Jason Hofmann, a kindergarten teacher at Tecumseh Elementary School in Xenia, was named Excellent Educator of the Year by Cedarville University School of Education and Social Work. Hofmann accepted the award from Dr. Kevin Jones and Dr. Brenda MacKay, who praised his classroom practice and commitment to Cedarville’s mission of professional, compassionate teaching. The recognition spotlights a local classroom leader whose work resonates beyond a single school. His story is a reminder of how individual educators shape community education.

The Foodbank, Inc. and Central State University are using grant funds from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to plant an edible food forest on property outside downtown Dayton. Central State is the primary grant recipient and will support The Foodbank as a sub-recipient, focusing tree canopy expansion in the 45417 area while choosing food-producing species so neighbors can harvest produce as well as enjoy shade and cleaner air. The project will include staffing and public classes on orchard care, open to anyone who wants to replicate the model in their neighborhood. A kickoff listening session is scheduled on May 18 at The Foodbank community center to gather local input, with a heavy emphasis on voices from the 45417 ZIP code.

The Dayton Stamp Club will meet May 18 at Christ United Methodist Church in Kettering for a session on pre-1900 U.S. postage stamps, with Rick Clark leading a friendly, interactive discussion. The program will highlight the 1893 Columbian Exposition series, America’s first commemorative set, and explore their place in postal history and collecting. Attendees can expect prizes and chances to engage in conversation about mint stamps, plate blocks and back-of-book issues. The club welcomes guests with free admission and a modest membership option for regular benefits.

With Memorial Day and summer travel approaching, Miami County Safe Communities is joining the national Click It or Ticket campaign running May 18-31 to remind drivers and passengers about seat belt safety. The enforcement push emphasizes proper seat belt use and correct child restraints, noting that children should always be secured in the appropriate car seat or booster based on age and size. The effort is timed to prevent needless injuries during heavier travel periods. Local officials encourage families to check their restraints before hitting the road.

At the RecPlex West auditorium, Lucinda Davies will present “Hidden in Plain Sight: The WAVES Who Helped Win the War (and Why Dayton Matters)” on May 19, diving into the history of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. Davies will explain how the WAVES were recruited, trained and assigned to crucial wartime roles—many technical and intelligence-related—that altered the trajectory of military talent development. The talk will also cover the secrecy surrounding that service and how Dayton-based sites played surprising roles. The free event runs from 7-8 p.m. with refreshments beforehand.

The Miami Valley Civil War Round Table and Chaplain William Earnshaw Camp 89 will host a Civil War Trivia Contest at Wright Memorial Library on May 21, inviting individuals and teams to test their knowledge with multiple rounds of questions and prizes of Civil War book sets for top finishers. Up to 20 teams can compete in rounds featuring ten questions plus a bonus, and winners will pick from curated book groups. The contests are a low-cost way to engage with local history and meet fellow enthusiasts. The Round Table holds regular, free history presentations that are open to the public.

Construction crews continue work on an I-75 rehabilitation project between CR 25A and Elden Road, and drivers should plan for a temporary closure of the Ohio 41 ramp to I-75 North beginning in the early hours of May 26. That ramp will be closed for about seven days while concrete pavement is overhauled, with motorists detoured via I-75 South and Ohio 55 to reach I-75 North. Officials say the timeline is weather dependent and necessary to complete durable repairs. Travelers are advised to allow extra time and follow posted detour signs.

YWCA Piqua is bringing ballet back in June with a four-week program for girls, taught by Patrice Link of Patrice Link Dancing School and starting June 4. Classes are split into two age groups—4 to 6 and 7 to 8—with short morning sessions designed for beginner dancers to learn fundamentals in a welcoming environment. The fee covers the full session and organizers ask students to wear basic dance attire and ballet shoes or socks. Those interested can contact YWCA Piqua for registration details and further information.

Carillon Historical Park earned a Gold Award from the Ohio Museums Association for “A Living Landmark: The Story of Carillon Historical Park,” a limited-edition illustrated book marking the museum’s 75th anniversary. Written by Alex Heckman and Steve Lucht, the volume traces how the park evolved from a swamp into a nationally significant outdoor museum, and it highlights decades of stewardship by staff and volunteers. The OMA Awards recognize museum professionals who deliver exceptional visual communication and outreach work for their communities. This honor cements the park’s cultural value to the region.

Washington Township honored Centerville High School seniors Allison Milner and Zachariah Moushon with Community Service Awards and $1,000 scholarships at a May 4 meeting, acknowledging their local volunteer commitment. The scholarship funding came from township officials, the Centerville High National Honor Society and community donors, continuing a tradition of supporting young civic leaders. Elsewhere, the Montgomery County Solid Waste District’s new “Tarp Rule” now requires most loads entering the county transfer facility to be covered to prevent roadside litter and hazards. Officials urge residents and contractors to properly secure loads, avoid overloading, and inspect tarps before travel to keep roads safe.

Five Rivers MetroParks announced its OUTstanding Teacher Awards for educators who bring nature into the classroom, naming Dana Franks, Elaina Vimmerstedt and Nicole and Bryan Gay among the winners for the 2025-26 school year. These awards, funded through the James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation, honor teachers who use outdoor experiences to enrich learning and are judged by volunteers experienced in outdoor education. The program highlights how simple nature-based lessons can deepen student engagement and learning outcomes. Recognition like this encourages more schools to make the outdoors a core part of education.