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House of Bread

Dayton at Work and Play: House of Bread

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The House of Bread has been serving meals since 1983. They serve a hot lunch 365 days a year. This photo was taken before the pandemic. Now they offer carry out lunches only.


You can help this organization by donating a frozen turkey this Sunday from 9am to 2pm. Just pull into their parking lot at 9 Orth Avenue and a (masked) volunteer will take the turkey from your car.   OR you can drop off turkeys to us any day between 830am-330pm.

We would love to have a big Thanksgiving meal with lots of family but that won’t happen this year. But we have a frozen turkey in our freezer that we will be dropping off at House of Bread this Sunday. It’s a way to share food with others even if we aren’t all at the same table.

House of Bread

9 Orth Ave
Dayton, OH 45402-6422
(937) 226-1520
Current Wish List:
Cooler weather is here!   Our guests can use:
Blankets
Heavy Gloves for children, men and women
Boots/heavy shoes — especially mens sizes 9 thru 12
Bus passes
Gas gift cards, such as BP, Speedway
Hooded sweatshirts or pullovers in sizes XL and XXL 

Food Items
COFFEE – any type, ground or whole bean
Hot Sauce — our most requested condiment!
Creamed soups
Spaghetti sauce
Vegetable oil
Butter or margarine sticks
White Sugar
Coffee and hot chocolate

Hygiene Items for Guests
Razors and shaving cream
Chapstick
Toilet paperChildren’s Items

Baby wipes and diapers, sizes 3 to 6
Stuffed animals— new please
Coloring books and reading books
Healthy portable snacks, such as goldfish or raisinsDonated items can be dropped off any day between 9am-2pm!   We are here until at least 4pm on weekdays.

Donation of perishable food items
If you are interested in donating food items that are frozen or need refrigeration, please call us at 937-239-8859 for specific guidelines on what we can accept.   While we certainly appreciate donations, we have to ensure food safety for our guests.

House of Bread To Break Ground on Expansion

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The House of Bread, a community kitchen that serves free hot lunches 365 days a year to thousands of people in a city that has received national attention for food insecurity, is breaking ground on an expansion of its facilities that will help serve more families in need.

The addition to the building at 9 Orth Ave. will create a new dining room for families and children that will allow House of Bread’s youngest guests to eat in a welcoming, friendly environment. Adult guests will continue to enjoy lunch in the non-profit’s main dining room.

The building project will also include improvements to the kitchen, food storage and sorting areas, and entryway. Two new conference rooms will provide space for guests to meet with staff and outreach workers from area social service organizations.

House of Bread’s staff, many volunteers and board of trustees will celebrate the beginning of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 6 at 2 pm in front of the building at 9 Orth Ave. The public is invited to attend.

Melodie Bennett, Executive Director of House of Bread, said, “The challenges of food insecurity in our region are frustrating and heartbreaking. This expansion will ensure that people of all ages have a place where they are treated to a hot, healthy meal, and treated with respect.”

“We’re so happy and proud to finally get to work improving our building for our guests,” said Ron Rollins, chair of the board. “We know that we’ll meet new families and kids who are looking forward to a warm, nutritious meal who may not have come to dine with us before. House of Bread is one of the most important places where hunger and food insecurity are being fought in our community, and we’re pleased to be able to soon play a bigger part.”

The general contractor on the project will be Tri Tec Inc., a minority-owned firm based in Montgomery County. House of Bread has been working on the project up to this point with LWC Inc., an architectural firm headquartered in Dayton. The board has been working on an 18-month capital campaign to finance construction, which is ongoing.

To learn more about House of Bread and its work, or to volunteer to help serve lunch, or to donate to either its operations or the building campaign, visit houseofbread.org.

Old Scratch Pizza Serves Up Cones For a Cause

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The Patterson Blvd. Pizza place that opened this past fall is not only serving up some of the best thin crust pizza in town, they’ve also created a program that is giving back to our area nonprofits.

Old Scratch Pizza make soft serve ice cream to serve to their guests.  They don’t charge for the cones, instead they ask for a small donation.  Each month Old Scratch Pizza collects and donate all monies to a chosen charity organization.

They kicked off the program in November of 2016 with  Secret Smiles, an organization that provides beds and bedding for children in the Miami Valley, then in December partnered with Clothes That Work, who provide workplace appropriate clothing, confidence building education and coaching services to job seekers. In January OSP chose Equitas Health, one of the nation’s largest HIV/lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) healthcare organizations.  Last month the featured charity was Girls On the Run, who inspires girls to take charge of their lives and define the future on their terms.

For March they’ve chosen another great organization as this month’s “Cones for a Cause” recipient. Owners Eric and Stephanie Soller shared they  “are really excited to be partnering with House of Bread, who deliver hot, nutritious meals to anyone in need 365 days a year. This kind of resource is so needed in our community. So come on down, have a cone, and make a difference.”

Bonus opportunity: Put Tuesday March 21st on your calendar for a “Restaurant Takeover” to support House of Bread. Volunteers from the group will be there pouring beers, and serving up ice cream cones, and 10% of the proceeds between 6-9 go to the organization!

If you know of an organization that would be interested in being a “Cones for a Cause” charity, please fill out the online form found at the bottom of their webpage.

Visit Old Scratch Pizza at 812 S. Patterson Road for lunch or dinner.  Pizzas are artfully prepared to order and cooked in a wood-burning oven until perfectly flame-kissed. Pair your pie with a specialty house cocktail or regional craft beer in our open-air, casual, and communal hall.  Also on the menu, some great salads, their Whole Roasted Cauliflower, sandwiches and yes, they have gluten free pizza crust available.  They are open Tuesday- Thursday from 11am – 10pm, Friday & Saturday’s they stay open an hour later until 11pm and Sunday from 11am – 9pm.

 

Holiday Beer Tasting To Benefit House of Bread

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beerrychristmasphoto-jpgThe winter season holds many gifts for beer lovers in the form of big, bold ales designed to fend off the cold chill of a long winter’s night.

The 2nd Annual Beerry Christmas Dayton has gathered up a couple dozen of these winter warmers for a joyous holiday celebration on Saturday, November 5th to benefit the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen serving hot, nutritious, lunchtime meals to anyone in need 7 days a week  to anyone hungry that shows us at their door between 11:30am and 1pm.

There are so many holiday ales, porters and stouts to choose from every holiday season, this event is perfect to sample many of them before you commit to buying your holiday stash!

 

Here’s how the event works:

Buy a ticket (just $25 in advance- buy online, or $30 at the door)
A sponsorship from Westminster Financial has helped us keep our ticket prices low.bctastingglass

Show up at Kettering Tower (corner of 2nd & Main St.) between 4-7pm

Get your Souvenir tasting glass and 15 tickets, each good for a 4 oz sample
Thank you to Iworks Laser & Vision Center  for our adorable glassaware!

Choose from 25 beer, each paired with treats from Whole Foods that include535287_831210020329667_5414697547720421283_n

Pumpkin  Cheesecake Cookies
Ginger Snaps
Yogurt Covered Pretzels
Butter Toffee Peanuts
Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Toasted Coconut Chips

11058324_1543735969274245_2926258479812835551_o-2Oh, and be sure and get your picture taken with Santa.  Bonus- if the picture turns out great, you can use if for your Christmas Card this year- plenty of time to have them made! Our photo booth is  run by Liftoff Entertainment and sponsored by the fine folks at Andrew Gaydosh & Asociates, the Real Estate Experts!

 

New Additions to the event this year include a Chinese Raffle.  Buy tickets for $5, $3 for 10 or 8 for $20 and put them into the box corresponding with the prize you most covet.  Some of the goodies include a deluxe beer cooler, Beer Advent Boxes, Restaurant Gift Cards and more.multi-function-cooler-and-picnic-table-1

Bonbright Distributors has donated lots of beer glassware and you can score some of these collectibles by bringing a donation for the House of Bread, from their most wanted list.  Here’s what Executive Director Melody Bennett has told us they most need:

Coffee
Salad Dressing (Ranch & Italian)
Peanut butter and Jelly (in non-breakable jars)
Pancake mix and syrup.


Held in the heart of downtown, Beerry Christmas Dayton celebrates these winter ales created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. From Belgians and Barleywines to Stouts and Sours, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors.

While the beer list is not complete, we’re waiting on arrivals, here’s what we can confirm:

Ballast Point Cinnamon Raisin Commodorebeerry-christmas-beers-from-bon160005-2
Ben  & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale
Breckenridge Christmas Ale
Death by Coconut
CM Christkindl
Fat Heads Holly Jolly
Goose Island Festivity
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Great Lakes Ohio City Oatmeal Stout
Heavy Seas Winter Storm
Holly Jolly
Java Man
MadTree  Thundersnow
Nutcracker Ale
Rhinegeist Dad
Sam Adams White Christmas
Southern Tier 2xmas Double Spiced Ale
Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale
Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs
Thundersnow
Warped Wing Esther’s Li’l Secret
Winter Storm
60 Minute IPA

So come toast to the spirits of the season. We look forward to seeing you on Sat, November 5th…Cheers!
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Empty Bowls Fundraiser Benefits House of Bread

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 thankyouposter

Tonight’s  7th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser offers a beautiful array of bowls handmade by local Girl Scout Troop #33101 at K12/TEJAS. Delicious soups, warm breads, and desserts from area restaurants await. For a minimum $25 donation, you will be able to select the bowl of your choice and have it filled with whatever soup you desire. The bowl is yours to keep!!  The event runs from 5-7pm at UD’s River Campus Location on Patterson Boulevard across from Dayton History (the old NCR).

You may pre-register at the link included or bring cash, check or credit card to the event. Pre-registrations on the website will get you a  free raffle ticket and will have a speedy check-in upon arrival.  Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and raffle prizes include restaurant gift certificates or tickets to the upcoming Beerry Christmas Dayton holiday beer tasting, that also benefits House of Bread.

Soups will be provided by Chef George Sideras, Nestle, and area restaurants:

Christopher’s
Texas Beef & Cattle Co.
Lily’s BistroPrint
Corner Kitchen
Mamma DiSalvo’s
Scratch Foods
Coco’s Bistro
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Amber Rose
Meadowlark
Mack’s Tavern
Mudlick Tap House
Brixx Ice Company
Dayton Racquet Club

Soup selections include vegetarian, vegan and Gluten Free options.  Bread will be provided by Evans Bakery and Texas Roadhouse, desserts by Ashley’s Pastry Shop, and soda by the 7 Up Bottling Company. Many thanks to our sponsor Paramount Advantage.

100% of the proceeds from this event go to the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen located in Dayton. We serve a hot, nutritious, lunchtime meal to anyone in need 7 days a week. In addition, they offer personal hygiene and warm wear items, as well as referrals to other social services. Help and hope are always on the menu at the House of Bread.

A Casual Gathering of Friends

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Hundreds of people come through the doors every single day. Seats are always full. There’s security, but no bouncers, and everyone is welcome. Logo


No – it’s not the next big dance club – it’s the House of Bread. Located on the near west side, and nestled in the neighborhood near a park, the river, and other partnering social service agencies, sits the small, welcoming destination. They serve a free, nutritious meal to approximately 230 men, women and children 365 days a year. Eight to 12 volunteers work the front lines everyday, as they help prepare and serve those in need of a meal.


Tony-Hall-200x300

Ambassador Tony Hall will speak at the 2016 House of Bread Gala

With food insecurity and challenging times for many in our community, House of Bread is a long-time area resource offering a simple, yet vital service – lunch. On Saturday, August 6, you can give back to this organization that has given to so many in our community by attending the House of Bread gala.

While it’s known as “the gala,” the subtitle is a “casual gathering of friends.” Executive Director Melodie Bennett shares, “Just like our mission, we keep our gala simple. We serve dinner buffet style, so our guests continue to enjoy conversation while standing in line for dinner.”


While every year guests learn something knew about the House of Bread and get fabulous deals on generously donated silent auction prizes (trips! packages! tickets! art! more!), this year the House of Bread is pleased to welcome Ambassador Tony Hall as the keynote speaker. Ambassador Hall (bio) has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, and he is well-respected as a leading authority on programs to serve the poor and hungry, and ways to move people out of homelessness. For an organization that dedicates itself to being open daily and meeting the needs of those who would otherwise go hungry, this is a perfect fit. Knowing what a powerful message he conveys, Bennett says, “I’m very excited that our group of supporters will get to hear Tony Hall speak about his work in preventing hunger!”


HOB2-e1438700520712While the mission is vital for the community, and the event is simple in its approach, there’s certainly great fun to be had. Lisa Stokely volunteers to lead the silent auction committee, and every year works with generous organizations and individuals to put together fabulous packages. Stokely provides some of the highlights of the auction, “Once again, the generosity of our community has reached new heights. We have so many wonderful items that we created sections this year. Bidders can shop through the entertainment section, offering concert tickets, theatre tickets and more. In the sports section there are opportunities to get to all the hottest games in town, including a private suite at Fifth Third Field for 14 guests. In the artwork section we offer original artworks by renowned Dayton artists, including Riverscape artist, Amy Deal, acrylic painter, Ron Rollins, and a sculpture in a series created by famed sculptor, Terry Welker. In our get-away section, one generous donor has given HOB incredible luxury vacation weeks for the high bidders to enjoy the US Virgin Islands, Marriott Grande Vista Resort in Orlando, and a cozy cabin in Branson, Missouri.” There’s truly something for everyone at a great price for a great cause, and I’m told that access to the silent auction itself is well worth the price of admission!


But – if you were looking for a more exclusive, club experience – they’ve got that for you, too! Bennett shares, “We started what we call Club 365, which is a request to our supporters to make a financial gclub 365ift of $365 at our Gala.  It’s the idea of giving $1 a day for us to be open and serving during the next year.” (Note: While Club 365 is a special opportunity, no donations above the price of admission are required at the event.)


All donations from the event – ticket sales, silent auction bids and donations to join Club 365 – support the important mission of House of Bread. Mark your calendar and get your tickets now for this simple event that makes a monumental impact on our community, and will leave a lasting impact on you as well.


HOW TO GO: 

House of Bread Gala… a casual gathering of friends

Saturday, August 6
Sinclair Building 12
6pm-10pm

$75 per person
$600 per table
$2,500 sponsorship level


Appetizers, Music, Silent Auction, Dinner, Cash Bar, Networking  Tony Hall, Keynote Speaker
Supports their mission to serve a hot, nutritious lunchtime meal every day of the year to anyone in need!Tickets available until August 3, 2016. Buy your tickets today!

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

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blue-heart-clipart-pT56r86TBWith only two days left, the House of Bread is looking to break a fundraising record during its fourth annual Blue Hearts Campaign.

 

Executive Director Melodie Bennett says this year’s fundraiser is unlike others of the past.

 

“What’s fantastic about this year is that we have a good friend to us, a donor, who said ‘Hey, I’m in a pretty good position in life and I’m really fortunate that I’m in a spot where I can give back, and so I will match all of the donations that are made.’”

 

Bennett continues, “I said you know that could be $4,000 or $8,000, and she said ‘I have no limit of what I can do for you during this four day campaign.’”

 

As of yesterday afternoon the total amount raised was just over $3,800. Bennett says the most money raised during any Blue Hearts Campaign is $8,000. With the fundraiser running until Sunday, and the guarantee that all contributions will be matched, the organization could see it’s best Valentine’s Day yet.

11878997_10153531614893905_7123021581006729307_o-1

House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen located on Dayton’s west side, is unlike any other area charitable organization addressing hunger in the Miami Valley. Volunteers and staff serve a “hot, nutritious, lunchtime meal” to anyone in need, 365 days a year. In the first five weeks of 2016, the kitchen served over 10,000 meals.

 

Bennett says the February campaign began in an effort to fund the kitchens needs during the winter months after a peak of donations around Christmas.

 

“We designed it [The Blue Hearts Campaign] around Valentine’s Day because we find that a lot of people think about us at Christmastime, but come February or March, even a little into April, we’re not on top of mind for people,” Bennett says.

 

While the non-profit receives private and corporate food donations, the costs of operation are covered mostly through fundraising events like this one.

 

Bennett explains how the House of Bread is no different than any other house.  “Think about your house and all the expenses you incur in its daily operation. When it comes to keeping the lights on, when it comes to hot water so you can wash dishes, when it comes to having electricity and or gas so that your home is heated in the winter. The House of Bread has all the expenses that you have of operating your home just on a much larger scale.”

To give online, click here for the House of Bread website.

Toast The Spirits Of The Season At Beerry Christmas Dayton!

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Beery-Christmas-Logo-TransparentIt’s the most wonderful time for a beer!

The winter season holds many gifts for beer lovers in the form of big, bold ales designed to fend off the cold chill of a long winter’s night.

On Sat, Nov 21st from  4-7pm Planned2Give has gathered up a couple dozen of these winter hob_logo_finalwarmers for a joyous holiday celebration to benefit the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen serving hot, nutritious, lunchtime meals to anyone in need 7 days a week in Dayton, Ohio.

Held in the heart of downtown, in the lobby of the Kettering Tower, Beerry Christmas Dayton celebrates these winter ales created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. From Belgians and Barleywines to Stouts and Sours, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors.

We’ve even partnered with Uber so you don’t have to worry about driving. First time users can get a free ride up to $20 with the code BEERRY 15.

So come toast to the spirits of the season, here’s a sample of the beers you’ll have a chance to taste:

Great Lakes Christmas AleBeery-Christmas-Tree-Transparent
Great Lakes Oatmeal Sstout
New Belgium Accumulation
New Belgium Salted Caramel Brownie Ale
SweetWater Brewing Hash Brown
Long Trail Brewing Sick Day
Christian Moerlein Chistkindl
Chistian Moerlein T Bird
Oskar Blues Death by Coco
Blue Moon Gingerbread Spiced Ale
Leinenkugal’s Cranberry Ginger Shandy
Leinenkugal’s Snodwrift Vanilla Porter
Goose Island Winter Ale
Goose Island Festivity Ale
Widmer Brrr Seasonal Ale
Thristy Dog 12 Dogs
Deschutes Jubelale
Esther’s Lil Secret
Four String Vanilla Porter

and more to come!

There will also be a Chinese raffle for some beer goodies, tickets $5 each or 6 for $20.

buttonsAnd yes the game will be on at the beer tasting!

 

DMM Beerry Christmas Dayton Ticket Giveaway
We’ll give away a couple of pairs of tickets to beerlovers.  To be entered in our drawing please fill out the form below and let us know what beer you’d like Santa to bring you in the comments below. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Soup Extravaganza Fills Empty Bowls For House of Bread!

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10003825_10153654004178905_4664525073611073612_oThis Thursday at Cox Arboretum  from 5-7pm hundreds of ceramic bowls will be filled with homemade soups from some of the Miami Valley’s best local chefs.  You will be able to select the bowl of your choice and have it filled and re-filled with whatever soup you desire and the bowl is yours to keep after the event!

The Empty Bowls fundraiser features Lobster Bisque from Chef George Sideras of Nestle, Cream of Mushroom Parmesan from Chef Laura Cotton of the Engineer’s Club, Smoked Chicken Enchilada from James Nunez, Chicken Rice from Christopher’s Restaurant and Catering, Butternut Squash from the Racquet Club, Chicken Pasta from Doubleday’s Grill and Tavern and more.   Ashley’s Pastry Shop of Oakwood will donate sweets for dessert.

Your $25 donation benefits the House of Bread, a community kitchen located in Dayton that serves up a hot, nutritious, lunchtime meal to anyone in need 7 days a week from 11:30am-1pm. Anyone in need is welcome to join the House of Bread for lunch.

You may pre-register  or bring cash, check or credit card to the event. Pre-registrations on the website will be entered into the special gift basket drawing and will have a speedy check-in upon arrival.

 

Jane’s Best Bets (5/4 – 5/8)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Since it is May, you may be asking the question, “Is there anything fun going on this week in Dayton?”  The answer of course is an enormous “YES!”  This week, there are so many things from which to choose that you may have some very difficult decisions ahead of you!

On Wednesday, join Dayton Creative Syndicate as they welcome Guest Speaker, Jack Supple at Brixx Ice Company.  Taste some wine as part of the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery.  Not yet prepared to make your bets for the Kentucky Derby?  Be sure to attend the Derby Preview Party at Color of Energy Gallery where John Engelhardt from River Downs and other horse racing experts will give you some great tips…and don’t forget to have a mint julep!  Plus, there will be a live horse outside the art gallery AND live music!  Afterwards, please carefully walk to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.  And finally, give those vocal folds a workout by heading to Blind Bob’s for Karaoke.

On jueves (Thursday), start the day at the Presidential Banquet Center for the 2nd Annual Voices for Kids Benefit, which helps CHOICES, an organization that provides a support system for youth, their families, and foster parents.  Over at Sinclair, attend the 2011 Go Red For Women Luncheon.  Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at one of these great restaurants:  (1) The Caroline, which offers some great Cinco de Mayo specials; (2) El Meson – starting at 3PM, they will have $1 Tequila shots and free tapas until 5:30PM…plus amazing food, music, and dancing; or (3) El Rancho Grande (or the “E.R.” as my friend Lynne calls it) for 1/2 Price Ladies Night.  Or Join the Dayton Ballet Barre for their 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo ‘Barre’ Crawl which will take place at a variety of bars in the Oregon District.  If Mexican food does not appeal to your taste buds, no problem.  You can attend the Beer & Burger Tasting at A Taste of Wine in downtown Miamisburg.  Some other possibilities for Thursday evening include listening to the Hal Melia Quartet as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series at the Dayton Art Institute, Space Night at the Air Force Museum, Dayton Theology on Tap at Oregon Express, or watching the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.

On Friday, ALL young professionals should without a doubt participate in Generation Dayton’s Get Out, & Give Back Dayton! The day will consist of a lunch, followed by a variety of service projects at area non-profits, and finally a wonderful after-party at Oregon Express!  Get registered today and bring a friend!  Afterwards, attend the First Friday art hop downtown.  Also downtown, you can participate in the Courteous Mass Ride, watch the Dragons play the South Bend Silver Hawks, listen to the Paul McKenna Band at the Dayton Art Institute, or attend ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’ (Dayton Philharmonic) at the Schuster Center (click here to find out how you can get discounted tickets, courtesy of jumpstART!).  And if you’re brave enough to venture outside of downtown, head to the Dayton Mall Chick-fil-A for a Free Chick-fil-A Sandwich from 4-7PM, the Baum Opera House for The Wizard of Oz, or the Centerville Performing Arts Center for Hello, Dolly!

Hopefully you spent your Friday night downtown so you can wake up and gallop your way to the Derby Day Dash 5K and Kids Fun Run at RiverScape.  Then head to PNC 2nd Street Market to Make Your Own Crepe.  Over at Garden Station Community Garden/Art Park, share your food, art, music, or whatever else you want as part of the Really Really Free Market.  Wear your favorite hat (the bigger, the better!) and support women’s wellness by attending the 2nd Annual Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch at Brio.  I hope to see you there!  Keep that hat on so that you will be able to attend the Junior League of Dayton Derby Party at The Wine Loft.  In order to support a couple other great causes, attend the House of Bread Silent Auction at the Dayton Mall Holiday Inn or the American Red Cross’s Putting on the Glitz event at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center.  If your doctor wrote you a prescription for laughter, be sure to get your tickets to Cocktails with Larry Miller at Victoria Theatre.  Although I’m not an accountant, I don’t think this would qualify as a medical expense under your H.S.A.  Listen to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance – ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’, which takes place at the Schuster Center.  Other musical options include listening to the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert at Shiloh Church or the The Primo Trio at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vanguard Concert Series.  Catch “Saturday Night Football” at Hara Arena as the Dayton Silverbacks play the Indianapolis Enforcers.  And finally, if you feel like catching a show, both The Wizard of Oz (Baum Opera House) and Hello, Dolly (Centerville Performing Arts Center) will still be running strong!

On Sunday, if you do nothing else, be sure to honor your mother!  If you don’t mind (and if you do mind, sorry, I just don’t care), I’d like to give a quick shout out to mine – Thank you mom for being the best mom ever…and thank you for not just putting up with my dumb jokes, but actually laughing at them!  I love you bunches and bunches! Thanks for letting me do that, although you really had no choice.  Anyways, whatever you’re doing, I hope you will be able to have the opportunity to spend Sunday with your mother.  And don’t worry because you won’t have to cook breakfast or lunch, as many restaurants are offering Mother’s Day Specials!  Some places that are offering brunch include The Barnsider, Hilton Garden Inn, Carvers, Blind Bob’s, Boulevard Haus, Dublin Pub, and Fleming’s.  Don’t forget to take your wallet…it would be bad news if your mom had to pay!  And if your mom likes music, take her to Kettering Fairmont High School for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert.  Or take her to see Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre.

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

Why was the racehorse named Bad News?  Because Bad News travels fast.

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)

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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!

Local firm to host Soup Benefit for House of Bread

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Plan to dine out with family, friends or colleagues and enjoy the best dinner deal in town on Thursday, October 14, 2010. And then let your bowl be a constant reminder that there are hungry people in our community who need our help!  On Thursday, October 14th – anytime between 5:30 & 7:30pm, soups donated by China Cottage, Chili’s, The Chop House, J Alexander’s, Red Lobster and The Village Restaurant, with bread from Milano’s will be served up in  a colorful array of ceramic bowls, made by Sinclair students.  For a $25 donation, you will be able to select the bowl of your choice and have it filled (and refilled) with whatever soup you desire, and the bowl is yours to keep after the event!

All proceeds from this event will go to benefit The House of Bread, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit

Over 7400 meals per month are served at the House of Bread. 15% of those served are senior citizens

Community Kitchen in Dayton, Ohio. The House of Bread currently serves an average of 300 persons daily, and through this effort, we can help them continue to serve hot, nutritious meals to children, families and seniors who rely on them for their daily source of nutrition.

Donations (cash or check made payable to the House of Bread) can be mailed in advance or received at the door the day of the event. If mailing in advance, send your donation c/o CESO, Inc., attn: Cheri Henderson, 8534 Yankee St., Centerville, OH 45458. If you’re unable to attend, a donation of any amount is still welcome!

RSVP by emailing henderson@cesoinc.com or calling Cheri Henderson at (937) 435-8584. The event has been created by employees of CESO, a civil engineering and surveying firm and will take place at their offices in The Galleria, 8534 Yankee Street,  in Washington Township.