News Briefs - Feb. 24, 2025

Sandusky County YMCA campaign a success
 
The YMCA of Sandusky County raised more than $180,000 in its 2024 Annual Campaign, shattering its goal by nearly 70%.
 
The Y’s Annual Campaign directly supports multiple opportunities at the YMCA that help remove financial barriers that may keep an individual or family from meeting health and wellness goals. More than 1,600 individuals receive financial assistance, making YMCA memberships and programs possible for those who otherwise could not participate.
 
These opportunities include:
        • Y For All pricing: A household income-based membership pricing model that provides a sliding scale for membership rates for those households earning less than $65,000 a year.
        • Financial assistance: A financial assistance program that removes barriers to participation in programs like swim lessons, martial arts, preschool, youth sports, community health and more. It also provides additional assistance to those who need more support than what is provided by the Y For All membership pricing model.
 
“As a Fremont and Sandusky County native, supporting our community is personal to me,” said YMCA of Sandusky County CEO Jeremiah Wagner. “Our Y For All membership pricing and financial assistance programs help level the playing field for our seniors, families, and youth and allow us to better serve our community's needs.”
 
The following organizations were credited for their support of the 2024 Annual Campaign:
        • $20,000+ Supporters: The United Way of Sandusky County, Ohio Department of Aging/Ottawa County Senior Resources, and the Knight Family.
        • $10,000+ Supporters: Crown Battery and the Sandusky County Communities Foundation.
        • $2,500+ Supporters: Fremont Federal Credit Union, Gerber Plans, Welty Insurance Group, Key Bank Foundation, Warner Mechanical, Koenig Family, and Step Into Swim.
        • $1,000+ Supporters: Croghan Colonial Bank, YACA of Sandusky County, GenoaBank, Gilmore Foundation, David Pitts, and the Duckworth/Haddix families.
 
To take advantage of one of the assistance opportunities, visit the YMCA of Sandusky County, located at 1000 North St., Fremont. Bring your most recent IRS 1040 form.
 
Those with questions, including those without an IRS 1040, can call 419-332-9622 or email info@ymcafremont.org to learn more.
 
To contribute to the 2025 YMCA Annual Campaign, stop by the Y or visit ymcafremont.org/donate-2/.
 

Learn how to ‘read’ Victorian architecture
 
When one thinks of Victorian buildings, big, rambling houses with towers and colorful gingerbread woodwork usually come to mind.
 
Though these are certainly characteristics of Victorian structures, building styles varied greatly from one decade to the next.
 
Josh Dubbert, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums historian, will explain the many stylistic shifts during the Victorian Era, which lasted from 1837-1901, during a program on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 2-3:30 p.m. at HPLM, Spiegel Grove, Fremont. He will introduce some of the period’s influential architects and demonstrate how to “read” a building to see how and when it fits into its specific timeframe.
 
Admission is free. Visit rbhayes.org for more details.
 

International Women's Day Luncheon planned
 
Women of Toledo (WOT) will host its signature International Women’s Day Luncheon on Monday, March 10, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Renaissance Downtown Toledo.
 
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action: Support the Supporters,” highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing gender equality.
 
The event will feature a panel of women leaders who have successfully built and scaled collaborative networks that create lasting impact, including:
        • Gracie Xavier (Haiti) – A social enterprise leader with Global Detroit.
        • Athena Golianis (Greece) – Founder and creator of PINKK NOW LLC, a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering businesses through strategic marketing, branding and entrepreneurship support.
        • Nicky Sulandari (Indonesia) – Founder of the Collaborative Chambers Alliance, an initiative uniting 22 chambers of commerce under one umbrella to strengthen economic development and workforce opportunities in Cuyahoga County.
 
The event will conclude with a musical performance by Amy Chang, a featured cellist from the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, who will perform pieces from the Far East.
 
Visit womenoftoledo.org for more information.
 

“A Matter of Balance”
 
The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) will offer an “A Matter of Balance” class at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St.,  Bowling Green, Tuesdays from March 4-April 22, 1-3 p.m.
 
This eight-week, evidence-based course costs $20 and includes a manual for training purposes, weekly exercises to build strength and balance and a certificate upon completion of the course.
 
The program is geared toward those who may have a fear of falling which is limiting their activities, and/or those who are becoming physically weak.
 
Class participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.
 
Contact the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 or email programs@wccoa.net to register.
 

Elephant birthday bash
 
The Toledo Zoo is inviting the community to celebrate the first birthday of Kirkja, the Zoo’s African elephant calf, on Saturday, Feb. 22.
 
The mermaid-themed celebration is included with regular Zoo admission and free for members.
 
Guests will have the opportunity to see Kirkja engage in enrichment activities, possibly splash in her pool and open a giant birthday card signed by visitors during the Zoo’s Happy Hearts Day on Feb. 15. The celebration will offer engaging experiences for guests of all ages.
 
In addition, the Zoo’s culinary department is creating a special cake with layers of frozen melon with butternut squash “frosting” and decorated with flowering kale, sweet potato and carrots.
 
Born on Feb.17, 2024, to matriarch Renee, Kirkja has captivated visitors with her playful and inquisitive nature. Over the past year, she has grown into an active and confident member of the herd, which includes her mother, Renee, as well as herd mates Twiggy and Ajani.
 
This unique event provides a chance to celebrate Kirkja’s first year while learning more about the Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts.
 
Those looking to make Kirkja’s birthday even more special can contribute by purchasing an item from the Zoo’s elephant wish list on Amazon.com.
 
Visit toledozoo.org/events/elephant-birthday-bash for more details.