What’s Briefly Happening: July & August in Toledo

Local organizations collaborate to expand production and outreach

Bittersweet Farms and Grace Community Center have recently partnered to expand the reach of their existing programs benefiting the community. The Bittersweet Gardens Vocational Program empowers adults with autism by providing opportunities through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program and year-round vegetable production initiatives. Grace Community Center plans to increase production at its urban garden, with the help of Bittersweet and other community partners and volunteers, to provide community-based training opportunities for Bittersweet participants. 

Mom’s House and The Pregnancy Center begin partnership

Mom’s House and The Pregnancy Center are collaborating to nurture change through their capital campaign, “Rattle the Stars,” with plans to open a second Mom’s House location and a collaborative space to aid in extending both organizations’ services for Toledo area families in need. So far, two major campaign donations have been announced including an anchor gift of $1 million from Bob Moore, in honor of his late wife, Laurie, and a transformative gift of $5 million from Janet Olczak Lanterman in honor of her late husband, Kirk. 

Toth Elementary gets new trained facility dog

Perrysburg Schools recently assigned Aspen, a trained facility dog, a “fur-ever” placement at Toth Elementary. Aspen’s adoption and placement was financially sponsored by Medical Mutual. Perrysburg Schools currently has four full time facility dogs. The Facility Dog Program is supported by the Perrysburg Schools Foundation along with individual and corporate donors.

Directions Cares for Classrooms Winter 2024 winners

Directions Credit Union recently announced the winners from the Directions Cares for Classrooms Grant Program Winter 2024. Eligible educators include K-12 teachers and staff who work for public, private or charter schools in the Directions field of membership. From 144 applications, 17 winners were chosen, including local winners, Carrie Swangstu of Jerusalem Elementary, Susan Fitzpatrick of Explorers Academy, Carla Rygalski of Fallen Timbers Middle School, Heather Rotunno of Shoreland Elementary, Kim Coffman of Penta Career and Vicki Mayfield of Ottawa River Elementary.

Primrose preschoolers donate to local children in need

During their Spring Fling event, parents and friends of Primrose School of Perrysburg preschoolers recently donated $4,310 to Heinzerling Community and Primrose Schools Children Foundation. The Spring Fling initiative at Primrose Schools was a nationwide effort where students throughout the nation fundraised to give back to the community through silent auctions, gift basket raffles, penny war competitions and carnival events.