GPA

Book giveaway
        Metroparks Toledo, Toledo Federation of Teachers and partners are collaborating to give away 40,000 books as part of the American Federation of Teachers Reading Opens the World campaign.
        A Family Literacy & Book Fair will be held Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the future home of Glass City Enrichment Center, 815 Front St., Toledo. Families can choose up to 10 books per child. Educators can select up to 40 books for their classrooms. School and community program staff must register in advance at firstbook.org/aft,
        More than 20 pallets of books for early readers through high school will be available at no cost to families and educators this summer in a variety of ways.
        In addition, Toledo Lucas County Public Library will distribute books through its Summer Reading program, Imagination Library outreach and many other library activities
        Imagination Station will distribute books to Lucas County kids on Saturdays at the science center and through its Summer of STEAM program
        Other organizations helping to distribute books include First Book, Mercy Health, Islamic Center of Northwest Ohio, HOPE Toledo, East Toledo Family Center, Connecting Kids to Meals and NAACP-Toledo Branch.
        Additional information is available online at MetroparksToledo.com/bookfair.
 
Spaghetti Dinner Benefit
        A Spaghetti Dinner Benefit to support Nicole Meagher will be held Saturday, July 9 from 5-7 p.m. in the Woodmore Elementary School cafeteria.
        Meagher, a resident of Elmore and the mother of three young daughters who attend Woodmore Local Schools, is undergoing cancer treatment.
        Donations are accepted for the dinner, which will also be available for drive-up carryout. Baked goods will also be available for donations.
        The Portage River Yokels will provide entertainment. There will also be prize raffles.
        Visit Fremont Federal Credit Union, located across from the elementary school, to make a direction directly to Nichole Meagher. For more information, call or text Alissa at 419-410-3540 or email Deb at dgmhof@aol.com.
 
Scholarship golf outing planned
        The East Toledo-Oregon Kiwanis Club Scholarship Golf Outing will be held Friday, July 29 at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, 5330 Bay Shore Rd., Oregon.
        The entry fee is $85 per person or $320 for a foursome. Hole sponsors are $100.00 and gift donations are also appreciated. 
        For more information, call David Gigler at 917-584-2717.
 
Golf Scramble FORE Students
        The Terra College Foundation will host its annual Golf Scramble FORE Students on Friday, July 29, at Green Hills Golf Course in Clyde.
        The event raises funds for academic programming and student scholarships at Terra State.
        “We are grateful to all of our sponsors who continue to make this event a success each year,” said Jennifer Fehnrich, executive director of the Terra College Foundation. “Proceeds of the event will help support academic programming and scholarships for students – who often experience the greatest need while pursuing a better future for themselves and their families.
        The event will have a 9 a.m. shotgun start, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. The practice area and driving range open will open at that time, and the scramble will follow the best-ball format. Lunch will be provided, with additional food stations on the course.
        Team, field and door prizes will be awarded, and a 50/50 drawing will be held.
        Both teams and individuals can register, and additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. To register online or for more information on sponsorships, visit Terra.edu/FORE, call the Terra College Foundation at 419-559-2261 or email foundation@terra.edu.
 
Partnership help sends kids to camp
        Children who might not otherwise have an opportunity to experience the many benefits of summer camp will be attending Metroparks Connections Camp this season thanks to support from Fifth Third Bank.
        At weeklong Connections Camps, children ages 5-12 receive a full summer camp experience, including instruction in archery, canoeing, tree climbing and other outdoor skills. They also participate in environmental education activities such as nature walks, crafts and games.
        “At camp, kids get exercise, develop lifelong social skills and confidence, as well as an appreciation for nature and a love for the outdoors,” said Shannon Hughes, director of education and programming. “This year, through our partnership with Fifth Third Bank, we will be able to reach even more kids.”
        Fifth Third is the presenting sponsor of Connections Camps, providing $60,000 a year for three years to help fund camp counselors and supplies.
        “Fifth Third is proud to sponsor Connections Camp to allow children the chance to enjoy a meaningful camp experience and support the work that Metroparks Toledo does to enhance our community,” said Alex J. Gerken, Fifth Third Bank Toledo city president.
        Hughes said she anticipates reaching about 1,000 kids this summer – a record number. Partner agencies that work with underserved children select and refer kids to the program.
        Metroparks Members also contribute funding to the camps.
        “Community partners allow us to extend our services, try new things and reach even more people,” said Dave Zenk, executive director of Metroparks Toledo. “Thanks to the generosity of Fifth Third, kids will make memories at Connections Camp, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists.”