"Spring Is Alive 🌼 Parks, Birds & Fresh Picks This Week”

Trivia Question❓

What is the name of the historic district in Dayton known for its preserved 19th-century homes and architecture?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

Saturday, April 18

8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Ohio Boating Education Course

Possum Creek MetroPark • Free • Registration required

Single-day course covering Ohio boating laws, safety equipment, accident prevention, and operating rules. Meets Ohio’s boating education requirement.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

TreeFEST – Arbor Day Celebration

Gentile Nature Park, 915 Peach Orchard Rd, Dayton • Free

Annual Arbor Day celebration with tree planting, park cleanup, and community activities, including dedication of Montgomery County’s commemorative white oak.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Corvettes & Coffee

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force • Free

Morning meetup for Corvette enthusiasts at the Air Force Museum, with a relaxed coffee-and-cars atmosphere and free museum admission.

10:00 AM–12:30 PM

Kids Entrepreneur Expo

Lohrey Recreation Center • Free

Youth-run marketplace where kids ages 6–17 sell handmade goods, art, food, and creative products. A fun way to support young entrepreneurs.

10:00 AM

Miamisburg Rotary Secure Document Shred Day

Think Patented, 2490 CrossPointe Dr, Miamisburg • Free; donations accepted

Drive-through shred event for up to five banker boxes of paper documents. Volunteers assist with unloading at the on-site shredding truck.

1:00–2:00 PM & 5:00–6:00 PM

Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed!

Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St, Dayton • Ticketed

Comedy dog spectacular featuring rescue dogs, tricks, stunts, and audience-pleasing family entertainment. Free pre-show activities take place an hour before each show.

1:00–3:00 PM

Foodscaping (Edible Landscaping) Workshop

The Farm on Central, 572 Central Ave, Carlisle • $20

Hands-on workshop on blending edible plants into landscape design. Covers planning, plant selection, and practical ways to create an intentional edible yard. Limit 20 people.

1:00–4:00 PM

Carillon Park Small-Scale Train Rides

Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton • Included with park admission

Ride a 1/8-scale miniature railroad operated by the Rail & Steam Society. One of the week’s most distinctive family experiences.

1:00–4:00 PM

Vintage Toy & Car Show

1012 E Dorothy Ln, Kettering • Not listed

Vintage toy sale paired with a casual car show and food trucks. Good fit for collectors, families, and anyone who likes nostalgia-driven browsing.

Flexible daytime

2nd Street Market

600 E 2nd St, Dayton • Free entry

Weekend public market with local growers, bakers, prepared food, and handmade goods. A reliable stop if you want a flexible daytime option.

Sunday, April 19

4:00 PM

Solve a Mystery Sunday: Class of ’98

Bock Family Brewing • $5 activity dues

Interactive group mystery event using a Hunt A Killer case. Work through clues and evidence together in a relaxed brewery setting.

Monday, April 20

6:00 PM

Downsizing Your Photos with Confidence

Washington Township RecPlex – Joyce Young Center • Not listed

Hands-on workshop on sorting, storing, digitizing, and displaying old photos with less overwhelm. A practical session for organizers and downsizers.

Tuesday, April 21

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Centerville Arbor Day Celebration

Stubbs Park Amphitheater, 255 W Spring Valley Rd, Centerville • Free

Arbor Day ceremony with commemorative tree planting, student participation, and a guest speaker, marking key community sustainability milestones.

Wednesday, April 22

6:00–8:15 PM

Earth Day Crafts for Kids

Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood • Free

Drop-in Earth Day craft session for kids in kindergarten through grade 6 and their families. Easy, hands-on library activity for Earth Day evening.

6:30 PM snacks • 7:00 PM hunt

Dayton Masonic Center Treasure Hunt

Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W Riverview Ave, Dayton • Not listed

Team-based treasure hunt with clues, puzzles, snacks, and prizes. A social, fast-paced option for groups and puzzle fans.

7:00 PM

Woods and Wonder Ladies Only Hiking Series

Grant Park, 401 Normandy Ridge Rd, Dayton • Not listed

Women’s community hike on a gentle 3.3-mile loop through creeks and spring woods, with an emphasis on connection and shared pace.

Thursday, April 23

10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Fuyao Glass Hiring Event

Montgomery County Business Solutions Center mobile unit • Free

Hiring event for production associates and forklift drivers, with multiple shifts, benefits, and posted hourly pay range of $18.00 to $19.20.

Friday, April 24

12:00–6:00 PM

Dayton Home Expo

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Rd, Dayton • Free admission

Large home improvement expo featuring remodeling ideas, outdoor living inspiration, contractor booths, and products for homeowners and DIY browsers.

7:30–9:30 PM

Ohio Players

Victoria Theatre, 138 N Main St, Dayton • Ticketed

Legendary Dayton funk band returns home for a major live performance featuring classic hits and hometown energy.

Featured Event

Live Music Spotlight

🎶 Ohio Players at the Victoria Theatre

Dayton’s own funk legends are coming home. The Ohio Players bring their signature sound to the Victoria Theatre for a night of classic hits, smooth grooves, and high-energy performance on April 24, 2026.

Known for chart-topping songs like “Fire”, “Love Rollercoaster”, and “Skin Tight,” the Ohio Players helped define the funk and R&B sound of the 1970s—and their music still gets crowds moving today.

🎤 What to Expect

Expect a lively performance filled with classic funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and a setlist packed with fan favorites. Whether you grew up with their music or are discovering it for the first time, this is a show that delivers energy and nostalgia.

📍 About the Venue

The Victoria Theatre is one of downtown Dayton’s most historic venues, offering an intimate setting that brings audiences close to the stage. It’s the perfect place to experience a hometown band with deep roots in the city.

🎶 Why It Matters

The Ohio Players aren’t just another band—they’re a key part of Dayton’s musical legacy. Seeing them live in their hometown adds an extra layer of meaning to an already unforgettable show.

Why it’s worth going: This is more than a concert—it’s a chance to experience a piece of Dayton history live on stage. If you enjoy classic funk, live music, or local legends, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Tickets

This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men

Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community!

The Renaissance Men

813-500-9788

Featured Park

Welcome to MetroParks of Butler County!

Featured Park

🌊 VOA MetroPark (Voice of America Park)

If you’re looking for wide open space, scenic water views, and a relaxing place to unwind, VOA MetroPark in Butler County is a great option just a short drive from Dayton.

Located in West Chester, this park is known for its large lake, paved walking paths, and spacious layout. It’s the kind of place where you can take a peaceful walk, enjoy a sunset, or spend a laid-back afternoon outdoors.

🌿 What You’ll Find

• Scenic lake with walking and biking paths
• Fishing areas and peaceful shoreline views
• Open green space for relaxing or picnicking
• An amphitheater that hosts seasonal events

🚶 Why It Stands Out

VOA MetroPark offers a different feel than wooded trails or rugged hikes. It’s open, spacious, and easy to explore—making it ideal for a relaxed outing without needing to plan a full hike.

🌅 Perfect For

• A peaceful lakeside walk
• Watching the sunset over the water
• A casual bike ride
• A low-key outdoor afternoon

💡 Pro Tip

Visit in the evening for one of the best sunset views in the area—the open landscape and lake create a great backdrop.

Why it’s worth a visit: VOA MetroPark is simple, scenic, and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick outdoor break or a relaxing evening by the water, it’s a great addition to your spring lineup.

Recipe of the Week

🍤 Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet

Looking for a quick, fresh dinner that feels like spring? This shrimp and asparagus skillet is light, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed, cut into pieces)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Remove asparagus and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
7. Return asparagus to the pan and toss everything together.
8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and mix well.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

💡 Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Light and perfect for warmer weather
• One pan = easy cleanup
• Packed with fresh flavor

Pro Tip: Serve over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice to turn this into a complete meal.

Home Tips

Home & Garden

🌺 How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

Few things signal spring like the return of hummingbirds. These tiny, fast-moving birds bring energy and color to your yard—and attracting them is easier than you might think.

With the right mix of plants, feeders, and a few simple tips, you can turn your yard into a hummingbird hotspot this season.

🌸 1. Plant Bright, Nectar-Rich Flowers

Hummingbirds are drawn to bright colors—especially red, orange, and pink. Plant flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, and salvia to naturally attract them.

🍯 2. Hang a Hummingbird Feeder

A simple feeder filled with a sugar-water mixture (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) can bring hummingbirds in quickly. No need for red dye—the feeder itself usually provides enough color. Get a Hummingbird Feeder Here (affiliate link)

💧 3. Keep It Fresh

Change the nectar every 2–3 days (more often in hot weather). Clean feeders regularly to keep birds healthy and coming back.

🌳 4. Provide Perching Spots

Hummingbirds need places to rest. Trees, shrubs, or even a simple perch near your feeder will make your yard more inviting.

☀️ 5. Pick the Right Spot

Place feeders in a partly shaded area where they’re easy to spot but not in direct, all-day sun. This helps keep the nectar fresh longer.

Pro Tip: Once hummingbirds find a reliable food source, they’ll return regularly—and may even remember your yard year after year.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Oregon District is Dayton’s oldest neighborhood, known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, vibrant nightlife, local restaurants, and arts scene, making it a popular destination for both history lovers and those looking to experience the city’s modern culture.