(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Board of Trustees approved grants totaling $519,104 at the May board meeting. This total includes 20 responsive grants, two president’s discretionary grants and 65 donor advised fund grants.

“We’re incredibly proud to support such a diverse range of projects throughout Hancock County with our latest round of grants,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see the breadth of initiatives our community is undertaking, and we’re especially thrilled to continue our Fun for All grants. These projects not only bring joy and connection but also play a vital role in enhancing the overall well-being and health of our community.”

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are awarded to organizations that meet community needs and match The Community Foundation’s goals and objectives. Grantseekers must submit a written grant proposal for consideration. Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Funding for responsive grants comes from our Community’s Endowment, which is comprised of Funds for the Common Good and Field of Interest Funds established by donors at The Community Foundation. The following responsive grants were approved by the Board of Trustees, made possible by our Community’s Endowment:

• Awakening Minds Art was awarded $3,191 to support a variety of art classes as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Children’s Mentoring Connection was awarded $3,800 to support various teen activities as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• City Mission of Findlay was awarded $50,000 to support continued renovations for Martha’s Home.
• Cory-Rawson Local Schools was awarded $40,000 to support the MARCS radio project.
• Findlay Art League was awarded $5,000 to support a variety of art classes as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Findlay-Hancock County Chamber Alliance was awarded $1,000 to support the 2025 Hancock Leadership class project, landscaping at the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center.
• Findlay YMCA was awarded $3,600 for free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Fort Findlay Playhouse was awarded $2,600 to support a performance of 9 to 5 as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Fostoria First Church of the Nazarene was awarded $10,000 to support the installation of an accessibility ramp at the church to increase accessibility to basic needs services and workforce training.
• Habitat for Humanity of Findlay was awarded $1,625 to support a Bridges Out of Poverty training session.
• Hancock County ADAMHS was awarded $ 15,240 to support capital improvements.
• Hancock County Agricultural Society was awarded $7,600 for the Kids Zone at the 4^th of July festivities at the fairgrounds as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Hancock County Educational Service Center was awarded $15,000 to support professional development in local schools.
• Hancock Historical Museum was awarded $3,550 to support the Growing Up ‘90s Family Night as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Marathon Center for the Performing Arts was awarded two grants:
  • $3,750 to support a free Christmas movie night as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
  • $12,000 to support a free performance of Jurassic Bark as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

• Village of Arlington was awarded $675 to support free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Village of McComb was awarded $1,425 to support free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.
• Village of Mt. Blanchard was awarded $924 to support free pool days as part of the Foundation’s Fun for All series of free community events.

President’s Discretionary Grants

President’s Discretionary grants fund urgent or special requests outside The Community Foundation’s various grant cycles. The President of The Community Foundation is allocated an amount each year. These grants typically do not individually exceed $5,000. The following discretionary grants were awarded:

This year, TCF staff dedicated the 2025 president’s discretionary funds to show appreciation for those who help others. The first two PD grants of this year are dedicated to educators to support staff appreciation efforts at all public schools in Hancock County.

• Findlay City Schools was awarded $5,000.

• Hancock County Educational Service Center was awarded $5,000.

Donor Advised Grants

Individuals, families or corporations establish donor advised funds to recommend grants to nonprofits they’re passionate about. The Foundation vets the nonprofits, and grants are awarded. The following donor advised grants were awarded:

• 65 grants to 52 organizations totaling $319,424.

(From the Hancock County Farmers’ Market)

In partnership with United Way of Hancock County, the Financial Opportunity Center of Habitat for Humanity Findlay, and OSU Extension Hancock County, market shoppers can use their Ohio Direction Card to purchase locally grown and made foods at the farmers’ market.

Visit the WELCOME canopy at the farmers’ market on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6 pm, at 200 West Main Cross in downtown Findlay.

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Hancock County is known for its incredible spirit of collaboration—and here at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, we’re proud to be part of that tradition.

This summer, we’re teaming up with Hancock Public Health and City of Findlay Parks & Recreation to bring you Summer Connect—a series of seven neighborhood events designed to bring families together through fun, learning, and local resources.

Each event will feature:

-Hands-on activities

-Free books and educational take-home kits

-Connections to local organizations and services

-A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere

We’re thrilled to work alongside fellow nonprofits, government partners, and community groups to make this happen—because together, we can build a stronger, more connected Hancock County.

You can score a ticket to Cedar Point at an upcoming blood drive in Findlay.

The American Red Cross of North Central Ohio says people who donate at the blood drive at the Findlay Elks at 900 West Melrose Avenue on Thursday, June 5^th from 11:30 to 5:30 will receive a free ticket to Cedar Point.

Get more details on that blood drive and other blood drives in the area by clicking here.

WFIN invites you to the Riverside Civic Concert Series at the Allen P. Dudley Memorial Band Shell at Dick Daugherty Plaza in Riverside Park.

The concert series is presented by the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts and sponsored by Provision Living Senior Living Community in Findlay.

The Wednesday concerts are MC’d by WFIN and begin at 7 p.m.

2025 Schedule

June 11 – Findlay Civic Concert Band

June 18 – Fostoria Community Band

June 25 – Findlay Civic Concert Band

July 2 – Black Swamp Pipes & Drums

July 9 – Polish American Concert Band

July 16 – Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus

(Each week’s concert will be aired Sunday morning at 11 on 1330, WFIN, 95-five FM and WFIN.com. presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City)

You can also visit the WFIN Music Audio Archive, presented by Coldwell Banker/Flag City and listen to a podcast of each concert, plus past years concerts as well. (click on the “Community” link and search “Riverside Concerts”)

(From the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation and the Ohio History Connection)

The Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation and the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office will sponsor a Building Doctor Clinic for old-building owners in and around Ottawa from June 25-26.

The clinic will feature Building Doctors Mariangela Pfister and Justin Cook of the State Historic Preservation Office.

It begins with a free seminar from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Ottawa Brewing Company’s Walnut Room, 202 W. Main St., Ottawa. Open to all old-building owners in the area, the seminar will feature guidelines for renovation projects and ways to solve the most common problems of buildings dating from 1800 to 1960.

On Thursday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Building Doctors will visit pre-1960 buildings within Ottawa and nearby communities, advising owners on specific technical or design problems by appointment. They will examine all kinds of old buildings, including homes, commercial buildings, churches and public buildings. Some things that typically call for an on-site examination include persistent peeling paint or flaking plaster, a wet basement, deteriorating masonry and plans for remodeling, additions or demolitions.

Pfister has been with the State Historic Preservation Office for more than 30 years. She heads the Technical Preservation Service Department, which reviews applications for federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits, works with the Building Doctor program and answers questions about the care and maintenance of older buildings. Pfister has a master’s degree in history from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in history, English and secondary education from Capital University.

Pfister will be joined by Cook, another experienced Building Doctor. Cook reviews applications for federal and state historic preservation tax credits and previously reviewed projects that receive federal funding, licenses or permits for effects they may have on historic properties as required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. He has a master’s degree in historic preservation from the University of Vermont, with additional studies in history and urban and regional planning, and a bachelor’s degree in classics from the University of Pittsburgh.

Pfister and Cook will be accompanied by Building Doctors-in-Training Miranda Fisher, Abby Marshall and Trent Bradford.

Fisher is the architecture transportation reviews manager who works closely with the office’s federal and state partners and local communities to protect historic properties during implementation of federal and state transportation initiatives. She received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University, where she majored in art history and minored in Italian and architectural studies. Later, she received her graduate degree in preservation design from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.

Marshall serves as the survey and National Register manager in the Department of Inventory and Registration. She works closely with the Ohio Historic Survey Program and the National Register of Historic Places Program, documenting historic resources across the state. Marshall earned her bachelor’s degree in geography, specifically, travel and tourism, and her master’s degree in historic preservation from Ball State University.

Bradford is a technical preservation services manager in the Technical Preservation Service Department. He reviews state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credit applications and advises applicants on how best to apply the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation to their projects so that they receive tax credit financing. He has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati

The seminar and on-site consultations are free with registration. To register, go to building-doctor.org or call 614-298-2000. For more information, contact Amy Sealts, Director, Economic Development, Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation, at 419-523-5595 or amy@putnamcountycic.com.

The Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office is Ohio’s official historic preservation agency. It identifies historic places in Ohio, nominates properties to the National Register of Historic Places, reviews federally assisted projects for effects on historic, architectural and archaeological resources in Ohio, consults on conservation of older buildings and sites and offers educational programs and publications.

Findlay Publishing Company President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Glass is retiring after a lengthy and rewarding career.

Glass began his career with the Company in 1981 as Program Director of WHMQ (now WKXA).

He was named Director of Corporate Broadcast Communications in 1990 and assumed the role of President/CEO in 2023.

After 44 years with Findlay Publishing Company, Dave’s last day will be Friday.

Dave will continue to contribute to the Company as a member of the Board of Directors.

Dave was on with WFIN’s Chris Oaks to reflect on his time at Findlay Publishing Company and Mayor Muryn stopped by with a proclamation declaring ‘Dave Glass Day’ in Findlay.

“Dave has been a steadfast champion for the greater Findlay and Hancock County communities for more than four decades, not only through his professional achievements but through his deep and abiding commitment to public service,” the proclamation read in part.

Additionally, Jim Rosenhaus had a congratulatory message for Dave during a recent Guardians game.

Dave’s retirement has brought about some leadership transitions within the company, and you can read more about that by clicking here.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host a hands-on summer STEAM Camp with a theme of “Behind the Byte” from June 9 to 13.

The camp, which runs in conjunction with the Imagination Station of Toledo, encourages students ages 8 to 14 to dive into computers.

“Students will take a computer apart to learn the inner workings, discover block coding, and explore how one ‘bug’ can mess everything up,” explained Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum. “Students are more connected to technology than ever before, so it’s important that they understand how their devices work and how to recognize signs of hacking or computer viruses.”

The camp will take place on the University’s campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 9 to 13. Cost of registration is $200 per child and includes instruction, all required materials, and a STEAM Camp T-shirt.

To register, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For questions regarding the camp, including scholarships to help with the cost, contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston at 419-434-4777 or send an email to amanda.davidsonjohnston@findlay.edu.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation’s June Fun for All schedule has plenty of events for people to enjoy. 

The events are listed below and you can also see the full list and get more details by clicking here. 

• 5 – Teen Fun Event
  3:30 – 5 p.m.
  Location: Bernard Park
  Organization: The Community Partnership (multiple youth groups)
• 9 – Symphony Storytime
  10:30 a.m.
  Location: Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
  Organization: Lima Symphony Orchestra
• 14 – Free Pool Day
  12-9 p.m.
  Location: Arlington Pool Facebook Page
  Organization: Village of Arlington
• 14 – Hand-painted Clay Tile
  1-4 p.m.
  Location & Organization: Findlay Art League
  Registration is required: 419-422-7847
• 15 – Free Pool Day
  12-6 p.m.
  Location: McComb Pool Facebook Page
  Organization: Village of McComb
• 21 – Game-A-Pa-Looza
  12 – 4 p.m.
  Location & Organization: 50 North
  Registration is required: 50 North
• 21 – Free Pool Day
  12 – 6 p.m.
  Location & Organization: YMCA Riverside
  Riverside Pool Facebook Page
• 28 – Bear Party Clay Ornament
  1-4 p.m.
  Location & Organization: Findlay Art League
  Registration is required: 419-422-7847

“We’ve heard time and time again that finding affordable, family-friendly activities is a challenge in Hancock County. The Community Foundation is proud to provide Fun for All to help bridge the gap,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Brian Treece.

Brian says the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is thankful to its community partners for making the events possible.

The Fun for All series started in January 2023. 

(From the Kiwanis Club of Findlay)

The Findlay Kiwanis Scholarship Program was established in 1974 to honor Fred Brucklacher, a long-time secretary and treasurer of the Club. The scholarship is funded by the Findlay Kiwanis Club through projects such as the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day, Purse Bingo and through donations from members. Since its inception, more than $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students in Hancock County.

Receiving $2,500 scholarships for full-time students pursuing bachelor’s degrees are Kate Simmons (Findlay), Daniel Jung (Findlay), Lillian Grady (Van Buren), Brenna Frankart (Liberty Benton) and Catalina Jimenez (McComb). Brandon Zuercher (Ohio State University/Cory Rawson High School Class of ’20) will also receive $2,500 toward the completion of his degree.

Scholarships are awarded based upon a combination of financial need, academic success and rigor, extracurricular activities and community involvement.

Current high school juniors and enrolled college students are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Kiwanis Scholarships. Applications open in January and can be found online at FindlayKiwanis.org/scholarships.