Recovery Month Kickoff
from ADAMH
Please join ADAMH and Columbus Public Health September 5th at the Columbus Public Health Department for the kick-off of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the event is free of charge. For more information and to RSVP, contact Ajamu Brown, ADAMH, at abrown@adamh.co.franklin.oh.us, or call (614) 222-3742.
Board Of Elections Web Services
from the Board of Elections
The Franklin County Board of Elections web site offers several online services to assist you with the voting process. You can now apply to be precinct official online, and voter registration and address change services have been upgraded. Remember, October 6 is the deadline to register to vote, and to change information on your registration, for the November election.
Dates to Remember for November 4th Election
Now – October 6:
REGISTER TO VOTE
The deadline to register to vote is October 6.
September 8 – November 3:
ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION
Vote early by mail or in person at Vets Memorial.
September 15 – October 13:
BECOME A POLL WORKER
Take a day off for democracy!
October 14 – November 4:
FIND YOUR VOTING LOCATION
View your sample ballot and learn about voter identification requirements.
November 4 at 7:30 p.m:
LIVE ELECTION RESULTS
Upcoming Events
09/07:
Animal Control - Mingle With Our Mutts.
09/14:
Veterans Memorial - Columbus Toy Show
from the Board of Health
The Franklin County Board of Health has noted an increase in the number of cryptosporidium (crypto) cases in the area; a total of 11 cases in July and August. Agency partners Columbus Public Health are investigating 28 cases from the same time period. Protect yourself and your family; visit the Board of Health home page for details on cryptosporidium and how it spreads…
from the Board of Health
Local, state, and federal agencies have plans to protect the public. But you are responsible for your own safety, even in an emergency. At home, school, work, and even in our cars, we need to know what to do in an emergency and where to go. Learn an easy way to prepare for an emergency by clicking on the link below.
from the Children Services
Franklin County Children Services hosts its annual Children’s Day Celebration at COSI September 21st from Noon to 5 p.m. Children’s Day offers free admission for children age 18 and under when accompanied by a paying adult (limit four children per adult). Passes are available at Central Ohio Kroger and White Castle stores beginning September 3rd. Special entertainment by Arnett Howard and drawings for great prizes will be featured. For more information, see the links below.
from Animal Control
The Franklin County Dog Shelter is looking for donations to help with the day-to-day needs of the dogs in their care. Old bath towels, newspaper, and treats make great donations. Cream cheese too—it helps reluctant dogs to take their medicine. For more on donations, or to learn about adopting a dog, visit the Dog Shelter Home Page.
from ADAMH
The Multi-Ethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) will host its 5th Statewide Training Conference & Annual Meeting, “Cultural Competence in Recovery: Breaking the Bonds of Illness, Poverty, and Violence,” on September 18-19 at the Center for Workforce Development. See the ADAMH Home Page for details.
from Economic Development & Planning
The Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department has moved to its new location in the Lazarus Building at 150 South Front Street. The agency provides economic development, affordable housing, zoning enforcement, land-use planning, residential building inspection, floodplain administration and information services to protect and enhance the quality of life for the inhabitants of Franklin County and Central Ohio in a stable, sustainable local economy.
from the Veterans Service Commission
One of the many services offered by the Franklin County Veterans Service Commission to veterans and their spouses is a preventative dental care program. See the link below for a brochure detailing the requirements and application process.
from the Metro Parks
While you’re enjoying the summer weather in Franklin County’s Metro Parks, remember that 12 of the 15 Parks have designated pet trails. Why not include your furry friends in the fun? Dogs and cats must be controlled and leashed at all times, and must remain in designated areas. For more on pets at the park, see the Metro Parks home page.
If you don’t have a dog to take to the park, but you’re thinking about getting one, visit the Franklin County Dog Shelter to learn about all the advantages of adopting. You might just meet your new best friend!
from the Auditor
The Franklin County Auditor has made tentative results of the 2008 triennial update on property values available. Residential values have remained the same as 2005 unless changes were made to a property. See the link below for details.
from Children Services
Franklin County Children Services has launched a new pilot program of family engagement and assessment called Alternative Response (AR). The Alternative Response model allows caseworkers flexibility in their approach to assessing and providing services to families who have abuse and neglect allegations. While serious cases of child maltreatment will continue to have traditional investigations, other less severe incidents may be assigned to the alternative response model or track. See the press release below for details.
from the Board of Health
The Franklin County Board of Health is beginning to receive test results confirming mosquitoes in the county carrying West Nile virus (WNV). One of the most effective ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses is to eliminate standing water on your property. Residents can also take these precautionary steps to protect themselves and their families:
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Wear light colors, long sleeves, and long pants when spending time outside in mosquito-infested areas
- Make sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and free of holes
- Use a DEET based repellent when outside where mosquitoes are present
- When camping or spending time outdoors, consider Permethrin treated bed-nets, tents, or clothing
- Avoid perfume, colognes, or other heavy scents that may attract mosquitoes
For more information on what you can do to reduce your risk of disease, go to www.franklincountyohio.gov/health.
The Search Institute has identified forty building blocks of healthy development, known as Developmental Assets, that help young children grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. To learn more about these assets, visit the Job and Family Services Home Page.
from Metro Parks
The first in the Metro Parks annual series of Commit To Be Fit Healthy Hikes takes place on Sunday, August 24 at Blacklick Woods. The 2-mile leisurely hikes, all led by park rangers, begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoons in late summer and fall. For the list of all scheduled hikes for the year, see the link below.
from ADAMH
Myth:There is little I can do to help a person with a drinking problem.
Fact: Helping a person kick an alcohol addiction may be difficult, but it is not impossible. First, try talking to the person openly and honestly about their behavior and its day-to-day consequences. Try to be empathetic and non-judgmental and avoid using threats, bribes or other emotional appeals, as this approach may create greater feelings of resentment and guilt. Next, look for and support any small steps taken toward change. Help by a certified health care professional that specializes in addiction treatment may be necessary in some cases.
from the Board of Commissioners
Waiting patiently for Huntington Park to be completed? You can now track construction progress via webcam as the new home of your Columbus Clippers comes to life. The 10,000-seat stadium is on schedule for its grand opening in the Arena District in Spring of 2009.