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Getting Involved

Pour Beer for a Cause?

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5808_105616992970_105606052970_2206409_7593852_nGarden Station has a chance to raise some money for the garden by working a beer tent at Hauntfest on Saturday but still need a few more workers! Can you help on Saturday, Oct 31st in the Oregon District?

If you can help email Garden Station ASAP!

Garden Station is a collaborative revitalization project spearheaded by the Dayton Circus Creative Collective, a group of local artists (www.daytoncircus.org).  We are transforming a  two acre lot on the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Wayne Avenue that was vacant for more than 40 years into a vibrant art park and community garden.

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Good Neighbor House provides support

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help is hereDo you know anyone needing help paying for expensive prescription drug costs?

Help is on the way courtesy of the “Help Is Here Express” bus tour.  The Partnership for Prescription Assistance launched the “Help Is Here Express” bus tour in an effort to reach the millions of Americans who qualify for public and private prescription assistance programs.

The buses, or “rolling information centers” are equipped with computers and telephones that allow trained specialists to identify if a patient qualifies for a program. Many patients get their medicines free or at a substantially reduced cost.

The bus tour rolls into Dayton on Oct. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at  Good Neighbor House located at 844 S. Patterson Blvd.

For additional information, please contact Cassandra Ways at (937) 224-3003.

Good Neighbor House provides  support such as food pantry services, clothing, household, and furniture items to  families throughout the Miami Valley.  They also provide a network of no or low-cost medical services to uninsured workers.

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Good Neighbor House is always looking for volunteers to perform a variety of tasks like stocking shelves, sorting donations, working in the clinic or simply answering the phone.

Volunteer commitments range from working once a week to once a month.

Interested parties for volunteering should contact Marcia Ehlers at (937)-224-3003 Ext.108.

100+ Women Who Care

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Such a simple idea – gather a group of women committed to caring about their community by combining their donations so they can make an impact and effect change in the lives of those in need in the Dayton area.

Such a major impact – over $145,000 has been raised in just 10 hours!

Member Ann Roberts summed it up on her blog:
We All Give What We Can
Sometimes it is $25, $50, $100 or more. We donate our money, time, and services in order to make a difference in our community and in the lives of others. Sometimes I would wonder whether my small contribution was really making a difference. I’ve found a way to make MY $100 be the difference.

Consider this… The Dayton Boys and Girls Club (DBGC) has a room of 16 computers that don’t work consistently if at all. The kids may or may not be able to use them for their homework. These are kids without access to a computer at home. In addition, these kids parents have very limited computer skills and limited access to computers; in today’s technologically savvy market that means that you can’t even apply for a job at Kroger’s without access to a computer. Replacing the computer equipment is beyond the capability of the existing operational funding. Enter 100+ Women Who Care. Because of 100+ Women Who Care, the DBGC was able to acquire brand new computers for the club. The kids at the club have been developing their computer skills and using the computers to help with their homework and the reports they need to write. Their parents are also benefiting! Because DBGC has new computers, they received a grant from Microsoft for additional software. Because of the new computers, they have been able to develop programs such as a summer program that will tie the kids in with the Columbus Zoo.

How did my $100 make a difference? If I had just donated $100 to the Dayton Boys and Girls Club it wouldn’t have had the same dramatic impact. 100+ Women Who Care currently exists in only four (4) cities and Dayton OH is one of them! (Other chapters include Jackson, MI; Dupage County, IL; and Albion, MI.)

Here’s how 100+ Women Who Care Works:

•Fundraising accomplished in one hour

•Each member donates $100 per meeting ($400 per year)

•The donations will be given to charities/worthy causes serving locally in the Dayton area. No national programs will be considered. The purpose is for 100% of the contributions to stay in the community.

•Any member may put a suggestion she has researched in the drawing at each meeting.

•Three suggestions are drawn at each meeting, five-minute presentations are given by those members. The membership votes and majority rules, a $100 check is written by each member to the charity selected — and 100% goes to the selected charity or worthy cause. Even if a member’s first choice isn’t selected, each member is committed to donating at each meeting.

•The lives of those in need in the Dayton area are impacted with positive, powerful changes…with a potential donation of $19,500(+) four times a year raised in one hour!

Next Meeting: Tues, Oct 20th from 5:30-6:30pm at McGohan Brabender
3931 S Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45439

Want more info? DaytonWomenWhoCare.org

Wright mansion open for tours

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hawthorn hill frontHawthorn Hill, the Wright brother’s “success mansion” is available for educational tours thanks to a partnership between Dayton History and The Wright Family Foundation.

Constructed in 1913, the opulent Oakwood mansion was home to Orville, Katherine and their father Milton Wright.  Orville lived in the mansion nearly 35 years until his death in 1948.

05 - Hawthorn Hill - Living Room - by DCMany distinguished visitors have been guests at the house, including Charles Lindbergh, President Franklin Roosevelt, former Ohio Governor James Middleton Cox, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

Tours are conducted on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  Advance, prepaid reservations are required; space is limited.

Tours depart from Carillon Park via shuttle promptly at the aforementioned times.  Ticket price is $12.00 per person.  A special combination ticket for admission to both Carillon Historical Park and Hawthorn Hill is available for $15.00.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991, the home provides a fantastic glimpse into the mind or Orville Wright, who designed the estate.

For additional information or to make your reservation, call Guest services at 937-293-2841.

Step Right Up and Experience Masquerage

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postersnapshotMasquerage is Dayton’s hottest “nothing-like-you-have-ever-seen-before” event, and this annual masked party is fast becoming THE event of the season. With a different theme each year, Oct 17th’s Masquerage will feature a circus theme complete with performers, games, magic and even a circus “animal” or two. It promises to be “An Evening of Fantastical Oddities and Astonishing Wonders!”

FSD-Magic-Castle-0609Guests will mingle with sideshow “freaks,” play midway games, have their fortunes told and be amazed by high wire acts. The non-stop entertainment features aerialists, sword swallowers, dancers, whip artistry, and other scintillating side show stunts provided by Freakshow Deluxe.

And a tradition at the event,  the Rubi Girls, a group of gay men in their 30’s and 40’s who perform comedic drag for charity, will grace the stage with a couple of sizzling songs sure to whip the crowd into a frenzy with their hilarious antics.

Food items themed for the Big top will be provided by members of the Dayton Independent restaurants including The Chimneys, Madison’s Bistro, The Dock, Christophers, The Barnsider and Bahn Mai Thai Café. Chef Matt Hayden will dazzle us with freaky Molecular Gastronomy demonstrations. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on marvelous and unique gift baskets including certificates to area eateries, spas and once-in-a-lifetime experiences during the silent auction.

Since the inaugural year, AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s (ARC Ohio) signature annual fundraiser has become the fastest growing, “must-attend” event in Dayton, bringing people together to have a great evening, generate greater awareness about HIV/AIDS and raise much-needed funds to benefit client services and people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. The diverse population of attendees and varied venues contribute to the growing popularity and success of the event. Proceeds from Masquerage benefit ARC Ohio.

“Masquerage brings people together for a spectacular evening while generating greater awareness about HIV/AIDS. It also raises much-needed funds to benefit those living or affected with HIV/AIDS” said Bill Hardy, CEO of ARC Ohio. There are 2,800 reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the agency’s service area and another 700 or more undiagnosed cases. This year, the organization will provide assistance to nearly 2,000 individuals affected by HIV, and will reach thousands more with testing and prevention efforts.
The 2008 Masquerage had over 700 attendees and raised more than $140,000. This year, the goal is $150,000 and a sold-out crowd is expected. Each year a different setting is uniquely transformed through décor and lighting into what has been described as a “surreal fantasy land.” Masquerage 2009 Event Chair Don Augenstein is thrilled with this year’s event. “Every year the committee thinks of ways to increase the excitement and make it even more over-the-top than previous years. And given the events of the past, this is one difficult challenge. But our committee was undaunted and this year, I truly believe we have done it again. This is not the circus of your childhood.”

Guests can purchase a general admission ticket to the event for $50 which includes a welcoming cocktail, fabulous food, unlimited dancing and endless entertainment. Tickets may be upgraded to the $140 VIP level – which includes exclusive access to the Red Ribbon Lounge with table service, the Biltmore Champagne Bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, exclusive performances and a one-of-a-kind Swag Bag full of take-home treats as well as valet parking. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.masquerage.org.

Make A Difference in Northern Miami Valley

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images-10Roll up your sleeves and join hundreds of local residents in volunteering for Make a Difference Day!

Two hundred-fifty volunteers are needed to make a difference in communities throughout Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties on October 23 and 24 in celebration of Make a Difference Day, a national day of volunteering sponsored by USA Weekend. Volunteers are expected to complete nearly 20 community service projects, ranging from hosting Nintendo Wii parties for older adults to literally putting a roof over the head of a local kidney transplant recipient, for 12 local social service agencies.  Projects are available from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on both October 23 and 24.  Volunteers may sign up individually or in groups for specific projects available throughout Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties by visiting www.handsonwestcentralohio.org/MakeADifferenceDay.htm or by calling HandsOn West Central Ohio at (937) 778-5220, ext. 461.  All ages are welcome!

Make a Difference Day activities are coordinated regionally through a partnership between five local nonprofit organizations, including: Darke County United Way, HandsOn West Central Ohio, Piqua Area United Way, Shelby County United Way and Tipp City Area United Way.  The group hopes to engage hundreds of volunteers from local churches, businesses, schools and more in service projects that help nonprofit organizations better serve area residents in need.

Make a Difference Day is a national day of volunteering sponsored by USA Weekend.   More than 3,000,000 volunteers nationwide participated in Make a Difference Day 2008, held annually on the fourth Saturday of October since 1992.  Ohio has led the nation in the number of service projects sponsored in conjunction with Make a Difference Day since 2000.  Last year, more than 40,000 volunteers completed over 1,000 community service projects in Ohio for this national day of helping others.

To learn more about this event, visit www.handsonwestcentralohio.org/MakeADifferenceDay.htm.

Become a Steward of Dayton History

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Photo courtesy of daytonhistory.org.

Photo courtesy of www.daytonhistory.org.

Don’t know much about Dayton history?

Well, here’s your chance to learn about Dayton’s rich historical legacy while giving back to the Dayton community.

Dayton History, Montgomery County’s official historical organization, offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for enthusiastic individuals willing to share their talents, while learning new skills.

The preservation organization operates Carillon Park, Patterson Homestead Historic House, Hawthorn Hill, the Archive Center, Kettering-Moraine Museum and Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial.

Dayton History needs volunteers in these positions:

  • Historical Interpretation
  • Archival Processing
  • Office administration
  • Horticulture
  • Print Shop
  • Special Events

Wright State grad student Ryan Qualls, who has been volunteering with Dayton History since last October, loves the variety and flexibility of the organization.

“It’s a great learning experience,” said Qualls.  “They’re so many things to do.  You have a variety of duties you can choose from.”

Qualls spends his time processing collections, installing exhibits and assisting with archival preservation at the Archive Center.

For more information on how you can assist in preserving the region’s grand history, contact Dayton History volunteer coordinator Andrea Green at 937-293-2841 ext. 102 or [email protected].

Volunteer opportunity at new homeless center

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B_PIX10St. Vincent de Paul Center is looking for volunteers to help serve dinner at their new gateway shelter for homeless men.

The Gettysburg Gateway for Men will open on Oct. 16.  The facility is located at 1613 S. Gettysburg Ave.

Volunteers are needed Oct. 19-23.

Interested parties should contact contact Molly Savage at (312) 943-6776 ext. 2220 or [email protected].

Ways to help Daybreak

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daybreak_logoDaybreak was established in 1975 in Dayton, Ohio as an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth.
Today, Daybreak operates the Miami Valley’s only 24-hour crisis hotline and emergency youth shelter and has grown to include outreach, prevention, transitional housing, life-skills education, and other follow-up services for runaway, throwaway, and homeless youth. Daybreak is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Here are current opportunities to help Daybreak:

September til November, Table Captains for Champions for Youth

Become an advocate for Daybreak!  Find 9 friends to come to the free breakfast or lunch to hear testimony from Daybreak youth on how Daybreak has changed their lives and provided them a future.  The breakfast or lunch is free, however, you will be asked to consider making a donation.  This event, held at the Mandalay Banquet Center, is only one hour.

On-going, Residential Aides
Make a positive impact on a kid’s life!  Become a residential aide and help engage residents in positive activities.  Can help with current activities or create a new one.

If you are interested in any of the activities, please respond to this email, call Duanna Osting at 937-395-4600 ext. 114, or check out our website at www.daybreakdayton.org.

Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday Lunch

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generation dayton logo thumbDayton’s young professionals are encouraged to attend Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday Lunch at Meadowlark’s Restaurant on Sept. 25 for an evening of social networking.

The cost is free; lunch is at your own expense.

The time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at Meadowlark Restaurant located at 2094 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Dayton OH 45459, near the Dayton Mall.

Generation Dayton is a program for talented, young professionals in the Dayton area to network, learn valuable business skills and meet with prominent area business leaders.

For more information about Generation Dayton, or to RSVP for the event, contact Andy Hickey at [email protected] or LaDonna Wulfeck at [email protected] or 937.226-8264.

Acclaim Hospice of Dayton volunteers needed

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Acclaim Hospice of Dayton is looking for individuals who have their heart and their time to give to those in need.

Acclaim holds volunteer orientation sessions several times a month. Volunteers are needed to provide support, comfort and friendship to patients their families.

They offer comprehensive hospice training and volunteers are eligible to receive background and health screenings free of charge.

To volunteer or to recieve additional information, contact Gina Newton at 937-276-9248.

ARCOhio is recruiting volunteers

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mragesmposterIt’s been called “Dayton’s party of all parties” and is one of the most talked about events in all of Ohio. Benefiting AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Masquerage is the region’s hottest and fastest growing annual event, featuring great music, non-stop entertainment, gourmet food and sizzling atmosphere!

This is a volunteer driven event. Whether someone is taking tickets at the door, assisting with the raffle, or serving drinks – we couldn’t do any of this without the support of our volunteer team. Please take a few moments to review the following information about the event and the work ARC Ohio is doing to benefit those affected by HIV/AIDS. The party will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at The Roundhouse at the Fairgrounds from 8:00pm-1:00am.

Volunteer orientation will take place at The Roundhouse on October 14, 2008 at 6PM. The Roundhouse is located at 1043 S Main St, Dayton 45409, across from Miami Valley Hospital. To volunteer at Masquerage 2009, your attendance at this orientation is mandatory. To RSVP to the orientation, or if you have more questions on becoming a part of our volunteer team, please call Sandy Hunt no later than Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at (937) 416-7687 or email her at [email protected]. Please complete an online application or print and bring it with you to the orientation. If you are bringing other individuals that are interested in volunteering this year, please give them a copy as well.

This year will prove to be our biggest yet—we cannot wait to provide the best Masquerage experience ever—all because of your commitment!

Dayton Aviation Heritage volunteer opportunities

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Volunteer opportunities are available at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park.

The park is looking for:

  • Education Program Assistant – The volunteer will conduct guided tours of the visitor centers while presenting educational instruction. Training will be provided to the volunteer on educational program standard operating procedures.
  • Gardener – DAHNP is seeking volunteers to assist in planting and maintaining flower beds around the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center. The volunteer(s) would be responsible for preparing seedbeds, planting native seeds and plants, maintaining the flowers, watering, removing/clearing weeds, and disposing of trash/plant debris.
  • Interpretive Assistant – The park is looking for volunteers to assist with interpretive functions at both of our visitor centers, Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center on WPAFB and Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center located just outside of downtown Dayton.
  • Parking Attendant – DAHNHP needs volunteers to assist with 104th Anniversary of Practical Flight celebration at Huffman Prairie Flying Field on Oct. 5, 2009.  Must be available from 6:30 a.m. to noon on October 5, 2009. Training will be provided the Saturday or Sunday prior to the event. YOU MUST ATTEND THIS TRAINING TO WORK THE EVENT.

For additional information, contact Mandy Murray at 937-225-7705.

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

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Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley has a variety of volunteer opportunities available in Montgomery and Greene counties. 

 Retirees, high school students, college students and anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to attend CSSMV’s volunteer orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. The orientation will be held at the CSSMV Center for Families at 1046 Brown Street.

The following constitute a partial listing of the volunteer positions available at CSSMV’s various offices:

  • Personal Shopper
  • Stocker
  • Hospitality
  • Records Archivist
  • Respite Care Volunteer
  • Spanish Instructor
  • Administration
  • Bookkeeping
  • Tutor

For additional information, contact : Cathy Guerrant at 937-223-7217 ext. 1146 or Lynn Adams at 937-223-7217 ext. 1104.

http://www.cssmv.org/volunteer.htm

Urban Nights Seeks Volunteers, Community Performers

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urbannightsThe fall edition of Urban Nights is set for Friday, September 11, and you can help make it the best “walk on the creative side” ever!  One way to get involved is to become part of the Urban Nights Crew. Volunteers are needed to help serve as shuttle guides, walking guides, info table staff, survey crew members and more.  Volunteer shifts run from 4:45-7:30 p.m. and from 7:15-10 p.m. Or, if you have a creative talent you’d like to share with the public, you can apply to perform on the Urban Nights Community Stage!  Several “Dayton Originals” will be chosen from the pool of applicants to have their ten minute performances included as part of the Urban Nights entertainment lineup.  If you are interested in being an Urban Nights performer or volunteer, you have until August 31 to apply. Application forms are available at downtowndayton.org. For more information call Molly Eaton at (937) 224-1518, ext. 229.

Want to present an idea? Welcome to Pecha-Kucha Night in Dayton!

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pechakuchanight1“The sound of conversation” – that is the translation for the Japanese phrase Pecha-Kucha, which is also the name for a creative way of presenting creative ideas to an audience of – well, other creative people.  This new concept has taken the planet by storm, happening in over 100 global cities since 2003 when it was first thought up by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Tokyo’s Klein-Dytham Architecture (KDa), who sought to give young designers a venue to meet, network, and show their work and to attract people to their experimental event space in Roppongi.

Hmm, experimental event space – sounds familiar.  Ah yes, we have one of those here in Dayton: c{space!  Located at 20 N. Jefferson, this space was opened last year by a group of Dayton Create catalysts in conjunction with the Dayton Circus who set out to find an empty yet interesting urban space to hold independent street-level art & music events and other creative gatherings.  Its first event was the successful Ladyfest Dayton, and since then the space has hosted several interesting events as well as small groups working on all kinds of things from film festival planning to urban bicycle events.  And yes – your’s truly was part of that original group that made c{space possible.

Back to Pecha-Kucha… this presentation/networking event is unique in that it restricts presenters to 20 powerpoint slides at 20 seconds each, for a toal of 6 minute 40 seconds per presentation.  In other words, no long drawn-out boring presentations.  Personally I’d like to see EVERY committee meeting, board meeting, and business meeting follow this format!  But until that happens, I encourage you to check out Dayton’s version of Pecha-Kucha Night on August 27,  2009 at 6:30pm (more details at the link).  And there is already a second night scheduled for November 6 – this one is for Dayton AIA architects to quickly present their creative thoughts.  And if you think you have the goods to present at one of these, contact Jill Davis ([email protected] or 937-225-9307).