Out with the Old, In with the New! Fresh Brewed Business April 7

Member Press Releases

BOOK DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR FAMILY CENTER
Donations of new or gently used children's books are needed at The Family Center, 1800 N. Blanchard St. These books will be distributed free-of-charge to children who visit the facility. Donations of children's books are accepted year-round, but the current supply of books is especially low right now, according to Building Manager, Kevin Richardson.

Books are currently needed for children and young readers. New or gently used books can be dropped off at The Family Center front desk, 1800 N. Blanchard St, or downtown at The Community Foundation office at 101 W. Sandusky St., Suite 207.

As part of The Community Foundation's literacy initiative, donations of children's books will also be accepted at the upcoming CommunityREAD feature event on Friday, April 17 at Central Auditorium. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and features John Grogan, best-selling author of "Marley & Me." For ticket information please call 419-425-1100 or visit www.community-foundation.com.

UNITED WAY GRANTS MORE THAN $1.8 MILLION TO LOCAL AGENCIES
The United Way of Hancock County board of trustees approved grants during the monthly board meeting in March. Grants were awarded to 33 programs offered by 15 partner agencies throughout the county. Thirty community leaders volunteered to serve on the three impact teams; education, income and health. Each impact team reviewed grant applications and recommended the distribution of United Way grant funds. The process includes an extensive review of program results, while also looking at the most pressing needs of the community.

American Red Cross-Hancock County Chapter; Boy Scouts of America, Black Swamp Council; Camp Fire USA of Northwest Ohio ; Cancer Patient; Children's Mentoring Connection; Family Resource Centers; Findlay Hope House for the Homeless; Girl Scouts of Western Ohio; Hancock County Voices for Children/CASA; HHWP Community Action Commission; Northwest Ohio Kidney Foundation; Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services; Salvation Army; West Ohio Food Bank ; and YMCA.

The amount granted to programs and services in the community totaled $1,749,855. An additional $121,602 was provided to agencies through funds that were designated through the "investor's choice" option. For more information about the work of United Way contact the office at 419-423-1432 or visit http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org.

UF'S CONCERT-CHORALE SPRING CONCERT-APRIL 5
The University of Findlay's Concert-Chorale will present "One World: the Choral Music of Mark Hayes" at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 5, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Tickets are free but required. Tickets are available in advance from the UF Box Office; call 419-434-5335. Tickets also will be available at the door.

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

PRESCHOOLERS CAN "HOP" ON INTO A RABBIT DISCOVERY STORY-APRIL 6
Hancock Park Districts' April Discovery Story will be held Monday, April 6, at the "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Discovery Stories are designed for preschoolers (3-6 years old) with an adult companion. Meet at the Discovery Center at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

This month's Discovery Story will explore the lives of rabbits and hares, taking a closer look at the popular Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Children will play games, enjoy hands-on activities, and make a craft to take home. A special furry friend will be there to visit with everyone.

For more information call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

SKYWARN TRAINING WORKSHOP OFFERED-APRIL 6
The Hancock County Emergency Management Agency and the Hancock Emergency Amateur Radio Service (HEARS) will offer a SkyWarn training workshop for Findlay and Hancock County residents at 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 6, at Whirlpool Corp. , 4901 N. Main St.

The volunteer program trains individuals to observe and provide accurate weather reports to the Cleveland office of the National Weather Service when severe weather occurs.Observers should attend refresher training sessions a minimum of every three years to maintain current observer certifications.

No reservations are required, and questions should be directed to the Hancock County EMA office at 419-424-7092.

VOICES FOR CHILDREN COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES TRAINING ORIENTATION
Voices for Children, also known as CASA/GAL of Hancock County, is accepting applicants for Court Appointed Special Advocate training for April. Anyone interested in applying should schedule to attend a training orientation on one of the following dates: April 7, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., April 15, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.; May 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; May 28 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are ordinary people doing extraordinary work for abused, neglected, and/or dependent children. Volunteers are accepted from all cultures, professions, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Volunteers research a child's circumstances by talking with people who know the child's history, reviews appropriate records, determines relevant facts in the case, and reports this information to the court to ensure the best interest of the child. Volunteers also monitor cases, making sure services are provided, court orders are carried out, and the court is informed of any new developments. Although the final decision on a case always rests with the judge or magistrate, volunteers make recommendations and serve as independent, objective "Voices for Children".

For more information or to schedule for orientation, please call (419) 424-3262.

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. 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. Visit www.findlayinn.com for more information. Cancellations must be made by April 9, 2009.

POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS LINE UP FOR BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE-APRIL 13
Firefighters and police officers witness daily the need for blood in emergency situations. On Monday, April 13, the first responders will join forces to help The American Red Cross meet that need. The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will be held 2-7 p.m. at the Findlay Donor Center located at 1100 Croy Drive, Suite D. Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman, Findlay Fire Chief Thomas Lonyo and Findlay Police Chief William Spraw will kick off the event with their donations at 2 p.m. followed by Mayor Pete Sehnert at 2:15.

The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is open to the community and donors will designate if they want their donation to be made in honor of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, the Findlay City Fire Department or the Findlay City Police Department. The department that donates the most blood per capita will receive a special Battle of the Badges trophy.

During the campaign, anyone who presents to donate blood will receive a special commemora�tive t-shirt while supplies last, along with a free smoke detector.

Anyone 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in good health may be eligible to donate blood. The Red Cross recommends making an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, visit www.hancockredcross.org or call 800-GIVE LIFE.

UNIVERSITY TO HOST CEO ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION-APRIL 15
The University of Findlay will host a CEO roundtable discussion from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, in Ritz Theater, located in Old Main.

The roundtable is part of the Dana Scholars program, and is organized by Ann Buis, UF's 08-09 Dana Chair and former president of Blanchard Valley Health Foundation. Community members are welcome to attend.

Panelists include John Devine, chairman and CEO of Dana Corp., who also will serve as moderator; C. Richard Beckett, D.V.M., Animal Care Center Properties; Dennis Bishop, Bishop-Kandel Rentals; Lynn Child, CentraComm Communications and Aardvark Media; Frank Guglielmi, ACAP Limited; and Karen Trautman Hayslip, Trautman Interiors.

An audience question-and-answer session will follow the panel discussion. A reception with light refreshments will be held at 8:30 p.m.

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

2009 HANCOCK COUNTY HEART WALK & WINE TASTING FUNDRAISER
The Hancock County Heart Walk will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Koehler Center on the campus of The University of Findlay. Registration begins at 8 a.m. check-in and walk begins at 9 a.m.

The money raised is given back to the community in the form of education, as well as valuable research that saves lives. How can you help? Form a team. Be a sponsor. Volunteer.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community is also invited to attend a wine tasting
with light hors d'oeuvres, Thursday, April 16 at Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at Main Street News, The Wine Merchant, and Coffee Amici.

Sponsors for the event include: The Wine Merchant; Heidelberg Distributing Company; Bistro; Cheddars; Great Scot Community Markets; Outback; Red Pig Inn; Coffee Amici; Flag City Water Systems; City Uniforms and Linen; and Findlay Publishing Company.

For more information, visit www.heartwalk.kintera.org/hancockcountyoh.

FINDLAY INN CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY-APRIL 17
April marks the 20th anniversary for the Findlay Inn & Conference Center, which opened April 17, 1989. The public is invited to stop into the Findlay Inn's Tavern at the Inn restaurant and lounge during the anniversary week of April 13-18, 2009, to enjoy lunch and dinner specials directly from our "opening week in 1989" menu and receive a complimentary piece of cake. A display of hotel memorabilia will be available for viewing.

The Inn would like to recognize with pride and great appreciation for their service, two employees who have been with the Findlay Inn since the start of business 20 years ago:   Marilyn Staley and Kim Williams; and also our dear friend, Marilyn Crislip, recently deceased, who worked here for 18 years.

The Findlay Inn & Conference Center would also like to express a sincere thank you to all loyal friends, neighbors, visitors, suppliers, customers and corporate clients for their patronage and support over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing our long standing relationships and will continue to strive to provide the dedicated, friendly service you have come to expect.

For more information, visit www.findlayinn.com or call (419) 422-5682.

UNIVERSITY SINGERS TO PRESENT FAMILY CONCERT-APRIL 18
The University of Findlay's University Singers will present their annual Family Concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

Tickets are free but required. Tickets are available in advance from the UF Box Office; call 419-434-5335. Tickets also will be available at the door.

The 12-voice group, which is accompanied by a pianist, bass player and drummer, is under the direction of Micheal F. Anders, Ph.D., professor of music. Brenda Hoyt-Brackman is choreographer.

The concert will feature popular songs and medleys, including favorites such as "Hooray for Hollywood!" "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Me and My Shadow." The University Singers also will perform medleys of songs by the Beatles and The Association.

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

HANCOCK COUNTY RED CROSS MOTHERS DAY FLOWER SALE-APRIL 22
In honor of Mothers Day, the Hancock County Red Cross is selling begonias and impatient in hanging baskets and petunias in 6-pack flats for $10. Orders must be placed by Friday, April 22. Pickup is Friday, May 8 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Red Cross Office, 125 Fair St., Findlay.

Order by calling 419-422-9322 or visit www.hancockredcross.org. All proceeds benefit Red Cross services in Hancock County, including disaster relief, service to the armed forces, blood services and health and safety services.

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES SECOR SCHOLARSHIP AT ANNUAL MEETING-APRIL 23
United Way of Hancock County's Secor Scholarship Committee has announced the selection of Spencer M. Bruce, a senior at Findlay High School, as this year's United Way Foundation Secor Scholar. The $2,000 renewable Secor Scholarship was established as a memorial to the Steven and Doris Secor bequest. It is awarded to a high school senior or high school graduate living in Findlay or Hancock County who plans to attend an accredited institution of higher learning to pursue any undergraduate field of study, full time in the subsequent academic year. The candidate must exhibit a strong commitment to academic studies as well as volunteer and extracurricular involvement.

Bruce, the son of Donald & Christine Bruce, was selected because of his volunteer experience and leadership. Bruce will be honored at the United Way annual meeting, on Thurs. Apr. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Findlay Country Club. The annual meeting is open to the public and the cost to attend is $30 or $250 for a table of eight. To attend the annual meeting, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432.

LUPUS FOUNDATION EDUCATION UNIT AND MINORITY HEALTH FAIR-APRIL
Wednesday, April 22, The Lupus Foundation is offering a Continuing Education Unit
Dr. Lindamood will present a program about lupus at Tiffin Mercy Hospital at 6:30p.m. This is FREE and open to the Public and Professionals. For CEU credits Contact Lecia Wadsworth 419-455-7741

Wednesday, April 29, The Lupus Foundation is having a Minority Health Fair at the Family Center 1800 N. Blanchard Street. This is FREE and open to the public from 10:00-2:00p.m. in conference rooms 117-118-119. A variety of agencies will have Information tables along with Health screenings and Food Demonstrations.

Call our office 419-423-9313 or visit our website www.lupusnwoh.org for further details.

BLANCHARD VALLEY HOSPITAL WOUND CARE SOLUTIONS OPEN HOUSE-APRIL 23
Wound Care Solutions, Blanchard Valley Hospital's wound care center, will host an open house on Thursday, April 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. The center is located at 100 W. Pearl St. in Findlay, across Pearl Street from Blanchard Valley Hospital.

Tours of the facility will be offered, as well as the opportunity to talk to staff members and Dr. Michael Manuel, Wound Care Solutions' medical director.

Light refreshments will be served.The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 419.423.5551.

Wound Care Solutions offers a full range of comprehensive care for non-healing wounds caused by a variety of conditions, including: diabetes, vascular disease, surgery, radiation injury, burns, pressure ulcers, soft tissue infections, bone infections, gangrene, and skin tears or lacerations.

2009 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER-APRIL 25
The 2009 Murder Mystery Dinner will be held 6-9 p.m., April 25, 2009 at the Findlay Country Club. Cost is $35.00 per person. All funds will go to benefit the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.

The interactive evening will be filled with dinner, drinks, and interviews of suspects as you help solve the "who done it" based upon evidence and motive.

Suspects include Scott Stevens (Gene Stevens Honda); Jim May (Jim May Auto Group); Char Johannigman (Executive Director, Findlay Arts Partnership); Lynn Child (Chair/CEO, Aardvark Media and Chair, CentraComm Communications); and Ray DeWinkle (President/CEO, Greater Findlay Inc.).

For more information or to rsvp, contact Sallie Hosack, at 419-306-1287(cell) or 419-581-2007(home).

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.

PARK DISTRICT SEARCHING FOR GARDENING VOLUNTEERS
Hancock Park District is looking for a few good men and women who enjoy the out of doors and gardening. Volunteer gardeners are needed to help with the maintenance, planting, watering, weeding, and up keep of the heritage garden. The garden, which was established in 1998, is located at the 1847 McKinnis House in Litzenberg Memorial Woods. This historic garden focuses on plant varieties that were only available before 1847.

Persons or groups interested in working on the garden should contact the Hancock Park District office at 425-7275. The first gardening date will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 9 a.m. at Litzenberg Memorial woods.

Litzenberg Memorial Woods located at 6100 US 224, 6 miles west of Findlay. The site is handicap accessible with restrooms available inside the Activity Barn. For more information about other upcoming programs, call the HPD office at 419-425-Park and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

2009 HPD FACILITY RESERVATIONS BEING TAKEN
Reservations for up to one year in advance continue to be taken on a first come, first serve basis when payment is received through the HPD office located at 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay. Payment must be received in cash, check or money order made payable to the Hancock Park District. Business hours are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. The current fee schedule has been in effect since April 1, 2006 with no increases for facility or activity fees. Fees continue to be based on costs for preparation and handling of reservations, use of electricity and clean up.

Reservations for all facilities require fees ranging from $35 to $450. The parks system has a variety of ten (10) outdoor shelters and three enclosed facilities. Tent campers continue to be welcome at the primitive campground and other outdoor activities provided by HPD including boat rentals at Riverside for canoes, kayaks and pedal boats will begin May 21 at Riverside Landing. Rentals.

Details are available by calling the HPD office at 419-425-7275 or at www.HancockParks.com.

HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT / ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-APRIL 2009
Monday, April 6, 6-8:30 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church (7839 CR 236, Findlay): Family To Family class begins; a FREE 12-week course taught for and by family members of those living with a mental illness. Please contact Gina Lewis w/ questions at 419-429-1423 or glnami@yahoo.com.

Monday, April 6, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Fifth Third Hub, Birchaven Retirement Village, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH: - Circle of Hope, 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).

Every Monday, - 2:30 p.m. at Century Health Annex (1908 N. Main St.) - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of 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.

Tuesday, April 7 & Tuesday, April 21, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St., rm. 209) - National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) of Hancock County Support Group. 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.

Thursday, April 2 from 7-8:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St) - Eating Disorder Support Group. Call or email Joy Anderson, LSW with any questions or concerns(419-425-8709) or findlayanad@yahoo.com. (Affil. w/ ANAD - www.anad.org)

Every Monday from 3-4 p.m. at The Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard Street), ROOM 111- Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA); 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.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 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(419-423-5071) w/ questions. / to sign up.

2nd and 4th Weds from 7-9 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church; Benton Ridge: - Celebrate Recovery worship & open share; 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.

Every Friday, 7 - 9p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church (8630 CR 140): - Reformers Unanimous; a faith-based addictions program for people living with any addiction / habit. Open to the public. Call Mike Kissell (419-427-1400) w/ questions.

Tuesday, April 14, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, ROOM 209: - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Educational Presentation. Hear Wanda Baughman speak about her journey through depression, shock treatment, Vegas Nerve Stimulator implant, and where she is today. 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.

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.