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Enter Dump the Pump Video Contest

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With gas prices close to $4 per gallon, it makes more sense than ever to Dump the Pump by riding RTA. And now is the time to shoot your why-you-ride-RTA video in time for the Dump the Pump Day event on June 16 when video contest winners will be announced. Entries are due by June 14.

By sending in your video, you become eligible to win cool prizes:

  • 1st place: 8G i-Pod Touch and three 31-day RTA passes
  • 2nd place: Flip Ultra HD camcorder and two 31-day passes
  • 3rd place: $50 Best Buy gift card and one 31-day pass
  • The first 10 early birds who submit valid videos will receive 7-day passes.

Use a camcorder, cell phone camera, or home PC to create your entry. Videos should be between 15 seconds and 2 minutes long and must focus on why you ride public transit. Are you saving money, helping the environment, commuting to relax? You tell us. Then upload your entry at i-riderta.org no later than June 14.

Your videos can be in Quicktime (.mov), .mpg, .wmv, or .avi format and should not exceed 50 MB. Winners will be contacted and will be responsible to pick up prizes.

RTA will celebrate Dump the Pump Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16 at Courthouse Square. You can enter to win chances on RTA bus passes and Dragons tickets at the event. Drive Less Live More partners also will present information on driving alternatives. Please go to i-riderta.org or call 937-425-8374 for more contest entry or event details.

RTA, Ohio’s greenest fleet, serves 3,300 stops on 29 routes throughout Montgomery and parts of Greene County. The agency operates diesel, hybrid diesel, and electric trolley buses to take people to work, school and shopping. Customers ride RTA on more than 10 million passenger trips each year.  RTA is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service as the region’s first choice for alternative transportation.

Five Rivers MetroParks Makes It Easy To Be Green

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Get involved in the emerald ash borer reforestation efforts and "Leaf a Legacy"! Learn more at www.metroparks.org/ash

When you work for Five Rivers MetroParks, it’s easy to forget most people celebrate Earth Day just once a year, so for today’s article, I wanted to show you, loyal reader, ways to live “green” every day.

  • Get Educated!
    • Pick a program, any program: When it comes to connecting people with the world around them, you’ll find no shortage of engaging instruction via Five Rivers MetroParks. There are lots of offerings to help you live a life more ecological, including organic gardening and landscaping, composting, recycling, wildlife basics and more. Here are a few coming up that will put you in the Earth Day spirit:
  • Get Involved!
    • Pick up trash around your neighborhood or volunteer with your favorite organization. Learn more at www.metroparks.org/volunteer

      Pick up trash around your neighborhood or volunteer with your favorite organization. Learn more at www.metroparks.org/volunteer

      Volunteer with your favorite organization: Five Rivers MetroParks has a variety of volunteer options available to fit any skill level, area of interest and available time frame. We just wrapped up our annual Adopt-A-Park event, where we welcomed more than 2,000 volunteers to pick up litter in over 30 locations throughout Montgomery County. But there are lots of ongoing opportunities.

      • If you’d like to gain specific skills, consider a service learning program. These give specialized classroom and hands-on training to volunteers, teaching them skills they can use to be volunteer team leaders at MetroParks or in their own community. Master Recyclers learn the details of reducing, reusing and recycling in this five-week course sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks and Montgomery County Solid Waste District. Classes take place in early spring; call (937) 275-PARK (7275) if you’re interested in being placed on the waiting list for next year’s program.
      • You can also volunteer to make the Miami Valley a little greener—literally! There are still a few slots available to sign up to be a Forest Foster Family. Fosters care for a flat of propagated seedlings for a period of time, then return the flat to a designated area for replanting. These seedlings were raised to replace ash tree devastated by the effects of the invasive emerald ash borer. Call (937) 275-PARK or register online to get involved.

o   Make a difference: There are many simple ways you can make your neighborhood a better place. Grab a trash bag and take a walk around your block. Pick up any litter you encounter (donning a pair of gloves is advised). Bonus points for separating recyclable materials! Perhaps you could make a weekly habit of this. Imagine how much cleaner your neighborhood would be!

  • Get Eco-Logical!

o   Be green at home: Swap your incandescent light bulbs for a compact florescent. It uses less energy, which decreases overall consumption of fossil fuels, plus you can enjoy the perks of saving money on your bill, not to mention the fact that some companies offer homeowners terrific incentives for swapping more efficient appliances and other energy-consuming devices. You can also switch to recycled toilet paper or paper towels and eco-friendly household cleaning products. Visit A Greener You at the PNC 2nd Street Market and check out the wide variety.

o

Virginia bluebells are native plants that make for lovely garden beds. Get native plants at the upcoming sales. www.metroparks.org/plantsales

Go local: Avoid incorporating invasive species into your garden or landscape. Invasive species, such as honeysuckle, purple loosestrife or lesser celandine, are aggressive, non-native plants that are harmful to local habitat, yet are often sold commercially. Plants might seem pretty innocuous, but invasive species can take over habitats, forcing out native plants and any creatures dependent on those plants as a source of food or shelter. So buy local and do your part to preserve the environment. Get native plants or non-invasive exotic species from two plants sales taking place the last weekend in April. The Wildflower and Native Plant Sale at Cox Arboretum MetroPark takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30; and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark’s Mayfair 2011 is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1.

Summit Follow-Up: Were you there?

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Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

Don’t miss the Action Plan Launch on May 3 at 6 PM at the Biltmore Towers (210 N. Main Street). There, we take these ideas to the next level!

The 2011 Young Creatives Summit hosted by updayton has come and gone with three packed hours of networking, professional development and (most importantly) providing young creatives the opportunity to shape the future of the region. Participants had their say in important topics including nightlife, jobs, neighborhoods and diversity and determined the direction that would make the region more exciting for them.

The Summit kicked-off with a Dayton Creative Syndicate sponsored photo booth that challenged participants to consider what would make them stay in the region by making the statement, “I Will Stay If…” Executive Director Yvette Kelly-Fields thanked our sponsors; Sean Creighton from the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education reflected on the kernel of an idea that grew into a region-shaping Summit; and Chair Scott Murphy challenged us to make a difference with the time we had there.

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

New for 2011, updayton partnered with established organizations in the region for project plans. Through this partnership, participants learned more about how the issue affects the region and were empowered to put their ideas to use to address a topic other organizations are already working on. Ideas were generated in breakout sessions; at the town hall, participants got to “invest” in the ideas that they wanted to support by offering “updayton dollars.”

NIGHTLIFE: The Downtown Dayton Partnership had the goal to create a new element for First Friday that entices new audiences and encourages visitors to travel among numerous establishments. Updayton participants are launching a project where performers drive the visitors on rickshaws to the various establishments while offering them a song, sonnet or story.

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

DIVERSITY: The Immigrant Friendly Task Force of the City of Dayton Human Relations Council had the goal of better connecting local residents to Dayton’s immigrant community for a sharing of culture. Summit attendees will launch a project where local families (both native and immigrant) are paired with one another. Native families will act as a tour guide for their immigrant friends – introducing them both to the region and our culture. In return, immigrant families will share stories, food and traditions that define their culture. It’s a “big brother” type program for culture-sharing. This group hopes to partner with Dayton Metro Library which already has an extensive collection of foreign language music, movies, books, and other resources.

JOBS: The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) challenged attendees to determine what can be done to identify, engage and motivate local employers to offer/create internships for local college students. Summit participants proposed “Linked Internships” – a LinkedIn page to provide an open forum for students to post their interests, experience and references. Local businesses will be able to quickly sift through the page to find the right candidate, review the resume and check references.  It will be local to the Dayton region and act as an open forum that provides a “one-stop shop” for businesses to find interns.

NEIGHBORHOODS: CityWide Development participated in the Summit to solicit information on what would make neighborhoods

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

more attractive to young professionals. In addition to a lot of great conversation and input, the updayton attendees will launch a project to beautify local neighborhoods. They intend to host various community clean-up days to include the physical work of cleaning, gardening, and maintaining green space as well as incorporating a community aspect. They hope to solicit volunteers from the neighborhoods to get people plugged into the project and vested in the upkeep of their neighborhood.

PLUS: In addition to the breakout sessions for project development, the Summit offered professional development workshops led by experts on topics from the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan to project management to social media. The Summit ended with a town hall for local leaders to hear the outcome and see the energy of these young creatives. Then we all headed to an afterparty at the Excelsior Lofts.

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

NEXT STEPS: These four topics were selected due to research by updayton as top topics of importance for young professionals as they determine where they want to live. These ideas are just the foundation of the projects. Volunteers will re-convene on May 3 to determine potential partners, discuss details, and determine next steps.

Some of what we’ve heard:

“The Summit was one of the best events I’ve been to in the last year, without question. Even more than being a great learning tool and networking opportunity, it was awesome to see so many young people excited about improving downtown, and even better to see them signing up to actually follow through with getting hands-on and making it happen from the ground up. I’m someone who’s always been passionate about downtown, and it re-ignited my own enthusiasm. And I have a lot of respect for updayton (and their partners) for doing what the driving forces in so many cities don’t–going directly to the people, asking what they need and want, and challenging them to be that change.”

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

-Duante Beddingfield

“The updatyon Summit was a great way to network with other young professionals living in the area who are passionate about improving the city. It was interesting to listen to everyone’s ideas and know that despite any perceived negativity—whether real or imagined—is overshadowed by people willing to make a difference. When you’ve got just one person with an idea, it might just remain at one idea, but when you add a collaborative community of open-minded, progressive individuals, that idea turns into action, hope becomes creation, and that vision of a better Dayton is realized. I can’t wait to dig into these projects.”
– Valerie Beerbower

“It’s easy to forget that there are people in Dayton that want to improve their community. The Summit was not only a reminder that these people exist, but that there are many of us.”
-Nick Hrkman

“I found the Summit to be energizing. It brought people together from different backgrounds and ideologies. It gave me the opportunity to interact with colleagues, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones – all under the organized goal of making the Dayton region a great place to live and work. The Summit is forward thinking, it does not focus energies around what is, but what could be if we all pitch in. My favorite part about the Summit is that anyone can attend, be heard, and walk away charged with tasks to make a difference.”
-Sherri Wierzba

Were you there? What did you think of the streamlined Summit? Anything surprise or excite you about the potential of the Dayton region?

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Young, Gay, and Looking for Something New?

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Then look no further!  We have the “cure” for the Gay Dayton weekend!

The Mu Crew, a program of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, is gearing up for its 6th annual weekend retreat which will be held the weekend of May 13th-15th .  The Retreat VI will be jam packed with hiking, speakers, a talent show, camp fires, games, smores, team activities, late night board games and more. The Retreat targets young gay/bi-sexual men ages 18-29 with the goal of empowering, educating, entertaining, and allowing them to take a break from life in an environment that is supportive, friendly, and fun.  The weekend is drug/alcohol free and any type of sexual relationship is strictly prohibited.

The Retreat VI site is only 20 minutes from Dayton in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The cabins we stay in are air conditioned/heated and even have hot showers! We also have use of a lodge and full kitchen/cafeteria, where a kitchen crew will prepare all of your meals for the weekend.

To register please click here.  There is a $40 registration fee to hold your spot, but if money is an issue we do have scholarships available. We are expecting sell-out attendance with participants from many different GLBT groups across the state and even from across the country!

If you’re ready to make some new friends, get away for a while and have a great time then come join 60 other guys for a weekend in the woods!

If you have any questions, just send  an email to  [email protected].

Change in Dayton is happening!

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Downtown Dayton

Things in Dayton are looking up. Hiring, although slowly, is on the rise (New jobs, tax revenues show region stabilizing, Dayton Daily News, March 25, 2011). Home ownership is up. Nightlife downtown, particularly in areas like the Oregon District, is lively and vibrant. These small yet noticeable changes are the direct result of the individual and collective efforts of many people who, despite the sluggish economy, believe in the potential of Dayton; those people are working to launch business and social initiatives that revitalize neighborhoods, spur economic growth and keep people in Dayton.  Updayton is one of those groups.

On Friday, April 15th at the Dayton Convention Center, updayton will host its 2011 Young Creative’s Summit sponsored by SOCHE.  From 3 pm to 6 pm, hundreds of young professionals will convene to discuss and problem-solve critical issues like diversity and employment. Immediately following is an attendees-only after party and networking event at the nearby Excelsior Lofts with food and beverage provided Brixx and Bonbright Distributors.

One of the of largest civic engagement events in the area, updayton began hosting this event in 2009, to engage young professionals in generating ideas and implementing solutions for Dayton. In the last two years, these Summits have produced a number of projects led by young professionals that have attributed to some of the changes happening in Dayton.

If you have never been, you still have time to be a part of this year’s summit. Registration is $15 ($5 for students). More details and registration can be found at www.updayton.com. Change happens here!

Additional sponsors of the Summit include: CareSource, Channel 945 FM, City of Dayton, CreativeFuse, Dayton City Paper, Dayton CW, Dayton Business Journal, Dayton Development Coalition, The Dayton Foundation, DaytonMostMetro.com, Dayton Weekly News, KeyBank, Standard Register, Teradata, University of Dayton’s Fitz Center for Leadership and Community and Vectren.

My Summit Story: Number Crunching for a Cause

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In preparation for the Young Creatives Summit on Friday, April 15 from 3-6 PM, this is the final feature in a series of “My Summit Story” segments  highlighting the diverse, talented and creative people that choose to be a part of updayton and the Young Creatives Summit. Visit the Web page to register or learn more.

In 2008, with 6 other catalysts from DaytonCREATE, Scott Murphy started updayton to better attract that elusive and desirable recent college graduate demographic to the region.  To meet this need, these volunteers focused on putting control of the situation in the hands of the people who are uniquely qualified to say what young creatives want. Who knows best what convinces a college graduate to relocate to the Miami Valley? Probably the recent college grads who decided to stick around. So updayton was created to give that control to young professionals (through the Summit and subsequent projects) and to be a communication pipeline between the young creatives and local leadership.

An important part of the updayton mission has always been the data. As an engineer at Wright-Patterson AFB, Scott tracks, records and reads the numbers that demonstrate project success or failure. You can see his attention to detail and his focus on results in every annual report that updayton publishes. You may walk away from the Summit having had a great experience after sharing some ideas and meeting some new people, but the work is just beginning for Scott. In addition to providing that qualitative experience to Summit participants who want to network with each other and learn something about the region, Scott wants to show how updayton is moving the needle for young professional engagement in the region.

The ideas expressed at past updayton events are gathered and shared. Rolls and rolls of white paper with concerns, ideas, projects and solutions have been poured over and translated to usable data to share with people who care about the needs of the young creatives. Government leaders, businesses and nonprofits are among the types of local organizations that have reached out to updayton to ask about your needs. The Suumit isn’t just about your experience that day and if you sign up for a project – the Summit is about adding YOUR VOICE and YOUR IDEAS to the conversation. Scott’s an engineer – he’ll do the work pulling it all together, but he needs your input.

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My Summit Story: A Leadership Journey

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In preparation for the Young Creatives Summit on Friday, April 15 from 3-6 PM, this is the fourth in a series of “My Summit Story” segments (see part one or part two or part three) highlighting the diverse, talented, and creative people that choose to be a part of updayton and the Young Creatives Summit. Visit the Web page to register or learn more.

Adam Coatney was born and raised in Dayton. He went away for school, and came back as Dr. Adam to help run his family’s vet clinic. He keeps busy with his job, real estate (married to a realtor, they manage three homes), gardening, as a first tenor in the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, and since 2009  – as the co-chair of the Wayne Avenue Corridor Committee.  In 2010, Adam volunteered to serve on the updayton Steering Committee (in addition to his continuing work with Wayne Avenue), and beginning in 2011, he will be replacing Scott Murphy as the updayton chairperson.

Dayton isn’t new for Adam – it’s always been his home.  So, what inspired this guy, who typically isn’t a “joiner,” to be a part of the Summit? And what does he think the Summit offers other young professionals?  Here is Adam’s Summit story.

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My Summit Story: Enthusiasm meets experience

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The Young Creatives Summit is on Friday, April 15 from 3-6 PM at the Dayton Convention Center. This is the third in a series of “My Summit Story” segments to highlight the diverse, talented, and creative people who are a part of updayton and the Young Creatives Summit.  More information and registration details are available here.

Very few people embody the excitement and growth potential of Dayton region more than Theresa Gasper. She grew up in Dayton, currently lives in Beavercreek, works to rebuild homes in South Park as the Founder and President of Full Circle Development, and is a proud Daytonian (check out this link to see when she was featured as a “Dayton Original”). You’ve probably seen Theresa around – at local ball games, attending arts galas, chatting with friends at great restaurants, hosting open houses and neighborhood parties, being recognized as one of the Top Ten Women of the Year, and working on many volunteer initiatives. Whether she’s adding her own time and talent to projects or supporting them through communication and marketing – Theresa is plugged into the changes happening in the region.

As one of the original catalysts of DaytonCREATE (working on the “This is Dayton” initiative), Theresa has been aware of updayton from the beginning. And even though she was busy leading a separate initiative, Theresa has always added her support to updayton. Again this year, Theresa is volunteering as a breakout facilitator at the Summit. We wanted to take some time to better understand why someone with so much going on is offering her time to engage young creatives in the region.  Here is her story.

How did you get involved with updayton?

I was one of the original DaytonCREATE Catalysts on the “This is Dayton” initiative, and have strived to support the activities of all five initiatives.  Chronologically I may be 50 this year, but in my mind, I still think I’m 24 and have convinced myself I’m actually part of the target audience!  😉

So even if you’re *slightly* outside the target demographic, you still feel you can get involved?

Absolutely!   This year will be my second as a facilitator for one of the break out sessions.   I’ve also tried to get involved during the beginning stages of some of the group projects.   Fresh eyes and new blood always account for a lot of enthusiasm and creativity, but there is something to be said too for “institutional memory.”   I never want to get too involved or stymie anyone’s ideas, but try to point out similar initiatives in the past and help connect the dots.  What those of us “outside the demographic” bring to the table is a strong network in the community, so we can steer the (updayton volunteers) in the right direction and provide introductions to the people who can help them get things done.

What have you gotten out of the Young Creatives Summit?

A renewed sense of optimism by seeing so many young creatives invest their time and energy into making Dayton a better place to live, work and play.   Face it, our community is at a crossroads, and dying off is not an option.   But how many places and points in time converge to allow you to actively create the city of your dreams?    I know many college grads want to head to the big cities – NYC, Chicago, etc – and make their mark.  But it’s a game of numbers – do you want to be one of 140,000 in Dayton or one of 9,000,000 in New York?   There is NOTHING wrong with being a big fish in a small pond.   I think what Dayton has to offer is immense opportunity and updayton and the Young Creatives Summit, is the jumping off point.

Do you recommend that young professionals attend the Summit?

I’ve been spreading the word very chance I get, so hell yes, young professionals & creatives need to attend.  What a great networking opportunity to meet the young movers & shakers in town.  What a great venue to share ideas, speak up, get involved and connect with others who have similar passions and goals.   Often I hear people complaining about Dayton and I tell them to stop whining and get involved.  When they ask how, I’m able to steer them toward updayton and the YCS.

What is your vision for the Dayton region?

I see the convergence of many factors bringing people back to the urban core – high gas prices, walkable communities, great local restaurants, bars, bands, but mostly its an authentic urban experience.  And I think that young professionals are a driving force behind the trend.  So my vision is a vibrant, active, beautiful downtown with lots of feet on the street – or as I like to say like Urban Night EVERY night.   I’m a strong believer that cities are the hearts of regions – and like with the human body, if the heart is weak, the extremities will shut down.  I see our historic districts and inner city neighborhoods becoming the ideal places to live as people turn from the cookie cutter and car centric nature of the ‘burbs.  Add to that our rivers, bikeways, mountain biking course and hopefully the white water course in downtown, I see Dayton’s star shining bright and attracting people from around the world.

My Summit Story: The Projects and the People

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Shawn Neff is a busy guy. Living downtown and working in Springfield, when he’s not on the road, he’s out socializing or involved in projects that are impacting his community. As his adoptive home, and he’s doing a lot to make Dayton a place he’s proud of.  Here’s his Summit story.

After the 2009 Summit, Shawn volunteered as a member of the Wayne Avenue Corridor Committee – a group committed to cleaning up and highlighting the area connecting the Oregon District with the Cannery Arts District. Then, at the 2010 Summit, Shawn took a leadership role with Downtown Street Buzz, a group that worked to highlight downtown Dayton’s nightlife by getting more feet-on-the-street and creating a fun social atmosphere at selected events for young creatives.

Q: Through updayton, you worked on two community projects – Wayne Avenue Corridor and Street Buzz. What were your experiences?

I feel that both projects were valuable to me personally and definitely worth my time. I was able to make connections with people, learn new skills, and hopefully make an impact on someone else.

For the Wayne Ave Project, I take great pride in knowing that I am a part of the team that was responsible for the murals and benches, for continuing to clean up the trash and pull weeds. Hopefully for the community, they will take from it that it only takes a small group of people to make a difference and take a run down, rather scary looking area and liven it up.

While the “Buzz” group didn’t maybe didn’t go as planned, that’s to be expected of any group project. Everyone at the start is gung ho and ready to move. After a few months, people begin to loose interest and drop away from participating. You can’t let that frustrate you. “Without failure there is no success.”

Q: Beyond the projects, did updayton provide you with any valuable experiences or connections?

Absolutely, I have made numerous connections to people in the Dayton area, several which have become close friends.  It’s quite an experience just to see the hundreds of people at the summit, who like me, want to make a difference in this community.

Q: What have you been doing since your Summit project involvement?

I have been actively working with Generation Dayton as a member of both the Community Involvement & Social Committees. I am also a dedicated member of jumpstART. I have been involved with several communities to help rebuild old playgrounds.

Q: Would you recommend that local YPs attend the Summit?

I think it should be almost mandatory that not just ‘YP’ers, but anyone who wants to make a difference, attend the summit. It’s a chance to meet and network with people. A chance to give your input, and listen to other’s thoughts on what we want to make of this city. A chance to get involved and put all those thoughts into motion.

Q: What is your vision for the Dayton region?

I want to see a thriving downtown. I want to see people moving back into the urban core.  I want to hear more positives and less negatives about downtown Dayton.  I moved to downtown 2 years ago from out of town, and I have completely adopted this city and want to see it thrive.

This is the second in a series highlighting people who have been involved with the updayton Young Creatives Summit. For part one, see My Summit Story: Who Knows You?

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#Baskets4Bottoms Regional Diaper Drive for The Mustard Seed Home Comes to a Close

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DISADVANTAGED DAYTON TEEN MOMS RECEIVE GOOD THEY NEED TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN

DAYTON — Social media philanthropists CultureMASH have wrapped up (or in this case swaddled) their Baskets for Bottoms diaper drive that garnered 3,400 diapers,  several boxes of wipes, additional toiletries and other baby care items. In addition to diapers several boxes of clothing were donated to the home during the drive.  All collected toiletries were donated to The Mustard Seed Foundation in Trotwood.

CultureMASH through social media has connected the Dayton Region to The Mustard Seed Home and it’s mission.  Weeks of promotion on the web and online collection capabilities lead the group to successfully complete the Home’s first diaper drive.  Shondale Atkinson, Founder of TMSF was blown away by the amount of donations and with the model CultureMASH has created, this drive can be run again a few times throughout the year as well as years to follow. CultureMASH is already planning the next.

The Mustard Seed Foundation is a local nonprofit serving disadvantaged teen mothers ages 13-21 and their children who are at or below the poverty level. The Mustard Seed Foundation provides its programs and services to all counties throughout the state of Ohio and accepts teen mothers who are in state or county custody or have been referred by other service agencies. “For many of these girls, we’re their last hope between a good life and a life on the street for them and their babies,” says founder Shondale Atkinson. “We are trying to break that cycle of poverty and show these girls that they can be the difference in the lives of their children. But we can’t do this alone; we’re very grateful for the contributions of individuals and organizations in this region who are committed to making the Gem City truly shine.”

CultureMASH would like to thank the following businesses that hosted a Baskets for Bottoms donation box:

  • Tim Horton’s – 150 Monarch Lane – Miamisburg, OH 45342150
  • Skyline Chili – 8906 Kingsridge Drive  – Dayton, OH 45458-1619
  • Airport Toyota – 1180 West National Road, Vandalia, OH 45377
  • Living Word Church – 926 East National Road. Vandalia, OH 45377-3202
  • The Ohio Coffee Company – 46 West 5th Street Dayton, OH 45402-2310
  • Fresh Ideas Hair Design – 1464 West Main Street  New Lebanon, OH 45345-9772
  • Coins4Me 38 W. Franklin St. Centerville OH
  • The Wine Loft @ The Greene – Beavercreek, OH

For those who might have missed this volunteer opportunity, The Mustard Seed Foundation is always accepting donations. To learn more about The Mustard Seed Foundation, or to find out how to contribute to their mission, visit www.themustardseedfoundationofdayton.org or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/themustardseedfoundationofdayton.

Be sure to stay tuned to CultureMASH via their website (www.culturemash.org) or Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/culturemash) for the scoop on more social good initiatives.

About CultureMASH

Founded in 2010 by Shana Douglas and Carla Weis Hale, CultureMASH is a team of creative young professionals in all facets of marketing and new media using their talents to give something back to the community. CultureMASH will train and assist organizations in using the latest tools to broaden and captivate their audience. Though not entirely focused on “e-charity,” the real-time web has become a sustainable means of marketing for the nonprofit sector. When used efficiently, social media can heighten awareness, help with promoting causes and boost fundraising so organizations can continue to have an impact and further their missions. Through use of creative talents and sound strategic thought processes, CultureMASH believes these messages will be amplified beyond the social network. By organizing communities both on and offline, a rejuvenation of volunteerism and involvement is ahead. CultureMASH is the bridge that will connect organizations back to the community to wage true advocacy campaigns.

Making your campus GREEN

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(from the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education)

Help your university become sustainable through collaboration! The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) and the Ohio Board of Regents are hosting a statewide sustainability conference. On April 12, the Ohio Higher Education Sustainability Conference, held at Sinclair Community College will explore: collaboration, campus initiatives, student involvement, community, outreach, curriculum and more from Ohio institutions and beyond. Planned by faculty and staff members from colleges and universities across the state, this event will have something for everyone!

The focus of the Higher Education Sustainability Conference is enhancing collaboration within and among our state’s institutions. To help reach this goal the event will include lectures, student presentations, a President’s and Provost’s Panel, breakout sessions highlighting best practices, and an information fair with vendors and institutions that want to share their efforts and initiatives.

Jaime Van Mourik, the Higher Education Manager for the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, will deliver the keynote address, “The Journey to a Green Campus: From Commitment to Realization.” She will offer strategies for taking college sustainability from a commitment to broad-based implementation and practice, presenting a holistic approach to campus sustainability.Additionally, Noelle Studer-Spevak, Sustainability Coordinator at Portland State University will provide a lecture titled, “What is Ohio’s Apollo program? Insights from Oregon’s race to build a sustainable future.”

Breakout session topics include, but are not limited to: campus bike share programs, food sustainability, becoming sustainable through collaboration, green programs and curriculum, engaging the campus and community, and fuel cell education.

For more information contact Ashley Appleman at (937) 258.8890 or [email protected].  To register, visit www.soche.org/conferences.

My Summit Story: Who Knows You?

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A lot of people have different reasons for attending the Summit and being a part of updatyon. Some people want to network with community leaders. Others want to voice their concerns on important issues. Many people are looking for professional development opportunities. Some attendees come to find new ways to give back to the community. Heck – a few people just want to take off a couple hours of work, see what it’s all about, and enjoy the after-party. Whatever reason YOU have – register now to attend the 2011 Young Creatives Summit.

Over the next week, we’ll highlight some of the people who have been a part of updayton. Maybe they’re still active, maybe they enjoyed their experience and moved one. But we’ll reflect back on some of the great people who have been involved. Where do you fit in?

You want opportunities? A past professor used to say: “It’s not what your know; it’s not even WHO you know; it’s who knows YOU.”

Katy Crosby, one of the original updayton volunteers, shares her recommendations for Summit participation and covers all bases – learn more about the region, network with community and business leaders, and share your ideas to make an impact on the region.

Q: What was your involvement with updayton?

I was one of the original members of updayton.  I was recruited as one of 32 catalysts for the DaytonCreate project.  The catalysts were divided into 5 or 6 groups.  Our group wanted to address the needs of young professionals by creating a venue for us to provide input on issues affecting the Greater Dayton community.  I served as the co-chair of updayton for approximately one year with Scott Murphy taking the lead role in making connections to help us build the organization and identify community partners that would assist in helping us develop the summit and execute various ideas that grew from the summit.

Q: What have you been doing since then?

I am currently the Assistant Director of the Dayton Human Relations Council.  I was in this position when I was selected as a catalyst, but my responsibilities have increased significantly. Secondly, I’ve been investing more time and energy with family. My daughter is a competitive dancer with Chenaulte’ Dancers in Trotwood, so I am now a dance mom.  I am enjoying being part of something she is so passionate about.  It allows us to spend more time together and it shows her that I support something that is very important to her.  It’s been a very rewarding experience to increase the amount of time with her and to see her development as a dancer.

Q: Do you believe updayton provided you with any valuable experiences or connections?

Yes.  Through updayton, I have been asked to serve on The Dayton Foundation’s Marketing Committee.  The Dayton Foundation is a great organization that impacts so many individuals in the City through their various community funds.  I have met a lot of great people that I have reached out to when assistance was needed or work related and personal projects.

Q: Would you recommend that local YPs attend the Summit?

I would definitely recommend the Summit to local YPs.  The Summit is a great opportunity to not only learn about what’s happening in the City, but to provide input on projects that can address major issues in the Greater Dayton area.  Often times, young professionals need a one stop shop to find ways to use their talents for good.  The Summit is a great start.  It’s also a great networking opportunity because many of the leaders in the region support updayton and will attend the Summit.

Q: What is your vision for a Dayton region that successfully attracts and retains young talent?

Venues that foster informal social networking, Thriving night life with options, Great job opportunities, Diverse neighborhoods…

Thanks to Katy Crosby for telling her Summit Story!  Want to move ahead? Remember: “It’s who knows YOU.” Register for the Summit to let a few more people in this community know about your ideas. Register now!

A Window of Opportunity To Change Lives

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This coming Monday April 4,  Linda Vista, Inc. is hosting its 2011 Window of Opportunity Luncheon at 12:00 noon at the Holiday Inn, 2800 Presidential Drive.  The Mistress of Ceremonies will be local television personality Marsha Bonhart. Featured speakers include the Honorable Barbara Gorman of Montgomery County Common Pleas Court and Amos Otis, President of SoBran.

The luncheon is the first fund raiser for Linda Vista. Funds raised will be used to support the organization’s efforts to transition homeless women and their children to permanent housing.

“Linda Vista provides housing and a high quality program that teaches self-sufficiency to homeless women ready for change. Linda Vista provides the women with a clear vision to the future for themselves and their children,” says Carmen Gooden, founder and executive director of Linda Vista. More than a way to raise dollars, this event seeks to enlighten a broader spectrum of the community about the staggering number of homeless women and children in need of housing and support services how Linda Vista is working to meet that need.

Since opening its doors in 2006, the Linda Vista has become a recognized provider of homeless services by the City of Dayton and Montgomery County homeless solutions program. For twenty-four months, residents participate in life skills sessions, job readiness training, parenting classes and personal development workshops. The children are enrolled in an on-site after school program and on the weekends and during school breaks, participate in cultural, sports and arts activities.

Nearly two hundred (200) women and their children have been referred to Linda Vista for housing and services from 2006 – 2010. Over the last three years, Linda Vista has maintained a 80% success rate for a positive exit (clients exit to permanent housing) and has maintained 100% capacity since 2009.

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Carmen and her staff seek to inspire the community to take a step forward to provide a caring and loving facility for women where they can regain and perpetuate their self-dignity in a challenging world. It is their firm belief that it “takes a community to heal a community.”

As one of the graduates of the program stated, “Life is a journey, but we are not defeated anymore.”   Strong, meaningful words, from a person that has a new life, a successful life thanks to Linda Vista.

Open a window of opportunity for a deserving family by attending this event. Tickets can be purchased for $35.00 by calling 277-9663 or 397-6537.

No Foolin’ – Great YP Events in April

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FEATURED EVENT

Friday, April 15th:
updayton’s Young Creatives Summit

Dayton Convention Center
Friday, April 15; 3-6 PM
$15 ($5 for Students)
Info Packet (agenda, breakout descriptions, etc) HERE

The Summit has been slightly revamped to meet the needs of the busy young creative while maintaining the mission of giving YOU a say in the direction of the Dayton region.  This year’s features include: a shortened Summit (3-6 PM), a great “speed networking” professional development opportunity, and established regional organizations such as the Downtown Dayton Partnership, CityWide Development, the Human Relations Council, and the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) adding their strength to make YOUR projects even more impactful and sustainable.

Don’t miss the 2011 Young Creatives Summit. REGISTER NOW!

A few April YP Highlights:

April 1, 5-10 PM – Sure, it’s the day for practical jokes, but no kidding – don’t miss First Friday! This month, enjoy roving musicians, jugglers and breakdancers, new art installations at the Southern Belle and two locations off Courthouse Square, a preview of the DVAC Art Auction, the monthly Courteous Mass bike ride and more. First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership. For more information, including specific event details, visit the First Friday Web page or Facebook page.

April 7, 5:30-7:30 PM – Come join the Young AFCEAns at the Fox and Hound near the Fairfield Commons Mall for a Networking / Social Event. Bring a friend that may be interested in learning more about AFCEA.  Appetizers, beer and soda will be provided by Young AFCEAns.  Please contact Casey Weinstein at [email protected] if you have questions.

April 8, 6PM – The Great Escape is back! The Red Cross Associate Board hosts this fantastic party in the Schuster Center Wintergarden featuring live music, dancing, an exciting silent auction, and great food resulting in a memorable and fun-filled evening. Everyone who attends will have a chance to win a fabulous door prize of a weekend trip for two valued at $1,000 to anywhere in the US -generously donated by AAA Miami Valley. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.

April 13, 7-9 PM – Kick off the soccer season by joining the Dayton Dutch Lions FC at the PreSeason VIP Party! $11 gets you a Dayton Dutch Lions FC calendar, finger foods, and a cash bar in the Patterson Room of the Dayton Racquet Club. Come enjoy a great networking opportunity AND your chance to bid to win a day with the DDL players and owners (dates include a massage & pedi from Square One and dinner at McCormick and Schmicks!)

April 13, 5:30-9 PM – Get ready for a happy hour extravaganza! It’s all sorts of creative when Dayton Creative Syndicate (DCS)  welcomes AAF-Dayton and AIGA Cincinnati colleagues  to the Gem City for a networking and socializing super event at Harrigan’s South. Come out and rub elbows with some of the most creative folks in southwest Ohio! (Or at least stop by for the $2 special on domestics and well drinks.) They’ll be at Harrigan’s South location, 671 Lyons Road, Centerville.

April 15, 6:30 PM – Post-Summit, Pre-Party with JumpstART as they check out the Stivers Photography Auction. Free to attend, cheap to bid, pay what you want. Professional photographers from across the nation donate works to be auctioned off to benefit the arts program at Stivers. Hang out with other arts-minded YPs, support a great cause and get some art on your walls.

April 20, 5:30 – 8 PM – Back by popular demand is Generation Dayton’s Speed Networking. It’s your chance to effectively network one-on-one with other young professionals. There will be a cash bar and complimentary appetizers. Free for members, $15 for nonmembers.  Bring plenty of business cards and be ready to connect!  Registration required; contact [email protected] to reserve your spot, seating is limited!

April 23, 8AM – Noon – HYPE (Northern Miami Valley) is getting it’s volunteerism on as they donate a Saturday morning to a Habitat for Humanity Service Project.  Don’t miss this opportunity to make a major difference in the community while meeting some great local YPs. More info on the Web page.

That’s just a small selection of the great events available in April – check out the Web pages of each group to see all they have to offer – including socials, networking, professional development and more!