Five Free, Fun Things at Miami in July
Compiled by Susan Meikle, university news and communications
Miami Matters brings you five free, fun things to do at or around Miami each month. Now that summer orientation is over and the pace has slowed down, try out some of the activities highlighted for July in Oxford and Hamilton.
Mondays through July: Start the Week with 45-minute Lunchtime Fitness Fusion Class
12:10-12:55 p.m. 115 Phillips Hall (Dance Studio), Oxford 
Get energized with a fitness fusion of cardio, total body toning, functional fitness and balance training exercises performed in rotating intervals.
Taking activity breaks in your workday can help you feel more energetic, improve mood and concentration, enhance sleep and decrease risk of chronic disease, illness and injury. No cost Fitness 4 Life programs are offered by Miami's Benefits and Wellness for all faculty and staff, regardless of benefit eligibility, and spouses covered under Miami's health plan. See the summer class schedule.
Monday, July 10: Monday Night Music – John Kogge and John Bercaw
7 p.m. Miami Hamilton Downtown
Local favorites John Kogge and John Bercaw team up on guitar and keyboard to bring an evening of covers, originals and just plain good music. Kogge has been playing Americana music both as a solo act and as front man for his band the Lonesome Strangers for 30 years. Bercaw, a classically trained pianist and an instructor at Miami Hamilton, is a master in jazz piano and the bebop musical tradition.
Tuesday, July 11: Discover The Best Social Media Platforms for your Organization
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Miami Hamilton Downtown
Lunch is provided at the Community Partner Professional Development Series: “Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter…Oh My!” Mindy Muller of Community Development Professionals explores the most effective ways to use social media for your organization. Discover the best social media platforms for your organization and how to use analytics to measure their effectiveness. Space is limited — please RSVP to John Vaughn at vaughjh@miamioh.edu.
Thursday, July 13: Oxford Summer Concert Series – Steel Band
7-9:30 p.m. Oxford Uptown Parks
Fun for all ages – enjoy the Miami University Steel Band at the Oxford Summer Concert Series Uptown. The band, directed by Chris Tanner, has been entertaining audiences and teaching students since 1994. The free concert is sponsored by the Oxford Community Foundation, The Knolls of Oxford, Animal Care Clinic/Care Center, L.E. Scofield Window & Door, Bagel & Deli Shop and Skyline Chili of Oxford.
Mark your calendar for the band’s fall concert at Hall Auditorium Nov. 3 and 4.
Everyday: A Summer Getaway in the Woods, Streams and Ponds — Bring the Kids, Bring the Dog, Bring your Camera
Dawn-Dark Bachelor Game and Wildlife Preserve, Miami Natural Areas
Enjoy a hike in Bachelor Preserve, part of Miami’s Natural Areas. Splash in Harker’s Run Creek, cross the 45-foot swinging bridge, check out Bachelor Pond. More than 6 miles of trails connect these features through old growth woodlands and pinewoods. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.
Come on a Sunday and visit the DeWitt Cabin (1-4 p.m.). Across from the cabin is a bird observatory area and butterfly garden, perfect for nature photography.
How to get there: From Oxford, at the intersection of Route 27 and Route 73, go east 0.7 miles to the parking area on the left (north), adjacent to the playing fields and immediately past the bridge over Four Mile Creek.
Don't get lost: Virtual map or printable map.
But can you get there when Route 73 closes between Oxford-Milford Road and Route 177 around July 10? Yes! The parking area is located before the closure.
