Community

Oregon District Merchants Offer Holiday Shopping Promotion

November 24, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

With over 25 dining and entertainment options and 20 retail establishments, the Oregon District is a great place to purchase diverse holiday gifts from local businesses. This year, the independent businesses have come together to showcase what the Oregon District has to offer with a new stamp card promotion that rewards people with thousands of dollars in prize incentives. Each business will have stamp cards available, which will be stamped whenever a purchase is made at one of 45 businesses. Every business has a different stamp, and once someone has 8 stamps from 8 different independent, local businesses, the completed card can be turned into one of 3 locations: The Trolley Stop, Sterling Studio, and Lily’s Bistro.

Completed stamp card functions like a deluxe raffle ticket, says organizer Brian Johnson. “There will be a total of 4 drawings from completed stamp cards. On three Sundays in December, we will draw a card and the winner will receive a gift basket worth about $500 in goods donated by Oregon District businesses. On Sunday, December 21, one of the completed cards will de drawn for the grand prize, which is worth $1,000 in prizes and gift certificates.”

Organizers decided to run Christmas in the Oregon District from Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, December 21 for two reasons. The kick off is tied with Small Business Saturday on November 29–a national promotion that showcases small businesses and encourages individuals to spend their holiday dollars in their community–and the ending date gives folks a chance to use their prizes as holiday gifts. “I might not be planning to get a tattoo any time soon,” says Bob Mendenhall of Blind Bob’s. “But if I win the grand prize, I know a whole lot of people that would be happy to get a gift certificate for one!”

Shopping Options: Belle of Dayton, Bonnets, Brim, Clash Dayton, Deaf Monty’s, Eclectic Essentials, Feather’s Vintage, 510 Gallery, Found Treasures 4 You, Gem City Tattoo Club, Glenn Scott’s Tattoo Team, Goodwill, Hicks Barbershop, Jimmy Modern, My Grandfather’s Garden, Omega Music, Oregon Tails, Recreate, Sew Dayton, Spice Paradise, Sterling Studio,

Dining & Entertainment Options: Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub, 5th St. Wine and Deli, Franco’s, Grass Roots Enrichment Center, Hole in the Wall, Jay’s Seafood, Lily’s Bistro, Lucky’s, Ned Peppers, Oregon Express, Press, Roost, Salar, Smokin’ BBQ, Thai 9, The Neon, Toxic Brew Co, Trolley Stop, Urban Krag, Wheat Penny, Wiley’s,

Dayton Holiday Festival Kicks Off Friday

November 23, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton Holiday Festival is your source for family-friendly holiday fun in downtown Dayton. Started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering more than 40 years ago so that all children could enjoy the holiday season regardless of their economic means, the Festival continues today with free attractions for the community.

Each year the festival kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with the Grande Illumination and the Dayton Children’s Parade, and the fun continues throughout the month of December with activities like the Tike’s Shoppe, a family movie series at The Neon, pizza with Santa, and more! Mark your calendars for this year’s activities:

Kick off the Dayton Holiday Festival
Friday, November 28, 4-9 p.m. with:

The Grande Illumination tree lighting
Friday, November 28, 7:45 p.m.
Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts.
Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting. At 7:45, we’ll throw the switch and approximately 50,000 colored lights will brighten the two-story-tall holiday tree on Courthouse Square. Sponsored by Big 106.5 FM.

The Dayton Children’s Parade
Spectacular in Lights
Friday, November 28, Approximately 8 p.m.
Along Second, Main & Fourth sts.
Immediately following the tree lighting, the Children’s Parade will round the corner of Second and Main streets to start its route through downtown, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Watch decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats.

Life-Size Snow Globe
Friday, November 28, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts.
New this year – a unique and fun way to capture your memories of the Grande Illumination and Parade! Jump inside the enormous snow globe and take photos among this whimsical winter scene! Sponsored by DP&L.

Magic Glasses
For a fun and special added touch, we’ll be handing out free ‘magic glasses,’ courtesy of CareSource. Grab a pair on Courthouse Square before watching the tree lighting and parade to see the holiday lights in a whole new way!

But the tree lighting and parade aren’t the only highlights that night! A full evening of fun holiday entertainment and activities is planned from 4-9 p.m., including:

Live Main Stage Entertainment
We have plenty of entertainment on the Courthouse Square Main Stage leading up to the lighting ceremony. Here’s the lineup:

4:00-4:35 p.m. – Holiday Music
4:40-5:00 p.m. – Cathe Brown
5:10-5:30 p.m. – Josh Weston
5:40-6:10 p.m. – Meg Osman
6:20-6:55 p.m. – High Five Riot
7:10-7:45 p.m. – Dayton Celebration Chorus

Main Stage Entertainment is sponsored by Kroger.

Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest
Old Court House, Third & Main sts.; 4-9 p.m.
View all of the delicious contest entries and the award-winning houses. Best in show will receive $500! Winners will be announced on the Main Stage before the tree lighting ceremony. Sponsored by the Downtown Priority Board, with media sponsor B94.5 FM.

Holiday Village
Kettering Tower lobby, southeast corner of Second and Main streets; 4-9 p.m.
Visit a magical fantasy village featuring free crafts, games and lots of other surprises for kids. A favorite at the Holiday Village is Time Warner Cable Media’s ‘Dial-an-Elf’ phone bank, where kids can call the North Pole and share their wish list with one of Santa’s official helpers! The Holiday Village is sponsored by Time Warner Cable Media, with games and crafts sponsored by Hollywood Gaming – Dayton Raceway.

Junior League of Dayton’s Holiday Hunt
Courthouse Square; 4-7 p.m.
Don’t miss this free downtown scavenger hunt for kids! Start at the Junior League tent on Courthouse Square, where you’ll receive your map and instructions. Then follow the hunt to downtown locations to receive prizes!

Street Fair on Third
Third Street between Main and Ludlow; 4-9 p.m.
Blinking lights and whirring sounds are just a small part of the wonder you’ll find at the Street Fair on Third. Enjoy free carnival rides for kids throughout the evening! Street Fair on Third is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.

Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
Second & Main, in front of the Premier Health Center; 4-7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a wagon ride through downtown! Plan to come early, as the rides are very popular and lines can be long. (Please note that in order to ensure everyone in line will get a ride, it is often necessary to close the line earlier than the scheduled end time.) $1 per person. Sponsored by Miami-Jacobs Career College.

The holiday fun continues through December with Family Weekends and other activities! Visit http://www.daytonholidayfestival.org for all the details.

Dayton Named “All-Star City” for LGBT Rights

November 13, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Dayton is a really LGBT friendly city according to the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI). Modeled after HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, the MEI looks at the openness and inclusion of a city as a place to live and as an employer. This is Dayton’s first year to be included in the index.

The city scored an 85 after it was ranked in Non-Discrimination Laws, Relationship Recognition, Municipality as Employer, Municipal Services, Law Enforcement and Relationship with the LGBT Community. Dayton earned bonus points for inclusive workplaces, services for LGBT youth, homeless and elderly and for having openly LGBT members elected as municipal leaders. Dayton earned bonus points for openly LGBT elected or appointed municipal leaders, inclusive workplaces, providing support and services to LGBT youth, LGBT homeless, LGBT elderly and those living with HIV/AIDS. Making Dayton’s final score a 95. Dayton ranked third among six Ohio cities scored, following Columbus and Cincinnati and above Cleveland, Akron and Toledo.

“I am proud that Dayton welcomes the LGBT community,” Mayor Whaley said. “Everyone can find a place to thrive in Dayton. We are a patchwork of many cultures, generations, races, genders and experiences. That combination of ideas and experiences is part of what makes Dayton a diverse and strong community.”

See the full breakdown of Dayton’s ratings here.

Dayton: A City Worth Fighting For

November 13, 2014 By Dayton937

Get an update on progress through the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan during a special community meeting.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about this city since I moved here in 2009, it’s that Dayton doesn’t give up. It’s true we’ve had our share of setbacks, but we also have a history of bouncing back tougher than ever.

In 2010, community leaders from the public and private sectors rolled out a new strategic plan for our city’s urban core called the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. In it, you’ll find the framework for a healthy and vibrant downtown as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. But why downtown? Why not just call it quits? We had been outed by a national publication as “dying”; what’s the use in fighting?

Daytonians don’t give up. Perhaps it’s something coded in our DNA, but whatever the reason, Dayton denizens have a long tradition of sticking up for what they believe in. Flood knock out your city? Big deal; we’ll rebuild. Impossible notion of human-powered flight? Hey ma, watch this! Our city’s got grit and determination, and today I’m pleased to invite you to witness the latest blow to any nay-sayer who dogs Dayton.

The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan community update is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Wintergarden area at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, right in the heart of downtown Dayton. Mix and mingle with other people like you who refuse to quit. Our presentation will begin at 4 p.m. Those who love boring PowerPoint presentations and staid speakers should sit this one out; our presentation will be fast-paced and dynamic, featuring new promotional videos. We’ll begin and end with live music, to boot.

Find out why downtown not only is worth saving, it’s worth growing. Roughly 42,000 employees, 20,000 residents, and 40,000 students call the greater downtown area home. We see more than 7 million visitors every year. Surprised? You shouldn’t be; downtown Dayton reflects a national trend. Downtowns are filling a special niche: to be places where people have an active, convenient lifestyle. Creating that place is integral to attracting investment, as well as retaining and creating jobs because more businesses are locating and expanding where people want to be — and more of them want to be in vibrant, diverse cities where they can live, work, play and learn within walkable distances. This is the future of our city, and the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan is our blueprint to achieve it.

Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the highlights the plan has achieved since it launched in 2010:

$408.5 million: Projects completed
$182.1 million: Projects currently in development
$81 million: Investments in downtown’s educational institutions
$72 million: Amount invested in walking and biking corridors
$1 million: Amount of capital funding secured to launch a bike share in 2015
$5.47 million: Total river corridor investments, including the RiverScape River Run

There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done, and we’ll continue to lean on the support of our community. But let’s take one day to reflect on all the good things happening in Dayton. Let’s take a moment and talk about our progress. Let’s get a glimpse of progress in the pipelines and start to see the future of our city as a vibrant, active community. Let’s look at a million more reasons why Dayton is a city worthy of attention from the rest of the world as a place where don’t wait on salvation to be delivered to us; we’re a city with momentum, and we did it ourselves.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or call (937) 224-1518 ext. 221, and we’ll be sure to save you a seat at the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan community update.

Call for submissions: EarthFest 2015 Poster Contest!

November 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

2014 Earthfest Poster

EarthFest is a volunteer-created Earth Day Festival hosted by Garden Station featuring over 35 hands-on DIY Sustainable Living Workshops, Live Local Music, Booths by over 40 environmentally friendly organizations, a non-GMO Heirloom Plant Sale and more! The first EarthFest happened in 2013, was organized by 2 people and over 1000 attended. Last year a team of 7 volunteers organized the event that drew almost 5000 attendees. This year a Neighborhood Mini-Grant by the City of Dayton was awarded to expand the festival. A part of that expansion includes inviting local artists to design this year’s EarthFest poster and offering a $200 cash prize to the winning design.

Information about last year’s festival can be found at www.GoAShadeGreener.org Artwork is needed for an event poster, the event program and newspaper ads. The theme of the artwork should reflect the purpose of the event which is to teach residents to “Go a Shade Greener” with a lifestyle that is healthier for people and the planet. Some skills that have been taught in the past are growing your own food, including organic gardening and raising chickens for eggs; food preparation including cheesemaking, homebrewing and fermenting foods; and green energy including homemade Biodiesel and installing solar panels,

A committee comprised of artists, representatives from local eco-friendly organizations and EarthFest organizers will select the winning design. Designs will be judged based on originality, appropriateness for the event and design quality.

1496614_10153313606662971_751297266896190085_n

2013 Earthfest Poster

Multiple submissions are encouraged. Submissions may be submitted in any format or size, as long as the proposed design is clearly illustrated. Designs that can easily be used in computer design are encouraged.

Submissions are due by 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 10^th and can be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

Garden Station 509 E 4th Street Dayton, OH 45402

Additional donations are also being accepted to help fund EarthFest at http://daytongardenstation.org/ with an Indiegogo fundraiser starting in February. Environmentally friendly organizations are invited to sponsor a classroom and the music stage for EarthFest 2015. Donations help cover tents, advertising, workshop materials and other expenses. Any extra money raised will go towards expanding the urban farm at Garden Station by adding a hoophouse greenhouse and produce refrigerator next growing season.

Updates will be posted at www.facebook.com/GardenStation

EarthFest 2015 will take place at Garden Station on April 18^th 2015

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Lisa at [email protected] or 937-610-3845.

Organizing 101 with Kim Metter of Designed to Organize

November 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Kim Metter – Professional Organizer and Owner of Designed to Organize, LLC

Kim Metter, owner of Designed to Organize, LLC, has always enjoyed putting things in their place and organizing the clutter. So much so that she decided to take her passion for organizing and create her own professional organizing business. Designed to Organize opened in July of this year and specializes in professional organizing and interior design.

Recently, we sat down with Kim to ask her some questions about her business and what they do.

Question: What made you want to become a professional organizer?

Answer: I have always enjoyed tidying up. Nothing makes me happier than organizing and making order out of chaos. I have a natural affinity for it. In every professional position that I have held, I have ended up organizing something. It’s like I can’t help it, I find something that needs to be organized and I just do it. I enjoy it immensely, it calms and centers me and makes me feel happy and fulfilled. I decided that with all of the organizing projects that I have completed over the years and the experience that I have had I needed to translate that into a career. I started planning Designed to Organize, LLC six years ago and decided that this was the year to pull the trigger.

Question: What is your organizing philosophy?

Answer: It is one of simplicity and logic. We require homeostasis (the tendency to maintain internal stability) to feel and perform at our best. When we are surrounded by clutter and chaos, we cannot be our best. We are stressed out, we become angry and we can lash out at others without realizing why we are doing it. We don’t feel calm or happy because our environment is not conducive to it. Clearing the clutter and organizing the chaos can eliminate that stress in our lives. We may have little control over the outside factors that cause us stress, but we can control the stress derived from living and working in cluttered and disorganized spaces. By getting and staying organized we are balanced, we perform better at our jobs, our home lives are better and we are more happy overall. That’s what it’s all about, clearing the clutter and organizing the chaos so we can live more healthy and happy lives.

Question: What are your favorite organizing tools?

Answer: I have so many, it is difficult to choose just one! My ultimate tool is probably my moleskin notebook that I use to make to-do lists or write down the many things that are racing through my head at any given time. I find that writing things down and organizing them into lists helps give me a road map to follow. That’s really half the battle, having a plan. If you have a plan to follow, the organizing part is pretty easy. Secondly, I love my label maker. Placing names on objects for quick reference is key. Whether you are organizing files in your office or dry goods in your kitchen pantry, the label maker is essential. I also have a love affair with Post-Its. I use them everyday for quick messages to myself or others, they help me stay organized for quick and short term tasks. They are really great for that.

Question: What thoughts enter your mind when you walk into a potential client’s space?

Answer: People think that they are judged on their space; that their disorganization or clutter is a direct reflection on them. Nothing is further from the truth. When I walk into a space that needs organization, I see nothing but potential. I see a project waiting to happen. I see the space as it can be, not as it is. If the space was perfectly organized, I wouldn’t be there in the first place! My goal is really to listen to the needs of the client. What is the space to be used for? What do you like or dislike about the space? What changes do you want to see in the space? All of my designs are client driven. I make sure that you are going to enjoy using the space as you intend to use it and that I leave you with the tools you will need to continue to keep the space organized and uncluttered so that the space can be used as it is intended.

Question: To conclude, what would you say to those people who say they can’t get organized?

Answer: Yes, you can. You may not be able to do it alone, and that’s okay. Getting the ball rolling is always the hardest part. But with my help, yes, you can.

Kim is hosting Designed to Organize, LLC’s first monthly meeting entitled, Tidy Talks, Monday, the 24th of November at 7 p.m. at the Oakwood Starbucks located at 2424 Far Hills Avenue Oakwood, Ohio 45419. Join her for tips, tricks and solutions that will be shared along with beverages and snacks. Please let her know you will be attending by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designed-to-organize-llc-presents-tidy-talks-tickets-14231142731.

Designed to Organize, LLC aids clients in organizing, decluttering and creating beautifully designed spaces to maximize comfort and livablility.

Designed to Organize, LLC: Address: P.O. Box 291876 Dayton, Ohio 45429

Phone: (937) 479-5387 Email: [email protected]

Follow her on Facebook for quick tips and organizing ideas.

Plan To Be A Part of the Santa Pub Crawl, Benefitting Toys for Tots

November 5, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The 9^th Annual Santa Pub Crawl, benefitting the local chapter of Toys for Tots, will take place in the Oregon District on Saturday, December 13^th . The Party is only getting larger!

This is the ninth year for this event where Santa Pub Crawl participants don their most festive holiday attire, anything from complete Santa Claus gear to elf ears and reindeer antlers and everything in between. To participate, attendees need to dress in festive holiday gear, (at minimum a Santa hat) which gets them into each participating bar for free and take advantage of drink specials. They must also bring one new unwrapped $10 toy as a donation to Toys for Tots. More than half a dozen Marines will be on hand to accept donations. In lieu of a toy, attendees may also make a $10 donation to Toys for Tots.

The Party starts at 5:00 at the Dublin Pub and continues through 6 other bars in the Oregon District. A costume contest with prizes for first, second, and third place male and female, best couple and best group. Prize package promises to be at least $1500!

Last year, the Santa Pub Crawl collected more than 700 toys along with $1,000 in cash donations, which was distributed by the Marines to local children in need. This event allows the community to come together and ensure that children right here in the Miami Valley have something under the tree on Christmas Day. Santa Pub Crawl Chairperson, Brian Young, stated, “Last year we had a huge turnout, but with the threat of a storm, the crowds were kept to about 750 people. This year promises to have over 1000 people as the campaign of social media and advertising got started about a month earlier. And, because of the generous support of our sponsors, we have a large prize pool for the costume contest, which will be held at Blind Bob’s.

The route for the Santa Pub Crawl is as follows:

Dublin Pub – 5:00 – 6:30pm

Trolley Stop – 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Tumbleweed – 7:30 – 8:30 pm

Blind Bob’s – 8:30 – 10:00 pm (costume contest & Pics)

Oregon Express – 10:00 – 11:00 pm

Ned Peppers/Newcoms/Dublin Pub– late night dancing

Toys can be collected wherever the Marines are posted. Participants may join the pub crawl at any point in the night. Crown Plaza, located at 33 E. Fifth Street will have discounted rooms while they last for participants. Please call 937-224-0800 and ask for “Toys for Tots Santa Pub Crawl Rate” of $79.00. Be responsible: Don’t drink and drive.

For more information on the Santa Pub Crawl, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DaytonSantaPubCrawl

Oregon Historic District Society Candlelight Tour Now Taking Reservations

November 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Here’s your chance to join the Oregon District’s Holiday Candlelight tour on December 8, 9, 10. A liveried guide will escort you as you tour beautifully decorated historic homes, artfully decorated for the holidays. The last home on the tour will offer you Victorian Sweets, Champagne Punch and Coffee. The tours will begin at 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm each evening.

TICKET INFORMATION

You may choose the tour alone for $25 or choose the dinner/tour for $50. The 5:30 restaurant seating will allow you to join the 7:00 pm tour. The 6:30 restaurant seating will allow you to join the 8:00 pm tour.

Four of the District’s finest restaurants are participating in a dinner/tour option. Here are the dinner menu options:

WHEAT PENNY
THREE COURSE MENU:
First Course: Stromboli
Second Course: Mixed green salad
Third Course – Your choice of:
• Chicken Thighs cooked under a brick
• Pork Shoulder braised with white wine, tomato and olives
• Green Lasagne with cheese and tomato
• Any hot and tasty 9” hand-tossed Pizza!
Accompanied by a glass of draft beer or a glass of wine.

LILY’S BISTRO
STARTERS (Choose One)
• Chef’s selection of deviled eggs
• Smoked trout with jicama, daikon radish, and honeycrisp apples tossed in miso vinaigrette
• Raw shaved kale salad with pomegranate vinaigrette, dried cranberries, oranges, roasted beets, pepitas, and blue cheese crumbles
ENTREE CHOICES (Choose One)
• Local grilled chicken over tasso ham red beans and cajun dirty rice
• House meatloaf with herbed chicken gravy, mashed potatoes, and braised red cabbage
• Baked red trout with cornbread crab stuffing and sweet potato hash drizzled with remoulade
• Slow simmered butterbeans with root vegetables, steamed greens and brown rice
DESSERTS (Choose One)
• Flourless dark chocolate torte
• Seasonal dessert special
WINE & BEER
• Ask about tonight’s selections

JAYS RESTAURANT
• Spiced Bourbon Salmon – Blackened salmon over horseradish mashed potatoes and sweet potato puree
• Fried Shrimp – Served with your choice of side dish
• Stuffed Chicken Breast – Mozzarella and basil stuffed chicken served over pasta with tomato basil marinara
• Greek Style Swordfish – Baked with tomato, garlic, lemon and basil served on seasoned spinach with feta cheese
• Salmon en Croute – Fresh salmon and mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry, served with lobster sauce and your choice of side dish
• Fish Tacos – Seared fish in grilled soft tortillas with cabbage, pico de gallo, spiced lime sour cream and cilantro, served with choice of side
All entrees include a tossed field green salad with your choice of dressing and a glass of house wine or domestic beer.

SALAR

APPETIZER CHOICES (Choose One)
• The Salar Salad – Spring mix salad greens, roasted golden beets, roasted red peppers with smoked onion vinaigrette
• Chicken Chicharrones – Chicken thigh strips marinated and deep fried,served with a lime, cilantro, yellow Peruvian chili pepper sauce
• Peruvian Empanadas – Juicy stir fried beef tenderloin and Peruvian spices wrapped in turnovers
ENTREE CHOICES (Choose One)
• Pork Filet Mignon – Grilled pork filet mignon topped with a purple corn,rehydrated cherry, new age wine sauce served on a bed of roasted cabbage and mashed potatoes
• Sole Filet – Golden broiled sole filet topped with a parmesan, sweet yellow onion creamy crust over champagne sauce accompanied by sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes
• White Bean Vegan Scallops – Puréed white beans with coriander and onions,served with sofrito on a bed of sautéed spinach, topped with a smoked onion vinaigrette
• Chicken Skewers – Marinated chicken breast skewers in panca chilies, grilled and served on a bed of lima bean puree, mashed potatoes and chimichurri sauce
DESSERT
• Tres Leches – Soft vanilla cake with peach liqueur and sweetened milks
All entrees include a glass of house wine.

Please make advance reservations by calling 224-1554
Then to confirm your reservation, please print & fill out RESERVATION FORM with payment and mail to: OHDS, 33 HESS ST, DAYTON, OH 45402
The form & payment must be received by DECEMBER 3RD.

Tickets will be sent to you by return mail. Tickets must be brought with you the evening of the tour for admission to the homes.

Synergy Incubators Is Hanging Up Its Apron

November 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Dear Community,

After two years of challenging and exciting work, it’s time for us to step away. But first, we’d like to thank you. We’re in awe of the passionate support of people like you. Your generosity and engagement kept us inspired and drove us forward. And we were so close! It’s not easy to let go when we knew we were there!

Thanks to your support, we were running classes, had created a special curriculum, awakened new talent, helped launch new business, and were busy remodeling a kitchen in Dayton’s urban core—right where we belong, where we can do the most good. But the climate wasn’t supportive. Even as we explored every avenue, innovation and partnership suggested to us by the many talented thinkers and doers we know. Even with positive press, prevailing trends and the support of thousands of you in what amounts to one of the broadest grass roots efforts in memory. Even with the need we see in our community. Ours is the kind of effort that requires support from all sectors—private, commercial, non-profit and government.And the powers that be didn’t align with our mission.

Take heart. The concept of a regional culinary incubator is powerful and inevitable. Thousands of you have embraced it. Even as we must step down, we encourage you and your organization to take up the fight at some future time when conditions are more welcoming, as they will be. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to cheer our lungs out for every daring, independent, downtown food venture that enlivens our city streets and keeps us loving urban life. Please rest assured, whoever takes up the gauntlet next will have the benefit of our knowledge and experience, waiting here to be shared.

Love,

Synergy

Full disclosure- I, Lisa Grigsby, publisher of DMM was a part of Synergy.

Food Summit Celebrates Local, Healthful Eating

October 29, 2014 By Megan Cooper

The Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition, the University of Dayton’s Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Program and Growing Power Initiative, and the Partners for the Environment Food Team will host the 4th Annual Montgomery County Food Summit on Friday, November 7, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the University of Dayton River Campus (Meyer Room), 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, Ohio. The food summit is free and open to the public. The consumer demand for locally grown food and local products continues to expand within our region. Commissioner Judy Dodge says, “The demand for locally grown food and local products continues to expand as consumers see the health and economic benefits in our community. The summit will focus on connecting the Dayton region’s local food producers with local consumers; institutions, retailers, restaurants, and schools.”

The food summit will focus on connecting the Dayton region’s local food producers with local consumers, institutions, retailers, restaurants, and schools. A variety of markets, producers, and retailers will present information about their distribution successes and challenges. A facilitated discussion will be held to explore solutions for developing distribution support for our local farmers and producers. If you’re interested in the growing local food movement – CSAs, market, and more – please RSVP by November 4, 2014 to [email protected] or call 937-225- 6470.

From Farms to Tables: Connecting Producers to Consumers

Commission Dodge shared: Producers will share their stories about the successes, challenges, and economics of smaller farms, and a variety of market models will also be presented. In the afternoon we will engage in facilitated discussions to seek solutions in developing distribution support for our local farmers and producers.

WHEN: November 7, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

WHERE: University of Dayton River Campus, Meyer Room; 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, Ohio

What’s on the Schedule?

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration (Exhibit Fair, Networking)

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Welcome:

Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commissioner
Jim Gross, Health Commissioner, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County

9:10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Producer Panel: Successes, Challenges and Community Support

Mile Creek Farm – Ben and Emily Jackle
Bowman & Landes – Carl Bowman
Hungry Toad Farm – Michael Malone
Shiloh Market – Zella Cook
EBT Connection – Christie Welch, Ohio State University

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break (Exhibit Fair, Networking)

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Making a Connection to Local Food: Brian Raison, OSU Extension – A Study in Ohio’s Hospitals and Their Use of Local Foods

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Market Models:

2nd Street Market (Dayton) – Jimmy Harless
Findlay Market (Cincinnati) – Karen Kahle
Weinland Park Food District (Columbus) – Brian Williams, MORPC

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch (Exhibit Fair, Networking) & Keynote Speaker Dan Carmody – The Detroit Eastern Market (Detroit)

12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Dennis Chrisman – Dorothy Lane Market

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Distribution Models:

Patchwork Gardens – CSA model – George Mertz & Erik Vasilauskas
Our Harvest Cooperative – Kristin Gangwer
Mission of Mary – Stephen Mackell
Champaign County Virtual Farmers Market – Pam Bowshier and Mark Runyan

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Break (Exhibit Fair, Networking)

2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. Five Rivers MetroParks – Gardening Program

2:10 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Facilitated Discussion & Report Out – Bob Steinbach

3:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks – Commissioner Judy Dodge

Nite at the Races : 6th Annual Event to Prevent Homelessness in Dayton

October 22, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The GDAA Rent Foundation Charity

Time for all you local Dayton supporters to put your money where your mouth is… the horses mouth, that is …

Want a fun way to support a charity that helps prevent homelessness in Dayton? Then attend the 6th Annual “Nite at the Races” event on Nov 7th at the IUE HALL on 1675 Woodman Dr. in Kettering.

Held each year by the Rent Foundation, which is the charity enterprise of the Greater Dayton Apartment Association, the event promises to be a great time.

Races are shown on a big screen and you can bet and win cash! Some of the food confirmed will be Frickers Wings, Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza and a Hot Dog Bar !

Did we mention endless beer? Come out and pull some tabs, buy some raffle tickets and jockey your way to the front of the line to make a bet.

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association has been helping needy families since 1993. They have made real results, affecting lives of dozens of Dayton area families.

This event is critical to building charity funds to be able to assist families in 2014 and 2015.

WHAT: BET CASH, WIN CASH on HORSE RACES PLAYED ON THE BIG SCREEN

WHAT ELSE: PULL TABS and RAFFLE PRIZES

COST: $15 includes endless beer, food, and soft drinks !

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

WHERE: 1675 Woodman Drive at the IUE CWA HALL (Parking in the back)

WHY: Raise money for the GDAA Rent Foundation, who pays rent to families through unforeseen crisis or hardships, thereby preventing homelessness.

Bring your friends for a nite at the “track.” There are so many ways to win at this great event!

So saddle up, get out of the gates and head to 1675 Woodman Drive IUE CWA Hall on November 7th at 6:30pm!

Support a charity while just horsin’ around !

Check out our photo gallery below of some of the past year’s RENT FOUNDATION NITE AT THE RACES !

[flagallery gid=114]

The Spirit of Huffman Halloween Tour

October 15, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The Spirit Lives . . .
Oh the tales these old Huffman houses could tell. Creaky hinges and floorboards are eager to share the stories they’ve recorded for more than a century. Follow Huffman Historic Neighborhood’s residents of today as they translate the moans and groans of some of Dayton’s oldest and grandest homes.

Put on your favorite walking shoes and join us for a unique tour of the Huffman Historic neighborhood with a spirited flair.

Homearama Luxury Edition Comes To Clearcreek Township

October 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The Home Builders Association of Dayton is excited to bring the 2014 Homearama Luxury Edition to Auteur Estates in Clearcreek Township in beautiful Warren County. With the incredibly harsh and long winter the Dayton area experienced at the end of last year and the beginning of this year’s building season, combined with an uptick in the Dayton region home building activity which has created a limited, skilled labor pool impacting schedules, the show, originally scheduled for September, will be delayed to October 17th through November 2. The complexity of the homes has not deterred the builders as they have been working feverishly with the recent months with improved weather conditions

Guest Post: In Support of the Human Services Levy

October 9, 2014 By Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor Bill Perry, Director of Brand Management at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area

Our power to affect change in this world can often feel limited. Child abuse, disease, natural disaster…at times, so many problems can feel too big for one person to impact. But this November, we have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people right here in Montgomery County with our votes. Our votes FOR Issue 11, the Montgomery County Human Services levy, will protect quality programs and critical services to people in need in every community in Montgomery County. That’s a big deal.

Issue 11 provides human services that include early diagnosis and treatment of mental and physical disabilities, valuable in-home support for our frail elderly, and foster care and adoption services for children who need loving homes to thrive.

Human services provide programs and services we might all need someday. Children are born with disabilities every day, and the sickness of addiction can attack anyone regardless of background. Have a friend or family member who has been laid off and had a difficult time finding work? What about an elderly neighbor who wants to remain in their own home but needs some support with nutritious meals, health or personal care to do so? Today more than 50,000 people from every community in Montgomery County rely on these critical, quality human services that help change lives for the better.

Human services help more than just individual families, too. Consider the outbreak of disease and what it would be like to live in a community without the nearly 21,000 immunizations provided to the public in a year’s time. Vaccinations prevent our children from contracting crippling vestigial diseases, and flu shots keep us healthy and prevent us from missing work. Public health services also conduct nearly 10,000 restaurant and grocery inspections and nearly 5,700 workplace air-quality reviews every year. Issue 11 can help keep these major lines of defense strong.

Montgomery County Human Services’ finances are reviewed regularly to assure accountability with our tax dollars. A local panel, the Human Services Levy Council, that includes independent business leaders, financial experts, and citizen volunteers work very hard to make sure human services programs work and run efficiently. Since 2011, the Montgomery County Human Services budget has been reduced by $16 million. Knowing the budget is lean and accountable, the Human Services Levy Council recommended Issue 11, which is a renewal of the current 7.21-mill levy and an increase of one mill.

It is $3 a month more per $100,000 of property to protect human services from $70 million in cuts— that represents more than half of the annual funding. Cuts of that magnitude would mean falling woefully short of meeting actual human services’ needs.

With our votes FOR Issue 11, we can continue to protect our county’s at-risk children, serve citizens with developmental disabilities, enable frail seniors to stay in their homes, provide supportive services to people looking for jobs, and help our community fight infectious diseases and drug abuse.

Between working and taking care of our families, it can feel like there is no time to make a difference in the world. So, on November 4^th, we have a real opportunity. Voting FOR Issue 11 will protect services for others and for ourselves, and improve quality of life for everyone in Montgomery County.

Please join me in supporting and voting FOR Issue 11 to protect critical human services.

Submited by Bill Perry of Kettering, Ohio, Director of Brand Management at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area

Dayton: A Choose Your Own Adventure City

October 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Welcome Olivia Barrow!

On Thursday of last week I made one small decision that changed the course of my evening, and afforded me a simple, but powerful realization.

I was biking home from work, through the Oregon District. I stopped in at Derailed to see if Mindy was available to tame my unruly bangs, a free service she offers between cuts.

She wasn’t available. I was bummed.

I was in the middle of unlocking my bike when I realized there was no need to get home right away, and a store I had wanted to check out was still open.

So I made a simple decision: why don’t I stay downtown just a bit longer. (Thanks Jackson Browne.)

1538687_695987140489068_2559334427296618491_n

Scavenger- Newest Pop Up Shop

I biked back to Scavenger in the St. Clair Lofts. On the way I ran into John Drake on the sidewalk in front of his gym and caught up with him.

I walked into Scavenger, introducing myself to the owner Jess. I quickly made a new friend, found a new supporter of Dayton Inspires and discovered my new go-to store for all future birthday and Christmas shopping.

I left glowing with appreciation of the fact that I live close enough to downtown (where I work) to enjoy the close-knit communal feeling of Dayton.

But this was my epiphany. Just because I live close, and I bike to work, that still doesn’t guarantee me the local, let’s-slow-things-down-a-bit lifestyle that I crave. I have to make the choice to take advantage of that every day.

Daytonians as a whole could do a better job of this. Actually, Millennials everywhere could probably do a better job of this. We have a vague idea of what we want in life, and what kind of cities we want to live in, and we like to gripe endlessly if our city doesn’t have that particular air of urban vitality that we’re looking for. But when it does, do we even take advantage of those specific elements that make the city cool? Or do we just pop our collars with a self-satisfied smirk that we live in a ‘cool city’, and then go right back to watching New Girl on the couch, working out at L.A. Fitness and shopping at Target?

Meanwhile, brave entrepreneurs are fighting to establish those completely one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, art studios and gyms that make a downtown vibrant, different and worth sticking around in. And they’ll keep struggling until the Millennials – the Pinterest generation that these stores are targeting – figure out that their role in this city is to be better consumers.

How do you become a better consumer? Create the future you want with your spending. Whenever you have the choice, choose to support the businesses that you would be sad to see close. Because they will, if you’re not there. Don’t just think, ‘Oh a new place opened downtown, I hope people go to it.’ You have the ability to change Dayton with every dollar you spend.

But this is more than just a buy local rant. Spend your time in the places that make Dayton, Dayton, where you’ve got a good chance of seeing someone you know. You never know what creative, awesome ideas can come from spontaneous collaboration over a beer at Fifth Street Brewpub.

Build a relationship with every single service provider you use – your hairstylist, your bartender, your dentist, your mailman, your barista, anybody. Relationships only happen if you develop local habits, but these are the kinds of habits you’ll never want to kick.

I wish I could cite some study that proves that living the Interstate-commuting, strip-mall-shopping, chain-restaurant-eating life will turn your soul into mush, but I have to assume that study is still under review.

Maybe you’ll just have to believe me on this. There is so much more to Dayton than you know, and it’s just waiting for you to discover it, support it, and make it home.

Design Modifications To RiverScape River Run To Create New Benefits

October 7, 2014 By Dayton937

In the process of developing final engineering plans, RiverScape River Run partners discovered new opportunities to improve the project, including improved access to the Great Miami River, a better experience for whitewater paddlers and stronger ties to the riverbank. Many of these opportunities weren’t available when the initial concepts for RiverScape River Run were being developed due to other downtown construction projects, such as I-75.

The improvements will require some modifications to the project design. As before, RiverScape River Run will feature two structures that span the Great Miami River, each with two passageways: one smooth water passageway for novice paddlers and one whitewater play feature. The first of these structures will be located, as previously planned, at RiverScape MetroPark. The second structure will be located where the low dam now exists, closer to the Dayton Art Institute and Dayton’s west side. The low dam still will be removed.

These project improvements will alter the project’s construction schedule. However, the project partners determined the improvements are significant enough to be worth the extra time required to develop and implement them.

Permit-level engineering of the new, improved final design will be completed later this fall. Final engineering will be completed later this year, and project partners anticipate bidding construction of the project in February 2015 and beginning construction of the in-river structures in July 2015, which is when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit allows construction in the river. (The Corps does not allow construction in the river during fish spawning season, which runs from April 15 to June 30.) A specific construction timeline will be developed after U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ final approval of the modified design and after the construction contractor has been hired.

The RiverScape River Run partners are Five Rivers MetroParks, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Miami Conservancy District, City of Dayton and Montgomery County.

The improvements to RiverScape River Run include:

Improved access to the river: Recent reconstruction of the Monument Avenue bridge provided a stairway, an accessible ramp and a vehicular ramp that can be used on the downtown side of the river by livery vehicles with trailers. On the opposite shore, an accessible ramp will be constructed at the conclusion of the I-75 construction. In addition, free parking is available for paddlers and spectators under the I-75 overpass on the downtown side of the river, adjacent to the stairway and ramps
Improved whitewater play feature performance: Both kayak play features will have a greater hydraulic drop, which means improved quality of the wave, providing kayakers better conditions to perform cartwheels, flips and other aerial moves in the surf created by the drop.
Stronger integration of the grade control structures into the existing bank: At each point, the new structures will tie to a concrete bank, ensuring Dayton’s excellent flood control protection remains at the highest standard.

“The new location of the second structure further downstream also allows the benefits of the project to be more broadly spread in the community,” said Carrie Scarff, Five Rivers MetroParks Deputy Director. “This location ties more strongly to the west side of Dayton, strengthening the river’s role as a uniting force in our city. RiverScape River Run will provide a way for everyone in our community to enjoy the river and experience the outdoors.”

In addition, new river access points will be established along both sides of the downtown riverfront and existing ones will be improved.

New access points already have been developed on the east side of Dayton at Eastwood MetroPark.
With construction of RiverScape River Run, additional improvements will be made on the east side to ensure access, including livery access, from Webster Street.
Improved access on the north side of the river at the McPherson Town neighborhood is now being completed with two new stairways, and a new ramp to the top of the levee will be built near the neighborhood on Riverside Drive as part of the current I-75 reconstruction.
On the west side of downtown, two new ramps have just been built at Fifth Street, one on each side of the river.
As part of the RiverScape River Run project, new ramp access to the river will be constructed at Third Street on the west side of the river.

“The Dayton community is ahead of the trend in implementing an in-river whitewater feature,” Scarff said. “In-river construction does not provide the assurances of building on land, and Dayton’s commitment to uncompromised flood control requires that the excellence of the RiverScape River Run exceed standards required by most cities. While the project has presented some unique challenges, those challenges have presented unique opportunities to improve the project and its benefit to the community.”

Project partners have worked closely with the consultants, who have been recognized by their peers as industry leaders, to ensure a successful River Run. The consultants, Recreation Engineering and Planning (REP), specialize in dam modification, whitewater parks, and riverside design and restoration. The firm has 27 years of experience and has worked on more than 80 in-stream design projects — accounting for more than 80 percent of all the whitewater parks in North America. REP also was selected for its expertise in designing whitewater parks that integrate the river with the surrounding community and use natural-appearing engineering solutions, along with its expertise in designing parks that combine public safety, recreation and environmental improvement.

“RiverScape River Run remains among the most impactful projects planned for our region,” Scarff said. “River Run was identified as a high-priority project in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan because of its potential to improve economic vitality and help regional businesses attract and retain top talent. Motivated by this potential, the greater Dayton community raised $4 million to fund this project, with funding coming largely from the private sector.”
Indeed, it’s anticipated RiverScape River Run will experience the same success as similar projects elsewhere in the United States. Reno, Nevada; Missoula, Montana; and Golden, Colorado; have seen tremendous positive impact to their downtowns as a result of building whitewater play parks.