Artemis Center

Dayton Book Fair Announces 2017 Beneficiaries

January 17, 2017 By Dayton Most Metro

After reading scores of applications from many deserving organizations, the Dayton Book Fair Foundation announced on Monday that they have chosen three area non-profits to benefit from the proceeds of the 2017 Book Fair. The three chosen are Caesar’s Ford Theatre Co., Dayton Public Radio (“Discover Classical”) and the Artemis Center.

Caesar’s Ford Theatre is a fledgling theatre company based in Fairborn who works to bring Ohio history and literature to outdoor theatre, and to make live theatrical works accessible to all.

Dayton Public Radio is an independent public radio station, existing without the benefit of university funding, and bringing all classical programming to Dayton and its surrounds. While Discover Classical is one of only about 2 dozen all classical public radio stations nationally, it reaches citizens in our community that would otherwise lack the opportunity to discover classical music or experience live performances.

The Artemis Center provides counseling, advocacy and support to battered women and children in the community. In addition to helping people in crisis, Artemis has become a community resource for creating a coordinated response to domestic violence. Because all systems must work together to protect victims and hold batterers accountable, Artemis and the YWCA Dayton joined together to form The Family Violence Collaborative in 1993. This Collaborative has brought together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection and health care professionals to develop protocols of response.

“We had a tough time choosing this year,” said executive director, Larkin Vonalt. “There were so many excellent applicants and after we winnowed those down to about ten, we spent hours picking the final three.”

In 2016, the Foundation chose FilmDayton, K12 Gallery & TEJAS and the Learning Tree Farm. Each of those organizations was awarded an equal share of the net proceeds from Ohio’s largest used book sale— ten thousand dollars each.

“We hope that this year’s grant will be as much or more,” Vonalt said, “though we are still searching for a new home for the Fair after the closing of the Montgomery Fairgrounds.”

The Book Fair Foundation collects donated books at their offices at 2181 Embury Park Rd in Dayton. You can even call and have them pickup your books if you’re unable to drop them off.Call (937) 999-4491 and they will schedule a time that is convenient for you to pick up your books. They can even bring boxes and pack them if you need help with that.

Each year they sort about 50 tons of books into around sixty different categories which are sold over the second weekend in November at their annual fair. The organization is all-volunteer and is a registered 501c3 charity.

New Executive Director at Artemis Center

November 9, 2016 By Lisa Grigsby

Artemis Center, a domestic violence resource agency serving the Miami Valley since 1985, has announced the selection of Jane Keiffer, MSW, LISW-S as its new Executive Director. Jane will fill the vacancy created by Judy Strnad’s departure in July. The decision was made after an internal selection process, during which Jane served as Interim Executive Director for the organization.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” reported Joanie Haverstick, MPA, and Artemis Center Board Chair. “Jane has served the agency for more than 20 years, and will bring leadership and an extensive knowledge of domestic violence to Artemis Center’s programs along with a deep sense of commitment to our mission. She has served Artemis at program and leadership levels, and has a breadth of perspective and experience.”

An experienced Social Worker, Jane has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Kentucky and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (LISW-S) in the state of Ohio, with her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo. Her experience includes working as the Clinical Director with Artemis Center for the past 9 years, serving as a domestic violence expert witness, and participating on several committees in the community, advancing best practices for working with victims of domestic violence. Jane has also provided numerous trainings which include police officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, and many other professionals on intimate partner violence.

“I look forward to continuing this journey to help domestic violence survivors and their children find safety and working with community partners in this new capacity,” remarks Keiffer. “I am dedicated to Artemis Center because I see the important work our passionate and dedicated staff provide to survivors in our community and I believe we are an important resource not only to survivors but to our community as a whole.”

Artemis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been providing vital supportive services to victims of domestic violence and their children for over 30 years, serving more than 95,000 victims/survivors in Montgomery and surrounding Counties.

HOTLINE 937-222-7233| www.artemiscenter.org

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than auto accidents, rape, and muggings combined. National studies found about one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence. Without Artemis Center services individuals in the community will not have access to advocate support to create personalized safety plans, navigate the court system, referrals to community services, and individual and peer support. Artemis specializes in providing services beyond the traditional housing and safety offered by domestic violence shelters. It was the experience of Artemis founders that victims fleeing domestic violence, in addition to needing a safe place, also need help understanding their rights, guidance through the often confusing and sometimes intimidating legal system.

Artemis Center & YWCA Host 5K Walk to Support Domestic Violence Hotline!

August 29, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton will, for the first time, host a collaborative friend and fundraiser to promote awareness of domestic violence and raise funds to support the Domestic Violence Hotline share by Artemis Center and the YWCA Dayton. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes™ Domestic Violence 5Kwill be held Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, in conjunction with the University of Dayton School of Law Human Rights Awareness and Advocacy group and the University of Dayton Women’s Center. Synchrony Financial will be the presenting sponsor.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes™ Domestic Violence 5K is an event that highlights domestic violence as a critical community issue and educates the community on the work of Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton. Activities include a 5K run/walk/stroll, as well as a 1-mile walk by men and women, wearing heels, to emphasize the crucial role male voices play in ending violence against women.

All proceeds will support Artemis Center and YWCA Dayton’s
shared 24-hour crisis hotline
(937-222-SAFE), the only such hotline in both Montgomery and Preble counties. The hotline office staffed in equal parts by trained YWCA Dayton and Artemis Center staff. In 2015 alone, more than 8,600 crisis calls were received through the hotline.

The 5K, chip timed by Key Sports, will start and finish at the University of Dayton River Campus (1700 S. Patterson Blvd.), with an easy out-and-back course perfect for experienced runners, hobby joggers, walkers and families alike. No animals allowed; strollers are welcome.

Registration opens at 8 am, with the race beginning at 9 am, rain or shine. Registration fees are tax-deductible; early-bird registrations run through Sept. 9 and guarantee a T-shirt: Adults, $25; Students with ID and Children 3 and up, $20. Children 3 and under, free.

Racquet Club Hosts Charity Beer Tasting Ticket Contest

June 2, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

The Dayton Racquet Club plays host to an evening of beer tasting this Wed night from 6-9pm with their Hops for Hope Benefit.

Enjoy 30 craft beers from some of the finest breweries representing the Miami Valley paired with sumptuous bites prepared by Executive Chef Joe Fish. Food pairing will be matched with each style or beer. Live entertainment and several area golf course packages will be available for bidding on during our auction, so come snap up a great deal on golf at one of our local courses. Tickets run $35 per person.

Complimentary parking is available in the Kettering Tower Parking Garage. Bring your parking ticket up to the club for validation. Smart Casual Attire.

Net proceeds raised during this Charity Classic event will be allocated evenly to Artemis Center – Dayton’s Domestic Violence Resource Agency, Augie’s Quest at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), and Employee Partner Care Foundation (E.P.C.F.). All registration fees will be collected by ALS TDI and distributed to the other two charities. Buy tickets online to avoid a line at the door.

DMM Ticket Contest: We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away, so just give us a like, fill out the form below and a reason you should be our winner in the comments below. We’ll randomly pick a winner Tues. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

The Artemis Center Introduce the “Krewe” Raising Funds To Be Named King & Queen of Mardi Gras Gala

December 9, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

In order to organize and stage the enormous Mardi Gras carnival every year, many New Orleans families have belonged for generations to krewes, groups that create elaborate costumes and floats for the many Mardi Gras parades in the two weeks leading up to “Fat Tuesday.” Not only do the krewes participate in the parades, but, as leaders of New Orleans society, they also hold balls and other elaborate events during the carnival season, which lasts from Christmas up to Mardi Gras itself. The krewes are responsible for electing Rex, the annual king of the carnival, whose parade is the climax of Mardi Gras.

The Artemis Center has thrown an annual Mardi Gras fundraising ball before, but for the first time, they are adding a “Krewe” element to the gala. Eleven young professionals will be raising funds and spreading the word about the issue of domestic violence in our community and the crucial services provided by Artemis Center.

The official kick off for the “krewe” was held this past week at a happy hour event in the Oregon District. These young professionals will be fundraising over the three months to compete for the titles of King and Queen of the Mardi Gras. The man and woman who raise the most funds will be crowned at the Gala to be held on March 8, 2014 at the Dayton Masonic Center. The funds raised by the Artemis Center ‘Krewe’ will provide crucial unrestricted funding to Artemis Center to allow us to continue offering our services at no cost to the client. Supporting Artemis Center is one of the most direct ways to improve the lives of domestic violence victims. Unrestricted funding allows us the flexibility to respond in whatever way victims and their children need. Whether its buying a bus ticket to safety, changing the locks on a clients home to increase safety, or providing therapy for a child witness of violence, your donation can make it happen.

Meet the “Krewe”

Cassandra Andres
Staff Attorney at Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

Cassandra graduated from University of Dayton School of Law and is thrilled to volunteer for the Krewe for Artemis Center this year “because our community is at a loss when it comes to services for women, and Artemis Center has taken great strides in attempting to fill in those gaps. Your donation will not only fund the housing services at Artemis, but will also provide volunteers with the tools needed to reach out to women with a helping hand across the Miami Valley Area.”

Jason Antonic
Manager of Business and Economic Development, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Jason has a passion for community involvement. He is the VP of the Huffman Historic District, the past President of the Dayton Ballet Barre and member of the I-70/75 Development Association. He went Over The Edge for Big Brothers Big Sister of the Greater Miami Valley and fought in the 2nd Knockout. Jason enjoys spending time with his daughter, bird watching, playing basketball and Shakespearean acting. He lives in the Huffman Historic District with his fiancée, Jessica and their cat Ian.

Jennifer Bock

Mass Torts and Negotiations Attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz

A graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and chair of the Social Committee for the Young Lawyers Division of the Dayton Bar Association. Jennifer and her husband also support AIDS Resource Center Ohio, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Wave Foundation, and United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton. However, being a victim of domestic violence myself, the Artemis Center holds a special place in her heart and she is passionate about the cause.

Jen Cadieux
Business Development Manager at Downtown Dayton Partnership
A 2005 graduate of the University of Dayton, Jen was named to the Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Class of 2010. An ardent supporter of area non-profits, Jen has volunteered for Aids Resource Center Ohio, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has served on the BBB Advertising Review Council. She chaired the Social Committee for Generation Dayton, and has served on the board of the Dayton Broomball Association and the Dayton Ballet Associate Board. Jen says, “becoming a part of the first Krewe and helping an organization that makes such an impact on women and children in our community is an honor.”

Conrad Dillion
Legal Counsel for Alternate Solutions Healthcare System

A graduate of Ohio University and the University of Dayton School of Law, where he was awarded the Commitment to Community Pro Bono Service Award . He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Dayton Bar Association. Conrad enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time with my cat Simon. Having worked with Care House and in juvenile courts, Conrad has seen first hand the affects of domestic violence on both kids and their parents and by working on the Krewe wants to help by able to provide Artemeis Center with the tools they need to break the cycle.

Richard Kaiser

Co-Owner of Lion + Panda

An Ohio native, Richard was part of the class of 2010 at Wright State University where he studied marketing and advertising. In the past 3 1/2 years Richard has become a household name in the Dayton marketing community. Building upon his college experiences of working in print, television, and sales Richard brought an integrated approach to the digital industry. Active involvement in the local Dayton community has been a focal point of Richard’s personal life. He is currently the a board member of the Dayton Opera, the Muse Machine, Stiver’s High School Advisory Board, and often volunteers time to helping other nonprofits to craft their communications strategies.

Amelia Robinson

Columnist/Reporter Dayton Daily New

Originally from Cleveland, Amelia attended Ohio University in Athens and worked in Mansfield for several years before making Dayton her home. Amelia’s outgoing personality and quick wit make her a must read on Facebook and if she can convert her readers into donors for Artemis Center, the whole Community wins. When asked what motivated her to become part of the Krewe Amelia shared, “I’ve know women in my personal life and as a reporter I’ve gone to to many scenes where domestic violence has been involved and so I really want to be able to help the women and children who are affected by DV and Artemis does that in our community.”

Kara Shepherd
Hairstylist at The Mantra Salon and Day Spa

“As most people know, many women think of their hairstylist as some what of a “therapist”. I am very lucky to have a profession where I get to make women feel GREAT when they leave my chair, and that is a personal goal of mine with every client I see. In June, I had the honor of marrying my best friend. As a woman who has never been in an abusive relationship, I must admit, until learning some facts through Artemis, I had no idea how frequently a woman is battered per SECOND in our country….It’s every 9 seconds in case you were wondering. When reading such a terrible statistic, one tends to ask themself “WHAT CAN I DO”.

I am so very excited to get to give back to more women than the ones that just come see me in the salon. I think that Artemis is a crucial key to helping women and children right here in the Dayton area. There are so many who need our help, and with YOUR donations, we can make a difference!”

Anthony Shoemaker

Political/Military Affairs editor at Cox Media Group

Anthony is a 1998 graduate of Wright State University, and he and his wife Amelia recently bought their first house in the Oregon District. Anthony says he was flattered to be asked to help. He’s known too many people personally that have been involved in a situation that included domestic violence and that if he’s able to make a difference, why wouldn’t he?

Dan Sweeny
Manager of Patient Access at Miami Valley Hospital

Dan got his bachelors degree from The Ohio State University and his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. Newly married in the summer of 2013, Dan has already recruited his wife Janese to help him raise funds for The Artemis Center. Dan shared that his grandmother was on the Artemis board of trustees for years and he’s been a volunteer for many of their events. When asked to join the Krewe, he said it’s a no-brainer, of course he’s willing to give his time to help raise money that support and educate those in need of the options and help that are available in our community.

Taryn Ward
Membership Development Representative at Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Taryn is motivated to make a positive impact on the community and volunteers regularly. She is an active member and leader of Generation Dayton, Taryn has a profound love for animals and serves on Advocates 4 Animals Board of Directors. She also serves on an associate committee for Clothes That Work.When she’s not working with businesses or volunteering, Taryn enjoys dancing, cooking, and reading and is a founding member of a local book club for young professionals. Taryn joins the Krewe to honor her friend who was helped out of a really bad situation by Artemis.

So now you’ve met the Krewe and stay tuned to see what they’ve got planned to help reach the $50,000 goal that Artemis has set for them to raise. Each Krewe members name is linked to their individual fundraising page, so why not support your favorite Krewe member on their quest to become the King or Queen of the Mardi Gras Gala?

Experience Wheat Penny at their Sneak Peek For Charity!

August 20, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

DaytonDining has partnered with the brand new
Wheat Penny Oven & Bar

to present a truly unique opportunity for you to have a sneak peek of this cool pizza-centric restaurant featuring rustic, creative dishes and a bar that serves up fresh, handmade cocktails-brought to you by the culinary-minded folks at Meadowlark Restaurant!

Wheat Penny is opening their door to local charities, to allow them a fundraising opportunity while working with their new staff to perfect their service. If you’d like the opportunity to attend one of these nights, you can contact the charity’s listed below:

Tickets are $35/person of which $25 is tax-deductible. Guests will be able to order pizza an appetizer (like a salad or eggplant fritters) and a pizza entrée (you’ll have your choice of hhite, wheat or gluten free dough). Guests will also receive a special Wheat Penny dessert treat. Tea and Coke products are included. There’s a 90% chance the liquor license will arrive by Tues/Wed, so guests should be able to buy cocktails as well. Servers will drop checks and collect at the end of the meal (gives them register practice).

Wed, August 21st Artemis Center
Leading the community in its commitment to end domestic violence
For reservations email

Jennifer Dean

Thurs, August 22nd SICSA Pet Adoption Center

A limited admission animal shelter which strives to place adoptable dogs and cats in loving homes.
For reservations email Kira Petrykowski

Friday, August 23rd The Food Bank
Leading the charge to relieve hunger for our Miami Valley Neighbors
Sold Out – email Ann Roberts to be put on the waiting list.

Please do not contact Wheat Penny- each charity has their own reservation list and Wheat Penny will not have any information on open spots.

The Artemis Center – Helping Victims of Domestic Violence

February 15, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE WHO…

“One of these days he’s going to kill me.” The caller seemed resigned to her fate. The Artemis Center advocate who answered the Domestic Violence Hotline assessed the level of immediate risk and made a safety plan with the victim. Calls of this kind are everyday occurrences at Artemis Center.

Just about everyone knows someone who has been a victim of domestic violence. Research shows that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. This widespread issue does not discriminate. It cuts across all races, religions, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds. It may be your co-worker, neighbor, friend, or even a family member. Most commonly victims are female, but occasionally a male is victimized. Domestic violence is EVERYONE’S problem.

Photo Credit: APV- Portugese Association for Victim Support

WHY DOESN’T SHE JUST LEAVE?

Regardless of the degree of abuse, it is never easy to leave these relationships. Although abusers may be controlling and verbally abusive early on, most abusers do not become physically abusive until they are certain the victim is emotionally invested in the relationship. Many victims tell Artemis advocates that their partner never hit them until: they got engaged, or the honeymoon, or she was pregnant with their first or second child, or after their child was born.

For various reasons, some victims will never leave their abusers. However, most victims leave eventually. Before she leaves, there are many questions a victim must consider: How can I support my children and keep them safe? Where can we go? Can we stay in the same school district? Can we go to the same house of worship?

Protecting the children is often of paramount concern. Research has shown that in many households where there is domestic violence, there is also child abuse. When the abuser is a threat to the children, the victim has to consider whether the children will be safe if she and the abuser separate and will the abuser get parenting time alone with the children.

Once the abuser learns that the victim is leaving the relationship the violence may escalate. This phenomenon is called “Separation Danger.” The risk to the victim can increase significantly during separation and for a while afterwards. Research has shown that 75% of domestic violence homicides occurred during or shortly after the victims attempted to leave. The victim has to consider: What will happen to the children if something happens to me?

Even after a victim leaves the abuser, she often remains at risk. The typical abuser feels entitled to continue to abuse the victim because he tells himself: “This relationship isn’t over until I say it is over.”

ARTEMIS CENTER CAN HELP

Fortunately, Artemis Center advocates can help domestic violence victims and their children get safe. Artemis advocates can answer the many questions and concerns victims have and suggest options. The Domestic Violence Hotline is operated collaboratively by Artemis Center and the battered women’s shelter. Victims can call the Hotline 24 hours a day seven days a week. Artemis advocates answer the Hotline weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For many victims, calling the Domestic Violence Hotline is their first step to safety. Whether a victim intends to stay with the abuser or leave the relationship, an Artemis advocate will work one-on-one with him or her and serve as a source of support. The advocates help victims understand that they have a right to be safe; that they are not alone; and that they have options to help them get safe and protect their children. Artemis advocates can connect victims to community resources, assist victims with obtaining Protection Orders and accompany victims to court. In addition, Artemis offers weekly support groups so that victims can support and learn from each other. All Artemis Center services are confidential and free of charge.

YOU CAN HELP

If you know someone who is living with abuse, encourage him or her to call the Domestic Violence Hotline to discuss their relationship and get help with safety planning. If you know someone with a child that is acting out as a result of witnessing abuse, encourage the parent to contact the Artemis Child Therapy Program. An Artemis child therapist can answer parents’ questions and help children process the abuse and learn healthy ways to resolve family conflicts.

You can help victims indirectly, as well, by attending the Artemis Gala on February 23^rd or another Artemis fundraiser. Or you can simply make a donation to Artemis Center. Artemis has a food pantry and a small fund to help victims pay for getting their locks changed and other relatively inexpensive safety measures.

Domestic violence is complicated. Most people do not understand why a victim would stay in an abusive situation or the seriousness of the risk. Often, victims cannot leave their abusers without outside support, resources, and the confidence to make a new life. With your help, Artemis Center can help victims by providing support and resources and helping victims build the confidence they need to get safe and keep their children safe.

(Submitted by The Artemis Center)

Mardi Gras Artemis Gala 2013

On Saturday February 23 at 6:30pm, The Artemis Center will be holding their big Mardi Gras Artemis Gala at the Schuster Center Winter Garden with all funds raised at this signature event directly benefit local victims of Domestic Violence and help to ensure that Artemis Center can continue to provide all services free of charge. Tickets are $125 (table of 8 for $1,000) with raffle tickets going for $25. Click here for tickets and more information.

Can You Spare 2 Hours on Thursday Night’s?

September 11, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Artemis Center provides support and information for victims of domestic violence and their children. They currently have a need for responsible, caring, and reliable babysitters for Thursday Nights. Babysitting services are provided so clients can attend support group worry-free knowing their child is having a blast from 5:45 – 7:45 PM. All volunteers working with children are subject to a criminal background check. For more information contact Sarah @ 937-461-5091

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic-affecting people in every community, regardless of age, economic status, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotional abuse and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systemic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime.

85 -95% of all domestic violence victims are female
About 1 out of 4 women will be abused by a partner in her lifetime.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the US; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined
A woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the US
Police report that between 40% and 60% of the calls they receive are domestic violence disputes
50% of all homeless women and children in this country are fleeing domestic violence
The health-related costs of rape, physical assault, stalking and homicide by intimate partners exceed $5.8 billion each year
In the US, more than 1200 women are killed each year by their intimate partner

In addition to helping people in crisis, Artemis has become a community resource for creating a coordinated response to domesticviolence. Because all systems must work together to protect victims and hold batterers accountable, Artemis and the YWCA joined together to form The Family Violence Collaborative in 1993. This Collaborative has brought together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection and health care professionals to develop protocols of response.

Jane’s Best Bets (10/13 – 10/17)

October 13, 2010 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Did you know that in addition to being the month for pumpkins, costumes, and corn mazes, October is also a good time to remind us to wear ear plugs when we’re out enjoying those loud festivals and concerts, or perhaps when we’re using one of those annoying leaf blowers, as it is National Audiology Awareness Month! I hope you don’t mind me putting in a plug for this cause! Speaking of plugs, I’ve been plugging away trying to find some good things for you to do. I’ve realized there are many ways to support wonderful causes this week AND have fun at the same time!

On Wednesday, learn how to help raise funds for your non-profit board at the presentation Building Your Best Board at the Main Branch of the Dayton Metro Library. If you would like to know how this year’s political candidates plan to make Dayton an even better place, consider attending the Updayton Candidates Forum downtown. And if you’d prefer to just relax, put on some pink lipstick and make your way over to A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg for their ‘*Pink Sips for the Cure’*, which will include wine tastings, light appetizers, and music.

Moving on to Thursday…If you are a M*A*S*H fan, you’ll definitely want to head over to the Schuster Center for A Cigar, a Dress and a Hairy Chest, where the Junior League of Dayton’s Town Hall Lecture Series will be welcoming Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Max Klinger on the show. If you want to make a difference in our community, skate your way to the 10th Annual Ribbon of Hope Luncheon to benefit the Women’s Wellness Fund, where Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming will be the keynote speaker! And in the evening, be sure to empty your bowl at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser for House of Bread in order to raise funds for this community kitchen that serves food seven days a week to the needy. Finally, if you’re a young professional looking to network with other young professionals in the area, be sure to attend Generation Dayton’s ‘Thirsty Thursday’ at SideBar. At this point in time, I’m not sure at which side of the bar we’ll be located, but if you attend, be sure to say hi!

On Friday, support the fight to end domestic violence in the Miami Valley by attending the Artemis Center’s Annual Peacekeeper Awards Luncheon at the Mandalay Banquet Center. If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, be sure to attend the American Humanics Fall Workshop entitled, The Nonprofit Toolbox, which will take place at the Boonshoft Museum. This workshop will help you take advantage of the many modern resources available (e.g. social media) to promote your nonprofit. Plus, Lisa Grigsby from DaytonMostMetro.com will be one of the speakers! If you love to read, make your way to Hara Arena for the Dayton Metro Library Book Sale, which will also be happening on Saturday and Sunday. In the evening, if you are into haunted houses and other fall-related activities, check out Salem’s Lot Haunted Carnival at the Old Salem Mall, Haunted Wagon Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy, or the The 2010 MAiZE @ Meadow View. And if you enjoy musicals and are looking for an island get away without the cost, check out Once On This Island at Sinclair.

Hopefully you went to bed at a decent hour on Friday night so you’ll be able to start off Saturday with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Fifth Third Field or the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association’s 5th Annual Happy Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk at Indian Riffle Park in Kettering. I wonder if there will be any weiner dogs there. Afterwards, bring out the entire family for the Fall Family Fun Day at the PNC 2^nd Street Market, where there will be pumpkin decorating, musical entertainment, and more. If you enjoy seafood and wine, head to the Bella Vino Wine Merchants for their Clam Bake. Or if you are a Star Trek buff, you’ll want to trek your way to the Victoria Theatre to see Star Trek Live!

Also on Saturday…If you’re a hockey lover, your goal is to be in attendance at the Dayton Gems’ opening night where they will take on the Evansville Icemen at Hara Arena. If you’re a young professional who enjoys the arts, then Jump into Dance with JumpstART & DCDC at Stivers School for the Arts. Although I have never seen the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), I have heard wonderful things about them so I am sure they will put on an amazing performance! And, if you love to party, people watch, dance, and in general just have a fabulous time, then you don’t want to miss Masquerage at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds! In addition to being a very entertaining evening of “heavenly pleasures and sinful delights,” you will be helping to raise money for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Partying for a great cause…I love it!

On Sunday, take part in the National Kidney Foundation Walk at The Greene. Or, take the kids out to Windmill Farms Fall Festival for hayrides, pumpkins, face painting, and much more! If you didn’t get the chance to see Star Trek Live on Saturday, you still have another opportunity to check it out. If you are a book worm who loves a good bargain, wiggle your way over to the Dayton Metro Library Book Sale where books will be reduced to all you can carry for a dollar! And in the evening, if you are in need of a good laugh or if you want to try your hand (or really your feet) at stand-up, invite a friend and go to Wiley’s Comedy Club for their Open-Mic Night!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why shouldn’t you tell secrets in a cornfield?
Because corn has ears.
(Courtesy of my Grandma Krebs!)

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar. There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today! Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE! And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!