All posts by Matt Demczyk

50 North Hosting Alzheimer’s Association Program

(From The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter)

The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter has scheduled a free community program on Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body for Wed., Feb. 12, 9 – 10:00 a.m. at 50 North, 339 E Melrose Ave. in Findlay.

Pre-registration is recommended. To register, call 419.423.8496 or the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

New science is providing insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help keep both the brain and body healthy. Participants who join this program will learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help them incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

“This program is excellent for anyone concerned about keeping a healthy brain and body, which are interconnected,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio and Central Ohio Chapters. “We will share strategies to help you age well and reduce your risk of developing dementia.”

Those concerned about themselves or a loved one can contact the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 419.537.1999 to schedule a care consultation and be connected to other free local resources.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other related dementia, or to access free tools and resources, visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

FCS Reminding Students And Parents Of Upcoming No School Days

Findlay City Schools is reminding students and parents of a couple of upcoming days off.

The school district says there will be no school for students on Friday, February 14 for a staff professional development day.

There also will be no school on Monday, February 17 for Presidents’ Day.

Click here for the full school district calendar.

UPDATE – Findlay Mayor To Deliver State Of The City Address

(From the City of Findlay)

Mayor Christina Muryn invites all community members to attend the upcoming State of the City address to be held on Wednesday, February 12 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts at 4 p.m.

The city said the time was changed to 4 p.m. from 5:30 p.m. due to the potential for bad weather later in the day.

Chris Oaks of “Good Mornings” on WFIN will interview Mayor Muryn in a fireside chat which will conclude with questions from the community. Please submit questions in advance via the submission form here or in the Facebook post below. 

During the conversation, Mayor Muryn will outline key projects and initiatives on the horizon for the coming year, focusing on economic growth, community priorities, and updates of ongoing projects.

“Every year, the State of the City provides a valuable opportunity to connect with residents and share the exciting progress we’ve made, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead,” says Mayor Muryn. “I look forward to discussing the direction we are headed as a community and what we are doing to ensure Findlay’s continued success.”

The State of the City address can be heard on WFIN beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12. 

Hancock County Naturalists Hosting Speaker

(From the Hancock County Naturalists)

The Hancock County Naturalists will host speaker Dave McPheron, horticulturist and retired owner of Star Farms Native Plants, at their February 13th meeting. His program, “It’s for the Birds, Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds”, will explore what a native plant is and how the landscape that includes these plants can bring more birds to the local environment. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Oak Woods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Avenue, and is open to the public. This meeting will also feature a seed swap; attendees are encouraged to bring seeds to trade.

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in horticulture, McPheron has been active in the horticulture industry for over 47 years. His experience includes owning a design/install landscape company and garden center specializing in perennials, herbs, and water gardens, and he has spent the last few years growing Ohio native plants as the owner of Star Farms Native Plants in Kenton, Ohio. After recently retiring and closing his business, he has turned his focus to cultivating Ohio native plants and promoting these vital species. He is an Emeritus Ohio State Master Gardener Volunteer in Hardin County and served as the Volunteer Coordinator.

The Hancock County Naturalists, a membership organization, was established to further the study of the fauna and flora of Hancock County and the surrounding area and to participate in selected conservation and educational projects. Membership and events are open to those aged 15 and older. Annual membership fees are $15 per adult, $20 per couple, and $10 for youth.

For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com. The group’s website is hancockcountynaturalists.org.

Blanchard Valley Health System Hosting Blood Drive

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Show your heart and stop by the upcoming blood drive Blanchard Valley Health System is hosting on Wednesday, February 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It will take place at Blanchard Valley Hospital in the Marathon, Aller, Beckett, and Davis conference rooms.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please visit https://bvhs.info/BVHSBloodDriveFeb2025.

Findlay’s ‘Night To Shine’ A Huge Success

(From Night to Shine Findlay)

On the evening of February 7, 2025, St. Marks United Methodist Church in Findlay hosted its annual Night to Shine event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This is the third year for this event in Findlay, Ohio.  This event, held simultaneously across the globe, provides a prom night experience for individuals with special needs aged 14 and older.

Night to Shine is a worldwide celebration that brings communities together to honor individuals with special needs by offering a night filled with joy and celebration. The event has become a global movement since its inception in 2015, allowing individuals to experience a memorable prom night in a safe, inclusive environment.

This year’s Findlay event welcomed over 100 honored guests and nearly 150 volunteers. The event was made possible by the support of numerous local sponsors and volunteers who contributed their time, resources, and efforts to ensure its success.

The festivities included a red carpet entrance, where guests were welcomed by paparazzi, a karaoke room, a sensory room, and a hair and makeup room to help guests feel pampered. Professional photographers and videographers captured moments throughout the evening, while a DJ kept the energy high on the dance floor. Guests also enjoyed a catered dinner, served by a dedicated kitchen staff.

In addition to these activities, a respite space was available for parents and caregivers to relax while their loved ones enjoyed the event. All guests and parents in the respite space received goodie bags, contributing to the overall experience.

The event went off without a hitch, thanks to the efforts of all involved. Night to Shine in Findlay continues to be a successful and cherished event that provides a night of celebration and joy for individuals with special needs in the community.

For more information on Night to Shine, please visit findlaynighttoshine.org 

About Night to Shine:
Night to Shine is an annual event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, offering a prom night experience for individuals with special needs. The event is held worldwide and is designed to show God’s love and create an inclusive, celebratory environment for all attendees.

About St. Marks United Methodist Church:
St. Marks United Methodist Church, located in Findlay, Ohio, has been a vital part of the local community, offering outreach programs and creating spaces for individuals of all abilities to come together in faith and celebration.

Police Officer Uses Taser To Stop Fleeing Man

(From the Findlay Police Department)

On 2-8-25 at 1108 hours an officer was conducting an investigation in 1000 block of Cedar Avenue.

He encountered a male who gave him a fake name.

The officer was able to determine the male’s real name and the fact he had a warrant out of Seneca County.

The officer attempted to detain the male, at which time he fled on foot.

The officer gave chase and ultimately deployed his Taser, striking the male and immobilizing him.

The male was then arrested.

He was found to have in his possession 272 milliliters of suspected liquid Methadone, not prescribed to him, a Felony of the 1st degree.

He also had drug paraphernalia on his person.

The male, identified as Jerrold Riley, was transferred to the custody of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges of Obstructing Official Business, Falsification, and Possession of Drugs will be will be pursued against him.

FHCPL Shares Update On Its Refresh And Layout Changes

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library)

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your library experience!

We wanted to share an update and some photos with you of the progress.

We knew we had huge collections for you to choose from, but realized just how MUCH when we started moving them to temporary shelving to make room for carpeting!

Take a look at these pictures to see if you can guess where in the library each photo was taken.

As many of you know, we’ve had several departments closed this week.

The Children’s Department and the Genealogy Department will remain closed for a while longer, but you can still request items through the catalog or by asking a staff member for assistance.

Hang in there – we’re almost done!

Here’s the GOOD NEWS! The Media Services Department is expected to open on Saturday, February 8, with access to DVDs.

The CD and audiobook collection will still be inaccessible to patrons, but can be requested.

We also expect the Youth Services Department to reopen on Wednesday, February 12.

Safety Officials Talk With Kiwanis Club About Roth ID Tags

(From the Findlay Fire Department)

This week FFD’s Beth Baker, Hancock County’s EMA Director Lee Swisher, along with Jennifer Shindler and Tony Roth introduced the Kiwanis Club of Findlay to the Roth ID Tags.

Roth ID Tags are designed for children’s car seats.

In the event of an accident, first responders find the tag, attach the tag to the child’s wrists and have instant information on emergency contacts for that child.

For more information, please visit their website: https://rothidtag.com or their Facebook page.

Economic Development Office Celebrates Friendship With Japan

(From Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development)

A committed friendship with Japan begun 40 years ago by Findlay trailblazers has immeasurably enriched and influenced the community we know today.

We are honored to play a role in maintaining and growing this crucial relationship between business, education and government, shared with The University of Findlay and local city and county government.

Please read this historical piece, celebrating 40 years!