(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is celebrating its five-year anniversary as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Through this clinical collaboration, the organization’s providers get special access to Mayo Clinic resources, knowledge, and teams of specialists.

BVHS was the first Ohio-based healthcare facility to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a group of carefully vetted, independent healthcare systems that have special access to Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise.

The clinical collaboration has allowed BVHS physicians to combine their understanding of their patients’ medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise, allowing patients to get the care they need, close to home. There is no additional cost to patients.

“BVHS and the Northwest Ohio community have benefited extensively from these five years of clinical collaboration,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer of BVHS. “For example, oncologists treating patients at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center consult with the Mayo Clinic Care Network on cases, amplifying their expertise with additional knowledge and resources from the Mayo Clinic and experts worldwide. This relationship has strengthened care in Findlay. Additionally, our clinical and non-clinical associates have access to Mayo Clinic Care Network educational resources that have helped the organization continually improve all that we do.”

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Blanchard Valley Health System has access to a variety of resources.

These include AskMayoExpert, a point-of-care tool which offers concise clinical information on hundreds of medical conditions, and includes medical protocols, treatment recommendations and medical references. The tool can be used wherever healthcare is provided.

Additionally, eConsults enable BVHS physicians to contact Mayo Clinic specialists for second opinions on specific patient cases when they believe additional input will benefit their patients.

Another tool is eBoards. These live video conferences enable BVHS’s medical teams to review and discuss complex cases with a Mayo Clinic panel and other doctors in the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

In addition, BVHS has access to healthcare consulting, and can access Mayo’s extensive experience, knowledge and subspecialty expertise to attain clinical, operational and business goals.

BVHS physicians, providers, and associates can also use Mayo Clinic’s patient education materials and access opportunities for professional development and continuous medical education.

Created in 2011, the Mayo Clinic Care Network has more than 40 member organizations across the U.S. and in Asia, Mexico, and the Middle East. This partnership supports BVHS independence; while leveraging a large academic institution to our community’s benefit.

For more information on this clinical collaboration, please visit bvhealthsystem.org/mayo

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County held a Home Dedication ceremony for its second set of builds of the year, homes number 60 and 61 located in the 1700 Block of Bishop Lane in the Krystal Ridge Addition in Findlay.

These are the third and fourth homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County in 2024. They are the first two of 20 homes Habitat will build in the Krystal Ridge Addition neighborhood by the end of 2027.

Both homes were each built in just 10 weeks by nearly 300 volunteers representing many corporate build teams and organizations that enable their employees and team members to take part.  

The dedication included a blessing, words from the new homeowners as well as comments from Wendy McCormick, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County and Kelly Croy, Habitat’s Board President.  

The McMaster family consists of a single mother and her two sons. For a number of years, they struggled off and on financially. For almost a year they lived with family and friends. After a lengthy search, they found a landlord willing to accept their housing voucher. Six years later the landlord sold the duplex, and the new landlords raised the rent an $250 monthly. Their previous landlord suggested they apply for Habitat. Within the past year, with the help of the Financial Opportunity Center, their credit score has risen more than 80 points and they are living within their budget and saving. This opportunity allows them to not only have a home, but a legacy! 

The Butler family consists of a single mother and her daughter. Their housing situation left them cost burdened due to continued high rent increases. Additionally, their living conditions were unsafe with no ventilation in the bedrooms and an exterior door in the daughter’s bedroom. For the past two years the Butler family has been working with Habitat for Humanity after seeing several close friends go through the process. After a year of financial education and savings they were chosen to be a Partner Family. They are forever grateful that everyone at Habitat chose to put their faith into them and grant this opportunity. They have gained so much knowledge already in the program and cannot wait to move into their own home!  

Through donations of money and materials and volunteer labor, Habitat is able to build a Habitat Home and sell it at an affordable price. These families qualified as a low-income family unable to qualify for a conventional loan who were willing to partner with Habitat and complete at least 400 sweat equity hours.  

Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications from families now for new homes. To apply for a home or a home repair, visit habitatfindlay.org or call 419-429-1400. 

The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce presented its 2024 Small Business Awards on Wednesday afternoon at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Each year, the Chamber highlights local individuals and companies, who through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy.

The Hancock Hotel won the “Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award and we caught up with General Manager Dirk Bengel and asked what it means to him to be presented with that award.

The following is a full list of small business and community awards that were presented:

Small Business of the Year

Presented to: RCR Technology Group

Sponsored by: Premier Bank

Small Business Person of the Year

Presented to: Joy Barger – Swan House Tea Room

Sponsored by: University of Findlay

Emerging Business of the Year

Presented to: 3 Oaks

Sponsored by: State Bank

Nonprofit Leader of the Year

Presented to: Marc Kogan – Black Swamp Area Council Inc., Scouting America

Sponsored by: The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation

Professional of the Year

Presented to: Sarah Foltz – Hancock Historical Museum

Sponsored by: RCR Technology Group

“Our Spirit Shows” Hospitality Award

Presented to: Hancock Hotel

Sponsored by: Hancock County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Agriculture Enterprise Champion of the Year

Presented to: Von Stein Hay & Straw

Sponsored by: Citizens National Bank

Diverse Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Airborne Outfitters

Sponsored by: Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Do Good! Award

Presented to: Culvers of Findlay

Sponsored by: City Apparel+Merch

Go Local Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Village of McComb

Sponsored by: First National Bank

Small Business Manufacturing Excellence

Presented to: PTFE Fine Powders

Sponsored by: The Companies of Tall Timbers Industrial Park

ATHENA Award

Presented to: Andrea Kramer – City Apparel + Merch

Sponsored by: Huntington Bank

Manufacturing & Distribution Leadership Impact Award

Presented to: Sean Goodman, Techcorr

Sponsored by: CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

Downtown Champion of the Year

Presented to: False Chord Brewing

Sponsored by: Fifth Third Bank

Family Owned Small Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Findlay Village Hardware

Sponsored by: Hancock Federal Credit Union

Customer Service Champion of the Year

Presented to: Blanchard Valley Center / Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Sponsored by: Trust Company Family Offices

Women in Business Champion of the Year

Presented to: Pampered Pooch

Sponsored by: WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Radio

(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)

The Kiwanis Club of Findlay launched the 2024-25 service year with the installation of officers and directors. Ohio District Past Lt. Governors Rick Kidwell and Rich Ulmes officiated the installation and presented the incoming officers and board of directors to the membership: President Jeremy Strapp, President-Elect Ashley Ritz, Vice President Gabi Faulkner, Secretary Karen Brannan, Treasurer Kim Leeper and Immediate Past President Cassie Turner. Members of the Board of Directors are Daniel Clinger, Grace George, Brett Gies, Carl Hayslett, Susan Kayser, Brandon Shoemaker, and Deb Wickerham.

Members retiring from board service are Jack Bindel, Matt Leddy, Jason May, Danielle Fisher, and Danielle Wilkin. Annette Shaffer was also recognized as the outgoing treasurer, as was outgoing board member Joan Sayer, who is relocating away from Findlay alongside her husband and fellow Kiwanian Jim.

Kiwanians celebrating anniversary years included Larry Nold, 35 years; Jamie Stall and Annette Shaffer, 30 years; Jim Sayer, Tony Fuller, and Phil Cole, 25 years; Becky Bowman, 20 years; Anne Whitman and Ashley Ritz, 15 years.

Outgoing President Cassie Turner recognized several members for their contributions this year, including Brandon Shoemaker who was named the 2024 Kiwanian of the Year, commemorating a Kiwanian who has gone above and beyond in service to the community and the club. Katie Abbott was honored as the 2024 Emerging Leader, recognizing Katie’s significant contribution to club activities as a new Kiwanian, and Danielle Wilkin was named this year’s recipient of the McNish, Menges, and Sayer Award, an award named after three longtime Kiwanians who are known for their quiet service and awarded to a Kiwanian following in their footsteps.

Chartered in 1920, the Kiwanis Club of Findlay is open to those who want to make a difference in their community and world. A snapshot of the community, with members from all walks of life and at every step of the career ladder, Kiwanians are unified in the belief that children and their communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved volunteers.

Those wishing to learn more about Kiwanis are encouraged to reach out through social media, attend a meeting as a guest, or visit the club’s website at FindlayKiwanis.com. The Kiwanis Club of Findlay meets every Wednesdays at noon at the D.O.C.K. at St. Mark’s.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

The community pharmacy team at Harry’s Pharmacy, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System, will partner with the Carey Police Department to hold a Medication Take Back Day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26.

This will be a drive-thru and drop-off event. Harry’s Pharmacy is located at the Carey Medical & Diagnostic Center, 30 Sheriden Drive, Carey, Ohio.

All medications will be accepted except liquid drugs and medicines with needles.

The Findlay High School Student Leadership Class will be honoring Findlay Veterans at a special dinner on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Findlay High School cafeteria.

This RSVP is for A Findlay Community Veteran Dinner hosted by the Findlay High School Student Leadership Class & Findlay community sponsors. 

November 6th 6pm – 7:30pm in the Findlay High School Cafeteria. Please enter through the front main entrance doors.

Dinner will be provided by Lee’s chicken and Texas Roadhouse. Drinks provided by We Serve Coffee and Hempy water. This dinner is free for all attendees.

The Findlay High School Student Leadership class would like to honor our Veteran community. 

We also have optional games and gift card prizes to local businesses for game winners!

We hope many can attend this special evening and enjoy a free dinner.

Sincerely,

FHS Student Leadership Class

(ONN) – The State of Ohio may have violated the separation of church and state by using public money to build or fix religious schools.

The First Amendment established the separation of church and state in the United States.

Now, Americans United for Separation of Church and State are investigating the state of Ohio.

The group alleges that the state misused public funds from its capital budget to build or remodel parochial and private schools.

In Richland County, Mansfield Christian received the largest grant of $1.5 million.

Nine other schools received a total of over 4 million dollars.

The group says that public funds belong in public schools and cites many projects in need of funding.

Two popular events that people both young and old look forward to each year are coming up later in October; the Cops and Kids Findlay Halloween Parade and Findlay’s Trick-or-Treat.

Trick-or-Treat will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Cops and Kids Findlay Halloween Parade is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 7 p.m.

The parade is organized through the Fort Findlay Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 20.

See some video from last year’s parade below.

(From Hancock County 4-H)

Hancock County 4-H’s impressive 2024 year comes to a close, marked by the Celebration of 4-H on October 15.

 The 2024 year saw 609 4-H youth participating in 1081 projects, as well as 101 Cloverbuds.  Still projects, or non-livestock projects, were displayed during the Hancock County Fair in the Youth Pavilion.  This year saw 774 livestock projects shown by 4-H youth at this year’s fair.

Highlights of the year included 79 youth representing Hancock County at the state fair, with four taking home the Clock Trophy, receiving first place in their project in the state, and 12 Outstanding of the Day designations.  Clock Trophy recipients included Bristol Brunswick (Basic Archery, Jr.), Olivia Coutinho (First Aid in Action, Sr.), Hannah Deiter (Seeing Through Graphic Design), and Grayson Karhoff (Sports Nutrition Read Set Go, Jr.).

4-H youth enroll in projects in the spring and work on still projects through judging in July, while livestock projects culminate at the fair over Labor Day.  However, 4-H is more than just projects.  Youth complete service projects both individually and with their clubs, as well as have the option to take part in a county-wide bottle cap and plastic lid collection project to supply the fairgrounds with recycled plastic benches.  4-H Youth also have the option to attend 4-H Camp Ohio in late June.  This 5-day sleepaway camp saw 131 campers and 31 teen counselors.  Campers highlighted daily sessions and opportunities to take part in outposting, a high ropes course, shooting sports, crafts and nightly campfire.

Accomplishments from this year will be commemorated at this year’s Celebration of 4-H, held at the Old Millstream Building at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on October 15 beginning at 7 p.m.  This year’s Judge’s Choice winners will be recognized, Outstanding 4-Her and Danforth “I Dare You” award winners, Scholarships, county awards, 4-H graduates, Individual Honor Awards, and a variety of Club awards. 

Registration for the 2025 4-H year will begin in November.  Those interested in joining 4-H may contact the OSU Extension Office at 419-422-3851 for questions or interest, and learn more at hancock.osu.edu.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills as they work in partnership with adult advisors.  Youth learn by doing projects that are designed to fit their needs at different ages.  With a variety of projects ranging from STEAM-focused projects, clothing and sewing, nutrition and fitness, forestry and archery, and more, 4-H gives children and teens opportunities to learn life skills, to practice them, and become confident in their ability to use them in the future.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

The Hancock County Veterans Service Office and 50 North would like to invite the community to attend an informative session about services offered to veterans, veteran spouses, adult children of veterans, caregivers and surviving spouses. We will also have a representative from the new VA Medical Center open in Findlay.

What benefits are available for you and how do you take advantage of those benefits will be just one of the topics discussed. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and get answers from our local Veterans Service Office. All of our employees have served and understand the unique needs of veterans and their families and caregivers.

We hope you will join us for this informative event on Friday, October 11th beginning at 10am at 50 North, located at 339 East Melrose Avenue in Findlay. This is a free event. Pre-registration is required by contacting 50 North at 419.423.8496