Annual chili fest, craft show among others

Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities is gearing up for National DD Awareness Month in March, and has several public awareness events planned.

The 19th annual LCDD Chili Fest and Craft Show is set for Saturday, March 24 at Dawson-Bryant High School, and registration for chili entries or booths for crafters are currently being accepted from public participants.

“We’re delighted to once again hold our 19th annual Chili Fest and Craft Show,” Tim Nunnery, LCDD public relations director, said. “Every year, we wonder if the Chili Fest will be just as successful as our previous years’, and every year we’re happy to say that it is. We love doing the chili fest, and we’re glad to see that it’s become an every-year event.”

Besides the chili fest and craft show, LCDD will also be visiting local schools to conduct the interactive presentation, “What It’s Like to Have a Disability,” with the goal to put people in the shoes of an individual living with a disability.

“We conducted this activity last year with the schools in our county, and we were very pleased with how well it was received,” Nunnery said. “This really was a fun learning activity for those who participated, and we’re looking to expand it to organizations in our community to broaden our message.”

On Thursday, March 1, LCDD is planning to host an assistive technology expo at Ohio University Southern as well. The technology presented at the expo will give individuals with developmental disabilities and families an opportunity to test and learn about technology-based services that can be funded through waivers.

A representative from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities is scheduled to speak at the event, along with other service providers and advocates for DD.

Other LCDD events scheduled include:

• Thursday, March 1: balloon launch at 10 a.m. the Open Door School in Ironton; Dr. Seuss Day throughout the day at the Early Childhood Center.

• Friday, March 2: Dr. Seuss Day throughout the day at Open Door School.

• Thursday, March 22: Open Door School vs. Verne Riffe basketball game at 10:30 a.m. at the Ironton High School Conley Center.

• DD food drive and eyeglasses collection at various locations throughout Lawrence County during March and April.

March is celebrated as DD Awareness Month to help the community realize the importance of the developmentally disabled as part of the community. The statewide theme for this year’s activities encourages everyone to focus on community, with an emphasis on “unity.”

For more information about DD Awareness Month, or to register for the LCDD Chili Fest and Craft Show, call 740-532-7401.