What’s happening in our community (updated May 1)

Ties that Bind sculpture in Wooster Green

Photo exhibit with focus on life in Toledo opens May 3

An artist reception marking the opening of “In Order to Live,” an exhibit of photographs by  James “dirtykics” Dickerson will be held Friday, May 3 at  5 p.m. in the  Robert C. & Susan Savage Community Gallery. at the Toledo Museum of Art.

This intimate portrayal of life in Toledo beckons viewers to take a closer look at people’s lives through spontaneous encounters and film photography. Each image tells a story of the dynamic stories of the people of Toledo and the journeys that life leads them through.

Kiwanis to hear about developing next generation of leaders, May 2

The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club meeting on May 2 will feature guest speaker Bryan J. Cavins, talent development manager with Trilogy Health Services, and owner/principal consultant for Cavins Custom Solutions. His topic of discussion will be: “Influence: Creating a Lasting Impact on our Next Generation of Leaders.”

Cavin’s presentation will cover how the needs of society and youth are changing at an unprecedented pace. And, in order to have a lasting impact, service organizations must adapt to meet the leadership development needs of youth now and in the future.

The public is invited to the lunch and meeting at the Slater Family Ice Arena Lounge located on the campus of Bowling Green State University.

The lunch is available for $15 beginning at 11:30 a.m., with the Kiwanis meeting starting at noon.

History of Northwest Territory comes alive at county museum, May 3-5

The Wood County Museum will host three days of living history on Friday May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday May 5  from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The event features costumed interpreters portraying life during the exploration of the Northwest Territory and the Ohio Country, especially along and near the Portage River in Wood County.  Experience Early Settlers, Native Americans, Military and Political Growth, and Home Life Activities.  Period Reenactors from 1700s to 1860s.  Cannon & Musket demonstrations will take place as well. 

[RELATED: Wood County Museum to host three-day living history event]

Schools and groups are welcome on Friday May 3.

Toledo Symphony plays ‘Return of the Jedi’ score live, May 4

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ score to “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” during a live screening of the film Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m. in the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns, Toledo.

Guest conductor Ron Spigelman will lead the orchestra.

Click for tickets or call 419-246-8000.

Midori to perform with youth orchestras, May 5

Internationally renowned violinist and educator Midori will perform with  The Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m. in the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.

Works performed will include Derek Bermel’s “Spring Cadenzas.”

The concert is free.

Library hosting monthly Chess Nights May through August

The Wood County District Public Library hosts a monthly Chess Night the first Monday of the month, May through August, at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C in Bowling Green.

Dates are May 6, June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5 

Chess Night is a casual, open chess meet-up that welcomes all skill levels. Players will have an opportunity to learn, practice and meet other community members interested in chess.

Some chess boards will be provided (no chess clocks will be available), and bringing your own chess board is welcomed and encouraged. 

Registration is not required. For more information, call (419)

352-5050, email woodref@wcdpl.org or visit wcdpl.org/events.

Tickets on sale for Players’ comedy ‘Life Sucks,’ weekends May 10-19

Tickets are now on sale for the Back Swamp Players production of by Aaron Posner’s comedy “Life Sucks” on state at the Oak Street theater May 10, 11, 17, and 18 at  8 p.m. with Sunday matinees May 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.

Click for tickets.

The cast features Andrew Packard, Story Moosa, Mackenzie Baumhower, Libby Allen Dachik, Jim Dachik, Kevin Caudill, and Diana DePasquale

The play is a modern re-imagining of Chekov’s “Uncle Vanya.” According to Playbill: “The play follows a group of old friends, ex-lovers, estranged in-laws, and lifelong enemies, who gather to grapple with life’s thorniest questions—and each other.”

Wood County Park District April activities

Wood County Park District springs into action with a variety of programs & volunteer opportunities

‘Marisol: A Retrospective’ continues at the Toledo Museum through June 2

“Marisol: A Retrospective,” an exhibit featuring work from throughout the artist’s 60-year career, including “The Party” from the museum’s collection, will be on view through June 2. The cost of admission to “Marisol” is $10.

[RELATED: Toledo Museum’s Marisol retrospective goes beyond the ‘wow’ factor]

According to the museum:  “Marisol’s influence reverberates through the corridors of history, and this retrospective is a testament to her enduring impact. With more than 240 works on display, spanning from her iconic sculptures, drawings, photographs, to intimate self-portraits, the exhibition invites viewers on a journey through her artistic evolution. Each piece offers a profound reflection on a myriad of themes, including politics, gender norms, and ecological and societal concerns, encapsulating the spirit of an era marked by social upheaval and cultural transformation.”

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