Cancellations, closures postponements announced (updated 3/18)

Personal protective equipment needed
        Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency’s response partners such as Magruder Hospital, local EMS and others have identified critical shortages of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
        “We project that in less than a week, many of these partners will be exhausting their current supply of PPE,” said Fred Petersen, the agency’s director.
        The agency is asking the community to help fulfill the need for N95 masks, surgical masks, protective gowns, face shields and gloves. Any PPE or products that could be utilized in a similar manner would be considered (i.e. Tyvek suits, which could be utilized instead of protective gowns).
 
        Contact Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency at 419-734-6900 or email ema@co.ottawa.oh.us for more info.
 
Oak Harbor library closure
        Due to the continuing developments related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Oak Harbor Public is closed and is tentatively scheduled to reopen on April 6/
        All library programs and meeting room reservations in March through April 6 have been canceled.
Ohio Turnpike takes measures to limit coronavirus spread
        In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Mike DeWine declaring a state of emergency on March 9, Ohio Turnpike leadership has taken steps to ensure the safety of its employees and the traveling public.
        “The Ohio Turnpike has taken appropriate measures to keep customers and employees as safe as possible,” said Executive Director Ferzan M. Ahmed, P.E. “Due to the fluid nature of the situation nationwide and globally, we continue to conduct contingency planning and will implement new measures as necessary.”
        Service plazas
        In accordance with the state’s order regarding restaurants, food concession operators in all Ohio Turnpike Service Plazas are limited to carryout sales only. Tables and chairs in food courts are temporarily unavailable to our customers to eliminate surfaces that could become contaminated with COVID-19.
        Janitorial crews have increased the frequency of scheduled cleanings and are using products recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Chemical Laboratories to clean and sanitize public areas.
        Special attention is being paid to touchpoints in the restrooms, infant-changing tables, showers, door handles, vending machines, ATMs, travel kiosks, condiment centers, etc.
        The interior design of the Service Plaza facilities has several features that assist with physical separation and reduce the spread of viral and bacterial infection. These include barrier-free entrances to public restrooms; touch-free flush components; touchless faucets and hand dryers; soap and towel dispensers and hand-sanitizing stations. The Service Plazas also have large open floor plans that promote social distancing and provide proper ventilation.
        Meanwhile, all plaza vendors have increased emphasis on sanitation and good hygiene practices and have posted and communicated the most recent public health recommendations for promoting restaurant safety to their staff.
        Toll plazas
        Toll collectors collect approximately 35 percent of tolls by cash or credit. To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Toll Plaza personnel have been provided with nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for their mandatory use.
        For the safety of employees and customers, the Ohio Turnpike is encouraging customers to consider using E-ZPass or a credit card (not cash) to make toll payments. Customers may order an E-ZPass transponder from the Ohio Turnpike’s E-ZPass Hub or by visiting more than 360 retail outlets that participate in the program. 
 
Gulburger Nite rescheduled
       Gulburger Nite at St. Luke’s Church has been postponed until Sept. 10. Ticketholders may keep their tickets for the future date, or call 419 691-1918 for full refund details.
 
 Bishops suspend Catholic Masses
       The Catholic Conference of Ohio has suspended all publicly celebrated Masses/liturgies, at least through the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter following a series of restrictions on social gatherings imposed by Ohio officials to stop the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
        “This decision is not taken lightly and, as your bishops, causes us great sadness,” the press release issued by the Ohio bishops, including Bishop of Toledo, Daniel E. Thomas, said. “However, after consultation with the governor and health officials, we are convinced that this is the most prudent and necessary action.”
        The bishops dispense the Catholic faithful residing in their respective dioceses and all other Catholics currently in Ohio from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass through Easter Sunday.
 
CMP cancels games, events & activities
         The Civilian Marksmanship Program has announced the cancellation of multiple CMP Games events and CMP activities due to increased health concerns over the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
        As a result of this resolution, the Civilian Marksmanship will be cancelling the following events:
        • Civilian Marksmanship Centers at Camp Perry are closed until further notice. All weekly open public marksmanship sessions are canceled.
        • CMP Monthly Airgun Matches at Camp Perry events and related activities will be postponed until further notice.
        • The grand opening of CMP’s new Rifle Store at Camp Perry at Building 3 has been postponed until further notice.
 
        The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information, visit www.TheCMP.org.
 
Wood Co. Museum closed; grounds open
   In consideration of the health of visitors, volunteers, staff, and the community at large, the Wood County Museum will be closed to the public through Thursday, April 30. The Museum grounds will remain open as a public park daily from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes past sunset.
        All events, tours and rentals scheduled through April 30 are canceled and in the process of being rescheduled. Updates will be posted at woodcountyhistory.org.
 
        All volunteer shifts & meetings are canceled. Alternate arrangements can be made by calling the museum at 419-352-0967.
 
Genoa Library closes; offers curbside service
        As a safety precaution for staff and for patrons amid concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Harris-Elmore Public Library and its Genoa Branch is closed through April 6. All programs, meetings, and outreach are also canceled.
        In an effort to meet the needs of and provide service to patrons, library staff will provide curbside service during the closure. Library items will not be due until the library reopens in April.
        To arrange for curbside service, call the library or place an online order Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff will have items checked out, bagged, labeled with your name and ready outside of our doors for pick up before 5 p.m. each day.
        Call the library at 419-862-2482 (Elmore) or 419-855-3380 (Genoa) to place an order. Online orders may be placed at www.harriselmorelibrary.org/curb-side-service.
        Access the library’s online collections 24/7 at www.harriselmorelibrary.org/digital-collections or www.harriselmorelibrary.org/local-history-genealogy.
        Additionally, wifi is accessible from the library parking lot.
        “We do apologize for the inconvenience, but we hope that this service will allow everyone to have access to entertainment and information while staying safe by practicing appropriate social distance measures during this time of uncertainty,” said Jennifer Fording, director.
 
Wood Co. public libraries closed
        The Wood County District Public Library system (Bowling Green, Walbridge, and the Bookmobile) will remain closed through Tuesday, March 31; the Library will evaluate reopening at that time.
 
Pemberville Library branches closed
        Effective Wednesday, March 18, the Pemberville Public Library System, including branches in Stony Ridge and Luckey will be closed to the public and will remain closed at least through April 4. The Library will evaluate reopening at that time.
        Patrons will still be able to access free wifi in library parking lots, courtesy of Amplex Internet. Please follow the Pemberville Public Library Facebook and Twitter for updates.
        During this time, the Library will be offering pick-up services to patrons. Library staff will be available during normal business hours to assist patrons over the phone and will check out materials to pick up outside library doors. Please follow these instructions:
        • Call the library location to request materials: Pemberville (419-287-4012), Luckey (419-833-6040) and Stony Ridge (419-837-5948).
        • When you arrive at the library during business hours, call staff, who will then check out materials and set bagged items outside the door for pick up. Please maintain the social-distancing standard of six-feet.
        All items can be returned in our book drops at each location: Pemberville's is on the Memorial Drive side of the building, Luckey’s is next to the front door, and Stony Ridge’s is located next to the south entrance.
               
Birchard Library branches closed
        The Birchard Public Library in Fremont, Gibsonburg, Green Springs, and Woodville closed March 16 and will remain closed until further notice in order to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
 
        Notice of re-opening will be posted on the website and Facebook page. Any fines accumulated on items currently checked out will be forgiven.
 
Wood Co. Humane Society closing
phone answered daily noon-4 p.m.
       The Wood County Humane Society is joining other agencies in taking measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of its staff, volunteers and visitors.
        At least until Tuesday, April 7, the Humane Society will be closed to the public and volunteer opportunities. Staff will be answering phones daily between noon and 4 p.m. “We will still be providing limited pet food assistance opportunities and humane investigations during this time, again, please call for more information,” said Andrea Hernandez, board member and public relations chair.
 
        “As this situation unfolds and evolves, we will provide updates on our Facebook page; please follow us and check back often for the most current information,” she said. Visit wchumane.org for more info.
 
   Egg hunt canceled
     Kiwanis International has asked all clubs to postpone all events, including in-person meetings, projects and fundraisers — through the month of April.
     Therefore, the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 11 in Genoa Veterans Park has been canceled.
 
Sandusky Co. Senior centers closed;
        Sandusky County senior centers will be temporarily closed effective March 16 through April 3 due to the recent coronavirus pandemic.
        Meals on Wheels deliveries for Sandusky County homebound seniors will continue as planned during the closure period.
        For more information on home delivered meals or GLCAP Senior Services, call 419-334-8383 or visit www.glcap.org/seniors.
 
East Toledo Senior Center closed,
Grab & Go meals available
        As of Monday, March 16, 2020 the East Toledo Senior Center (only the senior center, not the East Toledo Family Center), will be closed to participants until Monday, April 6.
        The center is set up to provide “Grab & Go” lunches to seniors 60 and older Monday-Friday. For more info, menu choices and to reserve your meals, call 419-691-2254 the day before.
        Those aged 60 and older who are in need of emergency services may call 419-691-2254 and leave a message.
 
Title offices eliminate Saturday hours
        Wood County Clerk of Courts Cindy A. Hofner announced that the Auto Title Office will be closed for Saturday hours beginning March 21, until further notice.
        Regular business hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, will be followed. This is subject to change, Hofner said.
        “I have requested staff to advise person to drop their transactions at the counter and then to back away while staff is processing their titles,” she said.
 
        Call 419-354-9180 for more info.
 
Genoa, Elmore libraries closing, curbside service available
        As a safety precaution for staff and for patrons amid concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Harris-Elmore Public Library and its Genoa Branch will be closed March 17-April 6. Additionally, all programs, meetings, and outreach will be cancelled beginning March 15.
        In an effort to meet the needs of and provide service to patrons, library staff will provide curbside service during the closure. Library items will not be due until the library reopens in April.
        To arrange for curbside service, call the library or place an online order Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff will have items checked out, bagged, labeled with your name and ready outside of our doors for pick up before 5 p.m. each day.
        Call the library at 419-862-2482 (Elmore) or 419-855-3380 (Genoa) to place an order. Online orders may be placed at www.harriselmorelibrary.org/curb-side-service.
        Access the library’s online collections 24/7 at www.harriselmorelibrary.org/digital-collections or www.harriselmorelibrary.org/local-history-genealogy.
        Additionally, wifi is accessible from the library parking lot.
        “We do apologize for the inconvenience, but we hope that this service will allow everyone to have access to entertainment and information while staying safe by practicing appropriate social distance measures during this time of uncertainty,” said Jennifer Fording, director.
 

Oregon Senior Center to close

Oregon Senior Center, 4350 Navarre Ave., will be closed March 16 until further notice.

All classes, groups and activities scheduled in March have been canceled. "An update for April and when we will be opening back up will come out towards the end of the month," Cassi Sutter, outreach coordinator said.

Tax drop off/pick up will be available March 17 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. There will be no face-to-face meeting for taxes. Just drop off or pick up.

Seniors in need of transportation may still call the center. Call 419-698-7078 for more details.

Legion Breakfast canceled
       Due to the State and National Emergency situation, the Genoa American Legion's, All-U-Can- Eat Pancake Breakfast scheduled for March 29, at 302 West Street Genoa, has been canceled.
        The April breakfast is tentatively set for April 26 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
 
Birchard Library closing until further notice
        The Birchard Public Library in Fremont, Gibsonburg, Green Springs, and Woodville will be closing at 5 p.m. today and will remain closed until further notice in order to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.  Notice of re-opening will be posted on the website and Facebook page.  Any fines accumulated on items currently checked out will be forgiven.
 
  National Museum of the Great Lakes closure
       After careful consideration and the recent urging of Gov. DeWine, along with the recommendations of the Lucas County Health Department, the National Museum of the Great Lakes has made the decision to close to the public until further notice effective 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14.
        “In the weeks to come, we look forward to exploring new engagement opportunities to help visitors connect with Great Lakes history virtually—including increased access to our museum through virtual tours and the launch of our first online exhibit, “The Port of Toledo: Then and Now,” said Kate Fineske, Director of Communications and Development.
        “The staff and board of the National Museum of the Great Lakes will continue to monitor announcements by officials surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak and will reassess our public access as new information becomes available,” Fineske said. “We expect to issue a follow-up statement on public access no later than April 3.”
        For a full update, visit nmgl.org/covid-19-update/
        NGML has rescheduled “The Women Who Made the Great Lakes” History Happy Hour to April 30. In addition, all NMGL events are postponed through Saturday, April 18.
        For a full update, visit nmgl.org/covid-19-update.
 
"Lion King" postponed
        Broadway In Toledo, in conjunction with Disney Theatrical Productions and the Stranahan Theater, have postponed all performances of Disney’s “The Lion King” at the Stranahan Theater, set for March 25-April 12. This decision comes after Gov. Mike DeWine issued an order cancelling or postponing all gatherings of 100 or more people in Ohio for the next 30 days.
        Ticketholders are advised to hold on to their tickets. An announcement is expected in the next seven-14 days as organizers work to bring “The Lion King” back to Toledo.
        Refer all questions and inquiries regarding ticketing to your original point of purchase. If you bought tickets through the Stranahan Theater Box Office you can reach them at 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. or by calling 419-381-8851.
 
Birchard Library canceling program
        Birchard Public Library is open for regular hours, but is cancelling all programs and scheduled meetings at all four locations for the remainder of the month of March.  This action is taken as a precaution in response to the recent Governor's statement concerning the coronavirus.
 
ECHL canncels remainder of 2019-20 season
        On Saturday, March 14, the ECHL Board of Governors approved the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
        ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin said the decision did come lightly.
        “As each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of those in the ECHL community, and as we take precautionary measures in conjunction with our local authorities across the continent to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it has become apparent that this is the prudent decision,” he said in a statement. “Our game and our product are based on our fans and their ability to cheer on their favorite ECHL team and players at one of our many facilities around the continent. Without that social environment and game atmosphere, the ECHL simply isn’t the same.
        “On behalf of the ECHL and our Board of Governors, we appreciate the Professional Hockey Players’ Association for their assistance during this unprecedented time and working as partners in hockey to reach this decision for the best interest of the ECHL and its players,” Crelin said. “This decision allows our players the opportunity to return to their homes and removes the uncertainty that currently exists.
        “While we are hopeful that this period ceases and an opportunity to return to normalcy for the hockey calendar presents itself, in the interim, we ask all fans, players, coaches, officials and staff to continue to abide by the measures put in place by their local authorities and follow precautionary protocols for their safety, as we will begin preparations for the 2020-21 ECHL hockey season.”
 
Ottawa Co. Senior Resources closing senior centers;
Home-delivered meal service will continue.
        Ottawa County Senior Resources will be closing all six senior centers effective Monday, March 16. The closures will be in effect through Friday, April 3, at which point the closure status will be reevaluated.
        The five meal site senior centers will continue to offer meals through the “Grab and Go” program. In order to have meals available for this program, seniors must place a reservation at their senior center by 10 a.m. the day prior to the day they wish to pick up the meal.
        “Meals will be available for pick up at your designated senior centers on your designated days of operation during normal meal time, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon,” said Dianne Martin Mortensen, M.Ed., CTRS, Senior Resources director. “All Senior Centers will be thoroughly disinfected and cleaned prior to reopening. At this time, only senior site staff will be allowed in any building housing a senior center.”
        The Home-Delivered Meal program will continue to operate as scheduled. Due to the need to keep seniors safe, Senior Resources is asking that seniors who receive home-delivered meals prepare a place just inside their doorway or entrance where the home-delivered meal can be placed.
        Meal delivery drivers will be instructed to enter the home only if necessary and to try to maintain the recommended six feet of separation from seniors.
        Meal drivers will continue to monitor the well-being of their senior meal recipients via visualization of the client or at minimum, verbal interaction with the senior through the door.
        “At this time, we will be unable to admit new clients to our current Home-Delivered Meal program, but encourage involvement in our ‘Grab and Go’ program,” Mortensen said.
        Any Ottawa County Senior, family member or caregiver who has questions regarding Senior Resources programs and services are urged to call 419-898-6459 during normal business hours.
 
Hayes Presidential Cente rto be closed through March 31
        For the health of visitors, volunteers, staff, and the community at large, the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums will close its facilities Saturday, March 14, through Tuesday, March 31.
        Hayes Presidential will then reevaluate the COVID-19 situation and announce whether it will reopen Wednesday, April 1. The Spiegel Grove grounds will remain open.
        All events, including meetings and volunteer shifts, scheduled for March are canceled and could be rescheduled. Refunds will be issued to those who bought tickets for March events. Updates on rescheduled events will be posted at rbhayes.org.
        For information, call 419-332-2081, visit rbhayes.org, like HPLM on Facebook at @rbhayespres and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @rbhayespres.
 
"Legends of the Giants talk rescheduled
        Local historian Mike Gilbert’s talk regarding “Legends of Giants” has been rescheduled from Sunday, March 22, to Sunday, June 7, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont.
        The talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Gilbert will discuss stories that giants once walked the earths and findings of his research into those stories.
        Hayes Presidential staff will contact those who purchased tickets online for the talk to determine whether they can attend June 7 or would prefer a refund. Questions should be directed to Kristina Smith, marketing/communications manager, at 419-332-2081, ext. 217, or ksmith@rbhayes.org.
        After those who have already purchased tickets have been contacted, ticket sales will again be opened at rbhayes.org/events.
 
Toledo Museum of Art announces closure
        To help mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) will be closed to the public Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 3. TMA will reopen Saturday, April 4, with this date subject to change based on circumstances at that time. The decision comes after postponing several public programs that were scheduled to take place in March and proactively closing The Family Center through March 31.
        With this temporary closure, all public programs, art classes and workshops set to occur between March 17 and April 3 will be canceled or postponed. "Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water" ticket holders, along with Art Crawl and art workshop participants, can request a refund or consider their purchase as a charitable gift to TMA.
        Ticket holders may contact Visitor Services at customerservice@toledomuseum.org or 419-255-8000, ext. 7448 to arrange a refund or reschedule their dates for "Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water."
        In addition, all external events scheduled to take place at the Toledo Museum of Art between March 17 and April 3 have been postponed. The Museum’s Special Events department will work with clients impacted by the closure to reschedule their events. Studio rentals at the Glass Pavilion have also been canceled.
        TMA will continue to monitor this developing public health situation and will respond accordingly. Updates will be posted at toledomuseum.org/coronavirus and on the Toledo Museum of Art’s social media (Facebook and Twitter) as circumstances evolve.
 
Attica Raceway season opener canceled
        Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order prohibiting mass gatherings of 100 people or more in an effort to stop the virus, Attica Raceway Park officials have canceled the 2020 season opener scheduled for Friday, March 20.
        “We will keep monitoring this ever-changing situation and keep everyone informed as we move forward. As of today (March 13), the March 27 event is still on and we will stay vigilant as to what the experts and government officials are dictating,” said Rex LeJeune, director of operations at Attica Raceway Park.
        “As we said, our top priority is to make sure everyone is safe. We encourage our fans and race teams to follow the directions of the health officials,” he said.
        For more info, visit www.atticaracewaypark.com or follow the track on Twitter @atticaracewyprk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atticaracewaypark and Instagram at attica_raceway_park.
 

Imagination Station closing

     Imagination Station will temporarily close the science center to the public effective March 13 at 5 p.m. The temporary closure will be scheduled tentatively through March 31.

     The closure is a preemptive measure to protect members, visitors and team from the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19. It ncludes any private rental events, programming, other rentals and general attendance. "Our goal is to reschedule all events and programming in the near future," Imagination Station spokesperson Kate Pixler said.

     The science center will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions as needed regarding the temporary closure, she added.

     Visit imaginationstationtoledo.org/covid-19 to stay up-to-date on this developing situation.

Park programs canceled, facilities closed
        Effective March 13 and continuing through at least the end of March, all Metroparks programs are canceled and all indoor facilities are closed.
        Metroparks is taking these unprecedented steps in accordance with directives from public health officials for the safety and well-being of the community, including staff and volunteers.
        All 16 Metroparks remain open during normal hours, 7 a.m. until dark, every day.

 
Wood Couny Senior Centers closing;
home-delivered meals being offered
        Based upon information available at this time, WCCOA will be closing all eight of the WCCOA locations to the general public effective Friday, March 13 at 1 p.m.
        This will be in effect through Tuesday, March 31. “As March 31 approaches we will consult with the Wood County Health Commissioner (Ben Batey) regarding the status of re-opening,” said Denise Niese, executive director. “Yesterday, today and tomorrow, all are reinforcing the importance to our participants to remain at home and avoid public gatherings (including church, restaurants, and movies). We are also continuing to encourage the congregate dining site participants to take advantage of home-delivered meals during this time.
        WCCOA’s plan moving forward, which Niese says is a starting point, will be modified as need arises or recommended by the Wood County Health Department.
        The plan calls for the following:
        • Medical Escort will be provided on a case-by-case basis (but not for clients who are symptomatic of the virus).
        • WCCOA will work with the Wood County Health Department to access masks for use by staff and volunteers who will be delivering meals and/or working directly with the public.
        • All senior center locations will be closed to participants and the general public.
        • All congregate meal clients will be offered home-delivered meal service during the duration of the sites being closed.
        • All current home-delivered meal clients will continue to receive meals.
        • All participants will receive one hot lunch delivered daily and will be offered a weekly drop of seven frozen meals to reheat for dinner.
        • WCCOA will be developing a modified menu for the timeframe determined for the closure. This menu will offer one entrée rather than a choice and during Lent all Friday menus will be meat-free (i.e. vegetable lasagna or macaroni and cheese).
        • Staff and volunteers who will be delivering home delivered meals will not be entering homes unless absolutely necessary to make the delivery. Staff/volunteers will also be instructed to remain at least six feet away from a client if they need to enter the residence. The clients will be asked to have a table/surface near the inside of the door or on their front porch in their garage for meals to be placed upon at delivering. In order to assure that the client is well, the staff/volunteer will have a visual of the client or at minimum voice interaction through the door.
        • All centers and staff will increase the frequency of sanitizing their work areas and public areas with disinfectant which has the compounds necessary to kill human coronavirus. This includes disinfecting agency vehicles.
        • All centers will be thoroughly cleaned prior to re-opening following the closure
        • All staff will be reassigned duties which will support the delivery of our identified essential services, most notably home-delivered meals.
        “We will also be contacting management at the senior living apartments throughout Wood County for their assistance in organizing the ability to make a single drop within their specific complex (and for the management and their maintenance staff to deliver to specific apartments),” Niese said. “This will reduce exposure of WCCOA staff and volunteers should a resident within a complex be infected with the coronavirus.”
        For those Wood County residents who do not currently frequent a senior center in Wood County and who opt to follow the recommendation to remain at home and avoid crowds and public places, and who may find that they would benefit from participating in the home-delivered meals programs may call WCCOA at 419-353-5661 for additional information.
 
Toy show canceled
     The 35th Annual Fremont Toy Show, set for March 21 and 22 at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds has been canceled. For more details, call Bob Siefke at 419-637-7067.
 
Lincoln Day Dinner canceled

     Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of guests, the Lucas County Republican Party is following the directives from Gov. Mike DeWine and postponing its Lincoln Day Dinner scheduled for March 30. All reservations that have been made will be honored when a new date is set. Call 419-491-8467 for more details.

 
Benefit for the Barn canceled
        Due Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent restrictions on gatherings of 100+ people, Serenity Farm’s Benefit for the Barn is being rescheduled.
        "We are optimistic and will be using this time to perfect our event," said Amanda Cajka, executive director. "In the meantime, we would like to thank our amazing donors who have already contributed and those of you who have purchased tickets. Benefit for the Barn is our biggest fundraiser, supporting equine assisted therapy for children and adults from all over Northwest Ohio. Without the amazing support of our community, we wouldn't be able to
touch the lives of so many."
        Call 419-833-1308 for more info.
Zoo to close to April 1
        Citing an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the staff, animals and guests, the Toledo Zoo announced that it will close to the public as of Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. and remain closed through April 1.
        Operating staff, including animal care teams, will continue working as scheduled to provide care to the animals and Zoo infrastructure.
        The following programs have been suspended:
        • Operation of the volunteer program, including ZooTeens, until further notice.
        • Free community preschool, until further notice.
        • All camps, outreach, overnights, tours and on-grounds programming, until April 15. The Zoo will be reaching out to all with tickets to reschedule.
        To maintain healthy facilities, the Zoo has increased cleaning and sanitation of office spaces, animal areas and high-traffic zones. By closing, the facility will shift workforce to assist in park cleaning, upgrading to maximum operational safety and preparedness for opening.
        For more details, visit www.toledozoo.org.
 
Library to close locations
    Jason Kucsma, executive director, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, has announced that, in evaluating information that indicates that aggressive early social distancing can stop the coronavirus from exponentially spreading, Library leadership is making the difficult decision to close all locations and mobile services to the public beginning Sunday, March 15, with the last day of service to the public on Saturday, March 14.
     “We will continually reassess to determine the length of this closure,” he said.
     The Library’s online services are available for cardholders, including the vast collection of digital materials such as eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and streaming movies, music and television shows, as well as research tools for online learning.
     Additionally, voting on Election Day at Heatherdowns, Kent, Locke, Mott, Oregon, Point Place, Reynolds Corners, Sanger, Washington and Waterville will continue as these are not mass gatherings.
     Follow the Library on social media (Facebook, Twitter) and check the website, toledolibrary.org for the latest updates.
 
OHSAA postpones all remaining winter tournaments
         The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Thursday that all remaining winter tournament contests are immediately postponed due to the growing situation with the coronavirus COVID-19.
        The suspended tournaments include the girls state basketball tournament; the state individual wrestling tournament; the state ice hockey tournament and the boys regional and state basketball tournaments.
        No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling for the tournaments.
        The announcement was made after state and local officials recommended that no public gatherings take place to help stop the spread of the virus.
        The OHSAA will send further updates regarding ticket refunds.
 
Historical society meeting,
program canceled
     The Oregon Jerusalem Historical Society's open meeting set for Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brandville School Museum Complex, 1133 Grasser Street, Oregon. has been canceled.
 
Great Chili Cook-off postponed
     After careful review of the recommendations made by Gov. Mike DeWine and the Lucas County Health Department for non-essential mass gatherings (events over 100+ attendees), Mobile Meals Toledo's March 21 Great Chili Cook-Off has been postponed.
     A new date will be announced once the event is rescheduled.
    “We are announcing this update with a heavy heart as so much work has gone into planning this event by the teams and so much support from the community," said Carolyn Fox, associate executive director. “We regret any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding.”
 
Tournament canceled

        The 6th annual James R. McAllister “MAC” Memorial Fishing Tournament, scheduled to be held April 4 at Schroeder Farm Campground in Perrysburg, has been canceled.
        For more info, visit macmemorialtournament.com, follow the MAC Memorial Tournament on Facebook, or call Marianne Pirolli at 419-460-2684.
 
Spay-ghetti & No Balls event rescheduled
        Due to current public health concerns, this year's Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner & Silent Auction has been rescheduled to June 27. The event, which benefits Humane Ohio, will still be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg (6165 Levis Commons Blvd.) from 5- 9:30 p.m.
        “This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and postponing it was not a decision we took lightly,” said Julie Lyle, director of Humane Ohio. “We rely heavily on the revenue from this fundraiser to cover our day-to-day costs of operating a non-profit spay/neuter clinic. However, our number one concern at the end of the day is the health and safety of our community.
         “Spay-ghetti makes a huge difference in the reduction of homeless cats and dogs in our community. We are disappointed that we cannot hold our event on the original date, but we hope this June date will give our attendees a chance to continue support us without any worries or reservations,” Lyle said.
        Purchased tickets for the original March 21 date will be honored on June 27. Those who have purchased a ticket but are unable to attend in June may email aaron@humaneohio.org.
        For more information about the Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner & Silent Auction, including a preview of auction items, or to donate an auction item, visit www.humaneohio.org/spayghetti or call 419-266-5607, ext. 108.
 
Toledo Sister Cities International Festival Postponed
        Jim Hartung, President, Toledo Sister Cities International Board of Trustees, has announced that the Eleventh Annual International Festival which was scheduled to take place Saturday, April 18 at the Toledo SeaGate Center, 401 Jefferson St., Toledo has been postponed until Sept. 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
        The decision was reached Wednesday, March 11, at an International Festival Committee meeting.
        “COVID19 has already created worldwide disruption to travel, tourism, conventions, schools, sporting events and other special events. The common denominator in these postponements or cancellations is public safety. Additionally experts encourage people to avoid events with large crowds.  So the International Festival Committee decided it was in the best interest of everyone involved if we postponed our event until September,” said Rogene Kohler, Chair, TSCI Festival Planning Committee.
        This isn’t TSCI’s first dealings with the Coronavirus.   In December the two TSCI organizations that represent sister cities in Qinhuangdao & Nanchong, China asked for donations to purchase masks and gowns to combat the deadly virus.
        Between now and September, festival organizers will continue to look for corporate sponsors and volunteers for the event, which attracts over 2,000 people each year.
        Those interested in volunteering should e-mail Ms. Kohler at dkohler376@aol.com. Those interested in becoming a corporate sponsor or making a tax-deductible donation should contact John Glaza, Treasurer, TSCI Board of Trustees, by e-Mail:  yoniben@bex.net or at 419-704-2284.