Dayton937

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

Getting Involved

Harrigan’s 5k Wants You to Race or Volunteer

By Leave a Comment

The annual Harrigan’s 5k will take place on Sat, March 10, 2012. For some it’s a competitive timed race, for others it’s a walk with strollers, anyway you look at it, it’s a day  a fun day of exercise, food, and door prizes.  Participants are even encouraged to dress up in zany St. Patrick’s Day costumes!

For serious runners, the race features chip-based professional timing by Speedy Feet which is  state-of-the-art, and are vastly more accurate with virtually instant race results. Door prizes will be posted in the registration area while the race is being run, so be sure to check the board AFTER you finish to see if you have won.   Up and Running will award the fastest male runner and the fastest female runner each a pair of new running shoes.  Gold, silver, and almost-bronze for males and females in each age catergory: 9 and under; 10-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; … 65-69; 70 and up, PLUS top 3 overall and top Master.

Harrigan’s will open at 9:00 am to accommodate the runners before & after the race.  Technical running shirts for the first 150 runners to sign up- last we checked over 60 folks were already signed up!

 

Do you want to help out with the event? If so, send an email to  [email protected] and include  how many of you there are including name, phone #, and e-mail address for each and let them know  what your preferences are (see below) and who you want to work with (minimum of two volunteers per corner, for example). Volunteers are encouraged to come dressed up in costume in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day if you wish.

Here are are the Volunteer needs:

  • Parking: With over 1000 runners, getting all the cars directed to the available parking area is important. 4-6 volunteers are needed to direct traffic before the event starts. After the parking is finished, these volunteers will move to the finish line and help collect timing chips from the runners’ shoes right after they come through the gate. The traffic volunteers need to be available from ~7:30 – ~9:30, and the runners will be through the finish line not later than 11:30.
  • Corner teams at each turn on the course: Volunteers at each corner (a) make sure the runners stay on course; (b) cheer the runners & walkers and make them feel GREAT; (c) can present a banner or signage if your organization is interested in doing that; and (d) after the majority of runners/walkers have passed by, gently urge the slower ones to move to the sidewalk to open passage for auto traffic (the Course Marshall tells volunteers when the time comes to move onto the sidewalks). We have 20 corners, four of which are committed to our charities and a couple more to sponsors, and we need to volunteers for the rest.
  • We also have a water stop that needs to be staffed – 6 – 10 people.

Corner & water stop staff will meet with the responsible course personnel at 8:45, then move to their corners/water stop for a Course Marshall inspection beginning at 9:10. The event is over for all practical purposes by 11:30.

The event is a total blast, and Harrigan’s opens early for beer for those intereste

When: Saturday, March 10, 2012 – 9:30 start
Where: Harrigan’s Tavern, 4070 Marshall Rd, near the corner of Stroop and Marshall Road, Kettering, OH 45429. Harrigan’s plans to open at 9:00 a.m. and remain open after the run for runners’ warmth & fun.
On-line registration: www.speedy-feet.com available until midnight, Monday March 5th.
Mail-in registration: Send registration forms to: Harrigan’s 5k Race 1340 Laurelwood Road Kettering, OH 45409. Make checks payable to Harrigan’s 5k Race  – mail registrations must be received not later than Monday, March 5th to be processed for early packet pick-up.
Early packet pick-up Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before the race, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at: Up and Running 6123 Far Hills Ave Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 432-9210 http://www.upandrunningindayton.com/
Race day registration: Opens at 7:30 a.m. at Harrigan’s under the big tent.
Cost: $20.00 for registrations received by Monday before the race; $25.00 day of race
T-shirts: Technical shirts to the first 150 that register, and cotton shirts to the next 450 participants that register. The sizing on all shirts is Men’s sizing, so when you register please bear that in mind.
Contact us: [email protected]
Sponsors: Harrigan’s Tavern, Up and Running, The Bagel Cafe, Young’s Dairy, K&G Bike Center, and many more
Charities we support: Alzheimer’s Association of Dayton, United Rehabilitation Services of the Dayton Area, South Community (behavioral healthcare), and our local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Stivers School for the Arts Jazz Orchestra – Bound for NYC

By Leave a Comment

(from The Seedling Foundation)

The Stivers School for the Arts Jazz Orchestra is going to New York to perform at Lincoln Center as distinguished student artists with the New York City Jazz Festival.  The festival features the best of college jazz performers plus four selected high school ensembles, and as winners of the 2010 Berklee College of Music National High School Jazz Festival, Stivers was not required to audition for the spot on the New York City Jazz Festival lineup. Festival managers heard the Dayton group in Boston and extended the invitation.

Produced by Manhattan Concert Productions, the New York City Jazz Festival will feature Kurt Elling, the Grammy-winning male vocalist, and Bob Mintzer, multiple Grammy Award winner, composer, arranger and Yellowjackets big band leader. The Stivers Orchestra will participate in pre-performance workshops under the direction of  Festival Artistic Director Steve Zegree – internationally recognized as one of the most respected jazz conductors and active as a pianist, conductor and jazz clinician.

Benefit concert scheduled

The trip depends upon the orchestra raising funds for travel and registration. A benefit concert featuring the Stivers Jazz Orchestra is scheduled for 8:00pm on Saturday, January 21 at Stivers Centennial Hall. The concert will feature one of America’s finest jazz trumpeters, Derrick Gardner. Gardner, who travels with Harry Connick, Jr. and the Count Basie Orchestra, is a distinguished composer, arranger, performer and teacher.  For over 20 years Gardner has headed the Jazz Prophets, a distinguished sextet in the tradition of the funky, soulful jazz sound Cannonball Adderly and Horace Silver. Gardner has also performed with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

General admission tickets for the benefit concert are $10. They can be ordered online at www.theseedlings.org or by calling 937-546-1675. Patron tickets are available at $50. Patrons are invited to a pre-performance reception with Derrick Gardner and will receive reserved seating. Patron tickets qualify for a $25 tax deduction.

Stivers Jazz Orchestra director Claude Thomas said of the Festival invitation, “In September, the Stivers Jazz Orchestra was invited to perform at the New York City Jazz Festival at Lincoln Center’s Allen Room. The invitation followed years of national performances by our Jazz Orchestra at Boston’s Berklee High School Jazz Festival. We have competed at Berklee 3 times and won 3 times,  including 2011.  How do you get to Carnegie Hall? ….. practice. In the jazz world, you ask how do you get to Lincoln Center? The same way, plus playing for the Dayton community like in our January 21st concert to raise travel and registration funds. The Stivers Jazz Orchestra is one of only 4 high schools in the country invited to perform, an unbelievable opportunity and honor for theDayton community, our school and students, past and present who have worked so hard to make this invitation a reality.”

The concert is sponsored by the seedling Foundation, a 501 [c] [3] non-profit organization that supports arts programs at Stivers School for the Arts.

For more information call Bill Pflaum, 937-469-2662.

Love146 Task Force in Dayton Co-Founder Elizabeth VanDine Needs Support

By Leave a Comment

Ending Modern Day Slavery

“The first time I really heard of human trafficking was back in 2008. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was about to be deployed for a tour in Iraq when he had to take a class on human trafficking. I began researching human trafficking and the more I learned, the more I knew I had to get involved. Human trafficking is modern day slavery that takes many forms (i.e. sexual exploitation, labor, or child soldiers) My heart breaks for each and every victim, but my passion is to bring an end to child sex trafficking. Specifically, domestic child sex trafficking. Many people are aware that forced sexual exploitation is prevalent in places like Thailand and Cambodia. However, very few people know the same slavery happens in their backyard. Ohio is currently ranking #5 in the nation for human trafficking, and had over 1,070 reported cases of child sex trafficking within its borders in 2010. I have seen the heartbreak and devastation such abuse causes, and will not just stand by and let it happen.”

In October if 2009 Elizabeth co-founded the Love146 Dayton Task Force. Love146 is an international non-profit that raises awareness and fights child sex trafficking through aftercare and prevention programs both here and abroad. The Dayton Task Force is a volunteer expression of Love146 that is committed to being an educated voice in our community, raising awareness and funds for Love146, and partnering with like-minded organizations.

Elizabeth currently a Psychology major at WSU. She plans to use my future degrees to continue the fight against child sex trafficking. Elizabeth was also names on of the Top 25 Women to Watch in Dayton, this past January by WiBN.

A Journey Towards Change: Love146 Partner Trip

In May of 2012, Elizabeth will be traveling to South East Asia with Love146 to gain firsthand knowledge and experience in fighting the epidemic of child sex trafficking abroad. Elizabeth and others will be traveling 3 countries in 9 days (Thailand, Cambodia, and The Philippines).The group will be involved in the Asia aftercare and prevention programs Love146 has established.

A STORY IN AFTERCARE from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

 

Elizabeth hopes to return from this trip better equipped to lead the members of the Dayton Task Force and implement such programs for domestic aftercare and prevention.

How You Can Help

Elizabeth needs to raise funds in order to make this trip a reality. If you would like to help sponsor this trip, please send cash or a check directly to the Love146 headquarters.

P.O. Box 8266

New Haven, CT 06530

Please be sure to include a note or an earmark on the check stating the donation is ‘Intended for Elizabeth Van Dine May Partner Trip’. All donations are tax deductible.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in learning more and getting behind the cause, Love146 Dayton Task Force meets the first Monday of every month at the Dayton campus of Indiana Wesleyan University ( 2912 Springboro West Road Dayton, OH 45439). Meetings run from 6:30pm-8pm and are open to the public.

 

 

 

Caroling – at The Greene?

By Leave a Comment

“Hark how the bells – ”

“How about this note? ‘Haaaaark…'”

“Hark how the – “

“Wait, that was too high for you last time, right? Let’s, um, ‘HAAARK how the BELLS…'”

“Hark how the bells, sweet silver – “

“OK, good, let’s go. Everybody? One, and a two, and a — ”

We slaughtered the rest of the song, off-key and unsure on the timing of trickier bits. Fortunately, the ever-changing flow of admiring shoppers had hit a lull, and only one mitten-clad couple walked a little faster to escape. We had a good comeback with “Jingle Bells,” though, and then “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” our specialty.

I’ve had the honor of singing carols over the past two weeks at The Greene, the giant outdoor mall off 675 in Beavercreek. It’s a visceral joy to me, caroling, the kind of delight that rises when tickling children or falling down a snow-covered slope in a tangle of teenage friends. I love it when voices weave together to make magic of the night air, traditional songs stirring the part of our hearts that longs for tribe and ritual.

And this year, I get to do it as part of a great cause. The Beavercreek Community Theatre invited volunteers to join its Chorus and provide caroling services for three hours a day on five dates throughout the holiday season. The Theatre, in return, will receive a “generous donation” from The Greene.

It’s an amount far less, I’m sure, than it would cost to pay more professional performers to wander the grassy central square, spreading holiday cheer. Even at $5 an hour and only four carolers at a time, that’d be about $6,000 for a month of serenading shoppers, not to mention the costs of managing all the paperwork or providing liability insurance for people singing in the cold for hours on end.

So I figure, if we’re sometimes a little off-key, it’s OK. You get what you pay for. And we’re not really doing it for The Greene, or for the money.

You can get this hat for $2.99 at partycheap.com. Weird after-effects glow optional.

We’re doing it for the fun. Caroling is a LOT of fun. Getting outside with new and old friends. Laughing over songs we’ve loved since kidhood. Wearing Santa hats and elf ears and plush reindeer antlers tangled with twinkle lights.

And we’re doing it for the shoppers. Especially those achingly cute toddlers who come stumbling up in full snow gear, wide-eyed, and yelp and clap and try to sing along to “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (We once sang “Rudolph” three times in 20 minutes, just because we kept getting fresh batches of adorable knee-highs coming by, staring at us in awe (or possibly confusion).) And the teenagers! “Too cool” at first, they stand giggling a few yards away until we lure them in, calling out banter and challenges until we convince them that yes, we really do want them to carol with us, and yes, all the cool kids really do join in.

We don’t take donations while caroling, and I doubt the other groups volunteering this year do, either. But we do welcome attendance at plays and direct donations to the Theatre. And even better? We definitely accept walk-on volunteers to join the caroling fun. Our final sessions are 5 to 8 pm Wed., Dec. 14 and 1 to 4 pm Wed., Dec. 21. You might find other groups there at other times, willing to welcome you into their circle of wassail.

Just bundle up warm, follow the lights to the giant tree at the center of the mall, and listen for the sound of (not-so-bad-for-amateurs) joyous singing. The Caribou Coffee hot cocoa’s on us.

“Here we come a-wassailing – “

(“Is that the note?” “Yes! Shh!”)

” – along the Mall so Greene…”

First Friday Scavenger Hunt – Holiday Edition

By Leave a Comment

Participate in updayton’s First Friday Scavenger Hunt!

Visit three of the five locations  below on Friday, December 2nd (or before if you’d like), find the answer to the  listed clue, and snap a photo of yourself with it. The three photos are your  ticket to the Hunt after party (110 W. 5th St.), which goes from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. and features free wine, Yuengling, snacks, and a live DJ!

Hunters who visit all five stops will be entered into a drawing for a special prize!

Your clues are:

Blind Bob’s (430 E. 5th St., 937.938.6405):
A neon sign bearing the logo of a popular Kentucky bourbon can be found
somewhere in the bar.

Deaf Monty’s Wine (22 Brown St., 937.225.9463):
One of the current featured wines is named after a family member.

Peace on Fifth (519 E. 5t St., 937.367.7215):
A ready-to-wear item features a simple message and birds in flight.

Bonnett’s Book Store (502 E. 5th St., 937.228.1222):
A famous prop from a classic film can be found on the checkout desk. (Hint:
It’s a major award!)

Beaute Box (116 W. 5th St., 937.903.3165):
An elected city official will be partaking in Beaute Box’s services at 8pm.
Who is it, and what is the person having done?

Thanks for playing, and happy holidays from updayton!

The First Friday Scavenger Hunt is made possible by updayton, the Downtown
Dayton Partnership, and sponsored by DaytonMostMetro.com.

 

 

Pecha Kucha Volume 9 – An Idea Sharing Party

By Leave a Comment


Still haven’t experienced the adrenaline shot of a 20×20 presentation? Pecha Kucha Volume 9 will be an awesome introduction. It’s your chance to enjoy the brief but intense outpourings of eight creative thinkers and doers in a social atmosphere. Fans of the fast-paced talk format will enjoy returning to Carli and Hamilton Dixon’s art space, Atta Girl Art & Garden. And we’ll all be treated to tapas from Coco’s Bistro, along with wine and the requisite beer. You’ll see why PK has become a global phenomenon, held in 455 cities around the world.

Presenters will include several fine artists, an indie music devotee, a historian/archivist, a grass roots leader, an urban activist, and an intuitive life guide. Jason Sheets will MC. The mix and dynamics are different each time, and Volume 9 promises to be its own unique self. Come experience it. You may decide you want to present at a future PK. There are four a year.

Volume 9 is Thursday, December 8 at 7:30pm at Atta Girl Art & Garden, 905 East 3rdnear Keowee. Parking is free in the building’s lot. There is no door charge, but donations are accepted to cover the night’s food, drink and rental costs. Dragonfly Editorial generously sponsors Pecha Kucha Dayton.

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

(from Pecha Kucha Dayton)

Mayor to Get Nails Painted – You Pick the Color!

By Leave a Comment

(Most content taken from the Activated Spaces Web site)

Visit Peace on Fifth - one of the Activated Spaces Pop-Up Shops

On Friday, December 2nd, Mayor Leitzell will help raise funds for Activated Spaces by getting his nails painted at Beaute Box, one of the Activated Spaces Pop-up shops. Donate online now! The more they raise prior to the event, the crazier the color, plus you’ll help Activated Spaces start new pop-up shops in 2012. Every $250 raised helps to establish a new pop-up shop in downtown Dayton!

– If we raise $250, color: Wildfire
– If we raise $500, color: Tutti Fruitti:
– If we raise $750+, color: Hotski to Tchotchski:

Any amount you donate to the cause can help: $5, $25 or $50. Your support of these pop-up stores will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown – the next step in downtown revitalization.

The “grand painting” will happen at 8pm on Friday, December 2nd at Beaute Box. Attend the Activated Spaces grand opening and join in the fun.

Instead of just using his celebrity to promote the event and the pop-up shops, it was important to Mayor Leitzell that it be a fundraiser. Beyond promoting the “new and unique” pop-up shops,  he is adding his name (and nails) so Activated Spaces can get the funding to continue to do the good work in the community. Leitzell says, “it’s all in good fun and and it’s raising money for a good cause.”

Become a Leonardo League Volunteer at the DAI

By Leave a Comment

The Dayton Art Institute is in need of volunteers, especially  during the American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell exhibit that runs through February.  Leonardo League Volunteers support the operations of the museum on a day-to-day basis, performing functions such as:

Your volunteer commitment may be temporary, extending through the end of an exhibition, working a specific event or program, or you may make a long-term commitment to the museum. Volunteers making a long-term commitment are encouraged to become museum members and complete a minimum of 25 hours annually. As a result, volunteers are entitled to:

  • Complimentary tickets to exhibitions
  • Discounts at The Museum Store and The Cafe
  • Attend Volunteer Information Sessions for Training and Art Appreciation (VISTA)
  • Receive quarterly newsletters
  • Receive invitations to exclusive travel and social events

Regardless of the time and commitment you are able to provide, what you can give is honored and greatly appreciated. To begin the process of becoming a DAI volunteer, you must complete the Volunteer Application Form. Send completed application to: The Dayton Art Institute, Monica Walker, Human Resources Manager, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton OH 45405-4700. Or email [email protected] or [email protected].

NOTE: Submitting an application to The Dayton Art Institute tells us that you are interested in becoming a volunteer, it does not mean you are a volunteer. You must complete an interview and orientation before you are considered a volunteer. For additional information on becoming a Leonardo League volunteer, contact Monica Walker at [email protected].

Nominate a Women of Influence

By Leave a Comment

The YWCA Dayton is seeking nominations for its 2012 Women of Influence Awards. This award honors women in the greater Dayton/Miami Valley community who have made a positive influence on the lives of others, as part of their careers, as volunteers, as role models or mentors.

Nominations are accepted from the community and honorees are selected by a panel of community leaders. Nominees do not have to be active in the YWCA. They should reflect the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  Additionally, nominees should also exemplify community spirit, leadership, volunteerism and making a difference in the lives of others. To nominate a Woman of Influence, go to the YWCA Dayton website and complete the online nomination form. Deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, December 9, 2011.

A luncheon celebration will be held on March 15, 2012 at the Dayton Convention Center to honor the award winners. For more information on tickets and sponsorship, please call 937-461-5550, ext. 118.

YWCA Dayton is a nonprofit organization located in Dayton, Ohio. YWCA Dayton has been dedicated to the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women for over 140 years. YWCA Dayton offers a variety of programs and services including the only domestic violence shelter in Dayton and Montgomery County. The full range of programs and services offered by the YWCA Dayton include: affordable and transitional housing programs (HomeShare, SRO, Safe Haven), teen services (Girls Inc, walk-ins), affordable childcare, and professional services including case management, group therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, hotline services, advocacy and economic empowerment programs.

For more information about this release, please contact Donna Sizemore, Director of Development, YWCA Dayton, at 937.461.5550 ext. 118.

Toxic Brew Company Needs Letters of Support For Zoning Variance to Open in Oregon District

By 6 Comments

Local entrepreneurs Shane Juhl and Jason Hindson are working hard to rehab an old building at 431 E. 5th Street in the Oregon District in hopes of opening a Brewpub.  There goal is for Toxic Brew Company to  “celebrate the craft brewers of the area and try to have an eclectic mix of craft beer drawing inspiration from multiple places including Dayton history, American craft breweries, and European traditions.” according to Brewmaster Juhl.  But before they can even think about promoting the beer,  they are trying to work their way through the many obstacles that seem to face so many new businesses in this town- zoning.

If you’d like to see the first Brewpub in Dayton since the prohibition era, help make their dream come true by writing a letter of support to get variances for 18 parking spots, off-street loading/unloading area and to allow their hours of operation to go beyond 11pm.  You can email letters to [email protected] and copy [email protected] who is the staff contact at Zoning Appeals.

You may remember that  Kimberly Collett, owner of Olive- an urban dive and Shane Anderson of the soon to be open Ghostlight Coffee also had to appeal to the public to help obtain the necessary variances to get their businesses past similar hurdles.  So if that’s what the city needs us to do  to help get more locally owned business, let’s help them!

I for one can’t wait to try more of Toxic Brews!  I still have a craving for more of their pepper beer I got to try at the Big Beer and Barley Wines event last month!

For more info, you can check out the file from Toxic Brewing Company below:

City_of_Dayton_Variances for Toxic Brewing Company

A Groupon Garden Station Fund Raiser

By Leave a Comment

(From Lisa Helm of Garden Station)

Today is the last day of a three-day fund raising campaign on Groupon for Garden Station, a local community garden and art park.

Groupon generally does online coupons for goods or services using the “collective action” model, which means that a minimum number of people need to pledge to buy the deal, before the deal is good.  This minimum is called the “Tipping Point”. This also applies for G-Team fund raising campaigns on Groupon.  Garden Station needed a minimum of 32 donations to “tip” the deal and release 100% of the donations to Garden Station. That minimum is actually just over 20% of the total amount needed to complete the project goal of 9 accessible garden beds.

Garden Station is an all volunteer organization that in the past 3 years has completely changed the corner of 4th and Wayne in downtown Dayton. For the 50 years previous to that, the area was overgrown and trash filled and regularly a camping spot for homeless.

Since then, hundreds of volunteers and over 50 businesses and local organizations have participated in the creation of Garden Station and it has become one of the most unique attractions and venues in the area.

Because the project is all volunteer, your donations go a long way.  For example the new entryway that is currently under construction originally had bids between $5000-$9000 just for the block and concrete work and since organizers at Garden Station were able to solicit volunteers and donations for most of that, the entire finished project, including landscaping and mosaic work will end up being less that $2000 in material costs only.

That being said this Groupon fund raising campaign is not “extra” to their budget.  It IS their budget! Without donations and volunteers from the community Garden Station would never happen!

There are just a few more building projects planned, including a stage and a buffet area to support the increasing number of potlucks and receptions there. Once those projects are finished, Garden Station organizers anticipate being able to cover all their own regular expenses.

This campaign is a win-win for everyone. The community will have an asset for years to come that is truly built FOR the community BY the community.

For more information about Garden Station please visit their Facebook page or call 937-610-3845.

You have until midnight tonight to donate at http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-garden-station

Speak your mind…

By 2 Comments

I’m only one person….

My vote doesn’t matter….

I don’t really know the issues that well….

I don’t live in the city limits….

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Everyone is fed up. Between ‘tea-partiers’ upset at government and ‘occupiers’ upset at corporations – everyone has an opinion. Now it’s time to hear how opinions manifest into action for the City of Dayton. What can the City of Dayton Commission do to make our region a place for young professionals to live, work and play? How will you vote on Issue Two: is it asking everyone to pay their fair share or is it a violation of rights? Learn more – be informed – come to the updayton election forum.

Regardless of where you live, what happens in the City of Dayton affects your neighborhood
and everyone in Ohio votes on State Issue 2!

You are one person and your vote does matter.

Participants at updayton election forum

On Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, updayton will host their third annual Election Forum. The Election Forum provides young creative professionals the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them about State Issue 2 and to question City Commission candidates on their plans for Dayton. The forum will take place at Harmon Business Center (530 N. Main Street). In partnership with updayton, the forum will be co-moderated by Monica Schultz and Gary Leppla of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area.

As part of their mission of attracting and retaining young talent to spur economic growth, updayton advocates to local, state and national leaders. The Election Forum has become a mainstay of updayton programming. This yearly event provides this younger demographic a chance to ask tough questions to area candidates and learn about important issues.

Scott Murphy, updayton chair, welcomes young creatives to election forum

Updayton advocacy chair, Shanon Potts, stated, “Updayton is relentlessly devoted to collecting data on young talent attraction and retention, but we can’t stop there. We must use this data to advocate for our future in this community. Updayton’s Election Forum is the exclusive pre-election event dedicated to accepting questions on behalf of young, creative professionals and then connecting them with candidates and issues of importance to them.”

All are welcome to attend, whether you are a City of Dayton resident or “young” professional or not. Questions and important issues may be submitted in advance for consideration online at http://updayton.com.

Potts would like to see the forum encourage young people long after the final question is asked. She says, “We hope that our dynamic Election Forum may even serve to motivate and inspire more young leaders to run for office!”

Confirmed speakers include:

How to attend:

Where: Harmon Business Center, 530 N. Main Street, Dayton

When: Wednesday, October 26, 2011; 5:30 Registration/Networking,
6-8:00 PM Forum

How: Free to attend, but please RSVP to [email protected]

Occupy Dayton, Wall Street… and The World

By 11 Comments

Photo Credit: Marc A. Pitman

In a time of economic upheaval, the Occupy Wall Street movement has created national and international buzz that has become hard to ignore.

The movement is described as a “leaderless” movement by its organizers and participants. Even the OccupyWallSt.org website is labeled as “unofficial.” The website states the people involved with the movement have horizontally structured themselves. Basically this means everyone is a leader and organizer. As such they all have the same responsibilities and – most importantly – no one person is above another.

In recent weeks the movement has gained incredible momentum and taken root in many cities across the United States. The demonstrations have breathed new life into the debates over multiple issues, but largely focus on wealth inequality and corporate influence over government. Occupy Wall Street is a grassroots movement but it is clearly a potent one.

In fact, the occupy movement has become so strong that it has landed in our backyard: Dayton.

Like the Wall Street movement, Occupy Dayton emphasizes that they are a non-violent protest movement welcoming people from all walks of life to join with them. It’s even become something of a community that gathers and distributes supplies like blankets or food for fellow “Occupiers” within the crowd. They accept supplies like these as donations. Occupy Dayton also holds general assembly meetings to make decisions democratically where every protester who attends votes and has a say in decisions.

Photo Credit: Brooke A. Medlin

“Everyone that is a part of the movement is behind it,” said Shawn Cassiman, an organizer of the Occupy Dayton movement. “People are volunteering their skills and expertise in order to build the movement.”

Fellow organizer Christina Hull pointed out local issues that helped to spark the Dayton movement. “Dayton has been hit hard by corporations such as NCR, Mead, and GM leaving with our jobs and leaving a lot of Daytonians without an income or health insurance,” she said.

“We do not have millions of dollars to buy lobbyists to make sure our agenda’s are pushed or our voices heard,” said Hull. “This is the people’s movement. We all stand together as the 99% of American’s who want their voices heard.” She and Cassiman stated the Dayton group is not funded or run by any particular outside organization or political party. The support they receive comes from within their ranks.

Photo Credit: Brooke A. Medlin

Occupy Dayton held its first civil protest on the October 5th in Courthouse Square. Since then, the localized movement has begun to grow and has reached over 1,600 followers to date on its Facebook page. The organizers are moving quickly to utilize social media in the same manner as the overall Occupy movement.

Taking inspiration from the Arab Spring, “Occupiers” are tweeting, Facebooking, Flikring, tumblring, texting, and emailing their way into the forefront of the public’s awareness. This is no exception for our own Occupy Dayton movement. The Facebook group has successfully arranged and held three official gatherings with plans for three more listed for this week. Currently, they are working on setting up a blog and a permanent website to help their exposure and information accessibility.

Photo Credit: Marc A. Pitman

“We believe that Dayton is a great city with wonderful people and we want to bring awareness to them about corporate greed and it’s hand in our legislation,” said Hull. “This is America, the richest country in the world and our citizens are struggling for their lives on a daily basis.”

“This movement is for the long haul. It has to be. We haven’t even been around for a week, so we have some work to do,” said Cassiman. “Real change takes time, and can be messy.”

For more information on the Occupy Dayton movement, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/occupydayton and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/#!/OccupyDayton.

Hot Talent Cool Gems Fundraiser Returns to Dayton

By Leave a Comment

The seedling Foundation has announced the return of the Hot Talent Cool Gems fundraising auction to support Stivers School for the Arts. The event is back by popular demand and is sure to be an evening to remember.

The seedling Foundation fundraiser is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 5th at Dayton’s Packard Museum with a 30’s-inspired theme. The event will hold a silent and live jewelry auction, have catered food, and feature artistic performances. So far, some of the high-interest items slated for auction are items gifted from celebrities like Martin Sheen, PBS celebrity chef Ming Tsai, Hope and former governor Bob Taft and others. The event took a break after it’s last appearance in 2008, but according to the foundation many supporters of Stivers have requested its return. Bill Pflaum, the president and trustee of the seedling Foundation, said in an interview that there will be a total of 100 pieces for the silent auction.

The Hot Talent Cool Gems will be catered by Coco’s Bistro, offering a wealth of gourmet hors d’oeuvres with a signature drink and dessert. The entertainment provided for the evening will feature student performances from all magnet areas of study at Stivers. Some of the night’s headliners will be the nationally recognized Stivers Jazz Orchestra and the dance program performance.

Stivers’ students, who often work elbow to elbow with professionals, are heavily involved in fundraising for their school and programs. Often, they raise money used to replenish art supplies and fund programs with their own art or performances. Pflaum gave a proud nod to the student fundraising efforts.

“The kids get very engaged,” he said with a smile. “They recognize that they have to put in if they’re going to get out, and they do. That’s a very strong ethic here.” He added that the seedling Foundation matches student fundraiser totals. The foundation is largely made up of Stivers student parents but also host community members on the board as well. Pflaum believes each person brings their own unique perspective and experience to the foundation.

The foundation hopes to bring in $50,000 worth of funding from Hot Talent Cool Gems. Pflaum believes reaching that amount is critical due to severe 2011-2012 school budget cuts. Like many other schools and organizations, Stivers has been hit by the downturn of the economy.

“It’s imperative that we get that community support to be able to sustain the kind of things that are happening for the kids right now,” said Pflaum.

For ticket prices and more information on the event or donations, visit the seedling Foundation’s website at www.theseedlings.org.

Stivers School for the Arts is a grade 7 through 12 public magnet school for the arts in Dayton with a national reputation for leaderships in arts education. Students audition to attend the school and once accepted are able to pick from eight areas of artistic studies (band, choir, creative writing, dance, piano, orchestra, theatre, and visual arts) to include in their education curriculum. The school is among the highest performing schools in the Dayton area.

Below is a television ad students at Stivers created with help and direction from their teachers.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx3Ux_lzGPU’]

Tweetin’ at the Opera

By 1 Comment

Friday Nite Tweet Seats – Tweet from your Seat!

New this season, The Dayton Opera is excited to extend an invitation to local young professionals and their guests to experience an opera-tunity to network and socialize before and after Dayton Opera performances. Friday Nite Tweet Seats — sponsored by DP&L –will allow you to let your Twitter followers know what’s going on at the opera in a reserved seating section. As an exclusive offer only to young professionals, enjoy a pre-performance gathering prior to the show, reserved seating for the performances and an after-party at the Dayton Racquet Club with the cast and crew … all for only $15.

Join the party for the Friday October 21 performances of La Bohème, the Friday, February 24 performance of Romeo and Juliet, and the Thursday May 17 and Friday May 18 performances of The Tragedy of Carmen and tweet and text your thoughts about the opera! Tickets are available online at www.daytonopera.org and, when ordering, enter the code TWEET. You can visit or call Ticket Center Stage in the Schuster Center at 228-3630 and ask for a Friday Nite Tweet Seat.

Please remember…Texting and tweeting during performances is permitted only in designated Friday Nite Tweet Seat areas. Phones must be muted and phone conversations are not permitted.

Women in Business Networking – Helping you to Grow as a Leader

By 1 Comment

Joni Fedders, President - Aileron

Aileron President Joni Fedders of Dayton and GE Capital Retail Finance President and CEO Margaret Keane of Ridgefield, Conn., will give the keynote addresses at “Growing as a Leader,” the fourth annual professional development conference by Women in Business Networking, Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Schuster Performing Arts Center at Second and Main streets in Dayton. Premier Health Partners is the title sponsor of the conference.

Fedders oversees the strategic direction and operational activities of Aileron, which helps private business owners understand where they want to go and apply sound business practices to help them get there. A former executive at The Iams Company and a two-time entrepreneur herself, Fedders was handpicked in 2003 by Aileron’s founder, successful businessman Clay Mathile, to build The Center for Entrepreneurial Education, which became Aileron.

Fedders will give the morning keynote entitled “Diapers, Deadlines and Dreams – Finding Alignment and Learning to Lead” and share her story on striving to achieve both professional and personal growth.

Margaret Keane, CEO and President - GE Money Retail Finance

Keane – who joined GE in 1996 and became a GE officer in 2005 – has held numerous positions within the organization at Vendor Financial Services, GE Capital, GE Commercial Finance, GE Consumer Finance-Americas and GE Capital Retail Consumer Finance. She began her career at Citicorp, where she worked in sales, marketing and operations for 16 years.

Keane will give the luncheon keynote entitled “Leading through Change.” Keane – who has led the financial services company through challenges and change – says her experiences contributed to her growth as a leader. She will share lessons learned.

Besides Fedders and Keane, WDTN TV2 news anchor Michelle Kingsfield will present the plenary session on “Taking Control of your Professional and Personal Healthcare and Life.”

Eight additional business experts will present six breakout sessions on diverse leadership issues. Presenters include:

  • Pamela Reichel, executive director, Premier Community Health
  • Kendra Ramirez, social media strategist, manager, Open Commerce, Ascendum Solutions
  • Diane Helbig, president, Seize This Day Coaching
  • Denise Dixon-Davis and Diane Dixon, professional coaches, 3F Coaching
  • Kelly McCracken, director of client relations, and Jean Webster, communications manager, Aileron
  • Dr. Patricia Larkins Hicks, founder and president, The Outcomes Management Group

Seven panelists will discuss “Knowing, Growing and Glowing: That’s Synchronicity!” moderated by Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, executive director, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Panelists include:

  • Martine Meredith Collier, president and CEO, Culture Works
  • Pat Kanuckel, associate vice president, Victoria’s Secret Direct
  • Scott Koorndyk, vice president, Technology Commercialization, Dayton Development Coalition
  • Deborah Lieberman, Montgomery County Commissioner
  • Erin Paulson, director, Strategic Marketing, TriComB2B
  • Jenell Ross, president, Bob Ross Buick-GMC, Mercedes-Benz and Fiat
  • Stacy Thompson, vice president, regional compliance and community reinvestment manager, KeyBank Corp.

The conference will feature exhibits from 32 local corporations and small businesses. The Market Place Boutique, a one-stop-shopping mini mall, will feature 16 women-owned retailers.

The conference, which begins at 7:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast, concludes at 5:15 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception and an event benefiting The Noble Circle Project, which helps women thrive beyond cancer. A portion of the proceeds from conference ticket sales will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Miami Valley Region and to Artemis Center, Dayton’s domestic violence resource agency.

Attendees are asked to register in advance at http://womeninbusinessnetworking.com/2011ProfessionalDevelopmentConference.aspx.

About Women in Business Networking (www.womeninbusinessnetworking.com)

Women in Business Networking (WiBN) – the leading organization for women in business – provides forums for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources and recognition. WiBN’s circle of influence and frequent programs have reached more than 1,500 women living and working in the Greater Dayton, Ohio, region. Women from all walks of life participate in WiBN: leaders and employees of corporate, nonprofit and community organizations; entrepreneurs and small-business owners; and women in career transition.

Media contact: Tina Marker, President

Windward Design Group

937.456.2301 / 937.545.9654

[email protected]