Amid the digital noise, one encouraging trend stands out: a renewed hunger for authenticity and genuine human connection. After nearly two decades of social media and always-on technology, many people—especially younger generations—are beginning to question promises that never fully delivered.

Technologically, these tools succeeded. We can connect with more people, more often, about more things than ever before. Our plate of subscriptions is full, our cup of content truly runneth over. Yet the more we glut ourselves, the emptier we feel.

But I sense a shift. An old vibe is returning—a renewed interest in real, unfiltered human interaction. People are remembering what matters: relationships. This change is not limited to older generations; students appear more engaged, and many young adults are choosing in-person time over scrolling.

Reflect on your own life. I suspect your happiest moments were spent with friends and family, not in front of a screen. I recently came across an old photo of a younger me playing backyard ball with friends in Findlay—laughing, competing, and just being present. The simple power of proximity!

The Better Business Bureau has long understood the value of authenticity. Trust is not built through clicks or likes, but through consistent, transparent, and meaningful interaction. This cultural shift is a reminder that genuine connections—personal, professional, and community-based—remain essential.

To be clear, this is not a critique of social media or AI. Rather, it reflects a growing realization: technology, no matter how sophisticated, can never replace the joys—and even the struggles—of real human presence, connection, and, dare I say, love.

— Lane Montz
President & CEO

Glass City Federal Credit Union Offers Scholarships

By Glass City Federal Credit Union — Expert Contributor

Glass City Federal Credit Union is pleased to offer five scholarship awards, one in the amount of $5,000 and four in the amount of $2,500, to area students who meet the following criteria:

• The student will be attending a 2- or 4-year accredited post-secondary institution during the 2026-27 school year.
• The student is a member of Glass City Federal; or a parent, stepparent, grandparent, or legal guardian is a member of Glass City.
• The student completes and submits the required application and essay by the deadline of March 31, 2026.

Glass City FCU’s Scholarship Program has been offered for over 15 years and the Scholarship Committee of Glass City FCU’s Board of Directors voted to increase the scholarship award amounts for the 2026-27 academic year. The top award was formerly $2,500 and the amount of the four additional awards was $1,000 each. Julie Komisar, Glass City President & CEO states, “We are thrilled to enhance the scholarship program for our member students.”

Interested scholarship applicants are encouraged to obtain a scholarship application at any Glass City Federal branch or online at glasscityfcu.com.

Glass City Federal Credit Union has been providing financial services to the northwest Ohio community since 1947. With five area branch locations, Glass City offices are in Maumee, Toledo, and Bowling Green. Glass City Federal provides a variety of deposit and loan products tailored to the needs of its over 26,000 members. To qualify for Glass City Federal membership, one must live, work, attend school, or worship in the northwest Ohio counties of Lucas, Wood, Fulton, or Ottawa. For more information, please visit the Glass City website at glasscityfcu.com.

Don't click on that text! 5 ways to avoid delivery scams

Scammers are sending fake texts, emails, and missed delivery notices pretending to be major carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. These messages often claim there’s an issue with your package and urge you to click a link—leading to stolen personal information or money.

Delivery scams and package theft spike during busy shopping seasons but happen year-round. From “incomplete address” texts to fake delivery fees and doorstep theft, criminals are counting on consumers to act quickly without verifying the source.

Click the button below to read more about how to keep your deliveries safe and secure!

Moo's Tip: Don’t Fall for the “Out of Stock” Trick!

Before You Shop:

• Sniff out the business on BBB.org first.

• Be wary of social media ads with deals that seem too good to be true.

• Make sure the website starts with HTTPS and shows a lock icon.

• Use a credit card for better fraud protection.

• Keep your receipts and order confirmations.

If a refund never shows up, contact your credit card company right away to dispute the charge.

Source: Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Alert

March 1-7, 2026 is National Consumer Protection Week, a time to talk about frauds, scams, and consumer rights. NCPW provides consumers on insights on how to avoid, report, and recover from scams.

There are 4 main signs that something is a scam. 

1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know. Scammers may claim to be from a trusted organization like the government, a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity. They can spoof caller ID so the name and number look real.
2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE. They might say you owe money, your account is compromised, a loved one is in trouble, or you’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to claim it.
3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately. Scammers create urgency. They may threaten arrest, lawsuits, license suspension, insist you stay on the phone, and more.
4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way. Requests to pay with cryptocurrency, wire transfers (like Western Union or MoneyGram), payment apps, gift cards, or to deposit a check and send money back are major red flags.

How to Avoid a Scam

1. Don’t share personal or financial information in response to unexpected calls, texts, or emails.

2. Don’t click links in unsolicited messages — contact the company directly using a trusted website or phone number.

3. Take your time. Honest businesses won’t pressure you to pay immediately.

4. Talk to someone you trust before taking action.

If you spot a scam or were affected, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker!

Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)