Ohio Has Talent

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Fog results in school delays, closings

Fog that rolled in early this morning has resulted in area school delays and cancellations this morning. Van Wert City and St. Mary's Elementary will be in session today, while Wayne Trace, Parkway, Delphos City and St. John's and Vantage Career Center are all on a two-hour delay. Thomas Edison Center, Crestview and Lincolnview are closed today.
2/8

McCoy: Another big storm on the way

Although last Friday’s storm was the biggest snowstorm of the year to hit Van Wert County, another significant winter storm is poised to hit the area on Tuesday, bringing heavy snows and winds to the region. This system will be the merging of two storms and will carry quite a punch, according to Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy.

The storm has the potential of dumping between 6 and 12 inches between Van Wert and Defiance, with possibly higher amount in extreme Northern Ohio. The exact track is still a little uncertain, McCoy added, but noted it appears all of northern Ohio will see some pretty significant snowfall.

In addition to the snow, McCoy said winds could gust to 30 or 40 mph, or even higher, creating blowing and drifting snow with near-blizzard conditions. He added that area residents should prepare for this storm before it hits.

This storm comes on the heels of a strong storm that affected the state and particularly the East Coast on Friday night. That storm dumped four inches of snow in the northern part of the county and up to six inches in the southern part of Van Wert County Friday night, with winds gusting to 46 mph producing dangerous driving conditions and 3-4 foot drifts in many areas, reported McCoy. The storm was responsible for a number of cancellations across the area.

Conditions to the south and east of the county were much worse, though. According to McCoy, the “deformation zone,” or area that sets up and produces the most snowfall, was just south of the county. Hartford City, Ind., reported eight inches of snowfall, with Celina coming in at 10 inches, Wapakoneta 9½  inches and Greenville 14.8 inches. The snowfall in those areas crippled travel, and the EMA director said this next storm has the potential of being even stronger then last Friday's storm.

The culprit for America’s storms is the El Niño pattern from the Pacific Ocean. The weather pattern has been rather strong all winter, guaranteeing cold weather in the Southern states, particularly Florida, flooding in California and creating multiple snow and ice storm across the U.S.

“We have been extremely lucky this winter, as these big storms have been traveling to the south of us and then heading up the East Coast,” McCoy stated. “This particular storm just happened to come a little further north and affected our region and now it looks like another one is heading our way.”

With as much as 17 inches of snow having fallen on Friday on highways in parts of Ohio, crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation worked through the weekend to keep roads and bridges safe and passable.  

Throughout the weekend, nearly 1,300 ODOT snowplows and vehicles combated ice and snow across the state – targeting interstates, U.S. and state routes, ramps and bridges.

During the overnight hours on Friday, crews were challenged by the fast rate of snowfall – two inches per hour in eastern Ohio. The heavy weight of the snow also knocked down several trees, especially in rural sections of the state.
2/8

Dancers Chelsea Allenbaugh, Kylie Hohman and Larissa Laudick from Kim Hohman's DanceWorks finished in second place during Saturday night's Ohio Has Talent! fundraiser (click here for more photos). Photos by Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
Wapakoneta girl wins Ohio Has Talent!

By DAVE MOSIER

Van Wert independent Editor

There was plenty of talent onstage as Community Health Professionals held its fourth annual Ohio Has Talent! fundraiser at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio Saturday evening, but Wapakoneta High School senior Monica Bates stood out from the rest to win the $500 top prize.

Bates, who danced and sang to “I Can’t Do It Alone” from the Broadway musical, Chicago, wowed the judges and the hundreds of people who braved nasty weather conditions to come out and watch 20 local acts compete for cash prizes.

Perhaps the only person in the NPAC who didn’t think she would be the top winner was Bates herself. “I was shocked,” she said after the competition. “They kept going up (the list of award winners) and I hadn’t gotten anything yet and I thought ‘it couldn’t be me’ (as the top winner) and then they said my name.”

Bates, who plans to attend Bowling Green State University next year and major in exercise science, with a possible minor in dance, said she also may try out for some college drama productions.

In addition to Bates, a trio of dancers from Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks, including Hohman’s 9-year-old daughter, Kylie, as well as Kelsea Allenbaugh,13, and Larissa Laudick, 10, took second place, while former Van Wert resident Travis Custer was third.

Laudick’s parents, Ben and Kim Laudick, received an honorable mention for their dance routine, while Wapakoneta senior Allison Stiger, granddaughter of Harmonica John Wistner, also received an honorable mention for her rendition of the Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston hit, “I Will Always Love You.”

Other competitors included Emily Werling from Fort Recovery, Megan Kobetitsch of Columbus, Kelsey Barrett of Wapakoneta, Dayton Pracht of Paulding, Janel Vogel of Fort Recovery, Desiree Delgado of Antwerp, Adam Daniels of Grover Hill, Kelsea Eblen of Celina, Jeff Hammons of Van Wert, Amy Roth of Rockford, Ann Brake of Ohio City, Maria Fricano of Ada, Heather Davis of Lima, Jennifer Kahlig of Coldwater, and Mariah Clawson of Kenton.

In addition to the very talented competitors, those attending the event also had the chance to listen to performances by last year’s winner, Dustin Long of Delphos, and runner-up, Michaela Johnson of Van Wert, as well as the All Starr Choir, whose members come from all of the various Starr Commonwealth sites in Michigan and Ohio.

Wally Grimm did the emceeing again this year, while Kim Mason and Gary Adams of the Gospel group Trinity and Tricia Profit-Kuhn were judges for the event.

Major sponsors were First Bank of Berne and US Bank, while First Federal Savings & Loan and Northwest Screenprinting/Welch Trophy also were sponsors.

Boosters included Steve Bailey Insurance, Bob and Shelly Barrett, Claudia and Matt Crawford, Comprehensive Health Care, Paul Kalogerou, M.D., Derry’s Health Mart, Connie Drake, Wally and Donna Grimm, David and Cheryl Lipp, Don and Jean Miller and Mark and Karen Moats.

2/8

United Way trying for entire 2009 goal

“For the past six weeks we have been wrapping up our 2009 United Way fundraising campaign,” states Rob Gamble, campaign chair. “Currently, we are at 92 percent of our $450,000 goal and need $30,571 to reach our goal. 

“As chair I decided we needed to do a mini-campaign to reach that goal,” Gamble added. “The week of February 8, letters will again go out to the community asking for support.  We realize and appreciate that many have already supported us last fall, but these are exceptional economic times. Therefore, we are asking 1,000 people for an additional contribution of $32. 

Last year, the United Way board had to make some hard decisions and its agencies saw at least a 10 percent reduction in funding, Gamble noted. Some of the agencies also have experienced cuts in state and federal funding, making providing services even more of a challenge. 

“We do not want agencies to have to cut services even more,” Gamble explained. “These services are important to the Van Wert community or United Way would not be funding them to begin with. 

Gamble said the mini-campaign is something the United Way really thought about and did not take it lightly; however, in order to fund the 27 United Way agencies and keep vital programs going in the community, a decision was made to come to local residents once again asking for support. 

“More people than you realize – your neighbor who just got laid off, your family member who has a special needs child, your elderly parent who can no longer drive, a family who relies on the food pantry for their daily meals – use the services of United Way’s 27 agencies.” Gamble noted. “Please give careful consideration to our $32 request.”

Those who do not get a letter seeking a donation, but still want to give, can just mail a check to: United Way of Van Wert County, 1151 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891. 

“Again, thank you to those of you who contributed in the fall; we appreciate your 2009 contribution,” Gamble said. “If you have not yet contributed, please consider doing so; with one contribution you can help 27 agencies that make up the United Way family.  I look forward to the Van Wert community pushing the United Way campaign over the top!”
2/8

County receives $33,000 in FEMA funds

Van Wert County has been chosen to receive $33,394 to supplement food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a national board chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consisting of representatives from The Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and United Way of America, which will provide the administrative staff and function as fiscal agent.

The board is responsible for distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high need areas around the country. 

A local board made up of Andrew McMahon of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Sue Linton of First United Methodist Church, Van Wert County representative Mike Jackson, Community Action Commission Director Nancy Blanke, American Red Cross Director Edie Laukhuf, Major Art Barter of The Salvation Army, Crisis Care Line/House of Transition Director Kathy Boaz, Jennifer Jackson of the YWCA, and United Way representatives Sandy Foust and Deb Russell, will determine how the funds awarded to Van Wert County are distributed among emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. 

The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.  Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice non-discrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/ or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. 

Qualifying organizations are urged to apply. Van Wert County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Cooperative Ministries, The Salvation Army, Crisis Care Line, Community Action Commission, the YWCA and Trinity Friends Church Food Pantry.   

Public or private voluntary organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Russell at the United Way office for an application. The deadline for applications is Monday, February 22, at noon. 

For more information, contact the United Way at 419.238.6689.
2/8

Open house planned for new physicians

Van Wert Medical Services is pleased to announce an opportunity for the Van Wert community to be introduced to the area’s two newest physicians, surgeon Dr. Shaneeta Johnson and Dr. Douglas Moore, who practices in the Obstetrics and Gynecology area. 

There will be a joint open house held for the two physicians this Thursday, February 11, from noon-2 p.m.  Both receptions will be held at the Van Wert Health Center, located at 140 Fox Road.  Dr. Johnson’s reception will be in her office, located in Suite 401.  Dr. Moore’s reception will be held in his office in Suite 102.

The public is encouraged to attend the open houses and meet the new physicians.  For questions, please contact 419.238.4909 or 419.238.3047. 
2/8

County Relay for Life kickoff this month

Van Wert County residents are invited to kick off this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser. The community celebration is open to anyone who wants to learn more about Relay for Life and how to get involved.

The kickoff event will be held Thursday, February 25, from 6:30-8 p.m. at The Marsh Foundation Auditorium, 1229 Lincoln Highway.

The rally is an opportunity for all residents and participants to come together to kick off Relay for Life’s 2010 edition and to learn more about the event. Anyone is welcome to attend – stay for a few minutes or the whole time!

Guest speaker for the event will be Craig Mullenkamp. “Crazy Craig” will share his story of being a cancer caregiver while juggling everything from tennis balls to chainsaws. There will also be a silent auction throughout the evening to support Relay for Life teams.

Also that evening, those wanting to participate can register teams, learn how to start a team, purchase luminaria in honor of loved ones who have battled cancer and much more.

The Van Wert County Relay for Life is also seeking sponsors for this year’s event, which could include either a financial contribution or an opportunity to underwrite some of the expenses associated with the event. Anyone interested in being a Relay for Life sponsor can contact Meghan Dicke at 419.238.6655.

Relay for Life is a community event that honors cancer survivors, current cancer patients and caregivers, while also paying tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer. The 2010 Relay for Life event for Van Wert County will be held May 7-8 on the grounds of The Marsh Foundation.

For more information about this year’s Relay for Life event, visit the Van Wert Relay for Life website at www.relayforlife.org/vanwertcounty. For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit its website at www.cancer.org or call 800.227.2345.
2/6

VWCS sets kindergarten registration

The registration of kindergarten children attending Van Wert City Schools for the 2010-2011 school year will be held the week of March 1-5, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.  Registration will take place in the superintendent’s office, located in the S.F. Goedde Building, 205 W. Crawford St. in Van Wert (enter through the main entrance doors of the Goedde Building). 

Parents may begin pre-registration starting Monday, February 15, by logging on to www.vanwertcougars.net. Just click on the link “kindergarten registration”, complete the necessary forms, and drop them off between March 1-5 at the Goedde Building.

Those who want their children to attend kindergarten at Van Wert City Schools, but live outside the district, should plan to register at the Goedde Building. Open enrollment space can be limited.

Open enrollment forms are available on the VWCS website or can be obtained in the superintendent’s office.

To attend kindergarten, a child must have attained the age of 5 by August 1. No student shall be admitted to first grade without successfully completing kindergarten. Kindergarten students will attend school all day, every day.

At the time of registration it will be necessary for parents/guardians to present an official birth certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics at the county health department from the county your child was born. The hospital complimentary birth certificate will not be accepted.  The vital statistics department may require a small fee for this copy.  

Along with the official birth certificate, it will also be necessary to present the child’s immunization record, social security card, and, in the case of divorced parents, a copy of the child custody order.  
2/5

Lincolnview sets kindergarten screening

Parents in the Lincolnview Local School District who have a child who will be 5 years of age on or before August 1 may register the child for the 2010-2011 school year.  Kindergarten will be full-time; however, part-time requests will be accommodated.

Registration will be conducted during the week of March 1-5, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lincolnview Elementary building. Registration will require about 10 minutes. Parents will be given a kindergarten screening appointment at the kindergarten registration.

Those who want their child to attend kindergarten at Lincolnview, but live outside the district, should plan to register and attend Lincolnview’s screening. Open enrollment space can be limited. Parents can obtain an open enrollment form at registration for the kindergarten class. Applications are considered in the order received. The open enrollment window is April 1 to May 31 for all other grade level students.

Parents should bring their child’s Social Security Card, Official Birth Certificate, and Immunization Records to registration, as well as custody papers, if applicable.

Immunizations needed before starting school are: Polio, four doses; DPT, five doses; MMR, two doses; Hepatitis B, three doses; and varicella (chickenpox), two doses.

Lincolnview kindergarten screening will be held Tuesday, April 6, and Wednesday, April 7, at First Baptist Church on Jennings Road.  Prior registration during the week of March 1 is required.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Lincolnview Elementary Office at 419.968.2351.
2/4

Area Native American powwow planned

 LIMA – The first annual Lima “Honoring Our Native Heritage” Powwow will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 20-21, at the United Auto Workers Hall, 1440 Bellefontaine Ave. The doors open at 11 a.m. both days. Grand entry will be at 1 and 6 p.m. on Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Host drums for the powwow are Sky Hawk and Eagle Boy Singers. Other drums are invited. Head dancers are Tim Samaniego and Angela Allen. Brian Darst is the announcer. Aaron Stevens is the arena director and Martin Tall Horse the head veteran dancer.

As a special treat this year, there will be a hoop dancer dancing to the beat of the music with several hoops at the same time.  The hoop dancer, Peterson Chiquito, was born and raised in New Mexico and is of Navajo and Apache descent.  He started hoop dancing at the age of 10 with five hoops and just keeps adding more. After moving to New York at age 18, Peterson started performing and teaching youth how to dance. Now living in the Columbus area with his wife and children, he continues to perform and teach whenever possible, mostly in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.  He had the privilege to work with Daystar Jones and the Daystar Jones Dance Company at Denison University's Native American Culture Dance Program.

David Rogers will provide Indian flute music at 12:30 each afternoon and during intermission.

An auction will be held both days. There will be vendors from several states in the United States, Canada, and South America with their offerings of many varieties of hand made Native American merchandise.  They will have everything from beads and craft supplies to fur and leather clothing to tomahawks and bow and arrows, turquoise jewelry, feather painting and artwork. 

Of course, there will be the Indian frybread and Indian tacos, buffalo burgers, Shawnee dogs, soups, nachos and cheese, fried dill pickles and more to satisfy those hunger pangs.

The admission fee is $5 for adults, $3 for those over 62 and children between the ages of 6 and 12.  Those under 6 and over 90 get in free.

A powwow is spiritual, exciting, entertaining, beautiful and educational, all at one time, under one roof.  A moving experience you won’t want to miss!  Come feel the heartbeat of the drum and learn more about the Native ways.

The UAW Hall is located off Ohio 309, at the intersection of State Routes 309 and 117, and Kibby Street.  Bellefontaine Avenue runs behind the Shell Station. From I-75, take Exit 125 from the south and Exit 125B from the north.  The UAW Hall number is 419.224.6791.

For more information, email Phyllis Davis at padavis39@embarqmail.com, contact Terri Brewster at 419.648.9230 or by email at dancing_fawn@watchtv.net, or Jackie Musto at 419.604.3605 or by email at ruthiej60@yahoo.com.
2/4

County real estate taxes due soon

Van Wert County Treasurer Beverly Fuerst reminds all property owners that real estate taxes are due Wednesday, February 10.  Payments paid by mail must be postmarked on or before February 10. 

For those taxpayers who want to pay in person, please remember the Courthouse closes at noon on Friday.  Those who want to use a credit card to pay their taxes can do so by visiting the Treasurer’s website at www.vanwertcounty.org.   There will be convenience fee charged for this service by Official Payment Corp.

Any homeowner who has not received a tax statement should contact the Treasurer’s Office immediately at 419.238.5177.
2/4

YWCA accepting scholarship applicants

The YWCA is accepting scholarship applications for its Young Women's Scholarship for Christian Leadership and Community Involvement. All Van Wert County senior girls are eligible for the $500 scholarship. 

Applications and reference forms must be returned to the YWCA of Van Wert County by Thursday, April 1. Applications are available at the YWCA and local high school offices.
2/4

YWCA to open new fitness studio soon

Join the YWCA of Van Wert County in celebrating the opening of the new 1,800-square-foot private group fitness studio from 5-7 p.m. Monday, February 8.

To celebrate, the YWCA is offering free facility use from Monday, February 8, to Saturday, February 13. Receive special membership pricing. This includes fitness center, group fitness classes, aquatic group fitness classes, arthritis classes, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and lap swims.

The YWCA is fully handicap accessible with an elevator that services all floors, handicap accessible pool ramp and handicap accessible group fitness room entrance.

Visit the YWCA on Monday, February 8, and enjoy free giveaways, a “35 percent off” membership special, Theresa Schalois massage therapy, and ionic foot detox from Van Wert Massage Therapy’s Leslie Moser and Tammy Borger. 

Advocare representative Daryl Dowdy and Sean Knoch will provide information and nutritional education will be provided by Jodi Selking, RD, LD, from Van Wert County Hospital.

For more information, call the YWCA at 419.238.6639 of visit the YW’s website at www.vanwertywca.com.
2/3

Health Dept. offering H1N1 shot clinics

The Van Wert County Health Department will be at the Convoy Fire Station this Saturday, February 6, from 9-11 a.m. during the Pancake Breakfast. Health Department staff will also be at the Van Wert High School basketball game Saturday, February 6, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in getting H1N1 vaccinations may come during the allotted times.

Anyone over 6 months of age can receive the vaccine and there is no charge for the vaccine.  Those wanting to receive the vaccine should pre-register online at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org prior to any of the above clinics.
2/2

Historical Society seeks donations

From the preservation of the Baer Schoolhouse, Red Barn, Log Cabin and the Railroad Caboose to the grand Clark Mansion, the Van Wert Historical Society continues to preserve the area’s treasured past with dedicated volunteers and donations.

Many people don’t know the Historical Society has a program for the area third grade classes or haven’t seen the automated train display in the basement of the Clark Mansion or strolled through the Red Barn that houses farm equipment and tools used in a time when a gas engine wasn’t an option. 

What about a visit with Santa in the log cabin at Christmas time? How about celebrating the Fourth of July on the museum grounds? 

“As a community we are very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers and generous supporters that blend together to create our fine county museum for all to enjoy,” said Jayne Smith, a member, with Ronda Davis and Mary Yackey, of the Historical Society’s Membership Committee.

The Membership Committee is asking local residents to consider a contribution to help the society continue to serve the community by housing its past and maintaining it through the use of volunteers. Just the fixed utility costs for a year on the museum grounds are $13,500.

Smith also noted that the society is not a sponsored entity of Van Wert County and receives no tax dollars. “We are completely dependant on the generosity of donors,” she noted. “If everyone gives just a little we will be able to continue the programs and maintenance for the grounds and buildings.” 

Membership levels are: $20 for a single membership, $50 for a patron membership, $100 for a sponsor membership and $200 and above will put the donor into the Isaac Van Wart Club.

Contributions can be mailed to: Van Wert County Historical Society, P.O. Box 621, Van Wert, OH 45891.
2/1

Flowers in Full Bloom nominations sought

Members of the Flowers in Full Bloom Committee are seeking the names of women in the community that have good character and have provided service and dedication to the community as nominees for 2010 Flowers in Full Bloom award.

Nominees must be at least 70 years old and live in Van Wert County.

This is the 10th anniversary of this award, which is held in conjunction with the Peony Festival. Nomination forms are available and completed forms can be emailed to Jacque.welch@VanWertManor.com or dropped off at Van Wert Manor or the Van Wert County Council on Aging (click here for a nomination form).
2/1

Blessings in Backpack fundraiser set

On Saturday, February 6, in the St. Mary of the Assumption Church gymnasium on Jennings Road in Van Wert, there will be a pancake breakfast held from 7 a.m. until noon as a fundraiser for the Blessings in a Backpack program at Van Wert City Schools. 

Funds will be used to buy food for children that are on this program in the Van Wert elementary schools. Tickets are $5 prior to the event and $6 at the door. Those interested in buying tickets, sponsoring a child for year, would like to make a monetary donation, or want to learn more about the program and how they can help, should contact Kathy Taylor at VWHS, 419.238.3350 or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 419.238.6336.
2/1

VWCT Play Review

The cast of Seussical, Van Wert Civic Theatre's new production now showing through February 13. Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent

Seussical is one marvelous musical!

By BARB THOMPSON

For the Van Wert independent

Climbing the steps at Van Wert Civic Theatre’s front entrance Wednesday evening, I was thinking, “Man, I could sure use a mood-lifter!”  It was snowing, temperatures had plunged and I was weary following a day of high school substitute teaching.

I could have opted to stay home by the fire, wrapped in my new OSU “snuggie,” watching TV favorites, as well as President Obama’s State of the Union address. Little did I know what extraordinary revelations were awaiting me inside, on stage, at the dress rehearsal of VWCT’s current production, Seussical.

Now, if some of you are struggling with that title, it’s a combination of “Dr. Seuss” and “musical” and, reality-wise, the results are staggering!  Our community theatre group has, for half a century, reigned supreme in northwest Ohio and we have grown to expect near-perfection whenever they perform.  Seussical is no exception!

Based on the many stories and characters devised by world-renowned Dr. Seuss, this musical provides an evening of colorful fantasy set to music by energetic performers who so obviously enjoy what they’re doing.

During my 20 or so child-rearing years, Dr. Seuss books were always at arm’s length and then, of course, grandchildren and great-grandchildren entered the scene, eagerly picking up where their parents left off.

VWCT’s Jerry Zimmerman both directs this production and also portrays The Cat throughout … you know, “The Cat In The Hat!”  He leads the audience through an amazing journey that introduces 20-plus colorful characters, as well as their stories.

For two hours, you will follow JoJo (Crestview’s Chance VanFleet), a “super thinker” 8- or 9-year-old, as he stumbles over and around typical pre-teen hurdles. Overseeing his progress, or lack of same, is Horton, the Elephant (Byron Sparks), who also adopts a tiny planet in the sky inhabited by “The Who,” the tiniest of people (all dressed in yellow), promoting the belief, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”  (Remember now, this is ALL fantasy!)

Other outstanding characters are Gertrude and Mayzie (Bird Ladies played by Jewell Kurtz and Debbie Briggs); Sour Kangaroo (Michelle Klutka) and Mayor and Mrs. Mayor of “The Who” (Nick McClellan and Theresa Radabaugh). 

Several outstanding ensembles perform during the play, always in unforgettable costumes, likewise props.  One of my favorite actors was Austin Dysert of St. Marys (one of the Wickersham Brothers) and I caught myself watching and waiting for his repeated appearances throughout the evening.

Amayzing Mayzie, the Bird Girl, is also a show stopper. Her moves are professionally exaggerated and, believe me, she gets her point across when needed.  Byron Sparks, as Horton, carries an elephant-size load and does so extremely well.  Throughout, Jerry Zimmerman, “The Cat,” rules the stage, pulling everything and everybody together … great job, Jerry!

You’ll love the scenery and props, which include an incredible bird’s nest with egg (in tree), glow-in-the-dark floating fish and a clover garden, to name a few.  Also, the seven musicians certainly have their work cut out for them, but they handle it admirably, thanks to Music Director Dee Fisher.

Performance dates remaining are January 30-31 and February 3-7 and 10-13 with Sunday matinees on January 31 and February 7.  I urge you to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities. What a great early Valentine’s Day gift for family members and/or that “special someone.”

I honestly cannot remember ever being disappointed in a VWCT production, but THIS ONE “rocked my senses,” all of them!  I wanted to get a coke, lean back and start over, with Act 1. 

Take my advice and make your reservations now.  Afterwards, you’ll understand the title of one of the musical numbers, you’ll “Tell Yourself How Lucky You Are!”
1/30

'Singing Cop' coming to NPAC in April

Known throughout the world as the tenor who lifted the spirit of America in the wake of the September 11 tragedies, Daniel Rodriguez was immortalized forever as the “singing policeman.”  On Tuesday, April 27, this former New York City cop brings his incredible voice and showmanship to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio for a 7:30 p.m. performance.

Rodriguez’s road to his current place as “America’s Beloved Tenor” started in his youth, the product of a musical, multi-cultural family where his Puerto Rican roots intermingled with the rich fabric of New York City. His father and grandfather both sang. Others in his family played various instruments.

By junior high school, he was enrolled in theater arts and performing in musicals as well as dramatic roles.  At 16, he presented his first recital at Carnegie Hall, at 17, he was billed as the “17-year-old Baritone.” Then at age 19, he put aside music to raise his family. After numerous jobs to put food on the table, he re-entered the music field and, through New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, he met and was given the opportunity to study with famed tenor Placido Domingo for a year and a half. 

Since then he has performed at the Olympics, a PBS Memorial Day concert, the Tournament of Roses Parade, and on numerous television shows, including “Oprah,” “Larry King Live,” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He officially retired from the NYPD in June of 2004. He now has three recordings under his belt. The latest, In The Presence, is his first album devoted to inspirational music. It includes the last three musical arrangements ever written by the late composer-arranger Johnnie Carl, long-time Crystal Cathedral musical director.

Tickets are now on sale for $22 online at www.npacvw.org and the box office at 10700 Ohio 118 South in Van Wert, from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This will be an evening of incredible songs of American pride, inspiration and joy. It’s a show you won’t want to miss! For more information, contact the NPAC box office at 419.238.NPAC (6722) during the above times or online 24/7 at the above website.
1/29

Dog license sales deadline announced

Van Wert County Auditor Nancy Dixon announced that Monday, February 1, is the last day to purchase dog licenses without a penalty. After Monday, a $16 penalty will be added to dog license purchases, she added.

Dog licenses can be purchase in the Auditor’s Office, Room 203 in the Van Wert County Courthouse, or at the following locations in the county:

Hall Lumber Company, 122 S. Main St., Convoy

J&J Butler Sales, 200 Walcott St., Willshire

The Ramblers Roost Truck Stop on East Lincoln Highway

Van Wert Veterinary Clinic on Van Wert-Decatur Road

Ohio City Express, 511 W. Carmean St., Ohio City

Van Wert Animal Clinic on East Lincoln Highway

Vonderwell Kennel & Brenda’s Cuddles & Cuts, 1333 N. Main St., Delphos

A self-addressed, stamped envelope or a 44-cent stamp, as well as the proper fee, should accompany the return of applications by mail. If purchasing a tag at one of the above locations, those who receive an application should take it with them.
1/29

Blessings in a Backpack fundraiser set

On Saturday, February 6, in the St. Mary of the Assumption Church gymnasium on Jennings Road in Van Wert, there will be a pancake breakfast held from 7 a.m. until noon as a fundraiser for the Blessings in a Backpack program at Van Wert City Schools. 

Funds will be used to buy food for children that are on this program in the Van Wert elementary schools. Tickets are $5 prior to the event and $6 at the door. Those interested in buying tickets, sponsoring a child for year, would like to make a monetary donation, or want to learn more about the program and how they can help, should contact Kathy Taylor at VWHS, 419.238.3350 or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 419.238.6336.
1/28

Health Dept. sets H1N1 flu shot clinics

The Van Wert County Health Department will be conducting an H1N1 clinic at Bethel United Methodist Church, 12493 Mendon Road, this Thursday, January 28, from 4-6 p.m. The Van Wert County Health Department will also be holding an H1N1 vaccination clinic at the Health Department Friday, January 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. No appointment is necessary for either clinic, as they are walk-in clinics.

The Van Wert County Health Department will also be at Lincolnview Local Schools this Saturday, January 30, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. during the Lions Club sausage dinner and junior varsity basketball game. Anyone interested in getting an H1N1 vaccination may come during the allotted time.

Anyone over 6 months of age can receive the vaccine and there is no charge for the vaccine.  Pre-register online at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org prior to the clinic.
1/27

YWCA to officially open fitness studio

Join the YWCA of Van Wert County in celebrating the opening of its new 1,800-square foot private group fitness studio from 5-7 p.m. Monday, February 8.

To celebrate, the YWCA is offering free facility use from Monday, February 8, through Saturday, February 13. Also receive special membership pricing, which includes fitness center, group fitness classes, aquatic group fitness classes, arthritis classes, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and lap swims.

The YWCA is fully handicap accessible with an elevator that services all floors, handicap accessible pool ramp and handicap accessible group fitness room entrance.

Visit the YWCA on Monday, February 8, and enjoy free giveaways, a 35 percent off membership special, Theresa Schalois massage therapy and ionic foot detox from Van Wert Massage Therapy’s Leslie Moser and Tammy Borger. 

Advocare Representative Daryl Dowdy and Sean Knoch will provide information, as well as nutritional education provided by Jodi Selking, RD, LD, from Van Wert County Hospital.

For more information, call the YWCA at 419.238.6639 or visit www.vanwertywca.com.
1/27

Lake Campus to host financial aid event

Wright State University Lake Campus will host the statewide college financial aid event “College Goal Sunday” (CGS) on Sunday, February 14, at 2 p.m. The free event, presented by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) and endorsed by the Ohio Board of Regents, assists students and parents with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the federal application required to receive federal financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant and student loans, as well as the need-based state grants. 

Due to the great demand expected for assistance in completing the FASFA, families are encouraged to register for the free event at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org or by calling 877.428.8246. The FAFSA is the key to funding a college education and helping families to overcome financial barriers that otherwise prevent students from attending the institution they want to.  Studies show that a student is 50 percent more likely to attend college when they complete the FAFSA.  While walk-ins are welcome, registration is encouraged.  Record numbers are expected to be in attendance. 

OASFAA is a non-profit, professional organization for individuals actively engaged in the administration of financial aid within the State of Ohio for higher education.  As an educational organization, OASFAA strives to offer resources to students, families and high school advisors to promote higher education and increase awareness of financial aid opportunities.

For directions or more information, please contact Site Coordinator Gretchen Rentz at Gretchen.rentz@wright.edu or 419.586.0336.
1/26

Off Stage Prod. schedules play auditions

Off Stage Productions Inc. is holding open auditions for talented actors to perform in the live dinner theatre performance of the comedy, Who’s In Bed with the Butler.

Experience the unique opportunity to be part of live theatre and interact directly with the audience. Auditions will be held Sunday and Monday, February 14-15, at Dave’s Quality Cleaners, 142 E. Main St. in Van Wert. No appointments necessary. Actors can call 419.238.4466 for more audition information.

The story: California billionaire William Olden has died, leaving his entire estate, including the winery (where the action of the play takes place), to his daughter, Constance. There are, however, three notable exceptions: He has left his $20 million yacht to a Miss Josephine Sykes, his priceless artwork to a Miss Renee LaFleur and his antique car collection to a Miss Marjorie Merivale.

Constance, accompanied by her lawyer, Roy Vance, arrives at the mansion. They are greeted by Clifton, the butler, and an eccentric housekeeper, Agnes, who is as deaf as a post and moves about as fast as one while she wanders the mansion looking for her pet rat, Oscar.

Constance and Roy have two objectives in mind: first, to find out who these three women are, and, second, by threatening to contest the will, persuade them to settle for lesser amounts of money. Clifton, the butler, seems to hold the key.

Vance and Constance quickly discover the yacht is missing, there is no art left in the mansion, and the car collection has been sold. Everything is now owned by The Bimbo Corporation. Who owns The Bimbo Corporation? Could it be the butler?

The show dates are April 16-18 and April 23-24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Wert County Senior Center.
1/25

YWCA hosting free educational seminar

 “Love and Life at the Movies” is an educational seminar hosted by the Van Wert County YWCA that explores life choices through a movie. Short segments of the movie are watched and discussion follows. This seminar series is for kids in grades 6-12.

The movie is used to illustrate, inspire discussion and learning about the choices and actions of characters in the movie. The four-part series covers topics about relationships, choices and characteristics such as integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.

The seminars are held the second Thursday of each month starting in February. Classes are from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays: February 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13.

Sign up now for this free series at the YWCA by calling 419.238.6639. Space is limited.
1/21

Local ACS sets Daffodil Days fundraiser

Tired of winter and need a pick-me-up? Support the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days fundraiser, which runs from now until February 23.

Bunch of 10 stems cost $10, while a bear and a bunch (limited edition Boyd’s Bear and daffodils) cost $25.

The daffodils will be delivered between March 15 and March 20.

For more information, call 419.238.6976 or 419.238.3344.
1/20

Master Gardener training begins in Feb.

Van Wert County Master Gardener training classes will begin Tuesday, February 16, and continue through April 8.

Training will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. at the Ohio State University Extension meeting room (handicap accessible) located in the Administration Building on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Anyone who has an interest in horticulture can apply. If you want to improve your skills and knowledge and like to work with people, the Master Gardener program is for you.

Applications must be submitted to the Van Wert County Extension Office by Friday, January 22. Applications are available on-line at http://bit.ly/mstrgrdnr or at the Van Wert County Extension Office. An enrollment fee of $125 covers the cost of all educational materials.
1/19

Willshire group hosting Basket Bingo & More

The Willshire Youth Activities will be sponsoring “Basket Bingo & More” on Sunday, January 31. The event will be held at the Rockford Community Building. Doors will open at noon, with Bingo beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20, which includes 20 games of Bingo. 

The winner of each game of Bingo will receive a Longaberger basket filled with a variety of items. Area businesses, individuals, and organizations have donated the baskets. Sandwiches, chips, and drinks will be available for purchase. A raffle will also be held the day of the event, with the winner receiving the Longaberger “Sort and Store Hamper Basket”. 

Tickets for the raffle are $1 each or six for $5.  All proceeds will be used to support the summer ball program. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event or at First Financial Bank’s Rockford branch. 

For more information call Tomi Barna at 419.363.3823. This event is in no way connected with, nor is it sponsored by, The Longaberger Company.
1/18

Hospice volunteer training set to begin

Hospice volunteer training sessions will begin Saturday, February 6, at Community Health Professionals’ Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, 1155 Westwood Drive in Van Wert.

Sessions will be held for five consecutive Saturdays, meeting at 9 a.m. to noon each week to comply with new regulations requiring 15 hours of volunteer instruction. Please note, if attendance falls below two participants, these sessions will be rescheduled.

Training will include information on caring for patients and families who are dealing with terminal illness and issues involved with end-of-life care. Please bring your current drivers license and proof of car insurance.

Volunteers give emotional support and care to hospice patients and families in their homes, at extended care facilities and at the inpatient hospice center. They may spend time reading with patients, visiting and or listening. No lifting or direct patient care is involved.

To become one of these special people, all a person needs is a loving heart and willingness to help people. To learn more about the rewarding experience of being a hospice volunteer, contact Robin Waters, volunteer coordinator, at 419.238.9223 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
1/16

Lincoln Buy-Way Yard Sale dates set

With over 1,000 yard sale locations last year in Ohio alone, area residents will want to mark their calendars – even apply for vacation – for August 5-7. That's the weekend for the sixth annual Buy-Way Yard Sale along the Lincoln Highway in Ohio and other states.

"Ohio started this, and parts of Indiana and Illinois soon joined in," said Mike Hocker, executive director of the Historic Byway in Ohio, "and now there is talk of New Jersey and Iowa joining this year."

The dates are now established to be the "first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in August" and will occur along with the "Route 127 Sale," which crosses the "Lincoln" in Van Wert, the same weekend.

"We struggled with establishing this formula for our dates, due to all the early August activities, but are convinced this will please the most shoppers and communities."

A Travelers Guide will be distributed to businesses along the corridor for pick-up by shoppers in late July, and the official byway website, www.historicbyway.com will host free and paid listings of yard sales and other activities beginning in May.

"This event has not only introduced hundreds of thousands to the history of America's first coast-to-coast paved road, but it provides an economic boost to the hundreds of communities that participate, and it serves the "thrifty" side of us all who shop," Hocker added.
1/15

ODH encourages H1N1 vaccinations

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) on Monday submitted orders for 25,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The orders include 5,200 doses of nasal-spray vaccine, 5,200 pre-filled syringes and 14,600 doses in multi-dose vials. The orders will be shipped directly to the 52 enrolled providers who requested additional allocations and will start arriving in Ohio today. 

ODH is ordering vaccine each week based on specific requests from providers. This change enables ODH to assist providers in effectively managing their vaccine inventory. 

Providers in Ohio had previously received 4,044,400 doses, bringing Ohio’s total to 4,069,400 doses ordered to date. Additional vaccine continues to be available.

ODH is also reminding parents and health care providers that children younger than 10 should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in order to achieve optimal protection against pandemic flu. Children who had their first dose on or before December 14, 2009 are now eligible for their second dose. The CDC recommends that the two doses of H1N1 vaccine be separated by 28 days to be effective.

In addition, as part of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) from January 10-16, the ODH, working with its local, state, and federal partners, is encouraging those who have not received their H1N1 vaccination to do so. 

“The flu virus will be less likely to spread in the coming months if more people are vaccinated,” said ODH Director, Dr. Alvin D. Jackson. “Vaccination has proven to be the safest and most effective way to fight the flu so I encourage all Ohioans to get vaccinated.”

NIVW is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine, after the holiday season and into January and beyond.    

Throughout the week, ODH will be sending important information and resources to those at risk for H1N1 flu. ODH has also created a 30 second public service announcement, which can be viewed at http://powerhost.powerstream.net/008/00153/FluFighterPSA.wmv.

It also available for download at http://progressive.powerstream.net/008/00153/FlufighterPSALgProg11MB.mp4

“The goal of this week is to educate Ohioans who have not yet received the vaccine about the importance of protecting themselves and their families against the flu,” Jackson said.

For more information on vaccine availability go to www.flu.ohio.gov or contact the ODH H1N1 information line at 866.800.1404 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
1/13

R.K. Thompson participants sought

The Van Wert Service Club has initiated its annual search for area youths who best exemplify self-reliance. The school presentations were completed during the last few weeks at Van Wert, Lincolnview, and Crestview high schools and Vantage Career Center.

The R.K. Thompson Self-Reliance Award is designed to provide recognition and cash awards for high school seniors who “do the best with what they have.” First-place boy and girl winners will receive $1,000 each and the eight finalists will receive $500 each.

This is the 40th year for the award, which is sponsored by the Thompson Family Trust through The Van Wert County Foundation in honor of the late R.K. Thompson Sr. The late Mr. Thompson worked closely with young people and encouraged them to set high, but attainable goals and then apply themselves to obtain these goals.  This has been the guiding philosophy of the award.

According to John Gemmer and Andy Gearhart, co-chairs of the Van Wert Service Club committee that administers the award, applications are due back to the high school guidance counselors or principals by Friday, February 19.

All Van Wert, Crestview, and Lincolnview seniors, and Vantage seniors whose home schools are Van Wert, Lincolnview or Crestview, are urged to complete an application for judging by the awards committee.
1/13

Real estate tax payment reminder given

Van Wert County Treasurer Beverly Fuerst has announced that real estate tax bills have been mailed and are due Wednesday, February 10. 

Property owners who not received a tax bill should call the Treasurer’s Office immediately at 419.238.5177. Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse failure to pay or delay in paying taxes, nor does it avoid any penalty incurred for that delay. In the case of mailed payments, they must be postmarked on or before February 10 to avoid any penalty.

Fuerst encourages taxpayers to contact her office should they be interested in a monthly prepay tax installment plan or having their taxes automatically debited from their bank account. Call the above telephone number or email Fuerst at treasurer@vanwertcounty.org for more information.

Please note the courthouse will close at noon every Friday.
1/12

County RPC schedules annual meeting

The Van Wert County Regional Planning Commission has scheduled its annual meeting and banquet for Tuesday, January 19, in the Cup and Saucer dining area of Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin St. in Van Wert.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner menu will include pork loins in gravy, chicken breasts in marinara sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans, a salad bar, rolls, and assorted pies and cheesecake for dessert. Banquet tickets cost $12.50 per person and may be paid for at the door.

The 2009 annual report of the Regional Planning Commission will also be available for distribution at the annual meeting.

Reservations should be made by Friday, January 15, by calling the RPC office at 419.238.4544.
1/11

Optimist Club announces essay contest

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to contemplate the question “The Internet: Today’s Evolution or Tomorrow’s Menace?” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2010. The essay contest entry deadline is February 12. 

The Van Wert Optimist Club will judge local students’ essays and determine the top winners. Winners will receive cash awards of $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. In addition, the winning essay will be sent to the district level. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district and international levels. 

Students wanting to participate in the essay contest can receive application information and find out more by contacting the Club Essay Chair Diana Cearns at 419.749.2571 or by email at pjcdjc@verizon.net.  

The Optimist Club sponsors many local youth programs and conducts positive service projects, which include its annual After Prom service project, the ArtRageous on Main local event in June and the upcoming Oratorical Contest, also held for local students. It’s the Optimists’ goal to encourage students to bring out the best in each of them. 

To learn more about the club or for membership interest, please contact Ray Able, secretary-treasurer, at 419.238.5086, or Cheryl Yearling, president, at 419.203.0401.
1/11

CSI brings interactive fun to Van Wert

By BOBBI KLEINSCHMIDT

Van Wert independent Feature Writer

A crime will be committed at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in February and the crime scene investigators (CSI) are coming to help solve it. Who else is ready to answer the call?

Mad Science, the world’s leading provider of science enrichment programming for children, is partnering directly with the CSI television franchise to bring “CSI Live” to the NPAC. This show, according to NPAC Executive Director and President Paul Hoverman, is designed to be “entertaining, intriguing and educational.”

In an effort to provide a variety of entertainment, Hoverman said “CSI Live” was chosen because people can relate to the long-running television drama, while it also offers another option to straight musical concerts.

 “CSI Live” involves the audience in the show in a hands-on way. Audience members are witnesses to the “crime” – and therefore part of the solution – and will be called upon to answer questions that help solve the mystery.

During the show, the CSI team will work with the audience to develop a hypothesis, analyze clues, conduct interviews and ultimately discover who did the crime. Kids will learn the art of forensic science, one of the fastest growing college degrees, in a way that is interesting and fun. Some lucky audience members will even be able to step on stage and work directly with the CSI team, while the show also features lasers, special effects and an air cannon.

 “Ultimately, we are about sparking the imagination of the next generation by introducing them to science and how it affects the world around them,” said Leonard Lipes, managing director for Mad Science and the producer of “CSI Live.”

“CSI Live” uses informal learning: education created with the use of a kid-friendly script and special effects that encourages learning. Mad Science includes science curriculums used in schools and a coolness factor that keeps kids focused.

In addition to the educational focus, “CSI Live” is geared toward children 8 years and older. Therefore, all material is appropriate and kept at a level that will benefit younger audience members. However, the show is designed so that all age levels – even adults – will have fun and learn a few things along the way.

“CSI Live” will solve its mystery at the NPAC on Friday, February 12, during two shows, one at 1 p.m. and the other at 7:30 that evening. Tickets are $5 for students and $15 for adults. Groups, schools and other organizations are welcome, with group discounts available for 10 or more purchased tickets.

In addition to “CSI Live,” Hoverman also suggests the classical music of Canadian Brass and the family friendly Le Grand Cirque.  “If someone wants to come to all three we’ll hit all their senses,” Hoverman said.
1/9

Extension offers program for farmwomen

Annie was a woman who grew up in a small farm community with a goal to marry a farmer and she did. She spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved business partner with her farm husband. Together they did great things, but it wasn’t easy. This is Annie’s Project – to take her life’s experiences and share it with farmwomen living and working in a complex, dynamic, evolving business environment.

Annie’s Project is designed to empower farmwomen to manage information systems used in critical decision making processes and to build local networks throughout the state.  The target audience is farmwomen with a passion for business and involvement. They may be the primary operator or a partner in the business. They may work away from the farm or on the farm.

Farmwomen will receive training for managing information in the areas of: Financial Records, Production Records, Marketing Plans and Risk Management, Legal/Regulation Records and Documentation, and, Human Resources. Communication skills will also be a major educational focus.

This agricultural program geared toward women will be offered in Defiance County beginning on Tuesday, February 2, and continuing through Thursday, February 18. The workshops will be held each Tuesday and Thursday for three weeks. Registration is required.  Cost of the program is $50 per person if received by Monday, January 25. Late registration is $65. 

Class size is limited. Participants should contact the Ohio State University Extension Office in Defiance at 419.782.4771 for more information.
1/9

SWCD Work Group meeting scheduled

A Local Work Group meeting will be held at the Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District, 1185 Professional Drive in Van Wert, at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 21.  

Items to be discussed are: identify and prioritize the local resource concerns and set the local ranking points.
1/8

SWCD taking orders for tree seedlings

The Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District is taking orders for tree seedlings.  The seedlings are available in packets of ten at a minimal cost.  Orders will be accepted until March 12.

The following seedling species are available: American Arborvitae, Austrian Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Eastern Red Cedar, Eastern White Pine, Norway Spruce, Black Walnut, Common Lilac, Pin Oak, Red Bud, Red Maple, Red Osier Dogwood, Tulip Poplar, and White Oak.

Assorted packets available are: 

Homeowner Packet, which consists of two seedlings of each of the following:  Colorado Blue Spruce, Red Bud, Red Maple, Common Lilac, and Tulip Poplar. 

Wildlife Packet, which consists of two seedlings of each of the following: Norway Spruce, Black Walnut, Pin Oak, Red Osier Dogwood, and White Oak.
1/7

SWCD sets meeting schedule for 2010

The Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its regularly scheduled board meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. at the SWCD Office, 1185 Professional Drive in Van Wert.
1/4

Local YWCA to award free memberships

The YWCA of Van Wert County will be awarding scholarships to qualified individuals and families in Van Wert County for fitness and aquatic memberships.

Scholarships will be awarded to single people, families, youths, active-duty military personnel and veterans. Scholarship applications will be reviewed and awarded by the YWCA Board of Directors and staff based on specific criteria. 

The YWCA is also not raising membership rates for 2010 and would like to offer much needed help to families and individuals in need.

Scholarship applications are available at the YWCA. The deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, January 22, at noon. 
1/2

Workers being hired for 2010 US census

BOWLING GREEN – The U.S. Census Bureau is currently hiring staff to work in offices in Bowling Green and recruiting for field positions, agency officials said. Details of available positions are now posted on the Census website, www.2010censusjobs.gov. Interested applicants should call the toll free number, 866.861.2010 to schedule a test, the first step in the application process for a job with the US Census Bureau.

Currently, the Bureau is hiring clerks, administrative assistants, office operations supervisors and recruiting assistants.

 “We are recruiting for all our positions, which include enumerators, crew leaders, crew leader assistants and field operations supervisors,” said Bill Fuller, recruiter for the Detroit Regional Census Center.  “Each office will hire between 800 and 1,000 employees between now and June 2010 at hourly pay rates from $8.25 to $19.50.  We are looking to recruit 119,039 Ohioans for testing.

 Census personnel will choose staff from that pool of successful test-takers for the 18 local census offices in Ohio. The Detroit Regional Census Center, which supervises hiring for Ohio, West Virginia and Michigan, has a goal of recruiting approximately 247,000 in the three-state area to secure an applicant pool of 177,840 from which to hire.

The 2010 Census is one of the largest operations conducted by the federal government and is mandated by the US Constitution for the reapportionment of congressional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The census is also used to help determine how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed annually throughout the country for schools, healthcare facilities, safety forces, roads and highways, and other essential services.
12/29

YWCA offers Jan. membership special

The YWCA is not increasing membership rates in 2010, but instead is offering a huge membership special to kick off the new year. 

Membership packages can include full use of the warm water therapy pool, fitness center, all aquatic fitness classes, group fitness classes, gym use when available, open swims, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, discounts on swim lessons, party rental discounts, gym rental discounts and discounts on special programs. 

The membership offer is good from January 1-31. The YWCA does not have a joiner fee. This offer is good for all one-year membership packages. The YWCA offers three membership package offerings tailored to specific needs.

Did You Know?

• The YWCA offers memberships for men, women, children and families.

• The YWCA offers special membership packages for men and women in uniform (military personnel, veterans and full -time college students).

• The YWCA recently moved and renovated its fitness center.

• Opening February 1, 2010, the YWCA will open a renovated group fitness room that will offer strength conditioning programs, yoga, Pilates, circuit training and additional sport specific trainings.

• The YWCA has a warm water therapy pool with classes offered for individuals with arthritis, as well as cardiovascular fitness needs.

• The YWCA is handicap accessible with an elevator that services all floors. The YWCA pool is equipped with a handicap ramp and includes a moveable pool floor to assist those individuals with needs.

• The YWCA has three locker rooms for members.

• The YWCA is friendly and clean.

• Coming soon to the YWCA is the Silver & Fit program for qualified individuals.

• The YWCA offers personal training packages with ACE Personal Trainer Kristin Eickholt Lichtensteiger, who has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and nutrition.

The YWCA of Van Wert County is focused on the needs of Van Wert County and will be accepting applications for scholarships January 1-22.  The YWCA will award scholarships to individuals and families that are in need of assistance. Pick up a scholarship application at the YWCA. 

For more information on the YWCA membership special, call 419.238.6639.
12/29

Recycling sked announced for January

The Van Wert Solid Waste Management District has announced the township recycling schedule for January.

The Willshire Township recycling day is being back one day, to Thursday, December 31, for the New Year’s Day holiday. The Ridge Township recycling day is being moved ahead to Tuesday, January 19, for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The hours for the township drop-off service is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Residents and businesses can also deliver recyclables to the recycling drive-through located at the Van Wert Recycling Center, 1135 N. Washington St. (just north of the U.S. 30 interchange in Van Wert). The drive-through is normally open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on the first and third Saturdays of the month, from 8 a.m. until noon. However, the recycling center will be closed New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Day.

County residents should also use the drive-through for large quantities of recyclable materials.

For more information on Van Wert County recycling programs, contact the Van Wert Solid Waste Management District at 419.238.7767 or visit its website at www.recyclevw.org.

12/26

Entrepreneurship Fair coming in Feb.

The second annual Entrepreneurship Fair, co-hosted by the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Ohio State University Extension-Van Wert County Economic Development, Wright State University-Lake Campus’ Business Enterprise Center and the Van Wert Area Business Innovation Center, will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Vantage Career Center, 818 N. Franklin St. 

For those who would like to start their own business, this event, which includes breakout sessions on “Where to Begin,” “Financing,” and “Marketing” – along with an opportunity to “Ask the Experts” – is a great place to start. 

Registration information and more details will be available in January.
12/23

Armed forces symbol now offered on DL

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces now have the option of displaying a symbol representing this on their driver license (DL) or state identification card (ID) through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

“The BMV has always been supportive of those who have and are currently serving our country through specialized license plates, but we are pleased to be able to take the next step and offer this distinction on driver licenses and state identification cards,” said Ohio BMV Acting Registrar Carolyn Williams.

House Bill 450 of the 127th General Assembly gave the BMV the authority to place this special symbol on DLs and IDs. Certain merchants may offer discounts or unique services to veterans or current members of the Armed Forces and they will now be able to conveniently use their DL or ID to prove their affiliation for these discounts. This symbol is not intended to be used in lieu of a military identification card issued by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

There is no additional cost to have the symbol added, other than the normal fees associated with applying for or renewing a DL or ID. The Armed Forces symbol can be added to the DL or ID at any Deputy Registrar. The applicant must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 displaying their military service or honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.
12/18

Tickets on sale for ballet performance

New York Theatre Ballet celebrates its 30th anniversary season with the premiere of Dance/Speak: The Life of Agnes de Mille, a dance-drama that tells the story of choreographer Agnes de Mille's struggle for success in the American theater. 

Through the use of narration, dramatic interpretation and de Mille dances, Dance/Speak reveals Miss de Mille's childhood influences, early attempts as a solo artist, and her eventual success as a groundbreaking theatrical innovator known throughout the world for her choreography during the golden age of musical theater, along with her incalculable contribution to ballet. 

Tickets are now on sale for the performance of The Life of Agnes de Mille that takes place Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert.

Dance/Speak: The Life of Agnes de Mille will include celebrated dances from Carousel, Bloomer Girl, One Touch of Venus and Brigadoon, as well as Fall River Legend, Three Virgins and a Devil, Rodeo and Debut at the Opera.

Dance/Speak was conceived and written by Anderson Ferrell, novelist and director of The de Mille Working Group. It is staged by renowned de Mille interpreter Gemze DeLappe and choreographer Liza Gennaro, best known for the Broadway revivals of Once Upon a Mattress and The Most Happy Fella. It is directed by Scott Alan Evans, executive director of The Actors Company Theatre/TACT. This New York Theatre Ballet performance is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces: Dance initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Tickets are $20-$30 and available at the box office of the NPAC from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, by phone 419.238.NPAC (6722) during those hours or online 24/7 at www.npacvw.org.

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is located at 10700 Ohio 118 on the south edge of Van Wert. The box office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 24-25 and December 31-January 1.
12/17

VWHS English students set fundraiser

It's that time of year again. Senior projects are starting up at Van Wert High School and the class of 2010 is hard at work. 

Michelle Stoller's second period English class is working to raise funds for renovations to the Van Wert Area Innovation Center. The main fundraiser in the works is a spaghetti dinner. The meal includes “all you can eat” spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert, and drink. Cost for the meal is $7 and all the profit goes to the renovations made at the center.  This spring, Stoller’s class plans to paint the inside of the building and landscape the outside of the building on Fox Road.
    "We've already started on painting, and we've received a lot of positive feedback,” said senior Angie Swann. “The cost of the painting was covered by the Innovation Center up front, but we plan on reimbursing them once we raise the money."
   A project involving landscaping and paint costs quite a bit, so the class asks that area residents support its dinner. Tickets are available at the door or ahead of time through the students. Contact Sarah Danylchuk at 419.513.0556 or Brittney Kever at 419.771.0144. 

The dinner will be held in the Van Wert High School Commons on Friday, December 18, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. For those who plan to go to the River City Brass Band concert at the NPAC, this is a perfect opportunity to eat a nice dinner before enjoying the concert. Enter through the doors at the back of the building near the high school gym. 

For more information, call one of the numbers listed above. 
12/15

OSU Extension has Farmer's Tax Guide

The 2009 Farmer’s Tax Guide is now available at the Ohio State University Extension, Van Wert County Office, located at 1055 S. Washington St. in Van Wert. Use this publication as a guide to figure taxes and complete farm tax returns.

This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming and is to be used as a guide to figure taxes and complete a farm tax return. What’s new for 2009 and 2010, reminders, and important dates for filing tax forms are all included in this booklet. 

Since records are necessary to prepare accurate income tax returns and determine the correct amount of tax, there is a very valuable chapter explaining the importance of good records, why keep records, kinds of records to keep, and how long to keep records.

Stop by the OSU Extension, Van Wert County Office for a free copy. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
12/9

Le Grand Cirque tickets going on sale

Seen by millions of people around the world, Le Grand Cirque is a jaw-dropping, visual feast of breathtaking group acrobatics and white-knuckle stunts. Saturday, March 13, 2010, Le Grand Cirque will be in Van Wert for two performances at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, December 9, for both the 3 and 7:30 p.m. shows, beginning at noon at the NPAC box office.

Firmly rooted in the timeless circus traditions of Russia, China and Eastern Europe, the international company of champion acrobats and performers has been handpicked from around the globe for members’ death-defying abilities and precision skills.

The Las Vegas Herald writes, “Prepare to laugh yourself silly, gasp in awe and cringe in white-knuckled fear.” 

Blended with elements of modern and traditional acts of wonder, Le Grand Cirque is sure to astound. This spellbinding spectacle has mesmerized audiences throughout the world, and propelled the world of Cirque into the next generation with revolutionary new acts the whole family can enjoy.

Tickets for either performance are priced from $15 to $40. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center box office is located at 10700 State Route 118 on the south edge of Van Wert, and is open from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased by phone during box office hours at 419.238.NPAC (6722) or online 24/7 at www.npacvw.org.

Stunning costumes, awesome lighting, and thrilling music will enthrall and entertain you in this magical wonderland of amazement. The result is a fast paced, heart-pounding spectacle that will astound and keep audience members on the edge of their seats! The perfect family show! The perfect holiday gift!

For more information, visit the website at www.npacvw.org.
12/8

Reward offered for rabbit killing info

By The Van Wert independent

An Ohio City couple is offering a reward in an attempt to bring to justice the person or persons who brutally killed six of their daughter’s show rabbits.

The Clint Marbaugh family is offering a $50 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing six 4-H show rabbits belonging to the Marbaughs’ daughter, Katie.

The rabbits, five New Zealand breeds and a Californian breed worth a total of approximately $1,000, were killed sometime between 11 p.m. Thursday, November 12, and 5 p.m. Friday, November 13, at the family residence, Clint Marbaugh said.

Katie Marbaugh with one of her remaining show rabbits. (photo submitted)

Marbaugh said he came home from work and saw one rabbit lying dead in the yard. At the time, Marbaugh said he thought that his daughter, who is 14 and an eighth-grader at Lincolnview Junior High School, had left the door of the rabbit’s cage open.

“I was a little mad at Katie at first, thinking she had forgotten to close the door on the rabbit’s cage, but I soon found out that wasn’t the case when I saw the other rabbits and noticed that one of the dead rabbits was on a top shelf in the shed, while another rabbit’s cage door had been shut back up and locked,” Marbaugh said.

Two of the rabbits were hit in the head to kill them, while the other four were stabbed in the chest cavity, Marbaugh noted, adding that, after they were killed, five of the rabbits were just tossed in the yard.

After finding the dead rabbits, Marbaugh called the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department about the killings, adding that deputies were themselves disgusted when they came to investigate the rabbit killings.

“You could tell they were upset about it, too,” Marbaugh said.

The Marbaughs are asking that anyone with information call either the Sheriff’s Department at 419.238.3866, Crime Stoppers at 419.238.7867 or mail information to P.O. Box 67, Ohio City, OH 45874.
11/20

Tickets on sale for NPAC's Porgy & Bess

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess is recognized as an American masterpiece. A story that intertwines pride, prejudice, pathos and passion through a jazz and blues influenced score will kick off its’ 2010 national tour in Van Wert, Ohio on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.

Tickets go on sale at noon to 4 p.m. beginning today at the box office located in the Grand Lobby of the NPAC at 10700 State Route 118 South in Van Wert. Tickets will also be available online at www.npacvw.org and range from $20 to $45 dollars.

Originally billed as an American folk opera, Porgy and Bess introduced classic Gershwin songs including “Summertime”, “I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So”, as well as magnificent and enthralling choruses that stunned music and drama critics alike during its 1935 premier in New York City.

Based on the DeBose Heyward novel set in Charleston’s famed Catfish Row, Porgy and Bess tells the moving story of Porgy, a cripple who witnesses a murder during a dice game and later gives shelter to the murderer’s woman, the beautiful, haunted Bess. 

The Catfish Row community is opposed to the union, but Porgy and Bess make each other happy and their happiness only increases when they take in a child orphaned by a hurricane. The story goes on through love, tragedy and heartache as the couple struggles through the chaos of life in Catfish Row.

Since its critically acclaimed debut in 1993, this edition of Porgy and Bess has had more than 1,000 performances by Living Arts of New York in 17 different countries on six continents, including 49 of the 50 United States.  With recent negotiations among the Gershwin estate, Living Arts Inc. and the Dicapo Opera Theatre, a completely brand-new production of Porgy and Bess is being presented in Van Wert in celebration of the 75th anniversary debut on Broadway. This national tour of Porgy and Bess will have a new producer, director, production team, new cast and larger orchestra. This masterpiece will leave audiences profoundly moved by the haunting music and dramatic story.

For more information, visit the website at www.npacvw.org or call the box office during normal business hours of noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 419.238.NPAC (6722). Tickets for this one night only performance would make an exceptional Christmas present for the arts lover in one’s family – or a gift certificate can also be purchased in any amount at the NPAC box office.

 “It’s a scene of Biblical fearsomeness, and it captures the deeply rooted spirituality of Porgy and Bess as well as its rip-roaring melodrama. It’s highly recommended!” said The Examiner. It’s a show you won’t want to miss.”
11/18

From Friday

Health Dept. releases H1N1 vaccine info

The Van Wert County Health Department has released more information on the H1N1 flu vaccine currently being administered in the county.

There are two types of H1N1 flu vaccine: the flu shot and the nasal mist vaccine. At this time, the Health Department is asking for local residents’ cooperation and recommending they accept the H1N1 mist preparation, rather than the H1N1 shot. If there are medical reasons that county residents or their children cannot receive the mist, then the H1N1 flu shot (injection) will be recommended.

 The Health Department is reserving the limited amount of injectable vaccine for those with high risk medical conditions. The department is receiving weekly shipments from Ohio Department of Health, which receives shipments from The Center for Disease Control. The goal is to prevent disease by vaccinating as many people as soon as possible.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses (LAIV) that cannot grow at normal body temperature and is given via a nasal sprayer. This vaccine was approved for seasonal influenza viruses in 2003 and tens of millions of doses of the vaccine have been given in the United States. The nasal mist has been proven to provide coverage against the virus for 12 months, compared to the length of time for injectable, which is believed to last only about six months. This is an added benefit as the flu season has been starting earlier each year. This year, influenza-like illnesses were seen in the community in late summer to early fall.

Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses. However, the viruses are attenuated (weakened) and cannot cause flu illness. The weakened viruses are cold-adapted, which means they are designed to only cause infection at the cooler temperatures found within the nose. The viruses cannot infect the lungs or other areas where warmer temperatures exist. The nasal spray does not contain the preservative thimerisol.

Some children and young adults 2-17 years of age have reported experiencing mild reactions after receiving seasonal nasal spray flu vaccine, including runny nose, nasal congestion or cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, chills, tiredness/weakness, sore throat and headache. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of influenza infection.

The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray and injectable vaccines are being made in the same way as the seasonal flu vaccines, but instead of containing three weakened flu viruses, the vaccinations only contain 2009 H1N1 virus. In one large study among children, the seasonal nasal-spray flu vaccine reduced the chance of influenza illness by 92 percent compared with placebo.

How many doses should a person get?

In adults, only one dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, including the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine, is needed for protection. All children 9 years of age and younger getting a 2009 H1N1 vaccine will need two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine (either the 2009 H1N1 flu shot or the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine). The first dose should being given as soon as vaccine becomes available. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose. The first dose "primes" the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose of vaccine when they need two doses may have reduced or no protection. Be sure to follow up to get a child a second dose if they are age 9 and younger. Protection begins about two weeks after the second dose. If a child has had any other recent “live” vaccines, such as MMR, Varicella (chicken pox), or the initial H1N1 mist or Seasonal Flumist, there has to be at least 28 days between the date of those vaccinations and the H1N1 nasal spray dose.

Who should get the H1N1 nasal spray vaccination? 

The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is recommended for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. Mist is a very good option for most health care providers who are healthy, younger than 50 years old, and not pregnant. However, health care providers should not get the mist if they are providing medical care for patients who require special environments in the hospital because they are profoundly immuno-compromised (for example, those who work in bone marrow transplant units). Although no immuno-compromised patient has been shown to be harmed by use of LAIV among health care workers, the recommendation against the use of LAIV in health care workers with this type of patient contact is intended as an extra precaution for fragile, immuno-compromised patients. Health care workers with this type of patient contact can get LAIV, but if they do, they should wait 7 days after being vaccinated before returning to duties that include care of severely immuno-compromised patients in special environments.

Certain populations should not get the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine. These include:

• People younger than 2 years of age;

• Pregnant women;

• People 50 years of age and older;

• People with a medical condition that places them at higher risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, including asthma or reactive airways disease; those with diabetes, kidney failure, or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system;

• Children younger than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing;

• Children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy;

• People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder of the nervous system, within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine,

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.

Women who are breastfeeding can receive the nasal spray vaccine, including 2009 H1N1 vaccine. A pregnant healthcare worker can also administer (give) a nasal spray vaccine (LAIV). Because the viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are attenuated or weakened, vaccine viruses are unlikely to cause any illness symptoms, even if an unvaccinated person inadvertently gets vaccine viruses in their nose. CDC recommends that pregnant woman get both the 2009 H1N1 flu shot and the seasonal flu shot. Flu shots are made with a killed virus, and have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies.

Staying informed is the best way to protect county residents and their families. For more information, visit the following websites: www.odh.ohio.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.fighttheflu.org, or www.vanwertcountyhealth.org.
11/6

VA widens Agent Orange coverage

Relying on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to Agent Orange.

The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson’s disease; and ischemic heart disease.

Used in Vietnam to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy, Agent Orange left a legacy of suffering and disability that continues to the present. Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6 million military personnel who served in Vietnam were potentially exposed to sprayed Agent Orange.

In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a “presumed” illness don’t have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This “presumption” simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.

The Secretary’s decision brings to 15 the number of presumed illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

“We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to service, and we will,” Shinseki added. “Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence.”

Other illnesses previously recognized under VA’s “presumption” rule as being caused by exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War are:

• Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy

• AL Amyloidosis

• Chloracne

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)

• Hodgkin’s Disease

• Multiple Myeloma

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

• Prostate Cancer

• Respiratory Cancers, and

• Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)

Additional information about Agent Orange and VA’s services and programs for Veterans exposed to the chemical are available at the VA website at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.
10/30

Local hospital provides flu information

Van Wert County Hospital would like to share information to assist area residents this flu season.  Certain strains of the flu occur every year and are not the H1N1 (swine) pandemic flu that is sweeping the area. These “seasonal” viruses, Influenza A and Influenza B, usually run their course between October and April, causing high fevers, coughs and chills that local residents are all familiar with. One question that needs to be asked and answered is: Is it necessary to go the emergency room if a person is only a little sick?

No. It’s not necessary to go to the ER.  The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. Local residents should not go to the emergency room if they are only mildly ill. However, those who have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness should go to the emergency room.

Those who have flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or are concerned about their illness should call their health care provider for advice.

For someone who goes to the emergency room and is not sick with the flu, there is a chance that person will be exposed to someone who is sick. The Ohio Department of Health issues guidelines on who can be tested for H1N1 Influenza. Currently, those guidelines allow testing on patients who are hospitalized. They do not allow testing on persons being seen in the Emergency Department. 

How to tell if one has the flu

Signs that a person may have the flu include some or all of these symptoms: fever over 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and/or vomiting.

What to do if a person gets sick?

Those who get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to get medical care. Most people with H1N1 flu have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs, and the same is true of seasonal flu. 

However, some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season. These patients are referred to as “compromised patients” because they have health conditions that make them more likely to have a higher risk of severe medical complications if they would get the H1N1 flu virus. 

Included in this group are: Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old who are showing emergency warning signs; pregnant women and people who have cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease (including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis) and individuals with weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS).   

It’s possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu, so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.  There are emergency warning signs. Anyone who has them should get medical care right away.

What are emergency warning signs? 

In children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that they don’t want to be held, flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough and fever with a rash. In adults: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, bluish lips, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe or persistent vomiting.

How to avoid the flu

Get seasonal flu vaccine. Get the H1N1 vaccine when it is available and people are eligible.  Cover one’s nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue away. Sneeze and cough directly into a sleeve if a person does not have a tissue. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing or using the restroom and before eating. 

If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Try not to touch one’s eyes, nose or mouth, as germs often spread this way. Stay away from people who are sick.  And finally, those who get sick should stay home from work or school!

For more information about seasonal flu or H1N1, go to the hospital’s website at www.vanwerthospital.org; www.nwopandemicflu.org; or the Van Wert Health County Department website at http://www.vanwertcountyhealth.org/. Those who are unsure whether they need to go to the ER should contact their medical provider or call Van Wert County Hospital Call-A-Nurse at 888.909.8924.
10/28

Tickets now on sale for Canadian Brass

Heat up those cold January nights with the energetic sounds of The Canadian Brass. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio releases individual tickets today for the second show in the Community Concert Series.

The Canadian Brass will be in concert on Friday, January 22, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the NPAC. Tickets are $22 and available from noon to 4 p.m. at the NPAC box office at 10700 Ohio 118 in Van Wert, or by phone at 419.238.NPAC (6722) or www.npacvw.org.

The virtuosi of Canadian Brass have made the brass quintet an exciting vehicle for serious concert music. The quintet — having just celebrated its 35th season — has a long history of recording classical repertoire. They have a special affinity for Baroque music, which requires the brilliance and musical structure that has become the Canadian Brass’ trademark.

Their more than 60 recordings to date include works by Purcell, Vivaldi, Gabrieli, Pachelbel, Beethoven and Wagner — all in meticulously crafted transcriptions that are setting new musical traditions in brass performance. They are especially drawn to the works of J.S. Bach.

Having started with the very limited base of traditional works for brass, the Canadian Brass set out to create its own musical world by transcribing, arranging and commissioning more than 200 works; the most recent being the brilliant “Quintet” by Michael Kamen.

Long known for bringing fun and humor to classical music, a Canadian Brass concert will not only entertain with world-class artistry, but also provide delightful, if not hilarious antics with the music. It is truly a first-class educational and entertaining night for the entire family to enjoy. The group not only presents works in the classical repertoire but continues to take daring leaps into jazz, contemporary concert music and popular songs.

Millions of television viewers have seen the Canadian Brass in such shows as “The Tonight Show,” “Today,” and “Entertainment Tonight.” The group has appeared as guest artists on “Evening at Pops” with John Williams and the Boston Pops, Beverly Sills’ “Music Around the World,” and numerous PBS specials.

With over three decades under their belts, the Canadian Brass continues to fill concert halls and thrill audiences around the world and group members don’t look like they are letting up anytime soon!

For more information, visit the website at www.npacvw.org or call the NPAC box office during business hours of noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 419.238.NPAC (6722).
10/22

State offers new license plate design

Beginning Monday, November 23, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles customers purchasing and/or renewing license plates will have the option to purchase the new “Beautiful Ohio” plate design in addition to Ohio’s standard issue “Sunburst” red, white and blue plate, Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Cathy Collins-Taylor announced today.

The cost of the plates will be $7.50, in addition to other applicable fees that apply when purchasing new or replacement plates.

Ohio Department of Public Safety officials initially released an incorrect fee of $2.50 for the new plates, which was reported in media reports today across the state. The $2.50 fee is incorrect, as it mistakenly referenced the former standard plate fee, which increased to $5.50 earlier this year as a result of motor vehicle fee increases approved by the Ohio General Assembly.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles apologize for the error in the plate pricing information released today.

Customers interested in obtaining a new set of plates featuring the Beautiful Ohio design or the Sunburst design – the state’s designated general issue plate – will pay a total cost of $11.75, as compared to the former total fee of $6.25.

Additional mandatory fees include a $3.50 deputy registrar fee, 25-cent county sticker fee and 25-cent per plate reflectorization fee to cover costs associated with reflective sheeting on the plates. These fees have not changed.

The release of the Beautiful Ohio plate is not a mandatory replacement for Ohio BMV customers. It is an option for those with current registrations to replace current plates with the Beautiful Ohio design, while new registrations will have the option of choosing the state’s standard “Sunburst” design or the Beautiful Ohio design.
10/22

Wassenberg offers VW Christmas cards

Wassenberg Art Center is offering packages of 12 Christmas cards, in 12 assorted designs or in a mix of the buyer’s choice, for only a $7.50 donation per pack of 12 cards. 

The designs were provided by Wassenberg member artists Sara Green, Judy Grone, John Lianez, Pat Pancake, Janet Ravas, Pat Rayman, Carole Richardson-Macklin, and Kay Sluterbeck.

Buyers can choose a pack of all one design, a pack of assorted designs, or a mixed pack of 12 in designs they choose.  For more information or to order cards, contact Wassenberg Art Center, 643 S. Washington St., Van Wert, OH 45891, call 419.238.6837 or toll-free 1.888.238.3837, or email wassenberg@embarqmail.com.  

Contact the art center as soon as possible to facilitate preparation of card packages.

Proceeds will support Wassenberg Art Center exhibits and programs for are residents all ages. Wassenberg Art Center is a nonprofit community art center devoted to encouraging and promoting the visual arts.
10/20

From Wednesday

Health officials discuss H1N1 pandemic

By DAVE MOSIER

Van Wert independent Editor

Van Wert County health, medical and emergency management officials were all on hand Tuesday evening to talk about the H1N1 (swine flu) virus and what local residents need to do to keep the spread of the virus under control.

County Health Commissioner Dr. Paul Kalogerou welcomed the media and others to the conference and said that, notwithstanding the fact there have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in the county, the reason is probably because the Ohio Department of Health is not doing widespread testing for the strain, but is treating the H1N1 virus like a seasonal flu outbreak.

“The status of the H1N1 virus in this county is we have it, it’s here, we need to manage it and treat it accordingly, regardless of what the tests show,” Dr. Kalogerou told those at the conference.

“As a first priority at the Health Department, our job is to protect the public,” he added, and also stressed the importance of personal responsibility among local residents to limit the spread of swine flu and seasonal flu in the county, recommending that local residents wash their hands often, shelter their coughs in clothing and stay at home when sick.

Those with the flu should not go back to work or school until they have been without a fever for 24 hours after stopping the use of fever-reducing medications.

The exception to the “stay at home when sick” advice is pregnant women – a high-risk population -- who Dr. Kalogerou said should seek treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible, and children, also at higher risk, who become dehydrated, listless and have a very high fever. Dr. Kalogerou said that, while seasonal flu outbreaks typically cause the death of between 46 and 88 children, the H1N1 flu has already resulted in the death of 76 children, including four deaths in Ohio.

In addition to the health commissioner, those speaking included several other health department officials, including Kim Haas, R.N., director of nursing; Linda Bissonette, R.N., infectious disease nurse; Barb Hoffman, R.N., emergency response and bioterrorism coordinator; Craig Staley, Medical Reserve Corps coordinator; and Emily Barnett, R.N., public information officer.

Also speaking were Linna Kelly, R.N., infection preventionist at Van Wert County Hospital; and Rick McCoy, director of the Van Wert County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Dr. Kalogerou said the H1N1 virus falls under the category of a pandemic because it is a novel (new) strain of flu, it causes infections in humans and human-to-human transmission is rapid and extensive. From the first reported case in April, it took less than two months (June 11) for the flu to be classified as a worldwide pandemic, he noted.

The health commissioner said five high-risk groups have been identified and will receive top priority in receiving swine flu vaccine. Those include:

• Pregnant women

• Caregivers and those who live with children under the age of 6 months

• Health care workers and emergency medical personnel

• Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years

• Those age 25-64 with medical problems such as asthma, lung disease, severe heart conditions or serious illness such as cancer

Haas noted that 15,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been ordered by the health department, while the hospital and private physicians and groups and are registered to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is of two types: vaccine that is injected or a live attenuated vaccine given nasally. The nasally administered vaccine is only approved for those ages 2-49.

She said the H1N1 vaccine has been manufactured by the same companies that produce seasonal flu vaccine – and under the same conditions and standards – and added that side effects of the H1N1 vaccine are the same as those for seasonal flu vaccine and include sneezing, coughing, red eyes and, in some children, vomiting.

The health department currently has a supply of the vaccine it received late last week and will be conducting a clinic today from 3-7 p.m. at the health department for health care workers with direct patient contact and emergency medical personnel.

Other clinics will be announced for those at high risk for the H1N1 influenza as more vaccine is received, Haas said, noting that flu clinics will likely be held during school hours for school-age children. Eventually, there will be sufficient quantities of the vaccine so that anyone wanting to receive it can do so.

Kelly talked about some precautions the hospital is taking to protect patients from the H1N1 virus, including banning young visitors from visiting hospital patients until further notice (see box below this story for more information).

The hospital’s infectious disease specialist also said the hospital is also partnering with the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, a consortium of 33 hospitals in 18 counties, to address the swine flu pandemic.

Hoffman and McCoy both talked about the planning their agencies have participated in over the past few years to prepare for pandemics such as the H1N1 virus.

McCoy said the intense planning has paid off, noting that Van Wert County is one of the best prepared counties in the region, while the region is the best prepared in Ohio and Ohio is one of the best prepared states in the country.

“So we really have a step forward in getting ahead of this,” he added. “People can be assured that Van Wert County will be prepared, as we always have been.”

Haas recommended that those wanting to receive the H1N1 vaccine should preregister at https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2flogout.aspx to speed up the process, as well as access the health department’s website at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org for more information.
Van Wert County Health Commissioner Dr. Paul Kalogerou provides information on the H1N1 (swine flu) virus pandemic, and what it means to local residents, during a news conference held Tuesday evening at Van Wert County Hospital (click here for a video of Dr. Kalogerou's talk). Photos by Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent
10/14

Hospital taking H1N1 virus precautions

Van Wert County Hospital will now prohibit visitors who are age 14 and younger until further notified. The hospital has implemented this measure to protect patients from potential H1N1 (swine flu) exposure.  While no H1N1 cases have been confirmed at this time in Van Wert County, this is a precautionary step.

“As a visitor, if you have a temperature, cough or do not feel well, please do not visit your loved one,” added Linna Kelly, infection preventionist at Van Wert County Hospital.

In addition to banning visitors under age 14, hospital officials have also removed reading material – magazines, newsletters, educational pamphlets – from public areas of the hospital, and are asking that visitors bring their own reading material. In addition, a limited amount of reading material can be purchased in the Twig III gift shop and from newspaper vending machines.

As an additional safety measure, toys for children, which also carry germs, have been removed from the hospital. 

For questions or for more information, contact Kelly at 419.238.2390, extension 324, or by email at lkelly@vanwerthospital.org.
10/14

VW Foundation seeks grant requests

Van Wert County Foundation Executive Secretary Larry L. Wendel announced that the Foundation will be receiving grant requests to be acted upon by trustees at their December meeting. Requests must be in the Foundation’s office by Monday, November 16.

Due to the difficult conditions affecting the entire country, as well as the world in general, the Foundation will be restricting distributions this year. Agencies applying for funding need to realize that funding will be significantly reduced, if granted at all.

Grant application forms for all agencies must be picked up at The Foundation office. No applications will be mailed, unless requested.

While the Foundation endeavors to maintain a degree of flexibility in its grants, the following guidelines should be noted:

• Grants are geographically oriented primarily to Van Wert and Paulding counties.

• Grants are made to organizations accorded a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity status by the Internal Revenue Service and to governmental units.

• Grants are not made to individuals, except those who are accepted as a part of the college scholarship program.

• The Foundation does not provide grants for projects that taxpayers or commercial interests normally support.

Grant applications may be obtained from The Foundation office located at 138 E. Main St. in Van Wert.  The telephone number is 419.238.1743.
10/10

License Bureau fees increase after Oct. 1

House Bill 2 (the Transportation Budget), which was passed on March 30, included a number of fee increases that impact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Some of these changes took effect July 1 and the remainder will take effect today.

Fees that are increasing today are: Vision Screening Fee (increase of $1.75, impacts all operator license renewal transactions, including standard driver license, commercial driver license and motorcycle endorsement), Temporary Tag Fee (increase of $8), Registration for Personalized Plates (increase of $15) and Registration for Initial Reserve Plates (increase of $15). In addition to these changes, a $20 fee has been added for all late license and vehicle registration renewals.

The BMV began notifying customers of these changes on July 1, 90 days in advance, through notifications on the standard mail-in renewal notices sent to customers with a vehicle registered in their name.

These changes in Ohio law are not meant to pass additional burden on to BMV customers, but to fill growing funding gaps for critical public safety services. While the BMV collects and administers these fees, the funds support the operations of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Fees for driver licensing and vehicle registration support the Patrol because those driving on Ohio’s highways are most likely to directly benefit from the services of the Patrol.

Go to www.bmv.ohio.gov to review the total cost for each transaction impacted by these changes. The information is located in several different places, including: “Fees for Services,” “Vehicle Registration and License Plate, click on Vehicle Registration Fees,” and is updated on OPLATES for those customers renewing their registrations online.
Updated 10/1

City to celebrate 175th anniversary

Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Seth Baker announced that plans are underway for Van Wert’s Demisemiseptcentennial anniversary in 2010. The city will be marking 175 years as a community with a yearlong celebration of the city’s past, present and future.
  Van Wert city officials, Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Main Street Van Wert invites the public to offer celebration suggestions and assist with planning. Any individual or group interested in organizing and planning events is encouraged to attend a preliminary planning meeting on Wednesday, September 30, at 2:30 p.m. at 136 E. Main Street (CVB-Main Street Van Wert offices).

Those who cannot attend the meeting and want more information may call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 877.989.2282 or Main Street Van Wert at 419.238.6911.
9/24

Americanism Essay contest underway

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, would like to announce that the Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest is underway. The theme for this year’s contest is “The American Dream: What Is It?”

The Americanism essay contest is an opportunity for school children in grades 5-8 to compose a personal essay on this American patriotic theme. All essays will be judged on the local level and the winners will be sent to the district for competition. District winners will advance to the state competition.

All state winners will receive a savings bond and will be sent into the national competition.  The first place winners at the national level will receive a nice plaque as well as a $1,000 savings bond.  Second place winners receive a $500 bond and the third place winners receive a $250 bond.

Contest information is being distributed to the local schools by the lodge Americanism Chairman Dr. Kevin Laing. If anyone has questions, they can contact the lodge chairman or the lodge.

Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 would like to urge all eligible students to enter this year’s contest.
9/23

YWCA offering Yoga classes with Niya Boysel

Does your life cause you stress? Do you always feel hurried and tied in knots? Let Yoga at the YWCA help you unwind your muscles and relax your mind.

The benefits of practicing Yoga are well documented. People who practice Yoga enjoy some of these benefits: increased flexibility, increased strength, better posture, and better concentration and mood. The body reacts to stress through muscle tension that can cause pain and stiffness. Yoga stretches the muscles and tendons to release lactic acid in the joints to decrease pain, stiffness, tension and fatigue. The mindful, deep and slow, breathing that Yoga involves stimulates relaxation. Yoga also lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate.

Yoga with Niya Boysel will be held at the YWCA Monday and Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. For more information, call the YWCA at 419.238.6639.
9/18

State has job dislocation info available

During April’s observance of National Financial Literacy Month, the State of Ohio is making available to Ohioans a 16-page booklet titled “Job Dislocation: Making Smart Financial Choices after a Job Loss.”

With Ohio's unemployment rate standing at 9.7 percent in March, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities and the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services are offering the publication to help Ohioans facing a plant closing or layoff.  The publication, which was prepared by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, provides tips on how dislocated workers can:

• Take control of their finances and available financial resources

• Use all available employment services

• Protect themselves against financial fraud

Director of Commerce Kimberly Zurz encourages Ohioans to be alert to predators that target dislocated workers following media coverage of a major layoff. “These workers should be especially skeptical of offers to help them manage their finances in hopes of gaining control of their 401(k) funds or their severance package,” Zurz said. 

 “Workers cannot control if or when their company closes a plant or lays off workers. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services strengthens Ohio’s families through the delivery of integrated solutions to temporary challenges.  This booklet provides practical information to help hard working Ohioans manage the financial impact of a layoff or job loss,” said ODJFS Director Doug Lumpkin. 

The publication is available on the Division of Securities website at www.com.ohio.gov/secu/docs/08_0062.1_JobLoss_LR.pdf, along with a complementary list of contact information on Ohio employment services at www.com.ohio.gov/secu/docs/08_0062.6_Insert_OH.pdf. 

The publication and contact information can also be requested by calling the Division of Securities Investor Protection Hotline at 800.788.1194. 
4/21

Rep. Latta establishes district offices

   U.S. Representative Bob Latta has announced the locations of three district offices in the 5^th Congressional District. The offices, located in Bowling Green, Defiance and Norwalk, provide constituents with easy access to Latta and his district staff. “I am excited to announce the opening of my district offices,” Latta said. “With three locations throughout the Fifth District, I will be even more accessible to constituents to provide assistance with federal agencies, military academy appointments, and casework.” The district office addresses are as follows:

• Bowling Green – 1045 N. Main St., Suite 6. Telephone: 419.354.8700; Fax: 419.354.8702.

• Defiance – 101 Clinton St., Suite 1200. Telephone: 419.782.1996.

• Norwalk – 130 Shady Lane Drive. Telephone: 419.668.0206.

   Latta also released an Ohio toll-free telephone number for constituents to call. That number is 1.800.541.6446.

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