BG Rotary to welcome club’s district governor, Katherine Eboch, on Thursday, Sept. 3
Bowling Green Rotary will welcome the club’s district governor, Katherine Eboch to its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3, to provide an update on district, national, and international Rotary programs and activities to create lasting change.
BG’s Rotary District includes 58 clubs with over 2,800 members in 24 counties. Eboch is a member of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club where she is a two-term past president and served as both club and district secretary. Professionally, she is vice president of information technology at Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit that creates opportunity for people through shoes and clothing – keeping usable goods in play.
BG Rotary meets every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. at the Bowling Green Country Club. For more information, including membership, email bgrotary@icloud.com.
Cliff Monear Trio performs in Jazz Spotlight Series, Aug. 28
Jazz pianist Cliff Monear’s trio will perform a Toledo Jazz Spotlight Series Friday, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. in the Robert Bell Studio Toledo Center for the Live Arts, 4747 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.
Monear is a noted member of the Michigan music scene whose repertoire ranges from the American Songbook, jazz standards, and the Beatles. He is on the faculty of Wayne State University.
Boy Scouts’ half marathon & 5K to take place on Saturday, Aug. 29
The Boy Scouts’ annual half marathon and 5K run will take place rain or shine in Bowling Green on Saturday, Aug. 29. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. from the Wood County Fairgrounds with an anticipated 500 participants.
The route will be as follows:
- West on Poe Road
- North on Haskins Road
- East on West Newton Road
- South on Fairview Avenue
- East on Poe Road
- South on Main Street
- West on Pearl Street
- South on Maple Street to the Slippery Elm Trail
- Exit the Slippery Elm Trail onto West Gypsy Lane
- West onto Sand Ridge Road
- North on Wintergarden Road
- West on Pine Valley Drive through the Stone Ridge subdivision exiting onto Mitchell Road
- North on Mitchell Road
- East on Conneaut Avenue
- North on Fairview Avenue
- West on Poe Road
- North on Village Drive through the Village subdivision exiting into the fairgrounds
Traffic will be affected, and patterns may change with rolling closures at intersections while runners are on the road. More race details can be found online.
Ribbon cutting set for repaved Slippery Elm Trail, Saturday, Aug. 29
Join the Wood County Park District on Saturday, Aug. 29 for a ribbon-cutting event for the Slippery Elm Trail.
Representatives at each of the three main locations will speak briefly about the trail before cutting the ribbon and biking to the next location. The first ribbon will be cut at 10 a.m. at the North Baltimore East Broadway parking lot, 218 E. Broadway St. The second ribbon will be cut at 10:15 a.m. at the Bowling Green Montessori parking lot, 515 Sand Ridge Road, Bowling Green, with the final ribbon cutting at 11:15 a.m. at the Rudolph Bike Park, 14045 Mermill Road, Rudolph.
All are welcome to join us at 11:15 a.m. to connect each ribbon in Rudolph, cut the ribbon and officially celebrate the completion of the trail’s repaving project.
The trail extends along the former CSX Railroad between Bowling Green and North Baltimore. The name of the park comes from the material used to construct Wood County’s early railroad tracks, which were made of timber from the Slippery Elm trees with a steel strap nailed on top.
To prepare the site for park use, a huge community effort was organized in April 1992 to clean up years of trash that had been dumped along the tracks, including refrigerators, tires, water heaters, washers, dryers, bottles and cans. The Friends of the Parks organized a “yard sale” fundraiser during which people could support the project by buying a yard of the Slippery Elm Trail.
Today, with an average of 275 users per day, the trail is the park district’s most utilized park. The Slippery Elm Trail is free and open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes past sunset.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Free ‘Window on Wildlife Fridays’ to begin Sept. 4
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is excited to invite the community to the Rotary Nature Center at Wintergarden/St. Johns Preserve for Window on Wildlife Fridays. People can drop-in between 9 a.m. and noon to observe the wildlife, check out nature books, and try the wildlife games. The drop-in hours will be offered every Friday from Sept. 4 – Nov. 20.
Dates:
- Friday, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25
- Friday, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Friday, Nov. 6, 13, 20
Guests of all ages are welcome and no registration is necessary. The Rotary Nature Center is located at Wintergarden/St. Johns Preserve, 615 S. Wintergarden Road.
To learn more, email Peighton Corson, special programmer.
Wood County Museum to host talk about World War II infantryman, Tuesday, Sept. 8
The Wood County Museum is pleased to host Ronald Ammons for a talk over World War II infantryman, Jack Ammons, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m., at the Wood County Museum. Admission will be $7 per person, or free for museum members. The price includes the talk, with light refreshments, and a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibits. This talk is part of the Wood County Museum’s America250 lecture series.
Ammons’s talk will follow the journey of a World War II infantryman, Jack Ammons, from Normandy to Czechoslovakia in this 50-minute program featuring firsthand experiences, including the Battle of the Bulge, the recovery of hidden art treasures, and the liberation of a concentration camp.
Ronald Ammons is a lifelong learner with a passion for education, athletics, and local history. He earned a B.S. in Sociology from the University of Findlay and an M.A. in Sociology from Bowling Green State University. While at the University of Findlay, Ronald was also a three-year letterman in baseball. Ammons’s love of history has led him to research and preserve the stories of local military veterans. He has authored and co-authored four books documenting the experiences and service of veterans from the local community. Through his writing and research, Ammons continues to help preserve these important stories for future generations.
To make reservations, visit www.woodcountyhistory.org or call 419-352-0967.
BG Freemasons host free open house during Black Swamp Arts Festival, Saturday, Sept. 12
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Freemasons and Eastern Stars of the Bowling Green Masonic Temple welcome the community to come and explore the facilities during a public open house. Located at 159 N. Main St. in Bowling Green, the Masonic Temple is directly across from Uptown/Downtown bar; the front door is between Loonar Station and Get Inspired Nutrition. The Masonic lodge rooms are on the third floor and are accessible by either the stairs at the front entrance or an ADA-compliant elevator at the rear of the building.
The doors will be open for visitors and tours from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., with guests able to come and go at any time. Anyone who would like to know more about Freemasonry or is curious and would like a peek inside may attend. Freemasons and Stars will be available to answer questions and provide tours. Light snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the event.
Wood County Lodge #112 has been an active part of the community since 1843. The first meetings were held by moonlight in a barn in Tontogany. The current downtown building was purchased and renovated in 1920, and meetings have been held there ever since that time. The lodge holds a variety of historical documents and antiques, including many photos of local Masons dating back to the mid-1800s. The seats in the upper gallery of the lodge room are also the original wooden seats from the Cla-Zel theatre dating back to 1926.
For more information about this open house, email atonnsmeltzer@gmail.com, or come to the open house on Sept. 12.
Free lecture in Grand Rapids to feature the Revolutionary War, Saturday, Sept. 12
The Grand Rapids Historical Society has announced a 250th lecture series celebrating 250 years of American history. The programs arranged chronologically from Fallen Timbers 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, presented by Dr. Dwayne Beggs, will be the Revolutionary War. His lecture is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Beggs taught U.S. History at Lourdes University in Sylvania for 14 years. Courses taught at Lourdes included the American Civil War, the Vietnam War, 20th Century America, as well as U.S. Survey Courses (Early and Modern America). Beggs’s research interest focuses on the Vietnam War and presidential war powers. He earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in U.S. Policy History from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife, Susan, live in Findlay.
There will be 13 programs presented as part of this lecture series. Admission is free, and everyone is cordially invited to help celebrate this milestone birthday of the country by attending these programs.
Free Rhythm on the River series to feature Maumee Community Band, Sunday, Sept. 13
The Maumee Community Band will present the next program of the Rhythm on the River arts series in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Sept. 13, 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 venue.
The Maumee Community Band, supported and sanctioned by the City of Maumee, is dedicated to making a positive contribution to the musical environment of the area it serves. The band director is Kevin Heidbreder. Using the skill and talents of an all-volunteer membership, the Maumee Community Band seeks to provide an opportunity for individual musical expression, enjoyment, and growth among its members; to provide an opportunity for contact among area musicians; to enrich the activities of the community it serves; and to reconfirm the position of the community concert band in American music.
The “Rhythm” programs are free 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 a variety of genres performed. In case of rain, the program will be moved to the old fire station, farther west on Front Street.
Next Howard’s Club H free store to take place on Thursday, Sept. 17
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:
- Sept. 17
- Oct. 15
- Nov. 19
- Dec. 17
Congressional candidate Brian Shaver announces town hall in Bowling Green, Thursday, Sept. 17
Brian Shaver, Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 5th Congressional District, will hold a town hall on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Grounds for Thought in Bowling Green.
Shaver is also in the midst of his “Tacos and Transparency Tour,” which includes events in all nine counties of the district, each hosted at a local taco-serving restaurant on Tuesday evenings. The listening sessions offer residents across the political spectrum an opportunity to share their concerns and priorities.
His remaining tour events are to be held in Huron County on Sept. 8. Wyandot County on Sept. 22, and Hancock County on Sept. 29.
A full list of forums and additional campaign events can also be found on Shaver’s website at www.brianshaverforcongress.com/events.
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.
Cornhole tournament to raise funds for ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,’ Sunday, Sept. 20
The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. has partnered with Bowling Green Kiwanis and Bowling Green State University to host a county-wide cornhole tournament. The event is a fundraiser supporting WCCOA’s “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” holiday project. This annual project provides holiday gifts to grandchildren (17 and under) who are being raised by their grandparents in Wood County. All gifts are purchased, wrapped, and delivered to families before the holiday season to help them have a better holiday.
The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, starting at 1 p.m. The estimated time of the tournament is six hours. The event will be held at Wooster Green, 100 S. Church St., Bowling Green. Parking will be available at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St. Tournament details include a registration fee of $25 for two-member teams; $15 for single players, and single players will be paired with other single players.
There will be no rain date or refunds, as the proceeds from the event will go towards the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren project. All cornhole boards will be provided along with the resin bags. This is a double elimination tournament with three divisions: business, campus life, and community. Participants are asked to note the division they represent when registering for the event. A trophy will be provided to the winning team in each division. This event will allow people to network and support a good cause.
If people do not want to participate but still want to support the fundraiser, they are welcome to stop by the event. They can bring lawn chairs to watch the tournament, take part in the 50/50 raffle, or visit food trucks.
Preregistration is encouraged, but walk-ons are welcome. To register, use this link: https://forms.gle/CiY5DVfswDvQ9knr9. Payment can be made through Venmo.
If registering via email, send an email to BG Kiwanis at bgohkiwanis@gmail.com, then drop off registration and payment to WCCOA. Checks should be made payable to BG Kiwanis or fees should be paid via Venmo.
For more information on programs and services, contact the WCCOA at 419-353-5661, 1-800-367-4935, or www.wccoa.net.
Community invited to free lecture on ‘Navigating Hard Conversations with Emotional Intelligence,’ Thursday, Sept. 24
Registration is now open for the Dr. Sharon Erel lecture in September featuring Sarah Kundla, founder and professional facilitator at Questing Insight. The program, “Navigating Hard Conversations with Emotional Intelligence,” will be held on Sept. 24, from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Education Service Center of Lake Erie West, 2275 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo.
This program is offered at no charge to attendees and includes continuing education credits for curses and social workers/counselors. Community members who are not seeking continuing education are also strongly encouraged to attend this informative talk.
At the completion of this program, participants will be able to identify the four domains of emotional intelligence and articulate how each domain shapes professional communication and interaction in caregiving environments; define the concept of emotional triggers and examine how unmanaged emotional responses diminish communication effectiveness in high-stress clinical settings; identify verbal and behavior cues that signal a breakdown in psychological safety and determine how to apply conversational strategies to support productive dialogue in challenging professional and interpersonal interactions.
To register for this event, email Mary Davis at mdavis@hospicenwo.org. The deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 21.
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for check in with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
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.
