Date: June 18, 2025

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Location: Bock Family Brewing, 8150 Washington Village Drive, Dayton, OH 45458

Event Hashtags: #EqualityMatters #LGBTQPrideMonth

This panel discussion aims to bring together diverse voices to explore the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, examine the importance of allyship, and discuss effective ways to foster inclusivity in both personal and professional environments.

The session will feature advocates and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who will share insights, experiences, and strategies for creating a more supportive, equitable, and understanding society.

Objective: This program aims to inspire positive change by encouraging open, respectful discussions and providing participants with the knowledge and tools to foster inclusivity and strengthen allyship. Through collaboration, we hope to create more equitable spaces for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or identity. 

Panelists:

• Richelle Frabotta (she/her/hers) MSEd, CSE, CSES, professional sexuality education teacher, trainer, mentor and author of curricula for 30+ years 
• Amy Monteith (she/her) MS LPCC-S LICDC-CS, President Q+ Youth Center, VP and Co Founder of Closet Transformation 
• David Seyer, (he/him) President of the Special Wish Foundation Dayton & Southwest Chapters
• Jocelyn Weeda (she/her/hers), local teacher/middle childhood specialist.

Following the panel discussion, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences and thoughts on building allyship and inclusivity in a roundtable format.

Thanks to Bock Family Brewing for hosting our Voices and Stories program!

Empowering Independence: Addressing Barriers to Aging in Place
Co-Sponsor: St Leonard

Date: March 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Franciscan Center, 8200 Provincial Way, Centerville, OH 45458

Join us for our next Voices and Stories panel discussion to share conversation and promote understanding. As the global population ages, the desire for older adults to "age in place"—to remain in their homes or their desired communities as they grow older—becomes an increasingly important topic of discussion. This panel will explore the concept of aging in place, addressing the various physical, emotional, and societal challenges that arise as individuals strive to maintain independence and quality of life in their familiar surroundings.

Panelists:

• Natalynne Baker, Executive Senior Vice President, St Mary Development Corporation
• Arnie Biondo, a Del Mar Encore Fellow with The Dayton Foundation working with the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) on Age-Friendly Communities.
• Holly Elkins-Lopez, Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter

Our panel of experts will discuss:

1. The Benefits of Aging in Place: Why is it important for older adults to remain in their homes? 
2. Barriers to Aging in Place: What are the obstacles that prevent older adults from aging in place? 

1. Other Challenges:  What other challenges do older residents face?
2. How can you help?: What can local governments, communities, service groups, and neighbors do to help older residents stay active and engaged? 

Following the panel discussion, visit with several community organizations that provide services to older adults.

If you were unable to join us for Dr. Gish's presentation or would like to watch it again, here it is thanks to the Miami Valley Communications Council!

The references Dr. Gish talks about are available here:

Bibliography on the role of everyday people in changing the world & strengthening democracy: CLICK HERE 

What can we do?: CLICK HERE

Thursday, February 13, 2025; 6:30-7:30 PM

Centerville Police Department Community Room, 155 W Spring Valley Rd., Centerville

Join us for our annual meeting, where we will begin with an insightful guest speaker presentation, followed by important organizational business. This is an opportunity for members to engage with current topics, review progress, and shape the future of the organization.

Guest Speaker: Our featured speaker is Dr. Elizabeth Gish, a distinguished representative from The Charles F. Kettering Foundation. Dr. Gish will share her thoughts on “How to Mobilize at the Grassroots Level." Her presentation will last 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session where attendees can interact with her and gain deeper insights into her work.

Agenda:

Opening Session:

1. Guest Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Gish, The Charles F. Kettering Foundation
2. Presentation: 15 minutes
3. Q&A Session: 15 minutes

Regular Business:

1. Leadership Slate: Review and election of new leadership
2. Budget Approval: Discussion and approval of the annual budget
3. By-Laws Approval: Review and approval of updated organizational by-laws

Where we could use some help: We are looking for committee chairs for the following committees and leadership team positions.

1. Membership Committee Chairperson
2. Scholarship Committee Chairperson
3. Assistant Treasurer

We encourage all members to attend and participate in the discussions that will help steer the direction of our organization for the coming year. For information, please email Jason Riley, CWDC Chair at cwdcchair@gmail.com.