GreaterFindlayInc. E-News May 13, 2009

Member Press Releases

FLAG CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Billy Ray Cyrus, John Michael Montgomery and many more to perform in Findlay Ohio
Tickets are on Sale now!

Fatbottom Productions is thrilled to announce that tickets for the First Annual Flag City Music Festival are on sale now at www.fatbottomproductions.com. Order yours today as they are selling fast!

Scheduled to appear are John Michael Montgomery, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Parks, The Heartbeat Boys, Chris Burke and many more national and regional recording artists. For more information, a complete list of artists and ticket sales visit www.fatbottomproductions.com or www.myspace.com/fatbottomproductions.

BALL METAL RECEIVES SUPPLIER EXCELLENCE AWARD
The local Ball Corporation plant located on County Road 99 will be recognized by Abbott on June 1 with their Supplier Excellence Award. Abbott, a global, broad-based health care company, recognizes only 37 companies out of more than 15,000 suppliers for this prestigious award. The award is for those suppliers providing outstanding performance and continuous improvement in supplying materials, equipment, and services to Abbott. This is the fourth consecutive year that Ball Corporation has earned the recognition. Ball supplies steel cans to the nutritional drink giant for products such as Similac and Ensure.

For more information, contact Connie Walls at 419-423-3071 or cwalls@ball.com.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Below are several dates to mark your calendar where help/support is needed of Habitat for Humanity.

Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cube - Rotary is having a fundraiser for Habitat on Friday night, and needs help with clean up on Saturday. Come on Saturday to show your appreciation to Rotary for their fundraising efforts.

Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m. - Raise the Wall Ceremony at the Build Site on Payne Avenue. Please plan on attending this special moment for the two Habitat families, and to help gather a crowd for this special occasion. No rsvp necessary.

Tuesday June 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -Both houses are in need of roofers this day. At least 30 people are needed for the whole day to roof. Volunteers can fill out the registration form at www.habitatfindlay.org.

For more information, contact Wendy McCormick at 419-429-1400.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL BICYCLE MONTH-MAY
Hancock Handlebars Bicycle Club and Hancock Park District reminds area residents that May is "National Bicycle Month" and May 11 - 15 is "Bike to Work Week".

As part of the national observance, members of the local HHBC will be participating in a "Pedal in the Window" campaign to raise funds for the MS Bike to the Bay Team during the week of May 18-22. Donations will be collected from local spectators between the hours of 11am-1pm.

Fitness Rides take place each Thursday evening, in Riverbend located off Township Road 208, at 6:30pm. These fast paced rides cover a variety of distances, 18-30 miles, each Thursday evening. There are 5 marked routes that depart this lot and anyone can ride them at their leisure. Additional information regarding the HHBC can be obtained by contacting Mick Gould at ggould@woh.rr.com or Don Frommer at 419-423-3302 or their website at www.HancockHandlebars.org.

A Bicycling Guide can be obtained at any area bicycle shop or the outside HPD Visitor Center located at 1424 East Main Cross, Findlay 24/7. Any additional information can be obtained by contacting the HPD office at 419-425-7275. "Discover Your Hancock Parks" at www.HancockParks.com.

WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS-MAY 16
Women Mean Business will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at First Presbyterian Church, 2330 S. Main St.

The event will include a morning full of women business networking, food catered by Three Sisters, over 30 raffle items, 50/50, silent auction and over 30 women owned businesses on display!

Presentations will be given by: Kelly Rader - Dance Fit Fusion; Andrea Adams-Miller - Self-esteem at home and the workplace; Deb Harvitt - Time management; Dr. William Piasecki, Chiropractor - Total body health.

Admission is free. For more information, contact Lisa Smith at lsmith8708@aol.com.

RIVERSIDE LANDING BOAT RENTALS OPEN FOR THE 2009 SEASON-MAY 17
Hancock Park District's Riverside Landing Boat Rental Concession will open for the 2008 season on Sunday, May 17. The Park District makes watercraft rentals available to area residents and visitors including canoes, pedal boats and kayaks, and two new single seat kayaks.

Boat livery operations are open weekends and holidays, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day, September 7. Rentals for all watercrafts are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Rental rates for all types of watercrafts, with a complete outfitting of life jackets and paddles, are set at $5 per half hour rental period during regular open hours. Other rates and details for special features include all day canoe float trips, company picnics/family reunions, and group rentals after hours can be obtained and arranged by contacting the HPD office. A $1.00 discount coupon can be downloaded on-line at www.HancockParks.com under the Recreation section and can be redeemed at the boat livery concession during regular open hours.

For additional information regarding boat rentals, facilities or activities of the Hancock Park District contact the HPD office at 419-423-1902.

U.S. AIR FORCE BAND OF FLIGHT WOODWIND QUINTET-MAY 17
The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight proudly presents the Huffman Prairie Winds Woodwind Quintet on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Arts Partnership at 419-422-4624.

HPD PRESENTS BIG TREES OF OHIO PROGRAM-MAY 17
Brian Riley, Service and Watershed Forester of the Ohio Division of Forestry, will be presenting a program on the Big Trees of Ohio. This program will be held on Sunday, May 17 at 2pm at the Oakwoods' Discovery Center. Learn how to identify these big trees and see if which one is in our own backyard!

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".

RIVERSIDE'S "ZONTA LANDING" DEDICATION-MAY 19
Riverside Park's historic waterfront has a new look at the overlook! "Zonta Landing" will be dedicated in ceremonies Tuesday, May 19 at 11:45 am near the Boat House. Mayor Pete Sehnert will address guests along with representatives from the Hancock Park District and Parks Foundation with opening ribbon cutting by the Greater Findlay Inc. Ambassadors. The project is one of several renovations planned to revitalize Riverside after the August 2007 flood which damaged much of the waterfront. The public is welcome to the ceremonies.

HANCOCK LEADERSHIP FUNDRAISER DINNER THEATRE-MAY 22 & 23
Come with us and step back into the Old West! Gunfight at Gopher Gulch a rollicking good time with Gunfighters, Saloon Girls, Murder, Mayhem and Good Grub!! Join us to raise money for the Agency on Aging. Shows are Friday and Saturday May 22 and 23, 2009 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 if purchase before May 7th and $40.00 following. Tickets are available at Millstream Area Credit Union or by contacting any Hancock Leadership Member.

LEARN HOW TO CANOE WITH THE HANCOCK PARK DISTRICT-MAY 23
Do you want to learn how to canoe? Join American Canoe Association certified instructor, Stacie Roby, as she guides you through the basics of canoeing on Saturday, May 23, from 2-5 pm. The workshop will begin at the Waterfalls Pavilion in Riverside Park where you will learn boating safety and familiarize yourself with paddling equipment. Practice time will be given to learn basic paddling strokes that will allow you to turn and maneuver your boat.

No experience is necessary. Recommended age to participate is 16 years and older. Youth, 12 -15 years old, may register with a participating adult. Register by Friday, May 15, with a $10 payment per person. Please register at the HPD office with check or exact change. Space is limited. Participants are asked to bring sunscreen, water shoes, a change of clothes, and a towel.

Riverside Park is located in Findlay at 231 McManness Avenue. To learn more about the American Canoe Association, visit www.americancanoe.org. 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 and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVES IN HANCOCK COUNTY-MAY
Below are the community blood drives scheduled for the month of May as well as the health and safety classes.

Wednesday, May 13, 6 AM-6 PM at the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center
Thursday, May 21, 1-6 at Van Buren Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, May 26, 9-2 at Hancock Red Cross Chapter
Wednesday, May 27, 11-5 at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Wednesday, May 27, 12-6 at Parkview Church
Saturday, May 30, 8-1 at Mt. Cory Masonic

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.

VOLUNTEER FOR BOOGIE ON MAIN STREET-JUNE 5
It is that time of year again and The Arts Partnership is gearing up for the summer events. Boogie on Main Street is going to be on Friday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to midnight. This is a fund raising event for The Arts Partnership and the proceeds will benefit the youtheatre programs.

Volunteers for the event are needed. To sign up, please send the following information to event@artspartnership.com.

1. Name
2. Shift choices:
Admission: 5:45-8 pm or 7:45-11 pm
Token Sales: 5:45-8:15pm or 8-11:45pm,
Alcohol Servers: 8:15-11:45pm
Money Runners: 5:45-8:15pm or 8-11:30pm
Event Security: 5:45-8:15pm or 8-11:45pm
3. Phone number

All volunteers will receive a free shirt and admission to the festival before or after your shift. Please call 419-422-3412 x.27 for more information.

FLAG CITY MULTISPORT CELEBRATION-JUNE 13
Come celebrate Flag Day in Flag City USA on June 13, 2009 at the 6th Anniversary of the Flag City Multisport Event at Riverbend Recreation Area east of Findlay. Athletes from around the country and the world are expected to join local athletes for races ranging from a triathlon to adult and kids' fun runs/walks.

Registration is on-line at www.hfpracing.com. Over 100 volunteers will be needed to help at the event. Any interested persons can contact Volunteer Coordinator Jane Robertson at jrobertson@icppharm.com.

MEET THE NEW BGSU FOOTBALL COACH-JUNE 17
On Wednesday, Falcon Sport Properties invites you to meet the new Head Football Coach of the BGSU Falcons, Dave Clawson on June 17. Calwson will be speaking at the Findlay Rotary held at 7:30 a.m. at the Findlay Country Club. If you're a football fan, don't miss the opportunity to meet the new Coach! Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the 2009 season; the Falcons have 6 home games this Fall and we want to see you at The Doyt! Contact Cheryl Henke at cherylh@bgsu.edu or 419-372-4349.

ARTS PARTNERSHIP YOUTHEATRE PERFORMANCE-JULY 13-17
Work with professionals from Missoula Children's Theatre and star in the musical The Little Mermaid! The Arts Partnership's Youtheatre will be held July 13-17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Findlay.

The camp is open to the first 64 students based on grade and role availability. All students will audition and be cast in the musical, The Little Mermaid . Sixty students will receive on-stage roles and four students will serve as assistant directors. Auditions will be held on Monday and rehearsals will take place throughout the week. When students are not rehearsing, they will participate in age-appropriate performing arts workshops such as readers' theatre, technical theatre, make-up, movement, improvisation, and theatre games led by local teaching artists.

Public performances of Youtheatre's The Little Mermaid will be held on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight proudly presents the Huffman Prairie Winds Woodwind Quintet on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Arts Partnership at 419-422-4624.

HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-MAY 2009
May 19, 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.

May 26, 7 - 8:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, rm. 209: DBSA support group. FREE and 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 at 419-422-9381 with questions.

1st Tuesday of Every Month, 6:30-8 p.m. at Findlay / Hancock Public Library: Postpartum Depression Support Group. Call 419-423-5528 w/ questions or if child care is needed (1 wk. adv. Notice)

2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 1-2p.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 7-9p.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.

Thursdays, 6 - 7p.m. at Lutheran Social Services (799 South Main Street in Lima): "Talk It Out": Support group for persons living with HIV / AIDS. Call Robin Miller at 419-229-2222 with questions.

Thursday, May 14, 7 - 9p.m. at Coffee Amici: Live Music - share coffee, tunes, and company for good mental health. Visit www.coffeeamici.com for more info.

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.

Friday, May15, 7- 9:30 p.m. at Focus On Friends: Annual Spring Fling Dance with The Reunion Band - FREE and open to the public. Call 419-423-5071 w/ questions.

May 16 at Riverside Park!! - First Annual NAMI Walk in Findlay - Call Gina Lewis at 419-429-1423 for more information or go to www.nami.org and click on the "NAMIWalks" icon to find the Findlay Walk site.

Monday, May 18, 7-8:30p.m. at Hancock Co. Historical Museum (422 W. Sandusky St.): "Getting Your Affairs in Order" presented by Kenneth L. Lather, Attorney at Law, The Lather Law Office. 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.

Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-8 p.m. at Blanchard Valley School - Autism Support Group; for children with Autism and their parents / guardians / family. Contact Dodi Newcomer at bnewcomer@thewavz.com w/ questions.

Thursday, May 21, 1:30-2:30p.m. at Focus On Friends - Membership Meeting.
All are welcome to attend. Call Jenny at 419-423-5071 with questions.

Thursday, May 21, 3 - 4p.m. at Focus On Friends: - Support for L.I.F.E. (Love. Inspiration. Friendship. Encouragement). Call Pastor Jim Williams w/ questions at 419-694-4435

Thursday, May 28, 7p.m. at Blanchard Valley Hospital - 2nd floor Ruse Bldg. - above the emergency room. Persons Affected by a Loved one's Suicide (PALS) support group. 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.

Thursday, May 28, 6-8p.m. at The Lighthouse: FREE Middle School Dance for all Findlay City / Hancock County middle schoolers. Call 419-424-1985 w/ questions or visit www.paragonapproved.org

Friday, May 29, 11a.m. at Birchaven Retirement Village (Wenner Conference Room), Findlay: - Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Group. 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.

Friday, May 29, 9a.m.-3:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church: "Suicide Awareness" Presentation: Learn What you need to know to help a friend, neighbor, or loved one at risk of suicide and how to get them help. $10 for the day; $5 for lunch. Registration required at 419-424-1985 or www.paragonapproved.org.

*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.

- 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.