Cool off with ice cream
UPPER SANDUSKY - Wyandot County Museum, 130 S. Seventh St., Upper Sandusky, is to host an ice cream social 2-4 p.m. Saturday. To learn more, visit www.wyandothistory.org.
Get that patriotic spirit
GREEN SPRINGS - Celebrate Independence Day Saturday at Green Springs Park. A parade is planned for 3 p.m., bingo at 4 p.m. and live entertainment all evening. The festivities conclude with fireworks at dusk. For more details, call (419) 639-2123.
Charity event Saturday
Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. TR 131, Tiffin, is conducting its annual children's benefit Saturday. Children's games and activities, a dunk tank and a bounce house are planned noon-5 p.m. From 7-11 p.m., D.B. Hawkins is to play live music. A raffle to win a 2012 E-Z Go street-legal gas golf cart is to take place at 9 p.m. Chances are still available at a cost of $10 per ticket.
Proceeds from this year's benefit are to be divided among three children with medical conditions. For tickets and information, call the campground at (419) 448-0914 or Jim at (419) 619-5716.
Ohio Arts Council approves grants to area arts groups
At a public meeting June 21, Ohio Arts Council's board approved the first round of grants for fiscal year 2013 and grant ratifications for fiscal year 2012. As a result, the council is to award 455 grants totaling $7,870,213 to support arts organizations, arts programs and artists in Ohio. In fiscal year 2012, the OAC awarded 534 grants totaling $6,495,874.
Northwest Ohio arts groups approved for 2013 grants for operating support include:
The Ritz Theatre, Tiffin, Sustainability Grant of $18,213.
Arts Partnership of Greater Hancock County, Findlay, Sustainability Grant of $21,785.
Bowling Green State University Fine Arts Center Galleries, Bowling Green, $6,618.
Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society Inc., Pemberville, $2,793.
Put-in-Bay Arts Council, Arts Access Grant, $6,935.
Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Sandusky, $14,344.
Sandusky State Theatre, Sandusky, Sustainability Grant of $23,975.
Also, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, Put-In-Bay, received $2,958 for the Paths to Peace: War of 1812 Legacy Project, and North Coast Cancer Foundation, Sandusky, received and Arts Access Grant of $2,652 for operating support.
Terra instructors do 'Jazz @ Eight' Friday
SANDUSKY - What happens when four old friends come together at the State Theatre Friday night? A swinging tribute to the music of Gershwin and more. Friday at 8 p.m., Terra State Community College instructors Michael Shirtz and Doug Neel are to team up for "Summertime the Music of Gershwin!" featuring tunes by the all-time favorite American composer George Gershwin and other songbook favorites.
Shirtz is to contribute piano and vocals for the Gershwin pieces. Neel is a guitarist, trombonist and bassist who is as comfortable playing traditional jazz as he is with funk and groove styles. Working together since their college days, Shirtz and Neel collaborate for a special program of jazz duets and ensemble numbers. Rounding out the fabulous four on Friday night are Toledo's own jazz organist Pete Ford and Cleveland's versatile Elijah Vazquez on drums.
The evening includes a cash bar and light refreshments. Tickets are $12. For tickets in advance, call the State Theatre Box Office at (419) 626-1950.
