The 2024 Celebration of Possibilities was a success! We came together for an evening to honor the numerous individuals and businesses in our community who contribute to our mission daily. The recipients exemplify the true meaning of embracing independence and inclusion in their everyday actions. We are glad you could join us as we continue Moving Toward Tomorrow by challenging the status quo, so that tomorrow will be better and brighter!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the numerous volunteers who played a pivotal role in ensuring the resounding success of this event. Additionally, we are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming support we receive from the community of Fairfield County. Without this support, advancing our mission would be an insurmountable task. On behalf of Fairfield DD, our board, our dedicated team members and the 1,700 individuals and their families whom we serve…We extend our sincerest thanks!
If you couldn’t attend, we enjoyed a wonderful night filled with delicious food, laughter courtesy of Sam Adams, inspiring words from Amy Bockerstette, and recognition of our award recipients. Catch up on the event by watching the video.
-David
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Vibrant Community Connection |
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Pickerington Public Library NEA Big Read Grant |
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The Pickerington Public Library is participating in a grant-funded program called The Big Read, provided by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and managed by Arts Midwest. The grant supports a community reading program that reflects many different voices and ideas, aiming to inspire conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in each community. The featured adult book is, ‘Sitting Pretty: The View from my Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body’ by Rebekah Taussig, along with three companion novels for teens, middle grade, and a picture book that supports and encourages discussion around the themes of accessibility, disability advocacy, and inclusion.
The library kicked off the Big Read program January 19 with an event featuring Dreams on Horseback, a local therapeutic equine center providing services for Central Ohio, where participants learned about the resources they offer for children and adults with special needs, schools, veterans and military families, and then interacted with two of their miniature horses. Pickerington Library served as the location for their mobile-mini pilot program and the event connected them with several new volunteers! One participant commented, “the program was wonderful! The video about riding therapy for children and adults with disabilities was excellent for kids and adults. Interactions with the miniature horses were truly a big draw and being able to ask questions, pet and groom the minis was a big hit.”
On Sunday, March 3, they showed the movie Wonder at both library locations and several families decorated plastic ornaments to share Random Acts of Kindness with the local community.
Art Day at Pickerington Main Library took place on Saturday, March 9 featuring ceramic ornament kits with Art & Clay, a non-profit social enterprise of the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and a Possibility Talks presentation and workshop through Art Possible Ohio, featuring Charlotte McGraw and her gift for creating artful and whimsical collage characters to make up a world called "Charlottesville," a place where everyone is welcome.
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Helping to Bridge the Gap |
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Andrew Carter, a dedicated Eagle Scout, spent close to two years meticulously planning and working countless hours on volunteering and constructing a wheelchair-accessible bridge at Alley Park in Lancaster, Ohio.
This innovative trail is the first of its kind at Alley Park, providing an opportunity for nature education and exploration to be enjoyed by all. The bridge links to a multi-sensory nature education trail that is being developed by Girl Scout, Sara Kallenberg. For more information on Andrew’s efforts to enhance community inclusivity, click here.
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"What's Your Superpower" Family Event |
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Amy Bockerstette visited Fairfield DD on March 19th to share her remarkable journey of triumph in both golf and life. With a passion for art, piano, theater, and golf, Amy attributes her achievements to the inclusivity she experiences as a valued member of her school and community.
Amy, the first person with Down Syndrome to be awarded a collegiate scholarship for golf, has encountered numerous challenges along the way. Despite this, her charming personality, self-belief, and the unwavering support from her community, known as "Amy's Village," have enabled her to achieve beyond expectations.
The attendees, including families, staff, and community members, left feeling motivated after learning Amy’s 5 tips for success, which began with self-belief and concluded with expressing gratitude. Fairfield DD expresses gratitude to Amy for her insightful presentation!
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Community Partnership Corner |
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Feature Board Member Derick Upp |
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Fairfield DD Board Member Derek Upp spoke during Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse. The Governor’s Bi-Annual Budget has mandated that every county board of DD must include a member who utilizes services to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. Fairfield DD has already implemented this requirement for several years and Derek is among eight individuals who utilize services and actively participate as board members. Read more about the event here.
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Guest Barista Event
Our 3rd Annual Guest Barista Event at Art & Clay on Main/Square 7 Coffee House was a success! Fairfield DD’s leadership team prepared handcrafted drinks and chatted with guests. We appreciate everyone who stopped by for a chat and a drink!
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In the latest episode of Fulfilling Lives, we engage in a discussion with Kelley Bauman and Jane Guisinger, from The Samaritan Center. During this insightful conversation, we delve into the realm of empowering technology and its transformative impact on our lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of adapting our way of living rather than relocating physically.
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Ohio is in the Path for the Upcoming Eclipse |
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On Monday, April 8th, 2024, Fairfield County will experience a once in a lifetime solar eclipse. From our location, we will see about 98%-99% of the sun blocked by the moon during the maximum time at 3:13 pm. The partial eclipse will begin at 1:55 pm and end around 4:27 pm.
If you plan to take advantage of viewing this solar phenomenon, there are some precautions that are important to take. There are many commercial glasses and viewers that can be purchased but you will want to ensure they meet ISO standards. You can find this information on the packaging. There are easy viewing options you can make at home as well.
Learn more here. Happy Viewing!
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Off-Trail Hike at Mambourg Park
Saturday, March 30, 2024, 10:00 am
Join in for National Take Walk in the Park Day at Mambourg Park! The Fairfield County Park District is taking a step further, breaking a park rule...going off-trail!
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Chocolate Walk in Downtown Lancaster
Friday, April 5, 2024, 4:00 pm
Indulge in chocolate treats from downtown businesses while walking through downtown shops. This is a ticketed event; purchase your tickets online.
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Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, April 8, 2024, 1:45 pm
Stop by and view the near total eclipse with the Fairfield County District Library! Eclipse glasses will be provided for those attending, while supplies last.
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Seeds of Change Event
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 10:00 am
Visit Rising Park for a morning of education and fun celebrating Earth Day 2024 with community partners.
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