Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Community

This Week in YP: music, food and professional development

By Leave a Comment

YP Events coming up THIS WEEK:

Generation Dayton presents Next-Generation Consulting Webcast.  Tuesday May, 25 from 11:30-1PM.  You’re moving up in the world and got that promotion – this Webcast will give you the tips and hints you need to be an awesome manager.  Brown bag lunch – drinks and desserts provided.   RSVP by Monday!

JumpstART presents Jump into the DPO .  Not ready to spend a Saturday on the arts?  Join other YPs after work on Wednesday, May 26 for $10 tickets to see 24-year old wonder Jessica Hung perform in a 45-minute concert she designed.  After the show, meet Jessica at a private JumpstART reception with pizza and a beer tasting sponsored by Boston’s Bistro and Pub.  Call 228-3630 and mention the jumpstART deal.

Generation Dayton: Even More on the calendar for the group affectionately known as “GenD.”  Coming up, you can check out the regular Fourth Friday lunch on Friday, May 28.  Get together with other young professionals at El Meson at Noon to meet new people, check out a great restaurant, and have some fun that fits into your work schedule.

Post below if I missed anything or if you have plans to attend one of these great events!

Scene It: College Edition

By Leave a Comment

For each student the “college experience” is different, some live on campus, in an apartment or the dorms while others commute from home. Some students are fresh out of high school while others are coming back because life took them an alternative route after high school. Whatever the story might be, no way of college is the “right” or “wrong” way of doing it. I, personally, am a commuter student. I live at home, rent free, with my parents. I work at a restaurant and go to school full time. I wonder sometimes about how my college experience might be different if I had chosen to go to a big university and live on campus. But with Wright State in the Dayton area, it gives Dayton somewhat of a college scene, maybe not your “typical” college scene but it is a college scene.

There are students working in department stores and restaurants making money to pay for their books, tuition, or rent. But what makes the college scene different for the Dayton area is that we, the students, come from all different places. We all aren’t from the Beavercreek, Fairborn area. For sophomore Jessica Olson, it’s a twenty minute drive from Centerville, but commuting works out for her. “I guess I like that I can still go to school, but not be emerged in all the drama school can offer,” said Olson.

Working as a nursing assistant for Fidelity Healthcare four or five days a week, Olson says that her college experience would be “a lot different, a lot worse is my guess. I’m sure my relationship with God would suffer”. She feels this ways because she said she would probably have slipped into the partying if she weren’t maintaining such a busy schedule.

So Dayton, you do have a college scene. It’s just different than that of say, Oxford’s. You have students who go to school, work, take care of families, and still some how make time for leisure. Talk about time management skills! Having a smaller university around gives the students the opportunity to have the choice of such a school. It gives students who have chosen to come back to school after years down a different path the opportunity to do so. It also gives students who might just need that extra push to continue through college, the opportunity to go somewhere where they don’t feel so overwhelmed.

Your “Traditional” YP Groups: Contemporary and Fun

By 1 Comment

When people think of YP groups, I think it’s organizations like DULYP, GenD, and HYPE that come to mind.  Groups of young people – whatever jobs or interests – in a certain region working together to advance professional development, volunteerism, and fun.  There are many YP groups that specialize in serving specific professions or interests, but the Dayton region is the proud home to a few of these comprehensive and more traditional YP organizations as well.  I spoke to Demarus Crawford-White (chair of the Dayton Urban League Young Professionals) and Shanon Potts (chair of Generation Dayton) to get their take on the YP situation in the region – and they had a lot to share.

Crawford-White is Dayton born and bred, and will tell you that she was “tricked” into becoming the chair of the DULYPs.  A friend invited her to a couple of events, asked for help with some event coordination, and before she knew it –  she was the marketing chair andthings have grown from there.  Although she didn’t know what she was getting into, Crawford-White will tell you that the “trick” was one of the best things her friend ever did for her.  Potts moved to Dayton for work from a small Ohio town after a stay in Columbus for college and law school.  She was referred to the Dayton Young Professionals Association (a group founded in 2004 when many YPs determined there weren’t enough networking opportunities) right before a merge with Generation Dayton created the current program affiliated with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.  Potts has been an active member of GenD since May 2006.

Both women tout the value that a YP org provides anyone who wants to get involved – professional networking, meeting new people,

A group of YPs enjoys YP@Play sponsored by the DULYPs.

and the value of being connected to something larger than the self.  Potts shared that her involvement with Generation Dayton opened the door for her to serve as the young professional representative on the Executive Committee for the successful Five Rivers MetroParks levy campaign in 2009.  Also, the chair of GenD holds a seat on the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees.  Those external leadership opportunities have proved invaluable to Potts as she continues to expand her network and meet new people.  Crawford-White also spoke about the value the YP organizations provide for people looking to grow professionally; being a member provides an opportunity to showcase skills in leadership, management, relationship-building, andso many more traits that employers look for.  Beyond that, membership demonstrates a commitment to community, and that drive based on passion and not the paycheck is important to employers.  Crawford-White has seen many DULYP members receive promotions due in part to the skills they’ve demonstrated through community involvement.

And it’s so easy to get involved – many events for GenD, the DULYPs, and HYPE are open to both members and non-members.  And if you’re not really a “joiner,” the ladies have some advice for you as well.  Potts explains that the benefits received by membership in GenD far outweigh the individual investment.  But if you don’t want to lose that valuable “friend time,” bring your friends along, too!  Crawford-White knows that time is an issue for all of us, but she refers back to the old adage: “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”  The DULYPs provide an easy way to stand with other YPs in the region and bring voices together to make a difference in the community.

Although their missions differ, members of both these organizations are working toward a better Dayton region for young professionals.  I asked both women why Dayton has such a negative stigma in the view of YPs.  Crawford-White knows there are valuable events happening in the region, but says it can be tough for YPs to filter- even though she has been here her whole life, she still is amazed by the great opportunities she learns about every few months.  Crawford-White believes it only takes visiting a couple YP groups and getting on some email lists until you find a group that you “click” with.  Potts agrees with the wide selection of YP opportunities in the region.  A downtown resident and frequent visitor around all parts of the region, Potts explains that Dayton is a very easy community to navigate once you are willing to become actively involved and engaged in an organization like Generation Dayton.  She expresses a specific gratitude to the many businesses and community leaders who are working to open doors to better involve and engage YPs.

A group from GenD enjoys networking and fun at a Dragon's game.

Although the passion these ladies demonstrate for their YP organizations are clear, they both demonstrate a similar passion for the region.  Potts picks Downtown Dayton as her favorite place to hang out, explore and experience.  She most enjoys walking to and from restaurants, Dragons games, the theater, art galleries as well as being at epicenter of the region’s growing system of bike paths with easy access to Yellow Springs, Xenia and Miamisburg.  Crawford-White highlights the MetroParks as her favorite Dayton spot(s) – from Riverscape to the 2nd Street Market, Cox Arboretum and Wegerzyn Gardens – she appreciates that the “the whole system is really a neat and wallet-friendly place to spend the day.”

Hopefully, this expanded highlight of a couple of the region’s most comprehensive YP organizations – and the women who are currently at the helm –  has demonstrated the ease and important value of getting engaged in the opportunities our region offers.  Whatever you’re looking for – social activities, new friends, professional development, volunteering, education or more – could be found with the programs sponsored by Generation Dayton and the Dayton Urban League Young Professionals.  For a final thought – Crawford-White reminds us that Dayton was made famous by individuals who thought outside of the box.  The Wright Brothers, Charles Kettering, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Erma Bombeck all started their fantastic careers here in Dayton while they were “young professionals.”  She asks, “What potential does yet another Dayton YP have to make and impact?”

NOTE: Schedules didn’t work out and I was unable to speak with a representative to HYPE, but if you’re a YP in the Northern Miami Valley area and want to stay a little closer to home – check out this org that provides great opportunities. HYPE will be featured in the future.

Generation Dayton (YPs ages 21-40) is dedicated to connecting young professionals with one another and to the community so that together YPs can become integral components in the future of the success of the region.  GenD offers many unique opportunities  – popular ones include Generation Dayton Day (a community-wide volunteering opportunity), volunteer speed matching, an annual holiday party, and regular “Thirsty Thursdays” for business and social networking.

The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals (YPs ages 21-44) are the auxiliary association of the Dayton Urban League; the DULYPs work to further the five empowerment points of the League.   The DULYPs are affiliated with the National Urban League, and that partnerhsip provides great national experiences for members.  Popular local activities include the professional development series, the Next Level Entrepreneurship Conference, the monthly YP @ Play evenings, and opportunities to volunteer in the community.

Greater Downtown Dayton Plan Update

By Leave a Comment

The organizers of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan unveiled “the plan” earlier today, and we’ll have more info to share soon – but for now check out the video that Dayton’s Kenny Mosher put together that sums up just how important Downtown Dayton is, and why the entire region should believe in its future.

The Downtown Dayton Plan from Kenny Mosher on Vimeo.

YPs This Week: Eggs, Merlot, Kites and Dancing!

By 1 Comment

YP Events coming up THIS WEEK:

GenD hosts their monthly Business and Breakfast on Tuesday, May 18 from 7-8 AM at the First Watch by the Dayton Mall.  Everyone is welcome; the event is free to attend, but breakfast is at your own expense. 

HYPE:  HYPE stands for Helping Young Professionals Emergeand works to connect YPs in the Northern Miami Valley to great opportunities.  Thursday, May 20th is the One Year Anniversary Bash!  Have a great time with old and new friends and make new contacts with special features including a dj with music videos, year in review news and photos, and much more!  5:30 PM at Club 55 in Troy.

HYPE keeps up the fun on Friday, May 21 as they dispel the mystery of wine through our upcoming Wine Education Series.   Join the fun and education at The Piqua Country Club as they feature an amazing line-up of wine and culinary expertise. 

Dayton Creatives Syndicate: Looking for something fun do do? Why don’t you go fly a kite?  No, really — join your friends at the Dayton Creative Syndicate from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Possum Creek MetroPark for the Go Fly a Kite Regatta.  Everyone is welcome to participate or just enjoy!

The Dayton Ballet Associate Board/Ballet Barre is holding a recruiting event on Saturday, May 22nd @ Champs by the Dayton Mall at 5 pm.  Check it out for a casual and fun way to learn more about what this group is doing to get people under 45 engaged in the region’s arts.

Did I miss anything?  If you know of a specific YP event happening between now and May 23 – post it here!

In Celebration of AmeriCorps Week

By 4 Comments

The following was submitted by DaytonMostMetro.com reader Caitlin Closser

With any revelation arises the need to announce it to the world, and I wish to announce that I am in love…with service.  This love is not without its challenges.  However, now that I’ve experienced the warmth, inspiration, and pure joy that serving creates, I know I’ll never be without it in my life again.

Service and I were mere acquaintances in the past.  Sure, we had met a few times, on various projects.  The response had been positive, but life, as always, got in the way.  With the need to earn a living, there just wasn’t enough time for it.  That is, until AmeriCorps came along.

Laid off unceremoniously from my last job, I found myself unemployed and stranded.  My previous company unleashed nearly 300 of us into an unforgiving job market.  The months following the layoff were bleak.  There was a shortage of jobs I was interested in, and I wasn’t qualified for any of them.  That was when I discovered AmeriCorps, a program that has existed since the Clinton administration, but was little known to me.  I pursued AmeriCorps for practical reasons: to build my resume, to gain the experience I lacked in the community development field.

AmeriCorps, the domestic cousin of the Peace Corps, is a year-long service commitment.  AmeriCorps members work in widespread fields, from community development to conservation to education.  In exchange for their service, members earn a small living stipend and an education grant upon completion.

This is just the part they tell you about.  The part that doesn’t fit so neatly into word packages is the assurance that for maybe the first time ever, you are doing something meaningful with your life.  It’s the smiles, the hugs, the thank you notes from the people you are helping.  It’s the ability to see the incredible progress volunteers can make towards repairing a home in a single day.

I currently serve with Rebuilding Together Dayton, a non-profit that performs home repairs and modifications at no cost to the low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners who live in them.  We are fueled by hard-working volunteers and generous sponsors.  Our mission is a safe, warm, and dry home for every Dayton homeowner.

The work can be tedious, tiresome, and downright filthy.  Just last week I had to dive into a dumpster from one of our project sites to try and retrieve stray tires before the trash could be picked up.  On a regular basis I talk with homeowners whose life stories that are so sad they would melt your heart.

As this is AmeriCorps week, I wish to celebrate by offering this homage to a program that has changed my life.  I encourage you to pursue your own love affair with service.  Visit AmeriCorps’s website.  Seek out serving opportunities near you.

Is it challenging to live near the poverty line?  Sure is.  Is the work difficult?  At times, terribly.  Does it feel like I am working towards an unachievable goal?  Sometimes it does.

Is it worth it?  Absolutely.

Dayton to Daytona: A time for celebration

By Leave a Comment

For the 2,500+ University of Dayton students who make the long journey to Daytona Beach, Fl., it can be the best week of their lives. The traditional trip was from May 4 – May 10 this year and did not fail to disappoint. The week-long party has been going strong since 1978 and is in the hearts of many as an important tradition and final send off for seniors.

Source: Ashley Laker

A room of five will run students $209 each, according to this year’s rates. Any additional information can be found here. This is a very competitive deal which averages to less than $30 a day for a beachfront apartment! The main hotel overlooks a large pool area where Budweiser provides free beer during a few precious hours of the day.

With all this free beer in mind, UD had to be concerned about student safety, especially after incidents at other schools that have been making national news. Because it is an unfamiliar city, students are highly encouraged to stay together at night, and to never go out alone. “You always need to have someone with you when walking to any other place in the area,” said UD student Ashley Laker. “I would never recommend walking alone.”

UD is well-known for having a feeling of togetherness among its students and it is one of the first things that visiting students and prospective students notice when they come to the campus. This feeling is emphasized during Daytona as a large part of the student population converges on Daytona Beach to have one last party and to be with their friends one last time before graduating to “the real world”.

Among the highlights of the trip (besides the free beer of course) are the live performances by popular bands and artists. With popular past performances by bands like Reel Big Fish, UD does not fail in bringing the bands we all like to Daytona. This year’s headliners were up-and-coming Hip-hop artist Mike Posner and Pop-punk band Boys Like Girls. A spirited 2009 performance from Mike Posner is here:

Hearing about all of this just makes me excited for my turn to join in and bask in the sun that is Dayton to Daytona. For all of you Dayton alumni, what were your favorite memories from Daytona? Please feel free to share them!

Come Celebrate a Victory for Dayton

By 2 Comments

Written By DaytonMostMetro.com guest contributor Val Hunt Beerbower – PR Specialist at Five Rivers MetroParks

Cyclists celebrate a victory for Dayton during Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights this Friday!

Cycling is taking Dayton by storm, and this pedal-powered movement has captured national attention.

The League of American Bicyclists has honored Dayton, Ohio, with its bronze-level status for a bike-friendly city. “Communities from all areas of the country, climates and populations see bicycling as an integral component of building livable communities,” said League President Andy Clarke. “The Bicycle Friendly Community program is recognizing those leading the way.”

To celebrate this designation and highlight the emerging prominence of bicycling in Dayton, a special escorted group ride is scheduled in concurrence with Urban Nights. Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights, a group ride, kicks off festivities at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Fifth Third Field. “This is a great way to bring cycling to the attention of Urban Nights patrons and raise awareness of bicyclists’ right to share the road,” said Andy Williamson, assistant outdoor recreation manager for the Outdoor Recreation Department at Five Rivers MetroParks, and spokesperson for the Drive Less Live More campaign. “It’s a bigger and bolder version of the regular Courteous Mass rides, in which we promote group cycling with an emphasis on learning the rules of the road. This is more of a parade – complete with local celebrities!” In addition to Dayton Police Department officers, Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights will host two Dayton City Commissioners.

There is much cause for celebration within the cycling community. The application process to become a BFC is rigorous; currently only 140 of the 359 total applicants have a BFC four-year designation. Communities vying for BCF status must establish records in two or more of the five categories which are known as the Five Es:

  • Education: Does the community have systems in place to train children and adult cyclists?
  • Engineering: Are bicyclists included in the city’s transportation plan?
  • Enforcement: Do police officers understand and enforce bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities?
  • Encouragement: Does the community participate in Bike Month, offer bike rodeos, host community bike rides, or otherwise encourage cycling?
  • Evaluation: Does the community have methods in place to ensure their bicyclist programs are making a difference?

Adding to the excitement of the occasion is the upcoming opening of the new RiverScape Bike Hub, part of RiverScape MetroPark’s latest development phase. The Hub will feature secured, patrolled areas with 40 bike lockers, four showers, 42 storage lockers, restrooms and food concession stand, making it convenient for bike commuters to head to work on two wheels as well as families in need of a pit stop while enjoying an afternoon on the recreational trails. “The Hub is only the third bike commuter facility to open east of the Mississippi,” says Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation Director Greg Brumitt. “Washington, D.C., and Chicago are the other east coast locations, and we’re only the third in the Midwest (besides Chicago and Minneapolis) to open a hub. Certainly, we’re the first mid-size city to open a special bike hub, and that’s something to cheer about.”

Anyone who can ride a bike is invited to join the celebration at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Fifth Third Field. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the sights and sounds of Urban Nights. Five Rivers MetroParks will have its own bike-friendly activities—free bike rentals and pedicabs will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

Learn more about other cycling activities and opportunities by visiting the website www.metroparks.org/cycling or calling (937) 275-277-4374.

Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble * True Nature/FilmDayton After-Party

By Leave a Comment

RUCKUS ROBOTICUS, SCORPIUS MAX & THE REV. COOL ARKESTRA & DANCE ENSEMBLE provide a night of high energy dance music in a benefit for FILMDAYTON and an after-party for the film TRUE NATURE.

Although the Arkestra event begins at 10 PM there is an entire evening of dance party entertainment at Gillys as a part of the FilmDayton Festival. A Red Carpet reception takes place from 8PM to 10 PM with the famed Scorpius Max providing the beats.

Following the Neon showing of True Nature the after party goes into full blast with the internationally acclaimed Ruckus Roboticus.The boy robot has recently tour England and Korea, creates soundtracks for Nickelodeon and has played sold out crowds at clubs like NYC’s Mercury Lounge.

At 11PM the REV. COOL ARKESTRA & DANCE ENSEMBLE hits the floor with the most exciting show anywhere with live DJs, horns, drums, Afrobeat, House and Electronic Dance music as well as the most amazing hip-hop dancers in the Midwest. Scorpius will continue the dance party with you even after the professional dancers have left the floor panting.

At 10 the cover drops to a mere $5 or FREE with a stub from TRUE NATURE or a all inclusive FilmDayton pass.

WEAR YOUR DANCING SHOES — DON’T MISS IT!!!

Young Professionals in Dayton: Who, What and Why

By 2 Comments

There are so many organizations that encourage involvement in the Dayton region – clubs and associations focused on topics from entertainment to networking to recreation to hobbies to philanthropy to professional development and more.  But there’s a certain niche of organizations that are specifically directed toward “young professionals,” and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you through DaytonMostMetro.com.

First, let’s get the *full disclosure* out of the way.  I’m on the team that put together the updayton “Young Creatives Summit,” so obviously this is something I feel passionately about.  I also volunteer as the co-chair of the Culture Works Associate Board that puts together deals and events to better connect young professionals to the many arts opportunities in the region.  I’ve been to events sponsored by DULYP, DCS, GenD, the Red Cross Associate Board, and more;  I like what’s going on in the region for YPs and I’m looking forward to keeping you in the loop.

Now for this term “young professional.”  Some people I’ve talked with have been turned-off by the stigma of the term “young professional” thinking that it still carries the negative Yuppie stereotype that it did in the 80s & 90s.  Others fear the term neglects those who love their careers and callings, but are not considered 9-to-5 “professionals.”  And people who are unemployed, in temporary positions as they search for their career, or doing amazing work as volunteers, may feel left out by not being “professional”  at all.  If you have better suggestions (remember, I’m part of the group who took a shot with “young creatives”) – leave them in the comments.  The term young professional is what we have, so that’s what you’ll see throughout these articles.  I’m talking to you if you’re in your 20s/30s – regardless of career choice or lifestyle.  And if there are any stipulations about the type of young professional you have to be to participate, I’ll let you know.

There are a lot of ways that people in their 20s and 30s are getting connected, making a difference, and having fun in the region.  And these organizations aren’t necessarily working against each other.  I’ve seen some true partnerhsips developing; just over the past year, a quarterly lunch has been held so that representatives from some of the local YP organizations can gather to coordinate schedules, cross-promote events, and share ideas and resources.  There is collaborration happening where groups are supporting one another and encouraging members to explore different events.  Although our region may appear super-saturated by YP organizations, I think it speaks to the critical mass of YPs in the region that so many unique organizations can exist and remain sustainable.

So, moving forward, I’m going to try and keep you up-to-date on opportunities specifically for young professionals throughout the region. For those who claim, “there’s nothing to do,” it’s because they’re not looking hard enough.  Lots of great YP organizations, events, and people making a difference will be highlighted in the future.   If there’s anything specific you’d like to see on these pages or if you’re interested in a certain topic, leave it in the comments.

Just a few events coming up this week for YPs:

Generation Dayton: May 11 at 5:30 at the Ohio Coffee Co. – Downtown Dayton: Present and Future– A great opportunity to hear about the role of YPs in changes happening downtown, learn about great opportunities to get active this summer through Five Rivers MetroParks, and talk about how DaytonMostMetro.com is working to bring the region together online.

United Way Young Leaders Series: Connecting Career with Community – Marketing yourself in the Dayton region
May 12th from 8:00 – 9:30 am at the Sinclair Ponitz Center

GenD keeps the week moving along with their monthly Thirsty Thursday.  On May 13 it’s at Brio at the Greene starting at 5:30 PM.

Dayton Urban League Young Professionals: check out the YP at Play night at Therapy Cafe on the second Friday of each month (May 14).  They pull out the old school board games, get active with Twister and Musical Chairs, and have an all out great time.

JumpstART:  JumpstART is the activity arm of the Culture Works Associate Board.  You know you’ve wanted to check out Urban Nights (Friday, May 14), but if you don’t know what to expect or where to go – they’ll take the mystery out with a hybrid art hop/pub crawl around the city.

Gem City Circle Walking Tours: Sharing the legacy of Downtown Dayton

By 1 Comment

Historians Leon Bey and Nancy Roach of Gem City Circle Walking Tours

Some local historians are offering a unique look into the vibrancy of a city’s past, and the possibilities of an exciting, expansive future.

Leon Bey and Nancy Roach, of Gem City Circle Walking Tours, have recently begun their fifth season of walking tours for downtown Dayton, highlighting the famous and not-so-famous aspects of Dayton history.

Bey and Roach met five years ago in a manner that Roach characterized as “fate.”

“It was meant to be,” said Roach. “I was doing research in the local history room at the [Dayton Metro] library. I asked the librarian down there if he could help me with some of the information. It was Leon, who just happened to be working as a substitute that day.

“We starting talking about our interest in the community. So I asked him, ‘Would you like to research with me and do a walking tour of downtown?’  He looked at me and said, ‘I have a walk and I’m looking for someone to do it with me!'”

The walks were born on that day.

The duo’s excitement and enthusiasm for Dayton’s rich heritage is evident to anyone who goes “walkin’ and talkin'” with them on one of their leisurely downtown walking tours, which are given on the first and last weekends of the month.

Bey and Roach weave together historical accounts, personal recollections and photographic images to create a vivid experience.  That experience is often reciprocated when local residents share recollections of their own visits to downtown theaters, department stores and businesses long gone. “Some of the people on the tours, the older people, they have great memories,” said Bey.

The old Journal Herald building at 111 E. Fourth Street. Look familiar? It's currently occupied by the night club Hammerjax.

The tours, however, do more than simply highlight the city’s past – they also offer glimpses into possible strategic re-uses of some of downtown’s historic structures like the Dayton Arcade, which was purchased last year by two developers who are intent on restoring the beautiful, five-building complex to its former glory. (Leon Bey founded “Friends of the Dayton Arcade”, a non-profit group dedicated to raising awareness and money for the future development of the Dayton Arcade.)

Far from just revisiting the glories of days gone by, the walks also examine the cultural, social and economic contributions of various ethnic groups and nationalities in the area.  The tours provide a very street-level perspective of Dayton history. Many topics are discussed: The 1913 Dayton Flood, Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Dayton and the history of department stores founded in Dayton are explored.

Gem City Circle Walking Tours offers these programs (partial listing):

  • Oregon Arts District
  • Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders
  • Miami & Erie Canal Walk of Downtown Dayton
  • Historic Downtown Dayton’s Main Street
  • Ludlow Street

The fee for each walk is $10. Tours are approximately 3 hours long, with scheduled breaks, including an hour for lunch.  Advance reservations are required. Groups are welcome.

For walk reservations or additional information, contact Leon Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

Stivers Choreographers Showcase Fundraiser

By Leave a Comment

Here is an opportunity for you to have an evening of entertainment and help a great cause.  Thursday, May 13, the Seedling Foundation is hosting a private preview at 7:30 pm in Stivers Centennial Hall to raise funds for the dance department.

• Meet the choreographers

•Hear about the creative process from idea to dance

• Learn how the dances are created, practiced and performed

Stivers School for the Arts
2010 Choreographers Showcase

The evening starts with a 6 -7:30 pm hors d’ oeuvre buffet served by Coco’s bistro
$30 for buffet and preview
(includes $15 tax deductible donation to the seedling Foundation)
Call 937.430.6402 for reservations

Call for art for Urban Nights: Street Gallery @ Jefferson Place!

By Leave a Comment

Yes, I know it’s very last minute, but artists, do you have art laying around your studio that you wish was on public display? Send me a digital image to OK with management, and then drop it off Sunday or Wednesday with a way to attach it to wires. I’ll hang & light it in the windows of Jefferson Place (corner of 2nd & Jefferson) downtown, just in time for Urban Nights! The details can be found below & printed here (I’ll bring extra copies): http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AU2J6AlHg0AlZHg4N3N6OF82N2c2Y3Btc2dj&hl=en ___________________________________

The Living City Project’s

Street Gallery @ Jefferson Place

Guidelines for Artists Thank you for your interest in showing your work at the Street Gallery @ Jefferson Place! This is a community service of the Living City Project and Jefferson Place intended to bring more life to the streets of downtown Dayton and is not a commercial endeavor. Please notify Kate of your intent to submit by e-mailing a digital image and dimensions to [email protected]. Below are some items to consider:

  • Liability – The Jefferson Place apartment building is providing their storefront for artists wanting a public presence on the streets of Dayton. The storefront will not be open to anyone but the building owners and designated associates. However, the owners cannot 100% guarantee the security of your art, though they will make every attempt. If you are concerned, we encourage you to make a print to display instead of the original. Owners and Management is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged pieces. Due to the space being unoccupied, there may be showings to prospective tenants in the retail space. Management has the right to give 15 days notice to have the art removed by the artist. If artwork is not removed within the 15 days notice period given, management will not be responsible for keeping or storing the artwork.
  • Installation and Tear-Down dates – You will be given two opportunities to install your work – Sunday, May 9 from 2-5PM and Wednesday, May 12 from 4:30-7PM. There are 25 windows ranging from 15″ to 52″ wide (most are 34″) and approximately 5 ft tall. Work will stay up through June 26th or 27th; you may pick it up either day from 2-5PM. Management will allow access to space through the coordinators of this project, but is not responsible for setup, takedown, or any utilities outside the agreement.
  • Installation methods – 2-D work should be mounted on a rigid surface and you should provide a way to attach wires to hang it from above (otherwise we’ll provide duct tape). The work will hang from wires attached to dowel rods above. The Living City will provide methods of hanging but you must provide a way to attach wires to your work.
  • Content – Since the art will be on view for the general public walking down the street, work must be “family friendly” in nature and not intended to offend. Final discretion will be given to the building owners. Please discuss with Kate (see contact info below) if you are not sure whether your work would be appropriate.
  • Self-promotion – Since the Street Gallery will not directly handle the sale of your art, artists are encouraged to creatively self-promote with labels to direct viewers to your website or other means to contact you and purchase your art.
  • Lighting – The Living City will provide rope lighting above your work so that it brings life to the streets of Dayton at night. If you would like to provide your own additional lighting and extension cords, let us know. Works will be lit for a few hours after sunset through the month of May.
  • Contact Info – The Project Manager is Kate Ervin of the Living City Project. She can be reached at [email protected] or 554-8865.

Please print this document, sign it, and bring it with you to the Installation. I, the undersigned, have read and understand the above guidelines. I will not hold Jefferson Place, Tower Commercial Group LLC, owners, or Living City Project, Inc. liable for any loss or damage to my property. Signed ______________________ Date ____________________ Print Name _______________________________

Wayne Avenue Widening Project – Good or Bad

By 15 Comments

The following was submitted by Hilary Ross Browning – resident of the South Park neighborhood.  We invite comments from affected residents AND city staff – what do YOU think?

Wayne Avenue - Click to view map

Along Wayne Avenue, lawn signs scream “Stop the Widening Project” and “City Unfair to us.” A seemingly simple infrastructure upgrade has angered many, and leaves Wayne Avenue residents with an uncertain future. There is no doubt, however, that the intersection of Wayne and Wilmington Pike needs improvement.
Congestion, speeding, street light timing, and pedestrian access are just a few concerns that the City should address when improving the intersection. The City’s solution, however, is to widen the road from Anderson Road to Wilmington Pike and from Wilmington Pike to Beckman Street. Widening will start in June, with an estimated completion date in July 2011. The city will use funds from Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and Ohio State Issue 1 funds from Ohio Public Works.

The current plan involves taking a portion of land from property owners using eminent domain. The use of eminent domain is legal in this case, and likely necessary, as property owners do not want to cede land voluntarily. The Supreme Court has upheld the use of eminent domain for infrastructure upgrades as a form of economic development. Kelo v. New London (2005) and Berman v. Parker (1954) have established that governments can take land for public purposes provided just compensation for affected property owners.

From the perspective of Wayne Avenue residents, however, the Wayne Avenue project infringes on property owner rights. These residents are forced to accept the project, whether they want to cede land to the City or not.  Residents have lingering concerns about diminished property values, safety, and the justness of the City’s actions.

It is equally concerning that the City’s plan may not improve the intersection, and widening may have undesirable long-term ramifications. The widening project could affect citizens for decades- and the quality of the plan should reflect the importance of Wayne Avenue as a central traffic artery.

To be successful, the Wayne Avenue project should be a measurable improvement over the present design. The project should benefit the majority of citizens, and should take into account any negative long-term consequences.

Unfortunately, the City’s plan for Wayne Avenue may not be an improvement over the old design. City of Dayton traffic engineers believe widening the road will relieve traffic congestion and promote safety.  Urban design proponents, however, argue that street widening causes more problems than it solves. For example, urban design studies performed by Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and Andres Duany have shown that street widening encourages greater traffic volume. Increased traffic on Wayne Avenue would negate the traffic calming effect of widening the road.

Additionally, the widening project does not benefit all road users. Widening the road clearly benefits drivers, not cyclists and pedestrians. The City plans to replace the sidewalks and tree lawn, but it is unclear if traffic lights and cross walks will be updated to better serve pedestrians as part of this project. As for cyclists, the widening project will not make room for a bike lane.

Another concern is the potential destabilization of the housing block along Wayne. Homeowners face hard choices about the safety and value of their properties; many have chosen to sell their properties. The alienation of Wayne avenue residents is damaging to the neighborhood and city, as they may choose to leave the City of Dayton for good. Losing long-term residents is an undesirable consequence of a public infrastructure project.  The widening project will decrease the market value of homes along Wayne, potentially inviting landlords instead of owner-occupants.

The City should address these concerns before moving forward with the intended project. It may be difficult or impossible to address the immediate concerns of residents living along Wayne. However, the City should not settle on an inferior design because of these challenges. With a new road design, Wayne Avenue could be a vibrant corridor. It may not be within the City’s reach to create a tree-lined boulevard or divided road, but beautification could ease some concerns.

A little creativity and extra effort could turn Wayne Avenue around for the better. Widening the road does not promote bike or pedestrian traffic; nor is it a long-term solution to better Wayne Avenue.  As it stands, City residents must accept an inferior road upgrade instead of a sustainable, long-term solution.

Calzones, Community & Culture Works: Help Milano’s support local arts in Dayton

By 2 Comments

On select days in May, Milano’s Atlantic City Submarines will be doing their part to help support Dayton’s rich and vibrant arts community.

Every Wednesday in May, Milano’s will donate 20% of each sale to Culture Works, the united arts fund and service agency that provides funds and services for many non-profit art agencies in the Greater Dayton area.

All three restaurant locations are participating in the promotion.

Present this flyer to a staff member at Milano’s on the designated days to donate a portion of your sale to Culture Works.

9572 Springboro Pike, Miamisburg

2260 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek

1834 Brown Street, Dayton

May 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Family (Farm) Planning

By 1 Comment

Hello, I’m Holly Michael –  farm wife, mother, blogger , DMM crazy headline writer and communications professional who has worked at some of Dayton’s largest companies. I straddle the sometimes equally stinky worlds of agriculture and corporate life, so you don’t have to

Our young but enthusiastic barn crew

Our young but enthusiastic barn crew

It’s absolutely incredible but the farmer I married, a man who can visit the entire grocery and emerge only with the food he needs for the next 20 minutes of his life, chose gilts in August to breed in September to birth in February to sell in April–all so they can be shown at the county fair again in September. Whew.

The output of all that planning ahead culminated in our annual spring pig sale (auction) last weekend. We sell young pigs (about 30-80 pounds) to 4-H members and their parents from across the country. After they leave our sale, the pigs are raised all summer by 4-H kids and then shown at county or state fairs.

As I mentioned above, ensuring you have the right pigs on hand for the sale  involves months of pre-planning. In the weeks leading up to the auction, we also had a lot of work to do. And when I say “we,” I really mean my husband and his helpers.

Each pig selected for the sale was groomed beforehand. My husband and his pig clipping guru, Claude’, gave each pig a haircut. Yes, pigs have coarse hair that is clipped short to make them look more appealing to pig buyers.

My husband and Claude’ spent the week leading up to the sale giving 125 pig haircuts. The morning of the auction, a crew of farmers came over to load five trailers full of pigs to head to the Preble County Fairgrounds. Once they arrived, my husband, kids, nephews and other 4-H members washed all 125 pigs.

Washing a pig is kind of like washing a car–if the car was running in circles and pooping on your boots.

Spring Spectacular Club Pig Sale

Spring Spectacular Club Pig Sale

By afternoon, customers started arriving to check out the pigs and make notes on which ones they want to bid on. I arrived about two hours before the sale to set up my 20 year-old laptop and dot matrix printer that I use, along with a great team of family and friends, to clerk the sale. We give out buyers numbers and take the money as people cash out.

We hire an auctioneer, although, my son is getting pretty good at selling pigs to his brother in the play room.

The sale was a huge success. We sold pigs for $100 to $1,000 each.

Unbelievably, selling 125 pigs didn’t really make a dent in the number of pigs we have here on the farm. My husband still has all the sows (mothers) that had these little pigs. Once we see how they did at the pig shows this summer and fall, it will be time to start this process over again and the man who starts his Christmas shopping on December 21 will plan ahead for yet another spring sale.