Friday Update: August 26, 2022

Bittersweet Farms Music Vine Concert Series on Fridays

Bittersweet Farms is thrilled to announce that its Music Vine Concert Series is once again open to the public! Music Vine takes place in the pavilion at its Whitehouse Location (12660 Archbold-Whitehouse Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571) every Friday from 11:30am-1:00pm. This event is free and open to the public, so bring your lunch (no pop or coffee, please) and your dancing shoes and come enjoy some live music! Groups from other local providers are welcome.

Special recognition given by the LCBDD

At its monthly meeting on August 22, 2022, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the following staff members, community members and organizations.

Staff Persons of the Month: Priscilla Green, Deb Staccone, and Molly Montgomery, Custodial Workers in the Capital Projects Department

Special Recognition: Daniel Wright, an individual served by the Board, Dana Incorporated, for its support of Lucas County Special Olympics, and Dr. Rebecca Monteleone, Associate Professor of Disability and Technology at the University of Toledo. Read more about the award winners here. 

DODD offering free provider training

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities’ Office of System Support and Standards is offering free online provider training on the last Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m.

All training will be recorded and available to view any time after the event via the same registration link. For more information and to register, click the title below.

Sept. 29, 2022 – Behavioral Supports
Oct. 27, 2022 – Unusual Incidents and Major Unusual Incidents

Please address any questions to OSSAS@dodd.ohio.gov.

Grant Workshop Wednesday$ with Special Spaces Toledo on August 31

Are you looking for help funding specialized schooling, alternative therapies, summer camp, respite, sensory items, home modifications, or something for your loved one with special healthcare needs that isn't covered by your medical insurance? Join us the last Wednesday of every month for a live virtual conversation with a different organization that can help. Hear about how they are helping families, what they fund, what their criteria is to apply and what supporting documents are needed. This month's guest is Patti DeHenning from Special Spaces Toledo. Special Spaces creates dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer. Click on this Zoom link to join the session on August 31 from 12-1 p.m.

Partners for Inclusion to host night at the ballpark Sept. 7

Take me out to the ballgame! The Maumee Valley Chapter of Partners for Inclusion is inviting you to enjoy an evening at the ballpark on Wednesday, September 7, to watch the Toledo Mud Hens battle the St. Paul Saints at Fifth Third Field in Downtown Toledo. Pre-game festivities and refreshments begin at Home Slice Pizza on St. Clair Street just blocks from the stadium. Tickets are $5.50 and quantities are limited, so don’t wait! For more information, check out https://partnersforinclusion.info or tickets@partnersforinclusion.info.

Next OACB free virtual DD education session Sept. 8

The next session of OACB’s new virtual education series geared specifically towards families and people with DD is scheduled for September 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m. These courses were developed by OACB's Wille Jones, Director of Health, Safety, and Wellness, and Joe Storad, First Responder Liaison. The purpose of these courses is to increase awareness and promote prevention efforts in the area of abuse and victimization of people with developmental disabilities. The next session is on What to Watch For: Bad People with Bad Intentions. There is no cost to attend these courses. More information about each topic, including a link to register via Zoom, is on the OACB website here.

Phoenix Residential 10th Anniversary Talent Show on Sept. 13

Phoenix Residential, formerly Shining Star Residential Services, is showcasing its talent for the 10th Anniversary Talent Show at the Maumee Indoor Theatre on September 13. Admission is $5.00 but come early as the first 100 people will receive discounted pricing at $3.00. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. Those interested in participating in the show may email michael@thephoenixresidential.com or call Diane at 419.280.0062.

Epiphany Lutheran Church Simply Worship program starts Sept. 14

Simply Worship is a service that is effective for anyone who participates but it is designed specifically to enhance participation and effectiveness for people with developmental disabilities. The songs are simple expressions of faith, simple language is used throughout, and the message is designed to address the experiences of those who live in group homes and participate in activities in our community. People of all abilities are invited to light candles, welcome visitors and share their talents in this community of faith. Starting September 14, join us for Simply Worship at Epiphany Lutheran Church on Wednesdays at 11:00 and let your heart be touched by the love of Jesus.

Rec Jam at the Centennial Terrace on Sept. 14

Community Inclusion presents ‘Rec Jam’, an event that creates a place for our individuals 18 and over to come together to dance and socialize. Admission is free — just show up as you are and have fun! The next Rec Jam is taking place at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, on September 14 from 7-9:00 p.m. Concessions will be selling food and drinks, with the exception of alcohol.

Metroparks Toledo Glass City GLOW-tacular event on Sept. 17

Light up the night with glow archery, rock climbing, biking, and paddling at this family-friendly event. Metroparks outdoor skills experts will be on hand to guide you as you discover your next outdoor passion. Family Friendly Activities to include:

• GLOW Kayaking in the pool
• GLOW Paddling on the river, Middlegrounds to Glass City
• GLOW Archery
• GLOW Rock Climbing
• GLOW Mountain Biking
• GLOW Road Biking with Bike Rides Matter

This is an inclusive event and staff are trained and ready to make accommodations. Adaptive equipment is readily available.

Toledo-Lucas County Health Dept. Back-to-School event on Sept. 17

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Dept. is hosting a Back-to-School event on September 17, 10am-2pm, at 635 N. Erie, Toledo. This event will offer birth certificates for $25, Shots 4 Tots n Teens and more, including a backpack giveaway for those who receive a vaccine or purchase a birth certificate.

2022-2023 Metroparks Toledo Tree Tots program registration

Registration for the 2022-2023 Metroparks Toledo Tree Tots program is underway! Reach new heights in a tree house, explore riffles and river rocks, go glamping and more! Your preschooler (ages 2.5 – 5) will be engaged in hands-on nature activities all year long! Preschoolers along with an adult companion will meet for monthly immersive outdoor experiences. Each month will feature a different theme and a different park. We will have a 2-month hiatus in November and December. Fee: $150, includes ten 1.5-hour programs, session materials and a t-shirt.

• Touch a Tractor, Climb a Combine, and Go Native: Blue Creek (September 22, 2022, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Tree Trunk or Treat: Toledo Botanical Garden (October 13, 2022, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Music, Movement and Make-believe: Brookwood (January 19, 2023, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Glamping at the Oaks: Oak Openings Preserve (February 16, 2023, 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
• Towpath Treasure Hunt: Providence (March 16, 2023, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Bird Sleuths Bend View (April 20, 2023, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Pennies, Puddles and Peepers: Pearson (May 18, 2023, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Summer Solstice: Cannonball Prairie (June 15, 2023, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Tree Tots Mini Camp drop off program: Wildwood Preserve (July 6, 2023, 10 a.m. to noon)
• Rivers, Riffles and Rocks: Side Cut Jerome Road (August 17, 2023, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
• Sign up here for the Toledo Tree Tots Preschool Club Session 1, happening at various Toledo metroparks on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Family Fun Day at The Ability Center on Sept. 24

The Ability Center is hosting a first-time, family-friendly event designed for families of all ages and abilities. Please plan to join us on The Ability Center’s campus at 5605 Monroe Street, Sylvania, on Saturday, September 24, from 2 – 4:00 p.m. This free event includes bounce houses, bubbles, music, face painting, tree climbing, art activities, story time, snacks, a fire truck, and more! Family Fun Day is in support of the launch of the Center’s new service that encourages family growth through a network of support and is hosted in collaboration with community partners Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Metroparks Toledo, The Imagination Station, Toledo Museum of Art and The Toledo Zoo. Registration is encouraged! Please register here and/or RSVP on Facebook here.

Annual Voters Forum on Disabilities Issues on Sept. 28

Please plan to join the Toledo/Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, The Ability Center and Maumee Valley Chapter of Partners for Inclusion for the annual Voters Forum on Disabilities Issues. To be held September 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. online and in person at the TARPS building, 130 Knapp Street, the Voters Forum is an opportunity to discuss how your votes for county commissioner, state legislature and local levies will benefit the disabilities community.

Part 3 of brain health education Zoom series on Sept. 29

Part 3 of the brain health education series offered by Senior Committee members Jenny Kinney, Amy Annarino and Claire Copa is on Thursday, September 29, 10:00-11:30 a.m. This session will explore living a brain-healthy lifestyle. Physical, emotional, cognitive and social engagement techniques will be shared. Continuing Education Units are being offered for LSW, LPC and DODD – SSA/AO. Register to attend by contacting Sara Gardner at sagardner@lucasdd.org or (419) 380-5164.

21st annual Toledo Buddy Walk on October 1

Join the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) for the 21st annual Buddy Walk at Owens Community College on October 1. The Toledo Buddy Walk is an exciting awareness and fundraising event that brings over 1,200 people together to recognize the abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome. Family, friends, and community supporters come together each fall to share stories, build friendships, and raise money to support the services and programs of the DSAGT. Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact Administrative Director Krista Huff at krista@dsagt.org or Buddy Walk Co-Chair Leah Hughes at leah@dsagt.org, or by phone at 567.742.4004.