​On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Champaign County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) hosted its annual Touch A Truck event at 224 Patrick Avenue in Urbana. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., families came out to explore a wide variety of vehicles, meet local service workers, and enjoy a fun, interactive day.

Along with the vehicles, guests enjoyed hot dogs, chips, Kona Ice, and had fun with games like Plinko and Pick a Duck, plus temporary tattoos for kids. The event offered something for everyone and gave them the chance to get up close to big trucks, sit behind the wheel, and learn about the people who drive and operate them.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make the event a success, including the following partners and participants:

• Kona Ice
• Urbana Fire Division
• Urbana Police Department
• City of Urbana
• Champaign County Sheriff's Office
• CT Communications
• One World Logistics of America
• V-Teck Communications
• Easton Water Solutions
• Trinity Tire & Auto
• West Central Ohio Network – WestCON
• CORS Head Start
• Edward Jones – Financial Advisor: Jerome Armstrong

​And thank you to the local media for covering the event:

• Urbana Daily Citizen https://www.urbanacitizen.com/2025/06/16/gearing-up-for-fun-touch-a-truck-returns-to-urbana-in-july/

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/2025/07/21/in-the-front-of-a-cruiser/

• Urbana Daily Digital https://urbana.ohiodailydigital.com/news/gearing-up-for-fun-touch-a-truck-returns-to-urbana-this-july

 

• Peak of Ohio https://www.peakofohio.com/local-news/big-rigs-bright-smiles-ccbdd-hosts-annual-touch-a-truck-event

 
📸 Check out more photos from the event on our Facebook page!
(link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AnD9fymZR/) 

During the pandemic, lockdowns and isolation adversely affected many people. Activities were cancelled and routines were changed. Bianca Tropeano is one such person who noticed a dramatic change in her life. “How did Covid affect my life during the past year? Covid really put my plans on hold.”

Bianca is competitively employed by the Champaign Co Board of DD. And just like many others, she was unable to go to her job for quite a long time.

But Bianca found a way to keep her spirits up and stay busy with new plans. She found activity and fun with her pets. “Covid didn’t really stopped me having fun because I hang out at home with my cat, Lily, and a dog we are fostering named Cy,” said Bianca. She certainly was lucky to have those furry friends around.

The stories of Lily and Cy began when Bianca attended a cat show in Dayton, OH. She saw Lily and spent half her Christmas money to buy the cuddly kitten. Later, Bianca’s family was asked to foster an Alaskan Malamute named Cy. He kept running away from his old home and was eventually sent to the pound. Bianca’s family saved him by taking him in as a foster pet. 

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), There are several healthy benefits to having pets. The CDC’s website says, “Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.”

Bianca did not have to conduct a scientific study to notice the same affects. She says, “I hang out with my cat and give her cuddles and love if she shows me that she needs it . When I don’t give her my all, I feel heartless and sad. And when I do give her my all I feel much better. I hang out with [my foster] dog. His name is Cy. My cat and my dog help me to not feel sad, and [they] make me not to feel [like] I’m not doing enough.”

After experiencing pandemic isolation, Bianca is the first to admit how important her furry friends are. “Animals [are] anyone’s best friends... and [animals] give anyone a piece of mind. So that’s how animals help me through emotional and support through difficult times.”

​The Champaign Co Board of Developmental Disabilities thanks Bianca Tropeano for sharing her experience. We hope that many more people can find comfort and purpose in their homes with their own pets.