The Dayton Weekly News - Vol. 29, Issue 27

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) Hires New Executive Director

Dayton’s Premier African American Arts

Organization hires new Executive Director The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Board of Directors has named Phyllis Brzozowska as their new Executive Director. Ms. Brzozowska, was recently brought on as interim replacement for retiring CEO RoNita Hawes-Saunders.

A national search firm was simultaneously engaged to locate candidates for the position.

However, after 5 months on the job as interim Ms. Brzozowska decided to throw her hat into the ring. The board, seeing that all requirements for the position were being met by the interim, discontinued the search and offered Ms. Brzozowska the position of Executive Director, an offer she most graciously accepted. This decision was made even easier due to the fact that Ms. Brzozowska has 4 decades of arts management. This included founding Artistic Director of CITYFOLK and

Cornel West Announces His Presidential Campaign

Cornel West announces his presidential campaign.

The activist and philosopher said running for president is a step toward “truth and justice.”

West, 70, announced his candidacy for the People’s Party nomination on social media, calling the presidency a vehicle for pursuing truth and justice.

“I come from a tradition where I care about you,” West said in the video.

Phyllis Brzozowska

a prior stint as Executive Director of DCDC. She also brings years of passion for dance, evident in her work for DCDC, Luna Negra Dance Theatre in Chicago, and numerous other dance companies during her tenure at CITYFOLK, most prominently with Rhythm in Shoes. When she was hired 23 years ago as Executive Director, Ms. Brzozowska provided staff leadership that resulted in a turnaround for DCDC and she is uniquely and ideally suited to do it again. In her time as interim she has developed a strong, trusting rapport with the current artistic and administrative

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Montgomery County Chief Deputy Retires After More Than 3 Decades of Service

After 36 years of dedicated service to Montgomery County, including 32 years with the county sheriff’s office, Chief Deputy Daryl Wilson is retiring.

A retirement celebration was held Wednesday afternoon honoring Wilson and the years he has served the community.

Wilson said he believes it is his time to step aside. While he has no definite plans for the future, he said he believes he still has plenty to give.

“I have a lot more to do,” Wilson said. “I have a lot more to offer. I think I have a lot to leave, and here’s the thing. I’m still teachable. So therefore, why not step out when I have those things going for

By Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman, Ph.D., RN. MSN/E.

Overdosing on prescribed medication in the elderly happens and it results in the loss of life. This is an avoidable occurrence. Allowing your elderly loved one to take their medications without supervision is… simply put…dangerous!

Taking medications of any kind can be dangerous, especially if there is no clear understanding of purpose, side effects, and warnings (like to take with food or on an empty stomach). If medications are man-

“I care about the quality of your life. I care about whether you have access to a job with a living wage, decent housing, women having control over their bodies, health care for all, de-escalating the destruction of the planet.”

He said his campaign would also focus on ending poverty, mass incarceration, “wars and ecological collapse.” He criticized both Democrats and Republicans, inserting clips of himself calling Donald Trump a “neofascist and President Joe Biden a milquetoast liberal.”

In a message accompanying the video, he wrote, “I am running for truth and justice as a presidential candidate for the People’s Party to reintroduce America to the best of itself, fighting to end poverty, mass incarceration, ending wars and ecological collapse, guaranteeing housing, health care, education and living wages for all!”

West has taught at Har-

Cornel West

vard, Princeton and Yale and is now a professor of philosophy at Union Theological Seminary. He resigned from Harvard’s divinity school in 2021 over a tenure dispute.

West is known for his progressive activism, public commentary and writing contemporary classics like “Race Matters.”

He supported Sen. Bernie Sanders, I.Vt., in his bid for the White House

in 2020. A former Sanders staffer, Nick Brana, founded the People’s Party after the 2016 presidential election, according to The Hill. Like Brana, West has championed a break from the two-party system. "Do we have what it takes? We shall see." West concluded in the video. "But some of us are going to go down fighting with style and a smile."

Twentig, Incorporated Celebrates Founders Day

By: Carol Prewitt Contributing Writer

Photos by: Kenny Wilkin-

son Mother Teresa once said, “Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” Ladies of Twentig, Incorporated continue to express love in action through their service to the Dayton community. Saturday, June 3, 2023, members of Twentig, Incorporated celebrated their Founders Day, 47 years of dedicated service to the Dayton community. The celebration was held at the Kohler Center, 4572 Presidential Way, Kettering, Ohio 45429.

they have continued to grow in their mission by serving the Dayton Community with purpose and dignity, effecting positive change, and added value to the quality of life for others.

community as we help foster a sense of belonging and purpose.” Ladies of Twentig believe that every single act of kindness performed radiates outward as a ripple in the brook of humanity.

me so I can be a better person.”

City commissioners to vote on Dayton demolition funding

Wilson’s family and colleagues were at the ceremony. He thanked them for all of their support throughout his career.

“I’m walking in faith,” Wilson added. “And I believe it’s time to turn the chapter.”

Twentig, Incorporated, Dayton Chapter, was founded in September 1976 by Alyce D. Lucas, Grace M. Williams, and a group of dynamic women. It was incorporated in March 1977. Initial civic efforts included aid to the Southwest Senior Citizens and awards to talented Dayton Public Schools’ students unable to purchase musical instruments. After 47 years

President, Barbara Hudson Banner commented, “Community service is essential to being a responsible member of society and helps create a sense of belonging and connections with others in need. Our Twentig organization of Black sisterhood is an unshakeable bond of purposeful love for others. Our sisterhood allows us to make a positive difference in the

A warm welcome was offered by Naomi Davis, Founders Day committee chairperson. Invocation was offered by Terrelia Ogletree, Chaplain and Historian. Jacqueline Wright presented the Twentig history followed by members and guests enjoying exhibits of past Twentig community service projects. Four members spoke about their impactful contribu-

Medication Safety in the Elderly

kinds of medication daily, and sometimes more than once a day. It is a huge predicament in our society, and in the elderly population, it is significant.

Simultaneous use of multiple medications can lead to harmful drug interactions. This is a factor that is not often addressed.

tions to the community through their respective leadership roles. They were Veronica BedellNevels – President of the Presidents Club of Dayton, Donna Dixon, Scholarship Committee Co-chairperson for the Bing Davis Scholarship through the Dayton Foundation, Barbara Hudson Banner – Executive Director of Mercy Manor, and Charlotte Harris – Vice President, Board of Directors for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

A sacred candlelight memorial service, litany for fallen Twentig

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ones take multiple medications for a host of illnesses and symptoms. Confusing medications due to vision declines

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aged with blood tests, this is another layer of concern, that cannot be overlooked.

Weekly, bi-weekly, and

monthly trips to the laboratory add to the caregiver’s activities that must be built into the care of a loved one.

The use of multiple drugs to treat diseases and other health conditions is known as polypharmacy. Imagine taking multiple

It’s a problem that will only get worse without properly educating caregivers to ensure safe medication use and awareness knowing the signs and symptoms.

Having a working comprehension of each medication is imperative.

Many of your loved

Members of Twentig, Inc.

Daryl Wilson

Around DAYTON

Twentig, Incorporated Celebrates Founders Day...

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DML Offers Programs on the Basics of Adulthood

Publisher MWC Publishing, Inc.

Editor/Publisher Donerik Black

Production Manager Brenda Coleman

Photographer Kenny Wilkinson

Writers Brenda Cochran

Benette DeCoux

Deon Cash LaTonya Victoria

Distribution

Ras Calhoun

Copy Editor Janice Bollinger

Dayton Metro Library’s Burkhardt Branch is offering a series of Adulting 101 programs for teens in grades 7-12 on topics ranging from nutrition to budgeting. Each program is free. Advanced registration is not required.

Adulting 101: Part 2: Digital Skill Certificate

Thursday, June 15, 4:30-5:30 pm Explore DML’s NorthStar database to learn about in-demand skill sets for career paths, including the basics of using Microsoft Office, email, and Google Docs.

Adulting 101: Part 3: Resumes and Interviews

Thursday, June 22, 4:30-5:30 pm

Teens will focus on the basics of writing a resume and learning interviewing tips. Mock interviews will be conducted on a voluntary basis as well.

Adulting 101: Part 4: Balling on a Budget

Thursday, June 29, 4:30-5:30 pm

Dedra Porter of Leaving a Legacy Always will discuss financial education that focuses on budgeting and understand a paycheck. Each participant will receive a budgeting journal and useful tips.

The Burkhardt Branch is located at 4704 Burkhardt Avenue, Dayton. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. Please contact the Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/ or language translation. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

angels, included the following roll call of names; Sarah Adams, Ruth Dudley, Francis Gaston, Cora Howard, Alyce Lucas –Founder, Brenda Robinson, Gail Rowe, Marguerite Walker, and Grace Williams – Founder. A special poem entitled “Love Lives On” was recited by Naomi Davis. Two members were recognized as the longest standing active members: Terreila Ogletree – 47 years (charter member) and Cheryl Johnson – 43 years. Everyone enjoyed a day of loving fellowship and delicious cuisine. Congratulations to the Founders Day committee members Naomi Davis, Chairperson, Linda Ford, Co-Chairperson, Marilyn Stepney, and Jacqueline Wright for a very successful Founders Day celebration.

Twentig, Incorporated supports organizations throughout the year as needs arise which included the following organizations for 2022: The Dakota Street Center After School Project, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, The Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation, Twentig, Incorporated-Willis “Bing” Davis Scholarship Fund, The Welcome Home Dayton Project, The YWCA Youth Swimming Program, Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness, and Mercy Manor, Inc.

The ladies of Twentig will be hosting their annual fundraiser Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Kohler Center from 5:30PM to 9:30PM. The theme is “Back to Soul in the Country with Twentig”. Donation is $60.00 per person. To obtain tickets you may contact Carol Prewitt, Vice President, and Fundraiser Chairperson at 937-2371639. If you can’t make the event and would like to make a donation, you may do so by mailing a check remitted to Twentig, Incorporated to the following address,

Twentig, Inc., P.O. Box 514, Dayton, OH 454010514, attention Charlotte Harris. Last year everyone enjoyed an evening filled with good food, fun, music by DJ Stan the Man and more. Get

your tickets early. They are going fast. The ladies of Twentig would like to thank everyone for their past support in helping Twentig reach their community service goals.

Father’s Day – June 18, 2023

Several members of Twentig, Inc. with guests.

Seated Terrelia Ogletree, 47 year member. Standing (L-R) Cheryl Johnson, 43 year member, and Barbara Hudson Banner, President.

Audrey and Bing Davis, along with Vice President of Twentig, Inc., Carol Prewitt.

DML to Offer Free Educational Advising

Several Dayton Metro Library Branches have teamed up with the Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) to offer free advising sessions on the matters of life after high school in Jump Start Your Future.

Teens and parents will be able to meet one-onone or virtually during designated Branch times with a MCESC educational advisor to ask questions and discuss financial aid and scholarships, applications and essays, creating a to-do list, and career coaching.

Jump Start Your Future will be held between the hours and 4 and 7 pm at:

Brookville, Thursday, June 15

Northmont, Tuesday, June 20

Kettering Moraine, Tuesday, June 27

Miami Township, Thursday, June 29

Miamisburg, Thursday, July 6

New Lebanon, Tuesday,

July 11

Southeast, Thursday, July 13

Vandalia, Monday, July 17

West, Tuesday, July 25

Trotwood, Thursday, July 27

West Carrollton, Tuesday, August 1

Wilmington-Stroop, Thursday, August 3

Registration for both inperson and virtual sessions will be required, and may be competed at jumpstart. mcesc.org. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. Please contact the Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/ or language translation. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

By: Geniyah Smith Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness Contributor

To coincide with “Gun Violence Awareness Month”, on June 1, 2023 YLAG launched their campaign against teen gun violence called “Don’t Fuel The Fire”. Billboards are placed strategically throughout Dayton with a PSA airing on cable networks throughout the month of June. Anika Vukasnovich, YLAG member, states “We chose to spread awareness against gun violence because we believe teens need to stick together in a world that constantly tries to divide us. Despite the dramatization we see in the media there are much better ways of conflict resolution to

l to r: Kennedi Robinson, Anika Vukasnovich and Kassidy Potter maintain peace within our communities & society.”

Gun violence seems to have become the norm. Society doesn’t seem surprised when hearing about another mass shooting. Most of the violence amongst teens are connected to rumors and instigation which unfortunately at times leads to gun violence with unnecessary death. Per Kassidy Potter, YLAG member, “Our campaign is vital to today’s youth because gun violence is leading cause of death of young people.

Through our message of “Don’t Fuel The Fire”, we want to bring awareness and reach the younger crowd.”

Kennedi Robinson adds, “ I’m very excited about this campaign. Gun violence is an extremely devasting and repetitive thing that happens in our society and we call all advocates for changes within our own community. I really hope our campaign inspires others to do the same.”

“Don’t Fuel the Fire”

Editorial Comments &

Running Away From Problems

By Bryan Golden

Do you have problems, adversity, and obstacles in your life? If you said yes, then you are like everyone else. Even the most successful people are faced with challenges. What varies is how each person responds to their problems.

Running away from problems is not only futile, it leads to a false sense of security. The erroneous premise is that your problems can be left behind by utilizing one or more strategies. The reality is, problems follow you until they are resolved.

People attempt to run away in numerous ways. Although the approaches may vary, they all have one thing in common. None of the techniques help find solutions. Instead, the problems persist or grow worse.

Running away isn't always literally changing your physical location. More often, it is escaping mentally. Displacement activity is a common example of mentally running away. Rather than dealing with a problem, a person puts their energy into something totally unrelated.

Anything can be a displacement activity. Organizing your home or office, hobbies, sports, socializing, travel, volunteering, or school can all serve this purpose. Displacement activities, when taken on their own merits, are legitimate pursuits. When used as an escape, they prolong problems.

Obviously, there is nothing wrong with productive, benevolent, or leisure activities. It's when you turn to an

Bryan Golden activity to avoid dealing with an issue, that you do yourself a disservice. Although there is nothing wrong with your activity, you are using it to avoid facing your problems.

There are those who turn to destructive behavior in the quest to run away from their problems. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, reckless gambling, or any other type of self-destructive behavior, a new set of issues is created. In addition to their original problems, they have dug a deeper hole for themselves.

These individuals may even claim that they will cease their destructive behavior once their problems go away. This is just an excuse. Their problems won't fix themselves and will get worse. Subsequently, they will continue to spiral downward until they decide to end their harmful behavior and take a proactive role in their lives.

Physically running away is also a commonly used option. Some people will move to another location thinking their problems will be left behind.

Others will jump from job to job in an attempt to find a company that isn't filled with jerks. A third approach is frequently changing relationships in search of a situation that doesn't have any problems.

Problems are often caused, or attracted by, how you act and who you are. Therefore, they will follow you wherever you go. There are some problems that may be solved by changing your location. But if you find that you encounter similar problems wherever you go, running is obviously not the answer.

Another strategy is to blame others for your predicament. If you believe someone else is responsible for creating your situation, then obviously you aren't responsible for fixing it. This conclusion is false. You are not a victim of circumstances. It's your life. You are solely responsible for its direction.

Expecting someone else to fix your problems is also running away. By assigning this responsibility to another person, you abdicate your part in running your life. Therapists and clergy are typically assigned this role. Although they can guide you and offer suggestions, you are the only one who can take action to solve your problems.

No one wants problems but everyone has to deal with them. When they occur, you can minimize their longevity by handling them as quickly as possible. Attempting to run away from them will just prolong your problems as well as enabling them to get worse. Every problem has a solution. Put your energy into solving your problems, not running away.

Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at Bryan@columnist.com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com

Copyright 2023 Bryan Golden

Something to Consider: Living Purposefully

By: Brenda Cochran Contributing Writer

Living with purpose means that what matters to you is associated with your values and beliefs with God’s plan for your life. This may differ with what this means to all, but when you feel it, you will know it.

When referring to living with purpose, some would say that they are living according to God’s plan and a way to determine if you are living with God’s plan for your life is during your prayers. You can also take time every day to devote to God and the plans that He has not only for you, but for your life. If you are giving each area of your life to God, then it will be blessed and you will be able to work through it.

There are ways to follow God’s plan for your life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had this plan when we were born that God had written out for us? This manual would indicate what we should do to follow this plan.

Most would agree that sometimes life can be so confusing and it could be difficult to understand exactly what God wants for us especially when we consider all the things that are going around in

our world and all of the obligations that may be pulling at us.

The truth is that God knows what He wants for us and He is in control of our plans. The blueprints for our lives are all drawn up.

This life can be hard through trials, but we are made stronger. During all these times of tribulations and difficulties, our faith can grow and multiply. Most have some pressure from society in terms of how to succeed or meet a certain standard that is held for us. Through God’s calling, we can achieve what He wants from the lives we lead.

There are some plans that might help us. The first is through prayers. We will know that we are following God’s plan

for our lives through praying. 2) Be active in reading the Word. Although we may attend church on Sunday, but taking time each day to devote to God’s word means a great deal. 3) Follow the commands from your heart and then you can allow God to direct your steps or the dreams you may have received from Him. 4) Look for a godly community. In such a community, we will be able to find friends that will encourage us. 5) Obey the truth. We first need to understand what is in the Bible and the way He chose for us to live. This would be to live our lives by the commandments.

The following are two quotes on Living Purposely. Bishop T. D. Jakes says:

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion for your passion will lead you right to your purpose.”

According to Oprah Winfrey, “There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born and how you become most truly alive.”

Commentary Who Governs?

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

One of the most important questions a “thinking and responsible” citizen must ask is, “Who governs me?”

Active participation in the governance of others is a solemn responsibility of which only a few are worthy. Without question, to present oneself in such a position requires a well-developed sense of self-esteem AND the humility of acknowledging the great trust placed in her/his character. One of those traits without the other is a recipe for poor governance.

Too many of our current “leaders” share that fault.

Several days ago, I watched a television program that listed numerous politicians and the institutions of higher learning they attended. Since most of the universities attached to the subjects of the program were considered the “cream of the crop” of higher learning, I only wondered, “If those schools are so good, how did some of these people get in, and more worri-

some is, ‘How did they graduate?’”

I judge the quality of formal education by the ability of the student to move with skill and alacrity in familiar circumstances and adaptively in those in which they lack familiarity or experience. This is essential for effective governance, especially in a nation as culturally and geographically diverse as ours. It is more of a necessity for those whose formal education is limited in depth and detail.

Among those on the referenced program were Ted Cruz (R-TX) who attended Princeton University and received a law degree from Harvard; Josh Hawley, (R-MO) who attended Stanford and received a law degree from Yale; John Kennedy (R-LA) who attended Vanderbilt and received his law degree from the University of Virginia; Tom Cotton (R-AR) who attended Harvard and Harvard Law School; Elise Stefanik (R-NY) attended Harvard; Matt Gaetz (R-FL) attended the

Florida State University and the Law College of William and Mary. I must also mention Ron DeSantis who attended Harvard, Yale, and the Naval Justice School.

Others among these “questionables” attended Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and Dartmouth. Non-Ivy League graduates like Donald Trump (University of Pennsylvania), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) (University of Georgia), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) (Stanford), besmirch the academic character of their alma maters.

Among “leaders” with no, limited, or questionable academic credentials are: Lauren Boebert (R-CO) (recently received her GED), Madison Cawthorn (RNC) (homeschooled; mostly D grades before dropping out of Patrick Henry College); and Matthew Rosendale (RMT) who removed his ID as “Rancher” from his website when questioned about it. George

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Brenda Cochran

Arts & Entertainment

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staff. Ms. Brzozowska is a seasoned fundraiser with considerable skills in marketing, and financial management. Her knowledge of touring will steer the company back into this profitable arena that was a significant revenue stream in the past. Artistic Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs says: “I am extremely excited to be in this co- leadership model with Phyllis. Having her step back into the space with her knowledge of the dance sector and her intimate knowledge of DCDC is exactly what we need to launch us into our 55th season. ”Acting Board Chair Charlotte Harris states, “we are pleased to formally select interim Executive Director

Phyllis Brzozowska as the new Executive Director”. DCDC was founded in 1968 to create performance opportunities for African American dancers. Fifty-five years later, it remains rooted in the African American experience, committed to the development of diverse movement artists on the global stage. DCDC is known for its extraordinary artistic expression, precision, and athleticism. Having the world’s largest repertoire of classic works by African American choreographers, this Dayton, Ohio company continues to be celebrated at home and around the world.

For Additional Information, Contact: Kevin Ward, Senior Artistic Associate 937.228.3232 kevin@ dcdc.org

DML and Partners Offer Free Summer Family Film Fest

Dayton Metro Library has partnered with The Neon and ThinkTV PBS to host a free Summer Family Film Fest on Saturday mornings at The Neon. Each screening will include a PBS Kids program, additional activities, and a special book reading with DML’s own Winnie Johnson, Manager of the West Branch.

The program schedule is as follows:

June 10: “Daniel Tiger Day,” with an assortment of hands-on activities available on The Neon’s patio afterward.

June 17: “Animals Are Awesome” with Wild Kratts and Nature Cat, with a visit from Five Rivers MetroParks’ Animal

Support Black

Ambassadors after the screening.

June 24: “Library Day with Curious George,” followed by a post-screening, hands-on event at the Main Library (215 East Third Street), where kids will have a chance to meet Curious George.

July 1: “Dogs Are Our Friends,” with Clifford the Big Red Dog, followed by “Pet a Puppy” with Wagtown afterward.

July 8: “Sing Along” with Sesame Street, followed by an Elmo photobooth and coloring activi-

ties on The Neon’s patio.

July 16: “Welcome to ODD Squad,” with a magnification investigation on The Neon’s patio afterward.

Doors to The Neon will open at 10:30 am each Saturday. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with one ticket per person (all guests in a party must be present to receive a ticket).

The Neon is located at 130 E. 5th Street. Free ground level parking is available across the street. For more informa-

tion, visit neonmovies. com or contact the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

DML is committed to providing access to all of our events. Please contact the Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665 to request accommodations for sign language interpretation, audio amplification, and/or language translation. Additional accommodations may be available upon request. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Dayton’s Music Scene

The City of Huber Heights, Culture and Diversity Citizen Action Commission (HHCDCAC) is excited to announce its second annual Juneteenth Music Festival at the Eichelberger Amphitheater, Huber Heights, Sunday, June 18, 5-10 p.m. Parking and admission into the festival is free.

Musical acts include some of Dayton’s more well-known artists: Chay Buddah & Hot2Def, Ric Sexton & Friends, and headlining the festival, the Dayton Funk All-Stars.

Several black-owned food trucks serving a variety of soul food cuisine, and black-owned business vendors, will also be on hand, and the festival will include a beer and wine garden sponsored by the Huber Heights Optimist Club and Huber Heights Performing Arts. The beer and wine garden and several of the food and merchandise vendors will have a cash-only option for payment.

The Juneteenth Music Festival is sponsored by the HHCDCAC, the Dayton Scene Radio Show,

the Funk Music Hall of Fame and Exhibition Center, the Huber Heights Optimist Club and Huber Heights Performing Arts. Community members are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The Eichelberger Amphitheater is located at 8625 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, Ohio, 45424. For more information, contact Sarah Williams, MNA, CNP, Community Engagement Specialist, City of Huber Heights, at 937.237.5820.

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) Hires New Executive Director...

Worship At The Church Of Your Choice

COLLEGE HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH

Rev. Merritt Worthen, PhD

Teens Are Spending Less Time Than Ever With Friends

The share of high school seniors who gathered with friends in person “almost every day” dropped from 44 percent in 2010 to 32 percent in 2022, according to Monitoring the Future, a national survey of adolescents. Social outings for the typical eighth grader dwindled from about 2 1/2 a week in 2000 to 1 1/2 in 2021. The nation’s teens have traded face time for Facetime. Adolescents are spending less time gather-

Commentary Who Governs?...

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Santos (R-NY)… Who knows anything about him?

Although some completed some college, such as an associate degree or a training course at a specialized school, I must wonder how they convinced other citizens to give them such important jobs.

Among those I have named, there are two points of commonality –they are all Republicans, and their words and actions demonstrate an intense hatred of all things different.

I speak with authority when I say that none of the mentioned schools had courses labeled “Hate the Poor, Hate Black People, Hate the LGBTQs, Hate Anybody with Whom You Disagree.”

You get the point!

I must wonder if any administrator or Board Member from these

ing in shopping malls, movie theaters and rec rooms, and more time connecting on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

Some researchers see the retreat from social gatherings as key to explaining the wave of adolescent ennui that is sweeping the nation. Numerous studies have tracked rising rates of loneliness among adolescents before, during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared a na-

schools has ever called some of these people and said, “You are making our school look bad! Cut out the craziness!”

I am not suggesting that these “leaders” should find agreement with every point of view, but given the concept of personal freedom, their stated agendas uniformly reject uplifting all people, fair voting rights, women’s rights, peace, justice, or any of the myriad personal freedoms we have lived with for years. Their words and actions resurrect the hatred, unfairness, disrespect, and racism of history to another level.

We must find and elect those who will govern for the benefit of our diverse communities – not just for a disgruntled minority.

Dr. E. Faye Williams

is President of The Dick Gregory Society and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women

tional loneliness epidemic. And loneliness presages depression and other mental health maladies, which are also growing more prevalent among teens.

“Teens are spending a lot more time communicating with each other electronically and a lot less time hanging out with each other face to face,” said Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of “Generations,” a new book about generational differences.

“Going to the mall has gone down. Driving in the car for fun has gone down. Going to the movies has gone down,” she said. “We’re talking about kids who are spending five, six, seven hours a day on social media.”

Twenge sees a connection between the decline of adolescent gatherings and the rise of teenage loneliness.

About half of the nation’s high-school seniors met up with friends almost daily in the 1970s, when researchers at the University of Michigan began tracking their outings in the Monitoring the Future study.

In the decades since, a gradually shrinking share of teens has reported regu-

lar meetups with friends. The steepest decline commenced around 2010, just as smartphones and social media were taking hold. U.S. smartphone ownership reached 50 percent in 2012.

The loneliness epidemic arrived around the same time. A landmark 2021 study found that levels of adolescent loneliness nearly doubled between 2012 and 2018. Prior to 2012, researchers had spotted no loneliness trend.

Twenge believes the timing of the two trends, falling face time and rising loneliness, is no mere coincidence.

“If it’s not smartphones and social media that have caused the rise in teen depression, what is it?” she said.

“Screen time can be so many different things,” said Amanda Lenhart, head of research at Common Sense. “There’s all sorts of ways in which these platforms can be both good for kids and bad for kids.”

Nearly half of the nation’s teens now say they are online “almost constantly,” according to Pew Research. More than half say they are effectively addicted to social media and would have a hard time giving it up.

The surgeon general, among others, has linked social media to rising depression and anxiety in teenagers.

Loneliness deepened at the height of the pandemic. Three years later, the epidemic shows few signs of abating. New survey data from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, collected in December, shows 21 percent of teens report being lonely much or all of the time.

“I think social media has been a really significant factor in this decline,” said Richard Weissbourd, a senior lecturer at the Harvard education school.

Weissbourd and other researchers agree with Twenge that face-to-face relationships play a large role in adolescent development.

“Friendships and relationships are very important in adolescence,” said Adam Hoffman, an assistant professor of psychology at Cornell University. Social media “can really only supplement, and cannot replace, in-person relationships. We need to have both of these.”

Both he and Weissbourd stress, however, that social media is only one of several societal forces that have af-

flicted the mental health of adolescents and young adults in recent years.

“Teens rank achievement pressure really high in terms of negatively influencing their mental health,” Weissbourd said. Adolescents and their families report heightened financial stress. Teens in the 2020s fret about climate change and political strife.

Causes of adolescent loneliness vary by race, class and culture.

Social media itself is, psychologically speaking, a mixed bag.

The social maelstrom of Instagram drives some teens into depression. For other young people, social media can bring connection. Nonbinary and transgender teens, for example, have reported joy and empowerment in discovering people like themselves through social media.

Other research suggests teens may ultimately be better off with a social media life than without one.

One 2022 study found that teens reported lower self-esteem when their Internet access was poor or nonexistent. The survey also found that adolescent self-esteem suffered when parents wielded strict control over screen time.

“There’s a big difference between being in the same place with someone and interacting with someone electronically,” she said. “When you’re in the same room with someone in real time, you’re having a conversation, you can see the look on their face, you can touch each other, and all of these things are important for teens.”

America’s teenagers are seeing a lot less of one another.

•

By: Deon Cash

Staff Writer

Here are the hottest topics in the Dayton area:

• CHAMINADE HEADS BACK TO STATE IN BASEBALL

The Chaminade-Julienne Eagles are headed back to another state berth after a thrilling walk off win to knock off Hamilton Badin 2-1 in Mason, Ohio. The Eagles came into the tourney as a #7 seed but was able to navigate through a difficult Regionals, and now will play on Friday morning for a chance to play for another OHSAA State title.

C-J will face Chagrin Falls in the semifinals at 10 AM in Akron, Ohio.

• DUNBAR DAI’VONTAY YOUNG WINS STATE IN HURDLES; GOLDEN AND PROCTOR ALSO REP WELL

Dai’Vontay Young, one of the top football players in Dayton Public Schools and in Southwest Ohio, has achieved a huge goal in winning the 110 meter hurdles at the OHSAA State Track and Meet Championships last weekend. Young would run a blistering 13.91 and keep the Dunbar championship run going. Although he didn’t win Keshaun Golden competed in the 300 meter hurdles at the State meet as well.

On the ladies side Meadowdale Je’Leycia Proctor competed in the 300m hurdles as well. Congrats to Young, Golden and Proctor on achieving great success this season for themselves and their respective schools.

• GREENVILLE FALLS IN SOFTBALL STATE SEMIFINALS

The Greenville Lady Green Wave had a very good season, making it all the way to the OHSAA State Semifinals. However the dream to win a title ended with a tough loss in the semifinals. The Lady Green Wave lost 5-4 to Fotbonne in a hard fought and emotional game. Despite the loss, Greenville showed toughness and was elite all season.

Congrats to Greenville on a great softball season.

FORMER DAYTON DRAGON ELLY DE LA CRUZ GETS CALL

One of the top prospects in all of baseball got a call as Elly De La Cruz was called up to the Cincinnati Reds this week. De La Cruz is a 5-tool prospect who stands at 6’5, can throw nearly 100 mph, has elite range and athleticism and makes plays that make your jaw absolutely drop. De we mention that the ball sounds like a cannon coming off his bat and he can hit for average and power as well? There has not been a player this talented for Cincinnati since Ken Griffey Jr and Eric Davis strutted around the bases for the Redlegs.

With Cincinnati still in the running for a spot in the MLB playoffs this season, De La Cruz should be a major boost to a inconsistent team who needs a true leader. De La Cruz looks the part.

Good luck to De La Cruz and the Reds organization, as De La Cruz played last year in the Dragons organization.

Dayton Weekly Sports Report Health

Red Cross: Blood Supply Facing Stress, Donors Needed Help celebrate World Blood Donor Day June 14

A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients. The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead.

World Blood Donor Day, gifts for donors

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a

day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors. This is the perfect time to give, especially for those who haven’t given in a while, or who have never given before.

In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Help the Red Cross

celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call

1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June

8-30:

Champaign

Saint Paris

6/12/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Evans-Purk Building, 115 S. Church St.

Urbana

6/14/2023: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Urbana Champaign County Senior Center, 150 Patrick Ave

Clark

Springfield

6/22/2023: 1 p.m.7 p.m., Lawrenceville Church of God, 3131 Fox Hollow Rd

Greene

Beavercreek

6/21/2023: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons

Dayton

6/22/2023: 1:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Be Hope Church, 1850 North Fairfield Road

Xenia

6/25/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Xenia Church of Christ, 444 Country Club Drive

Logan

Belle Center

6/19/2023: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Belle Center United Methodist Church, 101 S. Center St.

Bellefontaine

6/13/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 201 Main N

Miami

Troy

6/27/2023: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Miami County YMCA-Robinson Branch, 3060 South County Road 25A

Montgomery

Dayton

6/27/2023: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Dayton Office, 370 W First Street

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure

they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross. org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana. org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Medication Safety in the Elderly...

Continued From Page 1

or cognition changes are the two main reasons to be present with your loved one at medication times.

Some elderly will revert to feeling the size of pills or looking at their color and stop reading the medication labels.

This is one way loved ones work hard to remain independent. This is a dangerous practice. Pharmaceutical companies change medication sizes and colors all the time, so paying attention every time new medications are picked up from the pharmacy is essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, 125,000 deaths occur every year because of medicines not being taken correctly.

A study published in The Journals of Gerontology concluded that the median number of prescription medications used for Americans that are age 65 and older is four. However, an estimated 15.1 million seniors (39 percent of this age group) report taking five or more. Polypharmacy can negatively impact the elderly population.

What To Do?

Supervision for your loved one on multiple

medications I cannot stress the importance of paying attention to all medications enough, even if they are familiar and have been taken for years.

Medication absorption and/or metabolism can change as loved one’s age, lose weight, and/or illness progresses.

Checking in with the health care practitioner is essential, especially when multiple medications are needed.

As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I cannot stress enough the importance that family should practice oversight with all elderly loved ones when prescribed medication must be taken.

This is another reason for having a working knowledge of the medical diagnosis, functional ability, physical conditions, and even the prognosis of your loved one.

Be Safe! Be well! Bye for now!

Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager; CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate and author of From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers. Website: www.cynthiajhickman.com.

Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter Hosts June Programs on Self-Care for Dementia Caregivers and Professionals

The Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter is hosting two programs in June offering self-care guidance for caregivers and professionals caring for someone with dementia. The programs, which are free to the community, are:

• Self-Care for Caregivers, 12-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, at Randall Residence of Centerville – Conference Room, 10400 Randall Park Dr. in Centerville

• Practical Guide to SelfCare for Helping Professionals, 12-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, at Randall Residence of Centerville – Conference Room, 10400 Randall Park Dr. in Centerville

Pre-registration is required for all events. To register, call the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Kristy Matheson, LSW, CDP, a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Licensed Ohio Social Worker, will present the program. Matheson also is a State of Ohio Social Work Continuing Education provider.

“These programs are a great resource for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia who want to

find help and guidance for what can sometimes become an overwhelming burden,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director of the Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley and Greater Cincinnati Chapters. “The first program has a caregiver and care partner focus, while the second offers tips for professionals who are offering care.”

Self-Care for Caregivers takes a look at the demands placed on caregivers and care partners of loved ones living with dementia who juggle an overwhelming number of tasks each day. Attendees will be provided resources for improving time management, balancing schedules, managing stress, and finding time for them

selves. Lunch will be pro

vided. Registration deadline is Monday, June 12.

The Practical Guide to Self-Care for Helping Professionals workshop examines the daily juggling required of professionals who care for people with dementia. The workshop will cover time management skills, tips for balancing schedules, and ways to manage stress.

One CEU continuing education credit is available to Ohio social workers for

attending this program.

To request a CEU, email mvprograms@alz.org.

Lunch will be provided.

Registration deadline and deadline for requesting a CEU is Monday, June 26.

For more questions about either program, contact Rachel Bartley at 937.610.7010.

The time demands of caregiving increase as dementia progresses, affecting the mental health, physical health, and finances of caregivers, according to the Alzheimer's Association “2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.” A total of 59% of caregivers report

high to very high levels of emotional stress due to caregiving, while 38% report high to very high levels of physical stress.

There are 493,000 people caring for 220,000 Ohioans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer's disease, providing 736 million hours of unpaid care.

Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter at 937.291.3332 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to local resources.