Doctoral students to present Composer Portrait: George Lewis, Sept. 29
Performers in the BGSU Doctorate in Musical Arts in Contemporary Music program will present Composer Portrait: George Lewis Tuesday, Sept.29 at 8 p.m. in Bryan Recital Hall on campus.
The program will be:
- Shadowgraph, 5 (1977) performed by Jared Beu, Cole Habekost, Chris Harris, Will Hermanowski, Martha Hudson, Jake Loitz, Gloria Pan, Sam Valancy
- Emergent (2014) performed by Shannon Lotti (DMA ’26), flute
- Endless Shout (1994) performed by Stephen Eckert (DMA ’26), piano
- Un petit brouillard cérébral (2020) performed by Cole Habekost, violin
- Oraculum (2016) performed by Wesley Nielsen, trombone
- Thistledown (2012) performed by Zihua Ma, violin; Liam Battle, cello; Francisca de Castanheiro de Freitas, piano; Jacob Koch, percussion
George Lewis is a noted composer and trombonist whose music spans te shealms of jazz and classical concert music. He was the featured gest composer at BGSU New Music Festival in 2013. He has been a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians since 1971.
Wood County District Public Library to host plant exchange, Oct. 2 & 3
Friday, Oct. 2, the second floor Programming Room at the Wood County District Public Library will be open from 1-5 p.m. for drop-offs for the WCDPL Plant Exchange. The community is invited to bring their extra plants and clippings to the library to exchange with other community members. For each plant or clipping dropped off on Friday, people will receive a ticket to exchange for a different plant or clipping on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Toledo Orchestra musicians to perform chamber music, Oct. 4
Musicians from the Toledo Symphony Orchestra will present a program of works for small ensembles Sunday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m. in the Robert Bell Studio in the Toledo Center for Live Arts, 4747 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo.
The program will be:
- Guitar Quintet No. 4 in D Major “Fandango” by Luigi Boccherini
- Octet by Igor Starvinsky
- String Quartet No. 16 in E-Flat Major by W.A. Mozart
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:
- Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Perrysburg Area Senior Center
- Thursday, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pemberville Area Senior Center
- Friday, Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Wood County Senior Center, Bowling Green
- Monday, Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Grand Rapids Area Senior Center
- Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Wayne Area Senior Center
- 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.
Bowling Green Manor to celebrate 50th anniversary with ribbon-cutting, Tuesday, Sept. 29
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and Bowling Green Manor are excited to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m. at 1021 W. Poe Road, in celebration of the facility’s 50th anniversary.
The manor serves the community with a variety of care options, including short-term, long-term, respite, ventilator, and continuing care. At Bowling Green Manor, a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals works with residents to help ensure comfort, compassion, and quality of care around the clock. Knowing that each patient has unique needs, the manor is committed to recognizing the individual – personal care plans span a range from assistance with daily living to chronic disease and pain management.
Bowling Green Manor invites all community members to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating 50 years of dedicated service. This event is free and open to the public, with registration open at bgchamber.net/rsvp.
BG Exchange Club to welcome Amy West, chief marketing and communications officer at BGSU, on Tuesday, Sept. 29
The guest speaker at the Sept. 29 meeting of the Bowling Green Exchange Club will be Amy West, chief marketing and communications officer at Bowling Green State University. The meeting is being held at Beckett’s Barrell Room at noon.
BGSU recently won a record eight CASE Circle of Excellence Awards recognizing the efforts and content created by its marketing team. CASE is a 90,000-member international professional organization that annually recognizes exceptional ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness in brand management and communications in the promotion of higher education. More evidence of the university’s marketing success is the fall freshman class, which is the largest ever, and student retention being at an historic high.
West will talk about how the marketing office reaches out to prospective students, current students, alumni, parents, faculty, and others through multiple forms of communication.
Since joining the BGSU marketing communications staff in 2000, West has held multiple roles in the office and added a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in strategic communications to the associate degree in accounting on her resume. She has served in her current post since April 2025. In addition to leading a marketing team, West serves on the president’s cabinet, a panel of individuals who work with BGSU President Dr. Rodney K. Rogers to shape daily operation of the university.
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.
City of Bowling Green to hold groundbreaking ceremony for new fire stations, Tuesday, Sept. 29
The city of Bowling Green is celebrating the official groundbreaking of the two new Bowling Green fire stations on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. The community is invited to Carter Park, 447 Campbell Hill Road, for a brief ceremony. Parking will be available just past the event site and water tower.
In November 2025, by a vote of 3,329 (68%) to 1,563 (32%), city of Bowling Green residents passed a 0.15% income tax levy to build two new fire stations and decrease emergency response times in the community. The stations will be located on Campbell Hill and Newton Road.
North Baltimore Public Library to celebrate book club’s 25th year, Tuesday, Sept. 29
The North Baltimore Public Library’s book club is celebrating 25 years since its first meeting in September of 2001. To commemorate, the public is invited to drop in to “sample” from the library’s reading list through the years and “book club formula.” People can browse the titles, pick up a list of a variety of genres, get a few informal recommendation, and sign up to win a book prize set.
The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with informal browsing and chats from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and a book club meeting at 6:30 p.m. The prize drawing will take place at the end of the evening, but being present is not required to win.
For those curious about how to start a book club or interested in joining one, this is a chance to see how one functions and view an actual meeting.
At 6:30 p.m., the regular meeting and discussion of “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton will take place. Harper’s Bazaar said of the book, “Pop your favorite Agatha Christie whodunnit into a blender with a scoop of Downtown Abbey, a dash of Quantum Leap, and a liberal sprinkling of Groundhog Day, and you’ll get this unique murder mystery.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Councilwoman Katelyn Elliott to hold constituent meeting at Grounds for Thought, Wednesday, Sept. 30
Councilwoman Katelyn Elliott is holding a quarterly constituent meeting Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Grounds For Thought, 174 S. Main St., Bowling Green. All are welcome to come to ask questions and share concerns or ideas. Elliott will have copies of the redistricting ward maps being considered and city council’s 2027 goals.
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.
BG Kiwanis Club to host Kevin Brooks and Adam Wagner of Owens Community College Admissions, Thursday, Oct. 1
The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club is pleased to welcome Kevin Brooks and Adam Wagner of Owens Community College Admissions as the featured speakers at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1.
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.
In their presentation, “An Important Member of the Local Higher Education Scene,” Brooks and Wagner will provide an overview of Owens Community College and its role in serving students throughout northwest Ohio. Attendees will learn more about the college, its educational opportunities and pathways, and how Owens helps prepare students for continued education and careers while contributing to the region’s workforce and communities.
For more information about the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club or to learn how to become a member, visit www.kiwanisbg.org.
Jack Robinson to address BG Rotary, Thursday, Oct. 1
BG Rotarians look forward to hearing fellow board member Jack Robinson provide an overview of his employer, Scouting America, at its regular Thursday meeting, Oct. 1. Robinson’s Erie Shores Council, in Toledo, serves young men and women throughout northwest Ohio with leadership training and character development.
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.
Free ‘Window on Wildlife Fridays’ to continue Oct. 2
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. 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.
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:
- Oct. 2
- 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.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church to host fall chicken barbeque, Saturday, Oct. 3
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 315 S. College Drive, Bowling Green, is hosting its annual fall chicken barbeque on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. Chicken dinners will be sold until they are sold out. Dinners include half of a chicken, a baked potato, applesauce, green beans, bread, and dessert.
The meal is available by drive-thru or pickup options only. All proceeds benefit the St. Mark’s Mission Team.
For more information, call 419-353-9305 or email office@stmarksbg.org.
Free lecture in Grand Rapids to discuss Vietnam War, Saturday, Oct. 3
The Grand Rapids Historical Society is excited to announce a 250th lecture series celebrating 250 years of American history. The programs are arranged chronologically from Fallen Timbers to the Vietnam War. The last lecture will be given in the auditorium of the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall, 24282 Front St.
The topic of this last program of the series, presented by Dr. Dwayne Beggs, will be the Vietnam War. His lecture is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. Beggs taught U.S. History at Lourdes University in Sylvania for 14 years. Courses that he taught at Lourdes included the American Civil War, Vietnam War, 20th Century America, as well as U.S. Survey courses (early and modern America). His research interest focuses on the Vietnam War and presidential war powers. Beggs 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.
Admission is free and open to the public, and everyone is invited to help celebrate this milestone birthday of the country by attending this program.
BG churches will come together to bless pets, Sunday, Oct. 4
In Bowling Green, six churches will come together on Sunday, Oct. 4, to bless pets, pictures of pets, and stuffed animals. The community is invited to join the churches for a joyful community celebration featuring a blessing of the animals, family activities, pet-themed art opportunities, free ice cream for humans and their furry companions, and more.
Local nonprofits who support animal welfare have been invited – including shelters, therapy organizations, and the police department – to share their work and needs with the Bowling Green community. A silent auction will be held, and items will be collected that have been requested by the Wood County Humane Society. The mission of the event is to support the humane society through monetary gifts and donations of pet food, toys, and cleaning supplies.
To support the humane society, items can be purchased directly from its Amazon wish list. Items in need are KMR, kitten pate, bleach, and clumping litter.
A local veterinarian will also be present to offer healthy-pet checks.
All dogs must be on leashes – one animal per handler. All other animals must remain in carriers, containers, or cages.
The event will take place at Needle Hall in City Park on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2-4 p.m. For questions, contact Trinity United Methodist Church at 419‑353‑9031.
Leagues of Women Voters of BG & Perrysburg to co-host candidate roundtable in Perrysburg, Sunday, Oct. 4
The League of Women Voters of the Perrysburg Area and the League of Women Voters of Bowling Green will cohost a candidate roundtable on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m., at the Perrysburg Heights Community Center in Perrysburg.
This community event offers voters across northwest Ohio the opportunity to meet candidates in person and ask questions about issues affecting their communities. Invited candidates include those running for: U.S. Congressional Districts 5 and 9; Ohio House Districts 44 and 75; Court of Appeals Judge District 6; Wood County Common Pleas Judge; Wood County Probate Judge; Wood County Commissioner; and Wood County Auditor.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. The event is free and open to the public.
Registration open for free BG Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Luncheon
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its annual Women in Business Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Stone Ridge Golf Club, in celebration of October as National Women’s Small Business Month.
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor UBS Financial Services invite all women affiliated with chamber investors to attend this luncheon at no charge. The chamber appreciates Justin Henck’s support of this event since its inception and his continued efforts to encourage women to be leaders in business.
The Women in Business Luncheon began on a virtual platform in 2020 to celebrate and recognize the success and accomplishments of Bowling Green area women. The 2026 program features three women sharing their professional journeys and accomplishments.
This year’s featured speakers are Dot Barnes of All About You Aesthetics and Wellness; Liz Sworden of BioFit, BG Pedal Compant, and Angels in Arms; and Dr. Sandra Earle of Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy.
Registration is open at bgchamber.net/rsvp, and will close on Monday, Oct. 5, or once capacity is reached. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and marketing materials to share on the networking table.
Last Monday morning meditation & movement session of season to take place Monday, Oct. 5
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
