Community

Clothes That Work Now Collecting Gowns and Accessories For Fairy Godmother Project

January 11, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Clothes That Work, in partnership with the Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, presents the 6th annual Fairy Godmother Project on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Clothes That Work, located in The Job Center, 1133 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.

The Fairy Godmother Project is directed at prom-going high school girls who are in need of a prom dress and originated with support from Disney On Ice in an effort to allow every girl to feel like a princess on her prom day.

The Fairy Godmother Project @ Clothes That Work from Andy Snow on Vimeo.

It is anticipated that more than 500 girls will attend the distribution event on March 15, sorted and stocked prom gowns of all sizes are provided in a department store-like setting. The girls will be able to try on as many dresses as they like until they find the perfect dress and coordinating accessories. All dresses and accessories are given to the girls at no cost. Girls wishing to participate may register the day of the event, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Clothes That Work office in the Job Center. Pre-registration is not required.

Currently, Clothes That Work is accepting dress and accessory donations for the Fairy Godmother Project. Dress and accessory donations may be made to Clothes That Work during regular donation times, or at any of these local businesses:

Dayton Chamber of Commerce – Dayton Convention Center, 22 E Fifth Street, 2nd Floor, Dayton, OH 45402
Donations accepted Monday – Friday 8 a.m – 5 p.m. January 6 – February 28, 2014.
Oa kwood Florist – 2313 Far Hills Ave Dayton OH 45419
Donations accepted Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. January 6 through February 28, 2014.

Hannah’s Treasure Chest – 124 Westpark Dr. Centerville, OH 45459
Donations accepted Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. January 6 through February 27, 2014.
Logos@Work – 937 S. Patterson Blvd. Dayton, OH 45402
Donations accepted January 6 through February 28, 2014.
Square One Salon & Spa – Centerville – 1 N. Main St. Centerville OH 45459
Donations accepted Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. , Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday Noon – 5 p.m. January 6 through February 28, 2014.
Square One Salon & Spa – Downtown – 506 E. Third St. Dayton OH 45402
Donations accepted Monday Noon – 8 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. January 6 through February 28, 2014.

In advance of the dress distribution, the Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated conduct an online essay contest with top finishers winning additional prom goods, such as limousine transportation, dinners, hair and nail services, tuxedo rental for their dates, corsages and boutonnieres and more.

For more information on dress collection, distribution or the essay contest, please visit www.clothesthatwork.org or contact Shelby Quinlivan at 937.222.3778 ext.150 or [email protected].

Why You Should Only Buy Girl Scout Cookies From A Girl Scout

January 10, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

Today is the start of Girl Scout cookie season. For almost 100 years, Girl Scouts, with the enthusiastic support of their families and communities, have knocked on doors, set up sales tables at stores and community events and hawked thin mints.The $700 million Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the country and generates immeasurable benefits for girls, their councils, and their communities.

I admit I was a girl scout. And for those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I was determined to sell more cookies than any of the other girls. I went up and down my street, knocking on doors for orders. I called all my relatives and perfected my telemarketing skills. I asked my dad to get his co-workers to buy from me. And he said NO! But he did offer to take me to work so I could ask for the order. I worked hard and sold hundreds of boxes and was sure I’d win the Cookie title.

Well as it turns out, I didn’t. Some little girl named Susie did. She lived down the street from me and I never saw her ask any of our neighbors to buy cookies. I assked her how she did it and she said it was easy-her mom and dad got all the orders for her. I was mad and didn’t think it was fair and complained to my dad about it. He told me life wasn’t fair, never would be, but that I’d really won, and I’d appreciate it some day when I realized that I had gotten much more out of it than Susie had. Not what a 9 year old girl wants to hear. So I’m sure I sulked around for a while, until something else captured my attention.

But now many years later, I get it. My dad was right- I had won! I’d learned how to set a goal, prospect customers, perfect my sales pitch, work on my organizational skills, plan the logistics of delivery, handle money, make change and enjoy quite a few cookies, too!

And that’s why I implore you to only buy cookies from Girl Scouts. I know there are many well intentioned parents that want to help their daughters, and help support the troops so they can put on all the programs they have scheduled; but please help them by letting them sell!

In a recent study by the Girl Scouts Heart of the South, they documented skills the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches, which girls can apply to everyday life:

85% increased their money management skills as they developed budgets, took cookie orders and handled customers’ money.
83% developed business ethics, learning to fulfill promises to customers and considering how best to contribute to their communities with their earnings.
80% set goals and created objectives to reach them.
77% made important decisions, learning to work as a team to develop a business plan, deciding when and where to sell cookies, and determining what to do with the money they earn.
75% developed people skills, learning to talk to, listen to and work with different kinds of people.

Many successful businesswomen and community leaders say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies. So when your local Girl Scouts come calling with this year’s best-selling cookies, remember you’re saying hello to tomorrow’s business leaders.

The Cookies:

COOKIE VARIETIES – $4.00/BOX

Thin Mints–Little Brownie’s extra thin, extra minty Thin Mints are covered in a luscious chocolaty coating and made with real, natural oil of peppermint, not artificial flavoring, to create the nation’s number one best-selling Girl Scout cookie.

Samoas–The original Samoas are of such high quality they sometimes outsell even Thin Mints in some councils. Little Brownie makes and mixes their own homemade caramel in copper kettles and uses sweet, crunchy toasted coconut. Bottom covered and striped in dark chocolaty coating, Samoas are truly America’s most deliciously different cookie!

Tagalongs–Tagalongs are made with a special blend of rich, creamy peanut butter completely covered in rich milk-chocolaty coating for a creative combination of America’s two most popular flavors. It’s no wonder Tagalongs never last long in many households.

Do-si-dos –Do-si-dos are oatmeal peanut butter sandwich cookies with a natural blend of wholesome ingredients. Little Brownie uses baby rolled oats, never flaked oats. Many customers fondly call Do-si-dos the “Official Breakfast Cookie.”

Trefoils–Little Brownie’s Trefoil cookies have a rich, buttery flavor and a classic shortbread aroma that delights Girl Scout cookie fans of all ages.

Savannah Smiles – This lemon wedge cookie is cool and crisp, with just the right number of lemon chips to deliver tiny bursts of flavor. And, when you hold it right, you’ll quickly be reminded of that world-famous “Brownie Smile.”

Did you know that Girl Scout cookies have?

No high fructose corn syrup
No trans fats
No hydrogenated oils in five varieties
100 percent real cocoa
Nutritious whole grain oats
Two nut-free varieties: Trefoils and Thin Mints contain no peanuts or tree nuts

Additional nutritional information about on the cookies is available here.

All of the proceeds from the cookie sale—every penny—stays within our community to benefit local girls. Girl Scout troops use the money for field trips and community service projects.

Money from Girl Scout Cookies helps the council:

Recruit and train volunteer adults to work with girls.
Provide the financial assistance needed to make Girl Scouting available for all girls.
Improve and maintain camp and other activity sites.
Keep event/camp fees for all members to a minimum.
Sponsor special events and projects.

Erma Bombeck Writing Competition Offer $500 First Prize

January 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

“Hook ’em with the lead. Hold ’em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won’t forget.” ˜ Erma Bombeck

Capture the essence of Erma’s writings and you could win $500 and a free registration to the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop! 525 writers from 7 different countries and 48 states entered the 2012 competition.

Erma Bombeck, graduated from the University of Dayton in 1949, lived with her husband and family in Centerville, Ohio, and inspired people worldwide with her columns and books about life’s trials and tribulations. Her memory lives on with the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition hosted every two years by the Washington-Centerville Public Library and the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop hosted by the University of Dayton.

1/6/2014 (8 AM): Erma Bombeck Writing Competition Opens

Eligibility & Rules

Eligibility:
Entries are accepted from anywhere in the world.
Previous contest winners are encouraged to enter.
NEW! Children under 13 are NOT eligible to enter.
Registration to the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop is NOT required to enter the writing competition.
Washington-Centerville Public Library employees, board members, contest judges and their families are not eligible.

Rules:
$15 entry fee.
Entry must be written in English.
Limit one entry total (not per category) per person.
Personal essay must be 450 words or less (entries of more than 450 words will be disqualified).
NEW! Essay must be previously unpublished. Essays must not have been previously published in a blog, book, magazine, website or any other medium.
Essay must be written by one person; no writing teams, ghostwriters or writing partnerships.
Payment and entry must be submitted online using the official online entry form. PayPal link will be visible below when the contest opens.
Hard copy entries will not be accepted and will not be returned if submitted.
Entries must be submitted by 8 AM, EST, February 17, 2014.
All submissions are final! Corrections to and replacements for submitted essays will not be allowed.
By submitting your entry, you guarantee the work was written by you and expresses your original ideas.
Washington-Centerville Public Library reserves the non-exclusive right to publish the winning entries; however, the owner retains ownership rights for future publication.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHo5zogTiM’]

How to Enter
Choose one category for entry:
Humor
Human Interest
Write a personal essay of 450 words or less following the judging criteria.
A personal essay “deals lightly, often humorously, with personal experiences, opinions, and prejudices, stressing especially the unusual or novel in attitude and having to do with the various aspects of everyday life.” ˜Phillip Lopate, The Art of the Personal Essay.
After paying the entry fee, you will be directed to the official online entry form where you will be asked to enter your demographic information and essay. The PayPal link will be visible below when the contest opens.

Judging
Entries in the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition are judged in two rounds – first by a panel of volunteer judges from across the United States and Australia, and then by a final judge in each category.
Blind judging is used which means that the author’s name is not on the work as it is being judged.
Meet our esteemed panel of judges. They will be using the following guidelines to score your entry:

All Entries – General Criteria:
Does it have the voice of Erma? Erma knew how to portray the humor in the mundaneness of everyday life.
Is it organized? Does it stay on topic and have well-developed ideas?
Does it have a compelling lead? The piece should “Hook ’em with the lead. Hold ’em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won’t forget.”
Humor Entries:
General criteria as stated above.
Is it funny?
Human Interest Entries:
General criteria as stated above.
Is it true and does it evoke emotion?
Return to Top

Winners & Prizes
4 first place winners will be selected:
Humor – Global (Regional & International)
Humor – Local (Montgomery County/Dayton, Ohio area)
Human Interest – Global (Regional & International)
Human Interest – Local (Montgomery County/Dayton, Ohio area)
$500 cash prize to winners in all four categories.
First place winners also receive free admission ($395 value) to the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop hosted by the University of Dayton from April 10 through April 12. First place winners who have already registered and paid for the Workshop will have their registration fee refunded. Winners who are on the Workshop Waiting List or have not registered for the Workshop, will be admitted to the Workshop, if they want to attend.
Winning essays will be published on Washington-Centerville Public Library’s website and in a local newspaper.
Judges will also select several essays for Honorable Mention.
Writers of essays selected for Honorable Mention will receive a competition certificate.
Decisions of the judges are final.
Winners will be announced in late March.

Wedding Showcase @ Presidential Banquet Center

January 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Join us at the beautiful Presidential Center in Kettering for a unique opportunity to see custom-designed “event-scapes” created by some of the best wedding professionals in the Dayton and surrounding areas. Located in a private, park like setting, this beautifully remodeled, full service venue has four elegant banquet rooms to accommodate the size of your special event. The Event Connections is transforming the entire space for this special event so that you’ll be able to visualize great ideas for decor in actual reception settings, try food samples, hear music and experience DJ styles, and more.

You’ll also have the opportunity to register for the 2014 Wedding Package Give-Away and meet many of the wedding professionals who will be participating in this great prize.

Event Details

Sunday January 05, 2014

11:00 AM – 04:00 PM

Cost

$5 at the door

10 things that only introverted Breaking Bad fans who grew up in the 90’s will understand (NSFW)

December 30, 2013 By Max Spang Leave a Comment

This is the time of year when we sit back and reflect about all the neat stuff that happened throughout the year. 2013 had its fair share: space travel, social issues, political scandal, your favorite celebrity’s new haircut, and a whole bunch of other important stuff. Though, perhaps none of the events are as culturally important as the rise of the “listicle“.

You know what’s hard? Writing. You know what’s even harder? Getting people to read what you wrote. I mean, who wants to sit there and look at a page full of disgusting words? Boring losers, that’s who. Sure, words have the power to move you, to make you laugh, to make you cry, to inspire you, to educate you, and overall make you a better person. But on the other hand it’s hard to, you know, read. I’d rather look at an extremely shareable list of irrelevant memes and gifs! Original and compelling content is for chumps, so I spent absolutely no time doing research and compiled this list of things that are probably popular with my target demographic. Just to be safe, I put “NSFW” (Not Safe For Work) on the title so you’d think there’s boobs or something and click on it. What you are abut to see is… Oh, who am I kidding, you’ve probably scrolled right past this paragraph anyway. Get your hashtags ready, ’cause here’s some stuff I google’d:

1. This is my reaction to listicles

2. Blah blah, something about Miley Cyrus and twerking

3. Here’s a picture of a cat. Cats are still cool, right?

4. Actually, all of this content came from Reddit two days ago

5. Look, Jennifer Lawrence and Zoey Deschanel did something!

6. I spent 10 minutes on this article

7. This pug literally just can’t right now

8. I just want to be hip.

9. I just kind of like this .gif

10. I’m actually just a machine that auto-generates lists like this. PRAISE BE TO OUR ROBOTIC OVERLORD!

BECOME ONE OF US. SHARE THIS POST. INFECT OTHERS.

A Star In The East – A Dayton Tradition.

December 24, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Standing watch over the city.
Photo Shelly Hulce

This time of year the Rikes Christmas displays are a popular topic with many generations. Lot’s of pictures and stories are revived and shared, mostly on social media sights. Dayton continues to celebrate and cling to the wonder years of Rikes Christmas, even making the trip downtown to see the remnants of the past on display in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Performing Arts Center on the site of the former department store. One thing is certain, Dayton values tradition, especially when there’s an entertainment factor. But one quiet, humble and reverent tradition sits in the peripheral vision of Dayton residents.

That tradition is the holy star that floats between the twin towers of St. Mary’s Church on Xenia Avenue. Looking down upon the neighborhood whose namesake is a house of worship, the holy star of Twin Towers is such a flickering gem that it’s lost in the Dayton skyline. This holy star appears in Dayton’s eastern sky from the Saturday after Thanksgiving to the middle of January.

STAR TEAM OF ST. MARY’S
(( First row, middle row and back row; L-R ))
Ed, Les, Karen, Steve, Gene
Jerry, Kay, Rick, Marilyn, Jim.
Vic, Frank, Pat, Martin, Greg,Tim, Bob, Theresa
Photo Shelly Hulce

For nearly 60 years, (that was the collective guess), a group of parishioners, neighborhood residents and family friends make this event part of their holiday tradition. About 2 weeks prior to Thanksgiving, the star is taken out of storage and the process of checking lights, wires and supportive structures begins and the star is prepared for hanging.

Here’s where it get’s interesting. There are no cranes, no cherry pickers, no mechanics. It’s all human powered. The harrowing adventure to the top of the St. Mary’s twin towers would challenge even the most adventurous risk taker.

The structure built in 1906 is very difficult to navigate, with many levels of narrow stair wells, some being more steep than a ladder. The higher the level, the more steep and narrow, sometimes even too narrow for shoulders of a human of average stature. The men who scale these treacherous structures each year are not young gun thrill seekers. One of the roof top team is 77 years old. (I’ll withhold his name to keep him out of trouble with his wife!) The Saturday morning process of hanging the star takes an average of 2 1/2 hours, by design. I assumed the pre-noon deadline had to do with avoiding someone being deafened by the twelve o’clock bells but the reality had more to do with kick off time for the OSU game.

Martin, 77 years old and fearless. Waiting to catch the tail of the star to lock it down and plug in the power. (It’s really cold up there.)
Photo Therese (Woeste) Baker.

Listen to the audio track under the slideshow in the embedded Youtube video, as Jerry Woeste gives details of the construction of the star and the process of hanging this glistening artifact high in the Dayton skyline.

In the hours I spent with the star installation group that Saturday morning, I was amazed at the courage of the men on the roof and the towers. I was entertained by the ropes team on the street but more than anything, I was humbled by the spirit of this small, dedicated group of people. It goes without saying, this is a labor of love.

Street crew and tower crew work together to balance the start during it’s ascension.
Photo Shelly Hulce

The hearts of this group are as big as the star itself. I never thought to ask “why?”. That was kind of a given. As the Twin Towers neighborhood struggles to reinvent itself, you can feel the power of such groups as the East End Community Center, New Hope Church and the amazing staff of Ruskin Elementary.

The ground is starting to shift in Twin Towers as the grassroots redevelopment of the Xenia Ave. business corridor is beginning. The international fabric of immigrant families is bringing new life to vacant properties as well. You can hear five different languages walking down McClure Ave. alone. Murals are replacing negative messages scrawled on structures and a community garden, complete with bee hives, is blossoming change in the neighborhood. St. Mary’s is a refuge in many respects, serving the Twin Towers neighborhood. I felt a lot of love in just the 3 hours I spent with this group. If you spend any time in Twin Towers, you feel the ripples of such love in the community. Structures and landscapes come and go but the human condition is built on the ground of compassion and dignity. Where, who or even IF you worship, this season is a time to pause and reflect on the love between you and your fellow man. As many Dayton neighborhoods struggle to change, reinvent and mend their brokenness, we need traditions and icons to guide us. Like the star of St. Mary’s over Twin Towers, we need these beacons of hope and faith. (One only needs to look “up”.)

Father & son tradition. Since Jerry Woeste was 16 he has worked with his dad Vic, now 88 years old, hang the star of St. Mary’s church. The Woeste family are life long members of St. Mary’s Church.

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

(937) 256-5633

Equally impressive is the massive nativity scene inside the church. This set takes months to build, (an approx. 120 man hours in a concentrated few weeks), and has been part of the St. Mary’s church tradition for generations. The annual nativity open house is held Dec. 26, 27 & 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM and Sunday Dec. 29 from 3:00 – 5:00.

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

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Review –Victoria Theatre Association/Human Race Theatre Company – Holiday Warmth on the Radio

December 12, 2013 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The Victoria Theatre Association’s presentation of the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” provides a delightful throwback to an innocent time of family-friendly entertainment and good old-fashioned vocal versatility.

Breezily adapted by Joe Landry based on the beloved 1946 film of the same name, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a veritable charmer. The familiar, magical, redemptive saga of George Bailey, the suicidal Bedford Falls, New York resident who grows to appreciate and recognize his blessings on Christmas Eve, tugs the heart with earnest sincerity. George’s journey doesn’t supply dramatic sparks to tear-jerking degrees until after intermission but it is well worth the wait. After all, the story’s enduring, multi-generational appeal resonates so beautifully during the holidays because it allows the audience to examine themselves by way of truly meaningful seasonal themes such as benevolence, faith, family, friendship, forgiveness and gratefulness.

Todd Lawson (center) and the cast of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” (Contributed photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

Set inside the local WHIO AM studios on Christmas Eve 1946, the play is firmly guided and realized by director Joe Deer with attractive period flair courtesy of scenic designer Dan Gray and costumer Ayn Kaethchen Wood. The radio format is tricky since it demands considerable engagement from its participants to avoid any hint of detachment. Thankfully, Deer keeps his terrifically compatible cast invested in the material even when they leave the microphones to observe the action on various couches. He also allows certain moments to engross and breathe beyond the radio framework.
The amiable Todd Lawson creates a heartfelt, believably conflicted portrayal of George, growing particularly strong in the compelling Act 2 when George’s guardian angel Clarence shows him what his life and his city would be if he had never been born. The tall, lanky, personable Mark Chmiel (a marvelous Cat in the Hat in the Human Race’s “Seussical”) exudes warmth and concern as the lovable Clarence. The remarkably versatile Susan J. Jacks juggles the amusingly sassy diva traits of Lana Sherwood with multiple roles within the action encompassing a range of ages and personalities from George’s friend Violet to his youngest daughter Zuzu. Betsy DiLellio (a component of the outstanding first national tour of “The Light in the Piazza” starring Christine Andreas) is a lovely, gentle presence as George’s devoted wife Mary. Scott Stoney strikes the perfect mood at the outset as soothing announcer Freddie Filmore and brings apt villainy to his secondary role as the cruel Henry Potter. First-rate Wright State University musical theater students Sean Jones, Cassi Mikat, Zack Steele and Amy Wheeler are sunny and skilled as the Jazz Quartet rendering cute jingles. The fantastic Kevin Anderson shines as the Foley Artist responsible for a slew of colorful sound effects from clinking dinnerware to an umbrella evoking bats. Scot Woolley provides proficient music direction.
As an added bonus, be sure to stay after the curtain call for a holiday sing-a-long. Chmiel’s Ray Bolger-esque take on “White Christmas” is a hoot.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” continues through Dec. 15 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 35 minutes. Tickets are $40-$86. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

You’re Invited To Xenia’s Hometown Christmas!

December 11, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton Metro Library Adds New Digital Product Line: What’s all the hoopla?

December 10, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Metro Library has a brand new service for patrons who enjoy digital movies, television shows and music. The service, called Hoopla, offers thousands of titles from major Hollywood studios and record companies for downloading or instant streaming on smart phones, tablets and computers, free of charge. Only a Dayton Metro Library card is needed to access the service from the library’s website, DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

“Anticipating a huge number of our patrons will receive new ereaders, tablets and smart phones this holiday season, now is the perfect time for us to expand our digital library offerings,” said Jean Gaffney, manager of Acquisition and Collection Development at the library. “We already offer audio books and ebooks through Overdrive, and digital magazines with Zinio. Now Hoopla provides thousands of movie titles, television episodes and CDs for downloading or streaming to computers and portable devices.”

Hoopla offers more than 3000 movies, 9000 television episodes and 300,000 full-length music CDs, with new releases scheduled each week.

“Hoopla fills a need for our patrons who want to take their entertainment with them wherever they go,” said Gaffney. “You don’t have to wait to borrow anything, and the automatic return means there are no late fees. The service is completely free.”

To access Hoopla, visit the library’s website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org. Users must have a Dayton Metro Library card and PIN number to register. Library cards are free to anyone residing in the state of Ohio. Cards must be issued in person at any Dayton Metro Library location. For more information, call the library at 496-8904.

The Artemis Center Introduce the “Krewe” Raising Funds To Be Named King & Queen of Mardi Gras Gala

December 9, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

In order to organize and stage the enormous Mardi Gras carnival every year, many New Orleans families have belonged for generations to krewes, groups that create elaborate costumes and floats for the many Mardi Gras parades in the two weeks leading up to “Fat Tuesday.” Not only do the krewes participate in the parades, but, as leaders of New Orleans society, they also hold balls and other elaborate events during the carnival season, which lasts from Christmas up to Mardi Gras itself. The krewes are responsible for electing Rex, the annual king of the carnival, whose parade is the climax of Mardi Gras.

The Artemis Center has thrown an annual Mardi Gras fundraising ball before, but for the first time, they are adding a “Krewe” element to the gala. Eleven young professionals will be raising funds and spreading the word about the issue of domestic violence in our community and the crucial services provided by Artemis Center.

The official kick off for the “krewe” was held this past week at a happy hour event in the Oregon District. These young professionals will be fundraising over the three months to compete for the titles of King and Queen of the Mardi Gras. The man and woman who raise the most funds will be crowned at the Gala to be held on March 8, 2014 at the Dayton Masonic Center. The funds raised by the Artemis Center ‘Krewe’ will provide crucial unrestricted funding to Artemis Center to allow us to continue offering our services at no cost to the client. Supporting Artemis Center is one of the most direct ways to improve the lives of domestic violence victims. Unrestricted funding allows us the flexibility to respond in whatever way victims and their children need. Whether its buying a bus ticket to safety, changing the locks on a clients home to increase safety, or providing therapy for a child witness of violence, your donation can make it happen.

Meet the “Krewe”

Cassandra Andres
Staff Attorney at Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

Cassandra graduated from University of Dayton School of Law and is thrilled to volunteer for the Krewe for Artemis Center this year “because our community is at a loss when it comes to services for women, and Artemis Center has taken great strides in attempting to fill in those gaps. Your donation will not only fund the housing services at Artemis, but will also provide volunteers with the tools needed to reach out to women with a helping hand across the Miami Valley Area.”

Jason Antonic
Manager of Business and Economic Development, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Jason has a passion for community involvement. He is the VP of the Huffman Historic District, the past President of the Dayton Ballet Barre and member of the I-70/75 Development Association. He went Over The Edge for Big Brothers Big Sister of the Greater Miami Valley and fought in the 2nd Knockout. Jason enjoys spending time with his daughter, bird watching, playing basketball and Shakespearean acting. He lives in the Huffman Historic District with his fiancée, Jessica and their cat Ian.

Jennifer Bock

Mass Torts and Negotiations Attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz

A graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and chair of the Social Committee for the Young Lawyers Division of the Dayton Bar Association. Jennifer and her husband also support AIDS Resource Center Ohio, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Wave Foundation, and United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton. However, being a victim of domestic violence myself, the Artemis Center holds a special place in her heart and she is passionate about the cause.

Jen Cadieux
Business Development Manager at Downtown Dayton Partnership
A 2005 graduate of the University of Dayton, Jen was named to the Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Class of 2010. An ardent supporter of area non-profits, Jen has volunteered for Aids Resource Center Ohio, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has served on the BBB Advertising Review Council. She chaired the Social Committee for Generation Dayton, and has served on the board of the Dayton Broomball Association and the Dayton Ballet Associate Board. Jen says, “becoming a part of the first Krewe and helping an organization that makes such an impact on women and children in our community is an honor.”

Conrad Dillion
Legal Counsel for Alternate Solutions Healthcare System

A graduate of Ohio University and the University of Dayton School of Law, where he was awarded the Commitment to Community Pro Bono Service Award . He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Dayton Bar Association. Conrad enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time with my cat Simon. Having worked with Care House and in juvenile courts, Conrad has seen first hand the affects of domestic violence on both kids and their parents and by working on the Krewe wants to help by able to provide Artemeis Center with the tools they need to break the cycle.

Richard Kaiser

Co-Owner of Lion + Panda

An Ohio native, Richard was part of the class of 2010 at Wright State University where he studied marketing and advertising. In the past 3 1/2 years Richard has become a household name in the Dayton marketing community. Building upon his college experiences of working in print, television, and sales Richard brought an integrated approach to the digital industry. Active involvement in the local Dayton community has been a focal point of Richard’s personal life. He is currently the a board member of the Dayton Opera, the Muse Machine, Stiver’s High School Advisory Board, and often volunteers time to helping other nonprofits to craft their communications strategies.

Amelia Robinson

Columnist/Reporter Dayton Daily New

Originally from Cleveland, Amelia attended Ohio University in Athens and worked in Mansfield for several years before making Dayton her home. Amelia’s outgoing personality and quick wit make her a must read on Facebook and if she can convert her readers into donors for Artemis Center, the whole Community wins. When asked what motivated her to become part of the Krewe Amelia shared, “I’ve know women in my personal life and as a reporter I’ve gone to to many scenes where domestic violence has been involved and so I really want to be able to help the women and children who are affected by DV and Artemis does that in our community.”

Kara Shepherd
Hairstylist at The Mantra Salon and Day Spa

“As most people know, many women think of their hairstylist as some what of a “therapist”. I am very lucky to have a profession where I get to make women feel GREAT when they leave my chair, and that is a personal goal of mine with every client I see. In June, I had the honor of marrying my best friend. As a woman who has never been in an abusive relationship, I must admit, until learning some facts through Artemis, I had no idea how frequently a woman is battered per SECOND in our country….It’s every 9 seconds in case you were wondering. When reading such a terrible statistic, one tends to ask themself “WHAT CAN I DO”.

I am so very excited to get to give back to more women than the ones that just come see me in the salon. I think that Artemis is a crucial key to helping women and children right here in the Dayton area. There are so many who need our help, and with YOUR donations, we can make a difference!”

Anthony Shoemaker

Political/Military Affairs editor at Cox Media Group

Anthony is a 1998 graduate of Wright State University, and he and his wife Amelia recently bought their first house in the Oregon District. Anthony says he was flattered to be asked to help. He’s known too many people personally that have been involved in a situation that included domestic violence and that if he’s able to make a difference, why wouldn’t he?

Dan Sweeny
Manager of Patient Access at Miami Valley Hospital

Dan got his bachelors degree from The Ohio State University and his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. Newly married in the summer of 2013, Dan has already recruited his wife Janese to help him raise funds for The Artemis Center. Dan shared that his grandmother was on the Artemis board of trustees for years and he’s been a volunteer for many of their events. When asked to join the Krewe, he said it’s a no-brainer, of course he’s willing to give his time to help raise money that support and educate those in need of the options and help that are available in our community.

Taryn Ward
Membership Development Representative at Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Taryn is motivated to make a positive impact on the community and volunteers regularly. She is an active member and leader of Generation Dayton, Taryn has a profound love for animals and serves on Advocates 4 Animals Board of Directors. She also serves on an associate committee for Clothes That Work.When she’s not working with businesses or volunteering, Taryn enjoys dancing, cooking, and reading and is a founding member of a local book club for young professionals. Taryn joins the Krewe to honor her friend who was helped out of a really bad situation by Artemis.

So now you’ve met the Krewe and stay tuned to see what they’ve got planned to help reach the $50,000 goal that Artemis has set for them to raise. Each Krewe members name is linked to their individual fundraising page, so why not support your favorite Krewe member on their quest to become the King or Queen of the Mardi Gras Gala?

Sometimes love is waiting for us right where we live.

December 6, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Last Saturday, we all woke up early to a crisp, cool day.

As I made my cup of tea and folded the laundry I had left drying overnight, I got thinking about the Tedx Dayton Talk by London Coe. She talked about Dating Your City – getting out there and finding all the amazing people and amazing things happening at any time in any town. She said she went from thinking her town was grey and dying (all the news stories said so) to being madly in love with Dayton, Ohio.

So, after we were all dressed and had eaten a little something, we took off for a little local adventure.

I had been hearing about a fabulous pretzel kitchen for years and years, but had never been able to figure out where it was. These pretzels were supposed to be world class – the kind that people ship to their kids when they move away from home. It was supposed to just be some third generation pretzel guy making them in his garage and you had to drive through an alley and know a code to get in. But no one could tell me an exact address or hours or even a real name (“It’s like Schmales or Smalls or Smaylees… or something like that.”).

For whatever reason, everything fell into place this time. I Googled Dayton + pretzel + awesome + downtown. And there – where there had never been any information before, I swear – was the name “Smales” with an address and hours and everything. It was only open from 8:00am to 1:00pm and there was always a big line, so get there early.

We drove straight there and everything I had heard was true. We turned into a narrow alley and parked in a three-car dirt lot. We walked back along the alley to a small door under a decrepit metal awning and walked right into pretzel heaven. There was a giant mixer kneading a big ball of dough, there was a layer of flour over everything, and an otherworldly smell in the air.

We bought a dozen hand-twisted pretzels, still warm and liberally sprinkled with chunks of salt and walked back out into the crisp, cool air with our treasure.

Thanks, Smales!

Still in the mood for adventure, we hopped on down to the 2nd Street Market. This is a Dayton institution and always good for people watching and local shopping. We picked up sweet potatoes the size of Hani’s head, fresh eggs, local raw honey for my morning tea, Brussels Sprouts on the stalk, and Amish butter, and Dave found a beautiful leather bracelet made by VintageLiz.

This beautiful day was right there, just waiting for us to notice it… like a brilliant jewel under a leaf.

What jewels are waiting right there for you to notice them? What seems grey and dying that actually just needs some attention and love to come to brilliant life?

love.

Editors Note:

We found this great post on facebook, clicked through and found the Fierce Mothering blog. Written by two dynamic and passionate women, April Fine and Robyn Moore, who are both moms and friends. The post above written by Arpil just screamed with the mission of MostMetro (sharing the love we have for our town) we asked for and were granted permission to reprint this here. We hope you enjoy as much as we did!

And thanks to London Coe for inspiring so many Daytonians to “date their city.” If you’ve got a story about a date you’ve had with Dayton and would like to share it with us, please contact us.

Santa Arrives At Woodland Lights Tonight Ticket Contest

December 6, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 3 Comments

When the flashing lights and siren of a fire truck go zooming down St. Rt. 725 tonight, it will be Santa making his way to the Washington Township’s Woodland Lights! Celebrating their 21st year with the traditional lights and sights people have come to love, they’ve added some extra sparkle to their month long activities at 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road. There are movie nights, coloring contests and even nights to bring your dog.

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

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

Nostalgia Nights on December 9, 10, 16, 17

View the lights, enjoy refreshments, and visit with Santa before Christmas in an historic log cabin. Musical entertainment in the cabin the day after Christmas.

COST: $3 Free for kids 2 and under

Festival Nights on All Other Nights (except Dec 24 & 25)
For visitors who want the most that Woodland Lights offers. Lights, Refreshments & Santa Visits PLUS carriage rides, amusement rides, costumed characters, live deer games, and activities musical entertainment after Christmas. Festival Nights offer all of the fun of Woodland Lights, plus a full range of festivities including carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games and extra activites such as face painting. Kids can play on a fun slide and enjoy seven amusement rides including a small train, Santa swing, twister and pony carts.

COST: $7 Free for kids 2 and under

Woodland Lights & Movie Nights

After walking the Woodland Lights path, head to the Rec West building at 7:30 p.m. to see a free holiday movie, Polar Express. All movies end by 9 p.m.
December 7 – Polar Express
December 14 – Santa Paws 2
December 21 – Jim Carrey’s Christmas Carol
December 28 – The Rise of the Guardians

For more information about their special events visit the Woodland Lights website.

A WARM AND INVITING PLACE TO VISIT SANTA

At Woodland Lights, it’s easy to find Santa. Just walk down a sparkling path until you see an historic log cabin decorated in lights.Turn right at the split rail fence and Santa will welcome you to his cozy cabin every night through December 23.

The setting is an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. While young visitors whisper their wish lists in Santa’s ear, parents are invited to snap a picture. Photos also may be purchased for $5.

“This is a real, historic log home that originally was located in Hillsboro, Ohio,” says Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “Everything about it is authentic – from the large beams over head to the old limestone fireplace.” A fire burns bright each night in a large hearth near Santa’s chair, greenery is draped across the mantle, and a tree is decorated in the corner.

After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole but his cabin stays open for visitors to stop and warm themselves by the fire until December 30th.

TICKET GIVE AWAY

Most Metro wants to treat some of our readers to a family night out to see the lights. If you’d like to be entered in our drawing for a family 4-pack of tickets, just like this article, and fill out the entry form below. Feel free to add a comment below, it might sway the judges when we pick a winner! We’ll announce a winner on Saturday.

And our winners are:
Lauren Olgiate
Joanna Soehner
Margie Rivera

PHILOMENA and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB Are Hits at THE NEON!

December 5, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

For the second week in a row – Wow!! We had one of our best Thanksgiving Weekends ever at THE NEON! Audiences are loving both DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and PHILOMENA, and I want to Thank YOU for being such loyal and wonderful patrons at THE NEON. Even though other theaters jumped in on PHILOMENA, you made us come out on top! Thank You! (To visit the official site for each of our current titles (which we will hold), click on the titles above.)

Though we are doing well with our current titles, I’d suggest hurrying down if you still need to see them. We have other titles we need to get to before the end of the year – including Alexander Payne’s new film NEBRASKA and the star-studded AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.

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This year’s Family Holiday Film Series starts this Saturday! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. We will screen RISE OF THE GUARDIANS on December 7, on December 14 we will screen HOME ALONE, and on December 21 – the holiday classic – WHITE CHRISTMAS. Each film will only screen one time – at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each show.

Dayton-native Toni Dixon will premiere her new short film on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30. “FROM HIDDEN PAIN TO FREEDOM is an emotional depiction of the life of Tia. It is a powerful story of survival against all odds – the story of a little girl caught up in a world of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The setting takes place in the inner-city projects of Ohio where Tia resides with her grandmother because her mother chose the company of men over family. There, she quickly realizes how cold and cruel the world can really be. Gaining strength from within, she grows up to overcome her pain to new found freedom.” (taken from Press Notes) Tickets are $10 each and are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 6 – Thursday, Dec. 12:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 hr 57 min
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Saturday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Dec. 25 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE

Do You Know A Women of Influence?

December 4, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The YWCA Dayton is seeking nominations for its 2014 Women of Influence Awards. This award honors women in the greater Dayton/Miami Valley community who have made a positive influence on the lives of others, as part of their careers, as volunteers, as role models or mentors.

Nominations are accepted from the community and honorees are selected by a panel of community leaders. Nominees do not have to be active in the YWCA and nominations cannot be accepted for current YWCA Dayton staff or board of directors. They should reflect the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Additionally, nominees should also exemplify community spirit, leadership, volunteerism and making a difference in the lives of others.

To nominate a Woman of Influence, go to the YWCA Dayton website and complete the online nomination form. Deadline to submit a nomination is Sunday, December 15, 2013.

A luncheon celebration will be held on March 13, 2014 at the Dayton Convention Center to honor the award winners. For more information on tickets and sponsorship, please call 937.461.5550, ext. 107.

2014 Hoopla Ticket Program: #GivingTuesday Update

December 4, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The 2014 Hoopla Ticket Program, which launched in conjunction with the NCAA Cyber Monday, runs through today Wed, Dec. 4.

“The highly successful Hoopla Ticket Program has proven once again to be A SLAM DUNK after just 24 hours! We are excited to announce the Dayton Development Coalition has stepped up their commitment by pledging an additional 200 tickets to support students and the Airmen at Wright-Patt,” said JP Nauseef, Local Organizing Committee Chairman. “Jeff Hoagland and the Coalition continue to be the Region’s principal advocate for Wright- Patterson Air Force Base.”

All members of the community can participate in the Hoopla Ticket Program! For each 2014 NCAA First Four ticket purchased on #GivingTuesday, TWO students or Airmen stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will attend the NCAA Tournament at UD Arena on March 18 and March 19, 2014!

Nauseef continued, “Montgomery County has announced that in addition to their annual commitment to the First Four, they will be matching the DDC commitment of 200 tickets; furthering the existing evidence that the Dayton Region is home to America’s most passionate and dedicated college basketball fans.”

Organizations and businesses interested in group ticket blocks and/or interested in supporting the community activities held in conjunction with the 2014 NCAA First Four in Dayton, Ohio are asked to contact the Local Organizing Committee by calling 937-723-2046 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Be sure to use promo code “FANIAM” for special discounts on select 2014 First Four tickets.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Santa Claus & Friends Coming To Town To Benefit Toys for Tots

December 3, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The 8^th Annual Santa Pub Crawl, benefitting the local chapter of Toys for Tots, will take place in the Oregon District on Saturday, December 14^th beginning with a pre-party at Fifth Street Brewpub.

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

Festivities during the Santa Pub Crawl include a pre-party starting at 4:30 at Fifth Street Brewpub, seven additional participating bars offering drink specials to those dressed in holiday attire, a costume contest with prizes for first, second, and third place male and female, and best group. Prizes this year include mini fridges, large coolers, corn hole game, gift certificates to local restaurants and bars, and cash. Participants may also have their pictures taken with the Marines during the event.

Last year, the Santa Pub Crawl collected more than 600 toys along with $1,000 in cash donations, which was distributed by the Marines to local children in need. This event allows thecommunity to come together and ensure that children right here in the Miami Valley have something under the tree on Christmas Day. Santa Pub Crawl Chairperson, Brian Young, stated, “While last year was big, we anticipate over 1,000 people to participate in the event this year, double last year, and that translates to a lot of toys and cash donations for kids in our community. Because of the generous support of our sponsors, Budweiser, Buckeye Vodka, Folio Designhaus, and Monster Energy Drink, we have a much larger prize pool for the costume contest, which will be held at Blind Bob’s, and the extra advertising allows us to get the word out to that many more people.”

The route for the Santa Pub Crawl is as follows:

Fifth Street Brewpub (pre-party, located at 1600 E. Fifth Street – 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Dublin Pub – 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Trolley Stop – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Tumbleweed – 9:00 – 10:00 pm

Blind Bob’s – 10:00 – 11:00 pm (costume contest)

Oregon Express – 11:00 – 12:00 am

Ned Peppers – 12:00 – 1:00 am

Newcom’s – 1:00 am – close

Toys can be collected wherever the Marines are posted, and also dropped off at Fifth Street Brewpub. Participants may join the pub crawl at any point in the night. Crown Plaza, located at 33 E. Fifth Street will have discounted rooms while they last for participants. Please call 937-224-0800 and ask for “Toys for Tots Santa Pub Crawl Rate” of $82.00. Be responsible: Don’t drink and drive.

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

Photo’s by Peter Wine