Community Health Professionals

YWCA offers Summer Food Program
    As part of its mission to empower women and children, the YWCA of Van Wert County will again be offering its Summer Food Service Program. The Ohio Child Nutrition Services agency and the United Way of Van Wert County sponsor the program.

    This year, the Summer Food Program at the YWCA will be offering breakfast and lunch during the program. The program begins Monday, June 9, and ends Friday, August 1. The program hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
    A free nutritious breakfast and lunch is available to any child up to 18 years old, and a free recreational program for children 4-12 years old. The YWCA will be offering a recreational camp with supervision after the Summer Food Program until 4:30 p.m.  Separate registration is required. Contact the YWCA for more details.

    Participants will enjoy healthy meals, games, field trips, swimming, crafts, mentoring, and self esteem-building activities.  All activities are well supervised by qualified mentors, supervisors, and lifeguards.

    The meal service portion of this program is provided without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  Any one who believes they have been discriminated against should write immediately to the administrator, Food Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

    The YWCA is a not-for-profit organization and is funded by the Van Wert County Foundation, and the United Way Agency.
5/9

The Venedocia Lions Club recently made a $5,000 pledge to the Van Wert County Council on Aging's fundraising drive to construct a new senior center. Present at the donation were Venedocia Lions Club members Jerry Koenig (left) and Bob Harter. Accepting the donation is COA Office Manager Therese Marshall. (photo submitted)

Venedocia Lions give to senior center
    The Venedocia Lions Club likes to put the money it raises, mostly by selling its popular sausage sandwiches, into a worthwhile project. It’s a trait that the Van Wert County Council on Aging can appreciate.
    The Venedocia Lions pledged $5,000 to the Council on Aging’s fundraising campaign to construct a new senior center. The COA is currently raising funds for the new center, to be located on Fox Road in Van Wert at the site of the former city-county swimming pool.

    "The Venedocia Lions Club is a good example of the great things happening in our community," said COA Executive Director Cindy Wood. "We're very appreciative to the club, not only for its donation to our new building fund, but for the many other good works the club is involved in."

    The Council is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that assists area senior citizens with transportation, chore work, information and referral, and many other services. The COA also provides a daily meal site for those ages 60 and over. For more information, call 419.238.5011.

    The Venedocia Lions Club is a regular contributor to charitable works in the community. The club has also been instrumental in providing wheelchair ramps for disabled people in the community.
5/9

VW Boychoir announces spring concert
    The Van Wert Area Boychoir will present its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 18, at 3 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church. 

    The Boychoir is in its fourth successful year and is directed by Brian Anders of Lima. Melissa Clay accompanies the group. A free-will offering will be taken and refreshments will be served following the concert.

    The Boychoir recently hosted the All-Ohio Boychoir Festival with choirs from Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Parma performing. A non-profit organization, the goal of the Boychoir is to provide an opportunity for boys of all backgrounds to participate in a quality musical, cultural, and educational experience. The group has sung for various organizations throughout the community and has performed with the Lima Symphony.

    The Boychoir is looking for additional members and will be hosting its third annual Boychoir Camp on August 6-8.  The choir is open to any interested boy in grades 3-6. Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 4-5:15 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church.

    For additional information about the Van Wert Area Boychoir, please contact Arla Allen at 419.238.6695.
5/9

Buehrer on transportation task force
    State Senator Steve Buehrer (R-1st District) was recently chosen to serve as a member of the 21^st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, a key group of state leaders and transportation industry experts, charged with developing a long-term plan for the growth of Ohio’s transportation system.

    “This is a tremendous opportunity to have a hand in the future direction of our state’s transportation system and, most importantly, be a voice at the table to represent the interests of northwest Ohio in important discussions that could impact the quality of life in our region,” said Buehrer, who is Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

    The 21^st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force, which was established by the Ohio Department of Transportation, will focus on several key transportation issues, including the development of a safe, reliable, multi-modal system of transport, finding a sustainable funding source for future highway projects and using the state’s transportation infrastructure to spur economic growth in our local communities. The group will be responsible for presenting recommendations to the Governor, Legislature and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

    “A safe, easily-accessible, well-funded transportation system is paramount to our state’s economic success, particularly the ability of rural communities to attract business investment and create jobs,” explained Buehrer. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the task force to develop a comprehensive plan for Ohio’s transportation future that is mindful of our economy, the use of taxpayer dollars and the needs of our local communities.”

    The Transportation Priorities Task Force held its inaugural meeting on May 7 at the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Central Office in Columbus. Buehrer noted that the committee will also hold six regional public meetings across the state in the coming weeks to gather public input and discuss ideas, including a meeting on June 10 at the University of Toledo. For more information, visit http://transportationfortomorrow.ohio.gov.
5/9

'Healthy Minds' exceeds expectations
    The first annual “Healthy Minds are Happy Minds” early childhood mental health fair was held this past Friday, May 2, at the Van Wert YWCA.  The event drew more than 100 children and their families.

    “We were hoping for 30 children, and we far surpassed our goal,” says Tonia Verville, co-coordinator of the event.  “We are so glad that the Van Wert community sees the value of promoting positive emotional health in their young children.” 

    Westwood providers administered several screening tools, including the Parenting Stress Index, Conner’s Behavior Rating Scale, and Devereux Early Childhood Assessment.  Also on hand for the day was Cheryl Stauffer of Help Me Grow, who provided the Ages & Stages Social and Emotional screening questionnaire.  Vantage Career Center students enrolled in the Early Childhood program were on hand to help distribute materials, popcorn, cotton candy, and crafts.  There was plenty to keep children busy while their parents were completing screenings, including a bounce house and several carnival games.

    Westwood hopes to make this an annual event, designed to aid families in identifying the strengths and any areas of need with the mental health and behavior of their young children.  If you missed the event and would like a free mental health consultation for your birth to six year old, please call Westwood Behavioral Health Center at 419.238.3434. 

    The Early Childhood Mental Health Initiative, through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the local Tri-County Alcohol Drug Addiction Mental Health Services Board, funds the fair and consultations.
5/9

Homestead Exemption deadline set
    Van Wert County Auditor Nancy Dixon reminds county residents that the filing deadline for the Homestead Exemption this year is Monday, June 2.
    The exemption provides a real estate tax deduction for those who are at least 65 years old or who are disabled. Those qualifying must have owned and occupied the home in question as a principal place of residence as of January 1 of the being applied for (2007, in this case). A life estate is a qualified ownership.
    Applications can be made for a county residence through the Dixon’s office, located in Room 203 of the County Courthouse. The telephone number is 419.238.0843.
    Those who have already filed need not re-apply if no changes in ownership have occurred.
5/9

Latta opposes housing market bills
    U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-5th District) made the following statement after the House considered H.R. 5818, a bill that attempts to stabilize the housing market, and H.R. 3221, a bill to prevent home foreclosures. 

    “The two housing market bills considered by the House today punish American taxpayers who have paid their mortgages on time with a $3 billion tax increase brought on by predatory lending.  Part of this massive tax increase will provide cash payments to housing groups who foster this type of behavior, and Congress has the responsibility to put an immediate end to this waste of taxpayer money.”

    “Meaningful housing market reform must start with stricter enforcement of laws to prevent irresponsible lending and better financial education to consumers.  It should also provide a boost to the housing market with market-based initiatives that have been introduced by my Republican colleagues.”  
5/9

From Thursday
Man gets prison on burglary count
     A Van Wert man was sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to a prosecutor’s bill of information charging him with burglary, while a number of people indicted on robbery and burglary charges were arraigned Wednesday on new indictments that add language mandated by a recent Ohio Supreme Court decision.
    Kurt Strukamp, 45, of Van Wert, was sentenced on one count of burglary, a fourth-degree felony offense, during a hearing Wednesday in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court. According to an investigation by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Strukamp allegedly broke into the home of Timothy Miller of Ohio City on May 30, 2007, and took jewelry from the residence.
    Judge Charles D. Steele gave Strukamp credit for 108 days served while awaiting sentencing.
    A Lima man, Anthony Rowe, was given 12 months in prison for violating his community control sentence. Rowe was originally placed on community control on a charge of non-support of dependents. He was given credit for 85 days spent in jail awaiting sentencing.
    A Van Wert woman was also sentenced to prison for violating her community control. Amanda J. Trejo, 25, was given an 11-month prison term by Judge Steele on Wednesday. She was originally placed on community control on a theft indictment handed down by the August 2007 session of the county grand jury. She was given credit for 166 days already served while awaiting sentencing.
    Three people were re-indicted on robbery or burglary charges to ensure that language of the indictment included a mens rea (criminal state of mind) mandated by a recent Ohio Supreme Court decision.
    Those re-indicted include two people indicted in connection with a home invasion robbery in Wren. Ricky Fisher, 41, of Decatur, Ind., and Elizabeth Wyatt, 22, of Marion, both entered not guilty pleas to a count of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony offense. Both are currently being held on a $100,000 cash bond, with a jury trial scheduled to take place June 10-11.
    Sean L. Hendricks, 31, of Van Wert, pleaded not guilty to a new indictment charging him with burglary, a fourth-degree felony offense. Hendricks is free on a $5,000 unsecured personal surety bond, with a final pretrial hearing yet to be scheduled (click here for more court action from Wednesday).
5/8

Westwood earns 3-year accreditation
    Westwood Behavioral Health Center has earned accreditation for another three years – the second consecutive three-year accreditation – from CARF International, an independent, non-profit accrediting agency.
    The latest accreditation is the highest that can be awarded to an organization, and shows an organization’s substantial conformance to CARF standards. An organization that receives the three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to an accrediting team during an on-site visit that its programs are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.
    Westwood Behavioral Health Center is a non-profit corporation that has been providing mental and alcohol/drug addiction treatment services in Van Wert County under various names since 1976, and in Paulding County since September 2007.
    In its survey summary, CARF noted that Westwood:

• Provides high-quality crisis intervention services that are available in Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

• Has implemented fiscal policies and processes that support continuity of care and stability of operations.

• Benefits from the caring work of dedicated staff members, who demonstrate a clear commitment to the organization’s mission.

    Westwood Behavioral Health Center is a contract agency of the Tri-County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, an agency that serves Van Wert, Paulding and Mercer counties.
    Westwood can be contacted at 419.238.3434 in Van Wert and at 419.399.3636 in Paulding.
5/8

Senate Dems introduce energy bill
    In light of oil prices reaching a record $123 a barrel, Senate Democrats Wednesday introduced the Consumer-First Energy Act. The bill would create a tax on windfall profits of major oil companies, permit investigations into potential price gouging and collusion, temporarily halt the storage of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and rein in out of control energy speculators.
    “Families across the nation are hurting because of this administration’s close ties to Big Oil,” said Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “Ohio families, farmers, and businesses will spend nearly a billion more dollars on gasoline this month than they did in January of 2001. The policies that created this gas price crisis didn’t happen overnight. It’s time we put consumers first.”
    “The Consumer-First Energy Act would require ‘Big Oil’ to pay its fair share given its windfall profits,” Brown went on to say. “Instead of continuing to subsidize major oil companies, it’s long past time to reinvest those dollars in alternative energy.”
5/8

Vets groups plan chicken BBQ dinner
    On Saturday, June 7, at 1 p.m., the Van Wert County veterans service organizations will be hosting their annual Peony Festival Barbecue Chicken Dinner.  It will be held at the Van Wert Armory, 214 S. Washington St. in Van Wert. 
    The dinner will cost $7, which includes a half chicken, a serving of coleslaw, a baked potato, and a dinner roll.  Soda and water are available for $1 each.  Advanced tickets are available to the public for purchase at the following locations; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, American Legion Post 178, and the Van Wert County Veterans Service office; all in Van Wert; VFW Post 3035 in Delphos, American Legion Post 207 in Willshire; American Legion Post 208 in Convoy; and American Legion Post 346 in Ohio City.
There will only be 300 meals made for this dinner.  If tickets are not presold, then the remaining dinners will be available to walk-ins.

    Proceeds from the dinner will be used to support 2008 Van Wert County Fair Veterans Day events on Friday, August 29. 
5/8

VW native part of popular TV show

    Jodi Hattery of Van Wert, owner and designer for PNC Boutique, joined with ABC’s “Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition” for the remarkable room transformation for ‘’Princess Abby Usea’’ of Westwego, La.

    Abigail is the daughter of Brad and Laura Usea, who’s home was badly damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Even worse off was Brad’s mother and two brothers, who were left homeless in the devastating

hurricane. The Usea family welcomed them into their single family home, and Abigail gave her Tinkerbell

room to her grandmother.

    Ty Pennington and the ‘’EMHE” crew built not one, but three new homes for the family

Princess accessories designed by Jodi Hattery.

on the existing lot, giving them all the space and independence back that they need.

    Four-year-old Abigail received a castle inspired room and was gifted with a dress up box of delights from PNC Boutique (www.pncboutique.com) by Jodi Hattery. The box contained some of the beautiful items PNC has to offer, including a rose petal filled tutu, floral halo, and dress up wings, along with many more goodies.
     “Sending a box of dress up box of goodies to Abby through EMHE has been thrilling,” Hattery said. ”I've helped make little girls into princesses with my line all over the world, even children of celebrities. Knowing these particular items went to a girl who will truly cherish them makes it so much more rewarding and exciting for me.”
    Hattery said she hopes to see her items on the show, but added: “Even if they got tucked away in a closet for the big reveal I'll know she's still playing dress-up with the sets I sent.”

   The seven-day build will be shown on May 18 at 8 p.m. on ABC, on the two-hour season finale for the show. It will also be the last of the 50-state tour the show has done the past two years.

    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its fifth season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.
Update 5/8

Patrol to conduct vehicle inspections
    The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with the Van Wert County Fair Board, will be conducting a voluntary motor vehicle inspection at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13, 14 and 20.
    With the start of the vacation season coming up, all motorists are reminded to have their vehicles inspected for safety. The inspection is free to the public and will include a check of lights, turn signals, horn, tires, wipers, exhaust, emergency brake and driver’s license. In addition, a window tint meter will be available for glass inspection.
    The Ohio Patrol believes that inspection of motor vehicles that use public highways will make it safer for all Ohio residents.
5/7

City school board sets special meeting
    The Van Wert City Board of Education has scheduled a second special meeting for Monday, May 12, at 7 a.m. in the Goedde Building conference room. The only purpose for the meeting is to discuss employment of personnel and other business that may arise. No action will be taken.

5/7

Red Cross offers CPR/first aid classes

    The Van Wert American Red Cross will be giving an adult CPR/AED and first aid class on Saturday, May 17. The class will be held at the American Red Cross office, 208 E. Main St. in Van Wert.  The CPR session will be from 8:30-11:30 a.m.  The first aid session will be from noon-2 p.m. Call the office at 419.238.9977 to register.  The Van Wert American Red Cross is a United Way supported agency. 
5/7

    This is the third year for this contest, which highlights a tree on public or school

property somewhere in the county that can be found through clues given each week

during May. The end of the contest is Friday, May 23.
    Those who find the buckeye tree from the clues provided below should put their name in the box located near the tree to enter a drawing for a unique gift.

Clue for Week No. 1

I'm a Buckeye

Ohio's state tree

You'll find me living

Among other trees

YWCA announces membership special
The YWCA of Van Wert County will be having a membership special this Thursday and Friday, May 8-9. A 50 percent discount off all fitness, aquatic, youth and family packages will be given these to days only.
5/6

VWCT Play Review
Nunsensations good entertainment
By Lelia Mouser Sunday

For The Van Wert independent
    The musical Nunsensations, the last of a series of shows featuring the Little Sisters of Hoboken (N.J.), opened at Van Wert Civic Theatre last night. The Nunsense series began in 1985 and has played off-Broadway and throughout the country.
    The cast of the VWCT production includes Linda Stanley as the Mother Superior, and four of her lively Sisters. The part of Sister Mary Hubert belongs to Vickie Shurelds, Sister Mary Paul is played by Nancy Williams Shuffle, Sister Robert Anne is played by Mary Ann Falk and Sister Mary Leo is played by Jamie Allen. All contribute a great variety of singing and dancing and acting.
    The nuns are performing in a Las Vegas club because a parishioner has volunteered to donate $10,000 to their school if they will fulfill a request that they do a show there.
Although the Sisters wear their traditional habits throughout the play, they adorn the frocks with various colorful headdresses. Never allowing the action to falter, all of the characters keep up the fast pace throughout the performance.
    If you are fortunate enough to see the play, you will be introduced to the Sisters before the acts even begin as they move through the audience with tickets for a raffle. Show-goers will have a chance to join the cast on stage if their name is drawn.
    The Sisters are big into entertainment and THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT!
    The director for the show is Jerry Zimmerman, while the musical director is Dee Fisher.

One again, the cast and crew of Nunsensations deserve congratulations for a unique and fun-filled show.
    Dates for the musical are May 1-3, 7-10 and 15-17, all at 8 p.m. A matinee will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4.
    Put Nunsensations on your calendar for one of those dates. You will be pleased that you did.
5/2

VFW sets Buddy Poppy sales days
    On Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, VFW

Auxiliary, and VFW Men’s Auxiliary will be having their annual Buddy Poppy Sales.  The

event will take place 10 a.m.-noon on May 9 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 10.
    Buddy Poppy Sales will be held in front of Balyeat’s Coffee Shop in downtown Van Wert, on East Main Street, next to the County Courthouse, on May 9; and in the Wal-Mart Supercenter parking lot, 301 Town Center Blvd.; the Save-A-Lot parking lot, 1022 S. Shannon St.; and the Marsh Supermarket parking lot, 1107 S. Shannon St., on May 10. 

    Poppies will be available, for a donation, during the above listed times.  The funds collected will go into a general Veterans Fund.  This fund is used to support any and all veterans or their families who are in need of assistance. The VFW will accept any size donations that are given.
5/2

DAV schedules election of officers

    The Van Wert County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 54 will be holding its annual chapter election of officers. They will take place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 20.  Elections will be held at the monthly chapter meeting, located at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, 111 N. Shannon St. in Van Wert. 
    During the meeting, the floor will be opened for any nominations to elected positions.  Voting will then commence immediately following nominations. Following that the newly elected officers will be installed.  Entry can be made through the Jackson Street entrance or the main entrance.  Voting is open only to members of Chapter 54. All members are requested and encouraged to attend the meeting and vote.

    Nominations will be for the following positions:

·                  Commander

·                  Senior Vice Commander

·                  Junior Vice Commander

·                  Treasurer

·                  Adjutant 

·                  Trustee (three-year term)

5/2

Senate OKs Healthy Start legislation
    U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) announced Senate passage this week of his bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Healthy Start program. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administer healthy Start, and its mission is to reduce infant mortality, low birth weight, and racial disparities in these key public health issues.

    “Healthy Start is essential in helping our nation’s most disadvantaged children survive infancy and live longer, healthier lives,” Brown said. “Healthy Start does more than just help pregnant women cope with pregnancy; it is there for women regardless of their financial or living situation. This bill advances the public health and promotes the common good.”

    The Healthy Start program began in 1991, however its authorization lapsed at the end of FY 2005. The legislation introduced by Brown and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) reauthorizes the program for five years and updates the funding level to better reflect current needs. Healthy Start operates in 97 communities in 37 states and has been successful in reducing infant mortality. Healthy Start programs exist in areas where the infant mortality rate is above 150 percent of the national average.

    This legislation would include new projects to accelerate progress in reducing infant mortality. The bill would include a 20 percent increase in funding for the Healthy Start program, authorizing it at $120 million.

    While the U.S. is the wealthiest nation in the world, it ranks 28th among industrialized nations for infant mortality, cites the World Health Organization. Low birth weight is one of the main contributors to infant mortality and disproportionately affects low-income communities. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, high rates of infant mortality disproportionately affect African Americans, where there are 14 deaths for every 1,000 infant births, compared to 5.7 deaths for every 1,000 births among whites.

    Healthy Start is rooted in a community-based approach to address infant mortality including initiatives that engage social workers, medical providers, and members of the entire community. One of the main goals of Healthy Start is to help ensure women receive prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy.
5/2

CHP offers support group for diabetics
    Community Health Professionals is offering a free support group for those with diabetes on Tuesday, May 13, from 6-7 p.m., at 1159 Westwood Drive in Van Wert, led by Sarah Long, certified dietitian and diabetes educator.

    The meeting will be an open forum for those with diabetes to ask questions, voice concerns and share information.
5/2

Red Cross plans additional blood drive
    An additional American Red Cross blood drive has been scheduled for Friday, May 9, from 2-7 p.m., at the YMCA’s Gymnasium No. 2. The YMCA is located at 241 W. Main St. in Van Wert. All presenting donors will have the opportunity to be entered in a drawing for a $25 Wal-Mart gift card.
    Those who are at least 17 years old, weight a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to set up a blood donation appointment, call 1.800.448.3543.
5/1

Master Gardeners to host lunch event
    Bring a lunch and join the Van Wert County Master Gardeners for a lunch seminar at the Garden of the Senses in downtown Van Wert. The garden event will be held Tuesday, May 6, at noon. The topic will be "Learn how to plant a container in 30 minutes."
    The Master Gardeners will present monthly lunch seminars the first Tuesday of each month at noon at the Garden of the Senses. For more information contact: OSU Extension Office at 419.238.1214 or email reed.9@cfaes.osu.edu.
5/1

Locals may have unclaimed funds
    Van Wert County Treasurer Beverly Fuerst wants all county residents to be aware of the recent unclaimed funds report that was recently advertised in The Times-Bulletin on April 22, listing county residents with $50 or more of unclaimed funds from the Ohio Department of Commerce for last year (click here for a list of local names who are owed money).

    Treasurer Fuerst has the complete list in her office of residents whose unclaimed amount is $50 or more, as well as those whose amount is less.  She suggests that the fastest and easiest way to see if a county resident or a family member might be listed is to go to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds, website at www.unclaimedfundstreasurehunt.ohio.gov. 

    Van Wert County currently has more than 3,000 names with a total of $442,874.77 in unclaimed funds.  For more information, contact the treasurer’s office at 419.238.5177 or stop at the office, located in Room 200 of the Courthouse.
4/30

Rotary seeks 4 for foreign exchange
    Members of Van Wert Rotary Club are seeking four outstanding professionals to visit Japan in November 2008 as part of the Group Study Exchange Program of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

    Through the programs, teams of young professionals from two different countries exchange visits.  For four weeks, team members experience the way of life, customs, and vocational practices of another country, while sharing information about their homeland.

    The purpose of the Group Study Exchange program is to promote international understanding and goodwill through personal connection.  While abroad, team members stay in Rotarians’ homes and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts.  They also give presentations to Rotary Clubs and other groups about their home country.

    The Rotary Foundation pays for round-trip airfare, and Rotary club members in the host country provide meals, lodging and group travel in their district.  Team members pay for personal and incidental expenses.

Young adults between the ages of 25 and 40 who are interested in applying should be employed full-time in a business or profession.  Applicants must live or be employed in northwestern Ohio.

    For an application, contact Stan Agler in Van Wert at 419.238.5585.  Applications are due by May 15.
    Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.  There are 1.2 million Rotary members in approximately 31,000 Rotary clubs in more than 165 countries.
4/29

C'view sets dual credits info meeting
    An informational meeting regarding dual credit opportunities for all Crestview juniors and their parents will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Crestview High School auditeria. 

    This meeting will discuss Crestview’s working relationship with Wright State University-Lake Campus for the 2008-2009 school year and the opportunity to earn college credit while taking classes at Crestview. 

    A representative from Wright State University will be available to answer questions and enroll students in the program. 
4/29

Nursing scholarships now available
    There are two $1,000 scholarships available for nursing students this year through the Orville E. and Hellen J. Shurtleff Memorial Fund.
    The scholarships are available for high school students and for adult students as well. Those interested can pick up an application at the Van Wert Elks Lodge on Van Wert-Decatur Road after 3 p.m. daily, effective today.
    These applications need to be submitted to Louis Crow at 847 W. Main St., Van Wert, OH 45891 not later than Saturday, May 24.
    Interviews will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at the Van Wert Elks Lodge.
4/25

With disasters looming, give blood now
    Most of us look forward to the warmer temperatures that accompany the arrival of spring. But with warmer weather comes the threat of severe weather. Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on earth. Each year, Americans cope with an average

of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes and an average of six deadly hurricanes.
    What would you do if your home was destroyed by a tornado? What would you do if you were forced to live without electricity or running water for a week? The American Red Cross wants you to be Red Cross Ready: get a kit, make a plan and be informed. For more information visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
    Giving blood is another way to help your community Be Red Cross Ready on Thursday, May 15, from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St. in Van Wert.
    Those at least 17 years of age, who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment, call 1.800.448.3543.
4/24

Relay for Life events announced
    The community is coming together to support Relay for Life and American Cancer Society.  The local relay will be held Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, at Fountain Park.

    Many teams are working on local fundraising and events to kick off Relay weekend.

    Lincolnview Local Schools is kicking off its mini-Relay week with a vendor fair on Monday, May 5, from 5-8 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

    Other events planned include onsite entertainment, food sales, massages, a performance by Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks dancers and the TRSS Drum Corps, a survivors’ walk, and a Kids for a Cure lap. The firefighters union is selling tickets for chicken dinners (those can be purchased at the Van Wert fire station in the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St.), all night scrapbooking and duck races. Mark the calendar and plan to support these great events!

    For more information, contact Amy Schroeder, event chair, at 419.203.2268,or Amber Davis, co-chair, at 419.203.3957.
4/23

DARE officers team up with Wizards
    The Van Wert City/County DARE team has teamed up with the Fort Wayne Wizards for DARE Day on Friday, May 16. The game starts at 6 p.m. The cost is $5 per person.
    This is a family outing and the whole family is welcome to come out. This is the first year for this project, and DARE officials have sent fliers home with students that include order forms at the bottom. Order forms can be returned to area schools or dropped off at the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department on North Market Street. Forms should be returned by Thursday, May 1, so tickets can be ordered and delivered to ticketholders.
    DARE officers Van Wert Police Officer Greg Blackmore and Chief Deputy Keith Allen are looking forward to having a good time with students and parents at the game, which will be against the South Bend (Ind.) Silverhawks. This is the last year the Wizards will be in their current stadium, as next year the team will be in a new stadium in downtown Fort Wayne.
4/23

Road portion closed for bridge work
    Kings Church Road is closed between Wolfcale and Tully Harrison roads for a bridge replacement.  The project should last approximately 3-4 weeks depending on weather.  The Van Wert County Bridge Crew will perform the work.  Steel beams will be replaced with reinforced concrete beams manufactured by the department.  Existing abutments will be used to support the new beams.
4/23