News Briefs Week Of 1/16/2023

Event to benefit
Toledo Helps Ukraine

Toledo Helps Ukraine (4UA.org), in partnership with the ProMedica Foundation’s Young Professionals Impact and Inspire (I’m In) series, is hosting a volunteer event aimed at young professionals wanting to make a difference in Ukraine and meet like-minded peers.
The event, Impact and Inspire, Be Brave Like Ukraine, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St.
I’m In is a networking event series for young professionals which provides an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to engage in the culture of philanthropy. I’m In events don’t require a monetary donation, but instead ask guests to bring specific objects of impact that directly benefit the chosen beneficiaries.
A keynote message of inspiration emphasizes philanthropic engagement by showcasing the work of ProMedica and local non-profits.
The Impact and Inspire, Be Brave Like Ukraine event will feature a first-hand account of relief efforts and life in Ukraine from Alona Matchenko, Toledo Helps Ukraine founder. Participants will also help pack donated items that will be sent to Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine.
In lieu of a ticket, participants are asked to bring an item from the wish list of needed items. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Participants should bring business cards to share with peers and for an on-site raffle.
Prior to the Impact and Inspire, Be Brave Like Ukraine event, anyone can drop off donations at the following locations:
• Barr’s Public House, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee.
• Fusion Bistro, 3136 Markway Rd., Toledo.
• ProMedica Downtown Steam Plant Headquarters, 100 Madison Ave., Toledo.
Donations being accepted include:
• Non-perishable food and water.
• Thermal underwear (new, all sizes).
• Power sources (generators, power blocks and batteries).
• Cold-weather items (blankets, hand and feet warmers).
• Medical supplies (tourniquets, first aid kits, ibuprofen, Tylenol).
• Miscellaneous (candles, flashlights, batteries, tape, etc.).
For more information, contact Elizabeth Latta at elizabeth.latta@promedica.org or Alona Matchenko at 419-902-4502.

Parks and trails
improvement grants
On Jan. 3, the Park District of Ottawa County opened a new round of outdoor recreation grant funding for Ottawa County political subdivisions, public schools and public libraries.
Grant projects are required to provide improvements to public outdoor recreation facilities, green spaces and/or trails located in all or part in Ottawa County.
The Board of Park Commissioners has approved up to $200,000 in funds for the grant program.
Digital applications are available online at ottawacountyparksoh.org/grants/ or by e-mailing Jannah Wilson at jwilson@ottawacountyparksoh.org.
Interested applicants may also make an appointment to pick up an application by contacting the Park District office at 419-707-4051.
Completed applications must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Entities will be notified of grant approval status by March 8.
The 2022 Parks and Trails Improvement Grant Program funded nine projects throughout Ottawa County, including in Oak Harbor, Marblehead, Genoa, Put-in-Bay, Port Clinton, Danbury Township and Catawba Island Township.

Library book sales
The Pemberville Public Library, Stony Ridge Branch Library and Luckey Branch Library are conducting book sales through the end of January.
Items for sale include books for kids and adults, magazines, movies, audiobooks and music. All prices are by donation.
Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library at each location.

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B&E suspect
arrested
A Michigan resident faces numerous charges after a police chase Wednesday in Lake Township that forced nearby schools to delay opening.
Ricky L. Warthen, 33, Newport, Michigan, was taken into custody by township police after a chase that commenced with the report about 5:40 a.m. of a breaking and entering at the Super 8 Motel, Latcha Road.
According to police, Warthen was charged with tampering with evidence, safecracking, failure to comply with the order of a police officer, vehicular vandalism, possession of criminal tools, breaking and entering, and criminal damage,
All of the charges except for criminal damage are felonies and Warthen could also be charged with traffic citations, police said Thursday.
Township police were assisted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and other police agencies in the chase, which ended with Warthen being apprehended along I-280 near Walbridge Road.