Melissa Ledinsky

About Melissa Ledinsky

Melissa Ledinsky has over 16 years of experience in the fitness, wellness, and nutrition fields. She is a group fitness instructor, Pilates instructor, yoga instructor, nutritionist, body worker, Reiki practioner, and martial artist. Melissa holds a degree from the University of Dayton in Dietetics.

A Healthy Affair!

March 3, 2016 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the month that introduces spring has finally arrived! Get out this weekend, enjoy the fresh air, and get some activity in with the warmer temperatures. If you are ready to kick start your health there is an outrageous event happening this Saturday and it will totally rock your world! An affair you truly do not want to miss.

Dorothy Lane Market will host the 14th annual Health Fair that will be held at the Springboro store on Saturday, March 5, 2016.. The event is from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm and it is absolutely free of charge, hooray! There will be a lot of different things going on at the fair so plan to stay a little while, and thoroughly enjoy yourself.

Kettering Health Network Community Outreach will be present and you can undergo a complete analysis to determine your body composition. A registered nurse will be on site administering blood pressure screenings. Plus, there will be DermaScan screenings to reveal sun damage that may be hidden beneath the surface of your skin. No appointments or registration required, all part of this amazing event! There will also be local holistic and health practitioners, guest speakers, and an abundance of samples such as natural foods, supplements, vitamins, body care, and other health

conscious goodies. Plus, information will be readily available to learn more about gluten free foods and local support. As you cruise around the store make sure to register for gift baskets and other door prizes. Make sure to stop by The Bright Earth Foods table and say hello to yours truly! This health fair is always an epic event and appropriate for the whole family. It is the perfect way to learn about all different aspects of the health and wellness field from qualified individuals and reputable companies.

Head over to Dorothy Lane Market in Springboro this Saturday for one of the best opportunities to do something great for your health this year! Education, health screenings, and samples galore as well as connections with local health community members all at no cost, what could be better? Let’s get out, get moving, and take care of our health Dayton!

Family Fun Activity!

February 25, 2016 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the weekend is upon us and it’s time to get active! There is a great series of events that is offered for the whole family called The Naturalist Adventure program. It consists of fun, family activities where participants can drop in anytime during the program, learn about nature, and enjoy some great physical activity. Grab the family and the hiking boots and get outdoors!

The Miami County Park District will hold The Naturalist Adventure Series Winter Tree Identification program on Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. The event will be held at Charleston Falls Preserve in Tipp City and it is free of charge, hooray! This month, learn how to identify trees in their winter state while hiking the trails. ‘Mr. Tree’ will be on site to tell participants about the many mysteries of trees and the natural ecosystem of the forest. A roving naturalist will also be on hand to answer questions. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about nature from skilled individuals and discover the intricate beauty of the local parks. Education, physical activity, quality family time, at no charge – you definitely do not want to miss this program!

Leave the cell phones in the car this Sunday and enjoy a family fun adventure in nature. Head out to Charleston Falls Preserve for an experience that will not disappoint, and you might learn something as well. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Natural Exercise!

January 29, 2016 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the winter season is steadily moving forward, and it is less than two months until spring! Even though it is a little cooler outside and the days are a bit shorter, don’t let that stop you from getting out in nature and being active. There are many wonderful opportunities to do something good for your health and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time. Check out some of the different parks and guided hikes offered weekly in the Dayton metropolitan area.

The Miami County Park District will hold an Adult Exploration Hike on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Hobart Urban Nature Preserve in Troy. Join the park district naturalist to discover the birds, plants, and trees while getting in some fabulous exercise and fresh air. These hikes are an incredible opportunity to get out in nature and learn together, for free! This event will last about two hours and is appropriate for all levels, and that’s right, it is free of charge. Remember to layer up before you head out because it is still winter, and the trails may be a little damp as well. Break out of the normal exercise rut and get out to explore our beautiful community while doing something excellent for your body!

There you have it folks, a free event, a chance to do something active, and an opportunity to perhaps discover a new treasure in your own town. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Moon Magic!

January 21, 2016 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians bundle up this weekend and spend Saturday evening participating in an extra special outdoor activity. The first full moon of the year is coming up and what better way to enjoy it than out in nature. Head over to Yellow Springs and experience some magnificent moon magic!

The full moon hike at the Glen Helen Preserve will occur on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 8:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

This event is free for members and only $5.00 for nonmembers. Enjoy hot chocolate and the warmth of a fire before an exploration of the Glen by moonlight with naturalist Paul Sampson. This is the first full moon of 2016 and it is a great time to get back to connecting with the natural elements to help balance the body’s energy levels during the winter months. Bring the whole family out for an active evening and enjoy some time with your fellow community members!

Here’s another unique activity to try out this new year, a hike guided by the moonlight. This is the perfect way to spend Saturday evening – doing something active that is good for your mental and physical health in a beautiful and serene setting with the magic of the moon. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Row, Row, Row!

January 14, 2016 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the weather has gotten a little chiller this week! Let’s take your physical activity indoors this weekend and continue to try out new forms of exercise to challenge the body as well as the mind. A fabulous event is going down Saturday and I guarantee it’s not your average work out!

The Greater Dayton Annual ERG Sprints Indoor Races will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at The Vandalia Rec Center. Doors open at 7:30 am and the races will begin at 10:00 am. The registration fee is $15.00 per event, and relays are free, hooray! Rowers and non-rowers are invited to compete in various events that will surely challenge even the most elite athlete. All of the indoor rowing races are available for a variety of age and skill levels. Races will be visible on a huge 7’ x 10’ screen.The main event is a 2000 meter race. In addition, quad relay races will be offered where you choose any participants to ‘make up your boat’ and simultaneously row 500 meters against another ‘boat’. There will also be 500 meter sprint races.

Members from The Greater Dayton Rowing Association will be on hand to help navigate the indoor rowing machines, also known as ‘ERG rowers’. Rowing is one of the few non-weight bearing sports that exercises all the major muscle groups. It includes cardiovascular and resistance training at the same time, one stop shopping! This is a fabulous opportunity to learn a new activity, exercise in a new way, and even make some new friends.

Take your training indoors this weekend for a phenomenal workout! Rowing helps build strength and endurance, provides no impact on your joints, and anyone can do it. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Free Exercise Events!

January 8, 2016 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians 2016 has taken off and it is time to recommit to doing things that are good for you! Instead of setting the same old resolutions, why not challenge yourself to try some new activities? There are two great events coming up that will get you moving and out of your normal physical activity routine. After all, variety is the spice of life and it is essential to challenge your body with new forms of exercise to continue to gain personal results. Extra extra bonus: these events are free of charge!

Five Seasons Family Sports Club is providing a free event to the public to learn and enjoy the game of tennis on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. The program will provide adults the opportunity to learn basic tennis skills while trying out some of the newest Wilson tennis rackets. The clinic will be provided by USPTR (United States Professional Tennis Registry) and USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) certified pros and includes basic instruction, drills, and challenges. Prizes will be awarded to the participants.

There will also be a free kids USTA (United States Tennis Association) Playday that provides children the opportunity to learn the game of tennis in a fun, game oriented environment where the primary goal is having a great time. Instruction will be provided by certified 10 and under pros. Five Seasons Family Sports Club is one of the only five USTA Accredited 10 and under programs in the Midwest USTA Division. Tennis is a wonderful activity to take up or to get back into if it has been a while since you played it. Tennis helps develop leg strength, agility, speed, stamina, bone strength and density, fine and gross motor control, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, eye/hand coordination, and dynamic balance. This event is a great way to learn a new skill from qualified professionals!

Walk, don’t run! Planning ahead for another free opportunity to exercise, check out the Tuesday Adult Nature Walks at Englewood Metro Park. This Tuesday, January 12, 2016 come out and explore nature with Metro Park Volunteers and other curious adults from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m, (ages 18 and up for this event). This is a weekly adventure, and a fabulous way to connect with new friends while doing something active and good for your body! A variety of habitats will be explored while exercising, learning, and sharing. The numerous benefits of walking include improved circulation, weight bearing activity (good for your bones), muscle strength, mood elevation, aerobic activity, improved sleep, improved respiratory capacity, enhanced immune function, and stress relief. Also a walk in nature may soothe the mind and, in the process, change the workings of one’s brain in ways that improve mental health, according to an interesting new study of the physical effects on the brain of visiting nature.

This is definitely something that you want to do for your body, mind, and soul!

Try something different this year Daytonians! Two fantastic opportunities to experience new activities and learn something at the same time. Tennis is a great way to move your body and develop coordination, and it is appropriate for everyone, no matter age or skill level. Even if you have a daily walking regimen, mix it up, go for a nice hike in nature, and ‘rewire’ your brain so to speak. The benefits of all physical activity far outweigh the drawbacks. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

It’s Not Too Late!

December 30, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians it’s not too late to squeeze some activity into 2015! It is time for the New Year’s Eve 5K events, and this year there are two very special races. Take a break from the parties and do something that will actually benefit your health! You will be finished in time to watch that famous ball drop and you can rock your new race shirt as well, major props!

The ever popular New Year’s Resolution Run in Beavercreek will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. at Beavercreek High School. The cost for this event ranges from $10 – $28. Race day registration is available from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This 5K run/walk and Kids’ Fun Run is a family friendly event where everyone from experienced runners to beginners join together to end the year on the right foot! All proceeds benefit the Beavercreek High School Cross Country team. This is the 29th Resolution Run, and it only happens once a year, definitely a do not miss experience!

The Kettering Recreation Complex will also host The New Year’s Eve Dash & Bash on Thursday, December 31, 2015. This extravaganza begins at 5:00 p.m. and lasts until 9:00 p.m. The cost for the event is $5 per participant or $15 per family and includes snacks, skate rental is an additional $2. Enjoy swimming, ice skating, open gym, and inflatables for children all in a family-friendly atmosphere. DASH, walk or roll in a 5K or 1 mile race followed by a BASH to ring in the New Year! Race entry includes t-shirt, refreshments, and a free ticket to the family after party for you and one guest. You do not have to participate in the Dash to be able to enjoy the photo booth, skating, swimming, open gym, bounce house, games and music. This is one unique and incredibly fun way to celebrate the New Year with the whole family!

Two very different events to ring in 2016 with friends and family while doing something active and healthy! The Resolution Run in Beavercreek or The Dash & Bash in Kettering, either way you will be starting the New Year off right. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton, it’s not too late!

New Year Musing: “You’re never too old, never too bad, never too late, and never too sick to start from the scratch once again.” ~ Bikram Choudhury

For The Dogs!

December 18, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians ’tis the season for jam packed crazy schedules! With all of the holiday gatherings, shopping, functions, and so on happening it can be very easy to let exercise slide. Especially if you have one too many cups of eggnog. This Sunday is the perfect opportunity to get out outside with your furry friend and spend some time in nature, doing something active that is good for your health mentally and physically!

The Lost Creek Reserve will host the ‘Santa Clause Dogs’ dog social on Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. If your pooch is nice and plays well with others, bring him or her to the park dressed to impress. This is a great way for your dog to get some exercise and meet new friends! Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be there spreading Christmas cheer. Participants can walk, talk and show off their dog while strolling down the trail with the Park District Naturalist. This will be a fabulous time to experience the therapeutic effects of nature and pets together, while taking a break from the busy holiday season. Don’t have a dog? All good, you can still join this party and go for a nice hike with your new buddies.
Extra bonus: this event is free of charge, hooray!

There it is Dayton, a wonderful Sunday activity to enjoy with your four legged friend. The Santa Clause Dog Social is something that you do not want to miss since it is the last event of this type for 2015. Let’s all get out and get moving this weekend!

Outdoor Holiday Festivities!

December 4, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the weekend is upon us and the holiday season is in full swing! Take a break from all of the hustle and bustle and stop downtown for some great opportunities to be active. There is a Christmas Walk happening and the ever popular ice skating rink at RiverScape MetroPark is now open. These events are a wonderful way to support your community and do something good for your body!

A Christmas Walk in Downtown Dayton will be going on from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015. This outdoor community recreation opportunity is sponsored by Ohio Wander Freunde Volkswalk Club. The walk has two different distances available: a 5K or 10K. This event is unique because it allows you and your family and friends to stroll through the designated course at your own pace. You can start and finish whenever you like as well. It begins and ends at The Second Street Market, so you may even squeeze in a little holiday shopping from local vendors. Extra bonus: this event is free of charge, hooray!

It’s official – the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink is open for season-long, family-friendly fun on the banks of the scenic Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Presented by Buckeye Health Plan, admission to the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark is $5 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $2. Ages 3 and younger are free with a paying adult. Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. With its appeal to both young and old, the experience of skating at the Metro Parks Ice Rink is fast becoming a holiday tradition for Miami Valley families looking for something fun to do together, and with its location along the riverfront, the MetroParks Ice Rink also is a phenomenal way to experience the outdoors during cooler weather. Ice skating is also a fabulous form of physical exercise. Not only does it elevate your heart rate, it also requires balance, stability, and coordination. Bring the whole family out for some outdoor fun this season!

Holiday festivities are abundant this time of year! Make sure to allot some time with friends and family to be active together. Two awesome opportunities this weekend to celebrate the season and exercise together, and perhaps start a new tradition. Journey downtown for The Christmas Walk on Saturday, then head over to RiverScape Metro Park and hit the ice skating rink. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Trots & Wobble!

November 24, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians a very special week is upon us! Not only is it Thanksgiving this Thursday, there are also some very special active events. This year there is not one, but two turkey trots, and even a ‘gobble wobble’ on Thanksgiving night. You can enjoy plenty of activity and even a slice or two of pie this holiday. Everything in moderation, right?!

Thursday, November 26, 2015 marks the 37th annual Turkey Trot presented by The Ohio River Road Runners Club and The City of Miamisburg. This 5 mile trot starts at 8:30 a.m. as well as the 1 mile fun run/walk. You can register Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at the expo from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and pick up your race packet with all kinds of goodies! The expo will be help at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg. Cost of registration for the 5 mile race is $30, children under 15 years of age $25. Cost of the 1 mile fun run/walk is $20 for all ages. Each year approximately 8,000 runners, walkers, friends, and family members attend the Turkey Trot. This race is a Dayton classic, something you can bring the whole family to on Thanksgiving morning!

After a Thanksgiving feast head out to Yellow Springs for ‘The Gobble Wobble’ Full Moon Hike at The Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Burn some calories with your family and friends while taking a memorable hike under the full moon with naturalist, Paul Sampson. This event is from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, 2015. The cost of the hike is free for Glen Helen Members, and $5 for nonmembers. During a nicely paced walk through the Glen, visitors can view spectacular wildflowers, 400 year-old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs, and the beautiful yellow spring for which the town is named. This is the perfect after Thanksgiving activity, and a great way to get out and enjoy nature’s beauty under the full moonlight!

Get ready Dayton, on Sunday, November 29, 2015 is the first ever Dayton Turkey Trot! This trot is a 5K run/walk at starts at 9:00 a.m. You can register online at www.daytonturkeytrot.com as there will be no race day registration.

The cost of this event is $36.99 and the race will be held at Welcome Stadium. All proceeds from the trot will benefit the Girls on the Run charity. This charity helps to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. As if that wasn’t enough incentive to participate, you will also receive a fleece hoodie and warm gooey cinnamon rolls upon finishing the distance. Come on out Sunday morning and make history as part of the first ever Dayton Turkey Trot!

There are a lot of great ways to be active this week and weekend in your community! Two Turkey Trots that differ in distance (why not try them both?!) and a ‘Gobble Wobble’ hike to help offset those yummy Thanksgiving meals and left over snacks. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton as the holiday season kicks into full force!

Nature Nurtures!

November 20, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians welcome to your end of the week guide to active living! Enjoy this unseasonably warm weather by getting out this weekend in nature for a little activity and education. Two great events on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2015 that are happening right here in your hometown!

‘Honeysuckle Daze‘ is occurring this Saturday at The Glen Helen Nature Preserve from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Come on out to The Springs and join the fight against invasive plants. Help fellow community members combat honeysuckle in the Glen. You will learn how to identify and safely remove invasive plant species. Key word being safely, as to not disturb the natural ecosystem of the Glen. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Community organizations, groups, businesses, and families are encouraged participate and learn about the natural habitat of the Glen and how to preserve it. Closed-toe shoes and work gloves strongly encouraged.
Extra bonus: this event is free of charge!

The Miami County Park District will hold their monthly Naturalist Adventure Series program ‘Rock Hounds‘ this Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p..m. at Charleston Falls Preserve. The Naturalist Adventure Series are fun, family activities where participants can drop in anytime during the program and learn about nature. Bring the whole family out for a nice Sunday drive and drop by to investigate real fossils and a variety of strange rocks at ‘Rock Hounds.’ Participants will receive a special rock as a gift and an afternoon filled with outdoor education. Extra bonus: this is another free event, hooray!

Two fabulous opportunities this weekend to be active outdoors and gain some great knowledge! Learn about plants, ecosystems, fossils, rocks, and let nature nurture your physical body at the same time. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Sunday Fun-day!

November 12, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the weekend is fast approaching and it is time to pencil in some different types physical activity. Enjoy some down time on Saturday and then get ready to have a Sunday Fun-day on November 15, 2015! Bring your four legged friend out and about for a dog social or participate in a very special bowling fundraiser.

Head over toCharleston Falls Preserve with your pooch on Sunday for a dog social. ‘Just Walking The Dog’ will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and is free of charge. If your dog plays well with others, bring him or her out to discover a new park and meet new friends. Participants can walk, talk and show off their dog while leisurely strolling down the trail with park district naturalist Spirit of Thunder. You definitely do not want to miss this fun event. It will be a great opportunity to do something active with your pet companion!

Also happening on Sunday is the 2015 Hospice of Dayton Foundation Cosmic Bowl Fundraiser. The 18th annual event is being held at Poelking Woodman Lanes in Kettering, Ohio and the cost is $50. Last year’s event was a huge success and it was attended by more than 200 supporters.

This helped raised nearly $50,000 for end of life care! The donor dollar support enables funding for numerous programs that are vital to the superior care and superior services available through Hospice of Dayton. The success of this event is credited largely to the sponsors and individuals who lend their names and financial support. This is an incredible chance to make a difference in your community and do something active at the same time!

There it is Dayton – a true Sunday Fun-day! Two unique affairs going on that are sure to create some positive energy for you, your four legged fur friend, and your community. Let’s get out and get moving!

Nature & History!

November 5, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians it is that time again – the weekend, and it is the perfect time to get out and do something active! Enjoy the unseasonably warm weather by taking a unique hike at The Glen Helen Nature Preserve and hitting the pavement for an honorable 5K. Family friendly activities that are sure to please this weekend, and a great chance to connect with other members of your community!

On Saturday, November 7, 2015 join Glen Helen Executive Director and ornithologist, Nick Boutis, on a ‘bird’ walk through the Glen. Learn about the fascinating and fun hobby of bird watching, and meet fellow birders! All skill levels are encouraged to attend and get lost in nature’s exquisite world. During this hike you will learn about the Glen’s resident and migratory bird species. The walk is from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and it is free for Glen Helen Association members, $5 per person for non-members. Bring the family out for a one of a kind educational experience!

Celebrate Veterans Day a little early on Sunday, November 8, 2015 by participating in The American Veterans Heritage Center’s ‘Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk/Roll’!

The 5K will be happening at the VA Medical Center with check-in and registration from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The race officially begins at 2:30 p.m. The cost for this event is $25, children under 10 free! Proceeds benefit the American Veterans Heritage Center, Inc. The Veterans Day 5K is steeped in tradition as you will literally run through the living history of the VA that began in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. This beautiful rolling campus has many historic buildings that are on the National Registry. The course winds you past the National Cemetery and through the ghosts of times past when nearly 7,000 Civil War Veterans called ‘The National Asylum’ home. Come on out and support this worthy organization this Sunday!

Fabulous opportunities to be active this weekend ladies and gentlemen! Learn a new hobby on Saturday and participate in a very historical 5K on Sunday. It’s time to get out and get moving Dayton!

Fall Magic!

October 29, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians the final weekend of October is upon us! There are a lot of Halloween events going on, don’t forget to include some physical activity in your schedule. Two very fun and family friendly affairs happening this weekend. Be sure to check them out and take a break from all of the Halloween goodies to enjoy fall’s magic!

Come on out to Charleston Falls Preserve for a ‘Night Around the Campfire’ from 7:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m on Saturday, October 31, 2015. This will be incredible ambiance for Halloween! Be sure to get there early while it is still daylight and enjoy a nice brisk hike as well. Spend the evening with park district naturalist John DeBoer and special guests, the Stillwater Stargazers, for a good old-fashioned night around the campfire. View the night sky through a telescope, listen to legends and sing songs. While there, also visit the ‘Zoo in the Sky’ storybook trail that will be set up along the path. Have fun with the whole family at this program and make the most of All Hallows’ Eve, extra bonus: the entire event is free!

After a fun evening out on Saturday, don’t forget to set the clocks back one hour so you can join the Metro Dayton Hikers on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at Carriage Hill Farm & Metro Park.

This wonderful group will lead a 2 hour hike that will be approximately 5 miles from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The hike will tour the incredible Carriage Hill Metro Park and is a fabulous way to connect with fellow community members and get some serious physical activity! It will be appropriate for all ages, the more the merrier so bring the whole family. Once again, extra bonus: the hike is free, hooray!

There it is fellow active event seekers, a weekend full of fall fun and magic! Enjoy a night at the campfire and a daytime hike at two of the community’s marvelous Metro Parks. Let’s get out, get moving, and celebrate the last weekend in October Dayton!

Halloween Happenings!

October 23, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians Halloween is just around the corner and there are many active events to help celebrate this holiday! Even though Halloween is next weekend, things are ramping up this Saturday and Sunday to get you ‘in the spirit’. Two adventurous activities this Saturday evening and a costume run on Sunday, not to mention many fall festivals and farms to visit in the Dayton area, you are all set to have a spook-tacular active life!

The Halloween Happening Event takes place at Lost Creek Reserve in Troy this Saturday, October 24 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Guests of all ages are invited to drop by and experience a crisp, fall night hike around the historic Knoop farm aglow with jack-o’-lanterns, deeming this ‘the jack-o’-lantern hike’. Be sure to stop by the barn at the end of the hike to enjoy some delicious fall treats. The corn maze will also be open from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Remember to bring a flashlight and anything else to help guide you on this festive experience. Extra bonus: the entire evening is free, Happy Halloween!

Also on Saturday is a very unique event hosted by The GCP&T Trail Sentinels. Grab your bike and come on out to Xenia Station for a night ride to Beavercreek Community Park. The GCP&T Trail Sentinels are an elite volunteer group who patrol the trails and coordinate several cycling events. All riders must be 18 or older and have a helmet. The ride starts at 7:00 p.m. Join the Sentinels for a moonlight ride, and celebrate Halloween by adding lighting to yourself or bicycle to travel the trails! Extra bonus: another free event, hooray!

After all of that evening activity on Saturday, make sure to get a goodnight’s sleep and be ready for the 3rd Annual Club IMPACT Costume 5K/10K and Monster Mile on Sunday, October 25. Help support Miamisburg’s Club IMPACT, a youth enrichment after school program. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Motivation, Perseverance, Attitude, Character and Teamwork. Club IMPACT is a free program that serves both boys and girls in grades 3-8 through the city of Miamisburg. The event takes place at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg at 4:30 p.m. Micro chipped timing, door prizes and refreshments will be available; registration begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The cost for the 5K/10K is $25, and the Monster Mile is $10. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged to compete in all events. Break out that favorite Halloween getup, grab your running shoes and join the race. Prizes will be awarded to Best Individual Costume (male and female; youth and adult), Best Couple and Best Group Costume. Sounds like a fun way to celebrate the season and support a great cause at the same time!

There are a variety of events going on this weekend to help get you in that Halloween spirit! Whether it’s hiking, biking, or running/walking by moonlight or by sunlight there’s something for everyone this weekend and it’s all happening in your community. Let’s get out, get moving, and celebrate Halloween Dayton!

Make Strides This Weekend!

October 16, 2015 By Melissa Ledinsky

Daytonians we are in full fall swing with the cool crisp air and the brilliant colors of mother nature! This weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of fall’s beauty by doing something active outdoors. There is a very special event happening this Saturday and it is going on downtown. You bet it involves being active and being outside!

On Saturday, October 17 The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk kicks off at 8:00 a.m. The walk takes place at Fifth Third Field. You can help finish the fight against breast cancer by walking with American Cancer Society Making Strides of Dayton. Join more than one million people each year who are helping to end breast cancer. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities with a shared determination to finish the fight. By participating in this noncompetitive 5K walk you will help support everyone in every community touched by breast cancer, and this is very powerful! You will help those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education and prevention, and of course, the incredible survivors of breast cancer.

Every Making Strides event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors as well as raise awareness about the disease. In addition to this, these walks help generate funds through donations to the American Cancer Society. These donations are then used to help save lives from breast cancer by funding groundbreaking breast cancer research, providing free comprehensive information and support, and helping people take steps to reduce their risk of the disease or find it early when it’s most treatable. This disease is one that surely hits home and we all can help contribute to ending it by taking some time to exercise together and help build community support!

Let’s unite together this Saturday morning and make strides for one exceptional cause! The power of each other is unlike any other, let us come together and generate positive energy to do our part in ending breast cancer. Time to get out and get moving Dayton!