The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library has partnered with the University of Findlay, University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, University of Findlay’s Phi Alpha Honor Society, and the University of Findlay’s Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society to bring New Perspectives: A Living Library to the Mazza Museum on October 17, 2023 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Books can educate people through fascinating stories of human experience. Every now and then, you may be lucky enough to pick up an unforgettable adventure that peels away all but the very nature of human beings, exposing the commonality among us all. Long-held biases and beliefs fall away, and you are left with a new understanding and a fresh perspective, all because you read a new story.
New Perspectives: A Living Library seeks to engage our community in conversation by providing a non-judgmental environment for people to speak one-on-one with those they might otherwise never have the chance to meet – people who may have different life experiences, stories, or beliefs. Participants will have 30 minutes to listen to each storyteller’s personal story and ask questions they might normally feel uncomfortable asking. These interactions will help participants and storytellers build a better understanding of each other as human beings through conversation and engagement.
This year’s New Perspectives event expands on previous years’ Human Library experiences and empowers community members to share their amazingly unique stories, no matter their circumstances. Creating a safe, judgment-free learning platform where personal conversations can challenge stigma and stereotypes echoes the library’s mission to treat all equally, respectfully, and with a friendly attitude.
The library is seeking volunteers to be storytellers for this program. If you are interested in being a volunteer and sharing your story, please contact Melody Flick at mflick@findlaylibrary.org or the visit the library’s website at www.findlaylibrary.org for an online application.
Santa Claus will be making a rare summertime appearance in Findlay when Blanchard Valley Center – the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities – sponsors its first-ever, Christmas in July: Mission to the North Pole on July 25 from 5:30-8 p.m.
“Think of it as a combination scavenger hunt and search for a secret treasure all wrapped up in one,” said Blanchard Valley Center Public Relations Manager Nadine Weininger.
“It’s going to be a fun night for everyone, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Participants will meet and receive their playing card at the patio of the Millstream Art Plaza at the corner of Main & Sandusky streets.
Participants will receive a free Christmas stocking or a red bag from Friends Office, while supplies last.
Weininger said participants can begin the search after 5:30 p.m., but the route must be completed by 8 p.m. Participants will get sent out on one of three different search routes.
This is being done to avoid congestion, but also to keep the event as challenging as possible.
At each location, participants must complete a task and get their game card stamped. Area businesses and non-profits are serving as destinations for the treasure hunters.
As with any good Christmas-themed event, the participants will finish their quest at Findlay’s own “North Pole.”
Weininger was asked the location of Findlay’s North Pole. To which she responded, “Ha! Nice try. You’ll have to enter the Mission to the North Pole to find out.”
Once participants reach the North Pole, they will have to complete a final task – a wreath toss. Participants must get at least two wreaths on the North Pole, after which they will receive their final game stamp.
All completed game cards will be entered into a raffle drawing to take place on July 26. For more information, visit Blanchard Valley Center’s Facebook page. To register, complete the form by clicking here.
Blanchard Valley Health System is pleased to announce two hiring events for opportunities to work in long-term care locations in both Findlay and Fostoria.
Birchaven Village will hold a hiring event from noon to 3 p.m. on July 20, 2023 at 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay.
Among the positions, Birchaven is hiring for are residential care nurses (registered nurses or licensed practical nurses), state-tested nurse aides and nurse aides, STNA scholarship and culinary associates. Many positions are eligible for sign-on bonuses.
A hiring event at Independence House will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on August 2, 2023 at 1000 Independence Avenue, Fostoria.
Among the positions Independence House is hiring for are residential care nurses (RNs and LPNs), STNAs and culinary associates.
“We are excited to host these hiring events and welcome new talent to join our family of professionals working in long-term care,” said Judith A. Bishop-Pierce, LNHA, interim director of residential care. “Our teams at Birchaven and Independence House are comprised of skilled, energetic individuals who are passionate about their work. In addition, our residents are a very special group and associates have loved forming close bonds with them. We encourage anyone with skills in these fields to visit one of these hiring events.”
Director Stacy Shaw says the open house aims to create awareness of the impactful programs they offer and will also provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about their initiatives.
As Stacy mentioned in the audio above, they are currently accepting applications for children ages 6 to 14 to participate in both their community-based and school-based mentoring programs.
The organization is also looking for mentors for its programs for the upcoming school year.
The open house is on Wednesday, July 19th from 10 to 4 at Children’s Mentoring Connection, which is located at the Family Center at 1800 North Blanchard Street, Suite 126.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash south of Bowling Green.
It happened on Rudolph Road near Powell Road at 7:36 Sunday morning.
The sheriff’s office said Austin Ogg, 22, of Cygnet, was driving his car southbound on Rudolph Road when he attempted to pass a vehicle and collided with a pickup truck that was northbound.
The sheriff’s office said Ogg was pronounced deceased at the scene, while a passenger in his vehicle, Markis Higley, 20, of Leipsic, was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The sheriff’s office said Ogg and Higley were not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries and was wearing their seatbelt.
K9 Sonny of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office has retired after nine years of chasing the bad guys and meeting kids at local events.
A retirement party was held for Sonny at the sheriff’s office on Friday afternoon and a lot of people stopped by to wish him well along with his handler, Sgt. Miller. (video below)
Sgt. Miller says Sonny will be turning 10 so it’s a good time for him to retire and transition to civilian life, however, it won’t be easy.
“Boy, he’s gonna have a rude awakening come Monday, he still has that drive to want to be at work.”
Sgt. Miller says Sonny will live with him and his other two dogs.
We asked if he has any special plans for Sonny in retirement and he said he wants to travel with him, do some hiking and take him to the lake.
K9 Charlie retired from the sheriff’s office last October and you can get more on that by clicking here.
With the retirement of Sonny and Charlie, the sheriff’s office now has no K9s.
It’s unclear how soon the sheriff’s office will invest in other police dogs to replace Sonny and Charlie.
The Findlay Rotary Club has awarded two $3,750 Rotary Club scholarships to Alexander Davis from Findlay High School and Michael Huffman from Van Buren High School.
Davis is the son of Anne and Richard McPherson. He plans to attend The Ohio State University majoring in Political Science/Pre-Law/Law. Huffman is the son of Jennifer Huffman. He plans to attend the University of Dayton majoring in Engineering.
Several other scholarships have also been awarded by the Club. A $1,000 John W. Hollington Scholarship has been awarded to Brynn Reese from Cory-Rawson High School. She is the daughter of Aaron and Jennifer Reese. She plans to attend Ohio Northern University majoring in Engineering and minoring in Business.
The $1,000 Beth Bradley Heck Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Hannah Hiss from Liberty-Benton High School. She is the daughter of Robert and Kelly Hiss. She plans to attend Miami University majoring in Finance/Economics and minoring in Business.
Two area students have received $3,750 as second year renewals for the Findlay Rotary Club scholarship:
Johanna Thacker, a 2022 graduate of Riverdale High School, is attending Ohio Northern University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She is the daughter of Shaun and Kristie Thacker.
Vera Turkina, a 2022 graduate of Findlay High School, is attending Columbus College of Art & Design majoring in Art. She is the daughter of Donovon Lee.
The Richard E. “Dick” Daugherty Scholarship was awarded to Nathan Haines. He is a 2023 graduate of Findlay High School and the son of Amy and Kenneth Haines. He plans to attend the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in the fall to pursue a degree in Music Education.
The Findlay Noon Rotary Club was founded in 1920 and is a member of Rotary International, an association of Rotary clubs around the world, which today numbers almost 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Findlay was founded by the city’s leaders in 1920, and continues with the leaders of today. The club also sponsors the Rotaract Club at The University of Findlay.
Hancock Public Health says the Hancock County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), conducted a “Stop the Bleed” training for local educators.
“Stop the Bleed” is a program designed by the American College of Surgeons to prepare people worldwide on the proper ways to stop bleeding in severely injured persons.
The health department says MRC volunteers felt called to train local educators about these vital life-saving techniques and to facilitate emergency preparedness.
“Stop the Bleed” trainers with the Hancock County MRC will be instructing educators in schools across the county, equipping our educators with the knowledge and skills needed to respond swiftly in emergency situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
“By empowering our teachers with this critical training, we are fostering a safer learning environment and bolstering our community’s resilience in the face of unexpected events. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable MRC volunteers for their selflessness and commitment to serving our community. Their dedication is truly making a difference in our schools, one lesson at a time. We are humbled by their dedication to the health and wellness of our community. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Hancock County!”
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an MRC volunteer, visit www.mrc.hhs.gov or contact Hancock Public Health at (419) 424-7105.