Getting Involved

November YP Roundup

November 2, 2010 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

With Thanksgiving ending the month, there are some changes in the regular schedule for the YP events in November. Take a look at what’s available here, click on the Web sites or event calendar links and get out there to meet some new people.

And, although it’s not a *specific* YP event, I gotta use this chance to say – VOTE! Regardless of whatever else you’re doing on Tuesday, November 2, make sure you take the time to have your say on the future direction of our schools, cities, counties, and state. A lot of people don’t bother to get involved during midterms, but there’s a lot at stake, so take the time to make a difference. Soapbox put away – back to the YPs…

Something new I’m discovering – Meetups! A couple casual groups who coordinate events that may be fun:
20 Somethings of Dayton: http://www.meetup.com/20somethings-of-Dayton-Ohio/ and
Dayton Young Professional group – http://www.meetup.com/Dayton-Professionals/

Let’s get to events in November:

November 1-6

First up, for you aspiring photographers, Dayton Creative Syndicate (with Ohio Photography) is hosting a contest for you to win a free photo session on November 6 at the beautiful Cox Arboretum MetroPark with Jim Crotty (big photography deal). The contest ends November 3, so check it out now if you’re interested in learning more!

After you submit your entry, head over to the Dayton Racquet Club to enjoy complimentary appetizers, happy hour prices, and free parking in the Kettering Tower garage while you meet and mingle with members of the Dayton Ballet Barre. Happy Hour is from 5 – 5:45 and then the Associate Board meeting begins. Not on the Associate Board? Use this meeting as your opportunity to learn more about this group, try it out by volunteering, or sign up that night.

Nothing specifically YP that I’ve discovered on Friday, November 6, so you’ll want to make sure you head downtown for First Friday, the Courteous Mass bike ride, or one of the great dining, music or arts options. Check the DaytonMostMetro.com event calendar for your options.

November 7-13

My gift to you for the second weekend of November – not only great YP events, but another hour in your day as we “fall back” for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, November 7 at 2 AM. Don’t forget!

Tuesday, November 9 – Generation Dayton combines your entrepreneurial spirit with tasty spirits from The Wine Gallery at “Smashing Glasses,” an entrepreneur event presented by Jeff Van Horne. He highlights what it takes to start a small business – the hard work and the fun. Limited to only 35 participants, so make your RSVP early if you want to go.

Also on Tuesday, the Dayton Creative Syndicate has great opportunities for members. Together with the School of Advertising Art and the Greater Dayton Advertising Association, DCS presents guest speakers Ben Nunery and Pat Jones from Powerhouse Factories. Ben and Pat have a great story – hear it at 6 PM ($10 for members, $20 for nonmembers, $5 students w/ ID). And like many a good YP groups, the Dayton Creative Syndicate does more than *just* the educational and professional stuff, so mix and mingle with the DCS members right after the speakers at the November Happy Hour beginning at 7:30 PM.

Wednesday, November 10 – Join up with the HYPE members for lunch at the Cracker Barrel in Piqua. It’s a great opportunity to meet other YPs who live or work in the northern Miami Valley and get involved with this great group.

Thursday, November 11 is the day to “Jump into Art” as jumpstART visits the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Stop by after work starting at 5:30 PM for light snacks, some adult beverages, and Art to Buy. It’s a casual opportunity to explore one of Dayton’s great art resources. And just in time for the holidays, Art to Buy is an exhibit that provides you with affordable and accessible art items (jewelry, wine toppers, ornaments, etc) perfect for gift giving!

Looking for some fun south of town on Thursday? Be sure to stop by Champps Americana for the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Meet in the side room to enjoy Chips and Salsa and $2.50 pints of any beer. No membership requirement – just come to learn more about Generation Dayton and have a great time with fellow YPs.

Friday, Friday, Friday! On the second Friday of every month, you can “USUALLY* count on the Dayton Urban League Young Professionals to enjoy kids play in an adult way at YP @ Play. They pull out the Wii, Twister, Jenga, cards and more for you to enjoy. But, in November it’s GALA time – no YP @ Play this month. But you will want to catch up with your DULYP pals at the Dayton Art Institute for this beautiful, fun, and fancy-schmancy event. Learn more here.

And the fun on Friday continues. The Young Republicans are hosting a party for members at Chappy’s Tap Room beginning at 7 PM. Learn more about the group and how to get involved. Questions? Call 937-689-6084.

November 14-20

Tuesday this week gets you started early with the Generation Dayton Business & Breakfast. Get to Tank’s at 7 AM for some tasty and affordable breakfast and hear from David Grupe – the General Manager of the Bach Society of Dayton and Chair of the Community Arts Network. Free to attend, but RSVP so they can save a seat for you.

You can count on the Dayton Urban League YPs to host an interesting membership meeting on the third Thursday of every month. Only $5 for nonmembers (members free) to get up to date on all the happenings and what’s next for this exciting group. Start time – 6:30 PM.

Head back up north on Thursday, November 18 for the HYPE Holiday Kickoff and Gift Drive beginning at 5:30 PM. This is a great charity event PLUS a fantastic party. Raffle prizes, music, games, drink specials, 20% off food, and so much more! Plus = everyone who brings a new, unwrapped gift for kids to the Buffalo Wild Wings in Troy receives a coupon for 5 free wings. This is quite an event – make sure you’re there to help a great cause and have a great time.

Also for your drinking and dining pleasure on Thursday, you can join the Ballet Barre for their monthly Wine & Ballet happy hour at the Wine Gallery downtown (new digs – not over by the Cannery anymore!). They meet from 5:30 – 7:30; enjoy some happy hour pricing and great wine tastings with this YP group. Plus – parking is available in the lot just West of the Wine Gallery for only $1.

Here’s when holiday math gets tricky. Many people will be busy on the Fourth Friday (due to Thanksgiving), so Generation Dayton has moved their lunch to the THIRD Friday so you can still have a great lunch with great friends in November. Join them at Spinoza’s at the Mall at Fairfield Commons to eat, drink (a work-appropriate beverage) and be merry before Thanksgiving. Lunch at your own cost at this free event – RSVPs required.

November 21 – 30

Not a lot happening near the end of the month as groups are coordinating schedules around the beginning of the holiday travel season, but Generation Dayton invites members to come to a membership meeting after hours to provide feedback, meet the Chamber staff, learn more about volunteer opportunities, and network with peers. Not a member of GenD yet and interested in learning more? Check out their Web page.

So that’s what I could dig up for November. And Spoiler Alert -I just learned about a new group that is getting going specifically for social media types who want to give back to the community. Can’t tell you much about them (as their launch event is in December), but you can follow them here.

As always, if I missed an event, please post it below. Hope to see you around!

Commemorate the Dayton Peace Accords

October 29, 2010 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

From OhioHistoryCentral.org: The agreement reached at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio in November 1995, and formally signed in Paris on December 14, 1995. These accords put an end to the three and a half year long war in Bosnia, one of the armed conflicts in the former Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia.

You’ve heard of the Dayton Peace Accords. You know it’s a big deal. But you may not know exactly who, why, and how it all came together right here in Dayton, Ohio to end the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. November 5th thru 7th, you can join in the commemoration of the fifteenth anniversary and experience fuller understanding of this important turning point through great events featuring distinguished guests.

More information is available here: http://www.daytonliterarypeaceprize.org/accords_update.htm

The commemoration includes a banquet at the Hope Hotel on Friday, Nov. 5 and a public forum in Kennedy Union on Saturday, Nov. 6. These events will be held in conjunction with the awarding of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize on Sunday, Nov. 7. These events are being supported by The City of Dayton, Montgomery County, Dayton International Airport, University of Dayton, Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Central State University, Dayton Literary Peace Prize Committee, and Dayton Sister Cities Committee.

The banquet and forum will feature many distinguished guests, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs for BiH (H. E. Sven Alkalaj), the Mayor of Sarajevo (Dr. Alija Behmen), and the Executive Director of Migration and Refugee Services for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (Amb. Johnny Young).

Please consider attending one or more of these events, and help spread the word about them. The hosts are particularly interested in having students and community members attend the forum.

Details on the November 5 BANQUET: There will be a banquet on the evening of November 5th for Dayton residents and others to remember the negotiations and the many people we came into contact with during those days and in the last fifteen years. The banquet will be held at the Hope Hotel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the same place where the Accords were negotiated and initialed in 1995. Tickets for the banquet ($45) may be purchased on-line at: http://daytonpeaceaccordsat15.eventbrite.com/.

Details on the November 6 FORUM:

Now, fifteen years later, they are holding a forum (free to attend) on November 6, 2010, at the University of Dayton, with three goals in mind.

To discuss the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and take a look at what US policy towards BiH should be now and in the immediate future.
To discuss how our experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina has and will change US policy approaches in resolving other conflicts.
To hear from those who left Bosnia and Herzegovina, and who now live in Dayton, about their positive and negative experiences here in the US.

The forum at UD on Nov. 6 is free-of-charge, but they request an on-line registration. People who want to attend the forum can register at http://daytonpeaceaccordsat15.eventbrite.com/. A buffet lunch will be offered free-of-charge.

Details on the November 7 Authors Event: If you missed getting your tickets to the big reception for the Literary Peace Prize winners (or couldn’t afford them), you can still hear the winners speak on Sunday, November 7th at 11:30 AM at Books and Co. at the Greene. Attached are details directly from the Books and Co. event calendar.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7; 11:30 AM @ The Greene

Conversation and Brunch with the Winners of the 2010 Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Come for a luscious brunch prepared by Brio Tuscan Grille and enjoy conversation with our visiting authors: DAVE EGGERS, author of Zeitoun, Nonfiction Award winner, MARLON JAMES, author of The Book of Night Women, Fiction Award winner, and GERALDINE BROOKS, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and author of March (Pulitzer Prize winner), Year of Wonders, and People of the Book. Marsha Bonhart from WDTN-TV2 will emcee the program.

There is a $10 donation for the brunch, which is a fundraiser for The Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation. You can pay at the event, but please RSVP to [email protected] by November 2, so Brio can prepare accordingly. Those who want to hear the authors but not partake of the brunch are certainly welcome to attend at 12:15 pm, with no charge.

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So there are quite a few ways to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. The event coordinators share their mission that, “after these events are complete, we hope to be able to say that we have advanced the understanding of BiH by US citizens and perhaps that we have helped shine a light on some ways to improve peoples’ lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

For additional information, please call Kate Evans in the Dayton City Commission office at: 333-3659.

Join The Fight Against World Hunger

October 28, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

How many times have you come home, ravenously hungry, opened the refrigerator door, did a quick once over, saw only a fridge full of food that need to be cooked and declared to yourself, “There is nothing to eat!” Now, imagine that scene again, but this time there is little to no food to be eaten and with hunched shoulders, you sighed, “There is nothing to eat.”

Millions go hungry every day - Photo by Lyric Fields

In a world where there are more than 1,000 billionaires with a net worth of $3.6 trillion, up from $2.4 trillion in 2009, (Forbes, 2010), there is an estimated total of 925 million people undernourished according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. There are number of factors that contribute to food scarcity globally, poverty being the leading cause.

In the Miami Valley many families come home to empty refrigerators every day. Unable to feed their children, they turn to local food pantries and social service agencies for support. Sometimes a teen or youth is left to fend for themselves. When that happens, they go to Daybreak, Dayton’s only homeless shelter for youth.

This week the Dayton Urban League Young Professionals (DULYP) in partnership with the Dayton Urban League Guild, the National Urban League (www.nul.org), and National Urban League partner, YUM! Brands is hosting a National Day of Empowerment to collect various non-perishable items for the youth served at Daybreak. At this event, the DULYP will report on its weeklong efforts to address world hunger by supporting this very worthy local agency. Donations of non-perishable food items (i.e. soup, Ramen noodles, tuna and Poptarts) along with gift cards to WalMart and Krogers will be accepted at this event.

Event: Fight to End Hunger (National Day of Empowerment)

Date: Saturday, October 30

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: Dayton Urban League, 907 W. Fifth Street

For more information email Serida Lowery at [email protected] or call 672-0402.

“Struck by Living”

October 25, 2010 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

A lot of people just don’t understand depression. Comments like “buck up,” “just don’t worry about it,” and “what do you have to stress about?” demonstrate the lack of understanding in our society surrounding clinical depression. Author Julie Hersh is addressing that lack of understanding with her new book Struck by Living: From Depression to Hope.

Eastway Behavioral Healthcare, the region’s largest, private nonprofit mental health agency, is pleased to welcome Julie Hersh to speak about her experiences on Thursday, November 11 at the Dayton Art Institute. The luncheon will feature Ms. Hersh sharing her story and include a book signing.

Struck by Living is a narrative non-fiction which traces the author’s search for identity through her career, interfaith marriage, motherhood and clinical depression. With humor and brutal honesty, Hersh picks apart the irony of her life. Loving husband, healthy children, financial security and … she tried to kill herself three times.

Hersh says, “My goal with Struck by Living is to dispel the fear associated with mental illness and make it more real for those who have never experienced depression.” Her book provides a personal account of what a clinically depressed person feels and the challenges faced for a medical problem with an inexact methodology for recovery. For more information on Ms. Hersh’s story, visit the book’s Web site: www.struckbyliving.com.

About the Author: Julie Hersh is Board President of the Dallas Children’s Theater and active supporter of the Suicide and Crisis Center, Mental Health America, Empower African Children, and other nonprofit organizations. After earning her BBA at the University of Notre Dame, Hersh worked in high-tech product development and marketing/sales in Silicon Valley. She “retired” from a lucrative sales management position after the birth of her first child. A long-time member of the Cooper Center, Hersh ran her first marathon at age 48. She lives with her husband and two children in Dallas, TX.

Event Information:

WHAT: Struck by Living: Eastway Welcomes Author Julie Hersh
WHERE: Dayton Art Institute
WHEN: Thursday, Novemeber 11 11:30-1:30 (lunch served at noon)
Advocate Ticket: $75 Individual
Champion Tickets: $500 table of eight
Corporate Sponsorships Available

Contact Megan at [email protected] or 937-496-2000 ext. 2055 for tickets for more information.

The Boy Scouts Need You!

October 24, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

DODGE, DUCK, DIP, AND DIVE

at the Second Annual Dayton Corporate Dodgeball Tournament benefiting the Boy Scout program in the Miami Valley and surrounding areas. This double-elimination tournament will be held Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Ervin J. Nutter Center.

Team registration begins at 9am with an all team meeting at 10:30am. The first ball out is at 11:00am. Only 48 teams will be accepted for the 2010 Corporate Tournament. The cost of entering a team into the tournament is $300 (100% Tax Deductible). All dodgeball players will receive a free Frickin Dodgeball T-Shirt. Tournament teams consist of 6 players and up to 4 subs. Team t-shirts/uniforms are encouraged. The tournament will be held on Saturday, October 30th. Tournament will follow NADA rules. www.dodgeballusa.com/rules.html

The tournament is open to all businesses, civic groups, college clubs and/or groups of individuals. The winning team will receive a $1000 cash prize and the coveted trophy “The Golden Baller”.See promotional flyer under FAQS for other perks including drink tickets and VIP access.

It is not too late to sign up a team or for a sponsorship. Please go to www.frickindodgeball.com and sign up today! We are looking to have an awesome time.

If you can’t attend or play, please consider a donation to help the tournament be a success. If you are interested in donating, please contact Chris Grove, Chairman 2010 Frickin Dodgeball Tournament.

Archie Griffin Rushes Into Dayton for Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series – Win Tickets!

October 21, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

Buckeye Football Legend to Speak at Junior League Town Hall Lecture Series on November4th

(From Tamera Geesling of the Junior League of Dayton)

Archie Griffin’s accomplishments on the field are legendary. He is the only two-time winner of the prestigious Heisman Trophy, a three-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player, first-round draft pick and member of several Halls of Fame. Among fans of The Ohio State University (OSU), he is a legend and an icon. Griffin will appear in Dayton on November 4, at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Center for Performing Arts as part of the Junior League of Dayton’s (JLD) Town Hall Lecture Series. Additionally, several local members of the OSU Alumni Band are scheduled to lead Griffin on stage to kick off the event.

It could be said Griffin was born to be a Buckeye – he was born at the OSU Hospital. After a stand-out career at Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, Griffin also valued the importance of a good education and considered attending the Naval Academy, Northwestern and (gasp!) Michigan. Griffin’s close-knit family was an influencing factor. “The fact that my older brothers were playing out of town and my parents would have the opportunity to pretty much just come around the corner and watch me play if I went to Ohio State was appealing,” Griffin said.

Griffin’s freshman debut in 1972 was humbling as he fumbled his first collegiate carry and was taken out of the game. Griffin has said that the three D’s (desire, dedication and determination) have been a motto for him throughout his life. In his second OSU game he set a school single-game rushing record of 239 yards. It was the start of a brilliant career that would see him amass an OSU record 5,589 yards, 26 touchdowns, numerous awards and the enduring adulation of Buckeye fans. In 1976, he was a first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as co-captain and played for eight years.

What makes him a true legend is that he is equally well-known for his accomplishments off the field. Former Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes said of Griffin, “He’s a better young man than he is a football player, and he’s the best football player I’ve ever seen.” Today, Griffin is the President/CEO of The OSU Alumni Association and one its biggest cheerleaders. In addition to being a member of several charitable organizations, Griffin started the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund and he and his wife Bonita founded the Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund that sponsors sports, educational and travel programs for central Ohio children. Additionally, he is the spokesman for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program which recognizes the nation’s most esteemed high school senior men and women for excellence in athletics, academics and leadership.

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from this Ohio legend. Tickets are $31 each (plus handling) and can be ordered by calling 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. The lecture begins at 10:00 am and doors open at 9:00 am. The Archie Griffin lecture is presented by AAA Miami Valley with additional support provided by Liberty Savings Bank and media partners, Think^TV and Times Community Newspaper.

To date, the Town Hall Lecture Series has raised over $1.8 million to support local JLD community programs, such as POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources), a children’s advocacy program in partnership with The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, and the Holiday Hunt, an annual tradition of the Dayton Holiday Festival.

The Junior League of Dayton is an organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information about the JLD and its community programs, visit www.jldayton.org.

DaytonMostMetro.com has your free tickets!

For a chance to win a pair of tickets ($62 value) to see Archie Griffin on November 4th for the second installment in the Junior League of Dayton’s Town Hall Lecture Series (Jamie Farr was the first), simply comment below and tell us something about the Junior League of Dayton that you admire and we’ll randomly select a winner on Wednesday October 27th. NOTE: This event takes place at 10am on Thursday November 4th – please make sure you can attend before entering to win.

Win Tickets to the Make A Difference Tour

October 18, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 28 Comments

Presented by World Vision and AEG Live, The “Make A Difference Tour 2010” (coming to the Nutter Center on October 29) features New York Times best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado and some of the top names in the Christian music industry—GRAMMY® award-winning recording artists TobyMac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day. Inspired by the themes of Lucado’s forthcoming book, Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, the tour will travel to 20 cities during the month of October and will make a difference for children by helping to raise up sponsors for 25,000 children through World Vision. Lucado set the goal last year in honor of his 25th year of publishing in 2010; he is donating 100% of author royalties from all Outlive Your Life products to benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.

Lucado sees big things happening because of the tour: “Partnering with World Vision, TobyMac, Michael and Third Day is a real privilege and pleasure. None of us can help everyone, but all of us can help someone. And when we serve the poor, we serve God. Who would want to miss a chance to do that?”

This marks a first for these four artists to tour together, and all agree this message is the perfect rallying point, and that making a difference for others is a lifelong commitment they all share.

DaytonMostMetro.com has FREE TICKETS thanks to the Nutter Center, and you can grab ’em – simply comment below and describe how you have made a difference in the Dayton community in the past year or two. This Thursday we’ll randomly select TWO winners that will each get a pair of tickets to see the Making A Difference Tour at the Nutter Center on 10/29. We’ll email the winners so please make sure you use your real email address (which won’t be published). Good luck!

SummitUp 2010 – Creativity, Communication and Technology

October 11, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

SummitUp is a one day conference on October 19 at Sinclair Community College, dedicated to exploring the integration of creativity, communication, and technology. With four keynote speakers (John Moore, Pete Blackshaw, Steve Lance and Brian Solis) and a number of breakout sessions with well-known social media experts, web gurus and marketing wizards, this is one event you can’t miss – especially if your job has anything to do with marketing, communication or technology. DaytonMostMetro.com’s Bill Pote will be leading one of the breakout sessions about building a community.

But don’t take our word for why you should be going to this thing – our friend Natasha Baker is just one of hundreds who will be there, and here is what she has to say:

For the majority of my career, I have worked for a company, but as an independent. We may call it the communications or PR department, but the ‘department’ usually consists of me and the occasional intern.

With the arrival of social media, I realized I had access to the best PR minds in the world for moral support, brainstorming, even the occasional proofreading in AP style.

My connections on Twitter and LinkedIn along with the multitude of bloggers I follow have become part of my virtual office. They have expanded my knowledge base and saved me from a few embarrassing typos!

That ‘s the beauty of social media, and it’s what SummitUp 2010 is all about. Networking, connecting, learning how to better use the tools at your disposal – you will find it all. With keynotes from some of today’s hottest names and breakouts that will give you the hands on instruction you need all at an incredible rate, SummitUp is the conference you don’t want to miss.
Get the details for SummitUp 2010 at www.summitup.org or follow the conversation on Twitter and Facebook. You will find me and my office mates in the front row!

Make sure you Register for SummitUp today! And here are just a couple of the keynote speakers for this year’s SummitUp:

John Moore is a marketing strategist. From 1994 through 2004, John designed and implemented marketing programs for both Starbucks Coffee and Whole Foods Market. He now operates the Brand Autopsy Marketing Practice, a consultancy helping businesses profit by marketing with passion and purpose. A long-time believer in word-of-mouth marketing, John puts his experience to good use as the Word of Mouth Marketing Association’s “Chief Evangelist.” In this role, John educates and motivates businesses to use word-of-mouth and social media marketing effectively and ethically. He is also the author of TRIBAL KNOWLEDGE, a business management book, and is active in social media circles.

Pete Blackshaw is a recognized expert in interactive marketing, word of mouth, and consumer understanding. He brings a broad range of experience to his role as Executive Vice President of Strategic Services for NM Incite, including public policy, interactive marketing, and brand management. In his previous role as Executive Vice President of Digital Strategic Services for Nielsen, Pete and his team worked with many of the world’s top brands and corporations to develop cohesive, consumer-centered digital programs and strategies.

What are you most thankful for in YOUR home?

October 4, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

DAYTON, OH — ThankfulHome.org, a program of St. Mary Development Corporation, has launched a photo contest to allow people to share what they’re most thankful for in their homes. Photos can be of people, rooms or items — new or old. In addition to the photo, entrants can add a caption of up to 100 words. The contest ends Thanksgiving at midnight and the winner will receive a Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera.

“Our mission is to help people be thankful for their homes and help others find a decent place to live,” says Tim Bete, editor of ThankfulHome.org and communication director for St. Mary Development Corporation. St. Mary Development is southwest Ohio’s largest non-profit provider of high-quality, affordable housing. Over the past 21 years, they’ve created more than 2,400 housing units and prevented more than 1,000 foreclosures.

Contest entries can be submitted until Nov. 25, 2010 at http://contest.ThankfulHome.org. Visitors will vote on their favorite photos to determine the 10 finalists. Bete will judge the finalists and pick the winner, who will be announced on Dec. 3, 2010. Official rules can be found on the contest Web site.

ThankfulHome.org began in June 2010 as a place for people to share why they are thankful for their homes and talk about difficult housing situations they’ve faced (e.g., homelessness, unsafe conditions.) By connecting people who have decent housing with those who don’t, St. Mary Development hopes new innovative solutions to housing issues will emerge.

For more information about ThankfulHome.org and the photo contest, contact Tim Bete (Communication Director, St. Mary Development Corporation; Editor, ThankfulHome.org) at [email protected]. For more information about St. Mary Development Corporation, visit www.StMaryDevelopment.org.

YP Roundup – October Events

October 3, 2010 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

As the weather turns cooler, events keep heating up.. Check out one (or many) of the great options for YPs in the month of October. And be sure to check the DMM event calendar for more details.

Okay – to start out the month, I’m plugging a few events that aren’t specifically YP, but c’mon – these hit pretty close to the home of awesomeness…
Friday, October 1: FIRST FRIDAY – General fun and festivity – you know how that goes.
Saturday, October 2: Dayton Music Fest – $10 to see 20 bands all across Dayton.

Wednesday, October 6: Ballet Barre welcomes new associate board members at their meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club at 5:00 PM
Thursday, October 7: The Generation Dayton Golf outing from this summer was rescheduled for a great crisp, fall day. Members $60 and nonmembers $65. RSVPs required.
Thursday, October 7: The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals host a Professional Development Leadership Lunch featuring WSU President Dr. David Hopkins at the Dayton Racquet Club at 11 AM. $20 RSVP by October 1!
Thursday, October 7: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati presents Theology on Tap at the Oregon Express in the Oregon District. Join with other singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to discuss topics. 7:30-9PM
Friday, October 8: The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals present YP at Play at Therapy Cafe. This monthly event is gaining in popularity as grown-ups get together to play kids’ games.
Friday, October 8: The Young Republicans of Montgomery County enjoy a social night out at the Melting Pot. More information here.

Monday, October 11: The Young Republicans host their regular monthly meeting at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Town and Country.
Wednesday, October 13: JumpstART (aka the Culture Works Associate Board) is hosting an open meeting to welcome new associate board members and answer questions for anyone interested. At the Culture Works offices at 5:30 PM
Wednesday, October 13: HYPE hosts an informal lunch to welcome new members, highlight upcoming events, and have a good time. Join them at Night Sky in Troy at Noon.
Wednesday, October 13: updayton hosts their second annual Candidates Night at the Cannery Art and Design Center. Last year, this was one of the most popular candidates forums hosted by the League of Women Voters. Again they’ll challenge candidates with questions about revitalization, jobs, and budget issues as they relate to young people. 6 PM.
Thursday, October 14: Generation Dayton hosts Thirsty Thursday at Sidebar at 5:30 PM – free to attend, cash bar.
Thursday, October 14: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati presents Theology on Tap at the Oregon Express in the Oregon District. Join with other singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to discuss topics. 7:30-9PM
Saturday, October 16: JumpstART invites you to Jump into Dance with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Discounted tickets for the show and a fantastic afterparty at Sidebar.

Tuesday, October 19: Generation Dayton continues their monthly Business and Breakfast series with grub at First Watch in Town and Country at 7 AM.
Tuesday, October 19: The Dayton Creative Syndicate, the YP arm of the GDAA, is focused on all things creative. Now they present SummitUP – This is your chance to get the inside scoop on all things social media.
Wednesday, October 20: The Dayton Urban League YPs host their monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Urban League offices downtown.
Thursday, October 21: HYPE- the YP organization for the Northern Miami Valley invites all YPs from the region to their Third Thursday social at The Caroline in Troy.
Thursday, October 21: The Ballet Barre hosts a Happy Hour at the Wine Gallery in downtown Dayton – just a great time to get together with other arts minded YPs.
Friday, October 22: On the fourth Friday of every month, you can count on Gen D to introduce you to a great new lunch spot and throw in some networking and friends. This month – check out Amber Rose at Noon.
Saturday, October 23: A major initiative of HYPE is service and they show it at HYPE Make a Difference Day. Volunteer and see the major impact that people can have when they work together.

Monday, October 25: Generation Dayton has a book club! Get your literary groove on with them at 7 PM at the Cannery – no number 2 pencils required as there are no pop quizzes.
Tuesday, October 26: Dayton Creative Syndicate invites you to get creative with pumpkin carving and join them at Harrigan’s Tavern South at 6 PM for some drinks, socializing, and pumpkin fun.
Thursday, October 28: Every Fourth Thursday, the Young AFCEAns host a social – join them and chat them up to get the dish on communication, technology, and contractor stuff around the mysterious WPAFB.
Thursday, October 28: Generation Dayton has a hard-knocks workshop for anyone interested in entrepreneurship – “When Reality Bites” presented at The Entrepreneurs Center. Get the inside scoop on launching your business.

So – that’s what I was able to dig up from the approximately 20 YP groups that are floating around Dayton. If you’re already an active member in an organization specifically for people in their 20s and/or 30s, I encourage you to use the DaytonMostMetro.com online event calendar to promote your events – it makes it a whole lot easier for people to know what’s going on in the community and maybe, just maybe someone who didn’t know about a cool recreation group, 20-something group, or professional group may find that it’s a good fit.

And if you haven’t checked out one of these organizations yet – what are you waiting for? Most have pretty small membership requirements (if “official” membership is even required) and hook you up with a lot of great people to build your social and professional contacts. Whatever you’re looking for – there’s a YP group out there for you.

A Cigar, a Dress and a Hairy Chest – Jamie Farr at the Schuster Center

October 1, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 13 Comments

(From Tamera Geesling of the Junior League of Dayton)

Before there were mash-ups on Glee, there was M*A*S*H. Whether you watched the show live or the reruns, which still air, chances are you have seen an episode or two – or even all 251 episodes of M*A*S*H. And the show wouldn’t have been complete without Jamie Farr’s character, Corporal Max Klinger. On October 14, the Junior League of Dayton(JLD) welcomes Jamie Farr to town to kick of the 55^th season of the Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center. WE HAVE FREE TICKETS – DETAILS BELOW!

Farr began his niche in television in the late 1950s. He became a regular on The Red Skelton Show and played second banana to Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show. He has appeared as a panelist on numerous game shows including The Gong Show, Match Game, Hollywood Squares and The $25,000 Pyramid. In 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But despite a half-century career in television, Jamie Farr is most remembered for his outrageous portrayal of Corporal Max Klinger. It was the ultimate comedic trifecta – a cigar chomping, hairy man in a dress. Originally hired for one-day’s work, Farr impressed the producers with his over-the-top character portrayal and he became a regular on the show’s eleven-year run. His antics and dresses were all a part of his attempt to garner a Section 8 Discharge from the military. But the joke was on him. In a letter home Klinger wrote “”You see, Unc? It’s no wonder I never got a Section Eight; there’s nothing special about me. Everybody here is crazy!”Farr shared a similar backstory with Klinger – a Toledo, Ohio native with a love for Packo’s Hungarian hot dogs and the Toledo Mud Hens. He was also the only regular cast member to have served in the Korean War (on which the show was based).

The final two-and-a-half hour episode aired February 28, 1983 and set records as the most watched program in television history with 105.97 million viewers. Nearly 77% of homes with a television were tuned into the finale. The record held for 27 years until it was recently surpassed by Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 with 106.5 million viewers.

After M*A*S*H ended, Farr kept busy with television, movie and stage appearances. In 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Off-screen, Farr became involved in charity work. Since 1984, the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic has been held in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. This tournament for professional female golfers on the LPGA tour has generated over $6.5 million for local children’s charities.

Tickets are $31 each (plus handling) and can be ordered by calling 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Series tickets are still available for $75 and $90 and include Jamie Farr (October 14, 2010 – support provided by The DP&L Foundation and Dayton Superior Corporation), as well as Archie Griffin (November 4, 2010 – presented by AAA Miami Valley with support from Liberty Savings Bank), Nick Clooney (April 7, 2011 – presented by Freund, Freeze & Arnold: A Legal Professional Association) and Gina Barreca (May 12, 2011). The Town Hall Lecture Series is also sponsored by its media partners, Think^TV and Times Community Newspaper.

For a chance to win free tickets to this event (a $62 value), just comment below using your real email address (we won’t make it public) and then hit the Share or Like button so that your Facebook friends know about this event. We’ll announce the winner of a pair of tickets on Friday October 8th – good luck!

Volunteer for the Senior Visiting Program and you may find out that “the oldest trees often bear the sweetest fruit”

October 1, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The Senior Visiting Program is a friendly service for seniors who are socially isolated and live alone or are homebound. Trained volunteers provide weekly visits about two hours, offering friendship and support, and at times provide help with small tasks such as watering plants, writing letters or organizing photo albums. Clients often enjoy activities such as reminiscing, watching a movie, listening to music, playing cards or a game with their volunteers.All volunteers are trained through Catholic Social Services and undergo a background check.

For more information, please contact Carol Harman at 937.223.7217 ext. 1140

One Pencil, One Crayon, and one Notebook

September 30, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

That is what Dayton’s Crayons to Classrooms (DC2C) believes helps disadvantaged students to succeed! Basic school supplies are a luxury for thousands of students in our community. In light of the back to school season, I met with Steve Rubenstein, Executive Director, to learn more about this organization and what they are doing to better our community.

DC2C is a free school supply retail store that serves teachers and students in 88 Dayton area schools where more than 70% of the students live at or below the poverty line. The organization opened their doors to teachers from selected schools in January, 2009, but not before an abundance of work and research was completed to ensure the success of the organization.

Research began in 2006 when a group of Dayton businesses and nonprofit organizations began learning about the 38 resource centers across the U.S. that support student learning by collecting surplus, close out, and other useful materials for distribution to classroom teachers in schools serving lower-income families. “If parents are struggling to provide for their children, they clearly have difficulty buying notebooks, pens, and crayons – the items all kids expect to have for school,” said Steve Rubenstein, Executive Director. These civic leaders saw the need for such an organization in the Dayton area and began planning. By 2007, an Executive Director had been hired and the organization had committed financial support from the Mathile Family Foundation and the Dayton Foundation. Under a collaborative effort with Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV), DC2C was given warehouse, retail, and office space at their facility located at 1511 Kuntz Rd. in Dayton. The partnership with GESMV provides the organization with over 12,000 sq. ft. of warehouse storage, retail store space, office space, use of GESMV telephone system and technology network, and access to a fleet of trucks for pick-up services.

Currently DC2C serves 34 area schools that are ranked based on need, which is up from 23 schools served in 2009. The retail store is open on Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for teachers from approved schools to shop. The collaborative effort with Goodwill extends even further with the DC2C Classroom Solutions program, which aims to provide teachers with useful, hands-on products. Community volunteers and/or individuals in the GESMV’s Work Experience Program create shaped pieces for student learning tools using die-cut machines. Paper, cardboard, felt, and plastic can be transformed into many shapes and sizes for classroom purposes including alphabet letters, numerals, and geometric forms.

You can be a local hero to a child…DC2C is doing big things for our community with their small staff of 4! They could really use our help to spread their mission and help them with day to day operations! DC2C seeks friendly, compassionate people to help out in the retail store from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays assisting teachers with shopping and check out. Have a small group that would like to give back in a big way? Groups of 4 to 6 people are needed to process donations and re-stock the shelves of the store.

Cash and In-kind donations make it possible for DC2C to keep the shelves of the teacher free store stocked for our local classrooms in need. Local businesses, organizations, and community groups can host a school supply drive for basic supplies. To learn more about donating and ways to get involved, please visit www.dc2c.org.

This article is the first in a series that will be compiled by DMM.com contributor Jennifer Dean. If you’d like to suggest a local nonprofit for her to write about, just comment below!

Tour Guides Needed for Oct 7-9 Conference

September 22, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The Regional Neighborhood Network Conference is quickly approaching and we are in NEED of VOLUNTEERS for the Neighborhood Tours. We are looking for friendly ambassadors that can help acquaint the attendees with all of the fabulous things that Dayton has to offer!

RNNC Conference
October 7-9, 2010
Dayton Convention Center and Crowne Plaza Hotel

Needed:

1. Nightlife Tour Leaders (4) – Looking for energetic souls that can lead small groups to various hot spots in the Oregon District on Thursday evening from 8-10 p.m. A list of establishments will be provided and all arrangements will be set ahead of time. All you have to do is lead the way and enjoy a wonderful evening in the Oregon District. Must be 21 to be a tour leader.

2. Tour Assistants (5 morning / 5 Afternoon) – Looking for assistants for each scheduled tour on Friday. Assistants will ride on the bus with the participants, attend the tour, and return with attendees to the Dayton Convention Center. The assistant will be responsible for ensuring that the tour stays on schedule, all participants return to the conference, and be the point person for any possible issues with the participants during the tours. Tour Assistants will need access to a cell phone during the time of the tour.

3. Saturday Morning Market Tour Leader (5) – Can you think of a better way to start your Saturday morning? Tour leaders will lead small groups of participants to the 2nd Street Public Market Saturday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. Some groups will walk to the Market, others will be transported via Trolley. Participants and Tour Leaders will be able to enjoy everything that the 2nd Street Market has to offer on a bustling Saturday morning.

If you would like to fill any of these positions please let me know by September 29th by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 333-3814. All help is greatly appreciated!

Local Non Profit Seeking New Board Members

September 13, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Children with life-threatening disorders deserve wonderful chances such as a trip to Disney World, meeting a celebrity, or going on a shopping spree. A Special Wish Foundation is determined to make these dreams become a reality. With incredible support from local organizations and individuals, we have brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of children and their families.

A Special Wish Foundation has been granting wishes to local Dayton area children since 1983. Our goal is to provide unique, once in a lifetime opportunities for children diagnosed with life-threatening disorders. Our organization is wholly dedicated to granting such wishes. We operate on minimal expenses so that over 90 percent of contributions go toward granting wishes, not overhead costs.

A Special Wish Foundation is seeking out dedicated professionals within the community to serve as members of the Board of Directors.

Interested individuals will be required to participate in monthly meetings, assist in fundraising efforts, lend professional expertise, and serve as an ambassador to the Dayton Community.

Past and present Board of Directors have had the privilege to participate in granting over 1,400 wishes to local Dayton children birth through age 20.

You can make a difference in the life of a Wish Child. To inquire about the Board of Directors please email [email protected].