(From Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts (MCPA) is excited to open registration for its 2026 Winter Art and Music Classes, inviting students in grades K–12 to experience a season filled with creativity, discovery, and hands-on artistic fun. This winter’s programming features dynamic visual art clubs and lively music classes designed to spark imagination, build confidence and help young artists shine.

Winter Art Club

MCPA’s Winter Art Club offers students a welcoming, inspiring space where creativity thrives and imagination takes the lead.

Grades K–2
January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Matt Bower
Young artists will explore painting, drawing, cutting, gluing and building imaginative 2D and 3D creations using a wide variety of colorful and engaging art materials.

Grades 3–5
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Jason Wagner
Students will dive into bold 2D and 3D projects across mediums including paint, printmaking and drawing, perfect for both budding artists and experienced creators eager to explore new techniques.

Grades 6–12
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 5:45–7:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jason Wagner
Students will explore exciting 2D and 3D projects using a wide range of mediums, from painting and intricate printmaking to dynamic drawing and more. Whether they’re seasoned creators or simply love to make art, each session offers fresh inspiration and hands-on creative exploration.

Winter Music Class Offerings

Mini Orff Makers (Grades K–2)
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Katie Ferren
A lively, movement-filled introduction to music, this class uses the Orff approach to help young musicians explore rhythm, melody, language and instruments through playful rhymes, chants and creative expression.

The Orffestra (Grades 3–5)
January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Instructor: Katie Ferren
Students transform poems and stories into rhythm patterns, songs and group compositions. With singing, movement, improvisation and instrumental play, every session supports confidence, collaboration and joyful music-making.

Registration & Additional Information

MCPA’s Winter Class Series gives students the opportunity to explore their creativity, connect with peers, and discover new artistic passions. Classes fill quickly, register early to secure your spot!

For registration and more information, visit www.mcpa.org/education-community

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The Golden Apple Volunteer Program was recently gifted with beautifully hand-sewn and embroidered homemade cart covers created by Judy Balister. Judy is a dedicated BVHS volunteer, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for the time, care, and craftsmanship she put into these stunning covers.

The Golden Apple Volunteer Program focuses on the specific needs and preferences of older adults, helping to optimize their well-being and quality of life during their inpatient stay. Volunteers participate in a structured, supportive environment and receive training tailored to this unique opportunity. Responsibilities include evaluating in-room patient care, interacting and visiting with patients, and assisting with small tasks. Clinical staff conduct pre-shift and post-shift huddles to support volunteers and ensure high-quality patient engagement.

Volunteers also benefit from mentorship, gain clinical experience, receive a certificate upon program completion, and accumulate volunteer hours. If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you, please apply today at bvhs.info/GoldenAppleApplication.

(From Putnam County Habitat for Humanity)

When you enter the holiday-decorated Schroeder Center for the Arts on December 4, you can sample a variety of soups, breads and desserts while supporting Putnam County Habitat for Humanity’s (PCHFH) mission for safe, decent, affordable housing throughout Putnam County. “Soup for Shelter” will take place this Thursday at the Schroeder Center for the Arts at 162 W. Main St., Ottawa, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This event will be an evening of hearty feasting that features soup bowls made by local school students, teachers and artists.

“Soup for Shelter” tickets for adults are $25. Adult tickets include one handmade bowl, one soup cook-off vote, and all the samples they can eat until the crockpots are empty. Tickets are also available for $5 for children aged 4 to 12; children under 3 admitted free (does not include the hand-made bowl.) Tickets are available December 4 at the door. 

While ticketholders dine, they can vote for their favorite soup. The winner of the evening’s soup cook-off will take home a golden bowl created by mosaic artist Martha Erchenbrecher. 

Since its inception in 2009, PCHFH has built 12 new homes and rebuilt an entire house. Homeowners purchase their homes through low- or zero-interest mortgages provided by PCHFH or through USDA direct loans. Critical home repair projects completed by Putnam County Habitat for Humanity include bathroom remodels, roof repairs and replacements, electrical repairs, window replacements, wheelchair ramp additions and replacements.

(ONN) – Ohio U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno has introduced a bill that would eliminate dual citizenship in America.

Under current law, certain U.S. citizens can have multiple citizenships.

For example, if you were born in another country but obtained citizenship in America.

Senator Moreno claims this creates conflicts of interest and his bill would require people to forfeit their dual citizenship.

Moreno saying in part, “being an American citizen is an honor and a privilege, and if you want to be an American, it’s all or nothing.”

(From the City of Fostoria)

We are excited to share that the City of Fostoria has been awarded $100,000 from the Ohio Urban Forestry Division to continue strengthening and revitalizing our city’s urban forest.

Many of you know we previously received a $1 million American Forestry grant at the federal level. While that funding supported critical early phases of our overall Urban Forestry Program, this new state-level grant will allow us to move into Phase 3: Tree Planting and Establishment.

-Where We Are in the Urban Forestry Program

Phase 1 – Public Tree Inventory & Risk Assessment

Completed by Davey Resource Group and funded through the American Forestry grant. This work provided a citywide evaluation of all public trees and identified hazardous or declining trees needing removal.

Phase 2 – Urban Forest Management & Master Planting Plan

Completed last week. This plan identifies all vacant planting sites throughout the city and recommends appropriate species for both replacement plantings and future canopy health.

Phase 3 – Tree Planting & Establishment (Now Funded!)

This new Urban Forestry grant will be focused on downtown Fostoria, specifically replacing all Callery pear trees, which are recognized as an invasive species. Many of our urban trees were planted at the same time decades ago, leading to many of them declining at the same time as well. Removing invasive or hazardous trees and replanting with healthy, diverse, and site-appropriate species will greatly improve the long-term health of our canopy.

-What to Expect Downtown

Our Tree & Beautification Commission has been working diligently to select the right species for the right locations while considering storefront visibility, safety, root behavior, sidewalk impacts, and long-term maintenance.

In the coming weeks, we will begin delivering informational materials to downtown business owners and tenants. For now, please note:

-All trees on Main Street from South Street to North Street will be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

-Behind the Scenes

We are actively using TreeKeeper, our new tree-management software, to log calls, track work orders, and ensure our crews are addressing needs efficiently.

A big thank you to Botimer Tree Service, Ernie Russell Stump Removal, and our own City of Fostoria crews for their hard work in improving our urban forest.

-Questions About a City Tree?

If you have a question about a tree in the boulevard in front of your home or if you notice a tree that may pose a hazard, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and sustainable urban canopy for generations to come.

Fostoria’s future is growing—literally!

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

Fun for All was created in response to local feedback that affordable, family-friendly activities were scarce.

From arts and theater to sports and recreation, there’s fun for everyone!

To keep the fun going, the Foundation board launched the Fun for All Fund.

All gifts to the fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 through December 20, 2025.

Since 2023, we’ve partnered with 31 organizations to bring 60+ free events to 40,000 people, half of Hancock County.

From pool days to opera nights, arts and crafts to ice skating, we’re breaking down financial barriers so everyone can enjoy arts, parks, and recreation right here at home.

Your support creates joy, connection, and lasting memories for our community.

Give the Gift of Fun this season! https://www.community-foundation.com/fun

(From the Hancock Veterans Service Office)

Wreaths Across America is a national event whose mission is to REMEMBER the fallen U.S. Veterans, HONOR those who serve our country, and TEACH future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

Join us as we respectfully place approximately 6,500 wreaths on area Veterans’ graves in Hancock County in honor of their service on Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m.

Participating cemeteries include Arlington, Benton Ridge, Eagle Township, Maple Grove, McComb, North Baltimore, St. Michael’s, and Vanlue Cemeteries.

Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, President of Garner Trucking, is the coordinator of the Findlay event at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Donations can be made at the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber Foundation for the Hancock County participating cemeteries or you can visit our website (www.hancockveterans.com).

REMEMBER our fallen U.S. Veterans.

HONOR those who serve.

TEACH your children the value of freedom.

Findlay City Council voted down a proposed loitering ordinance at its Tuesday night meeting. 

Several community members have pushed back against the ordinance since it was proposed, saying it threatens the freedom of people to exist in public spaces without fear of being criminalized.

The city said it has received increased complaints regarding loitering in and around parts of downtown, loitering that often includes signs of drug use and other criminal acts.

The city said the intention of the ordinance was to have some control and enforcement of such conduct which currently does not exist in city code.

Below is audio of how the vote went, the text of the ordinance, and video from Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-134

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING REGULATIONS ON UNLAWFUL CONGREGATION.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Council for the City of Findlay, Ohio:

WHEREAS, Council for the City of Findlay desires to prohibit lingering in a public place

for an extended period of time without apparent purpose with the intent to deter more

serious criminal acts.

SECTION 1. That effective immediately upon adoption of this Ordinance, the new

regulations on unlawful congregation as attached hereto shall be active and enforced.

SECTION 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the earliest

period provided by law.

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of this ordinance is to promote public safety and order by prohibiting conduct that

obstructs public ways or facilitates criminal activity, while preserving the constitutional rights of

individuals to move freely, assemble, and engage in lawful activity.

Section 2. Definitions

For purposes of this ordinance:

1. “Loiter” means to remain in a public place without apparent lawful purpose after being

requested by a law enforcement officer to move along, when such conduct obstructs

pedestrian or vehicular traffic or interferes with lawful business on the premises.

2. “Public place” means any street, sidewalk, alley, parking lot, or area open to the

general public.

3. “Obstruct” means to intentionally or recklessly block, hinder, or impede the free

passage of pedestrians or vehicles.

Section 3. Prohibited Conduct

(A) No person shall intentionally or recklessly:

1. Obstruct the free passage of any other person or vehicle on any public way, sidewalk, or

public place; or

2. Remain in a public place after being lawfully ordered by a law enforcement officer to

move, when the officer has observed that the person’s conduct:

 (a) Is causing or contributing to an obstruction; or

 (b) Is reasonably associated with the commission, attempted commission, or

solicitation of a specific unlawful act including but not limited to; prostitution, drug

trafficking, or assault.

(B) No person shall be stopped or ordered to move solely for standing, walking, talking, or

otherwise engaging in lawful behavior in a public place.

Section 4. Law Enforcement Procedures

1. Before issuing an order to disperse or move along, a law enforcement officer shall:

– Identify themselves and explain the specific conduct observed that constitutes an

obstruction or indicates intent to engage in a specific unlawful act.

2. The person shall be given a reasonable opportunity to comply before any arrest or

citation is made.

3. Officers shall document the specific conduct and circumstances leading to the

enforcement action.

Section 5. Penalty

Violation of this ordinance is a minor misdemeanor.

Section 6. Severability

If any portion of this ordinance is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining portions shall

remain in full force and effect.

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Funday Sunday is back December 14th from 1:00–3:30 p.m.!

Enjoy hands-on winter fun, an interactive story time by author/illustrator Jane Smith, a visit from Santa, and a Children’s Museum of Findlay pop-up from 1:00–3:30 p.m.!

Registration is required. 

Get more details on the next Mazza Museum Funday Sunday below.

The Coats for Christmas distribution dates are coming up.

The used coats were collected in November and are being cleaned this week.

Distribution dates: Saturday, December 6th, distribution will be from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Coats will be available again on Sunday, December 7th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Distribution will take place at the East Branch YMCA at 1400 Manor Hill Road in Findlay.

There are no financial restrictions for eligibility; therefore, anyone in need of a coat, hat, and mittens is welcome.

Learn more about Coats for Christmas by clicking here.