GPA: Terra State offers free tuition raffle and free textbooks

        Terra State Community College is conducting a raffle for one year of free tuition to a student for both the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters.
        The college will also be offering free textbooks and access codes for full-time students that are taking 12 or more credit hours through the Follett ACCESS program at the Titan Shop bookstore on-campus for both returning and new students enrolled in the fall of 2022 semester.
        One lucky student will have the chance to win a one-year tuition scholarship that is worth up to $5,000 on behalf of the Terra College Foundation. Any student registered in 12 or more credit hours for the fall 2022 semester will be automatically entered in the raffle drawing.
        Additionally, any student who has already registered for fall classes qualifies as long as he or she is in good academic standing.
        “On behalf of Terra State Community College, we are excited to offer free tuition for one year for a student and provide free textbooks and access codes to both new and returning students for the fall 2022 semester. This will not only help the students be successful and prepared on their first day of class, but it will also help save them money and time,” said Dr. Cory Stine, senior vice president of innovation and strategic planning.
        Additionally, the college has extended the free textbooks and access codes promotion for student success and completion with available institution funds through the CARES Act. Students will receive a nearly $400 discount on books through the Follett ACCESS program. These textbooks and access codes can be picked up or ordered online through the Titan Shop bookstore.
 
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Party at the Hen House
        Before we know it, back to school time will be upon us, and for most children, this means going shopping for school supplies.
        Unfortunately, for children who are served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio (BBBSNWO), this time comes with uncertainty of where school supplies will be coming from.
        On Sunday, Aug. 14, BBBSNWO is hosting its second annual Party in the Hen House at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. Bigs and Littles are invited to enjoy an afternoon filled with food, fun and Mud Hens baseball.
        After the game, Littles will have the opportunity to run the bases and will receive a surprise of a backpack full of grade-specific school supplies.
        During the 2022-2023 school year, BBBSNWO is continuing to extend its positive impact to grade-school children in our community by completing the Empowering Future Leaders program. This program is data-driven to bring curriculum about leadership development, cultural competency, career development and life skills that have positive outcomes.
        Sponsorships are available for this year’s Party in the Hen House.
        Visit bbbsnwo.org/party-at-the-hen-house to find a flyer outlining various sponsorship levels and what each level will aid BBBSNWO in achieving.
        Organizations may learn more about how to help BBBSNWO make a difference in the lives of children in our region by calling 419-243-4600 or emailing mwhitfield@bbbsnwo.org.
 
Stuff the Bus
        The Salvation Army-Port Clinton Service Unit is now accepting applications and donations for the “Tools for School Program.”
        The “Tools for School” program will assist all school-aged children in Ottawa County who are in need of school supplies and book bags for the 2022-2023 school year.
        Applications are available at The Salvation Army Office, United Way, The Sutton Center, JFS and all Ottawa County libraries.
        “We are collaborating with Walmart Port Clinton to “Stuff the Bus” Aug. 5, 6 and 7 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.,” said Salvation Army Director Maureen Saponari.
        Donations for this program may be dropped off at the Ottawa County Salvation Army Social Service Center, 1834 East Perry St., Port Clinton.
        For more information or to make a donation, call Saponari at 419-732-2769.
 
Small Business Basics
        The Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra State Community College is offering free, three-hour “Small Business Basics” seminars that will answer questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business.
        This seminar is designed to help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary steps. Participants will learn the basics of name registration, licensing, taxes, zoning, business entities, employees, insurance, financing and business planning.
        August seminars will be offered at Terra State Doepker Leadership & Entrepreneurial Center, Building B, Room 103, 2830 Napoleon Rd., Fremont on the following dates:
        • Wednesday, Aug. 3, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
        • Wednesday, Aug. 17, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
        To register or for more information, contact Miranda Hoffman, director of the Ohio Small Business Development Center, at 419-559-2210 or mhoffma05@terra.edu.
 
GLCAP Head Start
preschools enrolling
        Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Early Childhood centers are seeking students for the 2022-2023 Head Start preschool year.
        Through GLCAP Head Start, children can receive no-cost, full-day preschool that focuses on kindergarten readiness, socialization and other important developmental needs for children and families.
        While eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines, program staff will look at each family’s situation and assist them in finding the best option for their family’s circumstances. Children in foster care or identified as homeless are also eligible, regardless of income.
        Children with disabilities are welcome and accommodated at all centers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to call for details.
        Center locations include Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties. For a complete list of centers or
for more information, visit glcap.org/headstart or call 1-800-775-9767.
 
Owens offering 
ASL certificate
        Beginning in Fall 2022, Owens Community College will offer an American Sign Language Certificate.
        “As one of the only schools in Northwest Ohio to offer an American Sign Language program, it really will set our students apart and set them up for a path to success,” said Jen Hazel, Humanities Program Director. “This certificate can stand alone or be added to other degree fields in health care, education or business to increase a student’s post-graduate employment options.”
        In this two-semester certificate program, students will learn fingerspelling, numbers, receptive skills and about deaf culture. With these skills, students will have a solid foundation to work with individuals who are deaf, hearing impaired or have a delay or cognitive disability where expressive and/or receptive language is limited.
        The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipated growth for ASL Interpreters is 24 percent by 2030; 8 percent is the average. Upon completion of this certificate, students will be ready for entry-level ASL interpreting position and prepared to take the National Interpreter Certification exam.
        To learn more about the American Sign Language Certificate, contact the Owens Admissions Office at 567-661-7777 or admissions@owens.edu.
 
Penta hires new
assistant superintendent
        During its June 29 meeting, the Penta Career Center Board of Education approved the hiring of Mark Pogliano, Ed.D. as its new assistant superintendent.
        Pogliano, who was previously the principal of Jackson Area Career Center in Jackson, Michigan, began his duties at Penta on July 11.
        Prior to his nine years at Jackson Area Career Center, Pogliano was the associate dean of occupational programs at Schoolcraft College from 2011-2013. He also worked as an engineering and computer-aided design teacher with the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools for five years and served as an assistant principal and Career-Technical Education director from 2005-2011.
        “We are pleased to have Mark Pogliano join Penta Career Center,” said Superintendent Edward Ewers. “He brings a wealth of experience and leadership in career-technical education at the both the high school and post-secondary levels, which will benefit Penta Career Center as we prepare for the future.”
        Pogliano earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University. He has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. In addition, Pogliano has served on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 21st Century Talent Creation Subcommittee; served two terms as the career-technical education representative for the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and was previously chair of Michigan’s Career Education and Planning Districts.
 
Sales Tax Holiday
        Ohio will have a sales tax holiday from Friday, Aug. 5 at 12 a.m. to Sunday, Aug. 7 at 11:59 p.m.
        During the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax
        • An item of clothing priced at $75 or less.
        • An item of school supplies priced at $20 or less.
        • An item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less.
        Items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the sales tax holiday.
        For complete details regarding the sales tax holiday, visit tax.ohio.gov/help-center/faqs/sales-and-use-tax-sales-tax-holiday or call 1-888-405-4039.
 
School supply giveaway
        The Ottawa County Veterans Service Office will present a back-to-school school supply giveaway for the families of Ottawa County Veterans July 25 through Aug. 5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
        Veterans can pick up school supply bags for their school age children at the Veterans Service Office, 8444 W. SR 163, Suite 102, Oak Harbor.
        For more details, all 419-898-2089.