Family briefs: American Pickers to film in Northwest Ohio in April

        The American Pickers are planning to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout the Northwest Oho area in April.
        “American Pickers” is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.”
        The hit show follows skilled pickers in the businessas they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are especially excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
        As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.
        The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
        If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184
        Please note, the Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public. Visit them on Facebook at @GotAPick.
 
Town hall to focus on mental health, suicide
        In the past three years, the pandemic has placed many unexpected burdens on families due to isolation, change in family dynamics, as well as changes in work and school schedules. The stigma surrounding mental health is being challenged publicly by professional athletes, entertainers and online influencers.
        Two Villages, a local initiative in the Woodmore school district, is joining others in publicly addressing mental health issues at the next Town Hall meeting on Sunday, March 19 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Woodville High School, 633 Fremont St., Elmore.
        Since 2010, Two Villages has been hosting community events for the Woodmore community and its neighbors to address a variety of behavioral and cultural issues that put area youths’ wellness at risk.
        The March 19 event will bring together expert panelists and community resources who can provide insight and guidance. Panelists will include Ann Huss, Suicide Prevention Specialist and Woodmore community member; Melanie White, executive director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Northwest; and, Peggy Myers, ambassador of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Toledo Chapter.
        The panelists will discuss warning signs of suicide, prevention strategies and how to advocate for others. In addition to the panelist discussion, community resources tables with free information will be available a half hour before and after the meeting. The resources will be provided by Prevention Partnership Coalition, Ottawa County Prevention Coalition, NAMI Northwest, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Toledo Chapter, and Two Villages.
        Parents, grandparents, teachers, and leaders of youth activities from Woodmore and surrounding communities are invited to this free event. No registration is required.
        For more information, email Jayne Klett at OurTwoVillages@gmail.com.
 
Bright Futures
        Croghan Colonial Bank and the Oak Harbor Police Department are partnering to host a Bright Features event Wednesday, March 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 SR 163, Oak Harbor.
        The event, open to parents and guardians, will include discussions about drug awareness, financial responsibility and peer pressure. In addition, attendees will gain tools to help them speak openly to their children about these topics.
        A kids’ craft area and light refreshments will be available.
        Event speakers will include a recovering addict who will share her story; Oak Harbor Police Sgt. Just Smith, who will discuss social media’s effect on peer pressure; and Croghan employees Ashley Hansen and Taylor Keister, who will share financial information.
        The event is free, but preregistration is encouraged. For more information, visit Facebook.com/CroghanColonial.
 
OregonFest returning
to Dustin Road in 2023
        Dustin Road will once again be filled with the familiar sights and sounds of OregonFest on May 21 from noon-6 p.m.
        The theme for this year’s event is “Bringing History to Life,” which will be brought to life with the help of Grand Parade marshals from the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society.
        In addition to the parade, OregonFest will feature a Kids’ Area, Quality of Life Tent, food trucks, contests, a plant exchange, shopping with local vendors, a car show sponsored by Dunn Chevrolet Buick with Toledo HotRodders and more.
        Vendor, sponsor, parade and food truck entries are now being accepted.
        Volunteers needed
        OregonFest is a community organization which relies on donations from area businesses, and the hard work of volunteers dedicated to enriching their community. “We have tons of spots and can accommodate all abilities and schedules,” said Cassie Tinta, OregonFest chairperson. “With your help, our community will be able to return together again in celebration of everything we love about our city and enjoy our favorite fest traditions.”
        Sign up online at OregonfestOH.com, follow on Facebook at @OregonfestOH or email oregonfest43616@gmail.com.
 
Dining with Diabetes
        The Wood County Extension Office will conduct a Dining with Diabetes series in April.
        The program open to anyone with concerns about diabetes or interested in controlling blood sugar, and their family members, friends, caregivers or other support persons.
        Classes will be held on Tuesdays April 4, 11 and 25 and May 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the Wood County Extension office, 639 S. Dunbridge Rd., Suite 1, Bowling Green.
        Classes will address how to incorporate healthy cooking techniques and other practices into their own kitchens to help manage their blood glucose through live cooking demos and discussions with a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
        Classes are free for Wood County residents, however seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. For residents outside of Wood County, there is a $40 per person registration fee.
        Register with Shannon Smith by calling 419-819-3078 or email smith.11604@osu.edu.
 
Easter Egg Hunt set
        St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Main and Cherry streets, Millbury, will hold an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 1 from 1-3 p.m. In the event of rain, the Easter Egg hunt will be held Saturday, April 8.
 
 Path Finders Day Camp helps kids after a loss
        Building 42 years of bereavement expertise and care, Hospice of Northwest Ohio will host its second annual Path Finders children’s grief camp in July.
        The four-day camp will be held at Camp Miakonda in Toledo, and will provide opportunities for grieving kids to interact with others who have experienced similar losses – in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
        Campers, grouped by age, will be led by licensed counselors/social workers and trained volunteers. Camp activities are designed to allow campers to honor the memory of the person who died, normalize feelings, learn coping skills and participate in fun, outdoor games and activities.
        Focus on the future
        Campers may be grieving sudden, tragic losses such as suicide, car accidents or drug overdoses or illnesses such as cancer, COVID or other chronic conditions.
        The camp focuses on moving children forward in their grief and helping them adapt to life after loss. Without effective interventions, grief can cause emotional and physical distress that not only affects the individual, but also impacts their family, friends and future careers. Healthy grief allows individuals to be productive and contributing members of the community.
        Path Finders Camp sponsors include Key Bank, Trustee for the Terhune Fund and Yark Subaru, Share the Love Event.
        Volunteers are needed to help assure this experience is successful and meaningful for all who attend. No special skills are required.
        Learn more and apply online at hospicenwo.org, email pathfinderscamp@hospicenwo.org or call 419-931-5623.