The 2010 Halloween Parade presented by Hancock Leadership Alumni Association will take place in downtown Findlay on Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m.  Any group, organization, or business interested in participating can register or get more information on-line at www.hancockleadershipalumni.com , pick up a registration packet at the Chamber of Commerce or request a packet by e-mailing your name and address to parade@hancockleasdershipalumni.com.

LOCAL RED CROSS VOLUNTEER APPOINTED TO STATE POSTION

Darlene Baney, a volunteer with the American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter, has been named the statewide Red Cross Disaster Health Services Advisor in Ohio.  Baney retired from a nursing career several years ago and has been an active member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team in Hancock County. She serves as volunteer chair of the Chapter's Disaster Services leadership team.  Baney is also a Reservist for the National American Red Cross, responding to large-scale disasters nationwide. 

Baney's appointment to the newly created position was made by American Red Cross National Headquarters, with the support of the Hancock County Chapter, State Disaster Officer and State Disaster Consortium Chair. 

Bridges Out of Poverty is being held at The Family Center

Bridges Out of Poverty is being held at The Family Center September 23, 2010 9:00a.m. To 3p.m.  This will review Poverty: Cause, Effect & Impact.  Everyone is welcome to attend; we would like to encourage members of the following to attend: education, behavioral health, faith based, community members, youth advisors, healthcare, government, business and community agencies.  There is a registration Fee of $20.00 includes lunch and workbook.  Questions or to register call Hope House 419-427-2848 

Fall Disc Golf Tournament at Riverbend Recreation Area Slated for Saturday

Saturday, September 18 the Findlay Area Disc Golf Community Association will be sponsoring a Fall Disc Golf Tournament at Riverbend Recreation Area beginning at 4pm from Shelter 3, in the Big Oaks Area.    

Test your competitive disc golf skills by the light of the moon at this day / night tournament presented. Prizes will be awarded to half the field in each division. Two singles rounds of disc golf will be played. Round 2 will be played after dark with glow sticks lighting baskets and discs.  Prizes awarded for longest putt and closest to the pin. The entry fee is $20. Onsite registration begins at 2:30pm.  To pre-register, contact Dennis Hills at dhills@wcoil.com or phone 419-523-5423.

This event is provided in cooperation with the Hancock Park District. For upcoming park district programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

Animals of the Forest Floor

Ever wonder who's living on the ground under all those leaves?  Find out on Sunday, September 26 at 2pm as Program Naturalist, Michelle Rumschlag, presents a program on Animals of the Forest Floor. As the leaves turn and fall to the ground, the activity on the forest floor increases.  See what critters are hiding in the litter and see who's trying to eat who.  A hike will follow program to search for the animals. Meet at the Activity Barn at Litzenberg Memorial Woods.

The Activity Barn is located at Litzenberg Memorial Woods at 6100 U.S. Route 224, 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".

Wee Ones: Fall

Learn more about what nature is doing get ready for autumn in Wee Ones in the Parks: Fall.  It will be held on Monday, September 27 at 10am and 1pm.  For toddlers three and under with an adult companion.  This program is held at the Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve.  The program will include a story and activities all about fall.  The craft we will make is a leaf sun catcher made with melted crayons.

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".

Owens Delivers Backpacks and Supplies To Findlay's Northview Primary School

Owens Community College's Alumni Association in collaboration with Books-A-Million, two Walt Churchill's Market locations, three Great Lakes Credit Union branches and five Genoa Bank branches recently brightened many children's lives through a unique community service endeavor titled "Backpack to the Future". Over 410 backpacks and more than 8,700 school supply items collected throughout the summer months were donated to 22 area elementary schools during the month of September, including Northview Primary School in Findlay.

Over the past three months, "Backpack to the Future" accepted gently-used or new backpacks and new school supplies from area residents to assist disadvantaged school children throughout Northwest Ohio. In addition to backpacks, individuals donated crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues.

In addition to the donated supplies, the program collected over $1,130 from community members. The charitable donations go toward the purchase of even more school supplies.

The Owens Alumni Association established "Backpack to the Future" supply drive in 2004 as a way to provide educational outreach to the surrounding communities. To date, the program has given over 1,930 backpacks and more than 34,410 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

CentraComm Named to Inc. 5000 for Fourth Consecutive Year Network security company recognized for continuing growth

CentraComm, a leading IT managed security and networking services company, was recently ranked 2,355 by Inc. magazine on its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. CentraComm also earned Inc. 5000 recognition in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The Ohio-based company operates throughout the Great Lakes with staff based in Findlay, Toledo, Sandusky, Cleveland, Columbus and Grand Rapids, Michigan.  In addition to multiple years on the Inc. 5000 list, last year the company was one of only two Ohio companies named to the CRN Fast Growth 100, a national ranking of the fastest growing IT solution providers.

CentraComm is an industry-leading managed service provider originally formed in 2001 as an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The company is growing despite the current challenging economy by serving organizations of all sizes around the globe in a wide variety of industries. CentraComm offers routing-switching-security expertise with seasoned, certified engineers, a strong focus on customer service and best-of-breed products and partnerships.

About CentraComm:

CentraComm secures, manages and hosts high-performance IT networks for Fortune 50 to mid-market businesses throughout North America while monitoring networks across the globe.  CentraComm's network and security solutions are built on our Elite partnership with Juniper Networks and a select offering of best-of-breed products from other manufacturers. CentraComm's security offerings are enhanced by the ability to leverage its data centers including a carrier-class, nuclear hardened, former defense department facility. The company has a strong presence in healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing, legal and service providers.

United Way Wellness Day to be Held

United Way Wellness Day will be held on Thurs., Sept. 23 in cooperation with Mid Ohio Chiropractic, Angel Hands Massage Therapy, The Gym by Jamie and HERS Health and Fitness. All proceeds from the day will go to United Way of Hancock County. Each location will have special pricing and raffles. LIVE UNITED t-shirts available for purchase at $5 each in some locations.

Mid Ohio Chiropractic, 239 S. Main St., will offer new patient exams (x-rays not included) for $30, adjustments for existing patients for $20 and nutritional evaluations for $15. Due to the fact that all proceeds from the day go to United Way, no insurance claims will be filed for this day only. To make an appointment for this event, call 419-429-1111

Angel Hands Massage Therapy, 110 S. Main St., will offer 30 minute massages for $25. Appointments are encouraged by calling 419-425-8558.

The Gym by Jamie, 2745 N. Main St. and HERS Health and Fitness, 1745 Tiffin Ave., will be open to all, with donations encouraged. The Gym by Jamie is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. and HERS Health and Fitness is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The purpose of United Way Wellness Day is to raise funds for United Way of Hancock County while promoting wellness in the community. Numerous raffle items are available including three 30 minute personal training sessions, two 1-month free gym memberships and more.

For more information, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or visit LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org. 

Findlay Treasure Hunt

Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 10 am to 7pm at Findlay Downtown

Participating Businesses Offer Contests, Gifts, Refreshment, Drinks, etc.

10am               Pumpkin Crafting Contest Katie's Kids Café

11am               Pumpkin Pie Contest Coffee Amici

2pm                 Decorate Cookies Contest Bakers Delight

noon                Throwing Hotdog Game Jim's Hot Dogs

10am - 4pm     Wheel of Fortune Huntington Bank

3pm - 6pm      Corn Hole Contest House of Awards & Shoes

5pm                 Free Piñata Batting Laureano's Diner

10pm - 7pm    Wheel of Cash Mid Ohio Chiropractic

Over 40 businesses donated prizes for the drawing. Each prize is over $40 in value. Public are welcomed to the drawing after their Treasure Maps get stamped from the businesses. The Map can be picked up and returned for the drawing at Mid Ohio Chiropractic & Acupuncture (239 South Main St.) during the event. Free parking is provided by Findlay Inn.  Courtesy Shuttles are provided by LaRiche Chevrolet-Cadillac along the map route.

Putting Together a Leaf Collection Hike

Need to put together a leaf collection and don't know where to begin?  This program is designed for students, scouts, and others who have to do a leaf collection.  Join us on Tuesday, September 28 from 4:30-6pm at Riverbend Recreation Area at Shelter 3.  Participants will be collecting and identifying leaves common to Hancock County, as well as learning about pressing and preserving leaf collections. 

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the program.  Participants are asked to bring items: 1 - 1 gallon zip lock bag, 1 - roll masking tape, 1 - ball point pen, 1 - small notebook.  Optional items: hand lens and tree I.D. book.  No cost, but register by Monday, September 27 by calling the Park District office at 419-425-PARK.

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

NEW BICYCING GUIDE FOR FINDLAY & HANCOCK COUNTY

A new Bicycling Guide for Findlay and Hancock County is now available to cycling enthusiasts.  The new Guide includes a variety of safe riding tips, safety and bicycling services information, and a list of 42 point of interest located along the bike routes.

Bike routes included on the publication include county and short village routes, Riverside-Riverbend Bike Route, and proposed future routes through the city of Findlay.    All bicycling routes are on well-paved, and mostly flat, city, county and township roads located throughout Hancock County and the city of Findlay.  

 The Guide was sponsored by the Hancock Handlebars Bicycle Club, Marathon Oil Company, Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hancock Park District. For a copy of the new Guide, please contact the HPD office or pick up a copy at Greater Findlay, Inc., The Cube or Findlay-Hancock County Library Book Cellar.  

For further information contact HPD Headquarters located at 1424 East Main Cross St., Findlay or call 419-425-PARK/7275.

ALLEN FILM & VIDEO helps your company LIVE UNITED

For the month of October, Allen Film & Video will donate $50 for each premium 30-second TV commercial they produce to the United Way of Hancock County.  Commercials can be used for broadcast TV, cable TV or Internet.  Not valid with any other offers or discounts.  These will be top-quality, professional productions at competitive prices, just as you have come to expect from Allen Film & Video.  For more information, view their portfolio at www.allenfilmandvideo.com/portfolio, or email info@allenfilm.com.

Blanchard Valley Center Partners with Lowe's and National Organization on Disability as Lead Local Employment Agency for Individuals with Disabilities

Blanchard Valley announced a partnership today with Lowe's and the National Organization on Disability (NOD) to assist those with disabilities within Hancock County, OH to obtain employment at Lowe's Distribution Center in Findlay.  This partnership allows Blanchard Valley Center to act as the lead contact for all local service providers who assist individuals with disabilities.

Blanchard Valley provides personal job coaching with permanent follow-up, job support and temporary employment services to ensure individuals are successful employees at companies such as Lowe's.  For more information, visit www.nod.org

Goodwill Industries Hot News Flash!!

Fall is in the air and we have the clothing to match the weather! Come to any of our Northwest Ohio locations and find awesome deals on top quality sweaters, winter coats, hats, and scarves, just to name a few!  Halloween is just around the corner and we have your costume! Be creative, unique and have a one-of-a-kind getup this year! Stop by any of our locations and we will help you find something that will make you howl with delight! You can create fabulous costumes for less than $10 or purchase full costumes. You're only limited by your imagination.

Donations...

 Goodwill and Elder-Beerman are teaming up again! The semi-annual Goodwill Sale will take place from September 15-29 at Northwest Ohio Elder-Beerman stores. Now is the best time to update your wardrobe for the new season. Customers who make Goodwill donations of clean, gently-used clothing and home textiles at Elder-Beerman stores will receive discount coupons toward the purchase of new merchandise. Please visit our website at www.goodwillnwohio.com for additional details of this partnership!

 Please make Goodwill your Charity of Choice when donating your much-needed material. We have locations throughout Northwest Ohio to make your giving quick, easy and convenient! Visit www.goodwillnwohio.com for locations. Thank you!

Special Events...

-On October 1, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio kicks-off the fifth annual Bat Bucks campaign and this year KeyBank will once again be joining Goodwill in the program. In past years, shoppers and donors in Goodwill's eleven stores have been asked by store personnel if they would like to buy a cart bat on which to write their name for $1.00. The bats are then displayed in the stores to show the shopper's support of Goodwill's programs. You will also be able to purchase bats at all KeyBank locations in Northwest Ohio. 

-One of KeyBank's mission priorities is to help increase economic self-sufficiency through programs that provide training and placement for people. Bat Bucks helps put this into action through Goodwill's mission of providing vocational training and placement for individuals with barriers to employment.
-Bat Bucks runs from October 1 - October 31.

-Mark your calendars for the next auto auction! The date is November 6th. We will have a super line-up with a variety of vehicles to chose from. Hope to see you there.

Save money. Cut energy costs, while major rebates are still available offered by Columbia Gas of Ohio.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is providing the following information to make consumers aware of a program that is offered by Columbia Gas of Ohio.

Columbia Gas of Ohio continues to offer a low-cost home energy audit for its natural gas customers.  The comprehensive audit will include a visit from a home energy auditor who will analyze your home to identify ways you can improve your home's energy efficiency. The cost of the audit is $50.00 ($20 for income-eligible customers) and is reimbursed when you make any qualified energy efficiency improvements.

 Energy efficiency improvements may include:

 -Attic and wall insulation upgrades

 -Sealing cracks, gaps and holes

 -High-efficiency gas furnace or boiler

 -Programmable thermostat

 -High-performance, energy-efficient showerhead

The more qualified energy efficiency improvements you make, the more you save. Schedule your audit during the month of September and complete the work within 30 days and you can receive an additional $250 bonus . Visit the Columbia website at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com/HPS or call 1-877-644-6674 to schedule an audit.

Open Arms Annual Meeting featuring Keynote Speakers State Representative Edna Brown and Survivor & Advocate Johanna Orozco

Tuesday October 5, 2010 at 7:00pm 

First Presbyterian Church Banquet Room, 2330 S, Main Street Findlay

Join us as we hear the heroic journey of Johanna, a young woman whose life was forever changed during a brutal attack.  Johanna recently shared her story on Oprah.

Learn more from State Representative Edna Brown, who was instrumental in lobbying for the newly passed Teen Dating Violence Law.

Please RSVP by Friday, Oct. 1 to Open Arms at 419-420-9261 or openarmsfindlay@yahoo.com. Free and Open To the Public.

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW PERFORMED OCTOBER 2

Join the Hancock Parks for an evening of storytelling Saturday, October 2 at Litzenberg Memorial Woods for a presentation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  The performance will take place inside the Activity Barn beginning at 7pm.

Professional actor Brent Allan Burington, from Columbus, presents this timeless, bewitching and haunting tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman as a one man act.  The presentation is appropriate for anyone over the age of seven who enjoys a good story.  The evening will include popcorn and cider. 

Advance registration is necessary to attend by contacting HPD Headquarter by Friday, October 1 with a $3 fee, per person, located at 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay.   Further information is available at www.HancockParks.com or by calling 419-425-PARK/7275.  Space is limited for this unique performance.  

Litzenberg Memorial Woods is 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, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at the HPD website. "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

Six Disciplines Has a New Website

Visit Six Disciplines' new website www.sixdnwo.com to find some important information to help you and your business become more successful. 

HTH Requests Grant Proposals Focused on Drug Abuse Prevention and Intervention

Handbags That Help (HTH), a local women's giving circle, has announced this year's grant initiative for a project or program that will help improve the lives of individuals living in Hancock County. Proposals are being requested from local nonprofit organizations for programs that are focused on the prevention, intervention, education and treatment of drug use and abuse. Drugs can be defined as over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. Programs considered for funding may include, but are not limited to, the areas of parenting skills, prenatal care, prenatal to adult education/care, crisis intervention/counseling, medicine education, medicine management and prescription drug control. This year's grant focus was chosen based on a survey of member interests.

Local nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $43,214 in grant funding. Funds may be awarded as a single grant or as multiple grants totaling up to $43,214. 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 in the Handbags That Help section. Completed grant proposals are due to the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation office by December 15, 2010.

Following the December 15 deadline, the HTH Grants Committee will review all submitted proposals. On December 16, 2010, all applicants will be asked to present a five-minute summary of their proposal to the Grants Committee. Proposals will be evaluated and grant finalists will have the opportunity to make a presentation to the full membership at the March 2011 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 2011.

About Handbags That Help

HTH is supported by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. For more information regarding HTH please contact the Community Foundation at 419-425-1100 or visit their website at www.community-foundation.com.