UNITED WAY FOUNDATION AWARDS SECOR SCHOLARSHIP

United Way of Hancock County's Secor scholarship committee has announced the selection of Andrew Bishop, a senior at McComb High School, as this year's United Way Foundation Secor Scholar. The $2,000 renewable Secor Scholarship was established as a memorial to the Steven and Doris Secor bequest.  It is awarded to a high school senior or high school graduate living in Findlay or Hancock County who plans to attend an accredited institution of higher learning to pursue any undergraduate field of study, full time in the subsequent academic year.  The candidate must exhibit a strong commitment to academic studies as well as volunteer and extracurricular involvement.

Bishop, the son of Steve and Shelley Bishop, was selected because of his volunteer experience and leadership. He is described as a person who has high expectations of himself and is a leader among his peers.

"Andy takes extreme pride in the work that he does, and accepts nothing but the best from himself and others around him," said Katie Slosser, teacher, McComb High School. "His high expectations drive others around him."

Some of Bishop's volunteer work includes serving as treasurer for McComb's Spanish Club, and assistant architect for the prom committee. In the summer of 2010, Bishop volunteered to be part of a church sponsored mission trip to a remote area in Belize. He worked with children presenting activities, games and religious teaching. He intends to study pre-medicine.

Bishop will be honored at United Way of Hancock County's annual meeting, on Tues. Apr. 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. The annual meeting is open to the public and the cost to attend is $30 or $250 for a table of eight. It is being held at the Findlay Country Club. To attend the annual meeting, call the United Way office at 419-423-1432.

The United Way Foundation of Hancock County is a non-profit entity established to ensure the permanence of the United Way of Hancock County. The purpose of the foundation is to offer an opportunity for donors to continue their philanthropic efforts through bequests. For more information on making a financial gift to the United Way Foundation of Hancock County, or for Secor scholarship information contact the United Way office at 419-423-1432.

Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center Events

Mother's Day Event: Take you mother, or someone else that is special, out for a real Mother's Day treat to meet a Curator & Historian from the Smithsonian Institute with the National Air & Space Museum!  Dr. Von Hardesty will be our honored guest and speaker on May 8, 2011 from 2 - 3pm. Dr. Hardesty will be introduced by Mr. Edwin Heminger,CEO & owner of the Findlay Publishing Company. The program will be held at the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center located at 817 Harmon Street in Findlay. There will be a question and answer period after the presentation.  Light refreshments will be served.  The event is free but a love offering will be accepted to benefit the Library. There will also be handcrafted miniature glass animals on exhibit and sale for a unique and one of a kind Mother's Day gift.  The art was created and designed by by Russian artisans.  For more information, to make your reservation or for questions contact the Library at (419) 423-4954 or the business cell number (419) 957-0590.

THE CONTOURS Featuring Sylvester Potts: Join us for a swinging time with a concert by Motown's very own, "THE  CONTOURS" singers and their band!!   They are super famous for their song "Do You Love Me?" in the hit movie Dirty Dancing.  They have a repertoire of music that will keep you entertained the entire evening! This event is one you won't want to miss on October 29, 2011 at 7pm.  The extravaganza will be held at Winebrenner Theological Seminary located at 950 North Main Street. A private reception will be held with the Contours for the sponsors of the event.  For more information regarding sponsorship or other questions call the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center at (419) 423-4954 or the business cell number at (419) 957-0590.

BVHS Employee Named President-Elect of the Ohio Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) employee Bobbie Glon has been named the 2011 president-elect of the Ohio Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy (OSHCA). Glon will assume the duties of president in 2012 and past-president in 2013.

Glon currently serves as the patient advocate for BVHS. She is also an EMT/paramedic and has worked at the Blanchard Valley Sleep Disorders Center as a polysomnographic tech. Prior to being named president-elect of OSHCA, Glon served as the Northwest District Representative to the society.

The mission of the OSHCA, an affiliate of the Ohio Hospital Association, is to promote the advancement of health care consumer advocacy by providing leadership, education and support to their membership and by serving as a resource to professionals and consumers across the health care continuum. 

Rowe, Sr. Selected as United Way Distinguished Volunteer

The United Way of Hancock County has announced that Harold "Puck" Rowe Sr. has been selected to receive this year's Distinguished Volunteer Award.

Rowe was nominated for his commitment to the community and his extensive volunteer experience with many non-profit organizations. Rowe co-chaired the Heart Walk in 2008, 2009 & 2010. Under the co-chair leadership, the Heart Walk grew to more than 600 walkers and raised in excess of $105,000, setting a new record. Also, under his leadership, a wine tasting fundraiser for the American Heart Association in 2009 was developed. 

Rowe was the United Way of Hancock County campaign chair in 1989. During his tenure as campaign chair, the Gaslight Society was formed under his direction. The Gaslight Society celebrates members of our community who have pledged to invest in Hancock County at an annual level of $750 or more. In addition, he served on the United Way board for six years and President of the board for two years.

Rowe also served as the "Seven Million Dollar" capital campaign chair for the Findlay Family YMCA. He has served in numerous leadership positions in the community including; board member and past president for public television station, WBGU; Fifth Third Bank board for more than 20 years; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation board; Findlay Country Club board; board member for Community Improvement Corporation board and past president; Black Heritage Library board; Findlay Industrial Center board member, the entity with ownership of the Tall Timbers Industrial Park and the Junior Achievement board, holding the position of president for three years.

He has been involved with the Community Development Foundation, traveling four times overseas with other community leaders. Rowe has been an active member of Findlay Rotary Club for more than 30 years and is a past board member. He was the chair of the Friends of Boy Scouting annual campaign for two years.

Rowe is retired from Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc, following 38 years of service and was employed by Charles Construction. While working for Charles Construction, he organized golf outings as charity fundraisers.

Rowe will be honored at the upcoming United Way of Hancock County annual meeting on Tues., Apr. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Findlay Country Club. The event is open to the public and cost to attend is $30.00 per person, or $250 for a table of eight.  Registration is available by calling the United Way office at 419-423-1432.

Transitioning to Windows 7 & Office 2010 

Making the transition from Windows XP/Office 2003 to Windows 7/Office 2010. 

Are you or your team ready to use this new version?

This highly successful 3-hour training class has been attended by over 150 participants and counting.

We will help you hit the ground running using the new versions efficiently!

Windows 7 Ease the transition to Windows 7 in this class and get a tour of Windows 7's new features. Master the user interface: taskbar, jump lists, desktop gadgets, Aero Snap/Shake, locate frequently used commands, perform common tasks and add "gadgets" to the desktop.

Office 2010 Get an overview of the interface differences between Office 2010 and previous Office suites. Learn to use the new Ribbon to access commands. Increase your Office efficiency by customizing the Quick Access toolbar with the commands you frequently use. Take a look at some new features of Office 2010: Word, Excel & Outlook.

Next class date: Thursday / April 28, 2011 / 6-9 p.m. Fee $30

Or schedule a date and time that works for YOUR business or group. Group discounts available.

Presented by: Lora Trout, Millstream Adult Education Computer Training Coordinator

Contact Lora for details or to discuss the needs of your group.

Phone: 419.425.8288

E-Mail: ltrout@findlaycityschools.org

We offer over 70 class titles, visit our website at www.MillstreamAdultEd.org

Sponsorship in Memory of Ann Brossia 

"On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon Special Sponsorship

As a tribute to Ann Brossia and her dedication to Camp Fire USA, we have started a sponsorship for our annual "On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon.  Ann helped start the very first "On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon and continually supported it every year after.  Many friends of Ann have asked how they can pay tribute to her, and we feel a memorial sponsorship would be a fitting dedication to her and her love of Camp Fire. 
 To contribute to this sponsorship in Ann's memory  or for more information about the
"On Behalf of Youth" Award Luncheon, call our office at 419-422-5415 or go to www.campfireusa-nwohio.com. 

PRESCHOOLERS WILL CELEBRATE EARTH DAY EVERYDAY AT APRIL'S DISCOVERY STORY

Hancock Park Districts' April Discovery Story will be held Monday, April 4, at the "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center at Oakwoods Nature Preserve.  Discovery Stories are designed for preschoolers (3-6 years old) with an adult companion.  Meet at the Discovery Center at 10am or 1pm. 

Come and explore how you can celebrate Earth Day every day. Children will learn how to enjoy nature respectfully and why we need to protect nature. Discover how people are dependent on plants and animals for healthy food, water, and air. Preschoolers will enjoy a story, activities, and make a caterpillar craft to take home. If you have clean used pantyhose (knee high or full length), please bring them along to reuse in our craft.

Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located west of Findlay at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, of County Road 144 and West Sandusky Street. 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".

PGA Tour Player Peter Jacobsen to join 2011 Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic

The 22nd Annual Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic will take place Monday, June 6 at the Findlay Country Club. Peter Jacobsen and Findlay native Julie Cole will be the guest professionals.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a professionals' clinic on the range, followed by a golf tournament and awards ceremony. Only 28 team slots are available and major sponsors (donors contributing at least $2,500) will receive priority team availability.

Major sponsors and their guests will also be invited to a private reception with Julie Cole. Spectators may purchase an all-day pass for $10 to watch the tournament and have lunch.

Two local non-profit organizations will benefit from the event: Bridge Home Health and Hospice and the Julien A. Faisant Adult Day Center, which serves Alzheimer's patients and their families. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be used to provide skills-based scholarships for young golfers to develop their skills through the Julie Cole Golf Fund for junior golfers. The focus is to provide an experience for local junior golfers that emphasizes the relationship of playing the game of golf to personal development of integrity, honesty and sportsmanship.

Over the last 21 years, the Julie Cole Charity Golf Classic has raised more than $1.7 million for local non-profit organizations.

Guest professional Peter Jacobsen is 34-year veteran of the PGA Tour and seven-year member of the Champions Tour. He has had seven PGA tour victories and two Champions Tour victories as well as numerous additional accolades. Jacobsen has served as the Player Director on the PGA Tour and as a golf commentator on ABC and NBC Sports.

A Findlay native, Julie Cole is a former LPGA Tour player. She is currently the Director of Instruction and Managing Partner at the Dana Rader Golf School at Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, N.C.

United Way of Hancock County Takes Action to Ensure No One Goes Hungry in Hancock County: Launches Interactive Calendar and Map Listing Free Meals and Locations in Hancock County for Those in Need.

United Way of Hancock County has developed an online interactive food resource calendar and map that lists locations throughout the county offering free meals and food items to those in need.

This action stems from United Way's 2010 Hunger Report and is part of an ongoing hunger initiative by United Way and Blanchard Valley Food Collaborative to ensure that no one goes hungry in Hancock County.

The motivation for the calendar and map is to have a centralized food resource portal that can be easily updated for current and accurate information.

"Needs and resources are constantly changing so our goal is to create an easy-to-update online resource that will give us an accurate snapshot of what is happening in our county," said Keith DuVernay, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.  

The calendar and map include the type of food service available, location, dates, times and requirements for food distribution.

Social agencies, churches and individuals can access this easy-to-use tool to connect individuals in need with resources already available in the community.

"Another great benefit of having this type of current data is that it can help churches or organizations see where the greater needs lie and be more strategic and timely in planning  food outreach programs, better serving our community," said DuVernay.

To visit the food resource calendar and map, go to United Way's website, http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org and click on the "Hunger in Hancock County" link in the "What's Happening" box.

CASA announces Change for Children Fundraiser

Starting April 1st and running through April 30th, CASA/GAL of Hancock County is asking everyone to give "Change for Children." This change drive, which will have donation points at local businesses in Hancock County, is designed to increase awareness of the CASA program, while allowing citizens to contribute to making a change in abused children's lives.

 April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and CASA wants to take this opportunity to raise awareness and much needed financial support for our important mission to recruit, train and support community volunteers who speak for the "best interest" of abused, neglected and dependent children in the Juvenile Court System. Because our volunteers are highly trained and knowledgeable, judges rely on their recommendations in determining what's best for an abused child. By standing up for abused children, CASA volunteers not only change the life of one child, but also the lives of their children and their children's children.

Those seeking more information on CASA/GAL of Hancock County or to make a donation directly are encouraged to call (419) 424-3262. Check out our website at www.casahc.org or check us out on Facebook. CASA/GAL of Hancock County is a United Way partner.

RED CROSS OFFERING BABYSITTER PLUS CAMP DURING SPRING BREAK

Registrations are now being accepted for students 11-15 years old for the Babysitter PLUS Training Camp at the American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter. The three-day camp will be held Monday, April 18 through Wednesday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day at the Red Cross office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay.

During the Babysitter PLUS Training Camp, students will learn the skills necessary to provide safe, quality child care, including an understanding of the child development process, basic first aid, leadership skills, good decision making, care and feeding of infants and children and how to respond in an emergency. Also, students will receive training in advanced care skills including Standard First Aid and Child/Infant CPR.

At the end of camp, students will be Certified American Red Cross Babysitters and also will be certified in Red Cross Standard First Aid and Child/Infant CPR. Each student will receive a babysitter's portfolio, which includes a first aid kit, flashlight and space for his or her training manuals. During the camp, students also will build a babysitter's kit, which includes first aid items, inexpensive toys and games and activity books.

Students also receive a CD that contains all the resources they need to run a babysitting business. The disc includes a business card template, a babysitter organizer, business forms, consent and contact forms, a résumé template, a safety inspection checklist, games and activities.

Cost for the camp is $50 and registration is limited. Each student will need to bring a lunch, a drink and an infant-size doll or stuffed animal to class each day. For information and registration, visit www.hancockredcross.org or call 419-422-9322 ext. 225.

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County Named Ohio Habitat Affiliate of the Year

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County received the coveted Affiliate of the Year award given annually by Habitat for Humanity of Ohio on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Ohio Habitat for Humanity State Conference. The Hancock County affiliate was selected out of 69 affiliates statewide for its accomplishments in 2010.   The selection criteria included accomplishments of the affiliate, growth of the affiliate, or other outstanding achievements earned during the year.   

"Being selected as the Habitat Ohio affiliate of the year is a tremendous honor for our affiliate and recognizes all of the significant contributions this past year from board and staff leadership along with our sponsors and volunteers.  The dedication from our community partners, donors, and volunteers provides a solid foundation to eliminate substandard housing in Findlay/Hancock County.  We are blessed with each and every person who comes into our ministry and shares their time, talents and treasures," said Sandy Franks, President of the Findlay/Hancock County Habitat organization.

A few of the successes for 2010 that helped the local Habitat affiliate receive this recognition included opening a brand new ReStore in April of 2010.  This new retail store is located on Tiffin Avenue and sells new and used building materials to the public at discounted prices with all proceeds benefiting the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate building program. 

In addition, the Habitat for Humanity Findlay/Hancock County for the first time ever built four (4) homes in one year and is on target to complete a total of three new home constructions in 2011 focused on neighborhood revitalization.  Renovations to the West Park Playground were also successfully completed in 2010.  

About Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County:  Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God's love and can live and grow into all that God intends. For more information about us call 419-429-1400 or visit our Web site  www.habitatfindlay.org.

United Way Awards Grants to Local Agencies Six New Programs Receive Funding

The United Way of Hancock County board of trustees approved grants during the monthly board meeting on Tues. March 29.  Grants were awarded to 32 programs offered by 18 partner agencies throughout the county. Forty community leaders volunteered to serve on the three impact teams; education, income and health. Each impact team reviewed grant applications and recommended the distribution of United Way grant funds. The process includes an extensive review of program results, while also looking at the most pressing needs of the community.

Keith DuVernay, president & CEO of United Way said, "this year's group of impact team members was one of the most effective and efficient groups to date. They prepared early and, under dynamic leadership, worked very hard at the task of granting funds."

Six new programs were funded this year. They are; American Red Cross' Community Scholarship program, Bridges Out of Poverty program managed by Hope House for the Homeless, Century Health's Peer to Peer program, Challenged Champion's equestrian program for people with special needs, YMCA's Feed-a-Child program and the Hancock Saves program. A full listing of grants provided out of funds raised by the 2010 United Way campaign is available.

The mission of United Way of Hancock County is to improve lives. This is accomplished by advancing the common good through focusing on the building blocks of a good life; education, health and income. For more information about the work of United Way contact the office at 419-423-1432 or visit http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org

Blanchard Valley Hospital Named One of the Nation's 100 Top Hospitals

Blanchard Valley Hospital has been named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare.

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals® study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; operating income; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. The study has been conducted annually since 1993. This is the second time Blanchard Valley Hospital has been recognized with this honor. 

"Blanchard Valley Hospital is proud to be named one of the highest performing hospitals in the nation. This is a credit to our associates, physicians, and volunteers. It's national recognition for a job well done, every day," said Christopher Press, president of Blanchard Valley Hospital. "Our goal is to offer exceptional care. These awards are one measure of how well we're doing."

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Thomson Reuters researchers evaluated 2,914 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public information - Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare Web site. Hospitals do not apply, and winners do not pay to market this honor.

The winning hospitals were announced in the March 28 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.

If all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as those treated in the award-winning facilities:

Nearly 116,000 additional patients would survive each year.

More than 197,000 patient complications would be avoided annually.

The average patient stay would decrease by half a day.

If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact would be even greater.

More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at www.100tophospitals.com.

Please plan to join us at Rancho Fiesta for Chow NOW

Chow Now is held every month usually the first Wed but not always, all we ask is that you spread the word to everyone who supports a local Hancock County 501C3 charity to come to the host restaurant, eat lunch and vote with the ballot that Findlay NOW staff will provide, we draw one ballot from all of them cast and the charity indicated on it wins a donation from Findlay NOW magazine, we've been doing this every month since April 2007, encourage friends to come and vote for your favorite charity and increase their odds of winning contact our office at 419-420-5007 for additional info.

Please plan to join us at Rancho Fiesta for Chow NOW, Wednesday, April 6th 11:30am - 1 pm.  Don't forget, you can vote with carry-out orders too.

For more information about Chow NOW visit http://www.findlaynow.com/innerpages/chownow.html.

ProMedica UrgentCare at NWO, The Feasel Group, and Findlay Village Mall

is excited to invite you to join us for the 2011 Health, Home & You Expo

Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17

10am - 9pm, Saturday, April 16

Noon - 6pm, Sunday, April 17

HOST: Findlay Village Mall

LOCATION: Throughout the Entire Mall

Booth Cost: $150*

Sponsored By: The Feasel Group

This is your chance to hand out literature, promotional items, and advertise your products and services to hundreds of attendees.  The fee to participate in this two-day event is only $150.  This event is offered free to the public and will be advertised throughout the area via various media outlets.

During the Health, Home & You Expo, vendors will have the opportunity to take center stage to educate the attendees on the best ways to stay healthy, to spruce up their home and garden, or how to plan for the future.  If you are interested in taking center stage or would like some presentation ideas please contact Elizabeth Smith at 258els@jjgco.com for ideas, details and to secure a time slot. 

United Way Days of Caring Seeking Projects, Teams

United Way of Hancock County is seeking teams of volunteers and service project requests for the 17th annual Days of Caring. The United Way Days of Caring will take place on Thurs., May 5 and Fri., May 6.

During United Way Days of Caring, hundreds of volunteers from local companies and organizations form teams and complete projects for local nonprofit agencies that have submitted a project request to United Way.

Last year, 760 volunteers worked four hours each, providing nonprofit organizations in Hancock County with labor worth $64,934. The dollar figure is based on the 2010 national volunteer hourly dollar value of $21.36 per hour.

United Way of Hancock County is encouraging corporate and community volunteers to devote at least four hours out of one workday to complete a service project at a local nonprofit organization.  Studies show that the benefits for company volunteer involvement include; a bolstering of team spirit among participating employees, increased company morale, exposure in the community, and a greater understanding of how commitment of time and money makes a difference.

Nonprofit agencies should send project requests to United Way by April 22. This event is not limited to United Way partner agencies.

Past projects have included; taking inventory of supplies, preparing agency mailings, landscaping for different organizations, painting inside and out, as well as cleaning and mulching trails for local parks and nonprofit campgrounds.

The deadline to sign up teams is April 18. To submit project requests or register a team, contact Bev Phillips, Community Services Director, at 419-423-1432 or bphillips@uwhancock.org . Registration materials for projects and volunteers are also available online at http://uwhancock.org    

RED CROSS CELEBRATES MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
Military family member orientation prior to meeting

The April meeting of the Hancock County Red Cross Armed Forces Family Network will be a special celebration of the Month of the Military Child, featuring a pizza party for children who have a family member serving on in the military.  The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at the Red Cross office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay.  The pizza party is free for all children and their families.  Reservations are not required but are suggested to 419-422-9322 ext 226 or armedforces@hancockredcross.org

Prior to the meeting, there will be a New Military Family Member Orientation at 5:30pm to introduce families of service members to the services available through the Red Cross, including emergency communication, emergency financial assistance and the Armed Forces Family Network.  The orientation is open to anyone who has a family member serving in the military - spouses, parents, grandparents and siblings.  Free child care and snacks will be provided during the orientation and attendees are invited to stay for the pizza party.  Pre-registration is required by April 20.  For reservations and information, contact Nichole Coleman, Coordinator of Service to Military Families at armedforces@hancockredcross.org or 419-422-9322 ext 226.

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 419-422-9322 ext. 226

or armedforces@hancockredcross.org.  

Giving Circle Celebration April 13

Handbags That Help (HTH), a local women's giving circle, will hold their annual Celebration Meeting from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 at the Findlay Country Club. Entertainment will include a special performance by students from the Findlay Youth Orchestra.

As part of the event, HTH will award $43,214 in grants to two local agencies. HTH members voted at their March meeting and selected Blanchard Valley Health System and Century Health to receive grant funds.

Members, guests, and those interested in attending to learn more about HTH should RSVP to the Community Foundation office at 419-425-1100.

Handbags That Help was formed in 2007 by a group of women committed to dramatically improving lives throughout the greater Hancock County community by collectively funding significant grants to charitable projects. The giving circle is open to all area women. Each year, every dollar generated by HTH memberships is passed directly on to the community through grants voted on by the members. A $500 annual donation gives each member a single vote as to how the pooled funds will be awarded that year; group memberships of 2-5 women are also available. This year, 152 local women were members of HTH, totaling 86 memberships.

The women's giving circle is supported by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. HTH is currently accepting memberships for 2011-2012. To join or for more information regarding HTH please contact the Community Foundation at 419-425-1100 or visit their website at www.community-foundation.com.

Wildflower Hike

Come out and enjoy nature as we look for spring wildflower on the Wildflower Hike on Sunday, April 10.  Join HPD Program Naturalist Michelle Rumschlag as she leads you through Litzenberg Memorial Woods to see what wildflowers are in bloom.  We will be leaving from the gatehouse at 2pm.  Please wear appropriate foot wear and dress for the weather.

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".        

SPRING CONSTELLATIONS

Join Neil Stewart, of the Millstream Astronomy Club, for a program on the spring constellations on Saturday, April 9.  Bring the whole family to Shelter #5 at Riverbend Recreation Area at 8pm.  Bring your own binoculars and he will point out constellations and other objects that are easy to see with them.  Come early to get your chart of the springtime sky. 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".

MCKINNIS HOUSE OPENS FOR 2011 SPRING SEASON

The McKinnis House, at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, opens back up for the 2011 spring season on Sunday, April 10 from 1:30 - 4:30 PM with a public program entitled "Moving In".  This program, will center on spring in the mid 19th century and the new members to the settlement. 

Stop by the McKinnis House and meet some of the new characters who have decided to make Hancock County home. Mrs. McKinnis's youngest sister, Katharine Wade, has traveled from Chillicothe, Ohio to come and live with the McKinnis family. Katharine, who is used to city life, is having a hard time adjusting to her new surroundings.

The house will be buzzing with activity as its occupants prepare for spring planting. Mrs. McKinnis will be trying to make do with the limited supplies that the family has this time of year and the challenge of making it last with an extra mouth to feed. Take time to visit with her in the kitchen and see what she is making on the step stove.

Mrs. McKinnis will not be the only one who is busy. The younger children will be threading "toilet paper" for the privy. Don't be afraid to ask what they are threading together. You might even be asked to lend a helping hand!

Katie McCoy, played by HPD employee Lisa Hursey, is also new to the settlement. Katie is originally from the hills of Kentucky and will working in the garden. Feel free to ask her what the McKinnis family is planning on planting this year.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the woodshop and meet the family's new workman, Mr. Mathew Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong, who is played by HPD employee Ron Burnett, studied rhetoric at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia before coming to Hancock County. He will be hard at work getting the family's tools ready for the 1847 season.

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".

FOSTORIA COMMUNITY HOSPTIAL GREEN TEAM PLANS COMMUNITY EARTH DAY EVENT

Join the Fostoria Community Hospital Green Team for an Earth Day celebration Thurs., April 21, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., in the Fostoria Community Hospital employee parking lot, 501 Van Buren St., Fostoria (corner of Vine and Van Buren Streets).

In conjunction with Fostoria Scrap Corporation, the group will be collecting plastic bottles (No. 1 and 2 plastics), aluminum cans, newspaper, magazines, and cardboard.

This event is free and open to the public. Educational information will be available as well.

To learn more, please contact Matt Cobb, supervisor, environment services, Fostoria Community Hospital at 419-436-6828 or matthew.cobb@promedica.org.

Rug Hooking Classes to Begin at the Wood County Historical Center & Museum

Saturday, April 9^th from 1:00pm-4:00pm

Rug Hooking, a craft that originated in North America, was once very popular in the 1860s.  This type of handiwork is again gaining in popularity.  Local resident Mick Altherr will be conducting classes in rug hooking for beginners who like to learn and experienced rug hookers who like to share their knowledge and skills.

The group will meet thereafter on the second Saturday of each month.  The class is free. Its intent is simply to share the art of rug hooking.

Those who are interested in attending should contact the museum to register.

The museum is located at 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, OH 43402.  Take 1-75 south to exit 179, go east on Route 6, then turn right on County Home Road.

For more information, contact the museum at (419)352-0967.