News from BG: November 3, 2021
Bowling Green designated a Smart Energy Provider

City of Bowling Green Municipal Utilities has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. This is the second time Bowling Green has earned this recognition, first receiving the SEP designation in 2019. Matt Hein, Energy Services Manager of Cedar Falls Utilities in Cedar Falls, Iowa and chair of the Energy Innovation Committee, presented the designations on October 26 in Scottsdale, Arizona during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.

The SEP designation, which lasts for two years (December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2023), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. Bowling Green joins more than 90 public power utilities nationwide that hold the SEP designation...continue reading SEPA designation
Leaf Collection Begins November 15
Public Works will begin collecting leaves during the week of November 15. Leaf collection is available for addresses that are eligible for refuse/recycling collection and is not connected to the regular refuse/recycling collection schedule. A Leaf Collection Map will be posted to the City's website allowing residents to follow crews as they move through the City.

The primary method the City uses for the collection of leaves is the “Grab and Go” method which utilizes a tractor with a rake on the back of it. The tractor will drive through the right-of-way loosely raking the leaves into the street for collection. This method is used so that crews can efficiently work their way through the city, minimizing fuel consumption and maximizing the amount of time the crews have to collect the leaves. This method may look messy, but re-rake your leaves, add more to the pile and crews will be back for another round. The second (and final) round will be more thorough and will be announced after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

If you choose to use this method, please follow Leaf Collection Guidelines.

Questions may be directed to the Public Works Department by calling 419-354-6227.
Other options for leaf disposal:
  • Shred them with a lawnmower and leave them in place on your lawn
  • Compost them in a pile or container (with or without shredding)
  • Shred them and use them as mulch on your borders and flowerbeds
Party for the Parks
November 5th

The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation will be hosting their annual fundraising event, Party for the Parks (formerly Wine & Cheese Social & Auction) on Friday, November 5 from 4-7 pm at the Veterans Building in City Park. The event will feature: catered food, wine, craft beer from the BG Breweries, musical entertainment on the Patio: BGHS Madrigals, Tom Gorman & Toraigh, a “Celebrating BG” silent auction, and raffles. Tickets are $70 each and can be purchased in advance by calling 419-354-6297 or at the door that evening. All proceeds support the Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Department and their mission of “Enhancing quality of life through parks, programs and facilities”. For questions, more information or to purchase tickets, please call 419-354-6297 or email clwitt@bgohio.org.
BGHA
Rental Assistance

The Bowling Green Housing Agency provides rental assistance according to the regulations of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Assistance is given within the city limits of Bowling Green, Ohio to low-income individuals and families on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Am I Eligible? If you need help paying your rent due to your income, we encourage you to apply. You do not need to be receiving any other assistance to qualify. You can have a job and still qualify. 

 
If you would prefer a paper application, please call the office and we will mail you an application. The office number is 419-592-1735. 
Family First Friday Fun Nights

Join us at the Bowling Green Community Center for a FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY on the first Friday of every month. We will have fun activities planned for families to enjoy together including games in the gym, rock climbing challenges, giant games, pop-a-shot basketball challenges, box hockey, and more.

November 5, 2021
5:30-7:30pm

For more information contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 419-354-6223.
Free Rides for Vaccination & Booster Appointments

The City of Bowling Green is offering free B.G. Transit rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot locations and events. We recommend requests for rides be made at least 24 hours in advance of the time needed. Passengers must tell the call-taker the transport is for a COVID-19 vaccination or booster to receive the free fares to and from the location. Call-takers will verify the destination as eligible to provide free fare approval. It is preferred that your return trip be scheduled in the same call.

Call 419-354-6203 for additional information about the B.G. Transit. To schedule a ride, call 1-800-579-4299. For persons with speech and/or hearing impairments, contact us through the Ohio Relay Network at 1-877-750-9097 or 1-800-750-0750, respectively.
Community Talking Points
(Released October 27, 2021)
Key Messages:
  • Wood County data collected since Aug. 1 shows that residents 12 and older who have completed a vaccine series are overall 4X less likely to get COVID than those who have not. 
  • Single-dose boosters are approved for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines. Individuals may get any of the three vaccines—boosters don’t have to match the original series.
 
Additional Information:
Wood County data collected since Aug. 1 shows that residents 12 and older who have completed a vaccine series are overall 4X less likely to get COVID than those who have not: 

  • Approximately 64% of 12+ residents have completed a vaccine series. Since Aug. 1 they have accounted for about 30% of cases.
  • Approximately 36% of 12+ residents have not completed a vaccine series. Since Aug. 1, they have accounted for about 70% of cases.
  • Approximately 1 in 16 unvaccinated 12+ residents have gotten COVID since Aug.
  • Incidence of COVID for vaccinated and unvaccinated people varies by age group.
  • Over 89% of people 65 and older have completed a vaccine series. They are nearly 7X less likely to contract COVID than people who have not completed a vaccine series.
  • More than 1 in 4 people age 70-74 who have not completed a vaccine series have gotten COVID since Aug. 1.

Single-dose boosters are approved for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines: 

  • Individuals may get any of the three vaccines—boosters don’t have to match the original series.
  • Pfizer and Moderna recipients are eligible for a booster 6 months after the second dose if they are: 
  • 65 or older
  • 18 or older and have an underlying medical condition or work/live in a high-risk setting.
  • Johnson & Johnson recipients are eligible for a booster at least 2 months after the first vaccine.