Board Special Recognition for September
At its monthly meeting on Sept. 26, 2022, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the following staff member and community organizations:
Staff Person of the Month: Jessica Weinberg, Secretary in the Community Inclusion Department
Special Recognition: Dr. Amanda Sherratt of ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital
Read more about the award winners here.
Salvation Army 9th Annual Red Kettle Run tomorrow
The Salvation Army of Northwest OH cordially invites you to participate in the 9th annual Red Kettle Run tomorrow, October 1. This event both promotes its Red Kettle campaign and serves as a kickoff for the Red Kettle season. This year the Salvation Army is working alongside Dave’s Running to provide participants with measures to meet their fitness goals. Register to run or volunteer for this race by clicking here or you may fill out this form, print and mail it in. The entry fee is $25 + a service fee for online registration. Race-day registration is $30. The race is free for high school runners or younger!
21st annual Toledo Buddy Walk tomorrow
Join us tomorrow, October 1, at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Toledo (DSAGT) for the 21st annual Buddy Walk at Owens Community College. 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. Questions? 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.
Lucas County Board of DD Tech Hub
The Lucas County Board of DD Tech Hub is a newly developed space on the LCBDD campus that offers SSA’s, providers, and individuals and families served an opportunity to explore a variety of technology options in the hopes of expanding awareness and increasing the use of technology solutions. Technology such as Medminders, Emergency Response Systems, voice-activated devices and Remote Supports are available to see, touch and try within the hub. The ultimate goal of the hub is to educate the team and enhance the personal freedom of the individuals we serve. Demonstrations can be scheduled with Heather Pohlman, LCBDD SSA via email at hpohlman@lucasdd.org.
Super Saturday Dance on October 8
The next Super Saturday Dance is taking place on October 8. Bible study is at 6:15 p.m. and is followed by the dance from 7–9 p.m. This event is held the second Saturday of every month at the Five Lakes Church, 4765 McCord Rd., Sylvania, and is just for special needs individuals and their caregivers. Caregivers must be present for the entire event. Registration is recommended here.
Little Hands Sensory Group starts October 17
YWCA Child Care Resource and Referral has started a new program for families with children who are developmentally delayed. The Little Hands Sensory Group is a once-a-month program offered multiple times in multiple locations in the county to reach more families, starting at the Waterville Library on October 17 at 2:00 p.m. Designed for children 2–5 years of age with developmental delays, the program provides an opportunity for families to connect with each other and engage in fun activities related to sensory needs and play. For more information, contact Parent Outreach Specialist Charlene Brady at 419.255.5519 or cbrady@ywcanwo.org.
LCBDD Trunk or Treat on October 19
Halloween is right around the corner and the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited for our very first trunk or treat for all ages. This event takes place on October 19 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. and offers individuals and families a safe and fun way to go trick or treating. Coffee and hot cocoa trucks for you to purchase your favorite beverages will be available. Try your luck at our technology scavenger hunt featuring vendors showcasing the latest and greatest in adaptive technology. Put on your costume and join us at our South Toledo headquarters! For more information, contact Community Inclusion Manager Lori Balogh by email lbalogh@lucasdd.org or call 419-381-5213.
Flu Vaccine Clinics on October 20 and November 3
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department are partnering up once again for their annual Flu Vaccine Clinic. This year, there will be two dates to choose from: Oct. 20 and Nov. 3. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Free monthly Sibshops program starts October 22
Brothers and sisters ages 8-16 who have a sibling with special needs now have a program that’s just for them! At Sibshops, they’ll have a chance to meet other kids whose brothers and sisters have special needs and talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a disability. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio and Education Service Center of Lake Erie West, gatherings are free and run by a team of people who have a professional and, in some cases, personal understanding of the impact a child’s special needs can have on their siblings. Sibshops will have fun, outrageous games, cooking activities and hands-on activities that will keep kids engaged in an energetic way. Gatherings will be in person from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Alternate Learning Center, 3939 Wrenwood, Toledo, with the first to be held on Saturday, October 22. Spaces are limited! For more information and to register, contact Wendy Smenner, Lucas County Parent Mentor, at wsmenner@esclakeeriewest.org or 419-214-3066.
Trunk or Treat with LCCS on October 22
You’re invited to join us for the Lucas County Children Services’ Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 22, from noon to 2 p.m. at the former Libbey High School site at 1250 Western Ave. This event is for everyone, not just for children and families served by LCCS. We’re expecting 1,000-1,500 kids to attend, with 100+ trunks stretching from one end of the property to the other.
FANS Goodwill Donation Drive all day October 23–24
You're already doing some fall clean-up to tidy up the house. Why not help the Board's FANS Network while you're at it? To participate in the FANS Goodwill Donation Drive, just print this voucher and attach it to your Goodwill donations when dropping them off anytime on Oct. 23 and 24. You must have the voucher with your donation for the Board to receive credit for it. Your donations will help get Goodwill vouchers in the hands of individuals in need of clothing and household items. Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is driven to help people with disabilities get jobs by providing vital workforce training programs.