GFI E-News, June 4, 2008

GFI NEWS AND EVENT LISTINGS NOW AVAILABLE AT FINDLAYLIVING.COM
In addition to GFI's E-briefings and website, GreaterFindlayInc. news and events 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.

RPM CARBIDE DIE RECEIVES HONDA OF AMERICA AWARD-TOOLING SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
At 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, RPM Carbide Die formally accepted the Honda of America Award - Tooling Supplier of the Year at the company's headquarters in Arcadia. Please share your congratulations with Carrie Ritcher-Phillips and the employees of RPM by emailing her at: cphillips@rpmcarbidedie.com.

FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANT PROPOSAL DEADLINE-JUNE 6
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation announces that the next competitive grant proposal deadline is Friday, June 6, 2008 for review at the September 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.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO BUILD 13TH HOME IN HANCOCK COUNTY-JUNE 7
The Findlay/Hancock County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and The Shelly Company will begin building the 13th Habitat home in Findlay on June 7 called the Thrivent Build. This three week blitz build will conclude on June 28 with a tour and Home Dedication beginning at 10 a.m.

Over 400 community volunteers will come together over the course of three weeks to complete the home. Besides Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and The Shelly Company, there are many other organizations sending crews of volunteers to pound nails, hang drywall, and construct a home for our partner family. They are First Evangelical Lutheran Church Findlay, St John's Evangelical Lutheran McComb, Trinity Lutheran Church Arcadia, University of Findlay Habitat Student Chapter, Gateway Church Findlay; Ohio Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Inc.; St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Findlay; Help Me Grow, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Jenera; and St. Paul's United Methodist Church Findlay, and a special crew of high school students doing mission work from Westover Church Youth Group, North Carolina.

If you would like to volunteer for this build, there still is time. There are several openings for volunteers especially on June 10 to work on the roof. To sign up to volunteer, donate or for more information concerning Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatfindlay.org or contact Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County at (419) 429-1400 or at info@habitatfindlay.org.

DECOMPOSERS AND COMPOSTING-JUNE 8
Join us at the Discovery Center at Oakwoods for an open house on Decomposer and Composting. The open house will be taking place on Sunday, June 8, 1-4 p.m. Learn how nature recycles her garbage and who has this job. Information also available on how to set up your own composting bins.

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".

WEE ONES IN THE PARK: SLITHER IN-JUNE 9
Join us for our Wee Ones in the Park program on Monday, June 9 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. June's topic will be Slither In. Learn about snakes and earthworms and those that slither. Live animals to see and touch. For toddlers three and under with an adult companion. This program is held at the Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve.

HPD FAMILY CANOE FLOAT SCHEDULED-JUNE 10
Bring the family out for a leisurely canoe float on the Blanchard River on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. Certified Canoe Instructor, Stacie Roby, will demonstrate a few basic paddling strokes before heading out. Once on the water, Stacie will guide you down the river as we look for wildlife stirring in the evening light and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in early summer. We will arrive back at the boathouse by 9 p.m.

Register by Friday, June 6, with a payment of $10 per canoe. At least one adult per canoe is recommended. Registered participants should arrive at the Riverside Park Boathouse 15 minutes early to get outfitted with equipment. Please dress for the weather. Wear water shoes or old tennis shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

For more information about this and other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK (7275) and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

FINDLAY AREA HUMAN RESOURCE ASSOCIATION (FAHRA)-JUNE 11
The next Findlay Area Human Resource Association (FAHRA) will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 11 at The Golden Corral, Tiffin Avenue, Findlay.

Keynote speaker Steve Michaluk, M.Ed., employer services specialist for The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, will present "Good for Business, Good for People, Good for the Bottom Line".

CHARLES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. OPEN HOUSE-JUNE 12
Charles Construction Services, Inc. will host an open house for their 25th anniversary, 4-6 p.m. June 12 at 811 E. Bigelow Ave, Findlay. RSVP regrets only to info@charlesinc.com or at 419-423-5090.

FLAG CITY MULTISPORT CELEBRATION "FLAG DAY" AT RIVERBEND-JUNE 14
Come celebrate Flag Day in Flag City USA on June 14, 2008 at the 5th Anniversary of the Flag City Multisport Event at Riverbend Recreation Area east of Findlay. Athletes from around the country and the world are expected to join local athletes for races ranging from a triathlon to adult and kids' fun runs/walks. This unique Saturday event allows participants to play hard on Saturday and pray even harder on Sunday. Proceeds go to the local "Give Back Program" that benefits a variety of agencies that support the sick, the oppressed, and those in need.

This year's event has teamed up with "HFP Racing", a nationally known organizing group based in Ohio which ensures a world class event with a "Flag City feel". This year's events will include a kid's race, 5K Fun Run/Walk, triathlon using the Findlay Reservoirs, duathlon & inline skate.

Wheelchair athletes are welcome too. Registration is on-line at www.hfpracing.com or forms can also be obtained at Bob LaRiche Toyota and at either Findlay YMCA location. Registration and event preview night will be held at Bob LaRiche Toyota Thursday, June 12, 5-8 p.m. along with registration at the Lodge at Riverbend on Friday, June 13, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 the morning of the event. Multisport events get under way at 8 a.m. and a Kid's Race will take place at 9:05 a.m.

Area residents are invited to cheer along line the race courses on Marion Township roads and Findlay's Main Street for the various races. Temporary delays in traffic may be encountered along the various routes. On Saturday, June 14 from midnight to noon, Reservoir #2 will be closed for boating launching and parking and signs will be posted; however, Reservoir #1 will not be affected. Over 100 volunteers will be needed to help at the event. Any interested persons can contact Event Coordinator Brian Robertson at brobertson@givebackprogram.org. All activities are expected to be over by noon with awards presentations at Riverbend.
Details of the race are being coordinated with the City of Findlay Water Department, Hancock County Sheriff's Department and Hancock Park District.

HPD IS NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION
The Hancock Park District offers three exciting and educational camps in June. Summer camp registrations are now being taken at the HPD office, located on 1424 E. Main Cross Street, Findlay. Space is limited, so register early.

Budding Naturalist Camp: Tuesday & Wednesday, June 17 & 18, 9 a.m. - 1pm.
Young children, 6 -8 years old, won't want to miss exploring the outdoors. This two day camp with games, crafts, and nature-based activities introduces campers to local plants, animals, and habitats. Enrollment is limited to the first 16 children. The $25 registration fee includes snacks and beverages, craft items, and a camp backpack! Campers are asked to bring a packed lunch. Registration deadline is Monday, June 9 for this camp.

Pioneer Day Camp: Tuesday & Wednesday, June 17 & 18, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Campers, 9-12 years old, get a taste of pioneer life in the 1800's as they learn pioneer skills, chores, and play 19th century games during this two day camp. Enrollment is limited to the first 12 children. The $25 registration fee includes snacks and beverages, craft items, and a camp backpack! Campers are asked to bring a packed lunch. Registration deadline is Monday, June 9 for this camp.

Junior Naturalist Camp: Tuesday-Thursday, June 24-26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Campers, 8-12 years old, will explore the natural world through challenging and exciting activities during this 3 day camp. By experiencing the wonders of the outdoors, campers will gain an appreciation of our environment. The camp will take place at a variety of park areas within the Hancock Park District as campers hike and canoe through local habitats. Campers will also participate in nature-based games and activities. Enrollment is limited to the first 16 children. The $35 regular registration fee includes snacks and beverages, craft items, and a camp backpack! Campers are asked to bring a packed lunch. Registration deadline is Monday, June 16 for this camp.

Registration forms are available at the HPD office or can be downloaded from the HPD website. Spaces will not be reserved until fees have been received. No refunds will be given, except in the event of camp cancellation due to low registration. For more information about summer camps and other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

FAMILY FUN EVENT AT BLACK HERITAGE LIBRARY & MULTICULTURAL CENTER-JUNE 22
Findlay's Black Heritage Library & Multicultural located at 817 Harmon Street will be hosting "A Celebration of Freedom" community fundraising program, 2-6 p.m. June 22. Keynote speaker will be Mr. Wil Clay, a nationally acclaimed children's author and illustrator.

"A Taste of Soul" food sampling will feature BBQ Ribs, fried and jerk chicken, collared greens, red beans and rice, sweet potato pie, rum cake, corn bread and much more for $1 per sample. Food will be available throughout the entire event.

A premier Silent Auction will begin at 2 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting the Center. Bid to win unique and specialty items ranging from framed art, artifacts, signed celebrity photos, merchant gifts, ladies garments from in African and India, ethnic jewelry and a chance to receive a keepsake portrait sketch by our featured author and artist. Items may be viewed beginning at 1:30 p.m. The auction will commence at 2 p.m. with Clay presenting at 2:30 p.m.

Those unable to attend are welcome to consider a tax deductible contribution to the organization. For more information, contact Nina Parker at 419-423-4954 or at bslacenter@yahoo.com.

FREE CERTIFIED NETWORKER FREE EDUCATIONAL PREVIEW-JULY 15
Certified Networker invites you to attend a free education preview 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 15 at GreaterFindlayInc. This special course provides offers priceless information to help you grow your business. Advanced registration is required as there is limited seating at this event. To register or for more information, contact Debby Peters at debby@certifiednetworker.com or call 419-833-5182.

NEW TEEN SUMMER PROGRAM INTRODUCED BY PARK DISTRICT
The Hancock Park District will begin offering a summer program geared for teens thirteen to fifteen years old. "Conservation Stewardship Days" are designed to encourage youth to learn more about the environment in which they live by helping to care for local areas. Each day education and stewardship activities will be integrated in a hands-on approach. Stewardship activities may include invasive species removal, trail maintenance, habitat management, and partnering with the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership to conduct river monitoring and inventorying on the Blanchard River and tributaries.

Three sessions will be offered during the summer from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each on consecutive Thursdays. Locations vary primarily among Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Litzenberg Memorial Woods, and Riverbend Recreation Areas. Registration is required no later than one week before each session begins with a $10 per session fee. Exact schedules will be sent to participants upon registration.

Teens may be enrolled in any or all of the following sessions:
Session 1: June 19 & 26 (register by June 12)
Session 2: July 10 & 17 (register by July 3)
Session 3: July 31 & Aug. 7 (register by July 24)

Enrollment is limited to twelve teens per session. Participants should bring sunscreen, bug repellant, lunch, refillable water bottle, and dress for the weather and stewardship activity. HPD will provide gloves, refreshments, equipment, and educational supplies.

Registration forms are available at the HPD office and will be sent upon request. No refunds will be given, except in the event of a session cancellation due to low registration. For more information or to register, contact the Hancock Park District office at 419-425-PARK.

FERGUSON CONST. CO, NAMED NORTHERN REGION BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Ferguson Construction Company has been named Northern Region Builder of the Year by the Buildings Division of Butler Manufacturing Company. The Northern Region includes all or part of 13 states, from Maine to Ohio. Ferguson Construction Company is a local general contractor with headquarters in Sidney, OH. Butler is the world leader in the development and manufacture of metal building systems.

The award was presented recently to Martin (Mick) L. Given, President of Ferguson Construction Company. Presenting the award was Tom Gilligan, Northern Regional General Manager, Butler Manufacturing Company.

The designation is awarded to one Butler Builder� per region who excels in the sales and marketing of Butler building and roof systems. Advantages of using construction systems such as Butler's are faster construction time, lower costs, and reduced maintenance.

BLANCHARD RIVER GREENWAY TRAIL RE-OPENS
Trail users can once again use the Blanchard River Greenway Trail through downtown Findlay along the Blanchard River. Several sections of the trail have been closed in recent months due to safety issues and sewer pipe reconstruction by the City of Findlay running through the trail area. The barriers that were upon in place have now been removed allowing users to travel the entire trail once again.

Users are reminded that a portion of the trail, near the Findlay Water Treatment Plant will be closed later this fall as construction begins of the new 10 feet wide bike path trail, under the CSX railroad, connecting Downtown Findlay to Riverside Parks.

Any further information can be obtained at the Hancock Park District by calling 419-425-7275.

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY MEMBER RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus Associate Professor of Information Systems Carol Buser of Bowling Green has been chosen by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Region 4 to receive the distinguished Teaching Excellence Award for exemplary contributions and dedication to the teaching profession.

OWENS PROVIDES FINDLAY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH NEW SUCCESS PROGRAM
Owens Community College and Findlay City Schools are entering into a new partnership that will afford all graduating Findlay High School students in financial need the opportunity to pursue a free college education through Owens Community College Foundation's new Success Program initiative.

The 2008 Findlay High School graduating class will serve as the first recipients of this unique program, which is designed to assist students, who receive only partial state and federal financial aid, attend college. The Success Program will bridge the gap between the grant aid a student receives and the cost of an Owens education.

Findlay City Schools is the second educational institution to partner with the College's Foundation and extend this opportunity to its students. The other Success Program partner is Toledo Public Schools' Woodward High School. Since announcing the new initiative in February, over 40 Woodward High School students are in the process of applying to continue their education at Owens through the Success Program.

HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT/ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-JUNE 2008
National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) of Hancock County Educational Presentation-Tuesday, June 3, 7 p.m. at (NEW LOCATION) First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St.), ROOM 209. Open to the public. "What is Schizophrenia?" presented by Dr. Basanti Basu of Century Health. Call Gina Lewis at 419-429-1423 w/ questions.

Dual Recovery Anonymous-Every Monday, 3- 4p.m. at The Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard Street), ROOM 111. A 12 step group for individuals and their loved ones living with both a mental health and substance abuse issue. Call Don Illif (425-5050) or Deb Twining (422-3711) w/ questions.

FREE Eating Disorder Support Group-1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.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)

Mental Health Seminar-2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. at 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 at 419-423-5071 w/ questions or to sign up.

Hancock CARES Flood Survivor's Support Group-Every Tuesday from 6-7 p.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, June 10, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209.Support group will replace the educational night this month. Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Call Becky Hickle at 419-422-9381 w/ questions.

NAMI Support Group-Tuesday, June 17, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209. 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, June 17, 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.

DBSA Support Group-Tuesday, June 24, 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, June 26, 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.

Visit Focus On Friends Drop In Center (509 Trenton Ave.). Providing a unique mix of education, leisure, friendship and support for people living with a mental illness. We invite you to "Just Be Yourself".

*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.