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Misery Packs a Terrifying PUNCH!

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Stephen’s King frightening tale of an obsessed fan, MISERY, comes to life this weekend at the PNC Arts Annex. TheatreLab‘s deep dive into the novel looks eerie, and excellent. I was lucky enough to catch up with the show’s director, Allie Haines. She gave me the lowdown, on this blood-curdling ride through the mind of a psychopath….the notorious Annie Wilkes.

JS: Hi Allie….so good to see you. So, tell me this, Why Misery??

AH: Hi Josh…yes, TheatreLab has a history of success presenting shows around the Halloween season and we’ve been wanting to introduce plays into our offerings, so Misery felt like a no brainer. The story feels timeless and relevant with its issues of fame, obsession, and addiction and we wanted to give the audience an immersive, voyeuristic view inside of this nightmare.

JS: It’s a story so many know…and love, especially the film. Are there parallels?

AH: Quite similar, actually! You can expect the same thrilling ride, with our own compelling twists and turns throughout. Complete with sledgehammer!

JS: Yay, the sledgehammer. (For those of you unfamiliar, you will appreciate the loyalty to the story King wrote. Let’s juist say, some of the props are stars as well.) Thinking in terms of stars, there is a lot of talk about this cast. What can you share with us?

AH: These actors. Phew!!! Every night they surprise us, make us laugh, gasp in horror and send chills down our spines. Naman Clark plays a suave and confident Sheriff Buster, Kaleb Smith enters the chat as the sarcastic and endearing famous author Paul Sheldon, and Adelyn Helms embodies our Annie Wilkes with a mastery that’s at once both enchanting and terrifying. They are a truly phenomenal cast that must be seen to be believed, bringing these classic characters to life – for a new generation of Misery devotees.

JS: I’m a devotee. I think about some of those scenes, and find myself rooting for Annie….sick as that is! It’s just got so much energy in the show…all over the place energy. I know people are dying to get tickets….what are the dates/times?

AH: 4. One weekend only! November 2-4th. Link for tickets is right here: https://www.daytonlive.org/events/misery/

JS: There are also rumors about TheatreLab using their own space for upcoming performances. The previews for Misery were a hit….from the sinister elevator ride, to the immersive performances. Whats the story with all of that?

AH:5. Our rehearsal space on Jefferson St really lends itself to performance and experiential opportunities and opening up our final rehearsals of Misery to the public and transforming our space into a version of the show felt like the beginnings of a new direction for TLD. Up next, [title of show] will be playing in our space and our wheels are already turning with ideas for more intimate, immersive, and one of a kind theatrical experiences.

JS: YAY! Smart! Ok, so, with all the word on theaters around the country facing tough times….how can Dayton get involved in TLD. Are there opportunities to support beyond tickets?

AH: We believe live theater and telling these stories on stage cultivates empathy, connection and hope in our beautiful, yet fractured world. Art is essential. We need your support to continue this crucial work, to compensate local artists and spark deep conversations about the human experience. You can get involved in so many ways! Visit our website and contact us if you’d like to volunteer or donate (we accept Venmo, PayPal, and good ol fashioned checks and cash!). You truly are our best advocates! If you come to our show and enjoyed it – spread the word online and to your friends! You make a huge difference in allowing The Lab to continue to INVOLVE, INNOVATE and INSPIRE! Thank you!

JS: Ummmmm…..that was like a practiced speech Alle….but I get it. Best of luck with Misery, and for the season itself. And thank you!

AH: See you at the show….Thanks Josh.

 

 

Nominate A City of Dayton Worker for the Cline Award

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The Joseph T. Cline Awards Fund was established in 1984 at The Dayton Foundation by Carolynne H. Cline, daughter of the late Joseph T. Cline. Joseph T. Cline was an optometrist, an associate of John Patterson, and a civic volunteer in early 20th century Dayton.

The awards honor current City of Dayton workers who display excellence and dedication in their career as a City employee, as well as civic and community involvement. Honorees receive recognition by the City Commission and a cash award from an endowment established by the Cline family through The Dayton Foundation.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

To be eligible, nominees must be a current full-time or permanent part-time employee with a minimum of two years of employment with the City of Dayton. Citizens and City of Dayton employees alike may nominate individuals for this award. Up to 10 winners will be selected by a team of reviewers representing The Dayton Foundation and the City of Dayton, plus a community volunteer and prior award winners.

NOMINATIONS

Nominations for the 2023 awards are due by Friday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. Click here to complete and submit a nomination. Award honorees will be announced in early December.

Owl Fest This Weekend!

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In a  joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Caesar Creek State Park, Friends of Caesar Creek (FOCC), and NCACC Friends Organization Owl Fest is happening this weekend! Attendance is free, but there is a cost for the supplies for the Owl Box workshop.
To register or for more information, please call Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center at (513) 897-1050.
Friday, November 3rd
7:00 pm – Owl Flight Demonstration
Join the Park Naturalist and Ohio School of Falconry to see owls in person. Meet at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center Learning Center
8:00 pm –Saw-whet Owl Presentation
The Caesar Creek State Park Naturalist and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger will discuss current efforts at Caesar Creek Lake to protect and study owls. Meet at Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center.
9:00 pm – Stargazing and Owl Banding
Stargaze with the Park Naturalist and Wright State University Astronomical Collaboration. Bring your telescope or look through one of ours. Local bird banders will also be on site banding Northern Saw-whet Owls. See bird banding research in action and learn about these seldom-seen owls. Gather around a fire and drink hot chocolate and apple cider provided by Friends of Caesar Creek. Bring a chair, blanket, bug spray, and flashlight if you have one. This event is weather dependent. Meet at the Redbud Shelter next to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.
Saturday, November 4th
3:00 pm – Owl Pellets and Crafts
Discover what an owl ate for dinner by studying the bones that are left over! After learning about pellets, get colorful and creative by making crafts to celebrate these beautiful birds. Please register by calling the Visitor Center, (513) 897-1050. Meet at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center Learning Center.
5:00 pm – Owl Box Workshop
Build your own Owl Box to take home with the NCACC Friends Organization. Learn why birds are important, how to attract them to your yard, how to help protect them, and how to monitor your bird box. Kits are ready to assemble. All materials and tools needed will be supplied during the workshop for a fee of $35 (limited kits available). All proceeds go to the NCACC Friends Organization, and all profits are used to help care for the Nature Center Wildlife and to help support other park programs. Meet at the Redbud Shelter next to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center. Register here.
7:30 pm – Owl Moon
We will begin with the story, Owl Moon, which tells of a father and daughter on a winter hike in search of a Great-Horned Owl. After the story, we will go outside in search of Caesar Creek owl species. In November, owls re-establish territories and prepare for nesting. Please dress for the weather. Meet at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center Learning Center.
9:00 pm – Stargazing and Owl Banding
Stargaze with the Park Naturalist and Wright State University Astronomical Collaboration. Bring your telescope or look through one of ours. Local bird banders will also be on site banding Northern Saw-whet Owls. See bird banding research in action and learn about these seldom-seen owls. Gather around a fire and drink hot chocolate and apple cider provided by Friends of Caesar Creek. Bring a chair, blanket, bug spray, and flashlight if you have one. This event is weather dependent. Meet at the Redbud Shelter next to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.

Leaf Peeping is Open!

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Nature is still open for business, and there is no better time for you to get out of doors than the Autumn season. The  Great Miami Riverway has some of Ohio’s best fall foliage. This fall, you might be looking for fewer crowds or somewhere new to explore. We offer four places for you to visit. Let us know on social media your favorite place in the Riverway to see the leaves while they show their colors. #GreatMiamiRiverway

You can walk, bike, run, or hike at the easy trails of Crain’s Run Nature Park

With wide scenic views, this 34 acre forested park borders the Great Miami River and the Great Miami Recreation Trail. Most of the park is forested, and includes hiking trails that wind through the woods while the remainder is mown parkland. There are several shelter houses for picnics, and a four acre pond where you can fish. Adjoining the park property, just across the road at the south end of the park, is a restored canal lock that was built in 1829 as part of the Miami-Erie Canal system.

Hike the trails at Shawnee Lookout to take in the amazing scenic vistas of the Great Miami River valley.

Shawnee Lookout, located in Hamilton County, is a great place to take in nature any time of year. The park is well known for its historical Springhouse School and Log Cabin as well as its Native American archaeological earthworks. The park’s nature trails, including the 1.3-mile Blue Jacket, 2.0-mile Little Turtle and the 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail, offer spectacular views of the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys. The 4.3 miles of former golf cart paths are also open for biking, hiking, rolling or strolling. The park also features picnic areas, a playground and boat access to the Great Miami River. The new Riverway poster features the view from Shawnee Lookout.

Grab your hiking shoes and climb to the top of the Miamisburg Mound – one of two tallest adena mounds in the US

Miamisburg Mound offers an easy 30-minute visit and the opportunity to see one of the two largest conical mounds in eastern North America. The mound is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is 65 feet tall and 800 feet in circumference, containing 54,000 cubic yards of earth. The mound is visible from several miles away because it stands atop a 100-foot high ridge above the Great Miami River. Steps have been built to the top observation platform, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the area.

Photo by TripAdvisor/Sibylle B

Hike Charleston Falls Nature Preserve to see beautiful waterfalls and wildflowers.

Any time of year is a good time to visit Charleston Falls. As summer fades into fall, watch the lush green forest explode with color. The Falls at Charleston Falls can rightly be called a “Miniature Niagara” because its rock strata is the same as Niagara Falls. Charleston Falls Preserve is the most visited Park District property in Miami County with more than 216 acres of prairie and forests. This picturesque park is the perfect place to hike and view wildlife or seek out uncommon plants such as wild columbine, walking fern, purple cliff break and rock honeysuckle grace the limestone faces of the surrounding gorge.

Find Your Way – to the beautiful fall colors of the Great Miami Riverway!

Peace Events Happening Around the Community

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The news of conflict around the world from Ukraine to Israel and Palestine is extremely upsetting. For those looking for some ways to cope and bring more peace into the world, there are two upcoming events that Daytonians can take part in:

In Beavercreek, Heartfulness Dayton is hosting a two day peace event on Saturday and Sunday, October 28th – 29th at their meditation centers. There are group meditations and programs planned throughout the weekend. The non-profit organization will also be inaugurating a new art exhibit, The Art of Inner Peace by Heartfulness, courtesy of the artist Brian Jones a Heartfulnes Trainer at the center’s Fairfield Mall location.

Jones describes the exhibit as “A journey of self-reflection on the state of the world, our place in it as energetic beings and our search for a deep and lasting inner peace.”

HOW TO GO?

Saturday, October 28
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Fairfield Mall Inauguration (2727 Fairfield Commons Beavercreek)
1:00 AM – Lunch at Meditation Center (3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek)
2:30 PM – Program
4:00 PM – Tea/Coffee Break
5:00 PM – Satsangh
6:00 PM – Dinner and Bonfire

Sunday, October 29
9:00 AM – Satsangh
10:00 AM Breakfast
11:00 AM Program
12:00 PM Satsangh
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Cleanup and disperse

Suggested donation is $25.00 per person

More information at: https://www.daytonheartfulness.org/

 

Keeping Faith in the Midst of Crisis is another event Daytonians can take part in. This special event is being hosted by the Interfaith Forum Of Greater Dayton in collaboration with the Multifaith Campus Alliance and Sinclair Community College. They’re planning an enriching discussion about how meditation and spirituality can affirm our humanity with renowned
Heartfulness meditation guide “Daaji” – Kamlesh D. Patel.

Free gift to the first 50 people in attendance and we are also giving in-person audience members the chance to submit a question for Daaji and we will select 1-2 for him to answer at the event. Daaji has a following of 1/2 million people on YouTube so we are delighted he is willing to speak for the Dayton community!

Vegan refreshments will be served following event.

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, November 2nd

10:30am-12pm

Online option available. Attend in person at Sinclair Community College Library. 444 West Third St, Building 7, NW Loggia, Dayton OH

This is a FREE event.

Please register here and for more info and directions:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KYcQssoRI39TfvQi5QkSMki6naGEdoMFv2jGKl-tPis/edit?pli=1

St. Anne’s Hill Carry Out To Open Thursday

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The carryout side of The Local 937 will open for business this Thursday from 10am – 6pm. The shelves will be stocked with snacks, soda’s, energy drinks, candy, and other small grocery goods, including an ice cream freezer by the time it opens.

Rachel Gannon

Owner Rachel Gannon, a Realtor with Home Experts Realty spends a lot of time flipping houses in St. Anne’s Hill Historic District.  When this property on E. Fifth St., that had been built in the mid 1800’s, was at risk of being torn down the neighborhood  wasn’t having it.  Gannon stepped in and bought the property, which had been a grocery story in the 1860’s, went on to become an ice cream store, costume store and was most recently an antique store.  When she showed her father her latest acquisition, he informed her that her grandpa had lived in an apartment upstairs.  That confirmed to Gannon that she was meant to bring this property back to life. She says her mantra is “I’ll try anything twice and figure it out as I go.”

She will focus on using local vendors to stock the store.  Green Leaf printing has helped her create some tanks, t-shirts and hoodies. Expect sweets from local bakers and more.  Gannon, who has used the cities 1st floor fund to help get open wants to support other businesses that benefited from those same funds.

Cuban

As she talked with her neighbors, they encouraged her to add a sandwich shop aspart of the plan. That will be phase two of the opening. She’s been experimenting with products for the sandwich side and has 3 hot and 4 cold sandwiches that have made the menu.

Made on a panini grill the hots will be a Cuban, a Reuben and a Turkey Reuben.

A Chopped Italian wrap, a Veggie sandwich on naan.and a BLT wrap will also be on the menu.  Baker Benji will be providing breads for the sandwich shop.

These Chipotle-Ranch Deviled Eggs topped with capers and bacon bits will be available for carry out.

A beer and wine carryout license was applied for back in May, but she’s been informed that the issue may have to go to a vote on a March ballot. She’s currently waiting for word back to so if that is indeed true. If so, she’ll need 128 signatures from neighbors to get on that ballot.  And she’ll also need big support for the shop, as the revenue from liquor sales was definitely part of her sales plan to be successful.

The second floor of the building will be
home to Salon on the Hill , with 5 booths for weekly rental.

If you’re a stylist looking for new space, this one is beautiful with a great location!. They are booth rental, supply your own product and tools, write your own schedule, be your own boss!!

The Local 937
1501 E 5th St.
Dayton, OH 45403

Mon – Fri 10am -6pm

Hours subject to change

League of Women Voters Guide

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Each election the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence.  They put out a NON-PARTISAN guide with information on the candidate and issues that will be on the ballot.
Here are a few highlights from this years guide:

You can access the complete guide here.

League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area
We were founded in 1920, as a result of the signing of the 19th Amendment

We are an integral part of a three-tiered organization: League of Women Voters of the United States League of Women Voters of Ohio League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area

We are governed by a set of By Laws that guide a Board of Directors, headed by a President

We are political but non partisan

We function through mutual respect and cooperation of all leaders

We Speak With One Voice

Check Out The Storybook Trail Along The River

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A new Storybook Trail featuring a children’s book about water was unveiled on Friday, October 20 along the Great Miami River Recreation Trail in downtown Dayton. The signs are being installed along the bike trail, overlooking the Great Miami River, just north of Carillon Boulevard (map below).

The storybook trail features 12 unique kiosks. Each kiosk displays two pages of a children’s book that was written and published by students from the University of Dayton’s Rivers Institute at the Fitz Center for Leadership and Community.

The public is invited to bring children and join the project partners on October 20 to unveil the new Storybook trail.

Managed by the Miami Conservancy District (MCD), the project is partially funded by an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Storybook Trail grant of $6400 and partially by matching funds from the MCD. ODNR launched the Storybook Trail program in 2019 to promote the importance of literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connection with nature.

The book, titled Into the River, was also written to increase awareness of the importance of water and takes readers on a colorful journey down the Great Miami River.

The book was created with input from local elementary students about their ideas and feelings towards rivers, as well as their original drawings and artwork. The project was also strategically created to make an impact on the City of Dayton’s literacy rates and was written for a third grade reading level. The reading proficiency in the Dayton Public School System is 32% while the statewide average is 64%.

According to Miami Conservancy District trail counters installed at that location and more than 30,000 people visit this section of the Great Miami River Recreation Trail each year.

 

MCD Asks You To “Imagine a Day Without Water”

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Imagine a day without water.

No water to take a shower, brush your teeth, or brew a cup of coffee to start your day. No water to flush the toilet. No water for firefighters to put out fires, farmers to water their crops or doctors to wash their hands before treating you.

A day without water is nothing short of a crisis. We’ve seen it play out across the country. Flooding and other natural disasters have knocked out water services in Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico and beyond. Lead-contaminated water paralyzed Flint, Michigan.

MCD is raising awareness of the value of water by participating in today’s Imagine a Day Without Water event along with hundreds of agencies and organizations across the country.  And this year, local breweries in the area are partnering with us.

Special drink coasters are available at Crooked Handle in Piqua and Star City in Miamisburg. Breweries understand the value of water because they rely on clean water to make great beer. The coasters feature a QR code that takes you to a short quiz on water and a chance to win a Great Miami Riverway prize package that includes tickets to local events and water-themed swag.

“It’s easy to take water for granted, says Mike Ekberg, MCD manager for water monitoring and analysis. “You turn on the faucet, and water flows from the tap. And in this region, we’re fortunate to have an aquifer with about 1.5 trillion gallons of good, clean groundwater for drinking.”

But we can’t be complacent. Communities rely on abundant, clean water to thrive and to keep our economy strong. “Whether it’s for drinking, industry, agriculture or recreation, all of us want and need good quality water,” Ekberg says.

MCD is the region’s leader in water resources. “Through our work in protecting the region from flooding, tracking water quality and quantity, and promoting our rivers as great playgrounds, we know how important water is,” says MaryLynn Lodor, MCD general manager. “That’s why we joined this effort to help everyone think about and appreciate the value of water.”

Go to MCD’s Imagine a Day Without Water link to take a quiz to get started and be entered into a prize drawing!  The contest runs through Oct. 31.

 

RAVE REVIEW! Provocative and Passionate….”Mockingbird” is Magnificent!

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I have to admit, I was fearful of a stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’ As a teacher who made sure students were aware of rich literature, ‘Mockingbird‘ stands alone. Aaron Sorkin‘s play strikes every chord, and keeps the pace perfectly throughout. It’s raw, it’s uncomfortable and it’s powerful!

From the outset, the stage is deep and dark…invoking the South of the past. Large stage pieces, choreographed in their movements as we glide through the story, bring to mind the expansive porches, imposing courtrooms, and live oaks hanging eerily in the background. The mood is quiet and curious. As the actors make their initial entrance, you recognize the characters….Scout, Tom, Atticus….and each is as you pictured them when you read the novel. Perfectly cast are Richard Thomas (Atticus), who gets a rousing applause as he sets foot on the stage…(Yes, It’s John Boy from the ‘Waltons’)….Melanie Moore (the endearing Scout)….Yaegel Welch (the heartbreaking Tom)….and a crowd favorite Jacqueline Welch (the soul-filled Calpurnia.) There is NOT ONE….I repeat, NOT ONE character that isn’t played to the ‘t’ by this cast. Each as believable as the next.

And it goes beyond sets and actors. ‘Mockingbird‘ is tough….it’s agonizing. Faced with unfairness, prejudice and injustice, the audience has to endure the inevitable. We have to take a look inside ourselves and see who we are, by seeing who they are. Us! From the injured parties…Mayella (Mariah Lee), Link Deas (Greg Wood)…to those attempting to make wrongs right…..Judge Taylor (Jeff Still), Jem Finch (Stephen Cefalu, Jr.)…we see ourselves. Many times….not liking what we see. What this play does is bring us together to realize our world, even today, needs people to say ‘enough!’ It reminds us that when one of us is wronged, all of us are wronged. And REMARKABLY it does it with humor and gentleness.

It’s the audience that becomes that litmus for this production. Gasps, tears, laughs and rousing applause say it all. There is hope in all things. We are reminded that the world we live in can be evil. But through the eyes of our 3 young heroes, we find a way to look to a future of ‘being better.’ It’s not right to ‘Kill a Mockingbird…’ you know the line. But, as you leave this beautifully atmospheric production you get Why! It sticks….and you exit the theatre thinking of how you can make a difference in this unjust world.

SEE THIS SHOW…..IT MATTERS!

Info: Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’

Tickets@ Dayton Live

October 17-22 at The Schuster Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Par Entertainment Now Open

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On Par Entertainment is a new entertainment center located in Beavercreek across from The Greene. They will open the doors to the public on Thursday, Nov 16th.  The huge can welcome 1,250 guests at one time. You’ll be able to escape reality through fun with any of their entertainment areas, ranging from duckpin bowling, a sophisticated dart lounge equipped with 5 lanes of smart dartboards with interactive games that will display on the TVs above. For those wondering, yes. You can bring your own darts.

There are  12 bowling lanes.  Duckpin bowling uses 4 lb balls and the pins are on strings. The lanes are only 22 feet instead of the normal 60 feet that a traditional lanes offers. With Duckpin bowling you don’t have to rent bowling shoes which is convenient and saves you money!

 

There are  two VIP sections that you’ll be available to reserve in advance on their website. The VIP sections will be perfect for birthday, bachelor/Bachelorette, and corporate parties. Each section will have a minimum spend to rent and will be the great way to get guaranteed seating.

 

Karaoke fans will be excited to know that On Par will have a public stage and five private karaoke rooms that you can rent for 1-2 hours. The private karaoke rooms Casablanca, The Prime, and Disco Inferno!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other fun options for you to enjoy are:
16 person foosball
-Shuffleboard
-Ring toss
-Pool tables
-27 hold of mini golf

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They offer 102 self-pour taps featuring rotating beer, wine, cocktails (and mocktails), as well as, a full kitchen with elevated bar food created by Executive Kitchen Manager Erin O’Neill and his crew.

giant pretzel

giant 24 oz. pretzels are served with hot beer cheese, pimento cheese and pub cheese spread

On Par is credit/debit card only and is strictly  21+ after 7:30pm
Proprietors  are also the owners of Great Escape Game, Level Up Pinball Bar, and Wild Axe Throwing.

On Par Entertainment
4464 Indian Ripple Road,
Beavercreek, OH 45440

Mon – Thurs 11am – 1am
Fri & Sat 11am – 2am
Sun 11am – midnight

CVB Needs Extra’s for Promo Video Sunday

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The CVB is creating a Solar Eclipse promo video and they need your help! They  need to gather a crowd of DIVERSE folks – age, ethnicity, gender, physical ability.

Imagine yourself wearing solar sunglasses (provided by them), gazing up at the sky while our video producers work their magic, capturing that “awwwwww” moment. You’ll be standing in front of the iconic NMUSAF lettering. 🕶️✨
Dress casually, jeans are perfect, and bright-colored shirts add a vibrant touch. Just remember, no logos or team names on your attire, please. Time frame is from 2-4 pm this Sunday.
While they can’t offer payments, you’ll gain the glory of being part of a 30 and 15-second digital promo campaign video. Plus, the warm feeling of helping your friendly CVB! I

People who are interested can also submit their contact information via this Google form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ1HsUoNnEAN61ZepIw5ppxN9XC2IAeZ516CoskhrgMywrMg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Wear casual clothing – jeans are more than fine, bright colored shirts makes it more vibrant, NO LOGOs/TEAM names etc. on your shirt or jacket please

 

Can You Believe It?

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On Wednesday, October 11th local companies constructed their CANstruction projects at The DaytonMall.  Nine local businesses representing various industries will gather to build structures depicting a variety of scenes and objects. All nine sculptures will remain in the Dayton Mall until October 18, at which time they will be de-constructed and used to serve community members experiencing food insecurity. The event will result in 26,000 canned goods being donated to the The Foodbank, Inc.

CAN-venience Station (portable restroom)
2,710 cans
MT Studio/Level MB Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking Ground to Stop Hunger (bulldozer)
5,408 cans
Ferguson Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

AmeriCAN flag
1,245 cans
Wilcon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flying Saucer and Alien
7,616 cans
CESO
Winner of Most Cans Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giant Mock Campbell’s Soup Can, Safety Flavor
1,116 cans
Complete Mechanical Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8-Bit Mario
1,797 cans
Garber Electric

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erasing Hunger
2,428 cans
Danis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can Made of 1000 Cans – End Hunger
1,000 cans
Messer Construction

You can vote for your favorite picture on the Canstruction Facebook page.

Take a Hike! 9 Places to See Amazing Fall Foliage

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Fall is arguably the prettiest time of year, with the leaves changing into an array of gorgeous colors. As October begins, the fall foliage color extravaganza will soon reach its peak–there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the fall colors! We’re taking this opportunity to highlight nine locations around Dayton and Montgomery County where you can take in some breathtaking fall colors. So … take a hike! Go check out the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer.

1. Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm

Located in the northwestern part of Montgomery County, Aullwood consists of two major locations, Aullwood Nature Center and Aullwood Farm, along with eight miles of walking trails running through its 200-acre nature sanctuary. Be sure to take time to explore the trolls of artist Thomas Dambo at Aullwood Farm. Go to Aullwood’s website for information about hours and admission prices.While you’re at the Aullwood Nature Center, you’ll also want to pay a visit to the Aullwood Garden MetroPark.

2-4. Five Rivers MetroParks: Englewood MetroPark; Hills & Dales MetroPark; Cox Arboretum MetroPark

We’re cheating a little bit by giving three spots on our list to Five Rivers MetroParks … but, in all honesty, it could easily fill the entire list! The park system offers a wealth of natural riches throughout Montgomery County. The 18 parks have a plethora to offer; we’ve selected parks representing the northern, central and southern parts of the county.Englewood MetroPark: Situated just off U.S. 40 and Route 48, Englewood MetroPark offers roadways, trails and bike paths. The view of the waterfalls as leaves start to change color and drop is highly recommended, and be sure to also explore the Pumpkin Ash and Swamp Forest boardwalk.

Hills & Dales MetroPark: Since it’s spooky season, we of course had to include Hills & Dales, home to the famous Lookout Tower (aka Frankenstein’s Castle, the Witch Tower, etc.). But the 1.5-mile Adirondack Trail is filled with warm fall colors that complement the Adirondack structures in the park.

Cox Arboretum MetroPark: This southern Montgomery County gem offers a stunning view, via the 65-foot-tall Tree Tower. Climb the 81 steps to the top for sweeping views of the Miami Valley’s fall color.

You can check out more about fall colors in the MetroParks at their website.

5. Kettering Parks

The City of Kettering boasts a park system made up of 21 parks spread throughout the city, offering many opportunities to see the fall colors. Check out their website for more about celebrating fall in Kettering, as well as downloadable maps of the city’s many walking trails.

6. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force feature some wonderful fall colors, as seen in this Facebook post by the museum last fall. As an added bonus, the NMUSAF is easily one of the best free museums in the entire country – right here in Dayton! Make a day of it, wandering the outdoor grounds and exploring the museum’s vast collections.

7. Dayton’s Historic Neighborhoods

Don’t overlook the historic neighborhoods of Dayton for fall colors! In particular, the St. Anne’s Hill and Huffman Historic Districts along Fifth Street in east Dayton not only serve up beautiful fall foliage but also an impressive display of Victorian-era homes.

8. Carillon Historical Park

Carillon Historical Park is another gem among Dayton’s museums, a 65-acre history museum showcasing a vast range of Dayton’s heritage. The grounds also offer beautiful foliage this time of year. Be sure to check out the History on the Hill Interpretive Center and Moraine Trails, with its breathtaking bird’s eye view of the park and the city of Dayton. Go to the Dayton History website for hours and admission information.

9. Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum

Many consider the views of downtown Dayton from Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum to be some of the best in Dayton. Immerse yourself in the spectacular fall majesty of this location’s 3,000+ trees, spread out over 200 acres of rolling hills! The hills will give you the added bonus of a workout!

This post is authored by the Dayton CVB.
These are just a few of the many places around the Dayton area to see spectacular fall foliage.

If you’re traveling outside the local area, this Ohio.org blog post highlights suggestions from around the state.

Spot some truly beautiful fall colors? Snap a pic, share it on social media, and tag us (@daytoncvb on Facebook & Instagram) – we might share your photo on our accounts!

Preservation Dayton Offers Tours of Dayton Masonic Center

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Exclusive behind-the-scenes guided tours of the  Dayton Masonic Center are being offered every 30 minutes from 4 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, Oct. 15. Tours are limited to 20 participants.

Tickets are $20 for Preservation Dayton and Masonic Center members and $30 for non-members. A cash bar and appetizers will be available following the tours. Tickets are now on sale online via Eventbrite. Members of PDI and the Masonic Center can use their special $10 per ticket discount code.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for a guided tour of this remarkable Classic Greek Revival,” said Monica Snow, PDI president.  “This irreplaceable architectural treasure has been exquisitely restored making it one of Ohio’s most outstanding structures on the National Register of Historic Places. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at areas not often open to the public. Stay and socialize during the reception on the breathtaking auditorium stage.”

According to the Dayton Masonic Center, their groundbreaking was in 1925 and the building was completed over a 2-year, 9-month period by 450 workers at a cost of $2.5 million. Formerly known as the Dayton Masonic Temple, the building and grounds are on 8½ acres with a 250-car parking lot.The center is located north of the Great Miami River, across the Monument Street bridge and next to the Dayton Art Institute in the Historic Grafton Hill neighborhood. The tour is sponsored by the Dayton Masonic Center, Dayton Ohio Photos, and Preservation Dayton, Inc.

 

Free Admission to DAI for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that honors the sovereignty and resilience of Native Americans while celebrating and commemorating their history and cultures. In celebration of this, the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will welcome all in the community to the museum for a free Community Day on Sunday, October 8.

All guests attending the museum on October 8 will receive free admission. The museum is open from noon–5 p.m. on Sundays. Having already hosted two Community Days in 2023, DAI will offer an additional Community Day during the remainder of the year, celebrating Veterans Day on Friday, November 10. Community Days are always free for all guests and hosted in conjunction with special events.

“Community Days were inspired by the DAI’s vision that is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility,” said DAI Director & CEO Michael R. Roediger. “They allow us to welcome all in our community and build lasting connections with those who are new to the museum. We are excited to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and ultimately to build meaningful relationships with the Indigenous community of the Miami Valley.”

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Community Day is made possible by the generosity of sponsors Ramona and Todd Vikan. For more information about this Community Day and all DAI events, please visit https://www.daytonartinstitute.org/upcoming-events/calendar/.

Free admission for Indigenous Peoples’ Day Community Day includes access to all Special and Focus Exhibitions currently on view, as well as the museum collection galleries. General admission is $15 adults; $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more); $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17); and free for children (ages 6 & younger). Admission is free for museum members. Membership information can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership.