First Posted: 2/20/2015
CELINA — The Lots For Soldiers Inc. organization is looking for veterans to sign up for a newly constructed home. The deadline to submit applications is March 1.
According to the website, Lots For Soldiers Inc. was formed in 2014 for the purpose of providing support and services to current and former members of all branches of the U.S. military. The main focus is to build new homes for former or active servicemen or women. It is the intent to honor and thank those who have served and protected the citizens of the United States by providing support and services in regards to housing.
The group has completed one home located in Celina, and are taking applications for another home that it will build. This first home broke ground in the spring and the keys were handed over in the fall to the first family.
“Right now we have a lot in Celina to build another house. We had purchased three lots through the city and we turned three lots into two. We built the first house on one lot. Another lot is available to put another house on,” said Amber Young, board member of Lots For Solders. “We have another lot in Rockford and Wapakoneta is interested in donating a lot to us.”
The organization teamed up with another organization that builds houses annually when building the first house. This next house, the organization is on its own. It is seeking financial support to provide building materials and household accessories to complete the construction of this next residence.
“We rely on donations, and then what is left, it will be like a VA loan. The homeowner won’t have much of a payment,” said Young.
The application process is open to any and all veterans of all ages.
“We have people where it is a pride thing and they say, ‘I can do it on my own.’ We want to try and get as many applications as possible. It’s not so much we want to help somebody out, we want to show our appreciation,” Young said.
The application can be found on the website: http://lotsforsoldiers.com, or they can call 419-586-5058 and they will mail an application to the veteran.
Donations can be sent to: Lots For Soldiers, 201 Jill Ave., Celina, OH 45822. The organization does have a federal tax identification number, and donations will be tax deductible.
Putnam County veterans receive gift cards
COLUMBUS GROVE — The Putnam County Disabled American Veterans, with the help of the Ottawa Jaycees, gave out more than $1,200 in gift cards to area veterans who are in nursing homes in Putnam County. The money was presented with a St. Valentine’s Day card thanking them for their service.
The veterans of Ottawa Meadows, Autumn Court, Leipsic Meadows, Kalida Meadows, the Heritage and Hilty Nursing Homes and veterans of the Putnam County Hospice Program enjoyed the visit from Dennis and Darlene Hanneman. Hanneman is the commander of the Putnam County Disabled American Veterans and the past commander of the State of Ohio Disabled American Veterans.
Hancock Park District announce photo contest winners
FINDLAY — The Hancock County Park District held its 19th annual photo contest. More than 397 photos were entered this year.
Winning people’s choice and best in show, youth ages 13 and under was Alicia Gomez.
Winning people’s choice, adult ages 14 and older was Scott Bechtel; best of show adults ages 14 and older, Kieron Corr-Wright.
Winning Youth first, second, and third place Alicia Gomez; fourth place Hayley Bosworth, fifth place Alicia Gomez. Honorable mention: Alicia Gomez and Hayley Bosworth.
In the wild animals category, first place went to Ron Heldman; second place was Douglas Melin and third place Sarah Gomez. Honorable mention honors went to Bonnie Brielmaier, Thomas Schubert and Stephen Bodart.
Domestic animal category winners were, first and second place, Jennessa Gibbs, third place Amy Baird. Honorable mention was extended to Allison Schneider and Scott Bechtel.
Hancock Park District Scenes: First place, Tammi Addington, second place, Chris Smoody, third place David Beal. Honorable mention, Dale Addington and Robert Hills.
Blanchard River Watershed Partnership: First place Roberts Hills, second place Mary Zoeller and third place Dale Addington. Honorable mentions: Sarah Gomes, Kathy Fenstermaker and Douglas Melin.
General Nature: first place, Sarah Sammet, second place Sarah Gomez, third place David Beal with honorable mention to Tim Cole, Chris Smoody and Robert Hills.
Action Sports: first place, Stephen Bodart, second place Bill Lishawa and third place Matt Cunningham with honorable mention to Sydney Rader and Tammi Addington.
People In The Parks: first place Janessa Gibbs, second place Sarah Gomez and third place Bill Lishawa with honorable mention to Theresa Maag.
Best Black & White: first place Robert Hills, second place Thomas Schubert, third place Dale Addington with honorable mention Tammi Addington and Mary Maag.
Hancock Park District Employees and Relatives: first and second place, Lisa Bogard, third place Jessie Elsass and honorable mention to Chris Allen and Jessie Elsass.
Contest participants can pick up their printed photos and electronic files from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Hancock Park District office located at 1424 E. Main Cross St. until Saturday.
Next year will mark the Park District’s 20th photography contest. The contest will be held on Feb. 6 and 7.
