Thibodeau Seneca Lanes Announces Grand Re-Opening

FOSTORIA, OH- Thibodeau Seneca Lanes has undergone many new renovations and will celebrate with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, September 7 at 4:30 p.m.  The family fun center, located at 1090 U.S. 23, has added new signage and interior updates, improved machine operation, new ceilings and scoring monitors, big-screen TV’s and lane graphics. Traditional style leagues for seasoned bowlers will continue and more contemporary formats have been added for new bowlers.

Seneca Lanes has been managed by a member of the Thibodeau family for over 55 years.  Herb Thibodeau was recruited by Don Carter Lanes, Inc. and moved from Portland, Maine to Fostoria, Ohio in 1962 to manage Seneca Lanes, formerly on Route 18 (Columbus Avenue). Bowling was so popular in the 60’s a larger bowling center was soon needed. Ground was broken in 1974 for the new center on U.S. 23. An additional 8 lanes were added to make a 24-lane bowling center. Seneca Lanes opened at the current address in 1976. Herb managed Seneca Lanes until 2014 when he fell ill. At that time, Cas Anez filled in as manager. Upon his death, Herb’s wife Jan Thibodeau took over management of the bowling center.

Jan and the Thibodeau family wish to continue the legacy of service to customers in a family atmosphere for which Herb was so well-known. The two Assistant Managers, Jen Anez and Paula Sander have been committed to the operation since the 70’s. This was made possible when the opportunity to buy out corporate partners was recently presented.

Herb was best known for his dedication to his customers. Friends and family have said, “Herb wrote the book on customer service.” This is the legacy the Thibodeau family will use as a cornerstone moving forward.

The Thibodeau Family is very excited about the initial investment made this summer. Herb was a firm believer in investing in Fostoria and keeping his money local. There are more investments and enhancements planned.  The family invites the community to come out and see what’s new and happening and they welcome the opportunity to serve Fostoria and the surrounding communities in their premier entertainment center.

Event Invitation

For more information email Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com .

Farm to Table Dinner Tickets on Sale Now

FOSTORIA,OH- The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce will host its first ever Farm to Table dinner.  The dinner, presented by Reineke Family Dealerships and Mr. and Mrs. Bill J. Bowling, will be held right on Main Street from 100 to 125 North Main Street and will be held Saturday, September 16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The dinner will help kick off the Chamber’s Shop Small, Shop Local initiative and will feature locally sourced foods prepared by Birchaven and Independence House Executive Chef Timothy Cooper.

“We are very excited for this event as guests will be amazed they are actually dining on the street.  Thanks to the creative efforts of Linda Bowling and Paula Walter, the event decorators, guests will be transported into a fall themed dining experience,” said Sarah Stephens Krupp, Chamber Director.

“Fostoria has a strong agribusiness base and we thought a Farm to Table dinner celebrating the season’s harvest would be a great way to kick off our Shop Small, Shop Local campaign while highlighting our local farmers and agribusiness community”.  According to Stephens Krupp, the campaign aims to educate the community about the importance of shopping at small local business.  “Money spent at small local business not only keeps businesses operational in our community but it greatly improves our local economy.”

The event will also feature wines from Chateau Tabeau winery.  Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Chamber office at 419-435-0846 or via the online registration site.

Community Connections Mentoring Program

We are pleased to announce Camp Fire Northwest Ohio, in partnership with Fostoria City Schools and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce, has received a grant from the Ohio Department of Education in the amount of $45,000.  The grant is to fund a cross community partnership involving Camp Fire Northwest Ohio, Fostoria City Schools, Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce, First Federal Bank and West Independence United Methodist Church. The partnership will create a mentoring program for at-risk 8th grade students in Fostoria City Schools as well as direct instruction from Camp Fire staff.
In order to begin this program, we need 20-25 adult mentors willing to meet with an 8th grade student for one hour on the fourth Tuesday of each month from September through April.  If you are interested or have questions, please contact Sarah at the Chamber office for more information.  All mentors must complete a brief application form and complete a BCI background check.