Now showing: Adventure begins every Monday with Movies at the Library

 
        Area residents are invited to visit the Walbridge Library every Monday morning through the Summer Reading Program: “Adventure Begins at Your Library” to watch their favorite movies.
        Movies will be screened every Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room at the library, located at 108 N. Main St.
        The movie lineup includes:
        • June 3 – “The Croods: A New Age.”
        • June 10 – “Trolls.”
        • June 17 – “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”
        • June 24 – “Up.”
        • July 1 – “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.”
        • July 8 – “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”
        • July 15 – “The Super Mario Brothers Movie.”
        • July 22 – “The Land Before Time.”
        Visit wcdpl.org for more information.
        Other library events:
        • Touch-a-Truck, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m. with the Lake Township Fire Department. Families will be able to explore a fire truck and ambulance close up. No registration is required.
        • Teens ages 13-18 can visit the Walbridge Library  this summer to make a variety of crafts.  Crafting sessions will be held Thursdays, June 13 and July 25, at 2 p.m. All supplies will be provided. No registration is required.
        • Nature Treasure Hunt, June 6, 2 p.m. Families will journey to the Walbridge Veterans Memorial Park next to the library, where kids will have 30 minutes to find all the treasures hidden in the park. Afterward, the group will gather and discuss what they found. Open to kids of all ages. No registration required.
        • Build with Cardboard, June 8 and 13, 2-4 p.m. Each child will get specially designed cardboard building tools to safely cut, fold and connect cardboard to form their own constructions. Perfect for kids ages 5+ for great hands-on STEAM fun. No registration required.
        • Adventure Skills Program, Thursdays, June 27 and July 11 at 2 p.m. Similar to WCDPL’s Kinderskills program, Adventure Skills will have activities designed to develop gross and fine motor skills, which are important for Kindergarten readiness. Each session will begin with a picture book, and then engage kids with activities to develop balance, writing and tracing letters, stretching, number and letter recognition and more. No registration is required
        • Let’s Tell a Story, Mondays, June 27, July 1, July 15 and July 29 at 2 p.m. Kids can tell their tale and get step-by-step instructions on how to write their own themed story. Blank booklets will be provided for them to start jotting ideas down. Geared toward ages 8+. No registration is required.
 
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” in concert
        The American Theatre Guild, with Nickelodeon, GEA Live and Senbla, announced that tickets for “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” in Concert, go on sale beginning Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at StranahanTheater.com.
        The production will take the Stranahan Theater stage on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 7:30 p.m.
        The concert will immerse the audience in a two-hour special with a live orchestra bringing the show’s iconic musical score to life, in perfect harmony with highlights and favorite moments from all three seasons of the series.           
        For more information, tour dates and tickets, visit avatarinconcert.com and follow #avatarinconcert, @avatarthelastairbender on Facebook and Instagram and @teamavatar on YouTube.
 
Eastern Y pool open
        The Eastern Community YMCA opened for the summer season on Saturday, June 1. The outdoor pool is located behind the branch at 2960 Pickle Rd. in Oregon.
        The pool features a waterslide, baby pool, lap lanes and sun umbrellas. Family Fun Zones will be held every Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
        Access to the outdoor pool is included with membership to any of the 10 area YMCA/JCC branch locations. Non-members can purchase a Season Pass or Day Pass at the member service desk at the Eastern YMCA. The pool is open daily from 1-7 p.m.
        For more information, visit ymcatoledo.org.
Step Back in Time for One-Room Schoolhouse Recess!                
 
Poetry workshop
        Two representatives from ColSyl Publishing will offer a free poetry workshop, “My Life in Poetry,” Monday, June 10 at 10 a.m. at the East Toledo Senior Center, 1001 White St., Toledo.
        At the age of 81, Gayle Parlin completed and published his first book, “Inspiration: A Poet’s Thoughts.” The workshop will include the reading and understanding of the first book in a series of three.
        The workshop is open to the community. Refreshments will be available. Call 419-691-2254 to sign up.
 
 
Ironwood Block Party
        Project ER will present an Ironwood Block Party June 15 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 1304 Ironwood Ave., Toledo.
        Attendees are invited to celebrate their neighborhood with a parade, family activities and a contest for best-decorated family vehicle. The parade will step off at 11 a.m.
 
‘The Trail of Fire’ documentary to be screened June 24
        The documentary, “The Trail Fire of 1961: Toledo Firefighting’s Deadliest Disaster,” will premiere Monday, June 24, at 6 p.m. at Imagination Station KeyBank Discovery Theater. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for attendees to gather, honor and learn about the day and brave firefighters who faced one of Toledo’s most harrowing events.
        On June 10, 1961, where Vinton Street meets the Anthony Wayne Trail, a tanker truck that was coming toward River Road flipped over and burst into flames. The truck burned for about 15 minutes before exploding. Four Toledo firefighters perished while they battled the blaze while several others were injured. Dozens of civilians also sustained injuries.
        The fire service has a saying: “As long as their names are spoken, they are remembered.” This documentary delves deeper into the story of the Trail Fire, shedding light on the events of that tragic day and the valiant efforts of the firefighters who responded, unaware of the magnitude of the disaster they were confronting.
        Directed by Phillip Kaplan and executive produced by Joe Walter, retired assistant chief of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department (TFRD) and president of the Toledo Firefighter’s Museum, this film captures firsthand accounts from those who were there. Interviews offer insight into the tragedy, uncovering the “how” behind the fire and its devastating impact on the Toledo community.
        “For many of us, June 10, 1961, is etched in our memories forever. This tragic fire claimed the lives of more firefighters than any other in the history of the Toledo Fire Department. Sixty-nine firefighters were dispatched. Four firefighters –– Ewald Bode, Glenn Carter, William Genson, and Robert Harrison –- gave their lives. Several others were severely injured. In total, there were about 80 casualties that day, including first responders and civilians. This film goes beyond documenting history; it is our way of showing that we remember their sacrifice and honor their memory,” Walter said.
        Through extensive research, original video footage and recent interviews with surviving TFRD retirees, the documentary brings to life the events and personal sacrifices made on that fateful day.
        “The Trail Fire of 1961: Toledo’s Firefighting’s Deadliest Disaster,” is produced by Steven Hanson, Sandra McClendon, and Sue Hague-Rogers, with support from Hanson Inc., Owens Community College, Toledo Blade, Jerry Anderson, Dream Louder Music and the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department.
        To purchase tickets for $5 (limited availability), visit imaginationstationtoledo.org.
 
Wendy’s Classic Car Shows
        After more than a 10-year hiatus, Wendy’s in Perrysburg, Bowling Green, and Fostoria will be hosting classic cars shows in their parking lots each month through July.
        There is no registration fee, and each show will include raffle drawings every half hour, T-shirt giveaways, prizes, and a 50/50 charity raffle to help support local charitable organizations including, but not limited to, Adopt America Network, an organization committed to connecting children who wait in foster care with permanent families.
        Each classic car show will run from 5-7 p.m. Wendy’s in Perrysburg, located at 26630 N. Dixie Highway, will host shows on June 29 and July 20. The Bowling Green Wendy’s, located at 1094 S. Main St., will host shows on June 23, and July 21.
       
Author to discuss Confederate raid on Johnson’s Island prison
        Toward the end of the Civil War, the Confederate Army couldn’t sustain success in battles, so Confederate leaders considered some more creative tactics.
        One of them was a daring strategy in 1864 to mount commando-style raids from Canada into the northern United States.
        Taking advantage of the undefended border, rebels hit targets along the Great Lakes, where growing antiwar sentiment was an election-year problem for the Abraham Lincoln administration.
        Among the most significant of these raids was an attempt by a Virginia planter turned Confederate agent named John Yates Beall to liberate 2,700 Confederate officers held at the Johnson’s Island prison camp on Johnson’s Island, which today is connected to the Marblehead Peninsula by a causeway, on Lake Erie.
        In his book, “Confederates from Canada,” Ralph Lindeman, tells the story of this raid and the soldiers involved. The book was published in October by McFarland & Co. Publishers.
        Lindeman will speak about his book and sign copies that will be for sale on Sunday, June 23, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont.          
        Admission is free.
        Lindeman is a former trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. He later worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., where he covered the White House and Congress for Bloomberg News.
        For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org.
 
 
Arts & Crafts Festival
        Approximately 60 artists and crafters will showcase their work at the 31st annual Arts and Crafts Festival June 8, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Water Works Park in Port Clinton.
        The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council presents the show on the second Saturday in June each year.
        The show will feature a wide variety of art forms including painting, photography, graphic design, fabric arts, sculpture, metal work and more. All work is created by the artist selling the pieces, so shoppers can ask questions and sometimes request special orders.
        For information, visit ottawacountyarts.org, email gpcaacartscrafts@gmail.com or call 419-341-2922.
       
Arts Garage to feature exhibit by Bobbie Dorr
        “Through My Eyes,” an exhibit and sale of master watercolorist Bobbie Dorr’s paintings will be on display through Sunday, June 30, at the Arts Garage, 317 W. Perry St., Port Clinton.
        A reception, which will be open to the public, will be held on Saturday, June 8, from 5-8 p.m.
        Dorr fell in love with art after being drawn to a painting by artist Robert Laesig, whose specialty was sunflowers and cobwebs. In addition to sunflowers, She enjoys painting poppies, because of their grace and beauty.
        As a watercolor teacher, Dorr has made friends for life. “I love my students. We’re a family. Some of my students have been taking letters from me for 10 years,” shares Dorr.
        Dorr, who studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, will instruct a number of watercolor classes at The Arts Garage, including June 17, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Rosebuds); June 18, 6-8 p.m. (Water Cans); June 19, 6-8 p.m. (Country Barn) and June 20, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Lady in Red).
        The Arts Garage also offers classes in pottery and needle felting for children and adults. Children who live in Ottawa County may take children’s classes at no cost but must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at gpcaac.org.
               
Air & Space Trail launched
        America 250-Ohio recently announced the launch of the new Ohio Air and Space Trail – an experiential journey showcasing the historic sites that honor Ohioans’ remarkable contributions to aviation and space exploration.
        This initiative marks the inaugural trail of the Trails & Tales program, with five more similar trails planned to unveil captivating narratives from across the state.
        The Ohio Air and Space Trail guides visitors through more than 30 locations, including Imagination Station, Toledo’s science center. The Ohio Air and Space Trail’s dedicated webpage, ohioairandspace.com, serves as a comprehensive hub for trail information. Visitors can explore a full list of participating sites, access detailed maps, and discover various ways to enhance their trail experience.
        Lori Hauser, Imagination Station’s chief executive officer, said, “Imagination Station celebrates Ohio’s rich legacy in aviation and space exploration each day throughout our science center and is excited to be part of the Ohio Air and Space Trail. Our address and theater, named Discovery, pay tribute to the All-Ohio Space Mission in 1995. We are honored to house artifacts from this historic mission and are excited to share them with visitors traveling the Ohio Air and Space Trail. This display, along with our other flight exhibits, not only highlights Ohioans’ significant contributions, but also showcases the vital role of science in these remarkable achievements."