July family briefs

Mercy Health Protective Services Department to host car show
 
        For the fourth consecutive year, the parking lot at Mercy Health – Perrysburg Hospital will once again be filled with cars of all types as the Mercy Health Protective Services Department hosts its annual car show Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
        In lieu of an entry fee, guests are asked to bring school supplies, which will be donated to support local schools.
        Sports cars, muscle cars and classic cars will line the hospital’s Surgery Center parking lot outside Entrance C. Mercy Health – Perrysburg Hospital is located at 12623 Eckel Junction Rd. Mercy Health – Perrysburg Hospital is a department of Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center.
        The event requires no pre-registration or fees and is strictly a donation event. The goal is to fill the police car on-site with school supplies for area school children.
        The Mercy Health Protective Services Department is comprised up of police officers and security personnel who provide for the safety and security of patients, visitors and staff at all Mercy Health facilities.
        The event also will feature coffee and food trucks, a cash 50/50 raffle, a bounce house, door prizes and dash plaques. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. for the display cars and include a Chief’s Choice, Best Muscle Car, Best Classic Car and People’s Choice.
       
Paws for Reading
        Kids can practice reading with the help of Bubbles the therapy dog and her owner, Emily Ronquillo, on Thursdays, July 25, Aug. 15 and Aug. 29, from 4-5 p.m. at the Walbridge Library, 108 N. Main St.
        Families can schedule a 15-minute appointment slot to meet Bubbles and to read to her. Bubbles is a registered therapy dog and is a certified first responder therapy dog. The event is designed to inspire a love of reading and also offers a great opportunity for kids to learn about therapy dogs.
        Registration is required. One family or child per 15-minute registration appointment. To register, call 419-666-9900 or register online at wcdpl.org/events.
 
Furniture donations sought
        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. The next drop off is Saturday, July 27
        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.
 
Summer Concert Series
        The 2024 Commodore Perry Federal Credit Union Summer Concert Series will be presented at Adolphus Kraemer Park in Oak Harbor Sundays, July 21-Aug. 11
        The concerts, held at the log cabin across from the Post Office on Church Street, will be held from 6-7 p.m. Parking is available around the park and behind the library on Main Street and at the Municipal Building on Church Street.
        Attendees should bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music and fellowship.
        The schedule includes:
        • July 21 – Bradley Hoffman.
        • July 28 – Anchored featuring Steve Rodman.
        • Aug. 4 – The Ottawa County Bluegrass Band.
        • Aug. 11 – Mark Wilkins.
 
Blood drives set
        As July continues, so does the critical need for blood and platelet donors. The American Red Cross is asking donors to make and keep appointments this month to support lifesaving transfusion needs all summer long.  
        The Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures for the theatrical release of “Twisters” to help avoid a summer blood shortage. All who come to give blood or platelets by July 31 will get a Fandango movie ticket by email.  Donors who come to give blood in July will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn. See RedCrossBlood.org/Twisters for details on all offers.
        Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:
        • American Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway – Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
        • Curtice: July 26, 12-5 p.m., Jerusalem Township Fire Department, 9501 Jerusalem Rd.
        • Oregon: July 15, 12-6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5650 Starr Ave.
        • Lindsey: July 22, 12-6 p.m. Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 SR 590.
        • Oak Harbor: July 24, 12-5:30 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran, 122 W. Ottawa.
        • Perrysburg: July 16, 12-6 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 28744 Simmons Rd.; July 18, Saint John XXIII Catholic Community, 24250 Dixie Hwy.
        • Pemberville: July 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 220 Cedar St.
        How 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. Save time at your next donation by using RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
 
Summer Read!
        The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library reminds readers of all ages that there’s still time to register for and participate in Summer Read.
        Readers can even count any reading they have done since June 1. Sign up at toledolibrary.org/readingchallenges or stop at any library location to get started, including:
        • Birmingham Branch, 203 Paine Ave., Toledo, 419-259-5210.
        • Locke Branch, 703 Miami St., Toledo, 419-259-5310.
        • Oregon Branch, 3340 Dustin Rd., 419-259-5250.
        In addition the library offers a range of summer fun activities from live music to programs for kids, teens and adults. Find a complete schedule at toledolibrary.org.
 
‘Living Off the Grid’ event
        Downtown Fremont will be hosting the Croghan Colonial Bank Farmers Market and Crown Battery Living Off the Grid Event on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
        During the farmers market, attendees can participate in the Living Off the Grid Scavenger Hunt by visiting OSS Solid Waste District, Black Swamp Coalition, River Bend Homestead and Homestead Design Company. Once they have completed the scavenger hunt, they can return to the Downtown Fremont Inc. booth for a chance to be entered into a drawing for a $25 Think Fremont Community Card. As always, farmers and vendors will be selling produce and unique items and gifts.
        For more information, call 419-332-8696 or 567-342-4758 or visit downtownfremontohio.org or follow Downtown Fremont on social media.
        Look for updates on events at the Fremont Community Amphitheater online at downtownfremontohio.org/fremont-community-amphitheater.
 
“Pizza Palooza”
        Who has the best pizza in Northwest Ohio?
        That question will be answered on July 19 and 20 at the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Centennial Terrace’s 12th Annual Pizza Palooza presented by Grogan’s Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Charlie’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Sofo Foods.
        The event will take place at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania Ohio Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m.
        Pizza vendors will sell cheese or pepperoni and specialty pizza by the slice with the option to also purchase a whole pizza. Beverages will be available for purchase.
        More than 6,000 guests are expected to attend and vote for their favorite pizza restaurant in this annual contest featuring both People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards from among 12 local pizza vendors. Mayberry Ice Cream, Susie Lynne’s Lemonade and Olde Tyme Kettle Korn will also be on hand.
        Voting will take place onsite via iPad. Voting will close at 8:45p.m. Saturday and People’s Choice Awards will be awarded after votes are tallied.
        Local bands will provide entertainment, including My 80s Vice and The Cheeks on Friday and The Skittle Bots on Saturday. There will also be activities in the Kids Zone from 5-9 p.m. each day. Families can enjoy their pizza and plenty of activities in the Kids Zone from 5:00PM-9:00PM each day.
        Admission is $8 ages 13 and older, and children 12 and under get in free.
 
Benefit wine tasting
        The Ottawa County Wreath Committee will host a Wine Tasting to benefit Wreaths Across America on Sunday, July 28, from 1-4 p.m. in The Wine Room at Mutach’s Market, 8037 E. Harbor Rd., Marblehead.
        This year, the goal is to place wreaths on the more than 1,500 veteran graves in Riverview, Lakeview, Lacarpe and Christy Chapel cemeteries on Dec. 14.
        The cost for the wine tasting is $60 for a grazing table and six wine tastes. Jerry Zsigo Music will provide entertainment.
        For more information or to reserve a seat, call Shelley at 419-260-7685.
 
Hops for Hospice & History
        Sauder Village, in partnership with CHP Home Care and Hospice, will present Hops for Hospice and History, a fundraiser supporting the shared commitment of both organizations to care for families throughout all life stages, Saturday, July 27, from 5-9 p.m. at Sauder Village’s 1920s Main Street.
        Attendees can enjoy an authentic Roaring `20s cocktail at the speakeasy, grab an appetizer or quick dinner from one of the food truck vendors, participate in raffles, and sip brew samples, while enjoying tunes from a line-up of eight talented local musicians.
        Brewery partners include Two Bandits Brewing Company, Wild Side Brewing Company, Funky Turtle Brewing Company, Brewing Green, Four Fires Meadery, and Heavy Beer Company.
        With the purchase of each ticket, guests will receive 12 brew samples and a commemorative glass. Designated drivers can purchase tickets at a reduced price that includes a t-shirt.
        Musical guests include The Lee Warren Band, Breaking Ground, Jamie and Dan, Ramona Collins, Ryan Roth, Aaron Hertzfeld, Brent Lowry, and Whitehead/Mac.
        Guests must be 21 and older to purchase full price tickets. Tickets may be purchased on Sauder Village’s website, SauderVillage.org, or by calling 1-800-590-9755.