’s employee, the kids got a full hour of kickball with new friends. I figure more was done to understand these kids in 4 innings of kickball that can ever be attained by a commissioned study or committee investigation.

While taking pictures it became clear to me that peace in our community and communication between folks in the cul-de-sacs and the folks in large apartment complexes doesn’t have to be complicated. All you have to do is show up and toss the ball.

Today 50 kids are happier because they got a hot dog, a balloon animal, a doughnut and some playtime with folks who just wanted to hang out. Easy as that.

Editor’s Note:

Do you know someone who’s making a difference in the Dayton region? Someone who gives of their time and talent to make our community a better place? An unsung hero that is quietly making an effort to make someone’s life a little better? Nominate them as a DMM Difference Maker and we’ll honor them and share their story. Send us an email with their story.

Free Activities To Celebrate National Aviation Day

August 11, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Celebrate National Aviation Day with free educational activities during Family Day from 9am-3pm on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

National Aviation Day is a celebration of all things related to aviation and is held on the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday (144 years ago on Aug. 19). During Family Day, museum visitors will learn about achievements in aviation and aerospace from the time of the Wright brothers’ first flight to modern Air Force technology.

These aviation and space demonstrations are appropriate for all ages and take place throughout the day. Activities will include a “flying race” between a Wright Flyer and an F-22, as well as flying a Wright Flyer in a wind tunnel while learning about the stability and control of aircraft. Visitors also will witness some modern-day technologies with a look at fuel cells, nanotechnology and robotics.

In addition, visitors will be able to build and fly their own foam gliders from 1:30-3 pm while supplies last. This activity is free and open to all ages.

Younger visitors will enjoy a Storytime program at 11:30 am and again at 1:15 pm in the Early Years Gallery. This activity will feature stories of flight as well as a hands-on craft project, courtesy of the Greene County Public Library.

The event is free, and visitors of all ages may participate in these aviation-related activities located throughout the museum galleries. No advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at (937) 255-4646 for additional information.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

Bendy Beer – Yoga at Warped Wing

August 9, 2015 By Nikki Nett

Warped Wing is opening it’s big door for a new class. Beermaking? No. Beer tasting? Nope.

Yoga. You can do yoga at Dayton’s very own Warped Wing Brewing Company. Flying Rye kind of sounds like a yoga pose, right?

It’s always so exciting to see former co-workers moving on to bigger, better, and in this case, bendier things. That’s why I was doing headstands of excitement (ok, I wasn’t, I’m just not there yet) to see my friend Kate putting together this unique event. She has spent the last few years becoming a yoga instructor and wanted to introduce yoga to those who may not normally be the “yoga-type”.

You may be thinking “what’s the yoga type?” and if given a list of descriptions, you’d probably not choose “craft beer drinker”. But, Kate is betting those two will go together like barley and hops, or warrior pose and lululemon.

When I asked her why she put this event together, she said, “I love bringing the community together for a fun and care-free afternoon. What a better way to spend your time than with yoga and a craft beer? I am passionate about spreading the joy of yoga and bringing craft beer into the mix opens the door to many new people that may have not tried a yoga class.”

Due to the increasing popularity of this event, participants must purchase tickets in advance to guarantee a spot (yes, the last one sold out!) The next class is scheduled for Sun, Sept 6th, click here for tickets.

From Kate’s event page:

Could yoga & beer ever exist? You bet your flexible-ass they can! Join us at Warped Wing Brewing Company for a rocking one-hour yoga class followed with a beer from the local brewery.

We will move through a fluid sequence of postures (asanas), focus on our breath (pranayama), that invigorate, strengthen, and restore the body.

This all levels class is ideal for anyone who is interested in exploring yoga in a different & chill environment & wants to expand their minds in respect to local beers.

Cost is $12, which includes a 1-hour yoga class followed by a pint of your choice. Must be 21 to attend.
Class will start right at NOON, so come early to get settled in!
BYOM (Bring your own mat) & water.

Hope you’ll join us for this fun afternoon of yoga & beer. I’ll be the one in the back, perfecting the childs pose and waiting for the Ermals.

Falling In Love With Dayton, Ohio

August 9, 2015 By Robyn Warner

When I moved here from New Jersey, the plan was to stay for 6 months then head to Philly… that was nearly a decade ago. Life happened and I ended up stuck, between a rock and a gem city. I have spent many nights in the last 10 years dreaming about the day I could leave this town. But since moving into a new apartment in the Oregon District, something truly unexpected happened- I found myself falling in love with Dayton, Ohio.

As I walked from brewery to brewery, soaked in the summer sun on various patios, and bashed on the unique & eclectic cuisine surrounded by some of the best friends I have ever had, it occurred to me that perhaps I had been missing out all those years.

My first day as a resident began with a Uhaul and ended with a shot at a Tiki bar with good friends and beautiful strangers. I watched the Kentucky derby at the Trolley Stop, then drank some local beers at Warped Wing. Ermal’s- all day, err day. Then we hit the Dub Pub and sat by the fire on the rooftop patio, watching the sun set over our district. From there we headed to Tumbleweed, where we leaned over the New Orleans style balcony and watched the diverse crowds of people get their Saturday night started. It was over to Ned Peppers after that to sit on bar stools that swing from the ceiling and the opportunity to have a cocktail with sand beneath my feet.

And then, just before coherence left me, I walked three blocks home and was in bed before the spins started. CRUSHED IT. I woke up the next morning and thought to myself, maybe this is right where I belong. And it had been quite a while since I felt like I was anywhere near that…..

I moved to NJ when I was 11 after being raised in a suburb of Cincinnati (hence my die hard passion for the Bengals and Reds). I tell people I grew up in NJ because I really did. From 11 – 22 years old, that is when I became who I am. Because of this East Coast lifestyle, Dayton never seemed like it suited me. I felt socially outcast here, but in hindsight it might have been my own doing. I never really gave this city a chance to impress me because I had a preconceived notion of how people from the Midwest viewed people like me. I can’t say I was completely wrong, but I certainly wasn’t completely right.

The Oregon District, which is becoming known for its affiliation with hipsters, offers so much more than that, just like the city around it does. There are four local breweries in walking distance from my porch- how many people in a small town can say that? Often times I end up eating a jar of pickles on my couch because deciding which amazing restaurant to eat at is just so challenging (Salar? Lily’s? Wheat Penny? Olive? I JUST DON’T KNOW!) And I have never brunched so hard in my life. Even the food trucks alone are worth the late night trip down 5th street. I get home from work at 6 PM on Friday and return at 8 AM on Monday- at no time in between do I operate my vehicle- yet I have been on amazing pub crawls, made new friends at block parties, and been exposed to exceptional local music and art.

I have made a ton of mistakes in my life. I have wasted opportunities and it is safe to say that my life at 32 years old is absolutely not what I thought it would be. One thing I did right, though, is not make an irrational decision to bail on Dayton before I got to know it… Look at what I would have missed.

Kids Superhero “Party in the Park”

August 4, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

Kids are you ready to have fun before school starts back up? Grab your favorite superhero costume and get your Mom or Dad to bring you downtown to Cooper Park for an epic “Party in the Park.” This is a free event – so no allowance money necessary!

The Dayton Metro Library is hosting this awesomeness, which includes: international dancing and singing, live animals, an activity zone, puppets, sidewalk art, face painting, and more! There are going to be contests for costumes, dancing and paper airplane flying, with prizes. Wow! The whole day is planned to be fun for the whole family – so remember to invite your brothers and sisters too.

The Library is also revealing the name for their new mascot! Adults and kids from across the region voted, and this will be the grand unveiling of their names.

This party is August 8th from 1-4pm at Cooper Park. Rain or shine. Cost of admission and activities is free. Food trucks will be on hand for purchase of food and beverages.

PS… Kids, I’ve heard a rumor that some of your favorite cartoon characters may make an appearance – so don’t miss it! (virtual fist bump)

Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday

August 3, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

Get ready to shop! Ohio is finally going to have a sales tax holiday this August, just in time for back-to-school! A common practice in many states, Ohio lawmakers have approved the first ever sales tax holiday in the Buckeye State.

The holiday starts on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 12:01 am and ends on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 11:59 pm. During this time only, you can buy certain items and not pay any sales or use tax, either at the store or online. Those items fall into the following categories:

• An item of clothing priced at $75 or less
• An item of school supplies priced at $20 or less
• An item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less

You can buy any number of clothing items under $75, since the exemption applies to the individual price of an item. The same applies to school supplies and instructional material.

While most items of clothing are included in the sales tax holiday, things like accessories and sports equipment are not included. There’s also a list of specific school supplies and instructional materials that are included in the holiday.

Proponents of the measure and supporters from other states with such holidays say retailers leverage the tax exemption to create a Black Friday-like appeal and end up offering their own promotions.

A University of Cincinnati study concludes Ohio families will save $78 million on school supplies.

Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s information page for the specific lists and more details on the tax holiday.

Happy shopping!

Local Endurance Athlete Goes the Distance for Sick Kids

August 3, 2015 By Bryan Suddith

Runners and athletes in the Miami Valley and beyond know Tim Rieger. Tim is both a Centerville High School and University of Cincinnati standout distance runner. Tim’s running accomplishments include winning the Flying Pig Marathon in 2005 and long list of top finishes in 50 and 100k races.

Recovering from an injury, Tim found himself on an Eliptigo bike. The Eliptigo is powered by an eliptical type machine that moves the wheels on a bike. Tim recently decided to go the distance on the bike for A Kid Again. Since 2010 Tim has served the children’s charity as a board member here in Southwest Ohio.

Tim shares some history and the inspiration for this challenge in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BASW5uxe1U&feature=youtu.be

A Kid Again strives to foster hope, happiness and healing for families raising kids with life-threatening illness. This statewide Ohio charity just celebrated 20 years of serving these special kids and their families. Tim had a big goal of raising $10,000.00 for the charity by riding his bike 250 miles in 24 hours.

It only took Tim, a Vice President at Dayton based McGohan Brabender, three weeks to reach his goal. He is now looking to meet a new goal of $15,000.00 before his 24 hour challenge in just 3 more weeks.

Here is an update from Tim this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-aEaS0Q_Sk&feature=youtu.be

Tim says this 24 hour 250 mile challenge is the toughest he has attempted to date. In the past he has biked 200 miles, and once ran over 40 miles in 6 hours.

On August 21st, Tim starts his 24 Hour 250-mile journey on an ElliptiGO to raise money and awareness for the charity. The ride will start at the Home Office of A Kid Again at 777-G Dearborn Park Lane in Columbus and will travel through Dayton. From Dayton Tim will bike to Cincinnati where he will finish out the remaining distance of the 250 mile distance at Lunken Airport on the Lunken Playfield Loop.

Observers are welcome to come out and encourage and cheer Tim on the Lunken Playfield Loop. Tim has asked for your help to give Illness a GIANT Time Out for the kids and families of A Kid Again!

Volunteer Birdwatchers Needed to Help Prevent Bird – Plane Collisions

July 29, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Between 1990 and 2012, bird strikes in the United States killed 23 people and injured 240, damaged nearly 12,000 aircraft, and killed more than 120,000 birds. Airplanes run into loons, starlings, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks, egrets, swans, ducks, vultures, hawks, eagles, cranes, sandpipers, gulls, pigeons, cuckoos, owls, turkeys, blackbirds, crows, chickadees, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, mockingbirds, parrots —as well as various kinds of geese. The unfortunate reality is that airplanes collide with birds at an astonishing rate because habitats most commonly associated with airports are desirable to many types of birds, especially geese.

Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm and the Dayton International Airport, with the support of the US Department of Agriculture, have created a unique partnership to study the planting of tallgrass prairie and monoculture switchgrass near the airfield along with the usual practice of mowing turf and planting crops. The theory is that the naturally tallgrass will deter the larger birds that can bring down a plane, like geese and gulls or large flocks of starlings. These birds tend to avoid longer vegetation, which hinders their ability to spot predators, land or spread their wings to fly.

But first, Aullwood needs to discover what birds are living near or on airport property, so they are creating a volunteer bird census team to undertake a bird survey of the area. Because volunteers are making observations from some distances, Airport Bird Surveyors must have excellent bird vocalization ID skills, in addition to being able to identify birds visually. Two volunteers survey the fixed point observation locations four times a month, starting 30 minutes before sunrise on either Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. During fall migration, the survey will decrease to twice a month. Volunteers will receive specific training on the Bird Survey Protocols and are eligible for all the benefits Aullwood volunteers receive including participating in an outstanding volunteer enrichment program. People interested in volunteering should call Nina Lapitan, Aullwood’s Volunteer Coordinator at (937) 890-7360, ext. 214 or email [email protected].

It’s the first such endeavor at a commercial airfield and Aullwood and the Dayton International Airport have the opportunity to influence the land management practices at airports around the world, encouraging the planting of native tallgrass prairies in lieu of traditional turf grass or agriculture. Limiting bird strikes is the primary objective, but the benefits don’t stop there. Tallgrass prairie is now among our most endangered habitats—only about 4 percent remains in the U.S. The vegetation provides critical habitat for threatened grassland birds like the Henslow’s Sparrow as well as birds whose population is rapidly declining like Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks. Planting prairies also reduces the airport’s carbon footprint by offsetting carbon emissions from airport operations, scaling back on the use of agricultural equipment, and reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Aullwood points out volunteer support is greatly necessary for the success of this very important work!

The Dayton Horse Show Is In Town!

July 28, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

The 2015 Dayton Horse Show kicks off on Wednesday July, 29 and lasts until Saturday, August 1, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This is an event that is not to be missed, as the horse show spans over 140 years! There is something to be seen for every horse enthusiast.

There will be American Saddlebred horses, western style horses, Hackney ponies, exhibition horses, Frisians, and a special presentation by the Therapeutic Riding Institute. There will also be a dog show and a hall of fame induction ceremony.

In addition to equestrian activities there will be a food truck rodeo on Wednesday evening from 5-9pm featuring seven food trucks: McNasty’s, The Wicked ‘Wich of Dayton, Mohawk Freestyle Grill Food Truck, Dayton Urban BBQ, El Meson, Horseless Buggy Eatery, and Flour Power Pizza.

The Dayton Horse Show dates back to 1867, debuting at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. This could very well be the last year it is held at this location, so you definitely do not want to miss this event! The show boasts over 140 years of showmanship. The Dayton Horse Show’s beneficiary is The Therapeutic Riding Institute (TRI) located in Springboro. TRI supports the shoe by volunteering to collect parking fees at the main gate, sell programs and help with other items as assigned. Over the past four years alone, approximately $20,000 has been donated to The Therapeutic Riding Institute from The Dayton Horse Show Association. The Therapeutic Riding Institute is a 42 year old program that provides Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies for special needs children and adults.

The sessions are as follows:
Wednesday July 29 – 7pm
Thursday July 30 – 9am & 7pm
Friday July 31 – 9am & 7pm
Saturday August 1 – 9am & 7pm

Parking is free at the fairgrounds
Daytime sessions are free
Evening sessions are $5.00 per carload

Come out and enjoy one of Dayton’s oldest activities and support a wonderful program!

Sláinte: United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest comes to Riverscape

July 21, 2015 By Dayton937

Kim Metter, volunteer at the Dayton Celtic Fest.

I start to get really excited the weekend before. I start listening to my favorite Irish bands and look through my old photos that remind me how much fun I have every year. This coming weekend, July 24th-26th, we celebrate the United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest!

The first Celtic Fest, held in 2002, gave birth to one of the largest and best festivals that Dayton has to offer. The Celtic Fest is the last free festival held in downtown Dayton. Throughout the year, fundraisers known as Celtic Crushes are held at various small businesses. Patrons go and support local vendors and the businesses donate a portion of the bill to help fund the Celtic Fest. Also, festival goers will see donation buckets that allow them to do their part to support the Celtic Fest.

Four stages allow festival goers to be immersed in Celtic culture. Four headliner bands: Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Socks in the Frying Pan and We Banjo 3 plus a handful of local and regional bands provide lots of great music. Band merchandise is sold at the United Irish of Dayton Stage, so if you hear a band and love them, you can purchase their latest CD, T-shirt and other novelty items.

Look at these lovely ladies volunteering!

For those wishing to really connect with their Celtic roots, you can see dancers, jam with pipes and drums and even dance in a Céilí! Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, Dwyer School of Irish Dance and the McGovern Ceili Dancers provide dancers of all age groups. Miami Valley Pipes and Drums give a lively performance that stir the Celtic soul and Éamonn de Cógáin calls out the dance moves so that you get to become a participant in the Irish Céilí!

In addition to the awesome music that fills the streets, multiple merchandise and food vendors are present to satisfy your tastebuds and shopping desires. Traditional fare along with regional food provide ample dishes to try. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bar ware, home goods and trinkets are just some of the items available to be purchased from local vendors and those from across the pond.

Dayton Celtic Fest in full swing!

Want more? Various activities such as the cultural exhibits and demonstrations, Parade of Kilts, Rainbow’s End Children’s area, Celtic Breakfast, 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run, Beer Tastings and a Celtic Bike Ride are happening all weekend. Also, all are welcome to attend the Gaelic Mass held Sunday morning at the United Irish of Dayton Stage in the new Five Rivers MetroParks Pavilion. Irish dancers and pipes accompany a Catholic mass service held in both English and Gaelic.

And no Celtic Fest would be complete without beer. This year’s main beer will be Murphy’s Irish Stout which has been consistently brewed in Cork, Ireland, since 1856. The main beer trucks will offer: Murphy’s Irish Stout, Murphy’s Irish Red, Boddington’s Ale, Stella Artois Cider and Bud Light. The craft beer truck (adjacent to the Pub Stage & Wright Flyer on Monument Ave) will be offering: Bellhaven, Fuller ESB, Highland Gaelic Ale, Thirsty Dog Irish Setter, Goose Island Summer Shandy, Blue Point Toasted Ale and Bud Light. For those of you who are disappointed that Guinness and its sister beers will not be offered, I ask you to keep an open mind. The listed beers are a comparable selection to what has been offered in years past. This will give you a opportunity to try a different beer while you enjoy the festival! A new addition to the festival this year is a pairing of the Celtic Fest with Uber. First time Uber users get a free first ride up to $20 with the code CELTICFEST15 (download the app, create account, and use the code). The designated Uber pick up/drop off location is at the corner of Monument and Jefferson. This is a great way for you to enjoy the festival and get home safe and sound!

The Elite Volunteers of the Celtic Fest.

The United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest will happen rain or shine. For more information about the festival, you can visit: www.daytoncelticfestival.com or check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DaytonCelticFestival. If you are interested in becoming a fellow volunteer, you can email your request to [email protected].

Thanks to Diane Leo, who introduced me to this whole Celtic Fest thing, this will be my seventh year volunteering! Look for us: riding in the gator, me squeezing my bike horn to part the crowds, delivering pop, water and ice. Hope to see you all there!