Family briefs: Historical society seeking volunteers for Fall Apple Butter Stir

          The Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society is seeking volunteers to help with the upcoming Fall Apple Butter Stir.
          Volunteers are needed to help peel apples and stir and can apple butter on Oct. 7 and 8 at Maumee Bay Bed and Breakfast, 9855 Jerusalem Rd., Curtice. Those attending are invited to take a ride on one of the antique tractors. 
           On Saturday, Oct. 7 from 1-5 p.m., volunteers will help peel nine bushels of apples. “Many hands make light work and we have the system down pat, so it goes pretty fast,” said Michelle Quilter, OJHS president.
          “On Sunday, Oct. 8, the stirring will begin at 8 a.m., so if you are available for a short time, come out and give it a whirl,” Quilter said. “We use wooden paddles over an open flame. We take turns stirring the pot until approximately 3 p.m., when the apple butter will be ready for canning.” 
           Approximately 250 jars of apple butter will be canned that day. All volunteers receive a free pint sized jar to take home and enjoy. 
          Apple butter is sold in the gift shop at Brandville Museum in Oregon, at Bench Farms on SR 2 in Curtice and at Sprague’s Farm Market in Oregon for $10 per jar. All proceeds from the sale of apple butter will go toward high school scholarships. “Last year, we presented our first $500 scholarship to a deserving Clay High School student who was also a volunteer for our Children's History Camp,” Quilter said.
          Call 419-902-5149 to volunteer or obtain more information.
 
Local Boy Scouts kicking off popcorn sale
           Area Scouts will soon be popping up all over town to take orders for tins of tasty snacks.
          They’ll be going door to door and setting up tables at local retail stores to offer traditional popcorn flavors like caramel and cheddar cheese, as well as specialty flavors such as Sea Salt Splash, Mud Puddles and Maple Pecan.
          Those who are in the market for a tin featuring their favorite Ohio teams may choose from: 
          • Caramel with Sea Salt Popcorn (OSU tin).
          • Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Browns tin).
          • White Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Guardians tin).
          Holiday gift bundles are also available.
         In addition to helping Scouts build business skills and learn money management, the fundraiser supports units throughout the greater Toledo area, helping Scouts pay for uniforms, attend local Camp Miakonda and Pioneer Scout Reservation, purchase equipment, fund service projects, and more.
         The sale will run through Oct. 31. Online orders can be placed at erieshorescouncil.org/popcorn419 through Nov. 20.
         To learn more about the Erie Shores Council popcorn fundraiser, or to sign up a child for Scouting, call 419-241-7293.  
 
Positively Pink
         Wood County Hospital’s Positively Pink Women’s Health Series continues Thursday, Sept. 21 with a program entitled, “Laughter: An Invaluable Tool for Coping with Life’s Stressors.
          The event, which will be held in the hospital’s meeting rooms, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with social time and a few vendors offering health information on popular women’s health topics, blood pressure screening and snacks. The program will begin at 7 p.m.
          Join Katy Maag, certified stress management coach, author, and laughter yoga teacher, will share tools for managing stress and living a healthier life. Attendees will learn about the science behind laughter’s impact on health and well-being. They will also have the opportunity to practice laughter exercises feel the benefits of laughter in stressful times.
          Registration is free but required. Sign up at WoodCountyHospital.org/classes - Community Wellness or by calling Wellness Services at 419-354-8887.
          The Positively Pink Series is designed to provide women with the information they need to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
 
Apple Festival Parade registration open
          Registration is open for the Oak Harbor Apple Festival Paulette Weirich Memorial Grand Parade, which will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 14. This year’s festival will be held Oct. 14 and 15.
          Parade participation offers a great way to promote a business or organization, get involved with the festival and have fun with coworkers. There is no fee to enter and entrants have the chance to win a coveted apple trophy
          This year's theme is Peanuts (Snoopy). Entrants do not have to participate in the theme.
          Register online at oakharborapplefestival.com/grand-parade.
 
Flu clinics set
          Sandusky. County Public Health announced seasonal flu clinics for 2023.
          Clinics will be held Mondays, Oct. 2, 16, 23 and 30 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sandusky County Public Health, 2000 Countryside Dr., Fremont.
          Sandusky County residents are welcome to attend any of the following clinics – no appointments are needed. 
          The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from the flu, including older adults, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic medical conditions. 
          The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. 
           This year, high-dose flu vaccines for those age 65 and older will be available in limited quantities. 
          Sandusky County Public Health accepts Medicare and Medicaid; cards need to be brought to appointments. Some private insurances are also accepted including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medical Mutual, Paramount, Summa Care, Aetna, Health Scope, United Health Care and Cigna. 
          For more information, and to get updated information about the flu locally throughout the season, visit scpublichealth.com or find Sandusky County Public Health on Facebook.
 
FCT to present “26 Pebbles”
          Fremont Community Theatre will present, “26 Pebbles,” by Eric Ulloa, Sept. 29-Oct. 1 and Oct. 6-8. The theatre is located at 1551 Dickinson St. (Vanguard Place), Fremont.
          The moving docudrama, directed by Mary Jo Foos, chronicles the experiences of the community members of Newtown, Connecticut, and the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14, 2012. The play, which focuses on the need to heal and be hopeful, is rated PG13.
          Run time is approximately 90 minutes and includes a pre-show performance of youth from age 6 to 18, symbolizing Sandy Hook first-graders then and now.
          Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $8 for students and children.  
          For more information, visit fremontcommunitytheatre.org. Purchase tickets online at showtix4u.com.
 
Roche de Boeuf
           The 50th Roche de Boeuf Festival will be held Sept. 22 and 23 in downtown Waterville.
          Waterville’s history of “Roche de Boeuf” originated from 18th century French settlers naming a large limestone rock island in the Maumee River, where Ottawa Indians held their councils. After several spellings and pronunciations over time, the rock island is known today as Roche de Boeuf, which has the modern translation of “rock of beef” or “rock of buffalo.”
          Friday highlights include a “Run de Boeuf” 5K and 1K Kids Race beginning at 6 p.m. and a Pre-Fest Bash and Beatles tribute band from 8-11 p.m.
          The festival will be held  Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout downtown Waterville. A parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and proceeds down Farnsworth Road to River Road. The streets will be filled with local artisan and craft vendors, food trucks and interactive experiences.
          Many other activities will be available for attendees of all ages. Inflatables, a scavenger hunt, face painting, and mascots will be featured in the Children’s Area. The Waterville Historical Society will provide their Haunted Waterville Horse & Trolley rides, military reenactments, and demonstrations.
          Three different bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day near the Beer Garden in Parker’s Square. Car enthusiasts can enjoy viewing a variety of specialty automobiles at the Car Show in the parking lot of Shawn’s Irish Tavern.
           Visit watervillechamber.com for more information.
 
New food pantry hours
          The Salvation Army of Greater Toledo has announced new hours for its food pantry, located at 620 N. Erie St., Toledo.
          The pantry will be open Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon. Required documents include photo ID, proof of address and proof of all household members and birthdates.
          For more information, visit SalvationArmyNWOhio.org.
 
Library to welcome Sonia Manzano
          Registration is open for Wood County District Public Library’s program, “From the South Bronx to Sesame Street: A Story of Inclusion & Belonging with Sonia Manzano,” which will be held Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
          For over 40 years, Manzano inspired, educated, and delighted children and families as Maria on “Sesame Street.” Named one of the 25 Greatest Latino Role Models, Manzano has contributed to enriching diversity on television, on the stage, and in the educational realm. 
          As a first-generation Puerto Rican born on the mainland, her tale is one of perseverance and courage as she overcame countless obstacles to become one the of the most influential Latinas on television.
          The event will consist of a presentation by Manzano, followed by a Q&A and book signing. 
          Tickets are free. Register by calling 419-352-5050, emailing woodref@wcdpl.org, or visiting wcdpl.org/sonia-manzano.