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Volunteers!

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JLD Power in Action

Volunteerism is a major aspect of most YP orgs in the region.  Maybe it’s the great feeling people get from making a difference or the perfect platform it provides for networking and socializing – either way, volunteering seems to be a on the calendars for many YP groups.  There are two YP orgs in our region that focus less on social or professional events and spend their time making a difference through volunteerism.  I talked to Jessica Saunders from the Junior League of Dayton and Lisa Henderson from the Red Cross Associate Board to learn a little more about how their groups approach volunteerism and how they’re making a difference in the region.

Saunders and Henderson have quite a bit in common – both come from other Midwestern towns and have made Dayton their home through community involvement and careers at Dayton Children’s Hospital.  Both women discovered their organizations through friends and colleagues in other local organizations.  Saunders learned about the JLD through Dayton History and her work at Children’s, while Henderson decided to get involved with the RCAB due to friends at Generation Dayton extending an invitation to a recruiting event.

But now that they’re hooked in the region and with their organizations, I had some questions for Henderson and Saunders to learn a little more about the RCAB and JLD.  You can get a lot of great information about mission, membership requirements, and upcoming events from the Web sites, but I wanted the personal stories within the organizations and the values they provide the community and their members.

I can read a Web site, but I wanted to know the short answer about the mission of these orgs and the crux of what they do.  Saunders has the elevator pitch down to a science, according to her, Junior League Dayton is “an organization that builds women to be community leaders and community volunteers.”  Henderson explains that the Red Cross Associate Board “supports the Red Cross through planning a fundraiser, The Great Escape.”  She’s quick to add,  “The funds we raise at The Great Escape stay in the Dayton region.”

And these organizations both offer unique and varied opportunities in the pursuit of their missions.  Henderson is excited about the hands-on way to make a difference through the planning of their yearly event.  She says, “The fact that (the associate board) hosts one of the Red Cross’ largest fundraisers means our board members are truly making a difference and are certainly hands on.  Each member has the opportunity to pick a committee or area that most interests them (securing sponsors, helping with marketing, etc)… It’s also a great way to develop skills – for example, I learned so much about event planning by getting involved with the logistics committee. We are able to see an event and fundraising from start to finish, which is always such a great feeling!”  Although the work the members are doing is geared toward this major one-time event, the experiences stick with the members.  Henderson explains that through the work of planning this major event, board members have the opportunity to learn more about the great work the Red Cross is doing nationally and in the region, and the board can help them connect more if they’re interested in volunteering in other ways.

Saunders is excited to talk about what makes the Junior League unique – the focus on developing women’s leadership opportunities.  For anyone who doesn’t know, the Junior League is a woman-only organizations (sorry, guys).  She believes, an “organization of all women is great because it gives you an opportunity to learn from women who are at every age and stage of their lives. There are also many leadership opportunities and training opportunities within the league – if you want to learn about fundraising there is a place for that.  If you are interested in marketing – you can learn about that.  And of course – there are many opportunities to volunteer throughout the community.”  Althought the Junior League is an organization for developing the leadership skills and community involvement for younger women (20s and 30s), they keep strong relationships with their “sustainers” who have graduated from the program and provide valuable insights and connections.

Both organizations provide great ways to get involved, meet people, and make a difference.  But – in case the descriptions aren’t enough to spark full interest – I wanted to know more.  There are plenty of volunteer opportunities out there – you can open the paper any day and find ways to give back to the community.  I asked these women what makes a volunteer organization so much worthwhile than periodic stints at individual volunteering.  Both had great insights.

JLD Holiday at Home

Saunders is excited about the total impact the League offers.  She says, “It’s really great to see what a group of people can do to improve the community. Doing something together not only results in something positive for the community but builds some bonds that last through your entire life.  The Junior League ‘sustainers’ continue to build on friendships they started in the league decades ago!    It is important for young people to join the JLD because it’s a wonderful organization that is so tied to our Dayton history.  If you are new to the community – it’s not only a great way to network but a great way to learn about the city!”  And when I challenged her that some people just aren’t “joiners,” Saunders had an answer for that, too.  She understands that feeling, but believes that “there is a time and place for joining organizations.”  Although she can’t make that decision for others, she is pleased with her choice to get involved with JLD.  She says, “I am forever grateful for the relationships – both professionally and personally – that I have from the organizations or groups that I have joined.”

If you’re anti-organization, Henderson mentions that there are plenty of nonprofits out there with great causes that provide you with the opportunity to give back -and you don’t have to “join” anything.  She points out, “You can really match your interests and time to what’s out there. Don’t limit yourself!”  But being a part of a larger organization does offer perks.  Henderson believes, “It’s great to be a part of something on an ongoing basis because you can see the long-term impact of what you do. The associate board is able to raise money, and then can see what a difference those funds have made for the community!”

Although the focus of the Red Cross Associate Board is on providing needed support to the local chapter of the Red Cross, there are great opportunities for professional development as well.  Henderson raves about the amazing people she has met through the organization both at the Red Cross and on the associate board.  Beyond networking, she says, “I have been able to participate in all areas of planning for The Great Escape and have developed skills that help me be a better leader professionally and in my other organizations.”  In addition to gaining valuable skills like leadership, communication, and project management, Henderson is also really pleased with how she’s been able to expand her social network.  She’s happy to share stories about great friends she’s met through her involvement with the associate board.  Henderson sums up her experience by stating that, “YP volunteer organizations are more than just about the volunteerism.  (By not being involved), you’ll miss out on a chance to meet new people and give back to the community!”

Saunders also has great experiences beyond the valuable community-based work she does with League.  She says, “I love the opportunity to work with some really great women on issues that affect our community.”  And although the JLD focuses on volunteerism, it has been very valuable to her in other realms.  Saunders says, “Professionally – it’s a wonderful way to network.  Socially – it’s my escape from my professional life!  There are many opportunities throughout the year to hone both of these skills.”

By speaking to these two charismatic and engaged women, I learned a lot more about the Junior League of Dayton and the Dayton chapter of the Red Cross Associate Board.  But before wrapping up, I wanted to know more about their impression of the Dayton region as a whole, what it’s like to be a YP in the city, and why some people perceive a sense of apathy from local YPs.  Saunders cited a unique “problem;”  She says, “I think there is too much to do!”  Her solution for YPs who don’t feel involved is to do some homework, explore the various opportunities out there to find the one that “clicks,” and get hooked up with one of the many nonprofits (or volunteer organizations) out there that are always looking for volunteers.

For some final advice, Henderson says, “I think there has to be personal initiative to get engaged, but there is no lack of opportunity here in Dayton. (Nonprofits) want our input, expertise, fresh ideas and energy. Get involved in one group and word tends to spread – soon you’ll have so many opportunities it will be hard to select which ones you want to do!”

Thanks to these ladies for taking the time to share their stories with me.  Learn more about these great organizations at their recruitment events this summer.  The Dayton Area Red Cross Associate Board and the Junior League of Dayton are both hosting recruitment events THIS THURSDAY so you can learn more.

Dayton Area Red Cross Associate Board Recruitment Event
When: Thursday, June 24th from 6-8PM
Where: Norton’s Sports Bar and Grille – 580 Lincoln Park Blvd. (Near the Fraze Pavilion)
*Appetizers sponsored by the Red Cross*

Junior League of Dayton Recruitment Event
When: Thursday, June 24 from 6-8 PM
Where: Blue Star Mothers #3 at Town and Country Shopping Center (near Figlio)
*Make a difference for our troops at this Care Package Party and learn more about JLD*

YP Round-Up: June 21-27

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There seems to be a lot concentrated at the end of this first official week of summer.  Maybe it’s just too hot to be out and about early in the week or maybe all the YP groups know you really need some time to focus on that big project at work.  But check out the great number of events taking you into the weekend.

ALSO: NEW FEATURE on the DMM Event Calendar – now YP events are designated as such!  Want to search for what’s happening in YP?  Click on Young Professional as a category and see for yourself what’s going on.

Thursday, June 24: If you’re not doing something Thursday evening – you’re not paying attention!  Happy hour, city management, volunteerism, and new friends are all available for the taking.

The Junior League of Dayton is getting together to create care packages for our troops at this Care Package Party with the Blue Star Mothers.  Join them at the table in Town and Country (Kettering) near Figlio and help out from 6-8 PM.  This is a recruitment event – so everyone is invited to come, make a difference, and learn more about the JLD.  Questions or want to RSVP?  Contact Caitlin Krebs – [email protected] or 937.853.2563

Dayton City Manager Tim Riordan wants your feedback and suggestions!  He has been hosting Listening Tours across the region for your feedback on the current state of financial affairs in Dayton.  In collaboration with the Dayton Urban League Young Professionals, Generation Dayton and updayton – YOU ARE INVITED to hear about what’s happening in our City and provide your feedback.  Join us  at 5:30PM at City Hall, City Commission Chambers.  RSVP to: [email protected]

The Red Cross Associate Board is hosting a recruitment event at Norton’s Bar (across from Fraze Pavilion) from 6-8 PM.  Want to meet the members of the RCAB, learn more about this great organization, and see how to get involved.  They provide the appetizers and information – you just show up!

The Young AFCEAns (or YAC) host their monthly networking happy hour on the last Thursday of every month – this week it’s at Fox and Hound at 5 PM.  Sure, the group is fairly industry specific – serving mostly the government and government/IT contractors – but they always open their doors to new people and have had pretty regular attendance from non-contractor YPs.  And who doesn’t like a Happy Hour?

Friday, June 25:
Generation Dayton hosts their monthly Fourth Friday lunch.  This time, join the group at Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District (try the pickle soup – seriously) at Noon.  It’s free to attend, but lunch is at your own cost.  RSVP to Andy at [email protected].

Saturday, June 26:
The Dayton Ballet Barre is hosting their Barre Crawl II (witty, eh?).  This second annual pub crawl follows the popular path through the Oregon District from last year with great drink specials at each location, a discounted rate at the Crown Plaza (safety first) and a fun time with friends for only $10.  Learn more here.  Or check out the flyer here: Barre Crawl II

Did I miss something?  Let me know in the comments.  And, as always, check out the DMM Event Calendar for more great events happening in the region – like live music, comedy, the Clambake for Kids’ Sake, drink specials, happy hours, art shows, Phantom of the Opera, walking tours, educational lunches and more!

Are You Willing to Get Dirty for Charity?

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Take a pile of dirt, mix it with liquid, and what do you get? The 20th annual “Muddy Gras” Mud Volleyball Tournament to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. “Get down and dirty” for a great cause!  Mud Volleyball is the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio’s signature fundraising event. The tournament provides almost 50% of the agency’s budget. With only 1 FT and 3 PT staff members, they rely heavily on  dedicated volunteers to make this event a success!

Teams compete against a field of ABOUT 200 teams for a chance at one of six division  championship titles. There are many different opportunities to get involved with this year’s mud volleyball tournament.  They are currently looking for players, committee members, volunteers, referees, and corporate sponsors

There are three days where your help is needed most.

SET UP- Friday, July 9th – we’ll be on the fields all day starting at 9am until done (after dark usually)

DAY OF EVENT – Saturday, July 10th – starting at 6:30 am
All day we’ll have shifts of volunteers pitching in; all for a good cause! For a specific list of volunteer opportunities click here.

TEAR DOWN – Sunday, July 11th – 9am until mid afternoon
It’s a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it! It goes quickly with extra hands!

Call if you can help.  937-233-2500.

Cityfolk Needs You to Volunteer!!!

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It’s a 4th of July Holiday tradition in the Miami Valley, a 3 day world music festival and it needDeb Norris, John North and Arundi Venkayya Cox play and work at Cityfolk!s our help.  With less than 3 weeks to go there are literally hundreds of volunteer positions that haven’t been filled for this years Cityfolk Festival, July 2- 4 at RiverScape.  Having volunteered for the last few years, I can tell you it’s a great way to see the festival.  Last year I worked with some great friends serving up brewski’s just outside the main stage.  Our crew was dancing, laughing and having a great time.  The three hour shift just flew by. That’s Deb Norris, John North and Arundi Venkayya Cox pictured on the right there midway through our shift!  Looks like fun, huh?

Operations, logistics, the merchandise stand, artist hospitality and pop and  water sales also need volunteers.  So grab your friends, sign up online (you’ll get a groovy free t-shirt for your time).  The folks that work at Cityfolk bust their tails all year round to pull off this amazing array of international music, dancing, crafts and more that is perfect family entertainment. Aside from sponsorships, the beer and beverage sales from this weekend fund the year round operations for Cityfolk.

If you’ve ever been to the festival and enjoyed-I implore you to give just 3 hours of your time to make this the best fest ever!  I’ll be on Beer Crews Friday and Saturday, come join the fun!

UD Student Breaking Into the Professional Boxing World

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Many young professionals get career ideas from their parents, friends or maybe even school professors. Jose Santana Jr., a senior at the University of Dayton, became hooked on boxing at the age of 15 while admiring boxer Felix Trinidad. It wasn’t until he was finishing up high school at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, that he realized he wanted to work in boxing for a living.

Santana (left) with Freddie Roach, trainer of seven-division world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao

His dream in working in boxing professionally finally became a reality after his freshman year of college at UD. Taking lessons learned from classes he took freshman year, Santana decided to call a Cleveland radio station to see if any internship spots were available. “The classes I took as a sport management major really taught me how make connections, which sounds easy, but you try picking up a phone and calling a business executive who has no idea who you are and try to make friends with him,” said Santana. “It can be a nerve-wracking thing to do for an 18-year-old.”

He talked to Antonio Castro, who gave him the job of promotions assistant which entailed booking guests, helping plan the show and answering phones.

After writing for a small boxing web site, Santana was able to put together a portfolio and send it to a bigger boxing web site called SecondsOut, which is based out of London, England. After doing this, he was able to secure a writing position for them last June.

Securing an internship is a very important thing to do for college students and some, like Santana, try and get a head start early. The key time to start really looking for internships for the summer would be in the early spring, as companies are looking to fill positions and get training started before students are out of school. Although some companies still look for interns in the summer, it is best to go out and search actively early and often. I can attest to this as I had applied to more than 15 internships for this summer and was able to get interviews for three by applying early and asking about certain programs.

Even though he has clear connections and a job in Cleveland, Santana says he may need a change in scenery if he wants to move up in the boxing world. “The high profile jobs in the industry are located in Florida, New York, California and Las Vegas, so I may have to move to one of those areas.”

Boxing may not be as popular in the United States as it is in other countries, but Santana and his family still embrace the cultural significance that comes with it. Santana, who is of Puerto Rican descent, would often get together with his entire family to watch big fights, and it was a time to enjoy the fight and spend time with family. “I fell in love with the atmosphere and the sport that way,” said Santana.

Santana also works for Antonio Castro’s boxing promotions company called Warner Promotions, which he was able to get after working with him. “Promotions is difficult work where your money is on the line and you are depending on people buying tickets to make a profit,” said Santana. “If you really want experience dealing with all that, you have to jump right in there and an internship is going to be very beneficial.”

“Get to know people who work in your desired industry. That is huge. They know other people who know other people and soon enough you have a whole tree of connections,” said Santana.

YP Round-up: Week of June 14

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June is hoppin’ with opportunities specific to YPs who want to get involved.  There’s a pretty wide range of options – everything from education and networking to socials and meetings.   You can do something every night Monday through Friday this week.

Monday, June 14: The Montgomery County Young Republicans have their meetings on the second Monday of each month at the BW3 at Town and County in Kettering.  Want to get involved with the Republican campaigns and meet other like-minded YPs?  Check them out at 6:30 PM.

Tuesday, June 15: Generation Dayton hosts their monthly Business and Breakfast at the Cracker Barrel at 5770 Wilmington Pike in Centerville from 7-8 AM.  Breakfast is at your own expense, but it’s free to attend!  RSVPs requested.

Wednesday, June 16:

Dayton Urban Leage Young Professionals host their general meeting – but it’s so much more than just talk!  Free to members and $5 for non-members – here’s what you get in June.  Professional development speaker Mr. Jose “Rafi” Rodriguez, President of the Greater Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  And the second installment of “The Reel World: A Black Film Series.”  Up this quarter – it’s a viewing of the local hit – The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant documentary.  And they end the night with some ice cream to kick-off summer and thank everyone for their participation in the National Day of Service.  Yum!  It happens from 6:30-7:45pm at the Dayton Urban League in the Fifth Third Room.

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission is coming to share information and ask for your feedback.  This is a valuable way to be a part of the discussion on the future of land use in the Miami Valley.  Hosted by Gen D at SideBar – all YPs are encouraged to come.  Free to attend, but dinner and drinks at your own expense.  Learn more here or here.

Thursday, June 17 – A busy, busy, busy day:

HYPE hosts their 3rd Thursday Social at The Caroline in Troy from 5:30-7:30 PM.  This is a social mixer to meet up with other YPs in the Northern Miami Valley, learn more about HYPE, and have some fun.

The Montgomery County Young Democrats host their spring mixer at Franco’s Italian Restaurant on 5th Street near the Oregon District from 5-7 PM.  Want to learn more about how to get involved in the upcoming campaigns, talk to like-minded YPs, meet David Pepper (candidate for State Auditor), and learn more about this politically engaged group?  Check them out this Thursday.

Updayton – the organization dedicated to attracting and retaining young, creative talent is hosting an Action Plan Launch Update.  Whether you made it to the Young Creatives Summit or not – this is your opportunity to learn about the projects that YPs determined as most important for the region.  Hear about their progress, sign up to volunteer, and see the action that is being taken to make the Dayton region exciting for all of us.  The event is at the Cannery Art and Design Center (E. 3rd Street) at 6 PM with a stop at Therapy Cafe afterward.  More info on the day and how to RSVP here.

Friday, June 18: HYPE offers the second of four installments in their Wine Education Series.  6-7:30 PM at the Piqua Country Club.  Join Sunny Brown, International Brand Manager for Vanguard Wines of Columbus, OH, and learn how European wines earned their status as well as what makes them different from other wines.  Register in advance by emailing Kara Foster, Professional Development Chair, at [email protected]. (Deadline for advance registration is the Tuesday prior to the event).   Cost: $25 per session (advance registration) / $35 at the door

Looking for some fun this weekend?!?  Check out the DMM calendar for lots of great music, arts, party, and fun options.

YPs Have Their Say

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There are three events coming up where local leaders and government organization are specifically asking for YOUR input on vital decisions for the Miami Valley.  Various YP groups are coming together to promote and participate in these events.  If you want to be a part of the discussion and get the right information on the future of our region – join us.

Up First:  Wednesday, June 16:

Be a part of an interactive discussion on the future of land use in the Miami Valley. In order for the Miami Valley to receive federal transportation dollars, the expenditure must be in the MVRPC’s plans and the “Going Places” workshop discusses the direction of future land use in the Miami Valley. You may also learn more about the MVRPC and Going Places Initiative by visiting www.mvrpc.org.

When: Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Where:SideBar (410 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH  45402)
Time:5:30 (join other YPs for dinner and/or drinks)
7:00 – 8:30 PM for the workshop presentation
Cost: Free to attend, dinner & drinks at your own expense
RSVP:LaDonna Wulfeck at [email protected]
(Thanks to Gen D for hosting the event and getting this conversation started!)

Up Next: Listening Tours* – June 24 and July 26

You’ve got stuff to say, our City Manager is here to hear it.  You may have read the recent opinion piece in DMM about Tim Riordan’s listening tour.  The City has worked with local YP groups to put together two sessions specific to the needs of YPs.  There are opportunities to be heard at presentations on the City of Dayton’s finances by Tim Riordan, City Manager.

*City of Dayton officials have embarked on a “Listening Tour” of neighborhood and community groups to get their feedback and suggestions about Dayton’s financial future. City Manager Tim Riordan said he wants to hear the community’s ideas on how to address what is really a “structural deficit” — a fundamental imbalance between the City’s revenues and expenses.The community input will be used to develop a more comprehensive approach to create long-term financial stability. The options to be considered range from cutting expenditures by reducing/eliminating services; reducing or eliminating community and equipment investments; raising new or expanding revenue sources; or some blend of each.The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals, Generation Dayton, updayton, and many other YP organizations across the region are all encouraging their members to be a part of these conversations – don’t miss out – all YPs are invited.

Mark your calendar and let the voice of young, creative professionals be heard:
Thursday, June 24, 2010, at 5:30 p.m., City Hall, City Commission Chambers
OR
Monday, July 26, 2010, at 7 a.m., Dayton Convention Center, Rooms 302-303

RSVP to: .mgina.orgcityofdayton@abelitini

– Parking will be validated at both sessions
– Continental breakfast at morning session ONLY

YP Volunteer Opportunity This Saturday 6/12

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Get involved!

The National Day of Service will be held this Saturday, June 12 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm!  Hosted by the Dayton Urban League Young

Professionals – This is open to ALL YPs in the region!

This year’s 7th annual day of service will focus on the health and quality of life of our children.  Join us as we build a playground in

the East End Neighborhood with MetLife and KaBoom! to promote safe and fun physical activity for local youth. A ribbon cutting ceremony will promptly follow at 2:30pm.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please respond promptly to Nina Carter at (937) 304-6097 or [email protected].

Dayton and Regionalism

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This week, The Brookings Institute published a study called “The State of Metropolitan America.” The premise of the study is that we can no longer define metropolitan areas in the same general terms used in the 80s and 90s because the demographic trends of the 2000s have reshaped the character of metropolises in America.   The report is grounded with the premise that population growth is an important “barometer of economic and societal well being.”

The study generally categorizes cities into the new terminology that reflects the demographics, such as “Mid-sized magnets” and “Skilled anchors” instead of “Sunbelt”  or “Rustbelt” cities.  One of the buckets is called “Industrialized Core” and represents the slow growing, less diverse, older and less educated cities that are “disadvantaged.”  The Dayton, Ohio region is lumped into this category with 17 other cities, including our standard Ohio and Michigan counterparts of Toledo, Youngstown, Cleveland, Grand Rapids and Detroit.  The study compares statistics from 1990-2000 and 2000-2009, focusing on population trends, including growth/decline, shifts between cities and suburbs, and diversity of population, as well as household growth/decline.  Dayton ranked in the lowest 10% for every statistic cited in the study, except of course the statistic about the greatest rate of decline in under age 45 population, in which we scored in the top 10.  The study specifically highlighted our significant loss of households in the “married with children” category – declining over 16% in the last 8 years.  This statistic is key data to defining our regional strategy since it skews the population age for the next generation.

Our regional strategy builds on our position in the defense industry and the region’s roots in aerospace technology and manufacturing.  We are focused on four strategic growth areas:  Aerospace R&D, Information Technology, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, and Human Sciences/Healthcare.  The key points of our strategy focus on a highly educated workforce with our pillar community educational institutions (universities and hospitals) leading the way to differentiate our region.

This focus steers us toward the more palatable characterization of “skilled anchor” metropolis with other post-manufacturing Midwestern cities such as Akron, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis.  This type of city is characterized as slow growing, having a less diverse population, and higher than average education levels.  The anchors specified are service centric – such as hospitals and educational institutions.   The “skilled anchor” cities are distinct from “Industrialized Core” cities economically but share the challenges of primary growth in lower density suburban areas/decentralization and an aging workforce/growing senior population comparative to other age groups.

The conclusion of the study suggests that regional collaboration is critical within the new demographic realities.  It is not clear if the new characterizations of the metropolitan areas will remain true through the rapid transformations of the coming decades, but the study points out very clearly that the response to changing demographics must be shared across local dividing lines for the region to sustain its unique identity and growth rate.

Without regional collaboration, the “Industrial Core” cities will not transition, ultimately being usurped in the list of top 100 metropolitan areas by smaller cities with higher population growth due to immigration and emigration from the likes of Dayton.  The Dayton region must be a cohesive voice representing the metropolitan area to the state; and local leaders must forge new solutions to tackle the challenges of fiscal crises, outdated infrastructure and lacking capacity to extend needed community services.

Dayton’s leaders are making visible strides to position our region as a hub for aerospace technology and a service centric, highly educated, knowledge based economy.  While the vision is sound and is being realized incrementally, three primary questions remain un-answered on how we move toward regional growth rather than continue on the decline.

  1. What is the approach for the Dayton region to position ourselves more competitively based on the pending merger with the Cincinnati statistical MSA?
  2. How do we plan to more cohesively address economic development opportunities with a regional voice, enabling us to successfully execute our planned strategy?
  3. Are we ensuring that the human capital of the region fits with the strategic plan for growth?  There seems to be a gap in the required education, skill set and age demographics for a service and knowledge based economy with a declining population under the age of 45.

What will Dayton’s story be 10 years from now when population and growth charts for the coming decade are analyzed?  Are we going to trend toward population growth? Continue to be considered a beleaguered region mired in population loss?  Or will we allow ourselves to lose our identity entirely to become part of greater Cincinnati?  The answers to those questions will come when we begin to measure our success as a region/metropolis (household income, employment and population) instead of individual cities and towns.  The clock is ticking and the decade is already 5% gone.  We know what we want to be as a region, but we need to start taking action now to make it a reality.

Look for more in this series about Regionalism in Dayton coming soon…

For more DMM conversations on Regionalism, check out the discussion on the DMM Forum.

An Apple Yesterday

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Vincent G. Apple Was A Self Starter

Dayton originals. We have many of them still around, but in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, there seemed to be a brainstorm that brewed over the Miami Valley, striking the populace with the adventuresome allure of invention. One of the most prolific among them was a man named Vincent G. Apple. Born in Miamisburg, Ohio on January 26th, 1874, Vincent went on to found his first company (Franklin Electric Company) at the tender age of eighteen. The Franklin Electric Company eventually evolved into the Dayton Electric and Manufacturing Company, with several more ventures following, including Apple Electric Company and Apple Laboratories.

Apple’s inventive nature rivaled that of Thomas Alva Edison, surpassing the Wizard of Menlo Park in some respects. Apple’s inventions included a magneto starting system for the Wright Flyer, an automobile lighting system, tungsten bulbs and, his most acknowledged invention, the isolated home/farm lighting system. Apple had received 350 patents in his lifetime and, at the time of his death at age 58, there were still 130 patents awaiting approval at the Patent Office. Other inventions that he had developed would have brought the amount of patents he had either received or was eligible for to around 1,500 total patents.

When looking up Vincent G. Apple’s history, I came across a passage on Wright State’s Miami Valley-Dayton – Inventors and Inventions page which said, “In 1902, he introduced what is thought to be the first electric self-starter for an automobile.” This struck me as odd and I referred to two pictures that I had obtained some years ago. I actually found them in a junk shop on E. Third St., at the bottom of an old freezer chest, the kind used by soda shops back in the day. There were stacks of pictures and I chose these two because they were old pictures of cars and I thought that my father, a car aficionado, might appreciate them. I gave very little thought to the typewritten notes, glued to the back of the photographs on some type of woven linen. I had read the notes, but was overly unfamiliar with the history of automobiles, but when I read that little line on the Wright State site, I knew that the name Vincent G. Apple had appeared in the notes.

Here are the two photographs, front and back. If you have any information about the history of the pictures, or the invention, feel free to either comment here or send me an email.

YP This Week: Happy, Thirsty, Playful, and Giving

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Check out a wide variety of opportunities to get involved in YP organizations this week.  Outside of work – We like drinking, socializing, and playing –  sure!   But we’re also into volunteerism.    All those options are coming up:

Wednesday, June 9: Dayton Creative Syndicate hosts their happy hour at Harrigan’s South from 5-7 PM.  You love the classic Harrigan’s Tavern in Kettering – check them out at their new location down south and meet up with some of the most creative of the young creatives.  All welcome.

Thursday, June 10: Generation Dayton hosts their monthly Thirsty Thursday at Brixx across from Fifth-Third Field from 5:30-8:30 PM.  Admission is free to members and nonmembers.  Networking, socializing, and fantastic drink specials are available – check it out.

Friday, June 11: Every second Friday of the month, you can meet up with other young professionals and PLAY!  The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals hosts YP@ Play at the Therapy Cafe in the Cannery District.  Eat, drink, and play like you did when you were a kid with board games, cards, twister, wii and other fun games.  All welcome – free for members and $10 for nonmembers.

Saturday, June 12: Are you into volunteerism and making an important difference in the lives of local neighborhood kids?  Join with the DULYPs for the National Day of Service.  Welcome KaBoom! and help build a new playground for the kids in the East End neighborhood.  Change is made by those who show-up!  RSVPs requested.

What did I miss?  Post other YP opportunities in comments.

Desolation Dayton

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Tim Riordan’s “Listening Tour” And My Plea For Action

I attended one of the stops on Tim Riordan’s (Dayton’s current City Manager) “listening tour” on June 3rd at the Southeast Priority Board (2160 E. Fifth St.). There were around forty or fifty people crammed into the cramped board room, with representatives from the priority board, the city commission and various other local governmental agencies in attendance. Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell and City Manager Tim Riordan were also in attendance, with Mr. Riordan conducting the salient portion of the meeting, which was to gain insights and ideas from the citizenry of Dayton. Mr Riordan presented a fifteen minute slideshow which outlined the economic situation that Dayton was in at this time as well as some of the nuts and bolts costs involved with running the city and its services. The charts detailed the lost jobs that the area has suffered through, the standing of the general fund and charted all the income and property taxes collected, all juxtaposed against the inflationary index. The glaring truth that was revealed was that Dayton fell well below the inflationary index and lagged far behind every other major city in Ohio.

We are all familiar with the national and international occurrences and trends that led to the failing economy, but on a local level, those events were exacerbated by poor leadership, petty personal greed and a massively myopic shortsightedness. While the portents and omens of what was to come became glaringly evident, the City chose to continually woo large manufacturers in the baseless hope of garnering an anchor for the City’s wildly wavering economy. Heads of corporations and industries were flown in to meet with City officials while, at the same time, businesses that had been here for decades and decades, and who had been left to fend for themselves, quietly closed their doors. The City mustered all of their resources, offering tantalizing tax abatements and lucrative property proposals to these corporate big wigs while people lost their livelihoods and their homes and, those who had not fallen into foreclosure, fled the city fearing the worst that was eventually to come. The City chose to court a chimera instead of taking care of their base: the people…and now they want to listen.

As if making my point, one member of the assemblage brought up a point that members within the civil service divisions of the City of Dayton (most notably the Parks and Recreations division) had submitted suggested and well thought out and presented plans to the City and these suggestions were unilaterally ignored. At times during the question and answer period, City Manager Tim Riordan seemed jovial then dismissive then passively aggressive in responding to the group’s questions and suggestions. One particular point that was brought up was the $400,000 that it costs to mow the 4,000+ vacant properties in the City of Dayton. Riordan said, somewhat coarsely, that the citizens should take matters into their own hands and mow the overgrown lots in their neighborhoods instead of whining about it to the City. Moshe Oren, one of the citizens in attendance, stated that he did, in fact, mow several vacant properties in his neighborhood, but asked if the City would make available some landscaping equipment to make the job a less daunting task. An answer was not forthcoming and Mr. Riordan went on to the next question. It struck me that this would be a solution to save an estimated $2,400,000 a year (based on one mowing cycle over a six month period). The City could provide the neighborhood Priority Boards with several lawn mowers and weed eaters and local groups, such as neighborhood associations, church groups and others that live within that vicinity, could sign them out and mow the various abandoned properties in the area. If the City was worried about liability issues, a blanket waiver form could be provided and signed.

The more the meeting went on, the more it seemed as if it was nothing more than a diversionary display. It was a way for the City to do whatever they had decided to do from the outset and then, if people complain, they have a plausible deniability. They can point to the meetings (which aren’t advertised all that well) and say, “Look! The people of Dayton had every opportunity to be heard! We are making these decisions based on what was suggested!”

One of the more eloquent points came from Mike Schommer, a Southeast Priority Board member when he said:

“I’m not saying that the City of Dayton is never going to come back, but if there are no big innovations that spur on some new development here…” he trailed off, letting the listeners come to their own conclusions. He went on to say that, “Right now we are going to stay either stagnant, or perhaps suffer a smaller decline. Based on the statement I just made, I think we’ve been making moves in this city…tactical moves…to prepare for that and one of them is the deconstruction of the houses. The demand has gone way down and the supply has gone way up and by eliminating these houses, it’s kind of balancing things out so we can compete with the suburbs, who already have a lesser supply. In that thought, when you tie all that together and, in thinking about the budget, I think we need to start thinking of a lesser city government because there is lesser community to still serve.”

“When it comes to (suggesting to increase taxes), on paper it looks fine and $100 seems small, but to many of those residents still left in the city, it is perhaps more than their budget can bear.” Offering up a solution, Schommer said, “What I think we have to do is we have to start saying, ‘What can we do to cater to the residents? What can we do to be prepared to deal with the residents that we are going to be left with?’ In doing so, I don’t think that raising taxes is the best proposition for the simple fact that you’re trying to make up the difference of a work force and a population that was much greater out of the few residents and workers that are left which is only going to further drive anyone who is left in the city away.”

Schommer’s arguments resonated with the room and made me think back to a few weeks ago when I had interview Mr. Riordan and later attended the unveiling of The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. The tone was much different then than it was that evening in the hot boardroom of the Southeast Priority Board. During the unveiling of The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, held at the Dayton Racquet Club, the mood was jubilant and hopeful, with all the players in Dayton congratulating each other on such a fine plan. There was an optimistic air that the money that would be needed to embark on this new endeavor would materialize somehow. In stark contrast, the mood at the “listening tour” was darkly dour, where very little, if any, good news imparted. How can this be justified? How can monies seemingly be pulled from thin air for restructuring the river for kayaking or creating pavilions throughout the city for live musical performances, yet the hinterlands of Dayton are left to contend with all of the issues surrounding an abandoned and deteriorating neighborhood? How can one justify the “need” for a 3C Rail System or a comprehensive broadband network when the realistic and day to day needs of the majority of the population is being threatened to be scaled back or even terminated? Does it mean that anyone outside of this magical and invisible circle around the downtown area is less of a citizen or is less in need of the services that their tax dollars were intended for?

The argument would be made that this is for the future, a means to an end. In reading through studies pertaining to the attraction and retention of businesses and employees, especially within the technological industries, the powers that be set out to create a plan that would attract these technological businesses and the employees that come with them. The whole “plan,” however is overshadowed by a myriad of “ifs.” It is a “build it and they will come” kind of mentality wherein the people with ideas try and craft a perfect carrot, not realizing that they have splintered the stick into a million pieces.

Maybe I am too cynical. Maybe the whole thing will work and we will end up living in the Emerald Gem City (without the flying monkeys and such). Maybe we will become the model on which others cities will rate their success. I just can’t seem to ignore what I see and hear on a daily basis. Maybe there are two separate Daytons and I just happen to live in the one that is destined for desolation. Whatever the case, let’s put this whole “listening” thing to the test. Post your ideas to cut the city budget here and also send it to [email protected] and we’ll see, together, when any of them come to fruition or if the case has already been closed and we are doomed to a future of raised taxes with the added benefit of having our services cut.

A Photographic Journey of Woodland Cemetary

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The 200-acre Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum in Dayton is one of the nation’s oldest “garden” cemeteries. Founded in 1840 by John Van Cleve (the Van Cleve family is one of Dayton’s “founding families”), this spacious, rolling area is the final resting place of many notable Daytonians including aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, novelist and poet Paul L. Dunbar, columnist Erma Bombeck, inventor Charles Kettering, and John Patterson, the founder of National Cash Register.

Words don’t do this historic landmark justice.  So here are some pics:

Woodland Cemetary, located at 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.

The Liberty Bell -- in Dayton?

Woodland has over 100,000 monuments.

James Ritty, inventor of the cash register, which he sold to John Patterson for $6,500.

Historic tours can be scheduled for visitors. Be prepared to walk uphill!

Living the good life...even in death.

I know Stroop Rd is in Kettering, but who was Stroop?

More striking memorials.

The Wright family plot.

Headstones of Orville, Wilbur and Katharine Wright.

The grave of Johnny Morehouse, a five-year-old boy who fell in the waters of the Miami & Erie Canal. Morehouse's dog jumped in the water, attempting to save him, but was too late.

Visitors to the Morehouse site leave toys and dolls.

Many of the trees at Woodland are more than 100 years old.

A beautiful angel.

A majestic monument watches over the resting souls.

The roads are suitable for walking or cycling

Grave site of Paul Laurence Dunbar. The tiny headstone is that of his sister Elizabeth, who died at age 2.

A 29,000 pound boulder marks the grave site of Erma Bombeck.

It’s a Different Kind of Summer Now

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University Hall

Where did ten weeks go? Oh that’s right, they went into writing papers, studying for tests and giving presentations. Another quarter is completed and it is time for summer. Summer doesn’t have the same traditional activities for college students as it used to. No more running in sprinklers and chasing down the ice cream truck, for some of us its time for graduation and off to the real world. For some of us it is time for a summer vacation, relaxing on a beach and sipping on margaritas. And for the rest of us, it might mean working or taking more classes. For some or most of the students at Wright State, our lives don’t change much from the rest of the year. We’ll continue to work, live in the same house or apartment, and go to class, whereas other students have to fight the complications of moving home with mom and dad, finding a job, and even finding things to do around the home town again.

I definitely find this an advantage to being a Wright State student, living locally, and having a secure job. I personally am not taking any summer classes this summer. I take 16 credit hours the other three quarters of the year and work part time. Summer is my freedom, it’s my time to travel and relax and save up that money for fall quarter’s books. But here are some summer plans of a few Wright State Students.

Lindsey Satterfield, Organizational Communications

“I plan on working at JC Penny to save up money, go to some music festivals, and travel to Florida to see my best friend. I also have signed up for one summer class to move things along.”

Joel Hangen, Management Information Systems major

“I’m just working full time this summer, have a couple trips planned to Canada and Vegas”

Nicole Anderson, Communication Studies

“This summer I have an internship, work and classes so I can graduate in March of 2011”

Alex Vanioukov, Business Management

“I work all summer unfortunately”

So it’s an array of plans for Wright State students this summer. We will be in and out of Dayton for the next three months. We’ll be working hard and saving that money for our schooling and of course, we’ll be soaking up the activities Dayton is offering this summer.

June 1: YP this Week

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With First Friday ending the week, there is a lot happening in Dayton.  Although this column highlights events specifically for YPs, I encourage you to check out all this weekend has to offer including First Friday , Paddle in the Park, or the kick-off to Pride Week.  We play well with others right?  It doesn’t HAVE to be all YP all the time.  But you have the DMM event calendar for additional events.  If you’re looking to socialize with the specifically under 40 crowd, here are some YP activities this week:

Tuesday, June 1: HYPE is hosting a membership meeting at The Caroline tonight at 7 PM to welcome new members and plan upcoming membership events. If  you’re looking for YP action in the Northern Miami Valley – stop by.

Wednesday, June 2: First Wednesday of every month is your time to check out the Dayton Ballet Barre/Associate Board Meeting – Want to know more about this great group?  Join them for their meeting and find out how you can get involved.  Meeting starts at 5:30, but come early for the social/happy hour at 5 PM and meet some new people.

Thursday, June 3: Calling all printers, designers, artists and anyone interested in the magic of 2D/3D imagining.  The Dayton Adobe Group (discovered through the Dayton Creative Syndicate) hosts Bart and Michael from EskoArtwork for a free meeting/demo from 6-7:30 PM.

Take your pick when to see Rent as performed by Encore Theatre Co.  Gen D will be going on Thursday, June 3 and Sunday, June 6 if you want to know that they’re be a bunch of other YP’s in the crowd.  Speaking of YPs – ETC is a young, vibrant and exciting theatre troupe based right here in Dayton.

Friday, June 4: HYPE is hosting a TGIF lunch at Tin Roof this Friday at 11:30 a.m. RSVP’s for this lunch are due to Nikki at [email protected] by noon this THURSDAY.

FIRST FRIDAY!!! Want a specifically YP way to check out First Friday?  Hook up with updayton’s Street Buzz and “Get Buzzed.”

Finally, this Sunday is the deadline to RSVP to the great DULYP event – National Day of Service.  Make a difference with other YPs by building a brand new playground in the East End neighborhood.  Event is on Saturday, June 12 – but RSVP deadline is this Sunday!

Hope everyone had a fantastic and meaningful Memorial Weekend and is ready to get out there and have fun in June!  As always – if I missed an event sponsored by YP group – post it in the comments.

This Zumba Queen Will Get You Lean: This ain’t sweatin’ to the oldies!

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Yvette Williams, aka "The Diva"

The old school method of getting a bikini ready bod for the summer used to involve breaking out a dusty old VHS tape, popping it in the VCR and listening to a poofy-haired, tiny shorts-wearing man scream positive affirmations at you through the television set.

But that was then.  If performing awkward, antiquated dance moves in your living room wearing day-glow leg warmers isn’t cutting it any more, then it might be time to switch your style up.

The “new” way, ladies and gentlemen, to sculpt a hot bod is zumba.

And zumba ain’t no joke.

To characterize zumba – a fitness regimen that blends Latin grooves and dance moves – as simply a health craze would be a transgression and an inadequate description of the art form.

Zumba is a lifestyle for enthusiasts who shake their hips to the slick sounds of salsa, merengue and other afro-cuban inspired international rhythms.  The popularity of zumba dance has exploded in recent years as many are discovering the numerous benefits of this fun, yet challenging, activity.

No one knows this better than Yvette “The Diva” Williams, a certified fitness instructor and sports nutritionist who has been leading high energy zumba sessions throughout the Dayton area for the last two years.

Williams, originally from Queens, New York, leads zumba workouts at DK & J Pump in Trotwood, Premiere Ladies Fitness in Kettering and Therapy Cafe in downtown Dayton.

Dayton MostMetro recently sat down with this mother of two for an honest discussion about zumba, music and machismo:

Dayton MostMetro:  When did you develop your interest in fitness?

Yvette Williams: I began bodybuilding late…at thirty!  I grew up always being unhappy with the way that I looked.  I’ve always been a very self conscious person, never really liking the way that I looked.  So, at thirty, I decided to do something about it.  I was watching the Olympics…and was looking at some videos of track and field.  [I was] looking at the bodies and how muscular [the women] were.  I saw how beautiful they were.  They were attractive and sexy.  They didn’t look like men – they looked like shredded, beautiful women.  I wanted to look like that.

DMM:  How were you introduced to zumba?

Williams:  I’ve always had a love for Latin music – especially from being in New York City for as long as I was.  I grew up with the authentic Latin music…Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Mongo Santamaria, um…Ray Barretto, Willie Bobo.  All of them.  I grew up with this music!  It was a very strong influence in my family – in my household.

I was at a gym, and I heard the music and it was catchy.  I thought, “What are they in there doing?’  I ended up taking classes from an instructor named Christi Siler…and we had a ball!  I loved the music!  I loved how she moved!  I found that I already knew the moves because I grew up with this music.  I thought, “Oh my gosh. I can do this!”  I really did it for the love of the music.

"The Diva" in her element

DMM: When did you began teaching your own classes here in Dayton?

Williams:  I became certified and started teaching about a year later…The classes have just sort of taken off. I’m just appreciative – and very grateful – that people like what I do!

My style is very authentic.  Zumba is a Latin word.  It was developed by Alberto Perez, who is Colombian. So, in that spirit – it’s Latin.  It’s what I identify with.  It’s very authentic.  [It’s] heavy salsa!  Heavy meringue and reggae-ton!  I stick with the authentic Latin moves, rather than incorporating too many other things.  I’ve learned that the Latina population really appreciates that, because I’m not watering down anything…It is what it’s supposed to be.

DMM:  So, what’s so cool about the zumba dance routines?

Williams:  You’re working out without even feeling that you’re working out!  You just let the music takes you wherever it wants to take you…The music is very motivating.  It’s captivating and fun music.  It takes you somewhere else!

It allows you a chance to escape.  There’s whooping and hollering…clapping and cheering!  The zumba logo says  “Join the party!”  So, we treat it like a party!  It’s fun, and exciting.  Every class is different…I’m trying to get some more men in the class…

DMM: …Which brings me to my next question.  What was the inspiration behind your Zumba Men’s Challenges?

Williams: Diva is trying to gain more testosterone in her classes! [Laughs.] I’m not going to get the men in here by saying, “Would you guys please come to my zumba class?”  Because they’re going to say that zumba is for girls!  So I said, okay…How about if I challenge them?  And I find that if I challenge them it’s like, “Hold on, wait a minute! You’re not gonna challenge me…” [Laughs]

When I challenged them, they came.

DMM: So you had a favorable response?

Williams: We had a huge one the first time.  The entire dance floor was covered, and there were people going all the way to the back wall.  That was in February. At the second men’s challenge, the men outnumbered the women.

Everybody can Zumba!

DMM: What is the age range for zumba?  And are there any restrictions?

Williams: Before you start any fitness regimen, you should always check with your doctor.  There are different levels.  There’s even Zumba Gold, for the elderly or for people who have had injuries.  But it’s all ages [for zumba.]

My classes are very diverse — from ages 13 to 60.

DMM: Lastly, what would you say to anyone who may be on the fence about trying your classes?

Williams: For the ladies, it’s just an amazing way to get fit and toned for the summer.  I tell everybody, “Before you strut, you gotta sweat!”

For my men, I tell them, “Zumba ain’t sissy, it’s sexy!”

Williams is also a gifted vocalist who has performed on stage during Urban Nights

Mondays
DK&J Pump 1790 Shiloh Springs Rd Trotwood, OH
7:00pm $5 for non-gym members

Fridays
Therapy Cafe 452 E. 3rd St Dayton, OH
6:30pm $6

Saturdays
Premier Ladies Fitness, Kettering OH
1:00pm members only

Ms. Williams would like to give a special shout out to DJ Danny D for providing her with fabulous Latin music and remixes!