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The Featured Articles

Foodbank Shutting Down Wed Drive-Thru Program

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Effective August 1st The Foodbank‘s Wednesday Drive-Thru will be closing. The Foodbank is NOT closing, they have been in service to our community for 48 years and will continue to serve our network of 115+ nonprofit food pantry partners and operate our other direct service programs for the foreseeable future.
They do not take the decision to close our Wednesday Drive-Thru lightly. As a foodbank their job is to supply food directly to other nonprofits who feed our community across Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties of Ohio. Last year they distributed over 16-million pounds of food to 115+ agency partners at no cost.
The Drive-Thru served a critical need when responding to the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes and also during Covid when no-contact emergency food service was necessary. Future plans for our Drive-Thru include pop up bonus distributions which will be announced publicly well in advance.
Please know that they are committed to serving you, our community, and will continue to do so for the next 48+ years! Their food pantry partners are the backbone of their work and they are eager to better serve the agencies who operate to serve neighbors directly.

Sweet, ‘Superior Donuts’ are ready at the GUILD!

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The Dayton Theatre Guild wraps us its season with Tracy Letts‘ ‘Superior Donuts.’ The show focuses on a Polish loner who keeps his tight grip on what is referred to as the last donut shop in the Northern Part of Chicago. The show opens with a trashed donut shop that will set the stage for reckonings of all kinds, with all kinds!

Arthur P (played marvelously by KL Storer) knows the world around his shop is changing but can’t be nudged to do the same. Enter Franco Wicks (you will feel the energy change when Andre Tomlinson appears on stage in the role, wow!) who tries to put a shot in the arm of the shop as well as the grumpy Mr. P. It is these 2 and their interaction that really keeps you engaged with this production. Their vulnerability is believable, and more-so when they are on the stage alone-together!

As they ‘come to terms’ with their pasts, and we see their future hopes unwind, we are moved from moments of high drama to almost sitcom like scenes. (Yes, the play was a movie and a pilot for just that!) Along the ride of these 2 characters we meet some gems. Mike Beerbower‘s Russian ‘enterpreneur’ has hilarious moments….the sweatsuit alone is laughable. One-liners delivered by Percy Vera (Officer Bailey) and Heather Martin (Officer Osteen) are initially shocking, and then keep the humor alive, in moments of otherwise deep thought. Martin’s first few lines give you a sense of ‘where we are’ in Chi-Town.

Throughout the show, we are thrust into some reminiscing that Letts felt necessary, but to be honest, it’s the present that makes us buy-in to these characters. Lady Boyle (played by Jennifer Lockwood) keeps us grounded in the fact that no one wants to see the shop close, but her expressions prepare us for what seems inevitable. Also wrapped into the story is Franco’s ‘bad decision’ to borrow money from the wrong guys….Maximillian Santucci‘s Luther Flynn is SPOT-ON!

Jared Mola, who directed ‘Donuts’, does a magnificent job of pacing the show! It’s one of those ‘quick’ and impactful 2 hour plays! Red Newman (Scenic Design) and Marjorie Strader (Lighting Design) delivered the goods as well. For my friend Amy and Me, the fight scene (nice work Kayla Graham) was well done…especially having the audience right on top of the action.

If you are a Letts fan, know this is not as extreme as some of his shows can go….it’s really about characters…with real, heartfelt issues to resolve. The Dayton Theatre Guild once again proves they are stellar in their desire to bring plays, worthy of seeing, to life in our town!

For information on ‘Superior Donuts’ and the GUILD, click here:

https://daytontheatreguild.org/production/superior-donuts/

 

 

Mun-O-Salwa Giving Away $495 in Food Vouchers

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The newly opened halal Indian/Pakistani eatery Mun-O-Salwa has launched a quiz competition that will give away food vouchers to their restaurant. This contest runs through July 10th and will have 10 winners.

To participate you’ll need to like their Facebook  and  Instagram page. Then answer the simple question.  To participate in quiz, click here. Participants should provide a valid email address and mobile number at the time of registration. Participants should NOT register more than once. Registering more than once using different email address and attempting the quiz multiple times will lead to disqualification.

If you’ve not been yet, here’s a peak at their menu”

Prizes 

1. *1st Prize* : $150 Food Voucher
2. *2nd Prize* : $100 Food Voucher
3. *3rd Prize* : $50 Food Voucher
4. *4th Prize* : $40 Food Voucher
5. *5th Prize* : $30 Food Voucher
6. *6th to 10th Prizes* : $25 Food Voucher.

Vouchers will be sent to winners via WhatsApp or email for each winning amount.  All vouchers can be redeemed online or offline to purchase anything available on the menu of Mun O Salwa restaurant.  Each participating user will get a single-use discount voucher that can be used for 90 days for Dine In and Takeout orders only.

Mun-o-Salwa

3937 Linden Ave
Dayton, OH 45432

(937) 522-0584

Mon – Sun  11am – 10pm

 

The Great Miami River Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge

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The GREAT Smallmouth Bass Fishing Challenge is a catch-and-release tournament where anglers will utilize the I-Angler app to register and send in their catches.

The tournament is open to all ages and runs from June 15 – July 21 Registration is $30.

Prizes include gift cards, reels, rods, and more! 

Random Drawings for each Slot for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50)*

“Recent records show that the largest smallmouth bass caught in the Great Miami River measured 24.3 inches,” said Barry Puskas, a Montgomery County resident and an avid fly fisherman. Donnie Knight, a biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, states that “Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Great Miami River from June through August, so it’s a great time to encourage anglers to get out on the water.”

Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), we are able to offer FREE IGFA Digital Memberships* ($20 value per membership) for all registrants!

*Exclusive “Members Only” online access to: IGFA World Record database, Exclusive How-To & Historical Videos, World Record Game Fishes archives
*The monthly International Angler digital publication
*Members Only discounts on tackle, trips, charters and more from IGFA partners

 

2024 Dayton Region Walk of Fame Inductees Announced

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Five outstanding individuals/groups will be inducted into the 2024 Dayton Region Walk of Fame: The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, The Osborne Brothers, and G. Douglas Talbo . “I’m thrilled to announce that this year’s inductees come from an astonishing array of backgrounds,” exclaimed Harry Seifert, President of Wright Dunbar, Inc. “These remarkable individuals have left an indelible mark on the greater Dayton community and beyond, and their stories are nothing short of extraordinary.”

 

The nominees were selected based on their contributions to the region, the nation and the world, and the impact they made over many years:

● The Breeders ○ Kim and Kelley Deal, of Huber Heights and Dayton, are twin sisters who formed the core of the influen al alterna ve rock band The Breeders. After Kim’s success as bassist/vocalist with Pixies, she formed The Breeders in 1988. Her sister Kelley joined in 1992, becoming the lead guitarist and backing vocalist. Together, the Deal sisters, Josephine Wiggs, and Jim MacPherson defined The Breeders’ signature sound of raw energy, catchy melodies, and harmonized vocals. Their breakthrough came in 1993 with the cri cally-acclaimed album “Last Splash” and hit single “Cannonball.” The Breeders became one of the leading and most unique bands of the 90s alterna ve rock scene.

● Clay and MaryAnn Mathile ○ Clay and MaryAnn Mathile are celebrated philanthropists and business leaders. Clay Mathile, born in 1941 in Ohio, graduated with a business degree from Ohio Northern University. He joined The Iams Company in 1970, becoming CEO and transforming it into a global pet food leader before selling it to Procter & Gamble in 1999 for over $2 billion. MaryAnn Mathile, has been his partner in business, philanthropy and in life.

Together, they founded the Mathile Family Foundation, Aileron and The Glen at St. Joseph.  In total, the Mathiles have donated more than $500 million to alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life in our community. Renowned for their generosity,  Clay and MaryAnn have received numerous accolades for their philanthropic work, leaving a lasting legacy of social responsibility and positivesocietal impact.

● Idotha “Bootsie” Neal ○ Idotha “Bootsie” Neal was a pioneer who made history as the first African American woman elected to the Dayton City Commission. She advocated for underserved communities, social justice, and economic development, focusing on initiatives around education, healthcare, housing, jobs, poverty, and discrimination. Neal’s leadership and public service were widely respected, paving the way for future African American women in civic roles. Her legacy inspires engagement in public service and more equitable communities.

● The Osborne Brothers ○ Bobby and Sonny Osborne were pioneering bluegrass musicians who formed the hugely influen al Osborne Brothers duo. Blending tradi onal bluegrass with country and rockabilly, their dis nc ve sound produced iconic hits like “Rocky Top.” Sonny’s vocals and mandolin paired with Bobby’s banjo skills made them trailblazers inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. The Osborne Brothers left an enduring legacy through their innova ve ar stry, advancement of the genre, and dedication to preserving American roots music traditions.

● G. Douglas Talbott ○ Dr. G. Douglas Talbott was a pioneering physician who made transformative contributions to trea ng alcoholism and substance abuse disorders, especially among medical professionals. In the 1950s he was a captain in the Air Force and Chief of Medicine at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He began his work here with the Na onal Aeronau cs and Space Administra on (NASA) to help select suitable crews for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs. In the 1960s he founded and became Director of the Cox Heart Ins tute, a na onally recognized cardiac research ins tute. After an accomplished career as a cardiologist, he established the first treatment program tailored for addicted physicians and became a leading advocate for recognizing alcoholism as a disease. His comprehensive approach to addiction treatment set new standards.

The inductees will be recognized at the annual Dayton Region Walk of Fame luncheon which will be held on October 15, 2024 at Sinclair Community College. Tickets for the event are now available online.

The actual engraved stones on the Walk of Fame will be installed after the event.

10?’s with Chef Mariah Gahagan of Tender Mercy

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Like many female chefs in the Miami Valley Chef Mariah Gahagan is quick to credit to other women in the industry that mentored her. She thanks Elizabeth Wiley for teaching and The Winds’ co-owners Mary Kay Smith and Kim Korkan for helping start her career when she first worked as a dishwasher. ” Since then she’s had stints at Coco’s, Chin’s, Sidebar, Wheat Penny, Lily’s has been with Tender Mercy for at least the last yer.

“The thing about kitchens is you just have to be tough. I always think as a women you just have to be extra tough because people don’t always expect you to be”, shared Gahagan  in a previous interview.

Mariah is getting ready to launch a new weekly Ramen Night form 5-8pm at Tender Mercy every Wednesday night.

But before that we talked her into answering our 10? interview:

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

MG: I’m pretty straightforward. I enjoy making things from kitchen scraps, that would usually be seen as garbage. Stocks and soups are my wheelhouse. I rarely make anything that doesn’t include onions, garlic, probably a splash of vinegar.

What ingredient do you dread?

MG: Easy. Green bell peppers. I loathe unripe fruit. I’ve never allowed them in my kitchens, and I won’t eat anything they’ve touched.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

MG: That varies pretty widely, by season. I love to make comforting food for people I care about. I think I’m pretty good at soups, stews, mashed potatoes, and ratatouille.

What’s your favorite pig out food?

MG: Literally anything that’s there and prepared well. I’m a sucker for cheese and pickles.

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

MG: So many! Meadowlark is my absolute favorite. I learned so much from Elizabeth Wiley, at The Winds Cafe. Many beloved former colleagues and friends have taken over, since she retired. They’re doing a bangin’ job keeping up her legacy! The Vietnamese noodle salad is something I never skip, and replicate often, at home.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

MG: Take your time and layer flavors. Don’t be scared to add a pinch of (Kosher) salt at every step, and keep tasting. When something seems like it needs more salt, it probably needs acid. Invest in a couple of good finishing vinegars.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

MG: Anthony Bourdain, my Dad, my friend, Potato, and my dog, Lulu. They all died too soon, and I think it would be one hell of a party. I never got to feed the first two, and Lulu was on a dog diet.
I think that everyone would love each other, eat too much butter, yell, and listen to punk rock. You know, you said anyone.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

MG: Tons of folks. Jansen Trotman for his sheer love of it, perseverance, and respect for where ingredients come from. ‘A beautiful soul.  Dave Rawson for his ability to look at total chaos, see the beauty in it, and stay forever kind and generous.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

MG: I mostly find solace in my home and garden. I do like to see a show at Blind Bob’s or Yellow Cab, every now and then.

MG: Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

-I have hundreds of terrible, hilarious, and heartbreaking stories. Those are meant to be shared over drinks.
I’m thankful to have found Tender Mercy after Covid. It’s home for me.

Fraze Adds Dylan Scott Concert

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Fraze Pavilion has just announced country artist Dylan Scott will perform on Friday, September 13th at 8pm with special guest Greylan James

Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is a triple threat — a powerful vocalist with a deep, unmistakable drawl; an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit; and a family man with a tender heart.

The ACM-nominated, multi-Platinum singer has notched four No. 1 singles at radio (“My Girl,” “Nobody,” “New Truck,” and “Can’t Have Mine”), as well as Top 5 hit “Hooked.” Following his first career nomination for “Best New Country Artist” at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Awards and a coveted spot among Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, his Platinum-certified ode to his wife, “Nobody,” earned him a 2021 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year.

Dylan presented the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year Award at the 2022 CMT Music Awards on CBS. Scott earned a 2023 ACM nomination in the category, New Male Artist of the Year. Alongside Jason Crabb, Scott won his first GMA Dove Award in 2023 for the song, “Good Morning Mercy.” With career streams exceeding 2.5 billion, the Louisiana native has provided tour support for Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, and Chris Young, among others, cementing him as an in-demand live act.

Livin’ My Best Life, the latest album from Scott, features fiery, #1 lead single “New Truck;” along with viral TikTok ballad, RIAA Certified Platinum, #1 radio single, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).”

TICKETS GO ON SALE 6/15 – 10:00 AM

$60 – Plaza
$55 – Orchestra
$30 – Lawn & Terrace

No ticket fee when purchased in person at Fraze FanFare
(Ticket prices increase $5 day of show)

Mudlick Tap House relocating To Uptown Centerville

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Mudlick Tap House’s existing building location at 135 E. Third Street recently hit the market for sale. “The restaurant is very much alive and well,” said Jennifer Dean, Proprietor. “After ten years in business, nearly eight of them in downtown Dayton, we have decided to relocate to Uptown Centerville,” added Dean.

The new location will be located at 110 W. Franklin Street. The new restaurant will be a 6,000 SF, single-story building with a patio. The current building is three stories and 14,800 SF. Forrest Williams, Jennifer’s husband and business partner, grew up in Centerville, both have local roots and were looking to downsize their restaurant footprint. “This location presented a great opportunity to get back to the area where we grew up and become a part of the growing Uptown Centerville redevelopment,” said Dean.

The owners plan to operate business as usual until construction on their new Centerville location is complete, likely in Spring 2025. “Our customers are the backbone of our business, we are grateful for their years of loyalty and look forward to serving them now and in the future,” said Dean.

“We are thrilled to announce our deal with Mudlick Tap House,” said Danielle Kuehnle, Senior VP, Sales and Leasing at Oberer Realty Services. Mudlick will be the sole tenant of the new freestanding building. “They are a wonderful fit for area and will bring a casual, family friendly dining option to Uptown. Forrest and Jennifer have an excellent reputation for great food and service,” added Kuehnle who also has the existing location listed for sale.

 

McCoy on Movies: BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE

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Lawrence, Smith showcase their chemistry to make familiar police action movie tropes feel entertaining in latest Bad Boys franchise installment

 

Grand Theft Auto … But you get to play as the cops? The theatrical coming soon poster for Sony Pictures’ BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Credit: © 2024 Sony Pictures. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Ioan Gruffudd, Tasha Smith, Jacob Scipio, Rhea Seehorn, Eric Dane, Alexander Ludwig, Melanie Liburd, Paola Núñez, Joe Pantoliano, Dennis Greene and Quinn Hemphill with John Salley and Tiffany Haddish

DIRECTOR: Adill & Bilall (Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah)
THE BACK STORY: BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE picks up following the death of the beloved Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), the mentor of his beloved “bad boys” team of family man Marcus’ (Martin Lawrence) and perennial playboy Mike Lowery (Will Smith). His passing has Mike putting things in perspective and settling down, marrying his new wife, Christine (Melanie Liburd). Likewise, their old friend Rita (Paola Núñez) has taken the reigns as the new captain of the department, a position from which she can oversee things – including her boyfriend Lockwood’s (Ioan Grufudd)’s possible ascent to mayor of Miami. 
 
But when Marcus has a medical episode at Mike’s wedding, he begins to have visions: Of both Captain Howard and a situation that is going to force Mike – who he now deems his soulmate across multiple existences – to make a hard choice. 
 
Turns out Marcus won’t have to wait long for that to happen. For while he is battling his sweet tooth, he and Mike soon find themselves battling the unexpected: News that Captain Howard may, in fact, have been working with the very cartel that killed him – and killed him via a hit ordered that was executed by Mike’s estranged son Armando (Jacob Scipio). But knowing the type of man Captain Howard was, both Mike and Marcus know that can’t be true. 
 
What is true, however, is that John McGrath (Eric Dane) is hot on their trail and about to let a series of events unfold to make the men used to being the hunters become the hunted.
 
THE REVIEW: The BAD BOYS franchise, now four films deep, isn’t one you come to for deep, tightly written twists and turns of good vs. evil. No, BAD BOYS is a franchise built around speed, exotic nightlife, humor, gunplay and chemistry among its characters. The latest installment, BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE is proof that while the franchise is definitely showing its age like its stars, it has no intentions of slowing down since all the things that have helped carry it along are still present.
 
Lawrence and Smith are at their best playing off each other with quips and jabs before eventually saving the day. RIDE OR DIE attempts to raise the stakes a little bit by giving the characters a little more emotional depth by confronting them with their past sins. In Marcus’ case, his poor diet choices and newfound love of life; in Mike’s case, that means dealing with the scars of seemingly always losing the people he loves while trying to rectify his relationship with the one person still here that is not his wife in Armando. 
 
Even with all those things taken into consideration, RIDE OR DIE plays out pretty much like a standard buddy cop action movie – the fun of watching Lawrence and Smith together like an old married couple being the thing that keeps it from being one. All the other characters are fairly standard issue save for the strong physical performances exhibited by Scipio – a potential future leading man if Hollywood finds the right role for him – and a sequence featuring Marcus’ son-in-law Reggie (Dennis Greene) that adds some nice surprising energy. 
 
The extended action sequences are also well done, which helps keeps things moving along – a must when you have by-the-book villains and a plot that has more holes than it should if you begin to examine it too much. (This is one of those “don’t think, just watch” movies where you can turn off the logic and give in to your more base desires as to do otherwise will ruin your fun.)
 
Outside of that, RIDE OR DIE is a standard action movie ride along. But when you have two entertaining leads like Smith and Lawrence, you get a film that will keep the peace on screen and with movie audiences.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

Rodney Veal to Join CET & ThinkTV Staff

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Long-time host of The Art Show poised to help station continue to expand its footprint in the arts.
Dayton, OH – Public Media Connect, the regional partnership of CET in Cincinnati and ThinkTV in Dayton, announced today that Rodney Veal would be joining the PBS station’s staff effective July 1, 2024. Veal has been involved with the station for more than a decade, namely as the host of The Art Show and the co-producer of the station’s upcoming documentary about Bing Davis.
“Having Rodney Veal as a member of the team allows public media to serve the arts community at an even deeper level, enabling us to amplify the voices of artists, uncover hidden gems in our region, and enrich our cultural landscape even further. We all look forward to the many talents Rodney will bring to the station,” Public Media Connect’s Chief Content Officer Colin Scianamblo said.
In addition to his work in television, Veal is an independent choreographer and multi-disciplinary artist. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.S. in Political Science and Visual Arts and then received his M.F.A in Choreography from The Ohio State University. Veal has choreographed and presented performance installations all over the Miami Valley, notable projects being Reveal: Five Zones of Beauty, shown at the Springfield Museum of Art in 2011, and the GHETTO installation at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet in 2015. His most recent exhibitions were Beautiful Remains at the Harmon Museum and the Art Space Lofts Gallery in the Spring and Summer of 2022. Rodney has exhibited his work in a group show, Cantata in Five Movements, at the Dana Wiley Gallery in the Fall and Winter of 2022.
Veal has also received several Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District grants and fellowships, including an MCACD Fellowship for 2010-2011, and he was one of five artists chosen nationwide to participate in the BlueSky Dayton Project Artist in Residency Program in collaboration with the University of Dayton in the summer of 2009. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Ohio Dance as President and on the boards of trustees of Levitt Pavilions Dayton, HomeFull, Dayton Live!, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Westcott House and the Community Advisory Board of WYSO.
“I’m grateful for this incredible opportunity to help get the message out about the diverse and exciting art being created right here in Southwest Ohio. And I am honored to be in service of the arts community that has enriched my own life on so many levels. I cannot wait to hit the ground running,” Veal said.
Adding Veal to the station staff, which currently employs about 70 people across two locations (one in Cincinnati and one in Dayton), will allow the organization to continue to deepen its commitment to the arts, both as a megaphone for local artists and art organizations and as an art organization itself. Kitty Lensman said adding Veal to the team was an amazing opportunity at just the right time.
“Rodney’s creativity and passion for everything arts makes him a natural addition to the ThinkTV & CET team. I look forward to working with him,” she said.

Brunch at The Brightside This Sunday

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According to Brightside owner Carli Dixon, she’s excited to host “an elevated food truck rally” at her Third Street Location.  Being able to offer outdoor patio seating as well as indoor air conditioned seating. Indoor bathrooms are another plus and have the VodVil Bar open to serve up mimosas, Bloody Mary and other cocktails.  Dixon also points out that since the food trucks can plug into their electric service, there won’t be the loud generators that you so often hear at rallies.

The following trucks are scheduled to appear this Sunday, June 9th from 10am – 3pm:

    • Cruisin Cuisine


      Breakfast-totchos from Home-Cooked-Vibes

    • Fifty5 Rivers Cold Brew
    • Home Cooked Vibes
    • Side Chick Waffles
    • The Smoqehouse
    • Yummy Gyro

Dixon says if all goes well, they hope to have brunch rallies monthly this summer.

Entry is FREE to this family friendly food truck rally.
The Brightside is located at 905 East Third Street in
downtown Dayton.

Butter Cafe Summer Specials

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Butter Cafe on Brown Street is introducing a new menu of Summer Specials:
They also are featuring an  $8 Burger Special
🍔 single-patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, available Monday-Thursday, dine-in or carry-out (veg substitute honored)
And they’ve just introduced an Orange Creamsicle Champagne Float (avail Vegan too)

Butter Cafe
1106 Brown St,
Dayton, OH, 45409

937-985-9917

Mon – Fri 8am – 2pm
Sat & Sun 9am – 3pm

 

Cold Stone Creamery New Summer Flavors

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Cold Stone Creamery is embracing the summer ice cream season with a lineup of new and flavors. Ice cream enthusiasts are invited to enjoy the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience all summer long with an array of creations that cater to every palate.

This summer, Cold Stone Creamery is introducing its newest flavor: Caramel Truffle Ice Cream. This blend of chocolate and caramel is perfect for those seeking a rich and satisfying treat. Try it in the Stuck Together Like Caramel & Fudge Creation, featuring the crunchy goodness of HEATH bar, and luxurious swirls of caramel and fudge.

Cold Stone’s iconic Birthday Cake Remix is back to bring the joy of childhood celebrations. Dive into the creamy delight of Cake Batter Ice Cream adorned with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, chewy chunks of brownie, and rich fudge. Every bite is a festive celebration.

For cookie dough fans, the Dough for It! Creation offers an experience with Classic Cookie Dough Ice Cream, studded with chocolate chips and chunks of cookie dough, and finished with a delightful crunch of sugar crystals.

These special summer Creations are available for a limited time, offering a must-try experience for anyone seeking a taste of summer. Visit your nearest Cold Stone Creamery® location today to indulge in these delightful treats, available until August 27.

Promotional Creations:

  • Stuck Together Like Caramel & Fudge: Caramel Truffle Ice Cream, HEATH Bar, Caramel & Fudge
  • Birthday Cake Remix: Cake Batter Ice Cream with Rainbow Sprinkles, Brownie & Fudge
  • Dough For It!: Classic Cookie Dough Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips, Cookie Dough & Sugar Crystals
University of Dayton
135 Jasper St ·
135 Jasper Street,
Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 952-6000
6815 Miller Ln
Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 264-9758
The Greene
84 Chestnut St
Dayton, OH 45440
(937) 320-9950
1187 Experiment Farm Rd, Ste A
Troy, OH 45373

Taco Bell Launches Giant Cheez-It

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Taco Bell and Cheez-It have launched a game-changing duo of menu items: The Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme and the Big Cheez-It Tostada. These new offerings feature a Cheez-It cracker that’s 16 times larger than the original, delivering a unique crunch-to-cheese experience.

Taco Bell Rewards Members will get exclusive access to these cheesy delights via the Taco Bell app, ahead of a nationwide release on June 6.

A Cheesy Revolution

The partnership between Taco Bell and Kellanova (the parent company of Cheez-It) first made waves in 2022 with a limited test run of the Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme and Tostada at a Taco Bell in Irvine, CA. The trial was a resounding success, prompting both brands to expand the rollout. Announced at Taco Bell’s inaugural Live Más LIVE event, the nationwide debut promises to delight fans across the country.

Think 16x Bigger

The Big Cheez-It products are built on a 16x larger cracker platform, creating a unique flavor profile for the Crunchwrap Supreme and Tostada. Made with 100% real cheese and familiar Cheez-It ridges, these oversized crackers are the perfect canvas for Taco Bell’s innovative menu items.

The New Lineup

  • Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme ($5.49): This revamped Crunchwrap features seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, sour cream, and tomatoes, with the classic tostada shell swapped for a giant Cheez-It cracker, all wrapped in a grilled tortilla.
  • Big Cheez-It Tostada ($3.99): The Tostada is topped with seasoned beef, tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream, all on a colossal Cheez-It cracker.
  • Big Cheez-It Box ($8.99): This combo includes the Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Nacho Fries, and a medium drink.

 

 

Dayton Dance Initiative Presents: Unite and Ignite

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You’re invited to immerse yourself in a world of captivating dance performances during the highly anticipated “Unite and Ignite” showcase, hosted by The Dayton Dance Initiative on June 28th and June 29th at the PNC Arts Annex.

The Dayton Dance Initiative (DDI) is dedicated to fostering collaboration among dancers and choreographers from from the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Mutual Dance Theatre, and Wright State University. During their summer off-season, these dancers come together to present their own original works, which is a real delight for Dayton arts fans!

DDI’s goal is to create a platform where they can explore innovative dance experiences that reflect the diverse talents within Dayton’s artistic ecosystem. This season the company is led by a new Artistic Director: Jennifer Sydor.

“Unite and Ignite” promises to take you on a breathtaking journey, highlighting a versatile repertoire of choreography that encapsulates the Dayton region’s artistic diversity. Each performance will offer a fusion of styles and storytelling, leaving you feeling inspired and connected to the artistic spirit of the community.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of Dayton’s dance community at the PNC Arts Annex. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of artistry and unity.


How to Go?
Dates: June 28th at 7:30pm and June 29th at 2pm and 7:30pm
Venue: PNC Arts Annex
Program: Eight original works of choreography performed by dancers and choreographers from Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Mutual Dance Theatre, and Wright State University
Tickets – $33.50, Students/$28.50
Dayton Live Box Office: (937)228-3630, https://www.daytonlive.org/events/unite-ignite/


Be A Tourist in Your Own City: 12 Tips For A Fresh Perspective

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As Dorothy once proclaimed, “there’s no place like home.”

Tawawa Park in Sidney

I think back to my time enlisted in the Air Force and the many beautiful places I got to experience and live in. One of my first stations was in Aviano, Italy. An hour from Venice and nestled in picturesque Italian countryside along the base of the Alps, I couldn’t believe it. At first, my breath would be taken away every time I took a simple trip to a grocery store or gas station; The mountains were so massive they took up half of the skyline. And don’t get me started on those sunsets. As a homegrown southwestern Ohio native, I couldn’t believe I was living overseas in one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world.

Well reader, you know how the story goes. We get very used to seeing the same things repeatedly — they lose their sparkle and become commonplace. We often take for granted a lot of the beauty that is in our daily lives. So yes, as beautiful as the Italian countryside was, it too became commonplace. The rows and rows of grape vineyards that people spend thousands of dollars to visit annually felt no different than driving past the rows and rows of cornfields back home.

 

As Dorothy once proclaimed, “there’s no place like home.”

 

After I got out of the Air Force, I eventually made my way back to the Great Miami River, back to my family and beloved cornfields (I really enjoy them now, by the way). Spending that time away from this region during my enlistment really allowed me to return with fresh eyes for the things we all take for granted as we move about our days.

I’m lucky. Life circumstances allowed me to get away and come back with a refreshed perspective on life in southwestern Ohio. However, for many people it’s simply not feasible financially, or timewise. For this, I’ve written up some tips that may help you get out there and find incredible experiences in your own community, or in one of the many beautiful destinations along the Great Miami River.

Our region is home to some incredibly unique resources that simply don’t exist in many other parts of the country. With the Great Miami Riverway spreading over 99 miles, there are countless journeys to go on.

So, what does it really mean to be a tourist in our own cities? I think this question opens the door to a deeper reflection on what it means to practice daily gratitude. It highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of curiosity about our lives and the people and places in them. Becoming a tourist in places that we visit frequently is one way to practice this. Here are my suggestions for you to begin to explore your own area with fresh eyes this year:

 

#1. Adopt the ‘mini vacation’ mindset.

If you only read one of these tips, this is the tip to consider: Rethink your limited free time to maximize your days off work. Every weekend can be a vacation experience, especially with how much this corner of Ohio has to offer.

A 2020 study that asks the very important question, “How might people enjoy the emotional benefits of vacation without taking additional time off work or spending additional money?”, found that when people treated their weekends like a vacation, meaning they prioritized things like enjoying good food and being present in the moment, they were ultimately happier (and spent less money and time accessing that vacation-mentality bliss). Remind yourself to really be present to what is available in your proximity and then go enjoy it.

The Mayflower by A.M. Scott Distillery in Troy

 

 

#2. Recreate travel experiences at home.

An easy approach is to think about what you like to do when you travel somewhere new, and then seek those experiences locally. If you like to do wine-tastings, park excursions, or visit historical sites, try to replicate those experiences with what is available nearby (pssst.. the Riverway has all of these and much more).

 

Hamilton is covered in mural art! 

 

#3. Walk/bike a route you normally drive.

Putting foot to pavement, especially in areas you would never normally walk or bike through, gives you an entirely different perspective of a city. Bring a camera and find unique things to snap photos of. Create your own tour guide to share with others. The Great Miami Riverway has the largest paved trail system in the country, so the biking and walking opportunities are endless to experience your daily life from a new point of view.

#4. Speaking of views, visit a popular viewpoint.

Is there a lookout that’s popular among tourists in your area? A certain mural, vantagepoint, or Instagram-worthy hotspot that people frequently photograph? I personally live in downtown Dayton, and I am constantly shocked at how many locals have never simply gone to Deed’s Point MetroPark to look at the city from across the river. Sometimes, it is refreshing to just sit and spend some time observing the communities we often take for granted.

The famous Martin’s Donuts in Trenton

#5. Explore at a time you normally wouldn’t.

If you’re an early-bird sunrise type person, head out for an evening or nighttime adventure. If you’re never up for a sunrise (guilty), head out to watch it rise over the river and then get breakfast from a small local joint like famous Sam & Ethel’s in Tipp City. Mixing up your typical schedule will open the door to sights, people, and experiences you wouldn’t normally encounter.

#6. Head to a hotel lobby, local library, or welcome center.

Grab all the little tourist-y rack cards you can fit in your hands. Grab the pamphlets, brochures, free magazines. Bother the front desk clerk with questions. Ask about promotions or discounts. These are the places to gather recommendations. Local libraries often have guidebooks to cities as well and other resources that may be useful for inspo.

Franklin Food Truck Park

#7. Book a Staycation.

Check out AirBnB listings, bed & breakfasts, locally owned hotels, or cabin rentals. While chain hotels suffice when traveling out of the area, I personally find that more unique accommodations help make local travel feel more special for a ‘staycation’. And trust me, we have some pretty interesting places to stay along the Riverway, like a bed & breakfast castle in Sidney (bonus: it has a spa).


Yoga workshop at Cedar Ridge Trails lavendar farm in Miamisburg

 

#8. Do something unusual (for you).

One way to freshen up your mindset about local travel is to pursue a new activity you would normally never do. Here’s an idea: Go sign up for some goat yoga in Miamisburg at a U-Pick lavender farm (yes… Goats. Goats everywhere).

 

#9. Follow a blogger’s itinerary.

Yes, believe it or not, you can find out-of-town tourists that have written about their experiences in your own town. For example, I searched “visiting Piqua blog” and found a very detailed blog post from a visitor who spent a day exploring Piqua. Here’s another blog I found about someone visiting Hamilton for the first time with her family. Another blogger details his family’s visit to Butler County in this blog.  We also write plenty of blogs on itinerary ideas and top spots to explore along the river.

 

#10. Strike up conversation with a local.

Coffee shops are great places to try this. Get out of your comfort zone a little and make some new connections. I’m always learning something new about my own community from the strangers I talk to.

Kayaking in West Carrollton

#11. Don’t forget about park districts!

Park districts have so many cool classes and guided activities going on almost daily for every age group and physical capability range. Zip lining, climbing, hiking, birdwatching, gardening, fishing, cooking classes, yoga workshops… It is seriously endless. Check out our park district coalition members’ calendars:

Miami County Park District

Five Rivers MetroParks

MetroParks of Butler County

Great Parks of Hamilton County

#11. Don’t forget about park districts!

Park districts have so many cool classes and guided activities going on almost daily for every age group and physical capability range. Zip lining, climbing, hiking, birdwatching, gardening, fishing, cooking classes, yoga workshops… It is seriously endless. Check out our park district coalition members’ calendars:

Miami County Park District

Five Rivers MetroParks

MetroParks of Butler County

Great Parks of Hamilton County

#12. And finally…Explore our website, event calendar, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Ok, shameless plug. But it really is our job to find the coolest things about the Great Miami Riverway and serve it up on a digital platter just for you.  The coalition works together to help feature what is truly special about each city along the Great Miami Riverway. It’s the certified insider’s scoop.