(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)
Today we awarded our newest pair of EnChroma glasses to Eli!
EnChroma glasses alleviate the red/green color cone sensitivity overlap that leads to color blindness.
So far, the Kiwanis Club of Findlay has awarded over 40 pairs of glasses to Hancock County students!
See video of the special glasses being presented to Eli by clicking here.
(From Blanchard Valley Center)
Mark your calendars for February 22.
You will find us at the Heritage Springs Campground at 1 pm jumping in the freezing cold water to support Special Olympics!
Are you brave enough to join us? Scan the QR code or follow this link: https://support.sooh.org/site/TR/Events/General…
Want to stay warm at home and rather just donate instead?
No worries! You can do that, too! https://support.sooh.org/site/TR/Events/General…
Liberty-Benton Superintendent Bruce Otley was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the Eagles’ move to the Northern Lakes League in the 2026-27 school year.
Otley says the Cardinal Division of the NLL is a great fit for Liberty-Benton.
“LB punches above its weight. We’re already competing with many of these schools and we’re experiencing success.”
Listen to Chris’ interview with Bruce below and read more about LB’s move to the NLL by clicking here.
(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)
The Kiwanis Club of Findlay is now accepting applications for the annual scholarship program.
Established in 1974, the Fred Brucklacher Memorial Scholarship supports Hancock County students in their pursuit of higher education.
Since its inception, over $216,000 has been awarded.
In 2025 scholarships will be available in three categories:
-$2,500 for graduating seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree
-$2,500 for graduating seniors pursuing a two-year degree or technical certificate
-$2,500 for current college students
Scholarship recipients are selected based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement and rigor, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Detailed information is available at https://findlaykiwanis.org/scholarships.
The application deadline is March 31, 2025.
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.
(From Owens Community College)
Owens Community College’s Findlay-area Campus will host more than 120 area Girl Scouts for STEAM Day on Saturday, February 1, an event that allows Girl Scouts to participate in hands-on, interactive activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
The day starts at 10 a.m. in the Community Education and Wellness Center. Girl Scouts will be separated into six groups and rotate through six different stations with Owens faculty, spending 25 minutes at each. Stations include:
Sessions will be held in the Education Center and Community Education and Wellness Center buildings. Each group will have an Owens tour guide. The day will wrap up at 2 p.m.
The day’s activities are designed to help Girl Scouts think both analytically and creatively. A majority of girls who attend events like this report being more confident in their science and math abilities after participating—an important impact on their future education and careers. Women comprise about half of today’s workforce, but only 34% of the STEM workforce.
The event is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and Marathon, in partnership with Owens Community College.
(ONN) – A proposed law may change how businesses accept payment in the Buckeye State.
Ohio Senate Bill 30 is a bipartisan proposal designed to force businesses to accept cash as a form of payment.
Supporters of the bill say cashless businesses harm individuals who don’t bank their money and senior citizens who struggle with digital technology.
A 2023 FDIC survey shows 4.2 percent of Ohioans don’t use banks, an increase from 2021.
The bill would empower the Ohio attorney general to sue any business that denies cash for damages under the Consumer Sales Protection Act.
The bill has been introduced before.
Opponents say it increases labor costs.
(From the United Way of Hancock County)
Join us for a heartwarming open house!
Our volunteer center, Volunteers United, is hosting a card-making open house from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 5 and we would LOVE for you to be part of it!
We will be spreading some extra love this Valentine’s season by making cards of cheer and valentines to deliver to our senior population and veterans. It’s a simple but impactful way to brighten someone’s day!
Can’t make it in person? No problem! You can still help by making cards at home or letting the kiddos color a page for a good cause. Just let us know, and we’ll arrange a pickup or drop-off time!
Got extra cards or card-making supplies you’d like to donate? We’d be grateful for your contribution! Contact Mindy at 567-249-1844 or email us at volunteer@uwhancock.org.
Let’s come together to share some love and make this Valentine’s season extra special for those who need it most.
See you there!
United Way’s office is located at 318 W. Main Cross, above KanDu Studio.
(From the Navy Office of Community Outreach)
U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere.
Chief Operations Specialist Bonnie Lucero, from McCutchenville, Ohio, tracks surface radar contacts as the surface warfare coordinator in the combat information center of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 22, 2025.
Wayne E. Meyer is underway in 3rd Fleet conducting routine operations.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles J. Scudella III)
(From the Hancock Historical Museum)
We’re excited to announce our 2025 Brown Bag Lecture Series presented by Eastman & Smith!
We will kick off the series on Feb. 6 featuring “The Failed History of Drug Enforcement” presented by retired Judge Reginald Routson.
In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a “War on Drugs.” For many years, this effort largely focused on criminalizing drug use, leading to mass incarceration and extensive enforcement resources devoted to interdiction, while dedicating few resources to treatment. Today, over 37 million Americans report having a substance use disorder involving either legal or illegal substances.
Join us for an engaging discussion that challenges outdated strategies and assumptions, and explores solutions that could make a real difference.
What are Brown Bag Lectures?
Scheduled for noon on the first Thursday of each month, Brown Bag Lectures feature a variety of topics relevant to Hancock County and Ohio. Lectures are free for Museum members and the cost of regular admission for nonmembers. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Please call the Museum at (419) 423-4433 for more information.
See the full 2025 Brown Bag Lecture schedule here!
The Hancock Historical Museum is located at 422 West Sandusky Street in Findlay.
(From Community Foundation President & CEO Dr. Brian Treece)
As we start a new year, I want to reflect on the achievements of The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in 2024 and look ahead to the exciting things we have planned for 2025. None of our work would be possible without the support of our generous donors, incredible nonprofit partners, local officials and all others who invest in the future of our community through The Community Foundation.
Celebrating Successes
The Community Foundation’s dedication to enriching the lives of Hancock County residents was evident in the numerous successes of 2024. The Fun for All series, with 60+ free community events, brought joy and entertainment to over 13,000 people, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experiences.
The Funding Forever campaign showed the power of collective philanthropy, with local donors and advisors partnering with us to ensure Hancock County has charitable funds today, tomorrow and forever. The $1.5 million addition to future grantmaking funds will enable the Foundation to expand its support for community programs and initiatives for generations.
In an effort to make the Foundation more accessible for all users, we made significant updates to its website, including adding accessiBe software to all webpages, an updated giving hub and an improved donor portal. These improvements make it easier than ever for you to find more information about our work and support our mission.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy’s Donor Perception Report validated our commitment to excellence. In several categories, the report ranked the Foundation among the best in the country. This recognition reflects the Foundation’s dedication to its donors and Hancock County as a whole. I am incredibly proud of the work our staff does daily and I’m grateful for the support of our board and committee members who make it possible.
Looking Ahead
Building on the successes of 2024, the Foundation has ambitious plans for 2025, with a focus on community growth, quality of life and educational opportunities.
The Foundation will continue its legacy of supporting education by awarding its 30th round of scholarships to deserving students. The scholarship program has already profoundly impacted the lives of more than 2,500 students, awarding them more than $6 million to pursue their education.
A new initiative focused on critical areas for Hancock County’s future will be launched this summer. This initiative will bring together community partners to address challenges and opportunities, ensuring a thriving community for all.
We are excited to see what’s next for our two current Heart & Soul communities. Arlington and Arcadia will continue their community-driven work, empowering residents to shape the future of their towns.
Recognizing the importance of understanding local needs, the Foundation is investing in research projects to gather community feedback and inform our grantmaking strategies. This commitment to data-driven decision-making ensures the Foundation’s resources are directed toward the most pressing issues facing Hancock County.
A Shared Vision
The Community Foundation’s mission and unwavering commitment to serving Hancock County inspire me and the entire staff every day. As we look ahead to 2025, join us by supporting the Foundation’s efforts to create a brighter future for Hancock County. Together, we can build a community where everyone can thrive.