League of Women Voters to host free program about election security, Wednesday, Sept. 16
The League of Women Voters of Bowling Green will host an informational program titled “How Secure are Elections?” on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m., at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green. Julie Baumgartner, director of the Wood County Board of Elections, and Terry Burton, deputy director of the Wood County Board of Elections, will give an informative talk about how elections are run, protected, and constantly improved in Wood County.
This event is free and open to the public.
To learn more or to join the league, visit lwvbg.org. The community is also invited to its next coffee meet-up on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., at Grounds for Thought.
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.
Registration to open Sept. 14 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 will open at bgchamber.net/rsvp on Monday, Sept. 14, 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.
BG City Council seeks community input to update ward boundaries
Bowling Green City Council has announced the redistricting and updating of the city’s ward boundaries. Due to population growth and shifts, the district maps last revised in 2002 now show a 29% deviation between the largest and smallest ward’s population counts. This 29% deviation is above the population deviation of 10% that is generally accepted by the courts.
After the final map is chosen by city council, an ordinance detailing the ward boundaries will be passed in time for the next year’s 2027 municipal elections. The redistricting will reflect population shifts in the city and aim to guarantee fair and equal representation for all residents. City council is requesting public input in this process.
Community members are encouraged to participate in this process by attending one of the two public meetings and/or by creating and submitting their own ward maps for consideration.
Ward maps can be created using the Dave’s Redistricting website, allowing users to suggest boundaries and provide input on what communities of interest should be kept together. A community of interest is an area whose residents share common neighborhood, economic, educational, transportation, cultural, or other community interests. Information on map creation and submission can be found here: https://www.bgohio.gov/721/City-Ward-Redistricting.
Community members are also encouraged to attend a public forum to learn more about the purpose of redistricting, discuss communities of interest, and receive assistance with creating maps. Residents are encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet, or other electronic device to participate in map creation. These events require no registration:
- Monday, Sept. 14, 6 – 7:30 p.m. – Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 520 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green
- Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 – 10:30 a.m. – Simpson Garden Park Building Banquet Room, 1291 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green
Following these public meetings, city council will hold a public meeting to consider all maps and narrow the field to three finalists. The public will then have an additional opportunity to provide feedback on those maps before council selects a map on Oct. 5. The public will be invited to provide feedback for the finalist maps by emailing their city council representatives, whose contact information can be found here: https://www.bgohio.gov/460/City-Council.
The final map will be introduced and given its first reading on Monday, Oct. 5, at the regular meeting of city council.
For questions or comments, contact Katelyn Elliott, councilmember at-large, at kelliott@bgohio.gov; Jeff Dennis, council president pro tem, member at-large, at jdennis@bgohio.gov; or Mark Hollenbaugh, council president, member at-large, at mhollenbaugh@bgohio.gov.
Exchange Club of BG leans in to history of community service in September
Two Exchange Club projects are helping the club lean in to its 80-year history of service, and the public is invited to participate.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 5p.m., members of the Exchange Club will be meeting at Arlyn’s Good Beer to collect shelf stable food items and personal hygiene items for the Brown Bag Food Project. According to club member Jenny Swope, Brown Bag Food Project is having trouble keeping up with demand.
The Exchange Club also heard from Danya Claes, student wellness coordinator for BG City Schools, about the need for Bobcat Basics pantry items. Club members are donating items in three areas: school supplies, personal hygiene items, and laundry items.
Everyone is invited to stop by Arlyn’s to have a beverage, learn more about Exchange Club, and drop off either a food item for Brown Bag or an item for Bobcat Basics.
Guests are always welcome to join club members for lunch at noon on Tuesdays in Beckett’s back room to learn more about the club’s projects. The next lunch date will be Sept. 22. The cost for lunch is $13 per person.
BG Chamber of Commerce announces ribbon-cutting for Carpet Spectrum, Tuesday, Sept. 15
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce has announced the ribbon-cutting for Carpet Spectrum in Bowling Green. The official ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m., at 1216 N. Main St., Suite 105.
Carpet Spectrum is a full-service floor-covering store that provides all types of flooring, including carpet, luxury vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tile. The business specializes in helping homeowners find the right product and style to fit their lifestyle and budget. Carpet Spectrum also provides property management services. It has been independently owned for 24 years.
After seeing success with their first store at 1374 Conant St. in Maumee, Carpet Spectrum’s owner, Dave Joseph, was excited to open this second location.
“We felt this was an excellent time to grow our business and felt the Bowling Green area was the perfect fit for our brand of red-carpet service and ‘friends flooring friends’ culture,” Joseph stated.
After Joseph chose Bowling Green for Carpet Spectrum’s second location, he was able to find Suite 105 at 1216 N. Main St. Bowling Green’s downtown community makes the visibility and accessibility of Main Street particularly valuable to businesses like Carpet Spectrum. After a fresh coat of pain, Carpet Spectrum is ready to serve the local community for all of its flooring needs.
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce invites the public to join in celebrating this business in the city of Bowling Green. To secure a spot, RSVP at https://www.bgchamber.net/rsvp/ or call the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce at 419-353-7945.
BG Parks & Recreation announces free ‘Power to the Pebbles’ program for youth, Tuesday, Sept. 15
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is excited to invite all “rock stars” to the Rotary Nature Center to learn about the rock cycle. Power to the Pebbles will include a hands-on, colorful experiment where participants will learn about the Earth’s processes as well as a game of “Quartz.”
Youth can join BG Parks and Recreation on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at the Rotary Nature Center, 615 S. Wintergarden Road, Bowling Green. This program is recommended for ages 6 – 12 with an accompanying adult. This program is limited to 25 registrants, so early registration is encouraged for this free event.
To register, visit https://ohbowlinggreenweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=47349301&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac.
For more information, email Peighton Corso, special programmer, at pcorso@bgohio.gov.
Soprano Sarah Luebke to perform faculty recital at BGSU, Wednesday, Sept. 16
Sarah Luebke, soprano and Kevin Bylsma, piano, will present a Faculty Artist Series recital Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. in Bryan Recvital Hall on the BGSU campus.
They will be assisted by Franci de Freitas, piano, Benjamin Hoffman, violin, and Brian Snow, cello.
The program will be:
- “Placido zeffiretto” by Vincenzo Righini
- “Ecco mi in lieta vesta… Oh! quante volte, oh! Quante” from from I Capuleti e i Montecchi by Vincenzo Bellini
- “Fiançailles pour rire” by Francis Poulenc
- Cuatro madrigales amatorios by Joaquín Rodrigo
- “Love Sweet” by Jennifer Higdon
The free public recital will also be livestreamed. Click to watch.
City of Perrysburg to dedicate Native American burials monument at Hood Park, Wednesday, Sept. 16
The city of Perrysburg will host a dedication ceremony for its new Native American burials monument on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m., at Hood Park.
The monument is the culmination of a year-long effort by local author and historian Gary L. Franks to research and document Native American burials at Hood Park. Following the research, efforts began to design and procure a suitable monument, with funding provided through a GoFundMe campaign, the Perrysburg Rotary Community Foundation, and the city of Perrysburg.
The monument will honor the 24 individuals buried at the site in unmarked graves and help visitors recognize that Hood Park is also the location of a Native American burial ground.
The dedication ceremony will include the unveiling of the monument and remarks from:
- Gary L. Franks, local author and historian
- Taylor Moyer, programs manager for the Black Swamp InterTribal Foundation
- Kim Mahaney Kennedy, daughter of Joyce Mahaney, who served as president of the American Indian Inter-Tribal Association and conducted reburial ceremonies at Hood Park in 1991 and 1995
The city invites residents and community members to attend the ceremony and join in honoring the individuals buried at this historic site.
BG Kiwanis Club to host BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers on Thursday, Sept. 17
The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club is pleased to welcome Rodney K. Rogers, president of Bowling Green State University, as the featured speaker at its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17.
The meeting will be held at noon in the Slater Family Ice Arena Lounge on the campus of BGSU. The public is invited to attend with lunch available from 11:30 a.m. for $17.
In his presentation, “Momentum and the 2026-27 Academic Year,” Rogers will share an update on BGSU and discuss the priorities and initiatives shaping the new academic year.
Attendees will have an opportunity to hear about BGSU’s continued momentum and its efforts to strengthen the university and make a positive impact on Bowling Green and the broader region.
For more information about the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club or to learn how to become a member, visit www.kiwanisbg.org.
BG Rotary to host chief public defender for Wood County on Thursday, Sept. 17
Bowling Green Rotarians will hear from Justin Daler, the chief public defender for Wood County, at its weekly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17.
In his role as chief public defender, Daler oversees the office that provides legal representation to defendants who cannot afford an attorney in criminal and juvenile matters. The Public Defenders’ Office represents eligible clients in three municipal courts, juvenile court, and the common pleas court – all in Wood 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.
Virginia Theater to host free screening of ‘Major League,’ Thursday, Sept. 17
September is a busy time of year as children head back to school and fall sports are underway. To celebrate the season, View & Chew and Ohio Goes to the Movies are teaming up for a free showing of the baseball classic “Major League” on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Released in 1989, “Major League” follows the Cleveland Indians as a new owner assembles a team with the intention of making them lose so she can move the franchise to another city. The comedy has a special connection to Cleveland baseball and offers audiences a way to celebrate the history and spirit of the game.
The free movie screening is a collaboration between the Virginia Theater, North Baltimore Ohio Area Historical Society, and North Baltimore Public Library.
The event will take place at the Virginia Theater, 119 N. Main St., North Baltimore. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 6 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Community members are invited to bring family and friends and enjoy this baseball favorite on the big screen.
For more information, contact the North Baltimore Public Library.
Next Howard’s Club H free store to take place on Thursday, Sept. 17
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:
- Sept. 17
- Oct. 15
- Nov. 19
- Dec. 17
Congressional candidate Brian Shaver announces town hall in Bowling Green, Thursday, Sept. 17
Brian Shaver, Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 5th Congressional District, will hold a town hall on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Grounds for Thought in Bowling Green.
Shaver is also in the midst of his “Tacos and Transparency Tour,” which includes events in all nine counties of the district, each hosted at a local taco-serving restaurant on Tuesday evenings. The listening sessions offer residents across the political spectrum an opportunity to share their concerns and priorities.
His remaining tour events are to be held in Huron County on Sept. 8. Wyandot County on Sept. 22, and Hancock County on Sept. 29.
A full list of forums and additional campaign events can also be found on Shaver’s website at www.brianshaverforcongress.com/events.
Wood County Hospital to host free women’s health program about protein and healthy eating, Thursday, Sept. 17
The Positively Pink Women’s Health Series is a program covering a range of topics important to women in the community. Each event offers health information, refreshments, door prizes, and an expert speaker focused on helping women improve their health and well-being.
The next Positively Pink event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., with refreshments beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the Wood County Hospital meeting rooms. The program, “Building a Better Plate: Protein and Healthy Eating,” will be presented by Leah Budke, MPH, CHES, health education specialist at Wood County Hospital.
The evening will focus on the latest dietary guidelines and the role protein plays in supporting health, strength, and healthy aging. Participants will learn practical strategies for building balanced meals and increasing protein intake.
The program will also include a cooking demonstration and food samples featuring nutritious recipes participants can make at home.
Registration for this event is free, though required, and can be completed by visiting woodcountyhospital.org/classes or by calling Wellness Services at 419-354-8887.
Positively Pink is aims to provide women with the answers needed to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Free ‘Window on Wildlife Fridays’ to continue Sept. 18
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. 18, 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.
Indigenous Caldecott Medal-winning author Rebecca Kunz to visit BG as In the Round guest, Friday, Sept. 18
This fall, In The Round welcomes illustrator Rebecca Kunz, 2025 Caldecott Medal winner for “Chooch Helped” for a presentation Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at a location to be determined.
Kunz is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and of European descent, she earned a BFA in painting from the College of Santa Fe in 1998 and now lives in the foothills of Santa Fe County with her husband and three daughters. She grew up in Oklahoma and is a multi-media artist and the owner of Tree of Life Studi.
Kunz works at the intersection of climate justice and cultural awareness. Within her layered surfaces, she draws upon tribal mythology and archetypal symbolism. She infuses Cherokee mythology into her work where she is in conversation with each folk tale as a living and ever-changing story.
As these myths are woven into each of her pieces, they serve as hard-working and flourishing historical narratives. A visual storyteller, animist, and folklorist, she hopes to illuminate awareness about our shifting cultural climate and to inspire solutions to the social and environmental issues of today.
Kunz likes to push back against sentimental chronicles, and her goal is to spark a contemporary conversation about active myth.
Started in 2022, In the Round is a celebration of the creativity and persistence of indigenous people. It brings in noted indigenous speakers for talks both on campus and in the community.
BG Bicycle Safety Commission to partner with Wood County Park District for free ‘Black Swamp Glow Roll,’ Friday, Sept. 18
In partnership with the Wood County Park District and Lake Erie West Regional Council, the City of Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission will be hosting a nocturnal, family-friendly, bright bike ride along the Slippery Elm Trail. The ride will meet at the Black Swamp Preserve on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Participants are invited to illuminate their bikes with bright decorations and learn important safety tips for riding at night before hitting the trail.
People can show off their creativity by bringing glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark bike decorations to light up the trail. Provided decorations and glow sticks are limited at the program venue. Decorating is from 7:30 – 8 p.m., and the ride will begin at 8 p.m. Stops will feature nocturnal facts and features along the trail as people ride. The ride will cover roughly 5 miles in total, down the Slippery Elm Trail and back.
Rides are free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. Each rider is required to wear a properly-fitted helmet and ride a correctly-sized bicycle in safe, working mechanical order. Complimentary bike helmets are available on a first come, first served basis, provided by Lake Erie West Regional Council.
It is highly recommended that young riders, who are still learning to ride, participate via a tow-behind trailer or child bike seat. Bikes with training wheels are not permitted on this ride. These rides are meant to be more recreational in nature and will travel at a speed comfortable for all riders.
To register for this free ride, visit the Wood County Park District’s Program page at https://reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org/programs/11005/ or call 419-353-1897.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
