Community

Bohemian Funk releases “Roots” album with party at The Brightside

January 25, 2023 By Dayton937

The acclaimed local band Bohemian Funk releases their “Roots” album with an epic party at The Brightside Music and Event Venue on Saturday, January 28th. This band makes Dayton proud, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration!

Bohemian Funk hit many people’s radars last spring when they won the Dayton Battle of the Bands competition. They were electrifying live and seemed to come out of nowhere. Who are these guys? the audience asked themselves. They formed in 2019, shortly before the pandemic hit, so they didn’t get the opportunity to play out much. What they did have time for was lots of practice and time to refine their signature look and sound. They were preparing for that kind of opportunity!

Bohemian Funk’s style is best categorized as Rock’n’Soul since they combine a contemporary interpretation of traditional rock’n’roll with nuances of gospel, alternative, southern rock, reggae, and blues. They have created a rich and diverse music collection with more than 40 unique songs they wrote and performed.

Since their big win at the Battle of the Bands, the 4-piece has been touring the Midwest extensively. While touring, the band was discovered by a talent scout while visiting Nashville, who introduced them to the Grammy award-winning producer and engineer Jeffrey Thomas. Working with musicians like Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Metallica, and many more, Jeff has a resume that is miles long. He became interested in the band right away. Jeff’s industry knowledge and rock music experience made the two an ideal match. The band started working with him to make their first debut album in June 2021 in his Nashville, Tennessee, facility, Stormbringer Sound. They released “Back Home,” the first song they had made with Jeff, in December 2021.

Bohemian Funk is comprised of Rocko Dalian (lead vocalist, guitarist), Patrick Arnold (lead guitar), and Graham Werts (drums). Casey Beasley (bass) is the newest member of the band, who joined in late 2021. They deliver a fantastic live experience with their stage presence, contagious energy, and expert musicianship at every performance.

“I am excited and proud to share this record with the world for many reasons but most of all I just want to give people a glimpse of light in their darkness because music has always been my light, my church, and my therapy,” Dalian shared with us. Drummer, Werts, continued, “You can expect greatness from us, and greatness is what we will give! I’m extremely thankful for the help we had throughout this whole experience and the love Dayton has shown in the process. This album release party is going to be one for the books!”

Join in the album release celebration – get all the details on how to go below!

HOW TO GO?

Event Name: “Roots” Album Release Party

Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio

Date: Sat, January 28, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM Doors, 8:00 PM Show

Tickets Available at: https://bit.ly/3iyt4B3

Ticket Price: $15 advance which comes with an event poster! Or $25 at the door.

All ages welcome! No outside beverages, weapons or backpacks allowed in.

2023 Governor’s Awards for the Arts Winners

January 24, 2023 By Dayton937

Eight winners have been selected to receive Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Ohio this year.

A tradition since 1971, the Governor’s Awards showcase and celebrate exceptional Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and patrons, educators, and business support of the arts. Award recipients are presented with the only arts award in the state that is conferred by the governor.

In recognition of their impactful and visionary leadership in Ohio’s creative sector and their sustained dedication to promoting artistic excellence, awardees will be honored during a ceremony on May 17, 2023.

“Ohio features a wealth of artistic talent, creative entrepreneurs, and innovative arts leaders and educators. Our shared strength in the arts makes the Buckeye state a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We’re proud to showcase and celebrate Ohio’s cultural assets through the Governor’s Awards for the Arts,” said OAC Executive Director Donna S. Collins.

Each of the winners will receive an original work of art by painter Brian Robinson of Dover.

Registration for the event opens soon, and additional information will be available in the coming weeks. Visit the Governor’s Awards page for regular updates.

The 2023 award recipients and categories follow:

Arts Administration | Kathy Wade | Cincinnati (Hamilton)
Arts Education | Dr. Douglas Marrah | Ashland (Ashland)
Arts Patron | Louella Reese | Granville (Licking)
Business Support of the Arts | Walnut Street Gallery, LLC | Wooster (Wayne)
Community Development and Participation (co-winner) | Michael London | Dayton (Montgomery)
Community Development and Participation (co-winner) | Black Swamp Arts Festival | Bowling Green (Wood)
Individual Artist | Tricia Kaman | Cleveland (Cuyahoga)
Irma Lazarus Award | Ann Hamilton | Columbus (Franklin)

Here’s more info about Michael London | Community Development and Participation
Dayton (Montgomery), our local winner.

Michael London is a playwright, arts administrator, and arts management educator with a strong belief that the arts are for everyone. He currently serves as the director of the Ohio Playwrights Circle—a service organization dedicated to providing encouragement, opportunity, and education for Ohio playwrights. In 2021, he was elected as Ohio’s regional representative for the Dramatist Guild of America. Over a career spanning five decades, Mr. London has worked to help strengthen arts access for diverse communities across the state. From 1978 to 1985, he was a member of the Ohio Arts Council’s Minority Arts Task Force. He also served from 1985 to 2010 as arts advisor for the Ohio Arts Council’s Minority Arts Program, where he helped hundreds of organizations serving communities of color and marginalized communities grow their capacity and outreach. Mr. London also worked, from 1993 to 1998, as the policy consultant and community liaison for the Ohio Appalachian Arts Initiative. A Native American descendant, Mr. London has worked with Indigenous organizations for many years as an arts and management advisor. Currently, he is the planning director for the 2023 Native Voices Project, which will share Story Circles with Native Americans living in Ohio and inspire a new work of art.

A lifelong student of the arts, Mr. London’s studies include The Ohio State University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in theatre, along with an additional Master of Arts in screenwriting for film and television, from Royal Holloway at the University of London. His work has been performed on stages in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom—where he currently serves as the Playwright-in-Residence for the London-based Benjamin Franklin House Museum.

Best Sledding Locations Around Dayton

January 22, 2023 By Dayton937

With the snow fast coming down, we thought this would be a good time to round up some of the best spots to go sledding in the area. We’ve combed the internet archives to share Miami Valley’s favorite spots:

Wright Brother’s Memorial Hill
WPAFB – 2380 Memorial Rd, Dayton, OH 45424

The hill is an area favorite. Located off Route 444 on Kauffman Avenue next to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this hill has great access and parking. The designated sledding area is a grass surface ranging from smooth to bumpy. The slope is approximately 40 degrees with a lengthy run of about 700 to 800 feet. Many great spots act as ramps for those who like catching air.

The MetroParks have designated sledding locations in three of their parks – Englewood, Germantown and Taylorsville:

Englewood MetroPark
100 E National Rd, Englewood, OH 45322
Walk through the woods to the West Park near the dam. This sledding hill is quite steep.

Germantown MetroPark
6206 Boomershine Rd, Germantown, OH 45327
Probably the best Metropark hill for sledding, snowboarding and tubing.

Taylorsville MetroPark
1200 Brown School Road, Vandalia
Entrance is on the east side of Brown School Rd., south of US 40. Grass turf, bumpy and no obstacles with a gentle grade makes for safe but long distance sledding. This hill offers a smooth/bumpy ride down a slope of 30 degrees with a 400 to 500 foot run.

Triangle Park
2500 Ridge Ave, Dayton, OH 45414
For years this park has been a go to spot for families that want to slide down the hill.

Stubbs Park- Currently under construction in 2025 and not open.
255 W Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458
This south suburban park will be packed with folks slipping and sliding around

Centerville-Washington Park District

Rosewood Park! For young sledders, check out Little Mound Park!

Indian Riffle Park
801 E Stroop Rd Kettering OH 45440
The hill at Indian Riffle Parkis more of a mound, giving sliders more than one side to slide down. No obstacles with pretty smooth rides.Perfect for all ages.

Suicide Hill” Community Golf Course
2917 Berkley St, Kettering, OH 45409
Sledders flock at the first sign of ground-covering snow. Located at the Community Golf Course Kettering, next to Hills and Dales Metropark it’s just dangerous enough that you’ll be screaming down the hill.

College Promise Seeking Mentors

January 21, 2023 By Dayton937

Interviews will begin this month for the next cohort of students to be accepted into the Montgomery County Ohio College Promise program. Now in its 13th year, the program aims to help 1,000 area students over 20 years attend college at little to no cost to them and their families.

Mentor recruitment is underway for the more than 55 new students who will be accepted into the program’s 2023-24 school year. Mentor support has proven to be essential to the students’ success, providing them with critical guidance throughout high school that helps ensure a path to college. For more information on how you can make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a mentor, click here.

A mentor is a caring adult who freely gives their own time to a young person. A mentor can have a profound effect on the amount of success that young person might have. To a young person, a mentor guarantees that there is someone who cares and that they are not alone in dealing with the everyday challenges they face.

College Promise mentors meet with their student for 30-50 minutes a week at the student’s high school. Mentors serve as a role model, provide a sounding board, an opportunity to talk and be heard, support, encouragement, guidance, and friendship.

To become a mentor, download, complete, and submit an application or apply online (below). Mentors conduct a free background check and take part in a training prior to meeting with their student freshman year.

13 Superstitions for Friday the 13th

January 13, 2023 By Guest Contributor

Today is Friday the 13^{th –} many of us are going to be avoiding various breaks in concrete and moving out of any paths that may or may not be crossed by black felines. Although they observe superstitious customs regularly, most people have no idea how or where their favorite superstitions originated. So allow us to share:

“Ringing a bell will drive away spirits”

Origin: Bells were actually used to signify the times of gathering and worship in many different religions. This goes for Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Jewish, and Islamic tradition to be called to prayer multiple times a day. The superstition about them driving away evil actually came from pagan winter celebrations where the ringing of bells was believed to drive away negative energy and spirits.

“It’s bad luck to walk under a ladder”

Origin: It’s all about symbolism with ladders. In medieval times, it was seen as bad luck because ladders symbolized the gallows where they hung people. In Egypt, a ladder leaning against a wall made a triangle, which symbolized a pyramid. If you walked under the ladder, the power of the sacred pyramid was broken, causing bad luck.

“If a black cat crosses your path it is bad luck”

Origin: If a black cat crossed your path you would lose your connection with God and perish. Contrary to that, black cats were seen as both valued and good luck in ancient Egypt, England, and Ireland. (Note: due to this superstition, black cats are often surrendered to animal shelters and have difficulty finding homes. Give yourself some good karma if you’re thinking of adopting a furry friend and take one of these beauties home.)

“Step on a crack and you’ll break your mother’s back”

Origin: This one has a few different meanings. In the early 20^th century, the phrase was actually “step on a crack and make your baby black” – a racist sentiment. As for the belief about mothers, one part of the superstition was that the number of cracks would indicate the number of broken bones. It was also thought that cracks were a way to hell, and if you stepped on them you would release demons.

“If you spill the salt you will have bad luck”

Origin: This superstition goes all the way back to ancient times when salt was used in many rituals and believed to harbor powerful magic. It is also connected to Christianity through DaVinci’s painting, “The Last Supper,” in which you can see Judas spilling the salt. This ties in to the tradition of throwing spilled salt over your left shoulder with your right hand because the “spirit” is believed to reside on the right side of God and the Devil resides on the left. Throwing the salt over your left shoulder is meant to keep the Devil in his place.

“If your ears are burning someone is gossiping about you” or “If your ears are itching someone is talking about you”

Origin: The superstition of burning or itching ears traces back to Roman times when your body was thought to predict actions or events beyond your knowledge. Whether it was your left or right ear stems back to the belief of positive spirits residing on your right and negative spirits or demons residing on your left.

Mirrors

Origin: Mirrors hold a long history of superstition, tracing back to ancient times when any reflective surface was seen as a portal directly to the gods or the afterlife. To break such a precious commodity was seen as a bad omen and a harbinger of sure death. Or, if you did not cover mirrors after someone had passed, it was believed that their spirits could get stuck inside of the mirror.

“It’s bad luck to open an umbrella indoors”

Origin: Going back to ancient Egypt, using an umbrella outside was to protect you from the powerful rays of the sun. If you opened your umbrella indoors, you would anger the Sun God and bad luck and despair would rain down on you.

“If a ladybug lands on you, count the spots and that is how long you will have good luck”

Origin: Ladybugs have long been a symbol of good fortune. In the Middle Ages, if a ladybug landed on you it could symbolize protection, marriage for an unmarried woman, and even good luck for babies.

“Knock on wood”

Origin: This saying finds its roots in German folklore, where one would “knock on wood” to gain the protection of the mystical tree fairies or Dryads.

Blowing out Birthday candles

Origin: In ancient Greece, candles on a cake were a tribute to the goddess Artemis. The cakes were round and the candles were placed in a circle. In Germany, candles on a cake signified the “light of life” and well-being of the person for the year to come. It was also thought that the smoke from the candles would carry your wishes to the gods.

“Cross your fingers”

Origin: This dates back to early Christianity. The cross has been a symbol of hope, strength, and unity, as well as a way to ward off evil from your spirit and home. Crossing your fingers began as a pact between two people; one would make a wish and the other would help solidify the wish by placing their index finger over the other person’s index finger.

Fear of Friday the 13^th: Triskaidekaphobia

Origin: The fear of Friday the 13^th stems from the fear of the number 13. Throughout history, the number 13 has been connected with multiple negative events. Loki (although I love him in the Marvel movies) was the 13^th God. Judas was the 13^th to sit at the table at The Last Supper. Apollo 13 launched at 13:13:00 and on April 13^th suffered an oxygen tank explosion but did return safely to earth afterward.

Happy Friday the 13^th!

City of Dayton Announces New Recovery Plan Grants

January 11, 2023 By Dayton937

The Dayton Recovery Plan is a $138 million framework for community COVID relief and investment for the future, made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

OneFifteen will use the proceeds toward the first phase of construction of its Houses of Hope program, while the Wesley Community Center will use its funding to improve services for the aging population in Dayton’s Westwood neighborhood.

OneFifteen offers comprehensive services for individuals recovering from addiction, including an outpatient clinic, an inpatient residential treatment center, and a crisis stabilization unit. It operates a 4.5-acre campus on Hopeland Street in the Carillon neighborhood.

The funding for OneFifteen will provide planning, architectural design, land development and preliminary construction costs for affordable housing for participants of OneFifteen treatment services. OneFifteen will build two supportive housing units serving clients who are transitioning from treatment services to community life. The houses will be constructed near the OneFifteen campus on currently vacant lots and will be planned in cooperation with the Carillon neighborhood.

OneFifteen is a not-for-profit healthcare ecosystem dedicated to the full and sustained recovery of people living with addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns. The ecosystem offers a full continuum of care to meet the needs of patients and support them in full and sustained recovery.

Marti Taylor

“We are honored to be partnering with the City of Dayton,” said OneFifteen CEO Marti Taylor. “We can now offer additional safe, stable housing options to our patients, while at the same time supporting revitalization of the neighborhood. Each resident will continue to be surrounded by wrap-around services that support individuals in their recovery journey.”

Funding for the One Fifteen award will be provided through the Dayton Recovery Plan’s $55 million Improving Our Neighborhoods component. This section of the plan focuses on improving housing conditions; provide in-fill and new housing; and rehab and repair.

Wesley Dayton is concerned about several issues facing the aging population in the Westwood neighborhood and nearby West Dayton areas, including elevated health concerns, lack of mobility, and unavailability of social opportunities.

Using the Dayton Recovery Plan funding, Wesley Dayton intends to renovate existing classroom space, implement an updated facility evacuation plan, renovate outdoor green space, and enhance information technology, all to strengthen its role as a catalyst, convener and connector for its community.

Funding for the Wesley Dayton award will be provided through the Dayton Recovery Plan’s $7.3 million Aiding Community and Small Business Recovery component. This section of the plan focuses on supporting community health and wellness, assisting small businesses and organizations, and providing educational opportunities.

Founded in 1966 by the United Methodist Church, Wesley Dayton (formerly the Wesley Community Center) reflects a God-centeredness and sense of faith deeply rooted in an unrelenting commitment to social justice, equity, opportunity and dignity, believing all people are of sacred worth. Wesley envisions a safe, stable, engaged Westwood neighborhood, where success is the norm and individuals, families and businesses are empowered and prospering. Wesley Dayton serves as a catalyst, convener and connector in support of the citizens, businesses and organizations of the Westwood neighborhood and West Dayton to improve and enhance the physical, financial, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of the community.

Bar & Bistro Evolving Into Event Space

January 10, 2023 By Dayton937

Top of the Market, a Dayton-based event and banquet center, located on the corner of Webster Street and Third Street in Downtown Dayton, has been part of the Dayton landscape since 2005.

The company also manages The Gourmet Deli, a staple in the Webster Station community and The Bar & Bistro, a casual dining restaurant open to the public, that are both contained within the primary facility. Following a business analysis in the fourth quarter of 2022, Top of the Market management, the Mendelson Family, will modify the business model in 2023.

The event and banquet operation and The Gourmet Deli will remain in its current form, and The Bar & Bistro will modify to become an event space opportunity.

The current 2022 Bar & Bistro operation is a four-day week, casual dining experience open to the public. Frequently, this operation was reduced in days-open to accommodate the overwhelming requests for private events to be held in the stunningly designed transformed dining space, which opened in 2021.

A 2022 analysis lead to the decision to modify the current model to a private event space, which can host about 70 guests, seven days weekly to complement the existing two event spaces (The Warehouse and The Loft) whose popularity grew exponentially in 2022.

John Capobianco

According to Director of Operations, John Capobianco this modification will better meet the needs of our customers and support the growing demand for additional private event space in Downtown Dayton. In addition, the event spaces will now offer the opportunity for outside catering companies to utilize the event spaces, in addition to our existing in-House catering.

They are very excited and welcome all to come in and tour our event spaces for all your small or large business meetings and private celebratory special events.

The Bar & Bistro would like to thank customers for their loyalty and patronage and hope they understand our business decision.

Dayton’s Neighborhood Leadership Institute Accepting Applications

January 6, 2023 By Dayton937

The Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI) is an annual 13-week program that trains Dayton residents for current or future leadership opportunities in city communities. Workshops are held at various locations and presentations cover topics such as Dayton’s history; the role of City government, the criminal justice system and cultural diversity; skill-building components such as public speaking and small-group dynamics; and a bus tour of Dayton neighborhoods. Class members also complete field assignments to expand their knowledge of Dayton, City government and the community at large.

NLI offers the opportunity to meet and talk with government officials and other decision-makers. It encourages participants to develop a citywide perspective and establish a network of activists across the City.

The application deadline for the 2023 Institute is April 7. Click here for an application.

For further information, contact Mike Squire at 937-333-3203 or email.

NLI 2023 SCHEDULE

Session Name	Date	Location
Kick Off/Getting Your Feet Wet	Tuesday, April 25, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.	Sinclair Community College
Discovering Dayton: Its History & People	Tuesday, May 2, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	Carillon Historic Park
City Hall: Behind the Scenes	Tuesday, May 9, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	City Hall Commission Chambers
Responding Not Reacting to Conflict	Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	One Stop Shop
The Criminal Justice System	Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.	Municipal Court Building
The World of Planning & Public Works	Tuesday, May 23, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	Goodwill Easter Seal
Tour of Dayton’s Neighborhoods	Saturday June 3, 2023 @ 8:00 a.m.	Job Center, RTA
Educating Our Future Dayton Public Schools	Tuesday, June 6, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	Dayton Public Schools
Partnering for Neighborhood Success	Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	West Branch Library
Cultural and Racial Harmony	Tuesday, June 13, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	Southeast Branch Library
Presentation Skills for Community Leaders	Thursday, June 15, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	Central State University Dayton Campus
Promoting Your “Hood”	Tuesday, June 20, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	DATV
Group Project Presentation	Thursday, June 22, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.	Sinclair Community College
Dinner and Graduation	Monday, June 26, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.	Sinclair Community College

Snacks available from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. before most classes.

Girl Scout Cookie Season Is Here!

January 6, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

Each girl scout cookie season I share this story:

I admit I was a girl scout. And for those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that I was determined to sell more cookies than any of the other girls. I went up and down my street, knocking on doors for orders. I called all my relatives and perfected my telemarketing skills. I asked my dad to get his co-workers to buy from me. And he said NO! But he did offer to take me to work so I could ask for the order. I worked hard and sold hundreds of boxes and was sure I’d win the Cookie title.

Well as it turns out, I didn’t. Some little girl named Susie did. She lived down the street from me and I never saw her ask any of our neighbors to buy cookies. I asked her how she did it and she said it was easy-her mom and dad got all the orders for her. I was mad and didn’t think it was fair and complained to my dad about it. He told me life wasn’t fair, never would be, but that I’d really won, and I’d appreciate it some day when I realized that I had gotten much more out of it than Susie had. Not what a 9 year old girl wants to hear. So I’m sure I sulked around for a while, until something else captured my attention.

But now many years later, I get it. My dad was right- I had won! I’d learned how to set a goal, prospect customers, perfect my sales pitch, work on my organizational skills, plan the logistics of delivery, handle money, make change and enjoy quite a few cookies, too!

And that’s why I implore you to only buy cookies from Girl Scouts. I know there are many well intentioned parents that want to help their daughters, and help support the troops so they can put on all the programs they have scheduled; but please help them by letting them sell! And I still pledge to buy cookies from any girl scout who asks.

Skill #1: Goal Setting
Girl Scouts learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them, enabling amazing experiences for themselves and their troops all year long, while helping others too.

Skill #2: Decision Making
Girl Scouts learn to make decisions on their own and as a team, whether it’s how to run and promote their cookie sale, interact with customers, or spend their earnings.

Skill #3: Money Management
Girl Scouts learn to expand their money smarts while running their own cookie business and create a budget to fund the experiences they want to share as a troop.

Skill #4: People Skills
Girl Scouts find their voice and build confidence through customer interactions, developing valuable skills that will help them succeed in school, in business, and in life.

Skill #5: Business Ethics
Girl Scouts learn to act ethically—lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime of leadership and success.

And now about the cookies:

New this year: Raspberry Rally is described as a thin, crispy cookie infused with a raspberry flavor and dipped in the same chocolaty coating as Thin Mints. This cookie is the first Girl Scout Cookie to be exclusively offered for online sale and direct shipment only. These are available starting Feb 28th.

New Raspberry Rally Girl Scout Cookie joins lineup for 2023 season nationwide. Sales began Jan. 1.

Gluten free? Try Toffee-tastic cookies.

Vegan? Try Thin Mints

Kosher? Halal? Try them all! Every flavor variety is kosher and Halal certified.

While door to door sales do still happen, most girl scouts have moved to calling or texting for sales or even setting up online sales sights. Cookies will begin being delivered the week of Feb 12th. Don’t know a Girl Scout? Fill out this form to be connected. Troop booths at local retailers will be held starting February 17th.

All Girl Scout Cookie proceeds stay local.

Do you know what’s even sweeter than Girl Scout Cookies? Every box of cookies you buy from your neighborhood Girl Scout stays local. Proceeds from your purchase help fund incredible adventures like camping and bold ideas like a local recycling program. The Dayton region has over 5000 girl scout that will benefit from your support when you purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout today!

No Joke! She’s a Karen!

January 5, 2023 By Joshua Stucky

Karen Jaffe

Our Winter’tainment Series has been a serious HIT! And Speaking of serious, there’s little of that in any conversation with Dayton’s Consummate Comique…Karen Jaffe. I was so lucky to catch up with her just before she headed into the UPS store! We had the perfect chit-chat and it went something like this:

Josh: KAREN! Over here girl. SO glad I ran into you. Wondering….would you have time for a quick interview for Winter’Tainment?

Karen: I would love that!

Josh: Hallelujah! So, tell me about the comedy scene which you are such a part of here in Dayton!

Karen: (smiling wide). Comedians in this town are so lucky…there is so much support here! We have 2 really great Comedy Clubs (Wileys, Oregon District and Funny Bone, the Greene) which showcase a lot of area talent. Wait, Josh, did you know that Wiley’s is the oldest comedy club in Ohio? (I shoot a look of shock!) And, think about it, there are plenty of open mic nights in the area, and great venues to play as well. The other nice part is Cincinnati, Columbus, Indy and Louisville are down the street. Each of these cities has great stage time for comedians.

Josh: I know many of them come here to perform in Dayton. Which of course, you are really a major player in our town. Quite popular! (She smiles again.) Do you think it is different for women…I mean comedy! (Smile fades.)

Karen: I actually have a love/hate relationship with this question, because I get it a lot. I think generally it can be more difficult to be a woman in comedy, for a lot of reasons. But I have been super fortunate in that I came into comedy when I was older and had a thicker skin and a better sense of who I was as a person, so my experience hasn’t been as difficult as some other people have had it. And I also have been lucky that Dayton’s comedy scene has been a safe and supportive place for me. Sometimes when I travel out of town, I meet comedians from other places who aren’t as fortunate and maybe are more disrespectful of female comics, but I like to think it comes from a competitive place rather than a real “women aren’t funny” mentality. As for the audiences, in Dayton or anywhere else, I like having to work a little harder to get them on my side.

Bob the Drag Queen and Jaffe

Josh: I completely get that. Y’know being a drag queen sometimes, I work my ass off to get a buck or 2. Where does your comedy come from?

Karen: My comedy largely comes from my own life, and the people I encounter on a daily basis. I try to be really careful not to “punch down” and make fun of people; I try to make myself or my reactions the butt of my jokes. I typically steer clear of politics and religion, because they’re both polarizing and kind of boring to me. I would much rather talk about the different ways I’m handed Cologuard boxes at work.

Josh: OMG. (Giggles.) The Cologuard gig…I can’t take it. HILARIOUS! I’m sure you included some of that on your comedy album you just cut. Congratulations by the way! That’s an accomplishment!

Karen: Thank you! I recorded my first album as a sort of challenge to myself. It was scary and also not really, because I had so much support! I got to do it in my home club, with an amazing production team behind me, and I felt so incredibly lucky. I don’t know the release date yet, but you’ll definitely hear about it on social media!

Josh: Well, best to you on that. Are we out of time? Do you need to go weigh packages or tape stuff? Or can we keep talking?

Karen: (Side eye) I have time!

Josh: What can we look forward to in the comedy world around here….and do you have comedians who inspire you?

Karen: If you want to learn about comedy and you are interested in the art form itself, you should try checking out a local showcase, or buy tickets to see someone you haven’t necessarily heard yet. There are so many incredibly talented people who come through Dayton that haven’t had their big break. For me, there are 2 favorites I will mention…although there are others. Meg Stalter, who is from Dayton and is one of the kindest, funniest, most talented people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing (and thankfully all the right people in Chicago and New York and Hollywood all noticed when they met her, and now she is super famous and even more beautiful than ever). And my other all-time favorite comedian is probably one you haven’t heard of: Stewart Huff. He’s a touring comic who lives in Georgia, and he’s the smartest comedian I have ever met. Buy all his albums. See him whenever you can. And please tell him I said hi when you do.

Jaffe in Lights

Josh: So, I personally find you to be so uplifting and fun. Can you tell when the audience feels it, or maybe doesn’t (Eyebrow lifts)?

Karen: After doing this for thirteen years or so, I can tell when a crowd likes me or doesn’t, or when one or more of my jokes falls flat. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when every word you say is HILARIOUS to people. It’s like a high! Conversely, it never feels good when the audience isn’t really enjoying it, but it’s really helpful to find out what doesn’t work so I can change something. I do have one punchline to a joke that no one appreciates as much as I do, but I keep telling it because I think it’s funny, and I really don’t care if no one else agrees.

Josh: Good for you! Stand your Ground KAREN! So, I know you are traveling with your comedy and have played all kinds fo places….do you have a preference?

Karen: Oh wow. It really depends on my mood, or what I’m working on. Some of my jokes have a lot of physicality to them, and I use weird facial expressions, so it helps when the audience is more intimate and can see me to appreciate what I’m doing. But I have been on stage for over 800 people before, and getting that many people to laugh was incredible. My only preference is that the people in the audience are there to see comedy, no matter how many of them there are. I am not a big fan of bar shows where the audience isn’t even aware there’s a comedy show going on and they feel like hostages because they just wanted to go out and drink and talk to their friends. I used to love the challenge of getting those people to pay attention and laugh. Now I just feel sorry for them and want to put a stop to it!

Local Comedians!

Josh: (Laughing) You are a gem lady! Thank you for taking a minute with me. Everyone out there….Keep your Eyes Peeled for Karen’s upcoming shows! I wish you the best! And with the album!

Karen: Love you Mr. Stucky! And to everyone wanting to do comedy, whether it’s something you want to check off your bucket list, or something you’ve always really wanted to try, Dayton is the perfect place for it! We’re all rooting for you.

Dayton Storyteller to Compete in The Louisville GrandSLAM

January 5, 2023 By Dayton937

On Friday, Jan 27th Dayton’s own Story Slam producer, Bryan Suddith, will compete when The Moth presents The Louisville GrandSLAM, a battle of wits and words – fierce, hilarious, heartbreaking and all points between. The Moth is dedicated to finding intriguing people to tell inspired stories. At The Moth StorySLAM, those people find us. On this night they compete to determine The Moth’s Louisville GrandSLAM Story Champion.

Having won one of the monthly slams, Suddith qualified for the GrandSlam, which features each of the monthly champs appearing on stage to tell a story. The theme for the night will be: FALL FROM GRACE: Listen as ten StorySLAM champs tell tales about lost footing or losing face, ouch-ifying reality checks, melted wings and other status downgrades. Arriving in a limo…and leaving on foot.

Can’t make it Louisville? Catch Suddith as he hosts Dayton’s monthly story slam at Wiley’s Comedy Club on January 17th at 7pm. Now in it’s 7th season, Suddith has helped cultivate a community of tellers who share five minute stories based on a monthly theme. January’s theme is Secrets and the winning story teller walks with $50 and a place in the Dayton Grand Slam in June. Tickets are just $5 with advance reservations for StorySlam.

The Louisville GrandSLAM Championship

Friday, January 27th

The Bomhard Theatre

501 W Main Street, Louisville KY 40202

MAP IT

7:00pm Doors Open | 8:00pm Stories Begin

Buy tickets $34.50 ticket + $5.87 fees

DeWine Signed Bill That Make Holding Cell Phone While Driving An Offense

January 3, 2023 By Dayton937

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 288, which significantly strengthens laws in Ohio related to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

“Signing this bill today is a great honor because this legislation will, without a doubt, prevent crashes and save lives,” said DeWine. “Right now, too many people are willing to risk their lives while behind the wheel to get a look at their phones. My hope is that this legislation will prompt a cultural shift around distracted driving that normalizes the fact that distracted driving is dangerous, irresponsible, and just as deadly as driving drunk.”

Senate Bill 288 designates the use of cell phones and other electronic communications devices while driving as a primary traffic offense for all drivers and allows law enforcement to immediately pull over a distracted driver upon witnessing a violation. Under the previous law, distracted driving was a primary offense only for juvenile drivers, preventing officers from stopping adult distracted drivers unless those drivers also committed a separate primary traffic violation, such as speeding or running a red light.

“This bill helps ensure that Ohio law reflects modern realities while supporting law enforcement in their mission to keep drivers safe,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “I commend Gov. DeWine for championing this effort, which will bring about real change when it comes to distracted driving – ultimately saving lives.”

“My prayer is that this law will save lives. We can do nothing to bring our Maria back, but we are determined to keep other families from going through the nightmare of losing a child or a loved one on our roadways,” said Dom Tiberi, sports anchor for WBNS 10-TV and founder along with his wife, Terri, of the Maria Tiberi Foundation named in honor of their late daughter, Maria, who was killed in a distracted driving accident. The foundation encourages defensive driving and educates about the dangers of distracted driving.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that there have been at least 73,945 distracted driving crashes in Ohio since 2017, including 2,186 fatal and serious injury crashes. Traffic fatalities overall have increased in eight of nine years from 2013 to 2021, with deaths reaching their highest point in nearly two decades in 2021 with 1,355 fatalities. Preliminary traffic data from 2022 indicates that at least 1,269 people were killed in traffic crashes last year.

“Certainly not all fatal traffic crashes are caused by distracted driving, but it’s no coincidence that evolving smartphone technology has coincided with increasing roadway deaths and injuries,” added DeWine. “Other states with similar distracted driving laws have experienced fewer fatal crashes, and we expect that this enhanced distracted driving law will have the same impact here.”

Under the new law, a driver may still use their device in specific circumstances:

*When their vehicle is parked or stopped at a red light.
*Drivers are also permitted to swipe their phones to answer a call
*Drivers can hold their phones to their ears during phone conversations.
*Emergency calls are also permitted in all circumstances.

Senate Bill 288 will go into effect in 90 days. Law enforcement will issue warnings to drivers found violating the law for the first six months following the effective date. After this six-month grace period, law enforcement will have the authority to issue citations. Penalties include a fine of up to $150 for a driver’s first offense and two points on their license unless a distracted driving safety course is completed. Increased penalties can occur if the driver is a repeat offender.

DeWine Signed Bill That Make Holding Cell Phone While Driving An Offense

Northmont Branch Library Grand Opening Jan 7th

January 2, 2023 By Dayton937

The new Northmont Branch, located at 700 West National Road in Englewood, will open to the public with a Grand Opening on Saturday, January 7, from 10 am – 12 pm. A ribbon cutting will be held at approximately 10:15 am.

Patrons and community members from Englewood, Union, Clayton, Phillipsburg, and other surrounding areas will be able to celebrate the new Branch by enjoying light refreshments, meeting the Northmont Branch staff and DML’s famous mascots Pip and Cosmo, engaging with ReImagining Works artists who created new artwork specifically for the Branch, and touring the Branch.

The new Branch is more than 19,000 square feet and will have many of the same dedicated spaces DML’s other new and/or renovated facilities have:

A Quiet Reading Room for adults
A “Building Connections” themed Children’s Area, including the unique design of a 16’x4’ Lego mosaic that was built by youth patrons of the Library and a structure built from Tubelox
A Teen Edge with a gaming console
A Community Room
Collaborative Meeting Spaces
Laptop Lending
Public Computers with Wi-Fi
Learning Stations
24-hour Holds Lockers
And much more

The ReImagining Works artists and their work for the new Branch are:

Tricia Calvert, Dayton: a glass work composed of small, light boxes and playful colors in abstract geometric composition will be in the Quiet Reading Room.
Amy Deal, Dayton: a nature-inspired diptych panel using a variety of media will be in the Community Room.
Gae Helton, Dayton: titled Dragonflies and Poppies, this glass mosaic will be in the Marketplace and references the beauty of the natural world.
Gary Hinsche, Dayton: Ode to Kenneth is a large-scale acrylic featuring the artist’s signature hard-edge color field style, which will also be in the Marketplace.

Architects for the new Northmont Branch were Ruetschle Architects, with Shook Construction handling construction management.

The opening of DML’s newest Branch is a result of the Library’s facilities project, Libraries for a Smarter Future. This project stems from a $187 million bond issue passed by Montgomery County voters in 2012, which has allowed the Library to update or renovate its Branches and Operations Center downtown. One facility remains in the project: Huber Heights’ new Branch, opening tentatively in the Spring 2023.

Regular operating hours for the Northmont Branch will be Monday/Tuesday/Thursday: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm, Wednesday/Friday/Saturday: 9:30 am – 6 pm, and closed Sunday. Programming will begin soon. Patrons can visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Programs to check the status of programs or may call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 with questions.

Restaurants That Were New in 2022 – Part 2

January 1, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

Here’s part 2 of our list that include restaurants that opened in the second half of 2022.

Opened in July:

Tony & Pete’s Groceries and Coldcuts
129 E Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Ta’Quiyo Tortilleria & Taco Shop
238 E Central Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery
45 N. Fountain Ave Springfield, OH 45502

Whit’s Frozen Custard
199 N Main St, Centerville, OH 45459

Jasper Kitchen + Bar
1100 Knollhaven Road, Xenia

Miguel’s Poké Island
134 Dayton St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Starbucks
138 N Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402

La Embajada Argentinean Cuisine
9486 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45342

W. Social Tap & Table
1100 W Third Street, Dayton OH 45402

Juicing Jammers Juice and Smoothie Bar
13 North Williams St., Dayton OH 45402

Crumbl Beavercreek
2260 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45431

Muddy Goose
465 N. Main Street, Springboro, OH 45066

Opened in August

Moeller Brew Barn
416 East 1st Street, Dayton 45402

Big Chicken
10655 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Roosters Beavercreek
2430 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45431

Oh Crêpe
79 Foss Way, Troy, OH 45373

Opened in September

Little Fish Brewing
116 Webster Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Rachel Bakes
101 E Alex Bell RD #104c Centerville, OH 45459

Area A Field House

1156 Kauffman Ave, Fairborn, OH 45324-3816

OH! Boba
217 Public Sq, Troy, OH 45373

Ms. Betty’s Kitchen
4200 Kettering Blvd, Moraine, OH 45439

Opened in October

Christopher’s Restaurant
4211 Linden Avenue, Dayton, OH 45432

Pappa’s Pizza Palace
412 S 1st St, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Twist Indian Grille
2627 S Smithville Road, Dayton, OH 45420

Ariake
4457 W Franklin St Bellbrook, OH 45305

Opened in November

More Than A Apron LLC
1015 s Main Street, Miamisburg, OH, 45342

La*Base Mexican Restaurant
428 N Broad St, Fairborn, OH 45324-5238

Park Grille & Bar
10259 Penny Lane Miamisburg, OH, 45342

The Wizard of Za
1200 Brown St., Dayton, OH 45409

Demnika’s Italiano
2667 South Dixie Dr, Kettering, OH

Urbana Brewing Co.
35 Monument Square Urbana, OH 43078

Area A Field House

1156 Kauffman Ave, Fairborn, OH 45324-3816

A New Soul
1106 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409

Opened in December

City Barbecue
2001 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering, OH 45420

Third Perk Express
2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45431

T4 Dayton
9146 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville, OH 45458

Wahlburgers
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414

Fuji Grill
8870 Kingsridge Drive, Miami Township, OH 45458

Golden Corral
2490 Commons Blvd., Beavercreek

Bloody Mary Showdown Returns!

January 1, 2023 By Dayton937

Last held in 2020, the pandemic prevented this annual event from happening for 2 years, but on Sunday, February 5th the competition for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary resumes in 2023! Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Jeff Jackson shared, “we are so please to be able to bring this event back, it’s a fun easy way to raise funds for a local nonprofit each year.”

Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

At the very first Showdown, held in MacKenzie Manley took the title. She described her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

In 2019 bartender Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg took home top prize thanks to an impressive garnish that included a large shrimp, a deviled egg and a shot of beer back.

In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.

The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 5th at Top of the Market on Webster Street. There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from at 11am and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon and event concludes at 2pm.

Guests will also vote for best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!

Purchase your tickets here.

Bartenders- think your Bloody Mary has what it takes? PROVE IT!

To enter, click here. There is a $25 entrance fee and we will provide you with Vodka, sample cups, ice and a covered table. You bring your own bloody mary mix and any special garnishes you’d like. Winning bartender walks with bragging rights and $500 cash.

The charity beneficiary for this event is The Castle– a safe haven for adults with with mental disorders in Centerville. Their representative will be on hand to share information about their program and host a fundraising auction as well.

Over 35 New Year’s Eve Events to Ring in 2023

December 25, 2022 By Dayton937

Communities used to bid adieu to the old year and welcome the new one by ringing bells, often in churches. The tradition may have grown out of other occasions where bells marked an end “passing bells” tolled when someone died—or celebrated a beginning (like wedding bells).

In short, people thronged the streets just before midnight ringing bells was once a central part of the New Year’s Eve holiday. And now you know why we say ring in the New Year!

The Miami Valley has lots of celebrations to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023, here are some suggestions for you?