Community Connections Newsletter | |
Check out what's new in this issue!
- Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship Grounds Program
- Town Hall Meeting - Understanding Our Finances
- Reach Me Lunch and Learn
- Young Adult Hangout
- Hamilton Optimist Club Annual DD Fishing Derby
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PigAbilities Meetups
Every Sunday, March - April, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., the next Meetup is on Sunday, March 22
Join Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services and Queen City Running Club for PigAbilities Meetups to prepare for The Flying Pig's PigAbilities race on Saturday, May 2! PigAbilities is a one-mile event that allows participants and their supporters to run, walk, or roll at their own pace and cross the official Flying Pig Marathon Finish Swine. Meetups take place from 2–3 p.m. on Sundays in March and April at accessible locations with distances ranging from 0.25 to 1 mile. Open to everyone! These meetups provide water. The Meetup schedule is as follows:
- March 22, Theodore M. Berry Friendship Park, 1135 Riverside Drive
- March 28, Cincinnati Zoo (registration will be required)
- April 5, NO GROUP MEETUP
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April 12, LeBlond Rec Center, 2335 Riverside Drive
- April 19, Theodore M. Berry Friendship Park, 1135 Riverside Drive
- April 26, LeBlond Rec Center, 2335 Riverside Drive
Contact Ann Myres if you have any questions at ann.myres@hamiltonddsohio.gov.
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Pigabilities 2026 Training Kick Off
Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Complete your first Pigabilities training walk, run, or roll at the Cincinnati Zoo! This is a free event! Once you complete your training, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the Zoo for the rest of the afternoon. Registration is required for this event! Admission is FREE for Pigabilities athletes and ONE caregiver. You will also receive one free parking pass. To learn more details and register for this event, visit the Zoo website!
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Lunch Brunch
Saturday, March 28, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Come to a fun, spring-themed Lunch Bunch at McGuffey Hall, located at 210 E. Spring St. in Oxford, Ohio! Attendees will enjoy egg decorating, games, a festive photo backdrop, pizza, and sensory-friendly items in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Be sure to RSVP to Scott Ostersfd at osterfsd@miamioh.edu or Elizabeth Mangold at 513-375-6530 to save your spot!
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FIT Wellness: The Welcome Table
Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Join Inspiration Studios for The Welcome Table, a beautiful indoor, picnic-style fundraiser where guests gather to share a delicious meal, enjoy intentional conversation, and celebrate wellness in all its forms! It’s an evening designed to make everyone feel seen, valued, and welcome. The event will be held at COhatch Hamilton, located at 219 High Street. Become a Table Sponsor, a Seat Sponsor, or buy event tickets, which include food, one drink ticket (cocktail or mocktail), and plenty of wellness-focused fun, by visiting the link!
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Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship Grounds Program
Class A is Monday, March 30 - Monday, April 20, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship (CTRH) is offering a Grounds Program for adults and children with epilepsy this spring. The program teaches foundational horsemanship skills through hands-on activities such as grooming and tacking while helping participants learn about horse behavior and body language in a fun, supportive environment. Through engaging group activities, participants build confidence, responsibility, and a meaningful connection with the horses. Two class sessions will be offered from 1–2 p.m., with Class A running March 30–April 20 and Class B running April 27–May 18 at CTRH located at 1342 US HWY 50 in Milford, Ohio. Please note that this program focuses on ground-based horsemanship and does not include mounted riding. For more information, contact Laurie Smith at Laurie.Smith@CTRHOhio.org
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Town Hall Meeting - Understanding Our Finances
Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a town hall meeting where we discuss our fiscal emergency, what we’ve done so far to reduce expenses, and why we’ve placed a levy on the May ballot. This is your chance to learn about what led us to this point and ask questions. The Town Hall Meeting will be held at the MidPointe Library West Chester, located at 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, in West Chester, Ohio.
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Community Art Class
Wednesday, April 8, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Make a heartfelt, handmade gift just in time for Mother’s Day at InsideOut Studio's Community Art Class! Participants will create a fused-glass jewelry tray, along with one pair of earrings and one pendant (which can be made into a necklace or a pin). Participants can choose from the templates and colors provided, or choose their own design if they feel comfortable and have joined us for a class previously. The art class will be held at InsideOut Studio, located at 140 High Street in Hamilton, Ohio. Sign up now!
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Run With Me: Cincy
On Tuesdays, April 14 - May 19, from 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Run with Me: Cincy is a nonprofit, parent-led group based in Cincinnati, OH, that focuses on providing a safe, enclosed running space for kiddos with disabilities to exercise, form friendships, and build community. This year's running sessions will take place at the Lakota West Freshman running track located at 5050 Tylersville Road in West Chester, Ohio. To register to run or volunteer, visit the Run With Me: Cincy website!
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Sensory Friendly Movie: The Lion King
Thursday, April 16, at 10:15 a.m.
Join us for our Sensory Friendly Movie event featuring The Lion King at the Fitton Arts Center located at 101 S Monument Ave. in Hamilton, Ohio! We’ll turn up the lights and lower the volume so participants can enjoy the movie theater experience without feeling overstimulated. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. No food or drinks are allowed in the theater. All ages are welcome to attend! Please RSVP to Jenny Mann at jamann@butlerdd.org by Monday, April 13.
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Middletown Arts Center Sensory Friendly Saturday
Saturday, April 18, and June 27 from 10:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Visit the Middletown Arts Center for Sensory-Friendly Saturdays! Enjoy a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space where individuals of all ages and abilities can explore art in a way that feels comfortable, calm, and fun. Stroll through relaxing art galleries, take part in hands-on creative activities, enjoy guided art projects, and meet the Art Center's friendly therapy dogs. These sensory-friendly events are completely FREE for the community. To RSVP, call 513-424-2417 or reach out via email at katyrose@middletownartscenter.com.
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Reach Me Lunch and Learn
Thursday, April 23, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
REACH ME is hosting a Lunch and Learn at their hub, offering a relaxed opportunity for community members to connect while learning about the importance of oral hygiene. A special guest from Kemper Pond Dental will share practical tips and simple strategies to help keep teeth healthy, all while attendees enjoy refreshments and a meal together. The event will take place at 1325 E. Kemper Rd., Suite 104, Cincinnati, Ohio and is a great chance to learn, ask questions, and engage with others in the community. Register for the event!
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Best Buddies Friendship Walk
Saturday, May 2, check-in at 10:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11:15 a.m.
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading event in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)! This year's Cincinnati Best Buddies Friendship Walk will be held once again at Marcum Park in Downtown Hamilton, Ohio. Once registered for the walk, you’ll gain access to your personal fundraising page that you can personalize and keep track of your fundraising efforts. Individuals who raise $50 or more will receive an exclusive event t-shirt on walk day! Snacks and drinks will be provided for free to all registered walkers and volunteers at the event. Check-in for the walk begins at 10:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning shortly after at 11:15 a.m. To create a team, register for the walk as an individual, donate, or become a sponsor, visit the Best Buddies Friendship Walk website: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/cincinnati/.
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Annual DD Fairfield Optimist Fishing Derby
Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Annual DD Fairfield Optimist Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 194 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield, Ohio! All bait, food, and drinks will be provided. Please bring a fishing rod. If you don’t have one, one will be provided. Please bring your own lawn chair. Register by Friday, May 1, 2026, on our website: https://www.butlerdd.org/events/annual-dd-fairfield-optimist-fishing-derby/.
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Young Adult Hangout
Saturday, May 16, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
REACH ME is hosting a Young Adult Hangout at the Fairfield Lane Library! This fun, welcoming event is designed for young adults to mix, mingle, and make new friends in a relaxed community setting. Attendees can enjoy games, refreshments, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others while building meaningful friendships. Tickets are $10. To get your ticket now, visit the event page!
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Hamilton Optimist Club Annual DD Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 13, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Hamilton Optimist Club Annual DD Fishing Derby will be held at 567 Beissinger Rd. in Hamilton, Ohio, once again this year! All bait, drinks, and lunch (pizza) will be provided. Please bring a fishing rod if you are participating. If you do not have a fishing rod, it can be provided. Pizza will be served for lunch, but if something different is needed due to health reasons, please let Terry Baker know in advance at troscoeb1959@gmail.com. All participants receive a prize for participating! Please arrive early to register on the day of the derby!
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We Thrive Together Virtual Events Calendar
We Thrive Together holds over 300 virtual events each month to keep people connected! From virtual Line Dancing to Taco Tuesday to Speed Friends, We Thrive Together has a virtual event for everyone to join! To look at We Thrive Together's virtual event calendar, visit their website!
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Developmental Disability Awareness Month Schedule
All through March!
Would you like to show your support during DD Awareness Month? Join us at one of our many local speaking engagements! We would love to see as many community members as possible supporting those we serve! Check out our DD Awareness schedule! We hope to see you all in March!
3/3 - Oxford City Council at 7:30 pm & Middletown City Council at 5:30 pm
3/6 - Berachah Compassion City Center Women’s SR Group at 10:30 am
3/10 - Monroe City Council at 6:30 pm
3/11 - Hamilton City Council at 6 pm
3/12 - Cherokee Elementary School at 9:30 am & Hamilton Rotary club at 12 pm
3/13 - Fairfield Rotary Club at 12 pm
3/17 - Berachah Compassion City Center at 5 pm
3/18 - Hamilton Kiwanis at 12 pm
3/23 - Fairfield City Council at 7 pm
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Butler County Challenger Baseball Open for Registration
Registration closes on Tuesday, March 31
Butler County Challenger Baseball (BCCB) is open for registration for the 2026 season! BCCB is a baseball league for individuals with disabilities ages 5 through adulthood. Registration and medical forms can be found on the BCCB website and can be printed to be mailed. The registration fee is $50 per player and includes a T-shirt and hat. Registrations must be received by March 31, 2026. Uniforms will be ordered that week. Check out the BCCB website for additional information! You may also reach our league president, Alan Lakamp, at 513-623-4120 with any questions.
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Young Life Capernaum Hamilton and Middletown 2026 Event Schedules
Event Schedules go through May
Young Life is a non-denominational Christian organization, and Capernaum is its outreach ministry for students with disabilities. Staff and trained volunteer leaders help those who join the organization discover and enjoy acceptance, adventure, and fun through lasting friendships that develop from club meetings and camp trips! Capernaum is open to students with disabilities ages 13-22 from Hamilton and Middletown's local schools. All Middletown Capernaum events will be held at First Baptist Church, located at 4500 Riverview Ave. in Middletown, and all Hamilton Capernaum events will be held at Bethel Community Church, located at 2015 NW Washington Blvd. in Hamilton. View the event schedules by visiting the website link: https://easterncincinnati.younglife.org/.
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Speak Up Self Advocacy Group
Next meeting is on Tuesday, March 24, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join the BCBDD advocacy group, Speak Up! Everyone can be a self-advocate! Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Janet Clemmons Center and focus on ways to advocate for yourself and your community. Want to learn more about Speak Up? Read the story about how Speak Up started and how you can get involved! Stay up to date on all things Speak Up by following the Speak Up Self Advocacy page on Facebook. If you have questions, contact Courtney Hineman at crhineman@butlerdd.org. You may also contact Lynn Goodwin at mgoodwin@butlerdd.org.
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Therapeutic Recreation for the Disabled Adult Softball Registration
Registration closes on Friday, March 27
Therapeutic Recreation for the Disabled (TRD) Adult Softball Registration at the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League is now open! There are a few changes this year. To provide a better experience for players, TRD is expanding practice and game times to 1 hour and 30 minutes. There will be two sessions. Session 1 begins at 6 p.m., and Session 2 will start at 7:40 p.m. First practice will be on Friday, March 13. To register, by visiting https://www.trdohio.org/. For the season calendar, go to https://www.trdohio.org/programs. For information about the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League events, visit https://www.trdohio.org/events-1.
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Share our DD Awareness Video!
March is DD Awareness Month, and we need your help spreading the message of inclusion! We encourage you to watch and share our DD Awareness video on your social media pages to help promote understanding, acceptance, and the value of people with developmental disabilities in our community. By clicking “share,” you’re helping amplify voices, break down barriers, and remind others that everyone deserves the opportunity to live, work, and thrive! Watch and share the video now!
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AARP Gives Free Tax Prep to Individuals with Disabilities
Did you know AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or AARP membership? IRS-certified volunteers assist with basic returns in-person or virtually, and the service is available now until April 15! To learn more and utilize this service, visit https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp-taxaide/.
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Uber Offers Self-Booking Options for Individuals With Disabilities
Uber is launching self-booking options so riders with disabilities can arrange transportation on their own, even if a health care provider or disability service organization pays for it! Another incredible feature that Uber is providing is Uber Caregiver, which allows individuals with disabilities to designate a caregiver who can arrange, pay for, and monitor rides for them. Learn all about the new accessibility Uber updates by visiting Disability Scoop!
| | We would never be able to do all that we do without our amazing community! THANK YOU for coming alongside us in support of the individuals and families we serve! | | | | |
