‘Mamma Mia!’ Northwood to present spring musical Feb. 28-March 2

        Northwood Local Schools will present “Mamma Mia! The Musical” Friday, Feb. 28, and Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m. and Sunday March 2, at 3 p.m.
        Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and Northwood students. All performances will be held in the AAA Auditorium at Northwood Local Schools. Tickets are available online at the Northwood Local Schools website, northwoodschools.org, under “Events.” 
        “Mamma Mia!” tells the story of Sophie, a young lady, on the eve of her wedding. She doesn't know who her father is but would like to have him walk her down the aisle. She invites all three men who could potentially be her father to the surprise of her mother Donna who hasn't seen these men in years.
        The production is a fun story about the importance of family and friendship featuring the hits of `70s Swedish sensation ABBA.
 
“Cinderella”
        Tickets are on sale for Genoa Area High School’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” (Enchanted Edition), which will be staged March 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 2:30 p.m.
        Step into a world of magic, romance, and unforgettable music as GHS students bring this timeless classic to life on stage. This enchanting adaptation of the beloved fairytale features beautiful songs like "In My Own Little Corner," "Ten Minutes Ago," and "Impossible."
        Adult tickets are $12; student/senior admission is $10. Tickets are available online at events.hometownticketing.com (search Genoa Area High School). Best available cash tickets will be available at the door.
 
Paint-the-Plow
        The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 2 is accepting applications for its Paint-the-Plow contest. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, March 16.
        The program is open to area schools and vocational school groups within the eight-county region including Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood counties locally.
        Plow blades will be dropped off to participating schools during the week of April 1 and picked up by May 16. Winners will be announced prior to Memorial Day on ODOT District 2's social media.
        Last year, Bowling Green High School won the People's Choice award, which was determined based on Facebook votes. Patrick-Henry High School earned the ODOT Choice Award selected by ODOT District 2 administrators.
        The Paint-the-Plow program invites students to paint an ODOT snowplow blade with a message of community or school spirit, Ohio pride, patriotism or safety. The decorated blades will be displayed at local community events before being used in regular winter operations, usually within the same school district that painted the plow.
        For more information, contact ODOT District 2's public information office at 419-373-4428 or d02.pio@dot.ohio.gov.
 
Kindergarten Screening Information Night set
        Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools will present a Kindergarten Screening Info Night on Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m. in the RCW/OHIS Gym.
        Parents/guardians of incoming kindergarten students who will be age 5 by Aug. 1 are encouraged to attend. Enrollment paperwork and information about kindergarten will be presented at the meeting.
        Kindergarten screening will be held Tuesday, April 22. Appointments will be scheduled at the conclusion of the meeting.
        All incoming kindergarten students must be screened and registered to begin the school year.
        Parents/guardians who cannot attend the meeting may call the R.C. Waters office at 419-898-6219 after March 27 to make a screening appointment. Students do not need to attend Info Night.
 
The Ability Center launches scholarship
        The Ability Center announced the launch of its Scholarship Program, offering students with disabilities the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 to support their education.
        These funds can be used for tuition at colleges, trade schools or certification programs.
        The scholarship application process will close on March 2. Interested applicants can find full details and apply online at abilitycenter.org/scholarship.
        Eligibility requirements:
        Applicants must be individuals with disabilities.
        The scholarship can be applied toward tuition for higher education, vocational training, or certification programs.
        Applicants must have a permanent address in one of the following counties: Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams, or Wood counties in Ohio or in Monroe or Lenawee counties in Michigan.
        The completed application, including recommendation forms and essay responses, must be submitted via email to scholarships@abilitycenter.org by the deadline. This scholarship program is made possible through the generosity of The Ability Center's Auxiliary group.
 
District awards W.A.T.E.R Grant to Northwood H.S.
        The Northwestern Water and Sewer District (The District) recently awarded grant funding to Northwood Schools to support educational programs focused on water resources.
        The Water And Environment Teacher Education Resources (WATER) grants give back to local schools by providing direct financial support to teachers demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
        As part of this initiative, The District presented a $500 WATER grant to Northwood High School science teacher Haley Eaton, who will use the funding to purchase new reagents for water testing kits. Students in her environmental science class use this equipment to monitor water quality at their outdoor classroom, then apply their findings to larger scenarios.
        In 2025, The District will provide $8,150 to seven local school districts (Eastwood, Elmwood, Lake, Northwood, Perrysburg, Otsego, and Rossford), demonstrating a commitment to area environmental educators and the students they teach. The WATER grant program enables teachers to:
        • Develop hands-on water quality research projects.
        • Purchase critical scientific equipment.
        • Create immersive learning experiences.
        • Encourage student engagement with water-related environmental sciences.
 
Young Artists at Work
        Local youths are invited to join Young Artists at Work as an apprentice this summer.
        The YAAW program provides young people ages 14-18 with a  paid apprenticeship to learn artistic and professional skills, under the direction of professional artists, art educators or instructors.
        Applications due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14.
        Apprentices work 30 hours a week for six weeks (June 23-Aug. 1).
        Visit theartscommission.org/about/employment to apply.