What’s happening in our community (updated Feb. 24)

The Black Swamp Players return to the stage with “For Peter Pan On Her 70th Birthday,” on stage at the Oak Street Theatre February 21-23, 28 & March 1-2. See below for details about this show and other area arts offerings.

Author & actor Paterson Joseph’s library talk rescheduled to April 17

Noted British actor and author Paterson Joseph’s talk has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Wood County District Public library atrium in Bowling Green. The event was originally scheduled for April 10.

Joseph will talk about his debut novel “The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho”

The novel is based on the true story of the first Black person to vote in Britain,and who the fight to end slavery. Story. “The Dsecret Diaries” begins on a slave ship in the Atlantic and ends at the very center of London life. Joseph channels the writing style of the day and draws diaries to give voice to his interior life.

Click to register or call (419) 352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.

Transcendence Art Show on view, Feb. 22-24

The second annual Transcendence Art Show opens with a reception Saturday, Feb. 22, 5-8 p.m.  at the Bowling Green Arts Councils ArtSpace located behind Coyote Beads, 178 S. Main St. The show will continue Sunday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The reception and show are free. Refreshments by Pisanello’s Pizza and Sugar Milk Gluten Free Bakery.

Organized by Jax Foster of Thistle and Berry the exhibit and benefit features all artwork by local trans+ artists representing a variety of media.

This benefit raises money for No More Dysphoria.

Portage Lions to hold new members night, Feb. 24

The Portage Lions Club has designated  Monday, Feb. 24 as prospective new member night. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 301 W. Main in Portage .

Those wishing to attend can contact any Lions Club member.

[RELATED: Portage Lions seeks new members]

The meeting will feature information about the club as well as hors d’oeuvres and snacks.

Crime novelist Joshua Moehling to visit Gathering Volumes, Feb. 25

Joshua Moehling, bestselling author of the Ben Packardthriller series will visit Gathering Volumes book store, 196 E. S. Boundary Perrysburg Tuesday, Feb. 25  from 6:30-8 p.m.

The noted crime novelist’s visit is part of his national tour to discuss and sign copies of “A Long Time Gone,” the third novel in the Ben Packard series. 

The first book, “And There He Kept Her,” was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ+ Mystery. His second novel, “Where the Dead Sleep,” was described as “a well-paced whodunit” and “devastating” by The New York Times. “A Long Time Gone” has been called “A big thriller with an even bigger heart!” by Lisa Gardner.

Exchange will hear talk on Relay for Life, Feb. 25

The Exchange Club of Bowling Green will welcome Brian Gibson to speak at its Feb. 25 meeting at Beckett’s Barrel Room, 163 S. Main St., at noon. Gibson, senior development manager, has dedicated 16 years to the American Cancer Society and has been part of the local Relay For Life of Wood County for 15 years.

In 2024, the Relay For Life of Wood County achieved a milestone, raising over $100,000 for the first time in 15-plus years. This achievement is a result of the dedication of the volunteers, the strength of the community, and the generous support of sponsors.

Gibson firmly believes in the mission of the American Cancer Society. He remains committed to the fight, with the hope that one day no one will hear the words, “You have cancer.”

The public is welcome to attend the Exchange Club meetings. Lunch costs $13 at the door, no reservations necessary. Any questions regarding Exchange can be directed to Jenny Swope at 419-806-4202.

Kiwanis to hear from BG Superintendent Ted Haselman, Feb. 27

The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club concludes its Teacher Appreciation Month with a special presentation by Ted Haselman, superintendent of Bowling Green City Schools, at its meeting on Feb. 27. The meeting will be held at noon in the Slater Family Ice Arena Lounge on the Bowling Green State University campus. The public is invited to attend, with lunch available from 11:30 a.m. for $15.

Haselman’s presentation, titled “How to Juggle 12 Balls While 8 Are Deflating,” will offer an inside look at the complexities of leading a school district. He will discuss the challenges and responsibilities of overseeing Bowling Green City Schools, from managing resources and supporting educators to ensuring student success in an ever-changing educational landscape.

As Teacher Appreciation Month comes to a close, the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club extends its gratitude to all educators who dedicate themselves to shaping the future. Throughout February, the club has honored local teachers, recognizing their hard work and commitment to students.

For more information about the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club, visit www.kiwanisbg.org.

BG Independent founders to address Rotary, Feb. 27

David Dupont, a founder of BG Independent News. will talk about  “The Future of Journalism” when the Bowling Green Rotary Club meets Thursday, Feb. 27. The meeting begins with lunch at 11:45 a.m. at the Bowling Green Country Club, 923 Fairview Ave., Bowling Green.

BG Independent News is an online source of local news and area arts founded in January, 2016. The site, according to Google Analytics, had 1 million active users in 2024. Dupont has been a journalist for 45 years.

Players staging ‘For Peter Pan On Her 70th Birthday’ weekends Feb. 21-March 2

Tickets are now on sale for the Black Swamp Players’ production of “For Peter Pan On Her 70th Birthday,” on stage at the Oak Street Theatre February 21-23, 28 & March 1-2.

Sarah Ruhl’s play is described as: “A loving look at a family’s view of death, life and the allure of never growing up.”

The cast features Fran Martone, in the title role, with Renee Harrington, Gary Insch, Karen Noble, Naykishia D. D. Darby, and Hans Giller  along with the dog Ozzy Giller.

Showtimes are: Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22,  at 7:30 p.m., and Sunda, Feb 23 at 2:30, continui9ng Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 1:30 p.m. Click for tickets.

Library holds monthly craft sessions

Monthly crafting sessions are on Fridays at 2 p.m. in the second Floor Meeting Room at the Wood County District Public Library in  Bowling Gree.

Each month will be a different craft suitable for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike. 

Sessions planned are:

  • Feb. 21 — Fill Your Own Cup
  • March 21 — Putting the Pieces Together Collage
  • April 18 — Making Cascarones (Confetti Eggs)

Registration is required. To register, call (419) 352-5050, email woodref@wcdpl.org or register online at wcdpl.org/events.

Library hosts monthly graphic novel discussion for kids

Students aged 5-11 and up are invited to a book discussion about some favorite early reader graphic novels at WCDPL Mondays at 6 p.m. once a month in The Children’s Place.
Copies of the graphic novel for each month are available for checkout from the Bowling Green Library.
Discussions include:

  • January 13 – Gnome and Rat: Time to Party by Lauren Stohler
  • February 10 – Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
  • March 10 – Fox and Rabbit Celebrate by Beth Ferry
  • April 14 – Happy Birthday, Babymouse by Jennifer Holm

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.

Library hosting Fiber Friends Creative Circle on Tuesdays

The Wood County District Public Library is hosting Fiber Friends Creative Circle on Tuesdays at 10  beginning in the 2nd Floor meeting room.

Fiber Friends is a fun and social program that meets to chat and create. People of all skill levels are welcome. Even if ysomeone  has never picked up knitting needles or a crochet hook, this group can teach the basic skills to get started on your newest hobby.

Refreshments will be provided. No registration is required. For more information, call (419) 352-

5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.