A Day at the Zoo Made Possible by Community Generosity
RTC has the privilege of seeing how the generosity of our community creates meaningful opportunities for the people we serve. Recently, we saw that impact during a wonderful spring outing to the zoo with our Pos+Abilities program. Thanks to the support of Richwood Coffee and its commitment to RTC through its community coffee program, our clients were able to enjoy a day filled with exploration, learning, and fun.
The weather could not have been more perfect. Under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, clients spent the day exploring exhibits and connecting with the natural world around them. Favorites included the majestic jaguars, playful apes, waddling penguins, colorful flamingos, fascinating turtles, and even a towering moose. Everywhere they turned, there was something new to see and experience.
Beyond the fun, outings like these provide valuable opportunities for social engagement, community inclusion, learning, and personal growth. They create lasting memories while encouraging clients to explore new environments and share meaningful experiences with friends.
We are incredibly grateful to Richwood Coffee for investing in our mission and helping make days like this possible. Their commitment to our community, and especially to the individuals served by RTC, continues to create opportunities that enrich lives in countless ways.
On behalf of our clients, staff, and families, thank you for helping turn ordinary days into extraordinary memories.
Photos courtesy of Jon Thornton.
Cooking Up Independence Across RTC Programs
The month of May was filled with delicious aromas, smiling faces, and valuable life-skill lessons as several RTC day programs rolled up their sleeves and headed to the kitchen.
In the Buckeye Room, clients celebrated a birthday by baking homemade chocolate chip cookies. The Studio joined in the fun by creating Reese’s Brownies in honor of Reese’s Day, while Pos+Abilities enjoyed making oven-baked s’mores. LifeWorks took on a larger culinary challenge, preparing a variety of appetizers including chicken nuggets, onion rings, mozzarella cheese sticks, and more.
While the tasty treats were certainly enjoyed, the real recipe for success was the opportunity to build independence. Cooking activities help clients develop important life skills such as following directions, measuring ingredients, practicing kitchen safety, making choices, and working together as a team. These experiences also encourage problem-solving, communication, and confidence—skills that can support greater independence both at home and in the community.
At RTC, learning happens in many different ways, and sometimes it starts with a simple recipe. By participating in hands-on cooking activities, clients are gaining practical skills that help them work toward their personal goals while creating memories and enjoying the rewards of their hard work.
One thing is certain: May was a month filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of delicious results.
A-B-C… Fun for Everyone!
At RTC, we know that learning, growth, and community happen best when people are having fun together. In May, staff and clients proved just that during our Alphabet Scavenger Hunt, a day filled with teamwork, creativity, and plenty of laughter.
The challenge was simple: find something representing every letter of the alphabet. Programs throughout RTC worked together to search high and low, brainstorming ideas, exploring the building, and helping one another complete their lists. From common objects to more creative discoveries, every letter became an opportunity for collaboration and problem-solving.
As teams completed the hunt, participants were rewarded with small, fun prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. More importantly, the scavenger hunt provided opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and friendly competition among clients and staff alike.
The event was a tremendous success, with every program embracing the challenge and contributing to the fun. The smiles, laughter, and sense of accomplishment were evident throughout the day.
While RTC focuses on helping individuals build skills and achieve personal goals, we also recognize the importance of creating opportunities for joy and connection. Sometimes, everyone needs a day dedicated to fun—and this scavenger hunt delivered exactly that.
The Alphabet Scavenger Hunt reminded us that some of the best moments happen when we come together, work as a team, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Growing More Than Gardens
May brought gardening season into full bloom at RTC, with both Pos+Abilities and Community Engagement clients getting their hands dirty and preparing for a summer of growth.
The gardening journey actually began back in March when Pos+Abilities clients planted seeds and carefully nurtured them indoors. By May, those tiny seedlings had grown strong enough to make the move outdoors. Early in the month, clients worked together to prepare the garden beds, clearing space and getting the soil ready for planting. Later in May, they proudly transferred their plants into the garden, where they will continue to grow throughout the summer.
To add even more variety to their garden, one group enjoyed a field trip to a local nursery. Clients explored the selection of plants and chose additional flowers and vegetables to supplement what they had already started from seed.
Mike’s Community Engagement group joined in the fun by supporting the Butterfly Garden at Southview Park. They spent a gorgeous afternoon weeding, planting, and generally making the garden look even better.
Gardening provides more than just a beautiful outdoor space. It encourages teamwork, patience, responsibility, and hands-on learning. Clients have enjoyed watching their hard work pay off as their plants continue to grow, and they are excited to care for them throughout the season.
As summer approaches, everyone is looking forward to seeing the gardens flourish, and perhaps most importantly, enjoying the “fruits” of their labor.
Star of the Month, Aaron Moore
This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Aaron Moore, a truly bright spot in the RTC community. Aaron is well known for his expressive personality, especially his unforgettable facial expressions. His smile, in particular, is something special – warm, genuine, and incredibly contagious. It has a way of lifting the mood of everyone around him. Simply seeing Aaron smile is often enough to bring a smile to someone else’s face. And for those who know him well, they can attest his laugh is just as infectious, filling the room with joy and energy.
During his time at RTC, Aaron enjoys spending time with his peers, often relaxing together while watching TV. Music is another one of his favorite pastimes. Whether he’s listening to his favorite songs or sharing the moment with others, Aaron doesn’t hesitate to show off his dance moves, bringing fun and entertainment to those around him.
Aaron is also someone who truly values comfort. Each morning when he arrives, he looks forward to slipping into his favorite pair of slippers, a small routine that brings him a sense of ease and familiarity. Paired with his cozy blanket, Aaron creates his own little world of comfort, where he feels most at home.
Aaron’s joyful spirit, combined with his love for comfort and connection, makes him a wonderful presence at RTC. We’re lucky to have him, and we’re proud to celebrate him as our star of the month.
Logan County Braves Participate in Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Logan County Braves proudly participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in May, joining law enforcement officers and supporters from across the community in a celebration of inclusion, determination, and support for Special Olympics.
Several Braves athletes who are preparing to compete in the upcoming State Games took part in the event, making the experience especially meaningful as they continue their training and preparation for competition.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics worldwide. Through signature events such as the Plane Pull®, Polar Plunge®, and Tip-A-Cop®, LETR has generated tremendous support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Since its inception, the movement has raised more than $1 billion to support Special Olympics programs around the globe.
In addition to fundraising, LETR members carry the Flame of Hope into Special Olympics competitions at the local, state, national, and international levels. This powerful tradition symbolizes courage, acceptance, and the ongoing commitment to ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities have opportunities to compete, grow, and succeed.
The Logan County Braves are grateful for the partnership and encouragement of local law enforcement agencies that helped make this event possible. A special thank you goes to the Bellefontaine Fire Department, the Bellefontaine Police Department, and the Logan County Sheriff’s Office for their continued support of our athletes and the Special Olympics movement.
Their commitment helps ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to shine both on and off the field.
