While the weather can’t decide what it wants to do seemingly chilly one day with rain or snow, then sunny and warm the next, one thing that will help warm up your spirit is March Madness month with the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Each year, there are events throughout the month to raise awareness and increase financial resources the board of developmental disabilities can use to help those individuals and families they serve.

The events each year include a smorgasbord of sorts and has something for everyone to be involved and enjoy.

The annual events earlier this month included a balloon launch that coincides with Dr. Seuss Day, and the craft show and Chili Fest where people from all over the county prepare their best pots of chili.

Later this month, the March Madness basketball games will feature the Open Door School, Tri-State Industries, The Tribune and Lawrence County officeholders. In the first game, a team from The Tribune and other local media will square off against the Lawrence County officeholders. You can be assured that it won’t be the level you see when you go watch a local high school basketball game, or even some of our youth basketball games for that matter. At times, it may be like watching a circus or herding sheep, but we all go out there and have a good time for a great cause.

Yes, the elected officials did win the game last year, but The Tribune team will look to get back on the winning track this year and recoup the bragging rights, as we did the first few years of the game.

While The Tribune and office holders are often associated as being on opposite sides, we are all on one team at the end of the day. We are there to help raise awareness and funds that helps keep these resources available to Lawrence County. Each team makes a donation at the end of the game.

After that, we join forces with the officeholders to face-off against the Tri-State Industries all-stars team. When you think of dominance, one may refer back to the UCLA Bruins’ teams of the early 1970s, the Chicago Bulls in the 90s or the Harlem Globetrotters, but in the 10 years I have been participating, and likely many more years before that, the Tri-State Industries all-stars have found a way to keep their winning streak alive. Now that’s dominance. Hopefully we can find a way to get over the hump this year.

In April, a 5k run/walk is scheduled at The Point industrial park in South Point.

Whether you have attended for years or maybe thinking about going to one of these events for the first time, I encourage everyone to mark it on your calendars. All of the events held each year are sure to put a smile on your face.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whose chili wins or what the scoreboard says, for me it’s about seeing all the smiles of the participants and fans.