Sincerely,
Joe Enderle, Editor In Chief - Hamilton Thrive

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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🏫🏫

🏆Check Out The New And Improved Business Directory Page !!🏆

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

👉Community Billboard👈

🌞🌞Daily Weather Report🌞🌞

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

🧹🧹17 Strong Cleanup At 206 South D St.🧹🧹

🤪🤪😵‍💫😵‍💫Stupid Dad Jokes😵‍💫😵‍💫🤪🤪

🩺🩺To Your Health🩺🩺

🤣🤣Humor/ Far Side🤣🤣

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Ex Community Foundation Chairman Dave Belew To Have Bike Trail Named In His Honor This Afternoon At The Fitton Center

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

Place Your Vote At The Journal-News Website HERE

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 (Today And Tomorrow!)

The show runs July 18th-20th 

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

https://encorecommunitytheatre.com/audition-information 

See you at auditions!

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

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Maybe Reds Will Fare Better On This Trip To The West Coast - Play Tonight In ‘Frisco At 10:15

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👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

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🌞⛈️Finally Drying Out !!⛈️🌞

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Spring Clean To Report
To 206 South D Street
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 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🤔🤔

My friend said to shoot first and ask questions later…
I was going to ask him why he said that, but I had to shoot him!!🤣🤣
What can run without getting out of breath?
A river !!🤣🤣

How do you get a farm girl to marry you ?
First, a tractor !!🤣🤣

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5 Things to Do Every Day to Keep Your Heart Healthy

1. Eat healthy fats, NOT trans fats. We need fats in our diet, including saturated and polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats. One fat we don’t need is trans fat, which is known to increase your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke over a lifetime. This is because trans fat clogs your arteries by raising your bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lowering your good cholesterol levels (HDL). By cutting them from your diet, you improve the blood flow throughout your body. So, what are trans fats? They are industry-produced fats often used in packaged baked goods, snack foods, margarines and fried fast foods to add flavor and texture. TIP: Read the labels on all foods. Trans fat appears on the ingredients list as partially hydrogenated oils. Look for 0 percent trans fat. Make it a point to avoid eating foods with trans fat.

2. Practice good dental hygiene, especially flossing your teeth daily. Dental health is a good indication of overall health, including your heart, because those who have periodontal (gum) disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. Studies continue on this issue, but many have shown that bacteria in the mouth involved in the development of gum disease can move into the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels. These changes may in turn, increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. TIP: Floss and brush your teeth daily to ward off gum disease. It’s more than cavities you may have to deal with if you are fighting gum disease.

3. Get enough sleep. Sleep is an essential part of keeping your heart healthy. If you don’t sleep enough, you may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease no matter your age or other health habits. One study looking at 3,000 adults over the age of 45 found that those who slept fewer than six hours per night were about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as people who slept six to eight hours per night. Researchers believe sleeping too little causes disruptions in underlying health conditions and biological processes, including blood pressure and inflammation. TIP: Make sleep a priority. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep most nights. If you have sleep apnea, you should be treated as this condition is linked to heart disease and arrhythmias.

4. Don’t sit for too long at one time. In recent years, research has suggested that staying seated for long periods of time is bad for your health no matter how much exercise you do. This is bad news for the many people who sit at sedentary jobs all day. When looking at the combined results of several observational studies that included nearly 800,000 people, researchers found that in those who sat the most, there was an associated 147 percent increase in cardiovascular events and a 90 percent increase in death caused by these events. In addition, sitting for long periods of time (especially when traveling) increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot). TIP: Experts say it’s important to move throughout the day. Park farther away from the office, take a few shorter walks throughout the day and/or use a standing work station so you can move up and down. And remember to exercise on most days.

5. Avoid secondhand smoke like the plague. Studies show that the risk of developing heart disease is about 25 to 30 percent higher for people who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work. According to the American Heart Association, exposure to tobacco smoke contributes to about 34,000 premature heart disease deaths and 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year. And nonsmokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol have an even greater risk of developing heart disease when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke. This is because the chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke promote the development of plaque buildup in the arteries. TIP: Be firm with smokers that you do not want to be around environmental smoke — and keep children away from secondhand smoke.

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