HomeLocalLocal Notes October/November 2024

Local Notes October/November 2024

TMACOG accepts Water Workforce Coalition award

Northwest Ohio’s Water Workforce Coalition was recognized for its regional leadership and innovation with an award from the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC). The Water Workforce Coalition is a group of community partners creating awareness of career opportunities, centered around offering a fast, affordable and hands-on education. Water and wastewater workers are essential for communities to provide safe and reliable drinking water and to return clean treated water to the environment. Recognizing this regional need, TMACOG partnered with Owens Community College, the City of Toledo, and utility service providers throughout the region, securing a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a new 16-week Water Treatment Professions Certificate program at Owens that began in January 2024. waterworksforyou.org

National Museum of Great Lakes announces expansion project

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has launched its Second Wave, a campaign to create a hub encouraging Great Lake conversations by preserving the history, fueling education and boosting economic vitality in our region. Focusing on fundraising and donor support to reach a $6 million goal, more than $4.4 million has been raised which will go toward the Museum”s 5,000-square-foot expansion. Aspects of the project  include areas dedicated to temporary and traveling exhibits, new permanent exhibit spaces and a community education center. nmgl.org/thesecondwave

YWCA’s Capital Campaign

The YWCA of Northwest Ohio is making major changes to its original 1950s facility with an extensive renovation project. The Capital Campaign initiative is focused on creating a safer and more contemporary space for community members. The first phase began in April with asbestos removal. The next step involves overhauling the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, plus a partial roof replacement, installation of flooring over the former swimming pool and construction of 11 new resident rooms for the Domestic Violence Shelter. Phase two will begin by creating first-floor space for community programs and administrative offices and completion of the resident rooms and shelter staff offices. New resident rooms are planned along with a new kitchen and dining space in the Domestic Violence Shelter.  The first phase cost was $14.8 million and an additional $4 million is needed to complete the second phase. ywcanwo.org/donate

Toledo Museum of Art’s “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” exhibit

The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) is now showcasing national exhibition history in Northwest Ohio. Through Nov. 10,  “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” the first major US exhibition showcasing Ethiopian art through a global lens and recounting the country’s artistic heritage from its genesis to today — 1,750 years’ worth- is on display in the Green Building’s Levis Gallery, TMA’s landmark exhibition features more than 225 items, ranging from devotional paintings and metalwork to sculptures by contemporary Ethiopian-based  artists as well as works from the Ethiopian diaspora, including Julie Mehretu.  $10 per person. Admission for TMA members is complimentary. Museum entry for everyone is always free. toledomuseum.org/events

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