Local News & Commentary Since 1890.

Posts Tagged ‘art’

, , , , , , , , , ,

Xenia Daily Gazette Launches Inaugural Holiday Short Story Contest

In Children and Family, Local News, News Media, Print Media, Uncategorized on November 25, 2025 at 10:00 am

COURTESY OF OUR PARTNERS AT THE XENIA DAILY GAZETTE

The Xenia Daily Gazette is inviting local writers and storytellers to take part in its first annual Holiday Short Story Contest, which is going on now. Sponsored by McIlvaine Realtors, the contest encourages community members to put their holiday reflections into words under this year’s theme: “What the holidays mean to me.”

The inaugural contest is open to anyone age 12 and older, and entries may be up to 800 words in length. Stories should be sent as attachments or pasted into the email body to editor@xeniagazette.com by December 15, 2025. All entries must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, and email address.

The winner will receive a $50 VISA gift card, courtesy of McIlvaine Realtors, and their work will be published in both the Xenia Daily Gazette and the Fairborn Daily Herald during Christmas week, giving the author a special spotlight during the holiday season.

To help select the winning story, the Gazette has brought in a familiar local voice: Gery Deer, longtime contributing journalist, columnist, and author of the Gazette’s “Deer In Headlines” series, who will serve as one of the judges. Deer is participating courtesy of GLD Communications in Jamestown, which has supported Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) for the last three years through its national literacy initiative.

Deer said the contest offers the community an exceptional opportunity to reflect on what makes the season meaningful. “This is the time of year when family means the most, memories become stories told to new generations, and sharing seems to be at the heart of the season,” he said. “We hope people will share their stories with us and maybe even inspire others to write something as well.”

The Gazette hopes the new contest will become a cherished annual tradition, welcoming writers of all skill levels—from students and first-time storytellers to seasoned creatives looking for a festive way to express themselves.

Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and how well they capture the holiday theme. While participation is open beyond Greene County, organizers are especially hopeful for strong involvement from area schools, families, and aspiring writers eager to share what the holidays mean to them.

McIlvaine Realtors, known for their long-standing support of community programs, expressed enthusiasm about sponsoring the first-ever contest and encouraging a new generation of local storytellers.

, , , , , , , , ,

History Meets Networking: Xenia Chamber Hosts Business After Hours at Woodland Cemetery

In Local News on September 11, 2025 at 9:38 am

By Gery Deer

(Courtesy Xenia Daily Gazette)

In a unique blend of community engagement and historical appreciation, the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Business After Hours event on Wednesday, September 10, at one of the city’s most storied landmarks—Woodland Cemetery.

From 4:30 to 6:00 PM, around 30 local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gathered at the caretaker’s cottage — now serving as the cemetery’s administrative office — to connect, collaborate, and commemorate. Executive Director Donna Saraga welcomed attendees with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the tone for an evening that was as reflective as it was productive.

Neil Fogarty (left) of Dodds Memorials and Donna Saraga, Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, welcome guests to the September Business After Hours at Woodland Cemetery. (Photo by Gery Deer)

The event was presented by the cemetery and Dodds Memorials, a cornerstone of the region’s heritage, now celebrating an impressive 180 years in business. Neil Fogarty, president of Dodds, and representing the Woodland Cemetery Board of Directors, offered a heartfelt introduction, highlighting their longstanding commitment to honoring lives and preserving memory.

Shortly after, guests were treated to a guided walking tour led by Catherine Wilson, Executive Director of the Greene County Historical Society. Beginning at the caretaker’s cottage, the tour wound its way to the mausoleum and back, revealing stories etched not just in stone, but in the fabric of Xenia and Greene County’s past.

Wilson captivated the crowd with tales of Woodland Cemetery’s notable residents, architectural features, and the evolution of burial practices over the decades. Her narration brought to life the cemetery’s role as both a resting place and a dynamic archive of the county’s history.

First chartered in 1845, Woodland Cemetery is more than a final resting place—it’s a testament to Xenia’s resilience, artistry, and civic pride. With its serene landscape and historic monuments, it offers a contemplative space for remembrance and education. The cemetery is managed by a dedicated board and supported by a variety of community partners.

The Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in fostering economic growth and community connection. Its Business After Hours series, held on the second Wednesday of each month, provides a relaxed setting for professionals to network, share ideas, and support local enterprises. Events are open to members and non-members alike, reflecting the Chamber’s inclusive mission.

Greene County Historical Society Executive Director, Catherine Wilsom, led a walking tour of the cemetery, which included the museum.

As the sun dipped behind the trees and conversations lingered in the old caretaker’s cottage, attendees left with more than just business cards—they carried a deeper appreciation for the legacy of Xenia, and the people and organizations working to preserve it. For details on upcoming events and membership opportunities, visit www.xacc.com.

Here’s video from the introduction for the event provided by Donna Saraga and Neil Fogarty.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Decades of Imagination: The Creative Legacy of Dayton’s Historic Davis Linden Building

In Dayton Ohio News, Economy, Entertainment, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on June 19, 2025 at 9:29 am

Dayton, Ohio – The Davis Linden Building, an historic landmark located at 400 Linden Avenue in Dayton, Ohio, has long been a beacon for creative professionals seeking customized commercial spaces. Owned by Matt Dieringer of Dieringer Development, the facility continues to thrive and expand, offering a nurturing environment for artists, businesses, sculptors, photographers, and other creative professionals.

Over the years, the facility has seen good times and bad. But Matt Dieringer’s vision for the Davis Linden Building has been, and will continue to be, one of growth and community. “We are committed to provide spaces that not only meet the unique needs of our tenants but also foster a sense of belonging and collaboration,” says Dieringer. This commitment is evident in the building’s diverse range of tenants, each contributing to a vibrant and supportive community.

One of the most notable tenants is Michael Bashaw, a musician and sculptor who has located his studio in the Davis Linden Building since the 1980s. Bashaw’s long-term presence is a testament to the building’s ability to provide a stable and inspiring environment for creative professionals. “My grandfather was a tenant in the building in the 1950s, so I was well aware of it,” says Bashaw. “I was originally looking for a space where I could work on my sculpture and do music rehearsals. I’m very grateful and very fortunate to be here.”

Click here for a video interview with Bashaw.

“I’m on year two and have already outgrown one space,” says tenant Tiffany Lewis, owner of Immortelle Bijouterie, an era-inspired jewelry and clothing shop. “I love the atmosphere here – the big windows, the open concept, and that there are other artists here.”

Becca Brumfield, the building’s office manager, shared her view as both a tenant and employee. She described The Davis Linden Building as a center of creativity, business, and community. Her husband, Trevor, operates one of Ohio’s last full-service typewriter repair and sales shops, TB Writers Plus, located in the building since 2023.

The dedication of the Davis Linden Building’s management to promote a sense of community among its tenants is one of its defining features. This collaborative spirit is what sets the facility apart from other commercial spaces. In that spirit, the management will soon unveil “The C2 Initiative,” based on the idea of Creativity and Commerce. The initiative is intended to expand on that sense of community with memberships, access to shared creative space, and much more.

As Dieringer Development continues to invest in the growth and development of the Davis Linden Building, the future looks bright for this creative hub. With its commitment to providing customized spaces and fostering a strong sense of community, the Davis Linden Building will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Dayton’s creative scene for years to come.

For more information about the Davis Linden Building and its available spaces, visit their website, www.davislindenbuilding.com/, or call 937-498-8635.

The Davis Linden Building is located in the Huffman Manufacturing District of East Dayton.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TCN Behavioral Health Hosts Chalk Walk for Recovery

In Children and Family, Dayton Ohio News, Local News, Media, psychology, sociology, Uncategorized on September 19, 2024 at 1:24 pm

Fairborn, Ohio – September 17, 2024 – TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. will host a Chalk Walk for Recovery at their 1825 Commerce Center Blvd. office in Fairborn on Friday, September 27 from 4-7pm. The event will take place in TCN’s front parking lot.

The Chalk Walk is an opportunity for community members of all ages to come together to create chalk art and support those in recovery. TCN is providing the chalk and sidewalk space and anyone who would like to create art is invited to participate.

This year’s event will feature local artists and vendors as well as food and refreshments for sale. Water will be made available to participants free of charge, and there will be Recovery Month t-shirts for sale featuring TCN’s winning recovery month slogan: My past will remind me, but it will not define me.

“TCN takes great pride in its commitment to serving our communities. In recognition of September being Addiction and Recovery Awareness Month, TCN will be hosting a Chalk the Walk for Recovery event. We would love for you to come join us for this event!” says TCN Associate CEO Tom Otto.

Founded in 1990, TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a comprehensive behavioral health agency dedicated to improving lives by providing clinically excellent and accessible behavioral health services.  TCN provides substance use, mental health and psychiatric services for adults and youth in Greene County and beyond.  For more information or to donate to TCN call (937)376-8700 or visit www.tcn.org.

Is this your new site? Log in to activate admin features and dismiss this message
Log In