Author: Bryce Riggs

Tuesday, the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved a Façade Enhancement Grant and a Sign Enhancement Grant for buildings in Downtown Tiffin. These are the first two grants being awarded in 2021.

At the meeting, the ABR approved a Downtown Façade Enhancement Grant of $1,500 for a canopy/awning for State Farm Insurance, 179 S. Washington St., and a $117.58 Sign Enhancement Grant for Sisters in Shelter, 76 E. Market St., Suite B. Combined, the projects total a $2,944.16 investment in Downtown Tiffin.

In 2020, the ABR approved grants for the owners of seven building in Downtown Tiffin for a total investment of $221,000.

Additionally, Heritage Ohio, through the Heritage Ohio Main Street Program Grant, provided $20,000 to Downtown Tiffin for improvement projects in 2020. Those projects were for Tiffin Boutique Hotel Group LLC, American Legion Post 169 and 195-197 S. Washington St.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented: “I’m proud that Tiffin City Council again has made funding available for these important programs and that we continue to provide help to our building owners in Downtown Tiffin to improve the look of their historic structures.”

Since the program’s inception in 2014, 87 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of more than $2.6 million.

A holiday tradition returns with the Downtown Tiffin Christmas Walk, set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the season in beautiful Downtown Tiffin, strolling from business to business gathering holiday themed treats.

To maintain social distancing, walkers may start anytime and at any stop you wish — there is no registration on the day of. Most businesses will have tables set up outside their stores the day of the walk. Tickets are limited to 200 and cost $25 and are available at Simply Susan’s, cash or check only, please. At that time, walkers will receive a map and a bag. This year, ticket prices will used to support participating businesses. The event is sponsored by Croghan Colonial Bank.

Walkers are asked to wear masks when in doors and to maintain social distancing. For more information about the event, find Downtown Tiffin Christmas Walk on Facebook.

In the case of a business shutdown, the event will be postponed for a later date.

In addition to the walk, other holiday items are going on throughout November and December:

• Mix, Mingle and Jingle, Nov. Third Thursday – Nov. 19 in Downtown Tiffin. Holiday open houses.
• Holiday Window Contest – Nov 28-Dec 12 in Downtown Tiffin. Winner announced at the Holiday Movie Dec 13. Tiffin Community Foundation is asking everyone in Seneca County to “Be A Light,” and to shine lights during the holiday season. For those who do not have Christmas lights or can’t afford additional electric costs, the Foundation has purchased more than 1,000 battery-operated window candles for anyone who wants to “Be A Light.” Candles are available at Tiffin Community Foundation, 31 S. Washington St. Downtown businesses will be participating by decorating their windows in bright lights and color. Visitors are asked to choose their favorite window between Small Business Saturday thought Dec. 12, and place their votes at the red ballot box at the Seneca County Justice Center.
• Tree Lighting — 5:15 p.m. Dec. 4. This event has gone virtual to allow for social distancing. For more details when they are announced, follow Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services and Destination Seneca County on Facebook.
• Free Holiday Movie – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec 13 at The Ritz Theatre. See a special free screening of “Home Alone” at The Ritz Theatre. Tickets are free, but are limited to maintain social distancing. For more information and to get tickets, find Free Holiday Movie – “Home Alone” on Facebook.