Family Briefs: Libraries circulating Roku sticks with streaming services

        The Harris-Elmore and Genoa branch libraries are lending out Roku sticks (six at each location) loaded with various premium streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+, Apple TV, Peacock, Britbox, Tubi, Live Local Roku channels and more.
        This service is free with a library card. Patrons may check out a streaming stick for seven days with a possibility of an additional seven-day renewal. All that’s needed is a TV with HDMI port and a Wi-Fi connection (the library also has Wi-Fi hotspots available for borrowing).
        Call the Harris-Elmore Public Library at 419-862-2482 for more information.
 
Free Presidents Day admission
        Celebrate Presidents Day with free admission and activities on Monday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, located in Fremont.
        Visitors can take a free, self-guided tour of the museum and sign up for a free tour of the first floor of the Hayes Home.
        Hayes Home tours will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis between 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. No advance reservations will be taken. Attendees must check in at the museum front desk to get their tour time and tickets.
        The research library will be closed for the holiday.
        A variety of events and activities are scheduled at the museum, including scavenger hunts, a coin craft, presidential photo station, gallery talks, presidential trivia and story time. Visitors can also vote for their favorite Ohio president, with results to be announced in the afternoon.
        The schedule of events includes:
        • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Make a campaign button in the museum.
        • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Voting for the favorite Ohio President at a designated ballot area.
        • 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. – Gallery talk and artifact display in the special exhibit “Factions & Fraternalism: A History of America’s Political Parties.”
        • 11 a.m., and 1 and 3 p.m.– Presidential trivia in the history lab in the lower level.
        • 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – Story time.
        • Noon and 3:30 p.m. – Gallery talk on Ohio’s eight presidents in the Presidents’ Gallery.
        • 4:30 p.m. – Winner of the election for favorite Ohio president is announced.
        For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org or follow Hayes Presidential on social media.
 
‘Mamma Mia!”
        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 students. All performances will be held in the AAA Auditorium at Northwood Local Schools. Tickets can be purchased 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.
 
Zoo anniversary events Orchid Show returns
        The Toledo Zoo is marking its 125th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a legacy of conservation, education and community connection.
        Kicking off this milestone year is the return of the Orchid Show, a beloved tradition inviting guests to escape winter’s gray skies and immerse themselves in a vibrant world of exotic blooms.
        Through Feb. 23, visitors can take in the Orchid Show on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the ProMedica Museum of Natural History.
        The show, included with half-off zoo admission during this period, features more than 2,000 exotic orchid species showcasing breathtaking colors, captivating scents and fascinating stories from around the globe.
        An Orchid Show Plant Sale, set for Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the ProMedica Museum of Natural History Great Hall, will offer the public the chance to take home their own orchid treasures.
        As part of the Zoo’s 125th anniversary celebration, guests can look forward to additional events including:
        • Aquarium 10-Year Anniversary Celebration – March 29.
        • 125th Zoo Birthday Bash & Summer Season Kickoff – May 24-25.
        • 125 Years of Impact Symposium & Legacy Gala – Oct. 21-23.
        For more information about the Orchid Show and other events, visit toledozoo.org/events.
 
Perrysburg Winterfest
        Downtown Perrysburg, Inc. (DPI) will present the 15th annual Winterfest Feb. 21-22, in historic Downtown Perrysburg on Louisiana Avenue and East Second Street.
        The schedule for the family-friendly event includes:
        • Feb. 21: The weekend kicks off with commissioned ice sculptures lighting up the streets. The first-ever DPI Winterfest Poker Run starting at 7 p.m. Head to the heated tent on East Second Street to check in, grab a hand for just $10, and join the fun. The Poker Run winner will be announced at 10:15 p.m. Stick around for music with Touch the Sky DJs, dancing and an adult beverage while mingling in the tent from 7-11 p.m.
        • Feb. 22: The fun continues at 11 a.m. with live ice carving demos, a Hot Chocolate Crawl, a S'mores Party, a kids’ scavenger hunt, and more. Kids will love the inflatable Polar Bear Slide and the annual Kids Dash for ages 2-10. Don't miss a special meet and greet with the Wicked “Sisters” Elphaba and Glinda and the “Frozen Sisters.” Adults 21+ can enjoy adult beverages and stay warm in the heated tent.
        The Kids Dash will step off at 2 p.m. with each participant receiving a paper airplane to honor the art installation, “Against the Wind,” at Riverside Park.
        The event will wrap up with the WinterBash 2025 starting at 7 p.m. and featuring live music by Pop's Garage, dancing, and a complimentary adult beverage inside a heated tent. Tickets are on sale now.
        Visit Downtown Perrysburg, Inc.’s Facebook page for complete event details.
 
African Safari nominated
        African Safari Wildlife Park has been nominated as one of the top safari parks in the United States by USA Today 10Best, an editorial travel and lifestyle website.
        Voting is open through Monday, March 4, at https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/45435/. Readers may vote once per day.
        “We are beyond proud to once again be nominated for this prestigious recognition,” said COO Kelsey Keller. “Remember to vote every day.”
        African Safari Wildlife Park, is located at 267 S. Lightner Rd. in Port Clinton. Visit AfricanSafariWildlifePark.com for more details.