The Living City Project – Greater Downtown Dayton, Ohio
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Welcome to The Living City!!!
The Living City Project is a club open to anyone who is actively working to make Greater Downtown Dayton a vibrant place, or who pledges to start. It is a network of the people and partner organizations who truly care about downtown, and it will soon be a physical place with a storefront office, lounge, and community room.
Click here to learn more about the concept.
The Living City is being revived from its original incarnation in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, when it was led by John Gower and other staff in the City’s planning department.
Click here to browse the archives.
Want to get involved? Please fill out our Membership Form to enter our database and tell us more about your interests. If you represent an organization that wants to help downtown Dayton thrive, we have a separate form for Partner Organizations.
The new Living City Project is being coordinated by Kate Ervin. E-mail Kate.
Check back often; we’re just getting going!
Launch the Next Big Idea at the Young Creatives Summit
Mural Art Along Wayne Avenue
Register for the 2010 updayton Young Creatives Summit now.
If you’re reading this right now, you know (at least a little) about DaytonMostMetro.com. And if you drive down Wayne Ave by the railroad overpass, chances are you’ve seen some cool street art popping up. What you may not know is that these ideas came from participants at the 2009 Young Creatives Summit. The 2010 Summit breakouts will challenge you to devise ideas and put them into action. Do you have the next big idea?
You’ve heard that at the Summit you can put your ideas into action… Are you wondering what we mean by that?!? What is the Summit? How does it work? What does it mean to you? I talked to Adam Coatney, co-chair of the Wayne Avenue Corridor Committee, and asked him about his experience with Summit breakouts. With a nod to Lisa Grigsby’s 10?s , here’s Adam Coatney.
Q: Where did the idea for the Wayne Avenue Corridor come from?
Many times after going out to dinner in the Oregon District, we would walk to the Cannery to go to Therapy or the Wine Bar and I realized that the two areas are so close, but were separated by a poorly lit, uninviting stretch of Wayne Ave. With the arrival of Garden Station, it seemed a natural extension to create an appealing place for people to walk and relax between 5th and 3rd.
Q: People have the opportunity to join the action teams before they leave the Summit. Was it hard to get other people on board with your project idea?
Fortunately, this was a popular idea and we have had many people on board for the first projects and, as new projects arise, more people come along, each with unique insight and resources to help!
Q: At the 2009 Summit, this idea received enough votes to be designated as part of the updayton action plan. What happened after the Summit to turn it from an idea into action?
We had a meeting with the group and realized early on that we had to have some immediate, hands-on projects. We planned clean up days to go through the summer and fall and started within a few months to write a grant proposal for the Dayton mini-grant program.
Q: This project spans two blocks on one street – did you ever think about going for something with a bigger impact?
We started with this area because it is between 2 popular entertainment and arts areas and it was more practical with our volunteer base to stay focused. However, many groups around Dayton have contacted us about ways to beautify their area, get contacts for the muralists that submitted to our contest for further projects, etc. We are still focused on our area, but are always looking to help where we can in other parts of Dayton.
Wayne Ave Clean-Up Day (Photo: Libby Ballengee)
Q: Were you able to find partners who were interested in being a part of this idea?
Garden Station and the Circus have, far and away, been the most involved in cooperating with us, thanks in large part to our co-chair, Lisa Helm, who is very involved with the Garden. The Garden has been in invaluable resource for donated items, volunteer hours and the like. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s Kristen Wicker was an integral part of the grant writing success for the mural project, as well. We have been very fortunate to have dedicated people from various groups step in to help.
Q: It’s been almost a year since the Wayne Avenue Corridor Committee got its start at the Summit – what have been some of your successes?
We have had the most success with winning a grant for 10 murals to be painted under the train overpass near Garden Station. We held a contest and got a tremendous response from area artists. We chose 10 artists who each got an area on the East or West wall. We used the grant money to get supplies and award the winning artists.
We also set up regular clean up days on a monthly basis and are starting up this year with a bang on May 17th.
Q: Do you have future plans for the Wayne Avenue Corridor?
Lighting, lighting lighting! Our big plan is to work with DP&L and the city to get some bright lights under the overpass to show off the new murals and create an inviting walkthrough. We have an urban garden in the works, and we’ll be approaching local businesses about projects to beautify the chainlink fencing in the area.
Q: Will you be there again on April 16?
Undoubtedly! We will have a booth at the Resource Fair to show off last year’s work and our plans for this year. We will have a sign up sheet for volunteers to rally more man- and woman-power to help out!
Q: Any last thoughts or recommendations for people wondering if they can make a difference?
Any little bit helps! We have folks coming in and out of our group as their lives allow it, and they have been invaluable. Sometimes you are too busy to help, that’s fine! But get on a mailing list, read the emails and if you have the time or a group is asking for something you are really good at…help out! It doesn’t mean that you have to become volunteer of the year and give up everything else.
Well – there you have it. The excitement, accessibility, and fun of a project developed from the 2009 Young Creatives Summit. This shows how a simple idea and a few people can make a big impact on the region. Join us on at the 2010 Young Creatives Summit on Friday, April 16 and bring your big ideas to make the Dayton region a better place to live, work and play. More info here.
Author behind movie ‘Precious’ to speak at WSU
The author of Push, the novel that became the Academy Award winning feature film ‘Precious’, will visit Dayton this month.
Novelist/poet Sapphire, is scheduled to speak at The Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
A few days before the presentation, the Neon Movies in downtown Dayton has two free screenings of ‘Precious’ scheduled for April 10 at noon and 3 p.m. Tickets are required and will be available on April 2 at the theater.
Push, Sapphire’s 1996 debut novel, tells the story of Precious Jones, an obese, functionally-illiterate 16 year-old mother struggling to escape a harsh life of neglect, abuse and incest.
In 2008, the book was adapted into the film ‘Precious’, and premiered (with much acclaim) at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The film attracted the attention of Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, who signed on as executive-producers of the project in an effort to boost the project’s visibility in Hollyood.
After being picked up for distribution by LionsGate Entertainment, the film was released on November 6, 2009. Though the film was originally slated for limited theatrical release, critical acclaim, positive reviews and the star power of Perry and Winfrey propelled ‘Precious’ into the national spotlight.
‘Precious’ received six Academy Award nominations and won in the Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress categories.
Sapphire’s presentation is part of Wright State University’s celebration of Minority Health Month. For additional information regarding this event, please visit here.
No spelling required for this volunteer opportunity!
But you will need some basic math skills, as you’ll be assigned to keep score for a table at the Literacy Council’s annual Scrabble Tournament. The event will take place on Arpil 22nd at the Engineers Club, starting with cocktails at 5:30pm.
If you’re interested in finding out more, there will be a 1 hour volunteer orientation meeting on April 17th at the Literacy Council, located at 333 W. First Street, Suite 130, in downtown Dayton. Contact Brian .
d8n virus 1.25 – an RTA in Every Pot!
Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell proposed looking into free RTA service and you would have thought he proposed an annual baby raping day or something from the regressive reaction he’s gotten thus far.
Young Talent Have Their Say (While Furthering Their Careers)
Make a difference, make connections and build your skills on April 16
Here at updayton we made a name for ourselves last year with the inaugural Young Creatives Summit. This year, we are streamlining and updating the Summit in a lot of ways – including professional development.
Sure – you can call it professional development for the great networking opportunities. And we all know that volunteer and community involvement is a great way to further your career (people you meet, learning new skills, leading initiatives), but we’re not stopping there either. When we say professional development – we’re talking serious skill building.
Maybe you’re a brilliant designer or a razor-sharp lawyer or a ground-breaking engineer. But have you ever tried to coordinate and inspire volunteers (it’s like herding cats)? Or maybe you can project manage the hell out of something, but how about utilizing the best forms of communication to get your message out to your stakeholders, sponsors, team members, or media partners? Or as much as you believe in the mission of your volunteer organization – do you know the best way to approach someone and ask them to hand over their hard-earned cash for your cause? We each have great skills, but when it comes to making a difference in the community, it’s nice to be a Jack (or Jill)-of-all-trades. That’s where updayton is upping the stakes for this year’s Summit.
Like last year, the 2010 Young Creatives Summit offers idea-generating breakout sessions (streamlined voting process – yes, we listened) and a unique Resource Fair opportunity over lunch. But NEW this year are the Skills Workshops; these are “crash courses” to cover valuable topics to help you make a difference in your community. Expert panelists from across the community offer hints, tips, and insights on Entrepreneurship, Fundraising, Leading in the Community, Communication, Event Planning, and Demystifying Local Government.
We all know that making a difference in the world is about what you know and who you know. So, this is a great opportunity to enhance both. Panelists include community leaders as well as CEOs, VPs, Executive Directors, government leaders and serious movers-and-shakers in business and the community – they’re sharing practical knowledge and helping you make connections with the people you need to know.
So – take a half day on Friday, April 16 to make your mark on the community and further your career. Wondering how to convince your boss that it’s a good use of company time? Tell him or her that you’ll be giving a Friday afternoon to build your skills, network with other young leaders, and create a region where you’ll want to stick around. (And if you ARE the big boss – consider the Summit as a great employee retention opportunity!)
Registration is open NOW and more information is available at http://updayton.com.
Top Ten Lessons I Learned The Hard Way
There Is No Learning Curve In Life
- Don’t laugh when a woman asks you if you have ever thought about marrying them.
- Don’t eat any food that the aforementioned woman might serve to you if in fact you did laugh.
- Even though it is sometimes referred to as the “Muscle Of Love,” Ben-Gay should never be used on it.
- Never assume that your friend turned off the correct breaker before you start working on the electric.
- You will always hear the click of the lock at the exact moment you realize that your keys are still inside.
- All fat people are not jolly.
- Zippers are not forgiving…they play for keeps.
- If an African-American man is using the urinal next to you, don’t say, “So! It’s not true what they say about you guys!” He will not find it amusing at all.
- Don’t assume that a woman holding an iron skillet just wants to cook you something.
- Never ask a random stranger on the street, “Hey! Do you know where I can cash a winning lottery ticket at?”
Top Ten Reasons Why I Am Not Working
I Will Tell You Why I Procrastinate…Later
- The Conan/Leno debacle has me all verklempt. At least Conan got custody of Andy Richter, so I can sleep a little better tonight.
- While doing research for an article, I accidentally misspelled Hadron Collider on Google Search and now my computer inundated with pop ups for gay porn.
- After the aforementioned disaster, I have also inadvertently found a new meaning for “teabaggers,” which has not allowed me to stop simultaneously vomiting and laughing at the same time.
- While cleaning up the vomit, I noticed a rust stain in the sink, which I scrubbed out using an SOS pad. Not wanting to waste a whole pad on such a small job, I looked for something else to clean. Three and a half hours later, the oven is clean, the windows are washed, the kitchen floor is swept and mopped and for reasons I don’t feel I need to explain, I shaved the cat.
- A really attractive Jehovah’s Witness knocked at the door and it became a battle of wills as to which one of us would convert who.
- I had to sob on the couch for some time, realizing that I am older and extremely off my game and have now been corralled into passing out Watchtowers.
- I noticed that it was around noon, which meant that I only had two hours before I had to leave to pick up my kids, and anyone knows that is not enough time to actually get anything done, so why start something that you’re not going to finish.
- I notice that the cat was cold after being shaved and decided to cut five holes in a sweat sock for her to wear as a coat. Making the coat took no time at all, but cats are pointy at four of their five ends and don’t take kindly to being shoved inside a sweat sock.
- I had to rest after the above-mentioned ordeals, so I sat down and contemplated how I was going to meet my publisher’s deadlines. I came to the conclusion that all I needed to do was outsource the work, but since I don’t know anyone inBangladesh, I had to settle for a local crackhead.
- The crackhead said that he needed ten bucks for supplies, so I’m just waiting for him to get back and then we’ll be on a roll! He should be back any minute now…anytime now…
National Rebuilding Day is Sat, April 24th
The annual signature event of Rebuilding Together, brings volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners. Through in-kind labor and donated materials, Rebuilding Together Dayton is able to expand every dollar raised into $4.
Rebuilding Together Dayton provides home rehabilitation for low-income Dayton homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled, so they may live in warmth, safety and independence. Since it’s creation in 1996, they have repaired over 900 homes in neighborhoods across the city .
Rebuilding Day applicants must own their own homes in the City of Dayton and have a combined household income of less than 80% of the area median income. Preference is given to homeowners who are elderly and/or disabled and have lived in their homes for a minimum of 10 years. The 2008 recipients’ average income was 34% of median (around $14,000 annually) and average time in their home was 30 years. Nominations are often made by neighborhood groups, churches, neighborhood development corporations, city housing inspectors, priority boards as well as individuals.
TOP 10 reasons to volunteer for REBUILDING TOGETHER DAYTON
| 10. | Take Action and Make an Impact – It beats being a couch potato. Get out of the house and be a part of what is happening in your city. Get in tune with your own skills and talents without someone telling you what they are. You have a voice and it needs to be heard. No one listens to the guy on the sidelines. | |
| 9. | Food – Who says there’s no free lunch? Not us! We serve free lunches to everyone who volunteers. And if you’re lucky, your volunteer coordinator just might bring donuts for breakfast. | |
| 8. | Leadership – Gain leadership skills and be the boss of your own community service project. Build a sense of responsibility. | |
| 7. | Experience – Community service looks great on applications and resumes. Get “real world” experience right in your own backyard. | |
| 6. | Guilt – Hey, is there anything wrong with a little soul cleansing? Besides, if you don’t do it, who will? | |
| 5. | IT’S FUN!! Need we say more? Didn’t think so! | |
| 4. | Friends – Meet new and interesting people. Who knows who you might meet? | |
| 3. | Adventure – Go to new places. Learn a new skill. Get a little dirty! | |
| 2. | New Wardrobe – Well, okay, it’s just a free T-shirt – but it’s COOL! | |
| 1. | And the No. 1 Reason — IT’S FREE!! – Volunteer on Rebuilding Day and you can have a great time at no cost to you!
Ready to volunteer? Click here or call Amy at 229-4893. |
UD to Host 9th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference
Every woman needs a little “me” time, so why not take this opportunity for a day of networking, self-improvement and rejuvenation?
If you have not yet registered for the Annie T. Thornton Women’s Leadership Conference, to be held at the University of Dayton on Saturday, March 27th, it is not too late to do so. This annual one-day event is named in honor of Annie T. Thornton to recognize her 44 years of leadership and dedication at the University of Dayton. During her time at UD, she mentored hundreds of students, changing lives and empowering women.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Women, Community, Action and Leadership.” The conference officially begins at 9:15 am in Kennedy Union; registration begins at 8:30 am. Dr. Donna Cox promises to be inspirational with her keynote address, and the schedule includes workshop sessions covering topics such as career development, race and gender issues, health and wellness, financial strategies, work/life balance, and much more.
To learn more about the conference, or to register, please visit http://campus.udayton.edu/~udwlc. Conference registration is $20 ($10 for students) and includes a continental breakfast and buffet-style lunch. See you there!
Feed Dayton: Urban Farming
Imagine, if you will, an urban farming program that grows food exclusively for those who need it most.
Now picture this program growing large quantities of only a small variety of crops chosen specifically for their high nutrition value and quantity of harvest, rather than simply based on popularity or marketability.
What if this program engaged the residents from the nearby low income communities to come in and do the harvesting in exchange for keeping a portion of what they picked . . . 80% given to the agencies that feed people . . . 20% kept by those doing the picking.
What if this program dramatically lowered expenses by collecting valuable compostable materials from throughout the community such as leaves, grass clippings, and wood chips, as well as horse manure, fish from the nearby rivers, and other organic fertilizers.
Want to know more? Feed Dayton is a local Urban Farming Program that is growing fresh produce for members of our community who are struggling during today’s difficult times.There will be a volunteer meeting on Thurs, March 18th at 6:30pm at the Life Enrichment Center on 425 North Findlay Street in Dayton.
Purpose of this meeting:
To inform and/or update everybody on what is happening with Feed Dayton at the start of the 2010 planting season. This is a great opportunity for all of us to meet each other, face to face. We will also be providing information on what we are looking for from our volunteers and the community, as well as what you can expect from Feed Dayton.
Letters for Literacy- Scrabble Fest 2010
The Miami Valley Literacy Council will host it’s 4th annual team competition on Thurs, April 22nd at The Engineers Club. Starting at 5:30pm with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, this event is a very mission-centric fundraiser. Teams of of to eight play a slightly altered game of Scrabble that makes it fun to raise funds. Teams can buy extra letters, peeks in the dictionary or expert advice! After 2 rounds of game play, the team with the highest combined score is declared the winner of the huge traveling trophy and retains bragging rights.
Get your team together and come out and join this unique event. Single players will be matched with a team. Cost per player is $50, a table of eight is $500. For more info, contact the Miami Valley Literacy Council at 223.4922.
2010 Aviation Heritage Speakers Series: Dayton’s Air Show History
The annual Dayton Air Show took off in 1975, but air shows and flying exhibitions in Dayton go back 100 years to the Wright Company’s exhibition team, which trained at Huffman Prairie and made its flying debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June 1910.
Aviation writer Timothy R. Gaffney will discuss Dayton’s air show history and highlight past major Dayton aviation shows, including national military shows and a national women’s air race. It all takes place at the Engineers Club, Wednesday, March 17, 7:00 pm.
Mr. Gaffney is a former Dayton Daily News aviation writer, publisher of AviationDayton.com, and author of Dayton Air Show: A Photographic Celebration, which features photos by Dayton Daily News photographer Ty Greenlees.
The Aviation Heritage Speaker Series offers the public a variety of speakers addressing topics related to aviation history through engaging discussion and first-hand accounts.
All programs are on Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. at the Engineers Club, 110 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. These events are free and open to the public.
Community Leaders Encouraged To Apply
Leadership Dayton, a program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, is a premier leadership development program designed to identify, educate and motivate a network of community leaders and increase the individual’s capacity to serve the Dayton region. Each year about 40 applicants are selected to learn through seminars, small work groups, panel discussions, direct interaction with community leaders, and a variety of experiential activities. Candidates must commit to attend an all day session one day a month, as well as the kickoff retreat.
Leadership Dayton is the fourth oldest continuously operating community leadership program in the United States. This regional program and program participants live, work and serve in a number of counties throughout the Miami Valley including: Darke, Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren.
If you are looking to increase your capacity to serve the Dayton region and learn about the challenges facing your community, The Chamber urges you to apply to Dayton’s premier leadership development program. Participants are selected based on a variety of criteria including the applicant’s leadership potential and demonstrated commitment to the community.
If you’d like to be considered for the class of 2011, you’ll need to fill out an application by Monday, April 5, 2010.
For more information about Leadership Dayton contact the Dayton chamber at 226-8256 or visit Leadershipdayton.org.
PS- As a graduate of the class of 2000, I highly recommend this program. Feel free to contact me if you’ve got questions about Leadership Dayton- Lisa
Afternoon of Spanish Cuisine & Culture for Planned Parenthood
It’s the second annual Tour the Globe fundraising event for Planned Parenthood. This year’s featured country is Spain. Enjoy a festive afternoon packed with authentic Spanish entertainment and cuisine. Live Spanish music and Flamenco dancing will be provided by Flamenco Louisville. Special guest, Dr. Juan Palomar will conduct a Spanish wine presentation and tasting of his award winning Veleta/Dominio Buanavista Wines grown and produced in Dr. Palomar’s vineyard in Ugijar, Granada, Spain. A cooking demonstration and delicious Spanish feast will be prepared by El Meson.
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: El Meson Restaurant, West Carrollton, Ohio
Ticket Price: $75 (includes tax-deductible donation of $45)
Tickets include one complimentary Sangria, a Spanish feast consisting of Spanish Tapas, a Paella Buffet, Flan for dessert, and an afternoon of Spanish entertainment!
You can purchase tickets at: www.ppswo.org
Questions? Contact Karen Meade with any questions at 937-528-4678
