GreaterFindlayInc. E-News Sept. 2, 2009

Member Press Releases

KALEIDOSCOPE FARMS RECEIVES PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Kaleidoscope Farms in Hancock County was the People's Choice Winner in the 2009 Ohio Christmas Tree Association's state contest that took place at the Ohio State Fair. This year the top vote getter from fairgoers was a Blue Spruce entered by Dave Reese, owner of Kaleidoscope Farms.

"That blue spruce always caught my eye on the farm and I guess it got a lot of attention at the fair as well," said Reese, who also serves as the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) president.

Visitors to the Ohio State Fair display in the Ohio Farm Bureau and Nationwide Land and Living Exhibit could vote on their favorite Christmas tree entry to register for a chance to win a free Christmas tree in a drawing. The trees were on display at the Ohio Christmas Tree Association booth for the duration of the Ohio State Fair and the votes were counted following the event.

For more information on the OCTA or their activities, please contact the OCTA Office at 740-828-3331 or visit ohiochristmastree.com.

INSPIRING IMAGES OFFERS MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT
Member-to-Member Discount Special Offering: Inspiring Images would like to help you polish your business image. Through the end of October 2009, Inspiring Images is offering GreaterFindlayInc. members complimentary sessions and a $25.00 discount on each image of your choice. Call Susan today at 423-2468 or visit inspiringimages@woh.rr.com for more information and to reserve your session.

FIRST-EVEN TRAINCO, INC. AND OWENS TRUCK DRIVING CLASSES BEING AT OWENS-FINDLAY CAMPUS
Five area residents will begin their educational journey toward new employment opportunities as Owens Community College's Workforce and Community Services and TRAINCO, Inc. in Perrysburg offer their initial truck driving classes in Findlay as part of a new educational partnership on Monday, Aug. 31.

TRAINCO Truck Driving Schools first-ever truck driving class in the Findlay area is taking place Mondays-Thursdays, Aug. 31 - Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Individuals interested in pursuing a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a future career in the truck driving industry are encouraged to register for the second academic class offering, which will take place Mondays-Thursdays, Sept. 28 - Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Classroom instruction will occur at the College's Community Education and Wellness Center on the Findlay-area Campus in Findlay, while the hands-on training will take place on various roads and highways throughout the region.

As a result of the partnership, students pursuing their CDL through TRAINCO, Inc. will also be able to apply the educational training and experience achieved toward an associate's degree in technical studies or a related field at Owens. Each student will receive five college credit hours from Owens upon completion of their CDL training at TRAINCO. TRAINCO 's Professional Truck Driving Schools also offers a variety of class schedules.

For more information, contact the College's Workforce and Community Services at (567) 429-3155 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3155, or TRAINCO at (419) 837-5730 or (877) 553-7483. Interested individuals can also access http://www.owensworks.com/ websites for additional details.

BOAT RENTAL CLOSES LABOR DAY WEEKEND WITH SPECIAL HOLIDAY RATE
Fall Color Float Trips Available Through October

Riverside Landing Boat Rental, located on the waterfront in Riverside Park, will close for the 2009 boating season on Labor Day, September 7. In celebration of the Labor Day holiday, the Hancock Park District will be offering a special discounted rate of $1.00, per ½ hour rental for all types of watercrafts. Rentals of canoes, paddle boats, and kayaks will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Interested renters can enjoy the holiday special the entire weekend Saturday through Monday, September 5 - 7 from 1 - 7 pm.   Rental fee include life jackets, which must be worn, and paddles for canoes or kayaks. Discount coupons can not be used during this special holiday rate.

Fall color float trips will still be available through the end of October. Groups using 6 - 8 canoes or individuals can make reservations for all day float trips with reservations scheduled in advance through the end of October with good water levels. Rates for groups are set at $20 per canoe or individual rentals at $25.

Call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK/7275 for advance reservations and further information. The Riverside Boathouse phone is 419-423-1902 to check watercraft availability and river conditions, during seasonal weekend hours.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES AND CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER
The American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter released its schedule of community blood drives and health and safety classes for September.

The community blood drive schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, September 1, 11 AM-5 PM, Cooper Tire Union Hall
Saturday, September 5, 11 AM-4 PM, Hancock County Fair
Tuesday, September 10, 12-5 PM, Owens Community College
Wednesday, September 23, 12-6 PM, Parkview Christian Church
Wednesday, September 23, 2-7 PM, McComb American Legion
Saturday, September 26, 9 AM-2 PM, St Paul's Church
Monday, September 28, 1-6 PM, Gospel Fellowship Church in Rawson
Monday, September 28, 9 AM-2 PM, Hancock Red Cross

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.

The community Health and Safety class schedule is as follows:

Thursday, September 3, 6-9 PM, CPR/AED-Adult
Saturday, September 12, 9 AM-3 PM, Advanced Babysitter Training
Thursday, September 17, 6-10 PM, CPR-Child and Infant
Saturday, September 26, 9 AM-4 PM, Standard First Aid/CPR-Adult, Child and Infant

All classes are at the Hancock Red Cross office at 125 Fair Street unless otherwise announced. To register for classes visit www.hancockredcross.org or call Sandy Yuenger at 419-422-9322 ext. 225.

JULIANNE HOUGH ADDED TO FLAG CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL-SEPT. 4
Fatbottom Productions is excited to announce that Julianne Hough has been added to the star line up at the Flag City Music Festival to benefit Special Kids Therapy. In addition to Julianne, appearing at the September 4 show will be Billy Ray Cyrus, John Michael Montgomery along with The Parks, Rick Pollard and BoomTowne, Chris Burke from ABC's hit series Life Goes On, Fred Shafer, Gene Bowshier and The Heartbeat Boys.

Special Kids Therapy, Inc. (SKT) serves special health needs children and their families with financial assistance for those therapies and/or activities not covered by public or private insurance. SKT is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization based in Findlay, Ohio reaching out to children throughout Ohio.

Tickets are currently available for the Flag City Music Festival and can be purchased by visiting www.fatbottomproductions.com or locally at both locations of Millstream Area Credit Union, Coffee Amici, Interim Health, Cartridge World, Morey's, The Wellness Center, Bellacinno's Pizza, Siferd Plumbing, Blanchard Valley Center, Special Kids Therapy, Main Street Deli and Primrose Retirement Communities in Findlay, Johnson's Hunting and Fishing in McCutchenville or Pisanello's Pizza in McComb.

For more information, please call 419-672-8536 or www.fatbottomproductions.com.

BLUFFTON CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS PRESENTS BUSINESS TUNE-UP SEMINAR SERIES
The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs presents, Business Tune-Up Seminar Series. All seminars are designed to provide helpful information to entrepreneurs who have an Existing business or those just starting a business. Seminars are open to the public - reservations are recommended 419-358-6400 or john.bauer@blufftonentrepreneurs.com

The seminars will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bluffton University, Centennial Hall. Cost for BCE clients is 1 seminar/month is free, additional seminars $25, BCE members - $25, general public - $35. The following topics will be discussed:

September 10 New Financing Options from the Stimulus Package
(Economic Development Agencies, SBA, and bankers)
September 24 Benefits Options for Small Businesses
(Norm Craig, Western & Southern Life)
October 8 Marketing Basics
(John Bauer, Exec. Dir. - BCE)
October 22 Crafting Effective Marketing Communications
(John Bauer, Exec. Dir. - BCE)
November 5 Intellectual Property: Protecting Your Ideas and Inventions
(TBD)
November 19 Year End Tax Planning/Record Keeping
(David Steiner, CPA)

For more information, contact the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs at 419-358-6400.

RED CROSS LAUNCHES ADVANCED BABYSITTING CLASS-SEPT. 12
The American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter is offering a new Advanced Babysitting Training class on Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The class will be held at the Chapter office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay. Participants in the class must have first received Red Cross Babysitter Certification before being eligible for the Advanced Babysitting class.

Students who pass the Advanced Babysitter training will receive Red Cross certification in First Aid and Infant and Child CPR and will be able to:
care for injuries to muscles, bones and joints
give CPR to a child or infant,
recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies
give care to a choking child or infant.

Cost for the class is $30 and preregistration is required. For registration and information, go to www.hancockredcross.org or call (419) 422-9322.

FIRST FEDERAL BANK BBQ CHICKEN DINNER-SEPT. 18
First Federal Bank will hold its 5th Annual BBQ Chicken Dinner on Friday, September 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The BBQ will feature Dale's Texas BBQ Chicken Dinners. Cost is $8.00. Pre-sale and walk-up orders are available. Each dinner will have 1/2 BBQ chicken and 2 sides. For presale tickets please call 419-424-1616.

CHARLES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES HOLDS GOLF OUTING-SEPT. 18
Charles Construction Services, Inc. will hold its annual golf event fundraiser on Fri., Sept. 18 at Red Hawk Run Golf Club. This year's proceeds will benefit United Way of Hancock County and Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Services. The event is a four person scramble and space is limited to the first 32 teams. Team entry is $350 or $95 for single players. Various sponsorships are also available. Registration and breakfast begin at 8 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Lunch and awards will be at 2 p.m. For more information contact Leslie Gazarek at 419-423-5090, ext 110.

BLACK HERITAGE LIBRARY PRESENTS FLAG CITY FIESTA 2009-SEPT. 19
The Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center will host Flag City Fiesta 2009 on Saturday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at their facility located at 817 Harmon Street, Findlay. The event will feature delicious authentic food, special exhibits, vendors, cultural crafts, storytelling piñatas, music and more! A donation of $5 is recommended. For more information, call the BHLMC at (419) 423-4954.

DOW CHEMICAL CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY-SEPT. 19
The Findlay, Ohio site of The Dow Chemical Company is celebrating 50 years of operation with an Open House on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The Findlay facility manufactures and ships specialty plastic films around the world. These innovative materials are used in construction, automotive, packaging and medical applications.

The Open House, which is open to the community, will be held in the Findlay Administration Building located at 3441 N. Main Street. Refreshments and walking tours of the manufacturing facility will be available. For more information, contact Dow Chemical at (419) 423-6511.

The Findlay facility is one of 150 Dow Chemical manufacturing sites located in 35 countries across the globe.  The science and technology-based company produced approximately 3,300 products for customers in 160 different countries. Dow had annual sales of $57.5 billion in 2008 and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide.

COME TO DOWNTOWN FINDLAY FOR THE NATIONAL DACHSHUND RACES-SEPT. 26 & 27
The National Dachshund Races will be held on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2009 at LaRiche Chevrolet-Cadillac, 334 E. Main Cross St., Findlay.

Kicking off for this year is a downtown sidewalk parade starting at 10 a.m. The handlers along with their Dachshund(s) will be picked up at Race Headquarters by J&J Limo where they will be taken to the start of the parade. How is that for riding in style? Long Limos for our Long Companions!

Beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, race day will be held feature puppy races, race for a cure, race for cuddles and more.

Cuddles Race is a NEW Charity that we have begun in honor of the companion and Service Dog "Cuddles". Our Cuddles was an Alert Service Dog. This fund is set up so that people who are in need of an alert service Dachshund, we may be able to help those that qualify for our assistance.

Beginning 1 p.m., 16 races will be held. Sunday will feature the costume, coat and color contests including the mayors cup award and the champion of champion races.
Admission is $2 for adults. Children 10 and under are free. For more information, visit www.weinerrace.com.

BLANCHARD VALLEY INDUSTRIES OFFERS PLANTER GIFT BASKET
Blanchard Valley Industries is putting together a gift basket and gift planter of local products. Businesses working with BVI are Garden Aire "Hanging Planter", Dietsch Brothers "Chocolate Covered Pretzels", Wolf's "Premium Roasted Nuts", Stadium Salsa and Chips, Four Season's "BVI Blend" Premium Coffee, Maag Food "Meat and Bean Dip", and Kan Du Studio "Flower Magnet".

We would like people to put an order in by Oct. 31 and have them pick them by December. However, orders may be made any time through Dec. 15. Business placing an order of 20 or more can put something small about them in all the planters free of charge. Any questions call Brad Smith 419-422-6386 ext. 1330 or email bsmith@blanchardvalley.org.

GROUP RESERVATIONS BEING TAKEN FOR RIVERBEND TRACTOR DRAWN HAYRIDES BY PARK DISTRICT-SEPT. 19 - NOV. 1
Group reservations for antique tractor drawn hayrides at Riverbend Recreation Area are now being taken on a first come, first served basis at the Hancock Park District office. Hour-long rides will be conducted September 19 through November 1. A Hancock Park District Wagon Master will conduct all hayrides through the natural areas of Riverbend located off State Route 568, east of Findlay. Hayrides can be topped off with a campfire to enjoy refreshments in the primitive campground area of the park or reservations for outdoor shelters can also be made at the

Rides for groups of approximately 25 people will be given by advance reservation only. All reservations are confirmed with a fee of $60, payable at the time the reservation is taken at the Hancock Park District office located at 1424 East Main Cross, Findlay. Interested persons may call the HPD office during open hours Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, to check availability of times and dates.

A complete listing of hayride rules and information are available upon request at the Park District office or can be downloaded at www.HancockParks.com.

ALL RED CROSS BLOOD DONORS ENTERED TO WIN A HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Come to give blood at a participating Red Cross blood drive between July 1 - September 26, 2009, and enter into a sweepstakes drawing for a Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883, donated by Napoleon Harley-Davidson Sales & Service.

At the conclusion of the campaign, 100 finalists will be randomly selected and invited to Napoleon Harley-Davidson on October 3, 2009 for the sweepstakes' drawing. One of these 100 finalists will win the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883! Finalists will be notified in advance of the drawing and must be present at Napoleon Harley-Davidson to win!

This special campaign is open to anyone who is at least 18 years of age and comes to donate blood or platelets in Hancock County and the Western Lake Erie Region.

For a schedule of upcoming blood drives and complete rules for the sweepstakes, visit hancockredcross.org or call (419) 422-9322 ext. 226.

MAYOR'S TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
Applications are currently being accepted from students in grades 9-12 who live in the city of Findlay and are interested in participating on the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council (TAC). TAC, now entering its sixth full year of operation, serves to help the mayor and other city officials understand what is important to the young people in the community.

Teens interested in applying for TAC can pick up an application at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation office, 101 W. Sandusky Street, Suite 207. An application can be emailed to you by contacting Kimberly Bash at kbash@community-foundation.com or (419) 425-1100. Completed applications are due to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation office by September 28, 2009 by 4:00 p.m.

1ST ANNUAL HUMANE SOCIETY DOG WALK-OCT. 3
The 1st Annual Humane Society Dog Walk will be held on October 3 at Riverbend Park. A fun-filled event for both the furry & non-furry members of the family!
This 2 mile walk benefits the Humane Society Shelter Animals. Ask your friends to sponsor your walk and expand your contribution to help the animals. Goodies for pets & people, prizes too!

Walk Day Registration starts at 8 a.m. and must be completed by 8:45 a.m. Entry fee
is $20 per person, and $15 for early registration. Additional dogs are $5 each.

For more information, contact the Hancock Humane Society at 419-423-4664 or visit www.hancockhumanesociety.com.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OFFERS WORKSHOPS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL NONPROFIT AGENCIES-OCT & NOV
As part of its strategic initiative to strengthen local nonprofit agencies, The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is offering "Standards for Excellence," a series of workshops in cooperation with the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

Participation in "Standards for Excellence" will be limited to ten agencies that currently have 501(c)(3) status or have applied for 501(c)(3) status and provide services in Hancock County. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The "Standards for Excellence" workshops will cover eight areas of nonprofit operations: Mission and Program, Governing Board, Conflict of Interest, Human Resources, Financial and Legal Accountability, Public Accountability, Fundraising, and Public Policy and Public Affairs. Standards cover a broad range of best practices under each of these operational areas, such as how often an organization's board of directors should meet, what subjects should be covered in personnel policies, how often financial statements should be prepared, etc.

The four workshops will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on September 23, October 7, October 21 and November 4. Executive directors of participating agencies will be required to attend all four workshops. Two additional people, one of which must be a board member, must also attend each workshop, for a total of three participants per enrolled agency.

Applications are available at www.community-foundation.com. Applications should be mailed or delivered to The Community Foundation office at 101 W. Sandusky St., Findlay OH 45840. A $100 fee, which covers lunches for all four workshops, must be included with the application.

Agencies that successfully complete the "Standards of Excellence" series will be eligible to apply for a $2,500 Capacity Building Grant from The Community Foundation to help implement what they learned in the workshops.

Additionally, these agencies will have the first opportunity to enroll in a two-day fundraising seminar hosted by The Community Foundation next spring. The seminar, titled "Fundraising for Nonprofits" and presented by The Fund Raising School from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, will be held at The Family Center on June 2-3, 2010. Cost to attend the fundraising seminar is $100 and space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information about the "Standards of Excellence" series for local nonprofit agencies please contact Julie Brown at 419-425-1100.

VENTURE TECH OFFERS EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Act now! The VentureTech team is offering an Early Bird special. Register before Friday, September 18 and save $45 off the price of admission to the Venture Fair, by entering the discount code earlytech during registration.

VentureTech is three days of networking and learning on November 11-13 at the Hilton Garden Inn located at Levis Commons, Perrysburg, where attendees will explore technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization and wealth creation. Part of the three-day VentureTech, the Venture Fair (November 12, 2009) will include live investment pitches, extensive networking opportunities, and panels with venture capitalists and successful entrepreneurs from some of the nation's leading solar, IT, and life science companies.

Learn more about the Venture Fair and the other events held during the VentureTech by visiting http://rocketventures.org/events/venturetech/. Don't forget to enter the discount code earlytech!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKING PARTNER FAMILIES FOR FUTURE HOME BUILDS IN FINDLAY
Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County builds homes in partnership with low-income, Hancock County residents. Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County will be accepting applications for those interested in its homeownership program from September 1, 2009 to October 15, 2009 at 4 p.m. Applicants will be selected based upon meeting the three following criteria:
1) Their need for adequate housing: current housing is run down, poorly maintained or        overcrowded.

2) Ability to pay for the house: Habitat does not give away free homes! The family selected must have the ability to pay a 20-year, zero-interest mortgage with a family/household income between $19,000 and $38,000 annually ($1584/month - $3167/month);

3) Willingness to partner with Habitat: Future homeowners must pay a $500 down payment and put in at least 400 hours of "sweat equity" labor working on their house and other Habitat events and activities.

If you are living in substandard or over crowded housing conditions or are paying more for housing than you can afford, your family is encouraged to complete an application. Sixteen partner families are now occupying their own homes in Hancock County, and all originally selected partner families are still occupying their own home.

Families interested in applying can pick up applications at the Family Center, 1800 N. Blanchard Street or contact the Findlay/Hancock County Habitat for Humanity affiliate at 419-429-1400 or email at info@habitatfindlay.org to gain additional information and complete an application.

Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together with resources and people in need to build simple, decent, affordable housing. The Findlay/Hancock County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity built its first home in Findlay in 2000 and will be celebrating 10 Years of Building in 2010.

For more information concerning Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatfindlay.org or contact Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County at (419) 429-1400.

MATH CAN BE REWARDING: SYLVAN'S FORWARD TO SCHOOL ALGEBRA CHALLENGE
Sylvan is making math rewarding for teens and parents! Teens: Challenge your algebra skills by answering one algebra question a day! Correct answers earn you extra chance for the grand prize. Forward to friends for even more entries into the grand prize drawing.

Parents: Revive some long-lost math skills by taking the Forgotten Math for Parents Quiz! You can become a better resource for your children during homework time in the new school year and have a chance to win great prizes! More entries for telling your friends, too.

Grand prize is10,000.00 scholarship and a year long subscription to SylvanMapPrep.com. First prize is a $5,000.00 scholarship, and an Apple - MacBook with 13.3" display, Ti-83 Graphing Calculator, and a 6 month subscription to SylvanMathPrep.com.

Check out www.sylvanchallenge.com and you can text SYLVAN to 47201 for additional chances to win! Contest runs from August 17 to September 30.

Enter every day for more chances to win great prizes! There are instant win prizes like an Apple® - MacBook®, gift cards to Amazon.com, Target, Starbucks and more. For more information, visit www.Sylvan Learning.com or call 1-800-EDUCATE.