GFI NEWS AND EVENT LISTINGS NOW AVAILABLE AT FINDLAYLIVING.COM
In addition to GFI's E-briefings and website, GreaterFindlayInc. news and events including ribbon cuttings, can also be found at www.findlayliving.com under Business>GFI News. Also, be sure to look for GreaterFindlayInc.'s feature spread in each monthly publication of Findlay Living Magazine.
MACKLIN INSTITUTE OFFERS "CHILD ABUSE RECOGNITION & PREVENTION" TRAINING-MARCH 12 & 13
The Marilyn & Gordon Macklin Intergenerational Institute (Macklin Institute) is offering a professional development in-service on "Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention" on Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13, 2008. The training will be held in the Julien A. Faisant Center located at Birchaven Village, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio. Participants may choose to attend the refresher session on March 12, 6-9 p.m. or the entire training on March 12 & 13, 6-9 p.m. both evenings.
Costs are $25 for the refresher course and $35 for the entire course. All session fees are due at the time of registration and are non-refundable. CE's for this training have been approved by Blanchard Valley Health Association.
The Macklin Institute was established in July 2003 through an endowment by Marilyn & Gordon Macklin, former residents of Findlay, Ohio as a way to give back to a community that had been so good to them. The Macklin Institute's mission isto continually improve the lives of all ages through multi-age programming, care, community relationships and creative communication.
Additional intergenerational initiatives and professional development trainings coordinated and operated by the Macklin Institute include Marilyn's Lifelong Educational Center (MLLEC), an intergenerational childcare center located within Birchaven Retirement Village; Customer Service for an Aging America, an informative program designed to help organizations better serve the nation's aging population; Xtreme Aging, an interactive and experiential training that assists in identifying the true needs of the elderly and how to be effective in service to them; and The Intergenerational Certificate, a unique, 16-hour seminarwhich prepares participants to work simultaneously with children and senior adults. Enroll Now!! CEU's available! Scholarships available! Next training date is April 17 & 18, 2008.
To register for the March 12 & 13, 2008 Safety training or Certificate Trainings, or for more information on any of the intergenerational initiatives offered by the Macklin Institute please contact Hollie Haley at 419-425-3045 or hhaley@mackliniginstitute.org.
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.
UNITED WAY OFFERS FREE TAX CLINICS FOR WORKING FAMILIES BEGINNING MARCH 15
Volunteers Needed
United Way of Hancock County is about more than fundraising. Recently, Keith DuVernay, United Way President & CEO, heard an amazing statistic during a training session related to the Ohio Benefit Bank. Last year, $25 million dollars in tax refunds went unclaimed in Hancock County. United Way of Hancock County is striving to help local residents receive this money from the IRS.
According to statistics provided by the IRS, 19,054 tax returns qualified for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2005 in Hancock County. Of those returns, only 4,071 actually claimed EITC. This means that 14,983 individuals qualified for EITC and did not claim it. The average EITC refund is $1,688 equaling more than $25,000,000 in unclaimed funds. EITC is a federal income tax credit available to individuals and families participating in the work force. It is the nation's largest and most effective federal aid program. Eligibility for the EITC is based on income level, marital status, and number of dependent children. As income rises, the amount of EITC also rises, providing an incentive to obtain and maintain employment.
United Way of Hancock County is partnering with First Federal Bank, as well as Millstream Career & Technology Center, Hancock Saves, and the Ohio Benefit Bank, to offer free tax assistance for low to moderate income citizens in Hancock County. Individuals or families who had an annual income of less than $54,000 and no capital gains in 2007 qualify for free tax preparation at tax clinics through the United Way. EITC eligibility will be determined during the tax clinic. Individuals must call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 to schedule an appointment for the free tax clinics. The dates of the tax clinics are as follows:
March 15 Owens Community College 10 am-2 pm
March 19 Millstream Career & Technology Center 6 pm - 9 pm
March 22 Millstream Career & Technology Center 9am - Noon & 1 pm - 4 pm
March 24 Millstream Career & Technology Center 3 pm - 6 pm
April 2 Millstream Career & Technology Center 6 pm - 9 pm
April 5 Millstream Career & Technology Center 9 am - Noon & 1 pm - 4 pm
April 7 Millstream Career & Technology Center 3 pm - 6 pm
April 9 Millstream Career & Technology Center 6 pm - 9 pm
April 14 Millstream Career & Technology Center 3 pm - 6 pm & 6 pm - 9 pm
The United Way has taken on this program for two reasons; to save low to moderate income families the cost associated with paying to have their taxes prepared; and to possibly help them receive the EITC. In 2005, EITC tax returns completed by a paid preparer in Hancock County totaled 2,350. According to a Brookings Institute Study, the average cost to complete a tax return is $200. Free tax clinics could help low to moderate income families potentially save $470,000. This is money that could be used to buy groceries, pay medical expenses or assist with child care rather than pay to complete tax returns.
"Completing a tax return can be an expensive, complex and daunting process. United Way of Hancock County sees this effort as a way to help the neediest in our community receive money that is due to them from the IRS," said Keith DuVernay, President & CEO of United Way of Hancock County.
"This is clearly another way that we can help improve lives in our community. Our hope is that individuals who use the free tax clinics will turn around and use the money to start savings accounts, pay off debt or otherwise improve their financial situation. It is also well known that tax refunds are spent within the community in which the family lives. By helping community members receive this refund, we will be stimulating our own local economy, which is good for everyone," he said.
"This is another illustration of United Way being a community impact organization. We are about so much more than raising funds and distributing grants. This EITC effort has the potential to have a very positive impact on the community as a whole," he said.
United Way is also recruiting volunteer tax counselors to assist with this initiative. Volunteer tax counselors must be at least 18, be able to follow basic instructions, interview the client, verify information and explain the process. They must also be able to navigate simple software. United Way is asking that volunteer tax counselors assist with as many tax returns as possible between March 15 and April 14. Volunteer tax counselors must attend training on March 8, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Millstream Career & Technology Center, 1100 Broad Ave. United Way may also be able to schedule additional training for interested volunteers who are unable to attend the March 8 session.
To sign up for the training, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or email Bev Phillips, volunteer services director, at bphillips@uwhancock.org. More information on the EITC program can be found on the web at uwhancock.org.
Volunteer Training Session-March 12
A volunteer training session will be held Wed. March 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Trainings will be at Millstream Career & Technology Center, 1100 Broad Ave., Findlay.
United Way is asking that Volunteer Tax Counselors assist with as many tax returns as possible between March 15 and April 15. Volunteer Tax Counselors need no accounting or tax preparation background. You simply need to attend training. The more Volunteer Tax Counselors we have, the more families we can help.
United Way of Hancock County is partnering with First Federal Bank, as well as Millstream Career & Technology Center, Hancock Saves, and the Ohio Benefit Bank, to improve lives in another way, by helping put money into the pockets of those who need it most. This has great potential to impact our community, and we need your help!
To sign up for the training, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or email Bev Phillips, volunteer services director, at bphillips@uwhancock.org. We look forward to hearing from you! A volunteer information flyer is attached. Please consider printing it and displaying it in your work place.
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURED AT COFFEE AMICI THROUGH MARCH 16
Tyler Brown, local photographer, will be exhibiting at Coffee Amici through Sunday, March 16. Brown's work has been accepted and exhibited in numerous photo competitions including; the 2008 Hancock Park District 12th Annual Photo Contest; Findlay Art League's Black & White & Shades of Gray Show; Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in Fort Wayne, IN; and the 2007 National Center for Nature Photography 4th Annual Celebrating Nature through Photography Contest in Toledo, OH.
Among his many awards, his most prestigious accomplishment to date was placing in the top 5 percent nationwide with "Arches to Ponder" in the 2008 Drexel University High School Contest Exhibition in Philadelphia, PA.
His photography has also been published in Birds & Blooms Extra March 2007 Issue (Reiman Publications). His photograph Life Cycle of Butterflies is featured in the sign for Van Buren Elementary School's garden education display.
An artist reception will be held on Tuesday, March 4m 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Coffee Amici. The artist reception is open to the public and Brown's photos will be available for sale.
WEE ONES IN THE PARK: FROGS & TOADS-MARCH 17
Join the Hancock Park District for the Wee Ones in the Park program on Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. March's topic will be Frogs and Toads. We'll talk about these animals and look at our live ones to see what's the same and what's different. For toddlers three and under with an adult companion. This program is held at the Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve.
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".
FINDLAY BLOOD DONOR CENTER TO OPEN IN FINDLAY-MARCH 18
The American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Blood Services Region is going to make life a little easier for blood donors in Hancock County. On March 18, 2008, a Red Cross Findlay Blood Donor Center will open.
The Findlay Blood Donor Center will reside at 1100 Croy Drive, Suite D, Findlay, OH 45840. The hours of operation will be Tuesdays 12-7p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Typically Blood Regions have multiple fixed sites located throughout their geography. This is the first opportunity the Western Lake Erie Region has had to expand with another fixed site. Findlay was chosen after an extensive analysis of the Region's donors, donation patterns and census numbers.
"We are very excited to be extending our services to make it easier on donors in the Findlay area. We understand that donors are busy and with a permanent location it will be easier for them to schedule appointments," says Donald Baker, American Red Cross Western Lake Erie Blood Services Region CEO.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
All those who are eligible to donate both blood and platelets are urged to do so as soon as possible. To donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and provide a valid photo ID upon donation.
For information on blood drives call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.givebloodtoday.org
MACKLIN INSTITUTE OFFERING "FIRST AID & CPR" TRAINING-MARCH 18
The Marilyn & Gordon Macklin Intergenerational Institute (Macklin Institute) is offering a "First Aid & CPR" training on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 6-10 p.m. in the Julien A. Faisant Center located at Birchaven Village, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio. First aid and CPR are combined into one class with full course credit, and certifications are good for two (2) years. Cost is $50 for the class without a manual and $58 including the manual. All fees are due at the time of registration and are non-refundable. Class size is limited, so participants are encouraged to register soon.
To register for the March 18 training, Intergenerational Certificate trainings, or for more information on any of the intergenerational initiatives offered by the Macklin Institute please contact Hollie Haley at 419-425-3045 or hhaley@mackliniginstitute.org.
HANCOCK COUNTY TO HIRE RIVERFRONT CLEAN-UP CREWS WITH NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT
The Hancock Regional Planning Commission in cooperation with JOBsolutions of Hancock County will be hiring work crews to perform flood cleanup activities with funding through a National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Applications for these positions are now being accepted. Priority will be given to those who have lost employment due to the recent floods. Applicants who have been unemployed or underemployed for 16 weeks out of the last 6 months, or have a permanent layoff status are also eligible.
Job duties will include operation of chainsaws, power tools and mechanical equipment. Applicants must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather and bend and lift at least 50 pounds repeatedly during a regular work day. Applicants will also be required to pass a physical examination and drug screen.
Work crews will be employed temporarily for 1,040 hours at a pay rate not to exceed $11.50 per hour during the employment period. Work crew supervisors will also be hired for this project.
For more information, contact Mike Schroeder at 419.424.7057.
REGISTER FOR THE OHIO SAFETY CONGRESS & EXPO BY MARCH 21
The Ohio BWC is encouraging your employers to sign up by March 21 for the 2008 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, April 1- 3, 2008 at the Columbus Convention Center. It's FREE to Ohio employers.
A few points of interest for this year's 78th Annual Safety Congress:
1. The event will feature nationally recognized safety advocate Scott Geller.
2. Also appearing as general session speakers are BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan and former vice admiral and CIA deputy director Albert Calland.
3. Live demonstrations of trenching/excavation rescue, masonry wall-bracing, and grain engulfment rescue.
4. Professional-level full-day programming for safety specialists, industrial hygienists and ergonomists.
5. Continuing education units for professional accreditation and credit for BWC's discount programs
6. Employers can come to any combination of days or sessions --more than 150 sessions to choose from. The expo marketplace will feature almost 250 exhibitors with products and services to enhance existing safety programs and to reduce costs in the workplace.
Register at https://www.expologic.com/registration/dsp_eventmain.cfm?eventid=230 or by phone at 1-800-OHIOBWC (press 2 than 2).
Download 2008 Safety Congress post card from the www.noacc.org website. Or email to safetycongress@ohiobwc.com if you have any questions.
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.
SPRING WILDFLOWERS MONITORING BEGINS AT LITZENBERG AND OAKWOODS - MARCH 27
Each spring a window of opportunity opens to view and learn more about native spring wildflowers. Join Sarah Betts, HPD Natural Resource Coordinator, in this sixth year of monitoring wildflowers in Hancock County.
Monitoring of spring wildflowers will be conducting weekly at Litzenberg Memorial Woods and Oakwoods Nature Preserve from March 27 through May 15. Litzenberg monitoring will begin at the Gatehouse at 10am. Oakwoods monitoring will begin at the "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center at 1pm. The public is invited to take part in monitoring wildflowers in these park locations. No experience is necessary. Attendance is not required at every session and times may vary during the day, so call for a complete schedule.
When monitoring, participants will seek, count, identify, and record the flowering plants in the park. Those interested in photography are also encouraged to come and capture the beauty on film. Natural history and historical uses will be shared throughout the sessions.
Information collected will go in the permanent records of the Hancock Park District. Additionally, public education programs will be made available from the data observed weekly. Persons interested in monitoring or for more information should contact Michelle Rumschlag, Volunteer Coordinator, at 419-425-7275. These programs are based on appropriate weather conditions, so please call if weather is questionable to confirm the monitoring will be occurring on the designated monitoring days.
HANCOCK LEADERSHIP FAMILY FUN DAY FUNDRAISER-MARCH 29
Join the Hancock Leadership Class of 2008 for a Family Fun Day at Bellacino's Pizza and Grinders Saturday, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature free face painting, fun games, and prizes. Caricatures cartoon paintings will also be available for $10. Bellacino's will donate 50 percent of the sales on this day to the Hancock Leadership SKT Sensory Playroom project.
With Findlay-Hancock County being recognized as among the top 100 places for young people, the 2008 Hancock Leadership class is dedicated to strengthening that designation by building a space where special needs children can develop in a way that is most beneficial to them. The SKT Sensory Playroom is an opportunity to assist underserved children being able to learn, grow, play and enjoy our community the same way as any typical child. Come and support this special project.
If you are interested in making a financial contribution to this worthwhile project, please make your checks out to:
Greater Findlay Foundation
C/O Hancock Leadership
128 East Main Cross Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-MARCH 2008
National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) of Hancock County Educational Presentation-Tuesday, March 4, 7p.m. at Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave.)- Open to the public. "What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Who Does It Affect? Our Troops? You?" presented by Don Iliff of Century Health. Call Gina Lewis at 419-429-1423 w/ questions.
Would you like to get involved in the First Annual NAMI of Hancock County walk on March 26 to help raise awareness and grow our local chapter? - call Gina Lewis(429-1423) to find out how.
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-Tuesdays 6-7p.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.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)-Tuesday, March 11, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2330 S. Main St. RM 209. Educational Presentation:Marcia Ellerbrock from the Blanchard Valley Sleep Disorders Clinic will discuss the impact of sleep disorders on Depression / Bipolar Disorder. Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Call Becky Hickle at 419-422-9381 w/ questions.
NAMI Support Group-Tuesday, March 18, 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, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m. at Blanchard Valley School.For children with Autism and their parents / guardians / family. Contact Dodi Newcomer at bnewcomer@thewavz.com w/ questions.
DBSA Support Group-Tuesday, March 25, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, RM 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, March 27, 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.
Consumer - run Potluck-Friday, March 28, 12- 1p.m. at Focus On Friends ( 509 Trenton). Call Joleen at 419-423-5071 to sign up for a dish to share.
*Visit www.ohio.networkofcare.org - Ohio's Network of Care for Behavioral Health!!*
**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.
40TH ANNIVERSARY UF INTERNATIONAL NIGHT-VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT-APRIL 11
The University of Findlay International Night Committee is looking for individuals, families and groups interested in volunteering for our April 11 event held at the Alumni Memorial Union. This is an all day event that offers several exciting opportunities to interact with our international student community.
Volunteer groups include the following: welcome table attendants, welcome visitors and volunteers; provide directions and event details; green team, keep the event areas clean, keep waste baskets empty and assist with participant questions; ambassadors, work with UF international students at their booths and assist them with their activities; tour guides, lead teams of intermediate-aged school children around to the various booths; tear down, assist the students in tearing down their booths and getting supplies organized; supply distributor (Monday-April 14) help get supplies taken back to storage and returned to department.
To schedule a volunteer time, contact Amber Wolfrom at 419-434-5350 or email awolfrom@findlay.edu.
This event's success depends on our volunteers' time commitment and talents. We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
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
OPEN ARMS SPRING FUNDRAISER PRESENTS FOOD NETWORK'S SANDRA LEE-APRIL24
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.
For more information, please contact Andrew Bixel, communications coordinator, at 419-420-9261 or email abixel@openarmsfindlay.org.
