Local mentors help to conquer isolation
When the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the closure of schools statewide last month, over 100 elementary-aged children in Butler County lost more than just their daily school routine. They also lost face-to-face contact with the mentors they’d grown fond of seeing every week during lunch or after school.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County matches mentors with children who want one, both in a community-based setting, and in 13 elementary schools across Butler County. Most of the children who are enrolled in these programs face multiple challenges in their young lives, such as poverty, low self-esteem, food insecurity, or family members who struggle with addiction or mental health issues.
The physical and economic stressors these “Littles” and their families are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic are creating a sense of isolation for many of these children.
Mentors are adapting to the pandemic by connecting with their Littles by phone, text, or online when possible. And Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members remain available to provide ongoing support to keep these relationships thriving. But nothing can replace the quality of authentic in-person interaction.
There are 150 children enrolled with Big Brothers Big Sisters who are waiting for a mentor. The time commitment for mentors is as little as two to fours hours a month, but that time means the world for these children — and for the mentors themselves.
There are two ways the community can help conquer the isolation that Littles are experiencing right now. One is by becoming a mentor. Interested individuals can apply online at www.bbbsbutler.org, or by texting “BIG” to 513-857-1491. The second way to help is by participating in the agency’s Run4Kids Virtual Walk/Run. Participants can register to walk or run a 5k (or more) anywhere they like, anytime between April 18 and May 16. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring programs. More information and registration is available at www.bbbsbutler.org/events. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON TWP.
Board to hold trustee meeting
The Madison Twp. Board of Trustees will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at 5610 W. Alexandria Road. The purpose is to conduct business as needed for the basic functionally of the township.
Due to current federal orders limiting public gatherings, and the state of Ohio “Stay at Home Order,” the public is requested not to attend.
For more information or questions, email ToddF@MadisonTownshipOnline.com. CONTRIBUTED
FAIRFIELD
School board to hold virtual meeting
The Fairfield City School District Board of Education will hold a board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Due to COVID-19 and the recently passed House Bill 197, the meeting will not be conducted at a public location, but will be broadcast virtually. To access the virtual board meeting, search for @FairfieldCitySchoolDistrict on Facebook. CONTRIBUTED
ROSS TWP.
Board to hold meeting
The Ross Twp. Board of Trustees has changed the date of the April 16 meeting to April 23. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ross Twp. Government Center, 4055 Hamilton Cleves Road.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public will not be allowed inside the Ross Twp. Government Center. As a result, the meeting will be live-streamed on the Ross Twp. Police Department’s Facebook page at that specific date and time. There will be no public participation portion of the meeting.
To view the meeting, go to the Ross Twp. Police Department Facebook page. A person does not need to be member of Facebook to view the meeting.
At 5:55 p.m. access will become available by clicking on the “Live Feed” post on the Facebook page. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. For additional information, call 513-863-2337, ext. 120. CONTRIBUTED
MIDDLETOWN
School board to hold virtual meeting
Due to COVID-19, the April 13, Middletown City School District (MCSD) Board of Education(BOE) meeting will be broadcast virtually on the district’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MiddletownCitySchools. The title of the meeting will be MCSD BOE Business Meeting 4/13/20. Log in to view. Due to this meeting being done virtually, there will be no public participation.
Due to the COVID-19 ‘stay at home’ order, this meeting will not be conducted at a public location. CONTRIBUTED
HANOVER TWP.
Township facilities restricted due to health dept.
Due to Health Dept. guidelines and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, access to township facilities is restricted. All activities scheduled for the Community Center during the month of April have been cancelled. No facility rentals will be considered until after May 3. The Hanover Twp. Park playground area remains closed until further notice. The walking path area remains open for public use.
The Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for April 22, has been rescheduled to coincide with the scheduled May 13 board of trustees meeting.
For more information, call 513-896-9059. CONTRIBUTED
CINCINNATI
Museum center extended closure
Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) announced it extended its temporary closure into May in accordance with guidance from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. As CMC continues to closely monitor developments around COVID-19 to determine an appropriate date to reopen, it has increased its online learning offerings and virtual engagement.
CMC has expanded its online learning resources to offer a robust schedule encouraging people to explore their own backyards, curate their own collections, learn through play or simply make new memories together.
In addition to weekly programming, CMC has online lesson plans, virtual exhibits and a list of additional resources from other educational organizations to supplement home schooling, personal development and more. Visit cincymuseum.org/learning-from-home for a complete list of resources.
CMC will continue to monitor developments around COVID-19 and follow the consultation of government and health officials to determine a prudent reopening date. CONTRIBUTED
CINCINNATI
Freedom Center extended closure through May 11
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced its temporary closure into May in accordance with guidance from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. As the Freedom Center continues to closely monitor developments around COVID-19 to determine an appropriate date to reopen, it has increased its online learning offerings and virtual engagement.
While its staff works remotely, the Freedom Center continues to tap into their expertise and passion through online learning resources, blog posts and more. The Freedom Center’s End Slavery Now initiative is also continuing to provide resources in its ongoing effort to end human trafficking locally, nationally and globally.
For more information, go to www.freedomcenter.org. CONTRIBUTED
WARREN COUNTY
HEAP has been extended to May 1
Warren County Community Services, Inc. (WCCS) has extended the Emergency HEAP deadline to May 1. WCCS will be taking phone interviews for the Winter Crisis Program and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Clients who have not received Winter Crisis can call 513-695-2286 to schedule a phone interview for assistance with a disconnection, bulk fuel or PIPP.
Clients must leave a name and valid phone number. Someone from the E-HEAP staff will return the call and instruct the person on what procedures will be to apply.
For more information, go to www.wccsi.org. CONTRIBUTED
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