(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is making it easier than ever for patients to access care with the launch of online scheduling at its primary care offices. This new feature allows patients to book appointments directly through the organization’s website, adding convenience and flexibility to the communities BVHS serves.

With online scheduling, patients can now view real-time availability and reserve appointments for routine check-ups, follow-ups, and other primary care needs with just a few clicks. This enhancement allows patients to plan visits around work, school, and family commitments, reducing phone wait times and improving access to care.

In addition to adult primary care, online scheduling now includes pediatric appointments, offering parents a simple and reliable way to manage their children’s health. Parents can book visits online at their convenience, from routine check-ups and immunizations to school and sports physicals. This enhancement helps ensure children receive timely, consistent care while allowing families to fit appointments into busy schedules. By making pediatric scheduling more accessible, BVHS supports parents in keeping their children healthy and thriving.

“Primary care is the front door to health and wellness,” said Myron D. Lewis, president and CEO of BVHS. “By introducing online scheduling, we are removing barriers and making it simpler for patients to connect with the care they need, when they need it. This is one more way BVHS is delivering on our promise of patient-first care.”

Online scheduling builds on BVHS’s broader digital transformation strategy to expand access, reduce barriers, and enhance the overall patient experience. In the near future, BVHS will expand online scheduling to include mammography and other specialties.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation with purpose,” said Gulshan Mehta, chief digital and information officer. “We designed this tool to be simple, intuitive, and accessible—empowering patients to take an active role in their health while ensuring care is always within reach.”

At BVHS, primary care physicians and providers are dedicated partners in each patient’s journey to better health. They assist with many acute and chronic health conditions, provide preventive care, and support patients in establishing long-term wellness goals.

BVHS currently offers primary care services in Bluffton, Carey, Findlay (EasternWoods), Findlay (Lake Cascades), Findlay (Wellness Park), Findlay (Caughman Health Center), Fostoria, Leipsic, McComb, North Baltimore, and Ottawa. Pediatric services are also offered in Bluffton (Bluffton Pediatrics), Findlay (Caughman Health Center), and Findlay (Wellness Park).

Patients can now schedule primary care appointments online at bvhealthsystem.org/primarycare.

(From the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum)

A new exhibit, “A Storm of Horses: The Art of Ruth Sanderson,” will be unveiled at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum on Thursday, October 9.

Author/illustrator Sanderson will present her equine-themed work at an opening ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. Following her presentation, there will be book sales and autographing in the Mazza Gift Shop.

The public is invited to learn more about her subject matter – French artist Rosa Bonheur, a unique 19th century painter of horses – and enjoy a campus visit of real-life horses, courtesy of UF’s equestrian program.

Dan Chudzinski, director of the Mazza Museum, said the exhibition features Sanderson’s original art – from storyboards and preliminaries to her final, published oil paintings.

“Ruth created an inspiring picture book telling the story of Rosa Bonheur, who wanted to be a famous painter in the 1800s, at a time when female artists typically painted scenes from family life,” he noted. “But Rosa was committed to capturing the unbridled wild beauty of horses.”

Sanderson’s book explains how Bonheur’s masterpiece, The Horse Fair, which is eight feet tall and 16 feet wide, propelled her to become a celebrated artist with paintings in museums and galleries worldwide. It is now on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Sanderson has more than 90 published children’s books, including many fairy tales. She illustrated the first Black Stallion paperback covers and has illustrated many chapter book horse stories, including the Horse Diaries series.

A graduate of Paier School of Art in Connecticut, she has always loved horses, and her first oil painting at age 14 was a horse portrait, Chudzinski noted.

After visiting Mazza for the first time in 2022, Sanderson felt that her equine-themed illustrations should become part of the museum’s permanent collection, he explained.

“Ruth loves to share her artistic techniques to inspire other horse-loving young artists,” said Chudzinski, adding that Sanderson will be presenting to students from Arlington and Ridgedale schools earlier in the week.

She recently created a book Drawing Horses that is a guide to drawing realistic horses and suggested for aspiring artists ages 8 and older.

The “Storm of Horses” exhibition and event are part of UF’s Homecoming celebration that takes place from October 9 to 12.

The event is also a collaboration with and a prelude to the University equestrian studies program’s 50th anniversary that will be celebrated in 2026.

(From Bowling Green State University)

Bowling Green State University recently was selected as one of only eight universities nationwide and the only one in the Midwest to address an urgent need in higher education – ensuring that what students learn in the classroom directly translates to emerging workplace needs.  

BGSU is joining the first-ever National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Accelerator, building on its existing strengths in career preparation – including its No. 1 ranking for career prep among all universities in Ohio and the innovative work of the Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections to redefine student success and outcomes. 

The WIL Accelerator is a bold new initiative from Arizona State University designed to connect students with industry partners. It supports real-world projects and simulations, allowing students to apply their skills in practical, impactful ways and bridge the gap between their education and workforce readiness. 

“Bowling Green State University has long been a leader in work-based learning, establishing co-op programs nearly 60 years ago, and work-integrated learning is the next innovative step in elevating student learning, experiences and opportunities for the 21st century,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “Bowling Green is uniquely positioned to continue to lead in this area – not only in Ohio, but the nation – with a proven ability of implementing transformational programs and bringing them to scale university-wide. We look forward to working across higher education and industry on this initiative as we collectively strengthen the role of higher education to drive innovation and economic vitality, driving relevancy and impact across the nation’s entire educational ecosystem.”

“At JPMorganChase, we are committed to expanding access to work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for the demands of today’s workforce,” said Rudy Bentlage, co-chair of JPMorganChase Ohio Market Leadership Team. “We are proud to support Arizona State University’s National Work-Integrated Learning Accelerator, which connects classroom learning with real-world industry challenges. By participating in this initiative, Bowling Green State University is empowering students to build meaningful career pathways and strengthening Ohio’s economic future.”

The WIL Accelerator initiative is supported by JPMorganChase and Strada Education Foundation. The accelerator aims to bring together higher education institutions, employers and education-technology startups to codesign and pilot innovative work-integrated learning models. 

As an inaugural member of the accelerator initiative, BGSU will work to build a sustainable framework of company-to-classroom partnerships that allow students to develop solutions for industry while also helping those companies meet short-term needs. 

The firsthand experience of working on projects for regional, statewide and national organizations reinforces the skills students learn in the classroom and provides a competitive edge as they seek internships and full-time careers.  

Dr. Gabe Dunbar, senior director of career design in the Kuhlin Career Hub, said work-integrated learning also promotes a more equitable learning environment, broadening opportunities across campus for students to prototype their careers and build a portfolio of relevant work experience. 

“Aside from the firsthand experience our students gain through work-integrated learning, they’re also building confidence, learning durable skills that employers demand and are expanding their professional networks, all of which can open the door to more opportunities,” Dunbar said. 

BGSU already has a strong pipeline of regional and national industry partners, with more than a dozen that engage with the University at its highest gold-tier level, that can help support its efforts in introducing meaningful work-based projects into the classroom. 

BGSU plans to develop work-integrated learning strategies during Fall 2025 with help from faculty, staff and students across the learning community with the goal of piloting projects starting in Spring 2026. 

This initiative is led with support from a core implementation team consisting of Steve Russell, associate vice president, corporate partnerships, Adrienne Ausdenmoore, assistant vice president and executive director of the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design, Dr. Jolie Sheffer, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Margo Kammeyer, manager of project management in the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and Dunbar, senior director of career design in the Kuhlin Career Hub.

This is Fire Prevention Week and the Findlay Fire Department is urging you to – not only make sure you have smoke detectors in your home – but to make sure they are working.

Fire Inspector Eric Wilkins tells WFIN News that working smoke detectors save lives.

Here are some more tips from the Findlay Fire Department about smoke detectors.

1. Test your smoke detectors monthly. Take a second to hit the test button and listen for the beep!
2. Smoke detectors have an expiration date! Check the back of your detectors and if it ten years or older it’s time to replace them!
3. Make sure your detectors are in the proper place. One on every floor of your home, in every bedroom and between your living and sleeping spaces!

The Findlay Fire Department will have more safety tips throughout the week on its Facebook page. 

Findlay First Edition will be holding its Fall Fest on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:30 p.m. 

“Enjoy an evening of music by our very own Findlay First Edition and Voices in Perfection, along with other local show choirs!” Findlay High School said. 

Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door.

Get more details in the Facebook post below from the high school. 

The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce will present its 2025 Small Business Awards on Thursday, October 9 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.

Each year, the Chamber highlights local individuals and companies, who through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy.

Doors will open at 3 with the ceremony beginning at 4. Click here to register to attend the event.

Good luck to all of the nominees, who are listed below.

50 North

 

A Queen’s Eye Cleaning

 

Abby Martinez – Circle P Reception Hall

 

Add-A-Line powered by Proforma

 

Aloha Shiny Windows

 

Amber Buena – I Am Rooted Wellness

 

Andrea Kramer – City Apparel+Merch

 

BellStores – Findlay

 

Bin There Dump That

 

Brayden Thomas – Resolute Wealth Advisor, Inc.

 

Brett Gies

 

Brook Simsa – Bless Up & Bloom Non Profit

 

Brooke Nissen – Focus Recovery and Wellness

 

Carol Metzger – Cancer Patient Services

 

Shelly Pehrson – Centennial Screen Printing

 

Chick-fil-A-Findlay

 

Christy Kisseberth

 

Clouse Construction

 

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home

 

Dan Maiorino – Valgroup

 

Dan Romick – Romick Wealth Management

 

Dietsch Brothers

 

Dr. Katie Frederick – Flag City Mobile Veterinary Clinic

 

Emily Sullivan – Awakening Minds Art

 

Fern Cafe

 

Findlay City Life

 

Findlay-Hancock County Public Library

 

Freudenberg

 

Furry Tales Mobile Workshop

 

Gabrielle Faulkner

 

Garner Trucking, Inc

 

GROB Industries

 

Hamlet Protein

 

Hancock Structural Steel

 

Hank Walters, Rayanna Cap, Jaylin Patterson, Jason Davis, & Carson Reese – Findlay Fresh Start

 

Harold E. Shuck Co.

 

Heather Clow

 

Hixon Zuercher Capital Management

 

Holly Craycraft/Hand + Home Co.

 

Hurdwell

 

Hysteria Co.

 

Jack B’s

 

Jason & Amanda Teter – Home Once More

 

Jessica White – White Willow Farm

 

Jill Wagner – Wasbro Rental Property, LLC and The Sherman House

 

Judson Palmer Home

 

Karen Taschler

 

Kari Redman

 

Katie Mercer- The Lavender Hour

 

Kaylee Schleucher

 

Kelley McClurkin

 

Kirby Overton

 

Krista Crates-Miller

 

Linda Hamilton

 

Main Street Deli

 

Metzger Breicheisen Company

 

Midwest Financial Planning Group

 

Nick Reinhart – Kreate & Reinhart Foundation

 

Ohio logistics

 

Pam Hamlin

 

Reineke Family Dealerships

 

RPM Carbide Die

 

Sarah Ricker

 

Shop Supply

 

Sink’s Flowers

 

Smarty Pants Toys & Gifts

 

Stef Tropf – City Life Findlay

 

Superior Trim

 

The Lifting Lab

 

The Wailing Onion

 

Thistle Exchange

 

Transformations Thrift Store, LLC

 

Two Witches and a Broom

 

Van Horn Hoover & Associates

 

Carla Benjamin – Welcome to a New Life

 

YMCA Early Learning Center at Cory-Rawson

(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Affiliate Program, a pilot initiative designed to serve as a philanthropic partner for local nonprofits, school foundations, and community groups. The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation began as an affiliate of the Cleveland Foundation in 1976, and we are proud to offer this service locally.

The Affiliate Program offers three paths for partnership: a Nonprofit Affiliate for charitable organizations, a Committee Directed Affiliate for organized groups, or a School Foundation Affiliate for local districts. Each path provides tailored support to help organizations strengthen their impact and focus on their core mission, while The Community Foundation handles administrative responsibilities. Benefits include a unified giving platform, a branded donation portal that can be branded and embedded on websites, as well as enhanced on-demand reporting.

“We are excited about the possibilities of the new Affiliate Program to foster deeper collaboration and offer this support throughout our community,” said Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Foundation. “These local groups pour so much time and passion into their causes. As an affiliate, we can provide a stable and reliable platform that allows them to dedicate more time and resources to the work that matters most, making a meaningful difference. We are here to be a partner in their success, and we’re looking forward to working together with more groups.”

Groups that enroll in the Affiliate Program can be existing or newly formed organizations centered around a single entity, such as a school district, cause, or community. Participants in the program can also enroll in the Foundation’s Organizational Strengthening Program, which provides support for development, fundraising, governance and more. Applications for the inaugural program will open on November 1, 2025. Those interested can contact Andrea Clements, Director of Affiliates, at (419) 425-1100.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay will host Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 from October 9 to 12, inviting all alumni, friends, families, and community members to be part of the celebration.

“For many generations, a phrase commonly heard around campus has been: ‘Findlay just feels like home’,” President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “It might be the lifelong friendships, the supportive faculty and staff, the dynamic community, the learning environment, or our culture of caring for others that makes UF a special place.”

“And no matter how long you’ve been away – perhaps just a few months or maybe quite a few years – Findlay will always be your home,” she added.

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2025 activities will feature many beloved Findlay traditions, along with some new activities this year.

“Please join us, wearing your favorite Orange and Black apparel, for a variety of exciting, entertaining events throughout the long weekend,” Fell said. “The unity and commitment of our friends, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students to UF are what make the Oiler Family strong.”

Additional information and registration for events can be found on the Homecoming and Family Weekend webpage: www.findlay.edu/homecoming.

Among the events open to the public:

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

Pop by the Rock

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Spirit Rock in front of Morey Hall The Spirit Rock is ready and waiting for students, alumni, and friends to make their mark. Pop by for a selfie, treats, and bring a marker to leave an Oiler Nation Homecoming message. Cost is free.

College of Education Speaker

7 – 8:30 p.m. | Old Main, Ritz Auditorium Clifton Core MAE ’06, Bellefontaine High School principal, will share his experiences as a social studies teacher, intervention specialist, associate principal, and head principal. Cost is free.

Mazza Museum – A Storm of Horses

6 p.m. | Mazza Museum, Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion

Visiting artist Ruth Sanderson is returning to the Mazza Museum for a free presentation and exhibit featuring original artwork from her extensive career as an illustrator. She is well-known for her inspiring book, “A Storm of Horses,” about Rosa Bonheur, a famous French painter from the 1800s. Watch for an equine visit to the museum, as well.

 

Bonfire Bash: Flames, Festivities, and Fun

7:30 – 10 p.m. | DeHaven Soccer Stadium

Kick off Homecoming weekend at the Bonfire Bash with live music from student DJs. Sports teams will be introduced, and free T-shirts will be handed out to the first 250 people. Revive Worship Band will close out the night with a worship service. Cost is free.

 

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

Class of 1975 50th Reunion

4 – 7 p.m. | Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion Members of the Class of 1975 and their guests are invited to a special reunion gathering with dinner, Golden Diploma presentation, and campus tour. Fee and registration required.

 

Oiler Palooza Battle of the Bands

7 – 9 p.m. | Lawn in front of Center for Student Life & College of Business (CBSL) A student, family, and community event with live music in the Battle of the Bands featuring student, faculty, staff, and alumni performers, plus games, inflatables, and food for purchase. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Cost is free.

SATURDAY, OCT. 11

Heart Healthy 5K and 1.5-mile Fun Walk

7 – 8:45 a.m. Check-in | In front of Old Main

9 a.m. shotgun start | Griffith Memorial Arch

American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists is hosting the 10th annual 5K and 1.4-mile fun walk. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. Fee and registration required.

Alumni Association Annual Awards Breakfast

9 a.m.| Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium

Enjoy breakfast with alumni from all over the nation while congratulating the 2025 Distinguished Alumni, and recipients of the Old Main Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Arch Award. We’ll also honor the Class of 1975 for their Golden Anniversary (50 years). Fee and registration required.

Open House and Gift Shop

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Mazza Museum and Conda STEAM Center

The museum and gift shop are open with family-friendly activities.

Oiler Tailgate

Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Enjoy a casual, family-friendly tailgate with picnic food, games, and live music by Tongue n’ Groove before the football game. Cost is free.

Football Game – Findlay Oilers vs. Hillsdale Chargers

2 p.m. | Donnell Stadium

Cheer on the UF football team at the annual Homecoming game. The 2025 Homecoming Court will be announced, along with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni awardees. The Oiler marching band will welcome back UF band alumni to perform with them. Also, the 1995 NAIA National Championship football team will be recognized. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

 

Rieck Center Night Hike

8 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

A night hike will take participants through the nature trails at the Rieck Center to look for owls. Ultraviolet lights will be set up around the nature center to attract moths and other nocturnal invertebrates.

 

Oiler Movie Night Under the Stars

8:30 p.m. | DeHaven Soccer Stadium

A special outdoor showing under the stars will feature “High School Musical.” Bring a blanket and favorite snacks.

 

SUNDAY, OCT. 12

Worship Service

10 a.m. | Winebrenner TLB auditorium Students, alumni, and friends are invited to a special time of worship to celebrate faith heritage and God’s hand of blessing through the years.

 

Fall Open House

1:30-3 p.m. | Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

After an informative program, attendees are welcome to hike the property and walk along the story trail. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

 

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Women’s soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9, DeHaven Soccer Stadium

UF Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, Winebrenner TLB Auditorium, advance reservations required

Women’s lacrosse alumni game, 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Russ & Peg Armstrong Sports Complex

Swimming & diving alumni meet, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Sink Natatorium

Men’s soccer vs. Northwood, 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, DeHaven Soccer Stadium

Football vs. Hillsdale College, 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, Donnell Stadium

 

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

 

Star Gazing at the Newhard Planetarium

Friday: 5 & 6 p.m.; Saturday: 10, 10:45, 11:30 a.m.

Brewer Science Center

Stop by the planetarium to discover what to look for in a fall-winter evening sky. Take a quick fly through the universe and experience our awesome solar system in this exciting and informative 45 minute experience. No admission fee.

To learn more about specific events and speakers, or to register to attend any of the events, visit the Homecoming webpage. Homecoming events and information are also available on the Oiler Mobile App, which is free to download in the App Store and Play Store.

(From Findlay City Schools)

Our Transportation Team participated in Ohio’s School Bus Safety Road-e-o regional competition on Saturday and earned the Team Spirit Award!

Congratulations to Lora Click and Steven Handler, who qualified for the state-level competition which takes place on October 18th.

Way to represent Trojan Country, Transportation Team!

The Ohio Department of Transportation is letting drivers know of a road closure in Findlay that will force many to take a different route.

ODOT says County Road 99 east of Main Street at the railroad tracks will close on Tuesday, October 7, for approximately five days for railroad crossing repairs and reconstruction.

The suggested detour from ODOT: Main St. to Bigelow Ave. to Bright Rd. to CR 212, back to CR 99.

Get more details in the Facebook post below from ODOT.