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Dayton at Work and Play: Richard Lundin

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Conversation with Richard Lundin at Front Street (1001 East 2nd).
I know you came here from Chicago about 10 years ago. What brought you?
“One of the owners was getting ready to retire and I said I’d take a look at the place and give them my thoughts. I thought it would take me a few months, but 10 years later I’m still here. I became a part owner in 2020.”
“The three buildings here were built in the late 1800’s. There was a paper mill here once, with equipment powered by a canal that ran right by the place. Then it was the home of an envelope company. When they moved in 1965 the current ownership group bought the buildings and started renting space to entrepreneurs of all kinds.”
“There were a few artists who rented space back in 1965 – artists are always looking for inexpensive studio space – but it was mostly businesses. Over time the number of artists has grown. Now about 150 artists rent about 75% of the space. I think they see a benefit to being part of the community of artists here
I’ve always loved photographing here because I love taking pictures of people at work. At Front Street I’ve photographed boat builders, jewelry makers, glass blowers, painters, and many other kinds of workers. “I enjoy that too. I love to see people who are really good at the thing they do, and we have a lot of really talented people here.”

I’ve never seen a landlord get so involved in the success of his tenants. “We do what we can to support the artists here. We run a monthly party where everyone opens their studios and lots of people come. It’s the first Friday of the month and the following Saturday. And lots of people visit at other times, too. Our doors are open from 7am to 7pm and if you walk around the buildings during those hours you’ll always find some studios open and some artists who are happy to talk to you.”
“We’re doing something special here May 2 and May 3. It’s called ARTebration. We’ll have street artists from all over the country painting new murals on the walls at Front Street; plus there’s music and food and all of our art studios will be open.”

BBB-Dayton’s Community Honor Goes To Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton

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The Better Business Bureau is pleased to announce the recipient of BBB’s 15th annual Community Honor Award. This year, Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton will receive the distinguished honor.

The Community Honor Award was established in 2011 to recognize government, nonprofit or education organizations with proven commitment to improving all aspects of life in the Miami Valley. It spotlights the honorees’ efforts to realize not only their own missions, but their roles in making the Miami Valley a thriving community, taking care of its citizens – individuals and organizations. The honorees enhance the Miami Valley marketplace by offering their own tangible and intangible resources, making a positive impact on the evolution of the Miami Valley and the betterment of its people and industries. They demonstrate a passion for and progress towards improving the quality of life. This honor is reserved for organizations, which have shown stamina, steadfast determination and truly innovative ways of giving back to the community.

Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton builds new homes and renovates existing ones to provide the opportunity for low-to-moderate income families to purchase them with zero interest mortgages. It services each mortgage, allowing the organization to work with every homeowner to ensure the mortgage is successfully paid in full, resulting in transformational financial security. It even provides homeowner education classes to all partner families to prepare them for homeownership and provides critical home repair services to income-qualified homeowners who don’t have the financial resources for major repairs or upkeep. In addition, Habitat also runs two retail stores, selling donated household goods, cabinets, appliances, construction materials and hardware to the public. Funds generated in the stores offset operational costs. The organization has also expanded to serve Greene and Clark counties.

Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton has grown from a volunteer mission working from a church basement to what it is today with one simple belief — everyone deserves a decent place to live. In total, the organization has served over 1000 families locally, providing safe, decent, affordable homes.

With the current affordable housing crisis, Habitat operates with five core principles: demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ; focus on shelter; advocate for affordable housing; promote dignity and hope; support sustainable and transformational development. These principles guide everything the organization does. Its success hinges on the 4000 volunteers that come out each year to help build, renovate, and repair homes.

Norman Miozzi, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton executive director, says, “We’re so excited that the BBB selected Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton as the 2025 Community Honor recipient. Since 1983, Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton has served the Miami Valley with integrity; providing, preserving and protecting affordable home ownership. Receiving the Community Honor recognizes not just the hard work and dedication of our employees and board members, it also recognizes the work of thousands of volunteers, corporate partners and homeowners who have been the heart of Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Dayton for 42 years.”

John North, president and CEO of the BBB serving Dayton and the Miami Valley, shares, “The selection committee was impressed with this organization’s laser focus on serving the Miami Valley. They are a true example of how strong communities thrive when committed organizations get involved. Its efforts are unbelievable and it’s our honor to recognize them.”

The public is invited to join us at the Torch Awards For Ethics Dinner on May 13 at Sinclair Community College’s Great Hall to applaud this organization. You can reserve a table for $999 or reserve individual tickets for $99 per person. To make your reservations, call (937) 610-2277.

Dayton at Work and Play: Sandra Simi

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Conversation with Sandra Simi at Safari Treasures.  Sandra sometimes shops in Belmont at Anita Nzigiye’s Ikaze East African Market, which is how I got her name.
“I left Kenya 30 years ago but opened this shop just over 2 years ago. We sell many things from Africa but our main business is woven baskets.”
“Basket weaving is more than a craft in Africa. It represents tradition and the power of working together. Nothing shows that better than the baskets I have from Rwanda. That country suffered through a terrible genocide and in the aftermath the government started a reconciliation program. As part of that program Hutu women and Tutsi women weave baskets together.”
“I’ve traveled across Africa meeting weavers and talking about what designs might fit the U.S. market. Those baskets you’re photographing now are from Ghana and made out of elephant grass. It’s one of the strongest plants ever.”
“Those over there are from Uganda. They eat a lot of bananas in Uganda and make baskets out of banana leaves. Those are from Rwanda. They’re made from sisal. These are from Sierra Leone. They include recycled plastic to reinforce their baskets and to add color. That makes them durable, but nothing is as durable as the baskets made from elephant grass. Those can be used to carry heavy objects for decades.”
“I have been disappointed in sales at my shop, so on weekends I sell at art fairs and craft fairs. Those have been great for me. I also sell at the 2nd Street market on weekends when I’m in town. There is also one special kind of basket that I sell at the gift shop at The Contemporary Dayton. It’s difficult to make. The weaver tightens some of the strands to get a wave-like shape. Each of those baskets is special, truly one of a kind.”
Before leaving to talk with Sandra I showed the shop’s social media photos to my wife. She decided to go to the shop with me, and now there’s a basket made from elephant grass on our dining room table.
5785 Far Hills Ave
Dayton, Ohio 45429
937-608-2448

Sun – Fri 10am – 5pm
closed Saturday

Kings Island Opens Saturday

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Thrill-seekers and families alike are counting down the days until Kings Island officially opens for the 2025 season on Saturday, April 19th. With extended hours, exciting new attractions, and beloved classics returning, Opening Day promises to deliver a full day of unforgettable fun.

Park Hours for Opening Day

Kings Island will be open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on April 19th, giving guests all day to explore everything the park has to offer. Early birds can take advantage of shorter lines in the morning, while night owls can enjoy the park’s dazzling evening atmosphere and illuminated coasters. They will be opened April 26 & 27, May 2nd & 3rd and May 9 and 10 from 10am to 9pm, and on May 4th and May 11th  from 10am – 7pm and then daily starting May 14th.

What’s New in 2025

This year, Kings Island is debuting “Sol Spin,” a brand-new flat ride in the Oktoberfest section of the park. Suspended high above the midway, Sol Spin launches riders into a swirling, soaring adventure with 360-degree rotations and epic views of the park.

Also new for 2025 is the revamped Camp Snoopy area, which has been expanded with two additional family-friendly rides: “Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers”, a junior coaster perfect for little thrill-seekers, and “Woodstock’s Wagon Wheel”, a gentle spinning ride that’s great for all ages.

Can’t-Miss Attractions

Kings Island is home to over 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including:

  • Orion, one of only seven giga coasters in the world

  • The Beast, the longest wooden roller coaster on the planet

  • Mystic Timbers, a fan-favorite with a mysterious surprise ending

  • Planet Snoopy, voted the best kids’ area in the world several years running

  • Live entertainment – Enjoy a lineup of shows throughout the park, with performances suitable for the whole family.​

  • Dining and Shopping: Savor a variety of food options and shop for souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Soak City Water Park at Kings Island will open to the public on  Saturday, May 24th.  The park is expected to feature the new RiverRacers, Ohio’s only side-by-side dual racing water coaster, and Splash River Junction, a new kids’ play area with seven slides. 

For tickets, season passes, and more information, visit the official Kings Island website: Kings Island​

Wright Dunbar Call To Artists

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Wright Dunbar, Inc. is asking for artists to submit designs that will be used to beautify the Historic Commercial District, by wrapping the “silver” utility boxes!  Four different designs will be chosen.  The designs should be Wright Brothers/Aviation inspired, Paul Laurence Dunbar inspired or an inductee listed on the Walk of Fame www.daytonregionwalkoffame.org!   

Screenshot

Each artist that has a design chosen will receive $500 & credit for the design, be listed on marketing materials & receive a spotlight on the Wright Dunbar Business District Association website www.wdbd.org. The top 10 designs will be chosen through voting on social media.  The final designs will be chosen by Wright Dunbar, Inc. and then approved by the City of Dayton. 

Artists must be Ohio residents to submit. Artists under the age of 18 will need their parents’ permission to enter their design. Designs should be submitted in Resolution 300 dpi (scale image/ require) or 150 dpi resolution (full image/accepted) in PDF format.  Each utility box is a different size and the artwork will need to be resized to accommodate vents, hinges, doors and knobs. If your design is chosen we will provide a template for your particular box.  One design submitted per artist.  No logos, advertisements or names can be on the design.  We encourage artists to submit their design to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 pm Thursday, May 1st.  The chosen designs will be announced Wednesday, May 7th. 

This beautification project is being funded by the City of Dayton Mini Grant Program & the National Aviation Heritage Alliance Small Grant Program. 

For more information, contact Erica Hubler at [email protected]. 

Sexy, Silly and Satisfying….the ‘FULL MONTY’ is FUN!

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Few musicals have humor, heart, and happiness wrapped in music that is catchy and memorable….one of those is David Yazbek and Terrence McNally’s ‘Full Monty!’ With a lot of love in tow, the show is filled with surprises and uplifting human resilience. TheatreLab Dayton‘s version is quite timely. The story is of six unemployed steelworkers in  New York, facing economic troubles, who decide to give stripping a try…for the money! Along the way, these men and their loved ones must face their inner demons and social norms. Through their journey, and heading to the ‘Full Monty‘ (Yes, the men come through with their ‘tease’ to bring the title to life,) the men learn much about themselves and the real definition of what it means to be a ‘man!’

TheatreLab has brought some strong talent to the stage for this version. The 6 men are so well suited for their roles. Zach King plays Jerry with full heart and strong vocals, as a man doing his best; Dustin Evans’ take on Dave is real and relatable; Aaron Hill, as the sweet mama’s boy Malcolm, is perfectly cast; John Woll‘s deep voice and solid persona fit well with his portrayal of Harold; Joshua Hughes, a TheatreLab staple, once again lights up the stage with his comedic timing; and Tim Wilson‘s smooth, assured ‘Horse’ provides the quintessential ‘Big Black Man.’

The show is taking place at the Dayton Convention Center, which has gone through some renovations. The stage is perfect for the factory feel, and the orchestra fits nicely to bring the score to life. The show is Directed by Philip Drennen and the Stage Manager is Jennifer Barnaba. There are definitely some stand-out performances and numbers provided by the ladies in the show. Katie Pees brings a ton of energy to ‘Life with Harold,’ and the women don’t hold back on ‘Women’s World.’

Probably the moment that will provide the sweetest of reactions will be Aaron Hill‘s heart-tugging ‘You Walk with Me’….kleenex worthy! Josh Stucky, once again playing a woman, adds levity to the tale with ‘Jeanette’s ShowBiz Number.‘ And of course, the boys bring it home with the giddy ending ‘Let it Go!’

The show is FUN. It really is….and we all need joy about now. Leave politics, angst, and ugliness at the door. Join the boys in Buffalo as they bear all….both physically and emotionally!

The show is April 18 – 19, 2025.

For tickets…go to

bit.ly/tldfullmonty

 

 

 

 

 

Dayton At Work and Play: Zach Hensley

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Conversation with Zach Hensley, manager of Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity ReStore  How long have you had this job, Zeke?
“I’ve been here for four years. Before that I was a manager at the Dayton airport. Almost everything we sell here is donated, and the profits from our sales support Habitat for Humanity. They help people who need affordable housing and who are willing to invest hundreds of hours of work alongside volunteers.”
“We sell all kinds of household goods, appliances, furniture, cabinets, building supplies, books, TVs, flooring and more. We just got a big load of new furniture from a national chain that is moving locations. The Dayton Dragons have also been sending us quite a bit lately.”
I see a sign for volunteer check in. Do you use lots of volunteers? “We do. We couldn’t operate without volunteers. Right now, quite a few of our volunteers are students. We have people from U.D., Wright State, Sinclair and a few high schools.”
“I mentioned that almost everything we sell has been donated to us. The exception is paint and painting supplies. Reselling paint that was donated to us probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“Even though it’s not donated, the paint we sell is recycled. It’s called EcoTone and it is supplied to us by a company in Van Wert. They take unused paint, sort it, triple-filter it and blend it into 18 different colors. We like offering recycled paint because it saves out customers money and it prevents unused paint from entering landfills and waterways.”

Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity ReStore
115 W Riverview Ave.
Dayton, Ohio 45405

Hours of Operation

Tuesday through Saturday
OPEN. 9:00 a.m.- Noon &
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Dayton ReStore is closed Noon- 1:00 p.m. daily for lunch

From Hollywood to Home Plate: Local Photographer’s Work On Exhibit

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The Centerville Arts Commission is pleased to announce the Centerville Art Gallery will feature the work of local photographer Nick Falzerano throughout the month of April. The exhibit may be viewed 24 hours a day at the Centerville Police Department, 155 West Spring Valley Road.

Falzerano is a seasoned photographer based in Bellbrook, Ohio, where he operates Nicholas Studios. A Bellbrook High School and University of Dayton alumnus, Falzerano initially honed his craft in Los Angeles, capturing images of celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Chris Farley, Ariana Grande and more.

Photo featuring Bob Saget and several kids inside a teacup ride.

Photo featuring Bob Saget and several kids inside a teacup ride

Upon returning to his hometown, he established Nicholas Studios, focusing on high school yearbook and wedding photography, as well as covering local sports events. His work has been featured in national outlets, including a two-page Sports Illustrated spread,

A motion photo showing a Dayton Dragons baseball pitcher

motion photo showing a Dayton Dragons baseball pitcher

The Centerville Arts Commission presents a gallery featuring the work of local artists. The exhibit rotates every month and features pieces from local and national artists. The Centerville Art Gallery is located in the lobby of the Centerville Police Headquarters at 155 W. Spring Valley Road. All exhibits are free and open to the public. The Gallery is staffed 24-hours per day and exhibits may be viewed at anytime, day or night. For more information, call (937) 433-7151 or visit centervilleohio.gov.

Dayton at Work and Play: Anita Nzigiye

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Conversation with Anita Nzigiye at Ikaze East African Market in Belmont. I’ve driven by this store at 2515 Smithville many times, but just stopped in for the first time and met Anita. I asked about the store and the people they serve.
“I am from Rwanda” she told me. “I left Rwanda for the U.S. in 2007 and became a citizen in 2014. I opened this store in March, 2020, just at the start of the pandemic. Most of our customers are from Africa, especially East Africa.”
“Much of the food we sell comes from East Africa. We even get our eggplants from Africa. They are similar to the eggplant you have here, but smaller. I personally think local eggplant taste the same, but people like to have the small African eggplant, the one they ate when they were growing up.”
“We sell a lot of staples like palm oil, rice, corn flour and Cassava flour. We sell most of these staples in large quantities. African people don’t like to go to a market every day. They want to buy enough when they are in the market so that they don’t need to shop again for two weeks or more, even if they have a large family.”
“Our corn flour and cassava flour is used to make fufu, which is an important part of our diet. When you’re done making fufu it looks kind of like mashed potatoes, but it’s thicker. We tear off pieces of it and use it to eat soups or stews.”
“We also carry many kinds of fish because people from the Congo especially love fish. We sell dried fish, salted fish, frozen fish, tilapia, all kinds of fish. They seem to eat fish every day.”
“We also sell green bananas here, which you call plantains. We boil them and then fry them. It’s good. We also sell a lot of ground peanuts, used to make soup.”
Anita told me about a restaurant called Soso Cuisine that recently opened in West Carrollton. The owner is from Rwanda. Anita suggested I try their sambusa. If we go to Soso Cuisine and love one of their African dishes and want to try making it at home, I now know where to buy the African ingredients.

Ikaze East African Market

2515 Smithville
Dayton, OH 45420
937) 567-0778
Mon – Sat 9:30am – 8pm
Sun 10am -8pm

Joui’s Cork-Aoke Features Nominated Host!

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Another rainy day is in store this Sunday, April 6. It’s time to get out of the house!!!  Joui Wine is offering a sing-along karaoke brunch like no other! The event, a new kind of karaoke for Dayton, features food from Salt Block and is hosted by Philip Drennen from TheatreLab Dayton. Drennen recently found out his Off-Broadway show ‘Big Gay Jamboree’ has been nominated for ‘Best Musical’ in the Lucille Lortel Awards. The awards are the Tonys for Off-Broadway shows. ‘I am so excited,’ Drennen stated, ‘I am heading to the awards event in May!’
Although Drennen’s hit show took place in NYC, he is committed to his hometown, and looks forward to having some fun this weekend!
The Cork-Aoke brunch starts with a mimosa from Joui and a buffet spread at Salt Block Biscuit Company from 10:30am to 11:30am. Then,  the
musical escapades begin. Drennen, joined by Josh Stucky of area trivia fame, will lead the crowd in group karaoke!!
Performances from TheatreLab will have you singing along as well. Participants can sing a solo, a group number, or just sit back and watch!  You can also meet members of the upcoming Full Monty musical, directed by Drennen.
Throughout the event, the hosts will be giving away tickets and discounts to the show are available.
Karaoke lasts from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Joui Wine is located at 117 E Third St in Dayton
Proceeds benefit TheatreLab Dayton.
For tickets to the event, click the link below!

Bill Franz’s Hidden Figures: Miguel

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This series was inspired by words – President Trump’s lies about the Haitian immigrants in Springfield.    I’ve decided that I should try to include words in the images I’m creating.  I should use my words to combat those of the president.

 

Lies and slander are part of the president’s schtick, the comedic style he uses to entertain his followers.  Wikipedia lists more than 80 of his derogatory nicknames, like calling his predecessor “Crooked Joe.”   The president uses those nicknames to demean other powerful people.  It’s different when his slurs are directed at the most vulnerable.

When powerful people direct hate speech against the vulnerable I hear echoes of some of history’s worst events. Calling Haitians criminals who eat people’s dogs and cats makes me think of the Tutsis who were called cockroaches before the killings in Rwanda, or the Jews who were called vermin before their German citizenship was stripped away. Words aimed at dehumanizing the vulnerable can be a first step towards abuse. When we hear those words we need to shout them down.

Miguel’s parents brought him here to escape the violence in his native country.  He has no documentation, so the president labels him a criminal. We cannot let that label stand.  It can be used to justify abuses, claiming they were acceptable because they were directed only against criminals.

If the president wants to label some people as criminals, we should insist that he use the word accurately.  A criminal is a person who has been found guilty in a court of law of committing a crime.  The president is a criminal.  Miguel is not.

8 Things To Do for The Anniversary of the 1913 Great Flood

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During March 1913, the citizens of the Miami Valley experienced a natural disaster unparalleled in the region’s history. Within a three-day period, nine to 11 inches of rain fell throughout the Great Miami River Watershed. The ground was already saturated from the melting of snow and ice of a hard winter. The ground could absorb little of the rain. The water ran off into streams and rivers, causing the Great Miami River and other rivers to overflow. Every city along the river was overrun with floodwater. Altogether, nearly four trillion gallons of water, an amount equivalent to about thirty days of discharge of water over Niagara Falls, flowed through the Miami Valley during the ensuing flood.

Many residents climbed to the second floor and into attics of their homes to escape death from the floodwaters that raced and swirled uncontrollably in the freezing temperatures of March. In the pitch black of night, cries for help and the eerie groaning of houses being ripped off of their foundations filled the sky as the waters continued to rise. With no functional telegraph lines, the flood survivors were completely cut off from the outside world.

Rushing torrentially, the waters swept away bridges, dwellings, and commercial buildings — and anyone who was in them. It precipitated fires at broken gas mains, which spread when fed by spilled gasoline. In Dayton, a fire erupted at a drug store, consuming nearly two blocks of business buildings (now named the “Fireblocks”). At Hamilton, within two hours the flood swept away three of the four bridges, and destroyed the fourth a few hours later.

During those long hours waiting for the waters to recede, residents made a promise to one another: Never Again.

In the Miami Valley, more than 360 people lost their lives. Property damage exceeded $100 million (that’s more than $3.2 billion in today’s economy). Despite the tragedy, the citizens of the Miami Valley, who had lost virtually everything, rallied to raise money for a plan to stop flooding once and for all. Some 23,000 citizens contributed their own money – adding up to more than 2 million dollars – to begin a comprehensive flood protection program on a valley-wide basis.

Today, reminders of how our communities overcame live on. Read below to discover eight ideas for exploring (and tasting?) Great Flood history along the Great Miami Riverway. 

1. Visit Miami Conservancy District Historic Headquarters

The three-story building, including basement, is built of Indiana (Bedford) limestone. Colonel Edward Deeds announced in July of 1915 that he would gift a headquarters building to the Miami Conservancy District. The building was designed and constructed in about six months, with staff moving in at the beginning of 1916. The lobby features original light fixtures, staircase and moldings. The first-floor ceilings are coffered and feature larger replicas of the original lighting fixtures.

In his letter to the Board of Directors, Edward Deeds wrote that “engineers from all quarters will be coming to the Miami Valley to study our work. We owe it to the people of the flood stricken valleys of the world to make this data complete and permanently available”.

While you are free to explore the exterior of the building (we recommend enjoying lunch in our pocket park), we recommend scheduling private tours of the interior. This is for the safety and comfort of our staff, who still use the building to this day. Please contact Sarah Hippensteel Hall via our contact form to request a tour!

More about our Headquarter Building

About the art exhibit displayed inside Headquarters

2. Admire ‘Fractal Rain’ at the Dayton Metro Library Main Campus
The impressive sculpture by Terry Welker is named“Fractal Rain”. It is is fashioned of 3,500 six-inch prisms on nearly five miles of stainless-steel wire. The dramatic piece, which hangs from the third floor under a skylight and cascades down to the floors below, changes as it catches the light at different times of day. One in every six of the prisms has been optically dyed in studio in Monet colors — lavender, green, blue, yellow, and pink.

The piece, according to Welker, references the Great Dayton Flood of 1913 and our city’s love/hate relationship with rain.

The 1,000-pound piece was selected by the internationally known Collaboration of Design and Art as one of the “top 100 most successful design projects that integrate commissioned art into an interior, architectural or public space” (From Dayton Daily News)

3. Explore the Great 1913 Flood Exhibit at Carillon Historical Park
The Great 1913 Flood Exhibit features stories of disaster, perseverance, and heroism. By bringing together numerous flood-related artifacts, the exhibit tells the story of a grief-stricken city banding together to rise above adversity.

4. Taste a Piece of History at the Hamburger Wagon
The famous little Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburg has some unique flood history. After the flood waters receded and disaster relief was in dire need, Miamisburg resident Sherman “Cocky” Porter used a family recipe to serve up delicious hamburgers to flood refugees for many days. When life finally returned to normal, Miamisburg residents loved the little “Porter Burgers” so much that Porter agreed to start selling them on Saturdays. The business grew from there, and ever since it has been a community staple, ranked one of the top 100 hamburgers in the United States by Hamburger America.

5. Search for Flood Depth Markers
In many riverfront cities along the Great Miami River evidence of the 1913 flood depth can be found at various flood depth markers. While you are enjoying local restaurants or retail stores in one of the historic downtowns, keep your eyes peeled for these markers and statues.

Many communities along the Great Miami River such as Troy, Dayton, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, Middletown, and Hamilton have done an excellent job maintaining flood markers to showcase the height of the flood. Markers can be found as stand-alone statues, on buildings or bridges as stone or metal plaques, or can be found wrapped on light poles and fixtures. See how many you can find!

Statue in Hamilton near the Great Miami Rowing Center

High water mark at Riverscape MetroPark in Dayton

High water mark on the Market Square Building in Miamisburg

6. Follow the remnants of the Miami-Erie Canal Along the Great Miami River
The Miami and Erie Canal was 274 miles long, connecting Cincinnati to Toledo – the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Construction began in 1825 at a cost of $8 million. In today’s money? That’s $177 million. At its peak, the canal had 103 locks and featured feeder canals, man-made reservoirs, and guard stations.

As railroad systems were introduced and found to be a more reliable and cheaper mode of transporting goods, the Ohio canals saw less and less use. Various attempts at canal revival were made between 1904 and 1910, however, the Great Flood of 1913 caused the reservoirs to spill over into the canals, destroying aqueducts, washing out banks, and devastating most of the locks.

Luckily, history lives on. Throughout the Great Miami Riverway, you can find pieces of the original canal and many other places that celebrate its history. Here is a guide to view pieces of the canal today along the river. In Piqua, you can even ride the canal in a canal boat called General Harrison.

7.  Take a walk through the beautiful Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
Many flood heroes are buried like John Henry Patterson, who shut down his cash register factory to build rescue boats and provide housing and shelter to flood victims, or James M. Cox, whose leadership helped secure state aid for flood victims and establish the Miami Conservancy District. The land of the cemetery itself was a refuge for many escaping the flood waters in Dayton due to its higher elevation.

8. Visit the 5 dry dams that continue to protect the region from flooding to this day. 

Within weeks of the Great Flood of 1913, community leaders hired engineer Arthur Morgan to develop a regional flood protection system, which was awarded the 1922 Engineering Record’s distinguished “Project of the Year,” placing it in a category with other international engineering design feats like the Brooklyn Bridge (1883), Eiffel Tower (1889), Empire State Building (1931), Golden Gate Bridge (1937), Gateway Arch (1965) and the Channel Tunnel (1994).

The flood protection system is designed to manage a storm the size of the Great Flood of 1913 plus an additional 40 percent. The drainage patterns of the entire Great Miami River Watershed are incorporated into its design. The 5 dry dams and 55 miles of levees operate without human intervention and have no moving parts, except floodgates on storm sewers along the levees. They are called dry because the dams are used only to store floodwaters after heavy rainfall. The remainder of the time, the storage land upstream of each dam – 35,650 acres – is used predominantly for parkland and farmland. The Miami Conservancy District partners with many park districts to enable outdoor recreation opportunities on these flood protection lands. Learn more about the system and visiting the dams with the links below:

Dry Dams
Germantown
Taylorsville
Englewood
Huffman
Lockington

Storage Basins
Levees
Operations & Maintenance

Hydrologic monitoring

Miami Valley Meals Celebrates 5th Anniversary

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Miami Valley Meals (MVM) marks its 5th anniversary today, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, honoring five years of transforming donated and rescued food into nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity. What began as a small group of furloughed culinary and hospitality professionals responding to the pandemic has grown into an impactful nonprofit that now serves over 4,000 meals weekly across the Miami Valley.

Since its founding in 2020, MVM has provided over 1 million meals, collaborating with more than 129 nonprofit partners to ensure access to high-quality, chef-prepared meals. By sourcing over 90% of its ingredients from rescued and donated food, MVM not only nourishes the community but also plays a critical role in reducing food waste. The meals additionally serve as a connection to additional wrap-around services through their network of nonprofit partners.

Amanda DeLotelle

“Our journey started with a simple question—‘How can we help?’—and five years later, that same spirit of service and collaboration continues to drive us,” said Amanda DeLotelle, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Miami Valley Meals. “The need in our community has only grown, but so has the support. We are grateful for our volunteers, partners, and donors who make it possible to serve nutritious meals with dignity and love.”

As MVM celebrates this milestone, the organization remains committed to expanding its impact. Hunger persists in the Miami Valley, with 1 in 7 people facing food insecurity and a growing waitlist for their meals. MVM invites the community to get involved—through volunteerism, donations, or partnerships—to help sustain this mission for years to come.

To learn more about Miami Valley Meals or to support its work, visit miamivalleymeals.org.

Dayton at Work and Play: Kait Gilcher- Heart Co-Owner

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Several people have suggested I post about Heart Mercantile because they’ve done so many good things for Dayton, so I stopped by recently and met Kait. I asked her how long the business has been in operation.
“Brittany Smith started the business in 2015” she told me. “It wasn’t in this location but it’s always been in the Oregon District. That’s worked out well for us. People visit the area often so there are always folks walking by. People also bring out of town guests to the Oregon District, because it’s one of the areas that make our city special. While they are here they can stop in for a souvenir of their visit to Dayton.”
I see that many of your products relate to Dayton. “Our shop offers a wide variety of gifts, but we specialize in items that relate to Dayton. We say we’re Dayton-centric. All of the Dayton themed items are designed by us and to the extent possible they’re also made in Dayton.”
A lot has happened during your 10 years of operation – the day 14 tornadoes hit the city, the mass shooting on this street, the pandemic. I understand your business has done a lot to help people through those troubles.
“That’s something we’re passionate about. We try to give back as much as we can, and we have a donation center to make it easy for others to support the causes we care about. You mentioned the Oregon District shootings. Just two days after that terrible event we designed a new shirt to honor the vic

tims and the #DaytonStrong movement and donated all of the profits to a fund created by the Dayton Foundation.”
Is anything happening soon that you’d like to mention?
“Derby Day will be here soon, with a fashion show and wiener dog races. That’s always fun. And we do monthly block parties. The Oregon District is a great part of Dayton and we try to contribute in our own way to keeping the area interesting. “

Heart Mercantile

In the Oregon District
601 E. 5th Street,
Dayton, OH 45402
Open daily 11am – 8pm

Upcoming NATO Parliamentary Assembly Causing Disruption to Downtown Dayton Businesses

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Downtown Dayton was supposed to be buzzing with promise and progress on the afternoon of March 20th, but instead, the Small Business Social at The Contemporary Dayton revealed deep divisions between city planners and the very community they hoped to serve.

A Promising Venue, A Troubled Agenda

In a venue usually celebrated for its art and culture, the event—organized by the Downtown Dayton Partnership—was intended to showcase how the upcoming NATO Assembly might bring opportunities for downtown businesses. But as the night unfolded, small business owners voiced their mounting frustration. The galleries, typically filled with creative energy, became an impromptu forum for grievances about decisions that could jeopardize local livelihoods.

Mixed Messages from the Top

The afternoon opened on an upbeat note. Gallery host and curator Heather Jones welcomed the crowd, highlighting current exhibitions and a raffle that momentarily lifted spirits. Yet that optimism quickly faded as Syron Townsend, Community Partnership Manager for the Downtown Dayton Partnership, thanked small business owners for their ongoing support before turning the stage over to Jason Galanes.

Galanes, Chief of Staff for Republican Congressman Mike Turner and one of the lead planners of the NATO Assembly, delivered a message that many found dissonant. “The opportunity for downtown businesses to welcome delegates and constituents to patronize shops and restaurants,” he declared. But he soon undercut his own message with a remark that struck a sour chord: “The event begins on Memorial Day weekend, many people already out on vacation…” The suggestion that local businesses might simply “take advantage” of a national holiday to close shop was met with audible grumbles—a reaction that underscored the economic pressures these businesses are already facing.

Adding insult to injury, Galanes extolled the virtues of lasting public art and beautification efforts—projects funded by state and local tax dollars. Yet he offered little reassurance that these improvements would compensate for the financial strain that a week-long shutdown could impose on struggling downtown shops and restaurants.

Updated Secure Zone Map for Downtown Dayton NATO Assembly 2025

Security and the Specter of Exclusion

The tone grew even more contentious when Major Christopher Malson of the Dayton Police Department took the floor. Tasked with explaining the design and purpose of the NATO Village Secure Zone, Malson’s presentation was a mix of policy details and offhand humor that did little to assuage the concerns of those present. “When the City Manager met with me over a year ago, she gave me the edict of ‘We will not be shutting down businesses…’” he recalled—yet the absence of City Manager Shelley Dickstein was conspicuous by itself.

Malson outlined a security plan that included designated entrances, foot-traffic only policies, and even a “Designated Protest Area” for what he insisted would be “peaceful” and “lawful” demonstrations. However, his warning that any protests outside that area might be branded as “riots” did not sit well with business owners who already feel marginalized in the planning process.

 

 

Parking Woes and a Clamor for Accountability

Questions about the logistical impact of the NATO event, particularly regarding parking, further fueled the discontent. One business owner’s query about whether the city would subsidize monthly parking costs for employees—an essential lifeline for local commerce—was summarily dismissed by Major Malson with a curt, “The city will not be providing any financial assistance to private businesses.” The response was met with growing frustration, as many pointed out that the downtown community was being expected to shoulder the burdens of an event from which they would reap little benefit.

A moment of further disruption came when an unannounced voice from the back of the room, later identified as Kristina Scott, Vice President of Strategy for The Downtown Dayton Partnership, abruptly attempted to cut off the ongoing questions. “I think this is enough, I believe we have what we need to bring this back to the broader group,” she interjected, prompting a bewildered business owner to ask, “Who are you?”—a question that underscored the disconnect between event organizers and the community they were meant to support.

Aftermath: More Questions Than Answers

By the end of the evening, many small business owners left The Contemporary Dayton not with a sense of possibility, but with more questions and a deep-seated mistrust of the process. The event, meant to highlight opportunities for downtown Dayton, instead exposed a glaring imbalance: local tax dollars were being spent to host an event that many feared would inflict financial harm on the very businesses that form the backbone of the city.

In an economic climate where every dollar counts, the promise of future benefits from beautification projects and enhanced public spaces feels hollow to a community that sees itself as an afterthought. As downtown Dayton prepares for the NATO Assembly, one thing is clear—without genuine support and transparent dialogue, the promise of a thriving, inclusive business community may remain just that: a promise unfulfilled.

If you are a small business owner who needs your voice heard regarding NATO, reach out to DowntownDayton.com and we will include your story in our next NATO Assembly update.

HBA’s Parade of Home Tours Is Back!

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The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Dayton is thrilled to announce the return of the Parade of Homes Tour, coming to the Dayton, Ohio region on March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025. This highly anticipated event will be open daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, offering attendees the chance to explore a stunning collection of homes across multiple sites in Sugarcreek Township, Beavercreek Township, Huber Heights, Miamisburg, and Washington Township.

The Parade of Homes Tour is the ultimate event for anyone on the journey to finding their dream home. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, planning your forever home, or searching for the perfect place to retire, this tour offers something for everyone. Discover the best in innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship, and state of the art technology that will elevate your vision of home.

– Dates: March 21-23 and March 28-30

– Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily  

– Location: Multiple sites throughout the Dayton region (Map of sites) 

– Admission: FREE

 

This year’s tour will feature an impressive lineup of homes built by some of Dayton’s most renowned builders, including M/I Homes, Charles Simms Development, Artisan and Oberer Homes. Each home will showcase unique floor plans, luxurious finishes, and the latest in energy-efficient and smart home technology.

 

The Parade of Homes is a signature event hosted by the Home Builders Association of Dayton, showcasing the region’s top builders, designers, and industry professionals. This event celebrates innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the art of homebuilding, offering inspiration for homeowners and enthusiasts alike. The 2025 Parade of Homes Tour is proudly sponsored by Centerpoint Energy, a trusted partner in providing energy solutions that power the homes and communities we love. Their support helps make this event possible, bringing together the best in homebuilding and design for the Dayton community.

 

M/I Homes: 682 W Spring Valley Pike Dayton, OH 45458

 

 

Charles Simms Development: 2010 Cedar Lake Drive, Huber Heights, OH 45424

 

Artisan Communities, LLC: 464 Triple Crown Way. Beavercreek Township/Xenia, OH 45385

Oberer Homes: 1001 Belfast Drive Dayton, OH 45440