Christmas tree ship
On Saturday, December 2, from 1 to 4 p.m., the National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front Street, Toledo, in partnership with Geo. Gradel Company, invites individuals to join a holiday tradition by welcoming back the “Christmas Tree Ship.” Due to the generosity of The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC), museum admission will be free for all.
On November 23, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons sank while carrying Christmas trees. Remembered as the Christmas Tree Ship, her captain, Herman Schuenemann, was known for giving trees to families in need. This story provides the inspiration behind the museum’s community giveback event encouraging individuals to make a memory to last a lifetime by watching Santa arrive at the museum’s dock delivering Christmas trees and holiday support.
“Museums have been shown to increase our sense of well-being and make us feel healthier. They inspire, challenge and stimulate us, while also making us proud of where we come from,” said museum spokesperson Kate Fineske. “The Christmas Tree Ship Community Giveback Day allows us to connect individuals on the East Bank of the Maumee River and access the Great Lakes with their maritime roots while providing healthy holiday support.”
The event asks individuals to “get a tree or give a tree” as well as provide holiday support by donating towards gift cards for its community partners. In addition, for every donation made, UTMC will match individual gifts with a healthy hygiene kit for community members in need.
“We know health isn’t always just about your doctor’s appointment. It’s also about finding ways to connect with family and friends during the holidays and being able to take part in meaningful activities with those you love,” said Jennifer Archer, UTMC’s assistant director of community engagement and volunteer services. “As a community-focused hospital, we take a holistic approach to health and quality of life. We’re proud to be able to support a well-loved event and provide our entire community this opportunity.”
The National Museum of the Great Lakes provides community support in partnership with East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children’s Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
They are encouraging individuals to make a full day of holiday activities by viewing the 51st Annual East Toledo Holiday Parade which begins at 11 a.m. at South Ravine Parkway, and ends at Metroparks Toledo’s new Glass City Enrichment Center.
Following the parade, guests are asked to walk or drive to the museum where Santa and a boatload of Christmas trees will arrive to receive visitors in front of the Museum Tug Ohio.
To learn more about the event, purchase a tree for yourself or individuals in need, or provide holiday support with a donation, visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000. Trees are $65 each. Donations may be made in $25 increments.
Individuals interested in receiving a donated tree are asked to reach out to one of the recipient partners or call 2-1-1.
Toledo holiday parade is November 11
High school marching bands, color guards, giant balloons, dozens of clowns, and local dance teams will be among the more than 70 units in the 36th annual holiday parade. Two grand marshals with years of service in the military and to the community will lead the event which steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11.
Presented by Yark Automotive Group, in conjunction with the Distinguished Clown Corps, there will also be a salute to local veterans in honor of Veterans Day.
Earl Mack Jr., Toledo Post Commander of the Buffalo Soldiers, and Charles Hiser, Executive Director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, will lead the parade.
Mr. Mack retired from the Ohio Department of Public Safety after 32 years. His law enforcement career began as a police officer with the University of Toledo Police Department. He also worked for the Ohio Department of Liquor Control Enforcement Division and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. In 2007, he became Deputy Director of Ohio Homeland Security. A Vietnam veteran, Mr. Mack currently holds a commission with the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and is security director for Key Hotels and Property Management.
Mr. Hiser spent 23 years in the U.S. Armed Forces, retiring as Chief of Security Forces. He also worked as lead instructor for weapons, ranges, training and maintenance of arms rooms/weapons, commander’s security advisor, and anti-terrorism instructor. Mr. Hiser has had a decorated military career with 14 different medals including the Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Air Force Commendations, Air Force Combat Action medal, numerous Air Force Achievement medals and multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with valor while serving in Iraq and Desert Storm. A graduate of the University of Toledo, he is currently the executive director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, assisting veterans throughout Lucas County.
What would a holiday parade be without another guest – this one from the North Pole. Of course, Santa Claus will once again brighten spirits along the streets of downtown Toledo.
The parade will be televised from start to finish on WGTE, wgte.org and the WGTE App. A rebroadcast of the parade will be Sunday, November 26, at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, December 24, at 10 a.m. The parade begins at the corner of Summit and Jefferson streets.
To be a part of the parade or to become a volunteer, contact Heather Pacheco at 419-7246280.
Town Center tree lighting
The Town Center at Levis Commons annual tree lighting is set for Friday, November 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., at 3201 Levis Commons Boulevard, Perrysburg. There will be live music, Santa photos, tree lighting, carriage rides and more. Visit shopleviscommons.com for details.
Wreath gala and silent auction
The Manor at Perrysburg wreath gala and silent auction is November 24 through 29, at 250 Manor Drive.
Gala event will have music, appetizers and drinks on Wednesday, November 29.
A Swingin’ Christmas returns
Toledo Jazz Orchestra will welcome Andrew Bishop, a versatile saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, composer, improviser, educator and scholar comfortable in many musical idioms, on Saturday, December 16, from 8 to 10 p.m., at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.
For information and tickets, visit toledojazz.org.
