NOVEMBER 2010
The commissioners recognized November as National Adoption Month. Geraldine Pegues, Montgomery County Department of Job & Family Services Assistant Director, explained that every child deserves a loving, nurturing and permanent home. There are approximately 750 children in our community that live in a foster care setting. Children available for adoption come into the permanent custody of Children Services when a court determines that their birth parents cannot provide for their needs and will not be able to care for them in the future. There are currently 123 children legally available for adoption in Montgomery County. These children are primarily African American of all ages and Caucasian children six years of age or older. Forty-eight children have been adopted so far this year and ten more are scheduled to be adopted on November 15th which is National Adoption Day. These children are not the newborns most people picture when they think of adoption. Generally they are older boys and girls and teenagers who may have unique medical, psychological or physical needs. Adoption gives them a brighter future, brings great joy to the adoptive parents and places fewer demands on social services. Ms. Pegues stressed that a disability, low income, or unmarried status does not preclude the right to adopt. Anyone interested in learning more about adoption should call 224-KIDS (5437) or visit the website www.mcohio.org/childrenservices. The commissioners presented Ms. Pegues with a proclamation proclaiming November as National Adoption Month. The commissioners commented on the Adoption Summit which was held on Sunday at “Yes We Care” that has been working in conjunction with Children Services to place children.
Dean Ditmer, General Manager, Fox 45/ABC 22, Mike Shane of Lastar, Inc., and Dr. Thomas Olsen with Dermatologists of Southwest Ohio shared information about the 2nd annual Thanksgiving in Dayton – A Feast of Giving which will be held at the Dayton Convention Center on November 25th. The event, which is sponsored by ABC 22 & Fox 45 Dayton’s News Source, Dermatologists of Southwest Ohio, Chef Art Smith LLC., and Lastar Inc., is designed to provide a traditional-style Thanksgiving dinner at no charge for anyone who might be spending the holiday alone, those who are homeless or less fortunate, or for anyone who wants to attend. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and no tickets are needed for this year’s event. Free parking will be available at the convention center garage and free bus transportation will be provided by the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority between 9:30 and 3:00. Donations to the non-profit Feast of Giving Fund may be made to The Feast of Giving Fund, The Dayton Foundation care of The Dayton Foundation, 500 Kettering Tower, Dayton, OH 45423. To learn more about the Feast of Giving, you can go to the following website: http://abc.daytonsnewssource.com/shared/sections/community/features/thanksgiving/
The Commissioners recognized the 2011 Environmental Calendar contest winners. Commissioner Foley welcomed the students saying this was an opportunity to celebrate the great artistic talents of our youth. He also welcomed their families, teachers and friends and congratulated them on nurturing these children. The contest is sponsored by the Montgomery County Environmental Services (Water Services Group and Solid Waste District) each year and is open to Montgomery County students in grades K-12. The students had two themes to choose from this year: The Recycling Theme of “Think Green, Go Green, Live Green: Recycle!” or the Water Theme: “Healthy Water, Healthy Lives”. Over 930 entries were received, up 250 from just last year. The entries came from classroom projects, Scout troops, after school projects, and individuals. There were twelve winners selected (one for each month) plus four students with Honorable Mention. The students received a framed certificate of recognition and had photos taken with the Commissioners at a reception prior to the meeting. The Commissioners thanked the students for their participation and congratulated them on their selection as the 2011 contest winners. The Commissioners also thanked all supporting sponsors. For additional information regarding the program, to become a sponsor or obtain a copy of the calendar call 225-4999 or 781-2500.
Animal Resource Center Director Mark Kumpf provided the Commissioners with an update and information regarding the 2011 Dog Licensing Promotion. Mr. Kumpf reported on field and shelter services provided during 2010 and information about other special programs such as the use of the PetSmart Community Cat Grant to spay/neuter, ear tip, and microchip free-roaming cats in Vandalia and Huber Heights. 2011 dog license will be available for purchase December 1st through January 31, 2011. This year’s promotion campaign includes newspaper, TV, radio, and web. The annual Dayton Mall Adopt-a-thon, sponsored by IAMS, Animal Resource Center, SICSA and the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, will be held on December 18th from 11:00 – 5:00. A dog license provides around the clock identification for your pet, supports cruelty and neglect investigations and protects neighborhoods from dangerous dogs. 2011 licenses are $20 from County Auditor Karl Keith at www.mcohio.org/dogs, at the Animal Resource Center or numerous outposts. For additional information call 225-4314.
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