Stroll to The Tavern at the Inn to enjoy the music of the "Guitar Guy" Alan Seibert:

 

October 16 ,17 & 31,
November 12,14, 20 & 21, 
December 4 & 5, 18 & 19

HPD HOLDS EQUIPMENT AUCTION - SEPTEMBER 19
Need a used truck, lawn mower, cross country skis or a small boat? The Hancock Park District has some usable items for sale no longer needed for the parks. A public auction will be held Saturday, September 19 at 9 am at the HPD River Landings Maintenance Center, 700 Fox Street , Findlay . A list of auction items is available on request and can be downloaded at www.HancockParks.com.  Additional items may be added by the time of the auction.
 
The River Landings area will be open at 8:30 am for viewing equipment. An auctioneer will handle all transactions. All sales are final, for equipment "as is", with checks ONLY required for payment.  Items must be hauled away that day.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANT DEADLINES
FINDLAY, OH-The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced that letters of intent for the next competitive grant cycle are due Friday, October 2. All potential grant applicants are required to submit a letter of intent no less than sixty (60) days prior to the grant application deadline. The next competitive grant application deadline is Friday, December 4, 2009 for review at the February board of trustees meeting. Grant proposals are reviewed four times a year by the Community Foundation board of trustees. 
 
The letter of intent requirement is a recent change in the Community Foundation's grant process, allowing for earlier and more useful dialog between the foundation's program officers and grantseekers. Experience has shown that grantseekers who involve the Community Foundation's program officers early in the process are able to create more viable grant requests.  Additionally, understanding that agency resources are very valuable, this procedure helps ensure that potential grant ideas adhere to eligibility guidelines before a full proposal is written.
 
Once the letter of intent is received, the Community Foundation staff will review the proposed project to ensure that minimum benchmarks are met.
 
Please contact Julie Brown, Program Officer, at 419-425-1100 or visit www.community-foundation.com for more information.
 
HANDBAGS THAT HELP REQUESTS GRANT PROPOSALS 
FINDLAY, OH-The Handbags That Help (HTH) women's giving circle has announced this year's grant initiative to help improve the lives of individuals in Hancock County. Local nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $40,500 in grant funding for a project or program that focuses on "Building Strong Families" with an emphasis on meeting individual's needs.  Building Strong Families was chosen as this year's focus based on a survey of member interests.
 
The grant funds may be awarded as a single grant of $40,500 or as multiple grants totaling up to $40,500.  The group is looking to make a significant impact with their grant dollars and anticipates that the money will be awarded as one or two large grants. However, because the award is determined by a vote of the membership, the pooled funds could be split into multiple grants if they choose.
 
Grant application information is available online at www.community-foundation.com under the Handbags That Help section. Completed grant proposals are due to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation office by December 15, 2009.
 
Following the December 15 deadline, the HTH Grants Committee will review all submitted proposals. On December 16, 2009, applicants will be asked to present a 5 minute brief to the Grants Committee on their proposal.  Proposals will be evaluated and grant finalists will have the opportunity to make a presentation to the full membership at the March 2010 meeting. Members will vote to select their grant recipient(s) at that meeting. The official grant presentation will take place at the HTH meeting in April 2010.
 
About Handbags That Help
Handbags That Help (HTH) is a local women's giving circle formed by individuals committed to dramatically improving lives throughout the greater Hancock County community by collectively funding significant grants to charitable projects. This year's giving circle has 81 total memberships, comprised of 61 Individual Voting Members and 20 Joint Memberships, for a total of 128 local women involved in HTH.
 
The giving circle is open to all women in Hancock County. The only requirement for membership is a $500 annual contribution. That donation gives each member a single vote as to how the pooled funds will be awarded that year. Membership can be renewed annually. Handbags That Help voting members can serve on various committees such as Executive, Grants, Communication and Program Committees.
 
Each year, every dollar donated by HTH Giving Circle members is passed directly on to the community through grants voted on by the members. Administrative expenses are covered by interest earned on the collective fund, "Friends of" donations and corporate gifts.
 
The Handbags That Help women's giving circle is supported by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. For more information regarding the Handbags That Help Women's Giving Circle please contact The Community Foundation at 419-425-1100 or visit their website at www.community-foundation.com.
 
 
BLANCHARD VALLEY PORT AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
A Cooperative Agreement with Hancock County has been approved (Sept. 10, 2009) by the Board of Directors of the Blanchard Valley Port Authority, according to Robert Beach, chairman.
Under the agreement, the County will advise the Port Authority of businesses, non-profits including hospital agencies, or governments considering conduit revenue financings.  An identical Agreement with the City of Findlay was approved by the BVPA Board in June.
"The Port Authority was created in 2007 by the County and City to help promote economic development.  One way to do that is through the issuance of revenue bonds.   This will give the Port Authority access to more projects," Mr. Beach noted.

Neither the County nor the City has provided any funds to finance operations of the Port Authority.The BVPA Board has established fees for issuing revenue bonds.
"Future conduit bond issues may help provide operating revenues for the Port Authority as it works to provide job opportunities throughout the county," he explained.
The County signed the Cooperative Agreement on May 28.  
 
NINO'S CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT RED CROSS
(FINDLAY, OHIO, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009) Nino's Bar and Grill in Findlay will host the 3rd Annual Toss For The Cross Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, October 3rd beginning at 3:00pm. Rain date for the tournament is October 10.  The entry fee is $30 for a two person team which includes free food and goody bags for all players.  All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter.
 
"Toss For The Cross has always been a lot of fun and we're looking forward to a great day at Nino's" says Red Cross Executive Director Todd James.  "We really appreciate all the work Nino, Rob and the staff are putting in to make this a great event for the players and their friends."
 
The tournament will be round robin play with the best teams of each court advancing to the double elimination bracket. The winning team will receive the Toss For The Cross trophy and commemorative t-shirts. Entry forms are available at Nino's, 331 N. Main St. in Findlay and online at www.hancockredcross.org.  The number of teams will be limited and entries are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
 
CURVES OF FINDLAY CELEBRATES WOMEN'S HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY
Findlay, OH September 9, 2009 - More than half of adult U.S. women are overweight and more than one-third of adult U.S. Women are obese, according to the American Obesity Association. In fact, obesity plays a major role in the poor health of women. Such statistics can be alarming, and the increase in obesity is why places like the local Curves center have educational programs to address weight loss through focused curricula and classes.
 
In recognition of National Women's Health and Fitness Day on September 30th, the Curves location in Findlay is announcing its no-cost, 30-Day Diet Plan program for all Findlay-area women interested in weight-loss results and health improvement.
 
Classes are free and available without a Curves membership. They are administered through hands-on activities facilitated by weight management coaches from Curves of Findlay, and DVDs that provide lessons by Curve's registered dietitian Nadia Rodman. Participants are encouraged to make a weekly appointment to weight in with their weight management coaches, who provide ongoing support.
 
For more information, please contact Patricia Michalski at 419-422-1100 or 9ZMT2U9@curvesmail.com 

 

ASTRONOMY PROGRAM FEATURES "PLANETARY ORBITS"
Bring the whole family out to enjoy a public astronomy program hosted by the Millstream Astronomy Club and the Hancock Park District on Saturday, September 19 in Shelter #5 at Riverbend Recreation Area. The program is scheduled to begin at 8 pm.
Millstream Astronomy Club member, Mason Nims, will be discussing the inner planets of the solar system. He will explore the orbits of these planets and how they interact with each other. Weather permitting, stargazing held afterward.
 
Riverbend Recreation Area is located at 16618 TR 208, off SR 568 to TR 241 east of Findlay. Township Road 241 is currently closed due to bridge repairs. Please follow detour signs to Township Road 234 or Township Road 245 to access the park. Detour maps are available at the HPD office or online at www.HancockParks.com.
 
For more information about this program or 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".
 
WEE ONES IN THE PARKS: SEEDS
September's Wee Ones in the Parks program is all about seeds!  Join us on Monday, September 28 at 10am and 1pm to learn more about the different kinds of seeds.  For toddlers three and under with an adult companion.  Wee Ones take place at the Oakwoods Nature Preserve's Discovery Center.
 
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 PARK BEAUTIFICATION NEARS COMPLETION; FUNDED BY GARDEN CLUB
Waterfalls Pavilion Named for "Nature's Housekeepers"
 
New banners, landscaping and Pavilion improvements near the Riverside Dam are nearing completion, giving park visitors a new look to autumn activities along the river.  This was the last major project of flood damage recovery at Riverside to be undertaken by the Hancock Park District (HPD) since August 2007. Funding for this project was provided by the Nature's Housekeepers Branch of the Woman's National Farm & Garden Association who donated $6,000 to the Hancock Parks Foundation.
 
The shelter also has a new name, the "Nature's Housekeepers Pavilion at the Waterfalls" in honor of the garden club's many contributions to Riverside. Other improvements completed include a large outdoor charcoal grill, sign on the fireplace chimney, new picnic tables and painting of the Pavilion and re-built steps up to the to the popular river overlook deck. A recycling station by the parking lot has also been placed by the Hancock Friends of the Parks, Inc.
 
The Nature's Housekeepers will be recognized September 24 for their contributions to the community at an afternoon event in their landmark namesake. Over the years, the ladies have raised funds and helped landscape around the Bandshell, south entry plaza and flowering trees around the old reservoirs "Walk of the Seasons". The gift value and volunteerism by the Nature's Housekeepers and other garden clubs are priceless, a tremendous partnership for the parks to supplement public funds to keep the parks clean, safe and natural, according to Park District officials.
 
The Riverside Park Waterfront Area is managed by the HPD Board of Park Commissioners under a cooperative agreement with the City of Findlay. The Waterfront renovation, bikepaths, boat rental concession at Zonta Landing, floating fountain called "Dancing Waters" and Country Club Drive Overlook are some of the HPD projects also completed since the first Park District levy in 1976. While most shelters at Riverside are rented by the City, the Pavilion can be reserved for meetings and special events by contacting the Hancock Park District who maintains the waterfront.
 
COUNT YOUR COIN WEEK ENCOURAGES DEPOSITING COINS TO BOOST SAVINGS
 Hancock Saves, a program of the Hancock County Ohio State University Extension Office, will be hosting its annual Count Your Coin Week, October 19-24, 2009. Count Your Coin Week is a week dedicated to encouraging Hancock County area residents to gather up loose change and put it to work toward saving and debt reduction goals. It is estimated that over $10 billion dollars in loose change is lost in homes across the U.S. This amounts to about $99 in coins per household.
 
Events for the week will take place in eight participating financial institutions and will feature free coin counting and prize incentives for children and adults. Adults who deposit coins will be entered to win a $500 payment toward a bill of their choice. Children 18 and under will be entered to win $100 savings bond and other prizes.
 
Hancock Federal Credit Union, Home Savings & Loan, Commercial Savings Bank, Millstream Area Credit Union, Clyde-Findlay Area Credit Union and First Federal Banks will be accepting loose coins from Monday Oct. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 24.
 
For more information, visit www.hancocksaves.com or contact the Hancock County Extension Office at 419-422-3851.