You should know these 11 women — plus several groups — ‘holding it down’ for Dayton during the pandemic

Daytonians of the Week get shout-outs from the community
Dayton women received high praise for their work to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dayton women received high praise for their work to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

We’ve known for a while that not all heroes wear capes.

The coronavirus pandemic has reminded us that some take temperatures, measure twice and cut once or deliver hot meals so no one goes hungry.

We are taking a different approach to our Daytonian of the Week.

We received a ton of reaction when we asked local residents on Facebook to tell us about people who were holding it down for Dayton through the coronavirus.

This week’s Daytonians of the Week are among the major standouts.

And what do you know, the majority are women.

🏆 1) TAE WINSTON AT THE ENTREPRENEURS MARKETPLACE

The Entrepreneurs Marketplace will celebrate its grand opening during a special party 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.“  Tae Winston owns of the business at  13 N. Market St. in Dayton.

Credit: Submitted

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Credit: Submitted

"Tae Winston at the Entrepreneurs Marketplace in Wright Dunbar! They have stayed open and provided essential items while supporting other small businesses. They also fed 500 families on Easter Sunday." — Erica Knapp Hubler

>> RELATED: Dayton women band together — and with surprise help from a nonprofit — feed 500 

🏆 2) APRIL KINGSTON-MESCHER AND THE FEMME AID COLLABORATIVE 

Oakwood High School sophomores ( left to right)  Claire Parker,  Dana Clark,  Zoe Waller and Ryann Mescher launched the Femme Aid Collaborative to  address period poverty in the Dayton area. They are pictured at the Dayton Art Institute.

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"Period poverty doesn't stop during a pandemic and they have been working to get period supplies to those in need." — Jen Cadieux

>>  RELATED: Feminine products needed! Nonprofit started by Oakwood students is here to help

🏆 3) MELODIE BENNETT OF THE HOUSE OF BREAD

Melodie Bennett

Credit: HANDOUT

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Credit: HANDOUT

"Melodie Bennett at The House of Bread, who is overseeing the daily service of hot lunches to anyone who needs it with grace and compassion." — Linda Lombard

>> RELATED: How to get food if you don’t have a car

🏆 4) DAJ’ZA DEMMINGS AND DAYTON YOUNG BLACK PROFESSIONALS

As part of a partnership with  Attorney Michael Wright , Honey Baked Ham- Springfield & Troy and Owens Entertainment,  Dayton Young Black Professional distributed more than 560 meals to health care workers,  nursing facilities, Hilltop Community Homes residents and The Job Center last week.

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As part of a partnership with attorney Michael Wright , Honey Baked Ham in Springfield and Troy, and Owens Entertainment, Dayton Young Black Professionals distributed more than 560 meals to health care workers, nursing facilities, Hilltop Community Homes residents and The Job Center last week.

>> RELATED: Daytonian of the Week on tornado work: ‘It was only right that I took care of home the best way I could’

🏆 5) BRENDA WILSON REX OF DAYTON SEWING COLLABORATIVE AND OTHERS IN THE SEWING COMMUNITY

Since Friday, March  20,  Dayton Sewing Collaborative volunteers  in homes around  the community have made hundreds of  reusable face mask for local organization who need them as worries mount of the  coronavirus.   Volunteers Tursia Turner (left)  is pictured with director Brenda Rex.

Credit: Amelia Robinson

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Credit: Amelia Robinson

"Brenda Wilson Rex, Tursia Porter TurnerJennifer Davis, Anita from Sew To Speak and Fabric and Yarn for heading up big local mask efforts in volunteering, donations, donating time and holding us all together that are making these masks. They have enlightened my feed with positive posts too." —Tracy McElfresh 

>> Overwhelmed, but sewing on, group stops distributing mask kits and accepting donations

🏆 6) TERESA PERRETTA

TERESA PERRETTA

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"Teresa Perretta (for) using her drive, brilliance, and love for our city to help businesses transition and switch gears during this crisis." — Tony Barnes

🏆 7) MACKENZIE MANLEY OF MACK'S TAVERN IN CENTERVILLE

MacKenzie Manley opened Mack's Tavern in 2015.  The pub is  described as “a laid back neighborhood bar with amazingly good food.”  It won first place in five Best of Dayton categories including, Best dive bar, best bartender and best bathroom.   Manley stand in the lady's restroom in this photo.

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

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Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

“MacKenzie Manley — she has adapted her business to the changes and has kept the ball rolling. Through it all, she greets her customers with a smile and a sense of humor. She rocks!” —  Aimee Thomes Plesa

>> Daytonian of the Week: Chef starts bagged lunch program to help feed kids during coronavirus pandemic

🏆 8) MICHELLE RILEY OF THE FOODBANK

Michelle Riley is the CEO of The Foodbank, Inc., a group that helps feed 130,000 food insecure residents in the Miami Valley. CONNIE POST/STAFF

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"Michelle Riley, Lee Truesdale and the entire team at the Foodbank! ♥️♥️"  — Karen Dempsey Volke

>> The Foodbank’s drive-thru will be open Monday and Wednesday

🏆 9) ROBIN SASSENBERG OF THE TROLLEY STOP

Trolley Stop owner Robin Sassenberg  home is being rehabbed. It was damaged  in  Memorial Day tornadoes.

Credit: Amelia Robinson

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Credit: Amelia Robinson

"The Trolley Stop has always been an anchor for the Oregon District, and Robin is always there through thick and thin, giving selfless encouragement. ❤️She's a true leader and a wonderful person. And always with that beautiful smile and sense of humor." — Karen Kelly Brown 

 10) EVA BUTTACAVOLI OF THE CONTEMPORARY

The Still SHE Creates series of exhibitions that highlight women artists pushing boundaries in contemporary art or organized by Eva Buttacavoli, executive director and chief curator of The Contemporary Dayton. LISA POWELL / STAFF

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"Eva Buttacavoli for holding virtual town halls to keep the arts community connected and active." — Curtis Bowman 

 >> BEST OF DAYTON WINNERS: Bars, beer, breweries and nightlife

11) RACHEL DAWSON 

Rachel Dawson

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“Rachel Dawson for taking “Dewine Time” press conference notes and posting them for all who may have missed it.” —  Allison Kilburn

12) THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 

Dayton League of Women Voters have repaired or made hundreds of mask in response to the coronavirus.

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“My League volunteers who as a small but mighty group have produced (875) masks and have repaired (840) N95 masks for Ohio Health Dept ... and counting.” — Susan Hesselgesser

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