(bright music) (mouse clicking) (keyboard clacking) (uplifting music) (car engine revving) (uplifting music) (keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) - We're here on location at Spangler Candy World, right in the heart of Downtown Bryan, Ohio on our beautiful Courthouse Square.

(upbeat music) They've been making candy for over 100 years.

It wasn't always candy, it started out with baking powder, but you can learn all about the different products that we make by taking a look at all the museum pieces that we have here.

And unfortunately, we have more artifacts than we could fit.

And again, some of those are virtual and some of them are real-life artifacts that you can take a look at with your own eyes.

We actually have a hand candy cane crooker, where they used to hand-bend the candy canes back in the day.

Today, that's all automated, but it really shows you how technology has advanced and how our productivity has advanced.

(upbeat music) We have one of the largest lollipop factories in the world.

We make 12 million Dum Dums every day, and it's Christmas all the time here.

We're always making candy canes.

Those are our main product lines, but we also have some more traditional lines.

We have Bit-O-Honey.

That is a brand that's over 100 years old.

We have Circus peanuts.

We also have Sweethearts, a Valentine's favorite, and actually the oldest candy brand that we have is Necco Wafers.

(upbeat music) Unfortunately, we're not able to give real factory tours anymore with all the regulations around food safety.

But what we did instead was we have a virtual tour where you actually get really, really good images and visuals of our candy making process.

And we tried to make it a real sensory experience.

It's on a fairly big screen.

It's about a 45-person theater, and there's some surprises that are in the movie as well.

So it's enjoyed by kids and adults of all ages.

(upbeat music) We wanted to have a lot of STEM activities for younger kids so they could see all the different science and math that's required to make candy.

It's very technical process.

We thought it was really important to have interactive games that were appropriate for kids of all ages.

- The games reflect things that happen at Spangler Candy Company.

The work that's done involves a lot of science, and technology and engineering, and math, and we want to reflect that here at Spangler Candy World.

So we've incorporated that into all the activities that we do here.

From the movie, to the games, everything that's here will reflect a little bit about how it works in our industry.

Some of our games are touchless technology where you just use your hand over a sensor to make the game work.

You don't actually touch the screen, you touch no controls, so you're inspecting candy.

You're measuring how much candy goes on a truck before it leaves the factory.

There's a candy ingredient section where you actually pull from ingredients to make a certain flavor or kind of candy.

(upbeat music) - [Kirk] Kids of all ages should come to Spangler Candy World, whether they're one-year-old or 100, and we wanted to create a space that was a little bit different than other places that you visit.

- It was important to us, when we designed Spangler Candy World, to make it colorful, to make it fun, to make it family-friendly.

There's a conveyor up above that's running boxes of candy.

There's lights flashing.

It's just fun, and we've had adults who have come in and said, "I feel like I'm in Chicago or New York City," because there's just so much here that they don't expect.

- [Kirk] Besides all the interactive displays that we have and the historical artifacts, we have some fun places here just to take selfies and pictures.

- People just take pictures everywhere.

But there are some specific places.

You can stick your head in the Drum Man and be the Drum Man.

You can go sit in our Sweethearts Chapel.

People love that Sweethearts Chapel.

That's a place where, who knows, maybe somebody will decide to get married.

(upbeat music) The future of Spangler Candy World, we think, is very promising.

While certainly the main portions of it, the historical pieces and all that will remain, but we are continually gonna be looking for things we can add, things we can tweak.

We'll be adding items to our historical displays as things happen at Spangler Candy Company to keep it fresh and to keep it a place that you've never been here before.

You're not gonna miss much.

But at the same time, if you have been here, you're gonna see some new things.

- [Kirk] Spangler Candy World is a unique experience for kids and adults alike.

As long as you like candy, this is the place for you.

(upbeat music) (lighthearted music) - [Ashley] We're gonna come right up to the front of the Rec Center by the lounge, so we can see the dogs, get to see the event, and folks interacting.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Want to see your favorite local story featured on our show?

Head to our website, at wbgu.org/scenicstops.

Find the blue button and let know where we should go next.

(keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) (lighthearted music) - Welcome to the Bowling Green State University Student Rec Center.

Today, we're gonna be here with Pump It Up With PAWS.

We're gonna come right up to the front of the Rec Center by the lounge, so we can see the dogs, get to see the event, and folks interacting.

When folks interact with the therapy dogs, they're able to pet them.

Some just like sitting there, kind of being in their presence, which is funny.

They aren't allowed to give kisses.

I know everyone wants a kiss, but some of those are just ATD rules, so we just make sure that the animals and all of our participants are safe.

We do have over 22 dogs that participate in our program.

So today, we have two of our rockstars here, Benny and Oreo.

We also have over 100 students that are trained to volunteer at events.

So those students come.

Their job is to just making it a welcoming environment.

So the handlers are certified with their dogs, so they're kind of seeing that piece.

But the students, they help track the number of folks that participate in the event.

We collect evaluations, which the result is more dogs, more events, so I do the best I can.

Bowling Green State University has an initiative called the Community of Care, one of those pillars being mental wellbeing.

And so we're really trying to work more to promote our students' overall wellbeing.

We know that to be successful at school and in life, being able to take care of yourself and also connect with other people is key to that.

(lighthearted music) The dogs that work with the PAWS team are part of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

This is an organization that trains and certifies therapy dogs.

So they're excellent in going into a variety of spaces.

The sound of the weights or the busy environment doesn't throw them off at all.

They're here and ready to bring smiles.

(students chattering) - [Volunteer] Have you guys met them?

- No.

(students chattering) - [Ashley] We bring the therapy dogs here to the Rec Center because it's actually one of the favorite spots for our handlers.

Actually, one of our volunteers today was a collegiate swimmer here at BGSU.

People like coming to the rec, it's a hot spot around this time of day.

A lot of students, as well as patrons, we have swim teams that come in, so it's a great time for the dogs to meet folks.

We do this event once a week.

We do host some events on campus weekly, some twice a month, others are special events, so we'll have usually up to 70 events a semester.

(lighthearted music) The reactions when folks see the therapy dogs, usually you see the eyes widen, a smile to their face.

Maybe a, "Dogs!"

you know, they're surprised to see them.

It's funny, the more they're on campus, the students will seem, "Oh, hey, it's Benny, it's Oreo.

I haven't seen you in a while."

So they get to know the dogs that come in.

But yeah, it just brings a smile to their face.

For some folks, they specifically make it out here to see the dogs.

For other folks, it's a great little pick-me-up after a workout.

So we like having them here.

(bright music) The personalities of the dogs here today.

Benny's kind of a mascot of sorts.

His name's Bennington George for Bowling Green.

I mentioned his owner, Carol, was a student athlete here, actually another owner.

He was her coach.

So it's funny, there's lots of Bowling Green connections.

Benny is just a big, fluffy, kind-hearted dog.

He gets so excited when he first gets on onto the event and then settles in, gets cozy, and just loves people all around him.

Oreo's funny.

Oreo's kind of spunky.

He's like a little white, I think, Chihuahua mix.

Just so cute, but also just loves coming out, being involved, meeting people.

He's in his little stroller with Christmas lights, so people always know when he is coming 'cause there's like a dog and a stroller.

It's not usually what you see on campus.

He's sweet.

(uplifting music) There's a lot of research that shows, they call it the human-animal bond, improves physical health, has been shown to lower blood pressure.

It's also positive for people's mental health.

And really something I love is it brings people together.

So often, I see students that maybe didn't even know each other, and they're here at the event getting to know one another.

The students love getting to know the handlers as well.

So there's just so many positive benefits to having the dogs on campus.

(uplifting music) (lighthearted music) - [Meghan] Waterville, Ohio rests along the Maumee River in Lucas County.

(lighthearted music) (keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) (lighthearted music) Waterville, Ohio rests along the Maumee River in Lucas County.

As of 2024, it houses over 6,000 residents, and it's known for its historic downtown, local restaurants, shops, and scenic parks.

(lighthearted music) The town has a history that can be seen through its many historical buildings and preserved sites that date all the way back to the 19th century.

Waterville was founded in 1831 by John Pray and became a popular place for milling and trade.

(lighthearted music) Located in the heart of the town, the John Pray House overlooks one of Waterville's several parks.

(lighthearted music) Memorial Park is considered to be one of the most scenic areas in town, with a clear view of the river.

(lighthearted music) Conrad Park.

It has a baseball diamond, a playground, a rentable gazebo, and is in walking distance to the local library.

(lighthearted music) One popular historic attraction is the Columbian House at the intersection of North River Road and Farnsworth.

The house was built as a Stage Coach Inn and served as the first Post Office in Waterville.

(lighthearted music) The Interurban Bridge was built in 1908 to serve as part of the Ohio electric line and connected Lima to Toledo.

Meaning buffalo rock, or beef rock, in French, the Roche de Boeuf was a legendary sacred meeting site for Native Americans and the place where they gathered before the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

(lighthearted music) Established in 2002, Chowders 'N Moor offers seafood, burgers, steak, soups, sandwiches, and chicken dishes.

(lighthearted music) Another noteworthy restaurant is Cocina de Carlos.

This local Mexican restaurant serves fresh and authentic Mexican cuisines, from tacos to poblano chicken.

(lighthearted music) Filled with charm and scenic views, residents and visitors of Napoleon don't have to search very far for entertainment, activities, or history.

(upbeat music) - [Announcer] Want to see your favorite local story featured on our show?

Head to our website at wbgu.org/scenicstops Find the blue button and let us know where we should go next.

(typewriter clacking) (mouse clicking) (upbeat music) - [Meghan] Filled with charm and scenic views, residents and visitors of Napoleon don't have to search very far for entertainment, activities, or history.

Established in 1832 and named after the French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, the town is located in Henry County and home to over 8,000 locals.

The town's peaceful atmosphere and historic culture can be enjoyed throughout the entire area, starting with the Henry County Courthouse.

This Second Empire-style building was built in 1882 and was designed by David Gibbs.

Standing 15 feet tall, the goddess of justice can be seen overlooking the town square.

(upbeat music) (birds chirping) Next to the Courthouse is the Sheriff's Residence.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it currently contains offices for the Sheriff's Department, a call center for the county's Emergency Services System, and office space for other county agencies.

(upbeat music) (birds chirping) The Lloyd W. Franz Veterans Memorial Park.

Dedicated to Napoleon on November 11th, 1989, it serves as a tribute to the fallen heroes of Henry County.

(upbeat music) Napoleon is filled with beautiful architecture, from a Queen Anne Victorian Era Museum (upbeat music) to an American Craftsman style church.

(upbeat music) A prominent landmark, St. Augustine's Catholic Church was dedicated to St. Augustine, in honor of Augustine Pilliod, who supervised the construction of the original building.

(upbeat music) With options of walking trails, scenic views of the Maumee River, off-the-leash dog areas, and playgrounds, Napoleon offers many options to enjoy the great outdoors.

♪ Hey (upbeat music) ♪ Hey (upbeat music) ♪ Hey (upbeat music) ♪ Hey (upbeat music) (lighthearted music) - So Inspired Lumber Workshop is a membership-based wood shop and creative space located here in West Toledo.

Kind of say that we're like a gym membership, but with power tools and crafty stuff.

(lighthearted music) (keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) (birds chirping) (door beeping) (ambient music) So Inspired Lumber Workshop is a membership-based wood shop and creative space located here in West Toledo.

Kind of say that we're like a gym membership, but with power tools and crafty stuff.

So we've eliminated the hurdles that a lot of people have when it comes to being creative, specifically within the wood shop.

We have all of the tools.

So instead of having to go out and buy all of the expensive tools or find the space in your home and convert some space for a wood shop, you can actually come here for a membership fee and utilize all of our tools in our workshop as if it's your own.

(miter saw whirring) (lighthearted music) A lot of people at home, they have basic tools, they have drills.

Some people have chop saws or miter saws.

Some people have a table saw or various things of portable table saw, typically.

Here, you'll find a little bit more than that.

We have all of those things, of course, but we also have a SawStop table saw, which was a non-negotiable thing for me.

That was one of the big reasons why I wanted to move out of our garage.

We've got a 42-inch wood lathe, which is amazing.

So that does all the circular cuts, bolt-turning types of things.

We have a 13-inch and a 20-inch planer.

That's probably the number one thing people come in here for is because they're very expensive and people typically don't have them at home, and if they do, they have a much smaller version, which means that their cuts have to be narrower and then they have to glue them.

The other really big thing, which seems like a such a simple thing, but our glue rack is a huge benefit.

The glue rack is like a big giant clamp, and it allows us to be able to do butcher blocks and cutting boards, and anything that requires gluing together within hours, rather than days.

And, you know, or just the cumbersomeness of having to try to find space or whatever for all of these clamps, pop it on the glue rack in an hour.

It is a nice solid single structure.

(tool clattering) We did the math for what it would cost for, you know, an average person to start a wood shop within their home at a very bare minimum, and this was including a small table saw, miter saw, maybe a small planer, but typically not because they're just...

I mean, even a 13-inch planer runs, you know, five to $600.

So we averaged it out to about 2,500 to $5,000 to start a wood shop within their home, and that's without doing any reconstruction or doing anything to work around air vents or air quality within the space that is just for the tools to get started.

So by eliminating that hurdle and providing professional-level tools where people can come in for a low cost and utilize that, we felt that this was a really good opportunity for us to be able to share what we have and enable people to move forward with that skill development, rather than having that hurdle that stops them.

(tool clattering) If you wanna become a member and have autonomous use of the wood shop, you actually have to go through a safety course that's required.

And we have safety classes on the website that you can go on and you can sign up to schedule a time to do it.

If none of those dates work, my husband's happy to do a one-on-one with anybody who would like to have quick access into the shop.

So he goes through, and he hands you a board, and you have to plane it to a certain depth, you have to cut it to a certain size.

You have to do various things to show you know what you're doing with the tools, but he walks you through every one of the machines in the shop and shows you exactly how to use them.

He talks theory about: Why would you use this machine over this machine?

Why would you do this versus this?

He shows you how to figure out a good board, you know, do all of those types of things.

So he walks you through woodworking theory, very basic on that point.

(machinery whirring) We require, you know, in the shop, as far as glasses, personal protection equipment if we're planning down certain types of wood in there that have more of a toxicity level to it.

So we can try to go above and beyond to ensure that everybody is comfortable, safe, and that we have everything here to be able to ensure that safety.

(tool whirring) (lighthearted music) So Inspired Lumber Workshop is a completely new concept.

There's nothing else like it in the community.

And so one of the biggest things, the hurdles that we've had this year is getting people to understand what it is that we've brought to the community and how we can benefit people.

Our audience is excessively broad, it's men, it's women, it's children, it's ages, all ages, all sexes.

It's everybody.

And so our goal in 2024 is to continue to expand the knowledge base.

We're working with veterans right now.

This is a huge program that we just started.

Lucas County Veteran Services Commission and Christian's Corner Foundation are providing funding in 2024 to provide free six-week long courses for 60 veterans to go through the wood shop, to complete projects, to learn skills, to encourage camaraderie and a sense of community for veterans specifically.

We love to go into the senior communities and find a lot of these folks are very talented carpenters who have had to downsize and don't have the space or have access to these tools anymore, but they're still incredibly capable, and we would love to access those individuals as well.

So if people have ideas and thoughts out there about how we can connect with those people, we'd love to hear that.

(lighthearted music) One of the other things that kind of sets us off, too, is that we have this marketplace.

So it's not only Inspired Lumber's branded material that we sell out there.

I mean, we've got our stuff that we sell.

We still produce.

We can't not produce, that's what we do, right?

And so we sell those things out front.

That's open all the time during our times.

The other cool part is that as our members are producing things, they can sell them.

I know that we had said earlier that our goal was to shift from production to education, but by educating, you also produce at the same time.

So our stock is continually changing because as members are in there being creative, we say, "Hey, if you're making one, make two.

Put one out there for sale."

They receive revenue out of it, and If they're looking to grow their small business, if they're looking to have a side hustle, anything like that, we can promote them, and promote their businesses on our website and on our Facebook and social pages.

It's just a great opportunity to help support, again, local artists coming together, and everything out there is built right here within the workshop, so you can't get much more local than that.

- [Announcer] If you missed this week's episode of "Scenic Stops & Stories," you can stream the full episode for free anytime at wbgu.org/scenicstops (upbeat music) (bright upbeat music) (gentle upbeat music)