The Featured Articles

Beer & Bourbon -Matches Made At The Century Bar

May 28, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The idea of a beer and a shot aren’t new, but as the craft beer movement is expanding the flavor profiles of beer available in the Miami Valley and with the expertise of the staff and the abundance of bourbons on the shelf at The Century Bar, it just seems inevitable that the bar has been raised on the concept. So when Warped Wing Brewing Company and The Century announced a paring event for this Saturday, May 31st, I knew it would be something special. So when Joe invited me to attend the pairing meeting, I was pretty excited.

Joe Head and Tim Fry from The Century and Head Brewmaster John Haggerty, Sales & Marketing Manager Nick Bowman and assistant brewmaster Jeff Fortney of Warped Wing (pictured left to right)showed up at the bar for the planning session full of ideas. They all agreed on a working theory of starting with the beers- lightest to heaviest and then finding the most complimentary bourbon to pair with it. I know everyone thinks that would be an easy job, but with the tasting, discussion about finish, mouth taste and complimentary vs. contrasting flavors, I realized that this was real work. Were flavors that blended better than opposite tastes? Did a too strong bourbon wash out the spice in a beer? “The power of the pairing can calm down an IPA and give it a creamy mouth feel,” observed Joe Head after one potential pairing. At one point, there were over 30 glasses on the bar and it was pretty confusing trying to keep up what was in each glass.

I could only stick around for an hour and so I’m not sure what the final pairings will be, but the beers to be featured start with a brand new Warped Wing release – Catfight- a Belgian Saison, followed by Flyin’Rye, – a rye IPA, Gypsy Queen, a Chile Beer and 10 Ton – an Oatmeal Stout. The bourbons won’t be announced in advance, so you’ll have to make a reservation for the Sat 4-6pm event to find out what they are. It’s a true bargain at $25, and includes four 4oz beer and 1 oz bourbon duo’s served up with a good deal of background from some of the most knowledgable bartenders and beer aficionado’s this town has to offer. There are only 50 tickets available and about 1/2 of those have been sold already. Call The Century at 223-3382 or stop by to reserve your seat.

And just from the flow of conversations and chemistry that was evident between these men that take their drinking seriously, you can be sure that this won’t be the only partnership between Warped Wing and The Century.

Update: The event was a sell out!

2014 Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

May 27, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Established in 2001, the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created to honor local theatre artists and patrons of the arts. It is designed to acknowledge people whose life-long participation, innovation, and creativity have influenced the Dayton arts culture.

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created as a way to recognize individuals who have dedicated themselves to the cause of theatre arts in Dayton or have made a significant impact on Dayton’s theatre community.

The 2014 inductees are:

Saul Caplan in A Case of Libel as photographed by Craig Roberts

Saul Caplan has been working in theatre for the past fifty-five years, starting with a show at Memorial Hall in 1959. He worked in various children’s theatres, performed at Colonel White in student productions, and majored in theatre at the University of Akron. From 1971 until the mid 1990’s Saul worked as a professional actor in theatres from New York to Florida before moving back to Dayton in 1998. Since then, he has worked on over sixty-five productions with the Human Race Theatre Company, The Dayton Theatre Guild, Sinclair, The Dayton Playhouse, FutureFest, Brookville Theatre, and Playhouse South.

Barbara Jorgensen has been working in Dayton Theatre since 1989 when she was cast in a production at the Dayton Playhouse. Since then she has performed for FirstStage Productions, Young at Heart Players, and the Dayton Theatre Guild. Barb has taught theatre to adults at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Dayton, and lends her acting talent to the University of Dayton School of Law performing in mock trials and playing various parts in legal scenarios with law students. Barb is active on the Board of the Dayton Theatre Guild where she wears many hats.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual DayTony awards on August 9, 2014 at Sinclair Community College. Attendees will have the dinner or event-only option this year. Early bird pricing will be available through July 22^nd with a higher price until July 31st. No reservations will be accepted after August 1^st. The event is open to the public and reservation information will be available on the DayTony website when plans are completed. .

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame is operated and governed by the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Executive Committee. For more information visit the website: daytonys.org.

Sinclair Theatre Presents The Rocky Horror Show

May 26, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Olive, an Urban Dive Wins National Grant

May 23, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS) awarded its annual $5,000 grant to Olive, an Urban Dive in Dayton, Ohio, in recognition of the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to foodservice sustainability initiatives and the Dayton community. Olive’s impressive commitments to sustainability include: investing in equipment to reduce energy and water use, focusing on recycling, composting and cross utilizing ingredients to greatly reduce daily trash and food waste yields, and managing their own farm, as well as, relationships with over 50 local farmers for a true Farm-‐to-‐Fork program. This marks the seventh year for the HCFS grant, which is awarded to a business or organization judged to have the best-‐executed foodservice sustainability project.

“It is rare to find management and staff equally committed to their goal of providing high quality food following sustainable practices,” said Richard Young, Senior Engineer and Director of Education for PG&E Food Service Technology Center, and HCFS fellow. “At Olive, this is the norm. The owner practices what she preaches, and as a result, all of the staff have completely bought in. Not only are they limiting their impact on the environment, they are building into the local economy.”

Olive’s owner, Kimberly, leased the old Wympee Burger diner in downtown Dayton, OH, after its 72 years of operating as a greasy burger joint were over. She and her friends and family gutted the entire building by hand, replacing all mechanicals, interior walls, putting new HVAC equipment on the roof to make room for an ADA compliant bathroom, even excavating the entire floor in the kitchen to eliminate floor drains that had led to the rain water run-‐off sewers without anyone realizing since the building’s construction in 1938.

“We did everything we could to save labor and financial resources, while recycling and responsibly scrapping original materials and finding creative re-‐use for others,” said Kimberly Collett, owner of Olive. “The counter is made of wood from a tree my grandfather cut down 60 years ago, and we cut used bottles to make light shades. We even made our own tables out of poplar leftover from a wood auction, installed the cork flooring, and made our own ceiling tiles.”

Not only does this mindset pay dividends in fantastic culinary creations, after two years of being open, Olive was completely debt-‐free, a rare achievement in the restaurant industry. Another huge accomplishment – Olive’s commitment to recycling and cross utilizing natural ingredients and composting means they only throw away 6-‐14 pounds of waste per day. The commitment to sustainability is not without challenges, but the staff and chefs at Olive take it all in stride and embrace the unique opportunity to create new specials daily, with whatever they are able to source locally.

“We are given a lot of freedoms that most commercial kitchens do not experience,” said David Kerg, chef. “Olive is a chef’s playground!” “This is a one-‐in-‐a-‐million business,” said team member Sandy Bowden. “we enjoy telling people about it. It is so satisfying to make people happy and to see their eyebrows go up when they taste something. Serving people a great product is very rewarding for us.” Kimberly Collett, Olive owner, will serve as an HCFS Fellow for 2014/2015 and assist in selecting next year’s HCFS grant recipient.

Join Chef Margot to Celebrate Salar’s First Anniversary!

May 23, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

From Burgundy, with Love – National Chardonnay Day

May 22, 2014 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Bottles of wine from France and California

A sampling of the wines from the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting.

Steven Spurrier did not set out to send the wine world into a great upheaval. He was an advocate of French wine, and always looking for ways to further that belief. He was so confident of the superiority of his beloved wines that he arranged a blind tasting versus the wines of California to prove it. Paris was selected as the site (of course), and judges from all over the country were brought in for the event. The Paris Wine Tasting was going to prove once and for all that French wine was superior to all other comers. The year was 1976, the same year the United States was celebrating its bicentennial. Little did anyone know at the time that the U.S. was going to cause another major upheaval in a major European power during that anniversary.

Chardonnay was the white wine of choice for both countries; the French brought in a Bordeaux for the red, and the U.S. offered a Cabernet Sauvignon. There was so little doubt in the outcome, France sent no media. TIME magazine was the only press that attended the event. In a decision that stunned everyone in the wine world, the wines in the United States were declared the best across the board.

The Judgment of Paris launched California wines into the spotlight, Chardonnay being thrust straight to the forefront. But Chardonnay had a well-deserved reputation in the wine industry for centuries before that. No one is sure when or how this flexible grape came into being. The most popular theory is that the Romans brought the Gouais blanc variety of grapes to Gaul as they marched through Europe. The grapes started to cross breed with the native Pinot grapes, and the Chardonnay grape was born. In its European home it was used to create white Burgundy wine, seen as one of the finest white wines in the world. There was a blend of the soil, the flexibility of the grape, and the oak it was kept in that develop rich and complex flavors. It is also one of the three grapes (with Pinot noir or Pinot Meunier) that are commonly used in champagne production. Chardonnay vines love chalk, clay, and limestone soils the best, one reason it flourished in the Burgundy region. The vine also travels well, making it the second most popular white wine grape in the world, and fifth of all wine grapes.

Chardonnay grapes, just waiting to be plucked.

Planting Chardonnay grapes in your vineyard is almost a rite of passage; it is a relatively easy grape to grow. It also is not picky about where it grows, taking root all over the world. It buds early in the spring, but the right techniques can delay the budding for warmer weather to keep the grape’s acidity. The quick ripening does not have to be delayed, making it perfect for a short growing season. Cooler regions, like northern California and New York, are also ideal. The grapes do not ripen as quickly, allowing them to stay on the vine longer to develop some flavor. That is the one small drawback of this super grape. On its own, it does not have much flavor. It is completely dependent on two things: the soil it is grown in (or terroir) and oaking the wine (storing it in oak barrels). This means that the vintner has a big opportunity to implant their own mark on it. They have choices on if they want to put in oak (imparting vanilla and caramel flavors) and where to grow it. If they do not use oak barrels to mature the wine, they will use stainless steel columns. The stainless steel adds nothing, so the flavors of the soil are more pronounced. Cooler climates will impart fruit notes like apple or pear, while warmer climates can add tropical mango and pineapple flavors. The vintner can also choose to put the wine through malolactic fermentation. This changes malic acid to lactic acid, adding a butteriness to the wine. The charm and popularity of Chardonnay comes from the malleability of the flavor profile. This wide spectrum of flavors means that it can go well with any dish, from savory to sweet, if you select the proper wine.

Golden, dry, and delicious.

It is not all sunshine and spring breezes for this widely loved wine. Talking about Chardonnay with some friends, one of them called it “the McDonalds of wines”. Much like McDonalds, and to the chagrin of many wine drinkers, Chardonnay is global. It is sturdy, easy to grow, and very profitable. With so much of it planted all over the world, it is very common as well. It lacks a distinction that a Chablis, made of the same grape, enjoys. The lack of flavor in the grape also means that it can be overpowered by strong flavors, especially when it is left in the oak too long. It has also been popular for a very long time, so it is associated with older wine drinkers. And no one wants to be drinking what their parents drank.

The Judgment of Paris opened the floodgates for Chardonnay all over the world. The tête-à-tête match in 1976 was not a random event; every competition between France and the United States afterwards has had similar results. The celebration and overall continued popularity of this dry, impressionable wine resulted in the creation of National Chardonnay Day in 2009. The actual day it is celebrated on, much like the wine it celebrates, is still malleable. It is near the last week of May, but various sites have it being honored on the 22^nd or 23^rd. It has also been enjoyed some years as late as May 26^th. Of course, enjoying Chardonnay on all of those days is just as acceptable. Head to Arrow Wine, Rumbleseat Wine, The Wine Gallery, or any of the many wine merchants in Dayton and pick up a bottle or two to enjoy with friends. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them in the comments below or on Facebook! Now, who has the wine key?

The Gypsy Queen Comes To Warped Wing

May 21, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Warped Wing Brewery releases their newest limited release beer, Gypsy Queen on Thurs, May 2nd at 5pm. . This unique ale is reddish-brown in color and has a mildly smoky finish with medium body and caramel malt highlights. The hop character is very mild with just enough bitterness to balance the beer. Made with Ancho and Serrano chiles which provide an aroma of peppers and a mild heat index which builds as you drink the beer.

This beer was inspired by Dayton’s early history of Gypsy culture that originated with King Levi Mosley and his wife Queen Matilda Joles Stanley. Queen Matilda was well known for telling fortunes and had remarkable powers as a mesmerist. Once again Warped Wing has tapped local artist Amy Kollar Anderson to create the art and many of you may recognize Clash Consignment ownerMary Kathryn Burnside as the model.. This beer will keep your taste buds wandering with it’s unique combination of flavors but in the end you’ll keep coming back home for that mild heat that builds throughout! A truly perfect beer to kickoff the grilling season!!

Prime Time Party Rental Series Takes You Back to High School with the Prime Time Prom

May 21, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Art Institute takes you back to high school, when its Prime Time Party Rental Series presents the Prime Time Prom on Friday, May 30, 7-11 p.m.

The Prime Time Prom invites you to dress up and relive your high school glories (or create the prom experience you never had). Go elegant or go garish, just make sure you don’t miss this unforgettable grownup prom! The Prime Time Prom will feature everything you’ve come to expect from The DAI’s Prime Time Parties: great food & drinks, music for dancing, a fantastic raffle, and a few surprises. And of course there will be an awesome theme, as well as a prom king and queen!

Food and drink, as always, will be an integral part of the next Prime Time Party. The evening’s menu, provided by Elite Catering, will include high-school-themed delicacies such as mini pizzas, mini burgers & fries, a Mac-n-Cheese bar and more. Unlike high school, the Prime Time Prom will feature a cash bar, so it’s definitely a 21 and up event! The DAI’s resident mixologists will be serving up specialty cocktails with a prom theme – think “spiked punch”, etc. – and series sponsor Heidelberg Distributing Co. will be on hand with samples of some of their latest libations.

As with past parties, the Prime Time Prom will feature a raffle with fantastic prizes, highlighted by jewelry from series sponsor James Free Jewelers.

Music will be provided by Black Box, who spun the tunes for last year’s Studio 54 Disco Party. They will offer up a mix of danceable hits from a variety of eras. And of course it wouldn’t be a party without the obligatory “prom photo,” so Black Box will also provide a photo booth to capture the moment.

Costumes are always encouraged (but not required) at Prime Time Party Rental Series events, so guests are encouraged to get creative with their attire – from traditional formal wear to vintage, retro, DIY and everything in between! Not sure what to wear? Check out the Prime Time Party DIY costume ideas at www.daytonartinstitute.org/primetime and follow the Prime Time Party board on The DAI’s Pinterest page for inspiration.

The pop-culture themes of the Prime Time Party Rental series always feature a connection to the museum’s permanent collection or special exhibitions. The Prime Time Prom will feature a self-guided tour of works in the collection that have been featured at past DAI Art Balls. The elegant Art Ball is the museum’s annual black tie gala and one of its largest fundraisers. This year’s Art Ball takes place two weeks after the Prime Time Prom, on June 14.

For more about the Prime Time Prom, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/prom.

Sponsorship support for The Prime Time Party Rental Series is provided by Presenting Sponsor Prime Time Party Rental, Supporting Sponsors Square One Salon and Spa and Heidelberg Distributing Co.,Official Jeweler James Free Jewelers, and Preferred Print Partner Dayton City Paper.

The Prime Time Party Rental Series Prime Time Prom takes place on Friday, May 30, 7 – 11 p.m. at The Dayton Art Institute. Advance tickets are $35 for museum members and $40 for non-members. Tickets purchased at the door are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Prime Time Party Rental Series tickets include all food and entertainment for the evening. A cash bar is available with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/primetime, by calling 937-223-4ART (4278), or in person at the museum’s Guest Services Desk during regular hours.

For more information about this and other programs at The Dayton Art Institute, please visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers.

ABOUT THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

As one of the Miami Valley’s premier fine art museums, The Dayton Art Institute offers a full range of programming in addition to exhibiting its collection. Galleries hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. Suggested admission to the museum’s permanent collection is $8 adults, $5 seniors, active military and groups. Admission is free for museum members, students (18+ w/ID) and youth (17 and under). Some special exhibitions, programs and events may carry an additional charge and include admission to the museum’s permanent collection as part of that price. Free parking is available at the museum and the facility is fully accessible to physically challenged visitors. The DAI’s Museum Store and Leo Bistro are open during regular museum hours. For more information, please call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The DAI also receives support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.

10 ?’s with Chef Narendar Thakkar of Namaste India

May 19, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Chef Narendar Thakkar moved to the U.S. when he was young gentleman in his twenties. For approximately 24 years he worked and managed a Dunkin Donuts. The past 5 years he has been the master mind of Namaste India creating the cooking foundation needed for an authentic Indian cuisine. He reads the customers mind and listens to what he or she likes. With that information he will adapt the cuisine accordingly and make a tasty meal. He shared that his customers always ask for a to-go box because they want to enjoy every last bite.

Namaste India is a family owned restaurant looked over by both his son and himself. His son works in the medical field Monday thru Friday and he looks after the restaurant in his free time. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very clean and inviting.

Cool Fact: Thakkar influenced and created the logo of the restaurant.

Chef Narendar Thakkar is a character who will spoil each of his guests with hospitality. He loves spice and will vary his cooking spice level as well as his recipes to assure the customer is happy. Narendar perfects his food with cooking by sight and aroma. His restaurant is always busy 7 days a week. You can enjoy a lunch buffet Monday – Saturday from 11am – 3pm for just $7.99.

1. What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Too difficult to choose one ingredient. so probably, onion, tomato gravy, garam masala, garlic paste, coriander leaves.

The key to cooking with so many favorite ingredients is to observe the food while cooking and to know when to add extra of an ingredient.

2. What ingredient do you dread?

He doesn’t like cooking with butter or heavy cream. He shared that cream is not healthy and contains 36% fat. He also shared that crème takes away from an authentic Indian cuisine.

3. What’s your favorite dish to make?

Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka Wraps

4. What’s your favorite pig out food?

I love Mexican food. Particularly burritos and my very own salsa

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

I’m a fan of Bravo Italian and thinks it’s real quality.

I also like Mexican food. In particular, El Rancho Grande . Oh and Donatos Pizza

6. What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Don’t cook because you have to or because you are forced. Cook from the heart and with your interests in mind. Cook for enjoyment.

Oh… and always clean your hands before cooking

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

A dinner is best when shared. It’s too hard to choose 4, so I would like to invite friends, family, and individuals who compliment and give thanks for good food.

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

Anyone who has a restaurant with a good inviting environment that is clean.

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

I like to watch basketball and also loves to go to the casinos. I’ll take my employees every once in a while also so they can enjoy themselves.

10. Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story.

Kitchen Disaster: There was an extremely hot day a past summer. The restaurant was extremely busy and the environment around the kitchen area was hot. In all the combustion of the busy work environment an exhaust fire started. The fire was not a great experience and so I never has another experience like it happen again I continually checks equipment temperatures and keeps the equipment spotless.

This Chef 10?’s article was put together by UD students in Professor Rebecca P. Blust’s UD Engineering Project Management class. Our four member team , Gracelyn Key, Sushmitha Rayinadi, Emily Strobach and Daniel Williams spent the semester learning how to meet with a client (DMM) define the project, put a plan together and execute it. This is the second of 9 Chef interviews they presented to us as their class project. To read the first please see below

10 ?’s with Chef Trish Miles of C’est Cheese

See The World In a Weekend Ticket Contest

May 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

A Dayton tradition for over 40 years, Soin International and the Dayton International Festival, Inc (DIFI) present A World A’Fair May 16-18 at the Dayton Convention Center. It started in the 1970’s and has been celebrating diversity in food, music, dance, ethnic dress, exhibits and cultures from around the world. The International Festival, was the vision and dream of Father Gabriel J. Rus, SM (1910-1979) and Aldona Ryan of Lithuania. With the help of many others, including the then director of the Dayton Council on World Affairs, Mrs. Maxine Stucke, the idea of an ethnic celebration was formed. From 1973 through 1977, the World A’Fair was a committee of the Dayton Council on World Affairs. In 1978 under the supervision of Legal Counsel, Mr. Tom Folino, A World A’Fair was incorporated as a non-profit organization, known as the Dayton International Festival, Inc. It has grown to include the cultures of more than 30 participating groups. Cheryl Castro is the 2014 Honorary Chairperson. She was awarded this honor for over 30 years of support to DIFI, as well as her willingness to serve in a variety of chairperson and officer roles during this time. Beginning with her involvement with A World A’Fair at age five, dancing with the Philippine American Society Folk Arts, Cheryl was also crowned Miss A World A’Fair in 1997, and after graduating from the DIFI Youth Group, she became a delegate to the DIFI Board of Trustees. Cheryl currently serves as the Informal Entertainment Chairperson, a role she has maintained since 1999.

A Celebration of Festivals is this year’s cultural theme. All of the participating countries will feature popular festivals of their region at their cultural booths. Some of the festivals will no doubt be familiar to you, but many may not be. Take time to discover what other cultures think is important enough to celebrate with a festival.

Friday night even features a special festival within the festival for beer lovers. For just $10 you can get a 2 oz sample of beer from each of the 12 participating countries-Czechoslovakia, Germany, Ireland, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Scotland and the South Slavs…PROST!. Once you’ve made it ’round the world vote on your favorite and receive a small souvenir token. Only 500 beer Passports will be sold.

“A World A’Fair promotes the rich cultural diversity that exists in our community and embraces the aspects which make us unique”, said Raj Soin, Chairman of Soin International and longtime festival sponsor. “This event provides an opportunity for everyone in the greater Dayton area to appreciate the differences among people of various cultures and experience their own cultures, history and traditions.”

New this year… Performers from Burundi. After nearly two years of interviews and filling out forms, DIFI is finally able to present 37 drummers and dancers from Burundi. This promises to be a special treat for both young and old. You can also see Zabava, a dance group with ethnic roots in the Russian ex-republics, a Flamenco dancing group, Kitka Ensemble, and a Bulgarian group, in addition to our own member organization performers. In addition, the Dayton Chess Club will have chess games, tournaments, demonstrations and information available throughout the three-day festival. These activities will be open to the public to watch and in many cases to play, and include some special activities for children.

Back by popular demand…The Kenyan Safari Acrobats on our formal stage. Also back are the well known passports, which are sponsored by Premier Health Services. Children can have their “passports” stamped as they travel from booth to booth with a chance to win prizes donated by the member organizations of DIFI. Also returning this year will be a Naturalization Ceremony celebrating new citizens, which will take place on Saturday, May 17.

The Health Fair, presented by the Asian American Council of Dayton and CareSource, is back by popular demand with expanded days and hours. Available to all attendees on Saturday, May 17 from 11am-7pm and Sunday, May 18 from 11am-6pm, visitors will be offered free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, ADHD, HIV, depression and anxiety. Educational information and workshops on dental care will also be provided. There will also be an opportunity to register as a bone marrow donor.

The ever popular and expanded Children’s Area, which is sponsored by Dayton Children’s, will once again be available for families to participate in games and engage in crafts.

A World A’Fair is open to the public on the following dates and times:

Friday, May 18 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 19 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 20 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

There is a fee for attendance with tickets available at the door for the following prices:

Adults $8.00 Senior Citizens $5.00 Youth (6-18) $4.00

Advance sale tickets are available at AAA, La Llama Place, Siebenthaler’s and Krogers and offer discounts for the adult and youth tickets. For more information including the schedule of all performances, visit www.aworldafair.org.

Ticket Contest

DMM will be giving away 2 family four packs of tickets for A World A’Fair. Just like this post and fill out the form below for your chance to win! If you’d like to influence the judges, leave a comment about why you should win![form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Time To Make The Strawberry Donuts!

May 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The folks that run the Troy Strawberry Festival have alerted us that the Strawberry Donut Hotline is now open and ready to take your order for Pre-Ordered Strawberry Donuts that will be available on Friday, June 6, 2014. You can pick up your pre-ordered donuts in our convenient drive thru at the Troy Stadium or have them delivered. Pre Ordered donuts are $8 per dozen. Drive Thru hours are 7am – 1pm on Friday, June 6 only.

To order by phone: (937) 332-3992

To order online: Click here

The Strawberry Festival officially begins on Friday night, June 6th with food, entertainment for the whole family on the Great Miami River Levee! Two full days of events follow beginning with a short Parade on Saturday morning. From there the main action continues on the Historic Streets of Downtown Troy and along the Great Miami River Levee! Browse over 200 high quality art and craft booths. If you can make it with strawberries, you will find it at the Troy Strawberry Festival, more than 70 food booths offer everything from strawberry salsa, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry bbq sauce, and of course the famous strawberry donuts! Great family entertainment, two stages of free entertainment, free shuttle service and free admissions.

The Festival is more than just a weekend of fun. It serves as a major fund-raising event for many of the area’s civic and charitable groups. Committees work year-round to prepare for the weekend when as many as 100,000 people come to Troy to take part in our world class festival.

The Festival is also looking for volunteers to help with all kinds of festival activities, from bed races to pie eating contest security to souvenir sales. If you’d like to to sign up, fill out this volunteer form.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Space Fest Features a Multitude of Activities and Adds a Third Astronaut Appearance

May 13, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

You never know what you may come across in the galleries at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force! Out-of-this-world activities – and perhaps even some “extra-terrestrials” – await visitors to the museum during Space Fest on May 16-17 when the museum and more than 20 other participating organizations offer a multitude of space-related activities for visitors of all ages. All activities are free, unless otherwise noted.

The event begins Friday, May 16 with a special showing of the film Gravity (in 3D) at 7 p.m. at the Air Force Museum Theatre. Former Astronaut and retired Air Force Colonel Gregory H. Johnson will introduce the show and answer questions immediately following. The theatre will charge a reduced price of $4 per person, and tickets may be purchased at www.afmuseum.com/attractions/reservations.

During another unique experience on Friday, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Force Support Fitness is hosting the “5K Fun Run: Glow in the Dark Edition” on the runway behind the museum. A 1-mile kids’ race begins at 8 p.m., and then at 8:30 p.m. 5K participants can run or walk through a scale version of the solar system. The pre-registration entry fee is $25 and includes a t-shirt. Race day registration is $30, but a t-shirt is not guaranteed. Registration forms for both races are available at https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=8136253.

Finally, a free star-gaze with telescopes will take place at 9:30 p.m. Friday near the museum’s Memorial Park. Miami Valley Astronomical Society members will set up telescopes and be available for questions and answers.

On Saturday, May 17, visitors will find a variety of free, interactive and fun space-themed activities for all ages, including special appearances by astronauts, a chance to see the museum’s new Space Shuttle Exhibit, space shuttle computer simulators, model rocket building and launching, a 35-foot tall inflatable space shuttle model, indoor planetarium, solar viewing, “Picture Yourself in Space” photo booth, a space pop culture collection, 3D printer, and even special costumed characters.

Visitors can listen to presentations by current Astronaut and Army Colonel Douglas H. Wheelock, who spent nearly six months on the International Space Station in 2010, and former Astronaut Dr. Donald A. Thomas, a veteran of four space flights during the 1990s with more than 1,040 hours in space. The two will sign autographs at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Space Shuttle Exhibit. Then, Wheelock will speak at 1 p.m. and Thomas at 3 p.m. in the museum’s Carney Auditorium.

In addition, Dr. Doug Lantry, museum curator and Space Shuttle Exhibit project manager, will talk about space suits at 2 p.m. in the STEM Learning Node, located adjacent to the Space Shuttle Exhibit.

Popular space-themed music will echo through the museum galleries as two area groups perform space-related musical numbers to entertain visitors. The Troy Tones Show Choir will perform at 10 a.m. near the Space Shuttle Exhibit. At noon, the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight’s Wright Brass ensemble will play in the museum’s second building.

The first space trivia contest will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the STEM Learning Node. This contest will take place prior to the Dayton Challenger Learning Center’s presentation of one of “Christa’s Lost Lessons,” which are based on the lessons NASA Teacher in Space Christa McAuliffe was developing at the time of the Challenger disaster. Additional trivia contests will take place at 12:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m., before the astronaut presentations in Carney Auditorium. All three trivia contests are open to visitors of all ages, and prizes will be awarded.

Younger visitors will have fun on the inflatable Space Shuttle Slide and Space Camp Bounce House, which will be set-up in front of the museum (weather permitting). Children will also enjoy storytime, offered by the Greene County Public Library from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and face painting from noon-2 p.m.

The museum is partnering with more than 20 other organizations to provide activities throughout the day, including the Air Force Research Laboratory, AIAA Dayton-Cincinnati Section, Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Force Museum Foundation, Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Observatory, Columbus School of Model Rocketry, Dayton Challenger Learning Center, Engineers Club of Dayton, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Greene County Public Library, KinderCare, Mars Society – Ohio Chapter, Miami Valley Astronomical Society, NASA Glenn Research Center, National Aviation Hall of Fame, R2-D2 Club, SWFTEC, Team Ohio Rocketry Club and WPAFB Force Support Fitness.

In addition, the Air Force Museum Theatre will show Hidden Universe at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday as part of its normal schedule. Reduced rates of $6 will be offered for those showings of Hidden Universe. The interactive flight simulators and Morphis Movie Ride Simulator will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A reduced rate of $3 will be offered on the Morphis ride, and visitors can request the spacewalk ride.

The Valkyrie Café, Refueling Café and an outdoor grill will have food available for purchase, and the museum store will be selling event t-shirts in addition to their aviation- and space-related items.

More information about the event, including a complete schedule, is available on the museum’s website, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/spacefest.asp.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

RHINEGEIST BREWERY EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION TO DAYTON

May 11, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The brewery boom that is now happening in Dayton started just a little bit earlier in Cincinnati. Rhinegeist Brewery opened in the historic Over the Rhine near Findlay Market in June of 2013. The 50,000 square foot brewery was originally built before prohibition in 1895 and was operated as part of the Moerlein Brewing company. Rhinegeist opened their doors as a 20-barrel brewhouse with four 40-barrel fermenters, and has since expanded to an annual capacity of over 10,000BBL (20,000 kegs).

Rhinegeist co-founders Bryant Goulding (left) and Bob Bonder.

The yin/yang of their brewing philosophy is hoppy/sessionable, and they aim to brew beers where “the first sip calls for the third”. Rhinegiest co-founder Bryant Goulding was the West Coast regional sales manager for Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewery, and prior to that, worked for California’s Anderson Valley Brewing Company. In September 2011, Goulding received a call from Bob Bonder, president of the Tazza Mia coffee house empire. Bonder, 31, met Goulding when the two worked in San Francisco. Bonder asked Goulding to visit Cincinnati to help work on the business plan for Rhinegeist. Goulding responded: “Bob, I’m not going to move to Cincinnati,” but agreed to assist. He ultimately returned to the West Coast, broke up with his girlfriend, and set in motion plans that led to his move to Ohio in 2012.

Rhinegeist Brewery recently announced that theye are expanding distribution to include the entire Dayton Ohio market. Beer drinkers throughout Dayton will be able to get their hands on the Cincinnati-made brew in local bars, restaurants, and retail locations. To celebrate the launch, Rhinegeist will be partnering with various local watering holes to throw tapping/tasting parties. Each party will include the chance to enjoy Rhinegeist beer, enter to win prizes, and even meet the brewery staff (they’re an interesting bunch, promise).

Dayton Launch Events:

Mon,May 12- Company 7 BBQ Brew Crew Event

Wed, May 14- Rhinegeist Tap Takeover at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Thurs, May 15 – Archers Tavern Official Dayton Launch Party

Fri, May 15 – Big Brews & Blues Festival

Local Celebs The Village Fam Host Legendary Rapper Crooked I at Peach’s

May 11, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

On Monday, May 12, famous Rap Artist Crooked I, Member of the All-Star Rap Group Slaughterhouse produced by the legendary Eminem, will perform Live at Peach’s Bar and Grill located at 104 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. The Guinness Book of Records holder for longest freestyle, M- Eighty will be accompanying Cooked I. Opening for Crooked I will be local celebrities, The Village Fam, and other great local artist such as Obelo, Ty Spacely, Stone Cold, and the Alpha Team. Doors will open at 9 pm, and DJ Philly Phill will be DJing throughout the night.

This will be a historic night for the small town of Yellow Springs. It will be the first time a famous mainstream rapper performs live in the village. The show is being hosted by The Village Fam, a unique Rap/ Hip Hop group based out of Yellow Springs. This local rap group have not only caught the attention of the Shady Records artist, but have also collaborated with the legendary Wu Tang Clan’s Cappadonna on a Cypher, as well as opening for high profile legends such as Stalley from Maybach Music, and MC LYTE. The Village Fam have released 3 albums as a group and 5 solo albums from various members within the group. They are rapidly growing in popularity because each member of the group has a unique style which allows them to appeal to a diverse audience. They display deep intellectual lyricism along with hard core crowd-moving beats that are produced within the group.

This will be a magical night in Yellow Springs that no true music fan should miss. Tickets are $10 at the door. Venue capacity is expected, so for pre-sale tickets, fans can text “tickets” to (937)561-3809. Tickets also available at Peach’s Bar and Grill, and Toxic Beauty Records located at 220 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. For more information regarding The Village Fam, please visit https://www.facebook.com/villagefam. For press inquiries, please contact publicist, Eva Costa at(937)554-7766.

Chaminade Julienne Named Dayton’s First Fair Trade School

May 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Chaminade Julienne officially became the first internationally recognized Fair Trade School in southwest Ohio on April 14. “It is so important to connect students and teachers to the issue of Fair Trade,” said Courtney Lang, the national organizer for Fair Trade Towns and Schools. “Having the designation as a Fair Trade School shows members of the Chaminade Julienne community that they can make a difference to change the global economy, both now and in the future.”

Students(L to R): Cari Zahn, Annelise Wilimitis, Will Howard and Isabela Rougeux earned official recognition fromFair Trade Campaigns, a grassroots movement that recognizes advocates throughout the United States, upon completing their Senior Capstone project. The Senior Capstone is a student-initiated inquiry into a social justice issue. The project challenges students to make an impact on the issue and work for justice in our world today. Seniors work in groups of two, three or four for an entire year to complete four phases of the Capstone. The third phase requires students to present their research and findings publicly.

CJ is just the 12th Fair Trade School in the country according to Lang. To achieve the distinction, students collaborated with local business owner and activist London Coe. “By becoming a Fair Trade School, CJ is saying that they are committed to creating leaders who want to be civically engaged,” Coe said. She is the founder of Peace on Fifth, a “compassionate commerce” store that sells Fair Trade products downtown at 234 S. Dutoit Street. “When kids and parents are looking at CJ to attend or when graduates are applying to college, they will know that beyond the legacy of building great minds, CJ is building great hearts,” she said.The official designation means that CJ — in harmony with its mission to educate the whole person, work for justice and develop family spirit — will continue to support issues including:

paying workers a fair wage,
ending human trafficking and child labor,
promoting education for children,
protecting the environment, and
respecting artists and artisans by honoring their cultural diversity.

“Peace on Fifth, London Coe (pictured right) specifically, was amazing help in completing our project,” Zahn said.“We joined the Dayton Fair Trade steering committee which London is the head of, and we just kind of became the CJ branch. Through those meetings we were able to keep up with the Fair Trade things happening in the Dayton community.”

In July 2013, Dayton was declared a “Fair Trade city” through a resolution passed by the City Commission. The city earned its official designation as a Fair Trade Town from Fair Trade Campaigns that August, said Lang, becoming one of the fastest certified cities in the nation.

Inspired by this progress, the four CJ seniors began working with Coe and Molly Bardine, CJ capstone coordinator, toward earning the school’s Fair Trade certification in the fall of 2013. The process challenged students to earn three “badges” — one for creating a team, one for organizing Fair Trade education events, and one for sourcing Fair Trade products at school.

To accomplish these requirements, the seniors screened the documentary “The Dark Side of Chocolate,” for their classmates and even took advantage of Prom by distributing Fair Trade chocolate in with Prom favors. Finally, students worked with the school’s cafeteria vendor, W.G. Grinders, to make Honest Tea — a Fair Trade beverage — available at lunch.

“Through continued engagement, we’d like to use CJ as a model for other private high schools that want to become Fair Trade Schools,” Lang said.

CJ is one of two Fair Trade school in all of Ohio. It took the Capstone group just eight months to complete the project, one that would normally take years.

“Our goal with this project was to simply educate people to make them more conscience consumers, but continuing the project is key to earning the badge. What’s awesome is there has already been talk about some juniors wanting to take over and do bigger and better things,” Howard said.

“As a group we’re just happy to say we were able to bring the subject of Fair Trade to light at CJ. From here forward it will support itself, all we had to do was open the door,” he said.

ABOUT THE SENIOR CAPSTONE
The Senior Capstone is a student-initiated inquiry into a social justice issue. The project challenges students to make an impact on the issue and work for justice in our world today. All projects connect to Catholic Social Teaching. Seniors work in groups of two, three or four for an entire year to complete four phases of the Capstone. The third phase requires students to present their research and findings publicly. The program is supported by the school’s $20 million campaign, LIFT — Leading in Faith Today. To learn more, visit www.cjeagles.org/senior-capstone.

How To Deal With The Stigma Of Mental Health.

May 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment