During the week of April 9-13, Ohio and Clermont County will be celebrating a 'Week of Appreciation -- Bringing Help. Bringing Hope. Thank you!' -- thanking those who have been on the front lines of fighting the opioid epidemic.

Join Clermont County's Opiate Task Force as it celebrates. It will hold a special monthly meeting 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, Batavia Township Community Center. Learn more about the task force's accomplishments, initiatives and resources as it thanks those who have been on the front lines of fighting this epidemic. Light refreshments.

Address: Batavia Township Community Center, 1535 Clough Pike, Batavia

Congratuations to CNE student Leah Decatur who won the Spring Litter Clean-Up 2018 T-shirt design contest. Leah won $100 for her artwork.

The 2018 Spring Litter Clean-Up will be held 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, April 21, at various locations across Clermont County and the East Fork Little Miami River Watershed.

In 2017, more than 500 volunteers removed 400 tons of trash, including 10 miles along river banks and lakes. This is a great event for schools, Scouts, 4-H clubs, church groups, families and neighbors to sign up for!  #GreenClermont

Please register here. 

Clermont County celebrated some good news on March 15. 

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David Daniels announced that the Asian longhorned beetle had been eradicated in Batavia and Stonelick townships, thanks to the vigilant work of the Connor family. 

A tree was planted outside the Sheriff's Office off Filager Road and SR 222, and a plaque installed.

Read more here.

The county is holding its annual free Shred Day from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 28. The Shred-It truck will be in the Department of Job & Family Services parking lot, 2400 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia. 

Tips:

• No three ring binders
• Staples, paper clips and rubber bands are OK

Retention suggestions:

Nest Fest

10 a.m.-noon: Saturday, April 7, Sycamore Park

Learn how to identify bird eggs and nests, use your "owl eyes" for our egg hunt and meet birds of prey (like the owl at right) up close thanks to our friends at RAPTOR Inc.

Friday Night Hikes - Frog Hoppin' Hike
7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, Shor Park
Spring evenings tend to be teeming with life from our noisy amphibian friends. Join us for a hike around the wetlands at Shor Park as we look and listen for frogs and toads. Free and open to the public.

Rendezvous on the River
10 a.m.- 4 p.m: It's the season-opening event at Chilo Lock 34 Park. We'll have food, fun and special guests on every floor of the Visitors Center from noon to 3 p.m.  

Wildlife Wednesday - Helpful Habits
10-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, Little Miami Scenic River & Trail Center
Naturalists will demonstrate simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint. All ages will learn about the impact everyday activities have on our planet and changes in our daily habits that will make a difference. Free and open to the public.

Pop-Up Naturalist Series - CCPD Production of The Lorax
6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, Pattison Park Lodge
Join our pre-Earth Day celebration and enjoy a live performance of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, as well as snacks, hands-on activities and more. Free and open to the public.

Clermont Park District

The Clermont Soil & Water Conservation District is holding its annual pond clinic April 10. Read more here. And SWCD is holding its annual plant sale through April 9. Please go to its online store, www.clermontplantsale.com, to find your choice of native flowers, trees, and shrubs.

#GreenClermont

CHALLENGE YOURSELF: The East Side Adventure Challenge is back for its third year. It'll be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, May, 12 at Batavia Township Park, 1535 Clough Pike. 

Grab your friends and challenge yourself with this obstacle course and mud run. Registration is $30 and includes a T-shirt, race medal, and meal ticket. Sign up as a group of 4 or more, for only $20 each.  Register here.

Not quite up to the full challenge? Try the Family Fun Adventure Challenge at 10 a.m. This family-friendly course is shorter, and has fewer obstacles, but is sure to keep the whole family active and entertained. This event is free but does not include a t-shirt, medal, or meal ticket. Register here.

DRUG DROP OFF: Drop off your old, expired and unused prescription medicines  from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at locations throughout the county. Find locations here.

CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS: The public is invited to attend the annual luncheon held in honor of National Crime Victims Rights Week. This year it will be held beginning at 11:30 a.m. April 12 at Pattison Park Lodge. Read more here.

MINI-GRANTS AVAILABLE: The Mental Health & Recovery Board is again taking applications for mini-grants up the amount of $4,000. The board is looking for innovative projects that will positively affect mental health and/or prevent substance abuse for any age group. Read more here.

OMJ TO MOVE:  The  OhioMeansJobs/Clermont  center at 756 Cincinnati Batavia Pike behind Eastgate Mall will be moving in June. The new location will be at the Family Support Center in Batavia, 2400 Clermont Center Drive. Same friendly staff, same excellent services for both employers and job seekers! Stay tuned for more information! 

KELLEY NATURE PRESERVE: If you've been to Kelley Nature Preserve, the Park District would like to know about your experience. Please take a couple of minutes to complete this survey.

AT THE LIBRARY: The Clermont County Public Library has some great activities planned for April:

* Ironwood Wolves with a live wolf will visit the Miami Township Library at 2 p.m. April 7.
* Learn the history of Prohibition in Cincinnati at the Amelia Library April 9 at 6:30 p.m.
* The Frisch Marionettes will visit the Miami Township Library at 1 p.m. April 14.
* Learn more about the "Unsinkable" Titanic at the Williamsburg Library at 2 p.m. April 14.
* Discover more about Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Cooking at the Williamsburg Library at 2 p.m. April 21.
* Pick up a great read at Used Book Sales at the Goshen and Miami Township Libraries the last week of April.
* The Teen Job Fair is set for 10 a.m. To 3 p.m. April 28 at the Union Township Library.