BG Kiwanis Club to welcome Steve Snyder for presentation on elder fraud, Thursday, Oct. 29
The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club is please to welcome Steve Snyder, a former Secret Service professional and adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University, as the featured speaker at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 29.
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 his presentation, “Elder Fraud,” Snyder will address the growing concern of financial scams and fraudulent activities targeting older adults. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about common types of fraud and tactics used by scammers to help protect themselves and their loved ones. Drawing on his background in the Secret Service and criminal justice education. Snyder will provide valuable insights into an issue that affects many individuals across the country.
For more information about the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club or to learn how to become a member, visit www.kiwanisbg.org.
BG Rotary to welcome directors of Wood County Board of Elections, Thursday, Oct. 29
Security is on everyone’s mind when it comes to elections, and BG Rotarians are no different. They will welcome Tony Burton and Julie Baumgardner, directors of the Wood County Board of Elections as their guest speakers next Thursday, Oct. 29. Their office is responsible for coordinating the preparation, execution, and documentation of federal, state, and local elections throughout the county.
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.
BG Exchange Club to host financial advisor Thomas McArdle on Tuesday, Oct. 27
The guest speaker at the Oct. 27 meeting of the Exchange Club of Bowling Green will be Thomas McArdle, financial advisor at Edward Jones in Bowling Green.
The meeting will be held at Beckett’s Barrel Room at noon.
McArdle graduated with accounting and management degrees from Ohio Northern University and then spent the next eight years progressing through corporate finance roles for both Owens Corning and Verizon. He joined Edward Jones in the spring of 2025.
McArdle will speak about end-of-the-year financial decisions. The holiday season often comes with a few extra purchases for almost everyone, but in the last few months of the year, one can also make a few decisions to impact one’s investment plan or taxes for the year. He will share a few updates that are new in 2026 vs prior years and give a few notes on the market overall.
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.
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.
Bassist Aidan Plank up front for BGSU recital, Oct. 28
Aidan Plank on string bass will present a Faculty Artist Series recital Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. Bryan Recital Hall in BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center.
He will be joined by Brad Wagner, tenor and soprano saxophone, Anthony Fuoco, piano, and Dustin May, drums along with Roberta Michel, flute, Charles Saenz, trumpet, Andy Pelletier, French horn, Jeremy Marks, trombone, and David Saygers, bass trombone.
The free, public event will be livestreamed. Click to watch.
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.
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. 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.
‘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.
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.
Free ‘Window on Wildlife Fridays’ to continue through Nov. 20
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. 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.
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.
Toledo Symphony performs masterpieces by Dvořák & Rachmaninoff, Oct. 30
The Toledo Symphony will present an evening of musical masterpieces, “Rachmaninoff & New World Symphony,” Friday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. in the Peristyle at the Toledo Museum of Art.
The Rita Barbour Kern Masterworks Series concert features the orchestra, conducted by Alain Trudel, with guest piano soloist Jon Nakamatsu.
On the program will be:
- Paul Hindemith, Concert Music for Strings and Brass
- Sergei Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring Nakamatsu.
- Antonín Dvořák, Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”
For tickets and more information visit liveartstoledo.com.
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.
City of BG requests removal of all decorations from Oak Grove Cemetery, fall cleanup to begin Monday, Nov. 2
All decorations, wreaths, and grave blankets must be removed from Oak Grove Cemetery by Monday, Nov. 2, in preparation for the maintenance crew’s fall cleanup.
The cleanup will begin on Monday, Nov. 2.
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:
- 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.
Cholesterol screening clinics offered at Wood County senior centers in BG and North Baltimore
The Wood County Committee on Aging Inc. is currently scheduling cholesterol screening clinics in November for residents of Wood County who are 25 years or older. The cost is $30. These screenings require appointments and pretest instructions.
These screenings are in partnership with the Wood County Hospital. The screening includes: Total Cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio and A1C – which shows how well a person controlled their blood glucose over the past two to three months. Results will be immediately available and discussed with clients by a registered nurse or health educator.
The screenings are scheduled for:
Wood County Senior Center, Bowling Green, from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 3
- Friday, Nov. 6
- Tuesday, Nov. 10
North Baltimore Area Senior Center, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 12
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-367-4935 or 419-353-5661 and ask for the Social Services Department.
Children’s Resource Center to hold ribbon cutting ceremony for new crisis center, Thursday, Nov. 5
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and the Children’s Resource Center have announced a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Children’s Resource Center’s new crisis center on Nov. 5 at 1045 Klotz Road, Bowling Green. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m.
The Children’s Resource Center (CRC) invites all community members to attend the ribbon cutting and learn more about more programs being offered. The new R. Anthony Marcson Center will be located behind the current agency building which will allow close collaboration between programs and easy access for past and current clients who may benefit from the services. An additional 10-12 new positions will open at this location, and 18 positions will transfer to the new crisis center.
In partnership with the Wood County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, this is a pivotal project in the enhancement of Northwest Ohio’s crisis continuum for youth. The center will provide crisis stabilization care to youth in Wood County and surrounding areas. It will include 16 rooms, 10 traditional beds and 6 intensive care beds for youth who require longer-term stabilization (up to three months). The crisis center will include shared areas, therapy rooms for both group and individual treatment, a full kitchen and dining, and family spaces for visitation.
The opening of the crisis center is particularly significant as CRC also marks 50 years of dedicated services to the youth of Wood County and surrounding families this year.
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.
Public can get paper documents shredded and donate to annual Santa Shop, Saturday, Nov. 7
Wood County Job and Family Services will shred paper documents and accept donations to its annual Santa Shop during a special event Saturday, Nov. 7.
Now in its ninth year, this annual event from 9 a.m.-noon allows Wood County residents to securely dispose of up to five boxes or bags of paper items. The agency will accept donations of toys, gift cards, and cash in recognition of this service.
This event will be held at Wood County Department of Job and Family Services, 1928 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, in the employee parking lot on the west side of the building.
Proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the agency’s Santa Shop program, which provides toys and gifts for children in need of support over the holidays.
Items will be shredded on site, and participants are welcome to observe to ensure proper disposal.
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.
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, Nov. 13, 3 – 6 p.m., Wood County Health Department
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 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.
‘Parents’ Night Out’ continues Friday, Nov. 13
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:
- 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.
Next Howard’s Club H free store to take place on Thursday, Nov. 19
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:
- Nov. 19
- Dec. 17
Applications, donations now open for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren holiday outreach program, deadline Dec. 1
The role of Grandma and Grandpa is different for every grandparent. While some grandparents may see their grandchildren on a limited basis, others see them more frequently, and many are now raising their grandchildren. Raising grandchildren later in life often brings unique challenges. The role of raising children may be familiar, yet it can be an entirely unique and difficult experience.
As the holiday season approaches, children look forward to gifts. For some grandparents, this could be a stressful time as money may be tight. This holiday season, the Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. is holding its tenth annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren holiday outreach project, partnering with Wood County Job and Family Services and Bowling Green Kiwanis. This project is intended to provide aid to grandparents who are 50 years of age and older living in Wood County, who have custody and are raising their grandchildren.
A completed application must be submitted to determine eligibility. One application per household with grandchildren ages 0-17 will be considered annually. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, Dec. 1. Applications may be returned to any of the Wood County senior centers.
For questions or to receive an application, contact the WCCOA Program Department at 419-353-5661 or toll-free at 1-800-367-4935. The application is also available online at https://wccoa.net/activities/special-events/.
Holiday outreach project funds raised through the senior centers in Wood County will be used by WCCOA to purchase gifts for eligible children. All gifts will be purchased and wrapped and delivered to the families prior to the holidays.
To purchase a gift for a child or make a monetary donation to the holiday outreach project, contact WCCOA for more information at 419-353-5661 or email programs@wccoa.net.
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.
