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2024 Dayton Region Walk of Fame Inductees Announced

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Five outstanding individuals/groups will be inducted into the 2024 Dayton Region Walk of Fame: The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, The Osborne Brothers, and G. Douglas Talbo . “I’m thrilled to announce that this year’s inductees come from an astonishing array of backgrounds,” exclaimed Harry Seifert, President of Wright Dunbar, Inc. “These remarkable individuals have left an indelible mark on the greater Dayton community and beyond, and their stories are nothing short of extraordinary.”

 

The nominees were selected based on their contributions to the region, the nation and the world, and the impact they made over many years:

● The Breeders ○ Kim and Kelley Deal, of Huber Heights and Dayton, are twin sisters who formed the core of the influen al alterna ve rock band The Breeders. After Kim’s success as bassist/vocalist with Pixies, she formed The Breeders in 1988. Her sister Kelley joined in 1992, becoming the lead guitarist and backing vocalist. Together, the Deal sisters, Josephine Wiggs, and Jim MacPherson defined The Breeders’ signature sound of raw energy, catchy melodies, and harmonized vocals. Their breakthrough came in 1993 with the cri cally-acclaimed album “Last Splash” and hit single “Cannonball.” The Breeders became one of the leading and most unique bands of the 90s alterna ve rock scene.

● Clay and MaryAnn Mathile ○ Clay and MaryAnn Mathile are celebrated philanthropists and business leaders. Clay Mathile, born in 1941 in Ohio, graduated with a business degree from Ohio Northern University. He joined The Iams Company in 1970, becoming CEO and transforming it into a global pet food leader before selling it to Procter & Gamble in 1999 for over $2 billion. MaryAnn Mathile, has been his partner in business, philanthropy and in life.

Together, they founded the Mathile Family Foundation, Aileron and The Glen at St. Joseph.  In total, the Mathiles have donated more than $500 million to alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life in our community. Renowned for their generosity,  Clay and MaryAnn have received numerous accolades for their philanthropic work, leaving a lasting legacy of social responsibility and positivesocietal impact.

● Idotha “Bootsie” Neal ○ Idotha “Bootsie” Neal was a pioneer who made history as the first African American woman elected to the Dayton City Commission. She advocated for underserved communities, social justice, and economic development, focusing on initiatives around education, healthcare, housing, jobs, poverty, and discrimination. Neal’s leadership and public service were widely respected, paving the way for future African American women in civic roles. Her legacy inspires engagement in public service and more equitable communities.

● The Osborne Brothers ○ Bobby and Sonny Osborne were pioneering bluegrass musicians who formed the hugely influen al Osborne Brothers duo. Blending tradi onal bluegrass with country and rockabilly, their dis nc ve sound produced iconic hits like “Rocky Top.” Sonny’s vocals and mandolin paired with Bobby’s banjo skills made them trailblazers inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. The Osborne Brothers left an enduring legacy through their innova ve ar stry, advancement of the genre, and dedication to preserving American roots music traditions.

● G. Douglas Talbott ○ Dr. G. Douglas Talbott was a pioneering physician who made transformative contributions to trea ng alcoholism and substance abuse disorders, especially among medical professionals. In the 1950s he was a captain in the Air Force and Chief of Medicine at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He began his work here with the Na onal Aeronau cs and Space Administra on (NASA) to help select suitable crews for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs. In the 1960s he founded and became Director of the Cox Heart Ins tute, a na onally recognized cardiac research ins tute. After an accomplished career as a cardiologist, he established the first treatment program tailored for addicted physicians and became a leading advocate for recognizing alcoholism as a disease. His comprehensive approach to addiction treatment set new standards.

The inductees will be recognized at the annual Dayton Region Walk of Fame luncheon which will be held on October 15, 2024 at Sinclair Community College. Tickets for the event are now available online.

The actual engraved stones on the Walk of Fame will be installed after the event.

Rodney Veal to Join CET & ThinkTV Staff

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Long-time host of The Art Show poised to help station continue to expand its footprint in the arts.
Dayton, OH – Public Media Connect, the regional partnership of CET in Cincinnati and ThinkTV in Dayton, announced today that Rodney Veal would be joining the PBS station’s staff effective July 1, 2024. Veal has been involved with the station for more than a decade, namely as the host of The Art Show and the co-producer of the station’s upcoming documentary about Bing Davis.
“Having Rodney Veal as a member of the team allows public media to serve the arts community at an even deeper level, enabling us to amplify the voices of artists, uncover hidden gems in our region, and enrich our cultural landscape even further. We all look forward to the many talents Rodney will bring to the station,” Public Media Connect’s Chief Content Officer Colin Scianamblo said.
In addition to his work in television, Veal is an independent choreographer and multi-disciplinary artist. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.S. in Political Science and Visual Arts and then received his M.F.A in Choreography from The Ohio State University. Veal has choreographed and presented performance installations all over the Miami Valley, notable projects being Reveal: Five Zones of Beauty, shown at the Springfield Museum of Art in 2011, and the GHETTO installation at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet in 2015. His most recent exhibitions were Beautiful Remains at the Harmon Museum and the Art Space Lofts Gallery in the Spring and Summer of 2022. Rodney has exhibited his work in a group show, Cantata in Five Movements, at the Dana Wiley Gallery in the Fall and Winter of 2022.
Veal has also received several Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District grants and fellowships, including an MCACD Fellowship for 2010-2011, and he was one of five artists chosen nationwide to participate in the BlueSky Dayton Project Artist in Residency Program in collaboration with the University of Dayton in the summer of 2009. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Ohio Dance as President and on the boards of trustees of Levitt Pavilions Dayton, HomeFull, Dayton Live!, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Westcott House and the Community Advisory Board of WYSO.
“I’m grateful for this incredible opportunity to help get the message out about the diverse and exciting art being created right here in Southwest Ohio. And I am honored to be in service of the arts community that has enriched my own life on so many levels. I cannot wait to hit the ground running,” Veal said.
Adding Veal to the station staff, which currently employs about 70 people across two locations (one in Cincinnati and one in Dayton), will allow the organization to continue to deepen its commitment to the arts, both as a megaphone for local artists and art organizations and as an art organization itself. Kitty Lensman said adding Veal to the team was an amazing opportunity at just the right time.
“Rodney’s creativity and passion for everything arts makes him a natural addition to the ThinkTV & CET team. I look forward to working with him,” she said.

Dayton Dance Initiative Presents: Unite and Ignite

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You’re invited to immerse yourself in a world of captivating dance performances during the highly anticipated “Unite and Ignite” showcase, hosted by The Dayton Dance Initiative on June 28th and June 29th at the PNC Arts Annex.

The Dayton Dance Initiative (DDI) is dedicated to fostering collaboration among dancers and choreographers from from the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Mutual Dance Theatre, and Wright State University. During their summer off-season, these dancers come together to present their own original works, which is a real delight for Dayton arts fans!

DDI’s goal is to create a platform where they can explore innovative dance experiences that reflect the diverse talents within Dayton’s artistic ecosystem. This season the company is led by a new Artistic Director: Jennifer Sydor.

“Unite and Ignite” promises to take you on a breathtaking journey, highlighting a versatile repertoire of choreography that encapsulates the Dayton region’s artistic diversity. Each performance will offer a fusion of styles and storytelling, leaving you feeling inspired and connected to the artistic spirit of the community.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of Dayton’s dance community at the PNC Arts Annex. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of artistry and unity.


How to Go?
Dates: June 28th at 7:30pm and June 29th at 2pm and 7:30pm
Venue: PNC Arts Annex
Program: Eight original works of choreography performed by dancers and choreographers from Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Mutual Dance Theatre, and Wright State University
Tickets – $33.50, Students/$28.50
Dayton Live Box Office: (937)228-3630, https://www.daytonlive.org/events/unite-ignite/


Be A Tourist in Your Own City: 12 Tips For A Fresh Perspective

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As Dorothy once proclaimed, “there’s no place like home.”

Tawawa Park in Sidney

I think back to my time enlisted in the Air Force and the many beautiful places I got to experience and live in. One of my first stations was in Aviano, Italy. An hour from Venice and nestled in picturesque Italian countryside along the base of the Alps, I couldn’t believe it. At first, my breath would be taken away every time I took a simple trip to a grocery store or gas station; The mountains were so massive they took up half of the skyline. And don’t get me started on those sunsets. As a homegrown southwestern Ohio native, I couldn’t believe I was living overseas in one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world.

Well reader, you know how the story goes. We get very used to seeing the same things repeatedly — they lose their sparkle and become commonplace. We often take for granted a lot of the beauty that is in our daily lives. So yes, as beautiful as the Italian countryside was, it too became commonplace. The rows and rows of grape vineyards that people spend thousands of dollars to visit annually felt no different than driving past the rows and rows of cornfields back home.

 

As Dorothy once proclaimed, “there’s no place like home.”

 

After I got out of the Air Force, I eventually made my way back to the Great Miami River, back to my family and beloved cornfields (I really enjoy them now, by the way). Spending that time away from this region during my enlistment really allowed me to return with fresh eyes for the things we all take for granted as we move about our days.

I’m lucky. Life circumstances allowed me to get away and come back with a refreshed perspective on life in southwestern Ohio. However, for many people it’s simply not feasible financially, or timewise. For this, I’ve written up some tips that may help you get out there and find incredible experiences in your own community, or in one of the many beautiful destinations along the Great Miami River.

Our region is home to some incredibly unique resources that simply don’t exist in many other parts of the country. With the Great Miami Riverway spreading over 99 miles, there are countless journeys to go on.

So, what does it really mean to be a tourist in our own cities? I think this question opens the door to a deeper reflection on what it means to practice daily gratitude. It highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of curiosity about our lives and the people and places in them. Becoming a tourist in places that we visit frequently is one way to practice this. Here are my suggestions for you to begin to explore your own area with fresh eyes this year:

 

#1. Adopt the ‘mini vacation’ mindset.

If you only read one of these tips, this is the tip to consider: Rethink your limited free time to maximize your days off work. Every weekend can be a vacation experience, especially with how much this corner of Ohio has to offer.

A 2020 study that asks the very important question, “How might people enjoy the emotional benefits of vacation without taking additional time off work or spending additional money?”, found that when people treated their weekends like a vacation, meaning they prioritized things like enjoying good food and being present in the moment, they were ultimately happier (and spent less money and time accessing that vacation-mentality bliss). Remind yourself to really be present to what is available in your proximity and then go enjoy it.

The Mayflower by A.M. Scott Distillery in Troy

 

 

#2. Recreate travel experiences at home.

An easy approach is to think about what you like to do when you travel somewhere new, and then seek those experiences locally. If you like to do wine-tastings, park excursions, or visit historical sites, try to replicate those experiences with what is available nearby (pssst.. the Riverway has all of these and much more).

 

Hamilton is covered in mural art! 

 

#3. Walk/bike a route you normally drive.

Putting foot to pavement, especially in areas you would never normally walk or bike through, gives you an entirely different perspective of a city. Bring a camera and find unique things to snap photos of. Create your own tour guide to share with others. The Great Miami Riverway has the largest paved trail system in the country, so the biking and walking opportunities are endless to experience your daily life from a new point of view.

#4. Speaking of views, visit a popular viewpoint.

Is there a lookout that’s popular among tourists in your area? A certain mural, vantagepoint, or Instagram-worthy hotspot that people frequently photograph? I personally live in downtown Dayton, and I am constantly shocked at how many locals have never simply gone to Deed’s Point MetroPark to look at the city from across the river. Sometimes, it is refreshing to just sit and spend some time observing the communities we often take for granted.

The famous Martin’s Donuts in Trenton

#5. Explore at a time you normally wouldn’t.

If you’re an early-bird sunrise type person, head out for an evening or nighttime adventure. If you’re never up for a sunrise (guilty), head out to watch it rise over the river and then get breakfast from a small local joint like famous Sam & Ethel’s in Tipp City. Mixing up your typical schedule will open the door to sights, people, and experiences you wouldn’t normally encounter.

#6. Head to a hotel lobby, local library, or welcome center.

Grab all the little tourist-y rack cards you can fit in your hands. Grab the pamphlets, brochures, free magazines. Bother the front desk clerk with questions. Ask about promotions or discounts. These are the places to gather recommendations. Local libraries often have guidebooks to cities as well and other resources that may be useful for inspo.

Franklin Food Truck Park

#7. Book a Staycation.

Check out AirBnB listings, bed & breakfasts, locally owned hotels, or cabin rentals. While chain hotels suffice when traveling out of the area, I personally find that more unique accommodations help make local travel feel more special for a ‘staycation’. And trust me, we have some pretty interesting places to stay along the Riverway, like a bed & breakfast castle in Sidney (bonus: it has a spa).


Yoga workshop at Cedar Ridge Trails lavendar farm in Miamisburg

 

#8. Do something unusual (for you).

One way to freshen up your mindset about local travel is to pursue a new activity you would normally never do. Here’s an idea: Go sign up for some goat yoga in Miamisburg at a U-Pick lavender farm (yes… Goats. Goats everywhere).

 

#9. Follow a blogger’s itinerary.

Yes, believe it or not, you can find out-of-town tourists that have written about their experiences in your own town. For example, I searched “visiting Piqua blog” and found a very detailed blog post from a visitor who spent a day exploring Piqua. Here’s another blog I found about someone visiting Hamilton for the first time with her family. Another blogger details his family’s visit to Butler County in this blog.  We also write plenty of blogs on itinerary ideas and top spots to explore along the river.

 

#10. Strike up conversation with a local.

Coffee shops are great places to try this. Get out of your comfort zone a little and make some new connections. I’m always learning something new about my own community from the strangers I talk to.

Kayaking in West Carrollton

#11. Don’t forget about park districts!

Park districts have so many cool classes and guided activities going on almost daily for every age group and physical capability range. Zip lining, climbing, hiking, birdwatching, gardening, fishing, cooking classes, yoga workshops… It is seriously endless. Check out our park district coalition members’ calendars:

Miami County Park District

Five Rivers MetroParks

MetroParks of Butler County

Great Parks of Hamilton County

#11. Don’t forget about park districts!

Park districts have so many cool classes and guided activities going on almost daily for every age group and physical capability range. Zip lining, climbing, hiking, birdwatching, gardening, fishing, cooking classes, yoga workshops… It is seriously endless. Check out our park district coalition members’ calendars:

Miami County Park District

Five Rivers MetroParks

MetroParks of Butler County

Great Parks of Hamilton County

#12. And finally…Explore our website, event calendar, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Ok, shameless plug. But it really is our job to find the coolest things about the Great Miami Riverway and serve it up on a digital platter just for you.  The coalition works together to help feature what is truly special about each city along the Great Miami Riverway. It’s the certified insider’s scoop.

Dayton Philharmonic announces new Music and Artistic Director: Keitaro Harada

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Photo of Keitaro Harada by Shin Yamagishi (Contributed)

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) announced its appointment of conductor Keitaro Harada as the next Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO).

Maestro Harada will become the fifth Music Director in the orchestra’s 92-year history, preceded by founder Paul Katz (1933–1975), Charles Wendelken-Wilson (1975–1987), Isaiah Jackson (1987–1995), and Neal Gittleman (1995–present). Harada will begin his tenure during the 2024–2025 season as Music and Artistic Director Designate; he’ll assume the role of Music and Artistic Director on July 1, 2025. Harada committed to a five-year term with the option to renew.”

“DPAA is privileged to be working with such a stellar conductor with international scope and passion for local communities,” DPAA President and CEO Patrick J. Nugent commented about this announcement. “Maestro Harada has an impressive sense of artistic vision, community engagement, and commitment to our model of three arts in one organization. He also has a keen understanding of the business of the arts and can think in the language of finances and demographics as well as musical scores and artistic strategy. His technical and artistic abilities as a conductor are prodigious, and he electrifies audiences wherever he goes. He will be a major cultural force in Dayton, and we are delighted that he has agreed to lead the Philharmonic.”

Harada responded: “I am honored to join the DPAA family as Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. As the proud leader of two profound American institutions, I look forward to immersing myself in the DPAA community while I continue in my present role as Music and Artistic Director with the Savannah Philharmonic. And as I build new relationships in the Dayton community and deepen my relationships in Savannah, I believe both cities will benefit from this tandem experience. I will forever cherish the Savannah Philharmonic—the organization that provided me with my first Music Director opportunity—while wholeheartedly embracing the Dayton community as we bring the performing arts to life throughout the region.”

Photo of Keitaro Harada by the DPAA (Contributed)

“The DPAA stands out to me as it brings together three art forms I absolutely love: orchestra, opera, and ballet,” Harada continued. “Dayton’s rich history and vibrant art scene will provide us with the inspiration and imagination to build collaborations that can only be achieved at DPAA. Having recently performed together, we began to discover the endless possibilities of our music-making and great community. I am deeply grateful to serve as the next Music and Artistic Director.”

Keitaro Harada is a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, and as Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic in Savannah, Georgia (a position he’s held since the 2020-21 season), Harada has transformed the quality of the orchestra and energized its audiences through his imaginative programs and charismatic presence.

In addition to his American posts, Harada also acts as Permanent Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and is the Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Partner of the Aichi Chamber Orchestra in Japan. Harada was Associate Conductor for four years at the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops, where he regularly assisted Music Director Louis Langrée (now Music Director Laureate) and collaborated with James Conlon and Juanjo Mena at the orchestra’s annual May Festival.

Harada was the top candidate among nearly 250 applicants from around the globe, according to Arts Consulting Group (ACG), which guided the extensive international executive search. ACG remarked that they had never before received such a response for an Artistic Director position. ACG screened applicants through a rigorous process that yielded a preliminary round of 57 candidates. After conducting initial interviews, ACG presented 27 candidates to the DPAA Search Committee for consideration. The diverse applicant pool represented 40 states and 26 countries and included a substantial number of candidates who self-identified as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+.

Photo by Masatoshi Yamashiro (Contributed)

Barbara O’Hara, Chair of the DPAA Search Committee, said: “I feel certain that our Dayton community will heartily welcome and embrace Harada and his family, as will all the musicians, ballet dancers, opera performers, subscribers, future subscribers, donors, and young musicians. To me, a fitting description of Harada is that of a Renaissance man! His background is so varied covering classical music, opera, and ballet as well as contemporary and pops. His rapport with the musicians is outstanding—he challenges them and is respectfully demanding of them. While in Dayton, one of his great desires is to become an involved partner with other performing arts organizations. So, here’s to a wonderful and exciting musical future for the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance as we welcome Keitaro Harada, the next Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic.”

Harada succeeds Neal Gittleman, who announced his intent to retire in May of 2022. Regarding Harada’s appointment, Gittleman said: “I’m excited to see where Maestro Harada leads the Philharmonic in the future. After 30 wonderful years on the podium, I look forward to enjoying what comes next from a seat in the audience. I sincerely hope that Harada finds, as I have, that the DPAA is a place to make great music and build great community. And wish I him, the musicians, and the audience all the best on their adventure together.”

Learn more about Keitaro Harada at kharada.com

Learn more at daytonperformingarts.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0D3UHyr5Yk

New Herbal Tea Vendor at 2nd Street Market

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There’s a new vendor at the 2nd Street Market.
Sweet Emmy Herbals is a small, local company,  dedicated to providing high quality herbal tea and herbs at an affordable price. All of their tea blends are freshly blended from sustainably grown or foraged leaves, flowers, and roots, without any chemical pesticides or fertilizers. They source their ingredients from trusted organic wholesalers for any ingredients they don’t grow ourselves. Their teas contain no added flavorings or colorings.
Owner Pat Frock, has made it her mission to help as many people as possible begin or advance their herbal journey. She believes that it is the duty of all herbalists to pass along their knowledge and welcomes conversation, so be sure to stop by and say hello to Pat!
You can find Sweet Emmy Herbals at the east end of the market near the east dining room entrance, across from Studio Regina Glass.
Friday, June 21 at 11am
Learn How To Brew Iced Tea Four Ways
Join Pat  and learn how to brew iced tea four different ways with each method producing the same delicious taste. There will be a question and answer period after the talk to help answer any questions you may have on blending your perfect glass of Iced Tea. Samples will be provided.

Sweet Emmy Herbals

937-206-3864

2nd Street Market

600 E 2nd St,
Dayton, OH 45402

Hours:
Friday. 11am – 3pm
Sat 9am – 3pm
Sun 11am – 3pm

Plan Your Visit To The Troy Strawberry Festival

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What Started as a small gathering in 1978, has become one of the most beloved festivals in Ohio. This Sat and Sunday downtown Troy will be strawberry central.   The festival footprint will stretch along the Square on Main Street from the Plum to Mulberry Street, and on Market Street from Water Street to Franklin Street. The festival will be held rain or shine.

Fest Hours:
Sat, June 2nd:      10am-9pm
Sun, June 3rd:          10am-6pm

Fri,
May 31st 5-9pm
Strawberry Jam – Hometown Celebration 
This event is put on by the Strawberry Festival but it is NOT the full festival.

Concert on Prouty Plaza featuring:  6:00pm-9:00pm: SWAGG

​Shops open late! Downtown Restaurants open! A limited number of Strawberry Festival vendors will be open.

 

The Troy Strawberry Festival prides itself on the variety of food that is available and provided by our local Miami County Not-for-Profit clubs and organizations.  They have many strawberry treats such as their famous Strawberry Donuts, Deep Fried Strawberries, Strawberry Salsa, and much more!  They also have festival food including Texas Tenderloins, Blooming Onions, Hamburgers, Sausages, and even Cajun cuisine!

During the festival, strawberry donuts will be sold on the visitor’s side of the Troy Memorial Stadium (closest to the levee). Donuts are $15 a dozen. They sell Saturday 6:00AM-11:00PM and Sunday 6:00AM-6:00PM.

The Troy Strawberry Festival has a variety of local performers.  They will have 3 stages this year. The Levee and Community Stage are located on the river levee and the other is located downtown on Prouty Plaza. On Friday night there will be food, face painting and balloons along with a band on Prouty Plaza. On Saturday and Sunday the festival hosts a Pie Eating contest, a Shortcake run and Super Kids competition. All of the food and game vendor are associated with a local non-profit serving the Troy & Miami County area.  The Strawberry Festival does NOT have amusement rides or commercial games. 


Entertainment Schedule:

Saturday, June 1 

Prouty Plaza Stage (downtown by the Mayflower) 

10:00am-10:15am : Opening Ceremony
10:15am-10:30am : Lion Dance
10:30am-11:00am : Mike Hemmelgarn
11:00am-1:00pm : Little Mr. & Miss Strawberry Pageant
1:15pm-2:30pm : Brooke Klopfenstein Duo
3:00pm-4:30pm : 24/7 Band
5:00pm- 6:30pm : New Frontiers
7:00pm-8:30pm : The Big Badd

Levee Stage (below the Gazebo on the lower levee)

10:30am-12:00pm : Jimmy Felts
12:15pm-12:45pm : Mike Hemmelgarn
1:00pm-2:30pm : Jerry Mullins
2:45pm-4:45pm : Danny Schneible
5:00pm-8:30pm : Will Freed Band

Community Stage (concrete pad on lower levee past Gazebo)

10:30am – 11:30 am: Belly Dance Body Fitness
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Kung Fu/tai/chi
12:30pm-1:30pm: Pie Eating Contest
1:30pm – 2:30pm: McGovern Irish Dancers
2:30pm-3:30pm: Pop Rocks
3:45pm-4:30pm: Chair One Fitness with Alice
4:45pm-5:30pm: Zumba with Liza and Lynn
5:30pm-6:00pm: Color Guard Clinic
6:00pm-6:45pm: Cardio Drumming
7:00pm-8:30pm : Ke Aloha Entertainment

Sunday, June 2    

Prouty Plaza Stage (downtown by the Mayflower)

10:00am-11:00am : Declare on the Square
11:30am-12:45 : Airforce Band
1:00pm-2:00pm : LYD Duo
2:30pm-3:45pm : John Schwab Party Band
4:15pm-5:30pm : Exploit Deluxe

Levee Stage (below the Gazebo on the lower levee) ​

10:30am-11:15am : Jimmy Felts
1:30am-1:00pm : Jerry Mullins
1:15pm- 2:30pm: Brook Duo
3:00pm-4:15pm : Pat Buzzard
4:30pm-5:45pm : Luke Davis w/ Jimmy Allen

Community Stage (concrete pad on lower levee past Gazebo)

10:00am – 11:00 am: Pop Rocks
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: McGovern Irish Dancers
12:00pm-1:00pm: Belly Dance Performance/Colleen & Caro Mystique Troop
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Yoga with Donna
2:15pm-2:45pm: Pilates with Cathy
3:15pm-4:15pm: Belly Dance Body Fitness
4:15pm-5:00pm: Cardio Drumming

The Festival offers FREE PARKING AND FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE to the festival site from parking areas located off I-75 at the following exits that will drop you off directly at the festival.  Shuttles run Sat 9am – 9:30pm and Sun 9am – 7pm

Miami County Fairgrounds Paarking

Take I-75 to Exit 78   Follow the signs to the shuttles. Shuttle drop off is at the Miami County Courthous

​

2024 Queen Jackie Harris (Bethel HS)
Attendants: Kristin Sedam (Troy HS) and Josie Birdsong (Tippecanoe HS)
Miss Congeniality Lana McAdams (Miami East HS)

It’s Time Again…No Need to Hide Your PRIDE!!

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LGBTQ+ PRIDE kicks off in the month of June as a way of saying, ‘We’re Here, We’re Queer….‘ you know the rest! The month-long celebration, which commemorates the Stonewall Riots, got its unofficial start on June 28th, 1969. On that day, protests began in New York City at the Stonewall Bar. The protests followed police raids in the night club, which subsequently kicked-off the gay-rights liberation movement.   From then until now, and from NYC to everywhere you can imagine, PRIDE has become a way of showing society the impact LBGTQ+ persons have had in the history of the world.

PRIDE has grown exponentially, and Dayton is seeing that growth in its celebration as well. The event, which starts Friday and runs through Sunday, ending with the annual Running with Pride 5K, looks to be the biggest ever. As of this writing there are anticipated to be over 100 vendors! Friday’s kick-off features ‘Affair on St. Clair‘ as the event has moved from Courthouse Square to St. Clair between 1st and 2nd Streets. This also gives people a chance to see the new LGBT Center!

Among the many changes that are being ushered in will be the Todd Crawford Beer Garden, which pays tribute to one of Dayton’s most beloved advocates and volunteers. Friday night will have all kinds of live entertainment, and back by popular demand, the philanthropic ladies themselves, The RubiGirls will close out the day with their newest show at 9pm.

Saturday will play host to the annual Pride Parade with its new route running from 2nd Street passing the Schuster and Victoria and then down 1st Street. The parade will end at the main stage on St. Clair. The parade ends where the party begins….which includes food, beer, vendors, singers, drag, dancers, and just about anything else you can think of!!

Bring the family and enjoy some time with Dayton’s Pride Festival. So much to see and do! And if you’ve been before, you know PRIDE in DAYTON is just another reason to be PROUD OF DAYTON!

For all the area PRIDE events and details for each, it’s as easy as clicking on

https://dayton937.com/events/list?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=12230

 

No Joshin’…Double 18 ‘Trivia for a Cause’ is Back!

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Dayton has a strong trivia community…and its competitive….well, except for Double 18′s version…which relies heavily on having fun and making new friends. Thursday, May 30th, the event which is chockfull of tough questions, fun foods and, of course, cocktails, returns after a much too long hiatus! And, yes, it’s to support a local cause.

‘There are a lot of people who want to win trivia in this town, but nowhere else can the winning team sign the coveted boot! (The boot, a silver knee high whoop-de-doo boot, has become the symbol of champions!) It stands proudly behind the bar for all to see.’ says the trivia host Josh Stucky. ‘I mean, that alone shows you how cut-throat it really is.’ he laughs. This month’s trivia will support the RubiGirls Foundation which supports an additional 90 non-profits in the area.

Double 18 sits above Timothy’s on Brown Street and, although related, the 2 bars couldn’t be more different! Double 18 has one of Dayton’s finest balcon

‘I think what makes this trivia fun is the fact that people are here to hang out on a Thursday, have a couple drinks and just chill. If you end up winning, that’s a bonus for sure…but there’s no stress about it!’ And it’s not all about trivia questions either. Each session has raffle tickets, so even the less-than trivial minded can walk home with a prize! What’s more is it becomes an inclusive group of people looking forward to the next round to help others! (June’s will support CHOICES.)

To join the fun, it’s really, really simple:

    1. You need up to 4 people to make your team.
    2. No reservation is necessary.
    3. Be ready and seated by 6pm for game one.
    4. Be ready to laugh.
    5. And, possibly, walk home a winner! SIGN THAT BOOT!

Details – Double 18 Trivia, hosted by Josh Stucky.  Thursday, May 30th starting at 6pm. 3 rounds. Raffles throughout. Located at 1818 Brown Street, right above Timothy’s. Food and Booze available. See Ya there!!

 

Five Rivers Fountain of Lights Resume Tonight

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A focal point of RiverScape MetroPark is the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights, a series of five fountains that shoot water about 200 feet high and 400 feet across at the confluence of the Great Miami and Mad Rivers. These fountains have been part of the city skyline, and hundreds of photos of downtown Dayton, since 2001, when the park opened. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights will operate for 10-minute intervals at the top of the hour during the weekdays from 6:55 am to 10:05 pm, and during weekends from 10:55 am to 10:05 pm through Labor Day.

The five streams of water, symbolizing our five regional rivers, meet in a giant center spray honoring our region’s fortunate abundance of water within the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer, one of the nation’s most plentiful aquifers and the source of the fountain’s water. This dramatic in-river feature is unique because of its innovative technology and artistic design. Sixty-foot stainless steel and aluminum spires adorn the tops of the fountain towers. These sculptural pieces of architecture reflect sunlight and create beautiful moray patterns. When night rolls in, the fountain spires are covered with 25 “intelligent” lights that can create almost every color imaginable.

How the Fountains Work

The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights is created by five water jets housed in concrete towers and a powerful center geyser. The towers straddle the confluence of the Great Miami and Mad Rivers just east of the Riverside Bridge and shoot 2,500 gallons of water per minute toward the center of the river. The central geyser rises from the jets to an impressive 200 feet in the air. Covering 395,000 square feet across an 800-foot diameter, the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights is one of the largest fountains in the world.

Harnessing such an awesome fountain requires a few tricks, as well. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights is equipped with directional wind sensors. If the wind is blowing in a direction and at a velocity that could interfere with area traffic or other activities, individual jets of the fountain will not operate. Also, during the cold months when water could create hazardous conditions on nearby roads and recreation trails, the fountain is turned off.

Water for the Fountains

Water to the fountain is provided by seven wells that tap the aquifer. Prior to building the fountain, the RiverScape partnership asked for opinions from the City of Dayton, the Miami Conservancy District and the Ohio EPA regarding the potential effect of the fountain. All three organizations agreed that the fountain will not harm the aquifer. In fact, groundwater in the area is so plentiful that many downtown buildings continuously operate dewatering pumps to prevent groundwater from entering their basements. These pumps discharge more water into the rivers daily than is used by the Five Rivers Fountain in the same period.

To ensure that the fountains will never negatively affect the aquifer or the community water systems in the region, ongoing groundwater level and quality monitoring are conducted by The Miami Conservancy District’s Groundwater Preservation Program. Observation wells have been installed at each tower to record monthly water level readings. These readings are compared to historical monitoring data to ensure the health of the water, both in terms of the environment and the area’s water supply.

Local Farmers Markets to Shop

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When you shop at local farmers markets, you are supporting small-scale farmers and enjoying fresh, organic produce. Choose local for a healthier community and environment.  Here’s a list of where you’ll find them around town:

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

John Bryan Center 100 Dayton Streety, Yellow Springs, OH

For over 20 years this market has been made up of a hardworking group of men, women and children, dedicated…

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Franklin Farmers Market 1 Benjamin Franklin Way, Franklin, OH

Join us every Saturday through Sept 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for local products including fresh produce, honey/jams, and…

Shiloh Farmers Market

Shiloh Farmers Market 5300 Philadelphia Dr,, Dayton, OH

The farmers’ market is located on the corner of Main St. & Philadelphia Dr, in the parking lot of Shiloh…

Fairborn Farmers Market

Main Street and Grand Avenue Fairgonr, OH

The Fairborn Farmers Market will officially open on Wednesday, May 1st 2024 at 10am until 2pm. It will run every…

Lebanon Farmers Market

Bicentennial Park 837 Dayton Road, Waynesville, OH

The Lebanon Farmers Market is open 3pm to 7pm every Thursday May 16 thru October 3. The Lebanon Farmers Market…

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

John Bryan Center 100 Dayton Streety, Yellow Springs, OH

For over 20 years this market has been made up of a hardworking group of men, women and children, dedicated…

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Franklin Farmers Market 1 Benjamin Franklin Way, Franklin, OH

Join us every Saturday through Sept 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for local products including fresh produce, honey/jams, and…

Shiloh Farmers Market

Shiloh Farmers Market 5300 Philadelphia Dr,, Dayton, OH

The farmers’ market is located on the corner of Main St. & Philadelphia Dr, in the parking lot of Shiloh…

Fairborn Farmers Market

Main Street and Grand Avenue Fairborn, OH

The Fairborn Farmers Market will officially open on Wednesday, May 1st 2024 at 10am until 2pm. It will run every…

Oakwood Farmers Market

OH

The Oakwood Farmers’ Market is located in downtown Oakwood and operates rain or shine from 9am – 1pm Saturdays in…

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Franklin Farmers Market 1 Benjamin Franklin Way, Franklin, OH

Join us every Saturday through Sept 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for local products including fresh produce, honey/jams, and…

Shiloh Farmers Market

Shiloh Farmers Market 5300 Philadelphia Dr,, Dayton, OH

The farmers’ market is located on the corner of Main St. & Philadelphia Dr, in the parking lot of Shiloh…

Farmers Market at The Heights

Eichelberger Amphitheater 8625 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, OH

The Eichelberger Amphitheater (8625 Brandt Pike) is home to the Farmers Market at The Heights on Saturdays. This year’s market…

Free

Englewood Market & Food Truck Rally

Wagner Power Equipment 520 W National Rd, Englewood, OH

Bella Sorella Pizza Co. Yummy Gyro Food Truck Lilia’s Outside Cafe Atlas & Co. Charcuterie LLC Billie Gold Bubble Tea…

New Carlisle Farmer’s Market

Downtown New Carlisle 113 W Jefferson St, New Carlisle, OH

New Carlisle Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning June 15 to September 28 from 10-2pm in Downtown New Carlisle in front of CVS…

Pick Your Own Strawberries

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Want to pick your own strawberries?  Here are a few places you can do that in the Miami Vally:

 

Monin’s Fruit Farm

8201 Frederick Pike,
Dayton OH 45414

5/19 Sund – til 3pm
$2.95/lb

next weekend
5/25 Sat from 8 am to 4p
or until picked out

Bring your own bucket, or get one at the store – 1 gallon buckets for $1.

While you’re there check out the Hanging Baskets, Fresh Baked Goods, Pretzels, Jams, Georgia Peaches, Tennessee Tomatoes & all the produce you need!!

Jackson’s Farm Market

2931 US Route 68 S,
Xenia, OH, 45385
937-376-1778
They will have U-Pick strawberries on Sunday, May 19, from Noon to 5. Our farm market will be open from noon to 6pm Ready picked strawberries will be available also on Sunday.

Blooms & Berries Farm Market

9669 S ST. RT, 48,
Loveland OH, 45140

 

(513) 697-9173

Strawberry Days Hours:
Mon – Fri 9-3:00; Sat – Sun 9 – 4:30

We need your help picking!  Lots of really nice berries in the field today as this warm weather is continuing to push the crop to harvest early.  All ticketholders these days will get to pick!  Event tickets only $7 and are available below.  Picking should remain good through early in the week with this warmer weather ripening fruit quickly.

 

Free Admission to U.S. Military and their Families this Summer at DAI.

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The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) announced it will again join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2024 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.

The Blue Star Museums initiative is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. Together, these organizations offer families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and better connect with their new communities after a military move. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

“Each year, the DAI thanks military families and helps them build meaningful connections by participating in the Blue Star Museums initiative,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “Military personnel and their families represent a significant portion of our local community, and this is one way in which the DAI shows appreciation for their sacrifice. We look forward to opening the museum doors to our nation’s military families all summer.”

During the duration of the program, the DAI will offer free museum admission to those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. This includes admission to all Special Exhibitions, Focus Exhibitions and the DAI collection galleries. In addition, the DAI offers active-duty military personnel and their families a $10 discount on the purchase or renewal of an individual, duo or family membership.

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos and exclusive offers.

UD and TheatreLab go ‘Into the Woods’ together!

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TheatreLab continues to do some ‘outside of the box’ things in hopes of catching new theater-goers and launching new relationships. This time around, the company has joined forces with the University of Dayton to take us ‘Into the Woods‘ via the Sondheim Classic. I was lucky enough to get a chance to talk to 2 of the stars of the show….Kyle Channell and Madeline Stern.

JS: First of all, thank you for meeting with me. I know you are so excited to share info about the production!! Tell me what made you interested in being part of ‘Into the Woods?’

KC: Well, I feel like Into the Woods is a rite of passage for every theatre performer. It’s hard not to go for it when a production is being staged. There are so many iconic archetypes and characters throughout, so any chance to get involved is so tempting. TheatreLab Dayton is a name that has been popping up on my radar for a while, so when I heard they were doing ITW and I could make it work with finishing undergrad, I had to go for it.

MS: And for me….I will take any opportunity I get to be in a Sondheim show! My parents work in the theatre industry and had the incredible opportunity to work with Sondheim, so I was exposed to his music at a really young age. His shows have always been part of my life and musical DNA.  I’m so grateful for the way his art has impacted and inspired me as a performer through the different phases of my life.

JS: Wow Madeline, so cool. You both have roles that are intricate and important to the ‘story-telling’ that makes ITW such a beloved story. What resonates with you about your respective roles….Madeline, you first this time!!

MS: (the WITCH) The Witch has such an interesting emotional arc through the show. Her story is about intergenerational trauma and how we’re all just trying to do better than our parents did, and their parents before them. Her mother cursed her with ugliness because the Baker’s Father stole her beans, which was completely outside of her control. Not something a kind and loving mother would do, if you ask me! The Witch tries so desperately to be a better mother than hers was, but ends up holding on to Rapunzel too tightly. She loves her so deeply and tries to do right by her, but continues to make mistakes. It’s just so human to love so deeply and be so flawed. I think we can all see a bit of ourselves in that dynamic.

JS: Ummm, that’s like a spot-on description of the role….take notes folks….Kyle?

KC: The Baker is a complicated, beautifully flawed man. However, what is truly endearing about him is his willingness to change – that is a rare trait in so many men and male characters throughout theatre canon. The complicated relationship between him and his father directly dictates his relationship with fatherhood, so his evolution has been a treat to explore. I’m fortunate to tackle paternal roles frequently, but I have yet to find one I connect with so personally as I do with the Baker.

MS: I love roles that allow me to blend my classical and musical theatre training. I would love to play Amalia in She Loves Me, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, Francesca in Bridges of Madison County, Rodgers and Hammerstein- basically everything Kelli O’Hara has done.

JS: You two need to write ‘character descriptors’ for script companies.  HA HA! Keeping that in mind, what role are you still wanting to tackle in your career?

KC: Good question. There are so many amazing characters I want to play. I’d love to tackle Vanya, Hamlet, Phil Connors in Groundhog Day, Sweeney Todd, Tony in WSS, etc. The Baker was a big one, but I’m happy I got to tackle it the first time.

MS:I love roles that allow me to blend my classical and musical theatre training. I would love to play Amalia in She Loves Me, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, Francesca in Bridges of Madison County, Rodgers and Hammerstein- basically everything Kelli O’Hara has done.

JS: OMG….quick story. I met her, didn’t know who she was…it was literally 20 plus years go…and she was in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ on some tour back then. 10 years later she’s doing ‘South Pacific’ and I’m like, that’s that lady who people said would be famous some day…um….I think she’s been nominated for 8 Tonys..and of course, now the ‘Gilded Age.’ Sorry, I digress…

So when did you know acting was ‘for you?’

MS: My parents love to tell the story of me at about 3 years old, coming out into the living room and singing “Ol’ Man River” from Show Boat in the lowest notes I could possibly squawk out. I knew from the time I could talk that I was going to be a singer.

KC: The theatre bug bites early and hard. My work in the theatre began when I was about 8, and honestly, it’s been an inextricable element of who I am ever since. Whether I would pursue this professionally was never really in question, it’s just a matter of who I am.

JS: You two are a delight to chat with. Thank you both so very much. Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

MS: Well, hmmm, in addition to performing, I teach voice lessons through the Madeline Stern Vocal Studio online. I also love creating content for singers on Instagram and TikTok @SingwithMadeline. Check out if you want to learn more about me!

KC: Feel free to follow me at kyle.channell on Instagram or check out my website at kylechannell.com! I hope you enjoy the show and please keep supporting the theatre scene wherever you are. This is an industry still recovering from COVID so your patronage is what keeps the theatre scene both in Dayton and beyond alive.

JS: Well said Kyle. I am hoping you both ‘break-a-leg’ this weekend and continue to entertain on that stage for a lifetime.

Come see Kyle and Madeline….

  • May 16 – 19, 2024
  • Boll Theatre at the University of Dayton, 300 College Park Avenue, 45469

For more information and tickets to TheatreLab Dayton’s Into the Woods go to http://bit.ly/TLDIntoTheWoods

 

 

 

 

Courthouse Square Summer Fun Begins This Week With Curio

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Throughout the summer months, fun, out-of-the-box entertainment can be found on Courthouse Square, with CURIO serving as the hub of community, connection, and collaboration!

CURIO at Courthouse Square is the next evolution of programming formerly known as “The Square Is Where.”  Featuring free lunchtime entertainment from noon to 2 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each week during the summer months.

Big ideas can come in small packages, and CURIO is the first step in a larger, longer-term plan to revitalize Courthouse Square. This shipping container transformed into an event hub has been combined with new outdoor seating and other touches to create downtown’s newest summer hotspot!

Food vendors also set up on Courthouse Square each weekday, allowing downtown workers and others to grab lunch from a vendor or a downtown restaurant and take in the entertainment while enjoying the outdoors downtown.

 

 

5 Of The Most Popular Riverway Birding Hotspots

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Check out these 5 Riverway birding hotspots recognized by the Ohio Ornithological Society and the National Audubon Society.

You don’t have to travel far to find some locations in our Riverway that boast well over 200 bird species. 

 

The Lower Great Miami River in particular is designated as an Important Bird Area, (IBA) which includes Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Rentschler Forest MetroPark, and Chrisholm MetroPark in Butler County, and Crains Run Nature Park in Montgomery County. The IBA program began in 1999 with a gathering of bird conservation stakeholders and has resulted in the documentation and research of over 100 sites in Ohio.

#1. Tawawa Park, Sidney

#2. Charleston Falls Preserve, Tipp City

  • From the Ohio Ornithological Society, “Charleston Falls Preserve is the most visited Park District property in Miami County with over 216 acres of prairie and forests. This beautiful park is the perfect place to hike and view wildlife. Uncommon plants such as wild columbine, walking fern, purple cliff break, and rock honeysuckle grace the limestone faces of the surrounding gorge. The most unusual feature of this preserve is the unique waterfall. The Falls can rightly be called a “Miniature Niagara” because its rock strata are the same as Niagara Falls. Originating from small underground springs several miles to the east, the stream creating the falls plummets 37 feet and then continues its meandering journey to the Great Miami River.”
  • 123 species have been recorded at this hotspot according to eBird.

#3. Taylorsville MetroPark, Five Rivers MetroParks
Ohio Ornithological Society highlights this park as a birding hotspot:

  • Historic remnants of the Miami-Erie Canal and the once-thriving village of Tadmor mix with scenic forests to provide an interesting experience for both the hiker and bicyclist. In addition, fascinating rock formations with overhangs and small cavitations with calcite ribbons can be found.
  • Taylorsville MetroPark contains exceptional examples of a mature upland forest with many spring wildflowers, second-growth woodlands, natural succession areas, a few aging pine stands, a few managed grasslands, and extensive floodplain forests along the Great Miami River Corridor.
  • A section of the Buckeye Trail and the North Country Trail runs through Taylorsville MetroPark.
  • eBird data shows 175 known species to visit.

#4. Gilmore MetroPark, MetroParks of Butler County

  • On a top birding list for Ohio according to OOS data
  • 253 species observed (the highest species count is Headlands Beach State Park with 298 for comparison)

From Ohio Ornithological Society: “Depending on water levels, the Cattail Marsh area can be good for waterfowl, herons and egrets, or shorebirds. During spring and fall migration, the trails around South Pond are good for passerines. Cattail Marsh is often good for sparrows, with a chance of seeing LeConte’s or Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrows in the fall, again depending on water levels. It is not a very large area, so birders can get around the entire area fairly quickly.”

According to the National Audubon Society, this park was designated as an Important Bird Area:

  • “Located within the City of Hamilton, 268-acre Gilmore MetroPark was designated as an Important Birding Area by the National Audubon Society. The park’s wetland areas are an important habitat for shorebirds, waders and waterfowl. The park’s wetland areas in depth seasonally, with the best birding opportunities happening in spring and fall during migration season.”

#5. Fernald Preserve, Hamilton
Ohio Ornithological Society highlights this park:

“The Fernald Preserve features 140 acres of wetland habitat, 400 acres of forests and 360 acres of grasslands including tall grass prairies. The preserve currently has about 2.5 miles of trails with additional trail construction planned for 2009. Lodge Pond trail, located along the site’s access road approximately 1/8 mile from the Willey Road entrance, provides access to wetlands and prairies. In addition to a wide range of migratory waterfowl, this area provides excellent viewing opportunities for a variety of prairie species including dickcissels, bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows and eastern meadowlarks. Shingle Oak trail primarily spans woodland habitat and is a good choice for viewing neo-tropical migrants as well as a variety of summer nesters. The Weapons-to-Wetlands trail features an overlook that provides excellent viewing for migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall as well as a variety of raptors in the winter months. The 3.5 mile Trestle Trail, completed in September 2009, spans prairies, upland forests, open water and a riparian corridor.”

  • NOTE: A strict no pets allowed policy is in effect at all times at the Fernald Preserve.