(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is holding auditions for Youtheatre’s upcoming winter production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. Auditions are open to students in grades 3-5 including an on-stage cast of no more than 50 students in addition to positions on the production’s technical crew.

Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

Auditions for the on-stage cast will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21 at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts located at 200 W. Main Cross Street in Findlay. Check-in will begin 30 mins before auditions begin.  *Please note that Monday, January 20 has reached capacity and is no longer accepting new registrations.*

All students in grades 3-5 who wish to audition or apply for the technical crew must register and complete the required forms which can be found online at MCPA.org/Youtheatre. 

Students only need to attend one day of auditions. Those auditioning for the on-stage cast need to come prepared for movement. Youth interested in technical crew will only need to register online.

Youtheatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition will be directed by Samantha Henry. The directing team includes Lindsay Taylor as assistant director, Zachary Thomas as music director and Jordan Gottschalk as choreographer. The performances are slated for March 14 and 15 at Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System Wellness Park – a cutting-edge campus dedicated to health and healing – is now open. Conveniently located on Wellness Way off County Road 99 in Findlay, right by I-75, this modern facility is designed to meet our community’s health needs like never before.

At Wellness Park, healthcare experts collaborate to provide comprehensive care in one centralized location, reinforcing our commitment to our mission of “Caring for a lifetime.”

Heather Schalk, volunteer services manager for BVHS, was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to discuss the new campus.

We offer various services, including primary care, endocrinology, diabetes management, rheumatology, orthopedics, pediatric rehabilitation, and various rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational, and speech). After January 6, imaging and laboratory services will be available right on-site.

Wellness Park aims to address the growing challenges of chronic conditions like diabetes while expanding primary care options. 

Just as our dedicated BVHS providers empower their patients to achieve better health, we believe Wellness Park will strengthen the overall well-being of Northwest Ohio.

The site features an expanded Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine with an on-site gym area along with a dedicated pediatric rehab space for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral health therapy.

Appointments for the following practices will be at the new address, 3411 Wellness Way, Findlay, as of December 16, 2024:

 Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists of Northwest Ohio 

 Rheumatology Specialists of Northwest Ohio

 Primary Care at Wellness Park

Appointments for the following practices will be at the new address, 3401 Wellness Way, Findlay, as of January 6, 2025:

 Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

 Julie A. Cole Rehab & Sports Medicine 

With practitioners from several specialties coordinating care at a single site, we will be able to manage our community’s health and well-being needs even better than before. Wellness Park brings together comprehensive care in one centralized location, reinforcing the BVHS mission of “Caring for a lifetime.”

(From Hancock Public Health)

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Here are ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving:

* Check Labels: Always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
* Avoid Small Parts: Steer clear of toys with small parts or choking hazards for young children.
* Inspect for Hazards: Examine toys for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.
* Read Reviews: Research toys and gifts online, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.
* Consider Child’s Age: Take into account a child’s age, interests, and abilities when selecting gifts.
* Support Educational Toys: Choose toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.
* Spread Awareness: Share safety tips and information about Safe Toys & Gifts Month with your community and on social media

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Honoring Over 32 Years of Service: Sergeant Robert Bour’s Legacy!!

Today, we celebrate the remarkable career of Sergeant Robert Bour, who will retire on December 28th after more than 32 years of dedicated service with the Tiffin Police Department. On April 18, 1994, Rob began his journey with us, bringing a steady hand, a kind heart, and a fierce commitment to our community.

Through his many roles—patrol officer, detective, drug task force agent, field training officer, and as a key member of our special response and dive and rescue teams—Sergeant Bour has shown an unwavering dedication to protect and serve the people of Tiffin. His promotion to Sergeant in 2012 was a well-deserved recognition of his hard work, yet his true impact reaches far beyond titles and ranks.

Sergeant Bour’s service has been marked not only by awards and commendations (and there are many) but by a genuine, heartfelt connection with his fellow officers and the community he served so faithfully. From the quiet acts of kindness, he offered his team to the courage he displayed on the front lines, his presence has been a constant source of strength for us all.

We’re celebrating Rob today with a lunch and open house, surrounded by family, friends, and coworkers whose lives he’s touched over the years. While today marks a chance for us to come together and show our appreciation, Rob’s last official day on the job will be at the end of December, where he will be sent off with a final radio traffic message.

As we say goodbye to Sergeant Rob Bour, we reflect on the countless lives he’s touched and the powerful example he’s set. His commitment to this community and his fellow officers has made Tiffin a safer, stronger place, and his influence will remain with us in the years to come.

Thank you, Rob, for your dedication, sacrifice, and friendship. You will always be a part of the Tiffin Police family. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement—you have more than earned it my friend!

Chief David Pauly

(From Community Foundation President & CEO Brian Treece)

I’m a proud dad, and my daughter and I talk a lot about our community and always work to identify the helpers—people doing their part to make a positive difference.

She notices many helpers at her school, at the library, when we see first responders, and when we’re running errands.

As we approach the end of another year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible support and generosity shown to The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation again this year. Year after year, I am grateful for everyone who plays a role in this meaningful organization. It’s truly heartwarming to witness the spirit of giving and collaboration that thrives in our community. I would like to identify some of the helpers I get to work with in my work at The Community Foundation.

To read the full editorial from Foundation President & CEO Brian Treece: https://www.community-foundation.com/…/thankful-for-our…

(From the University of Findlay)

Brandon Heidepriem has been named vice president of information technology services and Rob Sauritch as vice president of business affairs and treasurer for the University of Findlay.

University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., believes both administrators are strong additions to her leadership team.

Heidepriem has been a UF employee for 11 years and served as interim vice president of ITS since May, replacing Dr. Ray McCandless, D.A., who was appointed as a UF chief project officer to help lead the UF-Bluffton University merger process.

“Brandon will continue to collaborate with campus leadership to align IT strategies with our overall goals and priorities, and he will explore emerging technologies to enhance UF’s digital environment as higher education continues to evolve,” President Fell said.

Sauritch brings more than 30 years of experience as a financial analyst and manager in higher education and private industry. Most recently he served for 13 years as the CFO/assistant dean of finance and facilities operations for the College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

“Rob has successfully overseen complex portfolios, facilities projects of all magnitudes, endowment management, and auxiliary enterprises.” President Fell noted. “His ability to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic vision has resulted in sustainable growth and operational excellence, experience that will help us to remain fiscally strong.”

As vice president of ITS, Heidepriem oversees all aspects of information technology services and infrastructure at UF, while ensuring that cybersecurity and data privacy practices are maintained. He also leads strategic planning and execution of IT initiatives to support academic, administrative, and operational functions.

Previously he served as UF’s assistant vice president of ITS since 2013. He also worked for Microsoft Corp. and for Plumbline Solutions Inc., a Microsoft Dynamics SL-focused consulting business. Heidepriem is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University.

“I am committed to empowering our campus, leveraging technology to drive positive change, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” Heidepriem said. “Together, we will not only meet the challenges of today but also shape the digital landscape of tomorrow, ensuring that UF remains at the forefront of technological advancement and excellence.”

Sauritch explained that in his role of fiduciary responsibility to UF, he oversees the budget, audit, cash management, treasury, banking, insurance, and more.

“I see our Business Affairs team as the heart of University operations – and as the businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie famously said, ‘My heart is in the work.’”

Sauritch earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s of business administration from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Pictured above, from left: Brandon Heidepriem and Rob Sauritch

The Findlay Fire Department is sharing some safety tips to prevent holiday fires.

The fire department says a heat source too close to a Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires.

You should make sure your tree is at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and space heaters.

You should always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.

Make sure to replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

The fire department recommends using battery-operated flameless candles, but if you use the real thing, make sure to always keep lit candles away from decorations and anything that can burn.

Turn off lights and decorations when you leave home or go to bed.

Test your smoke alarms and always have an escape plan.

Get more safety tips by clicking here.

(From the Children’s Museum of Findlay)

Important Update From the Children’s Museum of Findlay

A portion of the Findlay Mall will be closing on January 31, 2025 which includes our current space, so our last day at this location will be Sunday, January 19, 2025. 

While this marks the end of an era, it’s also the beginning of an exciting new chapter!

Our team is working hard to secure a new home, and we’ve narrowed down our options to two promising locations. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize our next adventure!

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽:

-𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 Support our move and future exhibits here: www.cmfindlay.com/give

-𝙑𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙧 Help with moving between January 20-31, 2025. Email us to be included: hello@cmfindlay.com

-𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣 𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩 View helpful items for our move here: https://a.co/c1axpWz

More Important Info:

𝔹𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕪/𝕗𝕚𝕖𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕡 bookings after January 20? We’ll reach out with options.

𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡𝕤: All active memberships will be extended during our closure.

Thank you for your continued support — we can’t wait to build our future together!

Follow us and our moving updates:

http://cmfmove.weebly.com

With gratitude,

𝒦𝑜𝓇𝒶 𝐵𝓊𝓇𝓉𝒸𝒽, Executive Director

Children’s Museum of Findlay

(ONN) – Two police departments in Ohio are the first in the state to use a new tool to catch criminals.

In a Facebook post, the Garfield Heights Police Department announced that their vehicles have been equipped with ‘the Grappler’ for use in vehicle pursuits.

The Parma Police Department has had their vehicles outfitted as well.

The device allows police to stop a car chase by driving behind the suspect’s vehicle and deploying a net from the cruiser’s front bumper that paralyzes the fleeing car’s back wheels.

Manufacturers of the Grappler say there are now approximately 65 law enforcement agencies across the nation using their device with close to a thousand successful captures.

(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

Today marks nine incredible years and counting!

On December 18, 2015, MCPA opened its doors to the public for the first time

A word from one of our founding members, Rod Walton!

“MCPA has transformed my life by being the cultural hub this community was so longing for. As one of the five founding board members, our vision was to create a world class venue that Findlay and all of Northwest Ohio would be extremely proud of. As we get ready to celebrate the ten year anniversary of our beloved facility in 2025, I am so grateful for all of the opportunities MCPA has been able to share by “enriching lives through arts, culture, and entertainment”.

“That’s MCPA’s mission and one that serves the community well. I am so proud of being able to play a small role in bringing this vision to life which will serve our community for generations to come.”

Will you help us continue the vision of our founders? Donate by clicking here.