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Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge Reopened

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The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Dayton reopened this morning.

The bridge is located between Deeds Point MetroPark and RiverScape MetroPark. It connects the northern portion of the Great Miami River Trail and the Stillwater River Trail to the southern portion of the Great Miami River Trail and the Mad River Trail.

“The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge is a key connection located at the nexus of our region’s more than 350 miles of connected trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network,” said Carrie Scarff, chief of planning and projects for Five Rivers MetroParks. “Connections such as the bridge are critical to maintaining that paved trail network, which make it fun and easy for Dayton-area residents and visitors to enjoy a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle.”

The previous structure, built in 2003, has been replaced with a bridge constructed from galvanized steel and solid beams in lieu of tubes. The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge was closed in 2019 after an inspection of the structure revealed it was rusting from inside due to the spray from the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights. The new bridge has an estimated lifespan of 75 years.

A ribbon cutting for the new Deeds Point Bridge will take place on Monday, June 28 at 9:15 a.m. with representatives from local and state organizations that have been involved with the project, including Five Rivers MetroParks, Montgomery County, the City of Dayton, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Miami Conservancy District, Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Catch The Little Mermaid at La Comedia

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La Comedia offers a unique combination of fine dining and Broadway-style entertainment and has been presenting shows since 1975.  Opening this week, Based on the classic Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid is a musical favorite for audiences of all ages. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

This production is sure to thrill the whole family in every way with its beautiful sets, dazzling costumes and an award-winning musical score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Revel in favorites including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Les Poissons,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl” and more!

A pre-show buffet is included with the ticket price, which runs from $65-76, with children 11 and under are just $35 for any regular show.  La Comedia offers a “4 for 3” discount for Sunday brunch – buy three full price adult tickets and the fourth ticket is free! There is also an “Early Bird” discount of $4/adult ticket when attending a show during its first two weeks.

For evening shows Thursday – Sunday, suggested arrival between 5:30-6:00 p.m. The buffet will open around 6:15 p.m. and the show will begin around 7:30 – 7:45 p.m. All shows have two acts with a 15-minute intermission.

For matinee shows Thursday, Friday & Sunday, arrivie between 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. The buffet will open around 11:15 a.m. and the show will begin around 12:30 – 12:45 p.m.  All shows have two acts with a 15-minute intermission.

 

Wright Dunbar BBQ Joint To Shut Down

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Texas Beef and Cattle Company announced today that they will cease retail, dine in, and carryout operations effective 27 June 2021. They will fulfill  catering obligations through the end of July and expects to vacate the Wright Dunbar location they’ve occupied since June of 2016 shortly thereafter. 

After months of reflection, surviving a Third street Bridge closure since January 2020, followed by an unprecedented pandemic since March 2020, and now extremely difficult labor shortage and ballooning meat prices, all the residual result of said pandemic, Texas Beef & Cattle Company has decided to take a step back, regroup, recharge, and reimagine TBCC version 2.0.   

 

James Nunez, Pitmaster and owner of Texas Beef & Cattle Company said “This is a very difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly. This has always been a labor of love.  We have poured ourselves into bringing Real South Texas Barbacue to the region. Our goal was to create a little piece of Texas right here in Dayton, Ohio.”

Texas Beef & Cattle Company has sincerely appreciated the support of all its customers, members, and community throughout the past 5+ years and look forward to seeing all of you again in the not-too-distant future. 

The Pitmaster continues “Erica Hubler and the Wright Dunbar Board have been wonderful landlords to Texas Beef & Cattle Company.  We encourage you to continue to support this hidden gem part of town!”

Stop by 1101 W. Third St. Dayton, OH – Texas Beef & Cattle Company over the next two weekends: June 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th to show your support.


Order bulk meat for your freezer, buy some Merchandise – who knows what a Texas Beef & Cattle Company version 1.0 T-shirt will get you in the future – or set up your next fandango.

Hours will be Saturday’s 3pm-9pm and Sunday’s 12pm-5pm. 

Follow Texas Beef & Cattle Company on Facebook, Instagram, and sign up for the email list on their website to be kept in the loop on their future plans.

Quest for The Best Soul Food

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I grew up just south of Dayton. In between Springboro and Lebanon and I grew up eating beans and cornbread on Sundays. The cornbread was made in a cast-iron skillet, and the beans were cooked all day on the stovetop. Sometimes the beans, or peas, would have a piece of ham, most times not. My little brother and I ate them with a wedge of onion. Fried potatoes were cooked in an electric skillet in lard or Crisco.

At my grandma’s apartment in Alabama fried okra, canned tomatoes that she put up, and a “mess” of greens were always part of Saturday dinners. She never cooked on Sunday. I always classified these foods as southern. A roasted chicken, a ham bone in a pot of peas, and that cornbread, white cornmeal, no sugar, baked in a skillet with lard. I now can make that cornbread and will sometimes buy a quart of buttermilk so I can eat soak the cornbread in a glass of the buttermilk and eat it with a spoon like my dad did.

It wasn’t until I was older that I learned in the north this is called soul food. Soul food scholar, author and fellow BBQ Judge Adrian Miller, says this about soul food:

“My contention is soul food is really the interior cooking of the Deep South that migrates across the country. I think of soul food as an immigrant cuisine and ultimately a national cuisine, because black folks just landed in all parts of the country.” -Adrian Miller

My grandma was born in Georgia, poor, lived in Alabama for the last 75 years of her life and worked in cotton fields, factories, and kept house for an old rich guy in the little city where she raised 7 kids on her own.

Like many others, she took the cheapest and least desirable foods and made created meals that created some of my favorite memories with my cousins and Alabama family. After her death, I began to search out the foods that reminded me of her table and the recipes my mom took from her mother-in-law’s kitchen. I have found two places that fit the bill perfectly here in Dayton.

Benjamins The Burger Master
1000 N Main St Dayton, OH 45405

When I need some beans and greens, my first stop is Benjamin’s Burger Master on Main. Most of you go there for the burger, but I go for the cornbread, collard greens, and pintos, or soup beans they always have on the line for lunch. There are always bbq ribs, made like my mom did in the crockpot, and fried chicken wings as well. But I am there for the memory of those soup beans poured over a piece of cornbread with a dash of hot sauce. When I close my eyes I can taste and smell the memories of that little eastside apartment where my cousins gathered in the tiny kitchen.

Huffies BBQ
925 McArthur Ave Dayton, OH 45417

Recently my work has me working on Edwin C Moses and that means Huffies BBQ is around the corner. This family-owned spot has been there forever. Literally. Their menu has it all. Black-eyed peas, pinto beans, fried okra, collard greens, ribs, and chicken. I had the greens, peas, and bbq ribs recently and the flavors were all there. There’s more to the menu, including burgers and fries, but that’s not what I am after when I am there.

I think southern food, soul food, is a lot like bbq. It takes a lot of time and love to create something special from foods that are often overlooked as cheap or difficult.

There has been a bevy of places that create some amazing food that gets close. Eden Spice in West Carrolton has the best fried cabbage. Stuffed Enuff on North Dixie didn’t survive the pandemic- but is still doing pop-ups,  and Fat Boyz BBQ hits all the right notes as well if you find them around town.

Where do you go for soul food and when can we meet for lunch?

Graeter’s Newest Bonus Flavor Released

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Graeter’s Ice Cream has unveiled their latest summer bonus flavor.  Midnight Snack is a malt ice cream and a mix of peanut butter cups, chocolate-covered pretzels and brownie pieces, officials said.

Bonus Flavors are considered a “Limited Time Only” flavor, and once the flavor is gone from scoop shops and online, the flavor is retired for the year. Previous bonus flavors realeased already this summer include pralines & cream and black raspberry.  Expect a new bonus flavor about every 3 weeks with the last announcement on Aug. 9.

A Celebration of the Emancipation of Enslaved Blacks in America.

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Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.  It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Juneteenth around town:

Juneteenth Commemoration Webinar Sinclair College – Friday, June 18, 11:30am
Guest speaker Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., Professor of African Studies at Princeton University, will discuss the importance of Juneteenth for all Americans. – Register here

Juneteenth Community Block Party
June 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Join The Wood Shoppes for a community Juneteenth celebration. The event is free to the public. There will be food, music, local vendors and activities for children. All are welcome!

Springboro’s Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Springboro is a significant landmark in the history of the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement. Our founding Quaker community played a major role as a  safe harbor for slaves paving the way for freedom for Black Americans.

Explore real sites of the Underground Railroad. With map in hand, visit 5 unique sites on a self-guided tour where volunteers at each stop will teach you more about how our Quaker ancestors were able to help slaves on their path to freedom. The Springboro Area Museum will be open from 9 am to 3 pm for visitors while the tours take place throughout the city. Visitors can get their map for the tour at the Springboro Area Museum located at 110 S. Main St. Springboro, OH 45066.

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament for all ages from U-12 to 40+. Event will take place at the Coffman YMCA of Greater Dayton at 88 Remick Blvd, Springboro, OH 45066. All games will be played outside, weather permitting, with indoor facilities available, if needed. First game will tip off at 9:00 am Check in will begin at 7:45 a.m.

Sankofa Juneteenth Celebration

Friday, June 18, 4:30pm –
Dusk at Liberation Park
(Corner of Superior and Broadway)

Saturday, June 19, 9:30am,
Parade from Gem City Market to Liberation Park
Vendors, Live Performances,
Elder’s Recognition at Liberation Park from 11am – Dusk

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Juneteenth Festival,
Saturday, June 19, 1 – 8:30pm
RiverScape MetroPark

Live Band: Premium Blend
Drill Team Competition

Hosted by Terry Da Voice

 

Oregon District Juneteenth Block Party, Saturday, June 19, Noon – 4pm, 200 Wayne Ave, Dayton
Food trucks, visual arts, music, and more! Bring your family as we pay homage to the true day of liberation for African-Americans in the US.

Juneteenth Commemoration at Levitt Pavilion
Saturday, June 19,
5 – 9pm

Poetry
Dance
Drumming
Musicians
Selfie Wall
Food Trucks

Live Concert with Tank and the Bangas

Lily’s Father’s Day 3 Course Meal

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When your Chef is a dad and you’re trying to figure out what to make for your Father’s Day special you ask him what he’d like for his celebration.  Chef Don didn’t hesitate when he said PRIME RIB!
So from 10am-7pm this Sunday, Lily’s in the Oregon District will  be offering the following Father’s Day special menu as a 3-course prix fixe menu:
Appetizers (choose one)
-Buffalo Deviled Eggs
Blue Cheese, celery and spicy tangy buffalo sauce (GF,V)
-Antipasto Salad:Pepperoncini, grape tomato, red onion, kalamata olives, ham, salami, artichoke hearts, feta, fresh parsley, with red wine herbed vinaigrette over chopped romaine (GF). Substitute ham and salami with toasted pepitas and hazelnuts for vegetarian
Entrees (choose one)
-Oven Roasted Prime Rib with Rosemary Garlic
Slow cooked prime rib served with smashed and crisped poutine with cheese curds, green bean poriyal, and a sauce duo of au jus and horse radish sour cream $32 (*GF)
-Charred Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, and Corn Panzanella- Grilled vegetables, toasted French bread, fresh mozzarella, tossed in red wine vinaigrette, fresh herbs and served with a side of green bean poriyal and topped with balsamic reduction $26 (V)
-Lox or Mock Lox Bagel- Choose between smoked salmon OR mock lox (smoked carrots) with whipped dill cream cheese, pickled red onion, caperberries, and fresh cucumber on a toasted bagel. Served with smashed and crisped poutine with cheese curds, green bean poriyal $20 (Mock Lox=V)
Dessert (choose one)
-Bourbon Pecan Pie with Candied Maple Bacon Ice Cream
-Lily’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
-GF Dessert available upon request
Prices on Entrees reflect the price for entree, appetizer, and dessert. The special menu is the only menu being served, and while the value is in the 3-course menu, all items are also available a la carte. There are Gluten Free and Vegetarian options for each course. We will also have the bar open to sell DORA drinks for outside consumption as part of Out on 5th.
Reservations can be booked online at: https://www.exploretock.com/lilys/ and require a $5 deposit per person that will be applied to the bill.

Riverway Maps Available in 10 Mile Segments

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Love to paddle, row, fish or bird watch? You’ve come to the right place. MCD publishes river maps of the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River water trails to help you plan your next – or first – kayaking or canoeing experience. The water trail maps show you public access points, river miles, safety information and more. Download them or contact your local park district for a printed copy.

You can also download more detailed maps of the Great Miami River in 10-mile sections. These river access and bike trail 10-mile segment maps will give you a variety of trip ideas.

Within the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, you can enjoy

  • 291 miles of rivers and streams
  • 3 whitewater play kayak parks
  • 117 public access points
  • 100+ natural and urban parks
  • World-class fishing
  • Unique river cities and towns

Six rivers and streams – the Great Miami River, Stillwater River and Mad River, along with Twin Creek, Greenville Creek and Buck Creek – make up one of only 21 national water trail systems (designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior) and the only one in Ohio. The three rivers are state-designated water trails, too. And the Stillwater River and Greenville Creek are state-designated Scenic Rivers.

Effort to Reclaim Dayton’s Negro League Heritage Launches Fundraising Campaign

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The Dayton Marcos were one of the original eight teams of the Negro National League in 1920. Despite that claim, only three known photos exist of players in Marcos uniforms.

A group of citizens and artists hope to change all that. The goal of the campaign is to raise money to depict players who played for the team, in period-appropriate Dayton Marcos jerseys, as well as historically accurate scenes through art.

“It’s hard for many people to appreciate history they can’t see,” says Alex Smith, a researcher, and organizer for the project. “But we have plenty of data, and images of many prominent players who played for Dayton at other stops in their career. We want to use the power of art to tell these stories, and help people connect with a heritage our city already has but isn’t properly recognized.”

Prominent local artists including Willis “Bing” Davis, Dwayne Daniel, James Pate, and Morris T. Howard are connected to the project.

The fundraiser, organized with local 501(c)(3) Planned2Give, seeks to raise $20k for numerous pieces of art, a historical marker, new reproduction jerseys, and the hope to eventually create public art.

To donate, visit daytonmarcos.org.

City of Dayton Announce Two Neighborhood Grant Programs

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The City of Dayton announces two neighborhood grant programs for 2021.
Mini-Grants: The Neighborhood Mini-Grants program awards grants of up to $5,000 for projects and initiatives benefiting neighborhoods, such as physical improvements, marketing materials, community events, and others. Recipient organizations are required to use grant funds to leverage a fifty percent match from other sources. Applications will be available June 23 at daytonohio.gov/minigrants and must be submitted by Friday, July 23.
Community Engagement Grants: The Community Engagement Grants (formerly Festival Grants) program is offered in recognition of the value of community festivals in bringing together residents, building community, and establishing identity. Up to two applications will be accepted yearly per organization, with a maximum award of $2,000. Applications are available at daytonohio.gov/communityengagement and may be submitted on an ongoing basis through November 30.
Organizations interested in applying for a Neighborhood Mini-Grant or a Community Engagement Grant should attend either of two training sessions held at City Hall (101 W. Third St., second floor) on Thursday, June 17, at 10:30 am or 5:30 pm.
Please contact Verletta Jackson at 937-333-3288 or [email protected] to RSVP for a training session or for more information.