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Recovery Plan To Create New Housing in Old North Dayton

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With support by the Dayton Recovery Plan, 16 new owner-occupied, single-family
homes are slated for a one-acre site known as The Point in Old North Dayton.
The market-rate, two-story homes are planned for the northeast corner of the
intersection of Keowee and Valley Streets (near the north end of the Tony Stein
Memorial Bridge). The homes will be in groups of four in four buildings facing Valley
Street and Keowee Street, with parking areas behind the buildings.

Initial renderings, final design to be approved. Perspectives: from Keowee Street

The City of Dayton is working in partnership with Cincinnati-based Civitas Development
Group to launch the project. Civitas is a minority-owned company with a record of
success in developing single and multi-unit properties. It specializes in urban infill
development and collaborative leveraging of private and public funding.

With City Commission approval on May 8, the Dayton Recovery Plan will invest $1.5
million in the $4 million project. The Dayton Recovery Plan funds will be used for
predevelopment and construction services needed to build the homes.

The development capitalizes on roadway and greenspace improvements in the
immediate vicinity and will create a new gateway to the Old North Dayton area. In
recent years, CityWide Development Corporation, in cooperation with the City Dayton,
led a process to identify and implement enhancements in The Point area.

The Dayton Recovery Plan is the City of Dayton’s framework for transformative
investment of $138 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds dedicated to
recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dayton’s goal for the funding is to create
long-term transformational and sustainable impacts in focus areas, as well as special
initiatives with impact citywide. For more information, go to daytonohio.gov/drp.
Initial renderings, final design to be approved. Perspectives: Above, from Valley Street;
below, from Keowee Street.

Boy Scouts will rebrand as Scouting America

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The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It’s a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.

The organization steeped in tradition has made seismic changes after decades of turmoil, from finally allowing gay youth to welcoming girls throughout its ranks. With an eye on increasing flagging membership numbers, the Irving, Texas-based organization announced the name change Tuesday at its annual meeting in Florida.

“In the next 100 years we want any youth in America to feel very, very welcome to come into our programs,” Roger Krone, who took over last fall as president and chief executive officer, said in an interview before the announcement.

The organization began allowing gay youth in 2013 and ended a blanket ban on gay adult leaders in 2015. In 2017, it made the historic announcement that girls would be accepted as Cub Scouts as of 2018 and into the flagship Boy Scout program — renamed Scouts BSA — in 2019.

There were nearly 1,000 young women in the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts in 2021, including Selby Chipman. The all-girls troop she was a founding member of in her hometown of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, has grown from five girls to nearly 50, and she thinks the name change will encourage even more girls to realize they can join.

The Boy Scouts’ $2.4 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan took effect last year, allowing the organization to keep operating while compensating the more than 80,000 men who say they were sexually abused as children while scouting.

Angelique Minett, the first woman chairperson of Scouts BSA, gets excited about the future of scouting when she sees the about 20-person youth council from across the United States help guide the program by raising issues important to them, like sustainability, and things that they’d like to see changed, like the fit on some of the uniforms.

Angelique Minett, the first woman chairperson of Scouts BSA, gets excited about the future of scouting when she sees the about 20-person youth council from across the United States help guide the program by raising issues important to them, like sustainability, and things that they’d like to see changed, like the fit on some of the uniforms.

“When we think scouts we think knots and camping, but those are a means to an end,” Minett said. “We are actually teaching kids a much bigger thing. We are teaching them how to have grit, and we’re teaching them life skills and we’re teaching them how to be good leaders.”

The organization won’t officially become Scouting America until Feb. 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th birthday. But Krone said he expects people will start immediately using the name.

“It sends this really strong message to everyone in America that they can come to this program, they can bring their authentic self, they can be who they are and they will be welcomed here,” Krone said.

First Baptist Church of Dayton Celebrates its Bicentennial

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Sunday, May 12 will mark a special day in the ongoing 200thAnniversary Celebration for First Baptist Church of Dayton. As part of the Sunday morning worship service, the church will dedicate an Ohio Historical Marker on its front lawn at Monument Avenue and Ludlow Street. Representatives from Ohio History Connection will help unveil the new sign and speak to the importance of recognizing the long-standing history of the church in the community.

“The dedication will take place outside the church at approximately 10:45 a.m.,” stated Pastor Kent Berghuis. “The church service and the dedication are open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend this jubilant event.”

The church also extends an invitation to the community when it will celebrate its 200th anniversary on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The church will welcome back former pastors, out of town members, and special guests. Church services will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed immediately with a luncheon at the church at 11:30 a.m. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by May 17 to [email protected] or call 937-222-4691.

For those that cannot attend the unveiling of the historic marker, below is the text on both sides of the marker.

First Baptist Church of Dayton organized on May 29, 1824. A council met on the porch of William Huffman’s home at Third and Jefferson and approved 9 members as a congregation. The next day Lydia Huffman was baptized in the Great Miami River, the first recorded Baptist immersion in the city. Their first church building was erected in 1827 on Main Street. In 1829 the congregation suffered a Campbellite schism. Those resolved to remain Baptist incorporated on February 25, 1837, as The First Regular Baptist Church of Dayton, Ohio. The foundations for the Monument Avenue building were begun prior to the 1913 Dayton flood and the cornerstone was laid May 31, 1914. The building was completed, furnished, and ready for worship on June 26, 1915.

First Baptist has long been a beacon of progressive ministry. Many of Dayton’s leading families — with names like Stout, Thresher, Barney, Robert, Canby, McCann, Beaver, and Deeds — were members. The church hosted Orville Wright’s 1948 funeral as his niece, Ivonette Wright Miller, was a member of the church and its choir. Notable long-serving pastors included Henry Colby (1868-1903), Charles Seasholes (1931-1965), and nationally-known Baptist leader J.C. Massee (1913-1919). First Baptist was a leading American supporter of foreign mission work while simultaneously sponsoring such fledgling Dayton congregations as Zion Baptist, considered the city’s oldest Black Baptist church. First Baptist welcomed women into leadership and in 2017 adopted a “Welcoming and Affirming” statement. Celebrating its bicentennial, First Baptist Church builds on its rich history with faith for a vibrant future.

First Baptist Church

111 West Monument Avenue
Dayton, OH 45402

Phone: (937) 222-4691

Dayton at Work and Play: Glass Blower Dustin Wagner

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Dustin Wagner of Nyminal Glass in his new studio at 1900 East 2nd Street
This is the best glass blowing studio I’ve ever seen. Dustin has 4 separate glass ovens and lots of production space. In the upper deck, where Dustin is standing in this photo, there is a glass shop and bleachers where you can sit and watch glass blowing demonstrations down below.
Dustin tells me his brother studied glass blowing in college, and taught him the basics 20 years ago. He’s been blowing glass ever since. In his younger days Dustin worked as an assistant to several experienced glass artists. He also did glass blowing exhibitions at Cedar Point, and he taught children to blow glass at several summer camps. More recently he’s been renting time at various glass studios and making product to sell on the art fair circuit. Now, 20 years after he first started glass blowing, he finally has a studio of his own.
When Dustin bought this building in 2021 it needed a lot of work. Before starting on his own studio Dustin put the rest of the building into shape so he could rent it out.
Then he built the space he’s always dreamed of, with room to create, teach, and showcase his own art.
His Grand Opening is today and tomorrow 12-8pm. You should stop in – to check out Dustin’s glass blowing lessons. or to buy some glass art, or just to support a local small business owner doing something cool.

A Trip Around The World at A World A’Fair This Weekend!

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Dayton International Festival, Inc (DIFI) is the organizer behind A World A’Fair  and its Board is made up of the now 36 countries/ethnicities that take part in it.  All of their members are non-profit organizations and DIFI is a 501C3 tax-exempt charity.  Almost everybody connected with running the festival, manning the booths and performing  volunteer their time to share their culture.

A weekend of dancing, music and a chance to eat your way across the world.  The interactive stage has moved outside this year.  Make sure you bring your dancing shoes this weekend and learn some new moves! For the full entertainment schedule, click here.

Friday night only, for $15 you get 12 2-oz samples from our participating booths with a beer passport..  There’s also a drawing, along with voting for your favorite brew.  It’s your chance to sample beer from around the world.

This Weekends Food Menu:

China – Chicken Dumplings, Sweet Nugget, Sachima, Puffed Cereal Bar. Drinks – Lemonade, Sweet / Unsweet Iced Tea, Water

Czech Republic & Slovakia – Czech and Slovak Pastries, and Desserts
Drinks – Beer

France – Macaroons
Drinks – Wine, Champaigne, Passion Fruit Slushy, Water

Germany – Brat, Mett, German Potato Salad, Seasoned Sauerkraut, Soft Pretzels
Drinks – Beer, Water

Guam – Red Rice, Barbeque Chicken, Barbeque Baby Back Ribs, Shrimp Patties, Lumpia,
Cabbage Salad with Finadeene Dipping Sauce. Drinks –Tea, Water & Soda

Hungary – Cabbage Rolls, Hungarian Sausage, Hungarian Paprika Potatoes, Hungarian Pastries
Drinks – Wine

India – Chicken Tikka, Saag Paneer, Samosa, Pakodas, Rice, Naan, Chale, Indian Sweet
Drinks – Tea, Coffee, Lemonade, Kaas Kaas, Rose Water, Beer

Ireland – Pub Fries. Drinks – Beer

Italy – Meatball Sandwich, Sausage Sandwich, Pastries – Tiramisu, Cannoli, Italian Wedding
Cake and Chocolate Mousse. Drinks – Water & Capri Sun

Japan – Beef Curry over Rice, Vegetarian Curry over Rice
Drinks – Mochi Ice Cream Drinks: Hot Green Tea, Sake, Kinsen Plum Wine & Asahi Beer

Korea – Bulgogi, Fried Rice, Mandu and Kimchi. Drinks – Lemonade

Lebanon – Sandwiches: Chicken Shawarma, Kafta & Falafel
Sides: Hummus & Pita Bread, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Fatoush Salad, Tabouleh Salad & Spinach
Pies. Lebanese Pastries: Baklava, Mamoul & various other pastries
Drinks – Strawberry Water, Rose Water, Wine & Beer

Mexico – Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Fajitas & Taco Salad. Drinks – Mexican Soda (Jarritos), Margaritas & Beer

Netherlands – Apple Flappen. Drinks – Beer

Nigeria – Akara (fried Blackeye Beans), Dodo (fried plantain), Puff Puff
Drinks – Water & Lemonade

Norway – Pre-packaged Lefse
Panama – Rice, Beans, Arroz con pollo/ rice and chicken, Beef Empanadas
Drinks – Malta & Fruit Juices

Philippines – Pancit (Philippine Noodles), Pork Skewers, Adoba, Lumpia (Spring Rolls),
Steamed Rice, So Ya Bean Curd (Taho), Asado (Pork Dumplings ), Ice Candies, Halo-Halo, Ice
Cream Cube (Mango, Fruit Salad), Bawt (Duck Egg Embryo), Fried Plantain with Caramelized
Brown Sugar. Drinks – Beer

Poland – Pierogi & Polish Sausage Sandwich. Drinks – Water & Beer

Puerto Rico – Pina Coladas and Piraguas (Flavored Shaved Ice)

Scotland – Meat pies, Bridies, Sausage Rolls & Short Bread
Drinks – Soda Pop (Im Bru) & Beer

South Slav – Baklava, Pita, Potica & Pastries. Drinks: Water, Wine & Beer

Turkey – Charcoal Grilled Chicken Thighs, Meat and Potato Turkish Style Samosas, Bread &
Turkish Style Sweets/Pastries
Drinks: Gazoz (Turkish style sweet sparkling water), Water & Non-alcoholic Fruit Drinks

Ukraine – Prepackaged candy and cookies

Vietnam – Fried Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sticks & Fried Rice
Drinks: Vietnamese Coffee

A World A’Fair 

Friday, May 3, 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday, May 4, 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday, May 5, 11 AM – 6 PM

Tickets $10 for adults,
$8 for seniors and children

Parking $5

Greene County Expo Center
120 Fairgrounds Road
Xenia, OH  45385

10 Riverway Farmer’s Markets You Don’t Want To Miss

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I love this time of year; The trees are green, flowers in bloom, bees a-buzzin’, and the legendary Ohio farmer’s markets return to our Riverway communities. There’s just nothing like strolling around farm stalls on a crisp midwestern morning (with an iced coffee in hand, of course), staring out at rows and rows of fresh produce and locally made products.

For me, it’s important to see where my food is coming from, and even more important that it comes from local sources. I want to support my local farmers and communities as much as possible, and choosing to shop farmer’s markets for some of your grocery needs is one way to do that. The produce seems to taste fresher, and it comes with less of a greenhouse gas footprint. Now, that is something worth biting into.

5 Tips Before You Go
Here are some tips on making your farmer’s market trip successful:

  1. Plan to have cash on hand. Some vendors don’t accept credit cards.
  2. Have meals in mind. Just like regular grocery shopping, you’ll end up walking away with more food than you need (or could possibly eat before It goes bad) if you hope to only be inspired upon arrival.
  3. Talk to the farmers. Ask what is best that week, listen to them, and buy that thing. Because they are intimately connected with their crops and lands, they know best.
  4. Bring your own reusable bags. Better for the environment, easier on the farmers, and better for your commute back home.
  5. Go beyond the produce. Farmer’s markets have so much more than fresh, great-tasting veggies and fruits. It’s a place to shop gifts, flowers, locally made honey, spices, jams, meats, eggs, and so much more. Find your new favorite pantry items.

 

 

Riverway Farmer’s Markets

Below is a list of our Riverway farmer’s markets, organized from northernmost (Sidney) to southernmost (Hamilton), with website links and further details.

 

The Great Sidney Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8am to 12pm in the Shelby County Court Square
Hosted by Sidney Alive

Vendors from all around the area provide great food, crafts, and more!

 

Piqua Community Farmer’s Market
Thursdays, May 23 through September 26, 3-6pm
Front of Piqua Public Library
facebook for updates
2024 Vendor List

 

Troy

Fulton Farms now open! 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Some noteworthy, upcoming events at the fam:

June 28 – Red Barn Market at Fulton Farms, an upscale market showcasing Ohio’s most unique handmade items.
Aug 3 & 4 – Sweet Corn Festival at Fulton Farms


Miami County Locally Grown Virtual Farmer’s Market (Pick-Up in Troy)

Miami County Locally Grown began in 2016 thanks to a collaborative effort between the Miami County Local Food Council, The Ohio State University Extension, and the USDA.  Vendors/Producers all live within thirty miles of our downtown Troy location. Order online and pick up on Tuesdays.
Vendor List

Cherry Street Local Farmer’s Market (Troy)
Every Saturday, 9AM to Noon. June 8th to September 28th. South Cherry St./ Cherry Street Parking Lot.

o   Currently accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. The market plans to accept Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), with matching Produce Points, and Women Infants and Children (WIC) in the very near future.

o   Facebook page – find weekly vendor updates

o   Miami County Local Food Council also has a Local Food Source search tool to help you discover local farmers and producers.

 

Dayton
2nd Street Market
Local growers, bakers, culinary specialists and artisans fill this charming historical freight house. Reminiscent of European markets, it’s alive with vendors, people and activity during market hours.

Friday  11AM – 3PM
Saturday  9AM – 3PM
Sunday. 11AM – 3PM

 

Downtown Franklin Farmer’s Market
2024 dates: Saturdays, 9:00 – 1:00,
May 25 through Sept. 14.

The Downtown Franklin Farmers Market is co-sponsored by the City of Franklin and the Chamber45005. Our goal is to help the community “Buy Fresh, Eat Local.”

Franklin City Building
1 Benjamin Franklin Way

 

Monroe
Garver Family Farm Market

6716 Hamilton Lebanon Rd.
Monroe, OH 45044

This charming, family-owned farm is home to an excellent selection of fresh produce and other great finds! Four generations have proudly cared for the Garver Family Farm which takes pride in serving customers with fresh quality products at an affordable price. With the Garver Family Farm offering different things every season, there is always something new and fun to discover!

Trenton
Barn n’ Bunk Farm Market
May 11 from 10am to 4pm

Barn-n-Bunk features three large jam-packed barns, each filled with different things to see, try, and do! Enjoy a selection of seasonal produce and baked goods offerings, find carefully handcrafted furniture and decor, or even try your hand at a pottery lesson! Shop local with over 40 crafters, and be sure to make a stop at their ice cream parlor for a sweet treat!

Spring Craft Show

 

Hamilton Historic Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday May 18 to October 5
8AM to 12PM

Live music & chidlren’s activities the 3rd Saturday of every month.

The square around the Historic Butler County Courthouse: 101 High St. Parking is free during the market.

RiverScape Free festivals and Fitness Opportunities

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Five Rivers MetroParks kicks off festival season this May, along with free fitness opportunities and special events at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. in downtown Dayton.

Special events this May include MetroParks’ Passport to MetroParks on Friday, May 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival is an opportunity to preview all the happenings in Five Rivers MetroParks this summer, from cultural festivals to MetroParks’ programs. Learn more at www.metroparks.org/passport.

On Friday, May 17, from 7 to 9 a.m., Five Rivers MetroParks will host its annual National Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast. Participants are encouraged to bike to this free, pancake-flipping breakfast featuring live music, a cycling expo and more. Learn more at www.metroparks.org/bikemonth.

 

MetroParks has free fitness offerings featuring high impact group workouts, mindfully-focused programs and dance fitness. Free fitness classes include Fitness in the Park’s yoga and Zumba classes, which are presented byKettering Health with additional sponsorship from McGohan Brabender.

May’s fitness schedule is:

Participants should remember to bring their own mat to yoga, in addition to a reusable water bottle to all fitness classes. Registration is not required. Check metroparks.org/programs for the entire fitness schedule.

Other happenings in May at RiverScape MetroPark include:

 

The Fountain Snack Bar will open Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25 and offer snacks and cool treats, such as ice cream and cold drinks. Hours of operation are:

  • Noon to 6 p.m. – Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Noon to 8 p.m. – Tuesdays through Saturdays

 

The RiverScape Café has a soft opening on Thursday, April 25 and will offer a new menu, including appetizers, flatbreads and desserts. Because RiverScape MetroPark is part of the DORA footprint, visitors can also enjoy a variety of beer, wine and hard seltzers. Hours through May 30 are Thursdays, from 5 to 8 p.m., with additional hours starting June 4.

Because RiverScape MetroPark is included in the Downtown Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area(DORA) footprint, people walking in the downtown area are welcome to visit the park with their beverages within the DORA boundary. Learn more about DORA and participating businesses – including RiverScape MetroPark – at www.downtowndayton.org/dora.

The interactive fountains and Five Rivers Fountain of Lights will operate from Memorial Day weekend, May 27, to Labor Day, Sept. 2. The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights operates for 10-minute intervals at the top of the hour during the weekdays from 6:55 a.m. to 10:05 p.m. and during weekends from 10:55 a.m. to 10:05 p.m. Splash in the interactive fountains daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. These features are weather dependent and may close due to inclement weather, including high winds. For a complete list of MetroParks’ closures, please visit metroparks.org/alerts.

Save the date for kayaking rentals provided by Taiters Kayak Solutions beginning June 4. Tuesday, June 4 also kicks off new Tuesday Nights in the Park, which feature a rotating selection of entertainment such as cornhole tournaments, live music and music Bingo.

WYSO Presents snarls, Jess Lamb and the Factory with Siri Imani, and Dos.Grandiose

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WYSO 91.3 FM and The Brightside are teaming up to celebrate the southern hemisphere of Ohio music — Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati representing — with a benefit show to support WYSO on Friday, May 3, 2024.

 

Indie rock’s snarls (Columbus), soul’s Jess Lamb and the Factory with Siri Imani (Cincinnati), and hip-hop’s Dos.Grandiose are set to perform, blending an eclectic and electric night of live music.

The show coincides with the release of snarls’ second LP, With Love; a two-fer-one in an already three-fer-one show! See the music video for snarls’ single “Heavy Drinker” for the VHS-era fun video-pop vibes they’ll surely bring to Dayton. They were also deemed Five Guys’ Artist of the Month for April 2024. (Yes, the burger restaurant.)

snarls is Chlo White, Riley Hall, and Mick Martinez, who are all worthy of capital letters, even if their collective name is spelled otherwise. (Though the sources on that capitalization do vary.)

Jess Lamb can simultaneously harness a quivering, devastating voice like Tracy Chapman and command a room like Janis. (Yes, that one.) Lamb received worldwide recognition with an appearance on American Idol, though the Over-the-Rhine dream pop-soul tunes Jess Lamb and the Factory make would’ve caught our attention regardless of J-Lo’s input.

Alongside Lamb at the Brightside show is Siri Imani who can spit out the perfect amount of words within the ideal amount of syllables, stamping exclamation marks on everything she’s featured on.

Dayton’s performer/songwriter — and self-proclaimed cannabis connoisseur — Dos.Grandiose toys with trap and lo-fi beats while sprinkling in his brand of synth-based funk. To prep, check out the Bad Genes presents: Star Platinum EP with Dos.Grandiose and Zola182.

The three-act night is so mixed it’ll be like you’re listening to the radio — but in person. And what better way to do that than at The Brightside, for WYSO by WYSO?

 

**How to Go?**

Friday, May 3, 2024

The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

Doors 7 pm / Show 8 pm

All ages welcome!

Tickets $20 advance: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/99957/orders/new#/

There are limited VIP tickets available with reserved seating (includes 4 tickets)

Tickets available at the door: $25 day of show

Special thanks to our sponsors Yellow Springs Brewery and Emporium Wines and Underdog Cafe

Broadway & Bling Raffle To Support Oakwood’s Performing and Visual Arts Programs

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Here’s your chance to support  a star-studded fundraising event in support of the Oakwood Auditorium, as part of the Oakwood Schools Foundation’s Flourish Campaign for Oakwood’s Performing and Visual Arts. Enter the raffle for a chance to win the ultimate Broadway theater and NYC vacation experience!

Visual arts, band, choir, theater, and orchestra are all top extracurriculars at Oakwood Junior High and High School. Because of their popularity, the need for new and renewed art spaces is considerable and undeniable. The plan will directly address these needs by expanding and creating space for the arts as well as enhancing current equipment and space.

This project will enhance the arts education experience for Oakwood students, faculty, parents, and the community at-large as well as provide Oakwood students with the state-of-the-art facilities they need to remain competitive with other area school systems. FLOURISH will inspire, building future appreciation and participation in the arts for generations to come.

Immerse yourself (along with your favorite person!) in the glitz and glamor of the Big Apple with our grand prize package*, featuring:

  • Roundtrip airfare for two
  • Roundtrip, private airport transportation
  • Two tickets to a hit Broadway show of your choice
  • Luxurious accommodation in the heart of Manhattan for two nights
  • 3/8ct. tw diamond stud earrings in 14k white gold from Jaffe Jewelers, valued at $1,100

With every ticket purchase, you’re supporting the arts in our community, providing students with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance their arts education, and helping to enhance the Oakwood Auditorium for generations to enjoy.

Raffle tickets run $50 each and will be on sale until May 20th.  You can purchase online here.

Volunteer for MetroParks Adopt-A-Park this Saturday

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Hundreds of volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds will tackle 22 projects at 16 different MetroParks locations this Saturday during MetroParks’ annual day of service, Adopt-A-Park.

Projects will include litter pick up, invasive species removal, tree planting, garden maintenance and more. These projects improve the environment and beautify the region.

“It’s the perfect occasion for folks to welcome spring by spending a day outdoors with their friends of family giving back to the environment,” said Jenny Hymans, MetroParks volunteer services manager.

In 2023, more than 252 pounds of landfill litter was cleared from area greenspace and parks. Additionally, 100 pounds of recycled materials were collected and diverted from the landfill.

 

When: Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon

 

Where: Multiple MetroParks locations including:

 

Questions: Contact Jenny Hymans at 937-275-PARK or [email protected].

 

Welcome Our Honor Flight Veterans Home April 20th

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Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission. We have the enormous privilege of showing our nation’s veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve.

Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other veterans. Honored veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to our organization.

While initially focused on America’s World War II veterans, Honor Flight Network has expanded its mission to include those who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Honor Flight TLC program also honors veterans of any service era who are critically ill.

The first Honor Flight  of 2024 for Dayton is quickly approaching! We are in need of the publics help! You’re invited to help us Welcome Home Veterans from the Honor Flight Trip! Many of these Veterans did not receive a Homecoming when the arrived back in the states from serving overseas. We are here to make up for that and show them their service and sacrifice for this great country is appreciated.

Join us for the Honor Flight Dayton homecoming on April 20th. Help show our appreciation to these men and women for the sacrifice they made for our country by coming to the airport to greet the flight when we return.
The flight lands at ~ 8:15pm. You have two options to welcome home our veterans:

1) Joint us near the airline ticket counters and clap and cheer as we come out at the end of the evening. There will be the AF Band of Flight and Young Marines/JROTC/Civil Air Patrol units out there as well. This is a great way to welcome our veterans back.
2) Welcome us at the gate. In order to do this, you must be get your gate pass from American Airlines before 7:30pm in order to get through TSA before it closes. You will need a government issued picture ID to get through security. Children under 13 will not need an ID.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you choose to go upstairs you must remain upstairs until after the veterans have exited the secured area. This will be strictly enforced.
Honor Flight representatives will be in the gate area with instructions, information and will be available to answer any questions. Announcements in the gate area will begin around 7:00pm.
Questions concerning the homecoming can be directed to [email protected] or contacting HFD’s lead coordinator for this event – LaTisha Fay (937) 765-1407.

‘My, Oh My!’ Tina is a Powerhouse!

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Tina, the Musical, packs so much energy, you’ll be exhausted just watching it. And it’s not all upbeat and bouncy. The show takes us through Tina’s life and times. Nothing is left to the imagination, and at times, you will feel the heartache and heartbreak that Tina Turner endured. From the time the curtain rises, we get a sense that there’s a lot to Tina….and from her early life as Anna Mae Bullock, to her brilliant rise to stardom as a single act, we get to cheer her on.

The perseverance, the passion and the push forward that she models is a good lesson for everyone. For most of us. we know the story…we saw the incredible movie that opened the door on Tina’s struggles and successes. But, as is always the. case, the stage brings an intimacy. You are there. At no other time in the musical is that more apparent then the scene right before intermission. ‘I Don’t Wanna Fight’ plays as Tina sees her way out. So Satisfying.

The musical features all the songs you know and love from Tina’s anthology and Ike’s as well. Most of the songs fit perfectly with the story’s progression (although ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero’ pops in at a strange time.)

It’s really in the final moments of the actual show that you feel the audience sit-up as if to say, ‘There’s Tina!’ Do yourself a favor and hang in there after that curtain falls…you’ll thank me. You will be on your feet!

The cast is superb. Big, bellowing voices, high kicking dancers and acting that is more than run of the mill convincing. You feel it.

There are some magic moments, like  ‘Let’s Stay Together’ and how it was fits in the script, and I really loved ‘River Deep, Mountain High,’ because it was pure, and poppy! OH, and of. course ‘Proud Mary!’ need I say anything about that quintessential favorite.

Faced with an unloving mother, a pompous husband and a world that wasn’t exactly ready for the star that was Tina Turner, the show is so incredibly redeeming, and, for the record, Tina will remain an inspiration to us all!

For More Information….log-on to: https://www.daytonlive.org/venues/schuster-center/

Dayton Rotary Foundation Opens Applications for $50,000 Grant

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The Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation has just announced a grant opportunity for a nonprofit that focuses on Mental Health of up to $50,000. “Our foundation traditionally gives $3000 grants quarterly. Five years ago we gave a $50,000 signature grant to Gem City Market, and we want to again give a grant that will truly make a difference in our community,” said Foundation Board President Lisa Grigsby.

This Grant may used be for a single program/initiative, collaborative (multi-partner) project, operational support of an organizational project. Rotarians worldwide are currently focused on the issues of mental health.

Examples of proposed plans may include individuals/families impacted by trauma, substance use disorder, preventative care, mental health in special populations (i.e. adolescents, refugees, survivors of domestic violence, Veterans, senior adults), social determinants impacting mental health issues, suicide awareness/prevention

Proposing organizations must be IRS-qualified 501(c)3 entities located in and serving the Dayton metro region

Grant funding may used be for a single program/initiative, collaborative (multi-partner) project, operational support of an organizational project.

Signature Grant Timeline

Grant application deadline: June 13- Application available online

Send completed application to Laura Erbaugh – [email protected]

  1. Semi-finalists selected: July 24 (Rotary Foundation meeting)
    Semi-finalists announced: July 25-28
    Semi-finalist presentations at Rotary Meetings: August 12 & August 19

    Finalist selected by: August 28
    Finalist formal announcement: September 10

About Rotary

Rotary is an international membership organization made up of diverse groups of people who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives across the world. Rotary clubs exist in almost every country. Being a member is an opportunity to take action and make a difference.

About Dayton Rotary:

The Rotary Club of Dayton is a fellowship of over 200 diverse business and professional leaders who commit their time and talent to staying informed and serving the club, the community and the world.

The Rotary club of Dayton was organized May 27, 1912 and was chartered as the 47th club of Rotary International on June 2, 1913.

Orville Wright, the inventor of flight, was an early member of the Rotary Club of Dayton. Dayton Rotarians have witnessed both the Wright Flyer’s first flight and moon landings. We have taken the automobile from an open carriage, to efficient battery-operated vehicles. We have witnessed partyline telephones go to hand-held wireless devices carried by everyone. Entertainment went from radio to the television to computers that are small enough to fit in our purse or pocket and carry on planes.

The Rotary Club of Dayton was once a business-only club that mirrored Paul Harris’s thinking of what Rotary should be: Businessmen learning about each other’s business, doing business with each other based on a foundation of trust.

The Rotary Club of Dayton today is a group of current and future leaders who work in government, in the corporate world or in the not-for-profit world while we focus on building productive relationships and serving our community. We are individuals from different genders, different races, different backgrounds, and different religions. And we are resilient! During COVID we continued to meet via zoom and now every Monday over lunch we do a hybrid meeting, in person at Sinclair College as well as over zoom.

 

DAI Art Ball Tickets Now On Sale

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The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) has announced details for its 2024 Art Ball fundraiser, taking place Saturday, June 8. Presented by The SharpGroup – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty & UnlistedHomes.com, the black-tie gala, a Dayton tradition since 1957, returns to celebrate its 67th anniversary.

“We are excited to welcome guests to the 67th anniversary of Art Ball,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “As one of the museum’s largest annual fundraisers, this Dayton classic is vital to supporting the DAI’s operating budget.

This year’s Art Ball continues the long-standing tradition of being inspired by an artwork from the DAI’s permanent collection. Art Ball Chairs Julie Forman and Marty Gehres have selected It’s Raining Colored Dots, a silkscreen on paper, as the artistic feature for this year’s event. Created by Oakwood High School graduate Petah Coyne around 1977, the brightly colored work is a recent gift to the collection from longtime friend of the DAI, Linda Lombard.

“Our goal was to choose a work that captured the vibrancy and spirit of the Disco Era,” says DAI Associate Board members Julie Forman and Marty Gehres. “Our guests will see the artwork’s influence throughout the event, from beautiful décor and exquisite food to the music and atmosphere. We can’t wait to follow the call of the disco ball at Dayton’s best black-tie event of the year.”

Art Ball begins at 7 pm with cocktails, specialty martinis and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an elegant, seated dinner in the museum’s Harry A. Shaw Gothic Cloister and the Great Hall. Following dinner, guests may enjoy live music by Tommi Lea’s Groovy Get Down, a Silent Disco experience, open bars, select bourbons and much more. For an additional ticket price, guests may attend a VIP cocktail hour with high-end wines and hors d’oeuvres, which will offer early entry to Art Ball for a private reception at 6:00 p.m.

Art Ball traces its roots back to Dayton’s Holiday Ball, which began in 1957. Organized by the Junior League of Dayton, the event was held at the DAI, with proceeds benefitting the museum. The event moved to the spring in 1963 and was rechristened as “Art Ball.” In 1965, the DAI’s newly formed Associate Board took over planning and organizing the gala. More information about Art Ball, its history and this year’s featured artwork can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/artball.

Reservations are required for Art Ball, and attendance is limited. Tickets may be purchased online beginning April 6 for non-members. They were for sale April 3rd for members.  For more information about reservations and to request an invitation, contact External Affairs Director Mike Griest at [email protected].

Art Ball also includes the Grand Draw Raffle in its fundraising efforts. Only 600 tickets will be sold for $100 each, with the chance to win prize packages valued at $2500 -$25,000, including a week’s stay for up to 14 people in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beautiful jewelry provided by James Free Jewelers. Ticket holders need not be present at Art Ball to win. Those purchasing three or more raffle tickets receive one free Oktoberfest Preview Party ticket (valued at $95). Grand Draw Raffle tickets may be purchased online beginning March 22. For more information about the Grand Draw Raffle and to purchase tickets online, go towww.artballraffle.com.

An Interview with Arland’s Greg Bowers

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Photo by Bobby Te

Greg Bowers is the vocalist and composer for the Dayton project, Arland. I sat down to chat with him in his Belmont home about the band, ballads, Black Sabbath, and his upcoming single, “The Day My Dream Comes True” (out April 8, 2024).

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Arland is your middle name?

GREG BOWERS: Yep, exactly. Exactly.

So with this project being mostly you, why not call it “Greg Bowers?”

BOWERS: I don’t know if you’ve ever searched Greg Bowers online but there is a jazz pianist who will come up. That’s my uncle. He releases music under that moniker, so I had to do something else. But, [Arland is] a very interesting name. It’s the single-name thing.

With building a band in the studio — without exactly having one — what does playing music ideally look like for you?

BOWERS: At this current stage, it’s not so much about playing music as it is the composing and writing of it, and eventually releasing it. I do need that band so I can actually start to go out and play music more consistently.

I think the beauty of what is happening with music right now is that bands can just exist on record. The live music aspect, as a form of getting the music out there, expands reach, but bands can exist without performing.

BOWERS: Yeah.

I know from the way you just said yeah that you wouldn’t want it that way.

BOWERS: It’s not so much that I wouldn’t want it that way, but I haven’t experienced it [as a band yet]. 

If you were able to make it work solely in the studio, would you do that?

BOWERS: I think I might. I consider myself a writer — a musician. So from that perspective, being able to focus on writing songs, composing songs — that’s what really appeals to me. Playing music is cool. But for me, the focus is really on telling these stories and getting them out there.

What kind of music were you influenced by?

BOWERS: I grew up in this very religious environment. And so we had a lot of your more traditional [Contemporary Christian music]-type stuff. Eventually, I started to move toward the crossovers. There were a few metalcore bands. Have you heard of August Burns Red? They’re metalcore.

No, but you can throw “-core” after anything and I generally understand what you’re saying. 

BOWERS: So metalcore, from my understanding, tends to be very heavy: lots of uncleans, but also lots of cleans. High soaring vocals, and very melodic guitars, as well. I was, and still am, very focused on the vocal side of things. I used to listen to Josh Groban, as well. Very vocally-focused.

I know how [Reel Love Recording Company Producer] Pat [Himes] works in the studio; he likes to double a lot of things. And when I’m listening to your vocals, I believe that’s what’s going on. There are points when I think you sound a little like Ozzy [Osbourne].

BOWERS: Ozzy. Interesting.

Have you ever gotten that comparison?

BOWERS: I have never listened to Ozzy Osbourne or Black Sabbath.

Ever?

BOWERS: Ever. So that’s interesting.

That blows my mind.

BOWERS: I have a really weird musical background. 

We’ve gotta listen to some before I leave.

BOWERS: Sounds good.

So you released “Islands” in January 2022, which, for lack of a better word, is a ballad. There are movements, but…

BOWERS: One thing I have trouble with is music genres. What is a ballad? What is a ballad to you?

When I think of ballads, I think of hair metal that goes soft. Guns N’ Roses doing “Patience” or “November Rain.” Softer songs, but whoever’s pushing it has a heavier oeuvre. It doesn’t always have to be like that. There are just sweet people… are you confused by the ballad label?

BOWERS: I am, yeah. It’s not like I mind it at all. To my extremely limited and miniscule understanding, I’ve always kind of perceived a ballad as a “piano ballad,” or it’s a literal piano song. 

You say you have an extremely limited understanding, but it sounds like you have a firm grasp of music in general.

BOWERS: I guess my term is “rock opera.” Movements, stories you’re telling somewhat through the lyrics, through the sections of music, sometimes through the music itself, to introduce a different feel — those types of things. Structurally, I’m definitely doing things but I don’t have great terms for them.

It’s interesting that you say it like this because I thought your second release “Day Breaks” also felt like a ballad. Your new song, “The Day My Dream Comes True,” isn’t necessarily a ballad but it has elements of one. But when I first heard your music a couple of years ago [via a Google Drive link], I heard screamo. And maybe that’s another term you don’t agree with, but there was something on the verge of screaming happening. So with these three releases being so much softer than the other stuff, what’s the choice to frontload those softer sounds?

BOWERS: At this point, there’s no guarantee there’s actual metal coming out, but there might be. The idea of frontloading, I guess, is hinged upon that. 

You don’t disagree with the metal label?

BOWERS: No. I guess I don’t understand the metal side of things for the piano ballad. I’ve talked about a lot of this artsy-fartsy stuff, but I view “Islands” in a sort of quantum superposition, of being chronologically placed after my first two albums. But if you listen to the story or the message, it works well as a debut song.

So you’re saying that what you’re doing right now is George Lucas making the first Star Wars movie.

BOWERS: I don’t know if this will be anywhere near as successful, but I guess. 

But that’s the idea behind it: “Islands” could be a stand on its own, but to give context there is also a prequel series in the form of those first two albums.

BOWERS: So when I was thinking about my debut single, something that really gets out there, I was thinking about these first two albums and the story they tell and where it all leads. And so it does all tie together in that sense, narratively.

If you had to boil down that narrative thread, what is that narrative thread? 

BOWERS: It’s just a general person’s philosophy changing as they go through things, eventually sort of culminating in “Islands.” So that’s the trick: The answer is out there, but it’s not going to be obvious what it actually means until you’ve heard those first two albums.

When are we getting the first two albums?

BOWERS: The plan is [to release] “The Day My Dream Comes True” on April 8. Hopefully then, within the next few months or so, I’ll get the album out. It’s all written, basically all the music is recorded. We’re trying to get some strings in. And then do the final mix, mastering, that sort of stuff. Second album, obviously the lyrics are all written. [I’m] in the midst of writing the music. So, two or three years. Something like that.

To have it all.

BOWERS: Or at least this stage of it all. 

This new song [“The Day My Dream Comes True”] feels like a breakup — with someone or something. And that’s not definitive, of course; that’s just my interpretation. But do you think you’ll ever come out with the true meaning, or will you always keep things vague? Not just for this song, but for everything. 

BOWERS: It’s hard to say whether that’d be a good idea or fits where I want things to be in five years when this story is done. There are other songs that are more explicit. Other singles, other album ideas. This one in particular is much more open-ended.

In a world where everything is quick and constant, does it concern you that this long-term plan will be lost on people?

BOWERS: I don’t really worry about it, but I recognize that it’s absolutely a possibility. People are going to consume things at their own rate, to their own interests, and that’s fine. I still think in this perspective of telling a grander story across songs, across an album. Ultimately, all I can do is put out what I feel like I need to put out. And if people like it, they like it. 

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After the interview, I gave Greg Bowers a tour of Black Sabbath’s catalog — from “Paranoid” to “Iron Man” to “War Pigs” but nothing seemed to catch on. I think he might’ve been confused by the whole comparison, and I suppose I was a little confused, as well.

Arland’s third single, “The Day My Dream Comes True,” along with its music video, will be released on the day of the Solar Eclipse, April 8, 2024. The significance of that is up for interpretation.

Dayton at Work and Play: Lady Linda Crawford

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Lady Linda Crawford of Secret Beauty Hats: Fine Millinery
“I’ve been selling hats my whole life” she told me. “At first I sold hats from all the national suppliers. But when I saw the styles they offered , and looked closely at the way they were constructed, I decided I could make better hats myself.”
” When I reached retirement age I closed my hat shop and took it easy. But I got bored at home and
“Lately I’ve been letting nonprofits use my shop for fundraisers. They sell tickets to a VIP Boutique Girl Time event at my shop. The nonprofit supplies the food and I make sure everyone has fun trying different hats and outfits.”
As we talked, Linda was unpacking a box filled with head manikins. “I’ll be taking these to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. I arrive the First of May and stay until the race on May 4. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve been selling my hats there for the last 22 years.
View her catalog of hats here. 

Secret Beauty Hats: Fine Millinery

Talbot Tower
131 N. Ludlow St, Set 27.
Dayton, OH 45402

312-857-4287

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