At the August 8 Lucas County Commissioners meeting, the board presented an After Action Report/Improvement Plan regarding the tornado which impacted the Point Place community this year. The presentation summarized the event, impacts and damages caused by the storm, strengths and challenges faced by the city in the wake of the storm and identified areas where emergency response efforts can be improved.

On July 5, participants from various conservationist and nature programs from around Northwest Ohio gathered at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for a paddling event. Over a dozen participants, along with their program leads and instructors, got onto the water and explored the wetlands that compose one of northern Ohio’s most crucial and essential environments.

On August 8, the Ohio Inspector General’s (OIG) office found the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission failed to comply with procurement process requirements. Their findings came following an investigation that began March 1, 2021 when the OIG received an anonymous complaint alleging that the turnpike and infrastructure commission (OTIC) was failing to comply with applicable procurement requirements.

On August 2, the Blue Devil’s Wicked Wheels Car Fest was held on the Springfield High School campus. The event featured classic, exotic, hot rod, tuner and race cars. Local vendors and sponsors were present along with music, food trucks, a children’s area and a performance by the Blue Devil band. Thousands of people attended with proceeds going to support student safety, leadership, citizenship and creative classroom initiatives.

A free veterans lunch is scheduled for Thursday, August 17, 12:30 p.m., at Friendship Park Community Center, 2930 131st Street. The speaker will be a represenative from the Toledo Veterans Administration.

Friendship Park Community Center has posted the weekly menu for the community lunches. Guests are asked for donations of $2.50 per meal, and lunch is served at 11:45 a.m.

The following is a list of activities for all at Friendship Park Community Center: •Monday, August 14, computer help, 9 to 11 a.m.; shuffleboard, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingocize, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; student leadership program, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.; seniors dine out, Red Lobster, 4:30 p.m.; mah jongg, 2:30 p.m.

Messiah Lutheran Church, 4703 North Summit Street, is blessed to have three octaves of handbells that they would like to hear ring again. With four members currently enrolled, the church would like to merge the community together to create a full group of ringers interested in praising God.

Seniors from Friendship Park Community Center are now meeting to dine out twice a month. On Monday, August 14, seniors will meet at Red Lobster, 4990 Monroe Street; and on Monday, August 28, at Sizzling Wok, 2333 West Laskey Road, Toledo.