GreaterFindlayInc. E-News, January 21, 2009

Member Press Releases

BGSU ATHLETICS OFFERS GFI MEMBERS SPECIAL TICKET PRICING
Receive 50% off of original pricing!
BGSU Athletics is offering all GFI members special pricing for the following Falcon Club 'Above The Rim' men's basketball and BGSU Ice Arena hockey games.

For just $9 per ticket, sports fans will gain admittance to both the BGSU Falcons v. Lake Superior men's hockey match Saturday, January 24 at 7 p.m. and the BGSU Men's Basketball v. Eastern MI on Sunday, February 15 at 7 p.m.

Group Ticket Pricing is as follows:
Advanced            $ 9 each
20+ tickets          $ 7 each
50+ tickets          $ 6 each

Save 50% off game day walk-up prices by ordering your tickets through Cheryl Henke at cherylh@bgsu.edu or at 419-372-4349.

THE ROCKING U NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS-JAN 25
The Rocking U announces its new hours of operation and is now open on Sundays from noon to 11 p.m. Featuring the original pizza recipe, The Rocking U features 7 new flat screen TVs, full bar, and a separate backroom available for private parties. The Rocking U also features live entertainment on weekends from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1a.m. and Sunday 12-11 p.m. The Rocking U is located at 318 West Main Cross St., Findlay. For more information call 419-420-1587 or visit www.rockingu.com.

UF HOSTS 2009 COMEDY JAM-JAN. 24
The University of Findlay's Campus Program Board will host Comedy Jam 2009 at 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Alumni Memorial Union. Community members are welcome; admission is $1 at the door.

Comedian Alexandra McHale will be the emcee. She made her network television debut on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and has performed on Comedy Central and VH1. She has been voted Female Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.

Mike McGee and Roy Wood Jr. also will take the stage at Comedy Jam. McGee is an award-winning slam poetry champion, and has performed at thousands of locations across the country. Wood has been featured on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman," CBS' "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and Comedy Central's "Bob and Tom Comedy Tour."

For more information, contact Brianna L. Patterson, UF public relations officer, at 419-434-4345 or pattersonb@findlay.edu.

HPD PHOTO CONTEST OPEN HOUSE-JAN 24 & 25
The Hancock Park District will host two public open houses displaying all entries in the 13th Annual Photo Contest. View pictures that feature nature, animals, park scenes, and the Blanchard River Watershed. Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area will be open on Saturday, January 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to showcase the winners.

The public can vote for their favorite photograph at the open house. The picture receiving the most votes will win the "People's Choice Award". This winner will be announced after the open house and will be given a free shelter rental from the Hancock Park District.

Local photography talent Tyler Brown will kick off the event with "GeoJourney" Saturday, January 24 at 3 p.m. A graduate of Van Buren High School and undergraduate of BGSU, Brown participated in the HPD Photography Contest as a youth and adult, entering and winning awards in numerous categories. In a recent journey across the United States Brown captured his travels with photography. His adventure presentation will be showcased with his photography portfolio and he will also be sharing his knowledge of picture taking.

Riverbend Recreation Area is located off State Route 568, east of Findlay at 16618 Township Road 208. For more information about other programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

MAKE 2009 YOUR BREAKOUT YEAR SEMINAR WITH BRUCE BOGUSKI-JAN 28
On January 28, Bruce Boguski of The Winner's Edge will offer a special life changing seminar designed to make 2009 Your Breakout Year! Bruce will be offering two seminar sessions to help you discover the power that is within you to overcome any obstacle and have the life you desire. The seminar is absolutely FREE-all you need is the will power to take charge of your destiny.

The morning session will begin at 6:45 a.m. and the evening session at 7 p.m. at Country Inn & Suites, 903 Interstate Drive, Findlay. Pre-registration is required and limited to the first 120 attendees. Visit www.greaterfindlayinc.com for more information. Call 419-424-3910 or rsvp@greaterfindlayinc.com to save your spot today.

5TH ANNUAL RAY HEVERLING ICE BOWL TOURNAMENT-JAN. 31
The Disc Golf Community Association will be hosting the 5th Annual Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament at Riverbend Recreation Area on Saturday, January 31. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

New and experienced players are invited to play one round of disc golf. Check-in begins at Noon in Shelter #3, with the Ice Bowl beginning at 1 p.m. Exclusive Ice Bowl prizes will be awarded. Participants may add $5 to the Ace Pool for a chance to win a cash prize. If no one wins the Ace Pool, the balance of the pool will carry over to the next tournament.

Afterwards, enjoy a warm fire and hot drinks. For more information, contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20, additional donations welcome. First 10 registrants receive an Ice Bowl Logo Disc.

TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT LOWERS RATES
Effective immediately, TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Findlay will be offering their Studio Suites at a rate of $67.00 per night. This is a savings of over 15% off their standard rates. Additional savings are available with TownePlace Suites "Length of Stay" pricing.

Reduced rates will remain in effect until the current economic conditions improve. TownePlace Suites by Marriott provides value for your lodging dollar and is anxious to provide it first hand! Please contact 419-425-9545 for reservation details.

THE GRANARY HOSTS LADIES NIGHT OUT-FEB. 4
You're cordially invited to "Ladies Night Out" Feb. 4, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at The Granary, 7977 CR 236, Findlay.

The evening will be filled with fun, games, and prizes. Tickets may be purchased for $5 through Jan. 31 at The Granary, Women's Resource Center, The Granary Farm Outlet and GreaterFindlayInc. Each ticketholder will receive $75 in area coupons.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Women's Resource Center. For more information, visit www.ggbarn.com or call The Granary at 419-422-0200.

DE WINKLE TO MODERATE LOCAL SESSION IN UF ECONOMIC SUMMIT-FEB. 6
Ray De Winkle, President and CEO of GreaterFindlayInc., will serve as moderator during the final session of The University of Findlay's Economic Summit, Feb. 6 at Winebrenner Theological Seminary.The final session, titled "Impact of the Crisis on Northwest Ohio", will focus on local impact.

The UF Economic Summit will host leading executives from the business, financial and investment sectors. A series of seven discussion sessions will examine the foundations of the current economic crisis, how to stimulate the economy, emerging business opportunities and the impact of the crisis on today's student.

For more information visit www.greaterfindlayinc.com. For tickets, contact the UF box office at 419-434-5335.

ECLIPSE YOUTH GRANTMAKING COUNCIL SEEKS PROPOSALS-FEB. 13
The ECLIPSe (Emerging Community Leaders Investing in Philanthropic Service) Youth Grantmaking Council has announced that applications for their next round of competitive grants are now available. There is $2,500 currently available for local service learning projects. Area youth, schools and youth-serving organizations interested in submitting a grant proposal can receive more information and an application packet by contacting Kimberly Bash, Youth Services Officer, at (419) 425-1100 or by going to the website at http://www.community-foundation.com/ECLIPSe_grants.htm. The deadline for these proposals is February 13, 2009. ECLIPSe requires that funded projects be coordinated in partnership with local youth and that they address actual community needs through service learning.

ECLIPSe is a local youth grantmaking council comprised of students in eight grade through college. The youth council reviews grant proposals, meets with applicants, and awards grants that fund high-quality youth-driven service learning projects in Findlay and Hancock County. Grant funds are raised by the youth members through fundraising efforts and private donations.

Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 for more information.

5TH ANNUAL LUPUS GALA AND AUCTION-FEB. 27
The 5th Annual Lupus Gala and Auction will be held Friday, February 27 at the Findlay Inn & Conference Center. Door open at 6:30 p.m. Reservation Only. Call the Lupus Foundation office at 419-423-9313 or visit our website www.lupusnwoh.org for further details.

CAMP FIRE USA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KID DAY-FEB. 27
It is that time of year again! Camp Fire USA is looking for nominations for absolutely incredible kids who are middle school students in Hancock County. This year the nominations can be submitted online. Please go to www.campfireusa-nwohio.com and click on the link to nominate an absolutely incredible kid. Nominations are due by Friday, February 27, 2009. Winners will be presented an award at Camp Fire USA's annual "On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the Findlay Country Club.

TICKETS TO SEE "MARLEY & ME" AUTHOR NOW AVAILBLE
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced that tickets are now available to hear John Grogan, author of the best-selling memoir "Marley & Me." Grogan will be in Findlay on Friday, April 17, 2009 as part of the annual CommunityREAD event. He will speak at Central Auditorium at 7 p.m. and will be available to sign books after the program. Richard Cowdry, Ohio-native and illustrator of the children's books "Bad Dog, Marley" and "A Very Marley Christmas" will also be on hand to sign books that evening.

Tickets for this event are $5 each and can be purchased in person, by mail or by phone at the Arts Partnership box office, 618 S. Main Street, and in person or by mail at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, 101 W. Sandusky Street, Suite 207.

The focus of this year's CommunityREAD event is to generate family and community discussion on the concepts of commitment, selflessness, unflagging optimism and how to lead a happier, more fulfilling life as well as highlighting the HancockREADS mission of helping to "STAMP OUT ILLITERACY" in Hancock County. Proceeds from this event benefit the HancockREADS program.

For more information about CommunityREAD please visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100.

BLANCHARD VALLEY PORT AUTHORITY PARTICIPATES IN FIRST PROJECT
Participation in the first project of the Blanchard Valley Port Authority has been approved by the Board of Directors of the agency, according to Robert Beach, chair of the BVPA Board.

In 1998 and 2003, the State of Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission issued tax-exempt revenue bonds for the benefit of the University of Findlay. Proceeds of both of the original bonds were used to finance the acquisition, construction, equipping, furnishing and installation of a number of land and building projects on and around the campus of the University.

The new Port Authority tax-exempt lease obligations were approved at a special meeting of the Board Jan. 8, 2009 and will refund all the remaining principal of the 1998 bonds, approximately $6,410,000, and a portion estimated at $3,590,000 of the 2003 bonds.

Under the transaction, the Port Authority would lease the facilities to be financed from Fifth Third Bank, and immediately sublease them to the University.
Mr. Beach noted that the lease obligations will result in no financial or other obligation by the Port Authority, other than to assign revenues pledged to the repayment of the obligations and to take no step intentionally which might cause the obligations to become taxable.

The Port Authority was formed late in 2007 by Hancock County Commissioners and the City of Findlay. However once in operation, BVPA is a separate independent unit of local government which is not part of either the County or the City.

HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-JANUARY 2009
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Every Monday, 4-5:30 p.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.

Develop your Advanced Directive for Mental Health Treatment-2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1-2p.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, 7-9p.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, 7-9p.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.

Persons Affected by a Loved one's Suicide (PALS) support group-Thursday, January 22, 7 p.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-Tuesday, January 27, 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. No pre-registration required. Call Becky (419-422-9381) w/ questions.

Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Group-Friday, January 30, 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.

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.

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.