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Member Press Releases
First National Bank celebrates Community Banking Month : "I Did My 50!"
Which three local businesses would you miss if they closed their doors? Maybe it's the local deli on the corner where you grab the best sandwiches. Perhaps it's the florist who already seems to know exactly what your wife will love for her birthday - and is good enough to give you a reminder call so you never forget the date. Or is it the hometown movie theater where you can actually afford to take your family out for an evening?
At First National Bank, community banking and supporting local businesses is what it's all about. To celebrate Community Banking month in April, First National Bank employees have unanimously committed to supporting local, independent businesses. The impetus behind the commitment is The 3/50 Project®. This initiative, started by a Minneapolis, Minnesota, business owner in March, 2009, was created to build loyalty and increased revenue for independent, locally owned businesses and relies on a simple message: "Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy."
According to The 3/50 Project (the350project.net), for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 remains in the local economy. In contrast, only $43 of every $100 remains local when spent in national chains, and little or no local revenue results from online purchases. So, during the month of April, every FNB employee has committed to picking three local businesses and spending a total of $50 as a way to keep money in the community, support local business owners, and help local communities thrive.
Todd Mason, President and CEO at First National Bank, is excited about the intent behind the effort: "community banks thrive because they work hand in hand with local business to strengthen local economies. First National provides financial resources to local business, those businesses generate revenue and jobs locally, and the jobs and revenue created allow people in our communities to enjoy a better quality of life. The 3/50 project and the commitment from our team fits perfectly with our corporate mission and is a testament to our employees who have taken it to heart."
First National Bank of Pandora was founded in 1919 in Pandora, Ohio. The Bank currently operates three full-service branches in Pandora, Bluffton and Findlay and serves the communities located in and around Putnam, Allen and Hancock Counties. Visit the Bank at www.e-fnb.com
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
Community Foundation Awards $372,984 in Grants
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $372,984 during the first quarter of 2011. This total includes six competitive grants totaling $168,632; two president's discretionary grants totaling $2,745; and 42 designated grants totaling $201,607.
The board also ratified 29 donor advised grants from 2010 totaling $95,760.
COMPETITIVE GRANTS Competitive grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that seek to meet community needs and match the goals, objectives, and priorities of the Community Foundation. Grant seekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.
Funding for competitive grants comes from unrestricted and field of interest funds established by donors at the Community Foundation. Unrestricted funds allow the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees to direct the funds where they are most needed. Field of interest funds are granted in the donor's chosen area of interest, such as health, education, or the arts.
About the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will improve the quality of life in Hancock County 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, the Community Foundation has granted more than $20 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.
Taylor Accepting Applications for Small Business Advisory Council
Members will advise CSI Ohio on business impact of new rules and regulations
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor today announced that she is accepting applications to fill five seats on the nine-member Small Business Advisory Council established in state law as part of CSI Ohio: The Common Sense Initiative.
"We are looking for individuals with a small-business background who can provide guidance to CSI Ohio as we review new rules and regulations and identify those that place adverse financial burdens on Ohio's job creators," Taylor said. "It is important for us to achieve the right balance of regulations that don't hinder our small business community, yet protects the health and safety of all Ohioans."
The nine-member Small Business Advisory Council was established in Senate Bill 2 (Hughes), which Gov. John R. Kasich signed into law on March 4, 2011. The council will meet at least quarterly and is charged with advising the governor, lieutenant governor and CSI Ohio on the adverse impact government rules and regulations have on small businesses.
Taylor will appoint five members of the nine-member council, while the president of the Ohio Senate and Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives will each appoint two additional members. State law requires each of the members to possess a small business background and represent businesses of various types, sizes and geographic locations within Ohio.
Taylor urges those interested in seeking an appointment to the council to contact her office at 614-728-6716 or CSIOhio@governor.ohio.gov. Applicants must also complete a boards and commissions application located here. The deadline for application submissions is May 6, 2011.
Blanchard Valley Hospital's Comprehensive Breast Program Designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
The comprehensive breast program at Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH) has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
By awarding facilities the status of Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy).
Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that Blanchard Valley Hospital has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.
About the ACR
The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
Community Gardens Now Open to All Plant-a-Row Effort Encouraged
The Community Gardens of Hancock County has announced that 13 low- to moderate-income families have been accepted into this year's program. There is room for 12 additional families or individuals of any income level. The plots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, contact United Way of Hancock County at 419-423-1432 or email Bev Phillips, community services director at bphillips@uwhancock.org to receive an application by email.
Families or individuals accepted into the program will be required to attend an orientation session and attend a two-hour class each month during the gardening season. Some topics to be discussed are garden preparation, maintenance and preparing the garden site for the winter months. Master Gardener Volunteers will be assisting with the education. Gardeners will be encouraged to plant a row of produce to be distributed to local food pantries.
The Community Gardens of Hancock County is a collaborative effort of the following groups: United Way of Hancock County, the MENTOR Initiative, The Blanchard Valley Green Coalition, Ohio State University Extension, Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers, The Community Foundation and City of Findlay officials. Hancock County Community Gardens 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.
Optometry Board Steps Back from New Rule, Cites CSI Ohio as Reasoning
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor today is commending a recent decision by the Ohio State Board of Optometry to withdraw a proposed rule restricting the contractual relationship of individual optometrists and citing CSI Ohio: The Common Sense Initiative as a reason.
At issue is a proposed rule that would have changed the terms of contracts between licensed optometrists and certain individuals and corporations for providing eye care services. For instance, the new rule could have impacted the relationships between retail stores that sell eyeglasses and contact lenses and the licensed optometrists who see patients in those stores.
"The decision to revisit this rule acknowledges that it has an impact not just on optometrists, but also on the ability of Ohio businesses to serve their customers and create jobs," Taylor said. "CSI Ohio is inserting common sense into Ohio's rule-making process and we stand ready to work with agencies, boards and commissions like the Optometry Board as they move forward with approving new rules and regulations."
CSI Ohio was launched on January 10, 2011 by Gov. John R. Kasich to reform Ohio's regulatory policies to help make Ohio a jobs and business-friendly state. CSI Ohio will review Ohio's regulatory system to eliminate excessive and duplicative rules and regulations that stand in the way of job creation.
MENTOR Initiative to Kick Off with Reverse Raffle
The M.E.N.T.O.R Initiative will be holding a reverse raffle on Thursday, April 21, 2011 to raise funds for a locally managed Aquaculture Center to meet the hunger needs of the surrounding community. The event will be held at The Senior Center, 339 Melrose Ave. Findlay, Ohio, starting at 3pm. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at United Way of Hancock County, Spaghetti Shop, Main Street Deli, Tom Ahl Hyundai, Hancock Federal Credit Union on Trenton Ave, The MENTOR Initiative's offices at 404 South Main Street, Millstream Travel on Tiffin Ave., Jim's Hot Dog's, and Coffee Amici.
The event will include food by The Bistro on Main, and some of the prizes include:
2011 Hyundai Sonata with gas & insurance included for a year
7 day Alaskan Cruise with airfare for two people
Entertainment Package
$1,000 CASH!
Spa Package to Journey Salon and Day Spa
Weekend Getaway - Location chosen by winner
1 Year of Lunches for you and 2 friends from The Main St. Deli
Eat for a year at the Spaghetti Shop
$300 gift card to the Findlay Village Mall
The MENTOR Initiative of Hancock County is a locally based non-profit organization focused on raising awareness of sustainable, locally grown food by engaging in countywide community garden and feeding programs. Funds raised will be used to develop local youth and young adult sports programs; youth-focused grants and the establishment of multiple scholarships; expansion and upkeep of 15+ acres of all-natural garden space, in and around Findlay; the creation of a youth focused art center; an aquaculture center with the ability to produce enough fruit, vegetables and fish to feed hundreds of people over the winter; and job creation.
"The MENTOR Initiative is a great organization. It brings people together, creating community. I love that they have a hands-on mentality, using something as simple as agriculture and gardening to teach and bring people together... Their produce is just like their passion for the people they work with; all natural and organic," said Keith Doyle, one of the innovators at The Curry House, a local group dedicated to cross-cultural understanding and communication over a no-cost meal.
The mission of The Mentor Initiative is to love and care for the people of Hancock County by offering the tools necessary to break generational poverty through education, equipment and empowerment.
"I can't express how excited I have been to see so many people and organizations come together to address the needs of our community. It is humbling to be part of a group that is dedicated to coming alongside and truly caring for, our neighbors. As I look toward our future as an organization and as a community as a whole, I can't help but be enthusiastic and eager for what lies ahead," said Jon Hart, director.
Community Foundation Awards $372,984 in Grants
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $372,984 during the first quarter of 2011. This total includes six competitive grants totaling $168,632; two president's discretionary grants totaling $2,745; and 42 designated grants totaling $201,607.
The board also ratified 29 donor advised grants from 2010 totaling $95,760.
COMPETITIVE GRANTS Competitive grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that seek to meet community needs and match the goals, objectives, and priorities of the Community Foundation. Grant seekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.
Funding for competitive grants comes from unrestricted and field of interest funds established by donors at the Community Foundation. Unrestricted funds allow the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees to direct the funds where they are most needed. Field of interest funds are granted in the donor's chosen area of interest, such as health, education, or the arts.
The following six competitive grants totaling $168,632 were approved by the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees at their February meeting.
About the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation
The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation will improve the quality of life in Hancock County through collaborative leadership, responsible grantmaking, and the development of philanthropic giving. Established in 1992 as an outgrowth of a one-time gift from L. Dale Dorney, the Community Foundation has granted more than $20 million to fund projects that support our community. Visit www.community-foundation.com or call 419-425-1100 to learn more about how the Community Foundation is helping our community.
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes sponsored by Huntington
Saturday, April 30, 2011 @10:30 AM Riverside Park, Findlay
A walk-a-thon with a twist!
The headliners of this event are our own local men and boys willing to walk one mile in high heeled shoes to speak out against domestic violence!
Kids Zone, Bounce House, Games and meet SpongeBob. Plus food vendors, prizes and awards.
Show the community that you are taking a united stand against domestic violence!
Sign up individually or as a team!
For more information or to register, visit openarmsfindlay.org, email jdevore@openarmsfindlay.org Or call 419-420-9261
FOSTORIA COMMUNITY HOSPTIAL TO OFFER FREE OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENINGS
One out of every two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporsis-related fracture in his or her lifetime.
To help promote bone health, the Fostoria Community Hospital radiology and special imaging department will be offering free bone density heel screenings beginning Thurs., April 21, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Fostoria Community Hospital main lobby, entrance 1.
The bone density heel test requires a bare foot. During the test, the heel must be kept as still as possible for the best results. An average test takes about one minute, and will be followed by counseling.
This free screening is recommended annually for both men and women over the age of 50. No appointment or physician referral required.
To learn more, please call the Fostoria Community Hospital radiology and special imaging department at 419-436-6643.
BVH Offering Robotic-Assisted Surgery Seminar & Robot Demonstration
Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH) is offering a robotic-assisted gynecological surgery educational presentation and da Vinci robot demonstration Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. in Marathon Auditorium at Blanchard Valley Hospital.
The seminar is for women who want to learn more about robotic-assisted surgery options for the treatment of: Endometriosis Fibroids Hysterectomy Infertility
Dr. Miguel Jordan, Dr. Robert Schutz and Dr. Lorie Thomas will present information on these topics. There will also be a demonstration of the da Vinci robot, and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 419.423.5551 or e-mailing spirit@bvhealthsystem.org.
This da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery seminar is a Spirit of Women event. Both Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital are members of Spirit of Women, a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women's lives with innovative health and community programs.
Dr. Carmen Doty-Armstrong, Dr. Miguel Jordan, Dr. Robert Schutz and Dr. Lorie Thomas are able to perform robotic-assisted gynecological procedures at Blanchard Valley Hospital.
Media Opportunity: Members of the media are invited to this event to see the da Vinci Surgical Robot in action. Special demonstrations of the robot's skills will be featured, and physicians and hospital staff will be available to answer questions.
United Way Holds 55th Annual Meeting
The United Way of Hancock County held its 55th annual meeting on Apr. 12, 2011 at the Findlay Country Club. The evening began with a Gaslight Society reception. The United Way Gaslight Society reception is an event for donors of $750 or more annually. The reception was sponsored by Commercial Savings Bank; Robison, Curphey & O'Connell Law Firm and Sharon Rooney.
The annual meeting crowd was treated to an event that celebrated the work of United Way of Hancock County as well as the work of its 19 partner agencies. Corporate table sponsors for the annual meeting included: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, First Federal Bank, Huntington Bank, Marathon, Old Fort Banking Company, Pry Professional Group, Rowmark, LLC and Whirlpool Corporation.
Bev Phillips, community services director, presented Andrew Bishop with the Secor Scholar Award, a $2,000 renewable scholarship honoring Steven and Doris Secor. 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.
Larry Busdeker presented the Distinguished Volunteer award to Harold "Puck" Rowe for his work in the community as a board member and committees for numerous organizations. In his acceptance speech, Rowe commended the community for allowing him so many opportunities to volunteer over the years.
"I am very fortunate to have been able to work with and be associated with some truly outstanding volunteers over the years. They should be standing with me, or in front of me," said Rowe.
Board chair, Jeri Bjorling welcomed new board members Chris Press, and 2011 Campaign Co-chairs Kim Stumpp and Chuck Stumpp. She also announced returning board members Doug Hiegel, Craig Kupferberg, and Candee Mackell. She introduced the board officers: Board Chair, Jeri Bjorling; Board Chair Elect, Doug Heigel; and Secretary/Treasurer, Warren Kahn.
Bjorling recognized and thanked outgoing board members; Mark Plesec, Scott Malaney and Brian Wheeler. Allsbrook Smith provided musical entertainment for the evening.
United Way's annual report is available online at LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org or by calling the United Way office. For more information about the Gaslight Society or the United Way of Hancock County call 419-423-1432 or visit http://LiveUnitedHancockCounty.org .
Community Gardens of Hancock County to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Community Gardens of Hancock County will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony on April 20 at 4 p.m. at the East Main Cross location between Lye Creek and Eastown Park Row. The public is invited to the event, which will include representatives from the collaborative group heading up the effort.
The Community Gardens of Hancock County is a collaborative effort of the following groups: United Way of Hancock County, the MENTOR Initiative, The Blanchard Valley Green Coalition, Ohio State University Extension, Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers, The Community Foundation and City of Findlay officials. Hancock County Community Gardens 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.
For more information, contact the United Way office at 419-423-1432 or email Tamera Rooney at trooney@uwhancock.org.
Discovery Story: Badgers
Come learn more about badgers, a who is part of the weasel family and is found in Hancock County! Join us on Monday, May 2 at 10am and 1pm. This will take place on at the Discovery Center located at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. For children ages 3-6 with an adult companion. Includes story and activities and a craft all about this large burrowing weasel.
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".
NATURE JOURNALING : A Closer Look At Spring Wildflowers
The spring wildflowers in Hancock County are a beautiful sight. What better way to capture their essence than through Nature Journaling. Saturday, April 30 from 10am-11:30am, participants will meet at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center to learn how to boost skills of observation, insight, and intellect.
Nature Journaling is a process that allows an individual to record observations, seasonal changes, process your own environmental theory, and share verifiable scientific information with others in a creative way. This session will cover basic journaling techniques specific to plants. Participants should plan to be outside for around 45 minutes to 1 hour during the program.
This program is an Adult Nature Education Session, minimum 18 years old, and qualifies for Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist credit hours. Please contact Sarah Betts, Natural Resource Coordinator, sbetts@hancockparks.com, with any questions. Please register for this free program at the Hancock Park District Office, 419-425-7275, by Friday, April 29.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION PLANNED : Memorial Trees Welcome for Parks
The Hancock Park District invites the public to participate in a local Arbor Day Celebration being planned by HPD and Findlay Flag City Arbor of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society at 11:30am on Friday, April 29 at Litzenberg Memorial Woods in observance of this national tree planting day first observed in 1874.
A Kentucky coffee tree will be planted in honor of this annual national observance. Afterwards, guests are welcome to tour the 1847 Historic McKinnis House and wood shop to meet several new living history characters. The event will take place rain or shine so dress for the weather.
Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and stay for a picnic in the Activity Barn afterwards. Coffee and cold beverages will be provided.
For anyone interested in memorial trees to be planted within the park district, arrangements can be made through the HPD office, with funds donated to the Hancock Parks Foundation. Contact the HPD Office at 419-425-PARK (7275) for further information.
Litzenberg is located west of Findlay at 6100 US Route 224. 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".
Summer River Clean-Up Plans Focus
For April 28 Watershed Meeting
The April 28 Blanchard River Watershed (BRWP) Partnership meeting in Ottawa will
focus on planning for a river clean-up this summer to involve area volunteers. The 6 pm
meeting will be held in the Putnam County Library Community Room. The BRWP will also
conduct its monthly business agenda. The public is welcome to come learn about activities
planned in the watershed.
A report on an Earth Day River Clean-up by volunteers April 23 and a proposed river
access site at the US 224 Bridge are to be discussed. Interested area residents are urged to
attend and participate in planning. Local clean-up leader Don Croy spearheaded the first river
clean-up effort April 23 as part of the national day of service by PLANET, the Professional Lawn
Care Network. The summer river clean-up hopes to expand the recent efforts to involve more
youth groups, service clubs and families willing to remove little and debris from river banks.
The BRWP represents the six counties of the Blanchard River Watershed dedicated to
water quality through developing citizen involvement and watershed action plans. Local Board
members are Leo Schroeder (Putnam County) and Jeff Loehrke (Ottawa). While not related to
the NW Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership, BRWP works in cooperation with the communities
along the river and the Maumee Conservancy District. Volunteers are welcome to join activities
at any time. Learn more about the Blanchard River on the BRWP website at
www.BlanchardRiver.org.
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