Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

dayton metro library

Dayton Metro Library Adds New Digital Product Line: What’s all the hoopla?

By Leave a Comment

936554_10151756930411604_554385584_nThe Dayton Metro Library has a brand new service for patrons who enjoy digital movies, television shows and music.  The service, called Hoopla, offers thousands of titles from major Hollywood studios and record companies for downloading or instant streaming on smart phones, tablets and computers, free of charge.  Only a Dayton Metro Library card is needed to access the service from the library’s website, DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

 

“Anticipating a huge number of our patrons will receive new ereaders, tablets and smart phones this holiday season, now is the perfect time for us to expand our digital library offerings,” said Jean Gaffney, manager of Acquisition and Collection Development at the library.  “We already offer audio books and ebooks through Overdrive, and digital magazines with Zinio.  Now Hoopla provides thousands of movie titles, television episodes and CDs for downloading or streaming to computers and portable devices.”

 

Hoopla offers more than 3000 movies, 9000 television episodes and 300,000 full-length music CDs, with new releases scheduled each week. 

 

“Hoopla fills a need for our patrons who want to take their entertainment with them wherever they go,” said Gaffney. “You don’t have to wait to borrow anything, and the automatic return means there are no late fees.  The service is completely free.”

 

To access Hoopla, visit the library’s website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org.  Users must have a Dayton Metro Library card and PIN number to register.  Library cards are free to anyone residing in the state of Ohio.  Cards must be issued in person at any Dayton Metro Library location.  For more information, call the library at 496-8904.

Library Seeks Feedback

By 1 Comment

Library

New Main Library Community Forum

Would you like to be among the first to see the preliminary design concepts for the new Main Library?  Join the architects designing the flagship facility for Dayton Metro Library on Thursday, November 21st from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium.  You will see the first renderings and have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed new facility that promises to be a downtown destination for patrons of all ages.

This is the FINAL of three community forums hosted by the Library in preparation for a major overhaul. The library is a major community asset for research, education, entertainment and more – how will these changes affect you? The architects are there to talk plans and hear feedback. Take an hour to learn about the new growth and expansion of your library.

Keep up with all the information at the facilities page!

 

Volunteers for Dayton!: Opportunities Oct. 2-9

By Leave a Comment

Your weekly round-up of ways to get involved in Dayton’s urban neighborhoods.

Give Back in the Halloween Spirit!

Volunteering for Hauntfest helps raise funds for the Oregon District!

  • The Oregon District Business Association needs volunteers to sell tickets and serve beer at its annual Hauntfest on Fifth, October 27, 7pm-1am. It’s a great way to meet people and see all the crazy costumes! E-mail Mike Martin to volunteer and ‘like’ their page to stay in the loop. There will be a special beer booth to fundraise for Garden Station – e-mail Lisa Helm to help there. And if you can’t help out, be sure to attend – $5 tickets will be available this First Friday in front of the old Boulevard Haus.
  • Dayton’s costumed Party of Parties, Masquerage, will be held at the Fairgrounds again this year and needs volunteers for everything from selling drinks to taking pictures to simply showing off your “hot body.” Masks required! Sign up at their VolunteerSpot page for this Oct. 20th event. Since 2002, over 10,000 Masquerage volunteer hours have helped raise $1 Million for the Aids Resource Center.
  • I normally don’t feature for-profit organizations here, but I think it’s cool that we have a haunted house downtown. So if you’re favorite pastime is scaring people, sign up to volunteer at the Wayne Avenue Haunted Butcher House on the eastern edge of the Oregon District.

    Step up to help Dayton celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Photo: www.tomascastelazo.com

  • Historic Huffman neighborhood volunteers will be dressing up their beautiful Victorian residences for a Halloween-themed Spirit of Huffman home tour, Oct. 13-14. Your admission will fund neighborhood activities and improvements throughout the year!
  • Not exactly Halloween, but similar – Dayton’s Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) organizers need volunteers for their Community Offrenda, First Friday, Nov. 2, 6-10pm. The Offrenda is organized by Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program and Missing Peace Art Space in partnership with an array of Hispanic, school, and neighborhood groups as well as local artists. It will feature workshops, a parade, party, and exhibition. Please contact Missing Peace via e-mail or at (937) 241- 4353 if you’d like to volunteer. And if you would like awesome events like this to continue, please give to Cityfolk’s Post-Festival Campaign at their website.

 

Other opportunities:

  • Can you spare a few bucks to build a bocce court?

    Celebrate the Freedom to Read: The East Branch library in Dayton’s Walnut Hills neighborhood needs volunteers to read aloud for 30 minute or 1hr time slots during Banned Books Week (Oct 1-6). They have a collection of ‘challenged’ books to read from so all volunteers need bring with them is their voice and their enthusiasm for the freedom to read. They are hoping to have readers during all open library hours (MTTH 9:30-8:30; WSa 9:30-6). Contact Samantha or call the branch at 496-8930.

  • Deadline extended for St. Anne’s park fundraiser! St. Anne’s Hill residents hope to raise $1000 to match their City mini-grant for Terry park improvements, including an ornamental gate, bocce courts, and landscaping. Regardless of where you live, can you give $10? If we all give a little to neighborhoods outside our own, we’ll have some great parks! (Plus, you’ll feel entitled when you go there to play bocce.)

    Would this be helpful in Dayton? Image: timebanks.org

Discussions in our group

  • One topic of discussion I raised in our Facebook group is whether there is interest in starting a Time Bank for Dayton. This involves a network of people earning Time Dollars for every hour spent helping others in the network, which they can spend having someone else help them with a project. The exchanges are tracked using simple online software. It’s an incentive for volunteerism, can be helpful for anyone short on cash, and helps build community connections. Share your thoughts here.
  • Another topic that’s been debated in multiple spots this week is what to do with the recently-acquired Hughes Supply property that the City of Dayton recently acquired for development. Obviously it’s a sweet location, being right on the eastern end of the Oregon District at Fifth and Wayne. There are lots of good ideas out there, but the overwhelming majority of commenters on Dayton Most Metro, updayton, and our group hope it becomes a grocery store (BTW – If anyone’s interested in a downtown food co-op, I’ve got a group for that too). What do you think?

Don’t forget to e-mail me your items and report back your successes! And send pictures of your costumed volunteering!

 

Jane’s Best Bets (7/20 – 7/24)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As you may have figured out, in the summer, Dayton is a hot place to be…in more ways than one!  So get your hot self out of the house, take the air conditioned car, and enjoy some of these fun events, as things will be buzzing!

On Wednesday, enjoy $5 Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill.  Wear your green and watch the Dragons play the Peoria Chiefs at Fifth Third Field.  Or wear your tap shoes and head to Archer’s in Centerville for their A.Y.O.B. where they will be “tapping” a new beer.  And in Kettering, watch The Fries Band as they put on a wonderful (and free!) show at the Fraze Pavilion.

On Thursday, take your kids out to Cooper Park for Story Hour, which is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks and the Dayton Metro Library.  Enjoy a performance by the Muse Machine as well as a delicious lunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  If you work downtown, then consider heading to Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where… McGovern Ceili Dancers.  At El Rancho Grande, enjoy 1/2 price Ladies Night.  Or sing your heart out at Champps for Karaoke Thursday.

On Friday, head to RiverScape for their Try Kayaking event, which is completely free!  If you’re a kayaking newbie, it’s definitely something worth checking out.  At Victoria Theatre, enjoy their Michelob Ultra Cool Film Series where the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be shown.  If you’re frequently late, be sure to arrive early this time to enjoy the Cool Film Series Beer Tasting!  At Oregon Express, enjoy Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas, which are absolutely delicious.  It’s mid-summer, so consider watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Free Shakespeare at Antioch Amphitheater.  Or watch ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And if you’re a macho man and would prefer to be at a sporting event, then head to Fifth-Third Field as the Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs.

On Saturday, you will not want to miss the annual Dayton Air Show.  If you enjoyed learning about kayaking and didn’t flip out like I did when I went kayaking the last time (literally!), then consider renting a kayak at RiverScape and Ride the River.  Take the entire family to the Warren County “Fair” if you appreciate equality.  At the Dayton Art Institute, they will be having Sound Bites: Short Talks About Art.  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will still be shown as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.  Again, they will have the Cool Films Series Beer Tasting prior to the show.  Please don’t drink too much beforehand or you may actually feel like you’re going cuckoo during the movie.  If you would rather catch a live performance, then check out ‘The Sound of Music’at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  Join Noah and two of each kind of animal at RiverScape as part of their Free Summer Concert Series featuring The Ark Band.  And if you don’t feel like things are buzzing around town, then you’ll just have to go over to Fifth Third Field to see the Dragons take on the Burlington Bees.

On Sunday, you will still be able to enjoy the Dayton Air Show.  At Antoich Amphitheater, watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream…just don’t fall asleep because that would be rude.  You can also listen to music at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park with their Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Phat Like Dad or at Centerville’s Stubbs Amphitheater as The Lebanon Grand Opry House Band will be performing.  And finally, don’t miss your opportunity to get a buzz at Fifth Third Field as the Dragons once again play the Burlington Bees…with some buzzing really going on at the plaza as part of their Charity Cuts!

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

Where does a bee sit?  On his bee-hind.

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (3/9 – 3/13)

By 1 Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Daylight Savings Time is this coming weekend.  As we spring forward, we’ll all have one less hour to have fun, so that just means you’ll have to be more efficient in packing as much fun as you can into the week!  To help save some time, I’ve done some of the planning for you!

On Wednesday, find out what Skype is by heading to Welcome to the World of Skype at The Learning Center at Miami Valley Research Park.  This is a perfect way to connect with a friend or loved one who lives far away.  Speaking of connections, if you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you will want to attend 19 Ways to Use Social Media to Connect With Your Donors at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch.  Sick of cooking the same old meatloaf?  Attend the Cooking Class: Small Plates From Around the World at the Greene County Career Center to “spice” things up!  Or, learn the basics at UD’s ArtStreet for Basic Cooking Skills with Jim Owens.  It’s only $10 for community members!  At the Trolley Stop, be sure to not drink too liberally for the Drinking Liberally – Dayton event, in which you will be able to discuss politics with others who are interested in the topic.  If drinking makes you drowsy, then get some caffeine and make your way to the Victoria Theatre to see The Drowsy Chaperone.

On Thursday, head to the PNC 2nd Street Market for the Fresh Summer Wrap Demo.  Afterwards, you will be able to fix your own for lunch.  Make reservations to attend the Mardi Gras Creole Wine Dinner over at the delicious McCormick & Schmick’s.  At A Taste of Wine, attend their 2 Cheeses & A Chocolate Fondue Wine Tasting.  Join other young professionals in the Dayton region at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at Harrigan’s in Kettering.  And if you would like to see some very talented young dancers, head to Wright State for their Dance Concert 2011.

Carroll Fish Fry

On Friday, eat some of the amazing pizza at Oregon Express as part of their Half-Price Pizzas.  Attend the first fish fry that is officially in Lent – the Carroll High School 26th Annual Alumni Irish Fish Fry.  Looking for a historically accurate, multi-course dinner from the 19th century?  Attend the Tavern Dinners: End of Winter Feast at Carillon Historical Park…I’m hoping that “historically accurate” does not mean that the food itself is well over a hundred years old.  If you find that you’re tickled pink, head to Pinkalicious-The Musical at Town Hall Theatre.  Other theater options include the Xenia Area Community Theatre’s Old Time Radio Show II at the Kettering Health Network Theatre, Beyond Therapy at the Dayton Playhouse, Little Women at Wright State University, Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre, and The Drowsy Chaperone at Victoria Theatre.  All you Celtic music lovers should make plans to see the band Solas as they perform at Kuss Auditorium.  And if you love the Dayton Philharmonic, be sure to get tickets to see Russian Giants at the Schuster Center.

On Saturday, there will be great things going on at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Take the kids so they can enjoy the Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss celebration.  Also, while there, join in the festivities as it is also St. Patrick’s Day at the Market!  There will be live Irish music as well as Irish dance demonstrations.  While you’re downtown, be sure to head to Fifth Third Field for the Dragons Box Office Opening so that you can get the best tickets for the season!  For all those who would like to learn how to sew, register for the Workshop: Do-It-Yourself Sewing at the Dayton Art Institute.  I definitely would benefit as I can’t sew worth a darn!  All you artist wannabes will want to attend the Saturday Art Classes at K12 Gallery for Young People.  If you know a teenager, encourage him/her to attend the Boonshoft’s shamROCK 2011, for an evening of live music, dancing, laser tag, prizes, and much more!  There are a wide variety of theater options, including The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Pinkalicious, The Musical at Town Hall Theatre, Old Time Radio Show II at the Kettering Health Network Theater, Beyond Therapy at Dayton Playhouse, Little Women at Wright State University, and Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre.  If you love black tie events, you will want to attend the Opera Guild of Dayton’s 2011 Opera Ball, whose theme this year Come Fly with Me.  The event will take place at the Wright Brothers Airport.  Have a wonderful time at Cars & Cabernet, a fundraiser to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.  It will be an evening of fine wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and exquisite automobiles!  If you’d prefer a more low-key evening that will support a “God” cause, attend the Holy Trinity Fish Fry.  Some musical options for Saturday include The Bluegrass Blowout featuring The Special Consensus at Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center and the Dayton Philharmonic’s Russian Giants at the Schuster Center.  And if you love dance, be sure to attend the Dance Concert 2011 at the Schuster Center.

On Sunday, make time to catch one of the shows you didn’t have an opportunity to see earlier in the weekend:  Beyond The Drowsy Chaperone - Victoria Theatre Associaiton / Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011Therapy (Dayton Playhouse), Little Women (Wright State), The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical (Beavercreek Community Theatre), Old Time Radio Show (Xenia Area Community Theatre at Kettering Health Network Theater), or Pinkalicious, The Musical (Town Hall Theatre).  Want to get out in the great outdoors?  Learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  If you’re a write and prefer to stay indoors, attend Books & Co.’s Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop–How To Break Into Publishing.  And finally, watch some amazing dance performances at Wright State’s Dance Concert 2011.

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

A seamstress went to the doctor.  The doctor asked her, “How are you feeling?”  She replied, “Ah, so so.”

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (3/2 – 3/6)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As the famous Dr. Seuss once said,

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!”

Hopefully you make your way to some of these great places/events this week…unless you’re a grinch and don’t like having fun!

On Dr. Seuss’s birthday (Wednesday), head to the East Branch of the Dayton Metro Library for the Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash! If you feel like catching a little art, head to the Dayton Art Institute for Folk Art from the Collection of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, Wright State for the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition, Gallery Saint John for Sea, Earth & Sky, UD’s Rike Center Gallery for God… Steel and a Wasted Dream: Kyle and Kelly Phelps, UD’s ArtStreet for Yasue Sakaoka: Suspended 3-D Paper Sculpture, or the Cannery Art and Design Center for Romancing the Metal.  And if you’re one of the Flyer Faithful, be sure to get your tickets to see the UD Flyers as they play Saint Louis…and this time, hopefully they win!

On Thursday, head to the Dayton Convention Center for the Dayton Home and Garden Show.  In the evening, listen to the sounds of Mara Rosenbloom at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series.  Perfect (or begin) your dancing skills as part of International Folk Dance Lessons at Michael Solomon Pavillion.  Over at Jay’s, check out their Troeg Beer Dinner.  Afterwards, catch some live music in the Oregon District – Nick Mitchell at the Dublin Pub, The Original Acoustic Revival Open Mic Stage at Trolley Stop, or the Blues Jam at Oregon Express.

On Friday, after you’ve eaten some green eggs and ham for breakfast, be sure to make your way to Chick-Fil-A for their FREE FryDay.  It’s one of my favorite restaurants, though I always seem to crave it on Sundays when they’re closed!  If you need to do some home improvements, check out the Dayton Home and Garden Show at the Dayton Convention Center.  In the evening, bring your bike downtown (I’m hoping it’s good weather!) for the Courteous Mass Ride and for the fabulous First Friday.  Be sure to check out the DMM events calendar for a listing of many of the arts events happening as part of this art hop!  If you don’t feel like hopping, the Incarnation Fish Fry, the St. Mary Fish Fry, and the Ascension Fish Fry are all excellent options!  You will be able to eat some fish, win some silent auction items, play some blackjack, and much more…all for a great cause of course!  If you love the 80s like me, wear your sunglasses at night and attend the DJ Skates: Awesome ’80s at RiverScape MetroPark.  For a “little” theater action, be sure to get your ticket to see The Wizard of Oz at Clark State Performing Arts Center or Little Women at Wright State University…after all, Dr. Seuss says that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”  And if you want to listen to live music, enable yourself to see The Enablers at Canal Street Tavern, The Story Changes, Segments, Me and Mountains, and the Apprentice at Blind Bob’s, or The Noah Wotherspoon Band at Oregon Express.

AleFeast

On Saturday, if you didn’t get enough information at the Dayton Home and Garden Show on Thursday or Friday, you can head their again or you can go to the 16th Annual Miami Valley Gardening Conference at Sinclair.  Although it’s sad that you have to wait until August for Dayton AleFest, you will be able to attend Dayton AleFEAST at the Dayton Masonic Center, also on Saturday.  Great food and beer…who can turn that down?  All you car lovers should head to Daddy Katz for their Model Car Show & Swap Meet.  At Wright State, you will still be able to catch a performance of Little Women.  Due to the nature of the show, I’m guessing it would be a good idea to get a seat up front so you will be able to see the actors.  At the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club, celebrate Fasching – German Mardi Gras.  And if you didn’t get your opportunity to eat some fish on Friday night, head to the Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School Fish Fry.

On Sunday, start the day off by attending the Pancake Brunch at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm.  Afterwards, learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape MetroPark.  At Wright State, you will be able to catch Little Women…no dumb jokes this time.  At Alex’s on 725, support a great cause with their Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Deputy Hopper’s Children & Officer Blum.  And finally, although it’s not yet St. Patrick’s Day, get some Irish food as part of the Irish Buffet at The Dublin Pub and then later catch some Irish music at the Schuster Center as The Chieftains perform.

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

What is the best way to communicate with a fish?
Drop it a line!

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (2/9 – 2/13)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Some of you may be suffering from cabin fever, as the weather last week wasn’t conducive to enjoying all the wonderful activities in Dayton.  Although it’s supposed to be cold this week according to our local meteorologists, hopefully you will have the opportunity to get out and experience some of the wonderful things going on in our city!

On Wednesday, in the afternoon, take a trip to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for Special Events: Putting the FUN in Fundraising, in order to learn how to plan and execute a successful fundraising event.  Over at the Schuster Center, check out Visual Voices Art Exhibit:  Dayton Skyscrapers 2011.  If you missed the Trolley Stop’s Monthly Beer Tasting last week because of the ice/snow, no worries, as it has been rescheduled for Wednesday.  Afterwards, be sure to stay for the Old Time Acoustic Jam!

On Thursday, join Generation Dayton as they partner up with jumpstART for their Thirsty Thursday at De’Lish.  Afterwards, Jump into Theatre with these two great organizations by checking out the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Twelfth Night.  Make sure you ask for the “jumpstart” deal in order to get half-off tickets!  Plus, the Human Race will offer a private tour after the production!  For those of you who love the sport of skiing, head to The Neon for their screening of ‘The Story’, which is a documentary on the topic.  At the Schuster Center, listen to the sounds of the Dayton Philharmonic for Heroes & Journeys: Strauss & Mozart.  In addition, A Streetcar Named Desirewill be playing at Victoria Theatre and True West will be playing at the University of Dayton.

On Friday, for those of you who like the color green, you’ll want to attend the ‘Ohio Leads the Way: Green Markets and Green Jobs’ Expo at the Dayton Convention Center.  If you’re feeling a little anti-social and would prefer to just watch a movie, head to UD for ArtStreet Friday Film Series Presents: The Social Network.  I still haven’t seen this movie, but have definitely heard good things about it!  Over at the Nutter Center, meet Achmed the Terrorist, Bubba J, and Jose Jalapeno on a Stick, as they take the stage alongside the hilarious Comedian Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham!  All you beer lovers may want to take a trip to Cincinnati for the Cincy Winter Beerfest – just bring a DD, or rather have the DD bring you!  For a fun way to start off Valentine’s Weekend, attend the Valentine’s Masquerade Ball Fundraiser at the Cannery Art and Design Center to benefit the YMCA Youth and Teen Programs.  If you’re looking for some theatre/music options, there are plenty!  Get your tickets to The Berenstain Bears Onstage: A Bear Country Musical (Town Hall Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire (Victoria Theatre), Fat Pig (Dayton Theatre Guild), Stauss: A Hero’s Life(Dayton Philharmonic at the Schuster Center), The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Dayton Playhouse), Twelfth Night (The Loft Theatre), or True West at the University of Dayton.  At Alex’s, you can see The Fries, one of my favorite local bands (and foods) perform as part of their 2011 Debut!  Speaking of fries, be sure to check out the St. Henry/Bishop Leibold Fish Fry!  After all, what Friday would be complete without one?!?!

On Saturday, head out to the PNC 2nd Street Market for their Valentine’s Celebration, featuring perfect gifts for your sweetheart.  All teens are welcome to attend the Game Day @ Your Library, which will take place at the East Branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  Be sure to reserve your spot for the Do-It-Yourself Valentine Cookie Cakeat the delicious Ele Cake Company…I just can’t get enough of their butter cream icing!  If you have any leftovers, feel free to send them my way!  Over at the UD Arena, watch the UD Flyers as they play Temple.  The ‘Ohio Leads the Way: Green Markets and Green Jobs’ Expo will still be going on at the Dayton Convention Center.  If you so desire, you can see A Streetcar Named Desire at Victoria Theatre.  All you Sex and The City lovers will want to see the new show, Hot Mess in Manhattan.  There are also several other theater options listed on the DMM calendar.  At the University of Dayton, you will be able to check out the Libby Larsen Residency: Grand Finale Concert.  If fish fryin’ is your thing, head to St. Peter’s for their Fish Fry and Monte Carlo.  Several restaurants are also having Valentine’s specials or “couples specials,” such as the Sweetheart Package at The Melting Pot.  Over at the Nutter Center, attend the WYSO’s Silent Auction and Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting, featuring one of my favorite types of chocolates – Winans!  At Hara Arena, catch the Dayton Gems as they play the Fort Wayne Komets…kind of reminds me of that song I used to sing when I was little about comet making your mouth turn green and tasting like Listerine.  Darn, now I’m going to have that song in my head all day!  And finally, you will not want to miss the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s (DCDC’s) Black History Month Performance entitled In the Spirit of…The Spirit Within.  They are an amazing group of performers!

On Valentine’s Day Eve, be sure to Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers.  At the Dayton Art Institute, check out the Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT - presented by The Human Race Theatre Co. - January 28 - February 13Afternoon Musicales.  If you’re looking for something to do with your sweetheart (or your mom or grandma), you can check out Spinoza’s Dinner and a Movie Package, the Valentine Sharing Menu at Fleming’s, 3 course dinner for 2 for $25.99 at Mimi’s, or the Sweetheart Package at The Melting Pot.  If your mom, grandma, or sweetheart enjoys theatre, take her to one of the many shows going on, including The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at the Dayton Playhouse, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, A Streetcar Named Desire -Passport Performance at Victoria Theatre, or Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  If the lady in your life likes music, take her to listen to the sounds of the Dayton Philharmonic for The Magic Orchestra with Dan Kaminat the Schuster Center.  And finally, another wonderful Sunday option is DCDC’s Black History Month Performance In the Spirit of…The Spirit Within.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week…well actually, a couple cheesy pickup lines in honor of Valentine’s Day. Drum roll please…

  • Let’s make like a fabric softener and snuggle.
  • Are your legs tired, because you’ve been running through my mind all day long.
  • Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?

Disclaimer:  The success of these pick-up lines is not guaranteed.

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 LOVEly week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/26 – 1/30)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s that time of year when many of us have already failed on our New Year’s resolutions.  If you fall into this category, then perhaps you’ve already been sampling some different foods as part of Restaurant Week, one of the many events going on in the Miami Valley!

On Wednesday, if you can’t find something you’d like to eat as part of the 2011 Winter Restaurant Week (which would mean you are too picky!), there are also other food specials, such as Oyster Bar Happy Hour at Dorothy Lane Market, Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday at Bonefish Grill, and All You Can Eat-Ribs, Chicken or Pork at Bullwinkle’s.  If you would rather consume your calories through drinking, participate in the Wine Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar, the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery, or Wine Down Weekdays at Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar.  Or check out Green Drinks Dayton at Norton’s, where the environmental manager for the City of Dayton will be speaking.  If you’re feeling overloaded with all that paperwork on the job (I know I do a lot of the time!), attend/view the online webinar, Take charge of your paperwork in 2011!  And for all you adventure movie lovers, be sure to check out the movie Ride the Divide at The Neon.

On Thursday, make a trip to PNC 2nd Street Market for their Soup Sampling and Recipes.  Attend Lunch and Learn: Incredible Edibles at Cox Arboretum to find out techniques for building a vegetable garden.  After all, spring is right around the corner.  Sorry, that was a lie, but let us at least think that!  If your New Year’s resolution involves improving your finances, attend the Dayton Metro Library’s Financial Literacy Class.  And in case you were wondering if that event would fit into your budget, you’ll be glad to know that it is free!  Enjoy happy hour and do some Networking with Dayton’s Marketing Professionals at Fox and Hound.  Hear poets and vocalists perform as part of Chris Wiley: Poetry in Motion at De’Lish.  I’m not sure if they’re talking about tape or liquor, but if you like scotch, then attend the Scotch Tasting/Class at Boston’s Bistro.  And for a couple theater options…at Wright State, you can see Jekyll & Hyde or you can go to The Loft Theatre for  Twelfth Night, which is actually taking place on the 27th night of the month.

On Friday, join fellow young professionals for the Gen D 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series, in which former Governor Taft will be talking about Education and Innovation. In the evening, go out to dinner with friends or that special someone as part of 2011 Winter Restaurant Week.  If you’re on a budget but still want to try some good food, many restaurants are offering two dinners for the price of one!  After dinner, catch one of the many shows going on in town, including The Berenstain Bears Onstage: A Bear Country Musical (which was one of my favorite book series growing up!) at Town Hall Theatre, the Dayton Opera’s Fidelio at the Schuster Center, I Hate Hamlet at Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, or The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse.  I’ve always heard that Bridge is for old people, so if you’re old, check out The Octette Bridge Club at Beavercreek Community Theatre.  If you’re young though, don’t worry…I don’t think they card!  Over at Alex’s on 725, get your dancing shoes ready as the band Off the Hook will be performing.  If you love Dayton music, make your way to Canal Street Tavern for Dayton Does Dayton!  And if you’re a Rascal Flatts fan like me, be sure to get tickets to see them perform at the Nutter Center as part of their “Nothing Like This” Tour!

On Saturday, if you don’t mind being super cold, help support the Special Olympics by participating in Freezin’ For A Reason- 2011 Polar Plunge at Caesar’s Creek.  Again for some theater/musical performances, check out The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, The Octette Bridge Club at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse, or Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre.  If you want to drink wine but want to help counteract the killing of your brain cells, head to the Boonshoft Museum for the Science of Wine.  Over at the Dayton Masonic Center, join the wonderful jumpstART with their Jump into Bluegrass for discounted tickets to see bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs!  Or if you want to be a cowboy baby, “moooo”ve over to the Nutter Center to see Kid Rock.  If you have some “spare” time and would like to “strike” up a conversation with some other young professionals, come to Woodman Lanes for Generation Dayton Goes Bowling!  After you “split”, head to the St. Helen’s Fish Fry or to the Christopher Club for the Knights of Columbus 4022 Fish Fry.

On Sunday, take it easy with Gentle Yoga at the Sri Yoga Center.  If you still don’t know how to skate (don’t worry, I’m in that bunch too!), attend Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  Again, there will be a multitude of shows to see, including Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University, The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, the Dayton Opera’s Beethoven’s Fidelio at the Schuster Center, and The Octette Bridge Club at Beavercreek Community Theatre.  And finally, for a “purr-fectly” good time, help support the Humane Society of Greater Dayton by coming to the Cat Walk 2011: Diva Las Vegas, in which Dayton’s top hair salons compete on the catwalk!  There will be music, drinks, food, dancing, and live entertainment!

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

Why is a moon rock tastier than an earth rock?

Because it’s a little meteor.

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/19 – 1/23)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I have to be honest…writing this column each week has been a bit overwhelming, and this week is no exception!  As I have been researching events to share with you, I have realized that there are just TOO MANY great things going on in Dayton from which to choose!  In an effort to reduce the time it would take you to read about all the events going on this week, I have narrowed them down to a hopefully more manageable number!

On Wednesday, you can yell “checkmate” as part of the Chess Club at the East Branch of the Dayton Metro Library…or perhaps you better whisper it since you’ll be at the library.  Test your dance moves with Zumba at the East End Community Center.  Since you worked out, you can head over to Nick’s Restaurant for their Kahlua Tasting (you can’t go wrong with kahlua!), The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, The Caroline for their Eel River Brewing Company Beer Tasting, or Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar for their Wine Down Weekdays! Or check out the movie Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music at The (Fabulous) Neon.

On Thursday, if you don’t know much about twitter, be sure to check out How To Use Twitter for Business.  When I gave up Facebook for Lent last year (except on Sundays, which was still incredibly difficult!), I created a Twitter account to “replace” it.  However, to this day, I still don’t know how to use it, so I could definitely benefit from this workshop!  If you think ice skating is a breeze, learn some additional skills at RiverScape as part of So You Think You Can Skate? I definitely wouldn’t be able to cut it for that one, but perhaps you are much more talented than I am!  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s The King’s Theme: Bach’s A Musical Offering…who could turn down beautiful music in a beautiful environment?  While you’re there, be sure to take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays, as you will get free admission to two of their exhibits!  And finally, whether you’re good or bad, check out Jekyll & Hyde, which will be performed at Wright State.

On Friday, learn the basics of Bread Baking at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Some music options are the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bach: A Musical Offering’ at the Schuster Center, Betty Buckley – Broadway by Request at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, and Bruce Jordan with Sinclair Jazz Ensemble at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.  I Hate Hamlet. Sorry to all the English teachers I have had in the past.  Actually, this is the name of a dramatic comedy you can see at The Playhouse South.  You can also catch Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State and Ravenscroft at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And no matter your religious affiliation, if you missed the kick-off to fish fry season this past weekend at Holy Angels, be sure to head to St. Albert the Great for their Fish Fry!

On Saturday, get some tips on taking care of plants over the winter with the Plant Doctors at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  If you’ve never tried yoga and you’re wondering what all the hype is about, head to the Sri Yoga Open House at Sri Yoga Center, where you will be able to participate in FREE yoga classes!  Bring the whole family to Victoria Theatre for The Gizmo Guys – Comedic Juggling Duo.  If you have an ear for music, head to Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm for the Moon over Aullwood Musical Performance, Gilly’s for the Dayton Blues Society Winter Blues Showcase, or to Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater for the Community Wind Symphony Concert.  Or if you’re like me and are a fan of music by THE Eagles (I can’t remember if any of them are bald), then head to the Schuster Center for ‘One of These Nights: Music of the Eagles’.  To catch some theater, purchase tickets to Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Seth Rudetsky’s Big Fat Broadway Show at Clark State Performing Arts Center, or Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University.  For a thrill, check out AMA Arenacross- Professional Racing at the Nutter Center.  Plus, be sure to get the DaytonMostMetro.com discount for Saturday’s show ($4 off your ticket) by entering the promo code MMETRO!  And finally, although it was a tough loss to Xavier, hopefully the Flyers will get a victory when they take on Fordham at the UD Arena…and hopefully you’ll be there to cheer them on!

On Sunday, you will be able to attend one of the events you may have missed earlier in the weekend, such as the AMA Arenacross- Amateur Racing at the Nutter Center, The Gizmo Guys – Comedic Juggling Duo at Victoria Theatre, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, or Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild.  If you like art, you can catch the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition.  And for all you social justice activists out there, head to the Dayton International Peace Museum for their exhibit, Under Our Noses: Modern Day Slavery and What You Can Do About It.

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

How do you identify a bald eagle?

All his feathers are combed over to one side.

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/15 – 12/19)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

If you had one, I hope you enjoyed your 2-hour delay or day off due to the snow this week!  If not, I’m sorry!  There are again lots of things to do this week, so even if jackfrost is nipping at your nose, don’t make it a big deal…bundle up and get out of that house!

On Wednesday, start the day at Taco Bell for Free Breakfast Wednesday. At lunchtime, there are several events going on downtown.  You will be able to hear yuletide carols being sung by a choir if you attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment or the Noonday Carol Singat Westminster Presbyterian Church.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you’ll want to attend Results Now for Nonprofits at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  The colors of Christmas are red and green, so get in half of that spirit by attending the ‘Green’ Social Networking event at Franco’s.  For you winos, attend the Wine Tasting at Dorothy Lane Market or the Weekly Wine Tastingat The Wine Gallery.  If you’re a beero, attend the Mt Camel Beer Tastingat A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg.  At the Spaghetti Warehouse, attend their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Hollywood Holiday’…if it’s too scary, you will find it hard to sleep tonight.  For you corny folk like me, attend the Customer Appreciation Christmas Partyat Barleycorn’s, where it will be happy hour all day and there will be visits and gifts from Santa. And finally on Wednesday, at The Loft Theatre, attend 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s or catch The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre.

On Thursday, visit Santa at the PNC Second Street Market.  Again at your lunch hour, attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment going on downtown.  If you are a young professional who lives/works north of town, join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) at The Caroline as part of their Third Thursday.  In order to try a new beer or two, attend the Sierra Nevada Celebration at Spinoza’s or the Christmas Beer Dinner at Thai 9.  I’m talking to you about beer, so I’m offering this simple phrase:  Don’t drink and drive.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, watch as the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Presents African Americans in American Life.  While there, take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays.  Or crank out some tunes by attending Karaoke with DJ Carlat Therapy Café.

On Friday, there are many options for your lunch hour.  If you would like to have lunch with an awesome group of young professionals, RSVP to the wonderful Andy Hickey and attend Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday lunchat Rue Dumaine (it’s actually the third Thursday this month because of Christmas!).  Or, attend Bach’s Lunch feat. Carillon Brass, a band of brass instrument musicians, whose members are all part of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  Plus, the concert is absolutely FREE!  According to my schedule, fish fry season doesn’t officially start until the Holy Angels fish fry in January, but you don’t have to wait that long for a little fish as you’ll be able to have an All You Can Eat Fish Dinnerat Romer’s Bar and Grill. For those of us who still need to finish our Christmas shopping, we’re in luck as there is a Holiday Bazaar at Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa.  Don’t feel like cooking?  Attend the Christmas Candlelight Dinner at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  Or attend the December Wine and Food Extravaganzaat Kroger Fresh Fare.  I looked at the menu and it sounds absolutely amazing, as there are many foods whose names I don’t know how to pronounce!  To burn off all those calories, grab your ice skates and head over to RiversScape for their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40.  Or if you feel like just kicking back, consider purchasing tickets to one of the many shows going on in the area, including Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, the The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, or Irving Berlin’s White Christmasat La Comedia.

Plan to make Saturday a day with your kids…or at least part of it.  And if you’re like me and don’t have any kids, you can just act like one, or perhaps give somebody’s parents a break and borrow one.  (My mom said she wished somebody would borrow me.  Yep, she actually said that…luckily followed by a just kidding!)  So with kid/s in tow, attend Breakfast with Santa at Carillon Park or stop by the PNC 2nd Street Market as Santa Visits the Market, where he has probably loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh!   While there, drop off your non-perishable items for Food for Friends.  In addition to helping those who are less fortunate, you’ll also be setting a great example for the little ones!  You can then visit the Wonderland Windows and do a little shopping at The Tike’s Shop, which are both at the Schuster Center.  At Kettering Tower, check out Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display.  A little later, take those kiddos to The Neon to watch ‘The Grinch’ as part of their Family Movie Series.  Looking for a pet?  Consider attending the Iams Home 4 the Holiday Pet Adopt-a-thon Event.

There are many other options for Saturday as well!  If you’d like to see a show, consider seeing Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at the Loft Theatre.  Help to make the season bright by attending the Musica! Christmas Seasonal Concertat Fairhaven Church.  I have heard that Musica! has been working hard to put on a great performance!  All you “Flyer Faithful” will want to be at the UD Arena as the Flyers take on Western Carolina.  And although I have never been to one, you can also attend The Mu Crew Christmas Drag Showto benefit the AIDS Resource Center…there might not be folks dressed up like eskimos, but I am sure they will be wearing some interesting clothes!  I didn’t mean for it to, but that sort of rhymed…I guess I’m a poet and didn’t even know it.

On Sunday, have a Victorian Christmas Brunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club. You will also have the opportunity to take your child to the Schuster Center to have Some-Fun, see the Wonderland Windows display, and shop at The Tike’s Shop…I’m sure there will be lots of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow!  If you love architecture, then you will definitely want to attend the Architectural Church Tour which will take you through four different churches built in the late 19th/early 20th century.  This shuttled tour is 100% free!  If you didn’t get a chance to see Musica! perform on Saturday night, consider checking them out at the Lutheran Church of our Savior for their Christmas Seasonal Concert.  And for some theater options, go to the Dayton Playhouse to see Christmas Belles, the Victoria Theatre for The Wonder Bread Years, the Schuster Center for The Nutcracker, Town Hall Theatre for Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, La Comedia for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, or The loft Theatre for 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s.  And if you would like somebody to hit your funny bone, see Latin Kings of Comedy- Alex Reymundo at Dayton Funny Bone.  I have two funny bones, but I think Dayton only has one.

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

Why does Santa have three gardens?

So he can hoe hoe hoe.

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!

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, have a GREAT week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/20 – 10/24)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to begin celebrating Halloween…or at least time to begin thinking about your costume!  I had my first Halloween party this past weekend, and although I don’t like to brag, I was definitely someone you could count on (my mom, not so much, as evidenced by the picture below).  So hopefully you were counting on me and not my mom to give you an update as to what is going on in Dayton this week!  And for the record, in real life, my mom is someone you can totally count on!

On Wednesday, find out the Keys to Character at the Dayton Metro Library’s Main Branch as part of their fall writing series.  If you are worried about your health (or someone else’s), get a fitness assessment/consultation as part of Holten Wellness Center’s promotion in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as it is estimated that many cancer cases are linked to things like poor diet and physical inactivity.  (If you don’t like going to the doctor, just reward yourself afterwards with one of their wonderful massages!)  In the evening, be sure to use your La Comedia discount in your Entertainment book before it expires at the end of this month and see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.  And if you have cold feet, you’ll be in like company at Oregon Express, as the band Frozen Feet will be playing.  While there, be sure to experience some of their amazing pizza!

On Thursday, get in the spirit of Halloween by creating a Pumpkin Flower Arrangement at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  If fashion is your thing, consider supporting Clothes That Work by attending their 10th Annual Fashioning Futures Luncheon at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center.  Are you looking for something fun and educational for your kids to do?  If so, consider taking them to the 9th Annual Mad Scientists’ Lab @ Wright Library, where they will be able to see some wacky science experiments demonstrated by Oakwood High School Students.  In the evening, all young professionals in Miami County will want to join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) for their Third Thursday at The Caroline.  And finally, be sure to head to downtown Miamisburg, costume in tow, for Boo in the Burg!, a super fun, great people watching, adult pub crawl.  Just to warn you, there might not be “two” many people you can count on there.

On Friday, come out to Generation Dayton’s ‘4th Friday Lunch’ at Amber Rose.  In the evening, take the kids and head to Hallow’s Eve at Patterson Homestead.  If you would love to see an outstanding musical performance, experience the sounds of Guitarist Robert Belinic when he performs at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vanguard Concert Series. If theater is your thing, you have several options, including The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at La Comedia, Moon Over Buffalo at Playhouse South, Once On This Island at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater, The 39 Steps at the Loft Theatre, and The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  Couldn’t they have all agreed to spell “theater” the same way?!?!  I’m just sayin’.

My Mom (someone you "can't count on") and I

On Saturday, start your day off right with Centerville Rotary Pancake Day at the Hithergreen Center.  Afterwards, all you shoppers will want to go to the ATM so you will be able to “check out” at the Shop ’til You Drop event at Hara Arena.  If you’re interested in doing some Halloween-esque activities with the kiddos, depending on their ages, there are many events from which to choose.  Cowvin’s Corny Maze, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, and Haunted Wagon Rides are all things you will be able to do at Young’s Jersey Dairy.  Also happening on Saturday are Hallow’s Eve at the Historic Patterson Homestead, Howl-O-Ween at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, the Windmill Farms Fall Festival at Windmill Farms, and Salem’s Lot Haunted Carnival at the Old Salem Mall.  In the evening, drive your Porsche on over to the Taj Ma Garaj for opening night of Miracles & Magic 2010, a premiere variety show, where all proceeds will benefit A Kid Again, an area non-profit whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.  And finally on Saturday, if you’re like me and love to laugh, you’ll definitely want to see Second City’s performance Fair & Unbalanced at the Victoria Theatre.  Any extra tickets can be sent my way!

Now to Sunday…in the morning/afternoon, enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch at Yankee Trace Golf Club.  If you are fascinated by all the gorgeous older homes in Oakwood, head to the Wright Memorial Public Library for a talk entitled, The Classic Architecture of Oakwood Homes.  If you enjoy classical music, you’ll want see the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert at Kettering Fairmont High School’s Auditorium.  At Fairmont’s rival, Centerville High School, you will be able to have another opportunity to see A Kid Again’s Miracles & Magic 2010.  And to end the weekend on a really sweet note, there is no other place to be except for the Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe for their All You Can Eat Chocolate Party!  Plus, the money raised will help fund mammograms for those in need through the Kettering Health Network Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Program!

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

Why did the ghost go into the bar?

For the booze.

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/13 – 10/17)

By 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 2nd 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!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/6 – 10/10)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

This past week was wonderful…and very unique!  I witnessed an elephant in a living room (well, sort of), found out that Minster wasn’t lying about serving beer in half-gallon plastic jugs, and was able to enjoy some fish and chips at my alma mater’s fish fry.  But most importantly, the Browns captured their first win of the season!  (Sorry all you Bengals fans out there.)  Anyways, here are some of the wonderful things going on in Dayton this week!

On Wednesday, row your boat to Otis Redding’s favorite place, The Dock, for their 16th Anniversary.  In order to celebrate, there will be 16 dinners offered at 1994 prices!  Or continue the German Oktoberfest tradition at Hawthorn Grill, as they will be featuring a German menu.  Afterwards, check out the Modern Masters Exhibit from the Smithsonian American Art Museum at the Dayton Art Institute for its final week in Dayton.  Or head to The Neon to experience what I experienced this weekend – The Elephant in the Living Room …which by the way, is a wonderful documentary that features many things Dayton.  Although you may be skeptical of my opinions since I’m by no means a film critic, the movie has earned two “Best Documentary” awards from actual film critics!

On Thursday, get out your Altoids after you experience Cooking with Garlic at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Just don’t try out your new found cooking skills on a date.  In the evening, speed over to the Dayton Art Institute to see Soul Express as part of the DAI 2010 Vectren Just Jazz Series.  And, if you are a writer, have always wanted to become one, or like me, you just have a passion for your topic but no formal writing experience, head to the Kettering-Moraine branch of the Dayton Metro Library for a presentation entitled The Courage to Write.

On Friday, there will be lots of opportunities for professional development!  All you business people will want to start the day off right with the Dayton Chamber Breakfast Briefingat the Dayton Racquet Club.  Afterwards, check out MAGNETIC Content! – Create, plan and position relevant content that will captivate your audience, which is sponsored by New Media Dayton.  Bring your autograph book as there will be “ROCKSTAR-like” panelists, including our very own Bill Pote, the wonderful founder of DaytonMostMetro.com!  If you are looking to enhance your creativity in the workplace, sign up for the Creativity – Steroids for Your Career workshop at Groundz4Living.  If you are a community advocate, you’ll want to register for the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference, which will be going on over the course of three days at the Dayton Convention Center and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  In the evening, fly like Superman…Up, Up & Away with McCoo & Davis, as they perform with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  (You can also find more information about the event by clicking here.)

Saturday is festival day!  Make your way to Waynesville for the famous Sauerkraut Festival or to Yellow Springs for the Yellow Springs Street Fair (check out the DMM article on this event here).  Or, if you haven’t been to enough beer festivals in the past few months, check out the Miami Valley Beer Fest at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, where all proceeds go directly to the Resident Home Association, a non-profit that works with adults who have developmental disabilities, providing them with supervised living assistance and other services.  So, if people ask you why you’ve been drinking every weekend, you can just tell them it is for a great cause!  If you are grieving the fact that Dayton Oktoberfest is over, you can still drink German beer, eat cabbage rolls, and experience live music at the Dayton Liederkranz Oktoberfest! If you want to help kids, be sure to purchase your ticket ASAP for the ‘Help Me, Help Kids’ Wine Tasting and Silent Auction for Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is also on Saturday.  It is more than just wine and a silent auction – there will be food, fun, and live music by Matt Scholp.  Plus, you will walk home (or perhaps take a cab home) with a wine glass and a t-shirt!  A few friends and I attended last year and had such a great time that we are planning to go again this year, so I hope to see you there!

On Sunday, after you go to church, head to the Dayton Art Institute for Musica! Fall Concert – Saints & Sinners.  Musica!, Dayton’s professional choir, will be performing music from a wide variety of musicals, such as Les Miserables, as well as a set of spirituals.  Or watch Cleveland’s second win of the season on FOX as they take on the Atlanta Falcons.  (Apparently this event is not listed on the DaytonMostMetro.com calendar.)  If you’re not wise enough to be a Browns fan, check out the Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museumat the Dayton Art Institute, as Sunday is the last day for it.  Or, drive down to Waynesville for the Sauerkraut Festival.  And finally, to wind down the busy week, participate in the Free Intro to Yoga classat Practice Yoga on Fifth.

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

What did the football say to the punter?
“I get a kick out of you.”

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!

Upcoming Events at Dayton Metro Library

By Leave a Comment

bs00554_On Nov. 3, Montgomery County residents illustrated their commitment to aid the financially distressed Dayton Metro Library system by voting in favor of the 1.75 mil replacement levy.

Issue 40 passed by a huge margin. (71%) Obviously, folk were sweet on the idea of a strong library system being a vital asset to the community.

Now that the dust has settled, the canvassing has ceased, and Issue 40 signs have been plucked out of neighborhood lawns, (well, maybe not that last part) we can all chill. There’s nothing better than plugging up the Nintendo Wii and playing Mario Kart until your elbows are sore, right?

Wrong!!!

Get out and enjoy your library this holiday season. Hey, you bought it – so use it! Here’s a list of upcoming events at your Dayton Metro Library. Surely, you can find something you like:

  • Famous and Not-So-Famous Inventors of Dayton, Nov. 12, 7:00 p.m. (Vandalia)
  • Scrapbooking Workshop with Pam Morin, Nov. 14, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Wilmington-Stroop)
  • Annie Oakley and My Dad, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. (Northmont)
  • The Watervliet Ohio Shakers, 1806 – 1900, Nov. 16, 2:00 p.m. (East)
  • Orientation to the Grants Information Center, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & Dec. 10, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Main Library)
  • Dayton’s Rich Gypsy History, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. (New Lebanon)
  • Adult Craft Evening, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. (Belmont)
  • Take A Second Look: Sculptures on Downtown Dayton Street Corners in 2007, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. (Main Library)
  • An Excursion on the Miami and Erie Canal in 1898, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. (Wilmington-Stroop)
  • Dayton’s Historic Arcade: A Glorious Past and a Promising Future, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. & Dec. 7, 2:00 p.m. (Miamisburg, Kettering & Moraine)
  • Armchair Tour: Oregon Historic District, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. (Northmont)

This is just a partial list and doesn’t include the dozens of computer classes offered weekly at the Main Library. Do yourself a favor. Go to the library’s website, or stop in and pick a copy of their newsletter. Find something you like and go!

Oh, and if you do just want to play Mario Kart on the Wii, they do that too.

Told you there was something for everyone!