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Activated Spaces Seeking Entrepreneurs to Open Pop-up Shops this Fall

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Customers receiving haircuts at Vintage Barbershop, one of the three Pop-up Shops that opened in May 2012.

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 third 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 Sherri Wierzba at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, July 20. Tenants will be selected Aug. 6, and retailers must be ready to open no later than Friday, Sept. 14, in time for the fall 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 pilot and second phases. Two of the three businesses in the pilot phase ― Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. ― transitioned their temporary leases into traditional long-term ones. Also going strong are the three businesses that opened May 11 as part of the second phase of the Pop-Up Project: American Pi, 37 S. St. Clair St.; Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St.; and Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.

Guests browse the selection of jewelry at Pop-up Shop ARIN.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to interested Pop-Up Shop owners should contact Sherri Wierzba at 937-224-1518. Participating property owners will be listed 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.

Activated Spaces, a volunteer-led initiative spearheaded by young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton, has three main goals:

• reactivate and beautify vacant storefronts with creative displays

• encourage entrepreneurs, artists and community groups to occupy space for short- and long- term uses

• showcase downtown properties and increase interest and investment in available space

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].

Fireworks and Celebrations Across the Region

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July 4, 1776 was the day the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. While the official signing didn’t take place until later, July 4th is our official celebration of Independence.  The legacy of the revolutionary celebration was   cannonfire and bonfires. Today we’ve evolveed to pyrotechnics to patriotic music in small towns, celebrating family and community.

There will be no shortage of celebrations this year, and due to the mid-week holiday, the fun starts this weekend and continues to mid-week.

Here’s a quick round up of where you’ll find  booms and bling in the sky this week:

Fri, June 29th 

Courtesy of WPAFB and in recognition of all our military and their families, the 8th annual  Air Force Materiel Command Tattoo is a free show featuring Eddie Money.  Gates open at 4pm, with a family fun zone, bands, and more.  An official ceremony takes place at 8pm, headliner at 9pm and a world class fireworks display launches at 10pm. Directions and Parking info here.

Sat, June 30th

The 18th Annual Old-Fashioned Country Fireworks at the Clark County Fairgrounds include  K99.1FM and WHIO News Talk Radio broadcasting live from 7pm.  Fireworks start at dusk.

Enjoy the Star Spangled Huber Heights celebration that includes a parade, half marathon and car show, topped off with  fireworks that are slated to start between 9:45 and 10pm at Thomas Cloud Park on Brandt Pike.

Waynesville hosts a parade at noon to Pack the Pantry, asking all to bring non-perishables to stock the Waynesville Food Pantry and shoots off fireworks from the high school at 10pm.  Rain date: July 1

Enon celebrates at VFW Post 8437 George Rogers Clark Memorial Post with food, games and fireworks at dusk.

Sun, July 1

The City of Dayton will take advantage of the CityFolk crowds to light up the sky at 10pm.  The action takes place over the river and will be accompanied by a patriotic music track.

Tues, July 3

Vandalia’s Star Spangled Celebration  at the Sports Complex at 1101 Stonequarry Road  kicks off at 7pm and feature family fun, food and a concert by Stranger capped off by fireworks at 10pm.  (In case of rain, fireworks will be on Fri, July 6th)

Wed, July 4th

Centerville’s 39th annual Americana Festival features a fun run, parade, street fair featuring 300 craft and food booths, artists, musical entertainment and a children’s game and activity area (be sure and visit McKenzie’s Lemonade Stand)  and at 10pm enjoy the Famous Rozzi Family fireworks with  synchronized music  on Fly 92.9 FM.  Rain Date  July 5th

Beavercreek’s Fun on the 4th starts at 6pm with a Parade which runs along Dayton-Xenia Road from Meadowbridge Drive to the High School.  Then join us at Rotary Park for more fun and fireworks at 10pm.

Englewood’s Celebration will  start at 7pm with patriotic tunes from the Englewood Civic Band followed by  fireworks at 10pm at Centennial Park off West Union Road.

Fairborn kicks the holiday off with a block party on July 3rd, followed up by a parade on the 4th with a concert by Austin Hicks and firewoks at 10pm at Community Park

Kettering’s 35th Go Fourth at Delco Park starts at 6pm with family fun and music by  the United States Air Force Band of Flight. Followed by a one-of-a-kind 35th Anniversary fireworks display beginning at 9:45 pm accompanied by patriotic and popular music.

Moraine’s Annual Event includes amusement rides, free concert, food, youth/teen talent show, and of course, fireworks at dusk at Wax Park, which is locate at 3800 Main Street.

Troy has a  parade which begins at 10am and  fireworks  at 10 PM above the Great Miami River Levee.

Yellow Springs has a parade through downtown that starts at 3:30pm and fireworks at dusk at Gaunt Park at 500 West South College Street courtesy of the Lions Club.

Enjoy the Rocket’s Red Glare!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McKenzie’s Annual Lemonade Stand – Fighting Childhood Cancer

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Update– It’s time for McKenzie’s 7th annual lemonade sale.  With a goal to raise $20,000, this is the first year she’s got local business sponsors! So far Elizabeth Diamond Company, Houser Asphalt, Howell Chiropractic, Possert Construction, Select Signs and the Mills Family Foundation have stepped up to help.  There’s still time for your help to.

This story originally ran June 26, 2011:

McKenzie has been holding lemonade stands since she was four to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Inspired by her dad sharing the story of  Alex and her amazing Lemonade stand. Alex was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when she was a year old.  When she was just 4 years old she told her parents she wanted to have a lemonade stand and send the money to doctors to help find a cure.  Alex passed away in 2004 at the age of 8 after raising over a million dollars by selling lemonade.

McKenzie has been hosting her own lemonade stand since 2006.   This year, with the help of the Centerville Noon Optimist,  McKenzie  hopes to have the biggest fundraiser ever. Her stand will be set up at the Centerville Americana Festival on the 4th of July from 11am – 5pm.  You can also donate online to help her reach her goal of $15,000.

McKenzie's first Leomonade stand in 2006

In addition to lemonade there will be four  raffle baskets including a wii gaming system, dining out in Dayton (gift cards from all over town), rest and relaxation (massage & spa cards) and Family Fun (Dragons Tickets & More).

If you’d like to share the story with other children you know or find out about other fundraising events visit the website.  Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was started by her parents after her death,  truly exemplifying the saying “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”—they have raised more than $40 million. That money has helped to:
• Fund more than 200 cutting-edge research projects
• Create a travel program to help support families of children receiving treatment
• Develop resources to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer

Eco-Rehabarama 2012

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If you missed the Eco-Rehabarama in Huber Heights, never fear. I took some great pictures of the homes and want to share them to inspire the Midcentury Modest home owners among us. These homes were a joint effort between CountyCorp’s The Housing Source, and the Home Builders Association of Dayton (HBA) and showcase not only the possibilities for Dayton’s older housing stock but also the creative minds of the builders who were involved in this tour.

Note: The Housing Source continues to renovate and sell homes throughout some of the first-tier suburbs of Dayton and their website is the best source for information about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and homes that are for sale at any given time. In addition, The Housing Source allows local Realtors the opportunity to host open houses at some of their homes, so check their facebook page for updates. 

Photo credits: T Lussier

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See the New Studios at WYSO’s Open House

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Editor’s Note: submitted by 91.3FM WYSO

On Sunday, June 24, public radio station WYSO will hold an open house at their new studios at 150 E. South College Street in Yellow Springs.

The new WYSO studios moments after going live on the air on May 1, 2012 (photo by Dennie Eagleson)

From 1pm til 5 pm, there will be live music and spoken word events in the new, expanded performance space. Visitors will have a chance to tour the new facilities, meet WYSO staff and resource board members, and to record a greeting in one of the new production booths.

On the same day, WYSO will officially power up to fifty thousand watts. A new transmitter and antenna have already been installed and tested. WYSO has also launched their annual fiscal year end fund drive and will be “selling watts for WYSO.”

Listeners can “buy” watts for two dollars each and help WYSO raise funds. Everyone who gives two dollars or more during June will receive a certificate.

During the Open House on June 24 there will be many musical and spoken work guests including Wheels from Yellow Springs, Dayton blues band Miss Lissa and Co and Ohio Heritage Fellow Rick Good, with more performers to be announced soon.

“Our open house will be fun and family-friendly,” says WYSO general manager Neenah Ellis. “ We’ll have snacks and drinks available and activities for kids as well.”

In addition to four consecutive hours of live music and spoken word guests, hosted by WYSO Music Director Niki Dakota, visitors will be allowed to record themselves and their families in new WYSO production booths. “We hope people will come and see what a community-friendly new space we have,” says Ellis.

Antioch University, which holds the WYSO license, invested one million dollars to renovate the first floor of the former Kettering Research Lab building for WYSO. The upgraded broadcast facilities were paid for in part by a matching federal grant.

“Antioch invested in WYSO because they recognize our value to the community and to the university,” says Ellis.

Wonder Weaving – Culture Builds Community

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As I stood in a sunny alcove at Stivers School for the Arts, watching a group of young ladies arrive for the Culture Builds Community course (part of the Dayton Summer Arts Camp) it was easy to imagine the beautiful wonder weaving that would follow and the transformations that would take place.

Course descriptions can only take you so far. Words share the ideas, the tasks of the course, maybe something about what leaders hope will take place. Families sign up based on the descriptions that sound most engaging. Truth be told, it is more likely that the power of arts camp on individuals and groups is exactly what they don’t read in short pithy sentences, the stuff talked about but not yet in the room. Let’s call that “wonder”.

Merriam Webster defines wonder as something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience. See also: marvel, miracle. Yes. It’s that connection with something new, something that moves us. Wonder breeds transformation. The action of art, the doing what could only be described: this “other” connection, beyond the directions and the tasks: here is where a journey begins.

As the children entered the space for the CBC course, I watched their eyes wander from thing to thing on the presentation table. Day 1: sand mandala and dance styles from India. They sat in the bright, warm space, responding quietly to the greetings of their instructors. Slowly, the leader invited them into ceremony for the beginning of the Mandala. The cacophony of voices: kids, parents and teachers at registration tables had diminished, leaving, at this moment, the sound of Tibetan chimes and the quiet breathing of a new group of “wonderers”.

Next, the table, the paper, the pattern, each thing interesting in it’s own right, combined to be a receiver of color, texture and promise – the new moon mandala, appearing like magic out of sand, pigment and paper, carefully arranged by a group of children who knew nothing of each other, the artists or the process just 30 minutes earlier. On they went without lapse of attention, with intensity and calm. After an hour, it was time for dance. A short completion ritual of the day’s progress, a break and then into a large classroom, desks removed and space created for dancers.

Onward into the rhythmic, mysterious music of India, vibrant young women wearing beautiful fabrics, and more wonder! This bunch of campers, ranging from age 8 to 15, stood ready to learn. By the end of the first day, they had learned an entire Bollywood-style dance. Day two: they jumped right into Bhangra style dance, confident and full of pride. Transformation was well underway. These young ladies will join their teachers, dancing at the Cityfolk Festival, to the live music of Red Baarat!

A terrific first week ended in true, wonderous fashion, with the ceremonial destruction of the mandala (very moving), the distribution of sand to all the makers and a walk to the river to return the remaining sand to the natural world, flowing all the makers’ intentions throughout the city. I joined the group in their walk down to the river. The melancholy of sweeping away the mandala turned into a joyous celebration walk, culminating in an unexpected and magical way. When we arrived at Webster St. bridge and walked down the path to the water, the fountains came on, all of them, creating a brilliantly colored rainbow with cool, misty refreshment for the weary walkers as they gave the sand back to its source.

Wonder weaving: taking the threads of rich, new experiences that delight and shape us, weaving them together and building the vibrant fabric of our lives. When we share fabrics, one with another, the tapestry of community is woven. When tapestry upon tapestry, fill the rooms of our cities, states and countries, our world is unified: one big colorful house of wonder! May these young students at summer camp be inspiration for us to wonder weave. Culture Builds Community is for everyone. It’s the art of us!

 

Greater Dayton LGBT Center Celebrates 25 Years of PRIDE

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The Greater Dayton LGBT Center is celebrating  Dayton’s 25th PRIDE weekend with the annual PRIDE Dinner this Friday night at Sinclair’s Pontiz Center followed by  a Parade and an expo on Courthouse Square on Saturday.  Friday’s 80’s themed festivities begin at 5:30pm with a cocktail hour and business expo highlighting many gay friendly business in the area. In a bold move of support, LexisNexis,a leading global provider of content-enabled workflow solutions designed specifically for professionals in the legal, risk management, corporate, government, law enforcement, accounting, and academic markets. has signed on as the 2012 Pride Presenting sponsor.  Earlier this year, LexisNexis was recognized by The Human Rights Campaign with The Corporate Equality Award, which recognizes a company each year for outstanding efforts in promoting equality for LGBT people in the workplace.

Alyce Clark, Vice-President of Human Resources at LexisNexis and PRIDE President, stated, “Reed Elsevier and LexisNexis Executive leadership strongly support all LexisNexis Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including our PRIDE group which was established in 2010. This is a key reflection of the company’s commitment to build a culture that embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive environment in which all employees can contribute to their fullest potential in the workplace and in their communities.”

Kevin Mabrey at the Pride booth on Courthouse Square

For LN Pride Community Outreach Chair, Kevin Mabrey, the Pride Celebration is all about “allowing me to be who I am, because I spent so many of my early years hiding who I was.  I’m glad I can finally be who God made me!  To have the support of my employer and know that we’ll have over 50 co-workers and their families walking in the parade is powerful.”  Mabrey shared that the LexisNexis Pride ERG has members in New York City, Atlanta, North Carolina, Amsterdam and is continuing to grow.  As a company LexisNexis has offered domestic partner benefits for years and the open arms they’ve given the Pride ERG has been encouraging and makes Kevin want to help recruit his other gay friends to work in an openly inclusive environment.  Their presence at Dayton’s Pride will be the first time the company has officially participated in a Pride parade.   Kevin credits their ERG sponsor, Doreen Tyburski from their New York corporate headquarters as the executive that is helping their group gain visibility.

Mabrey also shared that LexisNexis has declared June pride month at the company and will present educational messages and seminars throughout the month.  On June 21th LexisNexis will present a bullying conference, that will help educate their employees on the effects of bullying, how to tell if your children are being bullied or if they are the bully.
This was especially exciting to Kevin, as he shared he was that kid who was thrown against the lockers in school and made fun of for being gay. He’s proud to be part of company that is working to prevent that for future generations.

Kris Jackson

Kris Jackson, Development Director for the Greater Datyon LGBT Pride committee says ,” the whole focus of the Pride weekend is to celebrate our lives in an open atmosphere.  Corporate sponsors like LexisNexis and American Family Insurance prove we’ve come along way. Dayton unanimously approving the domestic partnership registry is another big win we’ll be celebrating. We’ve worked through so much adversity in the past 25 years that we can finally celebrate in an open,  family friendly atmosphere.  On Friday night we’ll be honoring Sue Spiegel with our Frontier Award  for outstanding support for our community.  As the ARC Ohio RED Gala chair in 2010 and 2012, she’s helped to raise over  $875,000 for education and prevention of HIV/AIDS  and support of those infected or affected by the disease.”  Jackson also shared that other awards will include the Impact Award which will go to City of Dayton employee Kery Gray, a Lifetime Achievement award to  local historian and former Gay Center Board Member, Leon Bey and the Celebrating 25 years award to John Zimmerman.

Parade Grand Marshall, Sue Spiegel

On Saturday Sue Spiegel of  Dayton Bag and Burlap,  will be the Grand Marshall of the Pride Parade, which steps off at noon lfrom the Natalie Clifford Barney Historical Marker in Cooper Park on Saint Clair Street and travels through the streets to end with a celebration at Courthouse Square for a fabulous festival of entertainment, food, and frivolity. Food, beer, and craft vendors alike will be on hand until the festivities end at 5:30pm.  Which allows you just enough time to go home and freshen up before the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus big show at 8pm at the Victoria featuring the music of Abba.

With so much to celebrate this year, be sure to show your Dayton PRIDE this weekend!

Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Announces Third & Final Line-up Addition

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The Ohio Players

The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival has just announced its third and final list of additions to its lineup for this year’s two-day street festival on September 8-9 on three stages in Downtown Dayton, which includes Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Cowboy Mouth, Clifftones, Crusher, Green Light Morning (Cincinnati), and The Right Now PLUS Dayton bands Buffalo Killers, Good English, Lauren Eylise, Customer Service and the Gem City Horns, Prima Luce, Jordan Hull AND Dayton, Ohio’s own Ohio Players!  Added to John Legend, Train, Guided By Voices and many others, this inaugural music fest is not one to miss! (full line-up is below)

“With the final additions to our inaugural lineup I can honestly say – our list of performers rocks!  From legends like the Ohio Players to the local college band just coming up – festival goers will be exposed to the best music out there.” said Matt Luongo, President of Downtown Revival LLC.  “The lineup is so diverse, there’s funk, soul, R&B, reggae, rock, pop, jam bands – truly something for everybody.  You cannot beat the price and we cannot wait to fill the streets of downtown Dayton with two days of incredible music!”

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

All tickets are two day passes and are available at www.DowntownRevival.com.  Early bird ticket prices (until May 31st) are $55 and include entry into a contest for a VIP package upgrade including access to the VIP hospitality tent, invitations to a Friday night preview party, artist meet and greet, and other exciting upgrades.

Dayton Most Metro is a proud media sponsor for the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival!  Check out our previous articles with additional links and videos here:

Presenting The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival

More Bands For Your Buck: Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Adds to Lineup

 

Confirmed acts include:

Cowboy Mouth

Buffalo Killers

Good English

Green Light Morning

 
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Real Estate Featured Home: 111 Harries Street #401 (Cooper Lofts)

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Once a candy factory, later a warehouse… the history of the beautiful old building at the corner of Ice Avenue and Harries St. has been resurrected as the “Old Side” of the Cooper Lofts – 7 stunning warehouse conversions and one commercial space, currently occupied by Hangar18, a retail clothing outfit. Perhaps the most stunning of the units is on the top floor, with amazing views of the sunrise over the Cannery and sunsets behind the city skyline.

Expansive and original wood floors shimmer with the light of 17 windows that frame the cityscape views of Downtown Dayton. Erected in 1904, the building was restored as residential space in 2003, with an eye for both luxury and preservation. Unit 401 showcases many original components, including adapted reuse of staircase railings, original windows and immense French doors – integrated into the open space to build rooms and logical separations while maintaining a floorplan that honors the building origins.

With over 2300 sq. feet, the main living area of the unit emanates comfort and warmth with a fall color pallet. The entrance welcomes you with an infusion of light from the skylight and windows. The skylight was added where the original freight elevator had been. Outfitted with special padding to absorb sound, plush carpets virtually engulf your feet in the study and master bedroom. The master bath calls you to relax in the whirlpool tub built for two. Outfitted with custom drawers and fittings, the walk-in closet is just one example of several clever storage options.

The kitchen is built to please a gourmet chef. A tiled, piano sized island separates the open, L-shaped kitchen from the dining area. With granite counter tops, a bar, and high-end stainless steel appliances that include a GE Monogram grill/stove/convection oven combination & exhaust hood, side by side refrigerator and wine chiller, the kitchen is truly the heartbeat of this incredible space. The possibilities for creating delicious meals and hosting amazing parties are truly inspiring. The dining room buffet with granite topper welcomes your guests to enjoy the food and hospitality.

Unit 401 could proudly grace the cover of any home and garden magazine. This unique and inviting 2 Bedroom/2 Bath unit is available for lease with utilities and cleaning service included for $2300/mo. Several custom features, including the HD movie projector and 11 foot screen, washer/dryer, area rugs and dining room buffet are included. The unit comes with 1 parking space (a 2nd is available) in the heated garage and use of a storage unit in the basement. A furry friend is welcome, but smoking in this unit is against the condominium bi-laws. The unit can be rented partially or fully furnished.

The Cooper Lofts is an extremely secure building with 24 units, mostly owner occupied, in the heart of the downtown Cooper Park residential district. Surrounded by plentiful green space, community gardens and metro parks, the neighborhood represents a vibrant community committed to the Downtown Dayton resurgence. It is walking distance to everything and seconds to bike trails and the riverfront.

Envision yourself basking in the luxurious life this unit offers, while enjoying all of downtown’s wonderful amenities.  If you can see yourself living in this warehouse loft condo, contact [email protected] today!

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DMM has just started featuring area homes for sale/rent and so far the response has been incredible!  If you are interested in advertising in our real estate section or you’d like to feature your listing, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to work with you!

 

 

United Way’s Day of Action Mobilizes Hundreds of Volunteers

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United Way of the Greater Dayton Area’s Volunteer Connection will mobilize nearly 450 people in our area to participate in Day of Action – a community-wide day of service and volunteering. Volunteers will work on various projects throughout Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties on June 8th with additional projects in Preble County on May 31st.

United Way’s Day of Action is an annual day of volunteerism mobilizing hundreds of local volunteers to complete community service projects. Last year’s event attracted nearly 500 volunteers who contributed 1,877 hours of service. Volunteers are individuals and groups from local companies, organizations, and the community. Volunteers already committed to this year’s event come from AFL-CIO, Battelle, Bullen Ultrasonics, CareSource, Chapel Electric, Coldwell Banker, Fifth Third Bank, GE Aviation, Henny Penny, PNC, Preble Shawnee Local School District, Silfex, Teradata, Thorn Lewis and Duncan, UPS, Vectren, and the community.

Projects include such activities as neighborhood clean-ups, landscaping, festival preparations, clothes-sorting, etc. for nonprofit organizations including: Bellbrook Family Resource Center, Community Action Partnership, Campfire USA, Catholic Social Service of the Miami Valley, CIRGV, Community Blood and Tissue Services Center, Compassion 1st, Daybreak, Dayton Christian Center, Eaton Daycare, The Foodbank, Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, Garden Station, Graceworks, House of Bread, Kid’s Learning Place, Life Enrichment Center, Life Resource Center, Ronald McDonald House, St. Clair Academy Daycare, United Rehabilitation Services, Xenia Adult Recreation & Services Center ,YWCA Dayton, and YWCA Preble County.

Those interested in participating may still sign up at www.LiveUnitedDayton.org. Many of this year’s volunteers will be seen wearing United Way’s LIVE UNITED shirts. The shirts were donated by Dayton Power & Light and Logos@Work.

In addition to Day of Action, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area’s Volunteer Connection also coordinates four other community-wide volunteer service days throughout the year including: Join Hands Miami Valley, Global Youth Service Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and 9/11 National Day of Service. United Way of the Greater Dayton Area supports local health and human service programs provided by over 70 Partner Agencies in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties.

Dayton History Heritage Festival

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Join Dayton History at Carillon Park this Memorial Day weekend and celebrate Dayton’s history from its founding in 1796 through present day during a one-day community festival – the Dayton Heritage Festival.

Features:

  • All 30 historic buildings and structures open – with demos & hands-on activities at 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Kids Zone -inflatable’s, crafts, face painting activities at 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Time Warner Cable’s CaMM Passport Program activities at 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Dayton Carousel of Innovation at 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ($1.00 fee)
  • Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society small-scale trains operating 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ($1.00 fee)
  • The Clodbusters (vintage base ball team) demonstrations all day
  • Americana-style food and beverage for sale at 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Live entertainment all day:
  • Classic Jazz Stompers at 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Hey There Morgan at 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • DPO rehearsal at 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Special performance by the Carillon Park Concert Band at 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Feature performance by the DPO at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Feature performance by the Dayton Ballet
  • Deeds Carillon’s spectacular fireworks finale presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC at 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

 

Date: Sunday, May 27th (Rain date – May 28th)

Park Opens: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Admission: FREE ($5 per car for parking) Parking available at Carillon Park and Welcome Stadium with RTA trolley shuttle service provided.

** No carried-in food or beverage permitted. **

For additional information, call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org

 

 

Volunteers at The Heart Of Cityfolk Festival

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On June 29 – July 1, The Cityfolk Festival, returns to RiverScape MetroPark. It takes thousands of hours of volunteer time to pull together the three-day celebration of music, dance, culture and the City of Dayton Fireworks. Volunteer leadership has already worked months to get the festival ready from a production standpoint. Organizers are now looking to sign up volunteers for three- or four-hour shifts during the festival as well as during set-up and tear-down. People interested in helping out can visit the Cityfolk website or call (937) 223-3655, ext. 4006.  The performance schedule will be available in late May, if you want to schedule your volunteer shifts around your favorite performers.

Many volunteers have such a good time that they return year after year. Elvita Harris has been volunteering with her now-grown children for almost a decade.  “Volunteering is part of community service,” she said. “It gives us a sense of belonging and giving back. Plus, they’re exposed to different cultures, different foods – they’re broadening their horizons.”

Volunteer opportunities for the festival range from helping the Green Team encourage festival patrons to recycle, to serving soda and beer, to selling t-shirts and CDs, to helping monitor stage areas for handicap accessibility. A full list of positions is listed at www.cityfolk.org.

Long-time volunteer Judy McCormick  says, “The Cityfolk Festival is one event where our city truly comes together. And it simply doesn’t happen without volunteer participation. You can have fun, meet old friends, make new ones and play a part in what is a one-of-a-kind celebration for our community.”

Dion Lack: From The DYT To Hollywood

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Dion Lack in the famous Doritos commercial.

You all saw it. The hilarious Dion Lack Doritos Commercial (see below) that aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. The one where the cute kid pimp slaps a grown man for dating his Mom and eating his Doritos. Here’s where things get interesting. The adult male in the commercial is from Dayton. And his name is Dion Lack.

Dion has been in the entertainment business as an actor/comedian for eleven years. And as you can guess, his career got a nice boost from the Doritos ad. Lack took some time out of his busy schedule to talk about what he’s been working on, and life as a Dayton transplant living in La La (Los Angeles)

Greg Simms Jr.: The Doritos commercial. That made a lot of noise when it aired. How did that come about?

Dion Lack: “Yeah, the commercial was surprisingly a HUGE success. It came about from a buddy of mine that I worked with as an extra on the set of Fast Furious 4. He approached me a couple months prior with the idea and we collaborated and made it come to life. A lot of people thought I came up with the commercial because I have my own production company. (LackToast Entertainment) but I was just the actor in it.”

 

G.S.: What was the response to the commercial (from your perspective)? How did the commercial affect your career?

D.L.: “My honest opinion, I didn’t think it was that funny but I kept getting rave reviews from my surroundings that made me fall in love with it. I praise God for the commercials buzz because it had definitely got me a lot of acting and writing jobs that boasted my drive to be more successful.”

G.S.: You are from the Dayton area. when did you move to California? And why?

D.L.: “Yes I’m a proud Dayton native! I was born and raised in Dayton View and moved to Los Angeles in 2001. I came out here to act and was forced to get into the stand-up comedy world. Which I do not regret. Comedy has been my best move yet as far as networking and growing.”

G.S.: Obviously, you are a comedian. When did you know you wanted to pursue this career? And why?

D.L.: “Like I said on the previous answer, I’ve done comedy in high school but never thought I would pursue it as a career. When my family and folks got word I was in L.A., people started hooking me up with the right people that were already established for encouragement and motivation. I slid in just fine and performed and traveled with some of the greats. ”

G.S.: How often do you perform stand-up comedy?

D.L.: “That’s kind of a hard question seeing that I do open mics all the time to try out new jokes. Just like exercising, comedy is a muscle you need to workout. But I average about four scheduled comedy performances a week.”

G.S.: Have you been to the Dayton area lately?

D.L.: “No I haven’t been in back home since April of 2011. Which was a Redemption Comedy show at the RTA Center. It was a lot of fun with my Good Comedian Comrades Mark Gregory, Nate Washington, Will Speed, and produced by Terrance Dorsey. ”

G.S.: If you had to talk to any Dayton area up and coming entertainers, what you tell them?

D.L.: “Dayton is a small market and you can easily be unmotivated because there’s not a lot of encouraging people inspiring your dream. Please stay encouraged!!! Surprise yourself and allow you to be your only competition. Don’t follow and compare someone else’s success with the speed of yours because it will always frustrate you. Everything you do in life should make your life better. ”

G.S.: Do you have anything that you are working on currently?

D.L.: “I am always working on something. I have a Comedy CD that I’m working on which is full of pranks, sketches and most importantly comedy! It will be complete in the Fall of 2012.
I’m working on a fantasy trilogy that was inspired by my oldest daughter a few years ago. Its an analogy novel that I’ve done intense research on and been working on the 3 simultaneously for almost a year now. The working title is Boats which should be complete early Winter.
Like I said on my previous answer, I’ve developed a production company (www.LackToastEnt.com) with my Best Friend Twilla Tanyi. We provide full service to help anyone bring out that vision they have on paper. We’ve done skits, short films, Reality shows, sketches, commercials etc. Check out our new YouTube page (www.Youtube.com/TheLackToastEnt.com)Also, you can follow us on Twitter : @LackToastEnt, and
“Like” us on Facebook : LackToast Entertainment”

G.S.: What is your ultimate goal?

D.L.: “My ultimate goal is to live out all my dreams with no regrets. If I say I’m going to do it, it will be done! I want to be an example of “It Can Be Done!” I don’t cut corners and try to inspire the people around me to stay encouraged. And I will leave you with this: don’t allow money to be your motivation. God Over Money!”

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qIkou5oNXo’]

My Mother…Myself Part 3

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Thank you to Kristi and Mary for sharing their stories. Both of these ladies are very special to me. Kristi has become one of my biggest supporters and is the sweetest woman you can meet not to mention a true beauty 🙂 Mary and I go way back to junior high. I was lucky enough to spend alot of time with both her and her mother especially on one very fun vacation to Alabama! I can attest that her mother is trully beautiful and is one lady that I have never forgotten.

Mary

I remember my mother as being a bit of a hippie when I was a young child.  I don’t remember her spending more than 5 minutes putting make-up on, or spending time putting outfits together, or obsessing over how her hair looked before she went into public.   I actually can only remember her owning 2 pairs of shoes at that time, a white pair of knock-off Keds and a pair of flip-flops.   And yet, I remember thinking how beautiful she was and how I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.  Then, at the beginning of my teen years, she took a job at a cosmetic counter of all places.  I remember her asking me for my magazines so she could get tips on how to put make-up on and even had me showing her how I did it.  She became a natural over the years at both selling and applying cosmetics.  Throughout high school my friends and I would take full advantage of the free makeovers for our school dances, and then as we got older, for their weddings too.   Yet still, even as I saw my mom embrace this new world of aesthetic merchandising, I still always thought she was such a beautiful woman no matter what and how lucky I was to even resemble her.

Now at 30, I realize exactly why my mother was always so beautiful no matter what she did and why she continues to be even more so to this day, and that is because she exudes it from within.  Her heart is bigger than the universe and her love fills it to the brim.  Everyone that knows her or has known her can’t help but to fall in love with her.   My mother taught me by example that whether you exude beauty naturally or you do the things that all of us women do to ourselves to portray that beauty that we all have and feel from within, it is the heart of a woman that is truly beautiful.  Thank you Mama for teaching and showing me by example the true meaning of beauty, I will be a lucky girl to become half the truly beautiful woman that you are.

Kristi

I have been blessed in this life to have the love and support of both my beautiful mom and her mother, my grandma. They both taught me and still teach me daily about true beauty.
From my mom I have learned most importantly to be kind and considerate to others, which really makes a person beautiful from the inside out. As far as physical appearances, she taught me the art of shopping LONG ago! We would drive 3 hours just to go “school shopping,” (my small home town had and still has no mall to speak of!) We had to make our trips count and she taught me the fine art of “mixing and matching,” wearing, for example, one nice sweater in a variety of ways, from casual to more dressy…a skill I have to this day.

Her mom, my grandmother has always been one of my most favorite people in the world. Ironically, we lost her yesterday so when Michelle asked me to write a few paragraphs about Mother’s Day and beauty, I had to include my grandmother. She taught me to always wear a smile, which is the best accessory ever. She also taught be to love others and never hold a grudge against anyone, true beauty. I miss you Grandma and flying to Seattle in just a few hours and not having you there waiting for me just makes me miss you even more.

I hope I can carry onwhat these 2 ladies continue to teach me about “beauty.”

My Mother….Myself Part 2

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In this multi part series I will be posting local women’s stories about how they have been inspired by their Mother’s beauty advice. Thank you to all the ladies who sent in submissions. I am so excited and honored to share these beautiful stories.

 

Ashley

When I think back to my earliest memories of my Mom, I always remember how glamorous she was (and still is by the way!)  She and my Dad had date night every week and it was clear she loved the process of getting “pretty” almost as much as going out!  She would spend 2 hours taking a long bath, putting on her make-up, doing her hair, and picking out the perfect outfit.  I remember very fondly watching at her make-up counter as she would meticulously apply Chanel make-up to her face, thinking “Wow, I can’t wait to do that one day too!”.  Sometimes she would put a little on me and I used to think I was a movie star!

 

Today, I’ve inherited this same ritual (unfortunately for my husband, a love for Chanel came along…), but it wasn’t just about watching my Mom make herself more beautiful on the outside that made these memories so fond.  It was here, at this make-up counter, that she would teach me big life lessons: what it means to be a good person, how to pick and choose your battles, how to deal with heartbreak, how to problem solve and think critically…..and the list goes on and on.

Her make-up counter was my classroom for life and for beauty!  I, one day, hope to do the same with my daughter!  We no longer live in the same state so I, unfortunately, can’t sit next to her every time she does her make-up and ask inquisitive question about life. I can, however, call my Mom while we both do our make-up and pick up right where we left off!  25 years later, and I’m still learning big lessons from my Mom…..and I wouldn’t’ have it any other way!  I love you Mom. Happy Mother’s day!

Lea

What I learned from my mom was to see & appreciate beauty in life. She’s an early childhood expert and my favorite activity she teaches is to get paint sample cards for preschoolers and have them compare colors to their skin so they aren’t black or white but are beautiful colors like creamy hazelnut or sunset peach, encouraging everyone to appreciate their own skin. She constantly read us poetry and encouraged us to appreciate the beauty of the words and to learn to use our own vocabularies to create beautiful descriptions of our feelings. My mother is an accomplished world traveler; I have tried to follow in her footsteps despite my many irrational fears of airplanes and being more than 10 minutes from a Target; but, I have seen some of the most beautiful places like the rain forests in Costa Rica and the endless sand dunes under a star lit sky in Dubai thanks to her encouragement to appreciate the beauty of the world.

She taught me that my own beauty will shine through when I feel most fulfilled and happy. She taught me that if I love and respect myself, other will love and respect me. She taught me that beauty is so much more than looking pretty, but that it is being able to laugh at myself, being generous to a fault, helping others without judgment or expecting anything in return, and always appreciating what I have been given.

I have never felt more beautiful than on my wedding day. Yes, I was perfectly glammed up and had done more crunches the preceding months that I ever thought possible, but I felt beautiful because I was facing the man I am going to spend forever with, and I knew that even if I never shaved my legs again, or stopped wearing mascara, he would still love me unconditionally for the rest of my life. Without my mom’s teaching I never would have felt such confidence in my own beauty to find such wonderful love.

Want to read more?  My Mother…Myself Part 3

Hunks in Heels Race for a Good Cause

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Photo by Andy Snow

Clothes That Work presents its fifth annual “Hunks In Heels” fundraising event on Saturday, May 12, at The Greene Town Center in Beavercreek. Nearly 100 men will become “Hunks” as they don a pair of high heels and race around The Greene in support of the women in their lives.

“Hunk” racers will participate as individuals and teams. There will be approximately 10 Racing Heats. Each Heat winner will participate in the Final race in a heated competition to be named Hunks In Heels Race Champion.

In addition to Racers, the winner and runners-up of the Hunks in Heels, Best Legs Online Competition will be revealed. In this contest, local men slipped on heels, had their photos taken and then pranced around the Wine Loft to garner voters at a Kick-Off Party in April. Since then, their photos have been posted on the Clothes That Work website where they have been campaigning for votes of $5 each which will also raise money for the organization.

Clothes That Work, Executive Director, Lindsay Ackley says about the event, “I have so much respect for the men in our community who are willing to step into a pair of heels to honor a woman in their life and help a job seeker put their best foot forward. Hunks In Heels participants raise awareness for Clothes That Work programs and generate funds that provide area job seekers with interview appropriate clothing and image coaching. What an amazing gift to give to a man, woman or teen who is hoping to make their one and only first impression count!”

Event festivities start Saturday at 1:00 as the “ hunks” select their running heels. Races begin at 2:00 with the award ceremony starting around 3:15. There is still time to become a Hunk; men can register onsite for a $100 donation. A team of 5 men can register for a $400 donation and a team of 10 for $700. All fees are fully tax deductible.

Event emcees are Jim Bucher of WDTN, and Hunks in Heels Committee Member Lisa Grigsby of Dayton Most Metro & ARC Ohio.  DMM publisher Bill Pote will also be running in his second year!

For more information about the event or to cast a last minute vote for a Best Legs Hunk, visit: www.clothesthatwork.org. Voting for the Best Legs Competition closes at Midnight tonight!

(Submitted by Clothes that Work)