-Article originally appeared in the Dayton Daily News

“It’s my own personal deja vu” — said Candy Pees of Kettering, referring to her co-chairmanship of this year’s Town Hall lecture series sponsored by the Junior League of Dayton.

Pees headed the 1983-1984 Town Hall lecture series 25 years ago.

“Now I’m back as a sustaining member of Junior League,” said Pees, who retired in 2006 after 21 years as drama and speech teacher and debate coach at Oakwood High School. “I was looking for something to do in the volunteer world and I found my niche with Town Hall.”

Peg Birkeneyer of Beavercreek is co-chairwoman of the lecture series, and she and Pees are planning some surprises before the guest speaker, Diahann Carroll at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Schuster Center.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Junior League of Dayton and some surprises will honor that distinction.

“We urge everyone to arrive early, doors open at 9 a.m., so as not to miss any of the special festivities,” Pees said. “Music in some form will be presented in the Wintergarden that’s for sure along with the usual coffee and doughnuts.”

Junior League is committed to volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The basic purpose of the Junior League of Dayton is educational and charitable.

Currently, there is a collaborative effort with the Children’s Medical Center called Program of Wellness Education and Resources to provide outreach of health and wellness, safety, prevention and nutrition to children and families throughout the Miami Valley.

Tickets for the series of four speakers may be obtained through Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or 1-888-228-3630. Single tickets are available on the day of the event at the ticket office at the Schuster Center.

Information about attending the luncheon at the Racquet Club following Carroll’s lecture may be directed to Pees at (937) 298-0788.