12.30.2009: Recycle Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays
12.29.2009: Only Three Days to Take Advantage of $2,000 State Tax Deduction for Ohio's CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan
12.28.2009: Governor Strickland Signs Bills Passed in 128th General Assembly
12.22.2009: Attorney General Warns Consumers to Donate Carefully
12.21.2009: Health Insurance Open Enrollment Program Accepting Enrollees Starting January 1
12.21.2009: Ohio Celebrations Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
12.18.2009: Ohio State Park Attendance Up, Performance Up in 2009; Operating Costs Down
12.17.2009: Cleveland Heights-University Heights Educator Named 2010 Ohio Teacher of the Year
12.16.2009: Share Your Celebration and Yourself with Someone in a Nursing Home
12.15.2009: 95,500 Pounds of Venison Donated So Far This Season
12.14.2009: Medicare Open Enrollment Period Deadline December 31 for 2010 Coverage
12.14.2009: Ohio Third Frontier Announces Biomedical and Medical Imaging Opportunities
12.10.2009: Attention Holiday Shoppers: Ice and Snow... Take It Slow
12.10.2009: Five Ohioans Receive State's Top Conservation Honor
12.09.2009: Unemployment Scam Targeting Jobless Ohioans
12.08.2009: Ohio Announces Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program
12.07.2009: Governor Announces New Unemployment Compensation Eligibility to Educate More Ohioans for Jobs
12.04.2009: Governor Strickland Announces State Board of Education, Other Appointments
12.04.2009: Boats Featured at December 12 Vehicle Auction
12.04.2009: Governor Strickland Orders Flag Lowered to Half-Staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
12.03.2009: $11 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Help Ohioans Save on Energy
12.03.2009: Holiday Memories Highlight Final Volume of Great Depression Stories
12.02.2009: Ohio Supreme Court Joins Attorney General to Warn of Jury Duty Phone Scam Targeting Ohioans
12.01.2009: Attorney General Cordray Warns Ohioans of New H1N1 Scam
Columbus, Ohio – Before sending your live-cut Christmas tree to the trash, remember that it can find new life after the holidays. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds Ohioans that their trees can be recycled for a variety of uses including mulch, compost and wildlife habitat.
"Mulching, chipping or composting Christmas trees after the holidays is a wise alternative to just throwing them in landfills," said David Hanselmann, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. "Many Ohio communities are making it easy for residents to recycle cut Christmas trees by offering convenient drop-off locations and curbside pick up."
Many local park districts and communities shred Christmas trees for mulch and compost. Trees can even be transformed into wildlife habitat, providing shelter for some creatures during the winter months.
Individuals living in communities without recycling programs might consider chipping and composting their holiday trees. Adding compost to home gardens improves soil quality, stores moisture and reduces weeds. Using Christmas trees to create outdoor brush piles makes ideal homes for wildlife. Trees can also be weighted down and sunk in farm ponds to attract fish and increase habitat.
Before disposing of a live-cut Christmas tree, remember to remove all trimmings including tinsel, garland, lights and ornaments. Be sure you have proper permission before discarding your tree on public land, private land or in ponds. Discarding trees without permission could result in a litter violation.
Call your local solid waste management district for information on where to recycle live-cut Christmas trees in your area.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans have only three days to enroll and contribute to the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority's CollegeAdvantage 529 Savings Plan and take advantage of the $2,000 annual state of Ohio income tax deduction. Any Ohio taxpayer who contributes to a CollegeAdvantage 529 account can claim the deduction including grandparents, other relatives or family friends. Up to $2,000 per contributor (or married couple) can be deducted for each child. Contributions over $2,000 per child can be deducted in future years. The deadline is December 31 for 2009 contributions to qualify.
"The state tax deduction creates an incentive that encourages college savings," said Mike Prescott, Executive Director of the Tuition Trust. "We anticipate seeing increased participation these last few days of December as a result of families enrolling and contributing before the end of the year," said Prescott.
The income tax deduction is just one of the many benefits Ohioans receive when they participate in CollegeAdvantage. In addition to the state tax deduction, earnings are exempt from state and federal taxes when funds are used for higher education expenses. Funds can be used at any of Ohio's two or four year colleges or universities as well as at any college in the country. Families can invest as little as $25 can contribute through payroll deduction, electronic funds transfers (EFT) or make contributions on line.
Ohio's 529 plan is offered to families directly through the Tuition Trust (CollegeAdvantage direct plan) and is also offered through financial professionals (CollegeAdvantage advisor plan). The CollegeAdvantage direct plan offers a wide variety of investment options managed by the Vanguard Group, Fifth Third Bank, PIMCO, OppenheimerFunds, and GE Asset Management. Families also have the option of enrolling through a financial advisor and selecting from either the BlackRock or Putnam CollegeAdvantage Advisor Plans.
Families can learn more about the state tax deduction and the CollegeAdvantage program at www.collegeadvantage529.com. They can also enter to win one of five $2,000 CollegeAdvantage scholarships. Deadline to enter is also December 31, 2009. Families can also call 1-800-AFFORD-IT (233-6734) for more information and to request and enrollment packet.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed HB 19, HB 290, SB 89 and SB 124.
State Rep. Sandra Stabile Harwood sponsored HB 19, which requires each school district board of education to adopt a policy to prevent and address incidents of dating violence at school, provide staff training on dating violence prevention and include dating prevention education for grades 7-12 within the health education curriculum. In addition, the bill contains provisions that require the State Board of Education to develop a model dating violence prevention policy for curricula.
Known as "The Tina Croucher Act," the bill is named after Tina Croucher, who was shot and killed by an abusive high school boyfriend in 1992. Her parents, Jim and Elsa Croucher, became strong advocates for teen-dating violence awareness.
State Reps. Danny Bubp and Ray Pryor sponsored HB 290, which adds Junior ROTC as an elective within the Ohio Core curriculum and permits school districts to excuse students participating in Junior ROTC for at least two school years from high school physical education courses.
The bill also permits the state superintendent and chancellor to create a statewide longitudinal student data system for conducting longitudinal research and evaluation of P-16 education programs, which will significantly strengthen Ohio's application for federal Race to the Top grants.
"The education reforms passed earlier this year uniquely positioned Ohio to be highly competitive for Race to the Top federal grants, which will help provide a world-class education to Ohio students so they can succeed in a global economy," Strickland said. "The creation of a longitudinal data system will further strengthen Ohio's application to bring greater investments into Ohio's education system."
HB 290 also contains a provision that directs the Department of Education to reevaluate each community school that was ordered to close at the end of the 2009-2010 school year for poor academic performance to determine whether the school still meets the closure criteria. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for certain School Facilities Commission projects, and removes certain requirements for the Harmon Commission, which designates classrooms as creative learning environments.
State Sen. Sue Morano sponsored SB 89, which authorizes an out-of-state or federally employed advanced practice nurse with the authority to prescribe drugs to obtain that authority in Ohio without completing an externship if the nurse has met other requirements. In addition, the bill includes a provision that requires the Chancellor of the Board of Regents to establish a mechanism within the Ohio Skills Bank to facilitate communication, cooperation, and partnerships to meet regional and statewide nursing education needs.
State Sens. Keith Faber and Joe Schiavoni sponsored SB 124, which changes how property may be transferred upon the death of an individual. The bill also contains provisions that make general changes to the Mortgage Loan Law and the Mortgage Brokers Law and lessens the formatting requirements for instruments or documents recorded with a county recorder.
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Columbus, Ohio – The end of the year is a common time for consumers to receive charitable solicitations from both legitimate charities and scam artists. Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is cautioning consumers to research charitable organizations before donating to make sure they have a clear understanding of where their contribution will go and how it will be spent.
"Charitable giving is a wonderful way for residents of Ohio to give back to their communities," said Cordray. "But before donating, it’s important that you are fully informed about how a charity raises money, how it spends money, what impact your gift will have and whether your donation will be tax-deductible."
Many nonprofits hope potential donors will take advantage of tax benefits by making a donation prior to Dec. 31. Consumers should verify the tax-exempt status of the charity before making a contribution. A legitimate charity will be happy to provide all the necessary information.
Charities often solicit the public for donations through telephone calls or mailings. If professional solicitors or telemarketers are calling on behalf of the charity, they must disclose their name and the fact that they are acting as a professional solicitor.
Crooks employ a wide variety of tactics to elicit funds. Some use names similar to larger, respected organizations. Others open and close strings of charities, pocketing funds along the way.
Attorney General Cordray encourages consumers to become wise donors by asking questions and following a few simple rules. "Ask how your donation will be used and what percentage of your donation will actually stay with the charity," said Cordray. "Some professional solicitors promise as little as 1-percent of donations to the charity and keep the rest for themselves."
Cordray said consumers should not make a donation if the caller:
Consumers can help verify a real campaign or organization by asking for written information or calling the organization’s headquarters directly.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office can take action against fraudulent fundraising schemes. Call the Attorney General’s Office at (800) 282-0515 to find out if a specific professional solicitor campaign is properly registered or to report fraudulent or questionable fundraising efforts.
For more information about good giving habits, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/GoodGiving.
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Columbus, Ohio – A new Ohio law that has made it possible for an estimated 52,000 additional adult Ohioans to obtain health insurance becomes effective on January 1, 2010, said Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson.
The reform puts a rate-cap in place so that more Ohioans can secure basic health coverage through the state-mandated Open Enrollment Health Insurance Program. Insurers are limited in how much they can charge people with diabetes, cancer and other pre-existing or chronic conditions who purchase individual health policies from private insurers through the program. Following a phased-in approach, a cap on rates may eventually be 1 1/2 times the lowest rate charged to a person of similar age and gender. This change is eventually expected to reduce open enrollment premiums by at least 50 percent.
"This is a positive step toward decreasing the number of Ohioans without health insurance and making coverage more affordable and available to everyone in the state," Director Hudson said. "This was one of several health coverage reform measures contained in the state's recently enacted state budget bill that could help 109,000 now uninsured adult Ohioans obtain coverage."
Ohioans are encouraged to visit the Open Enrollment Health Insurance Program Toolkit on the Department's web site at www.insurance.ohio.gov for a list of the approximately 25 insurers in the program, and company contact information (web addresses will be posted January 4). Ohio insurance consumers can also contact an insurance agent for information. Insurers have an annual quota beginning January 1 and once an insurer meets its quota of people enrolled in coverage through open enrollment, the insurer is not required to accept additional applications until the insurer falls below the quota.
Certain insurance consumers who have lost their coverage need to secure new insurance within 63 days or a 90-day waiting period for coverage to begin and a 12-month waiting period for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions likely will be applied by most insurers.
Those deemed as a Federally Eligible Individual (FEI) will have the waiting periods waived. You are considered an FEI if:
To have immediate coverage, an FEI must be enrolled in an open enrollment plan by midnight of the 63rd day after losing the old coverage. A copy of the certificate of coverage from the previous insurer must be provided to the new insurer in order to have the pre-existing condition period waived.
Ohioans with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – With the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a family weekend getaway around this historic holiday. Museums, theaters, educational institutions and organizations throughout Ohio are hosting events to acknowledge and remember the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whether it's a celebration for a day or the weekend, there are numerous events that your family can attend.
Cleveland Orchestra's 30th Annual MLK, Jr., Concert Celebration, Severance Hall, Cleveland, January 17
The Cleveland Orchestra's 30th Annual MLK Concert celebrates the life, leadership, vision and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. This free event includes performances from The Cleveland Orchestra, Central State University's Chorus, Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Chorus, conductor, Franz Welser-Möst, and cellist, Tony Rymer.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Festival, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, January 18
This annual event has become bigger and better year after year. A celebration of the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is the focus of this glorious day of song and dance. This special day is highlighted by performances from national and local artists.
MLK Birthday Open House Celebration, The King Arts Complex, Columbus, January 18
This event is an excellent opportunity for children, families and friends to enjoy theater performances, view videos and learn about the civil rights movement. Visitors can participate in hands-on art activities, view art exhibitions in the corridor and Elijah Pierce Gallery, and meet new friends.
27th Annual MLK Oratorical Contest, University of Toledo, Toledo, January 18
During this event, children will be competing with words. Each contestant has to research and write an oration on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The contestants will be judged by the panel selected and the winners of each age group will be presented with a trophy.
25th Annual MLK Celebration "Living the Dream - a Day of Service", Lebanon, January 18
This all day celebration will take place at Lebanon Junior High School. Activities include: mini-health fair, yoga and relaxation sessions, community safety workshop, Community Ecumenical service at 6:00 p.m. sponsored by Bethel A.M.E. Church, community chorus organized by musician Jay Mills and directed by Steven Haines of Wilmington College, various praise choirs and dancers from the area and recognition of community seniors who have contributed to King's dream.
CNN political analyst Roland Martin will speak at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Annual Holiday Celebration & Presidential Banquet, at the Dayton Convention Center, January 18, at 6:30 p.m. This Annual Banquet is a part of the Diversity Lecture Series and a collaboration between the University of Dayton and the Dayton Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Martin will also speak at the University of Dayton's MLK Prayer Breakfast on January 19, at 7:30 a.m. Roland Martin is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith and Speak, Brother! A Black Man's View of America.
MLK Day Celebration, Case Western Reserve University-Amasa Stone Chapel, Cleveland, January 22
Each year, Case Western Reserve University honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., - the holiday, the man and the legacy - with a weeklong celebration that includes workshops, films, panel discussions and speakers. On January 22 at 12:30 p.m., veteran political strategist, bestselling author and CNN's political analyst Donna Brazile headlines this year's convocation, which concludes a week of events taking place January 15 to 23, at Case Western Reserve University.
To learn about more fun and exciting multicultural events and experiences throughout Ohio, please visit www.DiscoverOhio.com/multicultural, follow us on Twitter @DiscoverOhio or become a fan of the Ohio Tourism Division on Facebook at www.facebook.com/discoverohio.
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Columbus, Ohio – In this economic recession, more families turned to Ohio State Parks for affordable vacation and recreational opportunities in 2009. In fact, state park overnight stays increased by nearly 10 percent. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) responded to this significant increase in attendance and reduced budget by adopting new management strategies designed to create the best experience for the majority of visitors.
"If it is government's responsibility, during a recession, to provide more services to more citizens using a smaller budget and reduced staff, then Ohio State Parks are a note-worthy example of government working the way it should," said ODNR Director Sean Logan.
In a time when many state parks across the country have closed due to economic impacts, all 74 Ohio state parks remain open and free to the public.
"Ohio is a beautiful state with endless opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Despite unprecedented economic challenges, we have worked hard to protect our parks so that Ohio families on tight budgets have close-to-home vacation and recreational opportunities," said Governor Ted Strickland.
There are a number of examples below of how Ohio State Parks have demonstrated their commitment to service during these difficult economic times. These statistics reflect the success of the adaptive management tools utilized by staff.
The Ohio State Parks manage 74 state parks in 60 counties with over 174,000 acres of land and water resources. Facilities include nine resort lodges, two dining lodges, six golf courses, more than 9,000 campsites in 57 family campgrounds, 518 cottages, 40 visitor/nature centers, 80 swimming beaches and 19 swimming pools, 186 boat ramps and 7,583 boat docks, 464 picnic areas, and 1,208 miles of trails. Ohio State Parks host about 50 million visitor occasions each year.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.
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University Heights, Ohio – Deborah S. Delisle, superintendent of public instruction, today announced that third-grade teacher Natalie Wester has been named the 2010 Ohio Teacher of the Year by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).
Delisle made the surprise announcement and presented Wester with a certificate during an all-school assembly at Gearity Professional Development School, where Wester teaches.
"Providing students with the tools they need to succeed in life is the most important accomplishment for any educator," Delisle said. "Natalie, our 2010 Teacher of the Year, excels at giving every student a strong foundation, recognizing hidden potential and guiding students to find excellence within."
"She exemplifies the motto of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District: 'Every student, every day. Some success, some way. College Ready. Life Prepared!'" Delisle said.
"While we recognize Natalie today, I thank all educators for their commitment to Ohio's students," Delisle added.
In addition to teaching a third-grade class, Wester has served as a data liaison and been active in the professional learning community. She also has presented at the Model Schools Conference at the International Center for Leadership in Education. Last year, Gearity was selected as one of only eight elementary schools nationwide to be named a Model School by the center, in part due to Wester's efforts.
"Believing in children, empowering them, and exciting and engaging them by stimulating their imaginations are key to my teaching philosophy," Wester has said.
"When students are encouraged to think creatively and imagine all possibilities – for solving classroom problems and for their own lives – their excitement builds and interest grows. They become engaged as exuberant participants for whom learning is irresistible," Wester has added.
Wester's passionate belief that the teacher is the most important component for student learning has driven her to take a leadership role in teacher training and mentoring. She developed the concept for The New Teachers College's Center for Cultural Competence and Teaching, an innovative, graduate-level teacher preparation program that has provided summer professional development workshops to private and public school educators. Since 2006, she has helped train, develop and serve as a role model for student and pre-student teachers from John Carroll University.
Wester graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's of science degree and then earned a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. After a successful 22-year career in public relations and marketing, including 14 as president of her own advertising agency, Wester went back to school to obtain a master's in education at Ursuline College. She made the decision to become a teacher because she wanted to help foster in every child, in her words, "an unwavering confidence and belief in their own absolute genius."
Outside of school, Wester is involved in the community, volunteering her time and talents with organizations including the United Way, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Shaker Heights Public Library and the Cleveland Scholarship Program.
The 2010 Ohio Teacher of the Year was selected from nominations submitted by schools across the state. Nominations were reviewed by a statewide review panel composed of representatives from a wide range of professional organizations and school constituencies, including community and business representatives, elementary and secondary administrators, principals and teachers – including teachers who have been recognized for their excellent performance in the classroom.
The review panel chose five finalists and personally interviewed each of them before selecting Wester. The four other finalists for the 2010 Ohio Teacher of the Year are:
The Ohio Teacher of the Year program was initiated by ODE in 1969 to honor and promote excellence in teaching and the teaching profession and to build a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in school improvement initiatives. All Ohio school districts and chartered nonpublic schools are invited to nominate outstanding teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership to classroom, school and community activities.
Wester will succeed Jennifer Walker, an English teacher at East High School in Youngstown City Schools, who serves as the 2009 Ohio Teacher of the Year.
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Columbus, Ohio – Once again this holiday season, Governor Ted Strickland, the Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman call on all Ohioans to visit a nursing home and share the spirit of the season with its residents during Visit a Nursing Home Week, December 24-31, 2009. The observance also is a time for individuals to become more involved in the care a loved one or others receive and join facilities as they strive to provide excellent care for all residents.
The department created Visit a Nursing Home Week to encourage people to look at nursing home residents not as patients with conditions that need care, but as individuals with thoughts and feelings, some of them isolated from the ones they love, who might appreciate some fellowship, particularly during the holidays. With the help of the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman, the department also encourages facilities to design special events during the week to welcome visitors.
"Many nursing home residents have family and friends who visit them regularly," said Strickland. "Others seldom have visitors and some have no one to visit them. Visitors help residents stay connected to the world around them and give them a sense of friendship and belonging. And that's why this week is so important."
"The holidays often remind us of the importance of gathering in each other's homes and spending time with those we love and care about," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "For about 84,000 Ohioans, 'home' is a nursing facility, and these folks have just as much right to visitors as you and I."
"Every visitor to one of Ohio's nearly 1,000 nursing homes can support excellent care by speaking up for their loved ones. We encourage everyone — visitors, staff members and residents — to become involved in ensuring quality care in all nursing homes," added Beverley Laubert, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman. "As you share your celebrations and merriment with a loved one in a facility, please consider becoming an advocate for all the residents of that home."
Contact your local nursing homes to see if they are planning holiday events, or join with your church, school or civic organizations to plan a visit. Caroling, writing letters, sharing treats and cards, putting on a holiday program and creating artwork for the facility are all great, intergenerational activities. Before you drop in, check with the facility to find out what their visiting hours are, if they have any restrictions on gifts or treats and if children or pets are welcome.
To find facilities in your area to visit, use the Long-term Care Consumer Guide (www.ltcohio.org), which contains regulatory information, satisfaction ratings and more.
Even if you can't visit a nursing home, you can still make a difference by joining the national Advancing Excellence campaign (www.nhqualitycampaign.org). This initiative of long-term care providers, consumers, advocates, nursing home practitioners, government agencies and more helps nursing homes make a difference in the lives of residents and staff. Participants receive regular updates, information about quality improvement efforts and more.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 95,500 pounds of venison to local food banks so far this deer season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The 95,500 pounds equals approximately 382,000 meals for needy Ohioans. To date, 1,910 deer have been donated with plenty of deer hunting opportunity left in the 2009-10 season. Last year at this time, 671 deer had been donated representing 33,550 pounds of venison.
Last year FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison from 1,096 deer through the entire season, from September 2008 to February 1, 2009.
"I applaud Ohio hunters for their generosity and continue to encourage them to donate what they can so Ohio's food pantries will receive the nutritious red meat they so desperately need," said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife.
Hunters still have a weekend of deer-gun hunting, December 19-20, and eight weeks of archery hunting; the archery season remains open until February 7, 2010. The statewide muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be held January 9-12, 2010.
The Division of Wildlife collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A $100,000 subsidy grant was provided in two $50,000 allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by FHFH. The division subsidized this year's FHFH operation as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.
Venison donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are presently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.
Currently there are 33 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the "Local FHFH" page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties they serve.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is reminding Medicare beneficiaries that the open enrollment or "annual coordinated election" period for 2010 Medicare coverage, which started on November 15, ends at midnight on December 31. The Department — through its Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) — is urging beneficiaries to call the OSHIIP hotline at 1-800-686-1578 and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4277) for plan and enrollment help. Coverage will begin January 1.
"This is the time for beneficiaries to assure they select a plan that best fits their needs in the upcoming year," Director Hudson said. "The Department's OSHIIP Medicare experts can help beneficiaries understand the different coverage options, run plan comparison reports and provide enrollment assistance."
During the Medicare open enrollment period people on Medicare can select one of several coverage options: Original Medicare; original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and/or with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan; a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits including drug coverage; or determine if their current coverage is still the best choice for 2010.
For a complete listing of available Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, visit www.medicare.gov. Those with Medicare questions and those who need enrollment assistance and/or information about financial assistance programs can call OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Third Frontier, a program designed to expand our state's robust technology sector, has generated a 9:1 return on its investments, leveraging resources and creating opportunities for Ohioans through innovation across our state. Today, the Ohio Department of Development announced the release of two competitive requests for proposals (RFP) for the program's 2010 fiscal year.
"Through Ohio Third Frontier, we have invested more than $374 million in the biomedical cluster, a high impact industry across our state," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Ohio Third Frontier's strategic focus and investments will continue to strengthen and create new companies, commercialize new technologies, and create good jobs for Ohioans in both in the biomedical imaging and other sectors."
Medical Imaging and Biomedical areas such as cardiovascular, regenerative medicine, and orthopedics, have demonstrated a compelling capacity for growth in Ohio. Recognizing that potential, Ohio Third Frontier has tailored its programming to become an investment partner in these industries, catalyzing the significant potential these sectors represent for Ohioans.
Designed in 2002 to build world-class research programs, nurture early-stage companies, and foster technology development that makes existing industries more productive, Ohio Third Frontier creates opportunity through innovation. The National Governor's Association and Pew Center for the States described Ohio Third Frontier as "a comprehensive, professionally run effort to build world-class research capacity, promote interaction between research and industry, and commercialize research and development."
Representatives from Ohio Third Frontier will conduct a bidder's conference on January 5, 2010 at TechColumbus. Letters of intent are due to the Ohio Department of Development by January 25, 2010. Formal proposals will be accepted until March 1, 2010 at 2 p.m., with program awards to be made in May 2010.
In keeping with Ohio Third Frontier's commitment to transparency, proposals will be evaluated independently and externally, then reviewed by the Ohio Third Frontier Commission before final approval by the State Controlling Board.
Complete RFP materials are available at: www.thirdfrontier.com.
All information and guidance required to submit a successful proposal can be obtained directly from the Ohio Department of Development.
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Columbus, Ohio – ODOT wants holiday shopping to be safer this season. The Ohio Department of Transportation is teaming up with Walmart — the nation's largest retailer and Ohio's largest employer — to remind Ohio drivers: Ice and Snow... Take it Slow.
Starting today and throughout the holiday season, ODOT's winter safety message will appear in each of the 150 Walmart and Sam's Club stores across the state.
"Being safe is a team effort," said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris. "Through this partnership with Walmart, we will be reaching millions of Ohioans with an important message of safety."
This is the second year for this unique public-private partnership to encourage drivers to access up-to-date traffic information and 24-hour road conditions at www.BuckeyeTraffic.org — ODOT's easy-to-use map-based website for winter weather driving.
Making safety a priority is a common theme for both ODOT and Walmart.
Last winter there were 44,725 crashes on Ohio's roads; 3,415 people were injured and 80 people were killed. Excessive speed and following too closely rank as two of the main factors in crashes.
"We want to take care of our employees and our customers, that's why we decided to partner with ODOT," said Walmart Safety Fleet Manager Jim Murphy. "While obvious, the message to all drivers, in Ice and Snow... Take it Slow does not grow old."
In Ohio, Walmart's delivery truck drivers have been consistently recognized and awarded as one of the safest fleets in the state by the Ohio Trucking Association. This past year, Walmart received a national award as the Safest Fleet In America.
ODOT reminds all drivers — whether their vehicles have 18 wheels or four — that winter driving conditions can change from mile to mile and minute to minute. Drivers need to be in control especially on pavement that is icy and snowy. Best advice: in Ice and Snow... Take it Slow.
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Columbus, Ohio – First Lady Frances Strickland joined Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski today to present the Ohio Award for Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Stewardship to six organizations including two auto companies, a petroleum company office, a hospital a manufacturer and a seed corn and swine farm operation.
Korleski said, "These companies demonstrated leadership in protecting Ohio's environment while making their operation more efficient. The result is good for Ohio's quality of life and environment."
Dull Homestead, Inc. – Brookville (Montgomery County) – Dull Homestead is an incorporated family farm operation, with a large-scale swine and seed grain operation on more than 2,800 acres. More than 1,100 acres of the land owned by the company is under either conservation or agriculture easements.
Dull Homestead uses all of its swine manure from holding pits below animal buildings to fertilize cropland. The farm raises much of its own corn to use for feeding, and supplements feed with dried distiller's grain from an ethanol plant nearby in Greenville. A corn dryer is fueled by out-of-date seed corn, saving about 50,000 gallons of propane per year. With careful management and reuse of corn cobs, corn shucks, dust left over from seed corn processing and undesirable dried corn, there is almost no waste from the seed corn operation. Ohio EPA also recognizes the farm's use of wind turbines and the development of a future energy center.
GM Powertrain Toledo Plant (Lucas County) – Operating since 1916, GM Powertrain has been in its current location on Alexis Road since 1956. The plant has produced more than 63 million transmissions for a variety of vehicles. In 2008, GM Toledo changed the plant's product to a 6-speed rear wheel drive automatic transmission and is adding a 6-speed transmission for front wheel drive vehicles beginning in 2010. Operations have been simplified for machining, assembly, wastewater pretreatment and powerhouse activities.
The site has implemented a drive-to-zero program with a long-term goal of no negative environmental impacts to the community. The drive-to-zero program includes: zero landfill, zero non-recycled waste, and zero air and water emissions. Key components include a comprehensive waste program, evaluating each waste beginning with eliminating or minimizing materials used and graduating to reusing, recycling or the next most effective disposal method. Using energy conservation methods, the company earned the maximum energy star rating for equipment shutdowns. A design for the environment program was used to evaluate transmission designs, components, chemical materials, equipment and building designs to determine best environmental practices. GM Toledo also creates native plant habitats on-site including a bio infiltration swale and wildflower meadow which have been used by local students for field study.
Honda – Marysville, East Liberty, Anna, and Russells Point (Logan, Shelby and Union counties) – Honda consists of facilities in Marysville, East Liberty, Anna and Russells Point produce Honda motor vehicles, engines and drive train components.
Honda has reduced waste sent for disposal in landfills by 34 percent; reduced electricity use by 62.5 million kilowatt hours or enough to supply more than 5,500 typical households in one year; reduced natural gas usage by more than 417 million cubic feet in one year; and reduced ground water use by 43 million gallons per year. By using two ponds covering seven acres to capture rain water, the company avoided using more than 95 million gallons of ground water over two years. At the company's East Liberty facility, a spinning operation was added to remove oil and solvents from used rags. The rags are then remanufactured into auto parts. At the Anna Engine Plant, the company reused 7.7 million pounds of sand castings in soil and mulch products.
Huron Hospital – East Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) – Huron Hospital is a 189 bed community-based teaching hospital. The hospital was built in 1931 on the former estate of John D. Rockefeller and continues to provide quality health care services to an underserved population in Cleveland, Cleveland Heights and South Euclid.
Huron Hospital began a significant waste reduction effort in 2005. The organization made a sustainability pledge to promote a healthier footprint in the community by integrating sustainable practices. The facility reduced solid waste, regulated medical waste and hazardous waste and implemented policies to become mercury-free. In addition, the hospital implemented water and energy conservation measures and created a healthier environment overall. The hospital improved indoor air quality, reduced chemicals and added green processes. The facility achieved a 30.4 percent solid waste recycling rate. In 2007, the hospital established a policy for the virtual elimination of mercury was established that includes safe handling of mercury, spill clean-up procedures, employee education and training, and a mercury-free purchasing policy. The program also includes fluorescent lamp recycling, a battery recycling program, and an inventory of all potential areas with mercury.
Marathon Petroleum Company – Findlay (Hancock County) – Marathon Petroleum Company's Findlay office complex is the company's corporate headquarters, consisting of three multi-story office buildings, a service building and a 1,750 KW electrical capacity utility building. The complex operates and houses the Marathon Pipe Line operation center for about 8,400 miles of petroleum pipeline.
Marathon began an extensive recycling program in 2005 to divert large volumes of office waste from landfills. The waste reduction initiative expanded into a comprehensive recycling program and energy and water reduction initiative. In 2008, total material recycled was 317,685 pounds, or 46 percent of the company's total waste. In addition, the company added a chemical-free pre-press operation that eliminated 1,000 pounds of aluminum waste, 1,200 pounds of silver and 758 chemicals per year.
Masco Retail Cabinet Group (Ashtabula and Geauga counties) – Masco Retail Cabinet Group has two manufacturing facilities in Middlefield and one in Orwell where it produces semi-custom cabinetry.
At all process stages including sourcing, manufacturing, finishing and shipping, the company focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling. Environmental impacts are reduced by carefully ordering materials and applying sophisticated technology to cut wood for the highest possible yield, reducing waste. Cabinetry is made from environmentally preferred particle board with a percentage of recycled material. Masco reuses sawdust as fuel and recycles or reuses finish materials whenever possible. For delivery, the company optimizes loading and routes to reduce truck miles driven, burning less fuel. Company practices include considering environmental impacts for every new product decision.
Award winners were selected based on a track record of environmental compliance and commitment to go beyond regulatory requirements to improve environmental performance; a mature environmental management system that has been integrated into core business functions; aggressive environmental performance goals; and a process for communicating with the local community about program activities and progress on performance goals. After nominations were rated, Ohio EPA visited each site to select honorees. More information about the program is available at www.epa.ohio.gov/ocapp/stewardship.aspx.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today awarded its highest honor to five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the protection and enjoyment of the state's natural resources. Inducted into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame were Dr. Jim Bissell from Cleveland, the late Robert Redett of Amlin, Professor James (Jim) Rinier from Kent, Nelson (Bud) Talbott from Cleveland, and Georgia Welles from Bowling Green.
The agency also presented its annual Cardinal Award for conservation achievement to Frank Phelps of Belle Center and Dick Sorg of Zanesville. The Director's Environmental Achievement Award was awarded to The Sherwin-Williams Company for their support of the department's Recovery Conservation Corps program.
ODNR Director Sean D. Logan presented the awards during a ceremony at the agency's Fountain Square Complex in Columbus.
The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was established by ODNR in 1966. To date, 150 individuals have been accorded the honor, which recognizes a lifetime devoted to the preservation, protection and wise management of Ohio's natural resources. Previous Hall of Fame honorees include the legendary Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman), Ohio-born explorer John Wesley Powell, botanist Lucy Braun and conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield.
The ODNR Cardinal Award honors individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional awareness and concern for ideals reflected in the department's mission statement: to ensure a balance between the wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and Attorney General Richard Cordray's office have received widespread reports of a national scheme targeting recipients of unemployment compensation benefits in Ohio. Those targeted receive fraudulent text messages on their cell phones, claiming to be from state unemployment agencies.
The fraudulent messages inform recipients that their unemployment benefits have been suspended and to call the provided phone number to reactivate. When recipients call, they are asked for personal information, including debit card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). At that point, unemployment benefits deposited on the debit card are accessed and withdrawn by the scam artist.
"We want to make all unemployment recipients in Ohio aware of this very real threat," said ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin. "ODJFS representatives will never ask for claimants' debit card information or their PIN numbers. Claimants should not give this information out over the phone." According to complaints filed with the Attorney General's Office, several additional versions of this scam are currently circulating with similar messages that allege account problems with various credit cards issued by U.S. Bank. Recipients are encouraged to call the number and provide personal information. Attorney General Cordray strongly urges Ohioans to disregard the message and not provide any personal information.
"This is a prime example of how a scam can mutate and adapt to changing times and trends," Cordray said. "With the use of text messaging on the rise, it is no surprise that scammers have manipulated the system to target unsuspecting individuals. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of remaining vigilant and exercising extreme caution with personal information. In this case, disregard the message. Do not provide any personal information."
ODJFS is working with its debit card provider, U.S. Bank, to further protect, inform and educate its customers. Anyone who receives one of these fraudulent messages should not respond. Anyone who suspects funds have been inappropriately accessed should call the customer service number provided on the back of their U.S. Bank debit card: (866) 276-5114.
In response to the many complaints received by ODJFS and the Attorney General's Office, U.S. Bank has issued the following statement: "The safety and security of customers' accounts and information is a top priority of U.S. Bank. We would never ask a customer to place their personal information in jeopardy by contacting them and asking them to divulge it over the phone, via e-mail or text messages. If customers have any questions or see suspicious activity on their account, they should contact the customer service number on the back of their cards."
Cordray also urges Ohioans who have become victims of this scam or any other phishing scam to immediately report the incident to local police and contact his office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or by calling (800) 282-0515.
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Columbus, Ohio – With severe winds forecasted in Ohio today and throughout the night, Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson urges Ohioans to take preventative measures to protect their property and to also review their insurance coverage in case a claim may need filed with their insurance agent.
"We all remember the major winds and damage caused by Hurricane Ike," Director Hudson said. "That disaster taught us all about the importance of being proactive to ensure property is protected and the insurance and disaster recovery steps are understood."
Ohioans with questions about insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 and also visit www.insurance.ohio.gov to review the Department's Severe Weather On-line Toolkit. The toolkit provides guidance on what steps to take when filing an insurance claim in the event that property is damaged in a storm.
Director Hudson also wants Ohioans to be aware of unscrupulous contractors that tend to drift state-to-state and prey on desperate people anxious to get their property repaired and lives back in order.
Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohioans with income held in Swiss bank accounts have a one-time opportunity to disclose any unreported income in these accounts by March 1, 2010 and partially avoid penalties.
The Ohio Department of Taxation has created the Ohio Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program for taxpayers holding accounts in Swiss banks who have not previously reported the full extent of this income. The program offers eligible taxpayers the opportunity to limit the penalty they pay to 15 percent of the tax due.
Ohio's voluntary disclosure initiative was prompted by an August 2009 Internal Revenue Service agreement with the Swiss government. This agreement specifies that the Swiss government will direct the UBS bank to turn over information to the IRS on thousands of accounts held by Americans. The Swiss government has also agreed to review and process additional requests for information from other Swiss banks.
The IRS will share the results of its examination of these accounts with Ohio and other states under long standing information-sharing agreements. The IRS recently launched its own voluntary disclosure program for affected taxpayers.
"Our job is to make sure everyone is playing by the same set of rules. When a few taxpayers hide income in offshore bank accounts, that isn't fair to everyone else," Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin said. "This is a one-time opportunity for taxpayers with unreported offshore income to come clean and make things right while minimizing their penalty."
The Department of Taxation may partially abate the penalty on any taxpayer who underreported income in prior years provided that it is disclosed by March 1, 2010 and the taxpayer meets the program's other conditions, outlined below. These taxpayers will then owe the tax due plus interest, and a penalty equal to 15 percent of the tax due. Taxpayers who do not come forward — and who are later identified by the Department of Taxation through information provided by the IRS — will face much stiffer penalties.
In order to enter the voluntary disclosure program, taxpayers must disclose the underreported income and provide the following information:
The information described above should be sent by e-mail to TaxDisclosure@tax.state.oh.us. Taxpayers will have 60 days after their initial contact to the department to submit all pertinent documents and necessary payments.
A fuller description of the program and other information is available at the information release located at the URL listed below:
tax.ohio.gov/divisions/communications/information_releases/income/IT_2009_02.stm
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Doug Lumpkin and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut today announced that the Strickland Administration has expanded unemployment compensation (UC) eligibility so that out-of-work Ohioans can continue to receive benefits while enrolled in full-time education and training programs.
"To build a robust economic recovery from the ground up, Ohio's working people must have every opportunity to get the education and training they need to land the new kinds of jobs our economy is creating," Strickland said. "This policy change will help those Ohioans hardest hit by the recession to obtain job training skills without sacrificing their ability to continue providing for their families."
Previously, only those UC beneficiaries enrolled in certain approved training programs were exempt from the unemployment compensation program's work-search requirements. Now, claimants enrolled in any full-time accredited training program no longer have to declare themselves "able, available and actively seeking" work while they receive benefits.
"This change in eligibility will help eliminate obstacles and open doors, just when Ohio's unemployed workers need it most," said ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin. "It will allow unemployed Ohioans to get the skills and training they need, in the industries that need them, so they can make a better future for their families."
Additionally, the Obama Administration is permitting UC claimants to receive special consideration for financial aid to pay for job training or education. These unemployed workers may be eligible for federal Pell Grants, which provide need-based aid to low-income students to help cover education and training expenses.
Pell Grants are accepted at most universities and community colleges as well as many trade and technical schools and adult career centers. They are available to full- or part-time students who do not have an associate's or bachelor's degree.
"Providing affordable options to Ohioans for education is one of the state's top priorities," said Chancellor Fingerhut. "Helping unemployed workers access the skills and education they need for a good-paying job will not only improve the lives of Ohioans, but it will further Ohio's goal of creating the most competitive workforce in the world."
ODJFS Director Lumpkin is sending a letter to all individuals receiving unemployment compensation, which explains both opportunities and verifies them as UC beneficiaries.
The letter includes instructions for those interested in applying for financial aid assistance. Claimants should take the letter to their schools' financial aid offices.
While the federal program does not guarantee that all UC claimants will be approved for Pell or other grants, schools may adjust financial aid packages for claimants meeting eligibility criteria.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced an appointment to the State Board of Education and additional appointments to state boards and commissions.
The State Board of Education exercises, under the acts of the general assembly, supervision of the system of public education in the state.
Kathy Leavenworth, of Russell, currently serves as a member of the West Geauga Schools Board of Education. She has served in this position since being elected in 1979, including serving as the board president from 1979-2002. She has also served as the legislative liaison and as the chair of several bond and levy campaigns. Leavenworth served as the president of the Ohio School Boards Association in 1999 and represented Ohio as a delegate to the National School Boards Association for five years. Leavenworth is also an active member of her community. She currently serves as a board member of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and the Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village. Leavenworth also founded the West Geauga Educational Foundation in 1986 and the West Geauga Performing Arts Foundation in 2000. She received a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University.
The Ohio Elections Commission hears, through "probable cause panels", certain violations of the Elections Law at expedited hearings.
Jayme Smoot, of Columbus, has served as an associate attorney for the law firm of Littler Mendelson since 2008. She previously served as the deputy chief of staff for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus from 2007-2008 and as an associate attorney for the law firm of Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter from 2003-2007. Smoot received a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1998 and a law degree from the Ohio State University in 2003.
The State Employment Relations Board studies representation and negotiation problems in employment relations, recommends legislation, and studies employment conditions in the state. It also organizes collective bargaining units, hears and determines charges of unfair labor practices, and oversees negotiations between public employers and public employees.
Eugene Brundige, of London, currently serves as an arbitrator, mediator and labor relations consultant. He previously served as the chief negotiator and deputy human resources director for the City of Columbus from 1998-2000 and as the director of classified personnel for Columbus Public Schools from 1996-1998. Brundige received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Ohio University in 1966 and 1968, respectively.
The State Medical Board receives applications and conducts examinations for certificates of persons desiring to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state of Ohio. The board also may revoke existing licenses or certificates of doctors and surgeons in Ohio.
J. Craig Strafford, of Gallipolis, has served as a practicing obstetrics and gynecology physician for the past thirty-four years. He previously served as the president of the Holzer Clinic from 1990-2005 and as the medical director for AdvaCare from 1985-1990. Strafford also serves as a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has served in various leadership roles for the American Medical Association. He received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a doctorate from the Ohio State University.
The Commission on Minority Health was established to promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups. Each year the commission distributes grants from available funds to community-based health groups to be used to promote health and the prevention of disease among members of minority groups.
Sonia Troche, of Perrysburg, has served as the executive director of Adelante, the Latino Resource Center since 2004. She previously served as the Ohio director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration from 2002-2004 and as a business operations executive for Netxar Technologies from 1998-2002. Troche also serves as a member of the Toledo Hispanic/Latino Strategic Alliance and of the Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She received a bachelor's degree from the David N. Myers College in 2000 and a master's degree from Tiffin University in 2007.
Cora Munoz, of Worthington, has served as a professor of nursing for Capital University since 2002. She previously served as an associate professor for Capital University from 1995-2001. Munoz also serves as a member of the Ohio Nurses Association and the Multiethnic Mental Health Consortium. She received a bachelor's degree from the St. Paul College of Nursing in 1969, a master's degree from Columbia University in 1976, and a doctorate from the Ohio State University in 1995.
The University of Toledo Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Joseph Zerbey, of Sylvania, has served as the president and CEO of the Toledo Blade since 2004. He previously served as the president of the Newspaper Agency Corporation from 2000-2004 and as the president of the York Newspaper Company from 1994-2000. Zerbey also serves as a board member of the Ohio Newspaper Association as the Toledo Zoo Foundation. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1969. Zerbey received a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University in 1965.
Linda Mansour, of Toledo, has served as the managing attorney for the law firm of Linda Mansour-Ismail since 1987. She previously served as an associate for the law firm of Sidley & Austin from 1983-1987. Mansour also serves as a member of the Toledo Women's Bar Association and the Council for National Interest. She received a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1976 and 1979, respectively.
Baldemar Velasquez, of Toledo, has served as the president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO since 1967. He also served as an organizer for the National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991. Velasquez received the Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in 1994. He also currently serves on the board of directors for Policy Matters Ohio. Velasquez received a degree in practical theology and was ordained as the chaplain to farm workers by Rapha Ministries. He received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Toledo.
The Wright State University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Nina Joshi, of Xenia, currently serves as the president and CEO of UES in Dayton. She previously served as the vice president and as a research scientist at UES Services. Joshi serves as a board member for the Dayton Development Coalition. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, a master's degree from American University, and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.
The Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Board of Trustees shall hire, fix compensation of, and remove employees of the college as deemed necessary. It shall do all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.
Cathy Crain, of Cincinnati, previously served as a vice president for Scudder Stevens & Clark. She also served as the vice president for investments and chairwoman of charitable endowments for the National City Bank Corp. Crain currently serves as the president of the Cincinnati Opera Board of Trustees and as the vice president of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. She received a bachelor's degree from Skidmore College, a master's degree from Cleveland State University, and a law degree from Akron University
The Ohio Business Gateway Steering Committee directs the continuing development of the Ohio Business Gateway and to oversee its operations.
Adriana A. Sfalcin, of Dublin, currently serves as the executive vice president and CEO for the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. She previously served on the management team for the Port Columbus International Airport. Sflacin received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University.
The Ohio Health Care Coverage & Quality Council advises the governor, general assembly, entities in the public and private sectors, and consumers on strategies to expand affordable health insurance coverage to more individuals and to improve the cost and quality of the state's health insurance system and health care system.
Holly Saelens, of New Albany, currently serves as the vice president for AMERIGROUP Community Care of Ohio. She previously served as the director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. Saelens serves as a volunteer member for the Komen Race for the Cure Development Team. She received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a master's degree from the Ohio State University.
Frederick McGraw, of Pickerington, has served as the director of education and research for the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) for the past eight years. He previously served as a troubleshooter, field director, and field representative for OAPSE. McGraw also previously served as a member of the State Coverage Initiative Advisory Committee and the State Quality Initiative Core Team.
Richard Snow, of Worthington, has served as the principal for Allied Health Services since 1997 and as the medical director for performance improvement at Doctors Hospital. He previously served as a clinical faculty instructor for the Doctors Hospital Family Practice Residency program from 1996-2006. Snow has served as a member of the American Public Health Association since 1989. He received a bachelor's degree from Denison University in 1978 and a doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1983.
Richard Stoff, of Bexley, currently serves as the president and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable. He previously served as a partner for Ernst & Young and as a senior consultant for Touche Ross. Stoff has been active in workforce issues, spearheading the Ohio Skill Gap Initiative and currently serves on the national board of directors for Jobs for America's Graduates. He received a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in 1972 and a master's degree from Syracuse University in 1975.
Rebecca Williams, of Massillon, has served as the executive vice president and long term care division director for District 1199 of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) since 2005. She previously served SEIU District 1199 as a team leader from 2000-2005. Williams also currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the Ohio Health Care Trust. She graduated from Louisville High School in 1984.
Ron Bridges, of Columbus, currently serves as the associate director of government affairs for AARP Ohio. He previously served as the vice president of the Health Coalition of Central Ohio. Bridges received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the Ohio State University.
Richard Cornett, of Worthington, currently serves as the CEO of the Ohio Optometric Association. He previously served as the project director for the Save Our Sight Grant, and the National Eye Institute Grants. He also served as the president of the MedOhio Health non-profit organization. Cornett received a bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky State University and a master's degree from Central Michigan University.
Steven Gabbe, of Columbus, currently serves as the senior vice president for health services and as the CEO of the Ohio State University Medical Center. He previously served as the dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Gabbe received a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a medical degree from Cornell University Medical College.
William Hayes, of Columbus, is the founding president of the Health Policy Institute of Ohio. He previously served as the assistant deputy director of the Office of Ohio Health Plans. Hayes received a bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from Northwestern University.
Lawerence Hill, of Wyoming, has served as the executive director for the Cincy Smiles Foundation since 1988. He previously served as the dental director for the Cincinnati Health Department from 1978-2008. Hill received a dentistry degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and a degree in dental public health from the University of Minnesota.
Erin Hoeflinger, of Springboro, currently serves as the president and general manager for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. She previously served as the president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. Hoeflinger received a bachelor's degree from Wright State University and a master's degree from Xavier University.
Oliver Henkel, of Cleveland Heights, currently serves as the chief government relations officer for the Cleveland Clinic. He previously served as a partner at the law firm of Thompson Hine and as the vice president of the Progressive Corporation. Henkel received a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Yale University.
Cathy Levine, of Bexley, currently serves as the executive director of the Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN). She previously served as the policy director for UHCAN, and as an associate attorney for Handelman & Kilroy. Levine also serves as the co-chair of the Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. She received a bachelor's degree from New York University, a master's degree from the Goddard-Cambridge Graduate Program, and a law degree from the New England School of Law.
Steve Millard, of Auburn Township, has served as the president for the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) since 1999. He previously served as the CEO for the Greater Cleveland Partnership from 2004-2008. Millard also served as the vice president for member services and operations for the Greater Cleveland Growth Association for 1999-2004. He received a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University.
Margaret Namie, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the regional vice president for quality acute & chronic services for the Mercy Health Partners. She previously served as the corporate director of chronic and palliative care for Catholic Healthcare Partners. Namie also serves as a member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality. She received a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree from Emory University.
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Columbus, Ohio – Two boats as well as various cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and passenger vans will be among the 90 vehicles available for purchase at the State of Ohio surplus vehicle auction Saturday, December 12.
The auction will be held at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, General Services Division headquarters, 4200 Surface Road, Columbus. The doors open at 8 a.m.; the auction will begin at 10 a.m.
Auction items include a 19-foot, 1991 Boston Whaler boat with trailer and a 17-foot, 1989 Sunbird boat with trailer.
To view the items, please visit, www.dasapps.ohio.gov/Surplus/nextauction.asp.
Vehicles may be inspected from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 7 through 11. Vehicles may be started only from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. December 11. All vehicles are sold as is with no warranties. Thirty-day temporary tags will be available for purchase on site the day of the auction for $18 cash.
All vehicles must be paid for in full the day of the auction. All purchased vehicles must be removed from the auction site by December 18.
Surplus property auctions provide the general public an opportunity to purchase quality goods at reduced prices and enable the state to recoup a portion of its initial investment. Miscellaneous property and vehicle auctions generated more than $2.2 million during fiscal year 2009.
Public auctions are the last step in the state's surplus program. State agencies declare property as surplus because it is damaged or at the end of its life cycle for government use. The property is then made available to other state agencies, state higher education facilities, tax-supported agencies, municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, including public schools. Remaining property is sold at the public auctions.
For more information, please contact Jeff Scanlan at (614) 466-2670 or visit the DAS State and Federal Surplus Services website at www.ohio.gov/surplus or call (614) 466-2670.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has issued the following proclamation in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and has ordered all state and federal flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday.
Each December we remember what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called "a date which will live in infamy."
On the morning of December 7th, 1941, the Japanese naval forces of the First Imperial Fleet, augmented by aviation elements of the Japanese Air Force, launched an unprovoked attack against United States forces stationed at the Pearl Harbor military facilities in Hawaii.
This surprise attack resulted in the outright loss, or damage, to 347 of the 394 aircraft parked at the Hickam, Wheeler, and Bellows airfields, the sinking or serious damage of 18 of the 96 sailing vessels in the harbor, the deaths of 2,403 military members, and the wounding of well over a thousand more.
The people of Ohio joined with their countrymen in responding to this attack. On December 8th, 1941, war was declared by the United States upon the Empire of Japan and on the other Axis Powers, Germany and Italy, four days later.
This surprise attack on U.S. Forces at Pearl Harbor is known as the catalyst for the involvement of some twenty six million brave Americans and our Allies in the successful prosecution of World War II.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TED STRICKLAND, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby proclaim Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7, 2009 and I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution, that the flags of the United States of America and of the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio from sunrise to sunset, Monday, December 7th, 2009. I ask all Ohioans to join in recognizing the historical significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and pause in memory of the brave individuals who defended us on that day.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel, and Mark Shanahan, energy advisor to Governor Strickland, today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has approved Ohio's proposal to use $11 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for rebates to residential customers for select Energy Star® qualified appliances.
Ohio submitted its plan on October 15 for review and approval by the federal government.
"These ARRA resources encourage the purchase of energy efficient appliances for Ohio homes, which will allow our families to save money on energy costs and benefit our environment," Strickland said. "Ohioans will have the opportunity to transition to new, more efficient appliances while directly stimulating our state's retail and manufacturing economies."
With today's announcement, Ohio can finalize its plan to provide nearly 90,000 rebates, totaling nearly $11 million, to Ohio consumers who purchase Energy Star® qualified refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, high efficiency gas heaters, and electric heat pump water heaters at participating Ohio retailers.
"These funds support Ohio's commitment to energy efficiency and economic recovery through the creation and retention of jobs across Ohio's economy, from the manufacturing sector to retail outlets," Patt-McDaniel said.
An official announcement, expected in the first quarter of 2010, will notify when and how Ohio consumers can reserve and redeem a rebate for their purchase of Energy Star® qualified appliances. The Ohio Department of Development is partnering with appliance retailers and energy utilities statewide to market the program and utilizing a third-party entity to process the rebates.
"Through the leadership demonstrated by the Obama administration and the Ohio congressional delegation, this program makes high efficiency appliances more affordable for thousands of Ohioans. It will increase energy efficiency, lower electric bills and result in the manufacturing of more of these products," Shanahan said.
View a summary of the Ohio rebate program plan.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Aging concludes its Great Depression Story Project this month with the fourth collection of memories now available online (www.aging.ohio.gov/news/greatdepressionstoryproject/). The final volume of excerpts is highlighted by the tales of how families celebrated the holidays during the 1930s.
A few of the selections:
"Our Christmas trees came from a nearby woods. It didn't matter if they were lop-sided. We thought they were beautiful." – Wilma Blasiman, age 88, Lake Milton
"We decorated our beautiful tree with red and green paper chains from school and strings of popcorn. For a Christmas treat, Mom would bake dozens of cookies for us and frost them in all different colors. We loved it!" – Ruth Maloney Cowgill, Marion
"One year, we three older kids decided to surprise the family. ln August, we secretly began to hoard every penny and nickel we earned. By December, we had $2.25 exactly. We shopped carefully, so everyone had a 25-cent gift on Christmas morning." – Margaret B. Edwards, age 89, Gibsonburg
"Holidays were special. We had foods that we didn't get during the year, like oranges and nuts and freshly made peanut butter from West Side Market... We didn't have a tree or gifts." – Theresa Giallombardo, age 80, Maple Heights
"We used to sit around the Christmas tree and play a guessing game. 'I see something red (or silver or whatever).' Whoever guessed the ornament first and pointed it out got the next turn." – Ann Shook, age 85, Akron
"Each holiday, the aluminum co. delivered a bushel-sized basket of food to each of its laid-off employees. My father was too proud to accept the donation and refused the basket." – Sally K. Weil, age 89, Bartlett, IL (formerly of Cleveland)
Also included in the final installment are stories about food and cooking, entertainment and recreation; rural and city life; public assistance and government relief; transportation; making ends meet; clothing and laundry and other thoughts.
In March, 2009, the department issued a news release asking people to submit their recollections from the Great Depression so that the sacrifices they made and the lessons they learned may be shared with other generations currently facing tough economic times. The department collected 313 stories from people in 54 Ohio counties and others from out of state who used to reside in Ohio. The average age of those submitting stories was 85. The oldest subject was 103, the youngest 64. Department staff reviewed the stories and compiled more than 1,000 excerpts on a variety of topics, which are now available in four volumes online.
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Columbus, Ohio – The scam was last heavily reported several years ago, and it has recently resurfaced throughout the state. The con plays out as follows: a scammer calls a potential victim, claiming to work for the municipal court system. The caller tells the victim a warrant has been issued for their arrest for failing to report for jury duty. In order to clear up the alleged issue, the victims are told they must provide their social security number, date of birth and in some instances a credit card number.
"This scam, like most, plays on fear. It puts the victim on the defensive, forcing them to react without necessarily thinking the situation through," said Attorney General Richard Cordray. "The best rule of thumb is to never give out your personal information over the phone regardless of who is calling. Unless you initiate the call, you really don't have verification of who is on the other end."
The Supreme Court of Ohio advises Ohioans that officers of the court do not request personal information over the phone.
"Jury management is something that is administered by local courts, and citizens with questions about jury service should contact their local court directly," said Steven C. Hollon, administrative director of the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Cordray also urges Ohioans who have become victims of this scam or any other phishing scam to immediately report the incident to local police and contact his office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or by calling 800.282.0515.
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Columbus, Ohio – Posing as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scammers have found a new angle in the effort to exploit fears driven by the spread of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, sometimes called "swine flu." Attorney General Richard Cordray today urges Ohioans to beware of an e-mail which carries a computer virus that may infect your computer and provide a stranger with access to your personal information.
The bogus e-mail announces the launch of a "state vaccination H1N1 program" and encourages the user to create a personal vaccination profile. It provides a link to a Web page that looks similar to the CDC site. Within the page are downloadable instructions for creating your personal vaccination profile.
Cordray warns that by downloading the instructions, visitors are downloading a virus onto their computers.
"Any time you receive an e-mail from someone you are not familiar with, I strongly recommend avoiding the provided links," said Cordray. "Clicking on that link can unleash downloadable viruses capable of capturing your personal information and sending it back to the scam artist."
Because of these potential phishing attacks and e-mail scams, Cordray encourages consumers who are interested in H1N1 influenza virus information to visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services informational Web site at www.flu.gov or the Ohio Department of Health informational site, www.flu.ohio.gov. Cordray also offers the following tips to help Ohioans avoid phishing scams:
Report this phishing scam or any other scam to the Attorney General's Office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or by calling (800) 282-0515.