(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is offering the following programs the week of July 13-19, 2025:

Sign up today for your chance to win fantastic prizes and make the most of your summer with great books and fun experiences during our SummerREAD program. Explore all the details and check out the prizes at findlaylibrary.org.

Monday from 2 – 4 p.m. in our Children’s Programming Room, families can drop in to play and learn together. Join us for a Reading Games Get-Together to practice reading skills with your beginning reader. We have a collection of games that work on early literacy skills like letter names, letters shapes and sounds.

Meet us Monday, July 15 at 9 a.m. at the YMCA East Branch on Manor Hill Road and again on Thursday, July 17 at Gateway Church, 620 N. Main Street for Summer Connect. Summer Connect is a series of free, family-friendly neighborhood events hosted by the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library in collaboration with Hancock Public Health and the City of Findlay Parks & Recreation. These events are designed to connect families with local resources, hands-on activities, and meaningful community engagement.

Teens can register at findlaylibrary.org/events beginning July 15 at 9 a.m. for a Teen Tote filled with curated library books and surprise goodies! Once registered, you will receive an email with a form to fill out details that will help us get to know you, and your reading preferences. An active FHCPL card is required to participate.

Tuesday & Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room, Miss Nicole presents Colorful Birds Storytime with Naturalist Beth Theisen. Attendees can act like birds while listening to a fun story, then make a colorful bird with play dough and feathers (gluten free option available). Storytime is recommended for children 6 and under with a caregiver, but older siblings are welcome!

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday July 15, Makerspace is scheduled for the Lindamood Room. This week, participants will be making 3-D crafts with paper, like origami, pop-up cards, and more. This program is for kids 17 and under. We require children 8 and under to have a caregiver.

Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Younger Room, drop in to receive basic tech help. Staff will be on hand to help with basic computer use, Microsoft Word, the internet, email, downloadable library resources, and basic smartphone use.

Mini Meet-Up is scheduled for Wednesday & Friday at 9 a.m. in the Early Learning Center in the Children’s Department. Little ones can explore new games, toys and activities that are educational and fun while socializing and making new friends.

Starter Storytime will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday & Friday in the Lindamood Room. There will be a second session on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room. Miss Nicole will lead families in singing, rhyming, reading and having fun with scarves and bells.

Storytime at Arlington is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at our Arlington Branch. Children can hear great stories, do crafts and fun activities. This week, we’ll read our way through a rainbow safari. This program is designed for children 6 and under with their caregiver, but older siblings are welcome!

At 12 p.m. on Wednesday in the Lindamood Room, join us for an adult beginner pottery class and learn basic hand building techniques with Andrew Steingass, professional ceramic artist. Make what you like and get the piece fired for more durability! Fired pieces will be returned to the library and picked up at a later date.

Thrills and Chills Book Discussion is scheduled for July 16 at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office. We’ll be discussing What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTeirnan.

The Family Resource Center will join us on Thursday at 2 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. to help kids explore feelings through color in a hands-on tie-dye activity. We will create expressive, swirling designs that promote creativity, mindfulness, and self-awareness. A zipper pouch will be provided for participants in grades 4-12 to tie-dye. Please register all children and teens who will attend at findlaylibrary.org/events.

Our Virtual Author Talks Series continues this week with author Marie Lu. Virtually explore the intricate world she created in Legend as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Explore the depths of deceit, battle for power, and the lengths characters will go to unmask the Truth. Register to be sent a link to join the discussion at libraryc.org/findlaylibrary. This series is presented in partnership with the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

A new series begins this week on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Younger Room. The Divergent Dietitian will present a series of programs on healthy eating habits. This month’s session is all about how to get your children to eat without feeding them too much. These programs will address ways to combat and help picky eaters, navigate disagreements and defiant eaters at the dinner table, and talk about ways to empathetically discuss staying healthy.

Do you have a work in progress sitting around waiting to be finished, or maybe you just need to set time aside to work on a craft with other crafty adults? Join us for our monthly craft circle where all crafts are welcome on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. in the Administration Office at the library.

Families are invited to our super-special 1000 Books Celebration to recognize our amazing young readers and who are reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Lindamood Room.

Whether you have completed the program, are participating, or would like to learn more about the program, this party is for you! We will read a story, hold a brief ceremony, make a craft, and for the grand finale, there will be a bubble dance party! We hope to see you there to celebrate the magic of reading!

Stay in touch and keep updated with all of the SummerREAD excitement at www.findlaylibrary.org, on our Facebook page, facebook.com/fhcpl, and on Instagram @fhcpl.

(ONN) – Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel has announced plans to create a healthier Ohio.

The former Buckeyes head football coach and lifetime athletics advocate is pushing for a new physical fitness challenge aimed directly at fourth through eighth graders to promote healthy eating habits and exercise routines.

This comes at a time when the state is trying to revive the presidential physical fitness test that dates back to the Eisenhower administration.

Childhood obesity, poor nutritional options and a lack of exposure to regular fitness have caused a decline in the health of Ohio’s youth.

(From Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Office)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel are joining TourismOhio to celebrate Superman’s return to the Heart of it All.

Before he became known around the world as the ‘Man of Steel,’ Superman was created by two Cleveland teenagers, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who dreamed up the superhero while attending high school in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood in the early 1930s. Now, nearly a century later, the superhero is back in Ohio in a new movie filmed in the city that gave him life.

Superman (2025) will open in theaters nationwide tomorrow.

“The story of Superman has captivated generations of families from all over the world — from grandparents who grew up reading the original comics to kids who’ll be heading to the theaters to enjoy the newest iteration of this classic adventure,” said Governor DeWine. “This is a proud moment for Cleveland, for Ohio, and for all of us who still believe in the power of imagination.”

Several iconic Cleveland locations make an appearance in Superman, including Headlands Beach State Park in nearby Mentor. Governor DeWine visited the state park during the filming, watching as the cast and crew filmed scenes on a production set depicting a vintage U.S. Army base.  

“While most recognize the fictional world of Krypton as Superman’s birthplace, his origin story really begins right here in Ohio,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “This summer is a great time to plan your own heroic adventure in Cleveland to explore the sites that brought this character and film to life – no cape required!” 

Other Cleveland sites that played key roles in the film’s portrayal of Metropolis include:

• A central piece of downtown Cleveland, Public Square — including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument — was transformed into Metropolis’ bustling city center.
• The Leader Building, Cleveland’s last remaining historic newspaper building, was used as the exterior of the Daily Planet — the news hub of Metropolis and workplace of reporters Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Clark Kent.

• Progressive Field, home to the Cleveland Guardians, was transformed into Metropolis Meteors’ baseball stadium for a major action sequence.
• The Cleveland Arcade, America’s first indoor mall and a favorite among both Clevelanders and visitors, served as the backdrop for a romantic, airborne kiss between Superman and Lois Lane.
• Cleveland City Hall was used as a fitting stand-in for Metropolis’ own city hall, while Terminal Tower, which offers a 360-degree view of the city, was featured in several sweeping shots of Metropolis’ skyline.
• Ontario Street, and the former Cleveland Greyhound Station, were part of fast-paced street scenes, and PNC Plaza provided the dynamic urban views that only the largest skyscrapers can offer.
• Key Tower was depicted as the fictional headquarters of Stagg Enterprises, a research-and-development firm founded by billionaire Simon Stagg.

The Superman crew also filmed scenes in Cincinnati at the Lytle Tunnel on Interstate 71 and the iconic Cincinnati Museum Center (formerly Union Terminal) – the latter of which had served as the inspiration for the original Hall of Justice in DC Comics.

Those in Cleveland this weekend can take part in celebrating the movie’s release at Tower City Center on Saturday. The free, family-friendly Superman Movie Party includes photo ops, cape decorating, Superman and Supergirl character meet and greets, and a performance by the Cinematic Symphony Orchestra.

“Superman’s return to Cleveland is a powerful celebration of Ohio’s unmatched creativity, culture, and economic opportunity,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio. “This film brings our past and future together on the big screen, and invites the whole world to be part of something iconic — something truly made in Ohio.”

The highly anticipated reboot film directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and others. Superman joins a long list of major motion pictures shot in Cleveland and surrounding areas, including The Avengers, A Christmas Story, Air Force One, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

“There’s something so special about sitting in a theater, watching the summer’s biggest movie, and recognizing your own skyline,” said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. “Ohio isn’t just in the background, it’s part of the story, and we’re proud to welcome anyone who wants to step into that story and experience these incredible locations in person.”

The Department of Development awarded Superman, filmed under the code name Genesis, an $11 million Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit in February 2024 to bring production to Cleveland. The tax credit was part of a larger round of awards, totaling more than $44 million, to support 23 feature film and TV projects across the state.

Millstream Career Center has been undergoing a $3.4 million expansion project thanks to a career tech grant from the state of Ohio.

A groundbreaking for the project was held in November of 2024.

The expansion project will enable Millstream to add a Manufacturing and Industrial Robotics program and expand its Engineering and Robotics program.

Millstream Director Pam Hamlin is excited about this expansion and how many more students will be able to utilize the programs as they are currently on a wait list.

Millstream posted on its Facebook page that the project is just weeks away from completion.

(From the City of Findlay)

If you haven’t yet, check out the video rendering of the Downtown Recreation area below!

Want to learn more?

Have questions about the planning or environmental remediation processes?

Interested in giving feedback on the survey?

Head to the one-stop information hub at https://www.findlayohio.gov/comm…/downtown-recreation-area!

(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

Chris Webb was installed as president of the Findlay Rotary Club at the Club’s weekly meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Webb, born in Findlay, graduated from Riverdale High School and has a degree in Physical Therapy from The Medical College of Ohio at The University of Toledo and his Executive MBA degree from The Ohio State University. He served 24 years in the healthcare industry, including 14 years at Blanchard Valley Health System, before transitioning to the banking industry in 2019, working as a Market Executive for State Bank. He was previously a Rotarian in Defiance, before joining the Findlay Rotary Club in 2020.

In addition to Rotary, Webb has served on the Hancock County United Way Board of Directors, the Findlay Family YMCA Board of Directors, the Black Swamp Golf Classic and the University of Findlay College of Business Advisory Board.

Webb and his wife, Becky, have lived in their residence on the east side of Findlay since 2002. They have two children, Caleb and Rachel, and three grandchildren, Harper, Eli and Becca.

Other Rotary officers are: Irvin Reinhart, president-elect; Dotty DeWulf, treasurer, John Harrington, secretary; Andy Ritz, sergeant-at-arms; and Leah Brant, immediate past president.

Club board members include Webb, Reinhart, Jeff Fort, Brian Treece, Heather Clow and Sue Lehman. Outgoing board members are Brant, Richard (Dick) Zunkiewicz and Brent Sleasman. Incoming members for 3-year terms are Stacy Shaw, Jeff Young and George McAfee.

(In the picture above, incoming president Chris Webb stands with outgoing president Leah Brant)

(From the City of Findlay)

The Findlay Fire Department has been conducting live burn training this week at the STRICT Center (Simulated Tactical Response & Incident Command Training) at Fire Station #4.

Firefighters are shown here practicing essential techniques in the facility’s burn building, which provides a controlled yet realistic setting for live fire exercises.

Thank you, FFD, for your continued dedication to keeping our community safe!

Fire Chief Josh Eberle on the importance of training at the STRICT Center.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

In this “BVHS Minute,” meet the dedicated providers at Wellness Park Primary Care, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System: Angela Harden-Mack, MD; Amy Donnelly, APRN-CNP; Lindsay Hartman, APRN-CNP; and our newest team member, Ailing Chen, MD, a board-certified pediatrician.

With Dr. Chen’s expertise, our team is equipped to deliver exceptional care to patients of all ages. From pediatric visits to routine adult check-ups, Wellness Park Primary Care is here for your family at every stage of life.

Same-week appointments, onsite imaging, and lab services make quality care more convenient than ever.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 419.423.5344 or visit https://bvhs.info/4jN63Uk.

(From the United Way of Hancock County)

New and prospective foster families will be connected to local resources, advocates and those with lived experience at an upcoming event called Open Hearts, Open Homes.

The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Hilton Garden Inn. It is being organized by Fostering Hancock County, comprised of representatives from Hancock County Job & Family Services, YWCA and United Way of Hancock County.

Job & Family Services Director Randall Galbraith said the state of Ohio and Hancock County in particular are experiencing a shortfall in the number of foster homes available to care for youth in the custody of children’s services agencies. This event was designed to address this shortfall by bridging new and potential foster families with essential resources to help them get started on their journey to foster care.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of foster parents in Ohio has experienced a catastrophic decrease,” Galbraith said. “Locally, this has led Hancock County Job & Family Services to place children in our custody wherever we can find a willing home, often far outside of Hancock County, the child’s family, friends, and school. Our mission with this event is to educate and inspire families in Hancock County to open their homes to these youth.”

The evening’s presenters — both children and adults — have lived-experience in the foster system and will be available after the program to answer questions.

Attendance for those who are interested in becoming a foster family is complimentary, provided through community sponsorships.

Sponsorships are available for an individual seat ($35) or a table of six ($210). When making a sponsorship, individuals will have the option of choosing to attend the event themselves, or of simply sponsoring a seat or table for others.

To register as a potential foster family, click here.

To make a sponsorship, click here.

(From the Ohio State Board of Education)

Congratulations to the 11 outstanding Ohio educators who were named as the 2026 State Board District Teacher of the Year cohort!

From this cohort, four will be selected as finalists for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year honor.

The District 1 Teacher of the Year is Chris Monsour of Tiffin City Schools. He is in the upper left in the picture above and his bio is below.

Chris Monsour earned his Bachelor of Science degree in May 1999 from Heidelberg University, originally planning to pursue a career in environmental biology. However, after graduation, he found himself without a job. At the same time, Tiffin City Schools was in desperate need of a high school science teacher. Chris began his teaching journey as a substitute for the first two years, during which he discovered his passion for teaching and the importance of obtaining a formal teaching license.  

Since then, Chris has pursued graduate work in biology, ecology, and inquiry, earning two master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in Education from Heidelberg University and a Master of Science from Montana State University. He has extensive experience developing course curricula and organizing field trips, laboratory exercises, service projects, and other hands-on activities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.  

Currently, Chris teaches a variety of advanced science courses, including College Credit Plus (CCP) Environment and Society, CCP Oceanus, CCP Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology. Over the years, he has taught six different CCP courses while serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University, and Terra State Community College. With 26 years of teaching experience, he has taught a wide range of subjects before finding his true calling in advanced sciences.  

Chris’s teaching background also includes four years as a student study session consultant for AP Biology, ten summers of teaching at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, where he served as both an instructor and the Academic Dean for Science and Math, and two summers teaching English as a Second Language at Tianjin Normal University in the People’s Republic of China.  

In addition to his teaching experience, Chris has participated in numerous global expeditions, both on land and at sea, which enhances his ability to keep students engaged and excited about the sciences.