(From University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

Area residents of all ages are invited to join in the hands-on fun and exploration of the next “Funday Sunday” program at University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, on November 3.

This weekend’s program, which is free and open to the public, features a theme of “Under the Sea.”

Guests enjoy art activities, games, hands-on educational stations, and interactive STEAM activities for the whole family. The family-friendly learning extravaganza encourages artistic expression, enhances literacy, and develops critical thinking skills.

“Explore an ocean of wonder with the Toledo Zoo, divers, planetarium shows, and more,” said Amanda Davidson-Johnston, education manager at the Mazza Museum. “Kids of all ages will love exploring 20 interactive activity stations in our ‘Under the Sea’ adventure.”

Registration is required and can be completed on the Mazza Museum’s website.

Funday Sundays take place at Mazza on the first Sunday of each month, November through April, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The themes for Funday Sundays in 2024-25 are:

December 1: Arctic Adventures

January 5: Lego

February 2: Game on!

March 2: Accelerate!

April 6: Farmyard Fables

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Mazza Museum’s Events page online at www.mazzamuseum.org/events/. For specific questions regarding Funday Sunday, please contact Amanda Davidson-Johnston, Mazza Museum education manager, at 419-434-4777 or amanda.davidson-johnston@findlay.edu.

(From the Hancock County Veterans Service Office)

Through Operation Green Light for Hancock CO. Veterans, our local government and residents will show veterans that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

People are being asked to show support for Veterans by lighting their homes, buildings, churches, and schools green leading up to Veterans Day on November 11. 

These are actual photos from 2023 of various counties throughout Ohio, like Hamilton, Cuyahoga, Clermont, Montgomery, and Scioto.

We’ve reached out to Mayor Christina Muryn and she’s on board to make our version of this happen in Downtown Findlay November 4-11 in support of our Hancock County Veterans.

Help us shine a light for a veteran you know and love.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has announced the schedule for its ‘Fun for All’ series of free community events for November.

According to the Community Foundation’s website, the November events are as follows:

1 – Ornament Decorating at the Findlay Inn during Art Walk
5-9 p.m.
City of Findlay

2 – Scrapbooking Crop Day
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
50 North
Registration required: Find Yourself at 50 North, Findlay, Ohio

3 – Funday Sunday with the Toledo Zoo
1-3:30 p.m.
Mazza Museum

6 – Art Class for Adults – Alcohol Inks
5:30 p.m.
Awakening Minds Art
Space is limited, and registration is required: Community Programs — Awakening Minds Art

13 – Pottery for Adults
7-8:30 p.m.
Findlay Art League
**Cost is reduced, $35 per person, registration required**
Registration required: Findlay Art League or 419-422-7847

14 – Pottery for Adults
7-8:30 p.m.
Findlay Art League
**Cost is reduced, $35 per person, registration required**
Registration required: Findlay Art League or 419-422-7847

16 – Fitness and Wellness Event
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
50 North
Registration required: Find Yourself at 50 North, Findlay, Ohio

30 – Gnome for the Holidays
TBD
Findlay Art League
Registration required: Findlay Art League or 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.

(From Liberty-Benton Local Schools)

The Liberty-Benton Board of Education celebrated 20 students who earned a total of 22 perfect scores on their 2024 Spring state tests! 

Special shoutout to six students who achieved perfect scores for two consecutive years, and to Jonathan Coldren and Arthur Gottardi-Lopes for their impressive three-year streak! 

Bryson Collert and Isaac Koenig earned perfect scores in both math and science this spring. Congrats to all—keep up the amazing work!

Pictured left to right: Row 1: Caroline Smith, Evan Buckley, Parth Lalji Row 2: Board Member Heather Franks, Board President Jim Mace, Cameron Pickens, Drew Sharpe, Brayden Butler, Sawyer Robb, and Superintendent Bruce Otley. Row 3: Board Member A.J. Granger, Isaac Koenig, Bryson Collert, Emery Swaisgood, Ellianna Huckins, Board Member Brian Christiansen, Board Member Steve Benson. Row 4: Reagan Knapke, Arthur Gottardi-Lopes, Lucas Theiss, Jonah Todd. Row 5: Jonathan Coldren, Cooper Cox, Josiah Leichty. Not pictured: Andrew Tomlinson, Henry Trautman

(From Visit Findlay)

ArtWalk, a family-friendly free event taking place quarterly will mark the beginning of the holiday season in Downtown Findlay on Friday, November 1.

ArtWalk is an opportunity for Downtown Findlay businesses and local creatives to come together, with artists and musicians located within walking distance of each other at local shops, restaurants, and businesses. Visitors can view artwork and talk to artists, listen to the talents of musicians, and also support local business. Artwork is available for purchase at nearly all locations.

Visitors are invited to show off their own art skills, creating ornaments that will be hung on the City of Findlay Christmas Tree. The ornaments and supplies are provided in partnership between City of Findlay Mayor’s Office and Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. The University of Findlay will be performing at Findlay Inn at 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Marathon Center will be bustling with activity throughout the evening of ArtWalk. The Fisher/Wall Art Gallery will be open featuring the work of local artist, Emily Sullivan, and University of Findlay’s national-scope literary magazine, Slippery Elm, will be releasing their 11th edition with a party open to the public beginning at 7 p.m. Findlay High School’s String Factor will perform at 5:30 & 7 p.m., with a silent auction featuring hand-painted violins benefiting the high school’s orchestra taking place. Additionally, Stichin’ Time Quilters will feature a collection of handmade quilts.

Findlay Art League will host the opening reception of their Fall Show, featuring the work of over 60 artists. Jones Building Artists will have their studios open, inviting the public into their creative spaces to see the work created, demonstrations, as well as special events. Late local creator in the Jones Building, Barb Lockard, will be honored with an opportunity for those who knew her to share memories at the studio of the ArtWalk committee member, Findlay Art League secretary, and community champion.

Local businesses will be hosting artists throughout Downtown Findlay. RooBarb Studios will kick off their 10 year anniversary celebration during ArtWalk, LBE Vintage will host Millstream Career Center’s Flow Print Co. doing on-site screen printing, and Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will be hosting their annual AuthorFest. AuthorFest celebrates local literary talent with 20 authors on-site to discuss their books and process. New to ArtWalk is The Findlay Office, located on the fourth floor of 323 S. Main Street, with an extensive collection of art from the estate of George B. Reddin III, featuring original oils, prints, and more from European artists, including R. Schneider. Entrance to The Findlay Office is located in the alley behind the building with elevator access.

ArtWalk kicks off the holiday shopping season with the introduction of Downtown Findlay ‘Shop Findlay First’ holiday passports and the first of many shopping events taking place in November and December. More details about the passports and holiday shopping hours can be found at VisitFindlay.com/Shop-Local.

ArtWalk is held four times a year and is a free family-friendly event on the first Fridays of February, May, August, and November in an effort to promote the arts and integrate them throughout the Downtown Findlay business community. This event is a collaborative effort between Visit Findlay: Hancock County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Findlay Art League, Jones Building Artists, and Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

A complete list of participating locations and artists, as well as a virtual map, can be found at VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk. Printed maps of ArtWalk locations are available at the Visit Findlay Welcome Center, 123 E. Main Cross St., with limited copies at all participating locations the evening of the event. For more information, go to VisitFindlay.com/ArtWalk.

The family of the teenager shot and killed by police during a foot chase in Findlay on Monday has started a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses.

The Lucas County Coroner’s Office identified the teen as Kalvin Darapheth, 17.

The GoFundMe page reads as follows:

“As a parent, this is the worst decision you can make. Making funeral arrangements for your teenage child that was killed all of a sudden due to misunderstanding during a gun fire. With the cost of funeral expenses we are asking for some help. If you are able to help, we would appreciate it. Thank you for all the support and love.”

As of Thursday morning, around $3,000 was raised of the $10,000 goal.

The Findlay Police Department said officers were dispatched to Bernard Park Monday night on a report of three juveniles consuming alcohol.

Officers arrived and located the three juveniles at the park.

During the investigation, one of the juveniles fled on foot and an officer pursued.  

During the foot pursuit, police say the juvenile suspect discharged a firearm at the pursuing officer.

The pursuing officer returned fire, striking the juvenile suspect.

Officers immediately rendered first aid.

The juvenile suspect was transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital and later to a Toledo area hospital where he died.

Police Chief James Mathias issued the following statement:

“This was a dangerous and tragic situation.  Our officers are trained to respond to threats of violence, especially when a gun was involved.  A handgun was recovered on scene.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all that were part of this critical incident as a department and also the loss of a life.  

We are aware of the comments, assumptions and misinformation on social media and we will be releasing information as it becomes available.  We are working closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation on releasing redacted information in the near future regarding Axon Body Worn Camera footage.”  

The Findlay Police Department says a bicyclist who fell into a lane of traffic and got hit by a vehicle later died at a hospital.

Police say Dennis McCracken, 85, of Findlay, was riding his bicycle eastbound on the south sidewalk in the 700 block of West Trenton Avenue at 9:42 Wednesday morning when he lost control of his bike and fell into the eastbound lane of vehicle travel.

Police say an approaching vehicle was unable to avoid the bicyclist and struck him.

Life-saving efforts were performed on McCracken by Findlay firefighters and Hanco personnel and he was taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Police say his cause of death is pending investigation by the coroner’s office.

(From Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County)

Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County held its Annual Celebration Dinner on Tuesday, October 29, to celebrate and thank the volunteers, donors, and partner organizations who have assisted Habitat to stabilize and shelter families throughout 2024.

During the year Habitat completed four homes, 22 critical home repairs and served 350 coaching clients through the Financial Opportunity Center. During the evening’s events, Executive Director Wendy McCormick shared a sneak peek into the 2025 affiliate goals and its 25th anniversary activities.

During the celebration, three annual awards were presented to volunteers in recognition of their contribution to Habitat:

Paul Geyer Leadership Volunteer of the Year was presented to Scott Rhodes. Named for the founder of the Findlay/Hancock County Habitat affiliate, this honor is reserved for someone who achieves sustained outstanding volunteer leadership. Serving as a Habitat volunteer since 2011, Scott began his journey with Habitat as a donor and friend through National Lime and Stone. First contributing stone and concrete to each home, and then in 2012, donating a lot and the affiliate’s first all concrete home fully funded and staffed by National Lime employees. Joining the Board of Directors as board development chairperson in 2018, he succeeded through leadership positions of Vice President and then served as Board President from 2021 – 2023. Assuring a strong leadership and knowledge transfer, he is currently serving on the Executive and Finance committees as Past President.

The Golden Hammer Award was presented to Scott Beaty, who has served as a Habitat volunteer for 14 years. He has participated in five builds, helped with the repair program and spent many hours at ReStore. He spends every Tuesday night pricing cart after cart of tools for the ReStore to sell. An employee of Marathon Petroleum Company, Scott is the definition of humble and always wants to serve others rather than be served.

The Youth Leadership Volunteer of the Year, given each year to an outstanding young leader or group of leaders between 15 and 25 years old, was awarded to Harbor Summer Youth Employment Program, which teaches young people skills and job coaching that helps them to be successful in life. This program has four years of volunteer involvement with ReStore. This group of volunteers spent the summer at ReStore, helping clean, organize, and stock the shelves. The young people that worked alongside the ReStore staff this year were remarkable individuals.

This year’s festivities were held at Winebrenner Seminary Auditorium and catered by Olive Garden who donated the entire dinner for all guests.

Paul Geyer Leadership Volunteer of the Year: Scott Rhodes, who received the 2024 Paul Geyer Leadership Volunteer of the Year Award from Habitat, speaks during a home dedication last year in the picture above.

Golden Hammer Award: (l-r) Habitat Executive Director Wendy McCormick presents Scott Beaty with the 2024 Golden Hammer Award in the picture below.

(pics courtesy of J. Warrington Visual Creations)

(From Bowling Green State University)

Following a highly competitive selection process, 15 Bowling Green State University students were recently chosen for a prestigious fellowship that combines leadership development with public good.

The students were selected for the semester-long Millennium Fellowship, a world-class leadership program launched by the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network focused on creating global impact through service. The students are members of the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy’s 2023 cohort.

BGSU students selected as 2024 Millennium Fellows include:

Amelia Alexander of Ada, Ohio

Elijah Ackles of Detroit

Latrese Bell of Detroit

John Biehl of Westerville, Ohio

Madison Bly of Detroit

Rylan Brown of Trenton, Ohio

Carlyn Campbell of Martin, Ohio

Matthew Cole of Detroit

Skylar Covington of Detroit

Madison Feehan of Bradner, Ohio

Hailey Hochstettler of Findlay, Ohio

Juliann Hogle of Perrysburg, Ohio

Brendan Jameson of Ada, Ohio

Alan Picott of Toledo, Ohio

Rebecca Walsh of Youngstown, Ohio

BGSU is among two public universities in Ohio with students in the 2024 Millennium Fellows class, which is composed of more than 4,000 undergraduates at 280 universities in 48 countries. Only 8% of applicants were accepted into the program.

“This is another example of how BGSU elevates the student experience through unique learning opportunities,” said Dr. Jacob Clemens, senior director of the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement. “Our Millennium Fellows are now part of an expansive network of like-minded college students committed to directly impacting their communities through servant leadership.”

As the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience and opportunities, BGSU remains committed to empowering students to embrace personal and engaged learning experiences while benefiting from all the opportunities a comprehensive research university provides.

BGSU sophomore Amelia Alexander said she is grateful to attend a university that supports student success through unique growth and development opportunities.

“BGSU truly is a public university for the public good,” Alexander said. “BGSU gives students the chance to be part of a big learning community while also providing opportunities to stand out and make connections. I can’t walk across campus without seeing someone I know, and I attribute that to BGSU providing opportunities like this fellowship that allow students to make the most of their educational experience.”

The Millennium Fellows meet on campus bi-weekly to learn the curriculum, which centers around building and strengthening leadership skills to create global social impact. Throughout the semester, students will work together to organize an event or initiative to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and United Nations Academic Impact principles.

The goal is for Millennium Fellows to apply what they learn in real time to create public good in their communities and beyond.

“The Millennium Fellowship broadens students’ perspective and understanding of issues facing various communities and provides them with the skills to develop solutions that can create meaningful change,” said Adam Smith, coordinator of civic engagement for the Marvin Center and Millennium Fellowship advisor. “The fellowship curriculum also challenges the students to connect what they’re learning to their future career aspirations.”

In addition to being a fellow, Alexander is among two students selected to facilitate the bi-weekly curriculum sessions as a student director, providing an additional layer to the leadership training.

Alexander, a political science major, said that while the role of student director requires her to step outside of her comfort zone, she knows the experience will benefit her. She’s learned to collaborate, consider many different perspectives and listen intently.

“People are really passionate. Everybody has their own ideas and wants to be heard,” she said. “Being one of the facilitators in the room requires me to keep everyone on task, but also care about and respect everyone’s opinions. I’ve learned to really hear what people are saying versus just listening to their words.”

Although the students are still determining the specific details of the project they plan to undertake, Alexander said it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal that promotes well-being and healthy lives for people of all ages.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the end goal,” she said. “I’m excited to reflect on everything we’ve done and see all the work we put into this project, the amount of people we help and the impact we make through service.”

(From the City of Findlay)

The City of Findlay will be picking up leaves from November 18, 2024, through December 6, 2024. City employees will collect leaves that have been placed in biodegradable PAPER bags at the curb. Plastic bags and loose leaves will not be picked up. Bagged leaves are to be placed by the curb.

Limbs that are placed beside the bagged leaves will also be picked up. The limbs will be picked up separately from the leaves.

Crews will start picking up leaves on November 18, 2024. Crews will make several rounds throughout the whole City through December 6, 2024.

Biodegradable bags are readily available at local hardware, building supply, and some grocery stores.

Raking leaves into the street has many negative aspects. Leaf piles in the street can be a dangerous temptation to children who like to play in the piles and in many areas reduce the traffic to one lane or cause drivers to drive around the piles into oncoming traffic. Piled leaves tend to wash into and clog storm sewers, causing maintenance issues and potential localized flooding during storm events. Residents who blow or rake leaves onto City streets are in violation of long-standing City Codified Ordinance 311.01(d). Complaints should be forwarded to the Police Department.

City residents may continue to drop leaves at the green waste site located at 330 North Cory Street at no charge. The current hours for the site are Tuesday through Friday 2pm-7pm and Saturday 8am-1pm, closed Sunday and Monday. Beginning November 4, 2024, hours for the site will be Tuesday through Friday 1pm-6pm and Saturday 8am-1pm, closed Sunday and Monday. Beginning November 16, 2024, Saturday hours will be 8am-4pm. The green waste site will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, in honor of Veterans Day and November 28, 2024, for Thanksgiving. It will be open on November 29, 2024, and November 30, 2024. The last day for the green waste site will be December 7, 2024.

The green waste site is intended for residential use only. No contractors are permitted to use this site. Only tree trimmings, brush, leaves, and grass clippings can be dumped in designated areas at the site.