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A World A’Fair 50/50 Raffle

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Dayton International Festival exists to plan and present an annual festival that is called  A World A’Fair. The festival is a celebration of diversity that showcases the food, dancing, music, costumes, and cultural exhibits representing the ethnic backgrounds and cultures of Dayton and the greater Miami Valley. The festival is Ohio’s largest and oldest ethnic festival.

As a 501(C)(3) non profit organization, they rely on external funding to make our festival possible and keep the price of admission as low as possible. Typically, they ask for corporate sponsorships. To supplement that, they are hosting their first ever 50/50 raffle. This is your chance to contribute to a worthy cause, and win some money for yourself. Buy your tickets online.

Half of the net proceeds could be yours for the taking, if you win. The drawing will be held live on their Facebook page March 3, 2024 at 6PM.

Bourbon Raffle For Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and youth, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the region. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Here’s your chance to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and also have a chance to win a bourbon barrel bar with LED and 5 bottles of recommended bourbon.

Purchase your tickets now for a shot at winning a one-of-a-kind bourbon barrel bar package, complete with 5 top shelf bourbons along with a custom backlit bourbon barrel bar. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales go to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

But hurry, you can purchase your tickets online.  They are available only until March 8th, priced at just $20 each. Don’t miss your shot at winning and supporting a great cause!

Drawing will be held live on Facebook on March 9th at 12:00.

New Locally Grown Cut Flower CSA Subscriptions Available

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Entrepreneur Carly Short, co-owner of Heart Mercantile and Luna Gifts and Botanicals, is partnering with Oak and Ember Farms to provide a Cut-Flower CSA (community supported agriculture). Those who subscribe can expect to receive their chosen number of fresh hand-cut, locally grown bouquets. CSA packages range from once a week to once a month, from July to October.

Oak and Ember’s approach to flower design begins with venturing into their gardens and flower fields to assess what nature has ready for harvest. Each bouquet is a curated blend of flowers picked fresh right before pickup, offering a fragrant and vibrant ensemble. Join their CSA to experience the joy of receiving nature’s bounty in the form of beautiful, locally-sourced bouquets.

To purchase one of the limited spots, visit oakandemberfarms.myshopify.com. Plans run from $125- 400. Pick-up at Oak & Ember Farms, located at 2645 Olt Road, Dayton Ohio 45417. Future plans may offer alternative pick up options.

Oak and Ember Farms is a 36-acre regenerative farm with a 5-acre lake located in Jefferson Township. Under the direction of founder and managing partner Chris Harrison, employees have spent the last 3 years developing the land to become an operational farm and native plant nursery. They’ve been raising plants and growing organic food for general retail, as well as some of the local restaurants in the area, including Sueno, Tender Mercy, Grist, Joui Wine, Tony and Pete’s and CULTURE.

The farm also owns and operates REGENERATE Garden Co, which focuses on helping homeowners grow beautiful, chemical-free landscape designs that also produce food, sequester carbon, capture rainwater and promote biodiversity with a blend of horticulture, ecology, and urban agriculture. REGENERATE has operated in the Dayton community for over 5 years, and was acquired in a transition where (RGC) founder Jonny Thomas became partner and Director of Plant Life at Oak and Ember Farms.

Ongoing plans for the farm’s future include chef’s dinners, u-pick operations, an event venue to host corporate retreats, weddings, general events and glamping/camping spots.

Through its 501c3 Oak and Ember Foundation they also hold partnerships with the Kettering Alternative Program (K.A.P.), a division of Fairmont High School. This program engages reluctant learners and at-risk students through nature and regenerative farming immersion. Students can also earn an Environmental Science Seal and a Local Community Service Seal, which can be applied towards graduation credits. In just a few short years they have worked with hundreds of students and have helped several graduates through this partnership.

The Farm was previously owned by the Shields family, who owned Shields BBQ, which operated multiple locations around the Dayton region and was once home to bluegrass hall of fame legends The Osbourne Brothers.

Feb 10th Rings in the Year of the Dragon

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The Lunar New Year celebration is centered around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious color to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the color symbolizes good fortune and joy. People dress up in red attire, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns. Gambling and playing traditional games is common during this time across cultures.

The Year of the Dragon is anticipated to bring auspicious opportunities and exciting advancements for all. Those born under the dragon sign are reputed for their innovative thinking and inquisitive nature, and often flourish in their professional pursuits.

 The holiday is a time for togetherness, when family members travel from near and far to exchange well wishes for the coming year. Traditional Lunar New Year foods include:

Chinese people believe that what you do at the beginning of a new year will affect your luck in the coming year. Staying up on Chinese New Year’s eve (February 9th, 2024) and saying good words to your family/friends like Happy New Year after the clock strikes 12 will certainly bring good luck.

In western culture, we say “Happy New Year” and make resolutions. But in eastern cultures, the new year is welcomed with wishes of luck, health and good fortune. In Mandarin, typically you would say “Gong Xi Fa Chai,” which means “Wishing you prosperity and wealth.”

Other greetings include sayings like:

  • May wealth come pouring in
  • May you have abundance every year
  • Good luck and fortune
  • May everything go as you wish

It’s a tradition to give your friends and family bright red envelopes filled with money. But it’s not about the money — it’s all about the envelopes. They symbolize good wishes and luck for the year ahead. With today’s technology, many people have exchanged digital red envelopes instead of the traditional paper ones.

The tradition comes from an old story about a demon, Sui, who would terrorize children on New Year’s Eve. Parents would try to keep their children awake by giving them eight coins to play with. Inevitably, many of the children would fall asleep, and the coins (eight immortals in disguise) would light up and drive the demon away. The envelope is now symbolic of the coins.

The amount of money never includes the number 4 because the Chinese pronunciation of “four” sounds like the word for death.

Besides, decorating your house with kumquat trees (symbolizing wealth & good luck), wearing your lucky color (yellow, red), and eating lucky food like rice dumplings (family togetherness), fried flour-coated peanuts (vitality), walnut cookies (happiness), etc. are popular ways to get lucky. Each year, the date of Lunar New Year changes. But no matter the date, each culture that celebrates has its own historically rich customs, traditions and beliefs.

For a true Chinese New Year Feast may we suggest Hua Mei, the restaurant by the Fuyao Glass factory. They have three different special banquet menus for parties of 10. They also have specials listed. Unfortunately the special menus are only in simplified Chinese.  Check this post on Dayton Foodies for more info.

Culture Works Call For Grant Panelists

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Culture Works, the Dayton Region’s united arts fund and local art agency, seeks community members with knowledge of and passion for the arts to serve on the grant panels and selection committees that will award 2024-2025 funding to local artists and organizations through the following programs:

  • Artist Opportunity Grant: Project support for individual artists in Montgomery County (funded by the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District)
  • Community Arts Grant: Operating support for Dayton Region arts and cultural organizations
  • Leonard P. Roberts Scholarship: Scholarships for Dayton Region college students and graduating high school seniors
  • Special Projects Grant: Project support for Montgomery County nonprofits, schools, colleges/universities, municipalities, and government agencies (funded by the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District)

Most panels are composed of 5-8 panelists. Panelists review and score applications independently over the course of several weeks before coming together as a group to discuss their findings and determine their funding recommendations at a virtual public meeting. Check out the Grant Panelist Fact Sheet to learn more about each funding program and panelists’ responsibilities.

To nominate yourself or someone you know for panel service, please complete a panelist nomination form here.

Panelists are selected based on their knowledge of and involvement in the arts, business and nonprofit management, and the community. Nominations are considered on an ongoing basis as panel positions open. Because of the limited number of panel positions, not all nominees can be selected to serve in a given year, but Culture Works retains all nominations for consideration in future funding cycles.

Being a grant panelist provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the region’s arts community and to become engaged in making important decisions regarding financial support of the arts in the Dayton Region. Prior panelists report that they enjoyed having the opportunity to network with fellow panelists, all of whom share an interest in the arts.

For more information, please contact Karen Maner, Culture Works Director of Grantmaking, at kmaner@culturew​orks.org.

2024 Riverway Valentine’s Guide

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Terrarium building, Charcuterie board classes, Galentine’s Day Murder Mystery Brunch — Celebrate your partner or those special friends in your life in the next coming weeks with some of these events and offerings along the Great Miami Riverway.

 

Sidney

Cogs n Gears Game Café Dinner for 2 on February 14, 11am to 9pm

For the tabletop gamers. 

 

Troy

Downtown Troy Sip & Shop – February 8 to February 10

 

 

Tipp City

Chaffee’s Brewhouse – Try their February Drink Specials: Chocolate Strawberry Martini & Pomegranate Prosecco Fizz.

For a romantic drink night.

Chocolate and Bourbon Escape on February 10 from 5pm to 8pm.

Miami County Parks

Date Night Sweethearts Stroll at Charleston Falls Preserve on Friday Feb 16 from 6pm to 730pm.

For the nature lover.

 

 

Dayton

V-Day Special for 2 at the Spaghetti Warehouse. From February 9 to Feb 17.

For the pasta enthusiast. 

Hearts & Heat Whiskey & Wing Pairing Event at W Social Table & Tap. February 14 from 730 to 10PM.

 

Date Night Terrarium Building at Now and Zen DIY Studio on Feb 10 from 6 to 8PM.

 

Valentine’s Under The Stars at the Boonshoft Museum. Feb 14,  630pm & 8pm.

For the outer space aficionado.

Five Rivers MetroParks

Galentine’s Day Skate – February 13, 4 to 6pm
Half-off skate admission and rental, activities and more.

Valentine’s Dine & Skate
February 14, 530pm to 8pm
Skate to love songs and then head to 2nd street market for a special dinner.

 

 

Miamisburg

Historic Plaza Theatre – Valentine Rentals
Rent a movie room! For $125, get 1 shareable popcorn, 2 drinks, 2 small candies. Bring the DVD of your choice.

Galentine’s Day Charcuterie Board Class at the Market Square Building on Tuesday, February 13 from 6 to 8PM.

 

Trenton

Try out a Valentine’s Day Themed Coffee Flight at State Street Coffee.

 

Hamilton

Date Night Board – We Love It Too: Charcuterie Class on Feb 14 from 630 to 8pm

 

Galentines Day Murder Mystery Brunch. On Sunday, February 18 from 2-4pm at Basil 1791.

 

Cooking Class with Chef Mindy: Valentine’s Dinner for 2. On Wednesday, February 21 from 7 to 9PM at Spooky Nook Sports.

Valentine’s Date Night Mug Painting at The Studio. On February 14 from 630 to 8PM.

Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary Has Been Decided

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Today at Top of the Market over 300 people came together to taste and judge the Bloody Mary’s put up by local bars and restaurants! This event was first started by Planned2Give at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in 2017.  For the 8th edition of this event the cocktails were quite varied. Some  were spicy, some were bold, some were even good for you, as they were chocked full of juiced vegetables.

We welcomed back Mack’s Tavern, which was the winner of our very first showdown. Her cocktail placed 3rd.  Also back was Scott Conrad, who tied for the win the 2nd year with Mack’s.

Scott   then when on to win the 3rd year.  He has since launched and markets Rad’s Bloody Mary Mix at the retail level so was there for tastings, not competition.

Meridien Uptown, one of Centerville’s newest businesses won the Best Garnish award and placed 2nd in the Best Bloody Competition.

And for the 2nd year in a row L oose Ends Brewing Companywalked away with best booth decor and Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary, which came with a $500 cash prize and bragging rights for another year!

The crew from Loose Ends dedicated their win to Kent Loose, the owner of Loose Ends Brewery who passed away this past October.  They said he really loved Bloody Mary’s and pushed for them to enter last year.

 


WYSO Receives $5 Million Grant

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For the fourth time in as many years, WYSO has been awarded major funding from the Mellon Foundation to support The HBCU Radio Preservation Project. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the WYSO Archives and the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), supports radio stations at Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the country in preserving their legacies and cultural heritage.

With this latest grant, Mellon’s generous support now totals more than $5.6 million and will allow the HBCU Radio Preservation Project to expand to all 29 HBCU radio stations and their campus archives or libraries.

“This is sacred work,” says Jocelyn Robinson (pictured above), the project’s founding director and the director of radio preservation and archives at WYSO. “And now we can help every HBCU station save precious primary recordings and other historical source materials that document the diversity of the Black experience. And we’re not just preventing the loss of invaluable historical records—we’re encouraging institutions in developing a culture and practice of preservation. That will ensure they never face the looming preservation crisis this project was created to prevent.”

The project’s comprehensive and sustainable approach to preserving past, present and future HBCU radio materials has three parts:

Preservation Training & Education—includes workshops for campus stations, archivists and community members, mini-grants for professional development and hiring a fellow and intern each year of the grant cycle

Preservation—consists of eld archivists collaborating with stations and campus archivists on collections assessments and follow-up eld services such as inventories, reformatting, rehousing and other preservation activities

Public History & Preservation Praxis—consists of oral historians interviewing a range of community members with ties to respective stations, including former radio sta, students, alumni and listeners as well as oral history training, digital content creation, frequent public presentations and annual symposia

As a result of the HBCU Radio Preservation Project work with HBCU radio stations and their campus communities, a collection of reformatted historical HBCU radio material will available at the American Archive of Public Broadcasting along with an oral history collection that will be housed at Jackson State University’s Margaret Walker Center.

The HBCU Radio Preservation Project will ocially kick o this next phase of work on February 1, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Members of the HBCU and preservation communities and their supporters are invited to attend this free Zoom event by registering at: HBCU Radio Preservation Project Kick-o.

 

Arcade Awarded $13.9 Million Tax Credit

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The team behind the Dayton Arcade is thrilled to announce that the team has been awarded a $13.9 million tax credit from Ohio’s Transformational Mixed-Use Development (TMUD) Program for the Dayton Arcade District project, helping to further catalyze the on-going revitalization of downtown Dayton within the Arcade District.

rooftop view of the DaytonArcade

courtesy of Tom Gilliam Photography

The Arcade District Development represents over $200 Million of investment in what was originally 10 historic buildings, spanning two city blocks and over 810,000 SF in the City of Dayton’s central business district. The first phase of the development, South Arcade Phase 1, commenced construction in April 2019 with the first tenancy in early 2021. In seeing the overall vision of the Arcade District, and touring the completed first phase, Bruce Katz, the widely acclaimed urban expert, declared the Arcade as “the most transformative project in America”.

This TMUD award is critical to completing the next $139.8 Million portion of the Arcade District Development, which encompasses the following phases:

• South Arcade Phase 2: This $12.2 Million phase will complete the overall 265,000 GSF South Arcade development including the expansion of the Arcade Innovation Hub, 6888 Kitchen Incubator, Artist Resource Center, and space for multiple restaurants.
• North Arcade: This $23.3 Million 108,000 GSF phase to complete the 94-bed Hilton Garden Inn, pop- up retail, and neighboring Stop-N-Save Grocery.

• Centre City Building: This $91.9 million 283,000 GSF phase including 200 mixed-income apartments, and up to 53,000 square feet of commercial retail and office. In addition to preserving and enhancing a key, architecturally significant landmark in Dayton’s urban core, this project will provide additional quality commercial space and rental housing in the Downtown neighborhood, bringing residents back to this community.

• Air City Garage: This $12.4 million 156,000 GSF phase to provide 380 parking spaces and additional street-level commercial spaces within the district.

“This award is a unique funding opportunity that is geared towards large transformational projects in Ohio. Since its inception, it has only ever been awarded to projects in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland,” said Taylor Vogt, developer with Arcade District partner Model Group. “TMUD was a critical component of the

 

Looking for Male Volunteers for Donuts With Dads Event

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This Friday from 9-10am EJ Brown Middle School is hosting their annual “Donuts with Dads.”

The goal is for the students to have positive interactions with adult father figures. You do not have to be a dad to make a difference. Could you spare an hour to interact with these young men?

They are looking for men in our community to join them as role models.  Please get in touch with EJ Brown’s Family Resource Coordinator Omotayo Obayanju with any questions or to volunteer at 937-602-1600.

 

Final Auction For Tanks Memorabilla, Tables & Glassware

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This is your last chance to purchase items from Tanks.  The restaurant which opened in 1987 closed for good in June of 2023. The auction will start closing at 6PM on January 29th. The removal for this auction will be on Monday, February 5th from 2-6PM at 2033 Wayne Ave. in Dayton.

Some of items up for auction include:

Shelving, baskets, flatware, scales, prep table, pot & pans, shelving, ladders and  more.  Here are a few of the listings:

Wooden Table Top w/Metal Base and Tank’s Bar and Grill Logo

Misc Glass Barware Incl Martini, Daiquiri, Margarita Glasses and More

Set of Five Rubber Bar Mats

To view the auction site, click here.

Small Business Spotlight: This Guy’s Coffee

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This Guy’s Coffee actually started as SAXBY’S COFFEE in 2006 as a franchise which was owned by Kurt & Kerri Ritter. The parent company elected to rebrand their five stores in outlying markets and concentrate on college locations. They allowed their franchisees to change their business name, purchase rights, etc.
Hence, This Guy’s Coffee was born. In 2006, they were ahead of the curve already by OPENING with a Drive-Thru (D/T)
Owners Hannah & Lauren report that their D/T Sales are 75% of their total Sales~ MAJOR WOOW factor!
It continues to resonate in the business community what D/T’s do for their customers and D/T’s have gained momentum since COVID.
Lauren & Hannah both started at entry level positions as Barista’s. Lauren purchased a percentage of the Business from the Ritters when they opened This Guy’s. Hannah started in 2019 as a senior in HS. She continued working for This Guy’s as she earned her Undergraduate degree from UC in Interdisciplinary Studies.

She was longing to be an Entrepreneur and approached Lauren about buying into the Business and Lauren said “let’s do it.” That happened in 2022. Lauren remarked “now we can keep Hannah here forever.” These two ladies also have some great things happening in their personal lives. Lauren and her husband are expecting their first child and Hannah was recently engaged!!

There is a culture in this Business and it has been like that since the beginning when the Ritter’s owned it according to Lauren. Staff is trained to take outstanding care of customers, lots of smiles, efficiency and working together as a Team AND having FUN!
It was VERY clear to me in 3 visits and after 53 years in the Food Business that they in fact were -delivering the difference-
Some of the things they do to differentiate themselves from their competition:
All pastries are baked from SCRATCH. Yes, no frozen and thaw items here. In fact, Lauren’s Mom (Carole) is one of the 2 Bakers. Sasha, Lauren’s sister in law is the second Baker.

Lauren, Carole (Lauren’s Mom) and Baker along with Hannah

 

On one of my visits, I saw a tray of cherry/ chocolate Scones sitting close to the coffee brewer and they were not in the case yet. Yep, I asked and they were warm. I had to buy one. Major Yumminess!!
So, I do not know of anyone in the coffee/ quick service market that scratch bakes until I met these 2 ladies.
They occupy 1,300 square feet with 22 seats and their landlord-Cindy Pacetti who owns Springboro Pharmacy at the other end of the Center recently added a 20 seat outdoor patio in 2021 that benefits both This Guy’s and Roma’s Pizza next door.
Both ladies are appreciative of Cindy and her efforts to maintain the property and help them grow their Business!! Hearing of this Lessee/ Lesser relationship resonated so positively that I walked down to meet Cindy and tell her what the ladies had expressed. Cindy has operated her Pharmacy for 24 years.
In conclusion, I was very impressed with this long standing Springboro Business and wish them continued Success! Lauren & Hannah, I will be back soon for a warm scone and your dark roast coffee!

2024 Ohio Renaissance Festival Tickets Now On Sale!

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The moment has arrived! Season Passes and Any Day Adult tickets for the Ohio Renaissance Festival are now on sale for the August 31 – October 27 RenFest season!
They are making some changes to the ticketing system for 2024 that you should be aware of before you buy:
🎟️DATED ADULT TICKETS: (available starting Monday, Jan 22) Our main adult ticket type for 2024 will be a dated ticket valid for a specified festival day. Tickets will be capped so purchasing a ticket in advance will guarantee entry into the festival for that day. Once capacity is reached, ticket booths and online sales will close.
🎟️ANY DAY ADULT: (available starting Monday, Jan 15) This ticket type will guarantee you entry into the festival for any one (1) day, even if that day is sold out. These ticket types are also cspped in terms of how many are available for thr season.
🎟️ SEASON PASS: (available starting Monday, Jan 15) Guaranteed admission every festival day, even on sold-out days. Season Passes are capped so get yours ASAP!
🎟️ CHILD TICKETS: (available starting Monday, Jan 22) Child tickets will be available both online and at our on-site ticket booth. Children’s tickets are not capped.
👉 DATE SPECIFIC PRICING: dated ticket prices for popular dates will be slightly higher.
👉 ONLINE VS ON-SITE TICKET PURCHASES: Dated adult tickets purchased at the on-site ticket booth will be priced $3 more than the online price. Child tickets will be priced $2 more than the online price.
👉 SPECIAL EVENT TICKET ADD-ONS: Special events such as the feast and NBPS will be available as an add-on when purchasing dated tickets so you can easily add excitement to your festival day!
👉 OUR MOTTO THIS YEAR: Secure your tickets online before you leave the house to guarantee entry into the festival! Waiting until you arrive at the festival to purchase tickets will leave you open to the risk of being turned away.
We hope this info helps you as you plan.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of medieval wonder, thrilling jousts, and unforgettable memories. Secure your key to the kingdom today and start counting down the days to your best festival experience yet!

(title of show) Getting Raves at TheatreLab Dayton!

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The cast of (title of show.)

Theater in Dayton continues to provide high quality programming for the area…and TheatreLab‘s (title of show) is one outstanding example. Two of TL’s directors, Phillip Drennen and Mackensie King gave us a look at the show, and what’s driving the new energy that is TheatreLab Dayton!

D9: The town is a-buzz with (tos). Mackensie, what makes this show a must-see in your opinion?

MK: This show is spectacular because it truly feels like watching a group of people write a musical in real time. We rarely get the opportunity to see that side of the creation process. All of the performers are letting themselves into each of the characters and allowing truly sincere moments that will bring you to tears while also having you split your sides open with laughter. The harmonies and vocals are SO tight you will question if you are listening to recordings!

D9: Philip, this show takes place in the TheatreLab space, which I hear is going through some changes. Why do this performance there?

PD: Presenting the show in the TheatreLab space is a perfect way to make this show feel even more immersive and really let the audience into the action. The show is mostly a comedy and the score is very intricate so our performers really had to have the chops to pull it off. The acoustics in the TLD space really highlight the complicated and beautiful harmonies in the show. We are finding new ways to bring people into the TheatreLab space as well. Our recent Holiday Trivia party was a huge hit, too. It’s intimate and it brings a whole new energy! More to come with our space, for sure.

Mackensie King

D9: And Mackensie, what do you feel the TL space affords for a patron?

MK: They can  expect a very close-knit performance. We have less than 60 seats and the action happens right in their face! We have a donation bar and snacks available as well.

PD: Right. I feel like this is  a launching pad for what people can expect more of from TLD going forward. Evocative and authentic pieces of theater told in an intimate setting. By the end of the show, you will feel like you’re just one of our friends, rooting just as hard to get our show to Broadway!

D9: I know there has been much chatter around TheatreLab’s new vision for their part in the Dayton Area Theater scene. With a ‘grassroots group’ of performers and pals, a new path is being forged! Tell us about that!

PD: Yes, we have some very dedicated folks…a group of volunteers made up of performers and friends that are putting their time and resources into all things TheatreLab!  It feels very genuine and heartfelt! So thankful for their energy!

MK: With that, we want to continue to offer intimate and unique staging of unknown shows and familiar shows. We truly want to bring Theatre into Dayton by producing shows in unconventional spaces and partnerships with local companies.

D9: When can folks still catch (title of show?)

PD: [title of show] runs for one more week, Thursday, Jan 24 – Sunday Jan 28, 7:30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 8p on Friday and Saturday, and 2p on Sunday. Tickets range from $10-25 and our Wednesday performance is pay what you can!

D9: Congratulations to you both….and to the entire cast and crew of (title of show.) Looking forward to more from TheatreLab Dayton!

For More Information Visit:

www.theatrelabdayton.org

Oscar Mayer Is Hiring Wienermobile Drivers

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The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile first hit the hot dog highways in 1936. Our 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels has made it a mission to spark smiles around the country even on their “wurst” of days. Created in 1988, the Hotdogger Program was designed to hire and develop top-talent, grow future leaders of the company, and create gamechangers, innovators, and cultural champions. The team of Hotdoggers and Wienermobile offer the Oscar Mayer brand an unparalleled competitive advantage, delivering incremental sales, merchandising, distribution, and creating a personal experience with thousands of consumers each year.

The Hotdogger program is seeking individuals who are ready to deliver creative solutions on Kraft Heinz’s journey to become the indispensable food company in North America.

 

The Hotdogger Tour

The Oscar Mayer Hotdogger Program is a 1-Year assignment (starting and ending the first week of June).

 

The twelve-month program includes:

  • Being the face of a multi-billion-dollar brand, while acting as our trusted “boots on the ground”.
  • Two weeks of immersive onboarding and relevant job training.
  • On-going coaching and mentorship through staff meetings and in-field meetings.
  • Post tour opportunities and connections with Kraft Heinz and hundreds of successful alumni.
  • Regular meetings and coaching from top Public Relations and Social agency teams.
  • Region and partner assignments that provide professional growth and a chance to see the country.

 

Attributes/Skills/Background of a successful Hotdogger

  • Experience working with the public/consumers.
  • Prior travel experience is beneficial.
  • Highly autonomous position requiring organizational and time management skills.
  • Understanding of popular social media channels.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Positive and outgoing – “a people-person”.
  • Trustworthiness
  • Flexibility

 

The Life of a Hotdogger

While no two days are the same in the Hotdogger program, a tour includes:

  • Representing the Oscar Mayer brand every day you crisscross the hot dog highways of America.
  • Executing and reporting over 200 events during your one-year tour.
  • Pitching and appearing on local television, radio, or newspaper media.
  • Creating social content for multiple Oscar Mayer social platforms including TikTok & Instagram.
  • Maintaining and driving our 87-year-old icon and piece of American pop culture.
  • Coordinating all aspects of Wienermobile travel logistics and management of travel expenses.

 

They Are Looking For…

  • Outgoing, creative, friendly college graduates who have an appetite for adventure and willingness to see the country through the windshield of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
  • A spokesperson for Oscar Mayer who positively represents the brand in radio and television appearances, newspaper interviews, retail events, charity functions, and a variety of other activities.
  • Individuals that embraces working with many different workstyles, internal and external consumer promotion teams, marketing teams, and sales professionals.
  • Individuals craving the autonomy and flexibility of running their own traveling public relations firm on wheels; organizing events/activations and embracing the challenges of a hyper “fluid” job experience.

Their Values

Our Hotdoggers are expected to embody the Kraft Heinz values as cultural champions and leaders in the organization.

At Kraft Heinz, our values are:

  • We are consumer obsessed
  • We dare to do better every day
  • We champion great people
  • We demand diversity
  • We do the right thing
  • We own it

The Must-Haves

  • Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing, though applicants are not limited to these degrees.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Outgoing, friendly, and passionate personality.
  • Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
  • A valid Driver’s License is required and a favorable driving record (a driving record will be requested as part of the recruitment process).
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States and applicant WILL NOT require employment visa sponsorship.
  • Must be able to work major holidays.
  • Desire and ability to spend the year on the road as an ambassador for Oscar Mayer.
  • Must be comfortable with daily road travel in the Wienermobile and staying in hotels or short-term corporate approved housing throughout the United States.
  • Successful completion of Federal Department of Transportation Physical, Drug/Alcohol Test, Motor Vehicle Records check and standard Kraft Heinz background check.

 

What They Offer

A One-Of-A-Kind role in a full-time, 1-year assignment with a competitive package including a $35,600 base salary, a weekly allowance of $150 ($7,200/yr.) for meals & personal travel, 18 days of paid time off, full health benefits package, and 100% of hotel expenses covered. If you relish in the chance to hitch a ride in a 27-foot Hot Dog supporting one of the world’s most iconic brands, the Hotdogger program is the place for you!

 

Why Kraft Heinz

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins – and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food. Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills  and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

Hot dog fans are invited to apply to represent the 37th class for one year in a full-time, paid gig behind the wheel of the iconic Wienermobile. Applications for the position, officially titled Wienermobile Spokesperson, are now open here through Jan. 31.

Cultural Capital Microlending Workshop

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The Greater West Dayton Incubator and Flyer Consulting are presenting a special workshop focused on the Cultural Capital Microlending Program. This workshop is scheduled for January 26, 2024, from 4 to 6pm at 1105 W. 3rd Street, Dayton, OH 45402.

This event is a must-attend if you’re interested in learning more about the Cultural Capital Microlending Fund and how it can benefit your business. Here’s what we have planned for you:

In-Depth Understanding of the Cultural Capital Microlending Fund: Get a comprehensive overview of the fund, its benefits, and guidance on filling out the application.

Personalized Feedback on Your Loan Application Materials:

Bring your application materials and receive direct feedback to enhance your chances of success.

Meet the Underwriters: This is a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the underwriters of the loan. Ask your questions, understand the process, and get insights that could be crucial for your application.

This event is not just an informative session but an opportunity to take a significant step towards securing financial support for your business. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand, this program is designed to help entrepreneurs at all stages.

Attendance is available to active business owners who have consistently generated verifiable revenue for six months or more, across any industry.

Register to attend here.