ETC:
Free Labor Day admission
The National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, will offer free admission for active and retired union members on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4 during museum hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The promotion provides free admission to the museum, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, and the Museum Tug Ohio with proof of union membership.
Reservations are not required. Visit nmgl.org for more information.
“Recipes to Check Out”
The Elmore and Genoa libraries have come together to create a cookbook featuring a wide variety of recipes from the staff and board members, both past and present.
The cookbook, entitled “Recipes to Check Out,” will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5 for $15 at the Elmore and Genoa library locations.
Proceeds from sales will go back to the libraries. For more information, call the Elmore Library at 419-862-2482 or the Genoa Library at 419-855-3380.
Verandah Concert rescheduled for Sept. 6
The Hayes Presidential Verandah Concert featuring Robert Jones and Matt Watroba, which was rained out in July has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6.
The duo from Detroit will play traditional and popular roots music during the concert, which will begin at 7 p.m. An ice cream social will precede the concert at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Attendees should bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating on the lawn.
Jones and Watroba have been musical partners since their first meeting more than 20 years ago. Their relationship started when they hosted back-to-back radio shows on WDET-FM, Detroit.
Later, they started performing together, and in doing so, they discovered a friendship based on a love for traditional American music. They duo now travel the nation extolling the virtues of “Music That Matters.”
Verandah Concerts are sponsored by Fremont Federal Credit Union. Additional funding is provided by Countryside Manor and ProMedica Memorial Hospital.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert may be canceled. For updates, visit rbhayes.org or call 800-998-7737. Updates also will be posted on the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums’ social media pages.
Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove, located at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont.
Back to the Wild to present program
The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. will hold a “Back to the Wild” event for the community at the Wooster Green (the green space/gazebo located across South Grove Street from the Wood County Senior Center) on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Attendees may park in the senior center parking lot and should bring a lawn chair to enjoy the special presentation.
Located in Castalia, Ohio, Back to the Wild is a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Center whose mission is to rehabilitate and ultimately release into their natural habitat injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. Through this work, Back to the Wild aims to educate and foster in children and adults an awareness, appreciation, and respect of the natural world.
Back to the Wild educators will bring along a variety of animals and will discuss birds of prey found in this region of the United States and their impact on the environment, along with fun facts about reptiles, amphibians, insects, and mammals.
In the event of rain, the event will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 126 S. Church St., Bowling Green.
CHI Living Communities St. Clare Commons is sponsoring the event. For more information call the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 or email programs@wccoa.net.
World Series of Chili
The East Toledo Senior Center, located at 1001 White St., will present its annual World Series of Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 6-10 p.m.
Admission is $20. All proceeds will benefit the center’s Senior Softball leagues. For tickets or more information, call 419-691-2254.
Toledo Beer Fest
Beer enthusiasts and aficionados will have a unique opportunity to explore a range of local, regional and national craft beers at the inaugural Toledo Beer Fest, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9 in Downtown Toledo.
Presented by Libbey Glass, and organized by the Toledo Metropolitan Craft Brewers Alliance, the event reflects the region's flourishing craft beer scene, which has seen significant growth over recent years.
The festival, which will be hosted at 123 Water St. from 2-8 p.m., will feature a live DJ in the afternoon followed by the local favorite Katie’s Randy Cat performing from 6-8 p.m.
Guests can anticipate an impressive selection from over 20 regional breweries, offerings from local food trucks, and a festive atmosphere of camaraderie and good times.
Tickets are available for $35 in advance, or $40 at the door, and include a commemorative tasting glass and 12 beer samples. Additional samples can be purchased for $10 for 12 tastings, and Designated Driver tickets are available for $10. Tickets holders will also receive a special commemorative 20-ounce Toledo Beer Fest glass to take home.
To purchase tickets or learn more at allforbeer.org.
In collaboration with Libbey, the festival will also provide hands-on education about craft beer glasses. Learn why choosing the right glass for your favorite beer enhances the experience, guided by Libbey's expert insights.
Gangster Bus Tour
Enter a world of gangsters, ladies of the night, bootlegging, and police on the take as the Toledo History Museum opens up the seamier side of Toledo’s past with a new bus tour of notorious locations called “Glass City Garters, Gambling, Gangsters and Gin.”
The monthly bus tours begin and end in downtown Toledo. Upcoming tour dates are Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. Dates for 2024 will be announced later.
Historians often point to Toledo’s history as a major rail hub, big into coal shipping, and shipbuilding. There was, however, a much seedier side to the city.
“As we moved into the 20th century, Toledo was a city of drinkers with one bar for every 300 residents; prostitution was considered a legitimate occupation with women of the night being licensed, and the city was notorious for its gambling,” said Donna Christian Rehfeldt, president of the Toledo History Museum. “Not to mention, believe it or not, the city was considered a safe haven for out-of-town gangsters.”
Rehfeldt is one of the tour’s hosts. “We’ll point out where the big gambling spots were located and talk about the notables who ran them, explain how city leaders managed the prostitution industry as we ride through what was called the ‘tenderloin district,’ and point out where hoodlums exchanged gunfire in broad daylight,” she said.
Tickets for the tour are $30 for museum members and $35 for non-members. Seating on the bus is limited. For more information and to purchase tickets visit ToledoHistoryMuseum.org.
The Toledo History Museum, located at 425 North St. Clair, is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the history of the Toledo area.
Davis-Bessee to present Community Day, Car Show
Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station will present a Community Day & Car Show Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5501 N. SR 2, Oak Harbor.
Cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors are welcome to participate in the show. Registration will be held from 8-10 a.m. Pre-register online at energyharbor.com/en/community-programs/daivs-besse-community-day1 or email TMHatcher@energyharbor.com.
Judging will be held from 10 a.m.-noon. Dash plaques will be presented to the first 300 registrants.
The event will also feature door prizes, 50/50 raffle, music by DJ Cruisin’ Zeake, food trucks, vendors and free family activities (carnival games, inflatables, petting zoo and more).
Proceeds raised will support Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Ottawa County, which provides beds to children in need.
In the event of rain, the event will be held on Sept. 17.
World Series of Chili
The East Toledo Senior Center, located at 1001 White St., will present its annual World Series of Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 6-10 p.m.
Admission is $20. All proceeds will benefit the center’s Senior Softball leagues. For tickets or more information, call 419-691-2254.
Genoa churches to present concert
St. John’s United Church of Christ and Genoa Trinity United Methodist Church are joining forces to present a the Christian music group, Avenue, in concert on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. John’s sanctuary, 1213 Washington St., Genoa.
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Avenue is an up-and-coming trio comprised of members Kasey Kemp, Haley Kemp and Jonathan Mattingly who come together to combine their musical gifts.
“Together we can create positive change in communities across the United States via the avenue of inspirational music, powerful stories, and life-changing connections,” the group says on its website, avenuemusic.net.
The concert is free and open to the public. A goodwill offering will be taken to offset costs.
Fall Native Plant Sale
The Friends of the Wood County Parks are hosting a Fall Native Plant Sale on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 4-7 p.m. at the Cedar Creeks Nature Preserve, 4575 Walbridge Rd., Northwood.
The plants and shrubs available for purchase are all local genome native species grown by the Stewardship Department of the Wood County Park District. The Friends of the Parks purchase the plants to offer to the community in a fundraiser.
Native forbs are $5 each and woody shrubs are $10 each. Only cash and check are accepted. Plants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking and admission are free.
Each year, the Wood County Park District grows tens of thousands of native plants as an important part of their environmental conservation efforts. The fall and spring native plant sales support these efforts and allow the community to utilize the benefits of native plants in their gardens.
The benefits of native plants are many – native plants have long root systems that create drought-resistant and flood-resistant areas, they sequester carbon, filter runoff, replenish soil nutrients, and are habitat for pollinators.
For a list of available plants and shrubs, visit wcparks.org or call 419-353-1897.
Historical society plans euchre parties
Oregon Jerusalem Historical Society is hosting Euchre Parties each month again this fall. Dates are Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 27 from 2-5 p.m. at Brandville School, 1133 Grasser St., Oregon.
A late lunch and refreshments will be served. There will also be cash prizes for winners.
Participants need not be OJHS members to attend. The cost for each participant is $15, which includes a late lunch and refreshments, and cash prizes for the winners.
Proceeds from the events will benefit the OJHS Building Restoration Fund.
RSVP is 419-902-5149.
OCT to kick off season with “Cinderella”
Oregon Community Theatre will kick off its 37th season, themed, “Discover Love on the East Side,” with the Fall Musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” Performance dates are Oct. 27-28 and Nov. 3-4 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m.
The season will continue with the Winter Play, Niel Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” on Feb. 16-17 and Feb. 23-24 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 25 at 3 p.m.
The theatre’s main stage season will close with the Spring Musical, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” on May 3-4 and May 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. and May 5 at 3 p.m.
In 2024, the Children's Summer Theatre will present “Shrek the Musical, Jr.” on July 11-14.
All shows will be performed at Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon.
Follow Oregon Community Theatre on Facebook, Instagram (@octshows) or visit octshows.org to stay up to date with ticket sales, show details, and other events.
Dinosaur Takeover exhibit extended
The dinosaurs at African Safari Wildlife Park aren’t going extinct just yet. Due to popular demand, the park has extended Dinosaur Takeover by eight weeks. The last day for guests to experience this temporary installation is now Monday, Oct. 30.
Dinosaur Takeover features more than 20 moving, roaring, life-sized creatures located throughout the park’s Walk-Thru Safari. Highlights include raptors, Triceratops, Stegosaurus and a 40-foot-long T. rex.
“There’s something about dinosaurs that brings out the child in each of us, and Dinosaur Takeover takes you as close as you can get to these prehistoric beasts without travelling back in time,” said park director Kelsey Keller. “We are excited to give our guests some extra time with the dinosaurs before they disappear.”
Dinosaur Takeover is included with general park admission. More information is available at africansafariwildlifepark.com/dinosaurs.
African Safari Wildlife Park is located at 267 S Lightner Rd., Port Clinton. Visit africansafariwildlifepark.com for more details.
ODNR reminds boaters to be cautious of low water
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds boaters to be cautious of low water in lakes this time of year. Low water levels can pose hazards to boaters—novice and experienced alike.
Precipitation and evaporation together create seasonal cycles in lake levels. Indicators of low water include:
• Caution signs posted at the lake.
• Visible sand bars in the water.
• Exposed logs or other hazards.
If these signs are present, boaters should exercise extreme caution when deciding whether to launch their boats.
In the event of an emergency on the water, dial 911 for assistance. To reach a Natural Resources Officer, dial #ODNR from a cellular phone to be connected to ODNR dispatch.
New photo-op sign debuts at Kelleys Island
Another of the popular Lake Erie Love photo-opportunity signs by Shores & Islands Ohio recently debuted on Kelleys Island.
The project was two years in-the-making while a suitable location was sought. A collaboration between the owners of West Bay Inn and Shores & Islands Ohio enabled the sign to be placed by the West Bay Inn’s marina, providing for the perfect sunset photo op.
Built and installed by Brady Sign Co., the 4’6” x 12’1/2” sign is the third of its kind, with others at Nickle Plate Beach in Huron and Waterworks Park in Port Clinton.
Shores & Islands Ohio invested nearly $24,000 from its Destination Development funds to pay for the sign.
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for guests of the region to share the Lake Erie Love by posting their vacation photos and promoting our love for the lake and the region as a whole,” said Amanda Smith Rasnick, Destination Development Director for Shores & Islands Ohio. The sign project is part of the destination marketing organization’s overall strategic plan that focuses on supporting efforts to enhance the destination for visitors and residents alike.
The organization is working to bring a sign to Middle Bass Island next and continues to actively seek out additional locations for these signs. Interested communities can contact amanda@shoresandislands.com to discuss opportunities.
Those taking photos at the sign are encouraged to share them using the #LakeErieLove.