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!
