Daily briefs

Heidelberg Holiday Spectacular returns Dec. 7 Heidelberg University's School of Music & Theatre will present its annual holiday concert, titled "Heidelberg Holiday Spectacular: The Gift of the Season" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Ritz Theatre, 30 S. Washington St. in downtown Tiffin. Tickets are $10 and available through the Ritz box office. The program will feature Heidelberg's major performing ensembles, including the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, University-Community Chorus, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Studio2Stage, along with members of the Theatre Department. In keeping with a long campus tradition, the concert will include several selections from G.F. Handel's Messiah, featuring guest soloists Dr. Kirsten C. Kunkle, Renée Clair, and Nicholas Saxton. Familiar holiday songs such as O Christmas Tree, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, and Mary, Did You Know? will round out the performance. More information and tickets are available at www.ritztheatre.org Heidelberg to host annual Merry Tuba-Christmas Nov. 30 Prior to their Holiday Spectacular, Heidelberg University's School of Music & Theatre will host the 52nd annual Merry Tuba-Christmas on Sunday, Nov. 30, at First Lutheran Church, 300 Melmore St., Tiffin. Tuba-Christmas events take place in more than 300 cities nationwide in honor of tuba artist and educator William J. Bell. Registration for participating tuba players begins at 2 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. rehearsal and a 4 p.m. performance. The event is free to attend, and the $15 registration fee applies only to performers. Dr. Ben Herrick, assistant professor of instrumental music and director of bands, will conduct the ensemble as players of all ages perform traditional carols arranged by Alec Wilder. Parking is available behind the church, and the venue is handicap accessible. TU marks 30 years of TiffinMusic with anniversary EP Tiffin University is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Music Department with a special six-song EP that showcases the breadth of the program's past and present. The TiffinMusic 30th Anniversary EP features current students performing reimagined tracks that each reflect a distinct five-year era of TiffinMusic history, ranging from late-90s pop to contemporary a cappella. Ensembles from across the department contributed to the project, with works including Up in the Air, TMS Allstars, Smoke Signals, Word on the Street, inDifferent Places, and Higher Ground. The EP includes covers of "Lovefool," "Hey Ya," "White Winter Hymnal," "On My Mind," "Sunday Candy," and "Please, Please, Please," with production work by Brad Rees, Dan Myers, Carter Bennett, Malik Mallard, and BK Riha, among others. Dozens of students took part in the recording process, offering performances that blend nostalgia with fresh interpretations while highlighting the department's growing reputation for student-led creativity and genre diversity. "This commemorative release not only honors the legacy of the TU Music Department but also celebrates the talent and innovation of its current students," said Brad Rees, Executive Director for the Institute of Creative and Media Arts and founder of TiffinMusic. The EP is available now on major streaming platforms. Bone Appétreat kicks off Seneca CEO season with strong community support Bone Appétreat, the Seneca CEO Program's 2025 class business, is beginning its season after a successful debut at Winter Wonderland this past weekend. The homemade pet-treat venture is operated by 14 high school students participating in the year-long entrepreneurship program. This year's class officially launched its business on Nov. 6 after receiving board approval for its concept. Bone Appétreat will serve as the students' shared business project, giving them experience in operations, budgeting, marketing, sales and customer service. Funds raised through the project will help each participant start an individual business later in the spring. According to participants, the class identified a gap in the local market for specialty pet products and chose to focus on producing small-batch dog treats using ingredients sourced locally when possible. Students said the Winter Wonderland turnout provided helpful feedback as they begin the season. Bone Appétreat sells its signature offering in quantities of three handmade treats per bag, and will continue to participate in community events throughout the holiday season. Upcoming appearances include: • Downtown Tiffin Sip & Shop — Thursday at Hempy Water's parking lot• Breakfast at JAMs — Nov. 22 and Nov. 29• Mohawk Music Boosters Craft Festival — Nov. 22 at Mohawk Gymnasium• Paws & Clause Pet + Family Pictures with Santa — Nov. 22 at The Salvation Army, Tiffin• A Holiday to Remember — Dec. 5–7 in Downtown Tiffin More information and updates on future pop-ups will be shared on the Seneca CEO Program's Facebook page. Welcome Home program application deadline extended The application deadline for the Welcome Home Ohio home-acquisition program in Fostoria has been extended to Dec. 12, a news release from the Seneca County Land Bank says.The extension provides additional time for income-qualified residents to apply for one of the five newly constructed homes located at 1310, 1314, 1318, 1322 and 1326 Walnut St., in Fostoria.The release says the Welcome Home Ohio Program, through funding from the Ohio Department of Development, supports new homeownership opportunities for individuals and families while contributing to neighborhood revitalization efforts.Applicants must submit a complete application packet that includes a bank or mortgage pre-approved letter from a recognized lender; pre-approval documentation reflecting the applicant's ability to purchase a home within the anticipated sale range; all required forms included in the Welcome Home Ohio application packet; verification demonstrating household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income; a commitment to live in the home as a primary residence for at least five years; an agreement not to rent out any portion of the property. Only complete applications — including a valid pre-approved letter — will be reviewed.A completed application allows the Land Bank, in partnership with the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, to determine whether applicants may qualify for additional assistance through the Community Housing Impact and Preservation program, which provides support for income-eligible homebuyers.The formal purchase price for each home will be determined through the formal offer process once eligible applicants are identified.Application packets are available at: fostoriaedc.org/Riley-Houses; the Fostoria Learning Center, 342 Perry St., in Fostoria; and, by email request at projects@fostoriaedc.org.All completed application packets must be submitted in a sealed envelope by 5 p.m., Dec. 12 to: Seneca County Land Bank, c/o Fostoria Economic Development, 342 Perry St., Fostoria, OH 44830.After a review, qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the offer process for the available homes.New construction in Fostoria and Tiffin is supported by the Land Bank having received a $2.75 million Welcome Home Ohio grant.The Tiffin homebuyer qualification process is expected to begin in early 2026.Those seeking more information should contact the Seneca County Land Bank by calling 419-435-7789 or by emailing to projects@fostoriaedc.org. Application packets are available at https://fostoriaedc.org/newhomes.