Hamilton! Thrive Issue #127

May 9th Dave Belew Bike Trail Christened Tomorrow

Congrats, you just joined the best newsletter in Hamilton!

Welcome to the Hamilton Thrive Newsletter! We bring you the juiciest local news and events every weekday at 6 AM. Unlike my days delivering the Northwest Press 🗞️ on my bicycle, it will arrive quietly in your inbox, not in the bushes by the front door! 🤣

You might be wondering, "What makes Hamilton Thrive different from all the other newsletters out there?" Great question.

For starters, we have a strict no-boring policy. Even if we're writing about “exciting” topics like budgets and road closures. We keep it interesting like watching PeeWee baseball!

So when can you expect to start getting these enthralling emails? 6 AM of whatever is the closest weekday. In the meantime, we'd like to get to know what’s going on in your world. We have a Community Billboard where we will post your events, yard sales, reunions, birthdays, etc. Send an email with your happenings to [email protected] 

I'm looking forward to sharing all the Hamilton happenings with you. If you just can't wait to read the Thrive, you can read any of our back issues here.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT !!

It’s May and the weather is getting warmer. I encourage everyone to take advantage of our community billboard. There will be plenty of yard sales and other local activities that can be posted to share with our readers. If you have an event or know of something going on on your block, please let us know so we can post and promote for you! Email your info to:
[email protected]

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In This Hamilton! Thrive Issue

🚴🏻🚲May 8th Dave Belew Bike Trail Christened This Friday🚲🚴🏻

🛝🛝Hamilton Youth Summer Programs🛝🛝

🌪️Be Prepared For Tornado Season🌪️

🏫🏫Vote For Best Of Butler County🏫🏫

🧢🧢Reds Drop To Another To The D-Backs🧢🧢

🌞🌞Daily Weather Report🌞🌞

🚗🚗Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Auditions Friday And Saturday🚗🚗

🧹🧹17 Strong Cleanup At 721 S. 2nd St.🧹🧹

🤪🤪😵‍💫😵‍💫Stupid Dad Jokes😵‍💫😵‍💫🤪🤪

🩺🩺To Your Health🩺🩺

🤣🤣Humor/ Far Side🤣🤣

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill

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Ex Community Foundation Chairman Dave Belew To Have Bike Trail Named In His Honor

Step right up and behold the incredible tale of Dave Belew, the biking maestro whose passion for pedaling knows no bounds! From the picturesque hills of Falmouth, Kentucky, to the bustling streets of Hamilton, Ohio, Dave's trusty two-wheeled companion has been his steadfast companion through thick and thin.

But wait, there's more! Not content with merely cruising the neighborhood, Dave embarked on a mission to bring joy to the masses through the magic of biking. With his beloved wife, Marge, and their kids by his side, he traversed thousands of miles along the Great Miami River Trail, spreading cheer and goodwill with every turn of the pedals.

And lo and behold, his efforts have not gone unnoticed! The esteemed Hamilton City Council, at the behest of the illustrious Hamilton Community Foundation, has decreed that the trail shall henceforth bear the name of none other than Dave L. Belew himself! A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Dave's tireless dedication and boundless enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Hamilton.

But let us not forget the trials and tribulations faced along the way! Overcoming hurdles aplenty, Dave displayed the kind of grit and determination that legends are made of. Countless trips to Columbus and endless hours of hard work were but small sacrifices in his quest to make Hamilton a better place for all.

As we gather to celebrate this momentous occasion on the afternoon of May 10th, let us raise our glasses to Dave Belew, the patron saint of biking enthusiasts everywhere! Rain or shine, the festivities at the Fitton Center shall be a testament to his unwavering spirit and unwavering commitment to community.

And so, dear friends, let us pedal forth with renewed vigor, knowing that thanks to Dave Belew, the world is a little brighter, a little greener, and a whole lot more beautiful. Long live the Dave L. Belew Trail, a shining beacon of joy and inspiration for generations to come!

THE DAVE L. BELEW TRAIL

Key features:

Trailheads: There are six major trailheads along the Dave L. Belew Trail, which most are about 2 miles apart. Trailheads have parking, easy trail access, and, in some cases, restrooms.

Trailhead locations: From south to north, trailheads include Joyce Park (public restroom), Kevin Lodder Park, Fitton Center for Creative Arts & Monument Park, Marcum Park (public restroom), Canal Road, and Rentschler Forest Metropark (public restroom).

Downtown loop: The Fitton Center and Marcum Park trailheads, which are less than a half-mile apart, offer a street-level path that connects into downtown Hamilton. The street-level path and riverside path connect with a ramp at two locations, one at Marcum Park and another just south of the Fitton Center near the Columbia Bridge.

Features along the trail

There are a number of stops walkers, joggers, runners and bicyclists can make along the Dave L. Belew Trail, including:

⋅ The art galleries at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts are free and open to the public. The facility also features bathrooms, convenient bike parking out front, and air-conditioning on hot days.

⋅ The Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The monument includes an exhibit on 20th century American wars, featuring military uniforms, military medals and photographs.

⋅ There are a number of local businesses within a mile of each downtown trailhead.

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Mastering Tornado Safety and Preparedness

The City of Hamilton is committed to ensuring your safety by providing comprehensive guidance on tornado preparedness.

City of Hamilton May 8, 2024

Tornadoes are unpredictable and can occur anywhere, anytime. Ohio, particularly, has experienced over 35 tornadoes in 2024 alone. The City of Hamilton is committed to ensuring your safety by providing comprehensive guidance on tornado preparedness.
Know the signs of a tornado. This includes a rotating funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud sound similar to a freight train. 
Sign up for your community’s warning system. Hamilton and Butler County residents have access to various local weather station apps, but it's crucial to enable location services for prompt alert. Residents can also sign up for alerts through the Butler County Sheriff’s Office
Listen to FEMA and / or NOAA Weather Radio. If you don’t have a weather radio, monitor the Butler County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Facebook page. There, you will find live updates during a weather emergency.
Sirens are designed to be heard outdoors. They are not designed to alert residents who are indoors. They're managed by Butler County Dispatch and EMA to alert individuals outside to seek immediate shelter. The sirens are tested the first Wednesday of every month at noon. 
Power outages are possible. Despite regular system maintenance and improvements, the City’s electric system can be impacted by Mother Nature and human activity. If you experience a power outage or notice a problem with the City’s power lines, contact us at 513-785-7550. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prepare now. Survive during. Be safe after. Take proactive measures to prepare beforehand, know how to stay safe during a tornado, and remain cautious afterward. Your active involvement in safety is important to us. 

The photo above shows the tornado siren on top of the former Municipal Building, located at 20 High Street in Hamilton. It's known as the oldest, fully-operational H.O.R. Super Sirex 15 in the nation. 

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A Guide to Hamilton Youth Summer Programs

As summer approaches, parents in Hamilton and its surrounding areas have an array of youth programs to choose from to keep their children engaged and entertained. These programs cater to diverse interests and age groups, offering everything from arts and sports to outdoor adventures. With options available from May to August, there's something to fit every schedule and budget.

Here's a glimpse of what's on offer:

2024 Summer Baseball
Hosted by Fitton Family YMCA, this baseball program runs from May 27th to July 20th and is tailored for ages 3 to 7. With different games for each age group, such as t-ball and coach pitch, children can develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment. Prices are $50 for members and $110 for non-members.

Summer YMCA Youth Basketball
Also at Fitton Family YMCA, this basketball program spans the same dates as the baseball camp and is open to ages 4 to 15. Divided into different age divisions, participants can hone their basketball abilities while staying active during the summer. Prices are $60 for members and $100 for non-members.

Youth Summer Camp
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton are offering a FREE summer camp from May 28th to August 2nd for ages 6 to 12. This camp provides a wide range of activities to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the summer.

Total Teen Takeover Summer Camp
Also hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton, this FREE summer camp caters to teens ages 13 to 18, running concurrently with the youth camp from May 28th to August 2nd.

Hamilton City Athletics Camps
Running from May 31st to July 25th, these camps offer various opportunities for children from Rising Kindergartners to Rising 12th graders. Prices range from $10 to $40 depending on the specific camp.

Camp Lane Summer Reading
Join the Hamilton Lane Library from June 1st to August 1st for their Summer Reading Challenge, where participants can earn points for prizes by reading. Additionally, special summer programming is available for all ages, free of charge.

Summer Program at Booker T. Washington Community Center
Running from June 3rd through July 27th, this program offers a diverse range of activities including academic enrichment, swimming, art, music, and exciting recreation activities for ages 5 to 13. Financial assistance is available, with a price of $26.62 per participant.

Spooky Nook Summer Camps
From June 3rd to August 9th, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill is hosting week-long summer camps for ages 4 to 18, with prices ranging from $120 to $225 per week.

Greater Miami Valley YMCA Adventure Camp
Running from June 3rd to August 9th, this camp offers children ages 5 to 12 the opportunity to learn, have fun, and make friends. Prices range from $210 to $230 per week.

Summer Day Camp at Hamilton Living Water Ministry
From June 7th to July 29th, this program offers free activities Monday through Thursday for Rising Kindergartners and up, including dance and art classes, outdoor water games, and more.

Greater Miami Valley - Camp Campbell Gard
From June 9th to August 9th, the Greater Miami Valley YMCA is hosting week-long camps at Camp Campbell Gard for ages 7 to 22, with prices ranging from $350 to $750 per week.

Greater Hamilton Safety Council’s Safety Town
This five-week program starting on June 10th is designed for 4 and 5-year-olds to learn about safety topics such as stranger danger and calling 911. The program is free of charge.

Half-Day Enrichment at East Butler County YMCA
From June 10th through July 18th, this program offers half-day enrichment programs for kids ages 6 to 12, with prices ranging from $95 to $115.

Summer Camp Creativity at Fitton Center for Creative Arts
From June 10th to July 26th, this program offers art-themed camps for ages 5 to 16, with prices ranging from $75 to $204 per week.

Miami University Regionals STEAM Studio
From June 20th to July 26th, Miami University Regionals is hosting a STEAM-focused summer camp for Rising 2nd graders through Rising 10th graders, with prices ranging from $100 to $250.

Respect for Law Camp
From June 21st to the 23rd, this three-day camp is designed to showcase the positive aspects of law enforcement to children ages 11 to 14. The price is $200, with scholarships available.

Flag Football at Fitton Family YMCA
Starting on July 22nd through September 21st, this flag football season is open to ages 4 to 12, with prices of $60 for members and $100 for non-members.

In addition to these structured programs, families can also make the most of Hamilton's abundant parks, offering opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploration. Moreover, the Fitton Center for Creative Arts welcomes students, summer campers, and local community groups to experience art through various activities, free of charge.

For more information or to sign up for any of these programs, simply click on the program name provided above.

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Vote For The Best Of Butler County Attractions

Here are the finalists in Best Attraction:

• Artspace Hamilton Lofts and Resident Gallery

• Garver Family Farm Market

• Hamiltons Urban Backyard

• Jungle Jims International Market

• Pinball Garage

• Sorg Opera House

Encore Community Theatre Presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Interested in sharing the stage with everyone's favorite flying car?  If so, Encore is looking for actors for this musical adaptation of the beloved family film.  With 10+ named roles and featured parts in the large ensemble, start your summer with a Bang by auditioning for Encore's 29th season!

Auditions are May 10th and 11th

The show runs July 18th-20th 

For more information and to sign up, visit our website at:

See you at auditions!

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Support Your Local Businesses
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
👉Click HERE to Visit Their Websites👈
👆☝️👆☝️👆☝️👆☝️👆☝️👆☝️

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Reds Drop Number Two Of Three To Diamondbacks
Try Again Today At 1:10

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👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

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🌞⛈️Hoping We Dry Out Soon⛈️🌞

AccuWeather

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Spring Clean To Report
To Riverview (721 S. 2nd St.)
Today At 5PM

Get into the spring cleaning mood with 17STRONG. At 1700 hours (5pm), from May 1-17, Hamilton’s cleanup Cube will be visiting a different neighborhood each day. We are looking for volunteers to help with these cleanups and would love to have you join us for 17 minutes during the hour of 5-6pm! 

The Cube will have everything you need, including gloves, trash bags, and litter grabbers. So bring yourself and, perhaps, a friend to one or more of our 17 cleanups. Below is the schedule of cleanup locations. 

May 9th - Riverview (RSVP on Facebook)

  • 721 S. 2nd St.

May 10th - Rossville (RSVP on Facebook)

  • 206 S. D St.

May 11th - New London (RSVP on Facebook)

  • 1094 Southern Hills

May 12th - No Cleanup; Happy Mother's Day!

May 13th - Prospect Hill (RSVP on Facebook)

  • Sutherland Park

May 14th - North End (RSVP on Facebook)

  • Moser Park

May 15th - Jefferson (RSVP on Facebook)

  • Jefferson Park

May 16th - Armondale (RSVP on Facebook)

  • 1093 Western Ave

May 17th - Dayton Lane (RSVP on Facebook)

  • 643 Dayton St.

The “Community Cleanup Chest,” a.k.a. “The Cube,” is Hamilton’s all-in-one neighborhood cleanup package, and it is available for your neighborhood cleanup. The Cube is stocked with everything you need to host a successful event. Learn more about The Cube and how to reserve it for your cleanup at https://www.17stronghamilton.org/cleanups.

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😳😳Stupid Dad Jokes🤔🤔

Today I learned that ostriches walk around and then forget where they are going.
I may be a re-incarnated ostrich!🤣🤣

One day you’re young and fun,
the next day you’re turning down the car radio so you can see better!🤣🤣

I found out my wife is cheating on me. She said, "I'll be home in 10-15 minutes max.".......
My name is Tim......🤣🤣

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Alternative Ways To Find Back Pain Relief

Many people worry that the only way to find relief from herniated disks is through surgery. While surgery is an option, various cases of back pain can also be managed without it ― and not all back pain is caused by disk issues. Up to 90% of Americans can expect to deal with back pain at some point, making it a somewhat annoying but normal part of aging in many instances.

Many people begin to have pain during adolescence or the early 20s. Back pain is now understood as a chronic condition with normal episodes of waxing and waning discomfort. Rarely is there a true injury.

Most of the pain is due to the very complex interactions between the musculoskeletal system, human physiology, the brain and other factors.

If you are having a pain episode, bed rest is rarely the answer — instead, seek out “functional, active, rehabilitation.” This could include activities like yoga and interventions like physical therapy.

That said, if a disk is herniated and compressing a nerve, don’t delay in seeing a back surgeon or spine physician. In the meantime, reduce or avoid your BLTs (Bending, Lifting, Twisting) to stay as healthy as possible.

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