Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is inviting community members to consider creating a lasting impact for future generations by including Habitat in their estate plans.
Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, allows individuals to support causes they care deeply about through gifts made in a will, trust, or other estate arrangements. These gifts can include financial contributions, land, homes or other assets, and help ensure that Habitat’s mission continues for years to come.
“As we look toward the future of affordable housing in Ottawa County, legacy gifts play a powerful role in sustaining our work,” said Debi Heiks, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County. “They are a meaningful way for individuals and families to reflect their values and create something lasting for their community.”
To date, Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been honored by several local individuals and families who have chosen to include the organization in their estate plans. These legacy gifts have taken many forms—including financial contributions, land donations and ongoing support—and have helped fund home construction, critical repairs, and programs that guide families toward safe, stable housing.
To recognize this generosity, Habitat has created a Legacy Wall inside its ReStore, honoring those who have made the decision to leave a lasting gift. The display serves as a tribute to individuals and families whose commitment will continue to impact lives for years to come.
“Legacy giving is a deeply personal decision,” added Heiks. “It’s not about the size of the gift—it’s about the impact it creates and the lives it touches for generations.”
Those interested in learning more are encouraged to speak with their financial advisor or attorney, and to reach out to Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County to explore how a legacy gift can align with their wishes.
For more information or to have a confidential conversation, contact Heiks or Valerie Winterfield at 419-734-7074.
Get additional information about Habitat’s mission and programs at www.habitatottawacounty.org.
Spring Fling
The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc., will present a Spring Fling in celebration of Older Americans Month on Wednesday, May 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tam-O-Shanter, 7060 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania.
Admission and parking are free. The event will include information about resources available to older Ohioans, demonstrations, live entertainment and more.
Taco Fundraiser
The East Toledo Senior Center will hold a Taco Fundraiser Friday, May 29, from3-7 p.m. in the Navarre Park Shelter House, 1001 White St.
The event is open to the public.
Soft- or hard-shelled tacos will be available for 75 cents each or 12 for $8. Rice and/or bean sides and beverages will be available for $1 each.
For more information, call 419-691-2254 or visit the Special Events Page at easttoledoseniorcenter.org.
“Otterstock” Summer Music Series planned
Enjoy “Peace, Love & Community,” at the Otterstock Summer Music Series to be presented by Otterbein Pemberville on the second Tuesday in June, July and August from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Oakwood Courtyard at Otterbein, 20311 Pemberville Rd., Pemberville.
The performance schedule includes:
Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair to the free community event, which is open to all ages.
Check the Otterstock Facebook page for updates on food trucks, parking and more.
‘Walking through Grief’
Hospice of Northwest Ohio invites community members to attend an interactive support group aimed at helping adults adjust to the loss of any loved one.
Walking through Grief will be held the first and third Friday of each month, June through September from 10-11 a.m. at the Perrysburg Hospice Center, 30000 East River Rd.
The walking route will include the Hospice grounds and path to the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. The distance is less than one mile.
Attendees will have the opportunity to express and receive support, adapt to their life-changing event, discover healthy coping skills and gain support in understanding grief in a healing, outdoor setting.
The sessions are free and open to anyone in the community, whether or not they have had a prior relationship with Hospice of Northwest Ohio, however, advance registration is required. Attendees should wear comfortable shoes.
For more information or to register, contact the Hospice Bereavement Department at 419-661-4001. To learn more about grief and loss or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, visit www.hospicenwo.org.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program signup
The Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) is enrolling for a new season of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) through 6 p.m. Friday, May 22.
Eligible Ohioans will once again have access to $50 in fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and unprocessed honey.
Applications are available online at https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-resources/senior-farmer-market.
To be eligible for the program, Ohioans must be 60 or older and earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level. Ohioans must reapply every year to continue receiving benefits.
As was the case in 2024 and 2025, program recipients will have the opportunity to sign up for digital benefits this year, redeemable with a smartphone app. Ohioans who sign up for the program with an email address will receive a confirmation email of their approval .
Ohioans who chose to receive physical cards last year, and who remain eligible this year, will be able to reuse those cards in 2026. Physical cards will also be delivered to eligible Ohioans who misplaced their 2025 cards, did not obtain a physical card in 2025, or who are signing up for the first time in 2026. Physical cards may take four to six weeks for delivery.
Interested farmers or markets wanting more information about the program can contact the Ohio Farmers Market Network at senior@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org.
Find more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the SFMNP at https://aging.ohio.gov.
