GreaterFindlayInc. E-News, February 4, 2009

Member Press Releases

BGSU ATHLETICS OFFERS GFI MEMBERS SPECIAL TICKET PRICING
Receive 50% off of original pricing!

Mark your calendar for BGSU Men's Hoops on Sunday, February 15 at 7 p.m. vs. Eastern Michigan as BGSU Athletics welcomes GreaterFindlayInc. members to our 'Above the Rim' area and offer a discounted group ticket price of $6 for the game. RSVP to Cheryl Henke by February 12 at 419-372-4349 or cherylh@bgsu.edu.

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.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING WEEK IN FINDLAY ON FEB. 5
Did you know that the first full week of February is International Networking week? Celebrate by meeting some of Findlay's finest membership organizations and leaders.

On February 5, 2009 the Findlay Inn and Conference Center will host an International Networking Week Event. This after hours social will exhibit Findlay area networking groups, service clubs, community groups and membership organizations. Attendees will meet the movers and shakers of our community, learn how these organizations give back and find a membership to fit their needs.

Sponsorships are available for any networking group, service club, or community group interested in increasing their membership and showcasing their organization.

The event will feature networking, exhibits, light refreshments, a cash bar and more. Doors open at 5 p.m. with exhibit presentations beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to the first 150 people. Presale tickets are $5 for one and $6 for two. Tickets are $10 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to charity of attendees' choice.

For more information and tickets, Contact Martina Wedge at martina@hatter-mad.com or call (419) 420 7705.

2009 BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM FESTIVAL
The Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center celebrates black history month. Located at 817 Harmon St., Findlay, the Center will host a youth film showing (film to be determined) February 7 at 1 p.m. An adult and teen film showing of "Saving God" starring Ving Rhames will be held on February 21 at 3 p.m. Both viewings will include hotdogs, popcorn and beverages.

For more information on this entertaining and educational event, contact the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center at 419-423-4645.

HPD HOSTS AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING-FEB. 7
The public is invited to attend "An Evening of Storytelling" hosted by the Hancock Park District on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 7 p.m. inside Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area.

The evening will be showcasing three "seasoned" storytellers from the northwest Ohio area. Participating storytellers for the evening will include Rita Essick and Charlotte Apfelbeck from the Lima area and Edith "Edie' Dyke from Toledo. Each storyteller will be providing a variety of nature based, Indian lore and some personal family stories to round out the evening.

Popcorn and beverages will be provided to all participants during the evening. Advance registration is necessary to attend with a fee of $1 per person by Thursday, February 5 at the HPD office located at 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, OH. 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".

THE CARDINAL FAMILY OPEN HOUSE-FEB. 8
The Hancock Park District will host The Cardinal Family Open house from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 8. Find out more about Ohio's state bird and the other birds in its family. Information about feeding these birds will be available. The open house will be held at the Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve 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".

FAHRA MEETINGS SLATED FOR 2009
The next Findlay Area Human Resource Association meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at The Findlay Country Club, 1400 Country Club Drive, Findlay.

Registration and lunch will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program Thinking Big, Working Smart: A Different Approach To Performance Management will be held from 12:10 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Presented by Sheri Caldwell & Carol Stamm, the presentation will provide a specific example of how two HR and Training professionals thought outside the box and re-vamped an out-dated performance management system from the ground up.

Learn how they strategically planned, designed and created a system that went beyond the conventional one-on-one, paper and pencil employee appraisal approach to a full blown 21st Century comprehensive 360 degree on-line, web-based approach encompassing everything from typing your own "bucket list" to professional development and identifying high potential employees to talent management and succession planning.

Cost is $15 for FAHRA members, $17 for Non-Members and $10 for students. One-time fee can also be purchased for $120 and includes membership fee & meals for 2009.

Email your reservations to Peter Palko at peter_palko@owens.edu by noon on Friday, Feb. 6th

The 2009 FAHRA meetings will be held the following Wednesdays: March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, August 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9.

UF SYMPHONIC BAND AND WIND ENSEMBLE TO PRESENT POPS CONCERT-FEB. 15
The University of Findlay Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will present a Pops Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

"All That Jazz" is the theme of the program. The bands will perform music from Dixieland to swing with songs by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, George Gershwin and others.

Toledo jazz singer and recording artist Lori LeFevre-Johnson will be the featured guest artist along with the rhythm section of the Toledo Jazz Orchestra.

Director of bands Jack Taylor will conduct the program. Four of Taylor's own arrangements for band, jazz rhythm section and vocalist will be featured.

Table seating will be available as well as traditional auditorium style seating and light refreshments will be offered at no cost during the program.

Tickets are $5 for general admission, $3 for students and senior citizens and free for UF faculty, staff and students with valid I.D. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved in advance by calling the UF Box Office at 419-434-5335.

JUGGLERS, ACROBATS AND SNAKE HANDLER APPEAR IN UF'S "CARNIVAL"
The musical "Carnival" will be performed at The University of Findlay at 8 p.m. Feb. 18-21 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 in the John & Hester Powell Grimm Theatre, located in the Frank J. Egner Center for the Performing Arts.

"Carnival," which earned two Tony Awards after it opened on Broadway in 1961, is based on a book by Michael Stewart. Music and lyrics were written by Bob Merrill. The show also is based on material written by Helen Deutsch.

Jugglers, acrobats, magicians, aerialists, venders, a unicyclist, a strongman and even a snake handler will take the stage in this family musical set in the early 1930s.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Call the UF Box Office at 419-434-5335 for tickets.

FINDLAY INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER OFFERS VALENTINE SPECIALS
Valentine's Day is a SATURDAY this year. Go to www.findlayinn.com "Hotel Happenings" for our complete Valentine Day Specials: Feb. 9-14!

Rooms including rose, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne start at $79. "Lover's Menu for Two" and other delicious entrees available at Tavern at the Inn. Reserve with Tony early at 419-422-5682.

OWENS OFFERS HUMAN RESOURCE LEARNING SYSTEM COURSE-FEB.14-MAY 2
Northwest Ohio human resource professionals interested in expanding their skills and qualifications, as well as preparing for the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) exam, are invited to participate in the Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System Program at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus. The program begins Feb. 14 and will continue through May 2.

The class will be offered through Owens' Workforce and Community Services on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the College's Community Education and Wellness Center. Owens' Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

Topics to be covered in the class include strategic management, workforce planning and employment, human resources development, total rewards, employee and labor relations, and risk management. Attendees will receive the latest content based upon legislative changes and recent developments within the human resource field.

The registration deadline is Feb. 9. For more information, or to enroll in the program, call (567) 429-3155 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3155, or access the College's website at www.owens.edu/workforce_cs/cce.html.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE OFFERED AT OWENS
Northwest Ohio small business owners, office managers and human resource professionals interested in expanding their proficiency in the area of human resources are invited to participate in the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) Essentials of Human Resource Management Certification Program at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus. The 15-hour program begins Feb. 12 and will continue through March 26.

The program will be offered through Owens' Workforce and Community Services on Thursdays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the College's Community Education and Wellness Center. The class will take place on Feb. 12 and 26, as well as on March 26. Owens' Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay.

For more information, or to enroll in the program, call (567) 429-3155 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3155, or access the College's website at www.owens.edu/workforce_cs/cce.html.

PRIMROSE COMMITS TO YEAR LONG FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO BENEFIT FAMILY CENTER AGENCIES
Benefit breakfast held Feb. 27
Primrose Retirement Communities has committed to a year of fundraising to benefit The Family Center. Each month in 2009, Primrose will host a "Community Breakfast" with all proceeds going directly to the agencies of The Family Center.

Breakfast will be $5, collected at the door. February's breakfast theme will be "Not Your Average Pancake Breakfast", which will include three different types of pancakes with various toppings, sausage, coffee and punch. All proceeds will be donated by Primrose to The Family Center which supports 17 non- profit agencies. The breakfast will take place Friday, February 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

"It is our hopes to raise $10,000 by the end of the year, $5 at a time," said Shelly De Vreese, Primrose Retirement Communities Marketing Manager. "The idea is the power of one. With tough economic times we must band together as a community and help those in need."

Primrose Retirement Communities is Findlay's premier retirement community located at 8580 Township Road 237. For further information contact Shelly De Vreese at 419-422-6200 or Linda Lotz at 419-423-0286.

SAVE 15% AT CAR SPECIALTIES
Car Specialties, Ltd. offers professional auto paint, repairs and restorations including bumper repairs, panel repairs, scratches, chips, customer finishes, complete detailing and much more.

Visit www.carspecialites.us to view their picture gallery. Stop in, get a FREE quote and mention this offer to receive 15% off when you schedule your car, truck or motorcycle. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Car Specialties, Ltd. is located 410 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay. Call 419-423-2447 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.

MILLSTREAM AREA CREDIT UNION PRESENTS FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS
Millstream Area Credit will present the following 2009 Financial Workshops:
March 26- Shop for a Mortgage, Buy a Home
April 30- Buy a Car and Don't Be Taken
May 28- Financial Budgeting for Consumers
June 25- How to Build and Repair Credit
July 30- Identity Theft and Fraud Protection
September 24- Trust, Will, Estate Planning

All events will be held at the Findlay Inn & Conference Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Katie Oler at koler@millstreamcu.com, 419-422-5626 ext. 106.

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.

KEEPSAKE PORTRAIT ANNOUNCES HANCOCK COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY PET PALOOZA CHARITY EVENT
The Hancock County Humane Society is a non-profit organization seeing a rise in the number of animals to house and is in need for donations.

Keepsake Portraits is offering a FREE pet session ($50 value!) and a special package pricing starting at $45 for anyone donating a 5 lb bag of dog food or providing a monetary donation to the Humane Society.

All proceeds will go towards food and the other Humane Society supply needs.

The FREE pet session can include the pet or pet and pet owners. Previewing and order the pictures will be completed immediately after the 15-30 minute session.

A limited number of these sessions available. Call the studio at 419.422.4121 to book a session time or to receive more information.

UF AND OWENS TRANSFER ADVISOR HELPS STUDENTS COMPLETE BACHELOR'S DEGREES
The University of Findlay has partnered with Owens Community College to provide students with the tools they need to successfully complete their college degrees.

Anna Dorf recently joined UF's staff as a transfer admissions adviser. Dorf has office hours at both UF and at Owens, including both the Findlay and Toledo campuses.

Donna Gruber, director of undergraduate admissions at UF, explained that Dorf's staff position was created to help students complete the college transfer process as seamlessly, cost effectively and successfully as possible. Dorf will provide students at Owens with advice about what courses they should take, the best time to transfer to a four-year university, whom they should talk to and how they'll know which university is the best fit for them.

For more information, visit www.findlay.edu or call 1-800-472-9502.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SELECTS TWO FAMILIES FOR JUNE BUILDS
Additional partners sought for upcoming home builds
Kelley Weyer and family, along with Cynthia Heffner and family, have been selected as the next two Findlay/Hancock County Habitat for Humanity Partner Families. Their June 2009 homes will kick-off the largest Habitat build season in its local history. These two homes will be built simultaneously side-by-side in West Park where Habitat has already built two homes in 2008 and have plans to build four in 2009, including another side-by-side build in September.

Habitat for Humanity homes rely on community financial support, donations and volunteerism to make owning a home a dream come true for those who may not have been able to purchase a home on their own. The Weyer family's home is a "Thrivent Build", meaning that the majority of the home will be sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The Heffner home will be the "Churches of God" home with significant financial support from College First Church, Winebrenner Seminary, Churches of God General Conference, and the University of Findlay.

The Weyers and the Heffners went through a family selection process in 2008 to be selected as the next partner families. To find out more about the family selection process that is currently underway, please contact our Findlay/Hancock County Habitat for Humanity office located in the Family Center at 1800 N. Blanchard Street, Suite 105 or by phone at (419) 429-1400 or via email at info@habitatfindlay.org. You can also visit our website at www.habitatfindlay.org.   Applications are being accepted from now until Thursday, February 19 at 4pm.

OWENS RECEIVES NATIONAL CARNEGIE FOUNDATION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HONOR
Owens Community College has been selected as one of only 119 colleges and universities nationwide to receive The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's prestigious 2008 Community Engagement Classification. The College, which is one of only nine community colleges selected for the honor, was recognized within the Foundation's Outreach and Partnerships classification.

Institutions were classified in one of three categories: Curricular Engagement, Outreach and Partnerships or Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships, which includes academic institutions with substantial commitment in both of the other categories. Owens received classification recognition in the Outreach and Partnerships category. Owens was recognized for its exemplary commitment and dedication within the areas of mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement.

For more information visit www.owens.edu.

CAMP FIRE USA HOSTS VETERAN APPRECIATION DINNER-MARCH 26
Attention all veterans! Thursday, March 26, 2009, is Camp Fire USA's annual Veteran's Appreciation Dinner. The dinner is fully sponsored and put on by the Camp Fire USA's "Teens In Action" club group. The Senior "Teens In Action" club group holds a garage sale every spring to raise money to support this event which is free to any veterans and their family members so that they may share stories with our youth. Feel free to bring memorabilia to share with others. The dinner will be held at the Camp Fire USA office from 6:15-8 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:30. Please RSVP to the Camp Fire USA office at 419-422-5415 by Friday, March 20.

EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATION PRESENTS EMPLOYMENT LAW CONFERENCE-APRIL 2
The Employers' Association presents the Employment Law Conference, April 2, 2009 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons, Perrysburg, OH.
The conference will feature a resource partner showcase, three sessions of presentations, lunch and a raffle drawing.

Session topics include: Developments in Labor Law; Civil Rights, Discrimination and New Protected Characteristics; The ADAA - The New Disabilities Law; The Federal Healthy Families Act; Retaliation in the Workplace; Job Descriptions - Developing, Implementing & Using; Strategies for Addressing Layoffs, Closings and Reductions in Force; Confidentiality, Trade Secrets and Other Restrictive Contracts; The Employee Free Choice Act; The FMLA - New Laws, New Regulations and New Forms; Workers' Compensation; Electronic Privacy and Related Issues in the Workplace.

Space is limited and registration is required to (419) 885-8505. Registration is $185 for early bird members (received by 3/19/09), $205 for regular EA Member and $275 for non-members. For more information contact Dave Tippet at dtippett@employersassociation.com or visit www.employersassociation.com.

HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-FEBRUARY 2009
Circle of Hope-Monday, February 2, 6:30-8p.m. at the Fifth Third Hub, Birchaven Retirement Village, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH. An on-going support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Childcare w/ adv. notice-call Carmen (419-423-5351).

National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) of Hancock County Support Group-Tuesday, February 3, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St., rm. 209). Open to any family member, friend, support person, or individual diagnosed with a mental illness. Call Gina Lewis (419-429-1423) or Carole C. (419-889-9257) w/ questions.

Eating Disorder Support Group-Thursday, February 5, 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 findlayanad@yahoo.com. (Affil. w/ ANAD - www.anad.org)

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Support Group-Tuesday, February 10, 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. Open to the public. Call Becky Hickle (419-422-9381) w/ questions.

"How Children Deal with Grief"-Monday, February 16, 7-8:30 p.m. at Hancock Co. Historical Museum (422 W. Sandusky St.). Presented by Dr. Mary Goebel-Komali of The Sophia Center. 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, February 17, 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) or Carole (419-889-9257) w/ questions.

Autism Support Group-Tuesday, February 17, 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.

Support for L.I.F.E. (Love. Inspiration. Friendship. Encouragement)-Thursday, February 19, 3-4 p.m. at Focus On Friends. Call Pastor Jim Williams w/ questions at 419-694-4435

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, 7-9 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.

DBSA Support Group- Tuesday, February 24, 7p.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.

Persons Affected by a Loved one's Suicide (PALS) support group- Thursday, February 26, 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.

Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Group- Friday, February 27, 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.