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
OPEN ARMS SPRING FUNDRAISER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES DEADLINE MARCH 1
It's that time of year again! Open Arms is in the planning stages of our annual Spring Fundraiser. Moving on to something new for 2008, it has been decided to host an event featuring a public figure who is known for speaking out against family violence and abuse.
Open Arms is proud to present Sandra lee of The Food Network coming April 24, 2008!
Sandra Lee hosts the second highest rated show on the Food Network, Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee. Her cookbook by the same name is a New York Times Bestseller. She has written 13 books, including her recent autobiography. It is the true and inspiring story of how she went from being raised in an abusive home, living on food stamps, to becoming a celebrity chef and sat of her own TV show.
Support for this event is critical to its success. This fundraiser is an important source of income that allows the continuation of supervised visits for children, prevention and education programs in Hancock County schools, and emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence.
This year, several types of major sponsorships are available and range from $50 to $500. Deadline for sponsorship signups is March 1.
For more information about the available sponsorships and their full benefit packages, please contact Andrew Bixel, communications coordinator, at 419-420-9261 or email abixel@openarmsfindlay.org.
FISHER ANNOUNCES ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK IN OHIO-MARCH 1
Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the Ohio Department of Development is
partnering with the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education and the Ohio Entrepreneurship Coalition to recognize National Entrepreneurship Week in Ohio February 23 through March 1. The Division of Entrepreneurship and Small Business within the Ohio Department of Development will host the Entrepreneurship Expo on February 25 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus as part of the week's activities.
"Small business is the backbone of Ohio's economy. The Entrepreneurship Expo will serve as an outstanding platform for the kickoff of the new Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division that will create exciting new opportunities for Ohio's small business community," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We look forward to celebrating Ohio's entrepreneurial spirit during National Entrepreneurship Week and working every day to foster learning opportunities that will prepare the business leaders of the future."
National Entrepreneurship Week was developed in Ohio by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education and is an annual coast-to-coast celebration of the contributions made by entrepreneurs and small business owners to our country's economy. The Entrepreneurship Expo will provide Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to meet one-on-one with more than 30 Ohio educators, associations and government agencies to learn about a number of programs and services available to help them succeed in Ohio. Exhibitors will also include organizations with education programs geared to entrepreneurial minded young people. Lt. Governor Fisher will deliver remarks beginning at Noon addressing the state of entrepreneurship in Ohio.
The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division manages a variety of programs and initiatives that assist small businesses in growing and finding success in Ohio. The Division also hosts the Small Business Development Centers of Ohio program, which provides consulting and training assistance to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, and improved management. The Centers are supported through a partnership among the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and several of Ohio's chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, and economic development agencies.
This event is open to Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners at no charge and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., 3rd Floor Lobby, in Columbus. For more information, contact Domini Graham Hunt, 614-728-4607 or dhunt@odod.state.oh.us
HANCOCK PARK DISTRICT HOSTS ANNUAL MAPLE SUGARIN' DAY-MARCH 1
The Hancock Park District will hosts its' annual Maple Sugarin' program at Litzenberg Memorial Woods Saturday, March 1 from 12:00-3:00pm. Visitors can get some fresh air and exercise as they step out on the trails and learn more about maple sap and syrup production, its importance to early pioneers of Ohio, and visit the 1847 Historic McKinnis Homestead.
Volunteer guided nature and history walks will be departing from the Gatehouse, adjacent to the parking lot, leaving every 15 minutes between 12 and 2pm. On the walk, participants will learn encounter a variety of learning stations. The first stop discusses how wild animals use sap and sap science (the how and why of sap flow) is highlighted at the second station. From there visitors will travel to the Native American site and see a demonstration of how a hollowed log and hot rocks were used to boil sap. Visitors then proceed to an 1840's re-created sugar camp and find out about the process early settlers used to make maple syrup. On the return hike, visitors will find displays depicting the process of more modern production.
Visitors will not want to miss the living history demonstration behind the Historic McKinnis Farmhouse focusing on how trees were tapped using a bit and brace and how spiles were made. Park District volunteers and staff will be on hand inside the historic farmhouse demonstrating how sap was further boiled to sugar and also cooking with maple products over the wood stove.
Inside the Activity Barn, Hancock Friends of the Park will be providing light refreshments and beverages for a donation. Local syrup producers, Dave and Ilene Fruth of the Vanlue/Carey area will be on hand to answer questions about their sugar camp, called the Sugar House, and will also be selling a variety of maple products, such as syrup, glazed popcorn, sugar and candy.
Maple Sugarin' is a free event for the entire family. Litzenberg Memorial Woods is located on State Route 224, about 6 miles west of Findlay. For more information regarding this event or 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".
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 SAVES PRESENTS 2ND ANNUAL WEALTH FAIR-MARCH 15
Hancock Saves will be hosting its 2nd Annual Wealth Fair with a theme of Money Madness on Saturday March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The all day financial education event will be held at Owens Community College in the Community Education and Wellness Center. The event is free and open to the public. Lunch items will be available for purchase.
The Hancock Saves Wealth Fair - Money Madness will offer individuals and families financial information that is useful for practicing basic financial strategies, rebounding from setbacks, and winning the financial game. Scott Berndt of OHM Disaster will present Keeping Your Records Safe Before Disaster Strikes from 11:30 to 12:30 with other topics related to rebounding from disaster offered throughout the day. The day will also include workshops and displays covering topics such as managing your healthcare bills, preventing ID theft for adults and children, college savings, smart tax planning, assisting parents with long term care and retirement planning.
A "Credit Lab" staffed with financial consultants will run all day, 10-3. The lab will be open for individuals to obtain credit reports and work one-on-one to review individual reports as well as obtain information about what to look for in your report and how to boost your credit score.
VITA tax preparers will also be available for basic tax preparation on a first come, first served basis. Individuals wishing to take advantage of this free service should bring a valid photo ID, social security card and pertinent 2007 tax documents. VITA is a public service program through the IRS.
A children's activity area will include a money scavenger hunt, piggy bank decorating, money games and children's prizes. Free coin counting and document shredding, door prizes and Hancock Saver registrations will be ongoing throughout the day. Hancock Savers can register to win a $500 debt payment, grocery gift cards, gas cards and other great prizes.
For a detailed list of workshops and activities to be offered, see the Hancock Saves website, www.HancockSaves.com. For more information contact Angela Crist, Director, Hancock Saves at 419-422-3851 or crist.66@osu.edu.
MULTI-COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR-MARCH 25
When: March 25, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.)
Where: Upper Sandusky High School
Target audience: Businesses and individuals thinking about starting a business, Educators, Economic Development, and Government.
Cost: $15.00 (includes lunch)
Host/Sponsor: The Wyandot County Workforce Development Committee (The purpose of the Workforce Development Committee is to improve/enhance the workforce in Wyandot County for; (1) existing businesses and (2) attraction of new businesses.)
Purpose: Raise the awareness of business/individuals in Wyandot, Hardin, Hancock, Seneca, Crawford, Marion, and Wood Counties to resources that are available to assist them with workforce and business development.
Exhibitors: Will provide information on workforce development and business development
The morning sessions will focus on Workforce Development that will include; Developing Your Organization's Training Plan, Training Needs Assessment, Potential Training Grant Dollars and How to Apply, and more. The Keynote speaker will address Federal, State, and Regional perspectives on how Workforce Development will align with Economic Development. In the afternoon the focus will be on small business, topics will cover; Starting and Growing Your Business and Small Business Growth and Determining Your Needs. The last 40 minutes of the seminar you can communicate and network with State and Local Elected Officials.
Invitation to be an Exhibitor: Take advantage of this opportunity for the community to recognize and support your commitment to workforce/business development. We invite you to join us as an exhibitor to promote your workforce/business development resources and organization. Registration forms may be obtained by contacting Please contact Denise Clark at 419-294-3349 or upperchamber@udata.com if you need additional information. Forms must be completed by March 4, 2008. There is no exhibitor's fee but a $15 fee per person fee is required to cover the cost of lunch and refreshments.
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR-APRIL 17
The Findlay Downtown Area Association will host Meet Your Neighbor, 5-8 p.m. April 17, 2008 at the Findlay Inn and Conference Center. The event will feature networking, dinner and door prizes including the grand prize of a $200 gift basket. Tickets may be purchased for $15/person through April 10 and for $20 thereafter.
5-6 p.m. Networking (cash bar)
6-6:30 p.m. Dinner
House salad, chicken marsala, vegetable rice pilaf, rolls, chocolate mousse.
6:30-6:45 p.m. Mayor Pete Sehnert
Plans for Administration
6:45-7 p.m. Phil Riegle, County Commissioner
Plans for County Office Location
7-7:15 Doug Peters, GreaterFindlayInc. President & CEO
Economic Development
7:15-7:30 Ed Hartman
Downtown Partnership
Business display space is also available for purchase. For more information, contact Mike Laube at 419-422-7977.
DELL AND GOODWILL LAUNCH FREE COMPUTER RECYCLING SERVICE FOR CONSUMERS IN NORTHWEST OHIO
Reconnect, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was recently introduced by Dell and Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio.
Reconnect will serve consumers throughout Northwest Ohio. The program leverages Dell's resources and global recycling experience and the donation and retail infrastructure of Goodwill.
Reconnect helps protect the environment through the responsible recycling or reuse of computer equipment, and provides residents a convenient way to support a local non-profit organization.
The program's goal is two-fold: divert nearly one million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal. Reconnect also can help create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.
"Goodwill's Reconnect program has the potential not only to divert environmentally dangerous products from the solid waste stream but also to provide new opportunities for disabled citizens throughout Northwest Ohio," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
Beginning Feb. 20, residents throughout Northwest Ohio can visit www.reconnectpartnership.com or www.goodwillnwohio.org to locate the most convenient drop-off at any of the 14 participating Goodwill donation centers and retail stores.
Goodwill will accept and sort the donated computer equipment and Dell's product recovery partner will recycle and remarket the recycled materials, such as plastics, glass and metals. All proceeds support Goodwill's non-profit job-training and employment programs.
Residents will be responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. Goodwill staff will provide donors with a donation receipt at the time of donation.
"Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is very happy to begin the operational phase of our partnership with Dell," said Bob Huber, Goodwill's President and CEO. "Responsible recycling of e-waste is critical to our environment and we are excited to offer this program to the communities we serve. As the pilot for other Ohio Goodwills, we join Michigan and other Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partners around the country in this beneficial community effort while supporting Goodwill's mission and creating new jobs."
Other Goodwill-Dell programs are under way in Austin, San Francisco, San Antonio, North Carolina, San Diego County, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, as well as throughout the states of Michigan and New Jersey.
About Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio
Since 1933, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio has provided employment and job training to individuals with disabilities and/or work-related disadvantages. As unemployment increases, so does the need for Goodwill's services. Northwest Ohio Goodwill stores and donation centers are located in Bowling Green, Bryan, Defiance, Findlay, Napoleon, Northwood, Ottawa, Tiffin and Toledo. For more information on Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, visit www.goodwillnwohio.com.
About Dell
Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value. Uniquely enabled by its direct business model, Dell is a leading global systems and services company and NO. 34 on the Fortune 500. For more information, visit www.dell.com or to communicate directly with Dell via a variety of online channels, go to www.dell.com/conversations.
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
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.
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!!*
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
