Wood County Museum to host free lecture about sharecroppers and tenant farmers in the Great Depression on Tuesday, Oct. 20
The Wood County Museum will present “Land of Our Own? Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers in the Great Depression” on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m., in the museum’s meeting room. Chase Fleece, historic farm coordinator for Wood County Park District, will present the free program.
Food was important to the Americans living through the Great Depression. For many, it was more expensive and more elusive than once was. For most, however, the economic conditions thrusted upon them radically altered traditional ingredients and recipes. In this installment of the Great Depression Lecture Series, the museum will explore the changing nature of the American culinary landscape throughout the 1930s. In doing so, attendees will see many differences but also many similarities to our modern diets.
This is the tenth installment in the Great Depression Lecture Series, an America 250 program. This is a Wood County Park District-lead event, in partnership with the Wood County Museum.
BG Exchange Club to host Sam Beaver, owner of The Well Health & Fitness on Tuesday, Oct. 20
The guest speaker at the Oct. 20 meeting of the Bowling Green Exchange club will be Sam Beaver, owner of The Well Health & Fitness in Bowling Green. The meeting will be held at Beckett’s Barrel Room at noon.
The topic will be “Strength, Community, and Showing Up: What Really Helps Us Live Longer.” Beaver will address what actually helps adults live longer, and it’s simpler than it may seem. He will also share how The Well grew from a COVID parking lot to a 4,000-square-foot gym, and why the same habits drive both. Listeners will leave with one small action they can start this week to help them live longer.
The Exchange Club meets weekly with local guest speakers. Guests are always welcome to join club members for lunch. The cost for lunch is $13 per person.
BG Kiwanis Club to welcome Circle K International students on Thursday, Oct. 15
The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club is pleased to welcome Jeff Schooley, a member of the BG Kiwanis Club, and students from Circle K International as the featured speakers at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The meeting will be held 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.
The presentation will highlight Circle K International, a collegiate service organization that provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and make a positive difference through community service. Schooley and the students will share insights into the organization and the importance of encouraging young adults to become actively involved in serving their communities. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about the connection between Circle K International and Kiwanis and how both organizations work to promote service, leadership, and community engagement.
Thursday, Oct. 15, is also “Wear Purple Day” in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To show support, members are encouraged to wear purple and take a photo to share on social media.
For more information about the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club or to learn how to become a member, visit www.kiwanisbg.org.
BG Rotary Club to host Kristin Otley, Parks & Recreation director, Thursday, Oct. 15
At Thursday’s Rotary meeting on Oct. 15, the club will welcome Kristin Otley, the city’s Parks & Recreation director. Her agency is responsible for the city’s community center, city pool, and nine city parks. There is a myriad of activities associated with each of them, which Rotarians can look forward to learning more about.
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.
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
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:
- 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.
‘No Kings, No Thrones, No Crowns’ rally planned for Saturday, Oct. 17
There will be a “No Kings, No Thrones, No Crowns” rally on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1-3 p.m. at the corner of Main and Wooster streets. People are invited to bring their friends and bring their signs.
The protest is organized by BG Persists and the Wood County Democrats.
Peace Lutheran Church to host ‘Bingo’ bash and chili dinner on Sunday, Oct. 18
Peace Lutheran Church, 1021 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green, will host a bingo bash and chili dinner on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 3-6 p.m.
- 3 p.m.: Bingo & board games
- 4 p.m.: Dinner break
- 4:30-6 p.m.: Bingo & games resume
There will be prizes and all are welcome to attend for free.
Toledo Ballet staging ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,’ Oct. 23 & 24
The Toledo Ballet will present its original production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m. at The Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo.
[RELATED: Toledo Ballet scares up original production of ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’]
Tickets for this Andersons Inc. Family series are available by callng 419-246-8000 or by clicking.
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. 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.
Not In Our Town to host community conversation series continues Nov. 10
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 next conversation will take place:
- 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.
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.
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.
‘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.
‘Art 4 Animals 10’ exhibits art from 5th-graders to adults
Bowling Green Arts Council is proud to announce the tenth anniversary of Art 4 Animals, an animal-themed juried art show from Oct. 16 – 30, at ArtSpace, 178 S. Main St., in the rear alley, in Bowling Green. For the 2026 show, there are 27 artists exhibiting 38 works of art.
A free opening reception for the public will take place on Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 – 7 p.m. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission, and the public is welcome.
Works from artists of all ages will be featured in the show, with prizes awarded in age categories – 5th-8th grade, 9th-12th grade, and adults – as well as for Best Domestic Animal and Best Wild Animal. The works of artist-winners will be featured on note cards for sale at the reception and at Bowling Green merchants. Sale of the note cards will benefit the Wood County Humane Society and the Bowling Green Arts Council.
“Art 4 Animals 10” is sponsored by the Bowling Green Arts Council and The Copy Shop.
City of BG brush collection to begin Monday, Oct. 19
The next brush collection will begin on Monday, Oct. 19. To ensure pickup, residents must place their brush on the curb by Monday, Oct. 19, by 7 a.m. This is the fourth and final brush collection of the year.
Brush and limbs should be placed loosely at the curb – not bundled. Brush mixed with leaves or other yard debris will not be collected. Limbs more than six inches in diameter and six feet in length as well as stumps will not be collected. Do not place brush near utility poles, mailboxes, guy wires, or any other structures. The city, at its discretion, will not collect entire tree(s) placed in the right of way because of work by a contractor.
For cul-de-sacs, do not place brush in the cul-de-sac green space as it may block fire hydrants, and/or it is unmanageable for city equipment to remove.
It is encouraged to note that pickup is by ward and not by normal refuse collection day. To be included on the collection route, residents must place their brush on the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19.
Residents can visit the city’s website for more information and details. Information about this program may be found on the Public Works Division web page or residents may call Public Works at 419-354-6227.
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.
Free speech, language, and hearing screenings to take place at library, Wednesday, Oct. 21
Reading and language development are missions the Wood County District Public Library and the BGSU Speech and Hearing Clinic share. Because of this connection, the two organizations are collaborating to bring speech, language, and hearing screenings to the community.
The event will take place at the Wood County District Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Children ages 3 to 6 years old can be registered for a 20-minutes session. Each screening covers all three areas of development, and each child should be registered separately. To register a child for the free screening, call the Children’s Place at 419-352-8253.
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.
Community invited to help shape future of affordable housing in BG, Friday, Oct. 23
BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group (BG SONG) is inviting the Bowling Green community to Growing Home: Opening Doors to Affordable Housing – an event focused on the future of affordable housing and neighborhood development in our community.
Growing Home will bring together residents, business and community leaders, service providers, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and others from across the Bowling Green area to share perspectives, identify priorities, and explore opportunities to address local housing needs.
The meeting will introduce participants to the Community Land Trust (CLT) model and explore opportunities to establish a Community Land Trust in the Bowling Green area.
In September 2026, BG SONG was awarded a $15,000 capacity-building grant from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation to support the formation of a Bowling Green area Community Land Trust.
CLTs are nonprofit organizations that acquire and hold land to serve local communities over the long term, helping keep housing affordable for generations to come. One example is Yellow Springs Home Inc., which has used the Community Land Trust model in Yellow Springs, Ohio, since its founding in 1998. Its accomplishments include maintaining long-term affordability, zero foreclosures, and expanding rental housing developments.
During Growing Home, meeting participants will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, share ideas, and identify next steps.
Community members who would like to help turn these ideas into action will be invited to join a new action committee dedicated to establishing a Community Land Trust in the Bowling Green area. The committee will begin meeting in November.
Growing Home: Opening Doors to Affordable Housing will take place Friday, Oct. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Building in Bowling Green City Park, 520 Conneaut Ave.
Breakfast will be provided.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Oct. 16 to help organizers plan for breakfast and meeting materials. Participants can RSVP using this registration link or by emailing BG SONG at bowlinggreensong@gmail.com.
BG’s final slow roll bike ride of the year will have a Halloween twist, Sunday, Oct. 25
The City of Bowling Green’s Bicycle Safety Commission will host the final slow roll bike ride of the season with a Halloween twist. The ride, titled Spooks & Spokes, will be held Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Riders are encouraged to decorate their bikes and dress up in bike friendly costumes. This ride will begin and end at the City Building Parking Lot, 305 N. Main St. Stops will feature local lore, stories, and some of Bowling Green’s most allegedly haunted locations.
Rides are free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. Each rider is required to wear a properly-fitted helmet and ride a correctly-sized bicycle in safe, working mechanical order. It is highly recommended that young riders, not able to travel on their own, participate via a tow behind trailer or child bike seat. These rides are meant to be more recreational in nature and will travel at a speed comfortable for all riders.
While designed for fun and exploration, monthly rides also stress the importance of safe riding practices and responsibilities of riders while navigating city streets. Multiple trained leaders will facilitate the ride to ensure that all riders complete the route, including providing assistance for mechanical or personal issues that may arise.
Wood County District Public Library to host free series on how to document family history
Whether someone is new to genealogy or has been working on their family history for some time, the Wood County District Public Library can help people make the most out of their research with a three-part series this fall. Leading each program is WCDPL’s local historian, Marnie Pratt.
The second program, “Family History: Digging Deeper,” will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28. This installment will lead participants further into several of the library’s research tools, taking their research to the next level.
The last program, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, is “Family History: Capturing Your History.” This last installment will focus on oral history interviews – an easy way to add unique elements to your research while preserving family stories for future generations.
All three classes will be held at 2 p.m. in the library’s second-floor programming room. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
BG Parks and Rec to host family-friendly fireside fun, Thursday, Oct. 29
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to a family-friendly fireside experience at Wintergarden/ St. John’s Preserve on Thursday, Oct. 29. Participants are encouraged to drop into the Bowling Green Rotary Nature Center, 615 S. Wintergarden Rd., Bowling Green, any time throughout the 5-7 p.m. program.
Attendees can see Wintergarden’s fall foliage, roast marshmallows, and play fun yard games. This program is free and open to all ages. Those under 16 must have a parent present.
Registration is available here: https://ohbowlinggreenweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=47568996&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac
Contact Peighton Corso, special programmer, at pcorso@bgohio.gov with questions.
EZ Pickenz set to perform in Grand Rapids Town Hall on Friday, Oct. 30
The Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee and Historical Society of Grand Rapids have announced that EZ Pickenz will be performing in the auditorium of the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.
EZ Pickenz has been playing since 2015 throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan performing folk, rock, country, blues, and original songs for thousands of audience members in dozens of venues, festivals, and concert settings. They are known for their three-part male harmony and blend of song choices and style.
Mark Elder brings over 50 years of musical experience to the band, not only as a singer and bass guitarist, but also as a songwriter and recording engineer. Over the years, Mark has recorded several albums of original music in bands and on solo projects. Lyle Diefenthaler has decades of experience with contemporary worship music, currently leading his church’s praise band with guitar. Lyle also performs classic oldies for senior audiences. In EZ Pickenz, he provides cajon hand percussion and vocals. Derrick Hudson plays many instruments and has performed on major cruise lines, traveling to some of the world’s most iconic locations. Derrick has performed as a soloist (sometimes with an orchestra) and earlier with the band “Touched” in the Toledo area. He will be playing lead and rhythm guitar.
Tickets are $10 each and are available at The Village Orchard in Grand Rapids or at the door. The musicians will entertain with rowdy lighthearted originals and recreated masterpieces from other artists. Their focus is live local music. Feel free to come in costume.
Bowling Green ‘Trick or Treat’ night to be on Halloween
“Trick or Treat” night will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., in Bowling Green.
Citizens handing out treats should indicate participation by turning on porch lights.
Those driving during the evening of Oct. 31 are asked to drive slowly and with caution, being mindful of the large number of pedestrians that evening.
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.
