💎 From Carving 🦃’s To Lighting 🌲’s (Issue #14)

Good morning,

And welcome to another issue of Miami Valley Memo. Every week we share events and news curated for the Miami Valley.

With Thanksgiving behind us, we’re fully in the holiday season. As you’ll see today with almost only holiday-themed events this weekend.

It looks like we’ll have a relatively warm weekend ahead, although the predicted rain can kick rocks as far as I’m concerned. I believe that snow is the only acceptable form of precipitation. Definitely the prettiest.

Enough rambling from me about the weather like I’m making small talk with a stranger. Here’s what we’re covering today:

• Lots and lots of holiday events

• This weekend’s live shows

• Ohio’s growing bald eagle population

• Sheetz taking Centerville to court over the city’s approval reversal

• Who UD and WSU women’s volleyball teams are going up against in their first NCAA tournament games this week

• The brand new Dayton Children’s Kids Express facility that opened this week in the Centerville-Sugarcreek area

Let’s get to it!

— Max

🕒 5 Days Left: Share, Win, Eat!

Our gift card giveaway ends this Sunday, December 3rd. That’s right, there are only 5 days left to join the fun and up your chances to grab a bite on us! 

🎁 What's on the prize menu, you ask? Here’s the specials:

• A $100 fine-dining experience at Salar, Pine Club, or Paragon Supper Club.

• A $50 culinary adventure at El Meson, Old Scratch, or Pasha Grill.

• A $25 cozy catch-up at Blueberry Cafe, Ghostlight Coffee, or Bill's Donuts.

Joining the party is a piece of cake! Just share your unique link with your local pals—be it on social, through email, text, carrier pigeon... however you communicate.

👉 Copy your unique link: https://community.mvmemo.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Curious about how many you've made? Visit your referral hub here.

Keep your eyes peeled next Monday when we draw the 3 lucky winners. If you've been spreading the word, get ready for some potentially good news!

⚡ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

50° 🌡️ 46° | 🌧️ | ☔ 100% | 💨 13 mph

Saturday

52° 🌡️ 37° | ☁️ | ☔ 10% | 💨 8 mph

Sunday

53° 🌡️ 35° | 🌧️ | ☔ 30% | 💨 10 mph

🔔 Waynesville's Christmas in the Village

📅 Friday: 6-9pm | Saturday: 1-8pm | Sunday: 12-4pm
📍 Downtown Waynesville, Waynesville
💰 Free

Step into a winter wonderland and join Waynesville in welcoming the holidays. See their downtown glow with over a thousand luminaries, lighting up their unique shops and restaurants. Sip hot cocoa while munching cookies and enjoying live acts in a heated tent. And make sure not to miss Santa's grand entrance on a firetruck! Learn more.

❄️ Fairborn Holiday Festival

📅 Friday: 4-7pm
📍 Downtown Fairborn
💰 Free

Join the festive fun in Downtown Fairborn! Families are welcomed to Santa’s Candy Cane Land at Main Street Commons. Kids can enjoy free activities like craft stations and writing letters to Santa, plus snap photos in an inflatable snow globe. Then for a small fee, they can also enjoy slides, train rides, and more. Don't miss the tree lighting with Santa at 7 pm, kicking off Fairborn's holiday season. Learn more.

✂️ Handmade Holiday

📅 Friday: 5-10pm | Saturday: 11-5pm
📍 Yellow Cab Tavern, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free

Take your holiday shopping down to Yellow Cab Tavern this weekend. Browse unique and handcrafted treasures from over 20 local vendors. Explore a variety of crafts and support local artisans in their creative endeavors, including offerings ranging from Barmaid Soap to Autonomous Crafts & Services. A delightful way to add a personal touch to your holidays. Learn more.

🎅 Visit With Santa

📅 Friday: 5-7:30pm | Saturday: 12-2pm, 5-7:30pm | Sunday: 12-2pm
📍 Springboro Performing Arts Center, Springboro
💰 Free

Bring your little ones for a magical day with Santa! They'll get to share their wishes, dive into fun craft-making, and enjoy delicious sweet treats. It's a perfect family outing to capture the joy and wonder of the season and create more holiday memories. Learn more.

🎄 Kettering Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting

📅 Friday: 6-8pm
📍 Lincoln Park Civic Commons, Kettering
💰 Free

Join the Kettering community for the mayor's tree lighting ceremony. Witness the Christmas Tree come to life and listen to the Kettering Children’s Choir singing carols, all while savoring hot chocolate and cookies. Can't attend? Watch the festivities streamed live on YouTube at 5:45 pm. Plus, with the Santa Paws event returning at Lincoln Park at the same time, you can snap some festive photos with your pups. Learn more.

🕯️ Luminary Walk

📅 Friday: 6:30-8:30pm
📍 Bill Yeck Park, Centerville
💰 Free (Registration Requested)

Take a serene, candlelit walk in Bill Yeck Park. Choose from a cozy half-mile paved route, half-mile gravel loop, or an adventurous one-mile trail. Stay warm around the Smith House fire circle and enjoy enchanting carols by Centerville High's symphonic choir. Get there early and grab a free hot chocolate at the Forest Field shelter, while supplies last. Learn more.

🎁 Purple Poinsettia Craft & Vendor Show

📅 Saturday: 9-4pm | Sunday: 10-3pm
📍 Greene County Fairgrounds, Xenia
💰 $3 cash donation

Head over to the Greene County Fairgrounds for a unique craft and vendor show. All it takes is a small cash donation to enter and explore the offerings of over 100 vendors. Check out everything from artisan candles and jewelry to gourmet treats and handcrafted art. Grab a bite from the food trucks and stay warm in the heated buildings. Plus, consider donating items like trash bags or dog toys to support the animal shelter. A perfect blend of shopping and giving back. Learn more.

🎨 Rosewood Holiday Arts Festival

📅 Saturday: 11-3pm
📍 Rosewood Arts Center, Kettering
💰 Free

Celebrate the arts with Rosewood and their local artists. Shop for that special gift from unique items like glass mosaics, kinetic sculptures, textiles, and more. Keep warm with a soup from the Soup Bowl Fundraiser. Each soup you buy supports the artists and Kettering Parks Foundation. Watch expert instructors as they turn glass, ceramics, metals, and more materials into works of art. Enjoy festive performances from the Kettering Civic Band and Children's Choir. A great mix of art, community, and holiday spirit! Learn more.

🍺 Whiskey Rebellion Day

📅 Saturday: 11am
📍 Warped Wing, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free entry | Bottles from $10 and up

Calling all stout lovers! Join the excitement at the downtown Taproom for the launch of Warped Wing's Whiskey Rebellion beer. This bold Imperial Stout is aged in Bourbon Barrels and has a hefty 11.2% ABV. Each hour, they will have different flavors on tap for you to enjoy like Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch and Amaretto Coffee. Take the experience home by purchasing your own bottles, including the exclusive 7-Year Reserve. Enjoy live music and each brew as they cycle through them in a celebration of the robust flavors! Learn more.

🎆 West Carrollton Holiday Festival

📅 Saturday: 4-6pm
📍 Civic Center, West Carrollton
💰 Free

Ring in the holidays with the West Carrollton community! Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, music by the WCHS choir and orchestra, and fun activities like a candy cane hunt and ornament making. Write a letter to Santa and don't miss the tree-lighting ceremony. Snap a free picture with Santa, and savor hot chocolate and cookies (like the jolly fellow himself). It's a perfect family evening full of holiday cheer! Learn more.

🎊 Miamisburg Holiday Celebration

📅 Saturday: 4-8pm
📍 Downtown Miamisburg
💰 Free

Celebrate the season in downtown Miamisburg with a dazzling parade along Main Street. Watch the mayor bring the Christmas tree to life at Riverfront Park. Then, meet Santa near the tree for a memorable photo. Enjoy the Holiday Bazaar, Candy Cane Lane, dance shows, kid's crafts, and a hot chocolate bar. Jump into the holiday joy! Learn more.

Events marked with an asterisk (*) in the “featured” section have been sponsored by our advertising or affiliate partners. Have an event you’d like to promote? Get in touch with us here.

🎤 LIVE SHOWS 

Friday

🎭 La Comedia | Miracle on 34th Street | 12:30pm & 7:30pm | $39+ kids, $70+ adults

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | The Michael Harris Tranz-Fusion | 6pm | $10

🎶 Heathers Cafe | Velvet Crush Unpluggged | 7pm | Free

🎭 Town Hall Theatre | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - JV | 7pm | $16

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Cam Bertrand | 7:30pm | $20

🎶 Knollwood Tavern | Comstock Lode | 8:30pm | Free

🎶 Phone Booth Lounge | The Distance | 8pm | Free

🎶 The Pour Hous | Winchester Gray | 9pm | Free

🎶 Courtyard Lounge | Rocko Dalian Acoustic | 9pm | Free

Saturday

🎭 Town Hall Theatre | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - JV | 3pm | $16

💂 Bellbrook High School Auditorium | Miami Valley Dance Company: Nutcracker 2023 | 3pm & 7pm | $15+

🎭 La Comedia | Miracle on 34th Street | 7:30pm | $39+ kids, $70+ adults

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Cam Bertrand | 7pm & 9:45pm | $20

🎺 Schuster Center | Holiday Pops with Canadian Brass | 7:30pm | $14+

🩰 Victoria Theatre | DCDC: In The Spirit Of... Grace | 7:30pm | $15+

🎶 Jayne's On Main | Ben & Pete | 7:30pm | Free

🎶 Yellow Cab Tavern | Terrapin Moon (Grateful Dead cover) | 8pm | $12 advance, $15 door

🎶 The Barrel | Timestamp | 8pm | Free

🎶 Phone Booth Lounge | Curious Animals | 8pm | Free

🎶 Kingspoint Pub | Britches Down | 8:30pm | Free

🎶 South Park Tavern | Colin Richards and Spare Change | 9pm | Free

🎶 Courtyard Lounge | The Flat Out Band | 9pm | $5

🎶 The Pour Hous | Until Rust | 9pm | Free

🎶 The Trolley stop | Strange Range | 9pm | Free

Sunday

🎭 La Comedia | Miracle on 34th Street | 12:30pm & 7:30pm | $39+ kids, $70+ adults

🎶 Yellow Cab Tavern | NOVENA (Benefit Show) | 2pm | $10

🎻 Schuster Center | Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Winter Concert | 2:30pm | $6+

💂 Bellbrook High School Auditorium | Miami Valley Dance Company: Nutcracker 2023 | 3pm | $15+

🎭 Town Hall Theatre | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - JV | 3pm | $16

🩰 Victoria Theatre | DCDC: In The Spirit Of... Grace | 4pm | $15+

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🗞️ LOCAL NEWS

⚖️ Sheetz Sues Centerville Over Reversal

About a month ago, we shared that Centerville reversed its approval of a new Sheetz store at 6318 Far Hills. The city made this unanimous decision after getting pressure from the community, particularly Bethany Lutheran Village, Epiphany Lutheran Church, and a local property owner. Surprising no one, Sheetz isn't happy about this decision. And is now taking Centerville to court over it.

Sheetz argues that Centerville's reversal was unfair and lacked solid evidence. They're asking the courts to uphold the original approval and allow them to build this new store. In response to this lawsuit, Centerville's city manager emphasized their commitment to the community. Saying their goal is to "secure the continued safety and quality of life for our residents, businesses, and institutions."

This legal battle is part of Sheetz's larger plan to expand in the Dayton area. A plan whose goal is to open 20 new locations in five years. Just in August, they opened their first Miami Valley store in Huber Heights. They already have 70+ locations in Ohio, hundreds nationwide, and reported $11.7 billion in revenue for 2022. [Dayton Business Journal]

🏐 NCAA Women’s Volleyball: Flyers’ and Raiders’ Matchups

Last Sunday, UD's and WSU's volleyball teams learned their opponents for the upcoming NCAA tournament. The tournament gives both teams another chance to show their skills and rep the Miami Valley on the national stage!

The Flyers, boasting a strong 31-2 record and on a 26-game winning streak, will face Pepperdine. They are set to play this Friday at 7 pm at Washington State University. The last time these two programs matched up was in 2012, which Dayton won. This marks Dayton's 17th appearance in the NCAA tournament. While they've never made it past the second round, they've won 9 of 16 first-round games.

The Raiders, Horizon League champions with a 21-10 record, are going up against Louisville. They are playing tonight (Thursday) in Louisville at 7 pm. Louisville is ranked #4 and Wright State #80. In August, the two faced off resulting in a 3-1 loss for WSU. This is a high-stakes rematch, and Wright State is the clear underdog. This is WSU's fourth NCAA appearance in five years, showing how their program continues to grow stronger. As a proud WSU alum, I'm hoping they can pull off the upset tonight! [Dayton Daily News]

🦅 Ohio’s Bald Eagle Population Soars

Ohio's bald eagle population is on the rise with a 10.5% increase in nests this year. This gives us a total estimated population of 910 across the state. This growth is a significant rebound from last year's modest 2% increase. Wildlife biologist Laura Kearns attributes that dip to an avian flu outbreak. Since 2012, Ohio has recorded a staggering 151% increase in nests. To keep them safe, Kearns advises maintaining a distance of about 100 yards from their nests.

She also urges hunters and fishers to avoid using lead-based products. Lead poisoning remains a significant threat to eagles. So the less lead in our environment, the better. Though, that's probably true for everyone, not just eagles. Additionally, she recommends keeping an eye out for eagles while driving. Since they are scavengers, they can sometimes be found feeding on roadkill. I saw one for the first time last winter and was blown away. They're just so majestic! [WYSO]

🏥 New Kids Express In Centerville-Sugarcreek Area

Dayton Children's opened a new Kids Express center this week in the Centerville-Sugarcreek area. This new facility is designed for children from six weeks to 18 years old. They provide on-demand pediatric care for minor conditions like colds, flu, and ear infections. The facility is located at 6044 Wilmington Pike and is open from 10-8 pm on weekdays and 9-8 pm on weekends. They also offer telehealth video visits from 8-8 pm, every day. Though they will be closed on Christmas day.

Dr. Lisa Ziemnik, who leads this initiative, emphasizes that Kids Express is not a replacement for primary care providers. Instead, it's an alternative when families can't reach their primary pediatricians. The center will communicate with a child’s regular pediatrician, ensuring continuity of care. This is the fifth Kids Express in the region, part of Dayton Children's initiative to enhance pediatric care accessibility. [Dayton Daily News]

🙏 THANKS!

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Hope you have a great weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next Thursday!