Community

Oregon District? Not this week! Downtown Dayton bleeds scarlet and gray

January 9, 2015 By Dayton937

Football fever has gripped the Dayton region. With the debut of the NCAA’s national championship game featuring state favorite Ohio State University, fans everywhere are paying homage to the Buckeyes in the hopes of a national title.

Proclamation from Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley declaring the temporary name change of the Oregon District to the Buckeye District.

One downtown neighborhood went as far as a temporary name change to reflect their team solidarity. On Monday, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley signed a proclamation renaming the Oregon District to the “Buckeye District” from January 6 through the 12^th when the Buckeyes will take on the Ducks from the University of Oregon.

In addition to the name change, several Oregon — sorry, Buckeye District — businesses are offering watch parties and specials to celebrate the big game, which starts at 8:30 p.m. Highlights include:

Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Head to the recently renovated and expanded Dublin Pub to watch the first-ever national championship game on Monday, Jan. 12. Cover charge of $10; all-you-can-eat tailgate buffet starts at 6 p.m. 224-7822
The Oregon Buckeye Express, 336 E. Fifth St: Happy hour prices start at 4 p.m., along with half-price on the restaurant’s signature specialty pizzas (dine-in only). 223-9205
The Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St.: Watch the Bucks take on the Ducks on the big screen and enjoy beer and food specials. 461-1101
Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 410 E. Fifth St.: Watch the big game in the lounge and take advantage of half-priced pizza and beer specials.

Make no mistake about where the Bucks-Ducks loyalties lie in downtown Dayton! For updates on more Buckeye District action, check out the Oregon District Business Association’s Facebook page.

Dayton City Commission Names Warren Price City Manager

January 2, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton City Commission today announced the appointment of Warren Price as City Manager, effective January 12.

Price has 12 years of local government management experience serving in such roles as Chief of Staff (equivalent to City Manager), Public Safety Director, Public Services Director, Legal Counsel, Zoning Administrator, and elected official. In addition, he has served in a leadership capacity on numerous boards and organizations within the public administration field.

Price’s career highlights include, serving as the Director of Safety and Director of Public Service & Chief of Staff for the City of Canton Ohio from 2009 – 2013. In this role, Mr. Price was responsible for managing all municipal operations including directly supervising 15 department heads with executive management responsibility for over 1000 city employees.

“The City Commissioners and I believe Mr. Price is an excellent choice for this role. He shares our priority of enhancing customer service to our residents and customers,” said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley. “This is the first time in 12 years that the City Manager comes from outside our organization; we believe that he will bring a new perspective on challenges and opportunities in the community. His perspective will work well with the deep experience City employees bring to work each day and will lead to the best ideas being implemented in Dayton.” Whaley continued, “Working with enthusiastic citizens and committed business leaders, the City Commission and City Manager are ready to continue the progress we have already made in writing Dayton’s latest, greatest chapter. Dayton is proud to be a welcoming community and we are pleased to welcome Mr. Price to our team.”

“Dayton is a city of progress, innovation, and growth—a dream come true for any city manager looking for a community with the courage and fortitude to make progress, and even grow, in today’s difficult local government climate. The people of Dayton expect and deserve a city government that provides the highest level of customer service at the lowest possible cost,” said Warren Price.

Commissioner Matt Joseph explained, “ We are pleased to have a number of strong candidates, from within the City of Dayton organization and from the local community, the state and the country. Mr. Price emerged as the best match to the needs of Dayton now and in the future. Mr. Price’s experience with the military, as an actively involved citizen, as an elected official, and as a city and county level official is exactly the kind of City Manager needs. I look forward to welcoming him to Dayton, to introducing him to the UD Flyers, and to working with him.

Price holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Malone University in Canton and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Juris doctorate from the University of Akron Law School in 2004. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1993-1996.

Celebrating Karen Levin On Her Birthday!

December 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Karen Levin is a native Daytonian, serving as executive director, trustee, and secretary of the Levin Family Foundation. The not-for-profit philanthropic organization grants about $1 million annually to Montgomery County organizations that focus on the hungry, the homeless, the medically underserved as well as women and children at risk. While health issues are a focus, the Levin Family Foundation also supports organizations as varied as Habitat for Humanity, The Human Race Theater, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Dayton Art Institute, SICSA, and more.

Karen was appointed to the Executive Director’s position on January 1st, 2001.

Prior to her appointment, she worked in Biomedical Research at Wright State University and served as a physician assistant working in family practice and geriatrics. In 2008 she completed her Masters degree in Public Health from Wright State University.

Karen serves on the board of directors of:

Her favorite projects involve programs that deal with the medically underserved and children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Celebrating Life and Health is one of the main programs she works on throughout the year because she believes that it is morally wrong not to provide preventative health care testing to all segments of the population.

Her trip to Madagascar and participation in the American Red Cross Measles Campaign in September and October 2004 was a life changing experience. She discovered that sometimes you have to go halfway around the world and experience true deprivation and hardship to uncover who you really are. She hopes to volunteer for more medical missions in the future.

Karen can frequently be seen on the bike paths riding her silver recumbent bicycle. She also works quite a bit in the fiber arts. Her specialties are knitting and weaving. The creed she lives by:

“Never believe your own PR!”

YWCA Dayton Announces 2015 Women of Influence

December 28, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The YWCA Dayton will honor seven local women at the annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon on March 12, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dayton Convention Center.

The YWCA Dayton Women of Influence honorees are women in the greater Dayton community who through their philanthropic work embody the mission of the YWCA – to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Nominations were solicited from the community and the honorees were selected by a panel of community leaders.

The 2015 honorees are: Marva Cosby– President, Cosby Consulting Group LLC, Lisa Grigsby – Development Special Events Manager, ARC Ohio, Belinda Matthews-Stenson – Director, Minority Business Partnership (Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce), Barbara Mills – CEO, Founder CBD Advisors, Colleen Ryan – Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio President, Yvonne Wathen – Business Development Director Bravo SCM (Supply Chain Management Consultants) and Karin VanZant – CEO, Co-founder Think Tank.

Additionally, the Lifetime Achievement award is presented to an individual who has been very involved with the YWCA over the years, usually serving in a leadership capacity and demonstrating continued support of the YWCA. The 2015 Lifetime Achievement honoree is Marsha Bonhart – award winning journalist, TV anchor, health reporter and consummate volunteer.

“The YWCA has been dedicated to empowering women, racial justice and promoting peace; we have chosen honorees who embody our mission through philanthropic services, change agent work and a heart to share of themselves,” said Shannon Isom, CEO of the YWCA Dayton.

The Women of Influence Awards Luncheon serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the YWCA Dayton. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information are available at the YWCA Dayton website www.ywcadayton.org or by calling 937.461.5550 ext.119

Is 2015 The Year You Get Involved With Your City?

December 26, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Applications are now being accepted for the 33rd annual Neighborhood Leadership Institute, sponsored by the City of Dayton. The Neighborhood Leadership Institute is an annual free 12-week program designed to educate Dayton residents about local government, City resources and community leadership. Workshops are held at various locations and presentations cover topics such as Dayton’s history; the role of City government, the criminal justice system and cultural diversity; skill-building components such as public speaking and small-group dynamics; and a bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Class members also complete field assignments to expand their knowledge of Dayton, City government and the community at large.

See the tentative schedule and application for the 2015 Neighborhood Leadership Institute. (The application deadline for the 2015 program is February 6.)

The 2015 program is scheduled to kick-off on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. Class members also complete field assignments and a practicum requiring development of a grassroots project within their community.

Anyone interested in participating must complete and submit an application no later than Friday, February 6, 2015. Applications are available at daytonohio.gov or at City Hall, 101 W. Third St. (Department of Planning and Community Development, sixth Floor, or the City Commission Office, second floor).For further information contact Verletta Jackson at 333-3288 or [email protected].

“The Twin Towers Climb”; or “How To Hang A Star In the Dayton Sky.”

December 24, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

St. Mary’s Star ( 2.0 )

This time last year, I wrote a piece about the holiday star that has been a part of the East Dayton skyline for nearly 60 years.

A Star In The East – A Dayton Tradition.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church is located on Xenia Avenue, in the neighborhood named after the churches “Twin Towers”.
Each year, on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, parish members go through the laborious task of suspending this holiday landmark between the two towers of the church. The tradition has been passed down through at least 3 generations of parish families.

There are no cranes or cherry pickers or specialized pieces of equipment used in this job. What may seem like an old fashioned way of doing things, it’s clear that this is more about the love and community of the St. Mary’s church family than a task. The process is treacherous and tedious but they have it down to a science. At the beginning of November, they start checking the star components and the equipment used in the job. Lights, wires and tools are checked and the staging process is finalized 2 weeks before. The morning of the job starts at 8:30 with a meeting in the basement for instructions, gearing up with tools, gloves and walkie-talkies. Of course, doughnuts and coffee are an important part of the process. The pieces are then assembled on tables on the sidewalk in front of the church and within 90 minutes, the ascent begins. Teams are divided by West Tower, East Tower, roof and ground. The ground team prepares the star and the guide wires to hold it in place as the teams in the towers are instructed via walkie-talkie to begin cranking the attached cables, in unison, raising the star evenly between the two. A team on the ground hold on to tails of rope on the bottom points of the star to keep it from swinging and hitting the church as it’s raised.

The men in the parish that created this production still participate with their sons and grandsons. One such patriarch of the St. Mary’s Parish is Mr. Vic Woeste. At 89 years old, he is still there, marveling at the sight of the ongoing tradition. His son, Jerry Woeste, joined the team when he was 16 and now serves as the project coordinator. Vic’s grandson, who just returned from a tour of duty, is part of the tower team. This is where it gets really interesting. The “tower team” is not for the faint of heart. The 150 year old building is a challenge to maneuver. Beyond nerves of steel, a tower team member must be more narrow than the numerous steep passages that lead to the domes of the towers. Once arriving in the dome of the tower, stamina is a must in order to crank the cables on the mounted hoists in the tiny space. The dome area of the towers is big enough for two people and the logistics of moving equipment while not falling through the hatch can be tricky.

Climbing the towers also provides the opportunity for “Pigeon Duty,” a task that requires a somewhat strong stomach and a few large trash bags. November temperatures can be uncomfortable and the dust is hard on the eyes, nose and mouth.

Having sketched this out, you can tell this tradition is a true labor of love that has stood the test of time.
For an insider view, we sent professional climber and owner of “Urban Krag,” Karl Williamson, to join the tower team. Photographer Jay Woessner equipped Karl with a GoPro helmet cam to capture the adventure. Leading Karl on the tower team is a third generation parish member of the Woeste family. In the embedded video, we show you an abbreviated 10 minute version of the nearly 2 hour effort in the towers. Prepare for sweaty palms and an elevated heart rate.

For some additional breathtaking views, we invited photographer Andy Snow to take some aerial footage with his DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus. Due to the cold and the electrical interference of the RTA trolly lines, the GPS required to navigate the device proved to be a challenge. We have two short test flight videos that where just too cool to stay on a disc drive. You can see that footage on YouTube by following the links at the end of this story.

St. Mary’s Church is located at 310 Allen St, Dayton, OH 45410

(937) 256-5633

Equally impressive is the massive nativity scene inside the church. This set takes months to build, (an approx. 120 man hours in a concentrated few weeks), and has been part of the St. Mary’s church tradition for generations. The annual nativity open house is held Dec. 26 & 27 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Sunday Dec. 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

For more information about the nativity and St. Mary’s Church, visit www.stmarysdayton.org

The video of the tower climb was a team effort.
Thank you to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church families, Karl Williamson of Urban Krag for making the climb; Jay Woessner for providing the GoPro camera, controlling it from the ground and managing the massive files created by that footage; Steve Ross, Executive Director of DATV for supporting me with some much disc space for editing; and Andy Snow for joining me in this vague experiment with much enthusiasm and an unmanned device that takes us where the birds live.
Thank you most of all to everyone at the church for blessing our city with this beautiful gift for generations.

Aerial test flight shots from Andy Snow, follow YouTube links below:

New Partnership Effort to Advance Wright-Dunbar Area

December 23, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The City of Dayton, CityWide Development Corporation and Wright-Dunbar Incorporated have announced the formation of the region’s newest asset-based community collaboration to advance and improve the historic Wright-Dunbar area of west Dayton.

Through support from the City of Dayton’s West Dayton Development Fund, Wright-Dunbar, Inc., and CityWide, professional community development services will be provided to the Wright-Dunbar Board of Trustees to advance community and economic development in the near-downtown west Dayton district.

Efforts to redevelop and restore the greater Wright-Dunbar area began in earnest in 1990s, to prepare for the Centennial of Flight celebration in 2003. The initial work began through community leaders and Dayton Aviation Trail and focused on saving remaining buildings and sites linked to the historic achievements of the Wright brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar. This effort leveraged broad community support for the community’s restoration and more than $145 million in investment to date.

Wright-Dunbar, Inc., a non-profit community development corporation formed in 1999, continued this work through the restoration of the historic Third Street business corridor, returning many of the iconic buildings to their original grandeur. For the last decade, Wright-Dunbar, Inc., has worked diligently to improve conditions in the district, promoting its unique heritage and attracting business investment. The transformation of the greater Wright-Dunbar community has seen the rehabilitation and construction of new housing, new educational facilities, improved infrastructure, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park site and a business district that now boasts a pharmacy, two banks, art studios and a host of professional services.

The new collaboration recognizes the need to apply the best 21st century community development practices of building and strengthening partnerships to maximize leveraged investment and create economic and community sustainability. CityWide has over 40 years’ experience in community and economic development, and for the last 15 years has delivered comprehensive community development programs in the Dayton area.

The initial work plan, created by the Wright-Dunbar Board of Trustees and to be carried out by CityWide, focuses on five key areas:

Management of real estate holdings.
Creating redevelopment plans for key properties including working with developers and structuring financing to complete building renovations.
Working with a Realtor to market certain Wright-Dunbar holdings to development partners who have clear business plans and the ability to secure financing.
Building stronger relationships with the residential community surrounding the business district.
Building strategic partnerships to bring more investment and interest to the community.

“CityWide believes in the potential of west Dayton and is proud to be part of this new collaborative,” said Steve Budd, President of CityWide.

The formalizing of this partnership follows in the footsteps of local collaborative efforts such as the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, the Genesis Project, the Phoenix Project, the DaVinci Collaborative and the Dayton Public Schools Neighborhood School Centers Initiative, all of which have demonstrated the power of strategic partnership to leverage investment. The City of Dayton has tracked more than $3.6B in major investments in Dayton since 2001. Much of that investment has been asset- and collaboration-based.

“Over the last 20 years, the City’s asset-based investment and development strategy has been key to its ability to leverage and sustain economic and community development in Dayton” said Shelley Dickstein, Assistant City Manager.

“The City of Dayton has been a key partner in the revitalization of the Wright-Dunbar neighborhood and business district and we are grateful for their continued support. The Wright-Dunbar Board is pleased to have the opportunity to work with CityWide’s community development team who have a proven track record in community revitalization” said Harry Seifert, President and Chairman of Wright-Dunbar, Inc.

CityWide will report monthly to the Wright-Dunbar Board and submit written reports on progress to the City of Dayton quarterly. The initiative is designed to continue for three years. The value of staff support provided by the initiative’s three partners is estimated to be $92,000 annually.

Santa’s Last Night At Woodland Lights

December 23, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Take a carriage rides, see live deer, enjoy children’s rides, costumed characters, games and extra activites such as face painting. Kids can play on a fun slide and enjoy seven amusement rides including a small train, Santa swing, twister and pony carts.

Visitors to Woodland Lights, which is open through Dec 30th, can enjoy the beauty of lights sparkling along a half-mile wooded path and reflecting against a woodland pond. Along the trail, whimsical characters and illuminated critters prepare for the holidays, while a real-life Santa Claus visits with children inside an historic log cabin decorated for the holidays.

“Woodland Lights is a place that’s magical and enchanting. Every year, we do our best to stay true to that vision,” says Linda Madden, Woodland Lights coordinator. “The front area feels more like a festival with lighting and animation. The mood at the back is quieter, more pristine, and emphasizes the park’s natural beauty.”

Last night to visit with Santa- Dec 23rd

It’s easy to find Santa at Woodland Lights. Just walk down a sparkling path to an historic log cabin decorated in lights and festooned with greenery. Everything about the historic log home is authentic — from the large beams overhead to the old limestone fireplace. A fire burns each night in a large hearth near Sant’s chair, greenery is draped across the mantle and beams, and a holiday tree sits in the corner.

Santa welcomes children to his cozy cabin every night through Dec. 23. The historic Woodland Lights cabin offers an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. Parents are invited to take their own pictures, or photos may be purchased for $5. After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole but his cabin stays open for visitors to stop and warm themselves by the fire.

December 5 – December 30, 2014 6 – 9 pm Nightly
Closed Dec. 24 & 25

COST: $7 Free for kids 2 & under

Favorite stopping points include nine holiday window displays, interactive lights, the 14th annual collection of home-made gingerbread houses, and a lookout point at a scenic pond that offers a panoramic view of lights and displays reflection off the water. Bonfires, hot chocolate and other refreshments are offered nightly.

How to Find Woodland Lights:

895 Miamisburg Centerville Road; Dayton, OH 45459

Directions from North or South I-75

I-75, to I-675 North (Exit #43), Right turn onto OH-725 (Exit #2) 1 mile to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Left side of the road)

Directions from Northbound OH-48 (If south of Centerville)

OH-48 North, left onto OH-725, 1.5 miles to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Right side of road)

Directions from Southbound OH-48 (If north of Centerville)

OH-48 South, right onto OH-725, 1.5 miles to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Right side of road)

Presidential Proclamation — Wright Brothers Day, 2014

December 17, 2014 By Guest Contributor

WRIGHT BROTHERS DAY, 2014

——-

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The United States has always been a land of exploration and innovation. Determined to build a Nation where all things were possible, our country’s Founders crossed a vast ocean and launched an improbable experiment in democracy. Early pioneers pushed west across sweeping plains. Dreamers toiled with hearts and hands to build cities, lay railroads, and power an automobile revolution. And on December 17, 1903, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, would write their own chapter in America’s long history of discovery and achievement.

After years of painstaking research and careful engineering, Orville and Wilbur Wright accomplished what was once unthinkable: the world’s first powered flight. Above the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they revolutionized modern transportation and extended the reach of humanity. Their inspiring feat opened the door to more than a century of progress and helped spark a new era of economic growth and prosperity. Today, we celebrate those 12 seconds of flight that changed the course of human events, and the determination and perseverance that made that moment possible.

America has always succeeded because as a Nation, we refuse to stand still. As heirs to this proud legacy of risk takers and dreamers who imagined the world as it could be, we must constantly work to empower the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. That is why my Administration is investing in programs that encourage science, technology, engineering, and math education, especially for traditionally underrepresented groups. And we are fighting to ensure that innovators and startups have the resources and opportunities they need to build the future they seek.

Our Nation brought the world everything from the light bulb to the Internet, and today — in laboratories and classrooms across America — our scientists and students carry forward this tradition as they work to develop new sources of energy and code the computer programs of tomorrow. Less than seven decades after Orville and Wilbur’s flying machine lifted into the air, American ingenuity brought us to Tranquility Base — and as the lunar module touched down on the surface of the Moon, it carried with it pieces of the brothers’ historic airplane. Today, the Wright brothers’ spirit lives on in the aspirations of a resolute people — to cure disease, walk on distant planets, and solve the biggest challenges of our time.

On Wright Brothers Day, we lift up the scientists, entrepreneurs, inventors, builders, and doers of today, and all those who reach for the future. Let us recommit to harnessing the passion and creativity of every person who works hard in America and leading the world through another century of discovery.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143), has designated December 17 of each year as “Wright Brothers Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2014, as Wright Brothers Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

Join The Massive Mob of Santas on Bikes

December 13, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Tradition! Without it, our lives would be as shaky as a Santa on a roof. But it’s 2014, and we gotta start gettin’ on with the times Daytonites, and time is calling for a new tradition in the Gem City.

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Through these many years, Dayton has undergone many technical innovations. First it was the radio, then black-and-white TV, Technicolor, standard-def, UHF, VHF, VCR, DVD, LOL, WTF, OMG, BBQ, you name it, we had it. But now, we finally have our very own DSR, Dayton Santa Rampage.

Dayton? Santa? Rampage? What is this strange combination of words you speak of?

It’s pretty simple actually and can be boiled down to an easy-to-follow three-step process.

Step 1: Put on your Santa suit/gear/hat/union suits/accouterments.

Step 2: Get on your bike.

Step 3: Ride down to Warped Wing at 3:30 PM on Saturday December 13th.

From there around 4 PM, after enjoying a fine brew or two, we will take our Christmas cheer and good tidings to the streets of Dayton and ride around town for a few miles, making our way to Fifth Street Brewpub for a final pit stop before heading down to the Santa Pub Crawl in the Oregon District. We will end the ride at the Dublin Pub.

Though this is not officially affiliated with the Santa Pub Crawl, we highly encourage that you join in the festivities post-ride. After all it is for a great cause. Details on the Pub Crawl can be found here:https://www.facebook.com/events/1506195059624714/

So why should you attend the Santa Rampage?

You see, eventually the Santa Rampage will help put an end to war and poverty. It will align the planets and bring them into universal harmony, allowing meaningful contact with all forms of life, from extra terrestrials to common household pets. And, it’s excellent for dancing. And a massive mob of Santas on bikes is strangely erotic. Enough said.

A few logistical thingys/da tails

1.) Like other informal group rides, this is ride at your own risk.

2.) Please follow all rules of the road, including no riding on sidewalks, ride with lights (other than Christmas ones), ride no more than two Santas abreast, and please wear proper headgear.

3.) If you don’t have a bike and/or lights, contact Andy and he can help set you up.

Ride Right and Rampage On!

Cin City Reptile Show Features Jake “The Snake” Roberts Ticket Giveaway

December 9, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Jake “The Snake” Roberts will make a guest appearance at the Sunday, December 14th Cin City Reptile Show. The show will be held at the Fairfield Banquet and Convention Center at Tori’s Station located at 74 Donald Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014. Hours are 10 am-4 pm. Admission is $5, with children 10 years old and under admitted free. Each paid admission gets you entered for the door prize drawing for $250 in Show Bucks to be spent with any vendor the day of the show. There will also be drawings for products sponsored by Zoomed Laboratories Inc.

Jake will be there from 10 am-4 pm signing autographs, taking pictures and sharing stories with his fans. Jake was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. Jake was wildly popular in the 80s-90s for his use of snakes in the ring. Autograph opportunities start at $20.

In the spirit of Christmas there will also be an appearance by Santa Claus. No autographs please, be will happily be available for photos. He will also be taking gift request from all the good little boys and girls. You are also welcome to bring a new, unwrapped toy that will be accepted for Toys for Tots! Each toy brought will get you a ticket for the $250 show bucks drawing!

The show is a very family friendly event, something inexpensive for everyone to do on a Sunday afternoon. The public can view and buy 1000’s of non-venomous snakes, lizards, amphibians, spiders, small mammals, feeders and supplies, all at or below wholesale prices. Educated breeders will be on hand to allow the public to hold animals and ask questions.

Ticket Giveaway

DMM has 2 Family Four Packs of tickets to giveaway for this Sunday’s show. For your chance to win, just fill out this form below and if you’d like to try to sway the giveaway gods, just leave us a comment of why your should be a winner![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Author on History of U.S.-Israeli Relations To Speak

December 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Alison Weir, award-winning journalist and author of the book “Against Our Better Judgment: The hidden history of how the U.S. was used to create Israel,’ will speak at Sears Hall at the University of Dayton on Wednesday, December 10th at 7:00PM.

This free talk is co-sponsored by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Dayton, The Middle East Culture and Politics Organization at Wright State University, and the Dayton Arab American Forum (DAAF).

WOODLAND LIGHTS – WALK THE PATH TO HOLIDAY FUN! Ticket Contest

December 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Lights, Santa, action! …. Woodland Lights returns for its 22nd season with the traditional lights and sights people have come to love and a full month loaded with holiday activities.

Visitors to the nightly event can enjoy the beauty of lights sparkling along a half-mile wooded path and reflecting against a woodland pond. Along the trail, whimsical characters and illuminated critters prepare for the holidays, while a real-life Santa Claus visits with children inside an historic log cabin decorated for the holidays.

December 5 – December 30, 2014 6 – 9 pm Nightly
Closed Dec. 24 & 25

Nostalgia Nights December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17
View the lights, enjoy refreshments & bonfires, and visit with Santa in an historic log cabin through Dec. 23.
COST: $3 Free for kids 2 & under

Activity Nights on All Other Nights
For visitors who want the most that Woodland Lights offers. Lights, Refreshments & Santa Visits PLUS carriage rides, amusement rides, costumed characters, live deer, games and activities. COST: $7 Free for kids 2 & under

FESTIVAL NIGHTS

Festival Nights offer all of the fun of Woodland Lights, plus a full range of festivities including carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games and extra activites such as face painting. Kids can play on a fun slide and enjoy seven amusement rides including a small train, Santa swing, twister and pony carts. All nights are Festival Nights except for Dec. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17.

A WARM AND INVITING PLACE TO
VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS

Santa welcomes children to his cozy cabin every night through Dec. 23. His annual arrival to Woodland Lights takes place at 6 p.m. opening night, Dec. 5, atop a fire engine, with flashing lights and a siren.

The historic Woodland Lights cabin offers an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. Parents are invited to take their own pictures, or photos may be purchased for $5.

After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole but his cabin stays open for visitors to stop and warm themselves by the fire.

SPECIAL EVENT NIGHTS

For complete details, check the calendar here.

There are dozens of ways to be jolly at Woodland Lights — whether you’re looking for loads of festivities, a quiet walk, a bit of culture, or family activities. Depending upon which night you attend, you can …

Be Silly … Wear a holiday hat or an ugly sweater for a free cup of hot chocolate.

Enjoy Your Pet … Walk the path with your favorite canine at two Bow Wow Walks.

Play Together … Combine Woodland Lights with a Family Fun Night or a Holiday Family Dance Party.

Be Theatrical … Combine Woodland Lights with the Town Hall Theatre production of “Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells.”

Swap for Fun … Participate in a holiday book swap or a Secret Santa Exchange.

Enjoy a Film … Sink into soft seating and warm up with a 30-minute holiday film on the big screen at Rec West.

Be Creative … Make a holiday ornament or enter a holiday coloring contest.

Give Back … Bring a donation for the Firefighter’s Boot Drive to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Contact Us
937-438-7985 or 937-433-0130

How to Find Woodland Lights:

895 Miamisburg Centerville Road; Dayton, OH 45459

Directions from North or South I-75

I-75, to I-675 North (Exit #43), Right turn onto OH-725 (Exit #2) 1 mile to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Left side of the road)

Directions from Northbound OH-48 (If south of Centerville)

OH-48 North, left onto OH-725, 1.5 miles to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Right side of road)

Directions from Southbound OH-48 (If north of Centerville)

OH-48 South, right onto OH-725, 1.5 miles to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Right side of road)

Directions from the East

West to I-675 South, Left onto OH-[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”] (exit #4), right onto OH-725, 1.5 miles to 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road (Right side of road)

DMM Ticket Contest
We’re got a family four pack of tickets to send a lucky winner to enjoy the lights. Just like this post, fill out the entry below and leave a comment on why you should win! We’ll post the winner here Thursday night!

A Glimpse Back in Time Inspires Dayton’s Tipping Point

December 3, 2014 By Guest Contributor

Dayton, we’ve reached the tipping point.

Over the last two decades there’s been a number of significant blips on the radar that have suggested downtown still has a pulse.

Since I moved out of the suburbs and into Dayton in 2007, I’ve been one of the dedicated many shouting that battle cry.

I think those blips have hit a threshold. I think that momentum is finally reaching something special.

I’d like to thank America’s brewery boom and reaching back to our roots. This year the number of breweries in the U.S. topped 3000 for the first time since the 1870s.

The Dayton area itself has experienced much of the same. For downtown’s sake, it got its first neo-foray into brewing when Toxic Brew Company opened in 2012. Toxic brought Dayton its first brewery since the closure of the Dayton Brewing Corporation in 1961.

This was another blip on the radar, albeit a very important blip that led up to this year.

I’m not sure where I had read it, but I remember hearing something about a brewery in the old foundry building on Wyandot Street.

In college my band had played a show at The Foundry, and while Dayton wasn’t ready for it then, you couldn’t deny the industrial feel was something special.

Every time I passed it, I gazed inside and wondered if it, like many grandiose Dayton dreams (The Merc), were big plans that didn’t pan out for one reason or another.

Then, out of nowhere on Twitter I read “Hey! this Warped Wing place is opening in like two weeks!”

After catching The Coens’ “Inside Llewn Davis” at The Neon, a friend and I ventured over to Warped Wing for their opening day.

Much of the place was just as I remembered it, a wide-open, factory-like space, constructed mostly of concrete, only the stage was replaced by a large 30 barrel brewhouse and three 60 barrel fermenters.

The turnout was great. It wasn’t overwhelming, but a steady crowd of mostly Gen X’ers slowly introduced themselves to a fine new establishment deeply rooted in Dayton’s history.

That’s where I think the buy local trend and Warped Wing have meshed so well that a firestorm of momentum is moving this city forward.

Inside everything Warped Wing has to offer, there is a story, rooted in Dayton, its innovation, and its past. The brewery itself is named after the breakthrough concept in wing construction, discovered by Dayton’s own Wright Brothers while developing their famous Wright Flyer.

So they’re a brewery, what about their beer, what makes this place special?

Again, it’s the storytelling. Ermal’s Cream Ale? An homage to Ermal Fraze, who invented the pop-top in Dayton in the 1950s. The Flyin’ Rye IPA? Another tribute to the Wright Brothers, and Dayton’s rich history in aerospace. How about the 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout? An homage to the 10 ton box crane inside the building itself, that was part of the foundry when it was constructed in 1937.

If you want to learn about the power of storytelling, any Peter Gruber or Jim Signorelli book is a great read, but what good is storytelling if it stays inside the walls of the old iron foundry warped wing operates in?

The key connecting all the dots has been Warped Wings mindblowing ability to distribute its product. When the president of your company is the brains behind Dayton’s wildly popular AleFest, you know you’re off to a good start, and Joe Waizmann has shown just that.

Within two weeks of opening I needed more than two hands to count the numbers of bars and restaurants that proudly served Dayton’s own Warped Wing beer.

Then summer arrived and Warped Wing can 4-packs were a real item you could go to your local grocery and buy Dayton’s own. Each can, brilliantly illustrated, tells its story of how it came to be.

I headed south to a party with friends in Cincy and gave the birthday girl a 4-pack for her birthday. EVERYONE wondered when they too could get Warped Wing at their grocery store.

Not only are they just telling amazing stories, they’re working with other Dayton originals and creating new ones. Dayton’s own Press Coffee? Why not make a beer with them. Dayton’s renowned Century Bar? Of course you HAVE to create a beer with them.

Their partnerships are not just reserved for the cool places in town, how about Esther Price, a staple in Dayton since 1926? Of course, Warped Wing has created a beer with them also.

All of this brings me to this past weekend. Thanksgiving weekend, when everyone journeys in from the current place they call home to return to the first place they called home.

The tasting room at Warped Wing isn’t small by any means. Friday I stood in line, shoulder to shoulder with strangers when I ran into some old friends, and a group of guys I went to high school with.

One of the guys I went to school with has been living in Chicago for some time, and he asked some questions about Warped Wings beers and by the end of this conversation he arrived at stating “Man, this place is almost too good to be true for Dayton, isn’t it?”

A few minutes later, I ran into the old friends I hadn’t seen in a while, one of which has been living in DC. Big smile on his face, he says “This place…this place is great.”

This was probably the tenth time I’ve been to Warped Wing in the nine months its been open, and it’s a rare occasion I see someone I know there, but that’s what makes the place so special.

It’s not just a hipster place where the kids are hang out; there are just as many people from the 35+ crowd. EVERY TIME I’m there, I see new faces I don’t see elsewhere downtown.

It’s completely realistic that on any visit you could share a pint, and make a friend, Warped Wing’s motto.

This is the place that is finally luring people out of the the suburbs to visit and try Dayton’s own Warped Wing.

In the scheme of things Warped Wing is just another brewery that sells beer, but this brewery has done something much more important, it’s inspired Dayton.

Hopefully you’ve all seen the Dayton Inspires campaign, it’s awesome, but I think a lot of the real problem has lied somewhere else…

No one has inspired Dayton.

Warped Wing has instilled a sense of pride in people. They can visit their local bar or restaurant, and order Dayton’s own and watch it come right of the tap next to the big dogs of Anheuser-Busch.

People can throw a a barbeque and offer friends a pint of beer proudly rooted in Dayton’s history.

It doesn’t have to be Tumbleweed’s famous “Dayton’s alright if you haven’t been anywhere else” sticker anymore, it’s alright to take pride in Dayton again.

People are holding their class reunions at Warped Wing, they’re showing it off to their families, and it’s the new place people want to check out when they’re in town for the holidays.

Warped Wing absolutely isn’t leading this resurgence alone. Dayton continues to step up with monumental improvements in key areas, like the ball park area for instance…

Over the last 5 years the Litehouse and Simms townhomes nearby have exploded onto the scene.
Water Street is primed to be the new jewel of the Gem City.
Riverscape has made tremendous progress and River Run will be here in no time.
Chris Wire’s Proto Build Bar is a fresh, and innovation concept.
Finally the old mendelson building by the ballpark is going to be developed into something I have no doubt will be amazing.

The Dayton Dragons and the Schuster Center were huge players in laying the framework to create districts people want to visit, and with the Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Greater Downtown Plan working full steam ahead to connect those, you can already start to see the dominoes falling.

While these huge investments were necesary to the viability of downtown, they haven’t created an experience that is uniquely Dayton; they’re more a means to providing exceptional entertainment from around the country.

I would argue Dayton has almost always had great local entertainment options, but since everyone moved to the suburbs over 50 years ago, Dayton-area people have needed a little help believing in what downtown has to offer.

Ironically, we had to go back 150 years to an industry forgotten in Dayton to retell the city’s story, to reaffirm it’s something to be proud of, and that Dayton does in fact inspire.

Alex Smith is a marketing and communications specialist with 3+ years of experience in managing strategic marketing efforts, media relations, and social media.

For a little over the past year he’s served as project manager on multiple marketing efforts at Kettering Health Network.

In the past he’s worked in a media relations, as well as contributed web content for a local tv station. In print, he’s contributed to local and national publications about anything from local events, to the importance of college, and how to prepare for the job market.

Teachers Who Get Students Outdoors Can Win Prize Money for Classrooms

December 2, 2014 By Dayton937

Children learn about creek critters during a recent Five Rivers MetroParks program at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Now, Five Rivers MetroParks seeks to honor educators who provide similar experiences for their students.

To honor teachers who engage students with the outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks has created the OUTstanding Teacher Award. The first-time award is open to classroom teachers working in the Dayton area who teach any subject from preschool to high school. The award includes three nomination categories:

Rising Star (less than 10 years)
Leader (10 to 20 years)
Lifetime Achievement (more than 20 years)

Awardees will be honored with a plaque at the Miami Valley Leave No Child Inside Summit held Saturday, Feb. 21, at Wegerzyn Garden MetroPark. Winning teachers also will receive a prize package worth $800 containing:

Plant kit with plants selected for winning teachers’ schools;
Environmental Education Council of Ohio membership (includes $100 to use toward the 101 Conference held at Camp Kern the first weekend of October; and
$500 worth of tools for the winners’ schools.

Funded through the James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation’s Kettering Grant, the award is for teachers providing students with outdoor, environmental experiences that inspire interest in and positive attitudes about nature.

“Teachers in the greater Dayton area recognize the importance of hands-on, nature-based learning,” said Lauren Stayer Asquith, a Five Rivers MetroParks education assistant. “It’s important Five Rivers MetroParks supports and recognizes these educators, as they in turn support our mission to provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.”

To apply, teachers need to produce a video (less than 5 minutes long) that answers the following:

Why is it important to connect kids with nature?
What are the most significant positive impacts the nominee has made?
How has the nominee gone above and beyond in leading his/her students in environmental experiences?
How does the nominee inspire others? Why are you nominating this person?

Nominations can be submitted by posting the video to YouTube and filling out an online form by Jan. 19. Information on judging criteria can be found online at metroparks.org/outstanding. Videos do not have to be professionally produced, as the content of the message will be valued more than production quality.

Junior League Launches Kids in the Kitchen Campaign

November 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Childhood obesity is a raging epidemic in every developed country. The Association of Junior Leagues International’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative, begun in 2006, is doing something about it by raising awareness of healthful eating across four countries and in more than 200 communities, including right here in Dayton, Ohio.

The Junior League of Dayton, in partnership with ThinkTV, has worked extensively over the past two years to create a media campaign that promotes the JLD’s healthy families programming. Together, they created six professional public service announcements that guide children and their families to make smart, nutritious food and exercise choices.

“To build a healthy community, we need to make good choices. None is more important than a healthy diet,” said David Fogarty, president of ThinkTV. “We need to give our children the tools they need to make these choices about what to eat that can make a difference in their lives and in their future. Partnering with Junior League for Kids in the Kitchen gives us a special opportunity to help create and make resources available, resources that encourage habits that last a lifetime — a healthy lifetime.”

In addition to the informational spots, seven instructional “Time to Make a Quick Healthy Snack!” spots were produced that encourage healthy snacks while showing children in the kitchen making these easy and fun recipes. All television spots point viewers to the JLD website, www.jldayton.org, for full recipe instructions and wellness resources, like MyPlate guidelines.

“This project has been in the works for several years. It has been very exciting to watch our Junior League members and partnership with ThinkTV push forward in this endeavor, from the initial brainstorming process to the actual announcements coming to fruition,” said Stephanie Winquist, community vice president during the 2013-14 League year. “ThinkTV played such a vital role with both their television production expertise as well as their know-how to reach our target demographics. Because of this collaboration, we are able to greatly expand our Healthy Lifestyles/Kids in the Kitchen messaging to those in the greater Miami Valley, and we hope that this effort helps families in making healthy choices and opens a dialogue about healthy decisions.”

The Kids in the Kitchen campaign began airing on ThinkTV the first week in November 2014 during both children’s daytime shows, like Sesame Street, and adult evening programming, such as Downton Abbey.

About the Junior League of Dayton

Founded in 1920, the Junior League of Dayton, Ohio, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable, and it is open to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to voluntarism.

For 95 years, the JLD has mobilized expertise and resources to make the Dayton area a healthier, more vital place to live. Working within a strategic focus area, the JLD systematically evaluates the critical needs of the community and determines where they can most make an impact. The focus area for 2014-15 is healthy families, which includes the League’s signature POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources) initiative as well as Kids in the Kitchen. Together, these programs have served more than 30,000 children and families in the Miami Valley during the past decade, providing thousands of properly-fitted bicycle helmets, correctly installed car seats, smart nutrition and exercise lessons and safe-baby workshops for teen parents.