Owens WCS Running Globally Recognized DDI Leadership Program 

Join Owens Community College for an in-depth Leadership series globally recognized for its success. Created by Development Dimensions International, the four-session course is designed to close the gap-between where their business needs to go and the talent they must have to take them there-in good times and tough times. Class topics include:

• "Essentials of Leadership"
• "Coaching for Improvement"
•  "Resolving Conflict"
• "Leading Change"

Ok, Lets's kick out a positive message in our community for 2011.  If you don't know what a "flash mob" is, watch the youtube link below.  Then plan to be in downtown Findlay at NOON on Dec 24.  The music has been worked out for the speakers that are now being wired in the downtown.  All singers that know the "Hallelujah Chorus" are asked and encouraged to be downtown on the sidewalks to sing for our very own "flash mob".  We'll fill the sidewalks in the block that Logan's is in then work to fill up the blocks going south and north from there.  200 plus singers are needed to make this happen.  Pass the word and plan to join and sign.  Let Mike Mallett, Rich Rowe, or John Lariche know if you plan to attend.  Lets make it a lunch hour to remember!   Merry Christmas!  
 

Holiday buzz worthy events at Friends

 Several internal and external promotions are taking place at Friends Business Source to promote holiday goodwill, charity, customer discounts and company fun throughout December.

Friends' Customer Service department is offering their call-in customers the opportunity to test their holiday knowledge and enter a chance to win office related items valued at $50 or more through their game of "The Twelve Days of Trivia". Daily, customers are reminded that if they spend $100 or more and answer a Holiday trivia question, they could win one of several office products. Sales have jumped due to the high spiritedness of these Friends representatives, as well as the savings customers are receiving. The promotion is good through the 21st.

Another opportunity for holiday fun is a Friends promotion called "Trim your office space".  This promotion asks customers to decorate their space, cubicle or chair and send Friends representatives a picture of their originality for a chance to win a $50 Visa Card. The promotion lasts through the 15th and several customers have entered to win.

"We have had a blast decorating our office space," declared an email that came with a picture sent in by Bonnie Young, Administrative Assistant for Madison-Champaign ESC. "If you notice, the small tree in our picture is decorated with office supplies!"

Even Friends' delivery personnel are taking hold of the holiday spirit. The Friends "Drive for Charity" promotion is offering a donation pick-up process for Friends' customers. Customers are asked to collect items like boxed goods, canned goods, bottled 100% juices and even toiletries for Friends drivers to pick up and deliver for customers to local Ohio food banks of their choice. This promotion lasts through the 21st and customers continue to call in and request pick-ups for their items.

Even internally, Friends employees look forward to participating in the "Ugliest Holiday Sweater" contest judged by the management team of the company. Along with their daily duties of sales, customer service, and delivering orders, the Friends team will take the time to enjoy the holiday spirit even in their place of work.

Phone numbers can be added to city's call system
Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert's office on Monday said any phone number can be added to the city's new emergency call system list.

The call system was described in a Courier story on Monday. The system will call land lines and cell phones registered within Findlay's boundaries.

Out-of-town numbers, such as work cell phones that are not registered within Findlay's geographic boundaries, can be added to the system, the mayor's office said.

Those who wish to register such numbers should include them in an e-mail sent to publicsafety@findlay.ohio.com.  

 

DorAnne's Gifts and Gourmet and The Baker's Café Presents It's Storytime!

It's Storytime!

Shhh...don't tell the kids but storytime is more than just a fun activity.  Storytime is a wonderful way for your child to acquire the six early literacy skills researchers identify as laying important groundwork for learning to read.

Each month brings new themes.  Storytime includes stories, songs, a craft, and other exciting activities each week.

Monday's Time is 6 pm & Saturday's Time is 10 am

Monday, January 3rd & Saturday, January 8th: Let It Snow!

Monday, February 7th & Saturday, February 12th:  Hearts

Monday, March 7th & Saturday, March 12th:  St. Patrick's Day

Monday, April 4th & Saturday, April 9th:  April Showers

Monday, May 2nd & Saturday, May 7th:  Quack & Honk

Monday, June 6th & Saturday, June 11th:  A Parade of Pets

Notes for the Parents/Caregivers -

**We ask that children that attend be able to sit quietly without disturbing others in the group and should be able to follow simple directions for the craft.

**During Storytime, parents/caregivers are asked not to leave the store and to make sure their child has used the bathroom before Storytime begins.

Corporate Gifting Program - A Taste of Our Hometown

Blanchard Valley Industries is proud to announce our annual BVI Gift Basket/Planter.  By purchasing BVI's Gift Basket/Planter, filled with area products, you are supporting these local businesses, as well as creating employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.  These make great Xmas gifts, employee appreciation gifts, customer appreciation gifts, and just a great way to show off some of the great products that we have in this area.  The gift baskets have Wolf's Premium Roasted Nuts, Stadium Salsa and Chips, Dietsch Brothers Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Four Season's "BVI Roast" Premium Coffee, Kan Du Studio Flower Magnet, Maag Daddy Beef & Bean Dip, Marsha's Buckeyes, Amigos Salsa.

These products are available in either a basket or a Garden Aire Hanging Planter.  If desired, you can purchase the planter specially designed by Special Kids Therapy.

Place orders of 10 or more no later than Dec. 10, 2010.

Delivery/shipping times will be at customer request.

Smaller quantities may be placed thru Dec. 23, 2010.

To place an order call Brad Smith at 419-422-6386 ext.1330 or email at bsmith@blanchardvalley.org or stop in at 1700 E. Sandusky St. Findlay, OH

HPD RECEIVES GRANT TO DEVELOP NEW LIVING HISTORY PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS

 The Hancock Park District (HPD) was awarded a grant for $997 from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Region 4 to help fund new living history school programs for the 2011-2012 school year. The Hancock Park District is planning on offering seven new living history programs that correspond with the Ohio Academic Content Standards.

The Hancock Park District is known for the wide variety of public programs it offers year round in the parks featuring nature interpretation, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and historical interpretation. They also provide field trip and outreach opportunities for local schools, typically at no cost to the schools. Last year alone, the HPD provided educational programs for approximately 9,000 participants from schools, daycares, and other groups. The Hancock Park District offers both environmental education programs and living history programs to schools that relate to their science and social studies curriculum.

The NAI grant money will be used to help fund the start up costs for the "What Freedom Means to Me" program offered to 4th through 6th grade students. This particular program has the most expensive start up costs because the interpreter will portray a historically accurate immigrant who has come to America.

Besides the visit with the interpreter at the McKinnis House, students will also participant in a game where they become immigrants that travel to America.

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a not-for-profit professional association for those involved in the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage resources in settings such as parks, zoos, museums, nature centers, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites. For more than 50 years. NAI and its parent organizations have encouraged networking, training, and collaboration among members and partners in support of our mission: inspiring leadership and excellence to advance heritage interpretation as a profession.

For more information about the NAI or Hancock Park District, please visit their websites at www.Interpnet.com or www.HancockParks.com.

 RED CROSS SERVING FREE HOLIDAY DINNER FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

The American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter will be holding its annual Armed Forces Family Network Holiday Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, in the East Room of the Hancock County Senior Center.  The dinner is free for all military families, service members and veterans. 

Santa will be stopping in to visit with the children of the military families and free child care will be provided during the dinner. The dinner will be prepared by students in the Culinary Arts program at Millstream Career and Technology Center.  Reservations are required by Dec. 10 at armedforces@hancockredcross.org or 419-422-9322, ext. 226 - please be sure to include the number of children that will be attending.

Today's military families - active duty, National Guard, Reserve and veterans - are spread across the United States.  Many live far from military installations and the support services they offer - but few are far from a Red Cross chapter.  Local Red Cross chapters across the country have been designated by the Department of Defense to provide services that address the unique characteristics of today's military service members and their families.  The Hancock County Red Cross Armed Forces Family Network meets the third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the Red Cross office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay. Child care is provided.  For more information, contact Nichole Coleman, Coordinator of Service to Military Families, at armedforces@hancockredcross.org or 419-422-9322 ext. 226.

Deck the Stress!

DorAnne's Gifts & Gourmet and Angel Hands presents: Deck the Stress!

Monday, December 20th - 4 pm - 8 pm At DorAnne's - 327 South Main St, Findlay

Join us for a special event of last minute gift ideas, free gift wrap, food ideas to get you holiday ready, taste testing and MORE!

Food, Massages, Recipes, Specials, Ideas and Demos

DorAnne's in store specials. Angel Hands will have a special event discount.

Call - 419-425-5510 for Details

United Way Holding "Snowman Scamper" 5K Run/Walk

United Way of Hancock County is holding a "Snowman Scamper" 5K Run/Walk on Sat., Dec. 18.  Registration for the event begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Grand Court Findlay, 600 Fox Run Road. The race begins at 6:00 p.m. Participants can run or walk. The cost to enter is $20. The 5 K route will take the participants through the Fox Run neighborhood. Pre-register by going online to http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org to download the registration form and mail or drop it off at United Way of Hancock County, 245 Stanford Pkwy, Findlay, Ohio 45840. Registrations can also be taken by calling 419-423-1432. All participants who pre-register will receive a race T-shirt.  The "Snowman Scamper"   5K Run/Walk is being coordinated by the United Way's public division chair Lydia Mihalik and her committee.

For questions contact Mihalik at lmihalik@ci.findlay.oh.us or 419-306-5900 or call United Way at 419-423-1432.

Volunteers Needed for Snowman Scamper

United Way of Hancock County's Public Division is hosting a 5 K Snowman Scamper Run/Walk and we need volunteers. Volunteers will stand along the route to direct runners/walkers along their way. 

 When: Saturday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. (race begins at 6 and should last about an hour.)

Where: Grand Court Findlay, 600 Fox Run Road

Dress: Wear your long johns or snow suit, stay warm!

This is the easiest volunteer job you'll ever have... If interested in standing along the route and cheering on the participants and directing them on their merry way, please contact Lydia Mihalik, public division chair, or call her at 419-306-5900. If interesteed in running or walking in the race, visit http://uwhancock.org/Snowman_Scamper_5k.php

LIVE UNITED, even in the cold!

Celebrate United! Celebrity Server Week begins December 13

United Way of Hancock County will be hosting a final event of 2010 to celebrate the good work of this year's fundraising campaign. The community is invited to participate in the 2nd annual Celebrity Server Week Dec, 13 through Dec. 17 at 9 different locations throughout the community. The public is invited to patronize the following establishments and get served by local leaders who Live United.

Monday, Dec. 13,  5-7 p.m.
Rossilli's, 217 South Main Street, Celebrity Servers: Fifth Third; Mark Cassin, Crystal Ellerbrock and Mary Beth Hammond

Waldo Pepper's, 411 S. Main St., Celebrity Servers: Fire Chief Tom Lonyo, Police Chief Greg Horne

Tuesday, December 14, 5-7 p.m.

Nino's, 331 N. Main St., Celebrity Servers: Todd Garlock, Doug Hiegel, Chad Vorst

The Gathering, 114 E. Main Cross St., Celebrity Servers: Mike Gardner, Kolleen Kirk

Wednesday, December 15, 5-7 p.m.

West End Tavern, 506 W. Main Cross St., Celebrity Servers: Drew Mihalik, Bret Spaeth, Brad Warren

Logan's Irish Pub, 414 S. Main St., Celebrity Servers: Dr. Sean Logan, Dr. Mark Fox, Dr. Frank Cosiano

Thursday, December 16, 5-7

Findlay Inn's Tavern at the Inn, 200 E. Main Cross St., Celebrity Servers: First Federal

Fricker's, 1410 W. Main Cross St., Celebrity Servers: Cooper Tire; Jim Keller, John Bodart and Tom Lause

Friday, December 17, 7-9 a.m.

Coffee Amici, 328 S. Main St., Celebrity Servers: Judge Reg Routson, Mayor Pete Sehnert

All events are open to the public and payment is on your own. No RSVP required. Although this event is not designated as a fundraiser, tips will be accepted. We are sure that there will be a desire to give to the cause after seeing these celebrities in action! For more information call 419-423-1432.

NEW CATEGORY ADDED TO THE PARK DISTRICT'S PHOTO CONTEST

 Amateur photographers are invited to participate in the Hancock Park District's 15th Annual Photography Contest. Photo submissions are due by noon on Monday, January 10 at the Hancock Park District Headquarters located at 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay. The 2011 contest brochure may be picked up at HPD Headquarters, participating sponsor locations, or downloaded online at www.HancockParks.com.

Each photo submission must follow contest guidelines and have an entry tag securely attached to the back. All pictures must feature nature, an animal, or be photographed within an area managed by the Hancock Park District.

Photo submissions vary according to age. Youth, 15 years and younger, can submit up to three pictures. Adult participants may submit two entries in each of the seven categories. Categories include: Park District Scenes, People in the Parks, General Nature, Blanchard River Watershed, Wildlife, and Domesticated Animals. The new People Enjoying the Outdoors categories will allow participants to enter photos of people getting outside in their backyards, national parks, state parks, etc.  Over $700 worth of prizes will be awarded to winners.

Attend the Open House to vote to cast your vote.

Two Open Houses will be held to view all contest winners and entries at Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area on Saturday, January 22, from 4-6pm and Sunday, January 23, from 1-4pm.  Riverbend Recreation Area is located on Township Road 208, off State Route 568.

Join us early Saturday, January 22 at 3pm at Brugeman Lodge for the opening speaker, Sharon Cummings, professional freelance wildlife and nature photographer. Cummings will explore exposure, composition, and field techniques to help you improve your photography. Her acclaimed photographs have appeared in field guides, magazines, calendars, and textbooks. Recently, she won the 2011 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp contest with her photo of an Eastern Amberwing dragonfly.  You can view Sharon's work at www.sharoncummings.net.

For more information about the Photo Contest or other upcoming programs, view the HPD Seasonal Guide at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK (7275) and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

Project FeederWatch - Public Viewing

Come see how our Project FeederWatch program works and help us count birds at the Oakwoods' bird feeders.  Count times will take place on Tuesday, December 21 from 11am-1pm and Wednesday, December 22 from 8-10am.  No experience necessary.  Counting will take place inside the Discovery Center.  Bring your own binoculars and bird field guides if you like.

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".

Hancock Parks offers holiday break programs for Budding & Junior Naturalists

Marvelous Mammals programs will be offered by the educational staff of the Hancock Parks to help keep young minds learning over the holiday break and have some fun, too.  Bring your child to find out what makes a mammal a mammal with two different age appropriate programs included taking place at the Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center from 10 am-noon each day.

Budding Naturalists, ages 6-8, will be offered Tuesday, December 28 and will take a look at mammal mounts, skins and skulls and do a craft too.

Junior Naturalists, ages 9-12, takes place Wednesday, December 29 and will go in depth about mammals found in Ohio and learn some of their habits.  Mammal activities, craft, and skins and skulls will be involved. 

No cost for either program, but registration is necessary by Thursday, December 23 by calling the HPD office at 419-425-7275.  This is a drop-off program and requires a medical emergency form that can be downloaded on-line at www.HancockParks.com in the "What's New?" section.

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".

Full Cold Moon Hike

We'll venture out in the snow and cold for this last full moon hike of 2010!  Join Program Naturalist, Michelle Rumschlag for the Full Cold Moon Hike on Tuesday, December 21 at 7pm at Oakwoods Nature Preserve.  Dress for the weather. Meet at the back parking lot by the 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".