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Volunteer Opportunities

Q+ Card Supports Area LGBTQ+ Youth Center

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Q+ Youth Center in Dayton is run by a group of volunteers dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for Queer Youth to thrive.

Formed in response to the continued rise of youth suicides, specifically amongst queer and trans individuals, the Q+ Youth Center board seeks to create more than a building. The members of the board and volunteers from the community are working towards impactful and lasting change in Ohio that leads to the success and brilliance of our youth.

The Q+ Youth Center Project understands the importance of providing a safe space for 7th-12th grade students who identify as LGBTQIA+. Their mission is to empower, support, and mentor these young individuals by creating an environment where they can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

“I hope no youth has to feel alone like I did while coming into my own being. If we can make a safe space for their growth, it will only make the future brighter. That’s worth supporting.” Michael Green, Digital Marketing Manager, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

The center’s goal is to fund youth events, mentor programs, and ultimately a brick and mortar facility with a focus on the young minds in the greater Gem city region.

You can help support them by purchasing their merchant  card good at 16 local restaurant/stores. You’ll enjoy discounts to all of your favorite Q+ supporting businesses!  Q+ Discount Card for 2025-2026!! For a $25 donation, you will get discounts ALL YEAR LONG. All donations are matched by the Kawai Family Foundation.

Businesses include: Meadowlark Wheat Penny Old Scratch Pizza Yellow Cab Tavern Michael’s Salon Barrel House Lily’s Blind Bob’s Salt Block Little Fish Brewing Baker Benji Ghostlight Coffee Maraluna Pink Moon Goods Sueno and Power Plant. Printing for the card was donated by Smales Pretzels.

Want to volunteer? The  Q+ Center relies on the kindness of dedicated volunteers. To become a part of the team, fill out the form and one of their core group of volunteers will be in touch with the next opportunity to make a change for our youth.

Tornado Relief Update Monday June 17th –

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TORNADO RELIEF UPDATE MONDAY 6.17 – VOLUNTEER / DONATION NEEDS

MONETARY DONATIONS

Miami Valley Community Action Partnership Tornado Relief
https://www.paypal.com/donate/…

Dayton Rotary
https://www.sagepayments.net/eftcart/forms/donate.asp…

Safe House Studios / Pippins Market Relief Fund
https://fundly.com/memorial-day-tornado-housing-assistance…

Dayton Foundation Relief Fund
https://forms.logiforms.com/…/65645_7486…/332663/page1.html…

Foodbank Dayton
https://thefoodbankdayton.org

United Way Dayton
http://dayton-unitedway.org/give/

Matthew 25 Ministries
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/matthew25ministries

VOLUNTEER & SUPPLY DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Northridge Area Food Bank

Northridge area Food Bank is in need of volunteers as those who have been on site daily need a break. Help is needed sorting and distributing food on Fri-Sat 12pm – 4pm only now. It is not required to stay all day, work however many hours you can.

2251 Timber Lane. Dayton, Ohio 45414

Contact Jeff at 740 701 3105 prior to confirm need.

2251 Timber Lane. Dayton, Ohio 45414

 

Harrison Township Fire Station #94 (2400 Turner Rd) Tornado relief center 
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday – Closed

THIS WILL BE THE LAST WEEK OF OPERATION
If you are looking to make a final donation, we are in need of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and cleaning supplies. We can not thank our residents and surrounding communities enough for making the tornado relief center possible!!!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please call ahead to ask Amanda for current needs at 309-370-8741

Pippin’s Market NEW HOURS, collection of donations and distribution continues.
Starting Monday 6/10 our Pippin’s Market location will no longer be open daily. Instead we will be open 3 days a week to offer sustainable support to our Dayton community. We will operate weekly on the following days and times.

Tuesdays 3-7pm
Thursdays 3-7pm
Saturdays 12-4

We will need volunteers to be scheduled in advance for all dates. If you would like to volunteer, please message our page to sign up! We are looking for 10 volunteers for each day.
If you have a donation to make after this Sunday, (6/9) you can deliver it during our open hours. Or you can send a message to our page to schedule delivery. You can also contact Hayley Carson at (937)269-9186 to schedule delivery.
We will continue this as long as we can!

5440 Olive Road
Trotwood, Ohio
12-8pm (6/7-6/9)

CLEAN UP EFFORTS THROUGH JUNE 20th

If you have a GROUP or are with an organization looking to get involved with debris clean up efforts Team Rubicon can help!

(Individuals who want to volunteer see bottom of post)

Bring long pants and good shoes (durable or steel toe boots recommended).

Call 571-723-1311 David Dodds with your group information and coordinate with him
Go to Team Rubicon HQ —> 4801 Salem Ave
3. Get there around 7:50am – their morning briefing starts at 8:00am
4. Go in front door & sign-in – they will give you a Team Rubicon tee-shirt
5. At the morning briefing they will divide you up with their crews
6. They’ll give you new gloves & hard hats
7. They have all the tools
8. You can ride with them or drive on your own to the job site
9. End the day with a full heart & a tired body

They need more people this week – the need is so great they are deploying more people to Dayton next week!

(Individuals – report to Sinclair’s VRC – address is: 220 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd – they will place you from there)

How You Can Help – Sunday Update!

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Dayton – you have literally brought tears to my eyes! Not from the destruction, but from the sheer outpouring of support for our neighbors in this desperate time of need! Thank you again to all the donors and volunteers! Let’s keep it up!

CLEAN UPS:

VOLUNTEER INFO: It’s advised you bring SPF sun block, hand sanitizer, work gloves & wear sturdy shoes, regardless of the volunteer need below. Take care of yourself! If you are cutting down debris – *MAKE SURE* you check with home owners before you start. Some people are still waiting on insurance adjusters to evaluate damage. Please wear closed toe shoes, good work gloves and a hat. Also bring if you have: lg garbage bags, zip ties, brooms, rakes, pruning shears, Fiskars, work tools, power tools, chain saws (with gas & oil). 

  • 9am – 2pm Northridge High School (2251 Timber Ln) is a meeting point for clean ups.
  • 9am Shaw Elementary School – an organized clean up event. The plan is to head to the Spicer Heights area.
  • 9am-1pm North Dayton Clean Up (please MEET at 9am SHARP) 5215 North Main Street (meet in the Penn Station Parking lot). Clearing & cleaning – bring gloves, tools, sunscreen! https://myclc.org/pennstation
  • 10am Tumbleweed Connection in the Oregon District. A group is meeting from this location to go out into community to clean up!
  • A Montgomery County Volunteer Reception Center is now open at Sinclair Community College Building 20. Volunteers register, and will be matched to organizations with specific volunteer needs. Location: Sinclair Community College, Bldg 20, 220 South Edwin C Moses (enter off 5th St). Hours of Operation: 7 days a week, 8 AM- 6 PM. Phone number: 937-512-5700. Please bring a picture ID. All types of assistance are needed. Licensed professionals in skilled trades, medical, veterinary fields as well as individuals and companies that own and operate equipment (everything from chainsaws to heavy equipment) are very much needed and encouraged to volunteer their time.
  • Troy – A registration process has been set up for volunteers. Click this link here and register using the online form. OR Volunteers will be able to register in person at the Concord Township Trustees Building, 1150 Horizon W Ct., Troy on Sunday June 2nd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

LOCATIONS I’VE HEARD NEED HELP CLEARING:

NOTE: These are not official clean up sites – just areas I’ve gathered could use some help!

This FB group has on-going updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2234627386853254/

  • Valley St / Troy St / Stanley Ave area sounds like it’s still in pretty bad shape.
  • Wagner Ford Rd and North Dixie
  • 2323 Riverside needs volunteers to sort through donations
  • Vandalia 7200 Peters Pk – TONS of trees down. Need chainsaws and able bodies
  • Grange Hall Rd in Beavercreek
  • Shiloh neighborhood still needs some cleanup (48 & Shoup Mill).
  • Shiloh Springs Rd, Weddington Dr, and Knollcroft Rd = hard hit 
  • Sunny Acres 3543 Needmore Rd has a lot of seniors that can’t get out. Dropping off good to them might be a good idea.
  • Denlinger Rd and side streets need tree debris removal. If we can get electricians in this area, that would be great. They seem to be all set on donations!
  • Clayton Caring for Our Community 8756 Kimmel Road Clayton Ohio – help going through supplies and donations
  • Parts of Brookville.and Perry Township still need help, you can call (937) 833-2345 x315 to ask where / how you can help

CASH DONATIONS:

SUPPLY DONATIONS:

  • NOTE: If you’re going to donate goods of any sort, please have them as organized as possible! It’s taking a lot of volunteer labor time to sort through things. Put like items together (food / baby items / etc).
  • Lots of people have water – seems were are good in that department overall
  • Food items that have been a big hit: hot food, protein shakes, fresh fruit
    • NOTE: elderly people often cannot eat hard foods like protein bars and nuts. If you are dropping off specifically to elderly folks – please consider giving them softer foods or protein shakes.
  • Items always needed (*have been requested the most):
    • *non- water beverages: Gatorade, Pedialyte, juice boxes
    • ice
    • *trash bags
    • *diapers (size 3-6), baby wipes
    • adult diapers
    • tampons/pads
    • toilet paper, paper towels
    • cleaning supplies (bleach)
    • hygiene supplies
    • *bug spray, sunscreen
    • socks
    • *candles
    • *flashlights
    • *AA and AAA batteries
    • candy
    • ibuprofen, tylenol, and multivitamins

PLACES ACCEPTING DONATIONS (at the time of this article posting)

  • Arena Billiards 4515 Salem Ave
  • Aunt Millie’s 3899 N Dixie Dr
  • Clayton Caring for Our Community 8756 Kimmel Road Clayton Ohio
  • EC Gentleman’s Club 2213 Wagner Ford Rd
  • St. Christopher Parish in Northridge and North Dayton Stanley/Troy. They were so appreciative and still need ICE, bug spray, trash bags, hygiene items, and so much more.
  • Grocery Land at 1451 Troy St – was told they could particularly use baby stuff, wipes, hygiene & cleaning supplies
  • PLUS! Lots of businesses around town are accepting donations, however many are closed or have limited hours on Sunday

Join “Influencers for Action” Launch Party on October 5th

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October 5, 2018 marks the launch of Influencers for Action, an Instagram Influencer-led register to vote project based in Dayton, Ohio. The organization features a team of 80 Influencers, of which approximately 2/3 are from the Dayton-area, who will use their platform on social media to relay useful information about the upcoming voter registration deadlines to their followers.
Cumulatively, the Influencer team possesses an audience of over 200,000 followers. Notable Dayton Influencers include Lauren White, the new executive director of UpDayton, and Libby Ballengee, co-host of Gem City Podcast. Other Influencers from outside of Dayton such as Julianna Van Golen, a high-fashion model who was featured in NYFW, have also joined the project.
To celebrate the start of this unique project, Influencers for Action is hosting a launch party at W.O Wright’s Pub on October 5th. Doors open at 9pm, and is a free event until 11pm. Entry is $5 after 11pm as live music will be provided from two Dayton Influencers, Ty Spacely and Tony Splvsh. Drink specials include $3 draft beers and $2 well shots. To RSVP or get more information, click here.
How to Go?
When: Friday October 5, 2018. 9pm. Live music starts at 11pm.
Where: W.O. Wrights at 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Beavercreek.
Cost: Free 9-11pm. $5 at the door, after 11pm.
Who: 18+

Still Time To Register For Breast Wishes 5k for Kelli

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Many women we know and love have been affected by breast cancer, including Kelli James, a young mother and beloved sister, who died in the prime of her life. Her sisters, Elesha Snyder and Mandi Moore, decided to both honor their sister and help other women and families in the same situation. The founded the Breast Wishes Foundation to bring joy to those who are suffering with spa days, restaurant gift cards, yoga retreats, nutrition classes, family vacations and financial assistance for medical bills and holistic treatments that aren’t covered by insurance.
The 6th annual 5k for Kelli Run/Walk is Breast Wishes Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and is coming up this weekend, on August 18th, 2018 at the beautiful Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park. Since Kelli loved fairies, runners are encourage to dress in their fairy best! No fairy gear? No problem! They will have tutus, wings and flower crowns at the merchandise tent.
This is run / walk 5k, so even if you’re not a runner, you can walk it and support this worthwhile local charity! Foro the competitors out there, awards to the top 3 male and female in each age group and the top 3 male and female overall. Please do consider supporting this fabulous organization!

How to Go?

What: 5k for Kelli Run/Walk

When: August 18, 2018 at 9am 

Where: Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue. The race will take place on path along the Stillwater River.
Cost: $25-online registration at speedy-feet.com until August 14th. Paper registration at George’s Family Restaurant 5216 North Dixie Drive until the evening of August 17th. On site registration tent opens at 7:30am on race day.
Also – they need volunteers! If you’re interested please contact our volunteer coordinator at 5kforkellivolunteers@gmail.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=7IdOsIF5Z44

Miami Valley Music Festival raises money and spirits!

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Miami Valley Music Festival is a beloved, family friendly music festival that raises money and awareness for local charitable causes. MVMF features multiple stages where you can experience the best regional, original musical talent, along with unique vendors and children’s activities. This year’s festival features over 20 exciting, up-and-coming bands on multiple stages. Lots of variety! Couldn’t be more of a win-win for everyone!

More information can be found at www.miamivalleymusicfest.com. See below for the full music schedule and event details: 

DATE AND TIME

Fri, Jul 20, 2018, 12:00 PM – Sun, Jul 22, 2018, 12:00 PM EDT

FULL MUSIC SCHEDULE:

Friday Music Schedule:

Stage 1: 6:30pm The Vibe / 10:00pm The Ark Band

Stage 2: 5:00pm Grampybone / 8:00pm Subterranean / 12:00am (midnight) Spikedrivers

Acoustic Stage: 6:00pm Joseph Gillis / 7:00pm Scott Lee

Saturday Music Schedule:

Stage 1: 11:30am Scott Lee / 1:30pm OldNews / 3:30pm Mike Perkins / 6:00pm Krunk Town Boogie / 8:00pm Charity Announcements and Movement Arts Performance / 8:30pm Wolf Moon Revival and Sharon Lane / 11:30pm D-Funk All-Stars

Stage 2: 10:00am Mystical Flutes and Tribal Drums with Yoga by Beth Weaver (The Space Between Studio in Tipp City) / 12:30pm Stringus Kahn / 2:30pm Typical Johnsons / 5:00pm Dustin Smith and the Daydreamers / 7:00pm R.I.N.D. / 10:00pm Jah Soul

Acoustic Stage: 12:00 – 3:00pm Open Mic (sign ups start Friday at the opening of the festival) / 3:00pm Vicki Brown / 4:30pm Dillon Brown / 6:00pm Tony Herdman / 7:30pm Amber Hargett

 

VIP EXPERIENCE

As with many festivals, there is a VIP upgrade, which includes the perks listed below. More information and pricing details here.

  • Access to the VIP Hospitality Tent, sponsored by local vendors
  • Beverages and water
  • Back stage & front of stage seating and viewing area access

Add to Calendar

LOCATION

Troy Eagle’s Campgrounds:2252 Troy-Urbana Rd

Follow signs to entrance on Cathcart Road

View Map

TICKETS

Full detailed ticket information here.

$60 for 2 day weekend, including camping

$60 VIP upgrade

$40 for single day passes

$25 VIP car pass

$75 Reserved camping spot

$25 Car camp pass (this allows you to camp by your car)

NOTE

No refunds. Please no pets.

Masquerage Pays Homage to Lost Worlds

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Masquerage returns once again to the Historic Roundhouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Equitas Health’s, formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio, has earned a reputation for Masquerage, as being an over-the-top, all-out bash. The masked ball was dubbed Dayton’s Party of Parties by Ron Rollins of the Dayton Daily News several years ago and this themed event has continued to grow.

Masquerage is led by the Equitas Health Dayton Associate Board with Brenden Wynn as its 2017 Chair. Started in 2002 by Square One Salon owners Brent Johnson, Doug Henderson and Josh Stucky at Therapy Cafe, the party has grown and moved across town, to such unusual venues like The Merc, The Foundry and its latest home at the Roundhouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Guests are invited to explore “Lost Worlds” at 2017 Masquerage. This year’s theme allows attendees to explore times or places, real or fiction, that showcases a world beyond the present. Think Atlantis, Mount Olympus, Medieval times, roaring 20’s, or Game of Thrones. You’re sure to see a few Ariels, Aphrodites, and Mother of Dragons. Masqueragers are encouraged to go all out and wear a costume that embodies their vision of Lost Worlds. But the one thing that is required of all party guests is a mask — whether you choose an elaborate Venetian mask, a party mask, or a face painted mask.

What makes Masquerage more than just a dance party is the entertainment. Over the years there have been escape artists, contortionists, dance crews, fire dancers,
knife throwers, and more.

This year, the featured guest performer is Alexis Michelle,   RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 contestant, presented by Square One Salon. Red Ribbon Lounge ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet the original “subway fish” herself.

The over-the-top entertainment doesn’t stop there. Dayton’s own, The Rubi Girls, will return to give their always outrageous performance. You’ll also enjoy sultry Aerial performances by Femme Fatale Fitness. DJ Dayna will be rockin’ the Roundhouse til 1am with her own music mixes.

General admission tickets are $65, get your tickets now because prices go up to $75 at the door. You will be greeted with a signature welcome cocktail created by MostMetro’s own Brian Petro, enjoy delicious food provided by SageCraft Catering, night-long entertainment, and non-stop dancing.

 

If you prefer to attend Masquerage as a VIP, splurge for the Red Ribbon Lounge tickets, which include your own private entrance, all of your drinks, decadent assortment of appetizers and desserts, entry into the 2nd floor lounge with a voyeuristic view from above, exclusive entertainment, meet and greet with Alexis Michelle, and the always coveted swag bag for $150. Red Ribbon Lounge tickets cost $175 at the door, so don’t delay.

Want MORE to do? Joining the Masquerage lineup this year is The Mural Machine who will be LIVE painting the event – simply amazing to watch their vision come to life!   You can also go home with fabulous silent auction prizes if you have the winning bid OR take home a diamond and 14k gold necklace from James Free Jewelers simply for the price of a raffle ticket.

Masquerage Tickets and Raffle Tickets can be purchased online at Masquerage.org. The party starts at 8 PM and runs til 1AM. See you at the Roundhouse on October 21!

 

Volunteers needs for DAI’s Oktoberfest

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The Dayton Art Institute  really needs volunteers Oktoberfest!

It takes nearly 2,000 volunteers to support this museum fundraiser, and we need your help – please consider volunteering at Oktoberfest!  This is their largest and most important fundraising event of the year, with proceeds directly benefiting the museum. Many volunteer opportunities are available, including admission gates, the mugs & tees booth, soft drink booths, and assisting with the ACCO Brands FamilyFest.

Follow the link below to learn more about volunteer opportunities, they really need to fill a lot of Sunday shifts!  You’ll need to create a VolunteerHub account or login with your existing account to view available shifts.

All volunteers must be at least 15 years of age or older (21 years of age or older to work in beer or wine areas). Volunteers under 18 must have signed parental permission to volunteer at Oktoberfest.

Belmont Grows Together with a Party in the Park

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The Mural Machine’s Wayne Avenue Mural

After a great response from their South Park community mural along Wayne Avenue, The Mural Machine will be working with the Belmont Eastmont Hearthstone Community Council for a Mural Painting Party in the Park at Nordale Park in Belmont on Sunday, August 13.

“It was so exciting to see their murals being painted all over Dayton,” said Kim Petro, member of the Belmont Eastmont Hearthstone Community Council. “We’d already been talking with Etch and Tiffany about doing a mural on the pavilion at Nordale Park and we’re even more excited to have them come to Belmont now!”

More than just a day of community mural painting, the Mural Painting Party in the Park will feature sports tournaments, local artisan vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 raffles, and popular local food trucks.

“Doing a mural in the park, we wanted to make the day into a party for the whole community,” said Reggie Swickard, board member of the Belmont Eastmont Hearthstone Community Council. “In addition to the mural painting we’re going to have vendors, sports tournaments, food trucks will be on hand, door prizes, raffles and a whole lot more!

The Mural Machine and Volunteers working hard on the Wayne Avenue Mural

Belmont is an amazing neighborhood and we want to take a day to celebrate that while beautifying one of our great parks!”

Zombie Dogs and The Drunken Waffle will be serving food all day long and local artisan vendors are encouraged to submit applications at https://daytonfun.wufoo.com/forms/zu3q7110dk837z/.

Basketball, kickball and disc golf tournaments will be announced in advance, in addition to other details, all at www.facebook.com/BelmontEastmontHearthstoneCommunityCouncil/.

“Belmont is affordable and friendly. Not only is it close to a number of great businesses and recreation areas in Dayton, it’s home to quite a few of them,” Petro said. “We’re putting the spotlight on all of that. It’s going to be an awesome event!”

The first raised beds of the Nordale Community Garden

Money raised will be used to offset mural costs in addition to help fund the growing community garden in the park.

A park clean-up will be held on Aug 12th in preparation for the Mural Painting Party in the Park. Volunteers are needed and you can contact Reggie Swickard at footfocus14@gmail.com for more details.

This is a free event that is open to anyone of any age! For more information check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BelmontEastmontHearthstoneCommunityCouncil/

Luminaries of Dayton: Woodland Tours and Events 2017

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Have your ever visited the cemetery to take a tour? If no, why not? Woodland Cemetery is one of the best and most beautiful cemeteries in Dayton and Ohio and the nation. Here, you can see a great view from the Lookout Tower, study the architecture of the family mausoleums, explore the geology of the grounds, learn about Dayton’s history, discover the cemetery art work on stones more than 175 years old and so much more. There is never any fee to enter and all of the tours are free and open to the public. Bring your bike or wear a good pair of walking shoes and explore for yourself the timeless beauty that is Woodland Cemetery.

Spring Migration Bird Walk
Saturday, May 13, 2017 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Let’s Talk Trees Arboretum Tour
Wednesday’s: May 17, June 14, July 12, August 16, September 13 and October 11
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Woodland Historic Tour
June 14 and 24, July 12 and 22, August 16 and 26, September 13 and 23, October 11 and 21
Tours begin at 10:00 am

History, Mystery, Mayhem and Murder Tour
Thursday’s at 5:30 pm: June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21
Saturday’s at 10:00 am: June 24, July 22, August 19, September 16
Evening Lantern Tours beginning at 6:30 pm: October 3, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26

Faith and Friends Radio Broadcast and Walking Tour
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Bill and Melody will be broadcasting live from Woodland Cemetery from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Then join them for the Women of Woodland walking tour at 6:30 pm.

 

Woof Walk
Saturday, August 5
Tours begin at 9:00 and 10:30 am

Discover Woodland Days
Sunday, October 1
Tours begin at 12:00, 12:30 and 1:00 pm

Dayton Metro Library Programs

Early Brewers of Dayton
Northmont Library in Englewood
Monday, May 15, 2017 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Call 937-463-2665 for more information

Doctors of Dayton
Kettering – Moraine Library
Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Call 937-496-8939 for more information

Cemetery Symbols and Representations
Wilmington – Stroop Library
Monday, July 17, 2017 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Call 937-496-8891 for more information

Cemetery Symbols and Representations
Northmont Library in Englewood
Thursday, August 10, 2017 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Call 937-463-2665 for more information

Street Names of Dayton
Kettering – Moraine Library
Tuesday, August 22, 2017 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Call 937-496-8939 for more information

Tours and programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are required for all tours at the cemetery. Please call 937-228-3221. For more information about tours and programs at Woodland and in the community, click here to visit our website. Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD campus. All tours start at the front gates on Woodland Avenue.

Volunteers Needed! 

Woodland is seeking volunteers to lead tours and present programs to the public. If you like history and enjoy walking through the cemetery call us now for immediate training. Not interested in leading a tour, we have other positions as well: historical research and helping to plan out new tours, assisting with special events, public speaking engagements, researching family histories, sewing costumes for special events, researching and tagging trees and plants in the arboretum, office work, etc.

For more information on these or any of our volunteer activities, please contact Debra Mescher at 937-228-3221 or debra@woodlandcemetery.org.

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s five oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio as you will see as you read through this new MostMetro.com series. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

A New Way To Find Volunteer Opportunities

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volunteers-neededVolunteering gives you the chance to vote every day about the kind of community and world you want to live in. It gives you the opportunity to be apart of something bigger than yourself and use your civic responsibility for the greater good

Volunteering lets you meet people from all walks of life. It gives you the chance to form real relationships that can have a lasting impact on your life. You could meet your new best friend, future business partner or have a conversation that sparks a real change in your life.

Did you know volunteering is also an excellent way to boost your career prospects? It helps you create a positive impression, makes you more innovative, creative and gives you a range of useful skills. It’s not just us that believe this, recruiters do too!

In the Miami Valley there are hundreds of events that thrive with the help of volunteers.  So we’ve launched a Facebook Volunteer Group that is set up to bring volunteers and events/organizations that need the help together!  Joining the group will just allow you to find out about opportunities all over town, but does not obligate you to anything, so go ahead, join our group!

Volunteer Birdwatchers Needed to Help Prevent Bird – Plane Collisions

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Aullwood staff, Tom Hissong and Robert Shelly collect bird data at the Dayton AirportBetween 1990 and 2012, bird strikes in the United States killed 23 people and injured 240, damaged nearly 12,000 aircraft, and killed more than 120,000 birds. Airplanes run into loons, starlings, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks, egrets, swans, ducks, vultures, hawks, eagles, cranes, sandpipers, gulls, pigeons, cuckoos, owls, turkeys, blackbirds, crows, chickadees, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, mockingbirds, parrots —as well as various kinds of geese. The unfortunate reality is that airplanes collide with birds at an astonishing rate because habitats most commonly associated with airports are desirable to many types of birds, especially geese.

Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm and the Dayton International Airport, with the support of the US Department of Agriculture, have created a unique partnership to study the planting of tallgrass prairie and monoculture switchgrass near the airfield along with the usual practice of mowing turf and planting crops. The theory is that the naturally tallgrass will deter the larger birds that can bring down a plane, like geese and gulls or large flocks of starlings.  These birds tend to avoid longer vegetation, which hinders their ability to spot predators, land or spread their wings to fly.

But first, Aullwood needs to discover what birds are living near or on airport property, so they are creating a volunteer bird census team to undertake a bird survey of the area.  Because volunteers are making observations from some distances, Airport Bird Surveyors must have excellent bird vocalization ID skills, in addition to being able to identify birds visually.  Two volunteers survey the fixed point observation locations four times a month, starting 30 minutes before sunrise on either Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.  During fall migration, the survey will decrease to twice a month.  Volunteers will receive specific training on the Bird Survey Protocols and are eligible for all the benefits Aullwood volunteers receive including participating in an outstanding volunteer enrichment program.  People interested in volunteering should call Nina Lapitan, Aullwood’s Volunteer Coordinator at (937) 890-7360, ext. 214 or email nlapitan@audubon.org.

It’s the first such endeavor at a commercial airfield and Aullwood and the Dayton International Airport have the opportunity to influence the land management practices at airports around the world, encouraging the planting of native tallgrass prairies in lieu of traditional turf grass or agriculture.  Limiting bird strikes is the primary objective, but the benefits don’t stop there.  Tallgrass prairie is now among our most endangered habitats—only about 4 percent remains in the U.S. The vegetation provides critical habitat for threatened grassland birds like the Henslow’s Sparrow as well as birds whose population is rapidly declining like Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks. Planting prairies also reduces the airport’s carbon footprint by offsetting carbon emissions from airport operations, scaling back on the use of agricultural equipment, and reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Aullwood points out  volunteer support is greatly necessary for the success of this very important work!

Can You Take A 3 hour Shift for Homefull’s Phone-A-Thon?

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64Homefull is hosting a Phone-A-Thon on June 24, 25 and 26, and they need your help!  Homefull, formerly The Other Place, was founded in 1988 in Dayton, Ohio and has grown to meet the challenging needs of our community in service to homeless persons. They have a bold vision of “a community where there is no homelessness” and a mission “to work to end homelessness by providing housing, services, advocacy and education.” Homefull offers a comprehensive continuum of care and services to those who are at risk of homelessness, to those who are currently homeless and to those who are formerly homeless. Their programs and services include street outreach, prevention and diversion, Gateway shelter assessment and case management, social enterprise Micro-Farm & Landscaping, housing search and placement, rapid rehousing, and supportive services in transitional and permanent housing.

Homefull is requesting you volunteer one 3 hour shift  to help Homefull connect with donors in a fun, energetic atmosphere! Training is provided on site the evening(s) you volunteer. Make a HUGE impact in helping to end homelessness right here in Dayton, Ohio! Take your pick of three shifts: Tuesday 6/24, Wednesday 6/25 and/or Thursday 6/26 from 6:30 pm-9:00 pm at our office. Free dinner is provided and there will be gift card raffle prizes for volunteers.   Bring a friend  or even a group with you to earn more chances to win fabulous prizes!

For more information or to sign up contact Carly with questions 937-293-1045 x 530.

 

 

 

 

Together We Are Greater…Dayton

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Shoes

“Morrison elementary students bring hundreds of cards to Dayton Children’s Hospital as part of Shoes4theShoeless “Kindness Matters” campaign!”

Together, individuals and communities across the region create Greater Dayton. And through working together, we are a greater Dayton. It’s simple. It’s true. And now, that spirit of volunteerism – those people who make Dayton greater – get a moment in the limelight. The Dayton Foundation invites individuals and groups to connect right now through their newest social media campaign.

Last month, The Dayton Foundation launched the “Together we are Greater…Dayton” social media campaign on the Foundation’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to increase engagement and dialogue with fans about the philanthropic and leadership efforts happening in the Dayton Region.

Chris and CP Mentee

“I truly believe in the mission of the College Promise program in helping to give students from lower income families the same opportunities as other kids. My College Promise mentee is such a beautiful and kind young lady. I’m so proud to be helping to lead her to her dreams of an education and a bright and promising future. #Togetherwearegreater…Dayton”

The campaign encourages Dayton-area residents to show how they are making Dayton greater. Fans on the Foundation’s social media pages were asked to share photos and short stories about how their volunteer activities or charitable support is helping to make a difference in the community. Photos get uploaded to the Foundation’s “Together we are Greater…Dayton” Tumblr account.

 

The Dayton Region has a long history of individuals helping others in times of need. It is this passion and commitment of everyone working and participating together that helps make Greater Dayton great. This was celebrated at The Dayton Foundation’s annual meeting November 6 with highlights demonstrating the camaraderie of donors, not-for-profits, volunteer and the community.

GET INVOLVED: The campaign concludes this Thursday on November 14, 2013.  So, hurry up and snap an action shot or submit a photo and tell The Dayton Foundation (and the wider community) what’s happening to make Dayton GREATER.

To see more “Together we are Greater…Dayton” photos and upload your own, visit http://togetherwearegreaterdayton.tumblr.com/.

Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School students and faculty participated in Join Hands Miami Valley, our area’s celebration of National Make A Difference Day, organized by the United Way of Greater Dayton. More than 150 members of the CJ community spent Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26 volunteering at 13 different service sites in greater Dayton. In this photo, a student volunteer is harvesting seeds on the prairie at the Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mt. St. John (Bergamo) in Beavercreek.

A CJ student volunteer is harvesting seeds on the prairie at the Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mt. St. John (Bergamo) in Beavercreek.

Together for FB WV

“Our World Ventures team is making a difference in the community by making what we like to call “Blessing Bags” and passing them out to people on the street and people in need. It’s amazing to be a blessing to someone in Dayton, the city that we love. #Togetherwearegreater…Dayton “

 

 

 

Volunteers for Dayton!: Opportunities Oct. 9-16

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Your weekly round-up of ways to get involved in Dayton’s urban revival!

Downtowners and others helping with the Litehouse Community Garden this weekend. A few learned about it through our group and helped make lighter work of a big project!

Train and fund your neighborhood!

  • Nonprofit training: Though not always necessary, some of our urban neighborhood associations and revitalization groups areincorporated as tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofits. On Oct. 19, the WSU Nonprofit Leadership Alliance will present a daylong workshop on more effectively managing your nonprofit, with a keynote by the director of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Associations, and presentations by our local United Way and FilmDayton. Sign up to help your group run as smoothly as possible!

  • $$$ for your ‘hood: If you do have your 501(c)3 status, you can apply for the next round of discretionary grants from the Dayton Foundation, but you have to attend their November 7th orientation to do so. Register by November 1.
  • Speaking of neighborhood 501(c)3s, since not all neighborhoods have them and they can be a lot of work to set up and maintain, I’m curious if establishing a city-wide fund/fiscal agent would be helpful – it’s something I might like to organize as part of a larger effort. Share your feedback in our group.
  • Public Space $ Awards: Do you know a Dayton public space deserving of a considerable cash award? Nominate them for the Rudy Bruner Award.
  • Take your social media promotions to the next level: A few years back, DMM Publisher Bill Pote and I led a training at City Hall on using social media for community groups and projects. We’ve come a long way from the few Facebook pages that existed back then, but there’s plenty of room for improvement. Neighborhood marketing gurus and others can register now for the SummitUp “Social Media Confab” at Sinclair Community College on October 16. Brian Petro and I will report back for Dayton Most Metro.
  • Need ideas for bringing your community together? I was recently reminded of two of my favorite lists out there, a poster I used to have on my wall, “How to Build Community” has been circulating around Facebook. Another similarly helpful list has been compiled by the Harvard Kennedy School, “150 Things You Can Do to Build Social Capital.” Give ’em a read and share with your neighbors!

Other opportunities

  • The all-volunteer Yellow Cab community art space needs more volunteers to join them! Specifically, they need people to serve refreshments at the Day-Con hackers’ conference after-party on Oct. 13, and staff to help drivers park in their lot during Hauntfest on the 27th. E-mail Jeff Opt for more info.
  • The Day of the Dead celebration that we mentioned last week is now seeking donations of supplies for papier-mache parade puppets, and I’m thrilled that they’ve already received some from our group members! Bring extra newspaper, flour, jugs of Elmer’s glue and fabric pieces in bright blue, orange, purple and yellow. Goods can be dropped off at Missing Peace Art Space, on Dutoit behind Stivers. Contact Cityfolk’s Jean Howat Berry for more info.
  • updayton’s Streetvivial team will be doing some initial preparations for our pocket park at Xenia & McClure this weekend. We’ll prep/prime the mural wall & plant trees Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10am (and probably get lunch together at the market after) and then come back Sunday at 1 to apply chalkboard paint. E-mail me to sign up.
  • Show your art on downtown streets! The new deadline for the last round of Activated Spaces artists installations is this Friday. As an artist, you’re undoubtedly putting a lot of time into your work – get it seen out on the streets and help bring some color downtown in the process!

http://www.visualartillery.net

 

Volunteers for Dayton!: Opportunities Oct. 2-9

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Your weekly round-up of ways to get involved in Dayton’s urban neighborhoods.

Give Back in the Halloween Spirit!

Volunteering for Hauntfest helps raise funds for the Oregon District!

  • The Oregon District Business Association needs volunteers to sell tickets and serve beer at its annual Hauntfest on Fifth, October 27, 7pm-1am. It’s a great way to meet people and see all the crazy costumes! E-mail Mike Martin to volunteer and ‘like’ their page to stay in the loop. There will be a special beer booth to fundraise for Garden Station – e-mail Lisa Helm to help there. And if you can’t help out, be sure to attend – $5 tickets will be available this First Friday in front of the old Boulevard Haus.
  • Dayton’s costumed Party of Parties, Masquerage, will be held at the Fairgrounds again this year and needs volunteers for everything from selling drinks to taking pictures to simply showing off your “hot body.” Masks required! Sign up at their VolunteerSpot page for this Oct. 20th event. Since 2002, over 10,000 Masquerage volunteer hours have helped raise $1 Million for the Aids Resource Center.
  • I normally don’t feature for-profit organizations here, but I think it’s cool that we have a haunted house downtown. So if you’re favorite pastime is scaring people, sign up to volunteer at the Wayne Avenue Haunted Butcher House on the eastern edge of the Oregon District.

    Step up to help Dayton celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Photo: www.tomascastelazo.com

  • Historic Huffman neighborhood volunteers will be dressing up their beautiful Victorian residences for a Halloween-themed Spirit of Huffman home tour, Oct. 13-14. Your admission will fund neighborhood activities and improvements throughout the year!
  • Not exactly Halloween, but similar – Dayton’s Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) organizers need volunteers for their Community Offrenda, First Friday, Nov. 2, 6-10pm. The Offrenda is organized by Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program and Missing Peace Art Space in partnership with an array of Hispanic, school, and neighborhood groups as well as local artists. It will feature workshops, a parade, party, and exhibition. Please contact Missing Peace via e-mail or at (937) 241- 4353 if you’d like to volunteer. And if you would like awesome events like this to continue, please give to Cityfolk’s Post-Festival Campaign at their website.

 

Other opportunities:

  • Can you spare a few bucks to build a bocce court?

    Celebrate the Freedom to Read: The East Branch library in Dayton’s Walnut Hills neighborhood needs volunteers to read aloud for 30 minute or 1hr time slots during Banned Books Week (Oct 1-6). They have a collection of ‘challenged’ books to read from so all volunteers need bring with them is their voice and their enthusiasm for the freedom to read. They are hoping to have readers during all open library hours (MTTH 9:30-8:30; WSa 9:30-6). Contact Samantha or call the branch at 496-8930.

  • Deadline extended for St. Anne’s park fundraiser! St. Anne’s Hill residents hope to raise $1000 to match their City mini-grant for Terry park improvements, including an ornamental gate, bocce courts, and landscaping. Regardless of where you live, can you give $10? If we all give a little to neighborhoods outside our own, we’ll have some great parks! (Plus, you’ll feel entitled when you go there to play bocce.)

    Would this be helpful in Dayton? Image: timebanks.org

Discussions in our group

  • One topic of discussion I raised in our Facebook group is whether there is interest in starting a Time Bank for Dayton. This involves a network of people earning Time Dollars for every hour spent helping others in the network, which they can spend having someone else help them with a project. The exchanges are tracked using simple online software. It’s an incentive for volunteerism, can be helpful for anyone short on cash, and helps build community connections. Share your thoughts here.
  • Another topic that’s been debated in multiple spots this week is what to do with the recently-acquired Hughes Supply property that the City of Dayton recently acquired for development. Obviously it’s a sweet location, being right on the eastern end of the Oregon District at Fifth and Wayne. There are lots of good ideas out there, but the overwhelming majority of commenters on Dayton Most Metro, updayton, and our group hope it becomes a grocery store (BTW – If anyone’s interested in a downtown food co-op, I’ve got a group for that too). What do you think?

Don’t forget to e-mail me your items and report back your successes! And send pictures of your costumed volunteering!