Community invited to meet local author William Scovell, Saturday, Oct. 10
The Wood County District Public Library invites the community to meet local author William Scovell on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11:00 a.m. He will be discussing he latest short story collection, “Finding Your Way … In the Fog of Life.”
Before retiring, Scovell was a professor of chemistry at Bowling Green State University, where he wrote dozens of academic articles and some scholarly books. “Finding Your Way” marks his second foray into fiction after 2022’s “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up.” His stories follow the humorous escapades of relatable and flawed characters who find themselves making questionable decisions.
As Scovell puts it in the book’s description: “From porches and college dorm rooms to garages or a raging Caribbean Sea, the stories capture the rhythms of small-town Americana through the eyes of a witty satirical narrator who can’t help but find comedy in life’s complications.”
This event will take place in the second-floor programming room. For any questions, contact Information Services at 419-352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.
Library to host Lucy Long, local author, on Tuesday, Oct. 13
The Wood County District Public Library will host Bowling Green author and scholar Lucy Long for a discussion on her new book, “Sweet, Tart, and Golden: Apples in the Midwestern Imagination.” Her talk will be on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
From Johnny Appleseed to the Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest, apples have and continue to play a large role in Midwestern culture. Long’s book provides answers to why that’s the case through an exploration of the fruit’s history in the region.
In addition to an earnest love for the Midwest, “Sweet, Tart, and Golden” is the product of many years spent studying food and culture. Long’s expertise is backed up by a Ph.D. in Folklore and teaching classes on cultural and American studies for 25 years at Bowling Green State University. She also serves as director for the Center for Food and Culture.
This event will take place in the second-floor programming room, where books will be for sale – cash or check only. For any questions, contact Information Services at 419-352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.
Wood County District Public Library to partner with Wood County Law Library for program on free resources for law research, Friday, Oct. 16
The Wood County District Public Library is partnering with the Wood County Law Library to provide a program on publicly available resources for law research. On Friday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., Law Librarian Sarah Renda will give a presentation explaining how the law library can be of use to patrons.
Many Ohioans may not realize that every county has a court law library. They were originally made to serve judges, elected officials, and attorneys with legal information. With law libraries becoming public agencies since 2010, all are welcome to access legal materials both online and in-person at the county law library.
This event will take place in the second-floor programming room, and no reservations are required. For any questions, contact Information Services at 419-352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.
Free series to help youth make healthy decisions
Some kids may wonder, do French fries count as a vegetable? A series of programs presented at the library by Wood County Hospital will help children ages 4 – 10 answer that question and learn about nutrition.
The series will be presented at the Wood County District Public Library on three Friday mornings in October, which are no-school days for Bowling Green City Schools. All are welcome to attend, and no registration is necessary.
Children will learn the importance of eating from all five food groups and how food helps them stay active and healthy through games, snacks, and hands-on activities.
The series will take place on:
- Friday, Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m. – Fun with food groups
- Friday, Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m. – Eat smart to play hard
- Friday, Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m. – You be the chef
For more information, contact the Children’s Place at the Wood County District Public Library at 419-352-5104.
Motorists encouraged to participate in a ‘Week Without Driving,’ Oct. 1-8
Multiple Wood County agencies have come together to encourage public participation in the national movement, “Week Without Driving,” from Oct. 1-8. This campaign highlights the need for safe pedestrian transportation for the non-drivers present in every community. A third of the U.S. population are nondrivers, made up of: people with disabilities who cannot drive, people who cannot afford a vehicle or gas, cannot obtain licenses, are too young to drive, aged out of driving, or choose not to drive. This movement not only brings awareness to those in every community that lack access to driving, it also reduces carbon emissions that driving creates.
Community members can participate by signing the pledge available here: https://www.bgsu.edu/campus-sustainability/transportation.html. The pledge highlights other forms of transportation like walking, taking public transit, carpooling, or riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard. The pledge helps participants to plan their week and all the ways they can make an impact.
To celebrate local participation in a Week Without Driving, the community is invited to the wrap-up celebration on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m., at Wooster Green, 100 S. Church St., Bowling Green. This celebration will include pizza and a prize drawing for all those who made the pledge. The rain location will be First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, 126 S. Church St.
Wood County WorkLink, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Health Department, Bowling Green State University Campus Sustainability, Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group, and the city of Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission have all partnered on highlighting this movement and encouraging local community members to sign the pledge and participate. To learn more about this campaign, visit https://www.bgohio.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1003.
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra will join forces with for a show Tower of Power on Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. at The Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.
Tickets to this KeyBank Pops Series event are available
now at liveartstoledo.com or by calling the Live Arts Toledo Box Office at 419-246-8000.
The band’s celebrated rhythm section and brass sound expand alongside the Toledo Symphony for an evening built on groove, energy, and the thrill of large-scale live collaboration.
Wood County Health Department to offer vaccine clinics
Everyone is invited to protect themselves, their families, and their communities by attending on of Wood County Health Department’s seasonal flu and COVID vaccine clinics. Everyone age 6 months and older is eligible for seasonal vaccination. The health department has partnered with the Wood County Committee on Aging to offer clinics at local senior centers.
Insurance will be billed to those with insurance, so people are asked to bring their insurance cards. Vaccines are also available for individuals without insurance, with a $20 administration fee. No payment will be collected at the clinic.
Clinic dates and locations include:
- Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. – noon, North Baltimore Area Senior Center
- Friday, Oct. 9, 3 – 6 p.m., Wood County Health Department
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Northeast Area Senior Center, Walbridge
- Friday, Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Rossford Area Senior Center
- Friday, Oct. 23, 3 – 6 p.m., Wood County Health Department
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. – noon, Wood County Health Department
- Friday, Nov. 6, 3 – 6 p.m., Wood County Health Department
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. – noon, Wood County Health Department.
The Wood County Health Department is located at 1840 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green. For more information, visit woodcountyhealth.org.
GFWC Women’s Club to meet on Wednesday, Oct. 7
GFWC Women’s Club of Bowling Green will meet at First Christian Church, at the corner of Poe and Haskins roads, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Kelly Driver, business manager for Work Leads to Independence, will present the program for the evening. WLI is an agency that helps individuals with developmental disabilities achieve independence through employment, life-skills training, and community participation.
Members are encouraged to wear the color purple to honor the club’s October emphasis on GFWC’s national signature project of “domestic violence awareness and prevention.” Club members helped place purple ribbons and posters in downtown Bowling Green locations in support of The Cocoon.
President Candace Gillen will begin the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Sharon Hanna will introduce the music for the evening presented by students of the BGSU Music Education Department. A short business meeting will include committee chair announcements, treasurer Susan Enright’s report, and correspondence from donation recipients, update from Enright and Carolyn Overhulse on the annual holiday art and craft show, scheduled for Nov. 14 at First United Methodist Church, and suggestions for new service projects for the coming club year. Members should watch for emails regarding Garden Group, Literature Group, and Ladies Who Lunch. Hostesses for the evening are Lynne Comings, Linda Frizzell, and Mary Mackzum.
The designated charity for the month of October is The Cocoon. The club will make a donation of $500 on behalf of members.
Anyone interested in learning about the opportunities for service that GFWC Women’s Club provides to the community and beyond, or who would like to attend a meeting, can consult the GFWC Women’s Club of Bowling Green Facebook page, email president@womensclubbg.org, or talk with any club member.
Kiwanis to hear about St. Mark’s mission work, Oct. 8
The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club iwill welcome Pastor Robin Small of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church as the featured speaker at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8 at noon in the Slater Family Ice Arena Lounge on the campus of Bowling Green State University.
The public is invited to attend, with lunch available from 11:30 a.m. for $18.
Small will share updates and photos from the Tanzanian mission trips supported through the efforts of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club, and the Bowling Green Rotary Club. The presentation will provide attendees with an opportunity to see the impact of these efforts firsthand and learn more about the work being accomplished through the partnership and the relationships that have developed along the way.
BG Rotary to welcome Staci Swing from Wood County Job & Family Services, Thursday, Oct. 8
BG Rotarians look forward to welcoming Staci Swing from Wood County Job & Family Services as its guest speaker on Thursday, Oct. 8. The agency provides a number of services in the county centered around public assistance, social needs, and jobs. Swing is a foster care licensing specialist.
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.
Wood Soil & Water Conservation District to host free native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop, Thursday, Oct. 8
The Wood Soil and Water Conservation District will host a native pollinator and wildlife habitat workshop on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Wood SWCD office, 1616 E. Wooster St., Suite 32, Bowling Green. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Matt Conner, Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife management consultant, will present on preparing and planting new habitats. Sanja Jennings, Wood County Park District Stewardship Specialist, will talk about the importance and benefits of native plants in the landscape.
Farmers and landowners have the opportunity to receive conservation funding through incentive programs. A local native pollinator mini-grant is available for eligible projects.
This event is free and open to the community. RSVPs are requested online at woodswcd.com, by email at julielause@woodswcd.com, or by phone at 419-354-5517 #4.
Wood County District Public Library to host a free discussion with Nancy Putnam Hollister, Thursday, Oct. 8
Wood County District Public Library and Wood County 250 are proud to present a discussion of Ohio’s participation in the development of America’s first 250 years, particularly Marietta’s and Ohio Appalachia’s role in the Northwest Territory and Ohio’s early days, with a member of one of Ohio’s First Families, Nancy Putnam Hollister.
Hollister, whose family history dates to the founding of the city of Marietta, Ohio’s first permanent settlement, and ultimately served a brief time as Ohio governor, will be the featured speaker at the library on Thursday, Oct. 8, as part of Wood County’s America 250 programming. Hollister served for 11 days between the governorships of George Voinovich and Bob Taft in January of 1999. Before that, Hollister’s public service career included mayor of Marietta, state representative, and lieutenant governor.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library atrium in Bowling Green, 251 N. Main St.
BGSU Symphonic Band ‘Celebrating American Music,’ Oct. 8
The BGSU Symphonic Band, conducted by Ken Thompson, will present “Celebrating American Music,” Thursday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. in Kobacker Hall oin the Moore Musical Arts Center.
The program includes two pieces, one by Holly Harrison andone by Scott McAllister composed this year.
On the program will be:
- “A Mother of a Revolution!” by Omar Thomas
- “Big Things by Holly Harrison,” conducted by Derek East, graduate student conductor
- “For You, A TikTok Fantasy” by Scott McAllister
- “American Patrol” by Frank White Meacham
This free public performance will be live streamed. Click to view.
Click for links to program notes and ensemble personnel.
Free ‘Window on Wildlife Fridays’ to continue through Nov. 6
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, Oct. 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.
Pemberville Public Library plans annual Historical Cemetery Walk in Webster Township, Saturday, Oct. 10
Pemberville Public Library is hosting its Eighth Annual Historical Cemetery Walk on Saturday, Oct. 10. Featured this year will be Webster Township Cemetery, where participants will take a guided tour of the cemetery along a lantern-lit path and learn about the lives of five historical figures from the Scotch Ridge area – L.D. Stonebrook, Sarah Long, Jennie Ward, Hampton Roller, and Elmer Long.
The first tour begins at 4:55 p.m. and is a sit down tour that is perfect for those who have difficulty walking on uneven ground. Walking tours will begin every 20 minutes from 5:15 p.m. through 9:15 p.m. The event is free, however registration is required. Call 419-287-4012 to sign up.
Tower of Power joins forces with Toledo Symphony, Oct. 10
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra will join forces with for a show Tower of Power on Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. at The Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.
Tickets to this KeyBank Pops Series event are available at liveartstoledo.com or by calling the Live Arts Toledo Box Office at 419-246-8000.
[RELATED: Tower of Power backed by Toledo Symphony set for Peristyle show]
The band’s celebrated rhythm section and brass sound expand alongside the Toledo Symphony for an evening built on groove, energy, and the thrill of large-scale live collaboration.
BGSU to host community town hall about data centers, Tuesday, Oct. 13
Bowling Green State University will host a community town hall titled, “Data Centers, Community, and Sustainability in Northwest Ohio,” on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Building at City Park, 520 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green.
For individuals with disabilities, if special services, assistance, or appropriate modifications are needed to fully participate in these events, contact Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-9495 prior to the event.
Not In Our Town to host community conversation series
Not In Our Town Bowling Green will be holding a series of conversations to discuss the results of its 2025 survey, to gain a sense of what the community wants the organization to be, and to plan events for the spring.
The conversations will take place:
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:30 – 7 p.m., 427 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, BGSU
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5:30 – 7 p.m., BG City Building, Conference Room 111, adjacent to the main City Council Chambers
NIOT-BG is a nonpartisan group that was established in 2013 as a joint effort between concerned residents of the city of Bowling Green and Bowling Green State University students, with support from the city and BGSU. After a series of race-based incidents caused some people to question who they are and who they aspire to be, a group began exploring options for ensuring the community was welcoming to all, and NIOT-BG was born. Since its formation, NIOT-BG has hosted/co-hosted events and programs such as the Peace March, Interfaith Breakfast, United Against Hate Week, community reads, educational workshops, and community talks.
For more information about NIOT-BG, visit its Facebook page or contact Ana Brown at acbrown@bgsu.edu or Heather Sayler at hsayler@bgohio.gov.
Owens Community College to present free concert with Warren & Flick, Wednesday, Oct. 14
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m., the Music Business Technology students from Owens Community College will present the first performance of the 11th annual, 2026-27, Accent on the Arts concerts, featuring Warren & Flick.
Warren & Flick creates music that can feel both grounded and adventurous – rooted in tradition yet unafraid to explore. With Jacob Warren on double and tenor bass and Grant Flick on violin, tenor guitar, and nyckelharpa, the duo crafts a sound, blending original composition and improv with classical, jazz, and folk traditions.
To learn more about Warren & Flick, visit WarrenandFlick.com.
Accent on the Arts is a free concert series designed, booked, promoted, and presented by Music Business Technology students. The concert will be in the 526-seat Mainstage Theatre in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the Owens Community College Toledo Campus. The Center for Fine and Performing Arts is located at 7270 Biniker Road, Perrysburg.
Next Howard’s Club H free store to take place on Thursday, Oct. 15
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:
- Oct. 15
- Nov. 19
- Dec. 17
‘Parents’ Night Out’ continues Friday, Oct. 16
Returning to make date nights easier, the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department’s “Parents’ Night Out” program provides activities for kids ages 5-12, including games, arts & crafts, gym time, and the popular Freedom Climber rotating climbing wall.
Registration is limited to the first 20 participants and slots tend to sell out quickly. Sessions are from 5 – 9 p.m. on the following Fridays:
- Oct. 16
- Nov. 13
- Dec. 18
Children should eat dinner before drop-off as no food or snacks will be provided at the programs. Parents are welcome to send a snack with their child if needed.
The programs cost $15 per resident child per session and $19 per non-resident child per session. For questions or more information, call Ivan at 419-354-6223 or email ikovacevic@bgohio.gov.
Free Monday Morning Meditation & Movement to continue indoors
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is excited to continue Monday Morning Meditation and Movement inside. The community is invited to join certified yoga and meditation teacher Maria Signorino, the natural resource specialist, at Simpson Garden Park, in the Banquet Room, for meditation and light movement. The program will now extend from Oct. 19 through March 29. The program will be from 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. on Monday mornings.
Program dates:
- Oct. 19
- Nov. 2, 9, 23
- Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28
- Jan. 4, 11, 25
- Feb. 1, 22
- March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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 not occur on holidays.
This is a chance to slow down, engage in the senses, and listen to the body. 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 to attend and does not require registration. For questions, contact Maria Signorino, natural resource specialist, at msignorino@bgohio.gov.
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.
BG Parks & Recreations announces ‘First Friday Frenzy’
“First Friday Frenzy” debuts this fall for slightly older children, ages 11-14. Taking place on the first Friday of the month, this program will be a night of competition. Activities and skills contests will be offered in the game room, gymnasium, and on the rotating climbing wall.
Sessions are scheduled from 5-9 p.m. on the following Fridays:
- Nov. 6
- Dec. 4
Children should eat dinner before drop-off as no food or snacks will be provided at the programs. Parents are welcome to send a snack with their child if needed.
The programs cost $15 per resident child per session and $19 per non-resident child per session. For questions or more information, call Ivan at 419-354-6223 or email ikovacevic@bgohio.gov.
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.
