News from BG: July 28, 2021
Pilot Food Waste Drop Off Update
The Pilot Food Waste Drop Off is in its fourth month of operation. As of July 13th, 14,957 lbs. (7.48 tons) of food waste have been collected for composting. On average 11-12, 64-gallon containers are being filled and emptied every other week. The Public Works Department did a great job constructing a site that is welcoming, accessible, and contained. Contamination has been minimal and any issues identified have been addressed immediately. As expected with the hotter days of summer, concerns have been expressed over the number of flies and other insects inside the bins as well as the smell when opening containers. The containers are lined and washed after every dump to help address odor/pest issues as much as possible. We have been happy with the level of service provided by GoZero and the amount of positive community outreach and interaction with this project!

Approximately 70 buckets remain available of the initial 350 buckets that were purchased. Residents are not required to use the City provided buckets to participate, but they are a nice way to get started.

We're gathering feedback from participants to include with future reports. If you've utilized the Food Waste Drop Off, please take a few minutes to answer a few questions about your experience.
Help Call of the Canyon Cafe Win Efficiency Smart's Tip Jar Challenge!
Thank you for nominating some of our local BG restaurants for Efficiency Smart's Tip Jar Contest. We're excited that Call of the Canyon Cafe has been selected as a finalist to win up to $1000 in energy efficiency improvements.

They'll need our help to win! Click on Efficiency Smart's Original Post and comment: "Call of the Canyon Cafe - Bowling Green". Share the post with friends and family and ask that they vote too.

The restaurant from the list receiving the most votes by 11:59 PM EST on 7/29 will win up to $1,000 in energy efficiency improvements from Efficiency Smart!

Visit www.efficiencysmart.org/tipjar for more details.
Utility Bill Pay Assistance Options

Muni-Pal is a program in cooperation with the Salvation Army. When you donate to Muni-Pal, the money goes directly to the Salvation Army office in Bowling Green to help Bowling Green residents, in need of assistance, to pay their utility bill. You can make a onetime contribution, or an additional charge can be placed on your monthly bill. Residents who need assistance paying their bill should contact the Salvation Army at 419-352-5918.

In addition to the Muni-Pal program administered by the Salvation Army, residents may be eligible for assistance through the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP). Residents may begin their application by calling 567-432-5046. Wood County Area Ministries
may also be able to help and can be reached at 419-352-1322. If children live in the home, customers should also contact Wood County Jobs & Family Services at 419-352-7566.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Utility Business Office with any questions. The City can help residents analyze their bill, work through possible causes of high usage, set up a budget payment plan, and help answer questions about available programs.
Float Your Boat
Cardboard Canoe Regatta

Gather your team and come join our Float Your Boat event! Think creatively to build and race the best boat you can build with cardboard and duct tape and, most of all, have fun! Design and build a person-powered corrugated cardboard boat capable of racing a 25-yard course.

Boat design is left to the builders. Let your imagination take over; make your boat look like a race car, flying saucer, dragon, the Queen Mary, or any other fun family appropriate design you have in mind. Crew costumes are also welcomed and encouraged.

Boats may be constructed at home and brought to the event or people are invited to attend our workshop at 4:30pm the day of the event to receive some limited guidance and suggestions in canoe construction. Limited supplies MIGHT be available as well, depending on our ability to secure them.

Individuals & teams should be prepared to provide their own supplies just in case.


Questions? Contact the Parks & Recreation Department
Gas Cap Testing & Replacement

Anyone can get a no-cost test of their vehicle’s gas cap, and a free replacement cap if a leak is found, at an event offered by the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG).

Gas cap testing and replacement will take place Thursday, July 29th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Woodland Mall in Bowling Green (1234 N. Main St.)

Leaky gas caps are a preventable cause of ozone pollution. Take this simple step to make sure your passenger car or light truck is not contributing to pollution. A broken or missing gas cap can also reduce fuel efficiency by 1-2 percent and cost you up to a full tank of gas each year.

Drive up to a TMACOG testing site, and staff will do a quick compression test to make sure your cap is sealed. If it’s leaking, you’ll get a replacement on the spot. Receive a bonus gift while supplies last.

Older vehicles are more likely to have a poorly sealed cap, but any vehicle could be leaking. A loose gas cap may trigger the check engine light, so if the light turns on randomly or right after filling up, you might need a new one.
WOOD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Wood County Health Department will continue to make vaccine clinics available this summer to anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated for COVID-19. Several options will be available on a recurring basis, and other times and locations will be scheduled on a weekly basis.