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GREATERFINDLAYINC. OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
GreaterFindlayInc. has an office suite available for rent. Located at the south end of the GFI building, the square footage of the office space is 1,100. Monthly rent is $800.00 which includes the utilities of gas, water and sewage and trash removal. Tenant will pay electric. For more information or to view the facility, contact GFI at 419-422-3313 or info@greaterfindlayinc.com.
STATELY RAVEN BOOKSTORE NAMED BEST BOOKSTORE IN OHIO
Stately Raven Bookstore, the newest and largest bookstore in Findlay, has been named in Ohio Magazine's special January "Best of Ohio" issue as the Best Bookstore in Ohio. The store's designation was among the magazine's list of 42 "Bests" in Ohio, which included everything from hiking trails and rural drives, to restaurants and metro transit systems. The listing described Stately Raven Bookstore as the "best place to read a good book," and highlighted its large 18,000-title book inventory, its setting in a restored church, unique décor, tall gothic windows, fireplace, and curved staircase as the reasons the store was worth the trip for any book-lover.
Stately Raven Bookstore opened in August of 2007, and is located across from the University of Findlay at 1315 North Main Street. The store is independent and is owned by Mike Cole, a writer of non-fiction books for children. It holds numerous special events, including author visits and book-signings, book club meetings, movie nights, musicians, receptions, public readings, writing contests, and other community-rooted activities. Its name is inspired by a passage from Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem, The Raven, and the store will be marking the birthday of Poe later this month on Saturday, January 19th with a special day of celebration and events.
Stately Raven Bookstore is open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 1-6 p.m. Call 419-427-2814 for questions about the store or availability of specific titles, or check out the store's website at www.statelyraven.com for more information and a schedule of upcoming events.
For more information, Contact: Mike Cole, Owner 419-722-2824 or Homright@aol.com.
Stately Raven Bookstore
1315 North Main Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
419-427-2814
COUNTRY INN & SUITES "HEART TO HEART" VALENTINES DAY PACKAGE
The Country Inn & Suites has a "sweet" deal on their Heart to Heart package that is sure to impress your loved one. The package includes a keepsake basket, wine, wine glasses, a corkscrew, box of chocolates, bubble bath, bath luffa, overnight accommodations, a country fresh breakfast bar and an indoor heated pool and whirlpool. Jacuzzi rooms are available from $114.95 to $139.95.
FINDLAY INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER UPDATES
Excuse Our Dust. Restorations a Must! Phase 3 of Findlay Inn's restoration after the flood began Sun. Feb. 3rd. Sunday Brunch is cancelled but everything else is "business as usual" in both the Tavern at the Inn and the Findlay Inn & Conference Center meeting, banquet and catering services. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Valentine's Day at the Findlay Inn and Tavern at the Inn: Enjoy Findlay Inn's specials available Feb. 14 through the 16th. Choose from dinner specials including: Chateaubriand for Two; Chicken Alaska; Seafood Mornay; Appetizers for Two; Special Desserts featuring: Bananas Foster; and featured Napa Valley Wines! Make it extra special with a Romantic Getaway! Overnight packages include champagne, long stemmed rose and chocolates in one of our beautiful rooms or suites starting at $70. Reservations suggested. Regular menu also available. Call 419-422-5682.
MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHING-FEB. 15
The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) invite you to attend two community education programs on understanding mental illness.
An estimated 2.8% of the population is affected by serious brain disorders (often called mental illness).That means 308,600 Ohioans suffer from these illnesses and one in four families are affected by a serious brain disorder. Join representatives from NAMI as they discuss understanding mental illness empathetically.
On Feb. 22 Mental Health 400 will present an advanced training session on topics including de-escalation skills, understanding indicators, risk factors of suicide, stigma and more. The presentation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Family Center 1800 N. Blanchard Street Findlay, Ohio 45840 with registration beginning at 8 a.m.
Facilitators for the presentation include Gini Lee Haffner, assistant director of programs and affiliate development, NAMI Ohio and Suzanne Robinson, MSW director of programs, NAMI Ohio. Various representatives from local mental health system will also be present.
The training is free and open to the public. The registration deadline for the program is February 15 with space limited to 50 participants. For more information, contact Annie at the Hancock County ADAMHS Board at 419-424-1985.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT FLOOD VICTIMS-FEB. 16
The Long Term Flood Recovery Committee of Hancock County will hold a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, 8-10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 16 at Max & Erma's located at 1107 Trenton Ave, Findlay. Tickets are $5.00 and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. All proceeds for the event will benefit local flood survivors. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact LTRC at 419-423-0499.
MARCH OF DIMES KICK-OFF PARTY-FEB. 18
You and a guest are cordially invited to attend the March of Dimes Kick-off Party from 5:30 to 7p.m. Feb. 18 at the Gateway Church located at 9555 CR 9, Findlay. At this celebratory event, attendees will learn how the March of Dimes benefits babies and receive information on forming walk teams through family or at work. Door prizes, drinks and appetizers will be available. The event will also feature "Kirby's Kids Zone," a supervised play area with craft projects and movie time. To RSVP contact Ruth Griffin at 419-534-3600 or rgriffin@marchofdimes.com
"PARENT'S ONLY" INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTATION-FEB. 19
Learn what's going on in your son's or daughter's chat room, just exactly what those abbreviations mean, and just how easy it is to converse with Internet predators. Brought to you by Open Arms, Comp Net Integrated Solutions, Hancock County Sheriff's Department and Mix 96.7 WBVI-FM, "Parents Only" An Internet Safety Presentation will be held on February 19 at 7 p.m. in Van Buren's High School Auditorium. All parents are encouraged to attend.
REGISTRATION CLOSE FEBRUARY 19 FOR OHIO CERTIFIED VOLUNTEER NATURALIST LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAM
The registration deadline is quickly closing in for the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program. Registrations may be sent to or dropped off at the OSU Extension office on CR 140 with the $150 registration fee by Tuesday, Feb. 19. Forms are available at the OSU Extension office and the Hancock Park District office.
The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program is a research-based scientific training program that emphasizes hands on natural resource education coupled with community-based volunteer service. The program embraces conservation but is not an advocacy group. It is based upon the very successful OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and Volunteer Natural Resource programs in other states.
OCVN program is a cooperative program led by the OSU Extension in Hancock County and the Hancock Park District. Many other agencies and organizations are also offering resources and their local professionals as presenters for the ten training sessions and one wrap-up session scheduled. Included are: Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, Hancock Naturalists, Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, ODNR Division of Forestry, OSU Extension West District, Owens Community College, Toledo Zoo, University of Findlay, and US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS).
Training will begin on Tuesday, March 4 at the OSU Extension office located on CR 140, Findlay. Locations will vary from week to week to help acquaint participants with resources in Hancock County. Sessions will be held on eight Tuesday evenings and three Saturdays from March 4 to April 29, 2008. Each participant will receive an OCVN manual and many additional materials for each topic.
General environmental topics being addressed include: nature interpretation, geology, soils, stewardship, mammals, herpetology, plants, insects, birds, watersheds, aquatic life, and forests.
For more information about this training, or to request a registration form, please contact Nancy Kronberg at the OSU Extension Office, 419-422-3851, or Sarah Betts at the HPD Office, 419-425-7275.
HPD FULL MOON HIKE-FEB. 21
Join the Hancock Park District for their 2nd full moon hike of this year on Thursday, Feb. 21. The Full Snow Moon Hike will start at 7pm and be held at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. We'll see if anyone is daring to venture out on a winter's night at Oakwoods. We'll look for tracks and listen for owls. Meet by the bulletin board by the parking lot. Dress appropriately for the weather.
The Oakwoods Nature Preserve, "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off West Sandusky Street off CR 144 west of Findlay. For more information about other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com under the "What's New" section or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".
OSU STARLAB PLANETARIUM COMES TO THE LODGE AT RIVERBEND-FEB. 23
The Ohio State University Lima Campus's Outreach Office will bring the Universe's best and brightest to The Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area on Saturday, Feb. 23 to present the "Solar System and Constellations" as a public program with the Hancock Park District. OSU staff member Education Outreach Assistant Sarah Newman will be presenting. This cooperative program is brought in part by a grant provided by NASA.
An inflatable dome will be blown up inside The Lodge. The program will cover information about the Milky Way Galaxy, the Sun, and the planets. Then head to the Starfield and view the night sky, and the different constellations that are in our night sky, such as the Big Dipper, the North Star, Orion the Hunter and Leo the Lion.
The program is free, but advance registration through the HPD office is necessary to attend by calling 419-425-PARK/7275. Currently, the HPD is taking reservations for the 3p.m. presentation; the 2p.m. session is full. Additional presentations will be scheduled at the top of each hour thereafter as requests for seating are made to accommodate as many people as possible. The program will last approximately 45 minutes and interested participants should be at least of school age. The dome can house approximately 25 people at one time and reservations are taken first come, first served as they are received.
For more information about this and other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office and "Discover Your Hancock Parks". Riverbend is located off State Route 568, east of Findlay.
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KID NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH FEB. 29
Do you know a student in Grade 6 - 8 who has helped weather a family crisis? A student who shares his or her skills or hobbies with others? How about a middle-schooler with exceptional artistic talent? Recognize a youth's character by nominating them for Camp Fire USA's "Absolutely Incredible Kid."
Youth may be nominated for one of seven categories including youth development, talent and skills, leadership/community service, family development, nature, advocacy or diversity.
Judges will select seven "Absolutely Incredible Kids" to be recognized at Camp Fire USA's "On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon held April 22nd at the Findlay Country Club. All entries must be received by Friday, Feb. 29 to qualify.
For additional information or to obtain a nomination form contact Camp Fire USA at 419-422-5415 or visit www.campfireusa-nwohio.org
TCF ANNOUNCES GRANT PROPOSAL DEADLINE-MARCH 7
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation announces that the next grant proposal deadline is Friday, March 7, 2008 for review at the May board meeting. Grant proposals are reviewed four times a year by The Community Foundation Board of Directors.
The Community Foundation issues grants to tax-exempt, private agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. Grants may also be made to governmental agencies. The programs considered for support must be located in the Greater Hancock County area or provide a service that will directly benefit the residents of Greater Hancock County.
Creative programs designed to meet community needs, to address public policy priorities, or to test new ideas will be considered. Grants are awarded in six program areas: civic affairs, arts and culture, education, economic development, health, and human services. Successful applications typically address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized in the Hancock County area. TCF invites proposals that:
· suggest practical approaches to community problems
· promote cooperation among agencies without duplicating services
· generate community support, both professional and volunteer
· demonstrate the organization's ability to secure realistic funding
· strengthen an agency's effectiveness or stability
· address prevention as well as remediation
Please contact Marty Rothey, Senior Program Officer, at 419-425-1100 or visit www.community-foundation.com for more information.
HANCOCK COUNTY HEART WALK: REGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIPS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The American Heart Association is looking for your support to present the annual Hancock County Heart Walk that will be held on April 19, at the University of Findlay's Koehler Center.
Heart related disease is the number one health challenge to all residences of Hancock County and America. This is the American Heart Association's premier fundraising event to support research and education for heart and stroke disease. Our responsibility is to raise our fair share to contribute to their cause. You can be an important contributor to our efforts and those in need of assistance.
Teams of 10-15 participants are invited to collect donations and organize fundraisers to participate in an indoor, non-competitive one or three mile walk. All ages of participants are welcome making it ideal for families, businesses, schools and friends. Check in begins at 8 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9 a.m.
Sponsorships are also available and range from $500 to $6,000.
To organize a team or to be a sponsor for the Heart Walk contact Paula Deter, Heart Walk Team Chairperson at 419-424-8282 or Heart Walk co-chairs Karen Cline at 419-306-4081 and Puck Rowe at 419-348-5631. www.heartwalk.kintera.org/Hancockcountyoh
STAFFMARK INVESTMENT LLC AND CBS PERSONAL HOLDINGS, INC. COMBINE BUSINESS OPERATIONS
SF Holding Corp., a holding corporation for investments of the Stephens organization, announced today that portfolio company Staffmark Investment LLC ("Staffmark") entered into a definitive agreement to combine business operations with CBS Personnel Holdings, Inc. ("CBS"). The transaction is expected to close in January 2008.
CBS, based in Cincinnati, OH, is a leading provider of temporary staffing services, operating 145 branch locations in 18 states. CBS also offers employee leasing services, permanent staffing and temporary-to-permanent placement services. The company was founded in 1970 and is owned by publicly-traded Compass Diversified Holdings (Nasdaq GS: "CODI"). As part of the transaction, CODI will become the majority shareholder of the combined business.
Based in Little Rock, Staffmark is, like CBS, one of the largest privately-held staffing firms in the U.S. With 222 branch and on-site locations in 29 states, Staffmark has grown substantially from its founding in 1996. Stephens acquired Staffmark in 2000, and will become a significant minority shareholder in the combined business after the transaction closes.
With over $1.0 billion of aggregate revenues, the combined company will benefit from the expanded business lines and best practices of both companies. Its larger geographic platform should allow it to service more locations of its larger existing customers, while maintaining its focus on quality service and human capital recruitment for all of its customers'. For the near future, the company intends to operate under its current three brand names: Staffmark, CBS Personnel and Venturi Staffing Partners. The combined organization will operate in 30 states with over 400 branch and on-site locations.
Aggregate revenues of over $1.1 billion will launch us well into the top 20 staffing firms in the U.S.
The combined organization further strengthens our position as a dominant player in the commercial staffing market.
For more information contact Brad Guest, midwest senior account executive at bguest@staffmark.com or at 419-233-0305.
UNITED WAY SELECTS DISTINGUISHED VOLUNTEER
The late Dick Schaefer has been selected as United Way of Hancock County's 2007 Distinguished Volunteer. Schaefer was nominated by Judy Cantwell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross-Hancock County Chapter, for his commitment to Hancock County and volunteerism with many non-profit organizations. He was very active with the Red Cross, serving on local and national disaster teams. He also helped with maintenance at the Red Cross office as well as assisting with fund raisers.
Schaefer was a member of the Hancock Leadership class of 1993 and served two terms on the Hancock Leadership Alumni Board (HLAA). He was the Coats for Christmas Distribution Chair from 1999 to 2005 and was past president of the HLAA Board. Schaefer also volunteered with many other organizations such as the American Cancer Society, serving as the Hancock County president for a term; the YMCA; and the Findlay Optimist Club.
He received the Community Leadership Association's Distinguished Leadership Award at their National Conference in Minneapolis in 2003. One recommendation letter indicated, "Dick was a tireless and committed individual" and that "his model of service lives on and his spirit is felt in every project he touched."
The Distinguished Volunteer is selected by a committee of community members and has been presented for the past 27 years to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy. Past recipients have demonstrated dedication and willingness to serve the community through their overall involvement as a volunteer and a leader in community causes. Past Distinguished Volunteers include Beth Heck (posthumously, 2006), Tom Donnell (2005), and Duane Jebbett (2004).
Schaefer will be honored at United Way's annual meeting on Feb. 19. The annual meeting is open to the public and the cost to attend is $25. It is being held at the Findlay Country Club. To attend the annual meeting, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or register online at http://uwhancock.org.
SAFETY LEADER'S DISCUSSION GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
Annually, the Division of Safety & Hygiene publishes the Safety Leader's Discussion Guide in cooperation with the Society of Ohio Safety Engineers (SOSE). The monthly articles are written in a style that encourages class participation and interaction and includes lists of additional resources.
Monthly 2008 Discussion Guide topics include: pandemic planning, slips trips and falls, handling and storing flammable and combustible liquids, motor vehicle safety, heat stress, protecting young workers, the role of a safety committee, green construction, developing effective supervisors, the colors of safety, basic ergonomics training, and cold stress.
Employers can visit www.ohiobwc.com (BWC Library/E-Publications/Safety publications) to download an electronic copy or request a hard copy. Copies can also be requested by calling 1-800-OHIOBWC (644-6292) and press 0212 for the safety services customer service line.
HPD TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR 2008 SEASONAL SUMMER JOBS
The Hancock Park District is looking for seasonal employees for job positions now open. All interested applicants must apply at JobSolutions, 7746 CR 140, Suite B, Findlay, Ohio M-F 8a.m.-4p.m. Seven (7) seasonal employees are needed in the parks this summer. Preference will be given to Findlay AND Hancock County applicants and those seeking careers in parks and recreation.
All seasonal jobs provide 25 cents per hour bonus for employees who complete the season as agreed. These seasonal jobs are geared for high school and college students. The seasonal Parks Service position's job schedule can be based on summer college break dates. Students may also qualify for course credit during employment as pre-arranged for class requirements.
One (1) Waterfront Manager: 40 hrs./week $9.00/hr. Seasonal position May 17 thru Sept. 1, 2008. Manages the Boathouse Rental Concession at Riverside Park every weekend and available to help with grounds maintenance during the week as scheduled. Waterfront Manager must be available to work every Saturday and Sunday and every holiday when the Boathouse Rental Concession is open. Typical Saturday and Sunday weekend and holiday work schedule of 12pm - 8pm and other days during the week as scheduled helping with grounds maintenance. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be available to work the entire season.
Three (3) Waterfront Aides: Riverside Park Boathouse Rental Concession. $6.55/hr. Seasonal position May 17 thru Sept. 1, 2008. Helps assist with rental of pedal boats, canoes and kayaks. Must be available to work Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when the Boathouse Rental Concession is open. Typical weekend work schedule of 12pm - 8pm. Prefer youth applicants who must be at least 14 years old to apply and available to work the entire season.
Three (3) Parks Service Persons: 40 hrs./week $8.25/hr. Seasonal work schedule spring thru fall 2008. Responsible for maintaining grounds and structures in the parks system with related improvements and repairs, along with assisting special projects and programs as needed. Typical work schedule is Monday thru Friday days but may include some weekend and holiday hours. Applicants must be at least 18 years old of age and be available to work the entire season.
Job descriptions and applications are available to view or download on-line at www.HancockParks.com. See "What's New", "Job Opportunities Available".
UPCOMING GREATER FINDLAY VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITS
Every day, art events take place in the Greater Findlay area. The Jones Building Artists alone have many events coming up. A new website has been created to communicate all of the wonderful visual art events in our community.
Upcoming events include:
Phil Sugden, art on display at Owens Community College
Tess Rooney, art on display at Coffee Amici
Ann Reddy-Damon, article in Findlay Living Magazine
"A Taste of Art" art classes, starting Feb. 18 (go to redtornadopro.com, click on "A Taste of Art")
By clicking the link below, we'll be able to let you know any time something new comes up.
To stay informed on upcoming visual art exhibits, visit http://www.redtornadopro.com/ or click here to be automatically added to the mailing list: yes, please subscribe me
HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT/ADVOCACY SERVICES-FEB. 2008
FREE Eating Disorder Support Group-1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7 - 8:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St) Call or email Joy Anderson, LSW with any questions or concerns at 419-425-8709 or findlayanad@yahoo.com. (Affiliated w/ ANAD - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders - www.anad.org)
Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave.) - Develop your Advanced Directive for Mental Health Treatment with Wanda Baughman and Jim Martin, trained facilitators. Call Wanda at Focus On Friends to schedule an appointment at 419-423-5071.
Hancock CARES Flood Survivor's Support Group-Every Tuesday, 6p.m. - 7p.m. at the Campfire Building, 305 W. Hardin. Share your stories and ideas for rebuilding with other community members affected by the flood. Call Hancock CARES at 419-306-4176 with questions.
NAMI Support Group-Tuesday, February 19, 7p.m. at Focus On Friends. Facilitated by Carole Cleary, Esther Luth, and Gina Lewis. Open to any family member, friend, support person, or individual diagnosed with a mental illness. No pre-registration required. Call Gina Lewis at 419-429-1423, Carole Cleary at 419-889-9257 or Esther Luth at 419-957-7941w/ questions.
Autism Support Group-Tuesday, February 19, 6:30p.m. - 8:00p.m. at Blanchard Valley School. For children with Autism and their parents / guardians / family. Contact Dodi Newcomer at bnewcomer@thewavz.com w/ questions.
Consumer - run Potluck-Friday, February 22, 12p.m. - 1p.m. at Focus On Friends ( 509 Trenton). Call Joleen at 419-423-5071 to sign up for a dish to share.
DBSA Support Group-Tuesday, February 26, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (ROOM 209). Open to individuals diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar Disorder and their friends, family members, or supportive others. No pre-registration required. Call Becky Hickle at 419-422-9381 w/ questions.
Persons Affected by a Loved one's Suicide (PALS) support group-Thursday, February 28, 7p.m. at Blanchard Valley Hospital - 2nd floor Ruse Bldg. - above the emergency room. This support group is free and open to anyone dealing with grief following a suicide. For more information, call Nancy Stephani at Century Health, 419-422-3711.
Would you like to get involved in the FIRST ANNUAL NAMI of Hancock County WALK to help raise awareness? - call Gina (429-1423) to find out how. Gina can also tell you about the benefits of NAMI membership.
Look for daily schedule of 12 - Step meetings (AA, NA, Al-Anon) in The Courier. Meetings designated as "open" are open to the public.
Questions about the above or other Support and Advocacy Services, call Gary Bright, Director of Support and Advocacy Services at Century Health (419-425-5050 off. Or 419-889-8367 cell). Email Gary at gbright@centuryhealth.net to be added to this email list and get the schedule electronically each month.
*Visit www.ohio.networkofcare.org - Ohio's Network of Care for Behavioral Health!!*
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