Schedule announced for 2024-25 Live! In the House series

        The Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society has announced the lineup for its 2024-25 Live! In the House Concert series, presented the first Saturday of the month September-May at the historic Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St.
        The 16th session will kick off Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. with a Bonus Silent Movie Night, a reprise of Douglas Fairbanks at his best in “The Black Pirate.” Pianist Lynne Long will provide accompaniment.
        The schedule also includes:
        • Oct. 5: The Texas Star showing off their musical roots, which includes country as well as Christian music.
        • Nov. 2: Yang and Olivia, a dynamic violin-piano duo, back by popular demand.
        • Dec. 7: Heartland Sings! Christmas, presenting an evening of holiday music with the maestro and friends.
        • Jan. 4: Silent Movie Night featuring Lynne Long at the piano.
        • Feb. 1: The Baker Family Bluegrass.
        • March 1: The Saline Fiddlers.
        • April 5: Nostalgia Entertainers – Hot `n Cole offering a tribute to Cole Porter.
        • May 3: An Evening on the Titanic – Join Capt. Smith and the Unsinkable Molly Brown for dinner and a night that would forever change history.
        Individual tickets are $15. Season tickets are available for $120 at Beeker’s General Store, 226 E. Front St., Pemberville or at the Opera House door.
        For more information, visit pembervilleoperahouse.org or call Carol at 419-287-4848. Advertisers and patrons are currently being sought; those interested may call the above number.
        The Pemberville Opera House, one of the oldest operating opera houses in the state of Ohio, was built in 1892 and was restored in 1999 by the Pemberville Historical Society. Still operated by the historical society, the opera house is home to not only the concert series, but to recitals, weddings and more.
        The opera house boasts many unusual features synonymous with “theatres on the second floor” from the 1800s. The stage is raked and the house is flat, there are two original dressing rooms, scenery slats and hand-painted flats. A grand drape of a German village is a treasured piece of Pemberville history and is used frequently. Tours are available.
        The opera house has been maintained in its original grandeur, but has been updated with led stage lighting, digital sound reinforcement and an elevator tower that was added seven years ago, making it accessible to all.
 
Rossford Riverfest
        Residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy an evening of family-friendly festivities at Rossford’s Annual Riverfest, Saturday, Aug. 17, from 6-11 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 300 Hannum Ave.
        Riverfest, free and open to the public, will feature a pierogi-eating contest, inflatables, a dunk tank, beer, food trucks, polka music by the Duane Malinowski Orchestra and rock tunes by the Dos Dudes band. The evening will also feature ethnic food presented by All Saints Catholic Church. Food selections include homemade pierogi, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, pulled pork sandwiches, and kolache. Fireworks will cap off the celebration at 10 p.m.
        Shuttle buses will be available at Rossford High School, All Saints Catholic Church and the former Indian Hills School to transport visitors to Veterans Park.
        More details are available at Rossfordba.com.
 
Refresh and Retreat Stroke Camp signups
        As a regional leader in stroke care, Mercy Health is sponsoring the 2024 Refresh and Retreat Stroke Camp – giving both stroke survivors and their caregivers a supportive environment to continue to heal. The event will take place Sept. 25-27, at Put-in-Bay Resort on South Bass Island.
        This three-day, two-night camp is designed to provide stroke survivors, caregivers and family members with a unique opportunity for relaxation, education, and connection in a supportive environment.
        “We understand the challenges that stroke survivors, and their families face every day, and we want to offer them a place where they can not only relax and recharge but also find community and support,” said Julie Goins-Whitmore, Neuroscience manager at Mercy Health. “We hope that stroke survivors, caregivers, and their families will take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences and to gain valuable resources and support in a peaceful and restorative setting.”
        The Refresh and Retreat Stroke Camp is an opportunity for participants to connect with others who truly understand their journey, while also accessing valuable resources and education that can aid in their recovery.
        Each activity has been carefully planned and adapted to ensure inclusivity, with volunteers on hand throughout the weekend to provide support and assistance. Attendees will enjoy crafts, games, educational sessions, resources, pampering, and discussion groups.
        Registration for the camp is open. The cost is $150, all inclusive. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit strokecamp.org or call 309-688-5450.
 
It’s a Mystery Book Club
        The Walbridge Library invites readers who enjoy a good mystery to the “It’s a Mystery” Book Club. Nancy Weiland will lead the discussion of the listed books at 6 p.m. on the following Mondays:
        • Aug. 26 – “The Long Way Home,” by Louise Penny.
        • Sept. 23 – “Premeditated Peppermint,” by Amanda Flower.
        • Oct. 28 – “Hot Six,” by Janet Evanovich.
        • Nov. 25 – “Blow Fly,” by Patricia Cornwell.
        The Walbridge Library is located at 108 N. Main St. For more information, call 419-666-9900 or visit wcdpl.org/walbridge-library.
 
       
GLCAP Head Start preschools enrolling
        Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Early Childhood centers are seeking students for the 2024-2025 Head Start preschool year.
        Through GLCAP Head Start, children can receive no-cost, full-day preschool that focuses on kindergarten readiness, socialization, and other developmental needs for children.
        While eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines, program staff will assess each family’s situation and assist them in finding the best option for their circumstances. Children in foster care or identified as homeless are also eligible, regardless of income. Children with disabilities are welcome and accommodated at all centers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to call for details.
        Center locations are in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties. For a complete list of centers or for more information visit glcap.org/headstart or call 1-800-775-9767.