💎 Gifts, Grapes, & Giving Back (Issue #16)

Good morning,

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

‘Tis the season of last-minute shopping, and wondering if that gift you ordered will get here in time 🕒🤔. Hopefully, you’re not feeling the pressure too much though, and have been able to snag some cool things from the holiday bazaars we’ve been sharing.

Speaking of the holidays, we have two quick updates for you. First, we are taking the last week of the year off, so there will be no Miami Valley Memo in your inbox on Dec. 28th. But don’t worry — we still have you covered this week and next!

Our second update is a new little section we’ve added at the bottom of the email. We’re now featuring the “Top Review From Last Week“, where we share an anonymized screenshot of a review we received on the last week’s issue. Please keep letting us know what you think, and it might get featured in the future!

With those out of the way, here’s what we’re covering today:

• Upcoming events and live shows

• Issue 2 Update: Ohio House kicks the can down the road and decides to keep the law as is for now

• One Bistro’s creative way to use meal tokens to help feed those in need

• Joui Wine — a new place to try and buy wine (and dine) downtown

• The City of Kettering’s home improvement program offers low-to-no-interest loans to qualifying residents

Let’s get to it!

— Max

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⚡ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

30° 🌡️ 52° | ⛅ | ☔ 0% | 💨 7 mph

Saturday

41° 🌡️ 50° | ☁️ | ☔ 0% | 💨 6 mph

Sunday

40° 🌡️ 50° | 🌧️ | ☔ 40% | 💨 10 mph

🍻 Holiday Hop

📅 Friday: 5-9pm
📍 Moeller Brew Barn, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free

Throw on your ugliest holiday sweater and barhop through the Water Street District. Start your adventure by picking up your passport at Moeller Brew Barn. Savor seasonal flavors at each stop, including Warped Wing, Little Fish Brewing, Dayton Barrel Works, and The Foundry. After making each stop, return to Moeller to claim your festive prize. A night of holiday cheer and tasty sips awaits! Learn more.

🐾 Home for the Holidays Adoption Event

📅 Saturday: 10-4pm
📍 JC Penny in the Dayton Mall
💰 Free

Looking to adopt a furry friend this holiday season? Check out this holiday dog adoption drive hosted by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, SICSA, and Montgomery County Animal Resource Center. Their friendly staff will be there to help and sweeten the deal with special pricing. Find your new four-legged family member and add some paw-sitivity to your holidays! Learn more.

🎁 Oregon District Holiday Bazaar

📅 Saturday: 12-5pm
📍 The Oregon District
💰 Free

See the Oregon District's bars and restaurants turned into a festive marketplace. Browse hand-crafted goods and treats from over 30 local makers and artisans, including offerings from Sadass' candles and Love Stuft Cookies. Another place to find those final gifts to finish your holiday shopping list. Learn more.

🎉 Celebrating The Village Gala

📅 Saturday: 5pm
📍 Sinclair Conference Center, Downtown Dayton
💰 $60

Support Sunlight Village's mission while celebrating those who have helped them succeed. Since 2008, they've provided vital mental health and economic services to youth across Montgomery County and Dayton. As you may recall from our coverage last week, Sunlight is partnering with Dayton Children's to run the Healthy Family Market opening in West Dayton next year. Help those helping our community. Get your tickets here.

🔦 Luminary Walk

📅 Saturday: 6-8pm
📍 Wilson Park, West Carrollton
💰 Free

Walk through Wilson Park transformed into a magical, illuminated wonderland! Enjoy the glow of holiday lights and festive music. Roast marshmallows, savor hot cocoa, and cherish an evening of warmth and joy with family and friends. A delightful way to celebrate the holidays together with the West Carrollton community. Learn more.

🍰🍺 Dessert Beer Fest

📅 Saturday: 7pm
📍 The Barrel House, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free

Indulge in a unique celebration of beer and dessert. Try eight tempting dessert-inspired beers on tap, like Chocolate/Coconut Pastry Stout, Key Lime Pie Sour, and Apple Strudel Ale. Then, explore the sweet treat buffet to make your own perfect pairings. If you love unique beers and decadent desserts, this is an event you won't want to miss. Your sweet tooth will thank you! Learn more.

✂️ Artisan Night DIY Workshops

📅 Sunday: 5:30pm
📍 2nd Street Market, Downtown Dayton
💰 $10+

Looking to make your own unique gifts this holiday season? The 2nd Street Market's vendors are ready to help with DIY Workshops. Learn to sew or embroider a Christmas ornament, blend your own tea, make fused glass ornaments, and more. Prices vary, with some workshops welcoming walk-ins and others requiring registration. From tree-of-life necklaces to tabletop arrangements and macrame ornaments, there's something for every craft lover. Learn more.

🧑‍🍳 Cinnamon Roll Workshop

📅 Saturday, Dec. 23rd: 1-3pm
📍 Hidden Valley Orchards, Lebanon
💰 $60

Add baking ever-so-yummy cinnamon rolls to your repertoire with hands-on expert guidance. By the end, you'll have a whole pan to take home and share... though no one would blame you if you didn’t! Sample HVO's rolls while yours bake, and grab a drink from their bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). There were only a few tickets left when we wrote this, so if this is how you roll, get your tickets while you still can.

🍷 December Wine Dinner

📅 Thursday, Dec. 28th: 6pm
📍 Salar Restaurant, Oregon District
💰 $99

Salar is one of Dayton's most highly-reviewed fine-dining establishments, known for its Peruvian and world-fusion cuisine served in a casual atmosphere. As they finish 2023, they're going out with a bang with a special wine dinner. This 5-course feast features wine pairings selected by Wine Trend's own Kara York. Picture purple cabbage ravioli, pistachio-encrusted lamb chops, and so much more. Interested? Check out the menu for yourself and get your tickets here.

🎸 HoliDayton with Hawthorne Heights

📅 Friday, Dec. 29th: 6:30pm
📍 The Brightside Music and Event Venue, Downtown Dayton
💰 General: $22 | VIP: $50

Rock out at the 21st annual HoliDayton music festival, headlined by Dayton's own Hawthorne Heights! This festival showcases a fantastic lineup of local bands across two stages, featuring an electric set by Hawthorne Heights. Get ready for a night filled with the Gem City's finest rock and roll. With limited tickets available, it'd be a good move to secure yours ASAP if this is your kind of jam. Get your tickets here.

🍾 New Year's Eve: Countdown to 2024

📅 Sunday, Dec. 31st: 9pm
📍 The Dayton Arcade, Downton Dayton
💰 $125

Ring in the New Year with a special celebration at the historic Dayton Arcade, hosted by Culture Works! Since 1974, they've championed the arts. Now they're kicking off their 50th year in style by hosting their first-ever New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy an evening filled with music, dancing, drinks, and immersive art. Savor delicious hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. Your ticket includes two drinks to make the night even more festive. We wouldn't be surprised if these tickets go fast! Don't miss out, grab your tickets here.

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

🎭 Blair Hall Theatre, Sinclair | ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas And We’re HOME ALONE! | 12pm | $8

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

🎶 Bock Family Brewing | Gary David Reece | 7pm | Free

🎶 Ralph's American Grill | Sean Poole | 7pm | Free

🎶 Little Fish Dayton Station | The Howdy Boyz | 7pm | Free

💂 Schuster Center | Dayton Ballet: The Nutcracker | 7:30pm | $30+

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Chris Porter | 7:30pm | $20

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | Dayton Salsa Project Christmas Party | 7:30pm | $10

🎭 Victoria Theatre | Cirque Dreams Holidaze | 7:30pm | $50+

🎶 Jayne's On Main | Kierstead | 7:30pm | Free

🎭 Lucky Star Brewery | Ben & Pete | 8pm | Free

🎶 Yellow Cab Tavern | Before The Day | 8pm | Online: $12, Door: $15

🎶 Big A BBQ Bar & Grill | Lady T of Cinti | 8pm | $16

🎶 O'Leary's Pub & Grub | Two for the Road | 8pm | Free

🎶 The Pour Haus | Jake Roberts | 9pm | Free

🎶 Courtyard Lounge | Finding Melissa (21+) | 9pm | Free

🎶 Knollwood Tavern | SugRRock | 9pm | Free

Saturday

🎭 Victoria Theatre | Cirque Dreams Holidaze | 12pm & 4pm | $50+

🎭 Blair Hall Theatre, Sinclair | ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas And We’re HOME ALONE! | 2pm, 4pm & 7pm | $8

💂 Schuster Center | Dayton Ballet: The Nutcracker | 2:30pm & 7:30pm | $30+

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

🔔 Carillon Park | Deeds Carillon Concert (A Carillon Christmas) | 6pm | Free

🎶 Bock Family Brewing | Generations Band | 7pm | Free

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | Dismembered In December | 7pm | $5

🎶 Devil Wind Brewing | Nick Mitchell and the Devil Wind House Band | 7pm | Free

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Chris Porter | 7pm & 9:45pm | $20

🎶 Jayne's On Main | The Martha's | 7:30pm | Free

🎶 Dublin Pub | Last Call | 8pm | Free

🎶 Phone Booth Lounge | Dirt Floor Pour | 8pm | Free

🎶 The Barrel | Barely Able | 8pm | Free

🎶 Yellow Cab Tavern | Salvadore Ross and The Social Q | 8pm | Online: $7, Door: $10

🎶 South Park Tavern | DBF & Thunderlover | 9pm | Free

🎶 Katz Lounge | Liars for Hire | 9pm | Free

Sunday

🎭 Blair Hall Theatre, Sinclair | ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas And We’re HOME ALONE! | 2pm & 4pm | $8

🎭 Victoria Theatre | Cirque Dreams Holidaze | 2pm & 6pm | $50+

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

💂 Schuster Center | Dayton Ballet: The Nutcracker | 7:30pm | $30+

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🗞️ LOCAL NEWS

🤷 Issue 2 Will Remain As Is… For Now?

Last Thursday, Issue 2 went into effect, and we told you we’d keep you up to date with the proposed changes. Here’s the latest, as of yesterday evening.

Yesterday (Wednesday, Dec. 13th) was the Ohio House’s final session of the year before their winter break. It was also their last chance to change Issue 2 before reconvening in the new year. They did not vote on any bills related to Issue 2, and the bills weren’t even on their agenda for the day. However, the House Financing Committee did have a third meeting on the matter and listened to public feedback. So, for now, Issue 2 will remain as it was originally passed.

On its face, this seems good. We don’t want politicians overruling the will of the voters. But now that the law is in effect, the state is in a bit of a pickle. While possessing marijuana for recreational use is now fully legal, there is nowhere for Ohioans to legally buy it. And as Issue 2 currently stands, recreational sales won’t go into effect for 9 more months.

The Senate’s bill addressed this by allowing existing medical dispensaries to start selling recreationally immediately after DeWine signs the bill into law. But for that bill to get to his desk, the House would have had to approve it yesterday, which they did not. [Ohio Capital Journal]

🪙 A New Way To Feed Those In Need

One Bistro, a community cafe in Xenia, has introduced a novel "one token, one meal" program to help feed those in need. They got this idea after visiting another community cafe in South Dakota and knew they had to bring it back to the Miami Valley.

The program is simple: Patrons buy meal tokens, which can be given to anyone as a meal voucher. This approach offers a tangible way to help, replacing cash donations with meal tokens.

One Bistro is no stranger to community service. Since 2012, they've provided affordable meals and served over 100,000 complimentary meals in Greene and Montgomery counties. This token initiative builds on their commitment to helping the hungry.

If you'd like to buy some tokens to give, you can get them in person at their store. They're located at 87 East Main St. in Xenia, and open on Wednesday through Friday from 11-2 pm and Saturday from 8-2 pm. [WDTN]

🍷 Now Serving: Joui Wine

Joui, a new wine shop and bar, opened last Thursday (Dec. 7th) in Downtown Dayton. They offer budget-friendly bottles under $20 as well as organic, eco-friendly, and premium wines. The owner, Lauren Gay, had initially planned for a retail-only store. But after falling in love with a larger space, she decided to evolve Joui into a place for both sipping and snacking. Every week, they feature new wines to try by the glass. As far as food goes, they have a menu of light bites like charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and salads.

They also have a monthly wine club called "The Dose". Members can sign up to get two or four bottles delivered to them each month. These selections are curated and accompanied by food pairing recommendations.

Joui is located at 117 E. Third St. and is open from Thursday to Sunday, 11-9 pm. Visit Joui's website, Instagram, or Facebook to learn more. [Dayton.com]

🛠️ Kettering’s Home Improvement Funds

Homeowners in Kettering have a new opportunity to renovate their homes with low-interest loans, thanks to $250,000 in grant funds received by the city. This program supports common home improvements such as HVAC system upgrades, new doors and windows, roof replacements, and more.

The interest rates range from 0-3% based on the borrower's income. Of the total funds, $225,000 is available for the loans, and the remaining amount covers administrative fees.

Eligibility criteria include owning and occupying a single-family home in Kettering. Income eligibility varies by household size, starting at $49,850 per year for single-person households to $94,000 per year for families of eight.

To apply or learn more, homeowners can contact Kettering's community development program coordinator at 937-296-3308. [Dayton Daily News]

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Top Review From Last Week