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In addition to GFI's E-briefings and website, GreaterFindlayInc. news and events can also be found at www.findlayliving.com under Business>GFI News. Also, be sure to look for GreaterFindlayInc.'s feature spread in each monthly publication of Findlay Living Magazine.
57th SEASON OF RIVERSIDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 18
Music will once again fill the air at Riverside Park as the Riverside Summer Concert Series begins Wednesday, June 18 with the Millstream Singers, an all male chorus. Eight free summer musical concerts, highlighting local performers, will take the stage of the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Band Shell and Dick Daugherty Plaza as part of the 2008 Season. The concert series has become a community event with 57 years of musical tradition in Hancock County. All concerts will be held on Wednesday evenings begin at 7:30 p.m.
Concert goers can sit and relax on benches provided in the area or bring your own sit upon or blanket and listen under the evening skies to other concert dates including June 25 – Night Jazz, July 2, 9 & 16 – Findlay Civic Concert Band, July 23 – Fostoria Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus, July 30 – Napoleon Community Band, and August
6 – Findlay Civic Jazz.
The community event continues to be free thanks to the generous financial support of Fifth Third Bank, Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, Findlay Hearing Aid Center, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC, Merrill Lynch and The Heritage, and Patron Sponsors Primrose Retirement Community and AmeriCare Home Health Care. Printing sponsorship was provided by Taylor House Assisted Living. Cooperation to produce the concert series is provided by the City of Findlay Parks and Recreation Department, Arts Partnership of Greater Hancock County, Hancock Parks Foundation, University of Findlay and Hancock Park District. Sound engineering is provided by the House of Hindenach. Radio personalities from WFIN Radio will be providing the Master of Ceremonies throughout the duration of the series. The series is coordinated by Volunteer Series Coordinator John Marshall.
Other features of the concert series will include free popcorn or refreshment nights provided by concert sponsors and Hancock Friends of the Parks. Refreshments are provided before performances begin.
Concert goers are reminded to arrive early for choice seating and parking. In the event of inclement weather conditions, please listen to local media for last minute cancellations. Every effort is made to hold each concert. Complete concert schedules can be obtained by calling the Hancock Park District office, located at 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, 419-425-7275.
MUSIC IN THE PARK-JUNE 19, JULY 17
The Fostoria Community Band will perform all of your band favorites during Music in the Park at held June 19 at 7 p.m. On July 17, bring your lawn chairs to Country Expressions, a country music concert, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Arcadia Lions Club Community Park. Sponsors for Music in the Park include Motorists Insurance, Hitchings Insurance, Kirk Brothers Co., Blanchard Valley Farmers and Gene Stevens Honda.
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP DAYS -LOCATIONS SET, REGISTRATION OPEN
A new summer program for teens is being offered by the Hancock Park District. Three Conservation Stewardship Days sessions will be offered during the summer from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each on consecutive Thursdays.
The goals for the educational and stewardship activities planned throughout the summer are to help the environment, and to also have positive lasting impressions on youth and help them to consider the full and lasting impacts of each action they make on the environment. Teens thirteen to fifteen years old may be enrolled in any or all of the following sessions:
Session 1: June 19 & 26 (register by June 13).
June 19 - Litzenberg Memorial Woods. Activities will include trail work, woody species removal, and more.
June 26 – Riverbend Recreation Area. Activities will include River Monitoring and Inventorying.
Session 2: July 10 & 17 (register by July 3).
July 10 – Riverbend Recreation Area. Activities will include river monitoring and macro invertebrate investigations. July 17 – Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Activities will include animal care at the Discovery Center, invasive species control, and more.
Session 3: July 31 & Aug. 7 (register by July 24)
July 31 and August 7 – Riverbend Recreation Area both days. Activities will include river monitoring and inventorying, trail work, invasive species control, and more.
Enrollment is limited to twelve teens per session. Participants should bring sunscreen, bug repellant, lunch, refillable water bottle, and dress for the weather and stewardship activity. HPD will provide gloves, refreshments, equipment, and educational supplies. Register at the HPD office no later than one week before each session begins with a $10 per session fee. No refunds will be given, except in the event of a session cancellation due to low registration. For more information or to register, contact the Hancock Park District office at 419-425-PARK.
THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS COME OUT TO PLAY AT RIVERBEND-JUNE 21
Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of astronomical fun with members of the Millstream Astronomy Club on Saturday, June 21. Astronomy Day begins at 4 p.m. in Shelter #5 at Riverbend Recreation Area. During daylight hours, you’ll safely gaze at the Sun using a solar telescope to view sunspots. Then get an idea of the sheer size of our solar system by walking through a 1,000 yard scale model of the planets. As night falls, the “Star Party” kicks off with the viewing of the stars, planets, and other celestial treats through telescopes.
Riverbend Recreation Area is located off SR 568, east of Findlay at 16618 TR 208, Findlay, OH 45840.
CHILDREN ON THE FARM PROGRAM SLATED FOR LITZENBERG-JUNE 22
Bring your whole family out to the 1840’s Historical McKinnis Homestead and experience what life was like on the farm for children during this time period. The public program is slated to take place on Sunday, June 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30p.m. Historical programming staff and volunteers of the Hancock Park District will be portraying members of the McKinnis Family and area neighbors who lived in and around the area.
The McKinnis Homestead is located within Litzenberg Memorial Woods at 6100 US 224, 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”.
FAMILY FUN EVENT AT BLACK HERITAGE LIBRARY & MULTICULTURAL CENTER-JUNE 22
Findlay's Black Heritage Library & Multicultural located at 817 Harmon Street will be hosting "A Celebration of Freedom" community fundraising program, 2-6 p.m. June 22. Keynote speaker will be Mr. Wil Clay, a nationally acclaimed children's author and illustrator.
"A Taste of Soul" food sampling will feature BBQ Ribs, fried and jerk chicken, collared greens, red beans and rice, sweet potato pie, rum cake, corn bread and much more for $1 per sample. Food will be available throughout the entire event.
A premier Silent Auction will begin at 2 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting the Center. Bid to win unique and specialty items ranging from framed art, artifacts, signed celebrity photos, merchant gifts, ladies garments from in African and India, ethnic jewelry and a chance to receive a keepsake portrait sketch by our featured author and artist. Items may be viewed beginning at 1:30 p.m. The auction will commence at 2 p.m. with Clay presenting at 2:30 p.m.
The event will also feature a "Cake Walk" baking contest. Bring your favorite home baked cake and the recipe to win a chance for first, second and third place ribbon. The first place winner will win a gift, compliments of WFIN-WKXA Radio. The recipes of the three winners will also be featured on "Kelley Green's Phone Club" on WFIN Radio. Due to limited space, only 25 participants will be eligible to enter the contest. To register, call the Center at (419) 423-4954. Cake recipes along with your name, address and phone number, must be mailed or delivered to the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center no later June 18, 2008. Pans will be returned although cakes will be donated.
Those unable to attend are welcome to consider a tax deductible contribution to the organization. For more information, contact Nina Parker at 419-423-4954 or at bslacenter@yahoo.com.
MACKLIN INSTITUTE OFFERING CHILD ABUSE RECOGNITION & PREVENTION TRAINING-JUNE 25 & 26
The Marilyn & Gordon Macklin Intergenerational Institute (Macklin Institute) is offering a professional development in-service on “Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention” on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 and Thursday, June 26, 2008. The training will be held in the Julien A. Faisant Center located at Birchaven Village, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio. Participants may choose to attend the refresher session on June 25, 6-9 p.m. or the entire training on June 25 & 26, 6-9 p.m. both evenings. Costs are $25 for the refresher course and $35 for the entire course. All session fees are due at the time of registration and are non-refundable. CE’s for this training have been approved by Blanchard Valley Health Association.
The Macklin Institute was established in July 2003 through an endowment by Marilyn & Gordon Macklin, former residents of Findlay, Ohio as a way to give back to a community that had been so good to them. The Macklin Institute's mission is to continually improve the lives of all ages through multi-age programming, care, community relationships and creative communication.
Additional intergenerational initiatives and professional development trainings coordinated and operated by the Macklin Institute include Marilyn’s Lifelong Educational Center (MLLEC), an intergenerational childcare center located within Birchaven Retirement Village; Customer Service for an Aging America, an informative program designed to help organizations better serve the nation’s aging population; Xtreme Aging, an interactive and experiential training that assists in identifying the true needs of the elderly and how to be effective in service to them; and The Intergenerational Certificate, a unique, 16-hour seminar which prepares participants to work simultaneously with children and senior adults. Enroll Now!! CEU’s available! Scholarships available! Next training date is August, 2008.
To register for the June 25 & 26, 2008 Safety training or Certificate Trainings, or for more information on any of the intergenerational initiatives offered by the Macklin Institute please contact Hollie Haley at 419-425-3045 or hhaley@mackliniginstitute.org.
LEARN HOW TO CANOE WITH THE HANCOCK PARK DISTRICT-JUNE 28
Do you want to learn how to canoe? Join American Canoe Association certified instructor, Stacie Roby, as she guides you through the basics of canoeing on Saturday, June 28, 2-5 p.m. The workshop will begin at the Waterfalls Pavilion in Riverside Park where you will cover boating safety and become familiar with canoeing equipment. Then you will head down to the river to gain hands-on experience and discover the pleasure of recreational canoeing. You will practice essential paddling strokes that will allow you to turn and maneuver your boat.
No experience is necessary. Recommended age to participate is 16 years and older. Youth, 12 -15 years old, may register with a participating adult. Register by Friday, June 20, with a $10 payment per person. Please register at the HPD office with a check or exact change. Space is limited. Participants are asked to bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a towel.
To learn more about the American Canoe Association, visit www.americancanoe.org. Riverside Park is located in Findlay at 231 McManness Avenue. 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”.
FREE CERTIFIED NETWORKER FREE EDUCATIONAL PREVIEW-JULY 15
Certified Networker invites you to attend a free educational preview 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 15 at GreaterFindlayInc. This special course offers priceless information to help you grow your business. Advanced registration is required as there is limited seating at this event. To register or for more information, contact Debby Peters at debby@certifiednetworker.com or call 419-833-5182.
MCCOMB COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SEEKING COOKIE FESTIVAL SPONSORS
The 4th Annual McComb Cookie Festival will be held August 8-10. To become an event sponsors, parade participants, booth attendant, or raffle prizes donor contact Curt Harris at CurtHarris@FreshEncounter.com. All proceeds go towards McCombs Community Center.
OWENS FINDLAY-AREA CAMPUS OFFERS CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Area residents in Findlay will now have the opportunity to utilize free campus transportation between the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus and various destinations throughout the city as the academic institution announces the creation of a new Campus Transportation Program.
The College’s pilot Campus Transportation Program begins free shuttle service on Wednesday, June 4. Owens’ first-ever Findlay-area Campus-provided transportation service will occur Monday through Thursday, 6:55 a.m. - 4:55 p.m. and Friday, 8:55 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. during the Summer Semester. The free transportation service will provide eight stops during each hour of operation with a white, 15-passenger van, marked with Owens Community College logos.
For more information about Owens’ new Campus Transportation Program, call (567) 429-3586 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3586.
HANCOCK FRIENDS OF THE PARK REVISES DAYTON BUS TRIP
Hancock Friends of the Parks have revised their bus trip traveling to Dayton “The Birthplace of Aviation” on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. The original two day trip has been re-scheduled to a single day trip in hopes of attracting more participants.
The single day trip will focus on Dayton’s heritage by showcasing its rich legacy of invention and milestones in transportation that changed the nation. Carillon Park will be the first stop. The park is home to the Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane, and largest carillon in Ohio. A picnic lunch will be served at the park before the guided tour of 25 structures at the site.
Participants will then travel to Cox arboretum & Gardens, part of the Five River Metroparks, with its hands-on arboretum and numerous specialty gardens that allow visitor to experience, learn, see and enjoy the 189 acres. A tram service will be used in order to cover the grounds more quickly. Afterwards, there will be time for guests to roam and enjoy the gardens. Dinner afterwards will take place at Jay’s Seafood.
Cost is $85 per person and is due by July 1, 2008. All meals, transportation, and admission fees will be covered. A limited amount of space remains. A complete agenda can be furnished upon request by calling the Hancock Park District at 419-425-7275 Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.
SIX DISCIPLINES OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK ON EXECUTION REVOLUTION
On July 13th, Six Disciplines is kicking off a million dollar campaign nationwide to explain their research findings of Findlay, Ohio. The revolution of the way businesses manage the execution of strategy and the impact it will have on small and mid-sized businesses is featured in the book “Six Disciplines Execution Revolution – Solving the One Business Problem that Makes Solving All Other Problems Easier”.
Six Disciplines is offering a complimentary copy of this book to the local community as a “Thank You Findlay and Northwest Ohio”. Please consider forwarding this to all your employees, friends and other businesses so that they are all aware of what is happening and get a free copy of the book as well.
To receive a complimentary copy, simply visit www.SixDisciplines.com/START and enter the coupon code START when prompted toward the end of the check-out process. We will ship one book per address so please use your home address. This offer is limited to 5,000 books and will expire on June 19, 2008.
OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONDUCTS “BACKPACK TO THE FUTURE” SUPPLY DRIVE
Owens Community College’s Alumni Association is hosting a gently-used backpack drive to provide new life for what many students consider their mobile lifeline to learning.
The College’s Alumni Association community service endeavor, titled “Backpack to the Future,” is currently accepting gently-used backpacks and new school supplies from area residents during the summer months. Items collected, as part of the “Backpack to the Future” program, will be given to low-income elementary school children throughout Northwest Ohio.
In addition to the gently-used backpacks and new backpacks, individuals can donate crayons, markers, bottles of glue, glue sticks, colored pencils, pencils, pink erasers, school boxes, pocket folders, marbled covered composition books and Kleenex tissues. Area residents can bring their charitable donations to the College’s Enrollment Services Office on the Findlay-area Campus. Owens is located on Bright Road in Findlay.
Since establishing the program in 2004, the Owens Alumni Association has given over 850 backpacks and over 12,500 school supplies to benefit disadvantaged children throughout Northwest Ohio.
For more information about the school supply drive, or to make a donation, contact the Owens Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876 or alumni@owens.edu.
PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES TO HOUSE MISS OHIO
The lucky winner of the Miss Ohio contest will move into a brand new villa at Primrose Retirement Community in Mansfield, Ohio which she’ll call home during her year-long reign. Miss Ohio will also find a home away from home at five Primrose communities across Ohio as she travels the state for appearances and other obligations. The Primrose villa will be available after Miss Ohio is officially crowned in June.
The gift from Primrose is the largest gift in Miss Ohio history. Also a first, is the gift of housing.
Primrose’s gift to Miss Ohio includes free villa living for a year, in a furnished, 1,500 square foot villa, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, fully equipped kitchen, 3-season sunroom and garage. Although Miss Ohio’s villa is on the Primrose campus, it is not within the main building.
The new Miss Ohio will be able to enjoy the many amenities at Primrose, some helping her train for Miss America and fulfill her title responsibilities. Primrose’s fitness room will help with workouts and areas such as the Primrose pub will help with interviews and other meetings.
“To be involved in an organization that is willing to give so much back to the communities they serve and the residents who live at Primrose, is really a great thing.” says Deb Benson, Primrose Findlay Community Manager. “We look forward to Miss Ohio staying at our Findlay location in the near future.”
Miss Ohio will have a home away from home at five Primrose communities across Ohio during her reign as she travels the state for appearances and other obligations. This will give Miss Ohio and Primrose residents an opportunity to draw from each others life experiences.
Primrose communities in Marion, Zanesville, Lancaster, Lima, Findlay as well as Mansfield also donated a sum of $2,250 in scholarships to the Miss Ohio Program.
FERGUSON CONSTRUCTION CO. NAMED NORTHERN REGION BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Ferguson Construction Company has been named Northern Region Builder of the Year by the Buildings Division of Butler Manufacturing Company. The Northern Region includes all or part of 13 states, from Maine to Ohio. Ferguson Construction Company is a local general contractor with headquarters in Sidney, OH. Butler is the world leader in the development and manufacture of metal building systems.
The award was presented recently to Martin (Mick) L. Given, President of Ferguson Construction Company. Presenting the award was Tom Gilligan, Northern Regional General Manager, Butler Manufacturing Company.
The designation is awarded to one Butler Builder® per region who excels in the sales and marketing of Butler building and roof systems. Advantages of using construction systems such as Butler’s are faster construction time, lower costs, and reduced maintenance.
Buildings that have been recently completed by Ferguson Construction Company using Butler components include: Sidney Tool and Die of Sidney, OH, Bensar #26, Sidney, OH, Hexa Americas Sidney, OH, Advanced Interiors, Springboro, OH, Pacific Manufacturing, Fairfield, OH, Matandy Steel, Hamilton, OH, Ball Corporation, Columbus, OH, and the Honda Consolidation Center, Greensburg, IN.
Ferguson Construction Company was established in 1920 and has been building Butler buildings since 1990. Ferguson specializes in design/build, general contracting and construction management. Ferguson Construction has offices in Sidney, Dayton, and Columbus, OH; as well as Columbus, Indiana.
HONDA SUPPLIERS EARN TOP PERFORMANCE AWARDS
Eight suppliers that excel at providing Honda of America Mtg., Inc. with maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) services received the top “Suppliers of the Year” performance awards in their categories today during the company’s annual MRO Supplier Conference. In addition, five suppliers received special recognition for providing services well beyond normal duties.
The vast majority of Honda’s more than 2,100 MRO Suppliers are leading local businesses that provide a wide range of goods and services indirectly related to the manufacturing of passenger cards, light trucks, motorcycles and engines produced at Honda’s four Ohio plants.
Honda invited 109 MRO suppliers to the conference to thank them for their support over the past year, and to share information on business conditions and challenges. Six of the Suppliers of the Year are in Ohio: Dayton-based John A. Becker Co. locations in Sidney and Columbus; The Ohio Transmission Corp., Columbus; McAuliffe’s Industrial LLC, Marysville; Rosewood Machine & Tool, Rosewood; RPM Carbide Die, Inc., Arcadia, and Paragon Service and Supply, Lima.
In addition, three MRO supplier companies earned Special Recognition awards from Honda for going well beyond normal duties. All in Ohio, the “Special Recognition” awards went to John A Becker Co., Dayton; The Ohio Transmission Corp., Columbus, and Tru-Edge Grinding, St. Henry.
Honda of America Mfg. operates four of Honda’s five manufacturing plants in Ohio—the Marysville Motorcycle Plant, Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and Anna Engine Plant. The Company’s 12,500 associates produced more than 700,000 cars and light trucks in Ohio last year along with more than 1 million auto engines, while also manufacturing Gold Wing touring and VTX 1300 cruiser motorcycles.
HANCOCK COUNTY SUPPORT/ADVOCACY SERVICES SCHEDULE-JUNE 2008
Dual Recovery Anonymous-Every Monday, 3– 4p.m. at The Family Center (1800 N. Blanchard Street), ROOM 111. A 12 step group for individuals and their loved ones living with both a mental health and substance abuse issue. Call Don Illif (425-5050) or Deb Twining (422-3711) w/ questions.
FREE Eating Disorder Support Group-1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7– 8:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (2330 S. Main St). Call or email Joy Anderson, LSW with any questions or concerns at 419-425-8709 or findlayanad@yahoo.com. (Affiliated w/ ANAD – National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders – www.anad.org)
Mental Health Seminar-2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1-2p.m. at Focus On Friends (509 Trenton Ave.). Develop your Advanced Directive for Mental Health Treatment with Wanda Baughman and Jim Martin, trained facilitators. Call Wanda at Focus On Friends at 419-423-5071 w/ questions or to sign up.
Hancock CARES Flood Survivor’s Support Group-Every Tuesday from 6– 7p.m. at the Campfire Building ( 305 W. Hardin).Share your stories and ideas for rebuilding with other community members affected by the flood. Call Hancock CARES at 419-306-4176 with questions..
DBSA Support Group-Tuesday, June 24, 7p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (ROOM 209).Open to individuals diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar Disorder and their friends, family members, or supportive others. No pre-registration required. Call Becky Hickle at 419-422-9381 w/ questions.
Persons Affected by a Loved one’s Suicide (PALS) support group. Thursday, June 26, 7p.m. at Blanchard Valley Hospital - 2nd floor Ruse Bldg. - above the emergency room. This support group is free and open to anyone dealing with grief following a suicide. For more information, call Nancy Stephani at Century Health, 419-422-3711.
Visit Focus On Friends Drop In Center (509 Trenton Ave.). Providing a unique mix of education, leisure, friendship and support for people living with a mental illness. We invite you to “Just Be Yourself”.
*Visit www.ohio.networkofcare.org – Ohio’s Network of Care for Behavioral Health!!*
**Look for daily schedule of 12 – Step meetings (AA, NA, Al-Anon) in The Courier. Meetings designated as “open” are open to the public.
- Questions about the above or other Support and Advocacy Services, call Gary Bright, Director of Support and Advocacy Services at Century Health (419-425-5050 off. Or 419-889-8367 cell). Email Gary at gbright@centuryhealth.net to be added to this email list and get the schedule electronically each month.