Aullwood Winter Speaker Series- 31 Jan 2010

There are many programs at Aullwood - this is just one of many. See more at their website.

From Near or Far: A Bander's Perspective on Nature - Dr. Jill Russell, Associate Professor of Biology, College of Mount St. Joseph and
Dr. David Russell, Lecturer ­ Department of Zoology, Miami University, OH
Sunday, January 31, 2:30 p.m.

Bird banders have a unique perspective on the natural world. While primarily focused on birds, Drs. Jill and David Russell use their bird banding stations to introduce folks of all ages to the wonders of the outdoors. Whether introducing people to birds in their own backyards, taking students to visit "their" birds over-wintering in Mexico, or sharing long distance odysseys in far off places like Argentina, Drs. Jill and Dave see the protection of our world's natural resources as a responsibility to be shared by all. Enjoy a virtual tour of the world through the eyes of a "couple" of bird banders.

Dr. Jill Russell is the Executive Director of the Avian Research and Education Institute (AREI), a nonprofit bird conservation, education, and advocacy organization and the primary bander at the Clifford Bird Observatory at Mt St. Joseph, Ohio. Dr. David Russell is the Research/Education Director of AREI, and the primary bander at the Hueston Woods Biological Station in Hueston Woods State Park.

Women in Leadership Symposium - 18 Feb 2010

This looks interesting, even if the price tag is a little steep ($49 for an individual).

Women In Leadership Symposium

February 18, 2010
Crowne Plaza Dayton 33 East 5th Street, Dayton , OH 45402

Topics of Discussion:
Gender Unconscious

Balancing Career and Personal Life

Real and Perceived Barriers to Leadership

Mentoring – Identifying a Mentor and Being a Mentor

Preparing for the Next Opportunity

Excellence: A Sign Post to Success

V-Day Conference at WSU 5 & 6 Feb 2010

Friday, February 5 – Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wright State University Student Union, Apollo Room

V-Day, a Wright State University tradition, is a powerful experience that will make you laugh, cry, learn, and wish you had brought all your friends and loved ones. Join us for the first ever V-Day Conference, which will include evening performances of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, as well as a matinee of her other popular show, A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer. Educational workshops, booths, films, roundtable discussions, art, and activism will take place during our Saturday morning conference. Women and men of all ages are encouraged to participate in V-Day. The 2010 V-Day Conference is a student and volunteer organized event. All proceeds benefit the WSU Sexual Assault Prevention & Education Fund. V-Day is proudly presented by the WSU Women's Center and the WSU chapter of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.

Evening Performances of The Vagina Monologues February 5 & 6, 7:00 p.m.
Apollo Room, Student Union, Wright State University
(Advance Purchase: $5 student, $7 community. At the Door: $10. Tickets are on sale at the WSU Student Union Box Office.)

Matinee Performance of A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, & a Prayer February 6, 2:00 p.m.
Apollo Room, Student Union, Wright State University
(Advance Purchase:$5. At the Door: $7. Tickets are on sale at the WSU Student Union Box Office.)

Workshops & Conference
Student Union, Wright State University
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information contact the WSU Women's Center at 937-775-4524

Urban health == suburban health

I remember saying several years ago (and not stopping since) that the well-being of Dayton's suburbs is absolutely dependent on the well-being of Dayton itself.

I don't like being right. Now, more than half of all poor people live in the suburbs - and Dayton's at the "forefront of the trend".

I wonder how bad it will have to get before the suburbanites realize how inextricably our fates are linked? Before they realize that just worrying about their own backyards is not a viable long-term strategy? That maybe, instead of ignoring the actual cities, the suburbs should join forces, pool resources, and all of us work together.

I hope it's soon.

Winter Wonders Fundraiser

Winter Wonders Auction to Raise Funds for Bridge Riding for the Disabled

Please remember to join us this Saturday, January 23, for Winter Wonders, a benefit auction for Bridge Riding for the Disabled. The Bridge Riding program is dedicated to helping disabled people, both children and adults, find new freedom through their experiences with horses. It serves individuals with various diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, strokes, and multiple sclerosis. This wonderful non-profit organization is in need of our community support.

The "Winter Wonders" auction will provide a festive evening of bidding on many valuable and unique items, including a week at a Florida Gulf Coast condo, an antique brass samovar, Limoges china, and more! All members of St. Paul's and the greater community are warmly invited to attend. The Preview Party will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the auction at 7:00 p.m. Join us, pick up a paddle and bid for a great cause! Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded to paddle holders throughout the evening. Admission to the event is free.

For more information about attending or donating to this event, please contact Sharon Ray at 293-1154 or 938-8641. For general information about the Bridge Riding for the Disabled program, you may visit their web site at www.bridgeriding.org.

Dayton Business Spotlight - Celebrate successes!

I've been meaning to feature this for a while:

The Dayton Business Spotlight is the brainchild of three Dayton businessmen with a passion for telling the positive stories produced by the dynamic and exciting marketplace in Dayton, Ohio.

Throughout its rich history, Dayton has stood for — and symbolized — a bold spirit of innovation and creativity. The videos on this website are but a taste of some of the finest and most worthy businesses in the Gem City Please take the time to view several of these videos and make an effort to patronize the companies highlighted in them. By demonstrating a dedication to Dayton, and a desire to keep improving their communities, they represent the very best business enterprises in the Midwest. If you know of a company whose story should be told, please contact us at .

Take a few minutes to check out the success stories in Dayton at Dayton Business Spotlight - or if you have one of your own, let them know so they can promote you as well!

Town Hall 2010 - Break the Silence, Stop the Violence

The Adam Project and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office present a Town Hall Forum honoring the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Titled, "Break the Silence, Stop the Violence", the town hall will focus on the problem and offer solutions for urban violence.

Panelist include the honorable Walter H. Rice, County Commissioner Deborah Lieberman, Mr. Robert Crimes II Outpatient Counselor at Project CURE, Ms. Marilyn Rutledge who's grandson was killed on the streets of Dayton and Mr. Derrick Shaw a young man who went from the so-called "thug life" to a renewed life.

Presentation will be made by an urban gospel group called "Young Souljaz, choice words by Lydia Cook, recipe for Thug hood by SherrieDee, and spoken word by Brave Nate. Sheriff Phil Plummer will have remarks concerning the role of law enforcement.

Date/Time: Thursday January 21st, 6-9pm at the
Location: Dayton Cultural/RTA Center 40 South Edwin C. Moses Blvd..

This is a free community event. Children and youth are invited and welcomed to attend.

For information contact Grant Williams at (937)864-4202.

A Season For NonViolence

13th Annual Opening Ceremony
A Reverence for Life: From Civil Rights to Human Rights
Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 7pm
Grace United Methodist Church, 1001 Harvard Boulevard Dayton, OH 45406-5098

Workshop: Journey to Peace & Nonviolence
Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 2 – 4:30pm
College Hill Church, 1547 Philadelphia Drive Dayton, OH 45406

Each person attending this workshop will gain:
· Insights into honoring the vision of Gandhi and Dr. King
· Tools to heal, transform and empower community life
· Experience in demonstrating nonviolence in a powerful way

Keynote Speaker and Workshop Presenter:
Dr. Luther Ivory, PhD. Philosophy, PhD. Theology and Master Degree in Social Work; an Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Director of African American Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. He has written and lectured extensively on the legacy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. For additional information call 397-2668

Kuumba Black Arts Festival - 20 & 21 Jan @ WSU

[Steve's note: Flyers at the bottom of the post]

KUUMBA BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL
Please join the University Activities Board, Bolinga Center, and Office of Student Activities for our annual "Kuumba Black Arts Festival" celebration. We have a variety of events planned for your enjoyment.

We will have a community art project on January 20th and 21st from 11:00a-3:00p in the Student Union Atrium, and January 21st from 4:30p-8:00p in the Skylight Lobby, where anyone in the community can participate regardless of art skills or knowledge. We will be showing the movie "The Color Purple" on January 21st from 2:00p-4:00p in E156 Student Union. This movie is based off of a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winning novel with the same title. Admission is free.

KUUMBA BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL DINNER AND PERFORMANCES
We will be bringing it all to a close with our main event on January 21st at 5:00-8:00, with doors opening at 4:30p. The main event is free for WSU students/faculty/staff with ID, and only $5 for the general public. We will have a menu of traditional African foods with vegetarian options available. Entertainment will include music and dance from all genres, and will have performances from "BI-OKOTO African Drum and Dance theatre", "Paul Laurence Dunbar Chorale", "SEEFARI", "Romeo Champagne", "Blessed", "Many Stylez", and more.

If you have questions or would like more information, please visit http://www.wsuab.com, call (937)775-5500, or send an email to

Cafe Sci - FREE ongoing monthly series

Cafe Sci is an ongoing monthly event at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. This free series discusses ecological and scientific things that impact your life in the Miami Valley. The next session is 28 Jan at 7pm, where you can learn more about how "new" reservoirs of natural gas are being utilized with Rhonda Reda, Executive Director of Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program. These sessions are free, but reservations are requested. You can register online, or with the number for each event (it is not the same number each time). You can view upcoming programs and register at the MetroParks website.

Winter Family Fun Day 16 Jan (free)

Jan. 16, 1000-1400 Winter Family Fun Day
National City Second Street Market, 600 E. Second St.; 11 a.m.

Families can enjoy a fun-filled day at the Market. Kids can create an art project, or participate in a program conducted by Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. The Corndaddys will be the musical entertainment. For more information, call 228-2088.

World Religion Day - 17 Jan

Montgomery County celebration of World Religion Day

Dayton, Ohio, January 17th, 2010 – From 2 till 5 pm, the Peace Hall at the Dayton International Peace Museum, 208 W. Monument Ave, will be the scene of celebration for members of all Faith traditions—a time to gather and affirm the underlying unity of all religions.

World Religion Day, begun in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States of America, is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of January, it's purpose being “...to call attention to the harmony of spiritual principles and the oneness of the world’s religions and to emphasize that world religion is the motivating force for world unity.”

“As stated in Bahá’í scripture, '...religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God.....' Since its beginning in the United States, the celebration of World Religion Day has spread to many other countries.”

In 1985, the government of Sri Lanka issued a postage stamp in commemoration of the day. The Republic of Congo, as well, issued a stamp commemorating the day in 2007.

There will be information tables at the event for the world's major religions as well as others not so well known. We're also working to enable a live Internet connection with Brossard, Canada to share in each other's celebration!

For additional information, contact Alexander M Zoltai at 937-361-6400 or or visit the website at http://www.worldreligionday.org/

MLK Holiday Celebration - Official and Community Events

The MLK Celebration Steering Committee has recognized the "official" events in Dayton - The Margaret Peters MLK School Program Awards Ceremony, The MLK Memorial March and Rally, and The MLK Presidential Banquet. For more on these events, stop by this web page.

There are also a number of other pre-march breakfasts and celebrations in other regional cities; you can see more about them at this web page.

Wright State holds week of Islam/Middle East-themed events with visiting Fulbright Scholar from Jordan

There's more about Dr. Shteiwi & Professor Brown at the webpage for the event, which is where this summary of events comes from.

The following is a list of events for the week. All are free and open to the public.

Monday, Jan. 11
“Arab Women in the Contemporary Middle East: Making Progress, Facing Challenges,” a lecture by Musa Shteiwi Ph.D., followed by a reception
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Recital Hall, Creative Arts Center

Tuesday, Jan. 12
“Gender Issues in Jordan and the Middle East” with comments by Musa Shteiwi Ph.D., followed by a question time and a reception
Noon, WSU Women’s Center, 148 Millett Hall

Wednesday, Jan. 13
“Looking at Ourselves Looking at Islam,” a lecture by Professor L. Carl Brown with Musa Shteiwi Ph.D, serving as respondent
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 144 Russ Engineering

Thursday, Jan. 14
“Can You Hear Me? Israeli and Palestinian Women Fight for Peace,” a documentary with producer, writer and director Lilly Rivin introducing the film and answering questions, joined by Musa Shteiwi, Ph.D.
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 016 Rike Hall

Rock & Benefit for Heather Jones - 10pm 1/9/10

Jasper The Colossal is one of my favorite Dayton-area bands. Their sound reminds me of Tilt and Visiqueen, and they're one of the bands in a benefit show at Blind Bob's this Saturday! Links to band names are to their MySpace profile... which means you can get a listen to these awesome bands before you come out to see them on Saturday!

1/9/2010 10:00 PM at Blind Bob’s
430 E. 5th St., dayton, 45402
Cost: $5

Benefit Show for Heather Jones (fighting cervical cancer) featuring: The Give-Ups, Legbone & The Northwest Ordinance, and Jasper The Colossal. We’ll be having a raffle for 2 $25 bar tabs (gift certificates) from Blind Bob’s!

International Cities of Peace

It's a very, very cool thing that Dayton is the home of the Peace Museum. In fact, the International Cities of Peace is based in Dayton. Their mission overall?

Imagine a world of cities dedicated to expanding their local peace economy and encouraging a global culture of peace. Safety, prosperity, and quality of life are universal values that bring peace to our lives.

First and foremost in this global adventure toward peace is to reject violence and define ourselves as people of peace. The International Cities of Peace initiative is creating a network of communities that, by history, resolution, or proclamation, are doing just this -- self-defining themselves as official Cities of Peace.

But not only that, they have a vision (and plan) for Dayton as a perfect opportunity for this initiative to transform Dayton:

Dayton has an untold story that can become important to it future. The 1995 Dayton Peace Accords has made Dayton known throughout the world as a documented “city of peace.” In addition, a network of organizations and individuals dedicated in their own ways to creating peace in the world -- from wellness and environmental communities to faith-based and military communities -- is already in place. This expansive “peace economy” is working to make Dayton a more prosperous, safe, and peaceful city.

Go check out the International Cities of Peace webpage, and especially how it can transform Dayton.

Going Places - Regional Land Use Planning

GOING PLACES - An Integrated Land Use Vision for the Miami Valley Region is a regional initiative designed to bring people together to create a road map for the future of land development in the Miami Valley Region. The study area covers Greene, Miami, and Montgomery counties and the cities of Carlisle, Franklin, and Springboro in northern part of Warren County.

Currently the major focus is to collect information from people who live and work in the Region about what they envision for the future of the Region.

Do you have a vision for the Miami Valley Region in the year 2040? YOUR ideas and innovations are needed to help make the Miami Valley Region a better place to live, work and play!

I would like to invite you to come and join the Going Places discussion at any of the workshops to share YOUR vision! Your participation is very important so please plan to attend one of the workshops.

Here is a copy of the workshop schedules:

January 14, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Beavercreek Twp Fire Dept. Station 61
2195 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek OH 45434

January 21, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Fairborn Fire Department Training Room
44 W. Hebble Ave, Fairborn OH 45324

January 27, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Greene Co. Job & Family Services
541 Ledbetter Rd, Xenia OH 45385

February 4, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Market Square Building
4 N Main St., Miamisburg OH 45342

February 10, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Sugarcreek Twp Admin. Building
2090 Ferry Rd, Bellbrook OH 45305

February 18, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Centerville Police Dept. Training Room
155 W Spring Valley Rd, Centerville OH 45458

February 25, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Englewood Government Center
333 W National Rd, Englewood OH 45322

March 4, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Huber Heights Board of Education
5954 Longford Rd, Huber Heights OH 45424-2943

March 10, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
West Carrollton HS, lobby of auditorium
5833 Student St, West Carrollton OH 45449

March 18, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Fairmont High School Commons Area
3301 Shroyer Rd, Kettering OH 45429

March 31, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Center for Regional Cooperation
1100 W 3rd St, Dayton OH 45407

April 7, 2010, 6-7:30 PM
Friendship Village, Convocation Room
5790 Denlinger Rd, Trotwood OH 45426-1898


For more information about the Going Places initiative, you can visit www.mvrpc.org/rlu

Really Help the Miami Vally - Imagination Station - 7pm TONIGHT

Don't forget - the meeting for Imagination Station is TONIGHT at 7pm at the main Dayton Metro Library. It'll be in the large conference room on the second floor. This is easily the most promising - and not-government run - initiative I've seen in the area. It's not just about helping people - it's about getting people to be able to help themselves. And start new projects of their own. And then some. Read more in yesterday's post, then get down there tonight!

Do you want to help the Miami Valley? Really?

Tired of plans centered around talking the Dayton area into being a better place?

Hungry for a way to help self-starters in the Miami Valley be self-starters?

Wanting a way to get everyone else to be self-starters?

Get in on the ground floor of Imagination Station. This is not some pie-in-the-sky-let's-talk-everything-better project - we're making sure we have concrete real goals, ways to measure them, and ways to make real change both by creating new opportunities and helping existing projects work better together.

The first design meeting was last month, but on Tuesday, 5 Jan from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at the Main Dayton Library meeting area we will be meeting to complete our agenda around the three development areas: Space, Marketing & Web Development, and Methodology & DIY Kits. The Vision, Mission, and Principles are below. They are also available as a PDF here. Read them. Compare them to your hopes for the Miami Valley. And show up and start doing something to help the region.

(If you are physically unable to show up, pass this information along (tweet it, facebook it, e-mail it!) and watch this space for more information.)

Vision
Within 10 years, the Dayton region will be recognized among regions its size for effectively harnessing its citizens as a primary driver in enhancing quality of life. Imagination Station will be a catalyst for this insurgent community spark.

Mission
Imagination Station is a process for possibilities. An open hub for interaction and action, Imagination Station facilitates bottom-up, collaborative, entrepreneurial community-building initiatives that address pressing social, economic and civic needs in the Dayton region. 

Our Manifesto
Imagining is fundamental to being human and is a critical resource to individual, community and economic growth. Imaginative communities are vibrant, humanizing places, nurturing personal growth, sparking cultural and technological breakthroughs, producing jobs and wealth and accepting a variety of lifestyles and culture.

Imagination resides in everyone, everywhere, so building a community of ideas means empowering all people with the ability to express themselves and use the genius of their own imagination and bring it to bear as responsible citizens.

Principles

1. Cultivate the power of possibilities. Everyone is part of the community value chain. New ideas can happen at any time, anywhere, and they are happening in Dayton right now.


2. Investigate the creative ecosystem. The creative ecosystem can include arts and culture, nightlife, the music scene, restaurants, artists and designers, innovators, entrepreneurs, affordable spaces, lively neighborhoods, spirituality, education and public spaces. Engage everyone in this ecosystem.


3. Embrace diversity. It gives birth to different possibilities, innovation, and positive economic impact. People of different backgrounds and experiences contribute a diversity of ideas, expressions, talents and perspectives that enrich communities.


4. Nurture the dreamers. Support the connectors. Collaborate to compete in a new way and get everyone involved.


5. Value risk-taking. Convert a “no” climate into a “yes” climate. Focus on opportunity-making, not just problem-solving. Tap into the talent, technology and energy in Dayton. Challenge conventional wisdom.


6. Be authentic. Identify our strengths and focus on the areas that make Dayton unique. Dare to be different. Resist homogeneity.


7. Focus on quality of place, such as arts and culture, open and green spaces, vibrant downtowns, connected neighborhoods, and centers of learning that can be developed and strengthened.


8. Remove barriers to progress, such as mediocrity, intolerance, disconnectedness, sprawl, poverty, poor schools, exclusivity, and social and environmental degradation.


9. Take responsibility for enhancing the quality of life in the community. Improvise. Make things happen. This is a “do-it-yourself” challenge. Others will not do it for us.