GreaterFindlayInc. E-News, March 18, 2009

Member Press Releases

UNITED WAY HOSTS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP RECEPTION FOR YOUNG LEADERS
United Way's Young Leaders Society (YLS) will host a meet and greet with Ray De Winkle on Thurs., Mar. 19, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Wine Merchant; 540 S. Main St. in downtown Findlay. De Winkle was recently hired as the President & CEO of GreaterFindlayInc(GFI). GFI is a unique combination of the best practices and focused efforts of our community's traditional Chamber of Commerce and economic development partners including the Economic Development Council, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and private and public partners.

The event is free and open to all young professionals. The Community Leader Reception will be interactive, and centered on issues that are important to Young Leaders.

Food and beverage provided by GreaterFindlayInc. Space is limited. RSVP to youngleaders@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432.

SIGN OF THE BELL SPRING OPEN HOUSE-MARCH 20 & 21
Sign of the Bell will hold a Spring Open House, March 20-21 located at 214 W. Front Street. The specialty store will feature new products, kids switchflops, women's switchflops, pick up sticks jewelry, two songs and wind and willow samples. Sign of the Bell will also offer 25% off spring bags and buy one, get the second one � off Webkinz. Sign of the Bell introduces many new products and spring sales, including a 50% off upstairs!

For more information, call Sign of the Bell at (419) 423-4525 or visit www.signofthebell.com.

OWENS PRESENTS "GETTING A JUMPSTART ON COLLEGE"-MARCH 24
Eighth graders and their parents are invited to attend "Getting a Jumpstart on College," an open house to help them start planning for college. The open house will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Findlay Campus Community Education and Wellness Center.

As employees you are invited to attend this free event. Don't miss the fun! There will be hands on activities for the eighth grade students in the Owens' science, engineering, health, and computer labs. Parents will have an opportunity to learn about financing college, preparing for college, and post secondary enrollment options. Plan to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a light supper.

To RSVP or for more information, please call x 3674 or send an e-mail to lorena_baird@owens.edu by Monday, March 16.

SENIOR ENERGY EXECUTIVE TO PRESENT LECTURE AT UF-MARCH 25
Tim Nesler, a 1977 UF alumnus and chair and CEO of Energy Maintenance Services (EMS) Group I, LLC, and its subsidiaries, will present a public lecture, "Entrepreneurship and Self Employment Versus Working for a Corporation," at noon Wednesday, March 25, at The University of Findlay in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Nesler will be on campus as a Visiting Executive with the UF College of Business. While on campus, he also will speak to students in business classes and help to dedicate a new painting of the SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) eagle symbol, which is housed in Old Main.

Prior to accepting his current position with EMS, Nesler worked for Marathon Oil Co. for 24 years. He earned a bachelor's degree from UF and a master's degree from Houston Baptist University.

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

NORTHWEST OHIO AGRICULTURAL LAW CONFERENCE-MARCH 25
The Ohio State University Extension Office will a Northwest Ohio Agricultural Law Conference Wednesday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lighthouse Banquet Facility, 10055 W US 224, Findlay.

The day-long program will be facilitated by attorneys and discuss the legal issues affecting today's agriculture. Program topics include: Using Flexible Farm Rental Agreements; Ohio Conservancy District Law; Legal Risk Assessment Issues; Authority over Large Livestock Operations; Farm Business Planning Strategies; and Agricultural Law Updates.

Registration fee of $30 includes meal and materials. Additional attendees in same family or company may register at reduced rate of $20. For more information, contact Gary W. Wilson at 419-422-3851 or wilson.26@osu.edu.

SUNRISE HIKE SCHEDULED AT RIVERBEND-MARCH 26
If you are tired of being stuck indoors, come out for a short hike through the woods on Thursday, March 26. Enjoy the early morning light as Hancock Park District staff person, Stacie Roby, leads a hike to rejuvenate your mind and exercise your body. Interested individuals should meet at 7 a.m. in Shelter #3 at Riverbend Recreation Area.

Riverbend Recreation Area is located at 16618 TR 208, off SR 568 to TR 241 east of Findlay. 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".

UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY TO HOST HEALTH FAIR-MARCH 26
The University of Findlay's Cosiano Health Center will host a health fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in the Alumni Memorial Union. This event is free and open to students, faculty and staff, as well as the public.

There is a fee of $5 for cholesterol checks. Professionals will be on site to perform health screenings and offer information.

There will be screenings and/or information on such health topics as hearing screens, blood sugar testing, alcohol and drugs, physical fitness, vision screens, blood pressure checks, massage therapy, chiropractic care and skin checks.

Other topics of interest include general nutrition, organ donation, lupus, spiritual health, counseling and disability services. Area organizations will be available, as well, including Cancer Patient Services, Blanchard Valley Sleep Clinic, The Women's Resource Center and the Coalition for Smoke-Free Findlay.

For more information, call 1-800-472-9502.

PRIMROSE COMMITS TO YEAR LONG FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO BENEFIT FAMILY CENTER AGENCIES
Upcoming benefit breakfast to be held March 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. All proceeds will be donated by Primrose to The Family Center which supports 17 non- profit agencies. The breakfast will take place Friday, March 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The following monthly breakfasts dates are scheduled for 2009: April 24; May 22; June 26; July 24; August 21; September 25; October 23; November 20; and
December 18.

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.

UNITED WAY DAYS FO CARING SEEKING PROJECTS, TEAMS
United Way of Hancock County is seeking teams of volunteers and projects for the 15th annual Days of Caring. This year, the United Way Days of Caring theme is "Join Hands, Live United" and will take place on Thurs., Apr. 23 and Fri., Apr. 24.   The event occurs during National Volunteer Week, which is April 19-25.

Each year, during United Way Days of Caring, hundreds of volunteers from local companies and organizations make a difference at local non-profit agencies by completing much needed projects. Last year, 350 volunteers worked 1,400 hours, providing non-profit organizations in Hancock County with labor worth $27,314. The dollar figure is based on the 2008 national volunteer hourly dollar value of $19.51 per hour.

United Way of Hancock County is encouraging corporate and community volunteers to devote at least four hours out of one workday to complete a service project at a local non-profit organization.

Non-profit agencies should send project ideas by March 27 to United Way. This event is not limited to United Way partner agencies. Past projects have included taking inventory of supplies, preparing agency mailings, landscaping work for different organizations, painting inside and out, and cleaning and mulching trails for local parks and non-profit campgrounds.

The deadline to sign up teams is March 27. To submit project ideas or register a team, contact Bev Phillips, Community Services Director, at 419-423-1432 or bphillips@uwhancock.org. Registration materials for projects and volunteers are also available online at www.uwhancock.org.

XTREME MARTIAL ARTS SHOW AT UF-MARCH 28
Theatricks, an Xtreme martial arts show starring five-time American karate champion Matt Mullins, will perform at The University of Findlay at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Tickets are $5, available at the UF Box Office, located inside the Alumni Memorial Union. Call 419-434-5335.

Theatricks presents a fusion of gymnastics, acrobatics and martial arts and has appeared on television shows such as "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "America's Got Talent."

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

UF JAZZ ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM-MARCH 29
The University of Findlay Jazz Ensemble will appear in concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Under the direction of Jack Taylor, UF director of bands, the jazz ensemble will perform a variety of music from traditional big band swing to more contemporary jazz selections.

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.

UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY SENIOR FORUM SERIES SCHEDULED
The University of Findlay's Senior Forum, a six-week series of learning experiences for people age 50 and older, will begin its Spring 2009 session Wednesday, April 1, in the Alumni Memorial Union.

Each forum consists of three informative and entertaining sessions: one in the morning, one during lunch and one in the afternoon. Participants may choose their own level of involvement - a single session or a complete six-week schedule.

All 18 sessions can be attended for one fee of $60 per person or $115 per couple, if paid by March 23. Attendees may also choose to attend single sessions at $4 per person. After March 23, fees are $65 per person, $125 per couple and $5 per single session.

A buffet lunch is available for an additional $5 per day. A complimentary coffee and tea bar is available all day.The forums will take place each Wednesday through May 6.

The first program will feature Ray De Winkle, president and CEO of Greater Findlay Inc., from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. For more information and to pre-register, contact Doris Salis, Ph.D., at 419-422-3560, or the Office of Academic Affairs at the University at 419-434-4553.

HANCOCK LEADERSHIP COOKIN' FOR A CURE
Hancock Leadership and Relay for Life are teaming up to raise funds for a new fitness center at the Agency on Aging and for the 2009 Relay for Life.

On April 2, the community is invited to attend a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Owens Community College, Rm EC 111. Pancakes, sausages, fruit and beverages will be provided.

Tickets are available for $5 at 567-429-3542.

13th ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT LAW CONFERENCE-APRIL 2
The Employers' Association presents the 13th Annual Employment Law Conference, April 2, 2009 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons, Perrysburg, OH. The conference, "Stacking the Deck in Your Favor", will focus on employment law and feature a resource partner showcase, three sessions of presentations, lunch and a raffle drawing.

The area's leading employment law specialists will cover topics including: 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.

DORANNE'S GIFTS AND GOURMET SPRING OPEN HOUSE-APRIL 3-4
DorAnne's Gifts & Gourmet invites you to attend their Spring Open House April 3-4 at 327 S. Main St., Findlay. Bring the kids for a complimentary photo with the Easter Bunny, April 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food sampling and specials will be available both days.

Kids can also enjoy story time with Grandma JJ at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 19, Saturday, March 21 and Saturday, April 4.

Register your child's name with the Toy Chest Registry and keep this information confidentially on file at DorAnne's. Any purchase made for your child will be recorded and when the dollar amount reaches $125, the child will receive a $20 gift card. Receive double dollar amounts towards your Toy Chest Registry account for purchases made during story time days!

For more information contact DorAnne's at 491-425-5510.

MAKE 2009 YOUR BREAKOUT YEAR WITH BRUCE BOGUSKI-APRIL 7
There are forces at work within our country and our economy that are diluting our personal power and stealing our dreams. In the face of the current crisis, many Americans have begun to doubt their abilities, to lose confidence and feel powerless against these forces. NOW IS THE TIME to stop the whining, TAKE ACTION and REGAIN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!

Because of the January snow storm and the many calls to repeat this program, here is your second chance. Bruce Boguski of The Winner's Edge will re-offer his special life changing seminar designed to make 2009 YOUR BREAKOUT YEAR. In order to accommodate all requests and to make sure that everyone can take advantage of this amazing opportunity, Bruce will be providing THREE identical seminars. They will be offered absolutely FREE-all you need is the will power to take charge of your destiny.

2009 Your Breakout Year Seminar will be held April 7, 2009 at Country Inn & Suites, 903 Interstate Dr., Findlay at the following times:

Morning: 6:45-7:45 a.m.
Afternoon: 12-1 p.m.
Evening: 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Attend this seminar and discover the power that is within you to overcome any obstacle and have the life you desire. The New Year is a time of hope and resolution. If you are tired of feeling helpless and overwhelmed, YOU MUST ATTEND this special seminar. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone to learn:

Practical techniques for building unshakable confidence.
Simple methods to construct a powerful self image.
How to design a satisfying and wealthy destiny.
Tools to help follow through on ideas and dreams.
How to control emotions and combat stress.
The secrets for developing tremendous energy and ever-flowing creativity.
AND MUCH MORE!!

Take the first step to living your dreams by calling The Winner's Edge at 419-424-3910 and reserving your spot today. The seminar is FREE but registration is required and open to the first 120 respondents!

FINDLAY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER HOSTS EASTER BUFFET-APRIL 12
The Findlay Inn & Conference Center will host an Easter Buffet, Sunday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grand Atrium located at 200 E. Main Cross St., Findlay. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes including herb roasted leg of lamb, brown sugar ham, citrus crusted chicken, shrimp, sirloin, assorted vegetables and desserts. For a complete menu, visit www.findlayinn.com. Cost is $18.95 for adults and $8.95 for children. Ages 3 and under eat free. Reservations are required to Kelsey or Tony at 419-422-5682. Credit card is required for all reservations. Cancellations must be made by April 9, 2009.

OPEN ARMS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES-APRIL 25
Open Arms is proud to announce our annual fundraiser for 2009: Walk A Mile In Her Shoes. The International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Dorney Plaza, Downtown Findlay.

This event is like no Walk-A-Thon you have seen before! The headliners of this event will be Hancock County men and boys, taking a stand against domestic violence, by walking one mile in women's high heel shoes! Men of this community are asked to participate in this walk, gather pledges, and take a stand. Ladies are also welcome to participate.

Prizes will be given to the walkers that raise the most pledges. For more information about Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, visit www.walkamileinhershoes.org. For more information or to register to be a walker, please contact Jodi DeVore, jdevore@openarmsfindlay.org or call 419-420-9261.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION APPROVES HALF MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees has approved 7 competitive grants totaling $220,234 and 38 designated grants totaling $285,355.

Competitive grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that seek to meet community needs and that match the goals, objectives and priorities of The Community Foundation. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for competitive grants comes from unrestricted and field of interest funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. Unrestricted funds allow the Foundation's Board of Trustees to direct the funds wherever they are most needed. Field of interest funds are granted in the donor's chosen area of interest, such as health, education, or the arts.

A complete listing of grant recipients can be found at www.community-foundation.com. For more information, call 419-425-1100.

HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-MARCH 2009
NAMI Walk Kickoff Luncheon-Wednesday, March 18, 12 p.m. in rm. 117 of The Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard St. Findlay). Come for a FREE LUNCH and find out what you can do to get involved in our FIRST FINDLAY Walk in Riverside Park. Call Gina at 419-429-1423 w/ questions.

Membership Meeting-Thursday, March 19, 1:30 - 2:30p.m. at Focus On Friends. All are welcome to attend. Call Jenny at 419-423-5071 with questions.

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

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

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, March 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.

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.