News & Updates

Groundbreaking Announcement!

We’ve just been able to confirm that our Block Party and Community Potluck is also our Ceremonial Community GROUNDBREAKING event!

Public Sociologist and GCM Board President, Amaha Sellassie shares some sentiments in the video below.

Schedule of Events

There’s a lot packed into the schedule here’s what we know, to help you plan your time with us:

4-5pm Food Distribution-Food Bank

• Families and individuals can wait in line for a mobile food pantry.  Note that last year the lines began to form several hours before the event began.

4:00-4:20 – Community Groundbreaking Kick-off

• Welcome by GCM Community Engagement Director Kenya Baker, remarks by Ambassador Tony Hall, GCM Capital Campaign Chair; Mayor Nan Whaley; and County Commissioner Judy Dodge.

You’re Invited! 1st Photo-Op: Gem City Market Members, Elected Officials and Major Donors with shovels

• Remarks by Mama Nozipo, Capital Campaign Co-Chair; Amaha Sellassie, GCM Board President; and remarks by Ambassador Tony Hall to close formal program.

4:30-5:15 Gem Life Health and Fitness Demonstrations

• Fitness Cooperative will lead you in ways to move, including dancing, hula-hoopers, and fitness challenges.

6:00 You’re invited! 2nd Photo-Op: Community Groundbreaking Photo-Op

• Community members encouraged to bring your own shovels – including toy shovels, garden spades, etc, for a giant group photo of the community breaking ground.

6:30 More Gem Life Health and Wellness Demonstrations

7:15 Live DCDC II Performance

7:30 Aurora Fire Dancers Perform

8pm Event Ends

All event: BBQ and Potluck, Bounce House, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Photo Booth by R.Leigh Photos, Vendor Booths.

Ways to Engage at the Party!

1. Bring your shovels

   We’re taking a celebratory group photo and we want you there! With your shovel, and hard hat, if you have ’em…

   
   Two group photo-ops on the schedule: 4:00pm and 6:00pm

2. Community Potluck

   Thanks to generous contributions we’ll have free BBQ for all! You’re invited to bring a side or dessert to share, or yourself and your enthusiasm for our community.  Share what you’re bringing and see what others are cookin’ up.

   Potluck Signup

3. Receipt Drive

   Collecting old grocery receipts is the best way for us to stock our shelves with the food you want to buy and cook! Each grocery receipt submitted at our Block Party will receive an entry into a raffle for a fabulous prize!

   Receipt Drive

4. Visit vendor and information booths

   There will be booths a’plenty to visit in between programming.

   R.Leigh Photos – Photo Booth where you’ll get three poses and complimentary printed photo strips and digital prints for Groundbreaking memories to take home.
   CO-OP Dayton – The non-profit providing technical assistance to our market project, and supporting multiple cooperative efforts in our community.
   Gem City Market – Membership info + sign-up, *new* limited run t-shirts by Rachel DB, volunteer check-in
   Hartman Heimstytte, LLC – ($) A multi-generational family owned and operated farm, using organic and sustainable farming methods to produce quality eggs, meats, produce, and more!
   Central State University Extension – Food training resources with Donna Kuykendall
   Ohio State University Extension – SNAP-Ed, and 4-H info!
   Wright State University – Information on Master’s Public Admin Program
   University of Dayton – Requested program and dietetics information
   Baba Love Organics – ($) Locally crafted organic body products for purchase
   MsLoveXo – ($) Jewelry and accessories for sale
   Fashion Remedy Boutique – ($) Purses, sunglasses, and clothing
   Simply Savory by Rachel and Gem City Blend – ($) Specialty spice blends.
   Sheriff Dept. – Crime Prevention Table
   Miami Valley Organizing Collaborative – Infant mortality information
   5Rivers Health – Assist with marketplace insurance, Medicare, & Medicaid sign-ups. Information about FREE health coaching program and PCP services, Dental services, and neighborhood resource guides for the 45406 zip code.
   Ziks Pharmacy – Information Table
   Man Up Barbershop – Free Hair Cuts
   Human Relations Council – Bouncy House, Dunk Tank, Inflatable Obstacle Course!!
   Kettering Health – Giveaways! Including heavy grocery bags to help with food distribution.
   Job and Family Services – Information Table
   Premier Health – Non-fasting blood tests: Total Cholesterol, HDL, Blood Glucose,  A1c in our Mobile Clinic, Flu Shots and Blood Pressure
   DJ Dresden – Muuuuuuuuuuuusic!
   No Child Left Within
   Fly With Us – First Love Yourself Podcast – Local self-care podcast, also the WRITELife Village
   Fashion Remedy Mobile Boutique – ($) Sunglasses, purses, clothing.
   City of Dayton Water Truck – Fill up your water bottle, stay hydrated!
   Miami Valley Works – Information Table

5. Eat BBQ, chat with friends new and old, celebrate this milestone in bringing Gem City Market to life!

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