Wood County District Public Library Director Michael Penrod to speak at BG Rotary Club on Thursday, Sept. 24
Michael Penrod, director of the Wood County District Public Library, is the Rotary Club’s guest speaker on Thursday, Sept. 24. He returns to Rotary to provide the membership with an update on the library’s programs and activities.
Penrod has been with the library for more than 29 years, where he has overseen a multitude of initiatives and programs to enhance library services and community engagement. Under his leadership, library usage has remained strong, contrary to trends seen by other libraries.
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 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.
Scrap tires can be recycled at Wood County Fairgrounds parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 19
Wood County residents can recycle tires from passenger vehicles and light trucks on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the parking lot of the Wood County Fairgrounds.
Required by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, there is a $1 fee per tire, and a limit of 10 tires per vehicle entering the drop-off at Poe and Haskins roads. Tires must be free of debris and off the rim.
Tractor and semi-trailer tires, as well as tires from businesses, will not be accepted.
Proof of Wood County residency is required and will be verified at the entrance to the parking lot. Wood County Solid Waste Management District will accept up to 4,000 tires at this event, which is supported by a grant from Ohio EPA and offered in partnership with the city of Bowling Green, the city of Perrysburg, and the Wood County Agricultural Society.
Residents are discouraged from storing used tires on their properties, as they create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, become homes for vermin, insects, and pests, and pose a fire hazard. Those unable to dispose of tires during this event are encouraged to visit recycle.woodcountyohio.gov for a list of locations that accept tires year-round for proper recycling and disposal.
For more information, contact Zachary Nemec, outreach and program planner, Wood County Solid Waste Management District, at znemec@woodcountyohio.gov or 419-354-1515.
City of Perrysburg to host community picnic at Fort Meigs to celebrate America 250, Saturday, Sept. 19
The city of Perrysburg invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a community picnic at Fort Meigs on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The community picnic is one of Perrysburg’s America 250 events taking place throughout 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The celebration will bring Perrysburg residents and families together for an afternoon of food, music, entertainment, and history at the Fort Meigs Historic Site.
The event will also coincide with Fort Meigs’ “Life in Early Ohio” festivities, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy activities at the historic site while learning more about Ohio’s early history.
Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and will feature a cooked chicken lunch provided by Extra Virgin Food Services. Music and entertainment will continue until 2 p.m.
Tickets are required for the cooked chicken lunch and admission into Fort Meigs’ “Life in Early Ohio” festivities. However, the picnic area will remain open to families who would like to bring their own food and enjoy an afternoon at the fort.
Tables and seating will be available, but attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs.
Limited lunch tickets will be available for purchase on-site for $15, cash only. Advance ticket purchases are preferred.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce on Eventbrite. Tickets include the cooked chicken lunch and admission into Fort Meigs for the “Life in Early Ohio” demonstrations.
Free Community Carnival to take place at City Park on Saturday, Sept. 19
First Baptist Church invites the community to the seventh annual BG Community Carnival being held on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 4 – 6 p.m., at Bowling Green City Park in the Hoffman shelter. The carnival is free and is for all ages.
There will be food, games, prizes, bounce houses, a photo booth, crafts, face painting, music, and a no-cost raffle with prizes. Goodie bags and balloons will be provided to all children attending.
For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit firstbaptistbg.com.
Free lecture in Grand Rapids to spotlight local immigrant communities, Saturday, Sept. 19
The Grand Rapids Historical Society is excited to announce a 250th lecture series celebrating 250 years of American history. The programs arranged chronologically from Fallen Timbers to the Vietnam War are taking place from April through October. The next lecture will be given in the auditorium of the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall, 24282 Front St.
The topic of the next program of the series, presented by Dr. Joshua Steedman, will be immigrant communities in northwest Ohio. His lecture is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Steedman specializes in early American history and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toledo, where he studied multinational interactions in the nineteenth-century Great Lakes region. A faculty member at Defiance College, Steedman draws on experience in K-12 education. Beyond academia, he enjoys illustration and music. Steedman lives in Waterville with his wife and their two pets, Bernie and Lucy.
There will be 13 programs presented as part of this lecture series. Admission is free, and everyone is cordially invited to help celebrate this milestone birthday of the country by attending these programs.
Eastwood all-class reunion set for Saturday, Sept. 19
Eastwood’s Alumni Association (EAA) reunion committee has announced a save-the-date for the next Eastwood all-class reunion celebration on the evening of Saturday, September 19. All EHS 1959-2026 and pre-Eastwood alumni are invited. For more information, see the EAA link on the Eastwood website or the alumni Facebook page.
Chili supper to provide support for food security and veterans in need, Sunday, Sept. 20
Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry and Angels in Arms will host a chili supper to provide community support for food security and veterans in need. The dinner will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 4 – 6 p.m., at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 315 S. College Dr., Bowling Green. In addition to dinner for a donation, there will be baskets available for raffle.
For more information, contact Luanne Strow at 419-308-1587 or Mark Schamp at 419-376-0337.
Cornhole tournament to raise funds for ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,’ Sunday, Sept. 20
The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. has partnered with Bowling Green Kiwanis and Bowling Green State University to host a county-wide cornhole tournament. The event is a fundraiser supporting WCCOA’s “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” holiday project. This annual project provides holiday gifts to grandchildren (17 and under) who are being raised by their grandparents in Wood County. All gifts are purchased, wrapped, and delivered to families before the holiday season to help them have a better holiday.
The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, starting at 1 p.m. The estimated time of the tournament is six hours. The event will be held at Wooster Green, 100 S. Church St., Bowling Green. Parking will be available at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St. Tournament details include a registration fee of $25 for two-member teams; $15 for single players, and single players will be paired with other single players.
There will be no rain date or refunds, as the proceeds from the event will go towards the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren project. All cornhole boards will be provided along with the resin bags. This is a double elimination tournament with three divisions: business, campus life, and community. Participants are asked to note the division they represent when registering for the event. A trophy will be provided to the winning team in each division. This event will allow people to network and support a good cause.
If people do not want to participate but still want to support the fundraiser, they are welcome to stop by the event. They can bring lawn chairs to watch the tournament, take part in the 50/50 raffle, or visit food trucks.
Preregistration is encouraged, but walk-ons are welcome. To register, use this link: https://forms.gle/CiY5DVfswDvQ9knr9. Payment can be made through Venmo.
If registering via email, send an email to BG Kiwanis at bgohkiwanis@gmail.com, then drop off registration and payment to WCCOA. Checks should be made payable to BG Kiwanis or fees should be paid via Venmo.
For more information on programs and services, contact the WCCOA at 419-353-5661, 1-800-367-4935, or www.wccoa.net.
Pemberville Opera House to host free screening of ‘The Wind,’ Sunday, Sept. 20
The Pemberville Opera House is pleased to announce its participation in the Ohio Goes to the Movies, all Ohio movie series with the presentation of “The Wind,” a silent movie featuring Ohio-born and raised actress, Lillian Gish. This event will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, starting at 2 p.m., with Michael Hurwitz, an historian who studied under Gish at the New York Drama School. Hurwitz became friends with Gish, spending many afternoons in her home. He will share insights into her life and friendship and share some memorabilia of Gish.
Following Hurwitz’s presentation will be the screening of “The Wind,” starring Gish and accompanied on the piano by Lynne Long of Grand Rapids. Following the movie, there will be a grazing table and mocktails to complete the afternoon. The event is free and open to the public.
Ohio Goes to the Movies is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans in front of and behind the camera as well as Ohio locations and topics. A signature event of America 250 – Ohio Ohio Goes to the Movies began in mid-February and will run through October. More information can be found at OhioGoestotheMovies.org.
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.
Monday morning meditation & movement to continue for free
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is excited to continue Monday Morning Meditation and Movement. The community is invited to join certified yoga and meditation teacher, Maria Signorino, the natural resource specialist, at Simpson Garden Park in the Healing Garden for meditation and light movement. The events will take place Monday mornings from 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. from Monday, Aug. 3, through Monday, Oct. 5. There will be no session held Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Program dates:
- Monday, Sept. 21, 28
- Oct. 5
This program is open to adults and those 16 and older. For participants younger than 16, an adult must be present. A yoga mat or beach towel are required to participate. Each session will be 45 minutes and catered to the group’s needs. Classes will be cancelled due to rain or extreme weather.
By practicing a variety of mindfulness techniques, grounding, and light movement, attendees will connect with themselves, their community, and the earth.
This event is free and open to the public and does not require registration. For any questions, contact Maria Signorino at msignorino@bgohio.gov.
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:
- Monday, Sept. 21, 5:30 – 7 p.m., 427 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, BGSU
- 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.
Wood County Committee on Aging to feature free program on Medicare open enrollment, Tuesday, Sept. 22
The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. is working with the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program to ensure local seniors have information they need for this fall’s Medicare open enrollment. A representative from OSHIIP will be giving a talk at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 South Grove St., on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m.
People are invited to come learn about the recent changes to Medicare and how the Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period can work for you. Attendees will also get tips on how to enroll for 2027 coverage in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medicare health plan and will be able to see if they qualify to save an average of $3,900 on their prescription drug costs.
No RSVP is needed for the presentation. For questions, contact the Social Services Department at the Wood County Senior Center by calling 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935. People may also contact OSHIIP directly at 1-800-686-1578.
Heavenly Pizza to celebrate one-year anniversary with ribbon cutting, Tuesday, Sept. 22
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and Heavenly Pizza are excited to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m., at 1414 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green, in celebration of its successful first year.
Heavenly Pizza offers pizza, salads, subs, pasta, and fold-overs for delivery or takeout.
Free slices of pizza will be available at the ribbon cutting. Heavenly Pizza invites all community members to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating a successful first year of operation. The event is free and open to the public, with registration available at bgchamber.net/rsvp.
Three Wood County judges to discuss use of AI in court, Tuesday, Sept. 22
The Wood County Law Library and Wood County District Public Library are collaborating to present a lecture in memory of former Law Library Resources board member Dennis East.
Artificial intelligence’s presence in work and culture is growing all the time. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m., Judge Matthew L. Reger, Judge Mary “Molly” L. Mack, and Judge Joel M. Kuhlman will come together on a panel to discuss AI and its growing presence in the courts. For example, both legal professionals and people representing themselves have started using generative AI assistants, such as ChatGPT. Specialized legal research databases such as Westlaw and others are also creating AI tools.
The judges will provide their perspectives and share their insights about the use of AI.
“It is a wonderful honor to host this event in honor of Dennis East,” said Kristin Wetzel, information services coordinator at WCDPL.
WCDPL will host the lecture on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the library atrium. No registration is required to attend. The event is free and open to the public.
Wood County District Public Library to host Edmund Kruszynski for free author visit, Wednesday, Sept. 23
Edmund Kruszynski is coming back to the Wood County District Public Library to discuss his latest book, “Unbreakable: The Remarkable True Story of a Holocaust Survivor’s Six-Year Journey from Nazi Labor Camps to Buchenwald. Unbreakable depicts the life of Polish Jew Rafal Kantor during World War II, from his capture by the Nazis to his liberation and immigration to the U.S.
The author’s visit will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in WCDPL’s atrium. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Books will be available for purchase.
Like his previous work, “The Medic’s Wife,” Kruszynski blends the memoir and novel to create an evocative first-person account. This follow-up was inspired by getting in touch with Kantor’s son and learning that both their fathers crossed paths during the war. “Unbreakable” was born from that revelation and Kantor’s recorded testimony.
Kruszynski has received acclaim from Jacki Congedo of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center in Cincinnatti, calling “Unbreakable” “a literacy act of remembrance that breaks your heart – and then gives you the courage to carry the story forward.”
For more information, call Information Services at 419-352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.
Community invited to free lecture on ‘Navigating Hard Conversations with Emotional Intelligence,’ Thursday, Sept. 24
Registration is now open for the Dr. Sharon Erel lecture in September featuring Sarah Kundla, founder and professional facilitator at Questing Insight. The program, “Navigating Hard Conversations with Emotional Intelligence,” will be held on Sept. 24, from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Education Service Center of Lake Erie West, 2275 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo.
This program is offered at no charge to attendees and includes continuing education credits for curses and social workers/counselors. Community members who are not seeking continuing education are also strongly encouraged to attend this informative talk.
At the completion of this program, participants will be able to identify the four domains of emotional intelligence and articulate how each domain shapes professional communication and interaction in caregiving environments; define the concept of emotional triggers and examine how unmanaged emotional responses diminish communication effectiveness in high-stress clinical settings; identify verbal and behavior cues that signal a breakdown in psychological safety and determine how to apply conversational strategies to support productive dialogue in challenging professional and interpersonal interactions.
To register for this event, email Mary Davis at mdavis@hospicenwo.org. The deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 21.
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for check in with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
BG Parks & Recreation to host free ‘Marvelous Moths’ program at Wintergarden, Thursday, Sept. 24
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is excited to invite nocturnal nature investigators to search for moths and other nocturnal pollinators. “Marvelous Moths” will take place at Wintergarden/St. Johns Preserve on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. All levels of bug-spotting experience are welcome, from seasoned entomologists to novices – all are welcome to attend and share their skills.
Peighton Corso, special programmer, will lead Marvelous Moths and will begin outside the Rotary Nature Center at 615 S. Wintergarden Road. Participants of all ages are welcome, however, attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Attendees are encouraged to wear long sleeves, full length pants, and bug spray. Flashlights are available as well, in limited supply.
To register for this free event, visit https://ohbowlinggreenweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=47350662&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac.
For more information, contact Peighton Corso, special programmer, at pcorso@bgohio.gov.
Wood County Museum to host free birthday party for Peaches the cat, Thursday, Sept. 24
The Wood County Museum and For the Love of Cats invite the community to celebrate one of the museum’s most beloved residents, Peaches the barn cat, at a birthday party on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6-9 p.m., at the Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green. Guests are invited to enjoy a fun, cat-themed evening celebrating Peaches, complete with birthday cake, cookies, punch, and light refreshments.
New in 2026, the celebration will include a screening of the classic Disney animated film “The Aristocats” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to get comfortable and enjoy the movie under the evening sky.
As part of the celebration, the Wood County Museum is collecting cat food and supplies to benefit For the Love of Cats, a local organization dedicated to helping area cats. Community members who would like to contribute can view the organization’s wish list at www.4loveofcats.org/amazon.
Peaches is more than a barn cat – he has become a beloved member of the Wood County Museum family. About five years ago, Peaches adopted the museum as his home, and he has been a familiar and friendly presence on the property ever since. Museum staff help care for Peaches, who is known for enjoying attention from his many fans. Peaches is also a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return_ cat and was part of the local TNR program through For the Love of Cats.
Peaches’ birthday party is a free community event, and RSVPs are appreciated. To make a reservation, visit woodcountyhistory.org or call 419-352-0967.
Free ‘Window on Wildlife Fridays’ to continue Sept. 25
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is excited to invite the community to the Rotary Nature Center at Wintergarden/St. Johns Preserve for Window on Wildlife Fridays. People can drop-in between 9 a.m. and noon to observe the wildlife, check out nature books, and try the wildlife games. The drop-in hours will be offered every Friday from Sept. 4 – Nov. 20.
Dates:
- Friday, Sept. 25
- Friday, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Friday, Nov. 6, 13, 20
Guests of all ages are welcome and no registration is necessary. The Rotary Nature Center is located at Wintergarden/St. Johns Preserve, 615 S. Wintergarden Road.
To learn more, email Peighton Corson, special programmer.
‘Parents’ Night Out’ returns Friday, Sept. 25
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:
- Sept. 25
- 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.
City of Bowling Green to host free car seat checkup event, Saturday, Sept. 26
In partnership with Wood County Hospital and the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the city of Bowling Green will offer free car sear checks on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. – noon. The event will take place at the Bowling Green Fire Station 2, 1060 Pearl St.
Attendees can learn how to install their child’s car seat or booster seat and find out if it’s time for a change. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments can be scheduled by calling Wood County Hospital’s OB Department at 419-354-8932.
BG Municipal Utilities electric customers may receive $75 for recycled appliances at drop-off event, Saturday, Sept. 26
Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric customers have two opportunities to earn cash while responsibly recycling old, inefficient appliances through a limited-time Efficiency Smart promotion. Customers can receive $75 by scheduling a free appliance pickup between now and Sept. 30 or earn $100 by participating in an appliance drop-off event on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Two ways to recycle old appliances:
- Drop-off event
- Bring a working dehumidifier, window air conditioner, or mini fridge to the drop-off event and get $100 per unit responsibly recycled.
- Note: Bring a recent copy of an electric bill to participate in the program and receive an incentive. Everyone who pre-registers will also be entered into a drawing to win an energy efficiency kit – see sign-up details below.
- Event details: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m. – noon, at the parking lot outside of the Bowling Green Public Works garage. People should use the entrance at 1040 N. College Dr. to enter. Signs will be set up to direct customers to the correct parking lot.
- Efficiency Smart pick-up
- Schedule a free pick-up for working refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or window air conditioners between now and Sept. 30 and get $75 per unit responsibly recycled.
All refrigerators and freezers must be empty and free of food residue. Units that are moldy, infested with bugs, or not empty will not be picked up.
Participants must be Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric customers to be eligible. There is a limit of four units recycled per household, per year. Bowling Green Municipal Utilities electric customers can ask questions or register by calling Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 or by visiting efficiencysmart.org/BGPromo.
Toledo Museum of Art to host free Block Party, Saturday, Sept. 26
The Toledo Museum of Art will host its annual Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 3 – 8:30 p.m. Block Party transforms the museum’s lawns, courtyards, and terraces into an evening of hands-on creativity and live performance. Guests can expect artmaking stations, roaming performers, food trucks, and a lineup of local and national talent culminating in an 8 p.m. drone show over Monroe Street.
The event is free and open to all.
“Block Party is one of the most joyful days on our calendar,” said Jennifer McCary, chief culture and brand experience officer at the Toledo Museum of Art. “It’s a chance for the whole community to experience the museum not just as a place to view art, but as a place to create, celebrate, and connect with their neighbors.”
Performance highlights
The day’s schedule will feature:
- 3:30 p.m. – Sun Ra Arkestra, Moon Mirror
- 4:45 p.m. – El Corazón de México Ballet Folklórico, Monroe Street Terrace
- 5:20 p.m. – “Key to the Museum” presentation, Monroe Street Terrace
- 5:45 p.m. – DJ Stevie Chanel, Monroe Street Terrace
- 7 p.m. – The Amelia Airhearts, Monroe Street Terrace
- 8 p.m. – Art in the Sky drone show, Monroe Street Terrace
Additional entertainment includes roaming performances by Bird’s Eye View Circus, a collaborative painting project led by artist Dean Davis, and appearances by Ellie the Baby Dragon.
Additional information can be found at https://bgindependentmedia.org/toledo-museum-of-art-to-host-free-block-party/.
Otsego High School to host Medal of Honor recipient for free lecture, Saturday, Sept. 26
The Historical Society of Grand Rapids is excited to announce that Medal of Honor recipient, retired Master Chief, and Navy Seal Edward C. Byers is returning home for an evening lecture, “Heartbeat of America and Her Enduring Values.” The event will take place at the Otsego High School auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m.
Byers, raised in Grand Rapids and a 1997 graduate of Otsego High School, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2016. Recognized for his extraordinary valor during a 2012 hostage rescue mission in Afghanistan as a member of the elite SEAL Team Six, Byers exemplifies the six traits of the Medal of Honor – sacrifice, integrity, patriotism, courage, commitment, and citizenship.
Bringing Byers back to the Otsego area to share his vision of America is an opportunity to hear a presentation about the nation from a hero.
This free event will be a continuation of the local area’s commemoration of America’s 250th celebration. The Historical Society of Grand Rapids is also sponsoring the lecture series in honor of America’s 250th featuring a variety of talks on local and national historical topics.
For more information and to reserve a seat for the talk, visit grandrapidshistoricalsociety.org. All events are free.
To discuss sponsorship opportunities with a board member, contact Steve Kryder, Historical Society of Grand Rapids president, at 419-789-2534, or Chuck Thomas, vice president, at 419-265-7936. Other board members include Debbie Archambo, Mike Bailey, Roger Borer, Lynne Long, Judy Peper, Bernie Scott, and Angie Studer.
Community invited to free ‘Freedom Takes Flight’ program, parade, and dedication in Grand Rapids, Sunday, Sept. 27
On Sunday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m., a patriotic program will be presented in the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall. The afternoon will begin with the ringing of the Town Hall bell. In 1976, Howard, Deloy, Joe, and Kevin Long rang the bell to celebrate the Bicentennial. Joe and Kevin will be in attendance along with Al Wellman, who served on Village Council in 1976, and Sharon Carter, whose husband, Jimmy, was serving as mayor at the time.
The event will also feature Mark Sarkan, Lynne Long, dancers from Defying Gravity Dance Studio, readings by Steve Kryder and Sean Thiebaut, and videos featuring Red Skelton and Paul Harvey.
At the conclusion of the program, all in attendance will be invited to follow bagpiper Kari Rosania and American Legion Post 232 Honor Guard to the site of the “Freedom Takes Flight” sculpture in Pirates’ Park. The parade will also feature Sons of the American Legion Post 232, Grand Rapids Village Council, Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee, Boy Scout Troop 325, Wood County Park District, Northwest Water & Sewer, Grand Rapids Township Fire Department, dancers from Defying Gravity Studio, floats, decorated bikes and golf carts, and other entries.
“Freedom Takes Flight” is the name of a mosaic glass eagle sculpture designed by nationally-known mosaic glass artist Gail Christofferson and architect Craig Hamilton to celebrate the Semiquincentennial in the village of Grand Rapids. Sponsors and donors pledged money to the project, and their names will appear on the bronze plaque affixed to the base of the sculpture. An eagle was chosen because it is the national symbol, and they are often seen around the dams in the village.
The dedication ceremony will feature a welcome from Mayor Berry, remarks from Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, and the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” led by the Otsego High School Band. Craig Hamilton and Lynne Long will then unveil “Freedom Takes Flight.”
A committee of ten has met regularly to make decisions with Long, who is spearheading the project.
All are invited to participate in this patriotic observance for the country’s 250th birthday.
Free program to feature autumnal changes at Wintergarden, Monday, Sept. 28
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is excited to invite the community to explore what’s happening in nature at Wintergarden through this three-part series featuring the changes in plants and wildlife throughout spring, summer, and fall. The third and final session, focusing on fall, will be on Monday, Sept. 28, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Wintergarden/St. Johns Nature Preserve.
A good time for enjoying cooler temperatures and colorful woodlands, fall brings fruits, seeds, late-blooming flowers, and mushrooms. Participants can marvel at the beauty of autumnal tints as they enjoy watching and listening for migratory birds and late season insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and cicadas.
This program is led by Kim High through her Nature by High project, a free service with the vision of “enriching lives and spirits through nature and community.”
To learn more, email Kim at kimhigh0918@gmail.com. This program is intended for adults and is limited to 18 participants. To reserve a place for the fall outing, contact Cinda Stutzman at 419-353-0301 or email stutzman@bgohio.gov.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
