Findlay's Feasel Group Grows; Brugeman Joins Design Team

The Feasel Group announces that Tim Brugeman has joined their design team, expanding landscaping services for residential and commercial projects. According to Greg Feasel, The Feasel Group President, Brugeman brings design and project management experience for added value to our customers in NW Ohio.

Brugeman is a graduate landscape architect from The Ohio State University, recently retired as Hancock Park District Director for 38 years. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, also teaching landscape design for Millstream Career and Technology Center.

Feasel landscaping services are growing to include landscape design, installation, do-it-yourself on-site help, irrigation, site lighting, water features, hardscapes like patios and decks and seasonal decorations like Christmas lighting. Feasel's also recently added property management to their scope of services, providing on-site, on-call support for buildings, sites and absent-owner, local assistance.

The Feasel Group started in 1997 as Feasel's Grounds Maintenance, adding the Garden Center, Landscaping and Property Management divisions at 2330 Bright Road.  For further information, contact The Feasel Group at 419-423-4223 or find them on FACEBOOK or at www.FEASELS.com.

EDDIE MONEY TO PERFORM LIVE IN FINDLAY!

Enjoy a night of classic rock and roll with the legendary Eddie Money! The Money Man will perform live on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 7:30pm in The CUBE, 3430 N. Main St., Findlay.  Tickets are on sale now! Call The Arts Partnership at 419-422-4624 or go to www.artspartnership.com.

This concert will also feature an opening performance by local band, Tongue 'N' Groove, known for playing classic hits through today's popular songs from bands such as Styx, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Peter Frampton, Donnie Iris, Matchbox Twenty, and lots more!  Formed in 1998, the band features Chip McClurkin, vocals/drums; Stevie Fyre, keyboards/vocals; Dave Foreman, lead guitar/vocals; Jeff Gaskins, bass/vocals; and Isaac (Dr. Ike) Orians, vocals/guitar.

Also available for sale at the event will be snacks and libations (for those 21 and over with valid ID.)

Regular admission prices for Eddie Money are $30 for adults and $28 for seniors, students, and children. Member ticket prices are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, students, and children.  All tickets are for reserved seating.  Tickets at the door will be $33 for all attendees. Please call The Arts Partnership's box office at 419-422-4624 for tickets and more (More) information, or visit The Arts Partnership's office at 618 South Main Street, Findlay. Office hours are 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Tickets and directions to the show are also available through www.artspartnership.com.

2nd Annual Humane Society Golf Outing

2nd Annual Humane Society Golf Outing, Friday, May 6th 2011 at Red Hawk.

Come out and bring your friends for the first golf outing of the season and spend your hard earned money on a GREAT CAUSE...the animals!

Get a team together

Sponsor a hole, the golf carts, on course activities, golf balls, or lunch!

Click on the link....send to your friends....decide what you want to do...fill out the form......and MAIL IT IN!!!!!!

http://issuu.com/armarketing/docs/issuu_hsgobrochure?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed

HANCOCK PARK DISTRICT OFFERS NEW "SCOUT SATURDAYS" PROGRAMS

The Hancock Park District is starting a new series of programs designed for all age levels of Scouts to work on nature-related badges. Activities will be lead by Hancock Park District Program Assistants and local experts in the field.   Our topics will include birds, recycling, conservation, eco-systems, living history and Native Americans. 

This month we begin with the Boy Scout Bird Study Merit Badge and Girl Scouts All about Birds Interest Project.  The event takes place on Saturday, March 26, from 1:30 to 4pm at Brugeman Lodge, Riverbend Recreation Area.

Please bring a journal for sketching and notes, Binoculars and guides are helpful, but available if needed.  This event is held "rain or shine"; please dress for the weather, as we will hike in the woods for part of the event.  Please note:  Boy Scouts will not work on Requirement #8 and Girl Scouts will not work on any Service Project requirements during this event.

Space is limited, so please register early.  Register with a $3 fee per scout, paid in exact change or check by Tuesday, March 22 at the HPD Office.  The HPD Office is located at 1424 East Main Cross, Findlay.

One accompanying adult is required for every five registered scouts. Badges are not included; please contact your local scout office to purchase them. Please apply sunscreen and insect repellent before attending the program. Scouts should meet Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area. Riverbend Recreation Area is located off State Route 568, east of Findlay at 16618 Township Road 208.

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".

SPRING WILDFLOWER MONITORING At Litzenberg and Oakwoods

Each spring a window of opportunity opens to view and learn more about native spring wildflowers.  Join Hancock Park District Natural Resource Coordinator, Sarah Betts, in monitoring wildflowers at Litzenberg Memorial Woods or Oakwoods Nature Preserve in Hancock County.    

Monitoring of spring wildflowers will be conducting weekly at both sites.  Litzenberg will be held on consecutive Wednesdays at 1pm, beginning March 23 and continuing each week through May 25.  Oakwoods will be held on consecutive Thursdays at 1pm, beginning March 24 and continuing each Thursday through May 26.  The public is invited to take part in monitoring wildflowers in the park.  No experience is necessary.  Attendance is not required at every session and times may vary due to weather conditions.   

When monitoring, participants will seek, count, identify, and record the flowering plants in the park.  Those interested in photography are also encouraged to come and capture the beauty on film.  Natural history and historical uses will be shared throughout the sessions. 

Information collected will go in the permanent records of the Hancock Park District.  Additionally, public education programs will be made available from the data observed.  Persons interested in monitoring (on the listed days or available on other days) or for more information should call Betts at 419-424-1555, or e-mail at sbetts@hancockparks.com.  These programs are based on appropriate weather conditions, so please call or e-mail if weather is questionable to confirm that monitoring will be occurring on the designated monitoring days.

FOSTORIA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY TO HOLD BOOK FAIR FUNDRAISER

The Fostoria Community Hospital Auxiliary will host a book fair fundraiser Tues., March 29, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Wed., March 30, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gift Shop Lobby at 501 Van Buren St., Fostoria.

The event features a large variety of new books for children, teens and adults, cookbooks, how-to books, gifts, accessories, unique items, and more.

Sales benefit the Fostoria Community Hospital Auxiliary.  

To learn more about Fostoria Community Hospital, visit www.promedica.org.

YOUTHEATRE IS ROCKIN' THE JUNGLE IN DISNEY'S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS

The Arts Partnership of Greater Hancock County invites you to attend Youtheatre's Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS.  Performances are scheduled for March 25 and 26 at 7:00 p.m. and March 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Great Room at First Presbyterian Church, located at 2330 South Main Street in Findlay.

Over 65 youth in grades 1-5 are involved in the on-stage cast and technical crew. Also 13 local middle and high school students are involved as youth assistants. The students represent 16 area schools and home schools.  Disney's Jungle Book KIDS is co-directed by Julie Lane and Lindsay Taylor.

Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS is the adventure of a man-cub named Mowgli who was raised in the jungle by wolves.  A fierce tiger in the jungle, Shere Kahn, says that Mowgli is no longer welcome there, so Bagheera the panther decides to escort Mowgli to the man-village.  On his way, Mowgli meets many colorful jungle creatures who ensure his safe arrival. The musical features Disney classics such as The Bare Necessities and I Wa'na Be Like You.

Tickets are on sale now!  For more information or to purchase tickets, contact The Arts Partnership Box Office by calling 419-422-4624 or visit www.artspartnership.com.  The Arts Partnership is located at 618 South Main Street, Findlay.  Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ticket sales from this production support the many educational programs offered by The Arts Partnership to our community each year.  By attending this performance, you support local youth while enjoying a fun-filled show sure to delight the whole family!

Impact of Japan earthquake on Nissin Brake Ohio is uncertain

Several people and local area leaders have inquired about our Japanese associates' and their families' well being given the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  This shows that our local community (along with Nissin Brake Ohio (NBO) associates) continues to have the Japanese people in our thoughts and prayers.  Our local Japanese associates are grateful for the overwhelming concern.

At this time, NBO's Japanese associates' families are all accounted for and reported to be safe.  However, the impact to our Findlay operations is uncertain at this point. Though our mother company's manufacturing operations in central Japan (Nagano prefecture) are largely damage free, there may be some impact in the coming weeks to our supply chain.  Some of NBO's Japanese supplier companies were in fact impacted significantly.  Of course the priority of recovery efforts lie first in dealing with the human tragedy.  Secondly, we are coordinating parts supply recovery efforts with our suppliers and customers.

Nissin does have an R&D facility north of Tokyo (Tochigi prefecture) that sustained significant damage.  Most importantly, more than 150 Nissin associates assigned there were fortunate in that no injuries occurred despite the building damage and damage to the on-site test course.  It could be two months or more before repairs are completed. 

Many other companies were impacted more severely than Nissin and the human tragedy unfolding in Japan continues to grow.  Therefore, NBO will be making a donation to the International Red Cross to support the relief efforts in Japan.  We respectfully request that individuals and the community in general consider contributing to relief agencies such as the International Red Cross. 

CASA Advocates Needed PSA: Spring Training to become an advocate is coming up in April

Did you know that in 2009 there were over 300 reports of abuse and/or neglect of children in Hancock County? Did you know that CASA/GAL of Hancock County served as a voice in court for 163 children locally? We are fighting the problem right here, in your community; with your children! Unfortunately, the number of cases is rising and the need for CASA Advocates is growing.

Can you help? Can you be part of the work we do for children? We are asking for your time and commitment to help these abused and neglected children by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem. Pre-service training begins April 12th! To learn more on how to become a CASA Advocate call 419-424-3262 to schedule an appointment.

Gaslight Gallery

Glam, Glitter & Glitter & Glitz all under the same roof!! Gaslight

Gallery, located at 117 EAST Crawford St., plans to g-r-o-w to be a

vibrant presence in downtown Findlay! Nine creative local jewelry

artists will be showing their work at Gaslight Gallery on March 25

(Friday) & the 26th from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The following artisans will be showing their work:

· KIM F. DUFF - aka The Twisted Sister features SS wire wrapped pendants & Viking Knit jewelry

· JUDI HERRIN - pen & ink etched pendants

· JANIS SWEET-HOYE - green beads jewelry made from environmental-found objects

· AMANDA KOCSIS - Ceramic jewelry

· KRISTIN McCASLAND - mixed media jewelry

· GWYNNE RIFE - Gwynstone Naturals

· MARGARET ANN SAMPSON - aka Designs by Maggie

· BETH ZISS & SHANNON GORMAN-ZISS - Fused glass jewelry

If you are interested in becoming a Gaslight Gallery member, please

contact Janealla Smalley at 419-348-7529.

OHIO CERTIFIED VOLUNTEER NATURALIST

Registration To Open For Fall 2011 Class

The Hancock Park District, Johnny Appleseed Metro Park, and Ohio State University Extension Hancock County will be offering a fall class to adult community members interested in becoming an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN).  Topics include, but are not limited to: Eco-concepts, insects, plants, geology, soils, birds, mammals, forests, aquatics, interpretation, and herpetology.  Participants must complete 40 hours of volunteer and/or advanced training in the first year, with 20 hours volunteer and 8 hours advanced training each subsequent year.  

Registration will be open April 4 through August 26.  Classes will be 6-9 pm on Tuesdays from Sept. 6 - Nov. 5.  Three Saturday classes, 10am-4pm, will also be included.  Cost of the training is $130 per person.  Individuals are responsible for background check fees.  For more information, contact Nancy Kronberg, OSU Extension, at kronberg.3@cfaes.osu.edu , or 419-422-3851.

Current OCVNs have utilized their volunteer time to assist with various programs for the Hancock Park District and other local organizations in their own communities.  Other volunteers have spent mornings, afternoons, and evenings in a stewardship capacity, helping to monitor wildflowers, bluebirds, frogs and toads, and more.  This program was designed to accommodate those interested in helping directly with nature-based education with the public and behind the scenes stewardship of our natural resources.   

The OCVN program is a research-based scientific training program that emphasizes hands on natural resource education coupled with community-based volunteer service.  The program embraces conservation but is not an advocacy group.  It is based upon the very successful OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and Volunteer Natural Resource programs in other states.

Blanchard Valley Hospital to Host American Red Cross Blood Drive

Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH) will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, March 30 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the conference rooms located on the first floor of the Donnell Patient Pavilion.

To be eligible to give, your last whole blood donation must have been on or before February 2, 2011.

To schedule an appointment, call Beverly Woodward at 419.423.5337 or log on to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code BVH.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

"Garden Tool Drive" to Kick Off Community Garden Project

Hancock County Community Gardens will begin growing this spring, announced Keith DuVernay, president & CEO of United Way of Hancock County. The collaborative effort includes United Way of Hancock County, the MENTOR Initiative, The Blanchard Valley Green Coalition, Ohio State Extension, Master Gardeners of Hancock County, The Community Foundation and City of Findlay officials. Hancock County Community Gardens will initially be open to low and moderate income families and will be at two locations; on E. Main Cross St. between Lye Creek and Eastown Park Row and at The Family Center, 1800 N. Blanchard Ave. Additional garden locations are planned for the future. Organizers met early on with city officials to determine the best land to use and to see what the city could provide for the project. City officials are allowing the project to take place on property that was purchased by the city and cleared of homes after the 2007 flood.

The community garden project will kick off on Sat., Mar. 26 with a "garden tool drive" at the southeast corner of the Lowe's parking lot, 1077 Bright Road and at Masterson's Ace Hardware, 10205 US 224 West.

People can donate used gardening tools in good shape, or can purchase new tools and donate to the cause. Tools will be loaned to families who are accepted into the community garden program and will be returned to the program at the end of the growing season. Basic gardening tools are being suggested such as gardening gloves, kneelers, long handled shovels or garden spades, garden rakes, hoes, hand trowels, water hoses, water buckets and gardening shears.

United Way will be recruiting qualifying families through a referral and application process. United Way will also be handling publicity and updates about the project as well as funding many of the needs like soil testing, payment for water, liability insurance and more. The Community Foundation will be funding many of the needs for the garden location at the Family Center on N. Blanchard Ave.

Families who qualify will sign a contract stating that they will follow the rules. The rules are set forth to protect the gardeners and to build a sense of community. Families or individuals accepted into the program will be required to go through an orientation and a two-hour class per month during the gardening season including preparation, maintenance and preparing the garden site for the winter months. Master Gardeners will also be assisting with the education of gardeners.

Interested families must apply through the following agencies; Hancock Christian Clearing House, Associated Charities, CHOPIN Hall, Hope House for the Homeless, Job & Family Services, Salvation Army, HHWP Community Action Commission, and Blanchard Valley Center.

Red Cross Month Open House 

The American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter will hold an Open House on Wednesday, March 23, 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Chapter office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay.  Executive Director Todd James says the Open House is in celebration of Red Cross Month, which is being celebrated in March.  James says Red Cross staff and volunteers will be on hand to talk about Red Cross services and volunteer opportunities with the Chapter.  "Red Cross Month is a great time to celebrate the work the Red Cross does in Hancock County and to let people know how they can get involved.  Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Red Cross and we want those interested to know more about how they can join us in our service to the community."

James says there will be displays and information on Red Cross services and programs, including disaster relief, emergency preparedness, Service to Armed Forces and military families, blood donation and health and safety training.  Light refreshments will be served.  For more information, call 419-422-9322.

Friends supplies schools in need

Friends Business Source donates over 600 units of school supplies to Elgin Local School District

as an aid through their flood relief project.

The Friends corporate headquarters team of Findlay, Ohio learned of the losses incurred by Elgin West Elementary School of Elgin Local Schools after many of their schools flooded or incurred water damage in February and early March. Friends decided to aid the school system by sending supplies for their elementary school's administrators, teachers and students.

"Much of our own team has endured losses after our own properties flooded in 2007, 2009 and again this past February," explains Dawn Baldridge, Account Manager for Friends in Findlay, Ohio. "Friends serves many school districts throughout Ohio, so when we heard of a local school system in need of supplies we were glad to offer our help."

Dawn delivered over 600 units of supplies to Elgin Local School District's District Office this week.  Included in the supplies were Universal pens, Pilot pens, Bic permanent markers, Pilot dry erase markers, Bic dry erase markers, Smead two-pocket and file folders, Oxford folders, Pacon Arts and Crafts paper samples, Bostitch mini staplers, Prang crayon sample packs, Junior legal pads, Flat pops from Office Snax, and more.

After receiving the supplies, Treasurer for Elgin Local Schools, Kim Reynolds, called Friends management to let the company know that she would recommend Friends to other school districts, going forward.

To learn more about Elgin Local School District and aid them in their efforts for flood recovery, contact Kim Reynolds at 740-382-1101. You can also visit Elgin Local Schools' website http://teacherweb.com/OH/ElginLocalSchools/HomePage/apt1.aspx.

Friends Business Source is one of Ohio's largest independently owned office supply dealers. For over 45 years, Friends has been partnering with companies and school districts throughout Ohio, southeastern Michigan, and now in Pennsylvania, in order to maintain the best service and supply of office and school related products. They specialize in office supplies, office furniture, catalog machines, educational services and supplies, coffee supplies and technology,

custom print orders, promotional products, branded apparel, as well as janitorial and break room supplies. As a single source supplier, Friends truly has everything for people at work.

7th Annual Hancock County Special Olympics

Red Hawk Run, 18441 U.S. Route 224, Findlay OH 45840

Golf Styles Magazine "100 Must-Play Courses of Ohio"

Golf Digest Gave Red Hawk Run A Prestigious 4 ½ Star Rating.

Saturday May 21st 2011

9:00 A.M. (Shotgun Start) Registration begins at 8:00

Call or e-mail to reserve a spot.  The last couple of years we were filled to capacity so call early to reserve a spot. "First Come First Serve Basis"

$70 Per Person, Includes Greens/Cart/Bag Tag/Meal  (Pay at Course) (All Proceeds Will Go To The Hancock County Special Olympics) (Make Checks Payable to Hancock County Special Olympics)

Our Goal is to Raise Money To Support The Special Olympics Program.  This Program Is Independently Funded And Events Like This Help To Keep The Program Running.   J

To Sign Up call or e-mail Bob Soellner at (419) 422-8173 ext. 1115 If you can't contact anyone, leave a message with your name and number and I will get back to you A.S.A.P. Questions about donating, volunteering, or being a hole sponsor contact Brad Smith (419) 422-6386 ext. 1330 

Email - bsmith@blanchardvalley.org or bsoellner@blanchardvalley.org  

Wee Ones: Frogs and Toads

Spring is here and that means the frogs and toads will be awaking from their winter slumber.  See which ones are found in Ohio at the Wee Ones: Frogs and Toads.  The program will be held on Monday, March 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.  Come and make your own frog book.

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 PRESENTS EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS FOR FAMILIES       

Don't lose touch with nature and the outdoors! Bring your family out to the Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve on Thursday, March 31, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. to explore an abundance of outdoor activities your family can throughout the year. Learn how to make a solar oven out of a pizza box and create your own scavenger hunts. If the weather permits, we will go outside to play games. This program is free, but register by Monday, March 28, 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 Parks".