Community Roundup: Apple Festival secures recycling grant

USA TODAY NETWORK
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YMCA, health department join to offer bike sharing program

FREMONT – The YMCA of Sandusky County and Sandusky County Public Health announced the launch of Cycle Sandusky County, a free bike sharing program for residents and guests of Sandusky County.

This new community program is generously funded by Sandusky County Public Health’s Creating Healthy Communities Grant and was made possible through a collaboration between several local organizations, including the YMCA of Sandusky County, Sandusky County Public Health, TRIPS, Spokelife Cycles and The Sandusky County Visitors Bureau.

The YMCA of Sandusky County and Sandusky County Public Health announced the launch of Cycle Sandusky County, a free bike sharing program for residents and guests of Sandusky County.
The YMCA of Sandusky County and Sandusky County Public Health announced the launch of Cycle Sandusky County, a free bike sharing program for residents and guests of Sandusky County.

Borrowing a bike from Cycle Sandusky County is easy and free; residents and guests can borrow a bike for the day at the YMCA of Sandusky County, 1000 North St., during normal business hours. This program is open to those age 12 and up; youths under 18 will need to be accompanied by their guardian on their first visit. While the program is free, borrowers will need to bring a photo identification and put a payment method on file at the Y in case of damage or late returns.

“The YMCA of Sandusky County is excited to collaborate with the Health Department and these other great community partners to bring this program to life in our county. This program, open to our entire community, aligns perfectly with our mission to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all," said BJ Duckworth, senior director of operations at the YMCA of Sandusky County.

"This program is designed to help increase physical fitness and active transportation while offering an affordable option to those who may not be able to afford a bike or those who want to explore biking before investing in their own equipment. The Y is committed to being a collaborative organization focused on strengthening our community,” Duckworth said.

“We were excited when the YMCA agreed to partner with us on this new initiative," said Ally Smith of Sandusky County Public Health. "Reducing the burden of chronic disease is one of the health department’s top priorities. Cycle Sandusky County offers our community and guests a free and fun way to engage in physical activity. Bike lending programs are also designed to promote the local economy. With the help of the Visitors Bureau, we created an interactive trail map for borrowers to reference that shows bicycle friendly routes to various local restaurants, businesses, and recreation areas.”

“The Creating Healthy Communities Program of Sandusky County Public Health is pleased to be able to support the community and help provide more opportunities for active living and transportation,” said Laura Bogard, Creating Healthy Communities Program Coordinator.

For more information on Cycle Sandusky County, contact the YMCA of Sandusky County at 419-332-9622 or visit sanduskycounty.org/bikeshare.

Apple Festival to make use of a recycling grant

OAK HARBOR - The Oak Harbor Apple Festival, held annually the second full weekend in October in downtown Oak Harbor, is partnering with Zero Waste Event Productions (ZWEP) to implement a recycling/composting program for the 2023 festival, according to a press release.

Thanks to a Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant from the Ohio EPA Recycle Ohio Grant Program, the Apple Festival was able to hire ZWEP to be onsite for the entire weekend of the festival, Oct. 14-15. Workers will have 2 compartment bins placed around the festival for recycling and landfill. They will then sort the items on a conveyer, bagging up the materials. The goal is to divert as much waste as possible from the landfill.

Once the event is over all recyclables will be taken to a recycling facility in Oberlin, Ohio. Lake Disposal of Port Clinton is donating their services and will be transporting the recyclables and Republic Services will be donating the cost to accept the materials. Lake Disposal is also donating the dumpsters for the event and the cost to dispose of any trash. Zero Waste will transport the compost to a compost facility near their headquarters.

Dave Cook, the new chief financial officer and vice president of finance for The Bellevue Hospital.
Dave Cook, the new chief financial officer and vice president of finance for The Bellevue Hospital.

Bellevue Hospital hires new CFO

BELLEVUE - The Bellevue Hospital (TBH) has announced the appointment of David A. Cook as chief financial officer and vice president of finance. Cook began his official duties on Sept. 18.

“We are pleased to welcome Dave Cook to The Bellevue Hospital family,” said Timothy A. Buit, president and chief executive officer of TBH.  “Dave brings with him over 40 years of expertise in healthcare to our organization. We look forward to working with him to advance our strategic plan of continuing to provide quality care, close to home for the communities we serve.”

Cook has a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in accounting and economics. Most recently, he served as finance manager for Better Health Partnership, a nonprofit regional health improvement collaborative in Cleveland. His key responsibilities included financial reporting for both internal and external members, providing guidance on financial aspects related to Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care organizations and ensuring the growth of new business lines.

The News-Messenger/News Herald

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Community Roundup: YMCA, health department join to offer bike sharing program