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2025 Chair of Walk of Fame Announced

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Debbie Lieberman, a new member of the Wright Dunbar, Inc. Board, will chair the 2025 Walk of Fame Committee. She has chaired numerous large events including past Artemis Galas. Her outstanding history of service in Montgomery County and her love for the area are recognized and highly respected.
The Walk of Fame event is September 24 at Sinclair College. Nominations for the 2025 induction ceremony will be accepted until the deadline of February 28, 2015. The nomination form may be found online at daytonwalkoffame.org
History of the event
The Walk of Fame was begun by Celebration Dayton ’96 at the main terminal of the Dayton International Airport in 1996 in recognition of the region’s Bicentennial. Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first two inductees in 1995 to jump start the idea. The project was transferred to the 2003 Inventing Flight Committee in 1997. Today the Dayton Region Walk of Fame is in the Wright Dunbar Historic District in Dayton on West Third Street. It is managed by Wright Dunbar, Inc. and an event Executive Committee.
Almost 200 individuals or groups have been recognized in the last three decades. Stones to recognize them are placed in the sidewalk for a truly outstanding learning experience. Inductees represent the following fields: Arts and Culture, Aviation, Business/Corporate Leaders, Community Service, Education, Entertainment/Media, Environment, Government/Military, Invention/Innovation, Law, Medicine, Philanthropy, Science, Significant Personal Achievement and Sports. Nominations are considered active for three years.
2024 Awardees were The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, the Osborne Brothers, and Dr. G. Douglas Talbott. No

Miami Valley Meals 2nd Pierogi Sale Kicks Off Wed

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 Miami Valley Meals (MVM) is bringing back its popular spring fundraiser, Pierogi with a Purpose, in which sales of handmade pierogi benefit hunger relief across the Miami Valley.

MVM’s professional chefs and volunteers will be preparing thousands of handmade pierogi for the community to enjoy. Pierogi will go on sale Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and the sale will remain open until March 12, 2025, or until sold out. Pierogi will be sold by the dozen for $15/dozen and frozen for easy storage and preparation. The event is a pre-order event; buyers will be asked to select a scheduled pickup time at checkout. The pierogi are filled with potato and cheese and are vegetarian-friendly—perfect for those celebrating Lent.

This new tradition, started in 2024, was inspired by MVM Board Chair Ricia Ballas.  Ricia stated, “I grew up making pierogi with my mom. To me, they represent not just a yummy comfort food that we always ate on Christmas Eve and during Lent, but the act of making and eating pierogi represents family to me. Growing up in northeast Ohio, handmade pierogi were always available, churches and restaurants sold them, but we just don’t have that in the Dayton region. I’ve been encouraging pierogi-making for years, I just needed to find the right partner in Stan Troha [former board member of MVM] and the right organization. Miami Valley Meals is that organization.” 

All proceeds raised from pierogi sales will benefit MVM’s mission to transform donated food into nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity across the Miami Valley. The inaugural fundraiser last year sold out within two weeks and brought in over $9,000 to support Miami Valley Meals. 

Taylor Naragon, Communications Manager at MVM, shares, “This event really exemplifies how food and community come together for the greater good. I had no idea how beloved pierogi were until we launched this event last year, and was amazed at how many people rushed to purchase them. Our volunteers have the best time making them, and we all bonded together over it. It’s a really special event, and we’re thankful for the enthusiasm the community has shown us. Every purchase helps us continue our work to provide chef-prepared meals free of charge to local families in need. It’s a delicious way to pay it forward!”

Thanks Joe Head For the Bourbon Education!

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It’s the end of an era for Joseph Head and The Century Bar. I got the heads up last night and this morning he made it official by posting this on his Facebook Page:

“So it’s official I’ve left the Century. I leave with no anger or hatred. I’ve run my race. Time changes people change. I will never regret my 27 years there. I met my wife there. I became a Kentucky  Colonel. I’ve grown to be a much better person. However the bar business behind the scenes is terrible and unhealthy. It’s just simply time for me to say goodbye no regrets. I’ve been preparing for this transaction in life for a bit. Edye (his wife) has been more than supportive in my decision. I love the Century. That being said, letting something you love go, some time is best for everyone. Thank you all for supporting me. I want nothing more for the Century to thrive.”

Once a rough-around-the-edges, long-haired arrogant youth, Head credits Diane Spitzig, The Century’s longtime owner, with taking a chance on him and eventually making him the bar’s manager. In 2011 Joe started to have a vision, and  began researching bourbons and proposed the concept of changing the bar into a bourbon house. Together, the pair transformed the Century into one of the most raved-about bourbon houses in the nation for the past 13 years. Joe once described Th Century as a bar for professionals to enjoy a cocktail, with no tv’s, where you actually put your phone in your pocket and actually talk to people.

2012 was the first year The Century Bar was named to The Bourbon Review list of Best Bourbon Bars in America and it continued make the list year after year.  In 2015 Men’s Journal magazine’s website declared The Century one of the “10 Best Bourbon Bars in America” describing it as “a small bar with a huge bourbon list, The Century is as devoted to the whiskey as any other place in America.”

 

Joe told me he’s been working at a farm in Carlisle and enjoys working the land.  We wish him the best on his next chapter and thank him for educating so many of us about bourbon and for bringing Dayton so much attention in the national media.

An outpouring of wishes on his post include:
“Joe, you’re a Dayton Icon. Your contribution to our community will be cherished. I’ve grown up with the Century through the years, and you will be missed. I wish all the love and luck in the future. THANK YOU!! – Amy J
“Wish you all the best Joe, many great memories, and many nights I can’t remember from the old ‘dirty’ century!” – Kevin R

John Waters special screening kicks off Yellow Springs Mini-Fest

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The Yellow Springs Film Festival is excited to announce its annual Mini-Fest this spring, with a new addition this year: an expansion to Dayton! The event kicks off at The Brightside in downtown Dayton, featuring a special screening of the cult classic Cecil B. Demented to celebrate its 25th anniversary, along with a Q&A session with its legendary director, John Waters.

The Yellow Springs Film Festival, which began in 2023, is a newly established film festival that has received widespread acclaim from attendees, media, and both local and film communities. For the first time, the festival is extending its reach beyond Yellow Springs, with organizers hosting an event in Dayton, thanks to generous support from The Berry Family Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to host one of our all time favorite directors screening one of his finest — and to expand into Dayton for our first event outside of Yellow Springs will hopefully engage more film fans in the Miami Valley,” Yellow Springs Film Festival Co-Founder, Eric Mahoney, shared with us. “The Brightside is such a fantastic room and we love partnering with them in bringing exciting events to town.”

Waters, who began his filmmaking career in the mid-60s, is renowned for his low-budget, provocative films that garnered a devoted fanbase, including Hairspray, Cry-Baby, and Pink Flamingos, among others. This event offers a rare chance to explore the creative genius of one of cinema’s most fascinating directors! 

Cecil B. Demented offers a thrilling cinematic experience. The story revolves around an independent film director and his rebellious team of teenage filmmakers who abduct a top Hollywood actress, forcing her to star in their underground project.

Limited VIP tickets are available for an intimate post-event Q&A with Waters. Grab yours now and be part of this extraordinary celebration!


How to Go?

Thursday, April 17th

Doors 6pm / Show 7pm

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

$35 general admission seated

$100 VIP – Limited VIP tickets are available for an intimate post-event Q&A with Waters.

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ysff-presents-cecil-b-demented-screening-with-john-waters-tickets-1247234555129?aff=oddtdtcreator

Peechee Does Braids and Locs…For Everybody

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One of the Miami Valley’s best kept secrets is Alexandria Di Nofa, aka Peechee Does It. She’s one of Dayton’s premier hair braiders and locticians, as well as being one of the more popular Millennials in the region. I recently spoke with her about her craft, her origins, and her life.

Tell us all about you.

Hello, I am Alexandrea a.k.a. Peechee does it. I am 33 years old and originally from California. I was raised in Columbus, Ohio for 15 years and then been in Dayton since.

What is your company and what is it that you do?

 My company is Peechee Does It ltd.  I am a Loctician and braider, with my own brick and mortar salon on Xenia Avenue. I have been in business for a total of six years with being at the shop for almost a year and a half. I also recently just got certified to do make up services as well.

How did you start your company?

I started my company as just a hired hand doing rides and cleaning houses residentially. I switched  and started doing treats and birthday cakes for a little while, and then during Covid I started doing hair. And thank you to our stimulus check! I was able to fully invest into myself and take the risk to go out on my own and start earning income full-time.

How did you get into your field?

I am 100% self taught. I got licensed with a braiding registration in 2020. I have utilized my social media tools such as YouTube, Facebook videos, TikTok, you name it. I just absorbed everything that I could possibly get my hands on that might send me in a more positive direction with doing hair. Now, I’m currently taking class with Chris McDread and Val_tuffcuts which are some of the most popular lock influencers in social media, to hone in on some of my other skills. As I have grown, I do things like reattachment and extensions and also do wicks along with a multitude of other skills other than just re-twisting.

Optically, you are a White woman who usually does Black hair. Is this an organic/natural choice? Have you gotten any pushback from people who know that you have clientele of color?

 For me it was a natural choice. I’ve always loved to do hair. I’ve always been the one to play in my friend’s hair at sleepovers or be in the bathroom with my grandma or my mom while they get ready for the day and watch them go through their beauty routine. I kind of felt like I always was going to end up behind a beauty chair. I never imagined doing African American hair. Never been one to discriminate. I’ve always dated in the Black community and I have a mixed child, so some of my knowledge came out of necessity when needing to do his hair. Locs happened to become a passion of mine on accident. A friend asked me to do the re-twist one day and I agreed and it was good, and they told people about me. So, by word-of-mouth I just kind of blew up off of that. When I first started, I was working out of my home and I had such a negative reaction from my neighbors, they called the police because of the traffic in and out of my house. I have received pushback when trying to ‘sell myself’,  like “What do you know about doing some locks?”  I show them my pictures of my work and the conversation changes. Lol! I’ve even had people go as far as create fake bookings on my website to take up my time and appointments. I still push on. The only way I’m stopping is if I choose to stop myself.

For anyone interested in getting into your field, what advice would you give them?

In this day and age, we are a social media overwhelmed society, but it’s a great tool. Go find somebody on social media that you identify with, or you like their work. Follow them, study them, watch them, and ask questions to anybody that you possibly can. Absorb as much information as you possibly can. Take all the classes you can if you feel you need it. There’s something to take away from every single one of them. Braids aren’t something that they teach in cosmetology school so in this particular case you’ll need your village.

. For anyone who’s interested in your services, how can they do so?

I have a website:  https://peechee-does-it.square.site

It contains my full availability and a menu with prices of all of my services on it. I also have a phone number. People can use it to either text or call me to inquire about booking, 937-315-0442.

A Rising Star in a Stellar Show!

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A Distinct Society, by Kareem Fahmy begins in the tranquil hush of a library that straddles the U.S. – Canada border, where life is about to change. Much the same could be said for Cooper Schairbaum, the youngest in the cast who is receiving rave reviews for his performance in the show. Schairbaum plays Declan Sheehan in the play directed by Brant Russell at the Human Race Theatre Company.

I was thrilled to get to chat with the rising star about his love of acting and any future productions.

937: Hi Cooper. I understand you are a local high schooler…right?

CS:  Yes. I am junior at Oakwood High School.

937: And….I heard you have some acting experience under your belt? What shows may have the readers perhaps seen you previously perform?

CS: I have played Billy in On Golden Pond, Sky in Mamma Mia, Jack in Into the Woods, and Windward and Cop in the Muse Machine’s The Little Mermaid and 9 to 5.

937: WOW! You have been bitten by the theater bug!! Where did this all start for you?

CS: My first show was The Addams Family in fourth grade, and I guess it all started from my mom who did theater in college and still loves it, so she really motivated me to participate in theater.

937: Well it is one of the few things you can do from cradle to grave. So, thank mom for getting you into something that can last a lifetime! What can you tell us about the show?

CS: It is inspired by true events. It focuses on all the things that can, in some cases, divide us…or unite us. It has a lot to do with connection…and how life can change.

937: And, people are really enjoying it. So, in doing this and other shows, does it make you want to continue with acting in your future?

CS: It really made me believe that theater in the future is a viable option for me but throughout this whole process I have realized that this is so demanding and I don’t think this is for me after high school.

937: Amen brother, it is hard work…but, keep that door open! Do you have advice for others looking to do community theater?

CS: Do it. You will always meet new friends that care about you. They will be friends to you for the rest of your life.

937: Congratulations Cooper. Bravo!

You can catch A Distinct Society at the Human Race 2/11-2/17. Shows Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:00pm.

More info at https://humanracetheatre.org/

 

Hotel Ardent Opens in Dayton

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Downtown Dayton’s newest hotel is now open.  With 118 rooms and suites, Hotel Ardent at the corner of Main and First Streets, across from the Victoria Theatre, is part of the Tapestry Collection of Hotels by Hilton. The 10 story hotel is in the Barclay building that is almost a hundred years old and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Hotel Ardent has a distinct concept with thoughtful amenities, dining experience and inspiring design that win the hearts of guests and locals alike by leading with genuine hospitality, passion and dedication,” Sam Schwartz, president of First Investors. He describes the hotel as “sophisticated, plush and refined.”  Amenities will include free WiFi, a business center and valet parking.

Lobby

Room options will include 1 or 2 queen beds, king rooms with a theater view and the king bedroom Presiential suite.  Rooms are equipped with Keurigs, LCD TV’s and 400 thread count sheets. Rooms are currently showin rates from $168- 183 on their website. The luxurious King Presidential Suite offers a private bedroom with king-size bed, a living area with a queen-sized sofa sleeper and a parlor. Look out over spectacular city views as you relax in comfort. Additional amenities include a spacious work desk with ergonomic chair, WiFi, a coffeemaker, and in-room safe, all for $999/night.

Expected to open in April, the hotel will have a first floor Tuscan Steakhouse. Bistecca is described as having an elegant yet approachable menu which will deliver a warm and inviting dining experience for hotel guests and local diners alike, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Taking its inspiration from Florence, Italy, the executive chef is proud to serve handmade pastas and wood-fire grill selections daily. Don’t miss their namesake, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a T-bone steak.

Dining room

Hotel Ardent

137 N Main Street
Dayton, OH 45402

(326) 213-3300

Dayton at Work and Play: Miami Valley Meals

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Conversation is with Amanda DeLotelle, Executive Director of Miami Valley Meals , a local nonprofit that started during the pandemic. I asked Amanda to give me a tour and tell me how Miami Valley Meals came about.
“Just before the pandemic hit, I lost my job when Citilites at the Schuster Center closed. Executive Chef and colleague, Matt DeAngulo reached out to see how we could help our neighbors facing food insecurity with an impending pandemic. Matt’s friend, Bill Evans (founder of Evan’s Bakery), connected us to the House of Bread and in short order, we recruited our food service pals to help support.”
“Approximately 40% of food goes to waste in the U.S. At the same time, 1 in 7 people in Montgomery County face food insecurity. We’re trying to help bridge that gap. We focus on what we’re good at – cooking – and collaborate with others who know how to take care of everything else. We get donated surplus food from Gordon Food Service, the Dayton Food Bank, NCR Country Club and many other places. Our team transforms this food into complete meals that are distributed through over 50 different nonprofits. Those nonprofits know how to get the food to the people who need it the most.
“We get a lot of help from volunteers. These volunteers from Premier Health that you’re photographing just plated 700 meals that are being loaded into our freezer. The meals can be reheated in the oven or in a microwave.”
“Our meals typically have a protein, starch, vegetable and dessert. Today’s meal consisted of southwest turkey stuffed peppers with green beans and lemon berry bread pudding. That sauce chef Laura let you taste is for the blackberry teriyaki wings that will be part of our next meal.”
“Anyone who would like to help by donating food, funds or by volunteering, can find out more at miamivalleymeals.org”

As a former businessman, I like the strategy of Miami Valley Meals. I like that you do only what you’re best at and then work with others to do everything else. But how do you do your part? How can anyone make 700 meals each day out of whatever food is donated?

“It is a challenge,” she told me. “Having a talented culinary team with years of varied experience and food backgrounds makes the difference.”
Our executive chefs are Laura Cotton (in the Miami Valley Meals shirt) and Angela Abnett (black hat). Laura was a chef at the Dayton Engineers Club and House of Bread previously, and has a Cajun and Creole cooking background. You can also catch her at the bar she co-owns – The Phone Booth Lounge. Angela was a chef at Citilites for many years. She makes the most wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes. Taste them and you’d never miss the meat.”
Other chefs on our team bring different skills. Chef Marilyn (striped hat) joined us from the Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program and previously ran a kitchen at a large institution so she understands bulk cooking. Plus, she’s an amazing baker. We were thrilled she chose to stay on with us after her program ended.
Chef Julisa spent time studying hospitality and culinary at Ivy Tech in Indiana. Besides MVM, she works part-time at Sueno, an upscale Mexican eatery downtown as well as Blind Dogs, an elevated hot dog cart which you can regularly find in the Oregon District in warmer months.
In total, this is an amazingly experienced and creative team – just what you need to turn donated food into a great dining experience for our neighbors who are facing tough circumstances and could use a little light.
Volunteering at MVM

Join the scoop squad! The culinary team can always use an extra hand in the kitchen. Weekly, monthly, twice-a-year, whatever works for you.

They have volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups!

If you would like to register a GROUP to volunteer, please email taylor@miamivalleymeals.org to get started.

For more information on Miami Valley Meals go to our website: miamivalleymeals.org

Air Force Museum Special OceanXperience Opens Feb 5

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On view Feb. 5 – April 27, 2025 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

An immersive, one-of-a-kind, adventure-driven touring exhibition designed to raise awareness for the world’s oceans.

From the depths of the oceans to the outer limits of space, innovators and explorers continue to uncover mysteries and possibilities while adapting to the challenges of these unique environments. Visitors can explore both worlds and learn about those who dare to discover and dream — only at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force!

A $12 ticket fee applies for this exhibition. Ticket fee grants entry into both OceanXperience and Drop in the Ocean, an interactive, social virtual-reality experience from Pulseworks. Fee helps cover the cost of bringing these cutting-edge exhibitions to the Museum.

Education groups that pre-register with the Foundation will receive free admission to OceanXperience. Education groups can pre-register by emailing attractions@afmuseum.com or contacting the Foundation by phone at 937-751-1580.

Yellow submersible on display as part of OceanXperience exhibit.

IMMERSIVE. INTERACTIVE. INFORMATIVE.

OceanXperience puts visitors in the driver’s seat of a personalized adventure.

Stepping onto an interactive replica of OceanXplorer, the world’s most advanced research and filmmaking vessel, you
can choose a mission that sparks your curiosity. As you explore the ship and actively participate in hands-on STEM-based
research tasks, your journey is tracked and enhanced with RFID technology. The adventure culminates in an interactive
facilitated HoloLab experience and powerful cinematic scenes in the immersive area. The exhibition is designed to fully
engage all your senses with immersive soundscapes, tactile experiences, and visually dynamic media.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

1100 Spaatz Street

Gate 28B, enter on Springfield St.

Wright-Patterson AFB

Dayton, Ohio 45433

 (937) 255-3286

Discover Northmont, One Sweet Stop at a Time!

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Explore 14 local businesses, collect sweet treats, and discover Northmont, one sweet spot at a time! The tour runs from Feb 1-28, and tickets are just $5.50 each. You have the option to print your ticket or pick one up at the Chamber office (1150 W. National Rd) or Cafe 19. Shop local for valentines day while enjoying chocolate from your favorite Northmont businesses.

Chocolate tour tickets are a cover-all board. once you visit all locations you can turn your tickets in to the Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce office to be entered to win prizes like an ipad and apple watch just for participating!

Once Registered you will receive instructions for ticket pick up. You have the option to print your ticket or pick one up at the Chamber office (1150 W. National Rd) or Cafe 19.

Screenshot

Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!

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The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of Avenue Q at DPH, Ray Gambrel.

937: Thank you for taking time to tell us about a musical we all know, love and BOY is it timely! But first….let’s hear about you! I know we would all love to know a little bit about your theater life!

RG: Thank you for this opportunity! Actually, in Jr. High I saw our High School production of, Annie Get Your Gun. I loved it! I rushed to the library and got the original Broadway cast recording on vinyl and listened to it over and over. I was hooked! I went to Sinclair Community College and studied Theater-Performance. I quickly realized that acting may not be the best fit for me, so I took a Directing class taught by Marsha Hanna. She became my idol. I had the wonderful opportunity to help stage manage a production at Sinclair, and I really got to see her work. She really became my inspiration and I think about her every time that I direct. I then got involved with, at the time, Playhouse South (now Springboro Community Theatre), both, as an actor, and as a director.

937: I love Annie get Your Gun…hokey as it is. And actually Marsha inspired MANY of us! How did you make the DPH connection?

RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.
937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?
RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.
937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?
RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.
937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.
937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?
RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.
937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?
RG:  The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?
Avenue Q (R)
Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

Another Downtown Eatery Closes

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Having just celebrated their 4th anniversary earlier this month, the 1 Eleven Flavor House, owned by Demetrius Wright and Joey Williams  and  located at 111 W First St in Dayton has announced that Jan 31st will be their last day of service.

Here’s the official announcement:

 

The Flavor House Event Center‘s indoor occupancy is 125, larger events up to 150, utilizing the FH Patio. They have a complete food menu. No outside caterers are allowed. You may bring in your own desserts.

Miami Valley Meals Has Served One Million Meals

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This week Miami Valley Meals sent out the one-millionth meal  out the door and is on its way to make someone’s day.
Founded in 2020 by furloughed culinary and hospitality professionals seeking to help their city during the pandemic, MVM has grown into a vital resource for addressing food insecurity in Greater Dayton, currently producing over 4,000 meals weekly.
This million meal milestone is something the MVMeals team is incredibly proud of, but it’s also a stark reminder of our community’s ongoing need for food.

This remarkable milestone is a testament to MVM’s mission of “Chefs transforming donated food into nutritious meals.” By collaborating with a network of nonprofit partners, MVM provides free, chef-prepared meals to those experiencing food insecurity while connecting them with additional supportive services through their partners.

Amanda DeLotelle

“Although reaching the one-million-meal mark speaks volumes to the talent and dedication of our team — and the incredible support of our volunteers, donors and grantors — it is a stark reminder that 1 in 7 in our community are not sure where their next nutritious meal will come from. There is much work to be done,” said Amanda DeLotelle, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Miami Valley Meals. “We remain committed to creating nutritious and convenient chef-prepared meals for those who need it, and we invite our community to help sustain this impactful work through volunteerism and donations.”

Founding Board Members Stan Troha and Daryl Adkins

Since its inception in 2020, MVM has grown its operations to distribute meals through 129 nonprofit partners, using approximately 90% donated or rescued food. As Miami Valley Meals approaches its 5th anniversary on March 25th, 2025, the organization continues to address two critical challenges: ensuring access to nutritious meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity and reducing food waste. MVM’s meals typically contain a protein, starch, vegetable and dessert. The organization also shares “direct donate” food items in times of surplus or when certain ingredients cannot be utilized in the meals, all of which contribute to the one-million-meal milestone.

Bill Franz’s Buy Local Spotlight: Pink Moon Goods

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This week’s Buy Local conversation is with Kathleen Hotmer of PinkMoonGoods. My wife suggested her. She likes the store’s unique items and likes being on the store’s email list. She said the emails don’t come too often and they are interesting to read.
Kathleen liked hearing this. “People say you need email marketing, but I get so annoyed with the flood of emails I get. I wait until I have something to say and then write a blog post for my website. Then I take part of that blog post and send it out as an email. Finally I make an even shorter version for a social media post. That keeps my workload manageable.”
“The blog increased traffic to our website, which helped us get some online sales. Most of our sales are from the local community, but on a cold day like this when people are bundled up at home it’s nice to be getting some online business.”
I asked how she would describe her store. “We sell home goods that are beautiful, practical and ethically manufactured. In fact this store location itself fits that same description. The owners took a building that had been abandoned for years and made it beautiful. It also works on a practical level and giving new life to a building built in 1900 is as ethical as it gets.”
I asked her to tell me about a few products. “The print in the window is by two sisters. All of their art deals with a love of nature and a rejection of a throw-away mentality. This print shows a poem that the two use as a prayer whenever they eat together.”
“Those are Iris Hantverk brushes on that shelf. Since the firm was first founded they have been handmade by visually impaired craftsmen.”
“The towels you looked at are Imbari towels. I’ve used them for years. They are the softest and most absorbent towels imaginable. When I opened this shop they made me their only distributor outside of Japan. The towels are a popular gift item. Then people often come back and buy one for themselves.”

Kathleen has many more products.

You should drop by and see if she has an interesting story to go with each one.

 

 

PinkMoonGoods

Historic Huffman Neighborhood
2027 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45403

937-999-4231

Shop Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 11am – 6pm
Saturday 12 – 5pm

Jack Pohl Moves To Anchor Desk on 2 News

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WDTN-TV has named Jack Pohl as evening co-anchor of 2 NEWS.

“For three decades viewers have seen Jack on the sidelines with a camera covering local sports and we’re excited to see him expand his talents to the news side of the anchor desk,” said Melissa Jones, WDTN-TV & Dayton’s CW Vice President & General Manager. “Jack was born and raised in the Miami Valley, like many of our on-air talent and we know he’ll take great pride in delivering the news each night in the place he’s called home.”

Pohl was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and is an alum of Centerville High School.  He went on to attend Wright State University.

Pohl joined the 2 NEWS team in 1995 as a reporter and anchor and has been the 2 Sports Director since 2002.

Pohl will be joined by Brooke Moore and Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brian Davis to co-anchor 2 NEWS First at 4. He’ll also co-anchor 2 NEWS at 5, 6, 10 and 11.

“After years of covering sports in every corner of the Miami Valley, I have always felt completely connected to this community and look forward to delivering the news alongside Brooke Moore,” said Pohl. “This is my hometown, I’m proud of it and appreciate all the support from our loyal Channel 2 viewers.”

Pohl, a father of two, enjoys skiing and biking in his spare time. He’s also been blessed with five grandchildren.

Young’s Dairy Celebrates 156th Birthday

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Young’s history begins in 1869 when relatives of the Young Family built the red barn.  Hap Young bought the 60-acre farm and house shortly after the end of World War II.  For the next 10 years, Hap and his three sons, Carl, Bob, and Bill, farmed the 60 acres, plus up to 500 additional rented acres.  They grew grain, raised hogs, and milked cows.

In 1958, the Young Family decided to try to sell  Jersey milk directly to the public.  The first sales room was a modest operation.  They built a 10’ by 10’ room onto the end of the milk room.  The equipment was also modest – some glass jugs, a refrigerator, a cash drawer, and the honor system.  The customer would drive up, open the refrigerator, get his gallon of milk, leave an empty jug and the money, and drive away.

There was a market for farm fresh milk, so in 1960, we build and opened their first real dairy store.  They started dipping ice cream in this store.  They also added other dairy products, like cheese, and snack foods.  This building is attached to the big red barn and is where they make our ice cream today.

In 1993, we added the first activity at Udders & Putters – an 18-hole, farm theme miniature golf course.  1995 marked the first year for our driving range.  1996 saw the addition of a state of the art 9 position batting cage which features softball and hardball pitching machines.

We opened a new full-service restaurant, The Golden Jersey Inn in 1998.  This beautiful timber frame building restaurant features great country style food with a generous helping of friendly service.

In 1999, they built Barnabe’s Walnut Grove, to host group picnics, family reunions and company picnics. Located just south of our popular Udders & Putters area,  Barnabe’s Walnut Grove can easily serve groups with  home cooked meals and delicious homemade ice cream from 50 to over 5,000!  They built an additional 18-hole miniature golf course in 2000 to keep up with the demand for miniature golf.

They added Cowvin’s Fast Slide in 2008 – a 30’ slide with a couple of bumps on the way down. They started making Young’s Farmstead Cheese in July 2009.  Uusing only milk from their herd of Jersey cows to make the cheese, they make Cheddar, Colby, Baby Swiss, Jersey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda and Fresh Cheddar Curds.

They continue to make improvements each year, adding  new walking paths, installed ball dryers and a cover home plate area so they can operate the batting cages in the rain and have added to the landscaping around the farm. In 2017 Young’s on the Moove, their food truck hit the road.

Last July  they added Cowtherine’s Carousel, This carousel comes with COWS  and is located just north of the Dairy Store. The building is enclosed and heated for year-round use.

Young’s is celebrating their 156th Birthday January 17th – 20th, 2025 with the following promotions:

Udders & Putters Specials: $1.56 for rides on Cowtherine’s Carousel, games of miniature golf and medium buckets of golf balls

Young’s Farmstead Cheese Specials:

50% off of our two different samplers featuring eight of our farmstead cheeses made on our farm from our delicious Jersey cow milk.  Bring home (at least) one of each sampler.

Dairy Store Specials:

$1.56 off all cones, all burgers, Deep Fried Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds, Chedda Cheese Crispys, 4 Pack Homemade Buckeyes, 1/2 Gallons of Homemade Ice Cream and kid’s meals

FREE — A Souvenir Young’s 156th Anniversary mug included with purchase of any burger, kid’s meal, cone or cheese curds, while supplies last.

OR GET A MUG WITH ANY:156th Birthday Sundae- Two scoops of our Sea Salty Double Caramel ice cream covered in hot fudge, whipped cream, chocolate chips and a homemade brownie for $9.25

Root Beer Float 0 A scoop of Young’s homemade Vanilla ice cream floating in Mug root beer. $7.25

Udders & Putters Specials:

$1.56 for rides on Cowtherine’s Carousel, games of miniature golf and medium buckets of golf balls