NMGL ‘Christmas Tree Ship’ Community Giveback Day grows

        On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1-4 p.m. the National Museum of the Great Lakes, in partnership with Geo. Gradel Co., invites individuals to join a holiday tradition by welcoming back the ”Christmas Tree Ship.”
        Additionally, thanks to the generosity of The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC), museum admission will be free for all that day.
        On Nov. 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees. Remembered as the Christmas Tree Ship, her captain, Herman E. Schuenemann, was known for giving trees to families in need. This story provides the inspiration behind the museum’s community giveback event encouraging individuals to make a memory to last a lifetime by watching Santa arrive at the museum’s dock delivering Christmas trees and holiday support.
        “Museums have been shown to increase our sense of well-being and make us feel healthier. They inspire, challenge and stimulate us, while also making us proud of where we come from,” said spokesperson Kate Fineske. “The Christmas Tree Ship Community Giveback Day allows us to connect individuals on the east bank of the Maumee River and access the Great Lakes with their maritime roots while providing healthy holiday support.”
        The event asks individuals to “get a tree or give a tree” as well as to provide holiday support by donating toward gift cards for its community partners. In addition, for every donation made, UTMC will match individual gifts with a healthy hygiene kit for community members in need.
        “We know health isn’t always just about your doctor’s appointment. It’s also about finding ways to connect with family and friends during the holidays and being able to take part in meaningful activities with those you love,” said Jennifer Archer, UTMC’s assistant director of community engagement and volunteer services. “As a community-focused hospital, we take a holistic approach to health and quality of life. We’re proud to be able to support a well-loved event and provide our entire community this opportunity.”
        NMGL provides community support in partnership with East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children's Services, and Sylvania Area Family Services. They encouraging individuals to make a full day of holiday activities by viewing the 51st Annual East Toledo Holiday Parade Dec. 2, which begins at 11 a.m. at South Ravine Parkway, and ends at Metroparks Toledo’s new Glass City Enrichment Center.
        Following the parade, guests are asked to walk or drive to the NMGL, where Santa and a boatload of Christmas trees will arrive to receive visitors in front of the Museum Tug Ohio.
        The NMGL is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo. To learn more about the event, purchase a tree for yourself or individuals in need, or provide holiday support with a donation, visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000. Trees are $65 each. Donations to support holiday needs can be made in $25 increments.
        Individuals interested in receiving a donated tree are asked to call 2-1-1.
 
Ongoing:
Saturdays: Toledo Farmers’ Market, 525 Market St., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. toledofarmersmarket.com.
Through Nov. 26: “Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg – Machine Auguries: Toledo,” Toledo Museum of Art, Canaday Gallery, 2445 Monroe St. In Ginsberg’s artwork, the natural dawn chorus is slowly taken over by artificial birds, whose calls are generated using machine learning. Drawing on the significance of the region’s location on spring migration flyways, the exhibit reflects on the decline of bird populations caused by human action. toledomuseum.org.
Through December: “Chasing Totality: The History and Science of Eclipses,” Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont. Special exhibit explores the story of humanity’s fascination with eclipses, looking at the science behind how eclipses work, the history of astronomy’s attempts to understand that science and a look at one particular solar eclipse that drove Americans across the country to the western territories during Hayes’ presidency. Included with regular admission. rbhayes.org.
Through Jan. 28, 2024: “Jordy R. Poma: Las Curiosas,” Toledo Museum of Art, Robert C. & Susan Savage Community Gallery. The exhibit is a series of sculptures inspired by women from Mishquiyacu, Peru. Curanderas or curiosas are healers and midwives who provide alternative medicine in small communities that do not have access to hospitals or doctors. They heal by using plants, the energy that surrounds a person, and knowledge that was passed on to them by their ancestors. toledomuseum.org.
 
November
Nov. 4: World at War: Miniature Gaming Convention, Fort Meigs Memorial, Perrysburg, Miniature war gaming experts help visitors play more war games and learn about this family-friendly hobby. fortmeigs.org.
Nov. 4: Sandusky County Craft and Vendor Show, Sandusky County Fairgrounds, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring more than 60 booths offering handmade jewelry, baked goods, soaps, candles, florals, wreaths, home décor and more. Many direct sales companies represented. Free admission. Food truck available during event. Nov. 4: Cider & Cookies, White Star Park: Log Cabins, 5013 C.R. 65, Gibsonburg, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Join naturalist Debbie Haubert at the log cabins for an old-fashioned afternoon. Registration is required. Fee: $6. lovemyparks.com.
Nov. 4: Justin Moore in Concert, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, 7 p.m. stranahantheater.com.
Nov. 4: Toledo Walleye vs. Indy Fuel, Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 7:15 p.m. toledowalleye.com.
Nov. 8: Sandusky County Historic Jail & Dungeon Historical Tours, 622 Croghan St., Fremont, 5:30 p.m. One-hour guided tour includes the historic 1892 Sandusky County jail that has ties to President Rutherford B. Hayes, the 1840’s dungeon located underneath the Sandusky County Courthouse and the Gallows Exhibition Hall featuring the gallows used for the last hanging in Sandusky County. Cost: $5. Flashlight tours offered at 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $10. Tickets available at the door or online at sanduskycounty.org.
Nov. 10: Ice Skating at The Ribbon Begins, Glass City Metropark, 983 Front St., Toledo. For a complete schedule, visit metroparkstoledo.com/theribbon.
Nov. 11; The Blade 36th Annual Holiday Parade, downtown Toledo, Summit Street, 10 a.m. Bring the family and enjoy the Distinguished Clown Corps, giant balloons, marching bands, horses, floats and, of course, Santa himself. bladenewsslide.com/holidayparade/.
Nov. 11: Maker’s Mart, Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The juried fair features handmade goods and artisanal food made by independent crafters, makers, and artisans creating a unique shopping experience. shophandmadetoledo.com.
Nov. 11: Toledo Walleye vs. Fort Wayne Komets, Huntington Center, 7:15 p.m. toledowalleye.com.
Nov. 11: Pulse Boxing, Class City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 8 p.m. ticketmaster.com.
Nov. 11-12: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky County Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. sanduskycountyfair.com.
Nov. 11-12:  The Fitzgerald Experience, National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo. In honor of the 48th Anniversary of the loss of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10, 1975, NMGL is offering a weekend of guided tours of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, using the lake freighter and its similarities to the Edmund Fitzgerald to discuss theories surrounding the sinking and stories about the 29 crew members who were lost. This tour is approximately 75 minutes long. nmgl.org/event/the-fitzgerald-experience-2023/.
Nov. 12: Toledo Walleye vs. Fort Wayne Komets, Huntington Center, 5:15 p.m. toledowalleye.com.
Nov. 14: Festive Fall Garlands Program, Creek Bend Farm: Homestead House, 720 South Main St., Lindsey, 4-6 p.m. Spend time in the historic farmhouse creating a fall garland. All supplies will be provided. A tour of the farmhouse is included at the end of the program. Fee of $6. Registration is required at lovemyparks.com.
Nov. 14-19: “SIX” on Stage, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power. This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. americantheatreguild.com/toledo/shows/six/.
Nov. 15: Fall Lecture, “Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin,” National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, 7-8:30 p.m. Offered as a hybrid event, participants can choose when registering to take part in a live-streamed watch party in-person at the museum or online via Zoom. This lecture’s topic is Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin. nmgl.org/event/2023-fall-lecture-dugout-canoes-of-wisconsin/.
Nov. 16: Servants Tour of the Hayes Home, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont. Visitors will learn about the Hayes servants’ experiences, from the domestic staff to the staff who tended to the trees and gardens and enjoy ginger snaps and lemonade. One-hour tours start at 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets for non-members are $13 for adults, $5 for ages 6-19 and free for ages 5 and younger. Tickets for HPLM members are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-19 and free for ages 5 and younger. rbhayes.org.
Nov. 16: Turkey Drop Fundraiser, Wood County Museum parking lot, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, 8:30 a.m. Purchase one of 150 foam turkeys for $50 each. Foam turkeys can be purchased online, at the museum or on location day of the event before the drop (while supplies last). Toledo Aerial Media (TAM) will use a drone to drop numbered foam turkeys onto the parking lot. The three foam turkeys closest to the target will win prizes. woodcountyhistory.org/event/turkeydrop.
Nov. 17: Toledo Walleye vs. Kalamazoo Kings, Huntington Center, 7:15 p.m. toledowalleye.com.
Nov. 17-Dec. 31: Lights Before Christmas, Toledo Zoo, Toledo. The zoo’s holiday tradition is a treat for people of all ages, with millions of lights, animation displays, model trains, and Santa, too. toledozoo.org.
Nov. 17: Winesburg Christmas Weekend, Clyde. Food trucks, activities, extended business hours, parade, Christmas tree lighting, and a downtown fireworks finale.
Nov. 20: A Motown Christmas, Stranahan Theater and Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, 7:30 p.m. Featuring a world-class vocal group assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups – The Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. stranahantheater.com.
Nov. 21: Wheel of Fortune Live, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, 7:30 p.m. One of the greatest game shows of all time has been adapted into a stage show to give more fans access and more chances to win at “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” Guests are randomly selected to go on stage. stranahantheater.com/events/.
Nov. 21: Solar System Tour, Howard Marsh Metropark parking lot, 401-621 S. Howard Rd., Curtice, 8 p.m. Explore the solar system as you look at the moon and planets through a telescope and learn the science of our close celestial neighbors. Reservations required. metroparkstoledo.com/starstruck.
Nov. 22: “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, 6:30 p.m. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas. stranahantheater.com/events/.
Nov. 22: Kickoff of Rock & Awe Reloaded! Holiday Light Show, Sandusky County Courthouse, 100 Park Ave., Fremont. Featuring over 25,000 lights synchronized to music, and special effects to bring holiday cheer for all to enjoy, free of charge. Opening night will feature special guest Big Nut. That evening, South Creek Clydesdales will be offering horse drawn sleigh rides around the courthouse and Veterans Park. Rides cost $5 per person, 3 and under are free. Show runs through New Year’s Day, Sundays through Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6-11 p.m. sanduskycounty.org.
Nov. 24: Opening of the Hayes Train Special Model Train Display, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont. Get in the holiday spirit with model trains that run through intricate Victorian Holiday scenes. rbhayes.org.
Nov. 24: Downtown Fremont Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, downtown Fremont, 105 S. Front St.,7 p.m. Santa’s House will be located at the corner of Croghan and Front Street Fridays, 5-7 p.m.; Saturdays 1-3 p.m. through Christmas. downtownfremontohio.org.
Nov. 24: Toledo Walleye vs. Kalamazoo Wings, Huntington Center, 7:15 p.m. toledowalleye.com.
Nov. 30: Art Loop: Trolley Tour, downtown Toledo, 5-9 p.m. Walk, cycle, drive or dance your through The Loop, but one of the most exciting ways is to hop aboard a bus, made possible through a partnership with TARTA. theartscommission.org/events/art-loop.
Nov. 30: Lights of Spiegel Grove, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont, 6-7:30 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit by seeing Spiegel Grove light up for Christmas. Sip warm hot chocolate and snack on popcorn by the campfire. See the “Hayes Train Special” model train display. Visit with Kris Kringle, the name President Hayes used for Santa. (Lighting, refreshments, train display and visit with Kris Kringle are free. Donations can be made for refreshments, but they are not required.) rbhayes.org.
Nov. 30: Straight No Chaser, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, 7:30 p.m. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments including 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide. stranahantheater.com/events.
 
December
Dec. 2: Olde Fashioned Christmas, downtown Oak Harbor. At 4:15 p.m., Santa’s friends from the Portage Fire District will be guiding him through the streets of the village as he announces his arrival and opens the holiday season. Festivities include horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and more. oakharborohio.net.
Dec. 2-3: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky County Fairgrounds, Fremont. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. sanduskycountyfair.com.
        For more events, be sure to visit presspublications.com, visittoleddo.org, shoresandislands.com or sanduskycounty.org. Submit event information to twalro@presspublications.com.