(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is excited to announce its latest community-wide initiative, Rooted to Rise: Supporting Work and Play in Hancock County. Unveiled at the Foundation’s Annual Celebration on June 18, this campaign is designed to strategically align community needs with the generosity of donors, bolstering existing systems and fostering long-term growth for a thriving future.

“The genesis of this campaign was the realization that these two areas in particular, work and play, are crucial to quality of life,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “The State of Work and Play Report we commissioned last year underscores the need for more support in these areas to ensure everyone in Hancock County has access to a thriving life.”

The “work” category focuses on vital systems such as childcare, housing, transportation, and workforce development. Complementing this, the “play” category emphasizes arts, Fun for All, parks and recreation. With a housing occupancy rate exceeding 99%, childcare costs often rivaling rent, and the cost of recreational activities increasing by an average of 38% since 2021 nationally, many Hancock County families live on the edge of financial crisis. Yet, through these challenges, the spirit of our community persists, as residents continue to seek joy, connection, and creativity. Rooted to Rise aims to encourage and propel that spirit forward.

“We envision a future where Hancock County is not just a place people pass through for work, but a place they’re proud to call home, a place where children can grow up surrounded by learning and opportunity; and adults have access to careers, culture, and community without compromise,” said Treece. “That’s the future we’re building together – a Hancock County where everyone can put down strong roots and continually rise.”

Beyond fundraising, Rooted to Rise is also an educational initiative to deepen community understanding of the critical issues impacting Hancock County. Lasting change comes from knowing the root causes rather than just the symptoms. As part of this campaign, we will highlight the interconnectedness of work and play elements, demonstrating how issues like housing availability can impact workforce development, or how access to recreational activities can improve overall well-being and productivity.

The Foundation will host a variety of community education sessions, including lunch and learns, site visits to local organizations addressing these needs, and other special opportunities. These events will provide valuable insights into how systems change works and how individuals can contribute to a thriving Hancock County.

By investing in both work and play, the Foundation is building a balanced ecosystem where people and possibilities flourish. With the help of many generous donors, there are already 100 funds supporting the systems that are part of work and play. But there’s more work to be done.

Those interested in supporting this work can find more information, including the whole State of Work and Play Report, on our website here.

(From the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio)

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio is looking for volunteers to serve coffee and conversation to local veterans with the launch of a Coffee Cart service at the new VA Outpatient Clinic in Findlay.

Todd James, Executive Director of the North Central Ohio Chapter, says the Coffee Cart is a way to show appreciation and support to veterans, one of many programs the Red Cross offers to the military and military families. “A cup of coffee may not seem like much, but when it’s served with a smile and a thank you, it means a lot,” said James. Volunteers are needed to work four-hour shifts, 8:00 a.m. – Noon, at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 1720 E. Melrose Ave. in Findlay. “This coffee cart is just one of many ways we support our local veterans and military families,” said James. “We offer many community-based resiliency programs to support service members, veterans, and military families.”

James says the coffee cart is scheduled to open in July. Volunteers need to be able to lift at least 20 pounds, bend over and stand for up to four hours. Volunteers will be provided with a Red Cross vest to wear during their shift. For more information, contact James at todd.james@redcross.org or (419) 422-9322.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce)

Nominations are officially open for the 62nd Annual Small Business Awards!

Help us recognize all of the amazing businesses and organizations in the Findlay and Hancock County community by submitting your nominations today!

Each year, we shine a spotlight on individuals whose entrepreneurial spirit and independent drive are crucial to building our community and boosting the economy.

Join us in acknowledging the accomplishments of the small businesses in Findlay and Hancock County. 

Visit FindlayHancockChamber.com/SBA to see the awards, their criteria, and to submit your nominations!

The awards ceremony will take place Thursday, October 9th.

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will showcase a selection of the world’s finest fantasy artists in its 11th annual Enchanted Brush exhibit, open now through August 29.

This year’s exhibit, free to the public in the Lea Gallery of UF’s Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, has a theme of “Legendary.”

“This exhibition brings to life the characters, myths, and moments of epic tales,” explained Dan Chudzinski, director of curation and exhibitions at Mazza and founder of the Enchanted Brush exhibition.

There are 27 works of art, representing 22 international fantasy artists, in the display of oil paintings, scratchboard, bronze sculpture, 3D-printed digital sculpture, and more.

The theme emphasizes the connection between fantasy artwork and great literature, and how both transcend time.

“It has the power to transport us to the shadows of Sherwood, through the mists of Avalon, and beyond the boundaries of our imaginations,” Chudzinski explained. “This is art that provokes thought and curiosity.”

Among the featured pieces is “St. Petroch and the Dragon,” an oil painting by Scott Gustafson, whose work ranges from creating tea box artwork for Celestial Seasonings to covers for the Saturday Evening Post. Illustrating children’s books is his favorite creative outlet, and he currently has five books in print.

Gustafson’s painting for the exhibit features the legend of St. Petroch, a monk in Wales during the sixth century. The story tells of a distraught dragon upsetting nearby residents, and when Petroc confronted the beast, he learned that it had a splinter in its eye and needed help. The painting illustrates Petroch’s removal of the splinter, which resulted in the dragon leaving the village in peace.

Another featured artist in the exhibit is Don Maitz, with his oil paintings “Arthur in Battle” and “Arthur Knights Lancelot.”

Maitz is the original creator of the Captain Morgan Spiced Rum character and an award-winning cover artist of more than 300 books, magazines, game art, and advertising for National Geographic, DC & Marvel Comics, Paramount, and Warner Pictures, among others. Maitz twice won science fiction’s Hugo Award for Best Artist, and he has exhibited in over 40 museums.

Chudzinski noted that the exhibit also highlights several “cryptids,” which are creatures whose existence is not yet scientifically proven. One of these is the curator’s own sculpture of the Loveland, Ohio Frogman.

Three other pieces feature a jackalope, a jackrabbit with antelope horns. These are an oil painting by Alan Douglas, and a skeleton and sculpture by Chudzinski.

Other participating artists in the exhibit are Iris Compiet, Allen Douglas, Quintin Gleim, Scott Gustafson, James Herrmann, Kelley Hensing, Elliot Lang, Ashly Lovett, Don Maitz, Jason Mowry, Reiko Murakami, Colin Nitta, Kristine Poole, Ruth Sanderson, Danny Schwartz, Chris Sickles, Andrew Sides, Melissa Stanley, Alex Stone, Jeremy Wilson, and Janny Wurts.

A reception will take place Tuesday, July 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with a gallery tour and some of the artists attending to discuss their work.

Many of the pieces of artwork on display are available for purchase, with all of the proceeds going to the artists.

For more information on the exhibit, visit mazzamuseum.org.

(From the Findlay YMCA)

Join us Saturday, July 19th, at the Downtown YMCA from 12-1 pm for a special autograph signing session with the Flag City Sluggers team!

Bring your favorite items to get signed and meet your favorite players.

This event is free and open to all ages!

Plus, don’t miss out on exclusive Sluggers apparel available for purchase—cash only!

Later that evening, join us for “YMCA Night at the Park” at 7:05 pm, where you can enjoy fun YMCA-themed games and cheer on the Sluggers!

Get ready for a grand slam day of activities and community fun!

(From the Ohio Department of Transportation)

HANCOCK COUNTY: SR 103 between CR 8 and TR 187 will close on Monday, July 7, for approximately 3-5 days to replace a culvert.

Detour: U.S. 68 to U.S. 30, to SR 37, back to SR 103

Visit our website to see all traffic impacts by county:

www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/traffic-advisories

The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County is reminding pet owners that, while fireworks are fun for you, they aren’t very much fun for your pets who are more sensitive to loud noises.

The Humane Society wants to give everyone some 4th of July tips to keep their furry family members safe.

The tips are listed below and you can also listen to the information from the Humane Society’s Natalie Reffitt.

1. Take a current, clear picture. If your pet does get loose you will have a picture ready to go.
2. Make sure you put a collar with ID tags on your pet. For your feline friends please use a break-a-way collar.
3. Leave the television or radio on to drown out the noise of the fireworks.
4. If you are having people over, consider putting your pets inside a room they cannot escape from (so they won’t be able to escape with people coming in and out of your house).
   We recommend even bringing in your outside pets.
5. Take your walk(s) well before fireworks start.
6. Going somewhere to watch the fireworks? Leave your pets at home – they will thank you! As much as your pets love you or love going on rides, trust us when we say your pets are much safer in the security of their own home.

Get more on Oscar, Ivy, and Gus Gus below, as well as all the animals up for adoption at the The Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County by clicking here.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

We are happy to announce that applications are open for our Golden Apple Volunteer Program.

This 15-week program offers volunteers valuable clinical experience working with older adults.

During the program, you will earn volunteer hours and experience in a structured, supportive setting, guided by a mentor.

If you’re interested in healthcare or pursuing a degree in this field, apply today at https://www.volgistics.com/appform/1876834061.

Applications close on July 25, 2025. The program will start on August 14, 2025, and will take place once a week for 15 weeks.

(From Family Resource Center)

Family Resource Center (FRC) is expanding access to mental health crisis care in Hancock County by offering extended hours. Crisis services are now available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., giving individuals and families more opportunity to receive help when they need it most.

This change is part of FRC’s ongoing effort to reduce barriers to care and ensure that people in crisis can connect with support outside of traditional business hours.

“We know that mental health crises don’t just happen from 9 to 5,” said Maria Cool, Crisis Supervisor at Family Resource Center. “By expanding our hours, we’re making sure people can get help when they need it, whether that’s at school, in the evening, on the weekend, or any day of the week.”

Crisis services are available to anyone in Hancock County experiencing a mental health crisis, or who may be concerned about a loved one. Trained professionals can provide immediate support including de-escalation, assessment, and connection to ongoing care as needed.

To learn more about FRC’s crisis services, visit: https://www.frcohio.com/crisissupport

(ONN) – A significant change is coming to laws regarding public records in Ohio.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer calls it the most significant alteration to Ohio public records law in more than 25 years.

Text messages and emails between Ohio lawmakers and among their staff will now be exempt from public records disclosure until the next legislative session. 

The changes are similar to new federal laws.

Proponents say it allows legislators to operate without fear of public scrutiny.

Opponents say it eliminates transparency and allows legislators to function under a veil of secrecy making preventive measures untenable.