Hancock Leadership Class of '11 Plans to Construct Greenhouse

The Hancock Leadership Class of 2011 will be testing their green thumbs this year - They've chosen to build a greenhouse at the Blanchard Valley Center for their class project. Used for educational purposes, as well as plant and vegetable production for the Blanchard Valley School and sales to the community, the greenhouse will be a valuable asset to the program for developmentally disabled individuals from Hancock County and the surrounding area.

The class has estimated that the total costs of their project, which includes construction, conservation measures, education materials, the inclusion of handicap accessible entries and building accessories, and funds for plants and seeds, will be $25,000. Civitan has partnered with them to provide a portion of the funds, and each class member has personally donated - which they felt was very important. Planned fundraisers include the annual Hancock Leadership Golf Outing that will take place Friday, May 13th at Sycamore Springs Golf Club (save the date, and test your luck!), and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament in April. The class is also asking members of the community to consider a donation. Please remember that if you are unable to contribute financially, they are always looking for volunteers to assist with events and construction. To get in touch with the class, please contact the Chamber at 419.422.3313, or email leadership@FindlayHancockChamber.com.   

Buckeye Machine is Business of the Year 

Buckeye Machine Fabricators, Inc. won Business of the Year from The Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance on Tuesday February 15^th.  To be considered for the Business of the Year award, a business or industry should give back to the community, support local business, and create or encourage job growth.  Buckeye and their employees were recognized for their support of many activities in the community and have donated to soup kitchens and food pantries for local families in need of help. They also donate regularly to the Forest Fire Department and EMS and are a sponsor of local softball, baseball and soccer activities while also supporting local schools including Riverdale, Hardin Northern, Kenton and Findlay High School.  In 2008, Buckeye expanded due to increased work load by adding a 5,000 sq. ft. finishing building and, in 2010, an expansion of 13,500 sq. ft. fabrication area was added. Buckeye is a recognized as a leading builder of automated machines, robotics and equipment for manufacturers throughout the United States, employs over 50 people, and includes over 50,000 square feet at their facility in Forest, OH.

Ray Marshall, Owner and CEO of Buckeye Machine, accepted the award.  Ray thanked Buckeye's employees, his family, Hardin County and the Chamber of Commerce.  Ray stated "Buckeye Machine has been fortunate to be very successful since the beginning.  With the leadership and hard work of our employees, our future is looking very bright.  As a company, we look forward to contributing to the growth of Hardin County and the surrounding area."

Impaired Digestion Discussion

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Leaky Gut Syndrome - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Dr. Larry Halters, Chiropractor, will speak on "5 Steps to a Healthy GI Tract" on March 8, 1:30-2:30pm, Meeting Room1 at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library (lite lunch provided). Call 419.249.1111 to reserve a seat.

DorAnne's Gifts & Gourmet and The Arts Partnership Present: It's Storytime!

• Theme: The Jungle Book
• Monday, March 7th - 6 pm And Saturday, March 12th - 10 am
• At DorAnne's - 327 South Main Street, Findlay
• Join Us for Stories, Meet Cast Members from the Youtheatre production of "The Jungle Book KIDS", Sing Songs, Crafts & More!
• There is NO COST for Storytime.
• For more details: Call - 419-425-5510 or visit us at: www.shopdorannes.com
• Performance Information:
• "Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS" Presented by Youtheatre at First Presbyterian Church
• Friday, March 25th - 7 pm, Saturday, March 26th - 7 pm and Sunday, March 27th - 2:30 pm
• Discounted advance tickets on sale at The Arts Partnership - 419-422-4624
• Limited Tickets at the Door!

www.artspartnership.com 

www.shopdorannes.com 

RED CROSS OFFERING ARMED FORCES RESOURCE GUIDE

A new resource guide for military families, service members and veterans is now available from the American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter.  The resource guide contains contact information for local, state and national offices that assist military families with a wide variety of issues.  The Hancock County Service to Armed Forces Resource Guide is free and is available at the Red Cross office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay.  It can also be downloaded from the chapter's website www.hancockredcross.org. 

The guide was produced with funds provided to the Hancock County Red Cross through a grant program by the Department of Defense as part of the Red Cross Service to Military Families program.  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 at armedforces@hancockredcross.org or 419-422-9322 ext. 226.

Camp Fire's Annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Letter Writing Day - March 17, 2011

Absolutely Incredible Kid Letter Writing Day - March 17, 2011 -

Be among the adults across the country that help Camp Fire USA build caring, confident youth and future leaders by writing a letter to your kid or a kid you know telling him/her how incredible he/she is.  To download Absolutely Incredible Kid letterhead, go to www.campfireusa-nwohio.com.  Or join us at Coffee Amici on March 17 for everything you need to write a letter to a kid including a free postage stamp.  (bring addresses for kids you know) 

FOSTORIA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Fostoria area students pursuing degrees in health care are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the Fostoria Community Hospital Foundation. Scholarships in amounts from $500 to $1,500 will be awarded for the 2011 - 2012 academic year.

The Foundation administers three scholarship funds. The J.L. Murphy Memorial Fund, J.A. Murray Memorial Scholarship Fund and G.H.W. Bruggemann Memorial Scholarship Fund were established by former Fostoria physicians and their families in support of health care career education. Eligibility requirements are specific to each fund based on the establishing donor's request. They are listed on the application. 

Scholarship applications are available online at www.promedica.org/giveFCH and at the hospital welcome desk/switchboard inside entrance 1. Completed applications will be accepted through April 22, 2011. Past applicants may reapply. The scholarship awards will be announced in May with monetary disbursements in August 2011.

In 2010, 15 local students received a total of $9,000 in scholarships from the Foundation. 

For more information, please call Evelyn Marker, executive director, Fostoria Community Hospital Foundation, at 419-436-6678 or e-mail evelyn.marker@promedica.org.

For more information about Fostoria Community Hospital, visit www.promedica.org.

Wee Ones: Raccoons

Ever see that "masked man" in your yard at night?  Find out what he is looking for and more at the February Wee Ones: Raccoons.  It will be held on Monday, February 28 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 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".

PARK DISTRICT OFFERS FAMILY FIRESIDE FUN

Bring your family out for some fireside fun on Saturday, February 26, at 7 p.m. at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Join Naturalist, Stacie Roby, as she shares some traditional campfire pastimes around the fireplace inside the Discovery Center. Enjoy a magical evening of stories, songs, and games that you will be able to share at your next campfire gathering. This program is free, but register before Thursday, February 24, by calling the HPD office at 419-425-PARK (7275).

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located west of Findlay at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off County Road 144 and West Sandusky Street. Participants may park in the new parking lot located near the Discovery Center. 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 (7275) and "Discover Your Hancock Park

The Hancock Parks Foundation

The Hancock Parks Foundation was recently awarded a one-year grant totaling $1,200 by The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation's George and Helen Koepke Fund. 

Grant funds will be used to support expenses of the 2011 Riverside Summer Concert Series. Other financial funding for the 2011 concert series is being made possible by the following financial sponsors including: Findlay Hearing Aid Center, Merrill Lynch, Marathon Petroleum Company, Sunrise of Findlay, and The Heritage, and by the following patron sponsors including: Dietsch Brothers, Findlay High School Music Boosters, First National Bank, Bridge Home Health & Hospice, Lutheran Social Services, and Hancock Friends of the Parks.

The concert series continues to provide a variety of free, musical entertainment for visitors of all ages at the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Band Shell in Riverside Park; highlighting a variety of local musicians throughout the summer months. The series has been an annual community event for 59 years.

The Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Hancock County area through collaborative leadership, responsible grant making, and the development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney in 1976 to The Cleveland Foundation, The Community Foundation has granted more than $20 million to fund projects that support our community. 

LISTENING FOR SPRING : Frog and Toad Call Monitoring in Hancock County

Spring may seem a far away season as a blanket of snow and frigid temperatures cover Hancock County. However, there are small amphibians that will be out calling for a mate before long in what is known as chorusing.  Some frogs begin to emerge in late February and March while other frog and toad species follow in April, May, and June.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife (ODNR), through their Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Program, in partnership with local organizations, like the Hancock Park District and volunteers, is conducting long-term frog and toad calling surveys throughout Ohio.  Participants gather data after sunset at ten different sites in a designated township.  Information collected includes species of frogs and toads heard chorusing, estimate of their abundance, recording of calls, and other site information.

Hancock County's first official route started in 2008 in Marion Township.  Frogs and toads heard on monitoring nights included: Western Chorus Frogs, Northern Leopard Frogs, American Toads, Common Gray Treefrogs, Green Frogs, and Bullfrogs. 

Additional Townships were added in 2009 to include: Allen, Cass, Eagle, Jackson, Liberty, Marion, Pleasant, Portage, and Orange.  One additional frog species was also added that year - the Blanchard's Cricket Frog.  Many volunteers are needed to continue this data collection.      

 Monitoring of frog and toad calls is simple, fun, and easy to learn.  On Thursday, March 3 the Hancock Park District will be offering a training and update session at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center beginning at 7pm.  

This training and update is for new and previous Frog and Toad Calling Survey volunteers.  No experience is necessary, training will cover topics such as basic identification of local frogs and toads, their natural history, background about why monitoring amphibians is so important, establishing a route, safety, materials, and methods for monitoring.  Results of data collection in Hancock County will also be reviewed. 

 Information collected will go in the permanent records of the Hancock Park District, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio Amphibian Conservation.  Persons interested in the training or monitoring should contact the Hancock Park District office at 419-425-7275 or Sarah Betts, Natural Resource Coordinator, at sbetts@hancockparks.com.

HPD APPOINTS TWO NEW LIVING HISTORY INTERPRETERS

The Hancock Park District recently appointed Ron Burnett and Lisa Hursey as two new living history interpreters to join the education department within the organization.  Both positions will be working primarily at the 1847 Historic McKinnis Homestead area located at Litzenberg Memorial Woods. Both individuals will be involved in developing, planning, and implementing living history activities, with other living history staff and trained volunteers, for the park district during public and requested programs.

Burnett has an extensive background in science as a retired middle school teacher, working with youth and volunteers, and also living history re-enactment.  He graduated from Bowling Green State University, and now resides in Findlay.

Hursey graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in history and has been employed as a living history re-enactor at Conner Prairie Interpretive History Park in Fisher, IN. She is originally from the Bluffton area and resides there with her family.

Both candidates bring a wide-range of education and knowledge to their new part-

time positions, and will be visible at a variety of upcoming spring programs and helping to maintain the period garden at the site. Watch for these new faces in the future. 

For more information about HPD programs check out the HPD website at www.HancockParks.com or call the HPD office at 419-425-PARK and "Discover Your Hancock Parks".

BVH Auxiliary Raises More Than $133,000 for Hospital in 2010

The Blanchard Valley Hospital Auxiliary raised $133,400 for Blanchard Valley Hospital in 2010. They presented their contribution to the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center Board of Trustees Monday, February 7.

The funds were raised by the BVH Auxiliary through Gift Shop sales, Nearly New Shop sales and various fundraisers. The donation will be used for patient care and comfort improvement projects including the purchase of blanket and fluid warmers.

The BVH Auxiliary is a group of more than 800 volunteers who give service and raise funds for Blanchard Valley Hospital.

FOSTORIA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER NAMED

Carol Hossler, environmental services department, was named the 2010 employee of the fourth quarter at Fostoria Community Hospital. She was nominated for always lending a helping hand, having a positive attitude and demonstrating commitment to her work.

"It is not what she does, it is how she does it," says her nominator. "Carol is someone you want working around you - as her attitude is inspiring and at times humbling."

A nine-year veteran of the hospital's environmental services department, Carol is methodical and focused on her work; however, she never misses an opportunity to greet a patient, visitor or fellow employee. She is quick to offer assistance and take responsibility as well.

Carol's productivity and personality can be summed up in one word - always. She always smiles and is pleasant to be around.  She always helps others, even if it means going out of her own way. She always strives for continuous improvement and input related to her job. And she always has a positive, enthusiastic attitude.

Carol, a Fostoria resident, enjoys spending time with her significant other of 20 years, Greg Rife; grown sons, Cory and Andrew Gregg; grandchildren Royce and Jasmine; and grandmother, Ruth Childers. Her favorite hobbies are walking her dogs around the reservoirs and gardening. 

[Caption]  Carol Hossler, Fostoria Community Hospital Employee of the Quarter

For more information about Fostoria Community Hospital, visit www.promedica.org.

2011 Ohio Business Matchmaker:Where Government and Business Come Together

When: Tuesday, March 22, 20111:00 - 5:00 p.m. Training Session

Wednesday, March 23, 20118:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Business Matchmaker

Where: Wright State University, Nutter Center 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy. Dayton, Ohio 45435

What: The Ohio Business Matchmaker 2011 is a unique opportunity for buyers and sellers of goods and services to come together. More than 250 buyers will be on hand for one-on-one meetings with small businesses. Buyers are from city, state, county, and federal agencies, as well as prime contractors and other organizations with combined purchasing budgets representing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of opportunities.

Buyers register ahead of time and list the types of products and services (as identified by NAICS codes) that they are interested in acquiring. Small businesses, or "sellers," also pre-register using their individual NAICS codes. (Identify your NAICS code(s) by searching keywords at the registration website.) Meetings last approximately 15 minutes and present an opportunity for buyers and sellers to discuss each others' specific projects and capabilities.There is also ample opportunity throughout the day to network with buyers and sellers. In addition to one-on-one matchmaking meetings, participants will receive training on the following topics:

· Doing Business with the Department of Homeland Security

· GSA Schedules

· How to Market to Prime Contractors

· Business with Wright Patterson Air Force Base

· Joint Ventures and other teaming opportunities

· Registrations and Certifications

Cost: $50 (box lunch included)

Registration: Registration must be completed online at:www.ohiobizmatch.com

For questions, contact the Ohio Small Business Development Center at (614) 466-2711 or via e-mail at sbdcreports@development.ohio.gov.

Dr. Thomas Brumley Named Distinguished Physician

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) presented its annual Distinguished Physician Award to Thomas Brumley, MD at the Physicians' Gala celebration held Saturday, February 19.

Brumley practiced as an ophthalmologist in the Findlay area for more than a decade before retiring. He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and has volunteered his medical skills through mission trips to Zambia, Mexico and Sierra Leone. He is the co-founder of the International Vision Volunteers and, along with this group, helped build a hospital in Zambia. He also volunteers within the United States as part of the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps (RAM).

The Distinguished Physician Award is determined by a panel of physicians and a nursing administrator. The award is presented annually to a BVHS physician who achieves professional excellence and is active in community service.

The first Distinguished Physician Award was presented in 2001. Brumley is the eleventh recipient of the award.

FLAG CITY HONOR FLIGHT ANNOUNCES DATE OF INAUGURAL FLIGHT

Flag City Honor Flight has officially set the date for their first flight of World War II veterans to Washington D.C.  The inaugural flight will take place on June 8, 2011 departing from Grand Aire Terminal at Toledo Express Airport. 

Flag City Honor Flight is the Findlay, Ohio based hub of the National Honor Flight Network.  Honor Flight flies World War II veterans, free of charge, to Washington D.C. to visit the WWII

Memorial.  Veterans who have not yet visited the memorial are eligible for upcoming flights.  Veterans from any county or town in the region are welcome.

Volunteers are also being recruited to assist with the inaugural flight.  An informational meeting

for volunteers is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2330 South Main Street, Findlay.  Interested veterans are also invited.

Additional information on Flag City Honor Flight can be obtained through their website at: www.flagcityhonorflight.org

BVHS Offers Scholarships to Area Students, BVHS Associates

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is offering educational scholarships to individuals pursuing health care careers. High school seniors entering college, current college students and BVHS associates are eligible to apply.

A complete list of scholarships, along with applications, deadlines, qualifications, and contact information can be viewed at www.bvhealthsystem.org by clicking on the Scholarship link under the Health Education menu.

Those who receive a BVHS scholarship may be required to make a commitment to the organization.

The Maxine Snyder Endowed Trust Certification and Masters Preparation Scholarship is available to a current BVHS associate who is a registered nurse and has been employed at BVHS for at least one year. Applicants should be in a program of special benefit to BVHS, such as certification training or a master's degree in nursing. Applications must be received by April 1. For more information, call 419.423.5457.

The Kathleen Higgins Endowed Scholarship is available to students pursuing a career in nursing. Applicants must have a permanent address in an area served by BVHS and be accepted into at least two courses of an accredited nursing program beginning between the summer of 2011 and the spring of 2012. Coursework must be for academic credit and count toward a nursing degree. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating financial need. Applications must be received by April 1. For more information, call 419.423.5457.

The Phyllis Zimber Endowed Scholarship is available to individuals pursuing a degree in nursing with a special interest in obstetrics. Applicants must have a permanent address in an area served by BVHS and be accepted into at least two courses in an accredited registered nursing program or above. Coursework must be for academic credit and count toward a nursing degree. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required. Preference is given to applicants who are BVHS associates, family members of BVHS associates, or those who demonstrate financial need. Applications must be received by April 1. For more information, call 419.423.5457.

The Findlay Auxiliary Scholarship offers assistance to Hancock County area high school seniors pursuing health-related careers. Students must attend a Hancock County school, Findlay High School, or St. Wendelin High School; be in the top third of their class academically; and have a sincere goal to enter the medical field. Applications must be received by April 15. For more information, call 419.423.5939.

The Medical Explorer Post Scholarship offers assistance to high school seniors planning to pursue a career in medicine for more than 20 years. Applicants must have been a Medical Explorer Post member for at least two years, be in good academic standing, and have participated in community and volunteer activities. Applications must be received by April 1. For more information, call 419.429.6417.

The Greater Northwest Ohio Diabetes Association offers educational assistance to persons with diabetes. Applicants must be a high school senior or college student with diabetes from Hancock, Hardin, Putnam, Seneca, Wood, or Wyandot County. Applications must be received by March 31. For more information, call 419.423.5434.

BVH Auxiliary to Hold Annual Prom Dress Collection and Distribution

The Blanchard Valley Hospital Auxiliary's Nearly New Shop is accepting donations for their annual prom dress distribution. Items accepted include dresses, shoes and accessories.

The items can be dropped off at the Nearly New Shop, 306-308 Lima Avenue through March 15. After March 15, the dresses, shoes and accessories will be available free of charge to any area teen needing items for prom. One dress per girl will be provided.
The Nearly New Shop is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as the first and third Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 419.423.4335.