Week of 3/17/14

Veterans who are not currently on Honor Flight Northwest Ohio's wait list may consider the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight hub, which may be contacted at Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, P.O. Box 385, Mecosta, MI 49332, by email at info@midmichiganhonorflight.com, or online at www.midmichiganhonorflight.com/applications-1.

Effective March 1, Honor Flight Northwest Ohio is no long approving new fundraisers. Fundraisers that have already been approved may take place to benefit the 2014 flying season.

Effective March 15, Honor Flight Northwest Ohio will no longer be doing presentations to schools, veterans organizations, civic organizations, etc. In addition, the organization is no longer accepting donations and contributions. In a statement, David Chilson, Honor Flight Northwest Ohio board member thanked all those who supported the organization and its mission over the years. “All of us at Honor Flight Northwest Ohio want to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support over the past seven years – support for our military veterans and support for our organization and mission,” he said.

For more information on Honor Flight Northwest Ohio, visit www.honorflightnwo.org.


Citizen Police Academy

The Oregon Police Division’s 2014 Citizen Police Academy will begin April 7. The 10-week academy will meet Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the City of Oregon Community Room, 5330 Seaman Rd.

Oregon Police officers will teach the hands-on training program. Participants will learn about daily police operations, crime prevention, criminal investigations, road patrol tactics, self-defense and other related topics.

Participation is open to citizens 18 years and older who possess a valid Ohio driver’s license and pass a background check. Class size is limited to 20 people. Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in the city of Oregon.

To register or for more information, contact Sgt. Tony Castillo at 419-698-7180 or email tcastillo@oregonohio.org.


Family Center Gala set

The East Toledo Family Center is gearing up for its Annual Gala, which this year will be themed, “The Great Gatsby.”

Proceeds from this year’s event, set for April 5 at 6 p.m. at St. Michael’s Hall on Navarre Avenue, will benefit transportation services.

Distinguished Citizen and Educator of the Year awardees will be introduced. Distinguished Citizens include Mark Bollin and King Peacock. The Richard Fisher Educators of the Year include Angie Dalton, Lynn Moran and Dave Yenrick.

Various auctions will be available for bidding and buying. New this year will be a “Nickel Raffle.” Five prizes will be awarded at the Gala, however winners need not be present. Online raffle ticket sales are available.

Gala tickets are $55 per person and $100 per couple. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, call Tracy at 419-691-1429 or visit www.etfc.org and click on “events” for more information.


Pearson Sunday Program

Local historian and author Historian Larry Michaels will present, “Early Days of the East Side: from Villages to Townships to Cities,” March 16 at 2 p.m. in Macomber Lodge at Pearson Metropark, 4999 Navarre Ave., Oregon. Refreshments will be available.

Michaels’ presentation is part of the March Sunday Series program presented by the Friends of Pearson. Future topics include:

• March 23: “Pearson and Progress: George Pearson’s Leadership in the Development of the East Side,” presented by Mary Breymaier, author of “George W. Pearson, A Modest Hero.”

• March 30: “Landmark of Pride, The First Hundred Years of Waite High School,” presented by Robert Clark, former East Side District Leader for Toledo Public Schools.

All programs are at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.metroparkstoledo.com.


Call for student art

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has announced the opening of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition, encouraging high school students in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District to submit their original artwork for the chance to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase the wealth of artistic talent in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District,” said Latta. “I encourage all high school students to submit their artwork this year and look forward to seeing our district’s artwork on display in the United States Capitol.”

Students are allowed one entry. Eligible artwork includes:

  • Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
  • Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers;
  • Collage: must be two dimensional;
  • Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints;
  • Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums, such as pencil, ink, etc.;
  • Computer-generated art;
  • Photography.

The deadline for students to submit their artwork is April 2. Applicants may drop off applications and artwork at Congressman Latta’s district offices, including the Bowling Green office, located at 1045 N. Main St., Suite 6.

District staff is also available to pick up artwork from students. To arrange a pick-up time, call the Defiance office at 419-782-1996.

All artwork will be on display at the Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery in the University of Findlay’s Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion from April 25 through May 3. Winners will be announced at a reception May 3.

The winner’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside the artwork from other nationwide contestants. In addition, three honorable mentions will also be announced and displayed in Congressman Latta’s district offices.


Nominations sought

The East Toledo-Oregon Kiwanis Club is seeking nominations for the annual Fredrick Hansen Humanitarian award.

Nominations, including a brief description as to why the nominee is deserving of the award, may be sent along with the nominator’s contact information, to John Eisenhart 4325 Townhouse, Oregon, OH 43616, or emailed to jhe1944@att.net.


Heating help deadline

Residents seeking assistance to pay their winter heating bills have until April 15 to submit applications for assistance.

The Winter Crisis Program (WCP) at WSOS, also known as the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP), will continue to accept appointments until that time.

WCP provides one-time assistance to income-eligible residents to help them maintain their heating source by paying some of their heating bills. These households receive up to $175 once per heating season to pay regulated utilities, $350 for wood, $450 for non-regulated utility companies and up to $750 for those who use propane and have less than 35 percent left in their tanks.

The income limits this year to receive assistance through this program is 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $5,026 for a household with one person and $10,303 for a four-person household in a 90-day period.

Residents who have shut-off notices receive assistance with heating bills through the Winter Crisis Program, while assistance for those who do not have shut off notices is available through regular HEAP.

WSOS will also assist with re-verifying PIPP plus customers, who must re-verify their status with the heating source each year.

Appointments are required to apply for assistance through EHEAP. To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-441-4327.


Homelessness forum set

The Sandusky County Homeless Coalition will conduct a public forum on homelessness in Fremont Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services.

The coalition conducted its first public forum in 2004; each forum seeks to address the growing issues of homelessness in the area.

“It’s really important that the community is aware of the problem and takes steps to address it,” said Ragan Claypool, a member of the coalition and supportive services coordinator at WSOS. “I don’t think the community is aware of the number of children locally who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. “

The forum, which will be facilitated by the Sandusky County Homeless Coalition, seeks to involve all county government officials, leaders of cities, villages and townships within the county, and all leaders of organizations who serve the homeless. Anyone interested in homelessness issues are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to RSVP call Margaret Weisz, Sandusky County Homeless Coalition Chairperson, at 419-332-8777.


Commemorating veterans

The Ottawa County Veterans Service Office will hold a “Vietnam Veteran Era Commemoration Day” Saturday, March 29 in Building B3 at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 SR 163, Oak Harbor.

This national observance acknowledges the men and women who served in any branch during the Vietnam War era.

The tribute, open to Vietnam-Era veterans and community members from Ottawa and surrounding counties, will include a “Welcome Home” and “Thank You for Your Service.” The day will begin with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed directly by a pinning ceremony provided by Hospice of Memorial Hospital. At 11 a.m., speaker David Taylor, author of “Our WAR,” will present “Vietnam: The War, The Times and The People.”

A complimentary lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for all attendees. Ohio’s POW-MIA Memorial Program, sponsored by Rolling Thunder Inc., Chapter 5 will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a closing ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

A media CD of service members’ Vietnam-Era pictures will be shown throughout the day. To submit pictures, email Tina Burris at tburris@crosserfuneralhome.com, or call 419-732-3141 to arrange for drop-off. All photos must be submitted by March 25.


“No Mic Night”

PRIZM Creative Community will hold a “No Mic Night” Author Support Group Meeting March 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Guest facilitator Judith Crandell, award-winning writer of fiction, poetry and non-fiction, will share her passion for literary work and facilitate a peer discussion for those who want to share in-progress work. Participants who choose to share work for peer review should bring 12-plus copies to share. Participation in optional at home/ pre-class writing exercises and writing prompts for potential inspiration the community is encouraged. Join the PRIZM “No Mic Night” email distribution list to receive this information, generally distributed two weeks prior to each class.

Email prizm@bex.net with your name, phone number, and email, with NO MIC NIGHT in the subject line to be added to the communication list.


Bluebird monitoring project

Sandusky County Park District is seeking volunteers to monitor a series of bluebird nesting boxes on Bluebird Trails this spring.

Volunteers will learn more about bluebirds and how to monitor a trail at an informational meeting, Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Park District Office, 1970 Countryside Place, Fremont.

No registration is required. For more information, call 419-334-4495.

UT students reaching out
The University of Toledo Catholic Student Association, in conjunction with other student organizations, will host Campus H.E.A.T. (Hunger Elimination Amongst Toledoans) March 20 at 7 p.m. in the University of Toledo Student Union Auditorium.

The university-wide event offers an opportunity for students to give back to the city of Toledo as they get together and make 750 pizzas, which will be distributed to various Toledo homeless shelters and soup kitchens on Friday March 2.

The event is a way for students to not only learn about a major issue that is prevalent in the city, but also do something to help.

Campus H.E.A.T. is funded through donations. Contributions may be sent to Campus H.E.A.T., in care of Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr St., Toledo, OH 43607.


Casino Night fundraiser

Toledo Early College High School Parent Staff Association will present a Casino Night fundraiser Friday, March 21 from 6:30-11:30 p.m. at Line Drive Sportz at the Lucas County Rec Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee.

The event is open to ages 21 and older. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, which includes admission, starting chips, food and drink vouchers.

The event will include poker, roulette, craps, Plinko, black jack and other games. All proceeds raised will help fund the Toledo Early College senior class trips, classroom renovations and other efforts to help benefit the student experience.

For more information, call Stephanie at 419-346-2938.


Boating class offered

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 16-16 will present a Safe Boating class March 22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at American Legion Post #320, 204 Illinois Ave., Maumee. The class will also be offered April 26 at the same time and location.

The registration fee is $35 per person or $45 for two students sharing a book. Lunch will be provided. To register or for more information, call Dale Steinfurth at 419-464-1719 or Terry Cleary at 419-367-0222 or email terrytcleary@aol.com.


Paddleboat & kayak class

Instructors of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are accepting registrations for the 2014 Safe Boating Kayak/Paddleboat Program.

Classes will be held May 27 and June 23, 5-8:30 p.m. at Olander Park pond, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. The classes will include on-the-water training provided by American Canoe Association certified instructors.

Group and family discounts are available. For fees and more information, contact Pat Groves at 419-729-1529 or patagroves@aol.com.


I-280 resurfacing, biridge repair set

Effective Monday, March 17 through November, both directions of I-280 between Ayers and Woodville roads will be reduced to one lane with an 11-foot lane width for bridge work, Ohio Department of Transportation District Two reports.

Addition, March 17 through June, the ramp from Walbridge Road to northbound I-280 will be closed. The posted detour will be southbound I-280-eastbound SR-795. The project is expected to be completed in November. All work is weather-permitting.

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