Community

The Dayton Sharks Professional Indoor Football Team Home Opener

February 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Sharks Professional Indoor Football Team will Honor The Mobley Family at its Home Opener on Saturday, February 15th @ 7:30pm Vs the Detroit Thunder at Hara Arena. You may remember that Mr. Mobley, a Kettering man, lost his wife, two children and father-in-law to a house fire on December 12th.

The Dayton Sharks are donating 10% of ALL Season Ticket Sales and Box Office Sales from our Home Opener to benefit a college fund for Mr. Mobley’s two surviving children. We are asking the entire City of Dayton and surrounding areas to help us “sell out” Hara Arena in support of this most important cause. With your help, we will present Mr. Mobley with our donation at the end of the game in support of his two surviving children’s education.

In addition, the first 100 Kids under age 12 will have FREE ADMISSION to our home opener! Also, every fan that brings a receipt of any of amount from Walmart, Kroger, McDonald’s, or Dave & Busters will be admitted for only $10. Each fan will also receive $5 in Dayton Sharks Bucks to be redeemed on the purchase of Dayton Sharks Fan Apparel and merchandise. Fans must visit the Frontier Communications booth to pick up their $5 Sharks Bucks.

Suggestions For Celebrating Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

If you are part of a couple- there is a certain expectation that comes on February 14th- Valentine’s Day. Whether or not we’ll admit it, we all like to feel appreciated by our loved one on that day. It doesn’t have to be traditional, flowers and chocolates aren’t the only way to celebrate, here are a few ideas for you to share the love on Valentine’s weekend in the Dayton region.

Send a Signing Valentine– Nothing says ‘ I love you’ like a song from a Barbershop Quartet. It’s a valentine they’ll never forget!
Package includes two songs, a card, a rose, and a small box of candy. February 13th – 15th, 2014. Orders are accepted through Feb 14th. $40

The Adventure Summit
This FREE 2 day event features inspiring presentations about cycling, outdoor skills, culture and experiences, featuring world class adventurer Dave Cornthwaite. Visitors can get active in bouldering and triathlon competitions, as well as paddlesports and fitness programs.

Full Moon Hike
Join the Glen Helen Ranger for an excursion beneath the Snow Moon. This moderately intense hike departs from our Yellow Springs parking lot at State Route 343, 8-9pm

Valentines Under The Stars
Enjoy a romantic evening under the stars of the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater, where the latest in digital planetarium technology will accompany great love songs and state of the art special effects. Each couple receives and a beautiful flower. $25/couple for each show, age 18 and older.

Dinner & A Show
For $75.00 per couple, you will enjoy the musical see the hit musical ‘I love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ performed by Playhouse South a communitytheater and have a three course meal. Cash bar available, Feb 14 & Feb 15 at Holiday Inn Express Dayton South.

Couples, Comedy & Cupcakes
The evening includes a cupcake reception from 7:30–8:30 followed by a 8:30–10 p.m. showtime with Anthony Griffin. He presents a unique outlook on life with non-offensive humor coupled with the ability to bring his characters to life. See Anthony on The Tonight Show, HBO and Comedy Central. Or better yet, see him LIVE at SouthBrook!. Cost is $10 per ticket if registered Feb. 13 or before. On Feb. 14, tickets will be $15 online or at the door

Couples Spa Package
Share a day of pampering that can include 60 minute massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and a spa lunch at either the Downtown or Centerville Square One Salon & Spa.

Skate with Your Sweetheart
Head to RiverScape MetroPark during Valentine’s weekend! During regular Ice Rink Hours from Friday, February 14, through Sunday, February 16, you can purchase the ‘Sweetheart Deal’ and get two rink admissions with skate rental, plus two cups of hot chocolate and a Parker the Penguin plush for only $22!

Annual Women’s Valentines Dance
The Biggest Lesbian Party of The Year! It will be held at the Dayton Women’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow Street, Dayton. Great music and raffle prizes, cost $15.00 or $10.00 for LBGT center members. All tickets sold in cash at the door.

Old School R & B
Their performances transport audiences tothe 60s and 70s, serving up songs made well-known by the Temptations, the Stylistics, and the Delfonics. Combined with their backup band, the Touchups, they have opened for such performers as the Whispers, the Manhattans, and the Floaters. Sun, Feb 16th 7pm at Gilly’s

Train Ride & Dinner
Departing Friday and Saturday on Valentine’s weekend, take a nostalgic train ride from historic Lebanon to the Brazenhead Irish Pub in Mason. Once you arrive, you and your sweetie can take pleasure in an Irish ambiance with excellent service and a delicious all you can eat buffet. Be adventurous by trying one of Brazenhead’s 30 rotating draft beers, including a great selection of Irish beers! After a night of fun at the Pub, you can reboard the train for a relaxing ride back to Lebanon.

Valentine’s Dinner for 2
El Meson – 3 course Dinner $49.95
Golden Jersey Inn – steak dinner $32.96
Whiskey Barrel – beer & Pizza for 2 $20

Dayton is for Lovers – A Valentine’s Day Dance
his Valentine’s Day, spend a romantic evening dancing the night away to some funk, reggae and rock ‘n’ roll rhythms featuring music from Jah Soul, Lost on Iddings and DJ Jay Madewell at the ‘Old’ Yellow Cab Building. BYOB.

Traditional Gifts with an Extra Benefit
Stop in Winans Dayton this week and pick up some chocolate covered strawberries. Mention Artemis Center and they will donate 20% of your purchase to support Artemis.

Order your Valentine’s Day flowers from The Flower Shoppe and 10% will be donated to Artemis Center to help victims of domestic violence.

For even more ideas on how to share your love this Valentines weekend check the DMM Calendar!

2014 Top 25 Women to Watch Announced

February 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Women in Business Networking(WiBN) is a Miami Valley based organization in which women in business encourage one another in professional growth and success. Their members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and key players in business to business services as well as the non-profit environment.

They host a monthly Lunch & Learn event at the Dayton Racquet Club, as well as Hot Topics Koffee Talk programs to encourage members to enhance their networking abilities, foster meaningful partnerships with others, and help one another to grow and prosper. Founder Jeanne Porter just recently announced that WiBN has formed a partnership with the Better Business Bureau.

In 2009 Women in Business Networking began a tradition of spotlighting 25 women making a difference in our community. These women are being recognized for their leadership, community service and professional achievements. The initial class was then asked to nominate the next class and so on. The 2014 class of Women To Watch has just been announced and we invite you to watch them! For bio’s and more information on these women, check the WiBN website.

You can help celebrate these ladies at the 5th Annual Top 25 Women to Watch Gala on Sat, March 8th at Country Club of the North.

Pitch, Vote, Ignite!

February 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

We’re proud to announce the 2014 Summit keynote speaker, Cynthia Bowen. RW Armstrong’s Director of Planning and Urban Design and the Region 4 Representative on the board of the American Planning Association, Bowen has traveled the world redesigning cities into vibrant urban centers. She’ll have an idea or two for how we can help build Dayton.

New this year: Summit attendees will be able to submit ideas beforehand for improving Dayton, which will be voted on at the summit. They will also be able to indicate whether they’d like to lead a project. The actual summit will be where we discuss and vote on the ideas. Registration and the “Idea submission form” will open on the day of February 17th. You can submit ideas until April 4th.

Each of the three top ideas will get a year’s worth of support from UpDayton and its community partner and $1,000 seed money from UpDayton, to aid in project completion. Ideas should fall within the project guidelines and must not be and already existing project or program to be considered for voting at the Summit.

Need help formulating ideas? Want to meet with other young people your age to discuss how to ignite change in Dayton? Then, join us from 6-8pm in one of our three “Pints and Perspectives” (P&P) events, where we will learn more about livability in Dayton and what kinds of information and resources are available from UpDayton’s community partners Five Rivers MetroParks, the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. The event dates are:

February 17th – Fox & Hound (Beavercreek)
March 5th – Warped Wing Brewing Co. (Dayton)
March 19th – TJ Chumps (Miamisburg)

After you attend a P&P, come to the 6th annual UpDayton Summit at the Dayton Art Institute on April 11th from 2:00- 6:00 PM. The theme of our summit this year is “IGNITE!” This grassroots gathering offers a chance to come together with your peers to brainstorm ideas on how to make Dayton a better place to live, work, and play.

Behind the Scenes Tours @ National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

February 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Behind the Scenes Tours are regularly scheduled, free guided tours of the museum’s restoration area. Participants are shuttled to the restoration hangars, located about one mile from the main museum complex. Tours are offered every Friday (some exceptions) at 12:15 p.m. Advance registration is required. Sign up early as tours may fill up quickly! To register for tours through May 2014, submit a registration form or call (937) 656-9436. Additional instructions are included on the form.

Although advance registration may be full for a tour, a limited number of ‘stand-by’ registrations are available on the day of each tour. Please check with the information desk upon your arrival at the museum.

The next tour is happening this Friday February 07, 2014 from 12:15 AM – 12:00 PM.

Next tour dates:

Friday February 07, 2014
Friday February 14, 2014
Friday February 21, 2014
Friday February 28, 2014
Friday March 07, 2014

The National Museum of the United States Air Force collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force’s history, heritage and traditions, as well as today’s mission to fly, fight and win … in Air, Space and Cyberspace to a global audience through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historic collection. These statutory duties delegated by the Secretary of the Air Force are accomplished on behalf of the American People. We are the keepers of their stories.

Go out this Friday and experience a behind the scene tour of one of Dayton’s historic gems.

Library Seeks Entries in Teen Photography Contest

February 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Metro Library invites creative teens to show off their photography skills by entering the 2014 Teen Photo Contest sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Entries will be accepted February 3 through March 3, 2014, from any teen in grades 7-12 living in the greater Dayton area. The contest categories are Color, Black & White, Digital Enhancement and Phone Photo.

All photos must be submitted by email to [email protected]. Please put “Photo Contest Entry” in the subject line and include name, contact info, school, grade, photo title and category in the body of the email. Teens may enter up to three photos. If entering separate categories, please send separate emails.

All photos will be printed and placed on display in the Main Library’s auditorium and an awards/reception will be held on April 22. Prizes will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place in each category. Winners will receive $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third. Amy Kollar Anderson, Artist and Gallery Coordinator for the Rosewood Gallery, will judge the entries and select the winners.

A popular choice award will also be offered. All viable entries into the contest will be featured on Pinterest and votes can be cast by liking a picture (with a Pinterest login). The Pinterest link will be announced in early March. The winners of the Popular Choice Award in each category will win a $25 gift card to a photo store.

Questions about this contest can be sent to Elaine Fultz, Teen Specialist – [email protected] or call 937-496-8510

The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support. Specialized services and resources are available for schools, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, literacy providers and job seekers. The library houses a unique collection of local history materials. Computers are available free of charge for public use and computer instruction is available at many library locations. In November, 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to fund new construction and renovations for the DML. Highlights of the multi-phase, multi-year project include consolidating branches from 20 to 16, establishing an offsite operations center and completely renovating the Main Library. When the project is complete in 2017, library users will enjoy modern, efficient facilities providing superior services and technology for the 21st century. Progress on the project is posted regularly on the DML website atDaytonMetroLibrary.org.

Home Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce Searching For Ambassadors

January 31, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers who may be interested in becoming Ambassadors in a new program beginning March 2014. Chamber Executive Director Mark Bruns said that the new program is designed to serve as the public relations arm of the Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce.

“The Ambassadors will be visible, prestigious volunteers who will be making goodwill calls to current members and welcome new members to the Huber Heights Chamber,’ said Bruns. “They will assist and help staff at official Huber Heights Chamber events, and serve as a representative of the Huber Heights Chamber throughout the community.

To qualify, Ambassadors must be must be knowledgeable of Chamber services and programs, as well as, the area business community. Ambassadors must support the Chamber and have a strong desire for community involvement. They will attend a New Member Orientation and will be asked to volunteer a minimum of three to five hours per month.

Ambassadors must be a member of The Ambassador Program. An annual membership fee of $20 will apply to each Ambassador. The annual membership fee will be used toward the initial membership badge cost and thereafter help to fund future Ambassador events and related costs. Ambassadors will make a one year commitment to the program.

Some of the duties of the Ambassadors will be to attend ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, and special ceremonies to represent the Chamber and participate in various activities. They will serve as a host or hostess at Chamber functions or by request assist with Chamber programs such as WINGS, the Chamber Bowl, Community Update, Risk Management Council meetings, Business Before and after Hours, Chamber Golf Outing, and Business Expo as well as other special events.

If you are interested in joining The Ambassador Program please call Mark Bruns or Mary Jackson at 233-5700, or e-mail the Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

WYSO Wants To Know What You Want To Know

January 24, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Are you curious about the Miami Valley, its history, people or economy? Is there a place, a person or a story that mystifies or intrigues you? Do you like to ask questions? WYSO Curious is a new occasional series that lets you ask questions for WYSO reporters to answer. And they want to know what YOU want to know.

Here are some of the questions they’ve gotten so far:

How does the City of Dayton determine who it rents properties to?
What is it like being an independent/local restaurateur in the Miami Valley? How are they doing?
Why did Dayton produce so many inventors (e.g. Charles Kettering, the Wright Brothers, the pop top can inventor, etc)?

They have a winner for January’s WYSO Curious exploration. Based on your votes, they’ll be answering Jude Whelley’s question about the corn syrup smell coming from the Cargill factory. Here’s what she asked: I live in Harrison Township and on certain days, evenings really, in certain weather, I can smell corn syrup. A very rich, sticky smell and it’s coming from the Cargill factory. But I only can smell it sometimes and only in certain weather, and I wonder what’s going on with that? Does it depend on the weather? Is it dangerous, or is it just unpleasantly sweet?

Look out for the answer on January 27th and vote for our February exploration here.

Activated Spaces Pop-Up Project Seeking Entrepreneurs For Downtown

January 23, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be downloaded at www.activatedspaces.org, and email it to Jen Cadieux at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, February 14. Tenants will be selected the week of March 3^rd, and retailers must be ready to open no later than Friday, May 9, in time for the spring Urban Nights.

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

Activated Spaces volunteers hope to build on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first five phases. Nine of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still open: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.; Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave..; Green Baby, 31 S. St. Clair St.; All Pilates, 27 S. St. Clair St.; Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.; and Hicks’ Barber Shop, 16 Brown St.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to Pop-Up Shop owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Participating property owners are on the Activated Spaces website. Once a match is made, a limited amount of money is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team for such purposes as offsetting utility costs, making cosmetic improvements to the space or other necessities for making the space operational.

The Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and 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 the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown. Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail [email protected].

Culture Works To Roll Out Crowdfunding Model

January 23, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

When over 120 nonprofit professionals show up for an 8:30am meeting on a frigid morning, you know there’s something major about to happen. This morning Culture Works introduced an online giving model, Power2give, an online cultural marketplace designed to connect donors with projects they are passionate about.

Originated in Charlotte, North Carolina after their arts community took a major downturn in 2008, the model has now been successfully implemented in over 20 markets, including Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Locally CareSource was the first supporter of the program, and host of this mornings meeting. DP &L has also stepped up to become major supporter for the launch of the program, with a $50,000 match to funds donated through the online site . Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District announced they will also be providing $10,000 in matching funds. Over the next month or so, local nonprofits will begin learning about Power2give and the site will go live on March 6th.

Perry Mixter, from the Charlotte Arts & Science Council, in town for the training today shared some pretty impressive statistics with the group this morning. In Louisville’s first year using the crowdfunding model, 81% of the donors were first time arts donors and the average gift was $50. Power2give sites have raised over $4.5 million dollars since the programs debut in August of 2011. Projects of $10,000 and under will be presented for up to 90 days and Culture Works will collect funds and grant them to the arts group within 15 days of a project closing.

Stay tuned for more exciting info on Power2give!

AIDS Resource Center Ohio to Open Dayton Medical Center and Pharmacy

January 22, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio), the state’s leading provider of HIV services, headquartered right here in Dayton is opening its second medical center and pharmacy at the Wright Health Building, 1222 S. Patterson Boulevard. This center will serve Miami Valley HIV-positive individuals who are not in treatment, who are looking for a new medical practice, or who need integrated-patient centered services. In addition to the HIV patient centered services, the center will house a full-service pharmacy, which will also be open to the general public, regardless of HIV status. The Center will open Monday, January 27, 2014.

“The ARC Ohio Medical Center is an important addition to our community, and will complement other resources within the Miami Valley’s healthcare network,” noted Bryan Bucklew, President and CEO at the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for ARC Ohio. “Its model of care has been proven best-practice, cost effective, and will have a significant positive impact on our region’s health.”

The ARC Ohio Medical Center and Pharmacy operates much like a commercial pharmacy – medications are purchased and billed to insurance companies. The difference is that 100 percent of the pharmacy’s profits —doing business as AMC Ohio Pharmacy—are used to supplement the costs of other services not fully covered by government grants or community donations – a relatively new approach to non-profit business sustainability and a local example of “social entrepreneurship.”

Full-service community pharmacy

Aaron K. Clark- Director of Pharmacy Services
Open to the public
Pharmacists specializing in HIV care
Access to medication assistance programs
Free home delivery to patients living in Ohio
Private & personalized adherence counseling & management
Refill reminder calls
100% of pharmacy proceeds are reinvested in HIV/AIDS services in Ohio

“As a non-profit organization in today’s economy, we had to find ways to create our own revenue so we can sustain our services,” said Bill Hardy, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARC Ohio. “The pharmacy will be fundamental to our business success because all of our other services cost more money to run than what we receive from government grants and other support.”

“Every dollar we make at the pharmacy goes directly back into supporting the center’s healthcare, client, and prevention services,” said Joel Diaz, ARC Ohio’s Chief Development Officer. “By using these profits from our pharmacy, we can sustain our work without having to rely solely on grant money. It’s a win-win situation for our clients and supporters, as well. Every time they purchase a prescription from ARC Ohio, it goes directly back to services, such as HIV testing, offered at the center and our other Ohio locations.”

ARC Ohio’s first Medical Center and Pharmacy was opened in Columbus in 2012. The Columbus center is already demonstrating impressive outcomes, enrolling nearly 500 patients in the first year. In just six months of testing with 110 of the first patients, the Center demonstrated a 50 percent increase in viral suppression, from 40 percent to 60 percent. By comparison, the national viral suppression rate is just 25 percent. Achieving viral suppression – meaning the virus is under control – leads to better health, a longer life, and far less likelihood of further HIV transmission.

“With early diagnosis and optimal treatment, today a person with HIV can live a long and healthy life, and is far less likely to transmit the virus—if they achieve viral suppression,” says Hardy. “But three-fourths of HIV-positive Americans are still not yet getting the care or medications they need. Getting these individuals into care is essential if we’re going to win the war against HIV, which is why this center is so critical.” According to the Ohio Department of Health, 1,500 HIV-positive individuals live in metropolitan Dayton, and another 300 are presumed infected, but not yet diagnosed.

Peggy Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of ARC Ohio, pictured here at the Columbus ARC Ohio Medical Center and Pharmacy. The new Dayton center will be very similar in layout and function. Photo Credit: ERIC ALBRECHT | DISPATCH

“Our integrated, patient-centered model is transforming care and the most effective way to improve health outcomes, benefitting both the individuals and the community,” says Peggy Anderson, ARC Ohio’s Chief Operating Officer. “Helping patients achieve and maintain viral suppression costs one-third as much as treating patients when the disease has progressed,” Hardy explained. “It is also key to preventing further transmission. Each new HIV infection prevented results in life-time treatment cost savings of $300,000 or more.”

The Dayton center’s first year goal is to treat 300 patients. Services will include treatment of HIV disease, primary medical care, behavioral/mental health counseling, medication adherence, supportive services, and assistance for basic needs such as housing, nutrition and transportation.

Richard K. Groger, MD, PhD, will serve as the center’s new Medical Director, overseeing the staff of infectious disease and primary care physicians, nurses, and other practitioners. Groger has been caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in the Miami Valley since 2005, and has extensive clinical experience in both private office practice as well as community health settings, including Five Rivers Health Center.

To fund the opening of the new Dayton center and pharmacy, a $1 million “Campaign for Hope” has been launched with a $160,000 grant from the CareSource Foundation. Funds will be used to purchase medical equipment, furnishings, supplies, initial pharmacy inventory, and for other expenses.

ARC Ohio’s first pharmacy in Columbus is already ahead of schedule in terms of profits that it is able to put back into programs after only one year. Initial profit will be primarily used to offset startup costs for the pharmacy and medical centers. Remaining profits will be applied against the $20 million annual budget. “This new revenue stream is essential to help with program and administrative costs not covered by other revenue sources,” noted Hardy. “For example, many of our government and other grants do not cover any of our overhead, such as facilities and administration. These profits, along with the generous contributions of our donors will help defray those costs.”

The medical center and pharmacy work with private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the federal Ryan White program which provides HIV-care for those who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources.

With twelve offices locations, ARC Ohio is currently providing services to 4,000 HIV-positive individuals across Ohio and thousands of others are reached through HIV testing and prevention programs. The clinic and pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. For more information about the medical center and pharmacy visit www.arcohio.org.

Local Artist Creating A Cult Following For Little Billy Vampire

January 21, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Little Billy is a quirky, creepy little dude with a strange view on the world. Dayton artist Scott Edgar has been creating these cartoons since 2011 and just recently launched a website so you can follow the adventures of Little Billy and his friends.

Little Billy tells us about himself:

Being a vampire sounds exciting and fun filled – unless you are squeamish at the sight of blood. Then it is probably not the life for you. Well, the death for you. Depending on how you see it. Fortunately I see it through rose tinted glasses. Oh, wait…no, that was something red and sticky smeared all over my glasses. No idea what.

Anyway, so I am a vampire. Yes, I look sweet and innocent, rosy cheeked and freckled, but that’s because I was turned at a young age. My Cousin Lucretia and I both are stuck looking like kids, but in actuality, we are both over 500 years old.

Certain pop culture writings and movies like to make it seem like it’s a bad thing to turn kids and it would never be permitted, but vampires are “live and let live” kind of creatures. Unless we are hungry. Or a little bored. Thank god for X-box, right?

Centuries of boredom and repeating the fifth grade over and over have kind of warped our little predatory minds a bit. More in an eccentric, charming way than a scary, “I’m not cleaning that up” way. I think its given us a unique perspective. Maybe you will agree.

Billy’s friend Lucretia de Vampyre

What do you want to know? It’s probably none of your business anyway, but whatever. I’m like really old, though I don’t look it. Part of being immortal vampire, I guess. I am always stuck shopping in the girl’s section and repeating the fourth grade again and again. Don’t ask me how the teachers don’t seem to notice that. On their salaries I doubt they notice much. That and I think they try to block out any memory of having me as a student, which is kind of nice cause it saves me having to do it for them. Plus I get to slowly break them down over and over! Bonus!

When I grow up I intend to be a Supermodel Super Spy Illuminati Assassin. I am a bit vain, crazy, and violent so it seems like a good career choice. I thought about becoming a Hollywood Producer, but even vampires have a few morals.

After I do my homework, I like to practice magic and spells! Ha, no, I am just kidding. I don’t do my homework. That’s what the butler is for.

Boo is my pet ghost, a spirit I raised from the dead. He goes with me pretty much everywhere, even if people can’t see him.

That’s all you need to know for now. Other than to avoid me in dark alleyways. *evil grin*.

Zombey Bunneh

A science fair project gone wrong. It’s never a good idea to raise the dead – you just don’t know what you will get! A cute little bunny who now roams the earth as a vegetarian zombie. Well, he eats the brains of vegetarians. That counts, right?

To follow the adventures of Little Billy Vampire you can head to his website or follow him on Facebook.

Local Teen Gets A Lifetime Opportunity With A ‘Can’ Do Attitude

January 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Madeline Mobarry is your typical teenage girl. She is in her junior year at Northmont. She is currently looking at colleges for when she is done with high school. Madeline hasn’t decided on a school just yet. She is in the process of trying to tie down on where she wants to go. In the meantime, she has started doing some college courses through a program that is available for her at school. This past weekend she was part of the production of “Seussical!” from the Muse Machine, playing her double bass. She also plays in the Northmont Orchestra, and Northmont Jazz Band.

Madeline, like everyone, has big dreams and big goals that she wants to achieve.

Her determination and drive has led her to reach some goals at an early age. During the summer between her 7^th and 8^th grade, she needed to find a way to fund her trip to the class trip to Washington, D.C. The two fundraisers Madeline could have partaken in were not really helpful so she had to go a different direction.

She devised a plan that was different from what most would do to make money-she started collecting aluminum cans.

Aluminum cans were all around Madeline. At her home, her school, her families homes, the park, etc. She received cans from her neighbors, the indoor soccer complex in her hometown in Englewood. Other businesses helped Madeline with her collecting of the cans. In the end, she made enough money to go on the trip.

Mobarry has been playing since her 5^th grade year when she had to decide on either playing an instrument or singing. She also picked up on the double bass because her father plays bass. After a while, she wanted to go and try out for the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings group. The gathering of cans gave her the ability to pay for the double bass that she plays with and she got in.

Over the past few years, she has attended the Mozart Festival in Athens, Ohio, which she spent a week at Ohio University and has also attended the Miami Valley Jazz camp. With the experiences she has obtained, she decided to go one of her biggest goals to date.

In June, Madeline has been chosen to participate and be a member of the International Youth Symphony Orchestra (a part of the Blue Lake International Exchange Program). The IYSO – an extension of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp program – encourages creativity and the motivation of young people to achieve in the arts, while also creating international understanding through the arts. Madeline is the only person in the Dayton group that has been invited. Rehearsals will be at Blue Lake, which is located in Michigan, and they will be visiting France, Germany and Luxembourg.

In order for her to pay for the trip, Madeline once again hit the pavement looking to see if anyone would be willing to help her. She has contacted a 100-plus businesses, hoping that they give her the chance to maybe have a shot on making this dream a possibility. The amount she needs in order to go is $4750. One organization received her email, and immediately jumped on board was Involvement Advocacy.

“I received e-mail from Madeline and then I received a call from her shortly after”, explained Peter Benkendorf, who is founder and president of Involvement Advocacy in Dayton. The group recently held the event Drum Dayton in downtown back in the beginning of November. “I do not know many teens with the drive and the confidence to do that.” Benkendorf soon met up with Madeline, and decided that we would help her on the journey towards making enough to go on her trip. Benkendorf has set up a special scholarship account at Involvement Advocacy allowing folks to make a tax-deductible donation. Madeline has already raised $1250 and the Involvement Advocacy wants to reach the goal balance of $3500.

In the meantime, Madeline is keeping focused on her goal. She keeps churning out time on her double bass and collecting cans from various establishments and anyone who wants to help. When you sit down with her, you hear a teenage girl who is well beyond her years. With this huge goal on her shoulders, you would think that trying to achieve this vision would become overwhelming. Especially when you have the schedule like she does.

Yet it doesn’t even appear to get to her.

It’s easy to do be that way when you have big dreams that you want to make happen.

Here is how you can help Madeline reach her goal and help her live out a dream:

For credit card donations, click on: https://npo.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=36-3826422.

If you want to send a check, send to:

INVOLVEMENT ADVOCACY

P.O. Box 10506

Dayton, Ohio 45402

Note: Include “Madeline Mobarry IYS” on check memo or credit card dedication.

Neighborhood Leadership Institute Now Accepting Applications

January 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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The Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI) is an annual 12-week program that trains Dayton residents for current or future leadership opportunties in city communities. Workshops are held at various locations and presentations cover topics such as Dayton’s history; the role of City government, the criminal justice system and cultural diversity; skill-building components such as public speaking and small-group dynamics; and a bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Class members also complete field assignments to expand their knowledge of Dayton, City government and the community at large. It is a unique partnership project sponsored by the City of Dayton, Sinclair Community College, Greater Dayton RTA and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute Alumni Association.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufI63xiLeYQ’]

The program has four objectives:
To broaden the participants’ understanding of the community;
To expand the pool of skilled neighborhood leaders;
To encourage and assist the establishment of networks among neighborhoods and their leaders; and
To enhance the ability of neighborhoods to resolve problems on their own or in cooperation with other neighborhoods and/or institutions.

See the tentative schedule and application for the 2014 Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Application deadline is February 7, 2014.

Completed applications for the next Neighborhood Leadership Program must be returned to: City Hall, 101 W. Third Street Dayton, Ohio 45402, and email to [email protected].

When all applications have been reviewed, those considered for final selection will be invited to a personal interview with the selection committee. The committee will look for those persons who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the community or neighborhood and who have the time to give toward neighborhood service.

Committee will seek a group of about 25 people who represent a balance of men and women from different geographic, career, educational, social and cultural backgrounds. The committee is composed of established
neighborhood and community leaders. You must be a resident of the City of Dayton in order to apply.
There is no charge for participation in the program. Your cost is the time and effort you spend. The program consists of 14 evening and/or Saturday sessions over a three-month period. Classroom and/or workshop sessions are held at
various locations related to the session topic. Presenters include current neighborhood, business, and government leaders. Each participant must attend all of the sessions in order to be certified as having completed the program. In
addition, outside field assignments are required.

In addition to the knowledge, skills and experience you gain, the completion of this program qualifies participants for one credit hour (VOL 190) at Sinclair Community College. The real returns, however, are the contributions you make
to your neighborhood and to Dayton. Your efforts will make a difference and help our city to grow today and tomorrow. Leadership is, after all, a gift to your community – a gift of your skills and your time.

For further information contact Verletta Jackson at 333-3288 or [email protected].

Introducing (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week

January 14, 2014 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Image by Lamar Pacley of Shutter Eye Photo

Mark your calendars for May 6-10, 2014, as the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is set to make its mark on the Fashion Industry!! The mission of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week is to raise money to help support area and independent fashion designers and fashion professionals launch and/or grow their brands. Funds made from (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will go to establish and support the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund. The Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks such as Midwest Fashion Week where they will be in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!

After working one on one with area designers over the past year (DE-FI) has discovered that in order to fulfill its ultimate mission of serving as a launching pad for area designers and models into the Fashion Industry as well as giving the local retail community a boost, these services are needed. According to Springfield based designer Misti Leigh the fabrics alone to produce one line for a fashion event can cost at least $1,200. That doesn’t even include the fees for entry into a Fashion Event which can range anywhere from $250-$6,000 and given the fact that most fashion weeks or events will not even consider allowing you to show pieces that have already been seen, being a Fashion Designers can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. Needless to say there are very little kickbacks for even participating in these events outside of gaining a few fans most fashion related events don’t even allow for the designers to sale their products at the event.

So, how will (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week be different? Well, for starters there will be NO entry fee for designers to participate in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week! In return we are asking participating designers to volunteer their time at least once in 2014 teaching participants of the My Beauty is Priceless and Sons of Solomon Youth Empowerment Seminars the art of sewing and design. The participants of both seminars will then take what they have learned from the designers and produce their own fashion show in December 2014, featuring their own designs, with an issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine dedicated to their work.

Fashion In the Mystic Garden. Image by Reginald Worthen, Designer: iii Design by Misti Leigh, Model: Aube

Another benefit for designers participating in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will be just as we did at our Launch Party in July of 2013, designers will have the opportunity to sale their products via vending space the entire week in what is considered a Trunk Show. Trunk Shows give the designers a chance to come face to face with the customer, the customer gets to see up close and personal samples of a design much like shopping at the mall, however unlike shopping at the mall, the customer can have the design customized to their exact measurements. All (DE-FI) ask in return from the designers is that we receive 20% of the sales to cover venue and supply cost.

A third benefit for designers participating in (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week is simple, at (DE-FI) we don’t just do “fashion shows” we give our audience, models, and designers a FASHION EXPERIENCE that they will not soon forget. We are an outside of the box organization; we hold our events at locations where most people wouldn’t think to have a fashion event or even if the venue has hosted fashion events, we guarantee that it won’t be anything like a (DE-FI) event. We like to call it the snow flake affect, meaning yeah we’ve all seen snow or a fashion show before but when you look closely at a snow flake you’ll see that each flake or event is never the same, they are each uniquely different!!

So without further ado, here’s a look at what (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week has in store!

Date: Tuesday May 6, 2014

Event: Fashion Mixer and Trunk Show

Location: Dayton Visual Arts Center

Time: 5:30pm -9:30pm

Event Description: This will be the official kick off for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week. The Fashion Mixer and Trunk Show will be a Happy Hour style event held at the DVAC. Guest will have the opportunity to unwind with a drink and do some therapeutic shopping during the Trunk Show. This event will also serve as an opportunity to meet and greet with the participating designers, models, sponsors, and the entire team behind the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $10 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Fashion In the Mystic Garden, Image by Reginald Worthen, Designer: Berny Martin of Catou, Model: Erica

Date: Wednesday May 7, 2014

Event: Couture Hair Show

Location: The Dayton Masonic Temple

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 2 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will take a look at a side of fashion events that are often over looked and that’s the behind the scenes hair and makeup team that work closely with designers to help them complete their runway look or photo shoots! Eight of the top hair stylist and salons will be featured during this themed Hair Competition with a cash prize. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $20 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: iii Design by Misti Leigh, Model: Amber

Date: Thursday May 8, 2014

Event: Stylish Mom Runway Show

Location: The Packard Museum

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 3 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will highlight fashions from some of the area’s top boutiques!! But unlike our other fashion shows, we aren’t using models for this event…We’re using some of Dayton’s and the Miami Valley’s most deserving and inspirational Moms to rip our runway!! Paired with two of the Midwest’s most well-known Fashion Stylist Jennifer Link of Dayton and Sheree Alexis of Columbus the moms will be rocking designs and looks from eight of the area’s top boutiques.

The top looks will be featured in the December 2014 Issue of (DE-FI)ance Magazine and of course we will be using the Moms once again as the models along with their children. (DE-FI) is currently accepting submissions from moms who would like to participate in this event, if you’re a mom, mom-to-be, a Glam-Mom aka Grandma and you think that you have what it takes to rip the runway during the Stylish Mom Runway Show, please send your bio 500 words or less along with (2) images of you and your children to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2014. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $30 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Date: Friday May 9, 2014

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: Brenda Marone of B. Marie, Model: Ellie

Event: Fashion In the Mystic Garden

Location: SunWatch Indian Village

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Event Description: Day 4 of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will take us back to where it all began for us in 2013– SunWatch Indian Village for Fashion In the Mystic Garden 2.0! 😉 Merging the Culinary Skills of Chef Anthony Head and the creativity of the Taste of (DE-FI)ance which took place on Jan.3, 2014, Fashion In the Mystic Garden will feature Ready to Wear designs and dinner by candle light in the majestic setting of the Village area at SunWatch. For those not familiar with the concept behind the Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Chef Head will work one on one with the designers to develop a menu based on the origin of the fabric used, the theme of the collection, and color schemes to produce a multi-course meal that compliments and resembles the looks on the runway. Proceeds for this event will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which

Taste of (DE-FI)ance, Chef Head created a menu for B.Marie Designs that accompanied the red backless dress consisted of Orange Duck Tart with Blood Orange Sauce, Roasted Tomato Shooter with Maldon Slated Rim, Black Bean Salsa with Hawaiian Black Sew Salt and Cream Cheese Canape

benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: TBA Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Date: Saturday May 10, 2014

Event: First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball

Location: Commander Aero Airport

Time: 8:00pm-12:00am

Event Description: The 5^th and final day of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week will culminate with a unique celebration of all things Dayton—from aviation, innovation, and of course FASHION!! We’re taking a step back in time with Roaring 20’s attire social event featuring heavy appetizers, a cash bar, dancing, networking, performances, and a Couture Fashion Runway Experience like no other. Set in an Airplane Hanger the proceeds from the First Flight…Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball will go to the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which benefits local and independent Designers.

Cost: $55 Tickets go on sale March 8 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5^th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH.

Taste if (DE-FI)ance, Image by Lamar Pacley, Designer: Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing, Model: Megan

Casting Calls for models will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at the St. Clair Lofts, located at 35 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402 from 12p-2p. This Casting Call is open to males and females ages 4 & up, models under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All models must bring with them (2) images current images a head shot and a full body shot. If you are a business owner interested in becoming a sponsor for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week or taking out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine, (DE-FI) offers affordable packages to fit all budget sizes. Please send all inquiries to [email protected].

$25,000 to be awarded for a new Dayton product or service—spring 2014!

January 12, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

en•tre•pre•neur n. a person who organizes and manages an enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative. (See also revolutionary, risk taker, visionary, self-made & slightly mad.)

Dayton’s history is full of genius people who possess an untamed entrepreneurial spirit. From John H. Patterson to Charles Kettering, the Wright Brothers to Carl Lindner; the list goes on and on. Dayton claims more patents per capita than any other U.S. city in 1900. So what can we do to keep this momentum going? How about $25,000 for your new product or service! Enter the Soin Award For Innovation.

“The Dayton area has a long history of innovation and discovery. We must continue to encourage our local entrepreneurs to build on this and create new enterprises, jobs and additional opportunities for this region. On behalf of the Soin Family, I am proud to support this annual award that recognizes the accomplishments of these individuals and businesses.” -Rajesh Soin Chairman and CEO Soin International

Since 2007, The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Soin family are partnering to offer the Soin Award for Innovation, which bestows one recipient annually an award of $25,000! The winning applicant best demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit through a recently introduced or pending introduction of a unique product or service that will have the ability to sustain long-term growth for the company, increase local employment and assist in the creation of economic prosperity within the Dayton region.

“The Soin Award for Innovation means something for this community. When our company is talking to other transit systems, it allows us to say, our local community supports us. The Soin Award validates Commuter Advertising nationally and locally.” -Russell Gottesman, President and CEO Commuter Advertising 2011 Soin award winner

A selection committee, made up of representatives of the region’s business and academic leaders, along with The Chamber’s Education and Public Improvement Foundation (EPI Foundation) Board members, will select one recipient annually from the applications to receive a $25,000 cash award and its accompanying public and community recognition.

Past Soin Award winners:

2013 UDECX

2012 NanoSperse

2011 Commuter Advertising

2010 Composite Advantage

2009 IYA Technologies

2008 Mound Laser and Photonics Center, Inc

2007 WebCore

Applications are due no later than February 14, 2014 and judging will take place at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce on Monday March 3, 2014. EPI Foundation will present the Soin Award for Innovation at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting in the spring of 2014.

A link to the application is listed below:

www.daytonchamber.org/index.cfm/business-resources/soin-award

There will be a Lunch and Learn at UD’s River Campus on the Soin Award and information on the regions wealth of entrepreneurial resources on January 30^th from 11:00AM-1:00PM. For more information on this event and the Soin Award please contact Jason Antonick at [email protected] or by calling him at 937 226-8293.

The Dayton Chamber and Soin family have given away $175,000 over the last 7 years, could you be the winner this year?

The above article written by Jason Antonick, Manager, Business and Economic Development, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.