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Junior League of Dayton

Honey Baked Ham For A Cause!

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How many of you celebrate Easter with a Honey Baked Ham?  Did you know that your ham purchase can else make a difference in our community?

You don’t have to spend any extra money, just buy a Honey Baked gift card online and 20% of your purchase will be donated to the Junior League of Dayton (JLD). You can then use your gift card to make the purchase you normally would at Honey Baked Hams.  You’ve got until April 30th to buy gift cards that will benefit the JLD.

The Dayton chapter of Junior League held its first meeting on Oct. 31, 1919, at the Dayton Woman’s Club. Officially chartered in February 1920, it was admitted to membership in the Junior Leagues of America (now AJLI ) that same year, making Dayton the second League in Ohio.

From its original 10 founding members. the Junior League of Dayton has grown to 300 members today. Then, as now, their purpose is to foster interest among women in social, economic, educational, civic, and cultural conditions of the community and to make their volunteer service efficient and effective and it open to women 22 years of age or older.

Funds raised will help JLD with promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving their communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Jane’s Best Bets (6/22 – 6/26)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Holy moly, there are a ton of things going on this week!  Speaking of “holy,” this week there are several church festivals…plus many more great events.  Let’s check them out!

On Wednesday during your lunch hour, get moving with The Square Is Where… Dayton YMCA Presents Zumba at Courthouse Square.  If you feel like having a drink, head to A.Y.O.B. at Archer’s Tavern, where a new craft beer will be featured starting at 5PM or to Franco’s for Dayton Green Drinks, where they will be discussing the Pathways out of Poverty Program.  I do believe it is officially summer, so even though you may not be taking that big European vacation you’ve dreamed about, you can still have a Summer Around The World Wine Dinner at The Wine Loft.  If cycling is your thing, you will not want to miss seeing Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America, being featured at The Neon.  All women who are looking for an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others in the Dayton area should consider attending the Junior League of Dayton New Member Social.  This amazing group makes great contributions to our community, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it…as long as you’re not a man!  If you’re in need of a good laugh, make your way to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Sideshow – Deuxième Exécution.  And if you’re a Harley lover that also enjoys live music, head to Jackass Flats for Buddha & The Boogie Down Gig/Bike Night.

Disney's THE LION KING - Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OhioOn Thursday, complete some of your grocery shopping at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, consider helping the cause by attending Orientation to the Grants Information Center at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch.  You will be able to hear live music at the Dayton Art Institute as part of their Twilight Concert.  Jim McCutcheon, a very talented guitarist (who also taught me two semesters worth of guitar when I was at UD!), will be one of the performers.  If you wish to show a bit of your athleticism, make your way to Wings Sports Bar & Grille for their Weekly Cornhole Tournament.  You know I’m corny, so I had to put that in here.  And finally, if you have not yet had the opportunity to check out The Lion King at the Schuster Center, now is your chance!

On Friday, there are an enormous number of wonderful events from which to choose!  In the afternoon, if you don’t have lunch plans, consider joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series.  Or have some fun at Courthouse Square with the Team Void Summer Twist Party.  In the evening, join me in attending the Hops Over the Moon Preview Party at the Boonshoft, which will feature too many great things to list…seriously!  (For more info, check out this article.)  If you’re in shape, run the 5th Annual 5 For the Kids 5K to benefit CARE House.  And even if you’re not, that is okay too!  There are several festivals happening around town, including the Fenwick Festival (my alma mater!), the Ascension Festival, and the St. Peter Parish Festival.  At Yankee Trace, many people will be playing golf as part of the 2nd Annual Glow Fore Wishes Golf Scramble to benefit A Special Wish Foundation.  Although registration is full for the event, there are still several sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, so if you are able to help, I encourage you to do so!  And if you feel like catching a show, Hair Spray at La Comedia and The Lion King at the Schuster Center are possible options!

On Saturday, start the day off with another 5k – the First Annual Back to Health 5k, held at Indian Riffle Park.  Up in Troy, get some great produce as part of the Troy Farmers Market.  If you are a teacher, consider going to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for the Grants for Classroom Projects.  There are a lot of family friendly options for Saturday, including the Family Fun Day Beach Party & Cruise in at Hueston Woods, the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Parish Festival, and the Ascension Festival.  In addition, if you’re of the corny type, Ascension will have its very own Festival Cornhole Tournament.  At RiverScape, rent a kayak and ride the river.  Make sure you wear a life jacket as I once flipped over in an “unflippable” kayak, or so I’m told.  Just leave it to me to do the impossible (I’m sure this won’t happen to you, however)!  In the evening, make your way to the Boonshoft (kids are welcome!) for Hops Over the Moon, which is sure to be a great time, and also supports a great cause!  There are a couple other fun events, including the Clambake For Kids’ Sake at McCormick & Schmicks to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and Party Arty! at the Commander Aero Hangar (Dayton Wright Brothers Airport) to support Culture Works.  Theater options include The Lion King (Schuster Center) and Hair Spray (La Comedia).  And if you’re downtown and love summer concerts, listen to the sounds of Kick-n-Flava as part of the Free Summer Concert Series down at RiverScape.  Wow, my fingers are getting tired from typing all this stuff going on around town!

On Sunday, if you (and your kids) have any energy left, make your way to one of the great festivals going on around town – the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Festival, or the Ascension Festival.  If your kids are Disney lovers, consider taking them to Dayton Disneyana at the Holiday Inn  close to the Dayton Mall.  Listen to some of the best local female jazz vocalists as part of the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Women in Jazz Festival at Dave Hall Plaza.  Or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, listen to live music as part of World Music Fest!  And finally, hurry up and get to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King if you haven’t already done so!

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

How does a man on the moon cut his hair?

Eclipse it.

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 (5/11 – 5/15)

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My Awesome GenD Day Team at DVAC!

I hope you had a terrific week!  Thanks to all who “got out” and “gave back” this past Friday for Generation Dayton Day…it was a huge success!  Dayton is fortunate to have many wonderful young professionals!  This week, be sure to “get out” again, as there are many great things going on in our community!

On Wednesday, find out how trash can be turned into treasure with the exhibit, ‘Trash? Look Again’ at the Dayton Art Institute.  For some great networking, attend Business After Hours at Dayton Convention Center.  Afterwards, head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains or to Wiley’s for Dirty Little Secret Sanitarium.  If you’ve had a crazy day and need to relax a bit, make your way to The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting.

On Thursday, attend the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center, featuring Gina Barreca, a best-selling author who will keep you laughing.  Over at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, attend their Gallery Talks, in which artists Maureen Schaffer and Deborah Barr will talk about their art.  While you’re there, check out the fantastic spackling/sanding/paint job my GenD Day team did there!  Meet fellow Gen D’ers (a.k.a. fantastic young professionals!) at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at The Pub at The Greene.  ALL young professionals are welcome!  Also at The Greene, if you’re hungry for some delicious food, make your way to McCormick & Schmick’s for their Benziger Wine Dinner.  At Oregon Express, you will be able to grab a beer and learn about religion as part of Dayton Theology on Tap.  While there, be sure to have some of their amazing pizza!  I had some this past weekend and it was delicious!  And finally, don’t delay in getting your tickets to watch the Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains at Fifth-Third Field.

On Friday, downtown is THE place to be, even if you call the suburbs home.  The main attraction is Urban Nights, which is a free event in which you will be able to see downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, urban living options, and MUCH more.  It only happens twice a year, so don’t miss your chance to attend this huge downtown open house!  For more info, be sure to become a fan of the “Urban Nights” fan page.  Urban Nights truly has something for everyone, so that is really my only best bet for Friday.  If you’re not there, you’re missing out…and I’m going to leave it at that!

On Saturday, all you car lovers will want to drive to the Webster Street Market for the British Car Meet (not to be confused with “meat,” although I’m sure they’ll have that too!).  Many of our dogs may have gained a few pounds over the cold/snowy winter since they haven’t been able to get out and exercise.  So, get them moving at the Furry Skurry 2011 at Miami Valley Hospital South to support the Humane Society.  If you don’t have a furry friend, you can still walk as part of the Walk Away From Violence event at RiverScape MetroPark, in which funds raised will benefit the Artemis Center, which helps to raise funds for victims of domestic violence.  At The Greene, watch the Hunks in Heels race, all the while supporting Clothes that Work.  This should be a super fun event!

Photo Credit: Andy Snow

Support Dayton Children’s Medical Center by attending Cha-Cha: Reasons to Celebrate at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center, which will feature live entertainment, fine dining, and both live and silent auctions!  You will be able to contribute to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Dayton by attending the 2nd Annual Sis-Boom-Ball at St Paul’s Episcopal Church.  All you “creatives” will want to attend The Sideshow VI at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park.  At the Dayton Convention Center, the Come to the Cabaret – DCDC’s Soulstice event will be happening, which will include a wonderful mixture of live music, casino games, dancing, and dance performances by the amazing DCDC (although it says “D.C.” twice, they are actually located in Dayton…and we are so blessed to have them!).  If you enjoy watching dance but are on a strict budget, consider attending Order My Steps at Stivers Schoool for the Arts.  At the Schuster Center, you will be able to see the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bernstein’s MASS’.  In addition, other options for Saturday include Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre, Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.

On Sunday, start the morning off with Sunday Brunch at The Barnsider…I’m hoping the lines won’t be as long since it’s not Mother’s Day!  Sunday also has several theater options, including  42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater, Honk! Jr.at Town Hall Theatre, and Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And if you love beer, you won’t want to miss PubFest at The Pub at The Greene!

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

Why did the mouse run under the beer truck?  Because he wanted to get smashed.

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!

Hats & Horses – Derby Doings in Dayton

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Every year as May roles around there is  a lot of talk about the Kentucky Derby.  Recipes start floating around for the quintessential Mint Julep or Derby Pie.  Women start discussing hats- and this year the talk was kick-started early due to the Royal Wedding. Heck, I even know the difference between a downbrim and a Fascinator, something my grandmother would have been so proud of, if she were still here.  People that never seem to care about horse racing suddenly talk handicapping. Last year I enjoyed the Derby Day Brunch at Brio, but never even saw the race.  This year something got into me and I’ve decided to make the trek down to  Churchill Downs.  So if you want to get caught up in all the hoopla,  here are some great events to celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports.

Color of Energy hosts  a Derby Day Preview Party
Wed, May 4th 6:30pm

Kicking off  “And Their Off,” a horseracing photographic exhibit by John Engelhardt, A Color of Energy gets you ready for The Derby . John is a longtime employee of River Downs in Cincinnati and a resident of Oakwood.  He has a great collection of horseracing scenes that tie in with the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Color of Energy gallery will be hosting along with Judge Dan Gehres and Tom Archdeacon.  The party will feature Engelhardts photos, Ed Meyer a professional handicapper from Kentucky gives his derby predictions and a live throughbred race horse will be outside!!  It wouldn’t be a true Dereby party without the singing of Run for the Roses & My Old Kenutcky Home and Dale Walton will be on hand to do that!  Sidebar will be serving Hotbrowns and Derby pie and providing a cash bar. Original jockey silks will decorate the day and this will be a great forum for Derby stories, history and a preview to what promises to be a great event.

13th Annual Derby Day Dash 5K and Youth Fun Runs
Sat May 7th 8am – 11am

Start the day off by participating in The Derby Day Dash, a charitable fun run that benefits Life Essentials, an organization that helps people who slip through gaps in community services. The day is family friendly and consists of a 5K run/walk, a Tot Trot for ages 3-5, a Kids Canter for the 6-8 year olds and the Guys & Girls Gallop for ages 9-10.   All events start and finish at Fifth Third Plaza in downtown Dayton.  The first 75 registered children between the ages of 6 and 10 will be fitted for a free safety helmet.  All children registered will receive a free ticket to the Beach Watherpark.
There are also team contests with prizes for the largest team, best team name and as appropriate for the day, a hat contest.  Don’t worry, a hat check will be provided for racers, as no hats are to be worn during the race. After the races their will also be drawing for door prizes.  For more information call 586-0545 or email

The second annual Crown Jewels™ of Dayton Derby Day Brunch Sat, May 7th 10am – 1pm

The event generously hosted by Brio at The Greene includes a buffet brunch and in true Derby-style, mint juleps. Other activities will include a “Hat Strut” by our guests, a silent auction and roaming models from merchants at The Greene. Guests will also get their picture taken by the official Derby Day photographer and everyone will receive a Run for the Pink Roses commemorative glass.

All proceeds from this Crown Jewel’s™ event go to further the work of the Kettering Medical Center Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Fund. The fund provides free screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and prostheses to uninsured women (and men) in our community. It also provides education on breast cancer and other women’s health issues through the Cindy Wilde Vogel Memorial Library located at the Kettering Breast Evaluation Center. Procedures may be scheduled at any accepting mammography facility in the area (not just a KMC affiliate) and the Women’s Wellness Fund will cover the cost. To date over 8000 people have been able to use this life saving service.  Tickets for the Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch are $40.  Many of the calendar models are selling tickets for this even or you can call Tina at 937-259-7927 to order your tickets.

JLD Derby Party
Sat, May 7, 4-8pm

The Junior League of Dayton invites you to put on your Derby hat and sip Mint Juleps while you watch the most exciting tow minutes in sports with them as they host a watch party at The Wine Loft at The Greene.  Tickets run $30 for members and spouses, and $35 for non-members.  Tickets include 2 drink tickets and a spread that will include Hot Browns, Pimento Cheese Toasts, Mint Julep Lamp Chops, Shrimp & Cheese Grits and Thourghbread Pie.  You can purchase tickets online or by mailing check to the Junior League of Dayton Office. Ticket Purchase Deadline is Friday, May 6th at Noon.

Junior Legaue encourages Junior Chefs

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The goal of the Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen initiative  is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues.  Kids in the Kitchen will take place from 11:00am – 2:30 pm on Saturday, April 16, at The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway. The event will be open to children and their parents/guardians, and is included with regular museum admission fees.  This special event is included in the price of general admission for the Boonshoft Museum.

Kids in the Kitchen  will featuring seven different HEALTHY LIFESTYLES stations including: a guest Zumba Instructor, Jennifer Keyes, certified Zumba instructor for children; Dayton Children’s Medical Center’s “celebrity chef” Jeff Delahunt, Director of Dietetics & Nutrition at Children’s Medical Center; Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will be sharing an activity on dental care; chef hat decorating, and much more.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVZ1yrVisDw&feature=player_embedded#at=80′]

Kids in the Kitchen fits perfectly with the Junior League of Dayton’s current advocacy outreach program, POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources).  Working in conjunction with Dayton Children’s with sponsorship from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  One of the POWER outreach programs, Healthy Lifestyles, provides a nutrition and physical awareness program to area adolescents.  Actives include recognizing proper meal portion sizes, how to read a nutrition label, food comparisons, fast food restaurant pitfalls, and the benefit of exercise. For more information about the Junior League of Dayton and Kids in the Kitchen, visit their website at www.jldayton.org.

Jane’s Best Bets (4/13 – 4/17)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s almost tax day.  As many of you rush to get yours completed (don’t worry, I’m in that boat too), hopefully you get a break so you can enjoy some of these events going on in the Dayton area this week!

On Wednesday, learn The Basics of Excel 2007 (which may be helpful for everyone doing their own accounting) at Sinclair.  At the Greene County Career Center, attend their “Sushi Galore” Cooking Class.  Afterwards, you are more than welcome to make me some!  If you are feeling artsy, attend the UD Celebration of the Arts: Closing Visual Arts Exhibition and Reception.  All creative professionals should get happy (if you’re not already) by attending the Happy Hour Special Event: Cincinnati Creatives Head North at Harrigan’s Tavern South.  Dayton Creative Syndicate (DCS) will welcome the American Advertising Foundation-Dayton and AIGA Cincinnati colleagues to the area for a networking/social event.  If you’re a movie lover who likes to laugh, make your way to The Neon for a special screening of Punching the Clown.  At the Dayton Racquet Club, help kick off the Dayton Dutch Lions’ soccer season by attending their VIP Party and Date Auction!  Ladies – they always say soccer players are hot (even when they don’t have a fever)!  And finally, put on your blue suede shoes and catch the music of “The King” with All Shook Up, which is being performed at Victoria Theatre.

On Thursday, music lovers should attend the 2011 WGI Percussion World Championships to see talented percussion ensembles from across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.  Young professionals will not want to miss the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at Blind Bob’s, which will provide an awesome opportunity for YPs to network/socialize.  If you put wine and yoga together, some say you get “woga” or “yine.”  However, at the Metropolitan Arts Center, you get Grape and Lotus – A Wine and Yoga Practice.  All you green wannabes should Go Green At PNC 2nd Street Market, where you will learn about the top ten ways to go green at home.  Support a great cause by attending Guest Grillers Kramer & Clober at BD’s Mongolian Grill.  In addition to food grilled by local DJs, there will be a silent auction, raffles, games, and prizes.  If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, take them to see Charlotte’s Web at the Dominion Academy of Dayton.  And if you want a good laugh, check out the award-winning musical comedy Nunsense at Chakeres Memorial Theatre.  Sounds like my kind of show, as it is described as having hilarious puns!  In other theater news, you can attend All Shook Up at Victoria Theatre or Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre.  And finally, if you prefer to do the performing yourself, make your way to Champps for their Karaoke Thursdays.

Voice Pathologist Jennifer Rettig Taking A Look at My Vocal Folds

Friday is World Voice Day, so head to The Blaine Block Institute for Voice Analysis and Rehabilitation, one of the most well-respected voice clinics in the nation as they celebrate 2011 World Voice Day!  Be sure to schedule your appointment for a FREE voice screening, in which you will be able to see pictures/video of your vocal folds!  I have had it done and I assure you, it is painless!  If you haven’t yet, be sure to register for the 2011 Young Creatives Summit at the Dayton Convention Center in which you will be able to voice your opinions about our community.  Join jumpstART as they Jump into Photography at Stivers School for the Arts.  It’s a Friday in Lent, so that also means a Fish Fry (American Legion Post 707)!  And finally, if you are looking to attend a show/musical, here are a few options:  Nunsense at Chakeres Memorial Theatre, All Shook Up at Victoria Theatre, Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, The Boys Next Door at Dayton Theatre Guild, The Daughter of The Regiment (opera) at Schuster Performing Arts Center, Charlotte’s Web at Dominion Academy of Dayton, and The Phantom Tollbooth at Town Hall Theatre.

On Saturday, celebrate Earth Day by heading to the PNC 2nd Street Market for their Tree Seedling Giveaway.  (I planted a few of them a couple years ago and they are now over three feet tall!)  Get in shape by participating in the 5K Run for the Cure in Tipp City, which starts at Harrison’s.  Music lovers should head over to Omega Music for the National Record Day Celebration.  Take the kids to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for the Junior League of Dayton’s ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ Event at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which will feature seven different healthy lifestyles stations, including such things as zumba for children and dental care.  Help raise money for scholarships for the Dayton Alumnae Panhellenic Association by attending Sashay Into Spring’ Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center.  Also, be sure to bring job interview clothing donations for Clothes that Work!  Support another great cause by attending a Wine Tasting to benefit Children’s Medical Center at Arrow Wine & Spirits.  You can also support the Greene Community Health Foundation at their Bowling For Babies event at Beaver-Vu Bowling Lanes.  All you soccer lovers will not want to miss the Dayton Dutch Lions FC Home Opener ‘All Things Dutch’ at Miami Valley South Stadium!  Be sure to wear your orange!  Several shows are going on around town that were mentioned above, so be sure to check out the DMM Calendar!   At Kira’s Oasis, attend the Burlesque Show & ARC (AIDS Resource Center) Benefit.  Or, attend Flappers & Dappers, a 20s Gala benefiting Hannah’s Treasure Chest which will be held at the Schuster Center.

On Sunday, don’t miss your chance to get All Shook Up at Victoria Theatre.  Or catch Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, The Boys Next Door at the Dayton Theatre Guild, or The Phantom Tollbooth at Town Hall Theatre.  At The Neon, check out Lunafest, which is an event featuring short films by, for, and about women.  Sorry men.  And finally, for a little musical entertainment, head to the University of Dayton for their Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band or their Music Ensembles.

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

There are three kinds of accountants in the world. Those who can count and those who can’t.

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!

Archie Griffin Rushes Into Dayton for Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series – Win Tickets!

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Buckeye Football Legend to Speak at Junior League Town Hall Lecture Series on November4th

(From Tamera Geesling of the Junior League of Dayton)

Archie Griffin’s accomplishments on the field are legendary.  He is the only two-time winner of the prestigious Heisman Trophy, a three-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player, first-round draft pick and member of several Halls of Fame.  Among fans of The Ohio State University (OSU), he is a legend and an icon.  Griffin will appear in Dayton on November 4, at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Center for Performing Arts as part of the Junior League of Dayton’s (JLD) Town Hall Lecture Series.  Additionally, several local members of the OSU Alumni Band are scheduled to lead Griffin on stage to kick off the event.

It could be said Griffin was born to be a Buckeye – he was born at the OSU Hospital.  After a stand-out career at Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, Griffin also valued the importance of a good education and considered attending the Naval Academy, Northwestern and (gasp!) Michigan.  Griffin’s close-knit family was an influencing factor.  “The fact that my older brothers were playing out of town and my parents would have the opportunity to pretty much just come around the corner and watch me play if I went to Ohio State was appealing,” Griffin said.

Griffin’s freshman debut in 1972 was humbling as he fumbled his first collegiate carry and was taken out of the game.  Griffin has said that the three D’s (desire, dedication and determination) have been a motto for him throughout his life.  In his second OSU game he set a school single-game rushing record of 239 yards.  It was the start of a brilliant career that would see him amass an OSU record 5,589 yards, 26 touchdowns, numerous awards and the enduring adulation of Buckeye fans.  In 1976, he was a first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as co-captain and played for eight years.

What makes him a true legend is that he is equally well-known for his accomplishments off the field.  Former Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes said of Griffin, “He’s a better young man than he is a football player, and he’s the best football player I’ve ever seen.”  Today, Griffin is the President/CEO of The OSU Alumni Association and one its biggest cheerleaders.  In addition to being a member of several charitable organizations, Griffin started the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund and he and his wife Bonita founded the Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund that sponsors sports, educational and travel programs for central Ohio children.  Additionally, he is the spokesman for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program which recognizes the nation’s most esteemed high school senior men and women for excellence in athletics, academics and leadership.

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from this Ohio legend. Tickets are $31 each (plus handling) and can be ordered by calling 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.  The lecture begins at 10:00 am and doors open at 9:00 am.   The Archie Griffin lecture is presented by AAA Miami Valley with additional support provided by Liberty Savings Bank and media partners, ThinkTV and Times Community Newspaper.

To date, the Town Hall Lecture Series has raised over $1.8 million to support local JLD community programs, such as POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources), a children’s advocacy program in partnership with The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, and the Holiday Hunt, an annual tradition of the Dayton Holiday Festival.

The Junior League of Dayton is an organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.  For more information about the JLD and its community programs, visit www.jldayton.org.

DaytonMostMetro.com has your free tickets!

For a chance to win a pair of tickets ($62 value) to see Archie Griffin on November 4th for the second installment in the Junior League of Dayton’s Town Hall Lecture Series (Jamie Farr was the first), simply comment below and tell us something about the Junior League of Dayton that you admire and we’ll randomly select a winner on Wednesday October 27th.  NOTE: This event takes place at 10am on Thursday November 4th – please make sure you can attend before entering to win.

A Cigar, a Dress and a Hairy Chest – Jamie Farr at the Schuster Center

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(From Tamera Geesling of the Junior League of Dayton)

Before there were mash-ups on Glee, there was M*A*S*H.  Whether you watched the show live or the reruns, which still air, chances are you have seen an episode or two – or even all 251 episodes of M*A*S*H.  And the show wouldn’t have been complete without Jamie Farr’s character, Corporal Max Klinger.  On October 14, the Junior League of Dayton(JLD) welcomes Jamie Farr to town to kick of the 55th season of the Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center.  WE HAVE FREE TICKETS – DETAILS BELOW!

Farr began his niche in television in the late 1950s.  He became a regular on The Red Skelton Show and played second banana to Harvey Korman on The Danny Kaye Show.  He has appeared as a panelist on numerous game shows including The Gong Show, Match Game, Hollywood Squares and The $25,000 Pyramid.  In 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But despite a half-century career in television, Jamie Farr is most remembered for his outrageous portrayal of Corporal Max Klinger. It was the ultimate comedic trifecta – a cigar chomping, hairy man in a dress.  Originally hired for one-day’s work, Farr impressed the producers with his over-the-top character portrayal and he became a regular on the show’s eleven-year run.  His antics and dresses were all a part of his attempt to garner a Section 8 Discharge from the military. But the joke was on him.  In a letter home Klinger wrote “”You see, Unc? It’s no wonder I never got a Section Eight; there’s nothing special about me. Everybody here is crazy!”Farr shared a similar backstory with Klinger – a Toledo, Ohio native with a love for Packo’s Hungarian hot dogs and the Toledo Mud Hens. He was also the only regular cast member to have served in the Korean War (on which the show was based).

The final two-and-a-half hour episode aired February 28, 1983 and set records as the most watched program in television history with 105.97 million viewers.  Nearly 77% of homes with a television were tuned into the finale. The record held for 27 years until it was recently surpassed by Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 with 106.5 million viewers.

After M*A*S*H ended, Farr kept busy with television, movie and stage appearances.  In 1985, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Off-screen, Farr became involved in charity work. Since 1984, the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic has been held in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio.  This tournament for professional female golfers on the LPGA tour has generated over $6.5 million for local children’s charities.

Tickets are $31 each (plus handling) and can be ordered by calling 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.  Series tickets are still available for $75 and $90 and include Jamie Farr (October 14, 2010 – support provided by The DP&L Foundation and Dayton Superior Corporation), as well as Archie Griffin (November 4, 2010 – presented by AAA Miami Valley with support from Liberty Savings Bank), Nick Clooney (April 7, 2011 – presented by Freund, Freeze & Arnold: A Legal Professional Association) and Gina Barreca (May 12, 2011).  The Town Hall Lecture Series is also sponsored by its media partners, ThinkTV and Times Community Newspaper.

To date, the Town Hall Lecture Series has raised over $1.8 million to support local JLD community programs, such as POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources), a children’s advocacy program in partnership with The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, and the Holiday Hunt, an annual tradition of the Dayton Holiday Festival.

The Junior League of Dayton is an organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.  For more information about the JLD and its community programs, visit www.jldayton.org.

For a chance to win free tickets to this event (a $62 value), just comment below using your real email address (we won’t make it public) and then hit the Share or Like button so that your Facebook friends know about this event.  We’ll announce the winner of a pair of tickets on Friday October 8th – good luck!