In the News

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, BGSU grad student Sam Morkal-Williams, who has rented housing for six years in three different states, talked about the challenges facing people who lease their homes. Others in the audience shared their experiences with poor landlord-tenant communication, slow repairs and landlords accessing units without the required 24-hour notice.

Lori Young, of People of Engagement Bowling Green, introduced PEBG as an online resource for renters at PEBGOHIO.org. “You do have rights, and you also have responsibilities,” she said.

BG Independent reports on BG SONG’s Call to Action Forum on October 12. Rose Drain talks about exploring ways to tackle Bowling Green’s housing challenges by turning old industrial sites into affordable homes and converting multi-unit rentals back into single-family houses to restore the charm and livability of the city

BG independent reports on first “Lease in Peace” meeting is scheduled on campus, since for many students this is their first experience renting housing. The event is free to attend – and pizza, beverages and homemade cookies will be provided. The goal is to give students the tools to have a good relationship with their landlords and a good experience living in a rental. Rose Drain says she is happy to have sponsorships of Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Senate.

BG SONG’s Call to Action Team members will be on hand to share information on new projects to improve housing, transportation and climate resiliency in Bowling Green. Initiated by community residents who participated in BG SONG’s October Call To Action event, the four teams have been meeting regularly since November.

BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group is hosting a “Mitte-n Greet” at Wintergarden Park lodge on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. All community members are invited to this family friendly event to enjoy a hot chocolate bar, homemade cookies and a craft project featuring mittens.

BG independent reports, 'nearly 75 Bowling Green residents gathered for a five-hour "Call to Action" event to address housing and mobility challenges in the city. Organized by the BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group, the event fostered collaboration among a diverse mix of participants, including BGSU students, local families, business owners, city officials, and senior citizens. Armed with sticky notes and fueled by coffee, attendees brainstormed solutions to improve housing options and transportation. This community-driven effort highlights the commitment to shaping Bowling Green’s future with inclusive and sustainable changes.

BG Independent News reports on BG City Council’s latest meeting highlighting community efforts like the successful “Rock the Block” project led by BG SONG, which provided much-needed home repairs and yardwork in older neighborhoods. Council members also reflected on the legacy of Sandy Rowland and discussed new initiatives, including community solar energy projects and updates to the city’s Clean Air Act to address recreational marijuana use

BG Independent News highlights the efforts of the Wood County Housing and Homelessness Coalition to address the county’s worsening housing crisis. The coalition, which includes BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group (BGSONG), is working on solutions like emergency shelters, affordable housing, and home repair assistance to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

During Monday's council meeting (10/21), Rose Drain voiced her concerns about the city's reliance on traditional asphalt for infrastructure projects, suggesting a shift toward permeable surfaces to address stormwater issues. Citing the impervious surface cover in cities as a major contributor to runoff, Drain highlighted an opportunity for Bowling Green to implement green infrastructure in ongoing and future projects. “There is an opportunity now for the city to start implementing green infrastructure,” she said, encouraging consideration of eco-friendly alternatives for projects like the Brim Road shared-use path and South Main pavement project.

BG Independent News reports that BG Save Our Neighborhoods Group (BGSONG) led the "Rock the Block" initiative, where 65 community and campus volunteers associated with the Marvin Center joined forces to assist with yard work, exterior maintenance, and minor repairs at 17 homes in Bowling Green.

“It was an amazing cause, helping the neighborhoods,” said team leader Andy McDermott, who was among the volunteers power washing houses and clearing years of overgrowth.

Homeowners, ranging from families with young children to individuals in their 90s, were deeply appreciative. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this in three months,” said homeowner Jo Sears, who also greeted volunteers with homemade cookies.

Support for the project came from local partners, including Bowling Green Community Foundation, Pagliai’s Pizza, State Bank, and Trinity United Methodist Church. Volunteers will return on May 4 to complete additional work, with hopes of continuing the program in the future.

“If we get the courage, we’ll do it again in the fall,” said BGSONG coordinator, Rose Drain.

Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce has awarded its Investor Grant for the first quarter of 2024 to BGSONG.

Kathleen Dennis, chair of BG SONG’s Community Development Committee, states “This opportunity will not only extend the efforts of BG SONG to meet the goals of our mission but will also provide an excellent immersive learning opportunity for a student. Such an experience will support the community of Bowling Green and facilitate the student’s career advancement through direct work experience in the field of their choice,”

Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group (BG SONG) board members extend a huge thank you to those in the community who helped make our Rock the Block project a major success! Over the two days of the event a hundred volunteers helped 17 home owners spruce up their yards and homes by trimming shrubs, raking leaves, washing windows and siding, painting, and planting shade trees and native perennial plants

BGSU leadership students Audrey Seitz, Tyler Hallman and Evan Thornton represented BG SONG at the City council to announce their partnership with BG SONG on the Rock the Block event on April 6th). Rose Drain, president informed them that, ‘15 homeowners have signed up, there are families with small children, and there are people in their 90s,’.

Mayor Mike Aspacher congratulated the collaboration of BG SONG and the BGSU leadership students on “Rock the Block.” He offered to help with the project.

Rose Drain, President of BG SONG talks to JD Pooley, 13abc news about thier goals to revitalize Bowling Green, and make it be a charming and appealing city as it used to be. And to make it a good place to live for both people who rent their spaces and people who own their homes.

Ross Mazzupappa and Emily Dunipace, members of BG SONG talk to Steve Kendall from The Journal about the formation of the group and their mission and strategic plan.

Staff at Sentinel Tribune reports, “BG SONG intends to continue working with city council and the administration to enhance the city’s livability for those who live, work or own businesses in the city.”

BG SONG board members Rose Drain and Joyce Kepke were among the five women interviewed by Jan Larson-McLaughlin regarding their commitment to attend BG City Council meetings.

Jan Larson McLaughlin from BG Independent News interviews BG SONG members Rose Drain, Joyce Kepke, Chris Humble and Ross Mazzupappa on their humble origins and the potential of the city. They also discuss their first home improvement event modeled after the “Rock the Block” activities held in Toledo.

BG SONG will host the project in one or more of the central residential neighborhoods. Offering hands-on assistance with yard work and light exterior repairs, volunteers will help area homeowners complete maintenance tasks on their properties.

In the News

BG Save Our Neighborhood Group