Toledo City Paper March 2024

62nd Annual A2Film Festival Stays Hybrid

PRESENTED BY

You voted, we’ve got the results. The 2023 Best of Toledo Award winners.

For Women’s History Month: What woman influenced you the most?

Publisher/Editor in Chief Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

CAREER: MARCIA HOECK AND VIRGINIA CLARK AND PERSONAL LIFE: MY MOM.

Co-publisher/ Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

OUR PUBLISHER, COLLETTE JACOBS. “THE GUTS AND GLUE OF THE TOLEDO CITY PAPER!”.

Editorial Assignment Editor: Riley Runnells (editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MY MOM, CHRYS PETERSON! SHE’S AN INSPIRATION TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO ME!

Contributing Writers:

Audrey Blaufuss, Curtis Deeter, Jeff Berry, Aubreyonna Van Hoose, Srestha Chaddopadyay, Leslie Anne Shore, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Tanner Wertz

Interns: Leslie Anne Shore, Brenden Manco, Andrew Burroughs

Advertising

Sales Director

Mike Mori (mmori@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MY MOM.

Sales Coordinator Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

OF COURSE MY MOM! SHE INSPIRES ME SO MUCH EVERYDAY - STRONGEST LADY THERE IS.

Account Executives:

William DuPuis wdupuis@adamsstreetpublishing.com

MY MOM, DUH.

Gabbi Huff (ghuff@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MY FAVORITE PERSON - MY MOM!

Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MARGE REYNOLDS.

Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MY MOM OF COURSE!

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

SHONDA RHIMES.

Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MY MOM! ONE OF THE BEST TYPESETTERS/DESIGNERS EVER!

Digital Media Manager: Nathaniel Light (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MY MOM.

Social Media Manager: Margot Jacobs (margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

COLLETTE JACOBS! Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com)

MY MOM, HANDS DOWN!

Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com)

MY MOM, SECOND WOULD BE MY 7TH GRADE ENGLISH TEACHER.

„ Better Health Market and Cafe, a family-owned business with 13 locations in Michigan, opened a Toledo location at 3344 Secor Rd. The business features vitamins and supplements, organic produce, an onsite nutrition expert, prepared foods and indoor and outdoor dining spaces. betterhealthmarket.com

„ Crumbl Cookies is opening in Perrysburg on Route 20 next to ChickFil-A. The cookie store has a location in Sylvania on Central Avenue, both will feature new flavors each week. crumblcookies.com

„ The ELLE Tol, a new creative/coworking space on 6635 W Central Ave. supports female business owners and entrepreneurs, with office suites and co-working membership options. @ the_elle_tol

„ Freight House Coffee is opening a location at The Docks next to the Glass City Steakhouse at 26 Main St. Details about the opening will be announced later and the coffeehouse/roaster will keep its main location on S Stadium Road in Oregon. freighthousecoffeeco.com

„ Glass City Steakhouse opened at The Docks, filling the vacancy left by Boardwalk B&G and, before that, the former Hamburger Mary’s. Featuring fine dining, the eatery will feature live jazz music. glasscitysteakhousetoledo.com

„ Hamburger Mary’s is opening an upstairs bar, The Hideout at Mary’s, directly above the 329 N Huron St. location. hamburgermarys.com/toledo

„ Los Agaves Taqueria opened a brick and mortar restaurant at 30 E. Alexis Rd., serving the fare from the existing food truck. Enjoy tacos, quesadillas and signature Mexican fries. Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant on Facebook

„ Money Trees, a plant and accessories store, opened at 3890 Monroe St., across from the Toledo Hospital, selling potted house plants including some rare species. hello@moneytrees.com. Money Trees on Facebook

„ Pro Golf Fairways, a bar coming to the corner of Monroe and Ontario downtown, includes a space to watch sports, as well as an indoor multisport simulator for golf, soccer, football and more. progolffairways.com

„ Raising Cane’s is opening a second location on Airport Highway, in the former Boston Marketplace. Groundbreaking in March. raisingcanes.com

„ Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts is moving its offices to the former Masonic Temple on Heatherdowns. The enhanced facilities will create more opportunities for the Alliance’s 650 music and dance students. artstoledo.com

„ Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union opened a second location on Monroe Street in the former Fifth Third Bank location across from Swayne Field. 419-255-8876, info@toledourban.net. toledourban.net

„ Wheelin’ On The Rocks, a public pub themed on Toledo’s rich Jeep history, is moving to another location on Laskey Road closer to Planet Fitness. The drinks, menu and entertainment will remain the same. 2640 W Laskey Road. Wheelin’ On The Rocks on Facebook

CLOSED

„ 19th Hole bar on Sylvania Ave near Secor Rd. is permanently closed.

„ Bulk Beverage Co., a West Toledo beverage retailer, closed permanently after three years in business.

FiberFrame is Your Best Option When Choosing the Right Windows for Your Home or Business

As a hometown Toledo family-owned business with over six decades of experience, we take pride in providing exceptional customer service and high-quality fiberglass windows, patio doors, storefronts and sunrooms. Comfort Line revolutionized the US market in the 1980s with the introduction of FiberFrame – the first-ever fiberglass window. So, why choose fiberglass? They feature the best energy values, the strongest structural integrity, the lowest expansion rates, and the longest life expectancy, making them the most cost-effective windows on the market. It’s an energy efficient, strong and low maintenance material that’s better than vinyl, wood and aluminum windows.

Windows are one of the most visible features of a building and home, impacting its overall appearance and energy efficiency. To ensure you make the right investment for your property, it’s important to consider the manufacturer, product type and installer. At Fiberframe, we offer the perfect combination of all three, simplifying the process and saving you money by eliminating the middleman.

Along with a great product line and unmatched customer service, we are committed to our community and surrounding areas. Take Kurtis Tallman’s testimonial, Kurtis is vice president of operations at Cherry Street Mission.

Contact us today at 419.574.9714 or installs@comfortline.ltd for a free, no-obligation consultation. Trust us to deliver outstanding performance and reliability, backed by our lifetime warranty.

“Working with Comfort Line Fiber Frame has been a great experience. Their entire team’s professionalism, quality of work and skilled craftsmanship has made the replacement of the 519 windows, at The Life Revitalization Center, a seamless transition. The windows are excellent quality and have brought immediate and noticeable energy efficiency to our building. It was amazing how the design and install teams were able to easily customize their product to meet the various needs of our project. Cherry Street Mission Ministries has been pleased to work with such a great partner and local business on this project!”

Since FiberFrame products are made in Toledo, homeowners can view, touch and purchase any kind of window they’d like – including custom half-round and round shapes, all inside our Showroom located within our factory.

Perfectly match your home and décor by selecting from thousands of frame colors for your door or window. You can use the same color for the interior and exterior or opt for different hues on each side. Besides the most popular colors in the standard palette, customers can choose from any of the colors in the Sherwin-Williams palette.

FiberFrame stands by its products, offering the best warranties available. Their innovative approach to windows and doors brings strength, energy savings and beauty to their full product line. By offering straightforward pricing and hassle-free consultations, you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and needs. Whether you need one window or a whole house, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

CITY POLITICS

Help wanted

Fools and jokers in City Politics

By Johnny Hildo

The list is in, and boy, the rocks across T-town must have all been moved, given what’s crawled out from under them.

There are currently two vacancies on Toledo City Council, created when At-Large member Katie Moline moved to the county Auditor’s office and fellow At-Large member Tiffany Preston Whitman joined the Kapszukiewicz administration. Now City Council intends to appoint their replacements at a meeting near you.

Council asked interested and qualified Toledo residents to apply for the appointments in writing. Thirty-seven hearty souls did just that.

If this seems like a lot of interest, it’s not. Past appointments for single seats have sometimes drawn interest from over one hundred gluttons for punishment. That two available seats have drawn such little interest shows how the luster has worn thin on the prospect of occupying city office.

The names on the list are another matter. Like the song says, fools to the left of us, jokers to the right, and here we are. Stuck.

Rogues gallery

Let us begin with some glaring holes in the list. While it includes some perennial losers, one loser has apparently given up the ghost on his political prospects. Tony “Killer” Dia, the convicted killer who has run repeatedly for elective office and failed, did not apply. Neither did any former member of Council.

“The last thing we need is more complete novices on Council. Of course, a weak, ineffectual Council plays right in to Wade’s hands.”

Oh, a couple of other names did jump out at us. One is John Pietrowski. Is this the same guy on this year’s Prohibition Party ticket for Vice President of the United States? That sounds pretty lofty until you read the name of the political party again. Yep, you read that right. Prohibition. As in, the failed social experiment from the 1920s. No, please.

Then there’s Mac Driscoll, who has run for an at-large seat before, and Maynard Porter and Sam Harden, good Democratic Party operatives. And Radi Cheaib, wellknown Lebanese American from North Toledo. Interesting options all.

On the other hand, the list includes some chuckle heads who apparently still haven’t gotten it through their thick skulls. No, Alfonso Narvaez, you will never be a Council member. Forget about it, Tom Names, three strikes and you’re out. Robert Worthington? You couldn’t win your own district. Now you want an at-large seat to represent the entire city?

And Shaun Strong? Really? You couldn’t even win your own, well, you get the picture. Get outta here with that noise.

On the other hand, we’ve never heard of most of the folks who applied. The last thing we need is more complete novices on Council. Of course, a weak, ineffectual Council plays right in to Wade’s hands.

Tough choice

Here’s the rub. Forget the quacks and the weirdos. Council has two seats to fill with competent, engaged, politically savvy and independent-minded leaders. Moreover, the appointees will affect the governing body’s gender and racial balance, given that they are replacing two women, one of whom is African American.

There are several women and people of color on the list. Appointing folks with the proper moxie, while ensuring a Council that truly represents and looks like the City, is a difficult balance. Is the current Council up to that task?

A DisabilityFriendly City

The

City of Toledo works to accommodate people with disabilities

By Curtis A. Deeter

In February 2021, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, with the support of Katie Hunt Thomas of the Ability Center of Greater Toledo and Angie Goodnight, chairperson of the Toledo-Lucas County Commission on Disabilities, announced the creation of a Mayor’s Office on Disability, one of only a few in the United States (along with Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, Houston, Austin, Philadelphia and Tampa, among others). The announcement was in response to 10 local disability centers’, including the Ability Center’s, requests of the Mayor, stressing the importance of making accessibility a stated priority.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz, receptive to the ideas, responded within weeks to their proposal. In announcing the Office on Disability, the Mayor emphasized the importance of going beyond the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a nondiscriminatory act that establishes accessibility standards for state and local governments.

“We believe this is the first office of its kind in the state of Ohio,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “Every municipality must have an ADA coordinator, which Toledo has had for many years, with varied effectiveness. This office establishes a Mayor’s Office on Disability, which is a huge leap forward in ensuring that Toledo is the most disability-friendly city in the nation. Everything we do... is through the lens of making our city open and welcoming to everyone,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz added.

The Office, created to influence City operations, an ambitious and forwardthinking goal, has been in place for 3 years. What steps have been taken and where is there room for improvement?

Tangible Results

Housing

The City of Toledo will claim up to $10 million of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds to address its housing needs. In October 2023, Toledo’s administration drafted a Pathway to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Housing Grant Application. Grant funds can be used to remove barriers from affordable housing, including accessibility improvements.

Transportation

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) proposed a shift for operational funding of the Authority from property taxes to sales tax. Beginning April 1, 2022, TARTA operations have been funded by a half-percent increase in sales tax. City officials are hopeful that this enhanced funding source will allow for a resurgence in services, providing a more well-rounded public transportation system throughout the greater Toledo area.

Employment

Toledo continues to implement disability-friendly and discriminatory free hiring policies. To meet development and revitalization goals, agencies such as the Ability Center, the Commission

on Disabilities, and the Mayor’s Office on Disabilities are available to ensure projects meet the needs of everyone, including those with disabilities.

Public Spaces

Another example of how the focus to make Toledo the most disability-friendly city in the country, can be found at the Glass City Metropark and the area’s park system in general, striving to foster inclusion and accessibility within its parks.

Over the last few years, many parks have been re-designed and re-built to meet accessibility standards. From the Glass City Riverwalk to Secor Metropark’s wheelchair accessible playground to the Toledo Botanical Garden’s Doneghy Inclusive Garden, improvements to outdoor spaces have opened these destinations for all people.

Toledo City Paper spoke with Valerie Fatica, the City of Toledo’s Disability Manager, about steps the city has taken to become more disability-friendly.

The City of Toledo includes a Voluntary Self-Identification form in its on-boarding process, which assists in tracking recruitment of employees with

disabilities; placed an intern from the Toledo Transition program into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department; trained Toledo Police Department cadets on disabled parking abuse and enforcement as well as utilizing deaf communication cards in all patrol cars; removed a number of barriers for city-owned facilities to foster accessibility; launched Snow Angels to help residents with snow removal; and developed a closed captioning ordinance for the Engage Toledo, Code Compliance and Marketing departments.

The inaugural Disabled and Proud Festival was held in 2023 and city departments celebrated Disability Employment Awareness Month in partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.

The City of Toledo is developing and implementing disability-friendly policies throughout the city and surrounding areas. toledo.oh.gov/accessibility. toledo.oh.gov/departments/diversityequity-and-inclusion/disability

Cont ‘d on p8

Actively Advocating Community members support those with disabilities

By Jeff Berry

Jennifer Kirby has Cerebral Palsy, a disease that, she explains, makes her approach to advocacy unique.

Jennifer KIRBY Owner/Manager Compass Rose Disability Advocates compassroseadvocates.com

“I’m kind of an education junkie,” Jennifer Kirby says with a laugh. Kirby holds two master’s degrees (one in library science and another in organizational leadership), a certificate in autism intervention and she briefly attended law school (she didn’t finish because of her full time work schedule)… and she has cerebral palsy. Kirby is the owner/manager of Compass Rose Disability Advocates. All of the Advocates have a disability or have a family member with a disability. Kirby approaches her advocacy work as a person with a disability; an approach that, she explains, makes her agency unique. “We’re all very clear at Compass Rose that the child with the disability is our client along with the parents. Many agencies (like ours) call themselves ‘parent advocates’...we’re (advocating) for both,” Kirby said.

For more than 30 years, Kirby has worked in disability advocacy prior to founding Compass Rose in March, 2023. She knows the importance of having an advocate and credits her mother for being her biggest supporter.

“Looking back over my life, I have always advocated for myself, but my mom was always a strong advocate for me, as well. I had her as a role model as an advocate,” Kirby relates, adding, “My mom advocated for (me in many areas). I was raised (in a way that) if you see something or someone that needs assistance, don’t just sit around and complain, but try to help with it, try to fix it.”

Tim Tegge is one of two directors, over the Center’s 100 year history, with a serious vision impairment

Tim TEGGE Executive Director

The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio sightcentertoledo.org

On his day off from his full-time gig as the executive director of The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio, Tim Tegge attended a couple of meetings and then went to his part-time gig, as a musician at a nursing home near his home in Bowling “I don’t think of myself as a musician (but rather) a songwriter. I wouldn’t be a songwriter if it weren’t for my vision impairment,” Tegge explains. “The visual world is boring so I tend to connect more with my thoughts. Sitting with lots of people as the passenger in many cars, I hear a lot of great stories and great phrases… with all of that combined; if I had normal vision and could drive, I would still love music, but I would have never heard those stories and, likely, I would have never finished a song.” Before Tegge became the executive director of The Sight Center, he was a client. He was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease (early onset macular degeneration) at the age of 12. Tegge was on the Board for six or seven years, on staff at the Center for eight years and has been the executive director, overseeing the nonprofit organization, for the last year. He’s only the second director in the Center’s history to have a vision impairment and he is living proof that a visionimpairment can offer a new beginning. The Sight Center assists people with vision problems to learn how to navigate, how to use current technology to assist in communication while also educating the community on current vision-impairment issues.

“Don’t let (a vision impairment) stop you from doing what you want to do,” Tegge urges, adding, “It’s not all negatives that come with having a disease like this – there are some positives, meeting really cool people, learning patience, learning to persevere through hard times, and learning how to be a good listener.”

Toledo City Paper recognizes disability advocates working to ensure safety, accessibility and justice for members of our community with disabilities.

PRESENTED BY

Toledo City Paper announces the Best of Toledo 2023 Awards!

More than half a million votes from loyal City Paper readers determined the best local businesses, professionals and institutions. From community stalwarts to recent upstarts, these selections, in over 200 categories, are the Toledo area’s Best of the Best!

Shops/Stores

NEW STORE

WINNER: Just Toledo justtoledo.net

RUNNER-UP: Whiskey Bean Boutique

FLORAL SHOP

WINNER: Beautiful Blooms by Jen beautifulbloomsbyjen.com

RUNNER-UP: Bartz Viviano

GREENHOUSE/NURSERY

WINNER: Nature’s Corner mynaturescorner.com

RUNNER-UP: Hoen’s Garden Center

HOME/GIFT SHOP

WINNER: Fiddlestix fiddlestixboutique.com

RUNNER-UP: Beautiful Blooms by Jen

ANTIQUE STORE

WINNER: Maumee Antique Mall maumeeantiquemall.com

RUNNER-UP: The Copper Kettle Antiques

FLOORING STORE

WINNER: Carpets by Otto carpetsbyotto.com

RUNNER-UP: Modern Floors

FURNITURE STORE

WINNER: La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries la-z-boy.com/toledo/ monroe-street

RUNNER-UP: Appliance Center of Toledo

THRIFT/RESALE STORE

WINNER: Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity mvhabitat.org

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Humane Society Thrift Store and Donation Center

MALL/SHOPPING AREA

WINNER: Franklin Park Mall visitfranklinparkmall.com

RUNNER-UP: The Town Center at Levis Commons

PLACE TO BUY A PIECE OF TOLEDO

WINNER: Jupmode jupmode.com

RUNNER-UP: Libbey Glass

BIPOC-OWNED BUSINESS

Jera’s Heavenly Sweet

3059 W Bancroft St. 419-214-1107.

jheavenlysweet.com

FIRST TIMER

After turning her passion for baking into a licensed homebased bakery, Jera began selling her sweets at festivals and local events. In 2017, Jera’s Heavenly Sweet opened on the lower level of the One Seagate building downtown. The treats, baked daily from scratch, include cookies, cakes, pastries, pies and more, Jera’s has a sweet treat for you.

RUNNER-UP: Callisto Terra callistoterra.com

LOCALLY-OWNED WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

WINNER: Curvy Girls Matter Boutique LLC

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Laverne + Frankie

LOCALLY-OWNED MEN’S CLOTHING

WINNER: Diamond’s Men’s Shop of Toledo

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Szar’s Mens Shop

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS

WINNER: Busy Bea Photography busybeaphotography.com

RUNNER-UP: Handmade Hotspot

LGBTQ+ OWNED BUSINESS

WINNER: Grindhrs Coffee & Community grindhrs.com

RUNNER-UP: Maybe Cheese Born With It

JEWELRY STORE

WINNER: Alan Miller Jewelers alanmillerjewelers.com

RUNNER-UP: Estate Jewelers

OPTICAL SHOP

WINNER: Optical Arts opticalartsinc.com

RUNNER-UP: Perrysburg Eye Center

SEXY BUSINESS

WINNER: Pleasure 365 pleasure365.com

RUNNER-UP: Clearly Weird.

MEAT/BUTCHER

WINNER: House of Meats houseofmeats.com

RUNNER-UP: Frobose Meat Locker

SPIRITUAL SHOP

WINNER: Reger’s Church Supply regers.com

RUNNER-UP: Angela’s Angels Gift Shop

LIQUOR STORE

WINNER: Joseph’s Beverage Center josephsbeveragecenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Flick’s Package Liquor

RETAIL WINE SELECTION

WINNER: Joseph’s Beverage Center josephsbeveragecenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Walt Churchill’s Market

CANDY STORE

WINNER: Boyd’s Retro Candy Store boydsretrocandy.com

RUNNER-UP: Maumee Valley Chocolate and Candy

VAPE

SHOP

WINNER: Higher Thoughts Smoke Shop & More Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Wild Bill’s Tobacco of Toledo

CIGAR SHOP

WINNER: The Cigar Affair thecigaraffair.com

RUNNER-UP: Third Street Cigars

MEDICAL CANNABIS

DISPENSARY

WINNER: Lume Cannabis Co. lume.com

RUNNER-UP: URB Cannabis Dispensary

CBD SHOP

WINNER: The Head Shed cybershed.com

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Hemp Center

GAMING/COMIC STORE

WINNER: Toledo Game Room toledogameroom.com

RUNNER-UP: Monarch Comics

POP-UP MARKET

WINNER: Toledo Farmers’ Market toledofarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Visit Perrysburg Market Days

APPLIANCE STORE

WINNER: Appliance Center shopac.com

RUNNER-UP: Durocher’s

DIY BUSINESS

WINNER: Callisto Terra callistoterra.com

RUNNER-UP: Clearly Weird.

CONTINUED ON P. 12

Saturday, March 16, 2024

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1310 Conant Street Maumee, OH 43537

mvhabitat.org

PROFESSIONAL FRAMING SERVICE

It is never outsourced, with

designed and assembled in house. The designers want to preserve your artwork

TECH REPAIR

WINNER: Razelle Tech Solutions & Services razelle.com

RUNNER-UP: uBreakiFix

ELECTRONICS RECYCLER

WINNER: Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity mvhabitat.org

RUNNER-UP: Recycle IT, USA Toledo

LANDSCAPER

WINNER: Glass City Lawn & Landscape glasscitylawnandlandscape.com

RUNNER-UP: Luck Landscaping LLC

HANDYMAN

WINNER: A+ Home Improvements remodeltoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Handy Hubby

HOME BUILDER

WINNER: Homes by Josh Doyle homesbyjoshdoyle.com

RUNNER-UP: Black Oak Building Company

REMODELING

WINNER: Kleeberger Contracting Services kleebergercs.com

RUNNER-UP: Handy Hubby

WINDOWS AND DOORS

WINNER: Toledo Door & Window toledodoor.com

RUNNER-UP: Dunright Building Services

KITCHEN AND BATH

WINNER: Kleeberger Contracting Services kleebergercs.com

RUNNER-UP: Handy Hubby

JUNK REMOVAL SERVICE

WINNER: Jeff’s Hauling and Cleanup

Find us on Facebook

RUNNER-UP: Select Sanitation Service

ROOFING COMPANY

WINNER: Good Guys Roofing, LLC

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Holt Roofing

CLEANING SERVICE

WINNER: Carissa’s Green Cleaning LLC

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Molly Maid

HEATING

AND AIR SERVICE

WINNER: M&M Heating & Cooling mandmheating.com

RUNNER-UP: Shrek Heating & Air Conditioning LLC

DRY CLEANER

WINNER: LaSalle Cleaners lasallecleaners.com

RUNNER-UP: Twin Oaks Cleaners

TAILOR/SEAMSTRESS

WINNER: Sew-N-Such sew-n-such.com

RUNNER-UP: Stitch 2 Stitch

WINDOW CLEANER

WINNER: IC Powerwashing icpowerwashing.com

RUNNER-UP: 419 Window Cleaning

BANK

WINNER: Huntington Bank huntington.com

RUNNER-UP: Fifth Third Bank

CREDIT UNION

WINNER: Glass City Federal Credit Union glasscityfcu.com

RUNNER-UP: Directions Credit Union

FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM

WINNER: Wright Financial Group LLC wrightfinancialgroup.com

RUNNER-UP: Glass City Federal Financial Solutions

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

WINNER: Danberry Realtors danberry.com

RUNNER-UP: Howard Hanna

BAIL BONDS

WINNER: Toledo Bail Bonds, LLC toledoohiobailbonds.com

RUNNER-UP: Smith Bonds & Surety

AD AGENCY

WINNER: MadAveGroup madavegroup.com

RUNNER-UP: Communica

LAUNDROMAT

WINNER: Super Suds Laundromat supersudslaundry.com

RUNNER-UP: Reynolds Laundromat

FUNERAL HOME

WINNER: Freck Funeral Chapel freckchapel.com

RUNNER-UP: Castillo Funeral Home & Cremation Services

MOVING COMPANY

WINNER: MVM Moving & Storage mvmmoving.com

RUNNER-UP: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling

PEST CONTROL

WINNER: Frame’s Pest Control framespestcontrol.com/ toledo-pest-control

RUNNER-UP: DelRoy Products & Pest Control Inc.

PLACE TO BUY A CAR

WINNER: Yark Automotive Group yarkauto.com

RUNNER-UP: Brondes Ford Maumee

AUTO SALESPERSON

WINNER: Brittany Joseph, Yark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram yarkchryslerjeepdodgeram.com

RUNNER-UP: Sean Riley, Taylor Hyundai of Perrysburg

AUTO REPAIR

WINNER: Hasty’s Complete Automotive Service hastysautorepair.com

RUNNER-UP: Ambrosia’s Automotive

EUROPEAN AUTO REPAIR

WINNER: Ambrosia’s Automotive ambrosiasautomotive.com

RUNNER-UP: Yark Automotive

CAR WASH

WINNER: Clean Auto Express Wash cleanexpresswash.com

RUNNER-UP: Expresso Car Wash & Express Lube

CAR DETAILER

WINNER: Precision Auto Detailing precisionautodetailing.com

RUNNER-UP: Details by Sino

TIRE SHOP/REPAIR

WINNER: Tireman Auto Service Centers thetireman.com

RUNNER-UP: Belle Tire

CONTINUED ON P. 16

CONTINUED FROM P. 13

Wedding

BRIDAL SHOP

Atlas Bridal Shop 4895 Monroe St #101. 419-474-9119. atlasbridalshop.com

FREQUENT FLYER

Atlas Bridal Shop celebrates life’s important moments with a staff eager to work with you. Find the perfect attire for your wedding and on-site seamstresses with over 40 years of experience can help with alterations. A part of the Toledo community for over 95 years, Atlas prides itself on dressing generations of brides.

RUNNER-UP: Belle Amour Bridal belleamourbridal.com

WEDDING TAILOR/ SEAMSTRESS

WINNER: Stitch 2 Stitch Stitch 2 Stitch on Facebook

RUNNER-UP: Sew Beyond Blessed

LIMO SERVICE

WINNER: Childers Limousine Service childerstransportation.com

RUNNER-UP: Team Johnson Limo & Charter Bus

CATERER

WINNER: Michael’s Gourmet Catering, Inc. michaelsoftoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Shamy’s Catering

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER

WINNER: Abby Lynn Photography abbylynnphotography.com

RUNNER-UP: Kristen Nicole Photography

WEDDING DJ

WINNER: Next Level DJs nextlvldjs.com

RUNNER-UP: DJ T.O.

WEDDING VENUE

WINNER: Toledo Zoo & Aquarium toledozoo.org

RUNNER-UP: Nazareth Hall

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

WINNER: Belamere Suites belameresuites.com

RUNNER-UP: Cannaley Treehouse Village (Metroparks)

WEDDING PLANNER

WINNER: Social Events Co. socialeventsco.com

RUNNER-UP: Bee for the Day

CONTINUED ON P. 18

MARINA/BOAT CLUB

River View Yacht Club

The Toledo Yacht Club

SPOT FOR BOWLING

Forest View Lanes forestviewlanes.com

Timbers Bowling Lanes

GOLF COURSE Brandywine

brandywinecc.com

Belmont Country Club

PLACE TO PLAY TABLETOP GAMES

Hollywood Casino Toledo hollywoodcasinotoledo.com

Oncore Brewing

PLACE TO SWIM

WINNER: YMCA of Greater Toledo ymcatoledo.org

RUNNER-UP: Centennial Terrace & Quarry

INDOOR RECREATION

WINNER: Imagination Station imaginationstationtoledo.org

RUNNER-UP: Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline

PLACE TO PAINT & SIP Spin & Splat

2455 Tremainsville Road. 734-807-2050. spinandsplat.com

No matter your artistic skill, Spin & Splat is a space where everyone realizes their creative potential. Create a masterpiece at Spin & Splat with no limitations on what you can create.

RUNNER-UP: Peace Love & Pottery Studio peaceloveandpotterystudio.com

PLACE TO SPEND A SATURDAY

WINNER: Toledo Zoo & Aquarium toledozoo.org

RUNNER-UP: Wildwood Preserve Metropark

seamstress

O TOL ED

Pets

PET ADOPTION SERVICE

WINNER: Toledo Humane Society toledohumane.org

RUNNER-UP: Lucas County Pit Crew

PET DAYCARE/BOARDING

WINNER: K9 Elite Dog Training LLC k9elitedogtraining.org

RUNNER-UP: Karnik on Black

PET GROOMING

WINNER: Hound Haven houndhaven.org

RUNNER-UP: Bubbles & Bones LLC

DOG TRAINING FACILITY

WINNER: K9 Elite Dog Training LLC k9elitedogtraining.org

RUNNER-UP: Canine Karma

PET FRIENDLY BAR/ RESTAURANT

WINNER: Earnest Brew Works earnestbrewworks.com

RUNNER-UP: Swig Perrysburg swigrestaurant.com

PET RESCUE

WINNER: Lucas County Pit Crew lucascountypitcrew.com

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Humane Society

Places

TATTOO SHOP/STUDIO

WINNER: Needle Masters Tattoo Studios Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Amity Ink

APARTMENT COMPLEX

WINNER: Mosaic at Levis Commons mosaicleviscommons.com

RUNNER-UP: Commodore Perry Apartments

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS WE MISS

WINNER: Rudy's Hot Dog on Sylvania Avenue rudyshotdog.com

RUNNER-UP: Element 112

PET BAKERY/TREATS

WINNER: Three Dog Bakery threedog.com

RUNNER-UP: Zoom Room Dog Training

VETERINARIAN

WINNER: Dr. Paul Pifer, Countryside Animal Hospital countryside-ah.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Steven K. Reece, Anthony Wayne Animal Hospital

VET TECHNICIAN

WINNER: Renee, Countryside Animal Hospital countryside-ah.com

RUNNER-UP: Jessica Limpf, Healing Hearts Veterinary Care

DOG PARK

WINNER: Glass City Dog Park glasscitydogpark.org

RUNNER-UP: Middlegrounds Metropark

PLACE TO MEET SINGLES

WINNER: The Village Idiot villageidiotmaumee.com

RUNNER-UP: The Attic on Adams

SMALL VENUE

WINNER: The Village Idiot villageidiotmaumee.com

RUNNER-UP: Maumee Indoor Theater

PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE

WINNER: The Heights theheightstoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Rosie's Italian Grille

PLACE FOR A CELEBRATORY TOAST

WINNER: The Heights theheightstoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Benchmark Restaurant

CONTINUED ON P. 20

TATTOO ARTIST

WINNER: Jaime Kaim, Needle Masters Tattoo Studio Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Hayley, Amity Ink

BEST PIERCER

WINNER: Piercings by Caitlin toledobodypiercing.com

RUNNER-UP: Whitey Stachowiak, Needle Masters

PSYCHIC/ASTROLOGER

WINNER: Janet Amid janetamid.com

RUNNER-UP: Medium Sirena La Point

ACUPUNCTURIST

WINNER: Tamara TCM Acupuncture and Herbs tamaratcm.com

RUNNER-UP: Frame Chiropractic & Acupuncture

CHIROPRACTOR

WINNER: Foundation Chiropractic doctorjajuga.com

RUNNER-UP: Spring Meadows Chiropractic

AUDIOLOGIST

WINNER: Sarah DeLauter and Chelsey Spangenberg, Toledo Clinic Audiology toledoclinicent.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Vincent Toma, Mercy Health

DENTIST

WINNER: Frankel Dentistry jonfrankeldentistry.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Yaya Hu, Hires Dental Care

DENTAL HYGIENIST

WINNER: Frankel Dentistry jonfrankeldentistry.com

RUNNER-UP: Knierim Dental

ORTHODONTIST

WINNER: HLS Orthodontics perfectbraces.com

RUNNER-UP: Phelan Orthodontics

DERMATOLOGIST

WINNER: Dermatology Associates daohio.com

RUNNER-UP: Anders Dermatology

DOCTOR

WINNER: Dr. Dan Rapport, University of Toledo Medical Center utmc.utoledo.edu

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Lawrence Monger Jr., The Toledo Clinic

NURSE

WINNER: Lexe Wooten, The Willow Center willowcenter.com

RUNNER-UP: Peggy Cole, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DOCTOR

WINNER: Dr. Christopher Perry, Toledo Clinic ENT toledoclinicent.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Vincent Toma, McLaren Hospital

EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL

WINNER: Dr. Robert Rhee, Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants, LLC pocllc.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Heather Paulus, Maumee Center for Eyecare

PLASTIC SURGEON

WINNER: Arrowhead Plastic Surgeons arrowheadsurgeons.com

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Frank Barone, EVOLV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics

NATUROPATH

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

The Willow Center 5565 Airport Hwy # 100. 419-720-5800. willowcenter.com

The Willow Center’s staff of trained therapists and psychiatrists provide counseling services for individuals, couples, families, teens, children and adults as well as individualized psychiatric medication prescription and management services. With wisdom, perspective and a listening ear, the staff supports you in times of difficulty, helping you rediscover peace and restore relationships. Whatever you may be dealing with, The Willow Center can help.

RUNNER-UP: Anchored in Hope Counseling anchoredinhopecounseling.org

REALTOR

WINNER: Dr. Maleigha Watts, Toledo Naturopathic toledonaturopathic.com

RUNNER-UP: Diana Spiess, Essence Mind Body Studio

LIFE COACH

WINNER: Todd Crandell, Racing for Recovery racingforrecovery.org

RUNNER-UP: Sue McMahon, Living from the Heart

ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES

WINNER: Zepf Center zepfcenter.org

RUNNER-UP: Racing for Recovery

PHARMACY

WINNER: Toledo Clinic Pharmacy toledoclinic.com/ healthcare-services/pharmacy

RUNNER-UP: Erie Drug

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

WINNER: Beau Barrow, Glass City Federal Financial Solutions glasscityfcu.com/investments

RUNNER-UP: Brandon E. Rodgriguez, Edward Jones

WINNER: Tony Bassett, Danberry Realtors danberry.com

RUNNER-UP: Kelly Latz, Howard Hanna

INTERIOR DESIGNER

WINNER: The Lloyd Design Team, Decorating Den Interiors cathilloyd.decoratingden.com

RUNNER-UP: Mary Marshall, M&M Interiors

INSURANCE AGENT

WINNER: Knight Insurance Group knightinsurance.com

RUNNER-UP: Alma Fesh at Comparion Insurance Agency

ATTORNEY

WINNER: Charles Boyk Law Offices charlesboyk-law.com

RUNNER-UP: Allison Groth, Groth & Associates

WEB DESIGN/DEVELOPER

WINNER: Grow with Meerkat growwithmeerkat.com

RUNNER-UP: TouchStone Digital

PHYSICAL THERAPY

WINNER: PT Link Physical Therapy ptlinktherapy.com

RUNNER-UP: ProMedica Total Rehab

NAIL SALON

Serenity Nail Salon & Spa 1679 Lance Pointe Road. 419-741-0808. Serenitynailsmaumee.com

Serenity Nail Salon & Spa, the sister company of Serenity Health & Wellness Center, operates just two buildings away, Serenity Nail Salon & Spa offers a wide array of nail esthetic services at affordable prices. With a tranquil, inviting atmosphere and upgraded VIP services available, experience manicures, pedicures, saunas, soaks and more.

RUNNER-UP: The Nail Room the-nail-room-106357.square.site

WOMEN’S SALON

WINNER: Soto Signature Salon & Spa sotosalonspa.com

RUNNER-UP: Elixir Beauty Lab

MEN’S BARBER SHOP

WINNER: Headhunters Barber Studio & Salon headhuntersbarbersalonstudio.com

RUNNER-UP: The Black Sheep Barber Co.

DAY SPA

WINNER: Serenity Health and Wellness Center serenitywellness1.com

RUNNER-UP: Soto Signature Salon & Spa

MEDI-SPA

WINNER: Blush Aesthetics blushnwo.com

RUNNER-UP: Serenity Health & Wellness Center

AESTHETICIAN

WINNER: Jarrod Del Vecchio, reGEN Aesthetics regen-aesthetics.square.site

RUNNER-UP: Shaylee Strauss, Raw Rooted Beauty

EYEBROW SPECIALIST

WINNER: Jamie Ross, Eyebross Artistry eyebrossartistry.com

RUNNER-UP: Leah Wilson, Soto Signature Salon and Spa

HAIR STYLIST

WINNER: Anne Pearce, Elixir Beauty Lab Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Luke Jacob, HeadHunters

NAIL TECHNICIAN

WINNER: Marisa Daum, The Nail Room the-nail-room-106357.square.site

RUNNER-UP: Britney Henning, Bee's Natural Nail Artistry

LASH TECHNICIAN

WINNER: Corina Ruiz, SolVibe Lashes solvibelashes.com

RUNNER-UP: Kayla King, QBK Esthetics

BEAUTY SCHOOL

WINNER: Summit Salon Academy summitsalonacademyperrysburg.edu

RUNNER-UP: Penta Career Center

MAKEUP ARTIST

WINNER: Lauren Updike, Soto Signature Salon & Spa instagram.com/laurenupmakeup

RUNNER-UP: Shaylee Straus, Raw Rooted Beauty

MASSAGE THERAPIST

WINNER: Dani Schall, LMT, MMT, FSP Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Mindy Gambrell, Healing Zone, LLC

HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER

WINNER: Serenity Health & Wellness Center serenitywellness1.com

RUNNER-UP: Essence Mind Body Studio

YOGA STUDIO

WINNER: Essence Mind Body Studio essencembs.com

RUNNER-UP: LiveFit

BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO/CLASSES

WINNER: The Exercise Coach Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Essence Mind Body Studio

BOOTCAMP STUDIO

WINNER: Renegade Fitness renegadefitnesstraining.com

RUNNER-UP: Morgan's Fitness Solutions

GYM/ATHLETIC CLUB

WINNER: LiveFit livefitperrysburg.com

RUNNER-UP: ProMedica ForeverFit

PERSONAL TRAINER

WINNER: Glory Meyer, LiveFIT livefitperrysburg.com

RUNNER-UP: Austin Austermiller, Renegade Fitness

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

WINNER: Diana Spiess, Essence Mind Body essencembs.com

RUNNER-UP: Glory Meyer, LiveFIT

NUTRITION COUNSELING

WINNER: LiveFIT livefitperrysburg.com

RUNNER-UP: Diana Spiess, Essence Mind Body Studio

CONTINUED ON P. 22

CONTINUED

World flavor for those with taste.

Food

HOT DOGS

WINNER: Rudy’s Hot Dog rudyshotdog.com

RUNNER-UP: Tony Packo’s

BBQ

ETHNIC GROCERY

WINNER: Sofo’s Italian Market shopsofos.com

RUNNER-UP: Stanley’s Market

LOCAL GROCERY

WINNER: Walt Churchill’s Market waltchurchillsmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Monnette’s Market on Secor

LOCAL MARKET

WINNER: Monette’s Market - Secor Monette’s Market on Secor on Facebook.

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Farmers’ Market toledofarmersmarket.com

FARMER'S MARKET

WINNER: Toledo Farmers' Market toledofarmersmarket.com

RUNNER-UP: Sadowski's Produce

NATURAL FOOD STORE

WINNER: Health Foods by Claudia healthfoodsbyclaudia.com

RUNNER-UP: Bassett’s Health Foods

DINER

WINNER: Schmucker’s Restaurant schmuckersrestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Mayberry Diner

COFFEE SHOP

WINNER: Sip & Brew Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Brew House Maumee

DONUTS

WINNER: Wixey Bakery Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Holey Toledough

PIZZA

WINNER: The Village Idiot villageidiotmaumee.com

RUNNER-UP: Pizza Cat

BURGER JOINT

WINNER: Ye Olde Durty Bird yeoldedurtybird.com

RUNNER-UP: Bergers Bar and Grill

SEAFOOD

WINNER: The Real Seafood Company realseafoodcorestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Mancy’s Bluewater Grille

SUSHI

WINNER: Kengo Sushi & Yakitori kengotoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Spicy Tuna Sushi Bar & Grill

WINNER: Shorty’s True American Roadhouse shortystoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: City Barbeque

ICE CREAM

WINNER: Mr. Freeze @mymrfreeze on Instagram

RUNNER-UP: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

INDIAN RESTAURANT

WINNER: Tandoor of Toledo tandooroftoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Bombay Kitchen

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

WINNER: Rosie’s Italian Grille rosiesitaliangrille.com

RUNNER-UP: Inky’s Italian Food

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

WINNER: The Beirut beirutrestaurant.com

RUNNER-UP: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

WINNER: Cocina de Carlos cocinadecarlos.com

RUNNER-UP: Ventura's Mexican Restaurant

ASIAN RESTAURANT

WINNER: QQ Kitchen qqkitchen.com

RUNNER-UP: Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi

STEAKHOUSE

WINNER: Mancy’s Steakhouse mancyssteakhouse.com

RUNNER-UP: Benchmark Restaurant

BEST FOOD TRUCK

WINNER: Beastro Burger Truck maybecheesebornwithit.com

RUNNER-UP: Wanna Make 'Er Loaded

DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC

WINNER: The Village Idiot villageidiotmaumee.com

RUNNER-UP: Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE

WINNER: Dine in Delivery Bedford didbedford.com

RUNNER-UP: Deliver Toledo

SOUL FOOD

WINNER: Jamaican Spice jamaicanspicetoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: J'Mae's Home Cooking CONTINUED ON P. 25

Mediterranean Restaurant

#FoodisLove

139 South Huron | Downtown | soukkitchenbar.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

WINNER: Sidelines Sports Eatery & Pub sidelinessportseatery.com

RUNNER-UP: Wild Side Brewing Company

BREWERY

WINNER: Inside the Five Brewing Company insidethefivebrewing.com

RUNNER-UP: Maumee Bay Brewing Company

WINERY

WINNER: Urban Pine Winery urbanpinewinery.com

RUNNER-UP: Majestic Oak Winery

SPORTS BAR

WINNER: Sidelines Sports Eatery and Pub sidelinessportseatery.com

RUNNER-UP: Pat and Dandy's

RUNNER-UP: Brew House Downtown instagram.com/brewhousedowntown

COLLEGE BAR

WINNER: The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar stubbornbrother.com

RUNNER-UP: Chevy’s Place

IRISH BAR

WINNER: Shawn’s Irish Tavern shawnsirishtavern.com

RUNNER-UP: The Blarney Irish Pub

LGBTQ+ BAR

WINNER: Georgjz419 georgjz419.com

RUNNER-UP: Hamburger Mary’s

TRIVIA NIGHT

WINNER: Danny's Cafe Rossford Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Home Slice Pizza

LOCAL DISTILLERY

WINNER: Toledo Spirits Company toledospirits.com

RUNNER-UP: Six Fifths Distilling

KARAOKE NIGHT

WINNER: Bier Stube Bar & Grill bierstubetoledo.com

RUNNER-UP: Buster Brown's Lounge

WHISKEY BAR

WINNER: Whiskey & The Wolf whiskeyandthewolf.com

RUNNER-UP: Levi and Lilac's Whiskey Room

PLACE TO ENJOY YOUR DORA BEVERAGE WINNER: Adams Street villageonadams.org

RUNNER-UP: Downtown Sylvania

CONTINUED FROM P. 25

INDEPENDENT GALLERY

Studio Z Toledo

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: firenation firenation.com

PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART

Studio Z Toledo

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Handmade Toledo shophandmadetoledo.com

Studio Z Toledo is a local pottery business owned by Christi Meredith. Christi, a potter from a young age, started Studio Z Toledo as a way to share her passion for clay with the community. Find Studio Z Toledo at fine art fairs around town and Saturday mornings at the Toledo Farmers Market. Specializing in original hand-made items for the home, garden and unique gifts. Follow Studio Z Toledo on Facebook.

VISUAL ARTIST (Painting and Drawing)

WINNER: Karla Von Deylen

Find me on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Dawn Bucklew

VISUAL ARTIST (Glass, sculpture & Installation)

WINNER: Monkey Gnome

Find me on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Studio Z Toledo

PHOTOGRAPHER

WINNER: Carrie McCaughtry Photography carriemccaughtry.com

RUNNER-UP: Abby Lynn Photography

ART CLASSES

WINNER: Toledo Museum of Art toledomuseum.org

RUNNER-UP: Spin & Splat

DANCE CLASSES

WINNER: Toledo Ballet artstoledo.com/toledoballet

RUNNER-UP: Ballet Theatre of Toledo

FILMMAKER

WINNER: Gabe Rios-Hannon

Find me on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Anthony Wright Films

LOCAL AUTHOR/WRITER

WINNER: Dan Denton

Dan Denton on Twitter

RUNNER-UP: Rebecca Regnier

LOCAL THEATER GROUP

WINNER: Toledo Repertoire Theatre toledorep.org

RUNNER-UP: Oregon Community Theatre

LOCAL ACTOR/PERFORMER

WINNER: Kaylie Amaya

Find me on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Joelle Stiles

DRAG SHOW

WINNER: Hamburger Mary's hamburgermarys.com

RUNNER-UP: Georgjz419

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

WINNER: Kimberly Cardell

Kim Cardell on Instagram

RUNNER-UP: Tiffanie Clemens

Music Media

RADIO STATION

Proclaim, WPOS-FM 102.3 proclaimfm.com

Proclaim FM is a nonprofit, listener-supported and commercial radio station that broadcasts contemporary Christian music and has teaching programs. Operating out of Holland, Ohio since 1966 under The Maumee Valley Broadcasting Association, Proclaim FM has been called to connect, engage and impact our community by proclaiming the relevant, life-transforming message of hope through Jesus.

RUNNER-UP: 93.5 WQRN 935wrqn.com

LOCAL TV STATION

WINNER: WTVG 13ABC 13abc.com

RUNNER-UP: WTOL Channel 11

FREQUENT FLYER

BEST ANCHOR DUO

WINNER: MORGAN KOSINSKI & ALLISON GUTLEBER, WNWO 24 nbc24.com

RUNNER-UP: Lee Conklin & Diane Larson, WTVG 13abc

SPORTSCASTER

WINNER: DAN CUMMINS, WTOL CHANNEL 11 wtol.com

RUNNER-UP: Justin Feldkamp, BCSN & WTVG 13

METEOROLOGIST

WINNER: CHRIS VICKERS, WTOL CHANNEL 11 wtol.com

RUNNER-UP: Ross Ellet, WTVG 13

PRINT JOURNALIST

WINNER: REBECCA REGNIER, AUTHOR rebeccaregnier.co

RUNNER-UP: Riley Runnells, Toledo City Paper

RADIO SHOW

WINNER: RANDOMOSITYTOLEDO’S ONLY VINYL

RADIO SHOW

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Andrew Z and Demetrius, Party 103.3

LOCAL PODCAST

WINNER: RANDOMOSITYTOLEDO’S ONLY VINYL

RADIO SHOW

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: 4 Friends and a Bottle

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

WINNER: LUCAS COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Scanner News

FREQUENT FLYER

SINGER

WINNER: ABBIGALE ROSE abbigalerose.com

RUNNER-UP: Andi Jo Taylor

COVER BAND

WINNER: POP'S GARAGE

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Madison Avenue Band

BAND (ORIGINALS)

WINNER: ABBIGALE ROSE abbigalerose.com

RUNNER-UP: Shane Piasecki and The Lone Wolf Hippies

BLUES/JAZZ ARTIST

WINNER: THE BUZZ

ANDERSON PROJECT

Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Ramona Collins

DJ

WINNER: DJ T.O. deejaytomusic.com

RUNNER-UP: Next Level DJs

HIP HOP ARTIST

WINNER: SHE SPEAKS whoisshespeaks.com

RUNNER-UP: 2wo-Tone

RECORD STORE

Culture Clash Records

912 Monroe St. 419-536-5683.

Cultureclashrecords.com.

Culture Clash Records, an independently owned record store based in Toledo, has a large selection of new and pre-spun vinyl, CDs and tapes, along with record players, speakers and occassional live music for Toledo’s music lovers.

RUNNER-UP: Allied Record Exchange alliedrecordexchange.com

MUSIC VENUE

WINNER: THE VILLAGE IDIOT villageidiotmaumee.com

RUNNER-UP: Sneaky Pete’s

MUSIC LESSONS

WINNER: FORTE MUSIC SCHOOL fortemusicandarts.com

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Symphony School of Music

PLACE TO BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

WINNER: RETTIG MUSIC CO. rettigmusic.com

RUNNER-UP: Music Go Round

CONTINUED ON P. 30

CONTINUED

CHARITY/NONPROFIT

Bittersweet Farms

12660 Archbold-Whitehouse Road, Whitehouse. 419-875-6986. Bittersweetfarms.org

Bittersweet Farms, a charity organization based in Whitehouse has a mission of making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism. Bittersweet Farms uses agriculture and aerobic activities to assist autistic people with personal growth. They operate the first farmstead program for autistic adults in the United States, and the second in the world.

RUNNER-UP: The Victory Center thevictorycenter.org

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

WINNER: Sylvania cityofsylvania.com

RUNNER-UP: Perrysburg

SUBURBAN DOWNTOWN

WINNER: Sylvania cityofsylvania.com

RUNNER-UP: Perrysburg

NONPROFIT EVENT

WINNER: Acoustics for Autism (Project iAm) acousticsforautism.com

RUNNER-UP: Bittersweet Farms Celebrating Possibilities

FESTIVAL

WINNER: German American Festival (GAF Society) germanamericanfestival.net

RUNNER-UP: Acoustics for Autism (Project iAm)

UNIVERSITY

WINNER: University of Toledo utoledo.edu

RUNNER-UP: Lourdes University

COUNTRY CLUB

WINNER: Brandywine Country Club brandywinecc.com

RUNNER-UP: Inverness Club

PRIVATE CLUB

WINNER: The Toledo Club toledoclub.org

RUNNER-UP: Harbor View Yacht Club

INSTITUTION WE’RE PROUD OF

WINNER: Toledo Zoo & Aquarium toledozoo.org

RUNNER-UP: Metroparks Toledo

BEST PLACE TO SHOW OFF TOLEDO TO OUT-OF-TOWNERS

WINNER: Toledo Zoo & Aquarium toledozoo.org

RUNNER-UP: Metroparks Toledo

HOTEL

WINNER: Renaissance Toledo Downtown renaissance-hotels.marriott.com

RUNNER-UP: Belamere Suites

HIGH SCHOOL

WINNER: Sylvania Southview High School sylvaniaschools.org/ southviewhighschool_home.aspx

RUNNER-UP: Central Catholic High School

COMMUNITY CONTINUED FROM P. 30

PRIVATE SCHOOL

WINNER: Central Catholic High School centralcatholic.org

RUNNER-UP: St. Ursula Academy

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WINNER: Owens Community College owens.edu

RUNNER-UP: Davis College

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

WINNER: CedarCreek Church cedarcreek.tv

RUNNER-UP: Boulevard Christian Church

EVENT THAT MAKES YOU

PROUD TO BE A TOLEDOAN

WINNER: Toledo JeepFest toledojeepfest.com

RUNNER-UP: Acoustics for Autism (Project iAm)

CAREER TECH HIGH SCHOOL

WINNER: Penta Career Center pentacareercenter.org

RUNNER-UP: Toledo School for the Arts

CAREER TECH COLLEGE

WINNER: Owens Community College owens.edu

RUNNER-UP: Mercy College of Ohio

LOCAL SPORTS TEAM

WINNER: Toledo Mud Hens milb.com/toledo

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Walleye

HOSPITAL

WINNER: ProMedica

Toledo Hospital promedica.org

RUNNER-UP: ProMedica Flower Hospital

CONTINUED ON P. 34

CONTINUED FROM P. 32

POLITICIAN

WINNER: Marcy Kaptur marcykaptur.com

RUNNER-UP: Nicole Khoury

UNION

WINNER: Toledo Federation of Teachers tft250.org

RUNNER-UP: UAW Local 12

POLICE OFFICER

WINNER: Bobby Chromik, Toledo lucascountysheriff.org

RUNNER-UP: Keith Zaborowski, Toledo

FIREFIGHTER

WINNER: Kelly Knerr toledofirerescue.com

RUNNER-UP: Meredith Hill

BEST DRESSED MAN

WINNER: DJ T.O. deejaytomusic.com

RUNNER-UP: Matt Simpson, La-Z-Boy

BEST DRESSED WOMAN

WINNER: Chrys Peterson, Local Personality chryspeterson.com

RUNNER-UP: Rhonda Simpson, Social Media Influencer

LOCAL CELEBRITY

WINNER: Chrys Peterson, Local Personality chryspeterson.com

RUNNER-UP: Nicole Khoury

DRAG QUEEN

WINNER: Sugar Vermonte Find us on Facebook!

RUNNER-UP: Deja D. Dellataro

CONTINUED ON P. 36

PEOPLE

COMEDIAN

WINNER: Mark Knope knope.com

RUNNER-UP: Matt Killam

PHILANTHROPIST

WINNER: Steve Taylor stevetaylormade.com

RUNNER-UP: Nicole Khoury

UP AND COMING

PROFESSIONAL

WINNER: Stephanie Solheim, Grow With Meerkat growwithmeerkat.com

RUNNER-UP: Isabella Weik, Toledo Mindfulness Institute

ENTREPRENEUR

WINNER: Stephanie Solheim, Grow With Meerkat growwithmeerkat.com

RUNNER-UP: Sugar Vermonte, Maybe Cheese Born With It

TEACHER

WINNER: Jennifer Stopera, Toledo Public Schools tps.org

RUNNER-UP: Gina Kasper, Washington Local Schools

POPPERS

New Ghost Kitchen at Agave and Rye

A new ghost kitchen, Lick My Chicken, will share the Agave and Rye kitchen, operating without a dining space, with third party delivery services. The secret menu, as the name suggests, will offer all things chicken. Enjoy delicious chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders or even a chicken burrito. Side items include mac ‘n cheese, waffle fries and funnel cake fries. 1210 Levis Commons. 567-276-3742. lickmychicken.com

Wine tasting at Nooney’s

Take part in a private wine tasting at The Spielbusch Lounge at Nooney Companies. The old-timey vibe feels like a 1920’s speakeasy. 1001 Cherry St. 419-214-0666. Rwnooney.com

Monthly wine tastings at Black Kite Coffee

The Black Kite Coffee monthly wine tastings featyre four samples of handpicked wines and a bonus special drink for just $5. No RSVP required. 2499 Collingwood Blvd. 419-750-5820. blackkitecoffee.com

CHOW LINE Top Pot Toledo

A different kind of dining

By Jeff Glick

Top Pot Korean Barbecue, a recently opened, unique dining option on Glendale Avenue, between Detroit and Byrne, boasts a straightforward concept: an adventure through an opportunity to share both the preparation and the enjoyment of a meal with your table mates.

You are the chef

The restaurant, in a former Bob Evans location, is configured with a number of booths and tables throughout the dining room, as well as a front sunroom seating area. Each table is equipped with an infrared convection heating element at each dining seat. As well, the center of each table holds a Korean barbecue burner, a heated metal plate surrounded by exhaust vents. The barbecue device, which provides a smoky richness to the food, is used to cook a variety of meats and vegetables, selected by the diner and brought to the table by your server. The infrared heating element holds a pot of simmering soup stock, with a number of flavor selections to pick from. Diners cook their selected ingredients, including thinly sliced meats, tofu, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, wontons and dumplings, in the boiling broth.

Unique concept

The concept is straightforward. There is no carry out or delivery – eat in dining is the standard, with a choice of hot pot or barbecue cooking (if only one option is selected the cost is $29.99 per person/ children are $11.99), or you can select both ($34.99 per person/children $13.99). Also, everyone at the table is requested to order the same preparation option, this deters sharing coking styles among tablemates. The prices may seem steep, however, the ingredients are unlimited –that is, all you can eat – and freshly prepared for your dining experience.

Service and staff

The staff members were all extremely pleasant and outgoing. Due to the diner-involved cooking, staffers need to explain quite a bit to newcomers about how the process works, but they do a very good job of it and are omnipresent

with refills, inquiries about additional food orders and generally making sure the guests are accommodated.

The tables around us were filled with diners, who were happy and visiting with each other. A birthday celebration at an adjacent table brought a costumed bear type character (reminiscent of the mascot for the Beijing Olympics) to sing with the rest of the waitstaff. This is not the type of place to go for a quiet meal. Rather, it provides an experience that requires some thought and concentration along with some work, beyond what might generally be expected from a dining out experience.

Helpful ideas: cooking time, cooking order, bbq vs hot pot

We could have used a little more coaching on the cooking. Signage is posted at the entrance with some cooking tips, but after we had cooked and eaten our meal, we studied it a little more closely when leaving. The timing for cooking the vegetables, especially the hardier ones like sweet potato or pumpkin, and protein, the seafood versus the Angus steak varies. Another visit to Top Pot should move us beyond the competent and into expert range for preparing the food.

Fun and interactive

The dining experience was fun, interactive and certainly encouraged engagement, united by a common task, with our tablemates. The restaurant is extremely clean and very pleasant, with a bit of bustle. The menu suggests a two hour limit for dining, although we took our time and were done well before that. While the “all you can eat” format may lead some to overindulge, it does encourage and allow the sampling of a variety of foods and ingredients in unique and self-directed preparation. Top Pot and Korean Barbecue is on top of our list for a return visit.

3025 Glendale Ave. 567-315-8715

Sun-Th 11:30am - 9:30pm (last seating)

Fri-Sat 11:30am - 10:30pm (last seating)

APPEAL REEL

62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival Stays Hybrid

By Mary Genson and Drew Saunders

In Teknolust! (2002), biogeneticist Rosetta Stone downloads her own DNA into an experimental AI program, creating a trio of cyborgianclones. The clones’ survival depends on injections of male Y chroma, only found in sperm. Ruby, one of the clones, ventures out and seduces men to secure the cyborgs’ survival.

The 62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) begins March 26, running until March 31 for in person audiences, while continuing until April 7 online. This annual Festival, which began in 1963, offers a hybrid format – in person and online – making it more accessible to view the showcased films.

Ann Arbor Film Festival Director, Leslie Raymond, explains the three main components of the AAFF.

Films in competition

“Films in Competition” programming is what the Festival is most known for. This year, 110 films in competition will be shown from the total of 2,971 films submitted from 92 countries.

Off the screen

Several performances and installations occur off screen.

Laura D. Gibson, a Detroit based artist, presents “Dope Women in Media: Honoring the Women of Film in Metro Detroit.” “I want to put women and women filmmakers in Detroit on a platform. I reached out to the film festival to produce the show (and) was amazed to hear them wanting to accept a show like this,” Gibson explains, adding, “ I'm greatly looking forward to it.”

Experience The 62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF)

Themed competitive programs include “Out Night,” Thursday, March 28 at 7:30pm at Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater. Other themed programs include: Music Videos, 35mm and 16mm formats, Animation and Almost All Ages (6+)

Special programs

The festival hosts “Special Programs,” which AAFF community members curate based on current trends in film.

One special program, “Playing Footsi: Ann Arbor Filmmakers of the 1960s–1980s”, curated by Frank Uhle, screens on Friday, March 29 at 9 pm at the State Theatre, spotlighting AAFF filmmakers Tom Berman, Chris Frayne, Peter Wilde, and George Manupelli, all of whom now have AAFF awards named for them.

Gibson hopes this show connects Ann Arbor artists and filmmakers with those in Detroit.

Hybrid format

After the pandemic, the AAFF decided to continue with a hybrid format, offering both online and in-person options. AAFF Deputy Director Scott Boberg relates that, “The hybrid nature of our festival is meshing with people's schedules and people’s needs and their desire to connect with what we show.”

Boberg explains that the AAFF is a great opportunity for film enthusiasts to meet and socialize. “The week of the in-person Festival is a real celebration of creativity and filmmaking, outside the big studio system, and I really love the quirkiness of it,” he adds.

The Festival’s Opening Night Party, a ticketed event, is Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 pm to 8pm in the Michigan Theater Grand Foyer. Access to “Films in Compe-

NOTES THEATER

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

Laugh again with your favorite friends — Rose, Dorothy, Sophia and Blanche — once more at the Stranahan Theater. New members have joined the Golden Girls cast for the 2024 tour. For one night only, see your favorite friends in a new light. March 7 at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $68. 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. stranahantheater.com

Last Stop on Market Street at The Croswell

The Croswell presents an inclusive hip-hop musical based on the children’s book by Matt de la Peña. The musical is staged March 15-17 at various times. The production will also include a sensory-friendly showing on Saturday, March 16 at 2pm, with modifications so that those on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues can better enjoy the show. $18 for adults and $10 for students.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI. 517-264-7469. croswell.org

SNL star Jay Pharoah at The Funny Bone

Jay Pharoah, best known for this six year stint on Saturday Night Live, performs at The Funny Bone for two nights only. Pharoah delivers hilarious celebrity impersonations including Jay-Z, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Lil Wayne, Denzel Washington and, most famously, his impression of Former President Barack Obama. See Pharoah live Friday, March 8 at 10pm or Saturday, March 9 at 9:30pm. Tickets start at $37. 6140 Levis Commons Blvd. 419-931-3474. Toledo.funnybone.com

CURTAIN CALL

Northview High School to Host Ohio State Thespian Conference

By Srestha Chattopadhyay

As the Northview Theater Program worked hard, August through November, to put on SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical to bring childhood television memories to the audience, there was also the pressure of performing for two Ohio State Board screeners.

When rehearsals for SpongeBob began, the students and theater faculty decided to submit themselves for consideration by the Ohio State Thespian Conference, inviting screeners to watch the show in November. A few weeks after the show, the students would receive a response from the screeners: either an invitation to the State Conference, placed on a waitlist or declined. After the success of Northview’s State Conference performance of RENT: School Edition last year, the theater department was hopeful for a return.

“We were again invited as a full-length featured production this year,” Don Wachowiak, Northview High School Theater Program director, said. The cast and crew of SpongeBob learned on Dec. 4, 2023, after waiting in anticipation and months of rehearsals, that they were invited to this year’s State Conference.

Center stage at the conference

“When we heard that we were accepted to perform on the main stage at such a prestigious event as the State Conference, we were absolutely blown away,” Hope Rison, State Thespian Officer, said. “Of course, we had hoped we would make it, but having it become a reality really proved to us that our hard work had paid off.”

Even more significant, Northview High School was chosen to host the 2024 Ohio Thespian State Conference, held from March 22 to March 24. Northview last hosted this conference in 2013. Northview was scheduled to host in 2020, however, due to COVID-19, that was canceled, making the selection as this year’s host an even more special moment for the Northview Theater Program.

“After seeing how the COVID-19 pandemic took away our ability to participate in theater, being able to participate in the State Thespian Conference will help us regain that sense of normality and community,” Rison said.

Hosting the conference comes with significant responsibility. Hundreds of students, teachers and chaperones from around Ohio will attend. “In the past, the conference had as many as 1,600 participants... this year, we are currently expecting about 1,000,” Wachowiak said.

“Because Northview is hosting this year, aside from just performing, the entire team will be “busy transporting materials and guiding conference guests in addition to the expected three-days of theater master classes and fellow statequalifying performances,” Tressel Holton, Northview Drama Club President, said.

Workshops and other learning

Additionally, to further enhance theater skills, there are many workshops where students can participate based on their interests or responsibilities in a production. For example, student actors can learn new acting techniques, choreography and improvisation, while tech students can learn about lights, props, rigging, design and more. For the juniors and seniors thinking about college, there will also be a College Fair, allowing theater students to meet with colleges they may be interested in attending.

“I am absolutely looking forward to a second year at the State Conference,” Holton said. “It’s a phenomenal chance to meet like-minded students from around Ohio, to network for college and to just enjoy what we love.”

Ultimately, it is quite an honor for Northview to be invited to the Ohio State Thespian Conference two years in a row. Northview theater students are excited for the opportunity to show other students and teachers from across Ohio their theater talents and to learn from other productions.

“The State Thespian Conference is extremely distinguished and highlights the best theater in Ohio. To be recognized at that level is truly remarkable and we are extremely thankful that we were awarded this opportunity,” Rison said. schooltheatre.org/event/ ohio-state-thespian-conference

BOOK NOTES

Under

200 Book Club

Visit the Toledo Library, Sanger Branch, for the Under 200 Book Club. This Club meets monthly to discuss books (any theme or genre) that are under 200 pages. This month the Club is reading Galatea by Madeline Miller, a short story retelling the ancient Greek myth of Galatea and Pygmalion. Join the Club Monday, March 18 from 7pm to 8pm. 3030 W. Central Ave. 419-259-5370. Toledolibrary.org

Art & Book Club

Reading and art enthusiasts are invited to join the Art Book Club at the Toledo Museum of Art on Wednesday, March 20 from 5:30pm to 7pm for a reading of Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble. Take a dive into a fictionalized version of Tiffany Studios history. Attendees are also invited to meet at 5:30 pm on Friday March 22 for a docent-led tour of the galleries. 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000. Toledomuseum.org

Mystery Book Club

Gathering Volumes Bookstore hosts the Mystery Book Club to discuss What the River Knows: A Novel by Isabel Ibanez. Share your thoughts about the fictional romantic mystery on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30pm. 200 E South Boundary St. 567-336-6188. Gatheringvolumes.com

Toledo journalist’s new audiobook and memoir of confessions

By Curtis Deeter

The date is April 21, 2016. Rumors abound. Misinformation and speculation spread like wildfire. In the wake of conflicting hearsay, the world holds its collective breath.

But the rumors are confirmed: rock and roll icon Prince Rogers Nelson, is dead. A fentanyl overdose is the culprit. He died in an elevator in his Paisley Park estate. The music industry and fans mourn. Authorities vie for answers.

For Jason Webber, Prince’s sudden death was a turning point, a catalyst for deep introspection and confronting a sordid past of bad behavior, narcissism and toxic masculinity.

Meet the Author

Born and raised on the west coast, Webber is now a Toledo area journalist and author, having written for the Toledo City Paper (he is a former Assignment Editor) and currently writing for The Blade. He has written professionally since high school.

find a way to navigate through the world, with Prince’s music as his guiding light.”

Nearly four years after the book’s release, and a Reader’s Favorite for best music book award later, Webber created an audiobook for Purple Bananas (February 2024), narrated by Mike Dawson (voice and Co-Producer of The Adam Carolla Show podcast) whom Webber met through an old friend from LA.

“Dawson is perfect for this book,” Webber explains, adding, “A great rock and roll voice.”

Between stints as a full-time journalist, he worked for Psychopathic Records— the label behind the Insane Clown Posse.

Much of what made Webber the man he is today stems from his childhood. He was adopted by strict, evangelical parents who kept him living in fear of authority for most of his youth. Then, when they adopted two more children, his favor with his adopted parents waned, and his years as the “good child” were over.

Young Webber decided he didn’t want to be good anymore. He wanted to have fun; he wanted to be bad.

Purple Bananas, coming through speakers near you

Webber began writing in earnest the day Prince died and has taken few breaks since. Purple Bananas (September 2020), his first published book, explains his life’s premise; “Scared, bullied and living with a crippling stutter, his life seems hopeless...until one day he sees a tiny androgynous Black man in heels on the television. There’s something magnetic about this man―named Prince―and Jason starts to

Following the audiobook, Webber plans to turn Purple Bananas into a movie, and he has already started drafting a script.

Mr. Fantastic Bastard

What started as a series of essays and blog posts, Mr. Fantastic Bastard (February 2024) is Webber’s latest release.

“It’s an extremely f—ed up book,” Webber admits, “with a lot of heart. Love it or hate it, you will never forget it.”

In this book, he takes a deep dive into his past, staring down into his dysfunctional childhood, abandonment issues, gender identity while exploring his own mortality. Some parts are sweet and endearing, others raunchy and gross. Webber describes it as an honest examination of his never-ending, and often misguided, search for peace and love.

The search leads through sexual trysts and failed relationships, while being a total jerk to most everyone along the way. With the book, Webber hopes to teach that men do not have to “go to an orgy” to feel good about themselves. After all the awful, terrible things he did to people who cared about him, he never found the love or self-acceptance he sought. While he does not expect the people from that part of his life to forgive him, he hopes penning this book will help him to forgive himself.

Webber plans to release his next book, Shadoobie — a collection of rock journalism—in the summer of 2025.

ART TO HEART

The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus

TMA exhibits rare, historic paintings by

Riley Runnells

Paintings have a gripping ability to tell a story. Through brushstrokes, viewers can often visit far away places, understand the deep emotions of the painting’s subject and watch a whole scene unfold, without any movement.

Inspired by wit, mischief and beauty through story-filled paintings, Italian artist Caravaggio found a way to communicate those circumstances through his works. The Toledo Museum of Art presents the rare opportunity to view original paintings of the 16th century artist’s work in its latest exhibit: “The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus.”

Caravaggio’s creations

The TMA received four Caravaggio paintings on loan from the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit. The four paintings include “The Cardsharps” (1595), “Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy” (1595-96), “The Musicians” (1597) and “Martha and Mary Magdalene” (1598). This is the first time four Caravaggio pieces have been brought together anywhere in the US for the past 11 years..

“The purpose of this show was plain and simple, and I’m not ashamed to acknowledge it,” TMA Curator Lawrence W. Nichols explains, adding, “We have brought new scholarship to these four paintings, but the goal of this show is to bring Caravaggio to a Toledo, regional and national audience, here, (within) our walls.”

“The Cardsharps,” perhaps the most well known work on display, is a piece depicting deceit from players engaged in a

Comic-con coming to Toledo

Senior Thesis Gallery

Bowling Green State University Bachelor of Fine Arts seniors present their work at the BFA Senior Thesis Exhibit, beginning March 16 in the BGSU Fine Arts Center Galleries, including the Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery, Willard Wankelman Gallery and Red Door Gallery. The exhibit opening will include an awards presentation at 6pm with a viewing to follow. Free. Open to the public March 16 to March 31. 1210 Ridge St. bgsu.edu/gallery

Fantasticon is making a stop in Toledo with a mid-size Comic-Con event, a must-go for comic book connoisseurs, pop culture lovers and collectors. Meet actors Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox from CHiP’s, Michael Biehn from The Terminator, Sam J. Jones from Ted, Marvel comics writer Renee Witterstraetter, Marvel-DC artist Scott Kolin and other fanfavorites. Items available for purchase along with a kids and adults cosplay contest. A two-day pass costs $20 in advance, $25 the day of. Single day tickets also available. Glass City Convention Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. 419-255-3300. Fantasticon.net

ART EVENTS

game of primero (poker’s predecessor).

“The Musicians” and “Martha and Mary Magdalene” portray two natural looking scenes: a group of musicians and two women together, respectively, with great detail and and a story behind each painting. The “Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy” piece takes a different approach. Caravaggio’s first religious painting, depicting the saint receiving signs of the wounds left in Christ’s body from the crucifixion. An angel appears to offer the saint comfort in this nighttime, spiritual piece.

All of the oil on canvas pieces are displayed with additional information about the artist’s process and the background story on plaques next to the works. Nichols relates the artist’s motivation for all of the pieces. “He said, ‘I don’t need classical antiquity. I’m going to paint what I see and feel from the Roman streets,’” Nichols explained.

Connecting with TMA’s collection

The TMA has included pieces in the exhibit, from its own collection, featuring Italian, French, Dutch and Spanish artists, inspired by Caravaggio’s work. To further enhance the exhibition, the TMA is hosting programs surrounding Caravaggio featuring speakers, music and a conversation with the TMA Director Adam Levine. There are also videos and a guided headset tour for those interested in learning more.

“The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus” Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., through April 14, 2024. Buy tickets in person or online at toledomuseum.org.

Marisol: A Retrospective Marisol: A Retrospective on display at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), March 2 to June 2, 2024. In the exhibition, organized by Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 244 works address several themes, including politics, gender norms and ecological and societal concerns. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum.org

The Ninth Congressional District Invitational High School Art Exhibition

The Arts Commission and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur host the annual art competition for high school students in the Ninth Congressional District. Student artwork will be on exhibit in the Robert C. & Susan Savage Community Gallery through March 31. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum.org

FRIDAY, Mar. 1

Opening Reception for University of Toledo 2024 Juried Student Exhibition

The annual art exhibition will open with a reception at the Center for the Visual Arts, Main Gallery. The exhibition will run through Tuesday, Mar. 26. 6-8pm. University of Toledo Center for Visual Arts, 620 Art Museum Dr. utoledo.edu

SATURDAY 2

The River East Project Immersive Mural Project

An interactive installation, exhibit featuring CONTRON, Chilly Rodriguez and Luke Stoeckley with a live DJ set from Gabi. 6pm. River East Gallery, 603 Main St. @RiverEastGallery

TUESDAY Mar. 5

Flow with Your Soul: A Guided Art Meditation with Veronica Englert

In this session, artists and non-artists alike will experience a special guided meditation in the gallery, followed by an exploration of color, line, texture, shape and brushstrokes. Tickets on Eventbrite. $30. 5:30-7:30pm. River House Arts, 425 Jefferson Ave.

SATURDAY 9

Toledo Fine Art Fair

Over 60 juried artists from across the Midwest will be featured. $5. 11am-5pm. Also on Sunday, Mar. 10, 11am-4pm. Glass City Center, 400 Jefferson Ave., toledofineartfair.com

SATURDAY 16

BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition Opening

An awards presentation, followed by exhibition viewing will be held at the BGSU Fine Arts Center. Through March 31.

BGSU Fine Arts Center, 1210 Ridge St., Bowling Green. bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences

WEDNESDAY 20

Art Book Club: Tiffany Girls

Join fellow art and book lovers for a fictionalized look at the interesting early history of Tiffany Studios in Tiffany Girls by Shelley Noble. There will be an accompanying docent-led tour on Friday, March 22nd from 5:30-6:30pm. Registration is required at library@toleodmuseum. org or call 419-254-5770. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum.org

METRO MUSIC

SAT, MAR 9

St. Clement Hall: Toledo Irish American Club St. Patrick’s Shenanigans Event (folk & traditional)

The Village Idiot: Otter River (country)

The

The

SAT, MAR 2

Quimby’s

Lucille’s

Bravo (jazz)

The Valentine Theatre: An Evening with Paul Shaffer featuring Motown Legend Thelma Houston (musical)

Kickstand Saloon: Strawberry Kush (rock)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Mark Poseler (acoustic)

SUN, MAR 3

Uptown Maumee: Acoustics for Autism (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic

MON, MAR 3

Bar 145: Open Mic with Danny Strange

TUE, MAR 5

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: SESSIONS:

Jazz Tuesdays at Lucille’s (jazz)

The Village Idiot: Kyle Smithers

THUR, MAR 7

Papa’s Tavern: Open Jam (acoustic)

Kickstand Saloon: Jeffrey Oliver (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Chloe and the Steel Strings (americana)

FRI, MAR 8

Ottawa Tavern: Coal Sadiztic, Gutter Swamp, Wittenmeyer Music & more (alternative)

Bier Stube: The Cheeks (rock)

The Village Idiot: House Band (rock)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Renegade Lemonade (pop/rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Kim Buehler (jazz)

The Village Idiot: Lone Wolf Hippies (rock)

Maumee Indoor Theater: Broadway in Love (musical)

Kickstand Saloon: Old School (rock)

The Village Idiot: Lone Wolf Hippies (rock)

Bar145: Willits Records (pop/punk)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Chris Shutters (rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Trutone (jazz)

Bier Stube: Graveyard Daisies (rock)

Triple Crown Bar: Caveman (rock)

Kickstand Saloon: N.T.O. (rock)

The Village Idiot: keepitcasual (rock)

Casey’s: Karaoke Saturdays

Bar 145: Letter Rip (rock)

Majestic Oak Winery: Renegade Lemonade (pop/rock)

Benfield Wines: Jenn & John (acoustic)

SUN, MAR 10

Owens Center for Fine and Performing Arts: Melodic Expressions (variety)

Lourdes University: Spanish Tapas (orchestra)

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic

MON, MAR 11

BGSU: Ryan Fogg (piano)

The Village Idiot: Frank May (acoustic)

Bar 145: Open Mic with Danny Strange

TUE, MAR 12

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: SESSIONS:

Jazz Tuesdays at Lucille’s (jazz)

The Village Idiot: John Barile & Bobby May (acoustic)

WED, MAR 13

BGSU: Cole Burger (piano)

The Village Idiot: Shane Piasecki (singer/songwriter)

Tékēla Sylvania: Christian Lombardo (acoustic)

SWIG: Ryan Dunlap (acoustic)

THUR, MAR 14

Peacock Cafe: Sarah D’Angelo (jazz)

Papa’s Tavern: Open Jam (acoustic)

Kickstand Saloon: Ryan Dunlap (rock)

BGSU: Graduate Brass Quintet (classical)

The Village Idiot: Minglewood Labor Camp (americana)

Bar 145: DJ Issa Lynch (dance)

Culture Clash Records: Advance Base / Young Moon / Dani Cotter (indie rock)

Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co.: Open Mic

FRI, MAR 15

The Village Idiot: Beef Carvers (rock)

Bier Stube: G-String Jettison (rock)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Ben Beallas (acoustic)

Highlighted events indicates our picks for the week

Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer: Ramona

Collins & Kim Buehler (jazz)

The Village Idiot: The Polka Floyd Show (rock)

Kickstand Saloon: StringTheory (rock)

Bar 145: The Delaneys (rock)

Majestic Oak Winery: Engine 19 (rock)

Toledo Spirits Co.: Dustin Dale Gaspard (folk)

SAT, MAR 16

The Village Idiot: Purple Bois (rock)

Ottawa Tavern: Capra (alternative)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Kyle Smithers (acoustic)

Toledo Museum of Art: Common + Toledo Symphony Orchestra (hip hop)

Frankie’s Inner City: Emo Night (punk)

Benfield Wines: JP and The Big Deal (acoustic)

Bier Stube: Pop’s Garage (pop/rock)

The Polish Ostrich: St. Pat’s Shenanigans: Goremonger, Ommnus, Alien 666 (rock)

Kickstand Saloon: Rukus (rock)

Fleetwood Tap Room: Wave Rowanne and Distant Cousinz (pop/ rock)

Bar 145: Hard Candy (rock)

The Village Idiot: Baccano (rock)

Casey’s: Karaoke Saturdays

Majestic Oak Winery: Scott & Ryan (acoustic)

SUN, MAR 17

Earnest Brew Works Downtown:

Katie’s Randy Cat (rock)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Temperance Tonic (rock)

Bar 145: the Skittle Bots (pop/rock)

Fleetwood Tap Room: Black Swamp Pipes and Drums and Wakefire (folk & traditional)

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic Stranahan Theater: John Mellencamp (singer/songwriter)

THUR, MAR 21

Peacock Cafe: Joan Crawford (jazz)

Stranahan Theater: Josh Turner (country)

The Village Idiot: David Graham & the Eskimo Brothers (americana)

Kickstand Saloon: Snyder & Rutter (acoustic)

BGSU: Global Music Showcase: AfroCaribbean Ensemble and World Music Ensemble

FRI, MAR 22

Te’kela Sylvania: Rob Storm (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: House Band (rock)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Chloe & the Steel Strings (americana)

BGSU: BG Opera Theatre: Cendrillon (opera)

The Village Idiot: Phinger Guns (rock)

SAT, MAR 23

Majestic Oak Winery: Venyx LTE (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Hepcat Revival (jazz)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Josh & Jordan (acoustic)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Mustard’s Retreat (folk)

Bier Stube: Paddock (rock)

Howard’s Club H: Taylor Swift Dance Party - Featuring “The Ladies Night” (pop/rock)

Kickstand Saloon: Jeremy

McClellan’s Open J.A.M. (rock)

Bar 145: Red Carpet Crashers (pop/ rock)

The Village Idiot: Matt Waters & The Recipe (rock)

Toledo Spirits Co.: Jill Sobule (folk, rock)

SUN, MAR 24

BGSU: BG Opera Theatre: Cendrillon (opera)

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic

Bar 145: My 80s Vice (pop/rock)

MON, MAR 25

BGSU: Melody Quah (piano)

The Village Idiot: Frank May (acoustic)

Bar 145: Open Mic with Danny Strange

THUR, MAR 28

Quenched & Tempered: Rob Storm (acoustic)

Peacock Cafe: Artist of the Month: Barbara Ware (jazz)

Papa’s Tavern: Open Jam (acoustic)

Kickstand Saloon: Chris “Caveman” Jaquillard (acoustic)

BGSU: Graduate String Quartet and Fulton String Quartet

Bar 145: DJ Issa Lynch (dance)

FRI, MAR 29

The Village Idiot: The Bridges (rock)

Bier Stube: The Grape Smugglers (pop/rock)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Kyle White (acoustic)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Jim Young with Scott Lavender (jazz)

Kickstand Saloon: Strangeberry Farm (rock)

Bar 145: Light Up the Moon (rock)

SAT, MAR 30

Bar 145: Mad Dog Adams (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Muddy (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Everyday People 419 (soul)

Quimby’s Restaurant & Bar: Elixir (rock)

Maumee Indoor Theater: Edgar Loudermilk (bluegrass)

Bier Stube: Whiskey Gypsy (rock)

Hepcat Revival at The Village Idiot

Hepcat Revival, a Toledo 7-piece blues, jazz and swing band to perform at The Village Idiot on Saturday, March 23 from 6 to 9pm. Since 1989 Hepcat Revival has been bringing their high-energy music to the Toledo area. 309 Conant St, Maumee. 419-893-7281. Villageidiotmaumee.com

John Mellencamp at The Stranahan

Performances at Culture Clash Records

Free live music at Culture Clash

Records on Thursday, March 14 from 6pm to 9pm. Hear live music from Advance Base from Chicago, Young Moon from San Francisco, and Toledo’s own, Dani Cotter. The event is free to the public, however tipping the performers is highly suggested. 912 Monroe St. 419-536-5683. Cultureclashrecords.com

Emo Nite at Frankie’s

PRESENTING

The popular phenomenon that has swept the nation, Emo Nite, is coming to Toledo. Emo Nite events have been seen at popular festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. Parties are thrown across the United States to celebrate emo and pop punk music and culture. Tickets $16. Frankie’s Inner City, 308 Main St. 419-214-0678. Seetickets.us

Bar 145: the Skittle Bots (pop/rock)

Kickstand Saloon: Mediocre Mix Tape (rock)

Walbridge Tap Room: Acoustic Hoopla (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Jordan & Josh & Evan & Steve (acoustic)

The legendary 80’s singer/songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, John Mellencamp will be live at The Stranahan this spring. Hear heartland rock songs like “Small Town,” and “Jack & Diane” at this one night only event. Sunday, March 17 at 8pm. Tickets start at $49.50. 419-381-8851. Stranahantheater.com BASED

SUN, MAR 31

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic

DERRICK DAVIS AS COALHOUSE

THE BIG TO DO

FRIDAY, Mar. 1

[networking]

First Friday hosted by James Mann - Meet professionals and exchange ideas in a vibrant setting. Tickets on Eventbrite. $25-$30. 8pm. TolHouse, 1447 N. Summit St.

[visual arts, markets & shopping]

Red Bird First Friday - Celebrate women in downtown Sylvania at this monthly event. 5pm8pm. Downtown Sylvania, Main St., Sylvania. redbirdsylvania.org

SAT., Mar. 2

[home & garden]

Orchid Show Plant Sale - Purchase orchids of your very own at the Orchid Show Plant Sale. The sale is included with general zoo admission (free for members). 10am-2pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

[galas]

An Evening with Paul Shaffer: Heart to Heart Gala - The annual fundraising concert features Paul Shaffer and Motown legend Thelma Houston. Deadline for ticket purchases is Friday, March 1, 2024, at 4pm. $40-$100. 8pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

SUNDAY, Mar. 3

[bridal, craft beer]

Thrift & Sip Bridal Edition - Giving new meaning to ‘Something Borrowed!’ The perfect opportunity to buy, sell, and trade wedding dresses and accessories & decor. 10am-3pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St. mbaybrew.com

[live music]

17th Annual Acoustics for Autism

The annual live music fundraiser will be held in various locations throughout Uptown Maumee. Noon-2am. Uptown Maumee, Conant St., Maumee. acousticsforautism.com

TUESDAY, Mar. 5

[book clubs, drinks]

Wine & Words | Beer & Books - A book club where you meet the author and enjoy an adult beverage with them. Author Anastasia Ryan will be discussing Not Bad For a Girl. 6:30pm. Six Fifths Distilling, 120 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. gatheringvolumes.com

THURSDAY, Mar. 7

[theater, comedy]

The Golden Girls: The Laughs ContinueMiami’s sassiest seniors have returned for one more hurrah. $39-$64. 6:30pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. stranahantheater.com

SAT., Mar. 9

[handicraft markets]

Spring Festival of Crafts - The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild’s annual Spring Festival of Crafts is a juried handicraft market. This year they will also collect food and household items to benefit the Toledo Seagate Food Bank. 9am-4pm. Also on Sunday, Mar. 10 from 11am-4pm. Premier Banquet Hall, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd. toledocraftsmansguild.org

[St. Patrick’s Day]

Toledo Irish American Club St. Patrick’s Shenanigans Event - St. Patrick’s Shenanigans and Kilt Contest is once again being held by the Toledo Irish American Club. Tickets on Eventbrite. $15-$20. 4-10pm. St. Clement Hall, 2990 Tremainsville Rd.

[film]

Apollo 11 - Experience the exhilarating moments as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins took their historic trip to the moon. Before the movie begins, take part in a special solar eclipse presentation. $5. 7pm. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. imaginationstationtoledo.org

SUNDAY, Mar. 10

[psychic arts]

Janet Amid’s Celebrate the Senses Psychic/ Healing Event - Visit numerous specialty vendors, astrologers, psychics, mediums, tarot, clairaudients, clairvoyants and more. 8:30am. The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee. @celebratethesenses

[concerts, orchestra]

“Spanish Tapas” A Free Community Concert The Sylvania Community Orchestra is honored to feature violin soloist, Alan Penamon and special guests, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, in this celebration of Spanish-inspired music. 4pm. Lourdes University, Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Sylvaniaarts.org. Free

Monster Jam Championship

The Monster Jam Arena Championship

Central is set for March 15-17 at The Huntington Center. Watch eight drivers “tear up the dirt” with their 12000-pound monster trucks at this 3-day event. Tickets start at $20. 500 Jefferson Ave. 419-321-5030. Monsterjam.com

Best of Toledo Awards Party

You picked your favorites. Now it’s time to party. With more than 617,000 votes cast (you read that correctly!) in 248 categories 2023’s Best of Toledo Awards were chosen. Mingle with the Winners at our annual awards show and party. Friday, March 22. Toledo Club, downtown. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The whimsical garden party theme will feature music, entertainment, food and drinks. Tickets on Eventbrite or at toledocitypaper.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

Visit Downtown Toledo’s top bars on St Patrick’s Day. This crawl is a “Make Your Own Adventure Crawl”, without a set agenda All bars on the list have waived their cover fee for the evening. Crawl tickets include 1-2 complimentary drinks, food and drink specials, a custom badge and lanyard and professional photos to capture the fun. An afterparty follows the crawl. Single tickets are $15; $10 per person for groups. crawlwith.us

TUESDAY, Mar. 12

[environmental issues]

SAVE Lecture: Growing Community Through Gardening - Teaching at Garden for the Environment: Growing Community Through Gardening at San Francisco’s Teaching Garden. In person or Zoom. 7:30-9pm. Lourdes University, Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. lourdes.edu, sciencealliancesave.org

THURS., Mar. 14

[fundraisers]

Pies & Pints - Celebrate “pi” day and help Mobile Meals of Toledo at this fundraiser. $10 gets you a slice of pie (pizza too) and a pint of beer. 4-8pm. Earnest Brew Works South, 4342 S. Detroit Ave. and Earnest Brew Works Westgate, 3134 W. Central Ave. mobilemeals.org

[astronomy]

Who Turned Out the Lights?! Solar Eclipse Education with Saturn V Education - With the help of Saturn V Education, gain an understanding of the Earth, moon and sun, and how to safely participate in the April 8th Solar Eclipse. 4-5pm. Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. toledolibrary.org

FRIDAY, Mar. 15

[St. Patrick’s Day]

Toledo Luck Of The Irish St Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl - Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day-themed bar crawl through the heart of the city. $14.99. 5-11pm. Various locations in downtown Toledo. PubCrawls.com

[St. Patrick’s Day]

Shamrockin’ Shuffle

A nighttime glow run, with a post-race party hosted at the Blarney Irish Pub. See price at sign up. 8pm. The Blarney Irish Pub, 601 Monroe St. runsignup.com

Looking for a quick change of scenery and a taste of something different? Visit toledocitypaper.com for more road trip options!

St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland

St. Patrick’s Day is everywhere in Cleveland. The love that Clevelanders have for St. Patrick’s Day cannot be overstated. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated downtown with one of the largest parades in the country, which runs along Superior Avenue from East 18th Street to East 3rd Street. Kamm’s Corners, home to a large Irish-American population, holds one of the city’s biggest non-downtown parties. Sunday, Mar. 17 Thisiscleveland.Com

62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival

The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. The six-day festival presents 40 programs with more than 180 films from over 20 countries of all lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, fiction and performance-based works. In-person, hybrid or online passes are available.

Tuesday, Mar. 26 - Sunday, Mar. 31 $60-$175. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. aafilmfest.org

SATURDAY, Mar. 16

[hiking]

Wintering the Metroparks: Wintering the Glass City, Bridge to Bridge - Hike through the Glass City and view the best of both downtown Metroparks: Glass City and Middlegrounds. $10-$15. 9am. Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St. metroparkstoledo.com

[handicraft markets]

Crafts & Drafts - Browse local craft vendors while sipping on delicious MBBC craft brews. 10am-3pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St. mbaybrew.com

[St. Patrick’s Day]

Toledo Shamrock Stroll St Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl - The Crawl offers participants the opportunity to bar crawl throughout the city. $14.99. 5-11pm. Various locations in downtown Toledo. PubCrawls.com

[concerts, hip hop]

Common + Toledo Symphony Orchestra Hip hop artist, actor, film producer and poet Common performs with the Toledo Symphony for a one-night-only event. $33-$83. 8pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledoarts.org

SUNDAY, Mar. 17

[St. Patrick’s Day]

Toledo Official St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

Visit a carefully curated selection of participating bars. $14.99. 1pm. Various locations in downtown Toledo. PubCrawls.com

TUESDAY, Mar. 19

[awards, lunch]

Milestones: A Tribute to Women - Each year, YWCA of Northwest Ohio celebrates high achieving women in the community at this annual luncheon. $100-$1000. 1130am. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. ywcanwo.org

THURS., Mar. 21

[astronomy, lectures]

Out of This World Speaker Series - Jim Ottaviani: Solar System Ambassador - Join Jim Ottaviani and composers Jamie Leigh Sampson and Andrew Martin Smith of ADJ•ective New Music for an evening of exoplanet exploration. 530pm. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. imaginationstationtoledo. com

[women, politics]

Her Voice, Her Run - At this networking event, individuals interested in running for public office, at any level, can interact with other current womenelected leaders and gain further insight and advice on making a run for office. 5:30-7:30pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org

FRIDAY, Mar. 22

[awards nights]

The 2023 Best of Toledo Awards Party

The annual Best of Toledo Awards Party is back and we’ll be celebrating with a Whimsical Garden Party. Tickets on Eventbrite. 630pm. The Toledo Club, 235 14th St.

SAT., Mar. 23

[tradeshows & expos]

Expo 419: Everything Under the Sun

A diverse selection of vendors and local businesses will be showcased. 11am-5pm. Also on Sunday, Mar. 24, 11am-5pm. Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter, 7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. expo419.com

[literary arts]

BIPOC Book Swap - At the BIPOC Book Swap, expect bookish delights, engaging discussions and the chance to fill your shelves with meaningful reads. All are welcome to attend regardless of background. Registration is requested but not required through signupgenius.com. 1-3pm. BREW Coffee Bar, 1440 Secor Rd.

SUNDAY, Mar. 24

[bridal]

Bridal & Wedding Expo - Visit a large selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and much more. 1:30-5pm. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. bridalshowsoh-sg.com

FRIDAY, Mar. 29

[baseball]

Toledo Mud Hens Opening Day - A Toledo tradition for more than 20 years, Opening Day is the city’s biggest annual celebration. $22-$50. 4pm. Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. milb.com

SAT., Mar. 30

[

home & garden]

Toledo Repair Cafe - Bring in your clothing, small appliances, bicycles, jewelry, housewares and toys for repairs free of charge. 10am-2pm. Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd., Holland. toledolibrary.org. Free

[games, wine]

Game Night Hangout - Bring your friends and your favorite games to this monthly meetup. 4-8pm. Golden Hind Wine Bar, 915 N. Summit St. goldenhindwinebar.com

TOLEDO ACCORDING TO...

Rhonda SEWELL

Years lived in Toledo: 50 total Occupation: Director of Belonging and Community Engagement at the Toledo Museum of Art

My short story:

I grew up partially during my childhood in Toledo, spent my summers and every other holiday in Chicago and attended high school and college in Michigan (Ann Arbor and East Lansing). I returned to Toledo when I was 21 to be a city desk and features journalist at The Blade. I worked there for 18 years, then worked in varying positions at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for 15 years, including as the inaugural Director of External and Governmental Affairs. I’ve also served as an adjunct instructor at BGSU.

I now work at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) for the past three years in an inaugural position as Director of Belonging and Community Engagement. I volunteer with varying community organizations including The Arts Commission, TMACOG’s Leadership Development Committee and was recently elected to the state board of CreativeOhio.

I’ve formally served as Board chair for ProMedica’s Toledo Children’s Hospital Foundation, and completed terms on numerous boards including the Toledo Ballet, YWCA, UT Media Foundation, American Heart Association and others. My community and work focuses consist of Nonprofit Organizations, Governmental Affairs, Diversity-Equity-Access-Inclusion, Servant Leadership, Strategy, Community Outreach, Journalism, Marketing and Media Relations.

The Frederick Douglass Community Association is the place in Toledo I’m most proud of.

The best meal I had in Toledo was the pizza at The Village Idiot.

The Toledo Museum of Art’s Block Party is my favorite annual event.

The street I drive on/walk on most often is North Summit Street (to walk my dog!).

If I could change one thing about Toledo, it would be the violence against young people and youth on youth violence

My favorite piece of local art is Elizabeth Catlett’s “Head of a Young Woman” sculpture.

My favorite piece of local architecture is the neoclassical Toledo Museum of Art or the Old West End’s historic buildings

My favorite library feature is the youth services and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts

The best view in Toledo is the Toledo Library rooftop.

When I’m away from Toledo, I can’t wait to have an Old Fashioned at TolHouse when I get back.

To find inspiration, I go to our local churches, particularly Rosary Cathedral Parish

My mom, Billie Johnson, is the Toledoan I most admire.

 Listen to our full interview in our Toledo According to podcast

SOCIAL STUDIES

Toledo Auto Show Gala

It’s the night where the “The Cars are the Stars!” The Greater Toledo Auto Dealers unite each year for a gala evening to benefit children’s charities in NW Ohio. The Toledo Auto Show Preview Gala has grown to become one of the largest benefits in the Greater Toledo area and has surpassed $2.2 million dollars in donations to local children’s charities. This year’s children’s charities receiving funding were First Tee Lake Erie, Good Grief and Helping Hands of St. Louis. Find out more at firstteelakeerie.org, goodgriefnwo.org and catholiccharitiesnwo.org.

photos by Christine Senak

Donny and Keri Espen with Barb and Jason Logan.

Melissa Cody, Andrea Dunn and Jayla Musselman.

John and Kaiko Zureich.

Scott and Wendy Moewe.

CROSS WORD

GAME ON

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Across

1. “Long may they live!”

5. Babe in the woods

9. Old-school lover, for short

13. Church in country

14. ___ Rhymes

15. Medicated tissue ingredient

16. Learning Thermostat maker

17. Girder piece

18. Has dinner

19. British titled women getting married?

22. Fixed cost

23. Babes in the woods?

24. “Care for a little braised meat?”

30. Stop on a designated time

33. Reason for an “Abort, Retry, Fail?” message

34. “___ seen enough”

35. D-worthy

36. Mindless followers

37. Wine leftovers

38. Actor McShane

39. It comes straight from the heart

40. Didn’t exist

41. “Grub? I’m going to need more information about that”?

44. G-rated

45. Chest pain

49. Prayer to the “Faust” composer for assistance?

53. Pueblo tribe people

54. Get away from

55. “I might as well be in this meme”

56. Sign of the future

57. Source of power

58. Tit-for-tat

59. Trait carrier

60. Flower holder

61. Zoom meeting runner

Down

1. Its year last roughly 225 days

2. Adler that Sherlock Holmes called “The Woman”

3. Pop in

4. Saber-rattling, perhaps

5. Urban street wear brand

6. “Hang on just ___!”

7. State whose tallest mountain is Kings Peak

8. Talk about who you know

9. Low men

10. Irving Berlin classic with the lyrics “Never saw the sun shining so bright / Never saw things going so right”

11. Apologetic comment

12. Fist pumper’s word

14. Ice cream-loving president

20. Put together

21. Nice night

25. ___ jacket

26. Mountain crest

27. Silver-scaled fish

28. All tied up

29. Try out

30. Large in scale

31. He went beast mode in the Old Testament

32. Admonition to keep shut

36. Like certain sandals that don’t offer much support

37. Waste away

39. Cartoon supplier of dehydrated boulders and anvils

40. Red head?

42. Surfer girl

43. Ready to go

46. Split

47. Spanish uncle?

48. Highly skilled

49. Just a few

50. It’s a novel idea

51. Drug runner

52. Holland export

53. Keep to yourself

SPEAK THE STARS

by Janet Amid

PISCES (FEB 19 - MARCH 20) - In accordance with your more intuitive nature, it’s time to be more vocal and less reserved this month as planetary influences heighten your already sensitive nature. Speak your mind as well as your truth and allow yourself the opportunity to work from the inside out. This can be your motivation for the month. It’s all about you, party in style!

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

As the transiting SUN, and Venus illuminate you, you may feel inspired to begin a new venture. Perhaps, to even take on a new project or make something fun and creative. The spotlight is not only on what you do, but also on everyone that encompasses you. In addition, a great time to trust your instincts. Getting in touch with your inner guides can be a good start.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Your instincts are super charged this month, as the planetary influences occupy that sacred part of your mind, your subconscious. It’s time to get rid of the clutter, let go and let live. In addition, friendships along with new alliances seem to be in your wheelhouse this month. Venturing out of your cocoon and rediscovering your newfound self can be a good beginning.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) At the start of the month, your career aspects may be challenging. Not to worry, just a small snag. Manifesting your dreams as the sun towards the end of the month moving into Aries occupying your 11th house of goals can help to open up a pathway. Also on your to-do list, getting back into the groove, entertaining, or just sharing your views with others can be nourishment for the soul.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) The sun transiting in Pisces can be a welcomed addition with work, though towards the end of the month, as the sun moves into Aries, you may feel a need to turn it up a notch. Either way, it’s time to put your best foot forward and continue on your chosen path. Those in authority will most likely take notice, but it is up to you to set the plan in motion. Placing yourself in alignment with the planets in sync, it’s time to aim high.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Perfect time to travel/be more creative or just focus on something that will enhance your current interests as the sun takes place in your 9th house of higher thinking. Moreover, money matters may be sticky, so be well ahead of your limitations. Also, pay closer attention to your body’s signals. Meditation can be beneficial as it allows healing of the mind as well as the soul.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Getting back on track should be your mantra for the month, taking each step in stride. Also, a sure way to get ahead of yourself is by getting your money matters in order, paying better attention to details. Moreover, relationships both personal and business could be a great source of support for you. Allow it to happen. You’re always in the driver’s seat, whether you realize it or not. This is your show.

LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22) The light is shining on your partnerships/business or personal related. Good month to work through issues that have been left on the back burner. If anything is amiss this could be a tell all cycle. In addition, you may find yourself on a health kick, good month to quick-start a new health regimen. Focus on goals; let it happen.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21) With the transiting sun in sync with your own sign, you may feel inspired to focus on health and fitness. Begin by starting some good eating habits as the sun takes place in your 6th house of personal patterns and goals. Also matters of the heart can be super sensitive this month, it’s up to you to be more in-sync, paying better attention to those around you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

The next few weeks or so, you may need to delve more into your soul’s purpose as the sun and Saturn transiting in Pisces can be inspirational to say the least. You may be asking yourself, whether or not you have accomplished all that you set out to do? Centaurs always have the need to evaluate their path of existence. Is this where you need and want to be? Think.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19) The home front is the focus - a strong cycle for being with family, friends and getting things done. Also, your communication skills are at their peak, so use them wisely. Be more alert as well as receptive. Surprisingly, with regards to work, you may end up receiving a long-term solution to an ongoing issue. Maybe it’s time to come clean with yourself about what it is you truly desire.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Though planetary movement is very much in your favor, toward the end of the month you may be under scrutiny at work, so it’s important to watch your words as the sun traveling in your area of chat could trigger an unwarranted reaction. Also, your money situation may start to turn around within a few weeks, so be well aware of the changes while working on gathering information.

GET HEALTHY

Wellness Workshop at BG Yoga Studio

Experiencing chronic pain or un-wellness?

Join Chelsea Cloeter at BG Yoga Studio for a wellness workshop to learn about healing and how to balance your body, heart, mind and spirit. Bring paper and a favorite pen for a writing session. $40. Sunday, March 24 at 10am. 1220 W Wooster St. Bgyogastudio.com

Learn Better Sleep Practices

The Citizen Advisory Group partners with Mercy Health Partners to present a Better Sleep Across All Ages program. Learn how aging affects sleep patterns and sleep disorders as well as techniques and practices for better sleep. RSVP on their website or by calling 419-872-0204. Wednesday, March 6, 11am. Citizen Advisory Group, 770 Commerce Drive. Citizenadvisory.com

Yoga with the Library

NAMI family and friends support group

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Four County Ohio hosts two monthly meetings to support families with members with mental health conditions. The Delta chapter meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm at the Open Door, 313 Main St, Delta. The Montepelier chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 5:30pm at the Montpelier Public Library, 216 E. Main St. 419-405-3651. nami.org

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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HEALTH/MEDICAL

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OPENING NIGHT PARTY

Celebrate the first night of the festival with drinks and food generously provided by Ann Arbor area businesses including Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Bigalora, Bløm Meadworks, Café Zola, Jerusalem Garden, Mothfire Brewing Co., Mediterrano, Sava’s, Side Biscuit, TeaHaus, Vinology, Zingerman’s Creamery, and more. DJ set by Alvin Hill.

FILMS IN COMPETITION

The festival begins with this screening of experimental, documentary, and animated films, featuring a calibration test film; two abstract, cosmic energies; two Texas sisters in the metaverse; a pvrovocative story of longing and connection; the horrors and absurdities of life during Putin’s war on Ukraine; a familiar world within a world; and an explosion.