Community

When To Trick or Treat Around Town

October 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Trick or Treat began with the Celtic tradition of celebrating the end of the year by dressing up as evil spirits. The Celts believed that, as we moved from one year to the next, the dead and the living would overlap, and demons would roam the earth again. So dressing up as demons was a defense mechanism. If you encountered a real demon roaming the Earth, they would think you were one of them. Fast forward to the Catholic Church who put their own spin on the ritual. They turned the demon dress-up party into “All Hallows Eve,” “All Soul’s Day,” and “All Saints Day” and had people dress up as saints, angels and still a few demons. . This event was devised so that beggars could go around asking for food, usually barley or oat cakes, in exchange for prayers. The Catholic church said the prayers were an extra bit of “insurance” that a dead person’s spirit would be given entry into heaven. Soul Cake day is no longer in common practice in England, but it is still rather popular in Scotland and Ireland and from this, it is believed, the concept of trick or treat arose.

Trick or treating didn’t start happening in America until sometime in the early part of the 20th century. It was first found in magazines and papers in the latter part of the 1930’s. Throughout the 1940’s trick or treat started to get into full swing due to many of the children’s books and TV shows. In 1952, Walt Disney permanently burned it into the minds and hearts of America when his cartoon, Trick or Treat debuted. Trick or treat was here to stay. Trick or treating became more widely practiced throughout the 20th century. In recent years many people have started to have issues with the “trick” bit. The original idea was that if you did not give a “treat” to the trick or treaters they would then play a “trick” on you. While egging house or car windows or papering someone’s house or tree could be considered harmless fun, the increase of vandalism for the sake of the “trick” has caused trick or treating to actually be banned in some areas. For those who still like to dress in costume in pursuit of candy you’ve got lots of opportunities to do so, as communities all over the Miami Valley each choose their own night to celebrate. As best we know, here’s where you’ll be welcome at strangers doors:

Saturday 10/25

Clark County Trick or Treat
Enon Trick or Treat
New Carlisle Trick or Treat
Hauntfest on 5th (Oregon District Party)
South Vienna Trick or Treat
Springfield Trick or Treat

Sunday 10/26

Arcanum Trick or Treat
Jackson Center Trick or Treat

Wed, 10/29

Beavercreek Nazarene – Hall-o-fun-a-weenie

Thurs, 10/30

Anna Trick or Treat
Bellbrook Trick of Treat
Bethel Township Beggar’s Night
Brookville Trick or Treat
Cedarville Trick or Treat
Covington Trick or Treat
Franklin Trick or Treat
Germantown Trick or Treat
Middletown Trick or Treat
New Bremen Trick or Treat
Piqua Trick or Treat
Scene75 HalloScene Indoor Trick or Treat
Sugarcreek Township Beggar’s Night
Tipp City Trick or Treat
Town & Country Halloween Spooktacular
Troy Trick or Treat
Urbana Trick or Treat
Vandalia Trick or Treat
West Alexandria Trick or Treat
West Milton Trick or Treat
Wilmington Trick or Treat

Fri, 10/31

Beavercreek Trick or Treat
Beavercreek Township Beggar’s Night
Butler Township Beggar’s Night
Centerville Trick or Treat
Clearcreek Township Beggar’s Night
Dayton – City of Dayton Trick or Treat
Englewood Trick or Treat
Fairborn Trick or Treat
Huber Heights Trick or Treat
Kettering Trick or Treat
Lebanon Trick and Treat
Madison Township Trick or Treat
Miami Township Beggar’s Night
Miamisburg Trick or Treat
Moraine Trick or Treat
Oakwood Trick or Treat
Riverside Ohio Trick or Treat
Springboro Ohio Trick or Treat
Trotwood Trick or Treat
Union Trick or Treat
Washington Township Beggar’s Night
Waynesville Trick or Treat
West Carrollton Trick or Treat
Xenia Township Beggar’s Night
Xenia Trick or Treat
Yellow Springs Trick or Treat

If we’ve missed your town’s night, just sent us an email or comment below. Thanks,[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Guest Post: Stephanie Hicks Shares What October Means To Her

October 2, 2014 By Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor Stephanie Hicks

For many, October signifies the start of fall… People begin enjoying pumpkin “everything” and start thinking up amazing Halloween costumes. While I, too, partake in pumpkin latte, cheesecake, pie, cookies, etc. binge eating, and spend hours online trying to find the perfect, creative costume for my son, I also celebrate my wedding anniversary and my husbands birthday (along with eight other birthdays in our family).

But this year, October means something more than fall flavored goodies and special days… This year I’ve come to recognize that October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month.

During this past year, both my mom and my younger sister (age 26) had breast cancer scares. Within a few short months, they each found lumps in their breasts, had ultrasounds, mammograms, biopsies, and eventually surgery. Waiting for results for my mom and baby sister proved to be one of the hardest moments of my life. Every worst case scenario would constantly fly through my head: What would I do with out my mom? What would I do with out my best friend/sister? Henry (my son) hasn’t spent enough time with them.

After what seemed to be the longest waits ever, both my mom and sister received negative results and a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders (and theirs as well).

We thought that our family had dodged a bullet and we were in the clear, but not long after my mom and sisters happy news did we receive the opposite from my aunt.

Aunt Donna has always been like a second mom to me, and the moment we found out she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I feel like a little piece of me died. How could this even be happening? The three most important women in my life were faced with this incredible fear, and now my Aunt’s nightmare was coming true.

Aunt Donna, wife and mother of three, and proven to be even stronger than I ever believed possible. She underwent surgery to have one of her breasts removed, continued working during her chemotherapy, and even moved my grandmother into her home so she could take better care of her.

Not once did she complain”why me” or show the world how scared or tired she was. She is the epitome of what a breast cancer survivor is.

On Wednesday, October 1st (the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month), Aunt Donna had her last chemo session. She will have to continue with radiation before they can reevaluate her condition, but in the mean time we could not be more proud of her.

On Saturday, October 18th, my family and I will be walking in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, OH. While I know it’s too much to ask for everyone to join our team and walk with us, I ask that you contribute something to this cause, as every donation matters.

Here is the link for you to join our team “Save Second Base” or to make a donation.

Dayton Homeowners Can Get A Free Shade Tree

September 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

City of Dayton residents (homeowners) have the opportunity to have a large shade tree planted for free. The City of Dayton has 360 2” caliper shade trees available. Once planted, the tree becomes the responsibility of the homeowner. Trees can be planted in the public right-of-way or front yard, near the right-of-way. All trees must be planted away from overhead utility lines to avoid future problems.

Once planted, the homeowner is responsibile for the tree care, watering, and maintenance. These 2” caliper trees require lots of water to get the roots established in your yard. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “To thrive and survive trees require deep watering for the first two years after planting.” In this area it is generally recommended to water 15 gallons of water per week for two years during the active growing cycle (May to October).

City Arborist Michael Humston wants to remind you that trees improve the quality of life and are a part of the community character of Dayton: “The City has lost many trees due to age, past trimming practices, and the emerald ash borer. We need to take action now to replenish the trees we’ve lost. Trees offer many benefits including economic, studies demonstrate that trees increase property values 5-20% and reduce heating and cooling costs.”

All requests for trees must be received by the October 31, 2014. Planting will begin in November and all trees must be planted by the end of the year. See the trees that are available. There are a limited number of trees available so you are to sign-up early, you can apply here.

Dayton Inspires Ghostlight Coffee

September 25, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

GhostlightCoffee and MostMetro are excited to team up with @DaytonInspires & @DaytonGram this fall with an Instagram contest featuring our incredible city! We will announce a new theme every Thursday, so snap away, taking as many gorgeous shots as you can, tag them #DaytonInspires and POOF – you are entered in that week’s contest!

The top two pics for each theme will be featured on a new Dayton Inspires poster and will be showcased at “The Study” at Ghostlight during November’s DaytonGram photo show. The photographer will also receive $25 in Ghostlight Coffee gift certificates.

Follow @GhostlightCoffee @DaytonInspires & @DaytonGram then watch your feed for detail

See The Latest Inspiration

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][mgl_instagram_tag tag=”daytoninspires” number=4][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A few ground rules…

Be the awesome person you are. Thanks for sharing your experience and love for our great city! If your photo is selected in the weekly contest, we know you’ll want to share this news, so please post on your personal Instagram account, and Twitter, to let your followers know of this special honor. Please only enter photos that YOU take, as the winning photographer will be promoted as their Instagram user name (names and other personal information will not be announced without written permission from the account holder).

Keep it Classy…Remember, this is all about showcasing Dayton, its people, community, and its positivity. Exercise courtesy and respect. Please refrain from using profanity and posting photos that include nudity.
Why are we doing this? We will be sharing your photo entries across social media networks, so that we can showcase Dayton to people who are looking for us on MostMetro.com, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr & Instagram. Dayton Inspires is about US…we are a great city, let’s show of a little bit…and have a lot of fun!

Timeline:
Thursdays: The new theme will be revealed. The theme for this first week is FESTIVALS. Our city has an amazing array of festivals including Oktoberfest this weekend. Perhaps you are taking the kids down to Aullwood Farm’s Apple Fest, surely you can get some great shots there!

We want to see your pictures from any Dayton area festival that you are attending. Just tag the pic #daytoninspires and you are entered!

No, the pics don’t have to be just Oktoberfest…you can repost pictures from previous festivals even. Have a great shot from Greek Fest? Post it. Found a terrific pic you took at AleFest? Post it. Celtic Fest? Air Show? Look through your albums for the really great pictures of friends & family having a good time in Dayton.

Fridays: Start posting pictures tagged with #DaytonInspires to be entered in that week’s contest.
Mondays: The top two entries from the previous week of entries will be announced.

November 7, First Friday Exhibition & Launch Party. 6-9pm.
The top two photos from each theme will be selected for exhibition at Ghostlight Coffee for the month of November. The photos will also be included on a special edition Dayton Inspires poster. Winning photographers will receive a copy of the Dayton Inspires poster, $25 in Ghostlight Coffee gift certificates and the photo print from the exhibition after December 4, 2014.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Banned Book Readers Jailed in Dayton

September 24, 2014 By Megan Cooper

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”49924″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]The last week of September, libraries, booksellers, publishers, writers and readers celebrate free access to ideas and information with Banned Books Week. The Dayton Metro Library joins in the celebration, September 22-25. Several Dayton Metro Libraries will feature book displays and have activities to commemorate the First Amendment.

The East Branch Library’s “Jail Cell” has become a Banned Books Week tradition. This is the 8^th year participants will step inside a symbolic jail cell inside the Library, located at 2008 Wyoming Street, and read from banned or challenged books. Hear rebels read these banned books aloud by watching the live stream online during regular Library hours.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“It’s a very powerful talking point with patrons and visitors to the Library, and it’s not just about Banned Books Week,” said Eric Wirick, Reference Assistant at the East Branch Library. “Most people are surprised that the Library will stand up for their rights, and they usually leave feeling very proud of their Library.”

Banned Books Week began in 1982 when the Supreme Court ruled that students’ First Amendment Rights were denied when Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, and eight other titles were removed from junior and senior high school libraries. Since then, books of all sorts have been challenged in schools and libraries across the country for reasons as varied as “profanity” (Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson), “racially offensive” (Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain), “witchcraft” (the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling), and “grammatically incorrect” (ttyl by Lauren Myracle). Other banned books can be found online.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Bevy of Wright State University Homecoming Festivities Sept. 29–Oct. 4.

September 24, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Wright State University invites students, alumni and friends to campus to participate in the 2014 Homecoming festivities Sept. 29–Oct. 4.

Wright State students will celebrate Homecoming with a week of activities that will conclude Saturday, Oct. 4, when alumni and friends return to campus.

Homecoming week officially begins on Monday, Sept. 29, with a Raider Homecoming kick off for all students beginning at noon in Student Union Atrium. The 2014 Homecoming royalty court will be announced and students may cast their vote for the 2014 Homecoming royalty.

Area alumni and friends are invited on Friday, Oct. 3, to attend the Homecoming Exclusive Jason Derulo Concert beginning at 8 p.m. at the Wright State University Nutter Center. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketmaster.

The Wright State University Alumni Association will honor several distinguished alumni at the annual awards dinner Friday, Oct. 3.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Raider Homecoming Festival kicks off with the Student Alumni Association’s second annual Nearly Naked Mile, which starts at the Rinzler Pavilion. Participants are asked to bring clothes to donate to Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Participants will enjoy games and a DJ for the pre-run party. The run begins at 11 a.m. The Student Alumni Association will provide food and Nearly Naked Mile T-shirts after the event.

New this year! Be sure to stop by the Homecoming Festival at the Rinzler Pavilion on Oct. 4 starting at noon. Enjoy a variety of activities that the whole family can enjoy!

Watch the Wright State Club Football team take on Ohio State Club Football
Tie dye a Wright State spirit shirt
Watch Women’s Soccer take on Green Bay
Watch Men’s Soccer play Milwaukee
Play corn hole and other yard games
Kids can jump in a bounce house
Join fellow alumni in the beer tent
Enjoy live music
Grab some grub from one of our participating food trucks Zombie Dogz and Hunger Paynes
Stop by the annual Homecoming chili cook-off

Check out special events this year for alumni who worked for The Guardian and alumni of the College of Education and Human Services!

To view the complete list of Raider Homecoming events and register visit www.wright.edu/homecoming/events .

Explore. TEDxDayton Hype Event | Sept. 25 at Little Art Theatre

September 22, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Ever wondered what it would be like to give ‘the talk of your lifetime’ at a TEDx event?

Find out by joining this year’s TEDx Dayton team along with Furaha Henry-Jones and Justin Howard, speakers from last year’s inaugural event, as we host a talk back session at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs.

Following our theme, “Explore. Exchange. Excite,” speakers from last year will exchange information about the audition process, prep for the event, ‘day of’ concerns, and how their participation has impacted them. Ask your probing questions and learn all about what it

Shop Owners Plan Grand Openings On October’s First Friday

September 20, 2014 By Dayton937

Two new downtown businesses are preparing to host grand openings in conjunction with the October 3rd First Friday event in downtown Dayton.

• Ambition Magazine, 131 N. Ludlow St., Suite 319 (Talbott Tower): Ambition Magazine is an all-encompassing magazine for the young, urban professional. In addition to being the headquarters of the magazine, the offices will be used for meetings, events, and weekend training sessions on building websites to help young entrepreneurs develop a web presence at a reasonable cost.

• Scavenger, 31 S. St. Clair St. (St. Clair Lofts): If you are looking for something unique and different then you don’t need to scavenge other cities to do so. Scavenger sells everything from timeless vintage to rugged American handcrafted jewelry, accessories, home décor and apparel. In addition to designing their own products, Scavenger has uncovered an eclectic collection of items from the local area and abroad that will be available in their store.

The new shops are part of the seventh phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown storefronts called Activated Spaces. This program builds success of the first six phases of the Pop-Up Project, launched in November 2011, to provide potential business owners the opportunity for shorter leases at below-market rates as a way for them to jump-start their businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Dayton. Since it was started, the project has launched 16 shops (12 of which are still open), filled around 13,000 square feet of previously vacant space and created 29 jobs. Unique to this round of Pop-Up Shops is Ambition Magazine, which is the second Pop-Up Office Space project. “The Pop-Up Shop program was so successful for the retail shops that we are quickly running out of move-in-ready, street-level spaces,” explained Pop-Up project leader, Elise Huelskamp. “Now we are including vacant, move-in-ready office space in downtown Dayton. We’re confident Activated Spaces can showcase the available amenities and potential for business owners to thrive downtown alongside hundreds of other businesses.”

Pop-Up Shops from the previous phases of the project include Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Vintage Barber Shop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; Green Baby, now located at the 2nd Street Market; two stores at 16 Brown St., Spice Paradise and Hicks’ Barber Shop & Shave Parlor, Catapult Creative, 133 N Ludlow St.; Confetti, 42 W. Fifth St. In addition, two shops have expanded to new locations at least twice the size of their original Pop-Up Shop locations: American π, 41 S. St. Clair St., andSew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.

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

E-mail [email protected] for more information about Activated Spaces.

University Row and the Salem Avenue Festival of Neighborhoods

September 20, 2014 By Teri Lussier

Some neighborhoods everyone knows, and some are less familiar, but very important to the history of Dayton. As a Realtor, for better or worse, we are limited to the kind of information we can give our clients about what it’s like to live in a neighborhood. The reasons for this are simple- for one thing, we might not have any real experience living in a neighborhood so our information comes second hand- not always the best source. Plus what we might think of as either unacceptable or perfect in a neighborhood, might be completely different from what you are looking for so if you can talk to the neighbors themselves, that’s the best way to get the skinny on whether a neighborhood meets your needs. Today is your chance to visit a beautiful historic neighborhood and mingle with the residents of several local neighborhoods to find out first hand what they are all about. It all happens at the corner of Harvard Blvd and Salem Ave, in University Row.

Today is the 3rd Annual Salem Avenue Festival of Neighborhoods. Nine neighborhoods along the Salem Corridor are joining together to celebrate their past, present, and future with food, music, and tours including a tour of the historic Grace Church and a walking tour of University Row.

A little real estate information- University Row is a neighborhood loosely bordered by Salem, Cornell, Catalpa, and Yale- you can see the map here. The homes are large, grand, majestic, unique. The have amenities and construction materials that you rarely find in homes built today- butler’s pantries, Juliette balconies, grand foyers, built-in cabinetry, marble floors, and details, charm, and character. Stats for the last year- Sept. 2013 – Sept. 2014, show the average Fair Market Value home (not a foreclosure) in this neighborhood will sell for about $105,000, has 2,771 square feet, and 4 bedrooms/ 3 baths. That’s a big home. If you are looking for distressed or foreclosed homes, the average price is $26,286 with 1803 square feet and 3 beds/ 2 baths- still a lot of home.

University Row has a park, tree-lined boulevards, and what is often unusual in neighborhoods is that many of the homes sit back away from the road, giving them a more majestic appearance, and offering some privacy.

The walking tour of University Row is today, September 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. The complete schedule of activities:

• 2:00 and 2:30pm – Art Show & tours of historic Grace Church
• 2:00pm – Walking tour of the University Row neighborhood guided by Merry Masterson of Dayton History!
• 3:00-6:00pm – Food, Music & Mingling, all free! Grace Church volunteers will be grilling hamburgers & hotdogs; sides & beverages will also be provided. Enjoy smooth jazz by DERON BELL & Friends!
• Vendor booths featuring crafts, jewelry, etc., info tables, doorprizes & more!

And you can find out more details about the 3rd Annual Salem Avenue Festival of Neighborhoods on the University Row Neighborhood Association Facebook page.

As always, if you would like to see any home in the University Row area, contact your friendly neighborhood Realtor. Any Realtor can show you any home listed for sale, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Parking spaces around the globe to be temporarily reclaimed for people

September 19, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

In cities around the globe today, artists, activists and citizens will temporarily transform metered parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called “PARK(ing) Day.”

Originally invented in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforces the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure. “In urban centers around the world, inexpensive curbside parking results in increased traffic, wasted fuel and more pollution,” says Rebar’s Matthew Passmore. “The planning strategies that generated these conditions are not sustainable, nor do they promote a healthy, vibrant human habitat. PARK(ing) Day is about re-imagining the possibilities of the urban landscape.

This year Garden Station’s Project Manager, Lisa Helm, has has coordinated a park in front of Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District; and Architect, Matt Sauer has coordinated a park by the local chapter of American Institute of Architects on Main Street by Courthouse Square. MetroParks is loaning plants for the day and Green Velvet Sod Farms has donated sod, which will end up at Garden Station. The Oregon District PARK(ing) Day park will have programming throughout the day including kids activities and concerts. This is the sixth year Dayton will participate in the event, which promotes green space for people over space for cars. Ironically, there is some question whether the City of Dayton will keep Garden Station as a park or let it be developed into commercial buildings or parking space.

Schedule of events happening in the parking space in front of Blind Bob’s

9 am Chalk painting the sidewalk
10 am yoga class by Day Yoga Studio

10553553_10152396496787971_8187527370705434575_n-1

11 am Kids hour with Elizabeth
12 noon The Atira, noon concert!
1 pm Art in the park bring your sketch pad and paints!
2-3:45 pm SICSA puppies in the park
3:45 – 4:30 Stivers String Quartet
4:30-5 pm horn duets with lisa and brian
5pm TEAR DOWN with UD student helpers!

Since 2005, the project has blossomed into a worldwide grassroots movement: PARK(ing) Day 2011 – the last year statistics were collected — included 975 “PARK” installations in more than 160 cities in 35 countries on six continents. Though PARK(ing) Day now longer tracks the
number of PARKs each year, the project continues to expand to urban centers across the globe. PARK(ing) Day is an “open-source” user-generated invention created by independent groups around the globe who adapt the project to champion creative, social or political causes that are
relevant to their local urban conditions. More information regarding local PARK(ing) Day activities can be found online and a global map of all participating cities are available on the PARK(ing) Day website, at parkingday.org.

PARK(ing) Day is an “open-source” user-generated invention created by independent groups around the globe who adapt the project to champion creative, social or political causes that are relevant to their local urban conditions. A global map of all participating cities are available on the PARK(ing) Day website, at parkingday.org.

WilmerHale Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest

September 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

International law firm WilmerHale is once again teaming up with the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and SICSA Pet Adoption Center for the “Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest” on Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 11 am to 3 pm. This 4th annual event will be held outside the WilmerHale Offices, 3139 Research Boulevard (located in the Miami Valley Research Park), Dayton, OH 45420.

“With the unwavering support of our staff and partners, we hope to find loving, lasting homes for as many pets as possible,” said Donna Smith of WilmerHale’s Dayton Business Services Center. “WilmerHale is committed to working with our community partners on important issues to improve the quality of life for people and pets alike.”

“We are proud to once again join forces with WilmerHale and our adoption partners on such an incredible event,” added Animal Resource Center Director, Mark Kumpf. “Every homeless pet deserves a chance to find a loving, lasting home and partnerships like this definitely strengthen our efforts.”

Dozens of dogs will be available for adoption at this family-friendly event featuring music provided by Montgomery County Auditor and DJ Karl Keith!

WilmerHale is a leading full-service law firm with 1,000 lawyers in a dozen cities in the United States and abroad.

For more information on the WilmerHale Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest, contact:

Montgomery County Animal Resource Center: (937) 898-4457 or www.mcohio.org/animalshelter

Humane Society of Greater Dayton: (937) 268-PETS (7387) or www.hsdayton.org

SICSA Pet Adoption Center: 937-294-6505 or www.sicsa.org

Dayton Metro Library Launches Reading Hero Initiative

September 15, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton Metro Library is launching a brand new initiative this fall called Be A Reading Hero. Presented in partnership with The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and 22 different community agencies, this literacy and safety collaboration connects first responders with children and families at the Library.

“With the enthusiastic participation of area police, fire and emergency personnel, we’re offering fun and educational programs for all ages this fall,” said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director. “The Library’s role as a community center makes it the perfect location for first responders to meet and build relationships with the people they serve.”

Free programs, including storytimes with police officers and firefighters, career talks with first responders, and safety presentations by Dayton Children’s Hospital, will take place at many Dayton Metro Library locations throughout the county.

As part of the Reading Hero initiative, the Library is assembling Cruiser Bags for first responders to use in the field. These bags contain small toys, stickers and books intended to provide comfort and distraction to children during stressful or emergency situations.

“We are grateful to our partners, Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S and AAA/Allied Group, for working with the Library and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to make this exciting new collaboration a reality,” said Kambitsch. “We are especially indebted to the Reading Heroes themselves who work every day to make our communities safe.”

Tim Kambitsch and Sheriff Phil Plummer officially kick off the Be A Reading Hero program on Wednesday, September 17, 9:30-10:00 a.m. at the corner of Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard in downtown Dayton. Representatives from the many participating agencies, including area police and fire departments, CareFlight and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, have been invited to attend. Fire trucks, cruisers and other vehicles will be on hand. The cruiser bags will be premiered at this kickoff event.

For a complete list of Reading Hero programs, pick up a copy of the new Fall issue of Spotlight On Your Library or visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org\ReadingHero.

Participating Agencies:

Brookville Fire Department

Brookville Police Department

CareFlight Air & Mobile Services

Dayton Fire Department

Dayton Police Department

Harrison Township Fire Department

Huber Heights Fire Department

Huber Heights Police Department

Kettering Fire Department

Kettering Police Department

Miami Township Police Department

Miami Township Fire-Rescue

Miami Valley Fire District

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

New Lebanon Fire Department

New Lebanon Police Department

Ohio State Highway Patrol

Trotwood Fire & Rescue

Trotwood Police Department

Vandalia Fire Department

Vandalia Police Department

West Carrollton Fire Department

West Carrollton Police Department

Sponsored by: Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S, AAA Allied Group

Presented by: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and The Dayton Metro Library

The Dayton Foundation Wants To Know How You #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region?

September 12, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby

The Dayton Foundation is launching a new social media campaign to celebrate and share the good work happening in the Dayton Region.

#SpreadtheGood: Dayton Region will kick-off on Friday, September 12, 2014, at Downtown Dayton Partnership’s Urban Nights, and run through December 2, 2014 (#GivingTuesday). The campaign will highlight the efforts and stories of not-for-profit organizations and volunteers in the community, while encouraging others to #SpreadtheGood in the region by performing a good deed on behalf of a local nonprofit.

Participants will be encouraged to snap a photo of themselves performing the good deed and share it on the Foundation’s social media pages. Each photo entry will enter the featured nonprofit into the Foundation’s Retweet to Give (RT2Give) challenge that will award a one-time $1,000 grant on #GivingTuesday.

Anyone in Greater Dayton is invited to participate in the #SpreadtheGood challenge and can do so by visiting the Foundation’s table on Courthouse Square during Urban Nights and signing up to take the challenge by answering the question “How do you #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region?” Additionally, individuals and organizations unable to attend Urban Nights also are encouraged to participate by following the steps below.

How to #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region:

“Like” The Dayton Foundation on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
Volunteer for a local nonprofit. Contact your favorite organization for available volunteer opportunities.
Snap a photo of yourself performing a good deed then show the community how you #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region by mentioning the Foundation on Twitter (@DaytonFdn) or uploading your photo to The Dayton Foundation’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/TheDaytonFoundation) using the hashtags #SpreadtheGood and #Dayton.
Finally, continue to #SpreadtheGood by challenging friends, family members or co-workers to also participate.

Submitted photos will periodically be shared on the Foundation’s social media pages and will automatically enter the represented organization into the Foundation’s Retweet to Give (RT2Give) challenge.

UpDayton Launches Dayton Inspires

September 12, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby

Olivia Barrow came to Dayton two years ago to work for the Dayton Business Journal. And she quickly saw through the inferiority complex that our town seems to have and is excited about helping others see that, too. Olivia says, “I saw a lot of untapped potential in the Dayton region. Dayton’s outdoor adventure possibilities, especially the rivers, really capture my imagination and inspire me to be active. The opportunities for young people to become influential in the community and in business also inspires my desire to make a difference.”

As a way to give back to her town, Olivia became involved with UpDayton, a non profit group focused on the attraction and retention of young talent in Dayton. When their annual UpDayton Summit came around last April, she knew it was her time to ignite others with the passion she felt for the region. At the Summit, attended by hundreds of area young professional, the challenge posed was: How can we IGNITE change to make Dayton an even better place to live, work and play? How can we improve the quality of life for young professionals?

The group agreed to create three new projects to tackle these questions. Olivia stepped forward as a Project Leader and shared her idea – pictured to the right.

Attendees of the summit heard many pitches, and voted to narrow down the ideas. The three projects ideas selected for for 2014: 1) Disc Golf Course Along the River 2) Welcome Day for WPAFB in Downtown Dayton and 3) “I Love Dayton” Campaign.

After the summit, Matthew Sliver, one of the co-founders of Catapult Creative, says, “I saw an update about which projects had been chosen, and who pitched them. “I Love Dayton: was one of the chosen projects, which Olivia had pitched. I sent her a text with a screen grab asking her if she needed help naming the project, her response, ” I’ve already conscripted you to come up with it :).”

Sliver shares, “As long as I have lived here people have talked about the Dayton mindset of “mine. My idea, my client, my plan.” The trend that I know a lot of the people involved in this project have seen is that we end up with numerous ideas that are all similar, but no one wants to work together. They want IT to be their idea. An idea is always better when it’s numerous pieces of different ideas from all over, pushed into one great idea.” So his goal was to help steer the project into something that could be communal.

Matthew and his creative team got to work. At the May Project Launch “I Love Dayton” morphed into Dayton Pride.

In June the Dayton Pride group met at Warped Wing Brewing Company to start to plot out a campaign to create a media buzz for the region. What they ended up sharing was their vision for Dayton Inspires.

According to the recently launched website:
We have created a new positive interactive brand for Dayton that is reflected in our Web and social media presence. We’re giving everyone access to our designs so they can take our campaign and run with it. We will succeed by inspiring Daytonians to use our branding to promote themselves and their pride in the city in any form they choose.

With your help, we will cover the city with our logo by distributing it through posters, stickers, murals and other physical images at businesses and community gathering spaces in downtown Dayton and in the suburbs. When we finish, it will be almost impossible to go to downtown Dayton without encountering our logo, and the positive vibes it inspires.”

According to Updayton Executive Director Laura Estandia, a young professional who came to Dayton to attend UD and has stayed, explains, “I like this campaign because it encourages the user to be interactive. It’s open source creative. No trademarks, just free space. I am excited to see how people interact with it. It could be messy at times, but overall this is going to be a very colorful, diverse celebration.”

Barrow is excited to see how the community will embrace Dayton Inspires. She shared, “I hope it will inspire the region to take pride in itself and truly see Dayton for the wonderful place to live that it is. And while many people who live here recognize that it’s a great place to live, they still talk down about it as if it’s something to apologize for. When people take pride in where they live, they’re more invested in the community and willing to spend money locally, and they look for ways to take advantage of the city’s amenities instead of always going out of town. If the 850,000 people who live in the region began to celebrate all of the great businesses and parks and unique shops and restaurants that make Dayton awesome, downtown and the region would be bustling with activity all the time. ”

Sliver hopes “to see a chain reaction. It will start with several businesses and people, then as others see what Dayton has inspired them to do, they will inturn show what inspires them. Ultimately, I just want people to start seeing the amazing things that Dayton has to offer, instead of focusing on the bad.” As for measuring success, he shares, ” This is a social based campaign, so the more posts I see, or the more that #Daytoninspires is used, that will measure the short-term. I will know we are successful when we are approached by another group of like-minded individuals wanting to take the voice of Dayton Inspires over and grow it even further.”

And now Dayton- it’s your turn to participate. What inspires you?

The Dayton Inspires crew will be on hand tonight at Urban Nights with their photo booth at the UpDayton Splatter Zone, located at 125 N Wilkinson St in the parking lot near the Westminster Presbyterian Church .

Share what you love about Dayton! Bring a T-shirt (or other clothing item) and get “tagged” with the Dayton Inspires logo at the spray painting station.

Keep up with Dayton Inspires by liking their Facebook Page.

Girls High School Tennis Tourney Honors Missing 84′ Grad

September 10, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Jennifer Schmidt ,1984 Carroll HS Grad

Carroll High School has decided to turn a tragedy, into a celebration of a past student’s life.

Some of the area’s best high school, girls tennis players will be facing off in the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament this Saturday.

The annual event is held in the memory of 1984 Carroll HS graduate, Jennifer Schmidt. Schmidt went missing her freshman year at Purdue, and was never seen again. The tournament is hosted each year by Carroll High School in her honor.

Eight area high school teams will be competing at this tournament.

As a special treat, the Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures crew will be guest GRILL MASTERS at the event!

Eat burgers & dogs grilled by The Big Ragu, watch tennis Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park!

HERES THE SKINNY:
Date: 9/13/2014
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

MUST EATS:

— Donuts and Coffee will be available at the concession stand for breakfast

— Lunch Concessions will include Hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by The Big Ragu and crew !

Come support this charity event and watch some of the Miami Valleys girls tennis stars !

Please feel free to check out more foodie fun on Food Adventure’s Facebook page. “Like” them HERE !

[flagallery gid=106]

We’re Giving Away Tickets To SICSA’s Creole Shrimp Boil Fundraiser

September 8, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby

For 40 years, the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) has been dedicated to place adoptable dogs and cats in loving homes. They have over 1,400 dog and cat adoptions annually and spay and neuter over 2,000 dogs and cats each year for the community. As a nonprofit, they rely on donations from the community, hosting many fundraisers like their Red Dog Auction, Holiday Bazaar and their annual pet calendar.

But this year, they’ve planned a brand new event for Friday, Sept 12th and they’ve enlisted the help of James Beard award-winning chef and restaurateur Anne Kearney of Rue Dumaine and Chef Matt Hayden from Scratch Event Services to pull off The Cat’s Meow. Guest will arrive at Benham’s Grove in Centerville to enjoy a 1920’s Creole style garden party featuring a shrimp boil like Dayton’s never seen.

Here are the event details:

5:30-7:00 – Era-specific appetizers and spirits, dancing to the beat of Dave Greer and the Classic Jazz Stompers, a themed photo booth, and an exciting silent auction made up of unique and enticing packages. If this lineup doesn’t keep you entertained while you visit with 249 other guests and enjoy our garden party Creole ambiance, we need to check your vitals!

7:15-8:30 – A shrimp and Andouille sausage boil, Creole-style. What’s that mean? It means we boil up those bad boys with corn, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, Chef Anne’s special spice mix and lots of love! We then serve it up piping hot to your table family style, with a side of Chef Anne’s Grandma’s famous cornbread. Not a fan of shrimp or meat, no worries. We also have a red beans and rice dish which will be sure to please. We will round out the main course with homemade pickled vegetables made just for you! Then we finish it up with banana-pecan trifle garnished with pecan praline while you bid on our five special live auction items. You will swear you have been transported back to a 1920 Louisiana back yard.

8:30-10:30 – The party doesn’t stop just because the bidding has! Dave Greer and the Classic Jazz Stompers will turn up the heat and get you going on the dance floor. Not into the swing, we dare you not to do some chair dancing, toe tapping or finger snapping to these cool cats!

Individual Tickets are $150 each and tables of 8 are $1200. Tickets may be purchased on the SICSA website.

DMM Ticket Contest:
We’ve got a pair of tickets for a lucky winner who’d like to enjoy this Creole Garden Party. To be entered in the drawing you must like & share this story and fill out the entry form below. Congratulations to Theresa from Huber Heights, who will be our guest at The Cats Meow!