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The Adventures Of Vaccinium Person From Finland

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Might As Well Rewrite The Title As Well…

            To understand my position on this debate, I must first tell you a story. When my middle son was in 5th grade, he was harassed mercilessly by several black students in his class. Among those, there was one in particular that would constantly bother him, poking him with a pencil in the back, pulling his hair and calling him things like beaner, spic, camel jockey, sand nigger and towel-head. I had spoken with the teacher on many occasions and, while sympathetic, he was overrun by his classroom and, after taking up the matter with the school’s principal at the time, he found that he was alone in dealing with the problem.

One day, I received a call from the school saying that I was to pick up my son from school because he was being suspended for two weeks. Why? Because my son, in retaliation to the constant harassment, both verbal and physical, had finally had enough, turned around and hit the boy and called him a nigger. Oddly enough, the physicality of the altercation was swept aside as a negligible offense, but the racial slur was what was treated as the major transgression. I arrived at the school and met with the principal, who was a demurely petite black woman. She must have had a degree in psychology because the first thing she did was move a table that was in front of me out of the way so, “that there wouldn’t be anything standing between us.” Knowing that my wife was coming up, I thought that this was a foolish idea, as that table would at least buy the principal a few seconds for escape. As it turns out, I was right.

In speaking with the principal before my wife arrived, I brought up the fact that my son had been harassed by several children in the classroom and ran down the list of racial slurs that had been lobbed at him and that I had entreated the school to intercede to no avail. She stated that since he was not of that specific ethnicity, neither Arabic nor Mexican, then the racial slurs did not apply to him. She then made an allusion to the fact that he probably picked up his racism from me, since I was white, which is, in of itself, a prejudicial remark…and an incorrect assumption at that.

            Now, look up at my picture. Now back here. I am a white male. My wife, however, happens to be female (which is a good quality in a mother) and also happens to be black. In all honesty, she’s a Haitian/Cuban/Native American-American, but that just sounds confusing and stupid. So, that being the case, all of our children are multiracial, which makes this incident as interesting as it is convoluted. I brought up to the principal the fact that the school had a zero tolerance policy for racism, yet they had allowed my son to be called all sorts of names of a racist nature. She repeated her stance that since he was not of those ethnic origins, the racist epithets did not apply. So, by this logic, since the children were racist as well as ignorant of someone’s nationality, it made their slurs acceptable. I went on to say that I had heard children in the hallway call each other nigger on innumerable occasions, to which she explained that, in the African-American culture, that was a term of greeting and endearment. Well, what if, for the sake of argument, the black half of my son used the word, trying to be endearing, while the white half was appalled at the racist transaction? Would that make it acceptable? Shortly thereafter, my wife arrived and the whole conversation devolved rather quickly, especially when she called the principal a nigger and all the children involved “little nigglets.” As I predicted, the principal should have kept that table in front of her.

            I bring this up, not as a means to air my disgruntlement with the school system (although there is a cathartic quality to it), but as an example of how complicated the nuances of this argument are. On the one hand, we have black entertainers using the word ad nauseum, especially in rap lyrics, so much so that, if there weren’t so many words that rhymed with “nigger,” the rap genre would have died a quick death shortly after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s first album. Walking along the street or standing in a store, I am constantly accosted by the dreaded “N” word, usually strung together with other expletives, with a complete disregard as to who is within earshot. It’s become a game, much like the one played by woman who wears exceptionally revealing clothes, just daring any male to look at them so they can unleash a hate filled tirade against the “sexist pigs.” It becomes a trap as to who can legitimately use The Word That Shall Remain Nameless, and woe to you if you use it and are not licensed to do so.

As with any other word, it is the intent behind the word and not the word itself that carries the weight. I can watch Richard Pryor’s Live On The Sunset Strip and never have a derogatory thought about the word nigger, even though it’s used roughly a thousand times during the show. If I watch Mississippi Burning and hear some white redneck use the word, you can feel the hatred drip off of each syllable. He could be calling the guy a “maraschino cherry”, and the sense of malice would be the same. By the same token, any word, regardless of how innocuous or funny that it may sound (such as peckerwood, which just cracks me up), should be treated equally as a pejorative term and not be relegated as having a lesser impact. I have seen innumerable black comedians, musicians, actors, etcetera, rail against the racism that blacks must endure, and then launch into bits denigrating other races without any thought of hypocrisy crossing their minds. You cannot claim a specific sensitivity to a word, then be insensitive about the language that flows from your own mouth.

            The argument against removing the word nigger from Mark Twain’s works is simple: don’t. It reflects the mores of that time period, regardless of whether it is right or wrong. It shows how people were viewed and treated, and not just black people, but Native Americans and different classes of people as well. If you green light sanitizing works of literature, how soon will it be before we rewrite The Dairy of Anne Frank to depict the young girl taunting the Nazi’s à la Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone? Using the same logic that NewSouth Publishing Company is using, the book should be changed so that it will make it easier for teachers to discuss the book without having to deal with the horrific nature of the holocaust. We need to change Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men while we’re at it to depict handicapable people in a better light. Those poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar will have to be rewritten, because some of the dialect smacks of ignorance. After we’re done with that, we’ll be able to tackle that violently racist and sexist book, The Bible…

I am not downplaying the use of the word nigger. In it’s truest form, the word embodies the hatred and detestation of one race for another. It unfairly depicts a whole race of people under an inapplicable blanket definition and, to a large degree, holds them to it against their will. That’s one of the important reasons to keep the word alive in it’s original context in Huckleberry Finn, as a benchmark for what the word applied to a people of a certain era and what the word symbolizes now. A word, however, is a word and, even if you sanitize it and give it a more palatable appearance, unless you are willing to change the behavior that allows this hatred and the insufferable intent behind the word, this cleansing is all for naught. By way of example, George Carlin used to do a bit about the term “shell shocked”, which turned into “battle fatigue” and eventually ended up as “post traumatic stress disorder”. Through all its permutations, the actual devastating trauma and its cause remained the same, but the terms were more pleasant for people to deal with, allowing people to ignore the tragic nature of what the words entailed.

Even though Huckleberry Finn is a work of fiction, it is still a window into a historical era. To shut this window and draw the blinds is the surest way to cloud our vision and allow us to forget things that, while uncomfortable or upsetting, are important to remember so that we do not forget, as a people, where we have come from and the atrocities that we, as a people, have endured. It gives us a point with which we can juxtapose the past with the present so as to give us a clearer line of sight to where we need to be. To tamper with literary works in the name of appeasement or comfort is yet just another form of revisionist history, allowing for a Pollyanna perspective that will surely allow us to forget past transgressions…and eventually to repeat them.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iau-e6HfOg0′]

One Year To A Better Neighborhood

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Before Dayton had “Originals”, we were a “City of Neighbors”. I’m not sure when we stopped being so neighborly, but one of the things I hear from buyers is that they want to live in a neighborhood where residents really know each other. They want a sense of community and camaraderie. People don’t just buy a home, they buy into a neighborhood and they want to know that not only are there are people within shouting distance who’ve got their back, they want to find a neighborhood where their own presence is felt and appreciated. Not all neighborhoods come with a ready-made sense of community so maybe it’s up to you to be the change.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a plan for your community, so I’m offering some ideas for becoming a stronger neighborhood. One for each month, these are generic, easy, simple- a spring board for what might work in your own community, but hopefully they will get you started. If you have kids, your job is easy. Kids are natural neighbors who use the block as a playground and every new person is a potential friend, whereas adults use the home as a refuge. Fight the urge to shut the door against strangers in your own neighborhood. There’s a difference between being friendly and being nosy and very few people in your neighborhood will complain about the former.

January: Hire a kid.
We get snow in January, and believe me, there is a teenager in your neighborhood who would love to make some money shoveling snow. Hire them. Hire them! Set your expectations high and hold that kid to those expectations, but hire the kid, and hire them to shovel your elderly neighbor’s driveway as well. Don’t make the 3-foot-nothing kindergartners on the block trudge through 5 inches of snow.

February: Take a walk.
There are usually a few days in February where the weather breaks. Get out of the house and take a look around. Notice which neighbors are gardeners and who likes landscaping. Where is the neglect in the neighborhood? Is there a need there that can be filled? Wave hello. In the car, on the sidewalk, across the street- wave hello. Acknowledge that you recognize that you are sharing space with your neighbor and 95% of the people you wave to, will wave back. Who knows? They may even smile. 🙂

March: Clean up your yard.
March winds mean a lot of flotsam and jetsam starts blowing around the neighborhood. Clean it up, your mom doesn’t live there. When you walk, take a bag with you and pick up the garbage you see. I know you didn’t put it there, but you live there, and trust me when I tell you that your neighbors will notice and will start to take pride in their neighborhood, too.

April: Meet the gardeners.
Someone in your neighborhood is a horticulturist by passion. Because you’ve been out walking and paying attention, you’ll know who they are. Early weekend mornings, go meet them. Walk past, say hello, compliment their yard, get their advice, find out where they shop for plants and how they treat their soil. If you don’t care for plantings, perhaps you can find the best lawn in the neighborhood and talk to them. These people are regularly outside, they know what is going on in the neighborhood. They are clued into the community same as the house with all the kids. Get to know these people. If you have the opportunity to start a community garden, do it!

May: Neighborhood Open House.
The historic districts in Dayton do these on a regular basis, but why not your neighborhood? Contact the Realtors who have listings in the neighborhood and get this started. My guess is that any Realtor worth her salt would jump on this idea in a heartbeat and do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. It’s a great way to spruce things up, show off the community, and bring people into the neighborhood.

June: A neighborhood cookout or block party.
Pot luck, casual, bring the kids, keep it outside. Easy does it. Invite local police if that would be helpful, appropriate, and productive.

July: Exterior updates to the house.
Attitudes are contagious. Painting the shutters, or replacing windows, or a new roof will get your neighbors out of their homes to talk about it with you, and you will soon see improvements to their homes as well. Very few people want to live in the worse home on the block, and some blocks simply need one or two home owners to decide that the neighborhood is worth it, before that attitude becomes the norm. If you don’t have a front porch, create the feeling of one and use it on summer evenings.

August: Back to school.
Go to a school board meeting. I’m not sure what affects property values like the local school system. That means you have to know what is going on and you have to hold your elected board members accountable. It’s okay to be the PITA citizen who expects results.

September: Fall Pot Luck.
One last chance to get outside together while the weather is warm. There will be a lot of changes to talk about: Neighbors who have come and gone; a neighbor who is in need; the roads or sidewalks in disrepair; which home is in foreclosure and do you take on maintenance for the vacant property?

October: Trick or Treat.
Beggar’s Night is a great time to get to know your neighbors, don’t turn off the lights and hide in the dark. The younger kids will be out early so buy enough candy for the first hour or half hour and get to know the families in the neighborhood, if you haven’t already.

November: Leaf raking.
Raking, not blowing. Raking leaves invites the neighbors to stop and chat with you, while a leaf blower is a noisy apparatus that repels your neighbors. Rake your leaves and skip the trip to the gym.

December: Share with your neighbors.
Self-explanatory.

There you have it. A painless way to get to know your neighbors. Each neighbor has something unique to bring to the neighborhood, and not everyone will be receptive to participation. Respect those differences, but find a way to build on them, and you’ve got the beginnings of a vibrant, growing community.

Okay, I’ve shared my ideas- let’s hear from you all. What makes your neighborhood such a great place to live and how do you create a sense of community?

Photo courtesy of TLussier

Donerik Black and the Dayton Weekly News

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Photo Credit: Jason Eckley

The following was submitted by Juliette Rocheleau of the updayton Entrepreneurship Team, and is their first of several future feature articles about Dayton-area entrepreneurs.

Co-owner of the Dayton Weekly News, Donerik Black knows that being an entrepreneur is no easy task. The Dayton Weekly News celebrated its seventeenth year in circulation this November, with Black juggling the duties of project manager salesman, designer and more. While the different tasks of entrepreneurship can be demanding, Black admitted in most other professions he would, “be bored to death.”

A native of the Dayton Region, Black chose to stay in the area after he finished college.  Post-graduation Black realized, “Unless I won the lottery, I was going to work for somebody. What better person to work for than my dad?” Black and his business partner father, Don Black, first owned and operated a public relations and consulting business. Additionally, both knew the Dayton area well, having been born and raised in and around the city.

In the early nineties, the perception of Dayton was extremely negative. Despite its reputation, Black knew there was a better story to tell. “We felt that there was a need for Dayton’s urban community to have a voice,” said Black.  He and his father set out to create a newspaper. Originally they used a publisher in the Columbus area. Due to simple geographical complications, the paper was labeled as “a Columbus paper with a Dayton masthead.” Consequently, the two businessmen severed ties with the Columbus branch. From there the Dayton Weekly News was born.

“…even if we have to give them away, we still want people to see the paper.”

The early days were tough. However, thanks to their public relations and consulting business, the Blacks had already created many good relationships with social organizations and churches in the area. Using, “guerilla marketing,” as Black puts it, the business, “hired young kids to go door to door and [gave] away a lot of complimentary copies of the paper.” The Blacks followed up each give-away with another paper, turning recipients into potential readers.

After years of successful business, the Blacks are still trying new and inventive ways to raise awareness of the Dayton Weekly News. Black explained, “We’ll have subscription drives. We’ve even had young kids who have used it as fundraising projects—even if we have to give them away, we still want people to see the paper.”

Black serves on the board of the United Health Solutions, an organization focused on enriching the lives of those who are less fortunate in the Dayton community. The cause is important to Black, explaining, “They’re a great organization. And, we try to get as involved with them as possible.” Black also encourages the Dayton Weekly News to get involved with the American Heart Association. For Black, the organization hits close to home. A heart patient himself, he advocates the importance of health.

Each year in April, which is Minority Health Month, the Dayton Weekly News covers important medical details. “Minority Health Month is something that we’ve really tried to put our hands around. We let our readership know what’s going on within the community so they can get tested for ailments that really plague African Americans, like diabetes and high blood pressure, that are preventable and controllable.” Black added, “We really like to get involved with those organizations that are putting out information that help our readers make healthier choices.”

As an entrepreneur, Black admitted it would be easier to calculate how many hours a week he doesn’t work. “When I’m sleeping, I’m typically not working,” he said, “From the entrepreneurial standpoint, you’re always working.” Long hours aren’t the only necessity for starting and owning your own business. According to Black, “Everybody’s a salesman. Everybody sells something to someone everyday. Period. Pointblank.” Black believes the need to sell drives all jobs. “If you don’t like selling,” he said, “you’re going to have a hard time doing anything.” Passion for what you do should fuel your desire to sell. Black knows, “You need to love what you do.”

“For lack of a better term, I enjoy the ‘smallness’ of Dayton”

He also emphasized both the need to “be a people person” and “be ready to close when you get the opportunity.”  Black explained, the “kiss of death” for small business owners is when an opportunity is lost and the potential client moves on to the next company. “A lot of times as a small business person, you many only get one shot to make a good impression.” He continued, “When you get an opportunity, you have to seize it by any means necessary.”

As a resident and business owner in the Dayton area, Black most appreciates the city’s size. “For lack of a better term, I enjoy the ‘smallness’ of Dayton, “ describing Dayton as an accessible city and a “ninety-minute market.” Black likes that Dayton’s not far from larger cities such as Chicago and Atlanta, both a few hours away via car or plane. As for the city itself, Black said, “From a business perspective it’s a good place to work, because if you have innovative ideas, you can really cut your teeth in a town like Dayton.” The key to Dayton, or to any big city, is to be aggressive.

Black admits that Dayton has the tendency to slip into complacency. However, he does not consider it to be negative. “If everyone’s going to sleep,” said Black, “I’m just going to tiptoe right through it—chomp it all up.” Dayton is a “reactionary city,” with events happening in and around Dayton. “Policy is passed, things are done, and we have to take control of it,” he said. Black added, “As a whole, the smallness could be Dayton’s best attribute and its worst.” And yet, there are many opportunities. “Dayton would be a wonderful place to come and test the waters,” said Black, “I hope more people look at it as a hub for technology.”

The Dayton Weekly News is looking to expand digitally and offer a version of the paper online. Currently the website is geared toward advertising.  “Baby steps” is Black’s answer to expanding. The team is working to both offer the paper online and maintain subscription numbers. Black isn’t too concerned about adding a digital version of the paper. With a loyal readership, Black trusts the Dayton citizens.  “We’re going to get that support,” he explained. “The larger number of supporters will subscribe because they want to see this paper survive.” Black thinks in the end, “People will always want that hard copy.”

The Dayton Weekly News is working hard to bring the people of Dayton an efficient, cost-effective, timely newspaper. “That’s always my mission,” Black proudly declared. “Every week I enjoy opening it up, looking through it, and selling that paper.”

Bike Lanes Create More Jobs Than Other Transportation Projects

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In the wake of a monumental policy  passed by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission this past week, all transportation project submissions requesting federal funds will require the design to accommodate all users, not just motor vehicles.  This concept is commonly known as “Complete Streets.”  A street designed to be complete is friendlier to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and the disabled.

Some local examples of Complete Streets tactics used here in the Miami Valley are bike lanes, shares, audible signals, road diets, round-abouts and so on.

This philosophy isn’t necessarily accepted by planners, engineers, and community leaders across the board.  As a matter of fact, the process of reaching a “Complete Streets” policy was highly contested and took many years achieve.

The Outdoor Evangelist would like to start a movement to hault all record of referring to pedestrian, bicycle and transit infrastructure and development as “alternative,” considering our own two feet are our primary method of travel, the car, however import to our culture, is historically, the true alternative.

This new policy brings the local planning organization up to speed with the various other regional planning groups across the state,  who have adopted complete streets policies months, some years ago.

Another hot topic in the bicycle and pedestrian planning realm is a popular, and controversial research study that became public this month.  In a article posted by the League of American Bicyclists, “According to a new report by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst says that building bike lanes/boulevards and pedestrian projects creates more jobs per million dollars spent than road repairs and road resurfacing.

Yes, they said it.  Bike lanes create more jobs than other transportation projects.  As a matter of fact, they are cited as creating twice as many jobs. The study, “Estimating the Employment Impacts of Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Road Infrastructure,” which examines the costs of engineering, construction, and materials costs for different types of projects in the city of Baltimore, concludes that, for a given amount of spending, bike lanes create about twice as many jobs as road construction. The difference lies in the varying labor intensity and the ratio of engineering costs to construction expenses across project types. Footway repairs and bike lane signing are labor intensive, meaning that a greater share of the total cost goes to pay people than in material heavy road projects. “Each $1 million spent creating on-street bike lanes directly creates 7.9 jobs and creates a total of 14.4 jobs when we include the indirect and induced effects,” the author, Heidi Garrett-Peltier, writes, “The two categories of road repairs have the lowest employment effects, with 3-4 direct jobs and approximately 7 total jobs created for each $1 million.”

More information on this exciting research and other complete streets projects can be found by visiting League of American Bicyclists website.  Interested in reviewing the MVRPC Complete Streets Policy in its entirety? Their website has not only the policy but details the process and a presentation providing a great overview of what a complete street is and how it applies to our region.

Hope – This Exit

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Hope – This Exit

( Redemption – Next Exit )

Ted Williams - Homeless Radio Announcer in Columbus, OH

In the last 72 hours the world has witnessed the Cinderella story of Ted Williams, a homeless guy known as “Radio Man” holding the standard cardboard sign begging for help at an off ramp of I-71 in Columbus, Ohio. The scene is something we witness daily during our commutes. How many times have we all cringed and felt a bit awkward at the familiar site of our own local off-ramps? Wayne and Keowee being one. We all ask ourselves the same questions and have the same thoughts that last the duration of a red light. I won’t go into them here, but we all have the same basic thoughts and pangs of emotion. Sometimes those feelings are so strong we don’t make eye contact, let alone read the sign in hand. It was Ted Williams’ sign that took him on this journey, “I have a God given gift of voice. I’m an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times.”

God granted a slow news day and the rest is history.

The story takes off when a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch took an interest and not only read the sign and gave him some change, but actually got out of his comfort zone and spoke to him. The voice that came back was shocking to say the least. The reporter returned a few days later to video tape Mr. Williams, then shelved it waiting for a slow news day. While that tape sat on the shelf Mr. Williams remained in his hovel in the brush by the interstate as winter set in.

God granted a slow news day and the rest is history. If you don’t know this story already, you are probably living in a hovel in the brush by the interstate. (or in a van down by the river.)  What took place in the few hours after that video went viral via YouTube was no less an act of God. Over 5 million views in the first 24 hours. I remember viewing it on my laptop from the comfort of my bed one very cold morning this week and was moved to tears. I can’t say what exactly resonated with me but it was instant and personal.

Obviously I was not the only one to have the “OMG” moment because by the end of the day Mr. Williams was being sought out by those who had something to offer and he literally over night was being courted by corporations and networks, flooded with job offers and even a house in one case.What he wanted most, to see his 90 year old mother. His mother. The one who prayed for his redemption and recovery from the painful pit of alcohol and drugs. She prayed for a rescue from his self imposed prison. He was the first to admit this is what took him to the street and that his voice, 2 years of sobriety, the clothes on his back and a newly developed faith in God was the only thing he owned in life. (and a pre-paid cell phone.)

Now, this story in itself is amazing and wonderful and I’m sure Will Smith has probably started voice training while his people buy the rights to the story. (If he can beat Oprah to it.) The REAL story here is the sense of community that developed during those few days. In the midst of greedy networks scratching and clawing for first dibs on this story for their ratings, a heart changing Grinch moment happened between rival network morning shows, The Early Show and The Today Show.

The usual production tricks kick off this event with Early Show delivering Mr. Williams elderly mother to LaGuardia to tape the end of their 20 year separation only for Today Show to make a power play and whisk Mr. Williams away when he landed staling the event as the jockey for position. Call it Karma or God or some kind of voice from the universe, something historic happened when the two networks brokered a deal to show the reunion between Ted Williams and his mother at the same time on Thursday morning. The prodigal son televised on a morning show. The world cheers and cries as he runs “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy….” a 53 year old man with a fresh haircut falls into his elderly mothers arms.

“What if that man was a famous painter?”

Community made this happen. This mother and child reunion resonates with us all. The redemption story resonates with us all. The realization that this could happen to any one of us as a parent or as a child should help us connect on some level. Ted Williams took his family through hell. He was far from perfect. We all want a second chance and a happy ending, if not for ourselves but for others. Imagine this being your child. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. I myself have stood in a church food pantry feeling like I’ve just had a TSA screening of my pride and dignity and asking myself  “WHY? We work hard, we have good morals, we are good people, how can this happen to US?”

On another level we all have the same desire to be heard.  “Deep down inside, many of us long to have our own inner greatness discovered by the world,” says Los Angles author and speaker BJ Gallagher. (“It’s Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been.”) Homelessness is not sexy and less dramatic journeys back from the edge happen every day.

Saint Patrick Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts

I saw a mini documentary once on Independent Lens about a homeless choir at Saint Patrick Parish in Lawernce, MA, and how the chance to sing and play an instrument gave dignity back to those on Skid Row. Since seeing that film I look at homeless people differently. “What if she was opera trained in voice?” “What if he was an amazing jazz drummer?” “What if that man was a famous painter?”

We can all relate to the hell of not having food or a warm bed, or at least we can imagine it. I for one cannot imagine not having access to music. No computer or radio. No MP3 player or even a cd player. What about films? What about just basic information? What a hell that would be. Mr. Williams didn’t even see this video of himself until he was plucked off the street. He knew nothing until the celebrity tsunami hit him.

It isn’t the first time we’ve seen this kind of fame in the last few years. The film “The Soloist” about a real-life classical musician, Nathaniel Ayers, who became homeless and was re-discovered is a beautiful story.

For those of you like me who delight in the cheesier side of things, what of accidental singer Antoine Dodson whose spot on local news shot to fame after being altered by popular site Auto-Tune The News made his “Bed Intruder Song” a hit world wide. He got his family out of the projects and is now on every D-list broadcast event you can imagine. (not counting Dick Clarks Rockin’ New Years Eve, which I still don’t understand the connection, but it happened.)

The beauty of Antoine Dodsons’ story holds the same element of Mr. Williams, they are using this new lease on life to help others. Spending celebrity wisely is a rare thing these days. Dodson, a victim of childhood rape, now has a phone app to help rape victims and endangered children. Ted Williams just recorded a commercial spot yesterday for Kraft Mac & Cheese that will air on ESPN Sunday during the “Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl” game. On the theme of internet sensations,  “Double Rainbow Guy”, nothing happening on that front, which is a good thing. Maybe he can help the legalization of pot effort, but I digress.

So, what does this have to do with Dayton or you or the world? Why write about this on DaytonMostMetro.com? I found it ironic that as I was following Mr. Williams story I was busy promoting an upcoming event here in Dayton to benefit one of our own off-ramp fixtures, Mr. Rick Sowa. Mr. Sowa has been the flower vendor at the Main Street / I-75 ramp downtown for over 20 years. He was shot in the arm and robbed last October as he was selling flowers like he has done every day. He was hospitalized for his injuries and is now back out on his beat. As a community many of us rallied around him. Many of us have never bought even one flower from him, but he belongs to our community, that’s what matters most.  Local artist, musician and author “Drexel” Dave Sparks put out the call for area musicians and venue owners to help raise money for Mr. Sowa. I am one that chimed in early on and am assisting Dave in organizing the event.

So, you might ask yourself, “Why help the flower guy? Lot’s of people need help.”Well, you are right. And if you know someone who needs help, do something. Whatever you can. Or ask others to pitch in. You don’t have to feed the world, just feed one. (I wish that was MY saying but it’s a quote I heard somewhere.)

I’ve never bought a flower from Mr. Sowa. I’ve never met him and do not know him. But when I drive by I ask myself those set of questions “What’s his story?” As a contributing writer here at DaytonMostMetro.com that is my goal, to find those in the community who are invisible or don’t have a place to be heard and tell their stories. Who knows, maybe the next Ted Williams is you, or someone you recognize. Everyone deserves to be heard. Meanwhile, stop by the benefit show for Mr. Rick Sowa at Blind Bobs on January 15. Hear some great music from bands that are donating their pay for the night. Drexel – Akillis Green – Oxymoronatron – Team Void – Okay Lindon – Chuck Cleaver

Speaking of community and being good hearted for the benefit of others, BIG PROPS to the band “Human Reunion” who endured a scheduling issue with the same date / venue and graciously moved their show to Jimmy’s Cornerstone Bar, the last show of that venues location before Miami Valley Hospital tears it down. Please buy a “Human Reunion” record and support them as well. Or, if you are ambitious that night, go to both shows! You can never get too much good Dayton music!

GladGirl

YP Roundup – January 2011

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Happy New Year!

December went out with a bang with special discounts for big YP New Year’s Eve parties and a lot happening.  Not to be outdone, there are some great events coming up in January.  Also – make sure you look into the meetups that are popping up.  In additional to the Twenty-Somethings group and the Young Professionals I’ve told you about – a new group has emerged just last month, the Thirty-Somethings.  So – there are professional groups, social groups, networking groups, arts groups, recreation groups, and lots of overlap among them all.  Check out something new this month!

First up: HYPE – the YP group nestled in the Northern Miami Valley invites you to join them for an informal lunch on Wednesday, January 12 at the Tin Roof in Troy.  It’s a great chance to meet new friends, keep up with their events, and enjoy lunch together.  New members always welcome, but RSVPs are required by Noon on January 11.

Thirsty Thursday on January 13 gives you a way to wet your whistle with other YPs and meet new people without any membership requirements.  Join Generation Dayton at The Wine Loft at the Greene from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for a cash bar with special happy hour prices.

Have you been Ice Skating on RiverScape yet this season?  Now’s your chance – Saturday, January 15 from 3-5 PM.  With a tiny cost of $5 for admission and skate rental, you get plenty of fun.  Skate, enjoy some hot chocolate, and sit around the fire pits with friends from Generation Dayton.

You can count on Generation Dayton to bring you great conversation over good food with the Business and Breakfast Speaker Series. In January, hear from Andy Snow – a top regional photographer sharing his experience catching the action for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.  Tuesday, January 18 at the Panera on Main Street in Centerville from 7-8AM.  No cost to attend (food at your own expense), but you need to RSVP.

Third Thursday of the month brings you the Dayton Ballet Barre’s monthly Wine and Ballet at the Wine Gallery on Monument and Main in Dayton.  Get together with other arts-minded YPs for conversation, drinks, and fun.

Dayton has a major history and future of invention.  Former Governor Bob Taft has been leading discussions and actions regarding the partnership between education and innovation.  He’ll share his insights at a Generation Dayton Fourth Friday Lunch at the Stars Restaurant on top of the Crowne Plaza in downtown Dayton on January 28 at Noon.  RSVPs required.

The final Gen D event of January gets everyone together for bowling at Woodman Lanes in Kettering on Saturday, January 29 from 6-8 PM.  Only $12 includes 2 hours of bowling, shoes, and pizza.  Pay at the door and everyone will be assigned to lanes as you arrive.  Remember to RSVP!

January 29 is also your chance to “Jump into Bluegrass” with JumpstART.  It’s a great deal on a arts opportunity that may be new to you, so check it out with other YPs.  Grammy-winning bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs and his fire-breathing band Kentucky Thunder return to the Dayton Masonic Center stage to headline an outstanding traditional bluegrass double-header.

***New on the radar!  Did you graduation from the University of Dayton in the last 10 years (or you’re under 35)?  UD now has a special YP alumni group – Day10.  There’s a whole list of events they have coming up, so if you’re a flyer grad – check them out.

Between professional and social networking, volunteer opportunities, food, education, and arts – there’s something for everyone.  What kinds of events get you excited to try something new and meet some new people?

Help save a life during National Blood Donor Month!

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January has been designated National Blood Donor Month to raise awareness during a time of year when blood supplies often fall to their lowest levels.  Donations traditionally decline during the post-holiday season because of busy schedules and inclement weather, which can prevent people from keeping donation appointments. At the same time, the need for blood remains constant in the early months of the year.

Those who register to donate at most Community Blood Center (CBC) blood drives and all branch locations January 3 through January 29 will receive a free limited edition Honor. Duty. Donor.  Army green t-shirt!

  • It is essential that CBC has 350 donors a day
  • CBC serves 24 hospitals in 15 counties in Indiana and Ohio
  • Over 40,000 local patients benefit from blood products donated by local blood donors

Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically.  Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Servicesâ„¢, an independent, not-for-profit organization, is registered to ISO 9001:2000.  Community Blood Center provides blood products to 24 hospitals in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys.  For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services visit www.givingblood.org.

Leaders Wanted for Dayton Neighborhoods

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Applications are now being accepted for the 29th annual Neighborhood Leadership Institute, sponsored by the City of Dayton. The Neighborhood Leadership Institute is a 12-week program designed to educate Dayton residents about local government, City resources, and community leadership.

The 2011 program is scheduled to kick-off on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. It is comprised of workshops, skill-building components, and a day-long bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Participants hear presentations from community, business, and government leaders on topics such as Dayton’s history, the role of City government, the criminal justice system, and cultural diversity. Class members also complete field assignments and a practicum requiring development of a grassroots project within their community.

Anyone interested in participating should submit a completed application no later than Thursday, February 10, 2011. Application forms are available at the Division of Citizen Participation (6th floor, City Hall, 101 W. Third Street), at
www.daytonohio.gov/departments/pcd, or by calling 937-333-3670.

Buy Local, Buy Art

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Real Art

(Submitted by Samantha Enslen)

Waited till the last minute to get your holiday shopping done? There’s still time to get some great gifts. Best of all, you can get one-of-a-kind items made right here in Dayton, many created by local artists and designers.

Ready to shop?

Real Art. Designers designing? Who would’ve thunk it? But these designs are different—they’re things you can pick up, put on, write in, put stuff in. All knitted, sewn, photographed, or constructed by the talented folks at Real Art, one of Dayton’s premier design studios.

A Modern Eden

A Modern Eden. Creations for kids that are adorable—without being sappy? Yes, they exist. And at A Modern Eden, they exist in the form of iPhone apps, flashcards, posters, and tote bags. Created by the designers at Forge, one of Dayton’s newest marketing firms.

Four Ambition

Four Ambition. “No art, no heart?” That’s the way we see it. Show everyone what you believe by wearing a Four Ambition t-shirt. Are you “Uncaged?” They got that. A “Gypsy?” Got that too. All designed by the three brains behind Four Ambition, a Dayton-based screen-printing shop.

Society Bodycare. Stephen Rumbaugh, a former instructor at Dayton’s School for Advertising Art, formulates and creates unique organic soaps, with packaging that could only come from a great designer. With soaps like The Art School Bar, the Yellow Springs Bar, and the Black Forest Bar, how can you go wrong?

Oregon District Galleries. Take a walk along Fifth and Brown Streets and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces

Oregon District Galleries

painted, sculpted, and crafted by local Dayton artists. The Color of Energy, Orchard View, and Gallery 510 are just a few good stops along the way.

PNC 2nd Street Market. Stop by Dayton’s best farmer’s market Thursday through Saturday and pick up gifts from local growers,

Society Bodycare

bakers, chefs, and crafters. The Market will be open a special day — Wednesday, Dec. 22 — for last-minute purchases.

Second Street Market

Go Home. Yes, it’s a home store, but this ain’t no Pottery Barn. Alongside beautiful modern furniture, you’ll find pieces by Dayton sculptors, glassworkers, and photographers like Mike Elsass, Jim DeLange, Penny Stewart, and Steven Lee Johnson. Plus, during the holiday season, Go Home carries a variety of Real Mart items.

So what are you waiting for? Start shopping … and remember … shop local, shop creatively!

Samantha Enslen runs Dragonfly Editorial and bought all her Christmas presents at Dayton and Tipp City shops. Except for the Twister game she got at Target. This article was originally published by the Dayton Creative Syndicate.

The Theater Of The Strange

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Comedian Dow Thomas Reminisces About The Dayton Comedy Scene

12/15/10

            It’s very rare for someone to be able to meet any of the people that were instrumental in warping the needle on their moral compass. For example, in the future, the odds are astronomically against my kids ever meeting up with Snooki, the creator of Grand Theft Auto or any or the Real Housewives of Poughkeepsie. I, however, was able to talk with one of the people who were instrumental in changing my vision and giving me the ability to see the world through laughing eyes: Dow Thomas. Dow is a musician, comedian and actor, who was, at one time, a script writer and musician for the notoriously wonderful local program shown on channel 22 and hosted by Dr. Creep called Shock Theater…a show that I was an avid fan of when I was a kid.

I was able to speak with Dow recently from his Floridahome. The first question I asked was whether or not Shock Theater was his introduction into the world of comedy.

“No. I was actually doing comedy in 1972, but at that time there weren’t any comedy clubs, so I was just doing comedy along with my music. I got with Dr. Creep in the late seventies when it was called Saturday Night Dead because they had him on after Saturday Night Live, so it was kind of a neat spot.” Dow reflected on the first time he was on Dr. Creep’s show, saying, “I wrote The Ballad of Dr. Creep and went on there with my girlfriend at the time, Astrid Socrates. I remember some of the early stuff. It was juvenile jokes and stuff, but that was what they (the television station) wanted because they wanted everything clean, stupid and quick.”

If there were no comedy clubs, what venues did he perform in? Dow told me that he would just play in the local bars, places like the Trolley Stop, The Bar and The Iron Boar.

“I would get hired as a musician/entertainer and just add in the comedy in between songs. I would always put on masks and stuff…I just can’t help myself from clowning around. I’d have the gig and eventually I had bands, but when I clowned around, everyone clowned around with me. What was always part of the show was me being stupid.” Dow said. “Sailcats was one of the early comedy songs I wrote which got people to throwing plates at me and that just started it all. We used to sing The Wonderful World of Toilet Paper and we used to TP all the clubs like Clancy’s and the old Wiley’s, which was The Iron Boar originally. But comedy was always a thing with me.”

Since this was predating the eighties comedy boom, I wondered how the comedy scene evolved inDayton. After talking with Dow over an hour, I got a sense of how paradoxically brutal and liberating the process was.

“I was doing The Iron Boar only on Sundays and Wiley had hired me to do it by myself and so I basically got rid of the band…but I still had jam sessions. I was primarily a single act and that’s when I went almost strictly comedy. Back then, I had to do five hours, like from nine to two in the morning, so you had to have a lot of material.” Dow added a couple of memories from the early days ofDaytoncomedy, saying, “We had a comedy night on Tuesdays…and people still bitched about the dollar door charge! It was just crazy. I remember D.L. Stewart came in and did a little bit one night and then wrote an article about the experience.”

Since he had seen the whole evolution of the comedy scene, I wondered whether he felt that it had become too rigid, too structured.

“Yeah…yeah I do. Back then I could have Emo Philips come in and do twenty minutes and then I’d get a chance to go to the bathroom. Then maybe Judy Tenuta would come in and do twenty to thirty minutes…and then I’d get a chance to go to the bathroom.” Dow related that, “For me, I thought it should go on all night because I had been out to the Comedy Store and all of these places. I mean, I had moved out toL.A.in 1983 and I spent a couple of years out there going to different clubs. Back then, nobody closed their bar after the show. A lot of times, we’d all be up doing improv.”

Dow was not a native resident of Dayton, having moved here to attend Wright State, but he quickly adopted the city as his own. He became a habitué of the Arcade, the local bars and the dinner clubs ofDayton. I asked when he had moved from Dayton to his current residence inFlorida.

“Uh…let’s see (yelling to his wife)…Kay! When did we move down here? What year was that? 1997.” Dow the related a funny anecdote. “After we moved, aDaytonnewspaper im

 

mediately voted me the funniest man inDayton…then they did it again the next year. They voted me the funniest man inDaytonfor two straight years and I wasn’t even living there!”

The paper in question used to be called The Dayton Voice…then Impact Weekly…and now it is known as the Dayton City Paper. Maybe we were just still pretending that our Uncle Dow hadn’t left our fair city.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llpMWbmXDY0&list=PLC369CAD7BFD06170&index=1&feature=plpp_video’]

Student Filmmakers Wanted!

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Students in grades 8-12 are invited to create and submit short films to the Sundog 8 Regional Film Festival premiering Saturday, May 21 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Little Art Theatre.  Cash and prizes valued over $1,500 will be awarded and Sundog official mascot, Moxy, will be sharing her supply of squeaky bones with the audience. Sundog 8 will also be screened at the FilmDayton Festival on Sunday, May 22 at Neon Movies.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Each entry must be on a separate DVD with a runtime of 10 minutes or less.

Categories include:

  • Experimental
  • Narrative
  • Documentary
  • Self-Portrait
  • Music Video
  • PSA (Public Service Announcement)
  • Film/Computer Animation
  • Photo Essay

This year, a special award will be given for best submission using a dog theme. Also, there is a new category for best use of technology. Winner receives a flip camera, courtesy of Digital Pickle. Films may be individually or collaboratively produced. There is an entry fee of$3.00 per entry. Limit 3 entries per student. Submissions may be mailed or delivered to:

Yellow Springs High School
420 E. Enon Rd.
Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 25.

Please check entry before submitting. Submissions not playable on a standard DVD player will be disqualified. Entry forms available at www.sundogfilmfestival.org after 1/11/2011.

OPEN JUDGING – A SUNDOG EXCLUSIVE

Open adjudication will be Thursday, April 28, 2011 starting at 9:15 a.m. at Kettering Fairmont High School, 3302 Shroyer Road in the Recital Hall.

Teachers and students will receive valuable feedback from a panel of media professionals and all may attend. Refreshments and lunch will be provided by festival sponsors.  To RSVP, call 937.767.7224 or email: [email protected] and let us know how many will be in your group by April 25. Note: Attendance is not mandatory at judging or screening to win, however teachers are encouraged to arrange a field trip to attend with their students for this highly educational and fun experience.

AWARDS AND PRIZES

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded directly following the screening at the Little Art on May 21. Students whose films make Sundog will be notified shortly after judging by email/phone. Awards will be given for best submissions in various categories as deemed by the judges. All who receive cash prizes must sign a receipt to register to claim funds. Prize money will be equally divided among collaborators. No prizes will be mailed. Winners not present at the Little Art may claim prize money, in person, at Yellow Springs HS by June 10, after which date any unclaimed cash will be returned to Sundog funds. Entries will not be returned. Sundog Film Festival is an educational event organized by dedicated teachers and interested individuals. Authorization to use copyrighted materials remains the responsibility of the contest entrant. Winning entries may be shared for public viewing through various internet sites.

Emerald Ash Borer: Little Beetle, Big Problem

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I’ve learned so much about insects during my tenure here. Admittedly, I still treat six-legged home invaders to an up-close view of the bottom of my boot, but I can at least acknowledge that most creatures play an important role in nature. (For instance, mosquitoes contribute to S.C. Johnson’s bottom line via repellent; therefore, mosquitoes stimulate the economy. Right? Oh, Econ 101, why were you an 8 a.m. class?)

Adult emerald ash borers are characterized by their vibrant green color.

But there are some bugs that truly are pests, and one little green beetle is changing the North American landscape forever. Unlike another invasive Beatle invasion that resulted in mop tops and rock ‘n’ roll, the emerald ash borer, hailing from Asia, has an insatiable appetite for ash trees, consuming nearly all trees in its wake.

Researchers have traced the beetle’s likely arrival to a contaminated wooden palette shipment that landed in Detroit. From there, the beetle’s devastation has been spreading outward, and its effects are already being felt in the greater Dayton region. A visit to Carriage Hill MetroPark will attest to this. Five Rivers MetroParks is starting the process of removing potentially hazardous trees. Why?

The beetle larvae eat the tissue under the bark, creating S-shaped "galleries."

The beetle is a wood-boring insect, meaning it tunnels into trees and lays its eggs. Those eggs hatch into translucent pulp-munching machines; the larvae carve winding “galleries” into the tree’s phloem, which is like the plant’s cardiovascular system, delivering vital nutrients from the ground to the branches. Trees are quite literally “suffocated” once the borer consumes the phloem, and at this point, when the tree is already mostly dead, is when symptoms start to appear. Top branches die first, and lack of water has made them very brittle. It doesn’t take much to bring those branches down, which is why the safest option is to remove the entire tree before it becomes a danger. North American species of ash have no natural defenses against this insect like Asian species, leaving the invasive insects free to enjoy a gluttonous feast.

After a recent survey, it is estimated that ash trees comprise about 30 percent of the canopy of all 15,000 acres of MetroParks. Park services, the conservation staff and education staff have come together to create a comprehensive plan to manage our natural areas in the most effective manner. Chemical treatment options are available, and Five Rivers MetroParks has a list of about 600 trees, which will have to be inoculated every two years for the next 15-20 years. Trees were chosen based on species preservation (like the rare pumpkin ash), and location (because of other structures or surroundings, it is not feasible to remove the tree) among other considerations. Trees in or around public areas, including parking lots, picnic sites, hiking trails and other locations that are not being treated must be removed. This project is a huge undertaking that will cost millions of dollars to the agency, but one that cannot be ignored.

Sounds like a bummer, right? Well, concede that in today’s global economy, these things will happen. It’s not the first time humans’ mobility has disrupted nature (remember Dutch elm disease), and it won’t be the last. A disease affecting conifers already is on the horizon. So what’s a tree hugger to do? Why, get involved in the reforestation project, of course!

Purple traps like these are being set around infested areas so researchers can monitor the beetles' behavior.

MetroParks horticulturalists have been busy this fall collecting seeds and propagating them to grow into seedlings. I can tell you there are row and rows of flats of seedlings and two refrigerators full of nuts right now at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. The first phase of reforestation will be to grow and care for these babies, and here’s where you come in: Sign up to be a Forest Foster Family. These volunteers will “adopt” a flat of seedlings to raise in their own homes for about a year and then take them to a designated MetroPark area to plant. Don’t worry, we’ll give you detailed instruction on care of your future forests. Flats will be prepped for distribution around this coming spring, and by spring of 2012, those healthy little seedlings should be ready for their new MetroPark home. Learn more in the winter issue of ParkWays available now.

If you’re interested in signing up or learning more, contact or volunteer services coordinators Kevin Kepler or Janelle Leonard at (937) 275-PARK (7275). The bug is here, and there’s not much we can do to stop it from consuming our forests, but we can make a difference and increase biodiversity so we will be ready for whatever comes next.

Holiday Shopping in Downtown Centerville & Waynesville

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Did you know…?

….That the Dayton Daily News rated the downtown Centerville area as NUMBER 1 for the most interesting and fun place to shop?  And I am totally embarrassed to reveal that I have lived in the Centerville area for about 10 years and never even bothered to have a peek at some of those specialty and boutique stores.  Well, my research, of course, involved a day of visiting some of these stores.  Folks, I’m originally from New York, and I have to say, even I was amazed!  The experience for me was like a walk through the shopping and art districts of Paris, France, Los Angeles, and New York City all put together. I learned that some of these shops are introducing what some of the proprietors calculate as products, gifts and clothing which put Dayton one, if not two years, behind the fashion curve!!  Suddenly I felt this little proud and pouty little kid complex come out of me.   I personally was once painfully enjoying that privileged bombardment of products and artwork whose first introduction to the world came through New Yorkers “Only”.   Generally, we knew that products were first tested on New Yorkers, because, as the rule goes, if New Yorkers liked it, then your product would more than likely succeed throughout the rest of the country!  How blessed I once felt!  Well, I’ll be darned; I got over that quickly as I walked through some of these shops!

Allow me to name just a few of some really very unique shops like Joli Boutique, Circa Home Décor and Antiques, Asahel’s Emporium, Loralei’s Boutique, and Visceral Gallery, etc. I’d really love to introduce some extraordinary Christmas items you can find and purchase at these stores, ranging from the one of a kind for the “unique” you to the extremely reasonable and accessible!

For a listing of downtown Centerville shops go to www.heartofcenterville.com

Remember Asahel’s Emporium?  Didn’t that used to be mostly a museum type place?  Well, guess again, it was a mini winter wonderland of specialty gifts and crafts like greeting cards, artisan jewelry, Christmas snowmen and Santas, ornaments that can be personalized, stocking stuffers, car charms, photography, handbags, wall art, mantel signs, ceramic angels, pottery, fine art umbrellas, kitchen towels, floral nightlights, clocks made with wood that is more than 180 years old, puzzle balls, plant stakes and need I continue?  A very nice benefit to your purchase here is that all proceeds go to the historical society of Centerville-Washington Township which helps to preserve the town’s history and educational programs for children. That’s kind of awesome!

Circa Home Décor and Antiques is a feast for your creative eyes. Items like Christmas ornaments and decorations that are unusually different and with unique color tones, tons of assorted Christmas Santas, French milled soaps shaped like your pets, tea towels, table cloths, authentic shell, cast iron and beaded napkin holders, Christmas socks, festive shoes, dishware and highly unusual mantel stockings.  There is clothing and antique artwork, and more.

Joli Boutique was very original and the owner shared that her ideal in opening up such a store eightyears ago, was first and foremost the return of genuine and personal customer service, and yes, I experienced it and I observed everyone else experiencing it too! This store serves all ages, sizes and price ranges.  There are humanity bracelets whose proceeds go to school supplies for homeless children across the nation.  There’s a hat shop and they sell one of a kind gowns, vintage and modern gowns, and there is the coolest little metal black dress to die for!  There’s jewelry and clothing from artists from Los Angeles to Paris.  There are essential oils, soaps, popcorn shirts out of Rockport, Massachusetts, and really cool snake chains made of soft pliable metal that can be molded into whatever your little artistic fingers can design (I’m getting one of those ASAP!), dickies, leg warmers, leggings, etc. etc.  All I can say about this place is for you to dare to “step outside the box”!   La Shoe Boutique (same location, upstairs) carries shoes, boots, clothing, accessories; local artist boot jewelry, earrings, hats and the owners of both stores are sweet people and welcoming.

Quick synopsis of the others…

Loralei’s Boutique – Finer and designer consignment, and gently used merchandise. Some is also new, scarves, hats, authentic Gucci, Coach, Brahmin, Dooney, and Burke.  Juicy bags, Ferragamo shoes, St. John knit suits, crystal chandeliers, and high end boutique items.  The place is beautifully decorated.  The owner is offering gift certificates of $50 for $35 and other amounts are also available.

Unique Celebrations sells things like Santa wine stoppers, unique gifts, a very special potpourri, Christmas teas, personalized hand painted ornaments and glassware, wine glasses and plates, with special messages, and you can even book parties in her sister shop called The Tea Room.  Gifts are creatively wrapped at no extra charge!

Visceral Gallery – This owner was kind of special.  She has been in her shop for two years, is an artist herself, andtaught art at three different levels in the Centerville schools.  She specializes in elements for interiors and corporate design, fine art and unique jewelry, local and national artists (over 50 artists in-house who represent local, regional and national environments.  There is silver jewelry, body adornments, silk scarves, dyed shirts, mobiles, glasswork, sculptures, framed items, Japanese clay jewelry, and even some of Bing Davis’ pottery ceramics!  Bing Davis’s work was part of the show held at the Dayton Art Institute.  He is an educator and artist from the area.  There are even origami cards! And this doesn’t cover it all.  Exhibits change monthly, and you can rent Visceral for your next event.  It’s a very contemporary and classy locale.  For more information, visit www.francineriley.com/visceral.html

Now let’s take a ride down the road over to Waynesville, Ohio to…

THE WAYNESVILLE SHOPS: The Antiques Capital of the Midwest!


If you don’t have a lot of time to shop and would like to have access to a slew of congregated Christmas and holiday craft and antique stores, all on one convenient street, Waynesville is apparently “the” place for you.  It’s not just easy; it’s a really quaint and enchanting experience!  Many of the stores appear to be inside beautifully refurbished Victorian, Queen Anne and Eduardian style homes or are surrounded by them.  They are even open until 8pm on Thursday nights, and here is the link to all the shops you can shop til you drop!  http://waynesvilleshops.com

Want to combine it into a walking history day?  Go here: http://www.waynesvilleohio.com/Walking%20Tour.pdf

These shops are all mostly located on South Main Street in Waynesville.  You can also get a free “Passport” from any of the stores, which you can use to win a $500 shopping spree supporting all the downtown Waynesville shops as well as a Waynesville, Ohio Getaway!

  • December 10-12th weekend is being advertised as “Girlfriend’s Weekend” where you can shop, dine, have coffee, or lunch in Waynesville and then enjoy each of the shop’s individual promotionals!
  • December 26 through January 3rd is Waynesville’s “Ring in the New Year” sidewalk sale.

When you’re finished with your Christmas and holiday shopping, hand in your free passport either to a store proprietor or to the Chamber of Commerce at 10B North Main Street in Waynesville, to be considered in the drawing for the above-mentioned $500 Shopping Spree and Getaway Weekend!  The Passport period ends January 3rd so be sure to submit your passport by that day.  For information, directions and a listing of shops go to www.waynesvilleohio.com

As you get ready to explore the Centerville and Waynesville area’s vast array of specialty stores, please note every one of these shops are definitely visit-worthy.  They are retail shops, yes, but they are also fascinating fashion and historical experiences!  Open yourself up to them and it will be a day to remember!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Christmas Cookies – The Truly Secret Ingredient

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In our family, there is really only one kind of cookie, and their appreciation is not relegated to only Christmas.  However, no Christmas would be complete without Mom’s sugar cookies – green frosted trees with m&m ornaments, yellow stars, bells and snowmen dressed with hats and buttons, that just beg for you to bite their head off.

Cookie baking is a tradition and traditions are most fun when they are being passed on to younger generations.  Cookie baking and little girls “licking the spoon” go hand in hand.  My first memories are of baking cookies with my mom, and my niece has been baking those same cookies every time she goes to Grandma’s house.   I always invite the youngest over during the big Christmas cookie baking extravaganza.  But the most special of cookies take years of tutelage before any female in our family is allowed to even consider trying to bake them herself.

The secret recipe is just as much a measure of patience and knowledge as it is ingredients.   Knowing just when to take the cookies out of the oven, lest they become crunchy.  Ensuring that the butter is soft but not so soft as to require the addition of more flour…. the proper thickness to roll the dough… how to keep them from getting too fluffy… how to store them when traveling, etc.  The lessons are many but the results are truly amazing.

Throughout my childhood these cookies moved mountains.  My brother used to sell or barter them at school.  I am certain that they were the reason I was invited to go to the “popular” girl’s birthday party in seventh grade.  They may have even played a role in me getting a date to the dance (I can see it now… my brother probably said…. No, you can’t have any of these cookies, but I will let you take my little sister to the prom.)    My Mom… once lovingly referred to as “The Dragon Lady” at work is revered as “The Cookie Fairy” when she brings them to the office.  To this day, even my Dad will momentarily forget “The War” that was waged (aka the divorce) and smile when we get him one of mom’s cookies.  It takes us all back to happy moments.

When my parents were married, homemade baked goods were our family’s gift to extended family, neighbors and friends.  Everyone knew that mom had adapted the cookie recipe in a way that had far surpassed the basic ingredients of its origins.  Accompanied by a variety of goodies, the sugar cookies were always the crowning jewel of the gift.  For many years, I have continued the Christmas cookie tradition.

I have learned to identify the exact moment to take the cookies from the oven… but am blessed with a great oven that has extremely even and consistent heat.  So I set the timer.  I have been baking these cookies for 20+ years with my mom and could likely make her very proud.  They are consistently the right thickness, hardly ever too dry from flour, and usually travel well even with all of the frosting.

But something stops me… I make the cookies but skip the special ingredient.  I only make them occasionally.  While I am thrilled to have the knowledge, I am waiting my turn, patiently.  Mom is teaching the grandkids how to make the cookies.  My niece made her first attempt at home a few weeks ago, and while the flavor was great… she still has a few more years of learning left before they are perfected.  Mom has many years and lots of lessons to teach my daughter.   Sugar cookies are a rite of passage, but not one that should be a competition.  So I use my mom’s recipe – sans one ingredient change – and leverage all the tips and knowledge to make one heck of a sugar cookie.  I am content to know that nobody can really do it better than mom.  And because I am smart enough to acknowledge that, I am usually rewarded with a dozen cookies saved just for me.  YUM.

Oregon District holds its 2010 Candlelight Holiday Home Tour

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Dayton Ohio’s Oregon District is arguably the most well-known historic district in the area. The combination of vibrant entertainment and restored historic homes gives many Dayton visitors a reason to be at least somewhat familiar with the area. If you’ve never had the opportunity to look inside one of these gorgeous homes, the Oregon District’s Holiday Candlelight Tour is your chance!

Each of Dayton’s historic districts has a unique flavor, and the Holiday Home Tours are no different. The Oregon District Holiday Tour, held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7, 8 combines a home tour and a dinner at one of the Oregon Districts wonderful restaurants. *Please note, as of this writing, the dinner tours are full! But you can still participate in the home tours. Tour participants will gather at “The Meeting House” which is 23 Van Buren Street, and end with a dessert at one of the hosting homes. Tickets for the home tour only are $25.00, payable at the door. The tours will begin at 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm each evening. Call Eileen at 937-223-5607 for details and reservations.

Each home on the tour promises to give participants a unique glimpse of modern living in an historic setting at its finest. You visit the OD for fun and entertainment, now visit for the quieter side of life in Dayton’s oldest neighborhood, and first designated historic district.

Painting of Griswold Home by Loretta Puncer, used by permission of owner.

DATV Program: All Things Marketing

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Monica McGee, creator and show host for DATV's All Things Marketing program.

Years ago, I worked for a general contractor and my job was to supervise the work being done at one of his job sites while he was away.  I remember being fascinated by the carpenters whom – with extreme focus and spot-on precision with the hammer and nail – meticulously labored on the task before them, erecting the sturdy frame necessary for a strong structure.

Freelance marketing consultant Monica McGee operates in similar fashion.  She focuses on a goal, knocks it squarely on its head, then – like a certain Brooklyn-born hip-hop artist – moves on to the next one.

I could say that McGee’s an up-and-coming professional, but the truth is…she’s already here.

Her show, All Things Marketing, airing on DATV, is an expertly-produced examination of the importance of the often-overlooked process of marketing within everyday business, political and personal activities.  “My vision for the program is to show marketing from different viewpoints,” says McGee.  “I interview business professionals, marketing experts and individuals who understand marketing and how it relates to business, sales, image, and brand equity of a company or individual”  McGee believes showing marketing from various vantage points keeps the show interesting.

“Even if you’re not into marketing, you can relate,” she adds.  “Whether it’s a company, a job, a place or a product…everything in one way or another is marketing.”

Another interesting twist to the All Things Marketing format is that each episode focuses on a specific theme.   The first episode (“All Things Politics”) centered around the effects of marketing on the political process.  McGee’s guests – OH Representative Clayton Luckie (D), Logan Martinez (Green Party), David Landon (R),  Robert Scott (Tea Party), Fred Strahorn(D),  County Commission Candidate Jan Kelly (R),  and Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell (Independent) – represented a wide spectrum of  viewpoints within the political spectrum.

“The conversation was lively,” recalls McGee, with guests voicing their opinions on topics ranging from budgetary spending and the effectiveness of political ads in swaying public opinion.

L to R: Shondale Atkinson, Shana Douglas, Carla Weis Hale, show host Monica mcGee, Sharon Davis Howard, Kesha Brooks and Vicki Giambrone. (Photo by F. Coleman)

For her second show (“All Things Non-Profit: Making Your Marketing Monies Stretch”), McGee tapped Sharon Davis Howard and Vicki Giambrone of the Crown Jewels™ of Dayton, Shana Douglas and Carla Weis Hale of CultureMash, and Shondale Atkinson and Kesha Brooks of The Mustard Seed Foundation to discuss the challenges of marketing within the not-for-profit sector.  If you missed the November 30th airing of this fantastic episode, DATV will re-air it on Dec. 5th at 5 p.m. and Dec. 10th at 2 p.m.

“Monica’s amazing,” says Larry Haney, technical director for All Things Marketing.  “She and I talked for a long time about the direction of the show.  She’s done a wonderful job right from the beginning and she really cares about the quality of the content in the show.  Also, I like the fact that she chose to highlight some of the non-profits here in Dayton who are doing some important work.”  Show assistant and close friend  Geborah Stephen says, “She keeps things very professional.  It’s  important to her that the show be successful.”

While McGee certainly has a grand vision for All Things Marketing (“I want to have more regional guests.”), for now her focus is on Dayton and its surrounding communities.  She’s presently lining up guests for the next taping (“All Things Women: Marketing Yourself For Success In A Male-dominated Workforce”) and – like those carpenters I observed years ago – I’m marveling at the efficiency by which she’s laying  strong foundation to build upon.

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