Historical Society showcasing gifted portrait of Peter Navarre

        Oregon Jerusalem Historical Society has been working with East Toledo Historical Society to help them preserve and protect their many artifacts and important documents that help tell the story of the land east of the river (Oregon Township dates back to 1837, starting at the Maumee River).
        “One of their first gifts to us is their prized life portrait painting of Peter Navarre,” said Michelle Quilter, OJHS president. “It now proudly hangs at the front of the classroom at Brandville School Museum. It is spectacular and gives one a sense of pride just to look at it. We have books for sale on Peter Navarre in our gift shop and some would say we owe our very existence as a community to this man.”
        The museum, located at 1133 Grasser St., Oregon, opens back up to the public on March 5. Visit ojhs.org for hours and more information.
 
Spring Fever Symposium
        A Spring Fever Symposium will be held Saturday, March 8, from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River S. Rd., Elmore.
        Check-in and shopping will be held 8-8:30 a.m.
        Topics and speakers include:
        • Compost & Ground Covers, presented by Hirzel Farms.
        • Grow Your Own Bouquet, presented by Becca Mathews of River Bend Homestead.
        • Cocktail Gardening – Pollinators, Herbs and Friends, presented by Karen Langan of Mulberry Creek Herb Farm.
        • Soil Science & Root/Plant Health, presented by North Branch Nursery.
        • Terrariums 101, presented by Green Crow Plants.
        • 2025 Proven Winners and Staff Favorites, presented by Wolf’s Blooms & Berries in Bowling Green.
        The admission fee is $39.95, which includes a breakfast granola bar; soup, salad and sandwich lunch with dessert, coffee and water.
        There will also be a raffle with chances to win a Schedel membership, North Branch Nursery, Bench’s Greenhouse Elmore Gift Cards, and  a gift from Hirzel Farms.
        Sign up online at schedel-gardents.org/calendar. Call 419-862-3182 for more information.
       
Toledo Library celebrates Women’s History Month
        In March, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) will recognize Women’s History Month with free programs, book recommendations, engagement activities, and limited-edition sticker series honoring women’s contributions to arts and culture.
        Featured women in arts and culture include:
        • A sharpshooting champion in a male-dominated sport.
        • A jazz icon whose voice shaped multiple genres.
        • A groundbreaking visual artist who explored identity, the human body, and death.
        • A novelist whose work inspires writers 250 years after her birth.
        These four women — Annie Oakley, Billie Holiday, Frida Kahlo, and Jane Austen — will be highlighted weekly with materials and engagement activities at all TLCPL locations in March.
        Library patrons can collect a coloring sheet and a limited-edition sticker at their neighborhood branch featuring an original illustration of each woman (while supplies last). A bookmark with all four illustrations will be available. Online book lists recounting the lives and accomplishments of these individuals will be published on the Toledo Library blog.
        The schedule begins with Annie Oakley on March 3, followed by Billie Holiday on March 10 and Frida Kahlo on March 17 and concludes with Jane Austen on March 24.
        The illustrations were designed by artist Nicole Ray, who creates a whimsical line of art prints and paper goods under the name Sloe Gin Fizz. Her work can be viewed at sloeginfizz.com.
 
Library program set
        In honor of Wood County District Public Library’s 150th birthday, the Walbridge Library will hold a Behind the Stacks program about the history of the library on Friday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The library is located at 108 N. Main St.
        Local history librarian, Marnie Pratt, will discuss some of the key elements and individuals responsible for the library we have today.
        No registration is required. For more information, call 419-352-5050 or email woodref@wcdpl.org.
 
Spring Lecture Series
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) announced its 2025 Spring Lecture Series, presented by Larry and Karen Bettcher.
        This free, hybrid event allows attendees to engage in person at the museum or participate online via Zoom.
        “This lecture series is a wonderful opportunity for Great Lakes enthusiasts, history buffs and lifelong learners to explore diverse and unique topics,” said Carrie Sowden, Director of Archaeology and Research at NMGL. “We are committed to education and to bringing thought-provoking and engaging presentations to our community.”
        The series kicks off on Wednesday, March 19, with Dr. Trisha Spanbauer, assistant professor, Department of Environmental Sciences & Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo, who uses fossils and DNA in lake sediments to uncover the environmental history of lakes and their evolution over time.
        On April 15, Wayne Lusardi, Michigan’s State Maritime Archaeologist, will presents “The Search for a Queen,” detailing the use of state-of-the-art technology to locate a missing scientific research aircraft in Lake Superior.
        The final lecture on May 21 will feature Chris Gillcrist, emeritus director of NMGL, offering a behind-the-scenes look at “Dark Waters: True Crime and Mystery on the Great Lakes,” which will provide insight into the museum’s upcoming temporary exhibit.               
        Learn more and register at nmgl.org.
 
Police hockey to Support animal rescue
        The Wood County Fraternal Order of Police hockey team - The Warthogs – will host a hockey game against their counterparts from the Detroit Police Hockey Club, Saturday, March 15, at 7 p.m. at Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter.
        All proceeds from the contest going to Toledo-based Operation Saves, a local non-profit collective striving to change the world, one homeless pet at a time.
        Attendees are encouraged to bring pet food, blankets, or any type of pet toy. A meet-and-greet with pets available for adoption will be held at the contest.
        For more information, contact Don Egan at 419-913-7794.
 
Super Swifties Science Party
        Celebrate the Era of Science for one special night packed with Taylor-made scientific activities and singalongs with the Super Swifties Saturday, March 29, from 6-9 p.m. at Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo.
        Attendees, who are invited to wear their favorite Era-inspired outfit, will:
        • Design UV bead friendship bracelets that shine.
        • Make Swiftie slime that sparkles.
        • Create their own dream guitar to play their favorite songs.
        • Craft colorful chromatography butterflies that showcase the different Eras.
        The cost is $20 for Imagination Station members and $25 for nonmembers.
        Get tickets at imaginationstationtoledo.org/programs-events/events-calendar/super-swiftie-science-party/.
 
 
Call for artists and makers
        The Toledo Zoo is on the prowl for creative artists and skilled makers to take part in Wild about Art, which will be held Aug. 9 and 10.
        Art does not have to be animal-related. Applications must be submitted online through ZAPP by Friday, April 25.
        Visit toledozoo.org/events/wild-about-art for more details.