News Briefs Week of 3/23/20

By: 
Staff writer

Elmore, Genoa Libraries
close; offer curbside service
As a safety precaution for staff and for patrons amid concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Harris-Elmore Public Library and its Genoa Branch is closed through April 6. All programs, meetings, and outreach are also canceled.
In an effort to meet the needs of and provide service to patrons, library staff will provide curbside service during the closure. Library items will not be due until the library reopens in April.
To arrange for curbside service, call the library or place an online order Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff will have items checked out, bagged, labeled with your name and ready outside of our doors for pick up before 5 p.m. each day.
Call the library at 419-862-2482 (Elmore) or 419-855-3380 (Genoa) to place an order. Online orders may be placed at www.harriselmorelibrary.org/curb-side-service.
Access the library’s online collections 24/7 at www.harriselmorelibrary.org/digital-collections or www.harriselmorelibrary.org/local-history-genealogy.
Additionally, wifi is accessible from the library parking lot.
“We do apologize for the inconvenience, but we hope that this service will allow everyone to have access to entertainment and information while staying safe by practicing appropriate social distance measures during this time of uncertainty,” said Jennifer Fording, director.

Wood Co. public
libraries closed
The Wood County District Public Library system (Bowling Green, Walbridge, and the Bookmobile) will remain closed through Tuesday, March 31; the Library will evaluate reopening at that time.

Pemberville Library
branches closed
Effective Wednesday, March 18, the Pemberville Public Library System, including branches in Stony Ridge and Luckey will be closed to the public and will remain closed at least through April 4. The Library will evaluate reopening at that time.
Patrons will still be able to access free wifi in library parking lots, courtesy of Amplex Internet. Please follow the Pemberville Public Library Facebook and Twitter for updates.
During this time, the Library will be offering pick-up services to patrons. Library staff will be available during normal business hours to assist patrons over the phone and will check out materials to pick up outside library doors. Please follow these instructions:
• Call the library location to request materials: Pemberville (419-287-4012), Luckey (419-833-6040) and Stony Ridge (419-837-5948).
• When you arrive at the library during business hours, call staff, who will then check out materials and set bagged items outside the door for pick up. Please maintain the social-distancing standard of six-feet.
All items can be returned in our book drops at each location: Pemberville’s is on the Memorial Drive side of the building, Luckey’s is next to the front door, and Stony Ridge’s is located next to the south entrance.

Birchard Library
branches closed
The Birchard Public Library in Fremont, Gibsonburg, Green Springs, and Woodville will be closed until further notice in order to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Notice of re-opening will be posted on the website and Facebook page. Any fines accumulated on items currently checked out will be forgiven.

Oak Harbor
library closure
Due to the continuing developments related to the coronavirus pandemic, the Oak Harbor Public is closed and is tentatively scheduled to reopen on April 6/
All library programs and meeting room reservations in March through April 6 have been canceled.

Toledo Library
locations closed
Jason Kucsma, executive director, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, has announced that, in evaluating information that indicates that aggressive early social distancing can stop the coronavirus from exponentially spreading, library leadership closed all locations and mobile services to the public indefinitely.
“We will continually reassess to determine the length of this closure,” he said.
The Library’s online services are available for cardholders, including digital materials such as eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks and streaming movies, music and television shows, as well as research tools for online learning.
Follow the Library on social media (Facebook, Twitter) and check the website, toledolibrary.org for the latest updates.

Breakfast canceled
The Genoa American Legion’s, All-U-Can- Eat Pancake Breakfast scheduled for March 29, at 302 West St., has been canceled. The April breakfast is tentatively set for April 26 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Title office closed
for Saturday hours
Wood County Clerk of Courts Cindy A. Hofner announced that the Auto Title Office will be closed for Saturday hours beginning March 21, until further notice.
Regular business hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, will be followed. This is subject to change, Hofner said.
“I have requested staff to advise patrons to drop their transactions at the counter and then to back away while staff is processing their titles,” she said.
Call 419-354-9180 for more info.

Local credit union
taking proactive steps
Bay Area Credit Union officials are closely monitoring and following guidance from health experts and federal agencies, and assure members uninterrupted access to their money.
The credit union maintains a business continuity plan in case of a local COVID-19 outbreak, natural disaster or any other situation where business is not able to occur under normal conditions.
“Members have access to all of their accounts from their home or anywhere with internet access just by downloading the mobile app,” said Valerie Strickland, marketing director.
Online services include:
• Mobile check deposit;
• Online banking and bill pay;
• P2P (person-to-person) transfer of funds to others with only a mobile number or email address;
• Card controls – set a temporary lock and activity alerts for debit and credit cards.
Members are also encouraged to look into direct deposit, A2A (account to account) and automatic bill pay, Strickland said.

Egg hunt canceled
Kiwanis International has asked all clubs to postpone all events, including in-person meetings, projects and fundraisers — through the month of April.
As such, the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 11 in Genoa Veterans Park has been canceled.

Wood Co. Museum
closed; grounds open
In consideration of the health of visitors, volunteers, staff, and the community at large, the Wood County Museum will be closed to the public through Thursday, April 30. The Museum grounds will remain open as a public park daily from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes past sunset.
All events, tours and rentals scheduled through April 30 are canceled and are in the process of being rescheduled. Updates will be posted at woodcountyhistory.org.
All volunteer shifts & meetings are canceled. Alternate arrangements can be made by calling the museum at 419-352-0967.

Humane Society
shelter closed
The Wood County Humane Society is joining other agencies in taking measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of its staff, volunteers and visitors.
Through at least April 7, the Humane Society will be closed to the public and volunteer opportunities. Staff will be answering phones daily between noon and 4 p.m.
“We will still be providing limited pet food assistance opportunities and humane investigations during this time; please call for more information,” said Andrea Hernandez, board member and public relations chair.
“As this situation unfolds and evolves, we will provide updates on our Facebook page. Please follow us and check back often for the most current information,” she said.
Visit wchumane.org for more info.

Bishops suspend
Catholic Masses
The Catholic Conference of Ohio has suspended all publicly celebrated Masses/liturgies, at least through the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter following a series of restrictions on social gatherings imposed by Ohio officials to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“This decision is not taken lightly and, as your bishops, causes us great sadness,” the press release issued by the Ohio bishops, including Bishop of Toledo, Daniel E. Thomas, said. “However, after consultation with the governor and health officials, we are convinced that this is the most prudent and necessary action.”
The bishops dispense the Catholic faithful residing in their respective dioceses and all other Catholics currently in Ohio from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass through Easter Sunday.

NMGL closed
After careful consideration and the recent urging of Gov. DeWine, along with the recommendations of the Lucas County Health Department, the National Museum of the Great Lakes has closed to the public until further notice.
“The staff and board of the National Museum of the Great Lakes will continue to monitor announcements by officials surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak and will reassess our public access as new information becomes available,” Fineske said. “We expect to issue a follow-up statement on public access no later than April 3.”
For a full update, visit nmgl.org/covid-19-update/.
The museum has announced the opening of an online, interactive exhibit meant to capture the vibrancy and importance of the Maumee River and the Port of Toledo over time. “The Port of Toledo: Then & Now” online exhibit can be accessed for free by visiting nmgl.org/portoftoledo.

Imagination Station
closed to visitors
Imagination Station is closed through March 31. The reopening date is tentative.
The closure includes any private rental events, programming, other rentals and general attendance. “Our goal is to reschedule all events and programming in the near future,” Imagination Station spokesperson Kate Pixler said.
Visit imaginationstationtoledo.org/covid-19 to stay up-to-date on this developing situation.

Chili cook-off
postponed
Mobile Meals Toledo’s March 21 Great Chili Cook-Off has been postponed. A new date will be announced once the event is rescheduled.
“We are announcing this update with a heavy heart as so much work has gone into planning this event by the teams and so much support from the community,” said Carolyn Fox, associate executive director. “We regret any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding.”

Tournament canceled
The 6th annual James R. McAllister “MAC” Memorial Fishing Tournament, scheduled to be held April 4 at Schroeder Farm Campground in Perrysburg, has been canceled.
For more info, visit macmemorialtournament.com, follow the MAC Memorial Tournament on Facebook, or call Marianne Pirolli at 419-460-2684.

Talk rescheduled
Local historian Mike Gilbert’s talk regarding “Legends of Giants” has been rescheduled from Sunday, March 22, to Sunday, June 7, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont.
The talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Gilbert will discuss stories that giants once walked the earths and findings of his research into those stories.
Hayes Presidential staff will contact those who purchased tickets online for the talk to determine whether they can attend June 7 or would prefer a refund. Questions should be directed to Kristina Smith, marketing/communications manager, at 419-332-2081, ext. 217, or ksmith@rbhayes.org.
After those who have already purchased tickets have been contacted, ticket sales will again be opened at rbhayes.org/events.

ECHL season canceled
On Saturday, March 14, the ECHL Board of Governors approved the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-20 season.
ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin said the decision did not come lightly.
“As each passing day raises additional concerns for the safety of those in the ECHL community, and as we take precautionary measures in conjunction with our local authorities across the continent to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it has become apparent that this is the prudent decision,” he said in a statement. “Our game and our product are based on our fans and their ability to cheer on their favorite ECHL team and players at one of our many facilities around the continent. Without that social environment and game atmosphere, the ECHL simply isn’t the same.
“On behalf of the ECHL and our Board of Governors, we appreciate the Professional Hockey Players’ Association for their assistance during this unprecedented time and working as partners in hockey to reach this decision for the best interest of the ECHL and its players,” Crelin said. “This decision allows our players the opportunity to return to their homes and removes the uncertainty that currently exists.
“While we are hopeful that this period ceases and an opportunity to return to normalcy for the hockey calendar presents itself, in the interim, we ask all fans, players, coaches, officials and staff to continue to abide by the measures put in place by their local authorities and follow precautionary protocols for their safety, as we will begin preparations for the 2020-21 ECHL hockey season.”

Fundraiser
rescheduled
Due to current public health concerns, this year’s Spay-ghetti & No Balls Dinner & Silent Auction has been rescheduled to June 27. The event, which benefits Humane Ohio, will still be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg (6165 Levis Commons Blvd.) from 5- 9:30 p.m.
“This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and postponing it was not a decision we took lightly,” said Julie Lyle, director of Humane Ohio. “We rely heavily on the revenue from this fundraiser to cover our day-to-day costs of operating a non-profit spay/neuter clinic. However, our number one concern at the end of the day is the health and safety of our community.
“Spay-ghetti makes a huge difference in the reduction of homeless cats and dogs in our community. We are disappointed that we cannot hold our event on the original date, but we hope this June date will give our attendees a chance to continue to support us without any worries or reservations,” Lyle said.
Purchased tickets for the original March 21 date will be honored on June 27. Those who have purchased a ticket but are unable to attend in June may email aaron@humaneohio.org.
For more info, visit www.humaneohio.org/spayghetti or call 419-266-5607, ext. 108.

Benefit canceled
Due to Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent restrictions on gatherings of 100+ people, Serenity Farm’s Benefit for the Barn is being rescheduled.
“We are optimistic and will be using this time to perfect our event,” said Amanda Cajka, executive director. “In the meantime, we would like to thank our amazing donors who have already contributed and those of you who have purchased tickets. Benefit for the Barn is our biggest fundraiser, supporting equine assisted therapy for children and adults from all over Northwest Ohio. Without the amazing support of our community, we wouldn’t be able to touch the lives of so many.”
Call 419-833-1308 for more info.

Dinner postponed
The Lucas County Republican Party has postponed its Lincoln Day Dinner scheduled for March 30. All reservations that have been made will be honored when a new date is set. Call 419-491-8467 for more details.

Toy show canceled
The 35th Annual Fremont Toy Show, set for March 21 and 22 at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds, has been canceled. For more details, call Bob Siefke at 419-637-7067.

Programs canceled;
parks remain open
In accordance with directives from public health officials for the safety and well-being of the community, including staff and volunteers, all Metroparks programs are canceled through April, and all indoor facilities are closed.
Metroparks, including Toledo Botanical Garden, remain open during normal hours, 7 a.m. until dark, every day.
“During this ongoing public health crisis, open spaces are important for physical and emotional wellbeing. Metroparks Toledo recognizes the significant role parks play in our community – perhaps now more than ever,” Executive Director Dave Zenk said.
Visitors are encouraged to heed the advice of medical professionals and keep a six-foot distance from other people. This includes fishermen participating in the spring walleye run on the Maumee River.
Park rangers, maintenance and construction crews, and natural resources staff remain on the job keeping the Metroparks safe, clean and natural. In accordance with guidelines for social distancing, staff who work in offices are now working from their homes. Administrative offices are closed.
Playgrounds closed – effective Thursday, all playgrounds are closed until further notice. Metropraks has consulted public health agencies and followed their advice throughout this rapidly developing situation.
Other closures and cancellations – public restrooms are open and cleaned even more frequently than normal – at least twice or three times as often. Restrooms are closed briefly during cleaning.
All other indoor facilities are closed and reservations canceled at least through April. This includes Windows on Wildlife at six parks, as well as the Manor House and Visitors Center at Wildwood Preserve.
All programs are canceled at least through April.
All group permits (such as athletic groups) canceled through April.
Closing, cancellations and other updates are available at MetroparksToledo.com and on Twitter and Facebook.

Gulburger Nite
rescheduled
Gulburger Nite at St. Luke’s Church has been postponed until Sept. 10. Ticketholders may keep their tickets for the future date, or call 419 691-1918 for full refund details.

Ohio Turnpike takes
measures to limit
coronavirus spread
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Mike DeWine declaring a state of emergency on March 9, Ohio Turnpike leadership has taken steps to ensure the safety of its employees and the traveling public.
“The Ohio Turnpike has taken appropriate measures to keep customers and employees as safe as possible,” said Executive Director Ferzan M. Ahmed, P.E. “Due to the fluid nature of the situation nationwide and globally, we continue to conduct contingency planning and will implement new measures as necessary.”
Service plazas
In accordance with the state’s order regarding restaurants, food concession operators in all Ohio Turnpike Service Plazas are limited to carryout sales only. Tables and chairs in food courts are temporarily unavailable to our customers to eliminate surfaces that could become contaminated with COVID-19.
Janitorial crews have increased the frequency of scheduled cleanings and are using products recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Chemical Laboratories to clean and sanitize public areas.
Special attention is being paid to touchpoints in the restrooms, infant-changing tables, showers, door handles, vending machines, ATMs, travel kiosks, condiment centers, etc.
The interior design of the Service Plaza facilities has several features that assist with physical separation and reduce the spread of viral and bacterial infection. These include barrier-free entrances to public restrooms; touch-free flush components; touchless faucets and hand dryers; soap and towel dispensers and hand-sanitizing stations. The Service Plazas also have large open floor plans that promote social distancing and provide proper ventilation.
Meanwhile, all plaza vendors have increased emphasis on sanitation and good hygiene practices and have posted and communicated the most recent public health recommendations for promoting restaurant safety to their staff.
Toll collectors collect approximately 35 percent of tolls by cash or credit. To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Toll Plaza personnel have been provided with nitrile gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for their mandatory use.
For the safety of employees and customers, the Ohio Turnpike is encouraging customers to consider using E-ZPass or a credit card (not cash) to make toll payments. Customers may order an E-ZPass transponder from the Ohio Turnpike’s E-ZPass Hub or by visiting more than 360 retail outlets that participate in the program.

Festival postponed
Jim Hartung, President, Toledo Sister Cities International Board of Trustees, has announced that the Eleventh Annual International Festival which was scheduled for April 18 at the Toledo SeaGate Center has been postponed until Sept. 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was reached March 11, at an International Festival Committee meeting.
“COVID-19 has already created worldwide disruption to travel, tourism, conventions, schools, sporting events and other special events. The common denominator in these postponements or cancellations is public safety. Additionally, experts encourage people to avoid events with large crowds, so the International Festival Committee decided it was in the best interest of everyone involved if we postponed our event until September,” said Rogene Kohler, Chair, TSCI Festival Planning Committee.
This isn’t TSCI’s first dealings with the Coronavirus. In December, the two TSCI organizations that represent sister cities in Qinhuangdao & Nanchong, China asked for donations to purchase masks and gowns to combat the deadly virus.
Between now and September, festival organizers will continue to look for corporate sponsors and volunteers for the event, which attracts over 2,000 people each year.
Those interested in volunteering should email Kohler at dkohler376@aol.com. To inquire about becoming a corporate sponsor or making a tax-deductible donation, email John Glaza, treasurer, TSCI Board of Trustees, at yoniben@bex.net or call 419-704-2284.

Market Day canceled
The 35th Annual Market Day & Fiber Fair scheduled for March 28 at the Wood County Fairgrounds has been canceled.

Personal protective
equipment needed
Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency’s response partners such as Magruder Hospital, local EMS and others have identified critical shortages of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We project that in less than a week, many of these partners will be exhausting their current supply of PPE,” said Fred Petersen, the agency’s director.
The agency is asking the community to help fulfill the need for N95 masks, surgical masks, protective gowns, face shields and gloves. Any PPE or products that could be utilized in a similar manner would be considered (i.e. Tyvek suits, which could be utilized instead of protective gowns).
Contact Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency at 419-734-6900 or email ema@co.ottawa.oh.us for more info.

“Lion King” postponed
Broadway In Toledo, in conjunction with Disney Theatrical Productions and the Stranahan Theater, have postponed all performances of Disney’s “The Lion King” at the Stranahan Theater, set for March 25-April 12.
Ticketholders are advised to hold on to their tickets. An announcement is expected in the next seven to 14 days as organizers work to bring “The Lion King” back to Toledo.
Patrons are urged to refer all questions and inquiries regarding ticketing to your original point of purchase. Those who bought tickets through the Stranahan Theater Box Office may call 419-381-8851

Raceway season
opener canceled
Attica Raceway Park officials have canceled the 2020 season opener scheduled for Friday, March 20.
“We will keep monitoring this ever-changing situation and keep everyone informed as we move forward,” said Rex LeJeune, director of operations at Attica Raceway Park.
“As we said, our top priority is to make sure everyone is safe. We encourage our fans and race teams to follow the directions of the health officials,” he said.
For more info, visit www.atticaracewaypark.com or follow the track on Twitter @atticaracewyprk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atticaracewaypark and Instagram at attica_raceway_park.

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