Member Press Releases
 
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU BRINGS 100 JOBS TO GREATER FINDLAY REGION-APPLY TODAY
The U.S. Census Bureau will be hiring up to 100 individuals in the Greater Findlay region to collect data for the 2010 census. Qualified applicants for the entry level position will start at $11 an hour and be paid weekly. The temporary position offers generous flexibility allowing employees to work within their own community and schedule their own hours. Employees may work a maximum of 40 hours per week for up to18 months.
 
Hiring begins now with employment beginning in Jan. 2009. To qualify, applicants must complete a 30 minute basic skills test. A practice test may be taken here.

For more information or to apply, contact 419-324-7650 or visit http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/index.php.

FINDLAY COUNTRY INN & SUITES REDUCES ROOM RATES BY 15%
The Staff and Management of the Findlay Country Inn & Suites realize that during these difficult economic times everyone is concerned about every dollar they spend when traveling and everyone is looking for the best deal.  Therefore, effective immediately, the Findlay Country Inn & Suites will be cutting 15% off its everyday rates, for any room, standards or suites.
 
Once the current economic hardship is over, Findlay Country Inn & Suites will return to its original rates. Until then, remember the Findlay Country Inn & Suites cares about you and wants you to...BE OUR GUEST! For more information on reduced room rates, call 419-422-4200.

DONATE WITH COTTON PREMIER REALTY AND GET CHANGE IN RETURN
As an active presence in the local real estate market for over 15 years, Cotton Premier Realty, Inc. is offering another unique experience through their website.
 
Cotton Premier Realty, Inc. in association with the Salvation Army is offering you, your business, your employees, friends and family an opportunity to donate and get change back in return! Visit the website: http://www.cottonpremierrealty.com/SalvationArmyDonations.
 
"It's A Wonderful and 'Virtual' way to help others less fortunate!" states Connie Cotton, broker/owner Cotton Premiere Realty, Inc. For more information, call 419-425-9453 or visit www.CottonPremierRealty.com.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OFFERS $300,000 MATCH FOR NONPROFIT SUPPORT
 "Match Day" to provide dollars for both immediate needs and endowments
 
On December 17 this year, local residents will have an opportunity to participate in an unprecedented, extraordinary day of generosity and giving. The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is offering $300,000 in matching funds to anyone who makes a donation to support local nonprofit agencies on "Match Day." Donations of at least $100 up to a maximum of $10,000 per person will be matched dollar for dollar.
 
On Match Day, donations will be accepted for two purposes - 1.) to provide immediate support for Health and Human Services agencies who serve Hancock County residents; and 2.) to any of the Foundation's 71 endowment funds benefiting local 501(c)(3) agencies.
 
All donations must be delivered to the Foundation office at 101 W. Sandusky St., Suite 207, on Match Day. The Foundation office will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day to receive the donations. No donations for Match Day will be accepted prior to or after December 17. No mailed or online donations will be accepted for the Match Day event. All checks must be made payable to The Community Foundation, checks payable to agencies will not be matched.
 
Detailed information about Match Day is available online at www.community-foundation.com. Anyone with questions about Match Day is encouraged to contact The Community Foundation office at 419-425-1100.
 
CLOUSE CONST. RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION
Clouse Construction has received two Excellence in Construction Awards for Northern Ohio which includes the areas of Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron.
 
The Excellence in Construction Awards Competition recognizes outstanding quality and innovations in merit shop contractors. The Awards were presented in Cleveland, Ohio on October 17, 2008. Clouse received the awards for its specialty contracting exterior and all other exterior finishes for New Mercy Hospital  in Seneca County and its general contracting, pre-engineered building on Summit -POET Biorefining -Ethanol Plant in Leipsic.
 
Clouse Construction Corporation is a design build general contractor headquartered in New Riegel, Ohio. Delivering promises since 1975, Clouse Construction Corp is currently working on the following projects: Ohio Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Building, Findlay; Findlay University Animal Science Building, Findlay; Wyandot County Fair Masters Building; Grace Community Church, Fremont; Custom Ag & Kalmbach Feeds, Upper Sandusky; Good Sheppard Home, Fostoria; and Schiefer Insurance, Tiffin.
 
For more information call (419) 448-1365 or visit www.clouseconstruction.com.
 
FESTIVAL OF TREES AT TAYLOR HOUSE ASSISTED LIVING-DEC. 1-15
A Festival of Trees at Taylor House Assisted Living will be present from December 1 through December 15. Any business or organization may donate a tree of any size. Judging will take place on Dec. 15. All trees will then be donated to area seniors and families in need. Call Jami at 419-420-0790 for more information.
 
NAMIWALK INFORMATIONAL MEETING-DEC. 3
You are invited to walk in the first NAMIWALKS for the Mind of America event here in Hancock County in May 2009. The Hancock County NAMI will be one of nearly 70 NAMIWALKS held coast to coast in 2009. This WALK will be part of a nationwide program sponsored by NAMI that has two primary goals:
 
For more information, attend the special information meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2330 South Main Street, Rm. 112. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Gina Lewis at 419-429-1423 or [email protected].
 
CAMP FIRE USA PRESENTS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA-DEC. 6
Come join Camp Fire USA for this great family event on Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 305 W. Hardin St.
 
Make a craft to take home, get your picture taken with Santa, and enjoy a relaxing pancake breakfast together as a family. PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for Youth & Seniors. The RSVP deadline is Wednesday December 3 at 5 p.m. For questions contact Mandy the Camp Fire USA Office at 419-422-5415 or email [email protected].
 
HPD PRESENTS WOODPECKERS AND SNAGS-DEC. 7
What's a snag?  See why these dead trees are so valuable, especially to woodpeckers.  Information about the seven species of woodpeckers found in Ohio will be available at this open house on Sunday, December 7, 1-4 pm.  The open house will be 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".
 
OWENS OFFERS ONE-DAY CONTINUING EDUCATION COMPUTER CLASS-DEC. 9
Area residents interested enhancing their computer knowledge and becoming more proficient in the Microsoft Office 2007 conversion programs are invited to participate in a one-day continuing education computer class at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
 
The new Microsoft Office 2007 conversion course, which is being offered through Owens' Community and Corporate Education, will take place from8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the College's Community Education and Wellness Center. Owens' Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.
 
The Microsoft Office 2007 conversation course will highlight an array of features new to the Microsoft Office system. Attendees will learn about the Microsoft Office button, ribbon tabs and groups, galleries, the dialog box launcher, the document information panel and the mini toolbar, among many other areas. Individuals will also receive hands-on instruction related to the new Microsoft Office 2007 Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook applications.
 
Registration for the one-day computer class must be completed by Monday, Dec. 8. The registration fee is $149. For more information, or to register, call (567) 429-3152 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3152, or access the College's website at www.owens.edu/workforce_cs/cce.html.
 
INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET AND I/O SEMINAR-DEC. 11
Sponsored by Systems Group Technologies - Findlay / Presented by Crescent Electric Supply Company & Phoenix Contact
 
How to get a Shop Floor to Top Floor Data Advantage
Ethernet links the machine level with all company levels and the Internet. In this advanced seminar, we will discuss the hardware features, protocols, reliability, setting up networks, data collection, I/O systems and more!
 
The following topics and questions will be answered: What makes Industrial Ethernet Industrial?; How deterministic is Ethernet in Industrial Control?; How robust is Ethernet in Industrial Environments? ; Hubs versus unmanaged switches; Managed switch features; The New Industrial Ethernet Protocols; Setting up an Ethernet Control Network; Harnessing Diagnostic Data through SNMP; Extending Fieldbus Networks through Wireless Connectivity; Optimizing cost and performance of I/O systems.
 
Seminar Schedule:
8:30 A.M. EST Registration
8:50 A.M. Introduction and Welcome
9:00 A.M. Presentation Begins
12:00 P.M. Lunch
2:00 P.M. Q & A Session
2:30 P.M. Wrap-up
 
The seminar will take place December 11 in the Main Conference Room at the NCC-ET Findlay Center for Business & Technology, 1700 Fostoria Avenue. The NCC-ET is a non-profit manufacturing and commercialization accelerator organization committed to expanding high tech investment and job growth in the Greater Findlay region.
 
RSVP to Dawn Proxmire by phone: 1-800-888-6932, fax: (419) 782-2206, or e-mail: [email protected]. The seminar is Free and Lunch is Provided.
 
EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT SEMINAR TRAINING-DEC. 11
A public seminar training regarding the pending Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) will be held 9-11:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Employers Association, 5800 Monroe, Sylvania.
 
The EFCA is poised to usher in the largest union organization effort in generations. It would amend the National Labor Relations Act to change the way workers choose to become part of a union. The proposed measure would effectively eliminate the private ballot election during union organizing campaigns by requiring the National Labor Relations Board to certify any union that secures a simple majority of signatures through the card check process.
If the Employee Free Choice Act becomes law, non-unionized employees would lose their right to a Federal government-administered, private ballot election. Moreover, since the bill would make public an employee's position on a union to both their co-workers and employer, it could make the workplace more hostile by exposing employees to coercion from both proponents and opponents of the union.
Join us as speaker Tom Dixon, Esq. from Eastman and Smith discusses the ramifications of the EFCA to employers across the board.
Who should attend: All Human Resources Professionals, Supervisors, Managers, business owners.
 
For more information or to register, visit www.employersassociation.com or call 419-885-8505/toll free: 800-882-7042.
 
CENTURY HEALTH OFFERS DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP-DEC. 11 & DEC. 15
Century Health, Inc. will offer a De-escalation Technique Workshop, December 11, 1- 3 p.m. and December 15, 9- 11 a.m. at The Family Center, 1800 N. Blanchard Street, Findlay.
 
A presentation will be given by Joe Kizer, on how to respond to the increased levels of stress, agitation, anxiety, anger and more. Basic personal safety, verbal de-escalation skills, and signs of agitation will be topics of discussion. Sgt. Mike Martien, Findlay Police Department, will offer a personal safety presentation following the 2-hour de-escalation presentation.
 
To register please call or email Annie at 419-424-1985 or [email protected]. Both workshops will contain the same information. Participants need only attend one of the presentations.
 
FINDLAY VILLAGE MALL HOSTS "GIRLS' NIGHT OUT"-DEC. 12
Come to the Findlay Village Mall for a Girls' Night Out on Friday, December 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy makeovers, door prize drawings, fashion consulting, gift card giveaways and more!
 
For more information, visit ShopFindlayVillageMall.com.
 
VOICES FOR CHILDREN RECOGNIZES CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS
Voices for Children: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Hancock County (formerly CASA/GAL) hosted a GFI ribbon cutting ceremony on November 18, 2008, celebrating the completion of the renovations made to the new location at 614 South West Street.
 
Voices for Children wishes to recognize those who have made this possible:
 
Findlay Noon Rotary Club; Hancock County Commissioners; United Way of Hancock County; Camp Fire USA; Marathon Oil; Ken & Pam Lather; Altrusia Club; Duane & Kathy Jebbett; Rowmark LLC; Cherokee Construction; Staples; Friends Office Equipment; National CASA Association; Kohls Distribution Center; Beltz Home Service; Heitcamp Homes; JB Networks; Findlay Service League; Performance Construction Group; Huntington Insurance; Bob's Floor Covering; The Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation; Ohio Attorney General's Office of Crime Victims Compensation; Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.; Kappa Alpha Theta - ONU Chapter; Roppe Corporation; Ohio State CASA Association; Brinkman's Country Corner; Knueven, Schroeder and Co. CPA; Blanchard Valley Women's Health Care; The Reunion Band; Flag City Morning Rotary; The Fostoria Focus; Pro Tec Coating Co.; The Great American Cookie Company; The Ohio Automotive Supply Company; Coldren Crates Funeral Home; McComb Family Dentistry; Brown Mackie Paralegal Criminal Justice Club; American Association of University Women; Bill & Scott Anast; Gordon Lumber Company.
 
Agency information: Hancock County Voices for Children's mission is to train and support volunteers to provide a voice in the court for the best interest of abused, neglected and dependent children. For more information, call 419.424.3262.
 
HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-DECEMBER 2008
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Every Monday, 4-5:30p.m. at Century Health Annex (1908 N. Main St.) Hancock County's "NAMI Connections" peer support group.  Open to any individual diagnosed w/ a mental illness.  Call Gina Lewis (419-429-1423) w/ questions.
 
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)-Every Monday, 3-4 p.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 T.(422-3711) w/ questions.
 
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 (419-425-8709) or [email protected]. (Affil. w/ ANAD - www.anad.org) 
 
Develop your Advanced Directive for Mental Health Treatment-2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. at Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave.). With Wanda Baughman and Jim Martin, trained facilitators.  Call Wanda at Focus On Friends (419-423-5071) w/ questions. / to sign up.
 
Celebrate Recovery worship & open share-2nd and 4th Weds, 7-9 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church; Benton Ridge. A biblically based 12 step support group aimed at helping people on their recovery journey w/ their hurts, habits, & hang-ups.  Call 419-859-2000 w/ questions.
 
Reformers Unanimous-Every Friday, 7-9 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church (8630 CR 140). A faith-based addictions program for people living with any addiction / habit.  Open to the public.  Call Mike Kissell (419-427-1400) w/ questions.
 
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Support Group-Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209. Open to those diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar Disorder, their friends, family members, or supportive others.  Call Becky Hickle(419-422-9381) w/ questions.
 
De-Escalation Techniques Workshop-Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m. OR Dec. 15, 9-11 a.m. at The Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard St. Findlay). Learn to work more effectively and safely with agitated / angry clients or customers.  Presentation by Joe Kizer of Century Health followed by a brief personal safety presentation by Sgt. Mike Martien, Findlay Police Department.  Call or email Annie Altman to register: 419-424-1985, [email protected]. Call Gary Bright w/ questions (419-889-8367).
 
"Facing the Holidays after a Loss"-Monday, Dec. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. at Hancock Co. Historical Museum (422 W. Sandusky St.). Part of "Journeying Through Grief", a monthly educational group that discusses special topics related to the grief process.  Call Carmen (419-423-5351) w/ questions.
 
NAMI Support Group-Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209.  Open to any family member, friend, support person, or individual diagnosed with a mental illness.  Call Gina (419-429-1423), Carole (419-889-9257) or Esther(419-957-7941)w/ questions.
 
Autism Support Group-Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8 p.m. at Blanchard Valley School. For children with Autism and their parents / guardians / family.  Contact Dodi Newcomer at [email protected] w/ questions.
 
Christmas Party-Wednesday, Dec. 17, 12-2 p.m. (doors open @ 11:45) at Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave. Findlay). FREE dinner - open to the public.  Come celebrate Christmas w/ us and see all that Focus On Friends has to offer.  Call Jenny at 419-423-5071 w/ questions.
 
Persons Affected by a Loved one's Suicide (PALS) support group-Thursday, Dec. 18, 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.  Members of the group are also available for outreach to persons not yet ready to attend group.  For more information, call Nancy Stephani  at Century Health,  419-422-3711.
 
DBSA Support Group & Christmas party-Tuesday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church  (ROOM 209. Appetizers furnished; bring a dish if you wish.  Open to those diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar Disorder, their friends, family members, or supportive others.  No pre-registration required. Call Becky (419-422-9381) w/ questions.
 
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Group-Friday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. at Birchaven Retirement Village (Wenner Conference Room), Findlay.  Contact facilitators Jane Sherrick (419-425-3259) or Mike Thompson (419-425-3233) with questions.  Also, contact Marty Williman (419-425-5409) for information about support groups in surrounding areas.
 
*Visit www.ohio.networkofcare.org - for more info about support groups*
 
**Look for daily schedule of 12 - Step meetings (AA, NA, Al-Anon) in The Courier.  Meetings designated as "open" are open to the public.  Also, check out http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/findlayohioaa/ or call the AA hotline for Hancock & Wyandot counties: AA District 17: 888-683-9768.
 
**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".  Call Jenny at 419-423-5071 with questions & full activities calendar.
 
- 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  [email protected] to be added to this email list and get the schedule electronically each month.