The week of September 12-18 a few of Dayton’s best restaurants are coming together in a competition to fight hunger through a FOOD FIGHT.

The public is encouraged visit any of the participating restaurants and partake in the special deal they’re offering to raise meals for The Foodbank. Participating restaurants include Corner Kitchen, Meadowlark Restaurant, and Wheat Penny. More restaurants are being added before the start of the Food Fight.

The restaurant raising the most money will win bragging rights and a trophy.

Michelle L. Riley, CEO of The Foodbank, says, “We thank everyone participating in the Food Fight. It takes an entire community to work together to fight hunger in Dayton and with money raised through this event, we will be able to further support and serve our neighbors in need.”

September is Hunger Action Month, which is the Feeding America network’s nationwide awareness campaign designed to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger. The feeling of running on empty is a reality for over 127,000 people in the Miami Valley. We need to make sure that no child, adult or senior in America ever runs on empty, so this September, we’re asking everyone to come together to help end hunger. FOOD FIGHT is a great way to become involved in the fight against hunger.

For more information, visit the Food Fight Facebook Event Page or call The Foodbank at (937)461-0265 x13.

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!