Nationally Acclaimed Artist Arturo Rodriguez Showcases Artwork at Owens Findlay-area Campus, Oct. 27 - Nov. 19

Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus invites area residents to visit the brilliantly artistic world of nationally acclaimed artist Arturo Rodriguez through his emotionally vivid paintings, prints and mixed media works as the Library Gallery presents a new exhibit titled "Marielito", Oct. 27 - Nov. 19.

Admission to the Findlay-area Campus Library Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information, contact the Library at (567) 429-3088 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3088.

New Ratings of American Hospitals Released with Quality Study by HealthGrades

HealthGrades' Study of Patient Outcomes Finds Drop in Mortality Rates, but Wide Gap Between Best and Worst Hospitals -

 National and State-Level Findings in Study; Hospital Ratings on www.healthgrades.com - 

GOLDEN, Colo. (October 20, 2010) - A new independent study by HealthGrades of patient outcomes at America's hospitals found that patients at 5-star rated hospitals had a 72% lower risk of dying when compared with patients at 1-star-rated hospitals -- an enormous gap that has held steady over the past years even as overall mortality rates have improved. According to the study, if all hospitals performed at the level of 5-star rated hospitals over the three years studied, 232,422 Medicare lives could potentially have been saved. 

Released today, the Thirteenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study analyzed objective mortality and complication rates at all of the nation's 5,000 nonfederal hospitals using 40 million hospitalization records obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The study, the largest of its kind, identified national and state-level trends in hospital care quality and established quality ratings for each hospital, across 26 different procedures and diagnoses, which are now available at www.healthgrades.com.

To learn more visit this website www.healthgrades.com.

Blanchard Valley Hospital Named Top 5 % in Nation for Orthopedic Care

Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH) has been named one of the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation for orthopedic care by independent national ratings agency HealthGrades. HealthGrades also named BVH as the recipient of the 2011 Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™.

In addition, Blanchard Valley Hospital's orthopedic program received the highest five-star ratings from HealthGrades for joint replacement, total knee replacement, spine surgery, hip fracture repair, spinal fusion and overall orthopedic services.

The HealthGrades study, the largest annual report of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes in nearly 40 million Medicare hospitalization records from 5,000 hospitals over the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Among the findings related to in-hospital complications in this year's study are:

At five-star hospitals like BVH, there was an 80 percent lower chance of experiencing one or more complications compared to one-star rated hospitals. 

At five-star hospitals like BVH, there was a 63 percent lower chance of experiencing one or more in-hospital complications across all procedures studied compared to the U.S. hospital average.

If all hospitals performed at the level of a five-star rated hospital like BVH, more than 185,000 orthopedic in-hospital complications may have been avoided among Medicare patients over the three years studied.

The 2011 HealthGrades hospital ratings were posted today at www.healthgrades.com, HealthGrades' public Web site.

More information on today's HealthGrades study, including the complete methodology, visit www.healthgrades.com.

Community Foundation Investment Briefing November 3

The Board of Trustees of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation

and its Finance & Investment Committee will hold the 2010 Investment Briefing on Wednesday, November 3, at the Family Center, 1800 N. Blanchard St., Findlay, Ohio. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. RSVP by October 27 to 419-425-1100 or info@community-foundation.com.

The meeting is open to the public. Professional advisors, fund establishers, donors, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in learning more about how the funds at the Community Foundation are invested are encouraged to attend.

Attendees will learn about the Community Foundation's investment strategy, meet the committee who guides investment decisions, meet the foundation's investment consultant, and learn how we select our investment managers. Contact the Community Foundation at 419-425-1100 for more information.

2011 CVB Grant Applications Now Available Online

Tourism Development and Co-Op Advertising Grant applications are now available on the Hancock Country Convention & Visitors Bureau website, www.visitfindlay.com.  Qualified events, festivals, sport tournaments, meets and attractions are eligible for up to $10,000 in CVB funding.

The Tourism Development Program, designed for first and second year events that have potential to generate overnight hotel stays, provides matching funds up to $8,000 for expenses related to start-up and sustainability of the new event. There are two deadlines for Tourism Development applications: November 19, 2010 for events taking place Jan. 1-April 30, 2011, and February 11, 2011 for events talking place May 1-Dec. 31, 2011.
The Co-Op Advertising Program provides event organizers with up to $2,000 in matching funds for advertising and promotions. The deadline for applications for Co-Op Advertising is 60 days before the event.
Tourism Development and Co-Op funds may be combined. Each approved event must have the ability to enhance the goals of the Hancock Country Convention & Visitors Bureau, including driving overnight stays, the creation of a "Signature Event" that could become synonymous with the Findlay-Hancock County area, projecting a positive image of Findlay and Hancock County and increase partnerships with local eateries, shops, parks, etc. within the community.
Contact Angela Crist, Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, at 419-422-3315, e-mail acrist@greaterfindlayinc.com or log on to www.visitfindlay.com for more information.

Fire Prevention T-shirts on Sale

Three local businesses are selling "Fire Prevention"  t-shirts designed by 3rd grader Cole Sprague. The shirts are $10. A design contest was held for K-3 and Sprague's design was selected as the winner. The project is being coordinated by the Findlay Fire Department and United Way of Hancock County. All shirt proceeds will go toward the purchase of carbon monoxide detectors for low income families.

The locations are: Main Street News (new location) 520 S. Main St., Coffee Amici, 328 S. Main St., and DorAnne's Gifts & Gourmet, 327 S. Main St.

Corporate sponsors of the project included: The Courier, Jim's Trophies, Creative Hair Design, Kohl's, Wal Mart Store #3840, Buffalo Wild Wings, Hanco EMS, Stumps Fire Protection & Safety Equipment, Northwest Ohio Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Huffman Construction, and Hackenberg Beutler Rasmussen & Geigher, LLC.

For more information, contact Tamera Rooney, United Way of Hancock County communications director, at 419-423-1432.

17th Annual Victorian Christmas Dinner Sponsored by The Hancock Historical Museum                                             

"St. Nicholas" is this year's theme for The Hancock Historical Museum's ever-so-popular 2010 Victorian Christmas Dinner.  John and Druanne Bauer have graciously invited  the community to their 1886 Queen Anne home at 844 South Main Street Friday evening, December 10 or  Saturday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Upon your arrival at 6:30 p.m., wassail and appetizers will be served while touring the home followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.  This year guests will enjoy an entrée of Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin with all the trimmings! Those attending will be greeted at the door by a butler, pampered all evening by authentically dressed coachmen, a housekeeper and upstairs and downstairs maids, not to mention your personal maid    who will serve you your dinner. Guests will be entertained throughout the evening. It is rumored that a visitor dressed authentically from the North will add to the ambiance and excitement of the evening.

The reason for having this annual Victorian Dinner is threefold:  to raise money for the museum, to increase volunteerism in the community, and to stimulate historical awareness. Proceeds from this Dinner benefit the Hancock Historical Museum with their programs and renovations.

The cost of the Victorian Christmas Dinner is $75 for members or $90 for non-members who make reservations before Nov. 5.  The cost will be $85 for members and $100 for non-members after November 5.  This ever-so-popular annual event is already filling up fast, so don't delay!  For more information, or to make a reservation, call the museum at 419-423-4433. A portion of the cost will be tax deductible.

White-tailed Deer

Come learn more about one of Ohio's largest mammals at the White-tailed Deer program on Sunday, November 7 at 2pm. The program will be taking place at the Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area.  Scott Butterworth, Wildlife Management Supervisor of the Division of Wildlife, will be presenting the program.  It will cover the natural history of the deer, their history in Ohio and how they are doing today.   The Hancock County chapter of White-tails Unlimited will also be on hand to provide information about their club and the white-tail deer.

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".

MCKINNIS HOUSE TO HOST HISTORICAL COFFEE AND TEA PROGRAM  

The Hancock Park District is offering the program "Coffee and Tea" on Sunday, November 7th at the McKinnis House which is located at Litzenberg Memorial Woods. This program, featuring coffee as the 19th century beverage of choice, starts at 1:30pm and lasts until 4:30pm.

Today, it is relatively fast and easy to brew a cup of coffee. 163 years ago that was not the case! Stop by the McKinnis house and discover just how coffee was made. You might be surprised at how long it took to make a good cup of joe.

Guests will be invited inside the historic 1847 homestead to warm themselves by the fire and visit with the McKinnis family. In the kitchen, the ladies will be busy at work grinding coffee beans and cooking pork and beans on the wood burning stove. You might even be asked to lend a hand and grind some coffee beans!

A few neighbors from the settlement have gathered in the parlor and are exchanging news and gossip. Feel free to take a seat and lend an ear. In the bedchamber, several ladies from the community will be working on a quilt for the rope bed. Be sure to ask them about the different types of material that are being used in the quilt. 

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, 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".

"WINTER CONSTELLATIONS"

Join Neil Stewart, of the Millstream Astronomy Club, for a program on the winter constellations on Saturday, November 13.  Bring the whole family to Shelter #5 at Riverbend Recreation Area at 6pm.  Public viewing after the program as long as conditions are favorable.

Riverbend Recreation Area is located off SR 568, east of Findlay at 16618 TR 208, Findlay, OH  45840. 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".

MEET ME AT THE PARK SERIES CONTINUES - NOVEMBER 18

The Alzheimer Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter and Hancock Park District will be co-sponsoring another program as part of the new Meet Me at the Park series.  Meet Me at the Park: Birds of the Feeders will take place Thursday, November 18 at 11 am inside the Discovery Center in Oakwoods Nature Preserve.

Learn more about what birds visit feeders in the wintertime.  A PowerPoint program will show the over 40 birds you might find in your backyard.  Find out tips on setting up your own feeding station.  After the program, stay and watch the birds at the feeders at the Discovery Center. This program is designed for people who have mild memory loss and a caregiver. Space is limited. Advance registration is required by calling the HPD office by Tuesday, November 16.

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".

ARTWALK IN DOWNTOWN FINDLAY, UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Come to ArtWalk in Downtown Findlay, Friday evening, November 5, 2010 from 5:00p.m. - 9:00pm and enjoy a unique cultural experience!  ArtWalk is a FREE downtown gallery hop where you can enjoy the many fine art galleries, artists' studios, merchants and restaurants, that downtown Findlay has to offer. 

The Findlay Art League will showcase their annual Juried Show.  A reception will be held Friday, November 5th from 5:00p.m. - 9:00p.m., with awards given at 7:00p.m. The gallery will also be open on Saturday, November 6th from 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.  The Findlay Art League is located at 117 W. Crawford Street.

The Jones Building Artists will open many of their studios.  Come meet with the artists, see their works and enjoy a lively social atmosphere!  Studios are located at 400 ½ South Main Street above the Findlay Art League, with entrances on Main Street and Crawford Street. 

The Red Tornado Studio will be holding its grand opening.  The studio will showcase the Wild x 2 Show featuring Mark Riedel and Bobby Mahaffey.  The studio is located at 111 E. Crawford St.

Make sure to visit the great participating local merchants to see the many unique items offered in Downtown Findlay and get your shopping done early for Christmas and other special occasions.  The participating businesses include Ali's Alley, Designer Group Salon & Spa, DorAnne's Gifts & Gourmet, Gaslight Framing Plus, Red Wing of Findlay, Rieck's Gallery,  and TRENDS! on Main.  Many of these businesses will have original art on display, guest artists/demonstrations, as well as special sales and samples.  Visit The Wine Merchant for a great selection of wine to taste and purchase.  Dine at one of our great local eateries participating in ArtWalk including the Bistro on Main, Joey Fratello's Pizzeria and Tavern at the Inn.  Stop by Rooney & Associates to view the works from the talented artists at Kan Du Studios.  ArtWalk has been generously supported by Marathon Petroleum Company, The Courier, WKXA, WFIN, and 106.3 The Fox.   

Join us at 9:00p.m., after ArtWalk, at the Elks Lodge for A Night of Comedy, as three hilariously funny comedians: Bruce Goodman, Chris Coen, and Dan Conwin help us laugh away yet another hectic week.  Tickets, limited to the first 180 people, are only $15.00 and include appetizers from Bistro on Main, a cash bar and silent auction.  All proceeds benefit the programs offered to our community by The Arts Partnership.  Attendees must be 21 and over, with valid photo ID.

Bruce Goodman: The funniest five footer found for a fee!  Seen on Comedy Central and Showtime, Bruce is a classic joke teller who plans on saving the world one joke at a time.  A veteran of the club scene for over ten years, he is one of the most requested acts on the circuit today.

Chris Coen, featured comedian, is a former "Funniest Person in Columbus, OH" winner.  Chris will entertain you with his stories of poor decision-making, miserable interactions with the opposite sex and odd, edgy views on everyday topics.

Emcee: Dan Conwin: Dan Conwin has taken the Midwest by storm.  Recent winner of the multi-week Toledo Laugh Off competition, his act is a sarcastic take on life, pop culture and being a father before you are ready.

Call The Arts Partnership Box Office at 419-422-4624 or stop by the office at 618 South Main Street in Downtown Findlay to purchase tickets for A Night of Comedy or for more information regarding ArtWalk.  The Arts Partnership Box Office will have extended hours during ArtWalk until 8:30p.m.    

Blanchard Valley Health Foundation Offers Assistance to Junior Golfers

Through New Julie Cole Golf Fund

The Blanchard Valley Health Foundation now offers an opportunity for training and development to area junior golfers through the new Julie Cole Golf Fund. The fund was created with a portion of the proceeds from the 2010 Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic held June 7.

The Julie Cole Golf Fund offers junior golfers in Hancock County the opportunity to participate in a summer camp at the Dana Rader Golf School in Charlotte, N.C. The fund covers summer camp cost, travel, lodging and meals. It will also assist with fees for participating in an American Junior Golf Foundation (AJGA) tournament or other tournament.

The fund is available to promising junior golfers ages 15 to 18 who compete regularly through a golf team or tournament play. Applicants must live or attend school in Hancock County and be a U.S. citizen.

For more information on the criteria and materials required for application, visit bvhealthsystem.org or contact the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation at 419.423.5457. Deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, December 1.

Bridge Home Health & Hospice Ranked Among Top 25 Percent of Home Health Providers in U.S.

Bridge Home Health & Hospice has been named to the 2010 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States.

This is the third year in a row that Bridge Home Health & Hospice has received this honor.

Bridge operates offices in Findlay, Bowling Green and Tiffin.

The HomeCare Elite annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.

This award is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health industry. The entire list of the 2010 HomeCare Elite agencies can be viewed by visiting the OCS Web site at http://www.ocshomecare.com/resources/homecare-elite/.

Open Arms/Bob Evans Fundraiser

Open Arms is proud to partner with the Tiffin Avenue Bob Evans Restaurant for a fundraiser on Monday, November 8.  All patrons who present the attached flyer with their bill at checkout will be donating 15% of the cost of their meal to Open Arms!  The fundraiser will be going on from 8:30 AM until 10:00 PM, so come out for breakfast, lunch or dinner to support our agency!!  Keep in mind, this is only good at the Tiffin Avenue location of Bob Evans, and you must present the flyer at the time of purchase!  Dine in or carry out is eligible.

Chow NOW is this Wednesday, November 3^rd from 11:30 until 1 pm at Findlay Inn and Conference Center on West Main Cross so please try to be there if you can.

In additional to all of the items on the menu the Findlay Inn will be offering a Chow NOW special for lunch and there will be additional seating available so everyone will be able to participate and still get back to work on time! We'd love to have you join us for lunch and while you are there vote for your favorite Hancock County 501C3 charity. Please help us pass the word to your friends and co workers and encourage them to come too as we want to support our host restaurants as without them we would not be able to have these events!

Camp Fire USA's Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser