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DMM's Best Bets

Jane’s Best Bets (1/26 – 1/30)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s that time of year when many of us have already failed on our New Year’s resolutions.  If you fall into this category, then perhaps you’ve already been sampling some different foods as part of Restaurant Week, one of the many events going on in the Miami Valley!

On Wednesday, if you can’t find something you’d like to eat as part of the 2011 Winter Restaurant Week (which would mean you are too picky!), there are also other food specials, such as Oyster Bar Happy Hour at Dorothy Lane Market, Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday at Bonefish Grill, and All You Can Eat-Ribs, Chicken or Pork at Bullwinkle’s.  If you would rather consume your calories through drinking, participate in the Wine Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar, the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery, or Wine Down Weekdays at Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar.  Or check out Green Drinks Dayton at Norton’s, where the environmental manager for the City of Dayton will be speaking.  If you’re feeling overloaded with all that paperwork on the job (I know I do a lot of the time!), attend/view the online webinar, Take charge of your paperwork in 2011!  And for all you adventure movie lovers, be sure to check out the movie Ride the Divide at The Neon.

On Thursday, make a trip to PNC 2nd Street Market for their Soup Sampling and Recipes.  Attend Lunch and Learn: Incredible Edibles at Cox Arboretum to find out techniques for building a vegetable garden.  After all, spring is right around the corner.  Sorry, that was a lie, but let us at least think that!  If your New Year’s resolution involves improving your finances, attend the Dayton Metro Library’s Financial Literacy Class.  And in case you were wondering if that event would fit into your budget, you’ll be glad to know that it is free!  Enjoy happy hour and do some Networking with Dayton’s Marketing Professionals at Fox and Hound.  Hear poets and vocalists perform as part of Chris Wiley: Poetry in Motion at De’Lish.  I’m not sure if they’re talking about tape or liquor, but if you like scotch, then attend the Scotch Tasting/Class at Boston’s Bistro.  And for a couple theater options…at Wright State, you can see Jekyll & Hyde or you can go to The Loft Theatre for  Twelfth Night, which is actually taking place on the 27th night of the month.

On Friday, join fellow young professionals for the Gen D 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series, in which former Governor Taft will be talking about Education and Innovation. In the evening, go out to dinner with friends or that special someone as part of 2011 Winter Restaurant Week.  If you’re on a budget but still want to try some good food, many restaurants are offering two dinners for the price of one!  After dinner, catch one of the many shows going on in town, including The Berenstain Bears Onstage: A Bear Country Musical (which was one of my favorite book series growing up!) at Town Hall Theatre, the Dayton Opera’s Fidelio at the Schuster Center, I Hate Hamlet at Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, or The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse.  I’ve always heard that Bridge is for old people, so if you’re old, check out The Octette Bridge Club at Beavercreek Community Theatre.  If you’re young though, don’t worry…I don’t think they card!  Over at Alex’s on 725, get your dancing shoes ready as the band Off the Hook will be performing.  If you love Dayton music, make your way to Canal Street Tavern for Dayton Does Dayton!  And if you’re a Rascal Flatts fan like me, be sure to get tickets to see them perform at the Nutter Center as part of their “Nothing Like This” Tour!

On Saturday, if you don’t mind being super cold, help support the Special Olympics by participating in Freezin’ For A Reason- 2011 Polar Plunge at Caesar’s Creek.  Again for some theater/musical performances, check out The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, The Octette Bridge Club at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse, or Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre.  If you want to drink wine but want to help counteract the killing of your brain cells, head to the Boonshoft Museum for the Science of Wine.  Over at the Dayton Masonic Center, join the wonderful jumpstART with their Jump into Bluegrass for discounted tickets to see bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs!  Or if you want to be a cowboy baby, “moooo”ve over to the Nutter Center to see Kid Rock.  If you have some “spare” time and would like to “strike” up a conversation with some other young professionals, come to Woodman Lanes for Generation Dayton Goes Bowling!  After you “split”, head to the St. Helen’s Fish Fry or to the Christopher Club for the Knights of Columbus 4022 Fish Fry.

On Sunday, take it easy with Gentle Yoga at the Sri Yoga Center.  If you still don’t know how to skate (don’t worry, I’m in that bunch too!), attend Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape.  Again, there will be a multitude of shows to see, including Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University, The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, the Dayton Opera’s Beethoven’s Fidelio at the Schuster Center, and The Octette Bridge Club at Beavercreek Community Theatre.  And finally, for a “purr-fectly” good time, help support the Humane Society of Greater Dayton by coming to the Cat Walk 2011: Diva Las Vegas, in which Dayton’s top hair salons compete on the catwalk!  There will be music, drinks, food, dancing, and live entertainment!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why is a moon rock tastier than an earth rock?

Because it’s a little meteor.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/19 – 1/23)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I have to be honest…writing this column each week has been a bit overwhelming, and this week is no exception!  As I have been researching events to share with you, I have realized that there are just TOO MANY great things going on in Dayton from which to choose!  In an effort to reduce the time it would take you to read about all the events going on this week, I have narrowed them down to a hopefully more manageable number!

On Wednesday, you can yell “checkmate” as part of the Chess Club at the East Branch of the Dayton Metro Library…or perhaps you better whisper it since you’ll be at the library.  Test your dance moves with Zumba at the East End Community Center.  Since you worked out, you can head over to Nick’s Restaurant for their Kahlua Tasting (you can’t go wrong with kahlua!), The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, The Caroline for their Eel River Brewing Company Beer Tasting, or Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar for their Wine Down Weekdays! Or check out the movie Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music at The (Fabulous) Neon.

On Thursday, if you don’t know much about twitter, be sure to check out How To Use Twitter for Business.  When I gave up Facebook for Lent last year (except on Sundays, which was still incredibly difficult!), I created a Twitter account to “replace” it.  However, to this day, I still don’t know how to use it, so I could definitely benefit from this workshop!  If you think ice skating is a breeze, learn some additional skills at RiverScape as part of So You Think You Can Skate? I definitely wouldn’t be able to cut it for that one, but perhaps you are much more talented than I am!  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s The King’s Theme: Bach’s A Musical Offering…who could turn down beautiful music in a beautiful environment?  While you’re there, be sure to take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays, as you will get free admission to two of their exhibits!  And finally, whether you’re good or bad, check out Jekyll & Hyde, which will be performed at Wright State.

On Friday, learn the basics of Bread Baking at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Some music options are the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bach: A Musical Offering’ at the Schuster Center, Betty Buckley – Broadway by Request at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, and Bruce Jordan with Sinclair Jazz Ensemble at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.  I Hate Hamlet. Sorry to all the English teachers I have had in the past.  Actually, this is the name of a dramatic comedy you can see at The Playhouse South.  You can also catch Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State and Ravenscroft at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And no matter your religious affiliation, if you missed the kick-off to fish fry season this past weekend at Holy Angels, be sure to head to St. Albert the Great for their Fish Fry!

On Saturday, get some tips on taking care of plants over the winter with the Plant Doctors at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  If you’ve never tried yoga and you’re wondering what all the hype is about, head to the Sri Yoga Open House at Sri Yoga Center, where you will be able to participate in FREE yoga classes!  Bring the whole family to Victoria Theatre for The Gizmo Guys – Comedic Juggling Duo.  If you have an ear for music, head to Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm for the Moon over Aullwood Musical Performance, Gilly’s for the Dayton Blues Society Winter Blues Showcase, or to Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater for the Community Wind Symphony Concert.  Or if you’re like me and are a fan of music by THE Eagles (I can’t remember if any of them are bald), then head to the Schuster Center for ‘One of These Nights: Music of the Eagles’.  To catch some theater, purchase tickets to Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Seth Rudetsky’s Big Fat Broadway Show at Clark State Performing Arts Center, or Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University.  For a thrill, check out AMA Arenacross- Professional Racing at the Nutter Center.  Plus, be sure to get the DaytonMostMetro.com discount for Saturday’s show ($4 off your ticket) by entering the promo code MMETRO!  And finally, although it was a tough loss to Xavier, hopefully the Flyers will get a victory when they take on Fordham at the UD Arena…and hopefully you’ll be there to cheer them on!

On Sunday, you will be able to attend one of the events you may have missed earlier in the weekend, such as the AMA Arenacross- Amateur Racing at the Nutter Center, The Gizmo Guys – Comedic Juggling Duo at Victoria Theatre, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, or Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild.  If you like art, you can catch the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition.  And for all you social justice activists out there, head to the Dayton International Peace Museum for their exhibit, Under Our Noses: Modern Day Slavery and What You Can Do About It.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

How do you identify a bald eagle?

All his feathers are combed over to one side.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/12 – 1/16)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I’m ready for another great week…and the official kick-off to “Fish Fry Season” this Friday!  If you don’t like fish, don’t worry, as there are plenty of other options as well!

On Wednesday, head to The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting.  Wear your Flyer gear and head to the UD Arena to watch UD play St. Joseph’s.  If you like live music, watch Frozen Feet (which is probably pretty accurate this time of year) at Oregon Express or check out the Old Time Acoustic Jam at The Trolley Stop.  Oh…and if you’re like me and kill every plant you come in contact with, get some good plant advice at Cox Arboretum for Lunch and Learn: Fool Proof Plants.

On Thursday, be one of the first 50 customers at PNC 2nd Street Market for their Customer Appreciation Days in order to receive a gift.  While there, enjoy musical entertainment and also participate in their Winter Flower Arranging.  Help out 4 Paws for Ability, a wonderful charity that helps people with disabilities by attending their Charity Quarter Auction at the American Legion.  If you love acoustic music, head to Dublin Pub to see Nick Mitchell perform.  It’s cold outside so go  INTO Victoria Theatre for Into the Woods.  And finally, I’d love to see you at The Wine Loft for Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday!  Plus, you’ll have a chance to win a Wine Loft gift card!

On Friday, again head to PNC 2nd Street Market for one of their Customer Appreciation Days and their Winter Flower Arranging.  I know this is DaytonMostMetro.com, but if you’re feeling like doing a little traveling, I’ll give you the okay just this once to go to Cincinnati for The 53rd Annual Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show.  If you are in the advertising industry, head to Brixx for their Hermes Call for Entries & Happy Hour.  While you’re downtown, brave the elements by attending the Star-Late Skate at RiverScape.  Or attend At the Movies with Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Schuster Center, Into the Woods presented by Muse Machine at Victoria Theatre, or Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild.  And finally, help kick-off fish fry season by attending the Holy Angels Fish Fry and Silent Auction!

On Saturday, head to Spinoza’s for their Yeti Beer Breakfast!, where they will also have live jazz music.  What a great way to start your Saturday!  You can continue the eating out tradition for the day by attending the Wine Luncheon at Jay’s Seafood…which is absolutely delicious!  Up in Yellow Springs, head to their Winter Farmer’s Market.  Over at another kind of market, the PNC 2nd Street Market, bring the kids and participate in their Winter Family Fun Day.  If you really should be working on that next house project, head to the Miami Valley Home Improvement Show for some great ideas!  Give your skating skills a try as part of Ice Skating with Generation Dayton.  Don’t worry, if you fall…I mean when you fall…you’ll be in great company!  For some theater action, get tickets to see Into the Woods at Victoria Theatre, Ravenscroft at Dayton Theatre Guild, At the Movies with Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Schuster Center, or Justin & Ryan:  A Night of Improv, which is also at the Schuster Center.  Help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by attending the Let it Breathe Wine Opener at Taj Ma Garaj.  Or head over to Blind Bob’s for the North Main Flower Man Benefit, which will feature several bands.  Why not party AND support a good cause?!?!

On Sunday, head over to Books & Co. for their Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop.  If you’re feeling like life is a little too hectic and would like to hit the pause button, just head over to Pause to Ponder at Gallery St. John to see photographs of scenes from Dayton.  Or see A Student of People Exhibit, which is an exhibit featuring people from different walks of life.  If you still haven’t made it to the Miami Valley Home Improvement Show, make your way there to get some fantastic ideas for your home.  Love prime rib?  Treat yourself and perhaps someone else (if you’re really nice) by heading over to Fleming’s for their Prime Rib Dinner, which is featured at the special price of $29.95.  If you would like to catch a show, see Into the Woods at the Victoria Theatre or Ravenscroft at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And if your taste in music is rather eclectic, definitely check out 3 Mo’ Divas at the Schuster Center…which sounds like it will be a great performance!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why couldn’t the pony talk?

He was a little horse.

“These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/5 – 1/9)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope that 2011 has many great things in store for all of you!  Hopefully some of these events can help to make it that way!

On Wednesday, for a tasty dinner at a reasonable price, head to the Bonefish Grill for Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesdays, Sammy’s El Pueblo for their Fajita Dinner for 2 for $19.99, or Champps for their 9.99 Fajitas.  If you really wanted to eat fajitas and save money, you should go to Champps since you could get two fajita dinners for a whole penny cheaper…just sayin’.  Help promote the Five Rivers MetroParks’ Outdoor Recreation Department by attending their Volunteer: Street Tream Training.  And if you are environmentally conscious, attend the Environmental Film Series: End of the Line at Cox Arboretum…which is absolutely free!

On Thursday, enjoy a glass or two of wine along with your dinner at the delicious Coco’s Bistro where they have 1/2 Price Wine Bottles.  If you are in downtown Miamisburg, head to TJ Chumps for their Three Course Thursday-All Day and/or A Taste of Wine (which is right across the street) for their Wine Tasting.  Sorry, I may not be helping your New Year’s resolution to lose weight.  And in the evening, all you Dancing with the Stars fans will want to see Mark Ballas as he performs at McGuffy’s.

On Friday, after perhaps your first full week of working in a little while, head downtown for the First Friday Art Hop!  If someone asks you about the Riverscape ice rink, say “I’ll be there” so that you can enjoy the thrill of ice skating as part of the King of Pop Skate.  For a different style of music, join the Dayton Philharmonic as they perform ‘Titanic Brahms, Vibrant Liebermann’ at the Schuster Center.  Over at the Dayton Theatre Guild, see the show Ravenscroft.  And finally, up in Yellow Springs, head to Emporium Wines/Underdog Café for a Wine Tasting accompanied by live music.

On Saturday, head to the Yellow Springs Winter Farmer’s Market – just don’t tell any secrets because remember…a corn has ears!  While you’re there, bring some items that will help you de-clutter your house, items you would like to share with others, or an unwanted Christmas gift as part of the Really Really Free Market at Emporium Wines/Underdog Café in Yellow Springs.  I have never participated in anything like this, but it sounds like an awesome idea!  For more info, check out this link.  If you got engaged over the holidays and are trying to navigate your ways through all the wedding planning, head to the Dayton Bridal Expo at the Dayton Convention Center.  With the amount of food allergies on the rise, consider attending Dorothy Lane Market’s Gluten-Free Food Lovers’ Club: How to eat your way throughout the year.  And in the evening if you are downtown, head to RiverScape for their Star-Late Skate, the Dayton Theatre Guild for Ravenscroft, or the Schuster Center for ‘Titanic Brahms, Vibrant Liebermann’.  And if you decide to head over to McGuffy’s, you’ll be swinging, sliding, and perhaps doing a little bit of monkey barring as the 90s band Marcy Playground performs.

On Sunday, chase those winter blues away by heading to the Mu Crew Pool Party at the Holiday Inn Dayton Mall.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, participate in the two T’s – Tour and Tea.  If you love to write, get a little help by heading over to Books & Co. for their Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop.  And finally, over at the Dayton Theatre Guild, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out Ravenscroft.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

“Doctor!  Something’s wrong!  I’m shrinking!”

“Take it easy, sir.  You’ll just have to be a little patient.”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/29 – 1/2)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

With Christmas shopping finished, Christmas decorations put away until next year (if you’re an overachiever), and 75% off Christmas sales, it’s time to say goodbye to Christmas and hello to a brand spanking new year!

On New Year’s Eve Eve Eve (Wednesday), enjoy some good food at Champps for their 9.99 Fajitas or go to the Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesdays.  “EVE”n though it’s not officially New Year’s Eve, drink some bubbly as part of the Champagne Tasting at Arrow Wine or the Special Sparkling Tasting at Chin’s Ginger Grill.  You may not need to get a cab for this “cab”aret show, but perhaps you may take a trip to Canal Street Tavern for Believe It Or Not It’s Just Me.  And finally, I do believe that the Flyers are going to pull off a win as they play George Mason at UD Arena.

On New Year’s Eve Eve (Thursday), if your New Year’s resolution is to cook more, attend the Couples Cooking Class at Culinary Company.  If it is to cook less, then practice by eating out at Rue Dumaine as part of their $25 Prix Fixe Menu.  I’m glad I just have to write about it and not talk about it because I’m sure I’d butcher that name.  Which reminds me of the butcher who backed into his meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.  Sorry…I couldn’t pass up that one!  Moving on…if you like live music, head to the Oregon District for The Original Acoustic Revival Open Mic Stage at The Trolley Stop or the Blues Jam at Oregon Express.  And for those of you with kids, take them to the Kids’ New Year’s Eve at the Boonshoft for a fun time!

On New Year’s Eve (Friday), you can leave your kids at the babysitter’s.  But first, you might want to take them to see the Harlem Globetrotters at the Nutter Center.  I remember my dad taking me to see them as a kid and they were amazing!  He says that every kid should see them at least once, so if you have the opportunity, get tickets!  Afterwards, go out for a fabulous dinner at one of the many restaurants celebrating New Year’s Eve with special meals, including Amelia’s Bistro, El Meson, The Melting Pot, Meadowlark Restaurant, or Rue Dumaine.  Or, do a little “pre-gaming” at the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine.  Even if you’re not Italian, attending the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘New Year’s Eve Concert: Viva Italia!’ at the Schuster Center is a good option!  And for all you hockey lovers, watch the Dayton Gems take on the Evansville Icemen at Hara Arena as part of the Biggest Family New Year’s Eve Party in Dayton.  If you’re not heading off to a party, there are a variety of places around town to ring in the new year, including the New Year’s Eve Skateat RiverScape, the Black and White Ball at Bar Louie, The big NYE Party at El Meson, and the New Year’s Eve Party at Wiley’s.  And like I’ve said before, please drink responsibly.  Free cab rides are being offered to Montgomery County residents so be sure to take advantage!  Just remember…449-9999!

On New Year’s Day (Saturday), for Pete’s sake, please sleep in…and perhaps take the day easy by watching some football on the couch!  If you do venture out, head over to RiverScape for their New Year’s Day Skate.  You will still be able to see Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at Kettering Tower.  After a crazy busy few weeks, attend Candlelight Yoga & Meditation at Practice Yoga on Fifth for a little relaxation.  And finally, watch some UD basketball action as the Flyers take on New Mexico at UD Arena.

On post-New Year’s Day (Sunday), again I hope you find some time to relax and watch some football since it’s the last day of the regular season!  If you don’t have a place to watch the games, head to The Dock for 79 Cent Draft Beer Football Happy Hour.  If you’re not a football fan, head to Little Art Theatre for Brunch and a movie.  Or head to the Dayton Art Institute to see 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, or the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week (well actually a couple one-liners!). Drum roll please…

A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton…and Happy New Year!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/22 – 12/26)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s so hard to believe that Christmas is this week!  I bet many of you are continuing to do your Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, and decorating, so I’m going to keep it brief.  Here are a few entertainment options if you can make some time during this busy week!

On Wednesday, to get in the true spirit of Christmas, attend At the Manger or the Narrative Enchantment: Nativity Stories in Gold and Blue, both at the University of Dayton.  If you need to unwind after all that Christmas shopping, attend the Wine Tasting at Dorothy Lane Market, the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery, or the Naughty & Nice Beer Tasting at Heather’s Coffee & Café.  I know some geese can get on your nerves, but if you don’t mind them, attend the Annual Goose Dinner at C’est Tout.  And if you’d like to add a little mystery to your dinner, attend the Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Hollywood Holiday’ at the Spaghetti Warehouse.

On Thursday, do some holiday “sightseeing” by checking out Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at the Kettering Tower, the Washington Township Woodland Lights, or Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center.  My almost 7-month old niece went last week to see the windows and she told me she had a good time.  In order to complete your holiday shopping, visit The Tike’s Shop at the Schuster Center, the Beer & Peanuts Shopping Party at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, or Live Art, Give Art! at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  If you would like to make the holidays better for those less fortunate, bring a non-perishable item as part of Food for Friends at PNC 2nd Street Market or as part of the Holiday Food Drive at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  And if you’re a music lover, attending Holidayton at Blind Bob’s is a must, as several bands/musicians will be performing!

On Christmas Eve (Friday) and Christmas Day (Saturday), hopefully you’ll be celebrating with your family/friends!  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  Please be sure to celebrate responsibly!  If you plan to celebrate the holidays with alcohol, have a DD or take advantage of the “Arrive Safe” program.  From December 24th-26th, Montgomery County residents can get a free cab ride (up to $50).  Just program 449-9999 in your cell phone!

On Sunday, I’m guessing you’ll probably want to relax or get up early to get some good shopping deals, return/exchange that ugly Christmas sweater, and/or use any gift cards you may have gotten!  If you are sick and tired of all things Christmas and feel like doing something totally unrelated, you can head over to the Dayton Art Institute for one of their exhibits, including 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, or the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition.  And if you would like to remain in the spirit of Christmas, check out the Washington Township Woodland Lights, Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at the Kettering Tower, or Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why is it so cold at Christmas?
Because it’s in Decembrrrr!

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/15 – 12/19)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

If you had one, I hope you enjoyed your 2-hour delay or day off due to the snow this week!  If not, I’m sorry!  There are again lots of things to do this week, so even if jackfrost is nipping at your nose, don’t make it a big deal…bundle up and get out of that house!

On Wednesday, start the day at Taco Bell for Free Breakfast Wednesday. At lunchtime, there are several events going on downtown.  You will be able to hear yuletide carols being sung by a choir if you attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment or the Noonday Carol Singat Westminster Presbyterian Church.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you’ll want to attend Results Now for Nonprofits at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  The colors of Christmas are red and green, so get in half of that spirit by attending the ‘Green’ Social Networking event at Franco’s.  For you winos, attend the Wine Tasting at Dorothy Lane Market or the Weekly Wine Tastingat The Wine Gallery.  If you’re a beero, attend the Mt Camel Beer Tastingat A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg.  At the Spaghetti Warehouse, attend their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Hollywood Holiday’…if it’s too scary, you will find it hard to sleep tonight.  For you corny folk like me, attend the Customer Appreciation Christmas Partyat Barleycorn’s, where it will be happy hour all day and there will be visits and gifts from Santa. And finally on Wednesday, at The Loft Theatre, attend 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s or catch The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre.

On Thursday, visit Santa at the PNC Second Street Market.  Again at your lunch hour, attend the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment going on downtown.  If you are a young professional who lives/works north of town, join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) at The Caroline as part of their Third Thursday.  In order to try a new beer or two, attend the Sierra Nevada Celebration at Spinoza’s or the Christmas Beer Dinner at Thai 9.  I’m talking to you about beer, so I’m offering this simple phrase:  Don’t drink and drive.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, watch as the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Presents African Americans in American Life.  While there, take advantage of their Free Third Thursdays.  Or crank out some tunes by attending Karaoke with DJ Carlat Therapy Café.

On Friday, there are many options for your lunch hour.  If you would like to have lunch with an awesome group of young professionals, RSVP to the wonderful Andy Hickey and attend Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday lunchat Rue Dumaine (it’s actually the third Thursday this month because of Christmas!).  Or, attend Bach’s Lunch feat. Carillon Brass, a band of brass instrument musicians, whose members are all part of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  Plus, the concert is absolutely FREE!  According to my schedule, fish fry season doesn’t officially start until the Holy Angels fish fry in January, but you don’t have to wait that long for a little fish as you’ll be able to have an All You Can Eat Fish Dinnerat Romer’s Bar and Grill. For those of us who still need to finish our Christmas shopping, we’re in luck as there is a Holiday Bazaar at Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa.  Don’t feel like cooking?  Attend the Christmas Candlelight Dinner at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  Or attend the December Wine and Food Extravaganzaat Kroger Fresh Fare.  I looked at the menu and it sounds absolutely amazing, as there are many foods whose names I don’t know how to pronounce!  To burn off all those calories, grab your ice skates and head over to RiversScape for their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40.  Or if you feel like just kicking back, consider purchasing tickets to one of the many shows going on in the area, including Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, the The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, or Irving Berlin’s White Christmasat La Comedia.

Plan to make Saturday a day with your kids…or at least part of it.  And if you’re like me and don’t have any kids, you can just act like one, or perhaps give somebody’s parents a break and borrow one.  (My mom said she wished somebody would borrow me.  Yep, she actually said that…luckily followed by a just kidding!)  So with kid/s in tow, attend Breakfast with Santa at Carillon Park or stop by the PNC 2nd Street Market as Santa Visits the Market, where he has probably loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh!   While there, drop off your non-perishable items for Food for Friends.  In addition to helping those who are less fortunate, you’ll also be setting a great example for the little ones!  You can then visit the Wonderland Windows and do a little shopping at The Tike’s Shop, which are both at the Schuster Center.  At Kettering Tower, check out Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display.  A little later, take those kiddos to The Neon to watch ‘The Grinch’ as part of their Family Movie Series.  Looking for a pet?  Consider attending the Iams Home 4 the Holiday Pet Adopt-a-thon Event.

There are many other options for Saturday as well!  If you’d like to see a show, consider seeing Christmas Belles at the Dayton Playhouse, The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, The Nutcrackerat the Schuster Center, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at the Loft Theatre.  Help to make the season bright by attending the Musica! Christmas Seasonal Concertat Fairhaven Church.  I have heard that Musica! has been working hard to put on a great performance!  All you “Flyer Faithful” will want to be at the UD Arena as the Flyers take on Western Carolina.  And although I have never been to one, you can also attend The Mu Crew Christmas Drag Showto benefit the AIDS Resource Center…there might not be folks dressed up like eskimos, but I am sure they will be wearing some interesting clothes!  I didn’t mean for it to, but that sort of rhymed…I guess I’m a poet and didn’t even know it.

On Sunday, have a Victorian Christmas Brunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club. You will also have the opportunity to take your child to the Schuster Center to have Some-Fun, see the Wonderland Windows display, and shop at The Tike’s Shop…I’m sure there will be lots of tiny tots with their eyes all aglow!  If you love architecture, then you will definitely want to attend the Architectural Church Tour which will take you through four different churches built in the late 19th/early 20th century.  This shuttled tour is 100% free!  If you didn’t get a chance to see Musica! perform on Saturday night, consider checking them out at the Lutheran Church of our Savior for their Christmas Seasonal Concert.  And for some theater options, go to the Dayton Playhouse to see Christmas Belles, the Victoria Theatre for The Wonder Bread Years, the Schuster Center for The Nutcracker, Town Hall Theatre for Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, La Comedia for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, or The loft Theatre for 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s.  And if you would like somebody to hit your funny bone, see Latin Kings of Comedy- Alex Reymundo at Dayton Funny Bone.  I have two funny bones, but I think Dayton only has one.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why does Santa have three gardens?

So he can hoe hoe hoe.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, have a GREAT week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/8 – 12/12)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

So we got some of that white stuff on the ground this past week, which is starting to make me dream of a white Christmas!  I love Dayton, but I could definitely do away with this cold!  Anywho, here are some mostly indoor options for the week so you don’t have to depend on the crazy weather!

On Wednesday, check out the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment at various building lobbies downtown.  Groups from around the Miami Valley will be performing holiday music, so it might be a good thing to check out during your lunch hour!  If you’re up in the northern part of the area, consider having Lunch with HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) at Coldwater Café.  In the evening, head to the Oregon District for their Holiday Tour of Homes.  If you have never experienced Christmas on Campus – Music at the University of Dayton, it is definitely something you want to check out!  There are a variety of festivities, including live music, displays, food, and much more!  If you are “wonder”ing whether there are any theater options, you are in luck!  Catch The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.

On Thursday, there will again be musical entertainment during the lunch hour at both the Key Bank Tower’s lobby and the Liberty Tower’s lobby as part of the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment.  Ladies, there is a day just for us at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  Pamper yourself by participating in a variety of activities, including flower arranging, make-up hints, healthy eating tips, and more as part of Ladies Day at the Market.  If you can take the afternoon off work, head to the Dayton Art Institute for their Tour and Tea.  In the evening, ALL young professionals should definitely attend Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at the Dayton Racquet Club!  If you’re active and would like to learn how to cook, consider registering for Backcountry Gourmet Cooking presented by Five Rivers Metro Parks.  And if you love free live music, attend the UD Gamelan Ensemble performance.

The Nutcracker

On Friday, attend Kids Flower Arranging (make sure your children listen!) or December Centerpieces at PNC 2nd Street Market.  If you didn’t get a chance to check out one of the many holiday music performances downtown during your lunch hour the past few days as part of the Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment, now is your chance.  And even if you already did, there will be new groups performing!  There will be plenty of performances/shows to check out, including Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, A Christmas Carol at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, the UD Jazz Ensembles at the University of Dayton, The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Precious Heart at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre.  If it’s not too cold, join other skaters (or wannabe skaters) at the Star-Late Skate at River Skate…I mean Scape.  No goats allowed.

On Saturday, get a healthy start by participating in the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis at the Dayton Mall, where I’m sure you’ll see treetops glisten if you go in some of the department stores!  With every Christmas card you write, you get some of that carpal tunnel stuff, so this will be a good opportunity to start moving your legs instead of your hands!  Still trying to catch up on your holiday shopping?  Check out the Yellow Springs Holiday Festival.  At The Neon, see the movie Elf as part of their Family Movie Series.  Heat up your holidays without that expensive airfare by checking out the Parrots of the Caribbean (a Jimmy Buffett cover band) as they play at Norton’s in Kettering.  There will also be tons of performances in the Dayton area that continue to go on, including The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, Precious Heart at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, A Christmas Carol at Beavercreek Community Theatre, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s and at The Loft Theatre.  Also, join jumpstART, the Dayton Ballet Barre, and the Young Lawyers Division as they partner up for Jump into Ballet (A Night with the Nutcracker).  Click on the link to see how YOU can get a ticket at half-price!  Plus afterwards, attend the JumpsART Afterparty at The Wine Gallery!  If you’re not into the theatre scene but would prefer to do some bar hopping (for a good cause of course!), get out your Santa or Mrs. Claus suit and participate in the Santa Pub Crawl to benefit Toys for Tots in the Oregon District.  Just be sure to drink responsibly!  Love, Your Mom.

On Sunday, take the whole family to the Schuster Center to hear sleigh bells in the snow as part of Wonderland Windows.  While there, you can also shop in The Tike’s Shop, have “Some-Fun”, and check out a performance of The Nutcracker.  For some beautiful music, head to the Dayton Art Institute for the Afternoon Musicales: Holiday Performance, Westminster Presbyterian Church for the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Handel’s Messiah: The Composer’s Cut’, or Kettering Fairmont High School for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Concert.  There will also be additional performances of many of the shows that have been going on this week, including The Wonder Bread Years at Victoria Theatre, Junie B. Jones; Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, Precious Heart at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.  And finally, you may want to be sitting at “The Dock” (of the bay), for 79 Cent Draft Beer Football Happy Hour.  It will definitely be happy if the Browns are winning!  And if not, I’m sure a beer will help!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Did you hear about the guy who sent his girlfriend a huge pile of snow?  He called her up the next day and asked her, “Did you get my drift?”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

May your days be merry and bright this week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/1 – 12/5)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Just think…in less than four weeks, Santa Claus is coming to town.  You better watch out for the many fun things going on this week!

On Wednesday, head over to the University of Dayton for their Narrative Enchantment: Nativity Stories in Gold and Blue, which is a visual display created by an award-winning illustrator.  You better not cry when you see Scrooge in A Christmas Carolat the Victoria Theatre.  At the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, bring in canned goods to create an artistic display, which will then be donated to the Foodbank as part of the Show of HeART: The Foodbank Installation.  At the Oakwood Dorothy Lane Market, attend the Season’s Greetings Beer Tasting. And in the evening, make your way over to UD Arena to watch the Flyers play East Tennessee State!

On Thursday, learn how social media can help grow your business by registering for Social Media Boot Camp at Sinclair.  If you’re a young professional interested in marketing and new media and would like to give back (after all, Santa knows if you’ve been bad or good), you will definitely want to learn about a new and wonderful group in town called CultureMASH at their launch event at Wright State.  And if you’re a young professional in the defense industry, definitely check out the Young AFCEAn End of Year Social at the Pub at the Greene.  For a good laugh, head over to the Victoria Theatre to see the stand-up comic Lisa Lampanelli.  Santa knows who is naughty and nice, and according to what I’ve heard, Lisa’s stand-up routine is more of the former, as she has been hailed the “Queen of Mean”…however, she is well-liked by many!  If you’ve been making a list of all the songs of the 70s you know and love, then you’ll be able to listen to them as part of 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.  And if you would like to hear another style of music, watch the University of Dayton Orchestra, as they put on a FREE show!

On Friday, head over to the PNC 2nd Street Market to make Azra’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.  Watch the Miami Valley Dance Company’s Performance of the Nutcrackerat Bellbrook High School.  Attend the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s First Friday, which is an amazing art hop downtown.  Don’t worry, if you’re not an art fanatic, there are plenty of other things to do while you’re downtown!  Ice skate at RiverScape (that sounds like the beginning of a tongue twister) to some music like the professionals do as part of their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40, or take a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride. At the Schuster Center, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, ‘Twas the Night: Holiday at Home’. At The Loft Theatre, be entertained by 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s.  And finally downtown, I am so pleased to announce that Bryan Adams will be performing at Victoria Theatre!  Yeah, I’m pretty sure that “Bryan Adams” is a common name, but I checked and it is THE Bryan Adams…you know, the singer!  Please forgive me for the fact that my words come straight from the heart…I’m just that excited about it!  At Triangle Park, take the kids and attend the City Of Dayton Winter Wonderland to experience a fun, outdoor light display…just tell them to be good for goodness sake.  And if you are in the suburbs, consider seeing A Christmas Carolat the Beavercreek Community Theatre, the Washington Township Woodland Lights, or Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smellsat Town Hall Theatre in Centerville.  I don’t think little Junie is aware of the fact that Santa knows if she’s been good or bad!

On Saturday, you better be making a list of the things you would like to do, as there are so many awesome events from which to choose!  Santa Claus will REALLY be coming to town and you can have breakfast with him at Rusty Bucket at the Dayton Mall or at Polen Farms.  Also at Polen Farms, you can attend their Holiday Boutique to find unique holiday gifts.  Not sure how unique they are, as there will also be the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Bazaar at Dayton Liederkranz Turner and the Omega Holiday Bazaar at Omega Baptist Church, which both offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.  Kind of reminds me of the quote, “You’re unique, just like everybody else.”  I guess it’s the same way with Christmas gifts.  Sorry, I digress.  I’m thinking Santa must have a pretty busy day, as he will also be at Uno’s Chicago Grill and at the PNC 2nd Street Market for Pet Pictures with Santa.  While at the PNC 2nd Street Market, you can also participate in the Christmas Walk, which is my kind of walk as it is a “noncompetitive walk for the health of it”.  Although my kind of walk is probably more like the We Care Arts Cookie Walk going on at We Care Arts in Kettering, which is a wonderful organization that seeks to change disabilities into possibilities through art.  If you’re in downtown Lebanon, check out the Historic Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade.

Continuing with Saturday…At the Victoria Theatre, check out Mooseltoe:  The Moosical…gotta love puns!  Also for more theater action, check out Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, the Miami Valley Dance Company’s Nutcracker at Bellbrook High School, or A Christmas Carol at the Beavercreek Community Theatre.  If you enjoy music, consider listening to The Dayton Philharmonic ‘Twas the Night: Holiday at Home’at the Schuster Center, the UD Ebony Heritage Singers at the University of Dayton, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre.  Eat and dance the night away with The Soul Express Band at the Dayton Neighborhood Ballat the Dayton Masonic Center.  Give those vocal chords a workout (although you may need to see one of my colleagues for voice therapy afterwards!) by cheering on the Flyers as they take on Miami at UD Arena.  At the University of Dayton’s campus, you will be able to see Holiday Happenings – DCDC2’s Family Holiday Performance, in which there will be fun-filled dance performances to traditional and non-traditional holiday music.  And finally on Saturday evening, I am excited to be  celebrating with Generation Dayton at their Annual Holiday Party at the Old Courthouse downtown!

On Sunday, you will once again be able to get some holiday shopping accomplished at the Omega Holiday Bazaar at Omega Baptist Church and the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Bazaarat Dayton Liederkranz Turner.  If you’re looking for something musical, check out Mooseltoe:  The Moosical at Victoria Theatre, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Afternoon Musicales: Dayton Music Club at the Dayton Art Institute, Advent Dinner and Choral Program at Westminster Presbyterian Church, or the UD Choral Union/ World Music Choir/ Hands in Harmony at the University of Dayton.  And if you love all the Christmas decorations this time of year, hit up the Washington Township Woodland Lights!

You better not pout because you can’t hit up all these awesome events this week!  I’m confident that whatever you choose to do, you’ll have an awesome time!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call Santa when he has no money?
Saint “Nickel”-less!

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/24 – 11/28)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As it is Thanksgiving week, I want to take a minute to say how very thankful I am to all of you for reading Jane’s Best Bets!  And thank you to DaytonMostMetro.com for giving me the opportunity to write on a topic I am so passionate about!  Here’s to another great week in Dayton!

On Wednesday, consider getting a FREE t-shirt by donating blood at the You’re The Ticket To Saving a Life at Community Blood Center! Don’t worry…you’ll be eating plenty of food tomorrow, so I’m guessing your blood supply will be okay.  At PNC 2nd Street Market, do your last minute Thanksgiving shopping as part of their Stock-Up Wednesday event.  And in the evening, be sure to catch the UD Flyers’ next win as they play Florida A&M at the UD Arena.  And if you want to get in the spirit of Thanksgiving and have a good laugh, check out the Thanksgiving Eve Show at Wiley’s.

On Thursday, with it being the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m going to keep it brief.  Consider participating in the The 32nd Annual Turkey Trot in downtown Miamisburg to counteract all the delicious food you’ll be eating later in the day.  And from what I’ve been told, you DON’T have to be a runner…walking is perfectly acceptable!  Over at the Dayton Convention Center, attend Thanksgiving in Dayton ‘A Feast of Giving’, in which several sponsors are helping to continue the Beerman family Thanksgiving dinner tradition.  Regardless of where you go, have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING and eat some turkey for me!  Gobble Gobble!

On Black Friday, set your alarm clock early so you can catch some of those fabulous deals.  Just be sure I don’t see you on the news later because you got into a fight over a super deal on the Emerson 32” LCD HDTV they’re selling at Wal-Mart! If you’re not up for fighting the crazy crowds, there are many other ways to officially kick off the Christmas season on Friday so let me fill you in one little secret…Downtown is THE place to be!  If you want to burn off some of those calories from all that turkey you ate the day before, head to the MetroParks Ice Rink Grand Opening Weekend at Riverscape.  Visit Santa and allow your kids to do a little shopping of their own at The Tike’s Shop, as well as see the Wonderland Windows (the old Rike’s holiday displays) at the Schuster Center.  Check out some amazing gingerbread houses as part of the Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest at the Old Courthouse.  Over at Kettering Tower (which is actually in downtown, not Kettering!), bring the kids to the Holiday Village, which will include festive crafts and games.  Also for the kids, The Junior League of Dayton will be sponsoring their 2010 Holiday Hunt.  In addition to all these great events, there will also be a Street Fair on Third with free carnival rides, a McPherson Town Holiday Home Tour, and a Sounds of the Season concert at Fifth Third Center, where Culture Works brings together several local choirs for a free holiday concert!  And finally while you’re downtown, you won’t want to miss the Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights (Dayton Holiday Festival) at Courthouse Square.  Oh…and if your legs are exhausted from doing all that shopping early in the morning, take one of the Horse-drawn Wagon Rides to get from location to location!  Or if you want to kick your feet back and enjoy a show where others are doing all the legwork, head to the Schuster Center to see Cirque Dreams – Holidaze, which is a holiday musical with an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers, and musicians!  Whew, I’m exhausted!  If you don’t remember everything I said about Friday, don’t worry – just remember the word “downtown” and the rest will take care of itself!

On Saturday, head back downtown for one of the many things you may have missed, since after all, how could you possibly fit it all in on one day?!?!  There will be The Tike’s Shop, Wonderland Windows, and Cirque Dreams – Holidaze at the Schuster Center; Carriage Rides and ice skating as part of MetroParks Ice Rink Grand Opening Weekend at Riverscape; the Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at Kettering Tower; and the McPherson Town Holiday Home Tour.  Also, check out the PNC 2nd Street Market and bring a non-perishable item or two to donate to the Foodbank as part of the Food for Friends event.  At Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, they will have a Holiday Art Fair and Open House.  If you are looking for a Christmas tree, head out to Choose & Cut Christmas Trees at Young’s Jersey Dairy.  Bring your dancing moves to the Dayton Mall and participate in Dance Along Nutcracker…all are welcome!  And finally in the evening, support the AIDS Resource Center by watching The Rubi Girls present ‘The Show Must Go On’ at Club Masque.

On Sunday, to be perfectly honest, I’m probably going to need to rest due to all the hustle and bustle from the previous days!  But if you’re game, there will still be many events going on strong in the wonderful Dayton region!  Have “Some-Fun” at the Schuster Center with crafts, entertainment, and more.  While there, be sure to check out Wonderland Windows and The Tike’s Shop if you didn’t get a chance to see them earlier in the weekend.  Or, check out the Cirque Dreams – Holidaze show.  If you’re no Peggy Fleming, attend Fundamentals of Skating at Riverscape.  And finally, if you’re a beer lover, attend the Tapping Dogfish Head Burton Baton at Chappy’s.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the police arrest the turkey?

They suspected it of fowl play.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/17 – 11/21)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Saturday’s game was officially a great start to the UD basketball season…Go Flyers!  I’m guessing this week may fly by, as there are many great things to keep you busy!

On Wednesday, instead of going to the gym and sculpting your own body, head to Rosewood Art Center to see others doing the work for their HWD 2010, which is a regional sculpture competition…the art kind!  If you’re looking for free tickets to an event, look no further.  At the Community Blood Center, You’re The Ticket To Saving a Life, so take a minute to donate blood!  You’ll get a FREE “Your Ticket to Saving A Life” t-shirt, plus you’ll be registered to win tickets to the Ohio State vs. Michigan game on November 27th.  If that’s not an incentive, I don’t know what is!  They do say you should eat after donating blood, so consider heading to the yummy DiSalvo’s Deli for their Meal of the Month or to Bullwinkle’s in Miamisburg for their All You Can Eat for $19.99 special.  And in the evening, you may want to check out the Old Time Acoustic Jam at the Trolley Stop.

On Thursday, wake up early and help your body de-stress by attending Yin Yoga at Kira’s Oasis.  Create a Holiday Centerpiece for only $10 at 2nd Street Market…which would totally score you some brownie points with your mom (if it could only have given my Brownies a few extra points this past Sunday)!  Thursday is National Philanthropy Day, so consider heading to the Schuster Center for their celebration, in which they will give out several awards.  Stop on by the Dayton Visual Arts Center where artist Paula Willmot Kraus will be giving a Gallery Talk.  The Dayton Art Institute is a key destination for your Thursday, as you will receive free admission to the exhibits 100 Years of African-American Art and Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis. Did you hear that I said FREE??? Thanksgiving is a week away, but you can have your Thanksgiving Dinner now courtesy of the Stockyards Inn as part of their Turkey Thursdays.  Or, if you would like to figure what kind of wine to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner next week, consider allowing the professionals at A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg help you by attending their Holiday Tasting.  Up at The Caroline in Troy, join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) as part of their Third Thursday.  And after a day full of fun, attend the Homefull’s Annual Sleep-out Challenge at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park in honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week.  You might want to bring out your thermal underwear!

On Friday, if you like to eat, attend the 81st Annual Waffle Shop at Christ Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, which will raise money to support programs that benefit the Dayton community.  In addition to homemade waffles, there will be many other foods from which to choose, as well as a craft bazaar, bake sale, rummage sale, and raffle.  Plus, Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell will serve as a celebrity baker!  Another lunch-time option is joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch at Spinoza’s.  For those of you who don’t trust me and are doing the math, it’s actually the third Friday this month due to the Thanksgiving holiday!  At the Funny Bone, see the stand-up comedy routine of Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother.  There will be An Evening of Astronomy at the Boonshoft for all you star gazers.  If you want to feel like you jumped (or flew) straight from the movie Aladdin, attend the Ronald McDonald House Exclusive Lounge Party- Arabian Nights at the Dayton Country Club.  There will be live music from the band Out of the Attic, dancing, games, belly dancing, and more!  Plus, proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, the Max Brod Trio will be performing as part of their Vanguard Concert Series.  And even though your work week might be officially over, check out the musical Working presented by Wilmington College.  

On Saturday, bring your entire family and your Christmas spirit to the amazing Salvation Army Kroc Center for their Christmas at the Kroc, which is a FREE event!  There will be a variety of activities, including crafts, carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and a story time, so this is one event your kids will not want to miss!  For those of you who bleed scarlet and gray, consider watching the OSU Game at The Pour Haus, where they will have drink specials and a Buckeye feast!  You might not be able to buy love, but you will be able to buy tickets to the Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles at the Schuster Center, which will kick off the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rockin’ Orchestra Series.  Sounds like a great event!  Or “come together” with your friends to see the Beatles’ tribute band Ticket to Ride at Gilly’s.  And over in Wilmington, the musical Working will again be performed at Wilmington College.

Finally on Sunday, start the day off with Sunday Brunch Las Americas Style at Las Americas downtown.  At Carillon Park, attend Ringing in the Holidays, where there will be delicious food and drinks, as well as live entertainment, a raffle, and a silent auction.  And if you like comedy, check out Open-Mic Night at Wiley’s in the Oregon District.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What did George Harrison say to his guitar while it gently wept?
Don’t Fret.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/10 – 11/14)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Sunday’s Patriots vs. Browns game may be considered an upset, but to be quite honest, I’m not sure why.  My family sure wasn’t upset…GO BROWNIES!  If you weren’t watching the game, hopefully you were out having fun participating in one of the many events going on in Dayton this past week!  Here’s to another week with a variety of things to do!

On Wednesday, sip some wine at The Wine Gallery downtown for their Anniversary Tasting! Approximately 50 different wines will be featured and they will have complimentary food.  Or if you’re more of a beer lover, then attend the Beer Tasting at The Caroline in Troy.  Drive to The Winds Café and Bakery in Yellow Springs for their 21st Annual Garlic Dinner if you don’t mind a little garlic on your breath.  If you’re like me and love G-O-D, then you will want to attend the Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg’s production of the wonderful musical Godspell at the Baum Opera House.  I heard that the kids put on an outstanding performance!  For a good drum roll (and perhaps a dumb joke to follow!), see DRUMLine Live at the Schuster Center.  Also, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at the Nutter Center if you prefer to get in the Christmas spirit a little early this year.  And finally, if you would like to give back, then bring your canned goods to the “Can”nery for their Holiday Food Drive, which will benefit the Foodbank.  Or, purchase a new toy or clothing item to help needy kids as part of the YWCA Dayton Holiday Wish List Donation Drive.

On Thursday, get your exercise and “Jump” into Art with jumpstART at the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery.  Although ARTtoBUY will be happening for a while, on Thursday only, jumpstART will be providing light food, good wine, and some art appreciation.  If you are an introvert and would prefer to buy art-type gifts by yourself, then attend Live Art, Give Art at the Cannery Art and Design Center’s fourth annual holiday gift gallery.  Are you a young professional that would like to meet other young professionals in the Dayton area?  If so, come to Champps, grab a drink, and do some social networking as part of Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday.  Plus, you will have a chance to win a $25 gift card to Champps, which you are welcome to use to buy me a drink!  At The Neon, the Ohio Liberty Film Festival will be going on, so if movies are your thing, then you should plan to attend. And if can’t wait until Thanksgiving for your turkey dinner, then gobble your way to the Stockyards Inn for their Turkey Thursdays.

On Friday, all you businesswomen will want to attend the Women in Business Networking winstitute at the Dayton Racquet Club. If you’re sick and tired of that old couch but don’t have the money to purchase a new one (or are just environmentally conscious), consider turning it into a beautiful work of art at the Reinvent Your Furniture Workshop at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  If you are a college student who would like to learn a little bit about leadership, then attend Leadership Truths: Everything A College Student Needs to Know at Urbana University.  In addition, the premier young professional groups in the Dayton region will be on hand to help you get connected with all things Dayton!  (Honestly, this is how I have become connected in the Dayton community, so I highly recommend it!)  At the Schuster Center, join the Philharmonic Orchestra and some top vocalists for Broadway Rocks.  I’m not sure if they will be of the igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic type, but the performance will feature several hits from wonderful shows such as Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.  For more info, be sure to check out this article on DMM!  Also downtown, the Ohio Liberty Film Festival will be happening at the Engineers Club.  And, if you’re looking for an evening of dining and dancing in a beautiful setting, be sure to get your tickets today for the Dayton Urban League Gala at the Dayton Art Institute!

On Saturday, head to the Dayton Women’s Club for their Annual Holiday Bazaar.  If you feel like you’re wearing the same thing over and over again and need something new in which to put your arms and legs, but don’t want something that will cost you an arm and a leg, attend the Swap ‘n Shop ’til You Drop Charity Benefit.  Grab three friends and register your team for the URS Oregon District Barstool Open, which is a 9-hole, 9-bar indoor miniature golf outing.  From those who have attended in the past, I have heard it is a super fun time.  Plus, proceeds benefit local children and adults with disabilities, so I’m all “fore” it!  In the evening, you can also support the Cystic Fibrosis Association by attending the Dayton Shining Stars Gala at the Engineers Club.  For some musical/theater options, see the Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg’s production of Godspell at the Baum Opera House, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia, Playing by Life’s Rules’ at the Ray & Joan Kroc Theatre, Broadway Rocks at the Schuster Center, An Evening with Sutton Foster at Clark State Performing Arts Center, or the Choral Concert at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre.  Are you already missing the summer?  If so, attend an Indoor Tropical Bash at Norton’s featuring the Parrots of the Caribbean, a wonderful Jimmy Buffett Tribute band that is sure to put on a great show!  Or make your way to UD Arena to watch the Flyers take on Mount St. Mary’s.  Go UD!

On Sunday, if you’re not watching the Browns’ next victory, consider making the drive to Fairfield for Jungle Jim’s International Wine Festival, where there will be over 400 wines!  That is a lot of alcohol, so be sure to bring a DD…or rather have a DD bring you.  Downtown, celebrate the 20thAnniversary of the renovation and re-opening of the Victoria Theatre with Viva Victoria!.  The celebration is absolutely free…just be sure to get your ticket from Ticket Center Stage.  If you didn’t get a chance to check out the Ohio Liberty Film Festival at The Neon, Playing By Life’s Rules’ at the Ray & Joan Kroc Theatre, or Godspell at the Baum Opera House, now is your opportunity to do so.  And finally, if you want to get in the spirit of Christmas with a little spirits (which is much more acceptable than non-stop Christmas music in November!), attend the Holiday Tasting at Arrow Wine in Centerville.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

I was trying to write a song about drinking but I couldn’t get past the first few bars.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/3 – 11/7)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Election season is over!  No matter your political stance and your state of happiness/unhappiness following the elections, at least celebrate the fact that you won’t have to deal with any more campaign commercials, fliers, or annoying phone calls!  In order to start the celebration, here are some options this week!

On Wednesday, support the Humane Society by attending Pet Afflaire 2010: 20th Anniversary at the Presidential Banquet Center, which will include dining, socializing, “barktinis”, and an auction.  Or sip a variety of wines at Dorothy Lane Market’s Wine Tasting (Centerville location) or at the The Wine Gallery’s Weekly Wine Tasting.  Even though you might be bummed that fall is here, spring is in the air at the Victoria Theatre!  Be sure to attend their presentation of the Tony Award winning musical, Spring Awakening.  Plus, if you’re a student and you bring your student ID to the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, you can get half-off tickets two hours before the show!

On Thursday, all you Buckeye fans will want to head to the Schuster Center to see Archie Griffin as part of the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series.  At the Dayton Art Institute, attend the last DAI 2010 Vectren Just Jazz Series, featuring Khalid Moss.  If you enjoy baking and want to perfect your cookie decorating skills, consider heading to Cooks’ Wares in Springboro for their Holiday Cookie Decorating.  If you need a taste tester or have any “goof-ups,” let me know…I’d be happy to help!  At the First Baptist Church of Dayton, attend the Local Foods Chili Dinner, where UD students from the Nutrition & Dietetics Department will prepare a meal in order to promote local foods.  In addition, all donations received will benefit the Foodbank.  And if you love musicals, attend ETC’s Big Fat Concert Series: Indulge Yourself at Sidebar in the Oregon District for cocktails and a FREE concert!

On Friday, “accord”ing to me, you should consider attending the Commemorative Banquet as part of the Dayton Peace “Accords” 15th Anniversary Event at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center.  In the evening, get your bike from out of the garage (and in my case, dust it off and put air in your tires), and participate in the Courteous Mass Ride.  While you’re downtown, check out many of the events going on there as part of First Friday.  Even though I’m typically on the side of the good guys, this weekend I’ll recommend the Bad Boys & Beer at the Belly Bomb Cafe Event at Taj Ma Garaj for fine food, samples of craft beer, and live music!  Plus, proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation and Dayton History.  Or, if you want to catch a show/concert, some of your options include ‘Chopin’s Circle’at the Schuster Center, Irving Berlin’s White Christmasat La Comedia, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  Also, if you are a theater lover, be sure to check out the onStageDayton section of DaytonMostMetro.com for more detailed info about the Dayton theater scene!

On Saturday, attend the We Care Arts Holiday Open House.  If you love Thomas, The Dayton Train Show at Hara Arena is where it’s at.  (Sorry English teachers – prepositions are what my sentences sometimes end in.)  If you can’t get enough of the King and the Rocket Man, come to the Mandalay Banquet Center for Rock the House – Elvis & Elton.  In addition to music, there will be a dinner, raffle, silent auction, and much more.  The Kettering Medical Center will thank you, thank you very much, as the proceeds will benefit oncology services there.  There will also be some theater options, including The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia.  If you enjoy classical music, attend ‘Chopin’s Circle’ at the Schuster Center.  Also at the Schuster Center, consider attending Justin and Ryan:  A Night of Improv…I think just about anything with improv in its name is going to be funny!  Are you among the Flyer Faithful?  If so, hopefully you will be checking out Brian Gregory’s team as the Flyers play Findlay in an exhibition game at UD Arena.  Gotta love UD basketball!  And finallly on Saturday, if you want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping (after all, Christmas is less than two months away!), head down to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for the ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery for some unique options!

HRTC: The 39 Steps

The 39 Steps at The Human Race Theatre Company

On Sunday, after you enjoy an extra hour of sleep (or perhaps you used your extra hour partying on Saturday!), all active duty, reserve, guard, retired military personnel and their families should head to Young’s Jersey Dairy, where they are offering a 20% off discount as part of their Support the Troops 20% Off Weekend (just show them your military ID).  Also, The Dayton Train Show will continue on at Hara Arena.  Sundays are also great days to visit museums, so you may want to take a trip to the Dayton Art Institute for one of their many exhibits, including 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, and the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition.  If you’d like to catch more theater, here are your possibilities:  The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why shouldn’t you tell secrets when a clock is around?

Because time will tell.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/27 – 10/31)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

FREE TICKET PROMOTION BELOW…

This past weekend, hopefully you were able to catch some theater, see some fun Halloween costumes down at Boo in the ‘Burg, or watch the Browns’ victory over the Saints!  In my first, and might I note, top city, I was fortunate to see the amazing improv comedy group Second City at Victoria Theatre.  Big surprise that I would like comedy!  Well, enough about me…it’s time to get ready for another busy week Dayton, full of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber (I still don’t know who that it is), and vampire wannabes!

On Wednesday, participate in the District Dine Around and Haunted Walking Tour, which will be a progressive dinner at some haunted spots in the Oregon District.  At Brixx Ice Company, join others who are interested in sustainability, the environment, and green living for an event called October Green Drinks.  There are also a few theater options on Wednesday, including The 39 Steps at the Loft Theatre and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at La Comedia.

On Thursday, if you work downtown and don’t have a hot lunch date, check out the Noonday Organ Recitals – Jerry Taylor at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Thinking about starting your own business?  You’ll want to attend Generation Dayton’s Event, ‘When Reality Bites’ at The Entrepreneurs Center.  In the evening, get more than just a taste of wine at the Unique Varietals Wine Tasting at A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg.  Or, check out Casanova and Eve of Frankenstein at Victoria Theatre to get into the Halloween spirit!

On Friday, all you downtown workers will want to head to Court House Square during your lunch hour for the TEAM VOID Halloween Party On Court House Square, which will involve some rockin’ live music and Go-Go-dancing!  Not sure where you’ll be “go”ing, but by the sound of it, it looks like you’ll be going there twice.  If you are not completely freaked out by horror films like me and actually enjoy chainsaws and massacres, go to Englewood Cinema for Horrorama 2010.  Any Seinfeld fans out there?  If so, you’ll want to join the “Soup Nazi” in sampling some “souper” soups from a dozen local fine restaurants at the Soup Off to benefit A Doctor’s Heart Inc.  Also on Friday, you will have the chance to see many people in costume, but not just because of Halloween, as again this week, there are numerous theater type options.  These include The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, Casanova and Eve of Frankenstein at Victoria Theatre, Porgy and Bess at the Schuster Center, The 39 Steps at the Loft Theatre, and The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  If theater doesn’t strike your fancy, consider attending the Matching Fund for Catholic Education featuring The Farewell Fisher Band, made up of some very talented guys from my high school, or the Make A Difference Tour 2010 at the Nutter Center.

"I'm so not diggin' this."

On Saturday, if you’re a man, bring your best friend to the Bark For Life of Centerville event at Oak Grove Community Park to help raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  Don’t worry…if you’re not a man, it’s Halloween-time so you can just dress up as one.  If you’re looking to continue the day with your pooch, definitely check out the Howl-o-Ween Dog Pawty at Scout Burnell Garbecht Dog Park in Xenia for an afternoon filled with fun activities!  Don’t forget to put your dog in costume if he/she will tolerate it!  For all you folks who want to return to the days of grade school P.E. class, register a team for The 2nd Annual Frickin Dodgeball Tournament at the Nutter Center.  If you have kids that are between the ages of 3 and 12, take them to the Schuster Center for the ‘PhilharMonster Halloween Concert’.  In addition to music, there will be costume contests, face painting, and an “instrument petting zoo.”  On Saturday, there will still be a plethora of theater opportunities (I hope I used that word correctly!), including Casanova and Eve of Frankenstein at Victoria Theatre, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at the Town Hall Theatre, The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The 39 Steps at the Loft Theatre, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at La Comedia.

A Couple of Pumpkins

There are also many more Halloween-related activities on Saturday, so if you don’t get out to experience at least one of them, boo to you!  That is, unless you have a darn good excuse!  If you are looking for a wild and crazy evening with some great people watching and ultra-creative costumes, Hauntfest on Fifth is the place to be.  I feel everyone should experience it at least once (if not more than that!), so if you have never been, here is your chance!  If you’re feeling guilty about eating all those Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, put on your disguise and participate in the Run For Your Life 5k Run at Community Golf Center in Kettering.  For those of you that prefer a more classy evening, Carvers will be hosting their First Annual Costume Party.  (I wonder if they got their name from carving pumpkins.)  There will also be a Fall Harvest: Family Halloween Fun event sponsored by the City of Dayton’s Department of Recreation and Youth Services, featuring many fun and safe activities for the kids.  Plus, it’s FREE!   And if you’re in Waynesville and don’t feel like making the trip to Dayton, check out the Halloween Masquerade Ball at The Wombat Art Works.

On Halloween (Sunday), after sleeping in, consider making it a relaxing day by checking out one of the many shows you didn’t have the opportunity to attend:   The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, Casanova and Eve of Frankenstein at Victoria Theatre, Porgy and Bess at the Schuster Center, The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, or Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at La Comedia.

WHO WANTS FREE TICKETS TO SEE SPRING AWAKENING AT THE VICTORIA THEATRE?

We’re giving away a pair of free tickets to see Spring Awakening – the Tony Award-winning musical playing at the Victoria Theatre next Tuesday & Wednesday (11/2-11/3)!  If you want to go see this excellent production, just give me a shout-out below in the comments and we’ll draw a winner this Sunday.  This is a great opportunity to check out Dayton’s theater scene if you’ve never done so – it really is amazing!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why couldn’t Dracula’s wife get to sleep?
Because of his coffin.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a spook-tacular week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/20 – 10/24)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to begin celebrating Halloween…or at least time to begin thinking about your costume!  I had my first Halloween party this past weekend, and although I don’t like to brag, I was definitely someone you could count on (my mom, not so much, as evidenced by the picture below).  So hopefully you were counting on me and not my mom to give you an update as to what is going on in Dayton this week!  And for the record, in real life, my mom is someone you can totally count on!

On Wednesday, find out the Keys to Character at the Dayton Metro Library’s Main Branch as part of their fall writing series.  If you are worried about your health (or someone else’s), get a fitness assessment/consultation as part of Holten Wellness Center’s promotion in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as it is estimated that many cancer cases are linked to things like poor diet and physical inactivity.  (If you don’t like going to the doctor, just reward yourself afterwards with one of their wonderful massages!)  In the evening, be sure to use your La Comedia discount in your Entertainment book before it expires at the end of this month and see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.  And if you have cold feet, you’ll be in like company at Oregon Express, as the band Frozen Feet will be playing.  While there, be sure to experience some of their amazing pizza!

On Thursday, get in the spirit of Halloween by creating a Pumpkin Flower Arrangement at the PNC 2nd Street Market.  If fashion is your thing, consider supporting Clothes That Work by attending their 10th Annual Fashioning Futures Luncheon at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center.  Are you looking for something fun and educational for your kids to do?  If so, consider taking them to the 9th Annual Mad Scientists’ Lab @ Wright Library, where they will be able to see some wacky science experiments demonstrated by Oakwood High School Students.  In the evening, all young professionals in Miami County will want to join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) for their Third Thursday at The Caroline.  And finally, be sure to head to downtown Miamisburg, costume in tow, for Boo in the Burg!, a super fun, great people watching, adult pub crawl.  Just to warn you, there might not be “two” many people you can count on there.

On Friday, come out to Generation Dayton’s ‘4th Friday Lunch’ at Amber Rose.  In the evening, take the kids and head to Hallow’s Eve at Patterson Homestead.  If you would love to see an outstanding musical performance, experience the sounds of Guitarist Robert Belinic when he performs at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vanguard Concert Series. If theater is your thing, you have several options, including The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at La Comedia, Moon Over Buffalo at Playhouse South, Once On This Island at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater, The 39 Steps at the Loft Theatre, and The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  Couldn’t they have all agreed to spell “theater” the same way?!?!  I’m just sayin’.

My Mom (someone you "can't count on") and I

On Saturday, start your day off right with Centerville Rotary Pancake Day at the Hithergreen Center.  Afterwards, all you shoppers will want to go to the ATM so you will be able to “check out” at the Shop ’til You Drop event at Hara Arena.  If you’re interested in doing some Halloween-esque activities with the kiddos, depending on their ages, there are many events from which to choose.  Cowvin’s Corny Maze, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, and Haunted Wagon Rides are all things you will be able to do at Young’s Jersey Dairy.  Also happening on Saturday are Hallow’s Eve at the Historic Patterson Homestead, Howl-O-Ween at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, the Windmill Farms Fall Festival at Windmill Farms, and Salem’s Lot Haunted Carnival at the Old Salem Mall.  In the evening, drive your Porsche on over to the Taj Ma Garaj for opening night of Miracles & Magic 2010, a premiere variety show, where all proceeds will benefit A Kid Again, an area non-profit whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.  And finally on Saturday, if you’re like me and love to laugh, you’ll definitely want to see Second City’s performance Fair & Unbalanced at the Victoria Theatre.  Any extra tickets can be sent my way!

Now to Sunday…in the morning/afternoon, enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch at Yankee Trace Golf Club.  If you are fascinated by all the gorgeous older homes in Oakwood, head to the Wright Memorial Public Library for a talk entitled, The Classic Architecture of Oakwood Homes.  If you enjoy classical music, you’ll want see the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert at Kettering Fairmont High School’s Auditorium.  At Fairmont’s rival, Centerville High School, you will be able to have another opportunity to see A Kid Again’s Miracles & Magic 2010.  And to end the weekend on a really sweet note, there is no other place to be except for the Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe for their All You Can Eat Chocolate Party!  Plus, the money raised will help fund mammograms for those in need through the Kettering Health Network Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Program!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the ghost go into the bar?

For the booze.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (10/13 – 10/17)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Did you know that in addition to being the month for pumpkins, costumes, and corn mazes, October is also a good time to remind us to wear ear plugs when we’re out enjoying those loud festivals and concerts, or perhaps when we’re using one of those annoying leaf blowers, as it is National Audiology Awareness Month!  I hope you don’t mind me putting in a plug for this cause!  Speaking of plugs, I’ve been plugging away trying to find some good things for you to do.  I’ve realized there are many ways to support wonderful causes this week AND have fun at the same time!

On Wednesday, learn how to help raise funds for your non-profit board at the presentation Building Your Best Board at the Main Branch of the Dayton Metro Library.  If you would like to know how this year’s political candidates plan to make Dayton an even better place, consider attending the Updayton Candidates Forum downtown.  And if you’d prefer to just relax, put on some pink lipstick and make your way over to A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg  for their ‘*Pink Sips for the Cure’*, which will include wine tastings, light appetizers, and music.

Moving on to Thursday…If you are a M*A*S*H fan, you’ll definitely want to head over to the Schuster Center for A Cigar, a Dress and a Hairy Chest, where the Junior League of Dayton’s Town Hall Lecture Series will be welcoming Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Max Klinger on the show.  If you want to make a difference in our community, skate your way to the 10th Annual Ribbon of Hope Luncheon to benefit the Women’s Wellness Fund, where Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming will be the keynote speaker!  And in the evening, be sure to empty your bowl at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser for House of Bread in order to raise funds for this community kitchen that serves food seven days a week to the needy.   Finally, if you’re a young professional looking to network with other young professionals in the area, be sure to attend Generation Dayton’s ‘Thirsty Thursday’ at SideBar.  At this point in time, I’m not sure at which side of the bar we’ll be located, but if you attend, be sure to say hi!

On Friday, support the fight to end domestic violence in the Miami Valley by attending the Artemis Center’s Annual Peacekeeper Awards Luncheon at the Mandalay Banquet Center.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, be sure to attend the American Humanics Fall Workshop entitled, The Nonprofit Toolbox, which will take place at the Boonshoft Museum.  This workshop will help you take advantage of the many modern resources available (e.g. social media) to promote your nonprofit.  Plus, Lisa Grigsby from DaytonMostMetro.com will be one of the speakers!  If you love to read, make your way to Hara Arena for the Dayton Metro Library Book Sale, which will also be happening on Saturday and Sunday.  In the evening, if you are into haunted houses and other fall-related activities, check out Salem’s Lot Haunted Carnival at the Old Salem Mall, Haunted Wagon Rides at Young’s Jersey Dairy, or the The 2010 MAiZE @ Meadow View.  And if you enjoy musicals and are looking for an island get away without the cost, check out Once On This Island at Sinclair.

Hopefully you went to bed at a decent hour on Friday night so you’ll be able to start off Saturday with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Fifth Third Field or the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association’s 5th Annual Happy Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk at Indian Riffle Park in Kettering.  I wonder if there will be any weiner dogs there.  Afterwards, bring out the entire family for the Fall Family Fun Day at the PNC 2nd Street Market, where there will be pumpkin decorating, musical entertainment, and more.  If you enjoy seafood and wine, head to the Bella Vino Wine Merchants for their Clam Bake.  Or if you are a Star Trek buff, you’ll want to trek your way to the Victoria Theatre to see Star Trek Live!

Also on Saturday…If you’re a hockey lover, your goal is to be in attendance at the Dayton Gems’ opening night where they will take on the Evansville Icemen at Hara Arena.  If you’re a young professional who enjoys the arts, then Jump into Dance with JumpstART & DCDC at Stivers School for the Arts.  Although I have never seen the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), I have heard wonderful things about them so I am sure they will put on an amazing performance!  And, if you love to party, people watch, dance, and in general just have a fabulous time, then you don’t want to miss Masquerage at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds!  In addition to being a very entertaining evening of “heavenly pleasures and sinful delights,” you will be helping to raise money for people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.  Partying for a great cause…I love it!

On Sunday, take part in the National Kidney Foundation Walk at The Greene.  Or, take the kids out to Windmill Farms Fall Festival for hayrides, pumpkins, face painting, and much more!  If you didn’t get the chance to see Star Trek Live on Saturday, you still have another opportunity to check it out.  If you are a book worm who loves a good bargain, wiggle your way over to the Dayton Metro Library Book Sale where books will be reduced to all you can carry for a dollar!  And in the evening, if you are in need of a good laugh or if you want to try your hand (or really your feet) at stand-up, invite a friend and go to Wiley’s Comedy Club for their Open-Mic Night!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why shouldn’t you tell secrets in a cornfield? 
Because corn has ears.
(Courtesy of my Grandma Krebs!)

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!