Monday morning meditation & movement to continue for free
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is excited to continue Monday Morning Meditation and Movement. The community is invited to join certified yoga and meditation teacher, Maria Signorino, the natural resource specialist, at Simpson Garden Park in the Healing Garden for meditation and light movement. The events will take place Monday mornings from 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. from Monday, Aug. 3, through Monday, Oct. 5. There will be no session held Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Program dates:
- Monday, Aug. 17, 24, 31
- Monday, Sept. 14, 21, 28
- Oct. 5
This program is open to adults and those 16 and older. For participants younger than 16, an adult must be present. A yoga mat or beach towel are required to participate. Each session will be 45 minutes and catered to the group’s needs. Classes will be cancelled due to rain or extreme weather.
By practicing a variety of mindfulness techniques, grounding, and light movement, attendees will connect with themselves, their community, and the earth.
This event is free and open to the public and does not require registration. For any questions, contact Maria Signorino at msignorino@bgohio.gov.
Judge Joel M. Kuhlman to address parents of Otsego High School freshman, Monday, Aug. 17
Parents of Otsego High School freshmen are invited to attend a presentation by Judge Joel M. Kuhlman on Monday, Aug. 17, from 5:30 – 6 p.m. at the Otsego High School Auditorium.
Kuhlman will speak specifically to parents of freshman students about important issues their teens may encounter as they approach adulthood. Topics will include interactions with law enforcement and the legal and personal consequences of drug, alcohol, and sex-related offenses.
The goal of the presentation is to equip parents with insights and practical information to help their children make informed, responsible decisions during these pivotal years.
“Parents play a crucial role in helping young people navigate new freedoms and responsibilities,” Kuhlman said. “This conversation is designed to support that effort with real-world perspective from the courtroom.”
The event is free and open to the public as part of Otsego Freshman Welcome Meeting. All K-12 parents are welcome to attend and parents of those in grades 9-12 are highly encouraged.
BG Chamber of Commerce to present free ‘Learn, Network, Succeed’ series
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce and the Maumee Chamber of Commerce, has announced the “Learn, Network, Succeed” training series, a collaborative educational program presented by Meta.
The three-part series is designed to help business owners, nonprofit leaders, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs strengthen their marketing and communication strategies while building meaningful connections with customers, supporters, and employees.
Each one-hour session will provide practical tools and actionable insights that participants can immediately apply to their organizations.
Training schedule:
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Nonprofit marketing
- Hosted by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce
- Veterans Memorial Building, 520 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green
- Participants will learn fundraising strategies, Meta advertising techniques, and audience engagement best practices to help nonprofits expand their reach and impact.
- Coffee and donut holes will be provided courtesy of Biggby Coffee of Bowling Green.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Communication builder
- Hosted by the Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce
- Cutting Edge Countertops, 1300 Flagship Dr., Perrysburg
- Participants will define their target audience, map the customer journey, and explore effective communication strategies using social media platforms and Messenger tools.
- Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Creative builder
- Hosted by the Maumee Chamber of Commerce
- Participants will focus on developing a strong brand identity and creating engaging content for Facebook and Instagram, including best practices for Reels and short-form video content.
For all sessions, doors will open at 7:45 a.m. for networking, with programming taking place from 8 – 9 a.m.
All sessions will be facilitated by Darlenne Helena, a digital marketing strategist, content creator, and founder of Helena Media, a social media agency that has helped brands build meaningful online connections since 2020. With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of marketing and technology, Helena has managed over $5 million in social media advertising spend and helped hundreds of brands connect with audiences through organic and paid social media strategies. She has also built an online community of more than 160,000 women founders on TikTok.
As a Meta certified lead trainer and public speaker, Helena has partnered with Meta since 2021 to deliver digital marketing education to business owners and professionals at more than 750 events nationwide. She empowers entrepreneurs and organizational leaders to strengthen their digital presence and amplify their voices.
Registration will open about a month before each of the events and will be available through the participating Chamber websites. These training courses are intended for current chamber members. If someone is not currently a member of one of these chambers and would like to be, contact its office directly.
OSU Extension leadership to speak to Exchange Club on Tuesday, Aug. 18
Wood County natives Dr. Megan Arnold and Dr. Kacee Ferrell-Snyder with OSU’s Extension office will speak to the Exchange Club on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at noon.
Arnold was recently promoted to the role of co-director of operations for OSU Extension, where she helps guide the statewide system serving all 88 Ohio counties and supports nearly 600 staff members. One of her many tasks will be to lead change management as OSU Extension restructures and creates new district managers.
Ferrell-Snyder recently took on the role as one of the district directors at OSU Extension and will offer her perspective on the agency’s work.
Guests are always welcome to join club members for lunch at noon on Tuesdays in Beckett’s back room and to learn more about the club’s projects. The cost for lunch is $13 per person.
Ian Dawson’s latest sculpture, ‘Harmony’ to be installed on Thursday, Aug. 20
The public is invited to celebrate Ian Dawson’s latest sculpture, “Harmony.” The installation and public opening will take place on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m., at the Bowling Green City Administration Building, 305 N. Main St. Scheduled to give remarks are the mayor, a representative of the Bowling Green Arts Council, and Ian Dawson.
The sculpture is funded by the Wolfe Foundation with the Bowling Green Arts Council.
Next Howard’s Club H free store to take place on Thursday, Aug. 20
The BG Free Store take place at Howard’s Club H, 210 N. Main St., Bowling Green, and offers clothing, food, toiletries, books, kitchen items, and more for free. The store sets up on the third Thursday of every month from 6 – 9:30 p.m.
To donate, contact 440-296-6405.
Upcoming dates:
- Aug. 20
- Sept. 17
- Oct. 15
- Nov. 19
- Dec. 17
Free lecture to discuss Dresden Howard, Saturday, Aug. 22
The Grand Rapids Historical Society has announced a 250th lecture series celebrating 250 years of American history. The programs arranged chronologically from Fallen Timers to the Vietnam War are taking place from April through October. The next lecture will be given in the auditorium of the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall, 24282 Front St.
The topic of the next program of the series, scheduled for Aug. 22 at 7 p.m., will be Dresden Howard, presented by Peter Wilhelm. A Henry County native and fifth-generation German descendant, Wilhelm holds both a BS in History and German and an MA in Archival and Local History from Bowling Green State University. His published thesis, “The Draining of the Black Swamp,” explores the transformation of northwest Ohio. Wilhelm taught U.S. History and Cultural Geography at Northwest State Community College from 20026-2012 and has co-developed national conferences on Indian Removal. He continues to research and publish local history.
There will be 13 programs presented as part of this lecture series. Admission is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to help celebrate this milestone birthday of the country by attending these programs.
Free concert in Grand Rapids to feature the North Coast Big Band, Sunday, Aug. 23
Due to demand, The North Coast Big Band will return for its 26th appearance as part of the Rhythm on the River Arts Series in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m. The series is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society, and the band will be performing in the Wright Pavilion, located on the towpath between the canal and the Maumee River, at the end of Lincoln Street, behind LaRoe’s Restaurant.
The 16-piece Big Band, under the direction of Gary Keller, was formed in 1987 by members of the North Coast Concert Band when some members of the band stayed after rehearsal to read through big band music. The group’s repertoire includes traditional big band music from bands led by Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. They also perform swing, jazz, and pop music from different decades and tunes arranged by local artists. The band includes five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, bass, piano, and drums.
This Rhythm program was sponsored by members of the historical society.
The programs are free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and join the historical society in this setting alongside the Maumee River and be ready to hum and tap along to tunes from yesterday and today. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the old fire station, father west on Front Street.
Free ‘Rally BG on Main’ festival returns Saturday, Aug. 29
The City of Bowling Green and Bowling Green State University invite the community to come together on Main Street for an evening celebrating the return of BGSU students and honoring the city’s heritage as a college town. The sixth annual Rally BG on main will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 2 – 8 p.m., in historic downtown Bowling Green.
Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the event, allowing for a day of fun activities in the heart of Bowling Green. A variety of free activities and performances are being planned throughout the day. Music, shopping, restaurants, food trucks, and DORA drinks will be available for the duration of the event.
Thrill-seekers will have an opportunity to zipline down Main Street, compete in the Ninja Warrior obstacle course, or try out the Super Slide. Families will have the chance to get up close to a firetruck and police car, play a round of minigolf, or have some fun with the Wood County District Public Library. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet Freddie and Frieda Falcon, make a custom home sign, have their caricature drawn, and support local shops and restaurants.
Mayor Mike Aspacher and BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers invite all to join in the community pep rally, kicking off with the Bowling Green High School Band at 6 p.m. After a few remarks from Aspacher and Rogers, the BGSU Falcon Marching Band – one of the nation’s largest – and Spirit Programs will round out the event.
This event is sponsored by the city of Bowling Green and BGSU. Except for food and drink, the event is free of charge. For more information, visit BGSU.edu/RallyBG.
Free concert in Grand Rapids to feature James Adkins, Sunday, Aug. 30
James Adkins will present the next program of the Rhythm on the River arts series in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m. The series is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society, and Adkins will be performing in the Wright Pavilion located on the towpath between the canal and the Maumee River at the end of Lincoln Street behind LaRoe’s Restaurant.
Rooted in the heart of Americana, James Adkins crafts songs that echo the traditions of folk, bluegrass, and roots music while speaking with a voice that is his own. Based in Ohio, Adkins has spent the last two decades honing sound – equal parts storytelling, musicianship, and respect for the American musical tradition. His original songs blend lyrics with textures that resonate with fans of John Prine, Gillian Welch, and Jason Isbell. A seasoned live performer, Adkins has played from listening rooms to festivals across the Eastern U.S., and he’s always looking for new connections and places to share his music.
The programs are free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and join the historical society in this setting alongside the Maumee River and enjoy Adkins’ songs. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the old fire station, farther west on Front Street.
BG Chamber of Commerce to host ribbon-cutting for Refresh Toys, Tuesday, Sept. 1
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce has announced the ribbon-cutting for Refresh Toys LLC in Bowling Green. The official ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m., at 102 W. Poe Road.
Refresh Toys LLC is a local business that sells new and used LEGO products.
The new location’s expanded space “will allow for more product on the shelf, as well as the distant possibility of hosting educational classes and birthday parties.” The location has allowed Refresh Toys LLC to transform from a one-person operation into a venture with six employees “and hopefully more on the way, if we can spread awareness.” Refresh Toys LLC has also invested approximately $10,000 on renovating the cosmetics of the 102 W. Poe Road location.
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce invites the public to join in celebrating this business in the city of Bowling Green. To secure a spot, RSVP at https://www.bgchamber.net/rsvp/ or call the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce at 419-353-7945.
Indigenous Caldecott Medal-winning author Rebecca Kunz to visit BG as In the Round guest, Friday, Sept. 18
This fall, In The Round welcomes illustrator Rebecca Kunz, 2025 Caldecott Medal winner for “Chooch Helped” for a presentation Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at a location to be determined.
Kunz is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and of European descent, she earned a BFA in painting from the College of Santa Fe in 1998 and now lives in the foothills of Santa Fe County with her husband and three daughters. She grew up in Oklahoma and is a multi-media artist and the owner of Tree of Life Studi.
Kunz works at the intersection of climate justice and cultural awareness. Within her layered surfaces, she draws upon tribal mythology and archetypal symbolism. She infuses Cherokee mythology into her work where she is in conversation with each folk tale as a living and ever-changing story.
As these myths are woven into each of her pieces, they serve as hard-working and flourishing historical narratives. A visual storyteller, animist, and folklorist, she hopes to illuminate awareness about our shifting cultural climate and to inspire solutions to the social and environmental issues of today.
Kunz likes to push back against sentimental chronicles, and her goal is to spark a contemporary conversation about active myth.
Started in 2022, In the Round is a celebration of the creativity and persistence of indigenous people. It brings in noted indigenous speakers for talks both on campus and in the community.
Eastwood all-class reunion set for Saturday, Sept. 19
Eastwood’s Alumni Association (EAA) reunion committee has announced a save-the-date for the next Eastwood all-class reunion celebration on the evening of Saturday, September 19. All EHS 1959-2026 and pre-Eastwood alumni are invited. For more information, see the EAA link on the Eastwood website or the alumni Facebook page.
BG Municipal Utilities electric customers may receive $75 for recycled appliances at drop-off event, Saturday, Sept. 26
Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric customers have two opportunities to earn cash while responsibly recycling old, inefficient appliances through a limited-time Efficiency Smart promotion. Customers can receive $75 by scheduling a free appliance pickup between now and Sept. 30 or earn $100 by participating in an appliance drop-off event on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Two ways to recycle old appliances:
- Drop-off event
- Bring a working dehumidifier, window air conditioner, or mini fridge to the drop-off event and get $100 per unit responsibly recycled.
- Note: Bring a recent copy of an electric bill to participate in the program and receive an incentive. Everyone who pre-registers will also be entered into a drawing to win an energy efficiency kit – see sign-up details below.
- Event details: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m. – noon, at the parking lot outside of the Bowling Green Public Works garage. People should use the entrance at 1040 N. College Dr. to enter. Signs will be set up to direct customers to the correct parking lot.
- Efficiency Smart pick-up
- Schedule a free pick-up for working refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or window air conditioners between now and Sept. 30 and get $75 per unit responsibly recycled.
All refrigerators and freezers must be empty and free of food residue. Units that are moldy, infested with bugs, or not empty will not be picked up.
Participants must be Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric customers to be eligible. There is a limit of four units recycled per household, per year. Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric customers can ask questions or register by calling Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 or by visiting efficiencysmart.org/BGPromo.
Wood Lane Residential Services to host ‘Purses for a Purpose’ fundraiser, Thursday, Oct. 22
The community is invited to join Wood Lane Residential Services for a spooky night out at Purses for a Purpose on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in City Park. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and costumes are encouraged.
Each ticket gives people an opportunity to win one of the designer purses that will be displayed. There will also be a Louis Vuitton raffle, live auction, silent auction, basket raffles, a 50/50, and more. Tickets also include dinner and desserts. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $50 each or $600 for a VIP table for 8. The VIP table includes one drink ticket per person and a special VIP raffle.
All proceeds from the event go towards the independence and quality of life for those that Wood Lane Residential Services serves.
To purchase tickets, contact Kristie Peek at kpeek@wlrs.org or 419-353-8481. Tickets may also be purchased through eventbrite.com.
Weekly ‘Queer Coffee’ event to be hosted at Grounds For Thought on Sundays
“Queer Coffee” is held at Grounds For Thought, 174 S. Main St., every Sunday at 2 p.m. This event aims to be inclusive for anyone who is in the LGBTQ+ community, allies, friends, and family. Attendees can play board games, chat about life, and sip on coffee, tea, or lemonade.
Make new ‘Fiber Friends’ with weekly creative program at WCDPL on Tuesdays
The Wood County District Public Library, 251 N. Main St., invites all knitters and crocheters to join “Fiber Friends,” every Tuesday at 10 a.m., in the second floor programming room.
Fiber Friends is a social program that meets every week to chat and create. People of all skill levels are welcome. Even if someone has never picked up knitting needles or a crochet hook, they can learn the basics to get started on their newest hobby.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their current project or start a new one. Coffee will be provided.
No registration is required. For more information, call 419-352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.
Just Baby ‘N Me storytimes at library on Tuesdays
Just Baby ‘N Me is a lap-sit storytime ideal for babies. This unique storytime will be on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.in The Children’s Place at the Bowling Green Library.
This lap-sit storytime is great for babies from birth through early walkers (12 months). The focus during storytime is on rhymes, songs, finger plays, and exploring short books together, and is meant to facilitate interaction between you and your baby to develop their language and early literacy skills.
Wood County District Public Library hosts family storytime on Thursdays
Families are invited to enjoy storytime indoors at the Wood County District Public Library on Thursdays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Attendees can visit the Bowling Green library Children’s Place for picture book readings, songs, games, and activities.
For any questions, contact the Children’s Place at 419-352-8253 or email woodkids@wcdpl.org.
