50 North renames facility to honor Hemingers

The name may have changed, but 50 North's mission remains the same — to support those 50 and older in the community. In an announcement made Thursday during a reception for key stakeholders who helped make the recent $6 million expansion and renovation project a reality, executive director Carolyn Copus said the center is being renamed 50 North Heminger Center, in recognition of a generous donation to the project by Jane and Gary Heminger, former chairman and chief executive officer of Marathon Petroleum Corp. "I'm speechless with the generosity of the people here in Hancock County, and the importance of giving back to those seniors who have served us for so many years," said Copus. "You have got to come back and just see the joy in our seniors' eyes every time that they come in and how life changing this facility is for them." In 1970, senior services were originally provided under the name Hancock County Senior Citizens Inc., and later the Hancock County Agency on Aging. The name changed in 2015 to 50 North, stemming from a community survey that found some people were reluctant to use the center due to a perception it was a place only frequented by old people. But the mission has always remained the same, according to Copus — to enrich the lives of adults 50 and older, support their independence and help them navigate life's transitions. This time, the change was made to recognize the Hemingers, she said. "In 2019, 50 North embarked on a campaign to expand and improve the facilities we call home," she said. "Among the first people to step forward to encourage and support us in this endeavor were our friends, Jane and Gary Heminger. In recognition of their longstanding financial support and stewardship of this project and our mission, 50 North hereby renames this building the 50 North Heminger Center. "With the leadership of Jane and Gary Heminger, 50 North will be able to enrich the lives and support the independence of the older adults in our community for years to come." Findlay Mayor Christine Muryn presented a joint proclamation on behalf of her office and Hancock County commissioners William Bateson, Timothy Bechtol and Michael Pepple, proclaiming June 24, 2021, as 50 North Heminger Center Day, in recognition of the Heminger's longstanding and significant financial support and stewardship of the project. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague also presented a proclamation to Copus from the state of Ohio "to commemorate this day and this wonderful facility," he said. Board President Don Weber said the pandemic actually enabled Alvada Construction to complete the project, which was finished about two months ahead of schedule and $300,000 below the estimated cost. He also credited the 50 North staff. "They're very dedicated. They really know how to make things happen. In an operation like this, you have to make it happen or you're not going to meet any deadline," he said. Weber pointed out that 50 North is now entering the fifth year of a five-year tax that helps fund the center's operations. The agency is planning to ask Hancock County voters to renew its 1.2-mill tax on the ballot in November. "We need the levy in order to maintain our level of commitment to our customers. We need the levy as well when it comes to growth. We're growing by leaps and bounds. We did a bunch of studies before we started this building, and it said we're going to continue to grow," he said. "We're managing the growth as best we can, but we need the levy to help fund our operations." Copus also thanked Marathon Petroleum Corp. for making a lead gift to the expansion project, as well as other major donors. "Here we are in 2021 with a beautiful building, an asset that's a gem for this community," she said. Wolf: 419-427-8419