Family briefs: Furniture donations sought to support Off the Streets Toledo

 
        Knights of Columbus Council of 14344 River East Mother Theresa is seeking donations of furniture for Off the Streets Toledo, an organization whose mission is to help homeless people get off the streets.
        Donations will be accepted in the parking lot of St Ignatius Church, 212 N. Stadium Rd., Oregon, on the last Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
        There will be a second drop-off point at St Joseph of  Maumee every Saturday starting at 8 a.m.
        Visit offthestreetstoledo.com  for a full list of items that will be accepted. No glass or food donations will be accepted.
 
Library Adventure!
        The Walbridge Library and the Wood County Park District invite children to enjoy a unique adventure Wednesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. at the library, 108 N. Main St.
        Participants can act out a “do as I do” story with a Wood County Park District naturalist as they pretend to climb, bike and paddle through an adventure story. The program is geared toward kids ages 3-8.
        Registration is not required. To learn more, visit wcdpl.org/events.
 
Kayak Demo Day
        Wood County Park District invites those thinking about getting into kayaking to try out kayaks of all shapes and sizes at a Kayak Demo Day Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Three Meadows Pond, 700 Three Meadows Dr., Perrysburg.
        Experienced local kayakers and kayaking instructors will be on hand to answer questions, point out differences between boat types and features, outfit attendees with lifejackets and paddles and educate them on how to kayak safely.
        Participants must be 11 years of age or older to kayak, and a legal guardian must be present.
        The event is free. No sales will be available at the event.
        Kayaking programs are made possible by ODNR Division of Watercraft.
        Learn more about Wood County Park District’s 21 parks and nature preserves at wcparks.org or call 419-353-1897.
 
Red Cross blood drives
        The American Red Cross has announced local blood drives and donation opportunities through the end of June. They include:
        • American Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway – Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
        • Oregon: June 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital, 2600 Navarre Ave.; June 25, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5650 Starr Ave.
        • Curtice: June 20, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Jerusalem Township Fire Department, 9501 Jerusalem Rd.
        • Elmore: June 17, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 19225 W. Witty Rd.
        • Williston: June 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., St. John Lutheran Church, 21140 W. Toledo St.
        • Fremont: June 25, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish, 550 Smith Rd.
        • Bowling Green: June 18, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Simpson Building, 1291 Conneaut; June 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Christ’s Church In Bowling Green, 14455 Campbell Hill Rd.; June 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 20189 N. Dixie Hwy.
        • Perrysburg: June 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Perrysburg Township Police & Fire, 26711 Lime City Rd.; June 24, 10 a.m. -3 p.m., Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 13101 Five Point Rd.
        As a thank-you, all who come to give through June 30, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/DoGood.
        To donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.
        All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are needed at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
 
Ship & Shore
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes is partnering once again with The Sandpiper tour boat for Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day.
        This summer, on Saturdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, visitors can purchase a special ticket that combines full access to the National Museum of the Great Lakes with a scenic trip along the Maumee River aboard The Sandpiper.
        “The Ship & Shore experience provides an immersive way to explore Great Lakes history all day long,” said Ellen Kennedy, director of museum operations at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Guests will enjoy full access to our family-friendly exhibits and museum boats. Mid-day, they will embark on a trip along the Maumee River aboard The Sandpiper, visiting spots like the Port of Toledo. The tour departs and returns from the museum docks.”
        During the Maumee River tour, visitors will engage with the award-winning “Port of Toledo: Then and Now” exhibit. The interactive exhibit uses QR codes onboard The Sandpiper, allowing cruisers to delve into the rich history along the Maumee River. The QR codes provide images and information, enabling visitors to visually compare the historical and current views of the river.
        Tickets for “Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day” can be bought in advance at nmgl.org or by calling 419-214-5000. Day-of tickets will be available only if space allows.
        For more information, visit nmgl.org/events.
        Tips for visitors:
        • Start early: Arrive around 10 a.m. to maximize your visit.
        • Plan for lunch: Food is not included; consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the Maritime Park before the Sandpiper tour.
        • Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire.
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo.
 
Designer Purse Party
        The East Toledo Senior Center will hold a Designer Purse Party Fundraiser on Thursday, July 11, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Navarre Park Shelterhouse, 1001 White St., Toledo.
        The cost is $35 per person and includes 11 games including a cover all for designer purse prizes, food, two drink tickets (sangria, beer, soda and water).
        All proceeds benefit the programming at the East Toledo Senior Center. For tickets or more information, call 419-691-2254.
 
Glass City Dance Party
        Glass City Singles will present a Dance Party Saturday, July 20, at the Ballroom Company, 2558 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
        The event will begin with a free dance lesson at 6 p.m. Open dancing will follow from 6:45-10 p.m.
        Admission is $12, which includes the dance lesson and snacks. BYOB. There will also be prizes and cash drawings.
        Those who have been to a dance before and bring a new friend who has never attended will get in for half off.
        For more info visit glasscitydanceparty.com or follow ToledoDJ Tom on Facebook.
 
Historical Society
Ladies’ Formal Tea
        The Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society will present their Fall Ladies Formal Teas on Thursday, Sept. 12, and Tuesday, Sept. 17 from noon-2 p.m. at Brandville School, 1133 Grasser St., Oregon.
        Oregon Community Theatre standout Lisa Gordon will portray  Penny Chenery, owner of 1973 Triple Crown Winner, Secretariat. Gordon has been an actress, director and producer for OCT and now lives with her husband, Mike on their two-acre farm in Oak Harbor.
        Tickets are $28 per person. There will be a limit of 48 guests per tea. RSVP by calling 419-902-5149, online at ojhs.org or email ojhs1963@gmail.com. Payment is due with RSVP.
 
Expanded Tax Holiday
        Gov. Mike DeWine announced the 2024 expanded Sales Tax Holiday will take place from 12 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.
        In conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly, DeWine expanded the length of Ohio’s Sales Tax holiday to 10 days and will allow tax-free purchases made in-person or online on all eligible items of up to $500.
        “Ohio’s sales tax holiday, historically, has been meant to help families buy clothing and school supplies for the upcoming school year,” DeWine said. “This expanded sales tax break will help Ohio’s families with back-to-school necessities as well as other substantial purchases during a time when so many household budgets are being strained.”
        Previous sales tax holidays ran three days, included only school-related items, and offered much lower purchase price limits ($75 maximum on an item of clothing; $20 per item of instructional material and/or school supplies).
        Ohio's sales tax holiday allows tax-free purchases made in-person or online. It does not include an exemption from sales tax for services or any purchase of watercraft, outboard motors, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverage, tobacco, vapor products, or any item that contains marijuana.