The Blanchard Valley Hospital Auxiliary’s Nearly New Shop is accepting donations for their annual prom dress distribution. Items accepted include gently used dresses, shoes, accessories and men’s formal wear.
The items can be dropped off at the Nearly New Shop, 306 Lima Avenue, Findlay now through prom season. The dresses, shoes, accessories and men’s wear will be available free of charge beginning March 18 to any area teen needing items for prom. One dress per girl will be provided. Items will be available through prom season.
The Nearly New Shop is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as the first, second and third Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All donations are tax deductible. For more information, call 419.423.4335.
HANDGUN FUN SHOOT
Saturday, April 29, 2017
9:00 a.m. SHARP
Izaak Walton League Clubhouse and Range
3570 River Road (County Road 33), Tiffin
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!
IF YOU’VE NEVER SHOT A HANDGUN AND ALWAYS WANTED TO GIVE IT A TRY, JOIN US FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON FOR A FUN, SAFE MORNING OF SHOOTING, LEARNING, AND MORE SHOOTING. EVERY PARTICIPANT WILL BE COACHED BY AN EXPERIENCED SHOOTER. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT HANDGUN SAFETY AND OPERATION IN A LOW PRESSURE, NON-COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
FREE!!
IWL PROVIDES THE GUNS, AMMUNITION, SAFETY EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTION AND EVEN SOME REFRESHMENTS.
You must be 21 years of age or older, and not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. For more information, contact Dean Henry at
447-1661 or any Izaak Walton League member.
We are reaching out to invite all those affected by autism and those that would like to learn more information about autism to the fourth annual Hench Autism Studies Program Community Outreach Event April 29, 10a-1p at the Serrick Center on the Defiance College Campus. There will be informational booths, activities, and refreshments for the whole family to enjoy! Come on out to Defiance College and take part in this FREE family event!!
Hancock Park District March-May, 2017 Programs & Events
March
4 Saturday
Growing Green Thumbs: McKinnis Historical Garden
Join the Hancock Park District’s new, Growing Green Thumbs garden series. A talk will be given on our McKinnis Historical Garden, including how we choose the period appropriate plants or seeds, where to buy them andhow we will tend them. It will also be time to start pulling those first weeds of spring, so bring those little green thumbs out and join the fun.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis Garden
10 AM
Required to be ages 4-18. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own work gloves.
Free, registration not required
Chris Allen
6 Monday
Discovery Stories: Bats
Children will find out what makes bats superheroes in the animal kingdom. A story about bats will be followed by activities and crafts.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10AM & 1PM
Recommended for ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free, registration not required.
Christine Patterson
cpatterson@hancockparks.com
11 Saturday
Maple Sugarin’ Pancake Breakfast
We’re kicking off the start of Maple Sugarin’ by having an all you can eat breakfast. Bring the family out for a breakfast of pancakes with syrup, sausage, juice and coffee.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Activity Barn
9-11 AM
All ages welcome
Register by 12PM on Friday, March 10 with $5 per person for ages 13 and up and $3 per person for ages 4-12; ages 3 and under are free
Minimum: 20/Maximum: 100
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
11 Saturday
Maple Sugarin’
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Spring is almost here and the temperatures are starting to fluctuate. This means that conditions are right for collecting maple tree sap. Step back in time to see the process the pioneers and Native Americans used to collect sap, transport it to the sugar bush and boil it down to produce sweet maple syrup. Other stops of interest include sap science, sap loving animals, and touring the McKinnis House. In the shelter you can make a beaded key chain that will help you remember the story of how we get maple syrup. Fruth’s Sugarhouse will be set up in the barn and selling their maple products. There will also be refreshments for a donation.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
10 AM-2 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration is not required
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
15 Wednesday
Impact Series: Bats
Bats often get a bad reputation, but they’re just misunderstood. Bats are actually harmless, and they benefit us in a shocking number of ways. Come and learn about these fascinating creatures, how they help us, and how we need to help them.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Free, but register by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, March 14
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 30
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
18 Saturday
Saturday Morning Nature Series
Attention all nature-loving 8-11 year olds! The Hancock Park District is excited to announce a new nature series. Four different nature topics will be covered over the course of four consecutive Saturday mornings. Each topic involves hands-on learning, a craft, hiking, and lots of fun. Nature topics include:
Saturday, March 18 - Mammals
Saturday, March 25 - Birds
Saturday, April 1 - Trees
Saturday, April 8 - Insects
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
9-11 AM
Required to be ages 8-11
Register with $20 per child by 12 PM on Thursday, March 16. A medical form is required and available online or at the park office.
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Michelle Rumschlag
18 Saturday
Yarn of a Tail: Knitting at the McKinnis House
Take your knitting out to the McKinnis House to see how wool and yarn was important to the pioneers in 1847. If you are a beginner, some of the McKinnis family will be able to teach you, and if you are an experienced knitter, sit by the fire with a cup of tea and work on your project.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1-4 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Katie Mehlow
kmehlow@hancockparks.com
20 Monday
Wee Ones: Bears
It’s time to explore the world of bears. Where do they live, eat and play? Have you ever felt the fur of a bear? How big are their claws? There will be a story and craft for the kids to enjoy while exploring the Discovery Center.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM & 1 PM
Recommended for ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend
Free, registration not required
Chris Allen
22 Wednesday
Spring Constellations
Come find Leo, Boӧtes, Cancer and other spring constellations at this month’s planetarium program. Participants will also look at the Last Quarter Moon and what planets are visible in the March night sky.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
7 PM
All ages welcome
Free, but register by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, March 21
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 25
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com
26 Sunday
True or False?: Open House
Are robins a sign of spring? Do opossums hang upside down? Are bats blind? Test your nature knowledge at this month’s Open House at the Discovery Center with quizzes about things you thought you knew about nature.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Katie Mehlow
kmehlow@hancockparks.com
APRIL
1 Saturday
Growing Green Thumbs: McKinnis Orchard
A talk on preparing the orchard for the up coming season will be given by Bill Patch, HPD’s own horticulturalist. It’s also time to prepare the ground for the planting of seeds. Join us for some old fashion tree trimming and weed pulling in the garden.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis Garden
10 AM
Required to be ages 4-18. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own work gloves.
Free, registration not required
Chris Allen
2 Sunday
A Weaving We Will Go: Open House
If you have ever been curious as to how early pioneers made cloth for their clothing then come pay a visit to the McKinnis House. See the McKinnis family and friends as they work together to make a braided rug. You may even be invited upstairs to see Mrs. McKinnis hard at work on the family’s four harness loom.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1-4 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Michelle Rumschlag
7 Friday
Jupiter
On Friday, April 7, Jupiter will be as close to the earth as it will be all year and with its face fully illuminated by the sun. Learn about Jupiter and its moons in our portable planetarium and then head outside to view Jupiter at its brightest. Bring binoculars so that you can spot Jupiter’s four largest moons.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
8 PM
All ages welcome
Free, but register by 12 PM on Wednesday, April 5
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 25
Katie Mehlow
9 Sunday
Bat Superheroes: Open House
Find out what makes bats the superheroes of the animal kingdom. Learn about echolocation, their winged hands, and their ability to survive in many different climates. Explore their special adaptations with hands-on activities and crafts.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Christine Patterson
cpatterson@hancockparks.com
10 Monday
Discovery Story: Eat like Birds
Birds eat a variety of foods and have many different types of beaks to help with this process. See who eats what and how through a story, craft and beak related activities. You can even try feeding with your own bird bill.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM & 1 PM
Recommended for ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend
Free, registration not required
Michelle Rumschlag
11 Tuesday
Spring Break Camp: Owl About Birds!
We’ll spend a day learning about different kinds of birds in Ohio and then hit the trail to see how many birds can be identified. We’ll also play games, dissect owl pellets, and make bird feeders to take home. You won’t egret flocking to this camp! Snacks will be provided, but please bring a sack lunch with your camper.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
9 AM-3 PM
Required to be ages 6-12
Register with $15 per child by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 7. A medical form is required and available online or at the park office.
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Katie Mehlow
kmehlow@hancockparks.com
12 Wednesday
Spring Break Camp: Plants Palooza
Spring is on the way and wildflowers are getting ready to pop up. Spend the day learning about Ohio’s beautiful wildflowers and go out on a hike to look for them. You will plant your very own seeds to start a garden in your backyard, press plants to take home with you, and much more! Snacks will be provided, but please bring a sack lunch with your camper.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
9 AM-3 PM
Required to be ages 6-12
Register with $15 per child by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 7. A medical form is required and available online or at the park office.
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
12 Wednesday
Canvas Painting: Spring Pallette
The second canvas in the seasonal painting series is Spring Pallette. Awakening Minds Art will provide step by step instructions on how to paint a beautiful nature scene on canvas. All necessary supplies needed to create your artwork on an 11” x 14” stretched canvas will be provided. Light refreshments will be served.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Brugeman Lodge
6-8 PM
Required to be ages 16 and up
Register with $30 per person by 12 PM on Monday, April 10
Minimum: 10/Maximum: 30
Chris Allen
13 Thursday
Spring Break Camp: Camping 101
Has your child ever thought about going to camp in the summer? Do you wonder about the different activities and where your child can go? Would you like for your child to try it before attending a camp this summer? If the answer is yes, then consider registering your child in Camping 101, where your child can experience camp activities, like fishing, hiking, and crafts, and gain confidence before attending a longer camp this summer. Snacks will be provided, but please bring a sack lunch with your camper.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
9 AM-3 PM
Required to be ages 6-12
Register with $15 per child by 4:30 PM on Monday, April 10. A medical form is required and available online or at the park office.
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com
17 Monday
Wee Ones: Spring has Sprung!
Signs of spring are beginning to pop up everywhere – if you know where to look! Birds are chirping, tree buds are opening, and the wildflowers are showing their beautiful blossoms. Come and listen to a springtime story and take a spring blooms hike. A spring-inspired craft will also be offered.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM & 1 PM
Recommended for ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend
Free, registration not required
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
19 Wednesday
Impact Series: Invasive Species
Invasive species can have a huge and long-lasting impact on our Ohio native landscape. However, many people unknowingly have invasive species in their own backyard! Come and learn about Ohio’s most common non-native plant species and learn what you can do to prevent them from taking over Ohio.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Free, but register by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, April 18.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 30
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
22 Saturday
Spring Constellations and Binoculars
Neil Stewart of the Millstream Astronomy Club will be presenting the program Spring Constellations and Binoculars, which is all about those star patterns in the sky and what they mean. His talk also includes information about how to use binoculars to view the night sky. After the talk, telescopes will be available to look at the sky, or bring your own.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Shelter 5
8 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Michelle Rumschlag
29 Saturday
Blanchard River Challenge: Self-Guided Float Trip #1
Canoeists and kayakers will begin the trip by paddling through Blanchard River Nature Preserve and later along the borders of parks, conservation areas, and Riverbend Recreation Area. It is an enjoyable day trip at 20.9 miles. For more information, see page . . .
Gary Pruitt
gpruitt@hancockparks.com
MAY
2 Tuesday
Archery Basics for Adults
Come out for an archery class led by a certified archery instructor. All necessary equipment and targets will be provided. You will have the opportunity to learn the basics of archery along with safety measures, while shooting arrows at several targets with a compound bow. How close to your target can you get? Sign up today to find out.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Dold Lake
7-8:30 PM
Required to be ages 18 and up
Register with $10 per person by 12 PM on Monday, May 1
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 10
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com
6 Saturday
21st Annual Fish Festival
Young anglers can try their luck as the Hancock Park District hosts its 21st annual youth fishing event. Trout stocking will take place prior to the event courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division. Fishing will be allowed by bank only. Children must do the fishing, but limited adult assistance is permitted. All state fishing rules and regulations must be followed and anglers are asked to take home the first five trout they catch. No catch and release is permitted. Live bait will be for sale on site. The Fish Festival will be held rain or shine, except in the event of extreme weather conditions. Throughout the morning, registered participant names will be drawn for random prize drawings and must be present to win. Sponsors of this year’s fish festival are ODNR Division of Wildlife, WFIN/WKXA/The Fox and Centennial Screen Printing and Engraving.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Lakefront Activity Center
8-11 AM
Required to be ages 4 to 15 with an adult companion
Free with registration starting at 7:30 AM at Lakefront Activity Center
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
6 Saturday
Growing Green Thumbs: Pole Beans
A talk will be given on the beans in the McKinnis Historical Garden and how to set the poles for them. It is also time to get the plants and seeds in the ground or just tend to those that have already been planted. There is lots of work to be done around the McKinnis Homestead, so come on out and lend a helping hand.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis Garden
10 AM
Required to be ages 4-18. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own work gloves.
Free, registration not required
Chris Allen
6 Saturday
Blanchard River Challenge: Self-Guided Float Trip #2
Canoeists and kayakers will begin the trip by paddling through an especially scenic and fun section west of Riverbend Recreation Area and then along the border of conservation areas and parks and through downtown Findlay and the obstacle-ridden section of the Blanchard River. Beyond the urban section lies a scenic and pleasant rural section where wildlife sightings are commonplace. For more information, see page . . .
Gary Pruitt
gpruitt@hancockparks.com
7 Sunday
Women at Work: Open House
Visit with the women of the McKinnis House. Find out how they spend their day and accomplish their to-do list.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1-4 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Christine Patterson
cpatterson@hancockparks.com
8 Monday
Discovery Story: Down in the Dirt
Time to get down and dirty as the kids get up close and personal with dirt. In addition to a story about soil, our worm bin will be on hand to explore and seeds will be available for planting. Dirt inspired art can also be made and taken home.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM & 1 PM
Recommended for ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend
Free, registration not required
Michelle Rumschlag
13 Saturday
Archery for Beginners
Join our certified educators in learning the basics of archery. You’ll learn about which eye is your dominant eye, archery equipment, and of course, how to shoot an arrow. Once you’ve learned how to shoot, you can test your skills with some archery games. All equipment will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Dold Lake
8:30-10 AM for ages 9-11
10:30 AM-12 PM for ages 12-14
Register with $10 per child by 3 PM on Friday, May 12. A medical form is required and available online or at the park office.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 10 per time slot
Katie Mehlow
kmehlow@hancockparks.com
13 Saturday
Blanchard River Challenge: Self-Guided Float Trip #3
This is a popular half-day trip. At 9.3 miles, it is scenic, it has no foreseeable obstacles or portages, and there are bends, narrow sections, and riffles to make it interesting and fun. Wildlife sightings are commonplace. For more information, see page . . .
Gary Pruitt
gpruitt@hancockparks.com
14 Sunday
Summer Blooms of Ohio: Open House
Ohio has a wide array of beautiful, native wildflowers. May is an excellent month to tour the bloom display around the state, but if you aren’t able to plan a road trip, don’t worry. There are hundreds of beautiful summertime blooms right here in Hancock County. Come and learn about our summer flowers and enjoy a guided, leisurely hike to see these flowers up close. The hike will begin at 2 PM and will last about an hour.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
15 Monday
Wee Ones: Things with Wings
Bring the children out and see how many things with wings you can find in the Discovery Center. Do you have wings? What are wings good for? Whose wings are the largest in the world? There will be a story and craft for the kids to enjoy while exploring the Discovery Center.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM & 1 PM
Recommended for ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend
Free, registration not required
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com
16 Tuesday
Viewing Mercury
This week Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation from the sun. This means that Mercury will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. The planet can be easily viewed low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. If you’re not an early riser and you don’t want to miss this astronomical event, come out to the planetarium to see Mercury up close at night.
Discovery Center
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
6 PM
All ages welcome
Free, but register by 4:30 PM on Monday, May 15
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 25
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
17 Wednesday
Impact Series: Monarch Butterflies
Monarchs are notorious for their fascinating and beautiful life cycle. From chrysalis to butterfly, they truly are stunning. Over the past decade, the Monarch population has plummeted to an unprecedented low. Their low numbers are an alarming warning sign that we must take notice of before it’s too late. Come and learn about these loveable winged beauties and what you can do to strengthen their numbers. Free milkweed seeds will be available.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Brugeman Lodge
6 PM
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Free, but register by 4:30 PM on Monday, May 15
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 100
Lauren Sandhu
lsandhu@hancockparks.com
20 Saturday
Spring Disc Golf Tournament
Join us at Riverbend Disc Golf Course for a back to the basics 2 disc challenge. Pick your two most versatile discs. You will be using those two discs for both rounds. There will be an optional Ace fund of $2. Post event throw off if not won during the 2 rounds. 100% payout in cash and prizes. One hour lunch break in-between rounds.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Shelter 5
On-site registration begins at 9 AM
Players meeting promptly at 9:45 AM; event starts at 10 AM
Register with $20 per person on the day of the tournament
All ages welcome; children must accompanied by a participating adult
Hugh Bockbrader
419-304-2177
20 Saturday
Photography Hike
Do you enjoy taking pictures of scenes in nature? Do you enjoy hiking as well? Combine those two activities and join us on our first ever photography hike. We will take a leisurely hike and stop along the way to capture images of Ohio’s natural beauty. Wildflowers, birds, and butterflies are just a few of nature’s stars that will be waiting for their photo shoot.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
10 AM-12 PM
Recommended for ages 10 and up
Free, but register by 3 PM on Friday, May 19
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Lauren Sandhu
20 Saturday
Blanchard River Challenge: Self-Guided Float Trip #4
This trip is an enjoyable, yet challenging adventure at approximately 37.6 miles with a primitive tent camping experience at Riverbend Recreation Area’s campground. This two-day float trip includes up to seven potential portages around dams and rock fields, including a long portage at the waterfall near Riverside Park. All food and camping gear will have to be transported in the watercraft unless other arrangements are made. Canoeists and kayakers will paddle 20.9 miles on the first day and 16.7 miles on the second day. For more information, see page . . .
Gary Pruitt
gpruitt@hancockparks.com
27 Saturday
Telescopes 101
Don Trinko of the Millstream Astronomy Club will be presenting Telescopes 101, which explains the various styles of telescopes and which ones may be better suited for you. After the talk, telescopes will be available to look at the sky, or bring your own.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Shelter 5
9 PM
All ages welcome
Free, registration not required
Michelle Rumschlag
TWP. RD 131, Tiffin-next to Walnut Grove Campgrounds
GOOD FRIDAY
FISH FRY
ALL THE FISH YOU CARE TO EAT
APRIL 14Th,2017
5:00----7:30 PM
ADULTS --$8.00
CHILDERN UNDER 12--$4.00