Community

Make A Difference in Northern Miami Valley

October 11, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

Become a Steward of Dayton History

October 8, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy of www.daytonhistory.org.

Don’t know much about Dayton history?

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

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

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

Dayton History needs volunteers in these positions:

Historical Interpretation
Archival Processing
Office administration
Horticulture
Print Shop
Special Events

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

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

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

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

Volunteer opportunity at new homeless center

October 8, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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

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

Volunteers are needed Oct. 19-23.

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

Ways to help Daybreak

October 6, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

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

Here are current opportunities to help Daybreak:

September til November, Table Captains for Champions for Youth

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

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

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

Urban Excursion-Can you solve the clues?

October 5, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Team Box members Megan Cooper and Adrienne Neiss

Team Climbers captured the costume bonus points!

Friday night 14 teams of four were pioneers in an Urban Excursion. Signing up without much more than a limited description of a hybrid Amazing Race/Scavenger hunt, these teams were up for the challenge. Meeting at Wiley’s Comedy Club, getting brief instructions and then the whistle blew, they were handed their playbook with 12 clues to unknown destinations. Teams began running around downtown. Once they reached the location they had a chance to get bonus points, by singing songs, forming human pyramids, playing air guitar or creating a team self portrait. Teams had a 90 minute time limit to solve the clues, including a 5 minute required pit stop for pizza (donated by The Pizza Factory) and document their bonus points with photo’s or video’s. Winning the challenge, Team Box collected every point except for the bonus for team costume, which was picked up by 2nd place Team Climbers, who came in full regalia including miner’s lights and ropes. Team Fairborn represented the suburbs with it’s third place finish.

Excursioner Rebecca Hartzell of South Park commented, “I would do it again. My whole team had a lot of fun.” Days later we’re still getting emails, texts and facebook posts from people thanking us for a good time.

For those of you who didn’t get to play with us this past Friday, here’s your chance to play along from your computer. Here are the clues- send us the answers and we’ll enter all those with winning answers in a drawing for Dayton Originals t-shirts.

The Clues:

1. It’s a garden, it’s a gallery and the Circus plays here; look for the arch near the overpass and you’ll know you are near.

2. I’m short and stout, have a handle and a spout. I’m east of Wayne, west of London. Find me while you’re out and about.

3. Once a bank, a decade empty, now it’s a Space for creativity.

4. It’s really not muddy between naughty and nice; no drugs or alcohol- music is their vice.

5. Just south of the river on a street named for Thomas, look fro a building with orange that is a place for artists.

6. A one hundred year old watering hole.

7.To “C” my FACE, you’ll find my cool lighted entrance behind the “Space”

8. Only two of these in the world are found in churches

9. Grassroots vision of a greater Dayton hidden in a former Gem

10. This venue sells more Jameson than any other location in the state of Ohio

11. It the Wright place for arrivals and departures.

12. You’ll have reached your goal when you arrive at the Creative Soul.

Email your answers to [email protected] with Excursion in the subject line!

Farm Fest features scarecrow contest

October 2, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

images-24 Oct 10th & 11th, Miami County will host it’s first Fall Farm Fest at Lost Creek Reserve. Head north and enjoy this fun family event featuring a 6.2 acre corn maze, food, hayrides, children’s games, entertainment and other fun activities.
You can even enter the Scarecrow Contest.

Scarecrow Guidelines
• Display area will be 5’x 5’ square.
• All scarecrow and display items must fit in this area.
• We will provide a pole or post for you to
secure your scarecrow to.
• Each contest participant is responsible for
putting up their scarecrow by 7 p.m. on
Friday, October 9th.
• Scarecrows will be judged on Saturday
during the festival by public vote and winners will be announced on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Trophy for:
Best of Show
Gift Certificates for:
Director’s Choice
Funniest Scarecrow

a t L o s t C r e e k R es er v e
2 6 4 5 E . St . R t . 4 1 – Tr oy
S a t u r d ay , Oct o b er 1 0
1 0 a . m . – 7 p . m .
S u n d ay , Oct o b er 1 1
1 0 a . m . – 6 p . m .

Scarecrow Contest
For more information
(937) 667-1286
www.miamicountyparks.com

Antioch College – A New Life

September 29, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Antioch College

Anitoch has undergone a lot of change in the last two years, as it was announced that the university would be closing the campus indefinitely. After a lot of support from both the Alumni community and Yellow Springs residents, and two long years of work, it was announced earlier this month that all college assets and the Yellow Springs campus would be transferred from the University to a newly independent College. Working now to reopen the college will be the next step for the new administration. As part of our introduction to the Village of Yellow Springs, I was able to spend a few minutes with the Communications Chair of the Antioch Alumni Association, Christian Feuerstein. With change once again coming to Antioch College, we discuss her time spent at school, the college’s impact and the upcoming Reunion that will be the next turning point in the future of the school.

1) As the communications chair, what sort of things do you do for Antioch College?

I became the Communications Chair very briefly before the announcement about the closure of the college. It was actually my second meeting there, so it was quite a shock. What I have done over the past two years is write press releases, arrange interviews and help work on the website. I also work with a team of about sixty alumni volunteers in various activities.

2) What was your reaction when it was announced classes would be suspended and then eventually closed?

The alumni board knew there was going to be a strong reaction from past graduates. The Reunion in July of 2007 was a focus on alumni coming together. We had about 700 former students come down to Yellow Springs to get a last look at the college and to find out if there was anything we could do. That is when we launched the fund raising project to help save the college.

3) Did you attend Antioch College in Yellow Springs?

I did, I graduated in 1994.

4) How did your experiences there impact your own life?

I owe Antioch College everything. I arrived there in 1990 when I was seventeen. My father had passed away 2 years earlier and it was a bad time for me. My family wouldn’t have been able to afford Community College, but Antioch gave me a wonderful scholarship. I was a writing major, and I did my co-op in New York City. I’ve been in publication ever since. I also met the love of my life there, Mike Heffernan, (class of ’96.) We’ve been together for fifteen years and married about eight.

5) Why do you think there had been a decline in the college as far as enrollment over the last several years?

There were a number of reasons. The main reason that the AAUP (American Association of University Professors) cited, was a top down curriculum that was sort of placed upon the faculty to teach but not necessarily designed by them. They tried to make it work, but explaining how to market the plan to students was not all that it could have been. So there was some natural frustration on behalf of both the students and faculty in that regard. One of the projects that we will be working on is maintenance on the facilities, because unfortunately we really did a lot of differed maintenance. While I don’t have data that this contributed to it, I can’t help but wonder if it was a factor. Some of the buildings do need some work. There was also a declining number of faculty because of budget cuts, and it was difficult for students to schedule the classes they needed some times. With a limited number of people teaching classes, those classes would be unavailable to some students who needed them.

6) Are there any evaluations on the curriculum being made, or new ideas being discussed on how to teach classes? Or is the new administration going to use a lot of the old University’s class structure?

That is really up in the air right now, because we don’t really have any faculty at the moment. I know that we are hiring what are called Morgan Fellows whom are all former faculty members. With their help, we will be conducting a series of presentations and workshops to help start planning the curriculum.

7) I have heard discussions about renovating multiple buildings on campus, is any specific location that is getting a focus for when classes start again?

The best way I think I can answer that is to come to Reunion which is October 2^nd through the 4^th. There is going to be a State of The College to discuss the renovations and facilities, and to help plan our next step in the process of reopening the college. Going to antiochians.org will give a schedule of all the events happening at Reunion. There are several events that require registration but they are indicated on the webpage, otherwise it is open to the public.

8) The school has a long standing history of acceptance and activism in times when it was not considered the norm, accepting women students upon the school’s opening as well as a handful of African American students as early as the 1850. It became more progressive with early involvement in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s, and has a strong history that defines the school as a liberal arts college. what would you say the biggest impact Antioch has had on our country?

Well, the country and even the world need Antioch College. They need them to be that “laboratory” and catalyst for change.

9) Which principles does the school most want to help teach students that want to attend Antioch?

We want to give them those experiences period. The Antioch education has always been based around community, classrooms and co-op. It’s going to be important for students in the future to be committed to all three; from helping the student body work together, to co-op alternating work and study, and classroom that helps inform and enhances the other two.

10) The school had to be temporarily closed at least 3 times in the past that I could find for various reasons, but successfully reopened each time. Are you confident Antioch can rebound again as an alternative to the typical higher education institution

Yes, we are really excited. It is beautiful what we have accomplished so far, but this is the first step in a journey. We’ve been very encouraged by what we’ve seen, especially with community support. There are no stories like this in higher education and shows we are once again the catalyst for change; we are not going to wait for the future, we are going to shape it. We have done the impossible, and that has made us mighty.

11) What sort of ways could residents in the Dayton region get involved with the re-opening and support of Antioch College?

First we’d love for people to get involved. There is a link that says “Volunteers” on www.antiochcollege.org, which is the new website for the college. They can find different opportunities there to help out and keep up to date with what is going on at the school. Obviously if people don’t have time to do this though, we can accept donations to our fundraising cause through the website, which is all tax deductible.

Welcome to the University of Dayton

September 22, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Here is the latest Dayton video making the rounds on the Internets – imitating the Where the Hell is Matt videos with a UD twist. (though Tim’s is oddly missing)

Generation Dayton’s 4th Friday Lunch

September 21, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

Join us Oct 2nd for an Urban Excursion

September 20, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby 2 Comments

Don’t confuse Urban Excursion with your average stroll in the park. Part scavenger hunt, part amazing race, this event will take you on a city adventure and along the way, you’ll complete fun challenges while discovering the city in a fresh way..

OBJECT
* to have fun!
* to discover Dayton.
* to properly complete all the clues first.

CLUES
Each team of four will be given a a playbook at the start of the race, containing clues ranging in difficulty at the start of the race. Each clue will be assigned a point value, so teams will want to strategize to decide how to plan their adventure. Some clues may be easier, some will be more time consuming and some will simply be a test of creativity and resourcefulness. No knowledge of any hunt location is required—you just need a sharp mind and a sense of adventure.

TYPES OF CLUES:
Physical Challenge: Feed your teammate some tasty food, do something daring or compete in an Interaction with the general public.

Scavenger: Return to the finish line with an item or photo of place.

Brain Teasers: Riddles or tests to tease your brain.

Pricing:
$20 per team until Mon, Sept 28th
$30 per team after until we reach our limit of 50 teams
Sign up here

Teams are encouraged to wear coordinating outfits (red t-shirts for example) or may go all out with full costumes. It is suggested that participants wear comfortable footwear. Each team will also need a digital camera to complete some clues. Teams will have 90 minutes to complete as many clues for the highest point total possible.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place teams
and all participants will follow the final clue to the ending destination to celebrate, and tally team totals. So start recruiting your team of 4 to join us for an adventure through the streets of downtown!

Acclaim Hospice of Dayton volunteers needed

September 19, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

ARCOhio is recruiting volunteers

September 18, 2009 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

Dayton Aviation Heritage volunteer opportunities

September 17, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Volunteer opportunities are available at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park.

The park is looking for:

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

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

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

September 17, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amendment 2370/2371 – Speak up for Trails, Walking and Biking Now

September 16, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

(from the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy website)

On Tuesday, September 15, Senators John McCain (Ariz.) and Tom Coburn (Okla.) issued two amendments to the FY10 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. If passed, these amendments would eliminate the majority of available federal funds for trails, walking and bicycling.

Amendment 2370 would prohibit the use of federal funds for pedestrian or bicycle facilities, efforts to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife, or other specified Transportation Enhancement (TE) projects if the Highway Trust Fund cannot cover unfunded highway authorizations.

Amendment 2371 is even trickier; while it claims to allow states to opt out of spending on TE projects, the actual amendment text in fact notes that “None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement” TE projects.

Providing opportunities for Americans to walk, bike and take transit to get where they’re going improves our communities’ health and livability, reduces emissions, creates jobs and save money.

If you know who your senators are, their phone numbers are listed here (in the format 202-224-xxxx). To look up your senators by state and find their phone numbers, go here.

Next, please call your senators with the following message:

I am calling from (city, state) to urge that Senator ______ vote against Amendments 2370 and 2371 to H.R. 3288. These amendments would jeopardize essential Transportation Enhancements projects such as trails and other walking and bicycling infrastructure. These projects are highly valued in my community, and we need more safe and convenient opportunities to walk and bike. How does Senator _____ plan to vote on these amendments?

It is best to use your own words. If you personalize your comments, please be sure to end your call by asking how the senator plans to vote. This is critical information for us to have, and puts the office on notice that they will be accountable.

Once you have made your calls, please tell us how they went so we can track progress and plan next steps. Thank you.

UPDATE:

The amendments did not pass, with both of Ohio’s senators voting against them! Thanks to all that phoned in their opposition!

Stylish student living coming to downtown Dayton

September 15, 2009 By Dayton Most Metro 4 Comments

Student apartments are coming to downtown Dayton courtesy of Schwind Tower Student Apartments.

90 single and double units will be available in the fall of 2010. Aimed primarily at Sinclair Community College students, the lofts will be affordably priced, yet furnished with sleek amenities sure to please any college student.

Amenities include:

Leather Couch
Flat-Panel Television
Desk
Loft Bed
Refrigerator
Microwave
Granite Countertop
Glass Enclosed Shower

Schwind Tower Apartments is located on 29 South Ludlow Street, within walking distance of Sinclair’s campus and a short driving span from the University of Dayton.

For additional information, visit http://www.schwindtower.com.