November 2024

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) continues to look for dedicated volunteers to fill a variety of roles.

The organization updates its volunteer opportunities list regularly. Heather Schalk, volunteer services manager, said volunteers today often want flexibility. Some want to volunteer for several hours each week, while others might have less availability but ask to be on the list for a one-time opportunity, like a special event. Schalk meets with each new volunteer individually to get a sense of their interests, skills, and schedule.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ada Schools Board of Education met on November 21 with this attached agenda including administration reports, monthly financial report and the twice-annual 5-year financial forecast. Board member Justin Hollon reported on attending two days of the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
High School Principal Dan Lee encouraged the board to take a look at the Science Fair for 7th graders, which was also being held that evening. He noted that this is a big project with weeks of preparation and a presentation to adults and people they don’t know. He called it a “good adversity” experience.

He also reported on band and Varsity Singers competitions, the annual Music Feast show choir even and Veterans Breakfast, thanking all of the volunteers and students who assist with these programs. 

Lee noted that 20+ students are being assisted with a new backpack food program for the upper grades that provides students with food for weekends. The new program is supported by Honda, an anonymous donor and the Hardin County United Way. 

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal has issued a report on the October 31 fire that destroyed a residence at 2352 Township Rd 92 in Alger.

KENTON – OhioHealth has announced that effective December 1, Jim Parobek will lead both Marion General and Hardin Memorial Hospitals, allowing Hardin Memorial’s current president, Joy Bischoff, to focus her full attention on the integration and strategic alignment of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.

Bischoff has been passionate about serving Hardin County, where she began her career nearly 30 years ago. She was named president of Hardin Memorial Hospital in 2021 and then also became president of Van Wert Hospital when OhioHealth acquired it in March of 2023.