Montgomery Metro Library Challenge

Acclaimed performer Jim Gill picks up his banjo for a special online concert event to kick off the Dayton Metro Library’s Summer Challenge! Jim Gill’s Concert of Music Play will inspire the whole family to sing, play and read along together — from the comfort and safety of home. The concert can be viewed on the Library’s Facebook page for 48 hours starting Monday at 10 a.m. through Wednesday at 9 a.m.

“Children need to move and play now more than ever, and families need to experience the joy that singing and playing together brings,” said Mandie Burns, Director of Youth Services for the Library. “We’re excited to kick off our Summer Challenge in this innovative way.”

The Library’s Summer Challenge, IMAGINE YOUR STORY, runs June 1 to August 1, 2020.

“It’s a different kind of Summer Challenge this year, with lots of new activities that can be counted toward goals,” said Burns. “Reading is as important as ever. But kids can also watch wonderful online performances, participate in virtual summer camps, complete electronic activities or enjoy any organization’s recommended enrichment activities. It all adds up toward earning prizes in this year’s Summer Challenge.”

Families are encouraged to register and keep track online at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/summer beginning Monday. Families without internet access can keep track on paper and call in their progress to the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665. Participants, from preschoolers through high schoolers, will earn prizes when they reach milestones along the way. All those who reach 3,600 minutes will be entered into grand prize drawings held at each branch library: a college savings account, made possible through Ohio’s College Advantage/Ohio’s 529 Plan (for kindergarten and younger only) or a family 4-pack of tickets to Kings Island, valid through 2020 (including Halloween, Christmas/ New Year events).

“When our Libraries closed in March to help stop the spread of COVID-19, our plans for the Summer Challenge changed, but our goal to keep children engaged in learning became more important than ever,” said Burns. “We’ve broadened our ideas about what learning looks like in this environment. We’re partnering with organizations that share our goals so that we can reach and impact more families, and we’re excited to offer programs like the Jim Gill concert online.”

Gill has been a popular performer at the Library; he is a musician, author and child development specialist who completed his graduate studies in child development with an emphasis on the study of play. Each of his recordings and books is created as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult. His work has been recognized and honored by the American Library Association.

More online performances are scheduled this summer, each available for viewing for 24 hours on the Library’s Facebook page:

■ The Caravan Found Sounds — Monday, June 8, 10 a.m.

■ The Caravan Song Sandwich — Monday, June 22, 12 p.m.

■ Joanie Calem Family Concert — Monday, June 29, 10 a.m.

■ Storyteller Lindsay Bonilla — Monday, July 6, 10 a.m.

For more information about the Summer Challenge or any of the Library’s online programming, visit DaytonMetroLibrary. org or Facebook.com/DaytonMetroLibrary, or call the Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665.

STAFF REPORT

REGION

Conservation fund

The Greater Dayton Conservation Fund is soliciting proposals from organizations that benefit the natural environment of the communities in the Great Miami and Little Miami River watersheds — 19 counties in Southwest Ohio. The goal of the program is to support work that safeguards our natural environment through education, restoration, scientific research, and other activities. The GDCF has a special interest in projects that increase resiliency in the region. This could be in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery from the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes, food or water security, or climate change.

This year, the GDCF will award funds to one or more eligible projects for up to $5,000. Projects that benefit water may also apply for additional funds.

This is the 15th year for the grants, which have awarded over $140,000 to local organizations and helped support 38 projects in the region. “This fund represents a unique opportunity to bring together agencies that are working to protect and preserve our natural resources and area residents who want to see these resources preserved for future generations,” AJ Ferguson said. “Through the fund, we can help enhance and protect our backyard. It’s a great vehicle for perpetuating the life of our community.”

The grant application package is available at www.daytonfoundation.org/conservation.html. The deadline to apply is June 30.

The Partners for the Environment organization assists the GDCF by managing the grant application process and soliciting questions related to the grant and the application. Contact Cait Botschner at admin@gdpartners. org for more information. CONTRIBUTED