💎 Holidays & Hoops (Issue #11)

Good morning,

And welcome to the 48 new subscribers that have joined us since last week! Every week we share events and news curated for the Miami Valley.

Though it doesn’t feel like it with how warm it’s been the last few days, the holidays are here. Or at least the shopping part of the holidays 🛍️. This week kicks of the beginning of local holiday events—which you know we’re sharing—and the start of the college basketball season.

It also marks our first-ever giveaway… but we’ll get to that in a second 👀.

In today’s issue we’ll be covering:

• Upcoming events, lots of holiday and music focused ones

• Local live shows you can catch this weekend

• Our election results coverage

• Dayton ranking in the top 10 best cities for women to work in

• UD’s Flyers starting their season strong with a win on Monday

• A new coffee spot + creative hub opening across from WSU

Let’s get to it!

— Max

Path To 1k: Gift Card Giveaway

In the spirit of the holidays, we're excited to announce our first referral giveaway! The window starts today, and ends on Sunday, December 3rd.

What can you win?

There are 3 gift card prizes up for grabs, each with 3 restaurants to choose from.

• $100 prize: Salar, Pine Club, or Paragon Supper Club

• $50 prize: El Meson, Old Scratch, or Pasha Grill

• $25 prize: Blueberry Cafe, Ghostlight Coffee, or Bill's Donuts

How it works

Share your unique link with your local friends and family who would enjoy our newsletter. For every confirmed referral you send our way, you'll get an entry. Each entry puts you in the drawing for a chance to win. More referrals = more entries = higher chance of winning.

Confirmed referrals are people who signed up for the newsletter, confirmed their subscription, and are active (haven't unsubscribed).

On drawing day, December 4th, we'll randomly pick 3 winners from the list of entries. The first winner will get the $100 gift card, the second the $50 gift card, and the third the $25 one. Then we'll reach out to each winner, get their restaurant pick, and send them their prize.

We're on the path to 1,000 subscribers. By sharing today, you're increasing your chances of winning and helping us grow along the way!

Here’s your unique referral link you can copy and share:

https://community.mvmemo.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

To see how many referrals you’ve made, you can visit your referral hub.

⚡ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

31° 🌡️ 59° | ⛅ | ☔ 0% | 💨 13 mph

Saturday

32° 🌡️ 51° | ⛅ | ☔ 10% | 💨 6 mph

Sunday

31° 🌡️ 54° | ⛅ | ☔ 10% | 💨 6 mph

🪕 Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival

📅 Thursday: 4-10pm | Friday: 10-11pm | Saturday: 10-10pm
📍 Roberts Centre, Wilmington
💰 $30+

Experience a three-day celebration of roots music featuring industry giants like Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. Dive into a diverse musical journey through bluegrass, country, and gospel in a smoke and alcohol-free environment. With an array of vendors, an open food court, and a full-service restaurant, they promise top-notch entertainment and family fun. Get tickets.

🎤 Kettering National A Cappella Festival

📅 Friday: 7:30pm | Saturday: 7pm
📍 Trent Arena, Kettering
💰 General Admission: $15 Friday, $25 Saturday | Reserved: $20 Friday, $30 Saturday

Join in a celebration of the vocal prowess and musical talent of a cappella. Friday features an academic showcase of 6-8 talented school groups, crowned by a performance from the headliner, Radius. The excitement continues Saturday, with Kettering's own award-winning groups, Fusion and Eleventh Hour, opening for another sensational hour-long performance by Radius. Get tickets.

🎨 Art, Antique & Craft Show

📅 Saturday: 9-3pm
📍 Fairmont Presbyterian Church, Kettering
💰 Free

Discover unique treasures and support great causes addressing hunger for good measure. With over 50 vendors, a vintage boutique, and special sections for furniture—there's something for everyone. Indulge in a delectable bake sale, take part in a silent auction, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Donate non-perishable food items to further aid hunger relief efforts. Proceeds will go to benefit the Kettering Backpack Program, South Dayton Food Bank, and World Central Kitchen. Learn more.

✂️ Holiday Arts & Craft Show

📅 Saturday: 9-4pm
📍 Kettering Recreation Complex, Kettering
💰 Free

Another opportunity for you to find handmade gifts for the holidays and support local businesses. We call that a win-win. The Kettering Rec will be filled with over 100 vendors sharing their wares. Feeling festive and looking for decorations? They'll have those too! It's a perfect one-stop destination for your holiday shopping. Learn more.

⛳ Oregon District Barstool

📅 Saturday: 11-6pm
📍 Multiple Locations, Oregon District
💰 Early-bird: $160 (team of 4) | Day-of: $180 (team of 4)

Tee off at Dayton's beloved mini-golf challenge where 10 iconic bars double as quirky putting greens. Journey through the Oregon District, club in hand, as you embark on a playful putt-putt adventure through each venue. Amp up the fun by participating in the costume extravaganza. Your creative getup could score you a grand prize! This fun event supports the United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton in their work to help folks of all ages with disabilities. Swing into action and support those supporting others in a day of lighthearted competition. Get tickets.

🎄 Austin Landing Christmas Tree Lighting

📅 Saturday: 5-8pm
📍 Austin Landing, Miamisburg
💰 Free

Kick off the holiday season at Austin Landing where the Christmas tree AND the sky will be lighting up! That's right, the night will be capped with a brilliant fireworks display. This party will start with a themed car parade and kept alive with live music from local talents like Ashley Martin and the Springboro Jr. High Choir. As far as activities go, there'll be a petting zoo, face painting, and the newest addition... ice skating. All with multiple food trucks serving up lots of goodies. Learn more.

🎁 November Night Market

📅 Sunday: 12-5pm
📍 Yellow Cab Tavern, Downtown Dayton
💰 Free

Embark on a festive shopping adventure with local crafters and artisans, offering a treasure trove of unique finds. Get a bite from Showdogs Hotdogs truck, and grab a drink while you browse. Enjoy a wide variety of goods—from hand-poured candles and artisan soaps to surreal artwork and custom laser engravings. Another great opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for your loved ones... or yourself! Learn more.

👣 Village Tour

📅 Sunday: 2pm
📍 SunWatch Village, Dayton
💰 Free

SunWatch invites you to step back in time with a free village tour. These guided explorations offer a great way to learn and be active. Enjoying our last few precious weeks of bearable weather. These tours will actually be available every Sunday, through the rest of November. Learn more.

🎄 The Greene Christmas Tree Lighting

📅 Thursday, Nov. 16th: 5pm
📍 The Greene, Beavercreek
💰 Free

Light up the night with the illumination of the Greene's 50-foot Christmas tree. The evening will kick off with a parade welcoming Santa, who will stick around for photos. Then the merriment will continue with music from a DJ and the enchanting experience of a live reindeer petting zoo. A perfect event for little ones and adults alike. Learn more.

🎪 Corteo by Cirque Du Soleil

📅 Thu, Nov. 16th: 7:30pm | Fri, Nov. 17th: 7:30pm | Sat, Nov. 18th: 3:30pm, 7:30pm | Sun, Nov. 19th: 1pm
📍 Nutter Center, Fairborn
💰 $50+

Cirque du Soleil is bringing their latest arena spectacle to Dayton. "Corteo" blends acting with acrobatics into one performance about a festive parade through the eyes of a clown. Join 10 million people worldwide who have enjoyed the show and been immersed into a world of humor, wonder, and finesse. Get tickets.

🎩 Steampunk Soiree (21+)

📅 Saturday, Nov. 18th: 6pm
📍 Air Force Museum, Dayton
💰 $40 per person (cash bar)

Embark on a fantastical journey where Victorian elegance meets futuristic innovation. Explore a world of mystery and wonder, with immersive activities like virtual welding, trivia, and a special steampunk exhibit. Throw on your finest attire—with gears and googles of course! A nice evening filled with crafted cocktails, hot hors d'oeuvres, and open aircraft explorations for you to enjoy. Get tickets.

🎼 Levitt UpClose

📅 Friday, Dec. 8th: 7pm
📍 Dayton area
💰 General Admission: $35 | VIP: $50

Get ready for an exclusive musical rendezvous with Levitt's UpClose series. Embrace the mystery as the location remains a secret until the day before the event. As well as the artists, who are only unveiled as they take the stage. This unique experience promises to extend the Levitt Dayton vibe into the cooler months. Bring your own beverages, some snacks, and enjoy a night of surprises, all while supporting their free summer concerts. We're sharing this early because these tickets are limited and will go fast. Get yours 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

🎭 Schuster Center | Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony | 7:30pm | $6

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Alfred Kainga | 7:30pm | $20

😂 Wileys Comedy Club | Travis Charles And Friends | 8pm | $15

🎭 The Loft Theatre | Angry, Raucous, And Shamelessly Gorgeous | 8pm | $23

💬 Black Box Improv Theatre | The Darkest Hour | 8pm | $15

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | Moontemple, Radian, Modern Witchcraft, ThunderLover | 8pm | $10

Saturday

🎶 Yellow Cab Tavern | Price Brothers & Ludlow Creek | 6:30pm | $8 advance, $10 doors

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Alfred Kainga | 7pm | $20

🎭 Schuster Center | Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony | 7:30pm | $6

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

🎭 The Loft Theatre | Angry, Raucous, And Shamelessly Gorgeous | 8pm | $23

💬 Black Box Improv Theatre | Small Business Saturday | 8pm | $15

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | Fleetwood Dreams - Farewell Concert | 8pm | $10

🎶 The Brick Tap & Tavern | Repeat Offenders | 8:30pm | Free

🎶 Katz Lounge | Black Water Voodoo | 9pm | Free

Sunday

🎭 The Loft Theatre | Angry, Raucous, And Shamelessly Gorgeous | 2pm | $23

🎭 Schuster Center | Youth Strings Fall Concert | 2:30pm | $12

🎭 Schuster Center | Junior Strings Fall Concert | 6pm | $12

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

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🗳️ ELECTION COVERAGE

Key Results From Tuesday

The election is over. You know what that means? No more political ads, texts, and phone calls... at least for a few months. Enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts!

That said, we still have to talk about it today. It’s big news and we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t. So, here’s the facts and key results you should know:

Voter Turnout

From the data available, it looks like statewide voter turnout was around 48%. That’s much higher compared to recent off-year election turnout which were ~30% in 2017 and ~43% in 2015.

What were the results of this record off-year turnout?

Ballot Issues

Issue 1 passed with 56.62% of the vote. Access to abortion is available up until fetal viability—with exceptions to protect the life and health of the patient after that point. This makes Ohio the 7th state where voters have protected access to abortion since the overturning of Roe V. Wade.

Though, this was unique in that it was an affirmative action, and a constitutional amendment. Given that, it will much harder for the opposition to challenge it, which they’ve already said they will try to do.

According to Ballotpedia, $41.7M was raised in support of Issue 1 and $29.9M in opposition as of the latest filings on Oct. 18th.

Issue 2 also passed, with 56.97% of the vote. Ohio is now the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana use. Starting on Dec. 7th, those 21 and over can legally possess up to 2.5 oz in plant form and 15 g in extract form. Additionally, those 21+ can grow up to 6 plants per adult, with a limit of 12 per household.

Unlike Issue 1, this just changes state law, not the constitution. Because of that, the legislature might make some modifications to the law. Either way, there’s a lot of regulatory work ahead, and the experts expect public sales to start next summer.

According to Ballotpedia, $5.97M was raised in support of Issue 2 and $443k in opposition as of the latest filings on Oct. 18th.

Major Local Levies

Oakwood was the only school district of five to pass a levy that would increase their operating budget. The other four failed: Centerville, Northmont, Vandalia-Butler, and Milton-Union. Beavercreek approved their school levy renewal, but rejected one that would spend more on parks. Centerville/Washington Twp. and Bellbrook/Sugarcreek both passed their combo renewal + increase park levies.

After rejecting it in the spring, Huber Heights approved their income tax renewal. Lastly, Greene county renewed three countywide levies to fund services for people with developmental disabilities, children, and seniors.

That's a wrap on our election coverage! If you want to go deeper, we recommend checking out Dayton Daily's coverage.

🗞️ LOCAL NEWS

🏆 Dayton Earns #10 In Best Cities For Women To Work

Dayton has been recognized as the 10th best city in the country for women to work in, based on Checkr's 2023 analysis. Checkr is a HR-tech company that specializes in making background checks faster and fairer.

They ranked Dayton #1 for women's earning potential and #10 for cities with the most growth of women in management roles. These rankings are grounded in an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data spanning 2019-2023, considering five key factors:

• Growth in women holding management positions

• Change in the wage gap between women and men

• Change in the unemployment rate for women

• Total number of women in the workforce

• Growth in women's median income

🏀 Flyers Start Season With A Win

The Flyers opened their first season game on Monday (Nov. 6th) with a 63-47 win against SIU Edwardsville. After an initial lead, they were briefly overtaken but regained control by halftime with a slim lead. They expanded the lead in the second half, ending with their 16 point victory. DaRon Holmes II shined with 19 points and 8 rebounds, supported by Nate Santos's 14 rebounds.

Tomorrow (Nov. 10th), they’ll be playing an away game against Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois. From there, they'll be going on to play in the Charleston Classic, a three-day tournament in South Carolina. They'll be kicking that tournament off against LSU on Thursday, Nov. 16th. [Dayton 24/7 Now]

☕️ New By WSU: A Coffee Spot With A Twist

Blue Sky Coffee, a blend of café culture and creative hub, is set to open its doors in December near Wright State University. Spanning 900 square feet, this novel establishment is the brainchild of Matthew Stevenson. Stevenson is a Chicago native who studied and graduated from the University of Dayton.

More than just a place for lattes and cappuccinos, Blue Sky Coffee invites patrons to unleash their creativity on walls decked with chalk and whiteboards. Stevenson envisions the venue not only as a coffee shop but as a vibrant space for art, music, and limitless brainstorming—"blue sky ideas." I'm excited to check it out and get some work done there! [Dayton Daily News]

🙏 THANKS!

That’s all for today. Thank you for reading this week’s memo!

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