We've added several new Cincinnati-area disability services and activities providers to our Cincinnati Adaptive Events newsletter! These include:

• The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League provides "accessible and inclusive baseball fields and recreational opportunities with a big-league-level gameday environment for athletes with special abilities of all ages, giving them the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of sport in a safe and impeccably maintained facility."
• Cincinnati TOPSoccer "allows all children and adults with special needs in Cincinnati the opportunity to participate, contribute, and excel in the game of soccer"
• Anderson Challenger Baseball offers an "adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and developmental challenges, allowing players to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities"
• Snapdragons Cincinnati "is a social enterprise dedicated to improving the lives of Special Needs children and adults through participation in adapted sports programs.  We run programs in Baseball, Basketball, and Cheer."

See all of the organizations that currently provide event information for our newsletter

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The Our Favorite Neighbors series highlights special people and organizations we've come to know and love over the years. These folks go out of their way to share their enthusiasm, compassion, empathy, and support for their community in the spirit of Howdy, Neighbors.

We first learned of the Mason Symphony Orchestra at a community partner event hosted by the City of Mason, where we were representing Jason's Mason Challenger Baseball league. We'd never heard of the orchestra, but the representative was very kind and taught a delighted Jason to play a song on the violin she had brought with her.

We then learned that this "representative" was actually Dr. Lucy Ginther, the founder and conductor of the orchestra! Jason had always been mesmerized by music concerts, going all the way back to his high school days when his brother played the cello at Sycamore Junior High.

It was clear from our first encounter that that Dr. Ginther not only wanted to share the joy of music to her neighborhood, but also had a gentle and welcoming approach to everyone in the community. We started attending their concerts and have become big fans. Dr. Ginther arranges creative varieties of performances--everything from a steel drum jam to playing the musical score during the screening of a Disney movie. Jason gets so excited at the performances that he blurts out yahoos and bravos at every possible moment, which the orchestra no doubt occasionally hears while they are playing.

What is most wonderful is that Dr. Ginther and the orchestra have embraced Jason and many others with disabilities who are attracted to their music performances. After every concert, she scans the crowd to look for Jason and makes sure to come over to talk with him. This despite the fact that she has many friends, benefactors, community VIPs, and a whole audience that want her attention at that moment. That is what the community spirit is all about.

So thank you Dr. Ginther and the Mason Symphony Orchestra for being one of Our Favorite Neighbors!