OHIO NOTEBOOK: Cleveland's Boo at the Zoo adding third weekend

Cleveland and Northeast Ohio 

Looking for scary, but family-friendly fun? Got this recently from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Now in its 28th year, Boo at the Zoo, presented by Citizens Bank, is adding a third weekend of fun. This year's safe, family-friendly event runs Fridays thru Sundays, October 13-15, October 20-22 and October 27-29 from 5 to 9 p.m.

New this year, every entry ticket also includes unlimited free rides on the Boomerang Line train, Circle of Wildlife Carousel and access to the 4-D Theater which will be featuring a special Halloween-themed film. Additional activities include character meet-and-greets, a hay maze, more treat stations, the Monster Mash Dance Party, and, of course, your favorite Cleveland Metroparks Zoo animals!

"Boo at the Zoo is a Halloween tradition in Cleveland, and a spectacular event for people of all ages to enjoy," said Ralph Della Ratta, president, Citizens Bank, Ohio. "Citizens Bank is excited to join the family-friendly fun this fall as presenting sponsor."

Shout out to the 419 

Looking for more opportunities to deer-hunt? Several places in the 419 area code are offering more chances. Got this from the ODNR.

Approximately 1,200 acres previously closed to hunting will be available to bow hunters as part of controlled hunts at Deer Creek, Malabar Farm, and Maumee Bay state parks, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hunters must be present at the drawing location they are interested in hunting.

All three drawings will occur at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.
All hunts are archery-only.
Hunters must possess a valid 2017-18 hunting license and a valid deer permit in order to enter the drawings.
Names will be randomly drawn, and those selected will be assigned a location to hunt in the state park.
Selected hunters will be eligible to hunt their assigned location from Nov. 14–Dec. 17.
Hunters will be permitted to hunt with a partner. The partner is not required to attend the drawing, but the partner must be named prior to the start of the hunt on Nov. 14.
Drawing locations are as follows:

Deer Creek State Park Office: 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt. Sterling, 43143. Contact Zach Woodrow at 740-869-3124 or zachary.woodrow@dnr.state.oh.us for more information.

Malabar Farm State Park Office: 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, 44843. Contact Korre Boyer at 419-892-2784 or korre.boyer@dnr.state.oh.us for more information.


Maumee Bay State Park Office: 1400 State Park Road, Oregon, 43616. Contact Denis Buehler at 419-836-7758 or denis.buehler@dnr.state.oh.us for more information.

Stark County 

The Stark County Hunger Task Force continues to stay busy helping those in need.

Ralph Norton writes:

Stark County Hunger Task Force launched three new Backpack for Kids programs this school year boosting the number of youths receiving free weekend meals by nearly 75 percent.
With the expansion, 654 kids will take home two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks each week through the SCHTF programs in six schools in Canton, Massillon and Plain Township.

Schools adding programs include Beacon Academy at 1379 Garfield Ave SW, Canton, funded by St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, and Gorrell Elementary School at 2420 Schuler Ave NW and Whittier Elementary School at 1212 10th St NE, both in Massillon and funded by the Rotary Club of Massillon.

Central Ohio

Got a submission about a great event to help empower special young ladies in Central Ohio.

Black Girl Magic Holiday Drive
December 6, 2017 6-8 p.m. Copious (520 S. High Street)

Join Franklin County Children Services' Malaika Mentor Program for a night to celebrate the beauty, power and resilience of black girls.

Please bring a culturally specific holiday gift that promotes self-love, acceptance and reaffirms the inherent value of black girls. Suggested gifts include apparel, accessories, baby dolls, art, skin and hair care products and books. You can also purchase items from our Black Girl Magic Wish list on Amazon.com (search via email address: holidaywish@fccs.us). 

Enjoy live music, art and spoken word. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will also be available.

For more information, call (614) 275-2690 or email holidaywish@fccs.us.  


Hocking Hills region

Congrats to Fairfield Union, who finished ninth in the state golf tournament. You can read more about the team here.

The Queen City

With all of the junk out there about the state of the world, it's good to see people helping others out. Bravo to these guys who packed 151,200 meals for Puerto Rico in less than 3 hours.

Need something to do?


Ohio has lots of corn mazes to check out. If you are in Zanesville, check out the McDonald's Greenhouse and Corn Maze, which runs through Oct. 31.