Toledo City Paper: May 2023

Alexia Franko Mancy's Bluewater Grille

(mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

YOUR BED!

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Kelly McGilvery (editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO, READ A BOOK!

Copy Manager: Riley Runnells (riley@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF AND NEVER STOP CHASING YOUR DREAMS.

Contributing Writers: Janet Amid, Johnny Hildo, Erin Holden, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Julie Pompa, Jon Ruggiero, Tanner Wertz

Interns: Sneha Kamath

Advertising

Sales Coordinator Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND PROBLEM-SOLVE.

Account Executives: Gabbi Huff (ghuff@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

NOT WORDS -- BUT HER STYLE AND CONFIDENCE EVERYDAY.

Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

BE KIND.

Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

BE A LEADER - NOT A FOLLOWER.

Amy Bjarke (abjarke@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

AS A MOM, I TELL MY DAUGHTER TO FIND HAPPINESS.

Art/Production

Production Manager:

Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

LEARN THREE THINGS TODAY.

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

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

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

HARD WORK CURES ALMOST ANYTHING.

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

BEING BOSSY ISN’T A BAD THING.

Web Manager: John Borell (jborell@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com)

TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.

Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com)

JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE DOES IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO.

MARKETPLACE CHANGES UPDATES

„ The Imagination Press, an interactive art and apparel workshop, is now open at the Shops at Fallen Timbers. The store offers screen print on demand services and can produce a range of products from canvas prints to clothing. Guests can schedule special events for creative group experiences or incorporate augmented reality (AR) with their printed creations. 3100 Main Street, Suite #1137, Maumee. 567-202-3150. theimaginationpress.com

„ Taqueria El Gallo De Oro is now open at 3344 Secor Rd. in Toledo, in the same shopping center as Scrambler Marie’s. Online ordering is available. 419-754-0734. elgallodeorooh.com

„ Shimmery Belle, Perrysburg boutique, closed its Levis Commons location on March 31. The staff is excited to relocate and rebrand as Wildflower & Ko, and share space with Whimsy & Blue, 364 Rice St. in Elmore. The Shimmery Belle location in Findlay is still open. Find more details on facebook.com/ whimsyandblue. —RR

„ Alpha Omega Gym is now open on West Bancroft near Ottawa Hills. The 5,000 square foot facility features state-of-the-art equipment as well as an outdoor training area. Its trainers focus on functional fitness and accommodate members at all fitness levels while encouraging a supportive gym culture. The gym is also the official trainer of the Lucas County Special Olympics Powerlifting Team. 4639 West Bancroft St., Toledo. 419-405-0313. alphaomegagyms.com

„ Hair Oasis is now open at 3372 Monroe Street at Auburn Avenue. 567-315-8141. facebook.com/hairoasis3372

„ Peach Cobbler Factory has opened in Perrysburg. The dessert bar serves a variety of fruit cobblers, banana puddings, “pudd’n” shakes and more. 10584 Fremont Pike, Suite 3, Perrysburg. facebook.com/ GetPeachyPerrysburg

„ Jekyll and Hyde Gym is now open in Perrysburg. The gym offers strength training, personal training, bootcamp, infrared sauna, tanning and a pro shop. 10602 Fremont Pike Perrysburg. 419-873-6126. jekyllandhydegym.com

„ The Mental Health Collaborative, a women-owned mental health care practice serving the Toledo area, is now open. Counselors and psychiatrists at the Mental Health Collaborative provide therapy and medication management in person and online. The practice is accepting new clients. 4041 W. Sylvania Ave., Ste. 202, Toledo. 419-504-5624. thementalhealthcollaborative.com

„ The Toledo-based technology consulting firm CNWR has moved to its new downtown offices at 616 Madison Ave. The firm purchased the property, the former Port Lawrence Title building, from the Lucas County Land Bank. After 18 months of renovations to the historic building, CNWR opened its new offices in March 2023. 419-724-2697. cnwr.com.

ON THE COVER: Alexia Franko of Many’s Bluewater Grille. Learn more on p17

Take Solace In Menstrual Justice

Solace Health and Wellness is featuring a Menstrual Justice program that is meant to address challenges people in the community face due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education. Solace is collecting menstrual supplies and distributing them to organizations that ensure community residents have access to menstrual supplies. To participate, people can donate money to the Menstrual Justice fund, purchase products from the Amazon Wishlist, host a supply drive at your business and host a “period party” with members of your staff at Solace’s downtown location, 137 N. Michigan St. For more information, email info@ solacehealth.org or call 419-214-9046.

YMCA Launches Racial Justice Challenge

The YMCA of Northwest Ohio launched a Racial Justice Challenge that is meant to promote awareness, understanding and action around racism and discrimination within society. This self guided program runs from April 17 to May 15, and is open to any organizations, businesses or individuals that want to participate. Anyone involved will receive emails with curated content featuring articles, podcasts, videos and more that tackle topics like structural racism, implicit bias and privilege. For more information on the program, visit ywcanwo.org/what-were-doing/racial-justice, or call 419-241-3235.

Preserving the Wild

Celebrating conservation in Northwest Ohio, the Black Swamp Conservancy is hosting an outdoor fundraising event, So Wild a Place, on Saturday, June 10 at 5:30 pm at the West Side Montessori Campus, 7115 W Bancroft in Toledo. The “backyard gathering” will feature Jimmy G’s BBQ along with an open bar, a live auction and rockabilly and swing music with Miss Tess. The Conservancy, which was established in 1993, now protects 175 properties for the benefit of current and future generations, covering over 20,000 acres with the mission to restore natural habitats, to improve water quality and to increase biodiversity. Tickets for So Wild a Place are available at blackswamp.org or by calling 419-833-1025.

CITY POLITICS

Back to the future

Same ol’, same ol’ in City Politics

By Johnny Hildo

The field is set. The candidates have been certified for the big Primary Election showdown coming for coveted seats on T-Town City Council!

Oh, whoopsie, our bad. Looks like there won’t be any Primary Election in T-Town. So few citizens give a darn about elected office that there aren’t enough candidates to warrant a primary runoff.

Counting to one

Heck, half the council districts barely have enough interest to warrant a General Election. It takes at least three candidates to require a primary, and at least one candidate to create a general. No districts have more than two candidates. Districts Three, Four, and Six have exactly one candidate each. Incumbents Theresa Gadus, Vanice Williams, and Theresa Morris just need to remember to vote for themselves in November and they’re in.

As discussed in our last column, two of the remaining three seats have no challenger from the GOP. Districts One and Two each pit two Ds against each other. District One features incumbent John Hobbs against Shaun Strong. Great choice here. Hobbs is a political novice appointed to replace convicted former councilman Tyrone Riley. Hobbs was allegedly caught double counting time paid by various public agencies soon after his appointment to Council. Strong is a former City of Toledo employee disciplined for violating the city’s ethics policy. He lost to Riley in twenty nineteen. Either one would be a logical choice to replace the scandal-ridden Riley.

Speaking of folks who can’t hold a job, former Council member Adam Martinez is back and running for District Two. Martinez was elected to an At-Large seat in twenty oh nine as a Democrat, then proceeded to shoot himself in the proverbial foot by voting for then-Mayor Mike Bell’s exigent circumstances ordinances breaking the contracts of all city unions. Martinez has been unapologetic about this stance, and even endorsed Bell’s reelection as Mayor.

Martinez lost his own re-election in twenty thirteen, as did Bell. Bell went on to introduce then-candidate Donald Trump during his twenty sixteen visit to downtown Toledo. Martinez, meanwhile, jumped from job to job before declaring as a candidate for Toledo City Council in twenty twenty one, when he failed to garner enough valid petition signatures to make the ballot.

Martinez’ opponent is fellow D and block watch captain Patrick Harvey. The latter is a member of the Lucas County Dem Central Committee, but has no discernible political baggage. In other words, boring. We’ll move on.

No names

Over in District Five, incumbent Sam Melden has proven to be a thoughtful and competent legislator. His opponent is good ol’ reliable Tom Names. Reliable as in you can rely on him to run for something every election cycle lately. And lose.

Ol’ Tommy boy ran for an At-Large seat in twenty seventeen and finished last in the primary. He got trounced by Melden for the District Five seat in twenty nineteen. He withdrew as the Republican candidate for county commissioner in twenty twenty. If he had stayed in that race he would have been trounced by incumbent Tina Wozniak. He ran for an at-large seat again in twenty twenty one, finishing far out of the running in the primary.

Three strikes and you’re out, Tom. All that’s left here is another humiliating loss.

To recap. Three district incumbents are running unopposed. Distrust One remains the district of scandal and intrigue. District Two pits a candidate who calls himself a D but backed a candidate who backed Trump against a clean politician. District Five pits a competent incumbent against a Republican political zombie who doesn’t know when enough is enough.

City Politics in a nutshell.

Wedding Guide

Now that the warmer months are in full swing, it’s even more fun to shop and plan for your wedding. As fun as wedding planning is, decision fatigue is a real thing, and it can quickly paralyze you when you have a million things to check off your list. That’s why we put together a handy checklist for your planning needs, a “Choose Your Own Adventure” guide full of local vendors, DIY tips and local couples stories. The latter all had very different approaches to their wedding festivities that will leave you feeling inspired to carry on with your own planning. Above all, remember to have fun with it!

Happy planning!

Erin Holden

Ulonda

& Stacey Marie

(AKA

Photos by Moore Memories & Images Photography Wedding Date: July 2, 2022 (our seven-year anniversary)

How did you meet? I (Ulonda) was attending my uncle’s funeral. He was Stacey’s brother-in-law. When I walked in, there were whispers from Stacey asking who I was. I can remember wearing my cowboy hat and boots. No one really knew who I was, and the entire time — unbeknownst to me — she was watching my every move. That day we never connected, so she later reached out to my cousin Simone “Tweetie” Wilson to ask if she knew this lady she saw at her brother-in-law’s funeral. As soon as she said I saw this chick at Clifford’s funeral with a cowboy hat and boots on my cousin knew immediately who she was talking about. She said, “That’s my cousin, Londa”. We later connected after I saw a video of her dancing a few weeks later. I asked my cousin Tweetie to call her. So, from that point on it was a long distance relationship for 508 days, before Stacey decided to move back to Toledo after living in Alpharetta, GA for 11 years.

Who popped the question, and how? I (Ulonda) did, on January 17, 2021. It was my 56th birthday. I made reservations at Benchmark, and I told Stacey I would like to get dressed up and have a nice dinner for my birthday. So it was me, Stacey, my sister Catherine Sutton, and her boyfriend Monty Griffin. They knew I was going to propose, so I wanted them there to catch the moment.

How long was the engagement? 17 months.

What made your wedding day special? The fact that we were getting married on our seven-year anniversary and we were doing it in front of our friends and family.

During the wedding planning process, did you ever want to elope and just get it over with? Yes, we both did.

Yvette

“US” - Toledo)

Did you have a bridal shower, lingerie shower, and/or bachelor/ bachelorette parties? If so, what did you do? Stacey’s matron of honor, Christina Griffin, planned a dinner party at The Heights on a Friday. On that following Saturday, Stacey had an all-white bridal shower and a bachelorette party planned on the Ultimate Party Bus that night. Ulonda’s sister, Catherine Sutton, was my maid of honor, and she planned a Sports Game night party. The theme was to wear your favorite sports team. We both truly enjoyed our events!

Was there anything in the wedding that didn’t go according to plan? Yes, it did not start on time.

Did you do anything during the wedding that would be considered non-traditional? Yes, the fact that it was a same-sex wedding. It was filled with LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE. It was at a hall and not a church, but GOD was still present, as always. My bridal party wore pants with a very feminine and classy look which added another layer to the overall wedding. Our sons walked us down the aisle.

Cont’d on p8

Your top moments: Stacey: Seeing Ulonda standing there when I was walking down the aisle. Ulonda: watching Stacey walk down the aisle with her two sons.

Three words to describe your wedding expectations: Beautiful, unconventional and elegant.

Three words to describe your wedding reality: Longevity, memorable and love.

Where did you spend your honeymoon? Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Our Vendors

Tips and tricks for other couples: Just do a destination wedding!

What we learned from the whole experience: It’s hard to get everyone on the same page when there are a lot of people involved.

Where did you get your dress and/or suit? Stacey: Atlas Bridal Shop. Ulonda: Nicholas Harper, owner of Eden Couture. Who was your officiant? Stacey’s brother, Kevin Brown. Barber: Sherina Bowen of Impeccable Barbers & Stylist. Hair stylist: Kiera Easley of Kleshae Beauty Service. Caterer: Special Occasions Catering LLC. Baker: Kimberly Thompson owner of Kim’s Kakes LLC. Photographer: Donnice Brown, owner of Moore Memories & Images Photography. Music: DJ T.O. Kyles. Wedding Coordinator: Angela Brown-Wright. Describe your wedding venue: Dr. Martin Luther

Morgan and Lane McCLAIN

Did you do anything during the wedding that would be considered non-traditional? I walked myself down the aisle, we skipped the garter toss and I didn’t have a true bridal-party. We just had a maid of honor and best man for speeches, but they sat with the guests for the ceremony.

Your top moments: I loved that I was able to carefully pick my own day-of jewelry through my small business, Ladybird Gems, which makes the pieces even more sentimental. The best was finally saying, “I do” and being able to take a much-needed breath! We loved taking pictures in Promenade Park and around the venue. We also took dance classes for our first dance and it was perfect.

Three words to describe your wedding expectations: Party, elegant, affordable.

Three words to describe your wedding reality: Over-budget, elegant, quick.

in Love...

How did you meet? Bumble actually! We both lived in Sylvania at the time and swiped right, met at Biggby for our first date.

Who popped the question, and how? Lane proposed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon after we had lunch in our garden, and I thought we were taking just a few photos and he was recording “all of our work in the garden that day.”

How long was the engagement? Just over a year and a half.

What made your wedding day special? We love to host events and have friends over for holidays, especially New Year’s Eve, so being able to say, “I do” with our friends and family on such a fun night was the best.

During the wedding planning process, did you ever want to elope and just get it over with? YES! There were a lot of venues that we really wanted, but other couples had gotten to them before us. We only missed them by a few days. When we found our venue, it was being remodeled and would be ready by our wedding date, right in the city.

Did you have a bridal shower, lingerie shower, and/or bachelor/ bachelorette parties? If so, what did you do? I had a bridal shower, and we had separate bachelor/bachelorette parties. For the shower, we rented out the Sylvania Moose Lodge and made some family recipes, plus other friends and family brought yummy dishes. For the bachelor party, the guys went to a few bars in Toledo and the casino for a while before heading home. The girls did Toledo Handlebars downtown, went bar hopping and got pizza before heading home after the bachelorette.

Was there anything in the wedding that didn’t go according to plan? Unfortunately, yes. Our guests we had ordered vegan options for didn’t get their food somehow, but luckily there were options for them with the hors d’oeuvres and the sides. Also, our cake stand for our main tiered cake went missing after the kitchen cut the slices. I had picked it out especially because it looked like my mom’s cake stand.

|

(Sylvania)

Photo Credit: Ryan Southen

Where did you spend your honeymoon? Still planning. We’re looking for warm and tropical, but we want to purchase a home together first.

Tips and tricks for other couples: Just breathe and honestly consider eloping if you’re leaning towards it!

Our Vendors

What we learned from the whole experience: At the end of the day, you’re married. How you get there is completely up to you, so do what you want! Small, large, rustic, elegant…it’s your day and the start to your marriage. No one else should matter!

Where did you get your dress? Blye’s Bridal Loft in Kokomo, Indiana. Who was your officiant? Pastor Joel Schutte. Caterer: Provided by the venue. Baker: Strachn’s Bakery. Music: DJ Diamond Lee. Describe your wedding venue: Large ballroom in downtown Toledo (Glass City Center). Other wedding vendors you’d like to mention: Photography by Ryan Southen. Videography by Parker Brown. Day-Of-Coordinator: Bee For The Day. Arch Rental: Pinsta Perfect Decor. Jewelry - Ladybird Gems (wedding bands and day-of jewelry) and Alan Miller Jewelers (engagement ring). Morgan’s hairstylist: Dori Seevers. Venue: Glass City Center Ballroom.

CITY SIPS

Urban Pine Winery

3415 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee. 567-703-1281

urbanpinewinery.com

What is your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink? I like drinking white wines in the summer and we have a new tropical coconut sangria that is fantastic! What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? I am inspired most by staying true to the character of the grape in winemaking, and not covering this character with too much oakiness. Guests are always surprised by our sangrias and the flavors that are so fresh like raspberry dragonfruit, peach apricot, coconut, pineapple pear, blueberry, strawberry. We use real fruit to create these flavors so it’s especially delicious in the spring and summer!

What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? My favorite thing about working in a winery is the pace, we encourage the guests to relax, de-stress and enjoy and celebrate life, because life is short and we work so so hard!

What is the funniest thing to ever happen to you while bartending? The funniest thing that has happened to me while winemaking has been spraying myself and my assistant winemaker with wine. We have discussed the health benefits of bathing in wine and/or creating a wine infused facial mask.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Mint. What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Be old school.

Tell us about the best cocktail you ever had. Cosmo. Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Old fashioneds.

If you could make a drink for any Toledoan from history, who would it be and what would you make? Steam Train Maury - An Old fashioned.

What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? Getting to know the regular customers and hearing their life experiences.

What is the funniest thing to ever happen to you while bartending? Accidentally broke a whole bottle of well vodka from my apron pulling on it.

Your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink?

I would have to say a Rum Runner in the summertime as you can make them several different ways and they are refreshing on a hot summer day. What is your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Learn from each other. Bartending is an art and each person has different skills on how they bartend and you can learn so much from each other.

What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? My favorite aspect about working and running Georgjz419 is meeting new people. We are a destination and it’s awesome to meet new people that come from all over to visit us.

What is the funniest thing to happen to you while bartending? One that sticks out, I was changing a keg and disconnected it wrong and beer sprayed all over me. Definitely did not plan to smell like a brewery for the rest of the day lol.

PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER

PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER

What is your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink? Raspberry and Rye - a perfect spring and summer whiskey/bourbon cocktail!

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail? Creme de Violette!

What herbal or botanical in gredient inspires you the most?

Basil for summertime cocktails!

Your best piece of a dvice for budding bartenders?

The best cocktails have three ingredients. Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Smoke, fruits and fresh herbs allowing your cocktails to come to life.

What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? People!

Drinks

What is your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink? Our frozen Miami Vice.

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail? Cucumber vodka.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Fresh basil. I love using it in a lemon basil martini. Your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Greet everyone with a smile.

WalkerDebbie

PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail? Tequila 1944 or Crown Peach.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Garlic stuffed olives for a dirty martini.

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Keep it simple and clean.

Tell us about the best cocktail you ever had? Crown Peach, ginger beer, and a splash of pineapple.

Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for?

Casamigos (ultra-premium tequila and mezcal) and Long Drink (a Finnish citrus soda with liquor).

What is the funniest thing to ever happen to you while bartending? I wore the wrong bar shirt while working here. Customers gave me a lot of crap & jokes.

PHOTO BY RILEY RUNNELLS

Maumee Bay Brewing Company Rockwell’s Steakhouse

27 Broadway St., Toledo 419-243-1302 mbaybrew.com

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? I love Butterfly Pea Flower! Making it into a simple syrup is my favorite way to use it. It is so floral and not overly sweet, not to mention it’s so vibrant! I like to make herbal sparkling lemonades with this, using fresh lemons, vodka, and topped with soda.

Tell us about the best cocktail you have ever had. Definitely a Bourbon Spice Rack from Barcelona Wine Bar in Reston, Virginia. I had it 5 years ago and still think about it to this day! I’m not a huge bourbon fan but this drink had everything I didn’t know I needed in a cocktail. The cardamom, maple syrup and lavender bitters gave it so much depth, and it was perfectly balanced with lemon juice.

Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Espresso martinis have been pretty popular recently. I like to use flavored vodkas like caramel or vanilla to make latte martinis. However, with summer coming up, my favorite drink to suggest is a flavored mule. Blackberry always hits the spot!

Mancy’s Italian

5453 Monroe St., Toledo. mancysitalian.com 419-882-9229

What is your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink? St. Germain Spritz.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Fernet Branca or Chartreuse. What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Learn what “mise en place” means and follow it.

Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Amaro cocktails. What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? You never have the same day twice.

John"JJ"Jacob

There is one particular cocktail mentioned or featured

times in this issue of City Sips. Correctly tell us what it is and be automatically entered to win a $25 gift card to a local watering hole - on us! Just scan the QR code and tell us what you think the code word is. 2 lucky winners will be selected from the correct answers on May 19th.

PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER

Your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?

Limoncello

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? | Keep it simple.

Tell us about the best cocktail you ever had. A Oaxacan old fashioned with mezcal.

Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for?

Frozen cocktails.

If you could make a drink for any Toledoan from history, who would it be and what would you make?

I’d share an old fashioned with the Hannon Brother.s

What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? The energy.

Featured Cocktail: Ourfeaturedcocktailisthe frozenspicyPalomawith jalapeñoandmint.

Hannon’s Garage Bar

619 Monroe St, Toledo. hannonsblockrestaurant.com/ hannons-garage-bar 419-407-5146

Featured Cocktail: Kiwi,KiwiVanillaMargarita-

Rosaria’s on Third Street

135 W. Third St., Perrysburg | 567-898-2121

rosariason3rd.com

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?

Charapliwy

Well, one of my managers Kate Murray, gave me a bottle of Italicus last year before we opened to create a drink around. I soon realized how versatile it is with herbal notes of bergamot and citrus - it can be paired with just about anything.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? How does one choose just one? I cannot! I center many of my syrups and drinks around those ingredients. This is one reason I was so excited when creating our new cocktails for spring and summer - especially being able to bring back our Kiwi-Vanilla Margarita.

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? I would let them know that there is so much to learn behind the bar and it can be intimidating at first. You need to take your time, experiment, ask lots of questions, and always be kind. Most importantly they shouldn’t forget to have fun!

Mancy

5333 Monroe St., Toledo. 419-841-0066 mancysideal.com

What is your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink? The drink I made was our Aviation: Tanqueray gin, crème de violet, fresh squeezed lemon and maraschino liqueur.

What is your favorite colorful, fruity seasonal drink? My favorite summer drink is a Moscow mule - very refreshing and I love to add different flavors.

What is your favorite aspect of working in a bar? I recently started bartending and I have to say that I really enjoy it!

Anything else you’d like to share? Come see me for happy hour Monday-Saturday from 4-6pm. We have some great features at my bar or the high tops. They include $5 glass of select wines and some great $6 martinis. Stop in and check it out!

house-madevanilla beansimplesyrup,fresh lime,MilagroTequila

MichaelStancati

Michaela Pickard

PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER

CarlosMendez

Lupitas Cantina, Cocina de Carlos

27072 Carronade Dr. F, Perrysburg 419-872-0200 cocinadecarlos.com

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail? Sotol, a distilled spirit from the Chihuahuan desert.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Jamaica Flour (Hibiscus), dry tamarind, lime, mango and peppers.

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Knowing how to detect the mood of your clients to create a cocktail that causes joy if the client is happy or on the contrary, if the client is sad or depressed through the cocktail he feels calm and does not feel alone. What is the funniest thing to ever happen to you while bartending? I was creating a margarita to put in the slushy machine. Prepare 10 gallons for a weekend, it was delicious, and the customers finished it in a weekend. The following week I passed the recipe to my manager so he could prepare it, but instead of raspberries he put blackberries and the drink turned dark purple. They were 10 gallons and I didn’t know how to lower the color and I remembered that we were in Oc tober and I called it “Halloween Margarita” a total success, until today I don’t remember the exact ingredients.

Inside the Five Brewing Company

5703 Main St., Sylvania. 127 W. 3rd St., Perrysburg. 567-408-7212 insidethefivebrewing.com

Favorite colorful, fruity cocktail: T-Berry Breeze; strawberry watermelon martini. Made with Heart of Glass vodka, watermelon pucker, lime juice & simple syrup. This is on our new spring cocktail menu in Perrysburg.

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail? Dragonberry rum.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Mint, because it reminds me of summer and sunshine.

If you could make a drink for any Toledoan from history, who would it be and what would you make? Jim Harbaugh: I would make a “buckeye shot” (; OH-IO!

Bree Branstutter

Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that out readers should keep an eye out for? Espresso martinis made with tequila.

What is the funniest thing to ever happen to you while bartending? I was learning how to clean beer lines from our owner Brandon, I was so nervous that I hooked up the cleaner keg wrong and got a cleaner keg shower. I was mortified to say the least but it has definitely been one of the funniest moments to date.

“Wehaveawholeshelfofjustlocallymadeliquor”, -CarlosMendez

PHOTO BY KELLI MILLER

CELEBRATE NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

SAT, MAY 6, 2023 - FRI, MAY 12, 2023

Our healthcare depends upon individuals working on the front line, and no one is more front line than America’s nurses. Administering and coordinating care, educating patients and answering important questions, being the most hands-on professional for those under their care— nurses are critical. National Nurses Week begins on May 6, and we here at Toledo City Paper would like to take some time to salute our area’s nursing staff— and wish each and every one of them a heartfelt thank you. We see you, and are grateful for all you do.

MED TECHS STEP UP AT MANAHAN

Manahan is a non-profit supporting people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) since 1979. We appreciate our nurses and celebrate them during National Nurses Week! The historic labor environment of the last several years has created challenges. At Manahan we saw this firsthand last year when we were struggling to fill nursing positions.

In the early 1990s, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) took steps to create the Ohio Revised Code that allowed “RN Delegation.” Under this guidance, an RN could train with the DODD, and then train Direct Support Professionals to pass medications and perform other nursing tasks. This allowed for quality services at supported living sites, without having a nurse on-site, and was an important step in the evolution of IDD services across Ohio.

When the nursing shortage hit Manahan’s residential facility, we made the decision to create “Med Tech” positions using RN delegation. We also want to show appreciation to our two Med Techs, Sparkle and Tony, during Nurses Week. They came to us with a combined 25 years of experience providing IDD services as Direct Support Professionals (DSP). In addition to their competency with delegated nursing tasks, these two have gained a strong reputation with our great team of DSPs, as they are always quick to lend a helping hand with other activities of daily living such as personal care and mealtime assistance. Thank you Sparkle and Tony for all you do for Manahan, the people we provide services to, and our employees!

ARROWHEAD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

The nursing staff at Arrowhead Behavioral Health is a group of deeply compassionate individuals with the common goal of removing the stigma of mental illness and substance use disorders. Nurses are an integral part of all levels of patient care at Arrowhead. From the initial assessment to inpatient and outpatient programs, nurses interact with patients to assist with the journey of recovery. Our team is dedicated to improving the quality of life based on the fundamentals of trust, respect, and dignity. The nursing staff works together with physicians, social workers, and mental health techs to provide an environment of healing to those in need of the services we provide. Our entire team looks forward to continuing to serve in a safe, nurturing environment, and to provide a beacon of hope to individuals seeking treatment. To the nurses at Arrowhead Behavioral Health …thank you for all you do!!

ISSUE DATE: 9/23

AD DEADLINE: 8/15/23

| 419-866-9013

WE REMEMBER OUR HEALTHCARE HEROES

The Professional Registered Nurse Honor Guard offers a spiritual final call to discharge our fellow nurse from their duty. A recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge is provided at the funeral home, memorial service, or at the grave site. The Nightingale pledge is recited once the nurse has completed their training. The PRN Honor Guard lights a symbolic Nightingale lamp which represents the call of duty for the last time. Once the final call is completed the candle is extinguished. This final nursing tribute is available for any active or retired nurse at the time of their passing. The PRN Honor Guard ceremony expresses respect, dignity, and recognition to the departed nurse, and provides peace to the grieving families and friends.

PRN NURSES HONOR GUARD OF TOLEDO, OHIO & COMMUNITY

EMAIL: PRNUAWHONORGUARD@HOTMAIL.COM

THERESA SMITH - 419.344.7130 • DEB KLEM - 419.450.0615 JANET CLAUS - 419.343.3459 • UAW LOCAL 2213 OFFICE 419.251.2098

OLSC NURSES WEEK INCLUSION

Nursing is rooted and grounded in love. At Ohio Living Swan Creek, we know firsthand what a difference nurses make in the lives of others, across all levels of care and throughout every season of life. This Nurses Week, we celebrate the caring nature, dedication, intuition, and strength of nurses in our Toledo community who give so much of themselves. Thank you for what you do. We admire and appreciate your unrivaled contributions!

Ohio Living has a proud history of serving adults since 1922, as one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit, multi-site aging organizations. Our employees are at the heart of all we do. If you can see yourself working for a positive, inclusive company, we’d love to hear from you! Apply: careers.ohioliving.org.

Vicky Allan, Debbi Klem, Cherie Weeks, Janice Jay, Theresa Smith, Latonya Greenlee, Beth Gandy

Fight for your RIGHTS

ties where we were serving,” Tomm said. “We would be the ACLU coming in with Know Your Rights from one perspective only. We felt like we really needed to broaden that: make that be a little bit more of a 360 look at who you are, your environment, the lens of folks that are different from us who were writing the Know Your Rights programming, and felt that Know Your Rights really applies more to Black and brown communities more now than ever, and they’re the ones who need to know how to react when law enforcement comes in front of them.”

Grant supports ACLU of Ohio’s Know Your Rights educational program

By Riley Runnells

Everyone should know their rights, but many are not aware of them. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio works, through the Know Your Rights program, to educate the public on their rights, particularly as they pertain to identity. To help the ACLU of Ohio in this mission, the Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) awarded the organization a $35,000 grant to further the scope of its educational efforts.

The Racial Justice Initiative grant, which launched in 2020, has provided more than $788,000 across the State of Ohio in support of projects that foster long-lasting impact and institutional change for racial justice. The Know Your Rights program provides educational opportunities in all 88 Ohio counties on systemic racism and tools you can use for safe interactions with law enforcement.

“The Racial Justice Initiative was created in response to civil rights protests seen around the state,” Laura Spires, Grant Manager at OSBF, said. “The mission is to support projects that specifically identify, address and challenge systemic racism, which hinders the pursuit of justice and public understanding of the rule of law for historically marginalized communities of color in Ohio.”

OSBF’s grants committee reviews applications and selects projects that align with the mission. While grants vary in size, the ACLU of Ohio requested $35,000, while the Bar Foundation plans to distribute $1 million in grants through the Racial Jus-

tice Initiative by the end of 2023. “ACLU of Ohio’s Know Your Rights: Rights vs Reality project is an excellent fit for our grants program because it will create valuable educational materials and experiences for students across the state of Ohio,” Spires explains.

Popular and necessary topic

The Know Your Rights program is the most popular of the ACLU of Ohio’s programming, Director of Equity and Inclusion Raphael Davis-Williams said. The members of the board, as well as other participating volunteers can help educate the public on their rights concerning encounters with law enforcement, voting laws and other resources to keep individuals safe.

“The reality of those interactions is, you don’t get a chance to really think because of the way law enforcement reacts sometimes to Black and brown men,” DavisWilliams said. “Until we can get some genuine law enforcement reforms in place, what we want to do is prepare individuals for how to react in those situations [where they may interact with law enforcement].”

ACLU of Ohio Development Director Cindy Tomm said the funding from the grant will provide video education materials and further the Know Your Rights content on the organization’s TikTok page. They will also host panel discussions to discuss some of the challenges facing Black and brown communities.

Adjusting perspective

“What we realized was our Know Your Rights presentations were not culturally competent, oftentimes, in the communi-

ACLU of Ohio is excited to spark conversations and questions with this program. With social media, people have more of a platform to share information, but also the opportunities to ask the questions they want to know and to connect with the ACLU of Ohio more than ever. The ACLU of Ohio and the executives of OSBF encourage people to stay up to date with what’s going on through the Racial Justice Initiative because of the importance of the work and the doors the organizations who receive this grant can open.

“People should and do care about projects like those supported by the RJI because working towards a more fair, understandable, and accessible justice system is important for our state, and this aim will not be achieved without carefully reviewing, discussing, and addressing parts of our legal system that are not serving all Ohioans equally,” Lori Keating, Executive Director of OSBF, said.

“We know that one grant cannot solve an issue which took centuries to create,” Spires said. We hope that by funding organizations with a wide range of missions and service areas that we can combat systemic racism and empower communities to make positive change. Grants funded through RJI will impact all Ohioans and benefit our state through public education, cutting edge research, resource development, and policy recommendations.”

The Racial Justice Initiative will have additional opportunities for funding in 2023. For more information, check out OSBF’s website for the next application deadline to be announced. For more on the ACLU of Ohio, visit its TikTok page or website

OSBF’s grants committee reviews applications and selects projects that align with the mission.

CHOW LINE Bless Charlie Mops

A great place for food and drink

By Jon Ruggiero

A song sung in many British pubs, Beer, Beer, Beer, is so old that there is uncertainty about its origins. A jaunty tune about the drink that makes pubs exist, the song also praises the so-called inventor of beer, a man named Charlie Mops.

The spirit of the song is alive in the Lambertville bar, Charlie Mops Grub and Hops. “We actually have the song on our wall at the restaurant,” explains the bar’s general manager Natalie Wahl.

Filled Up With Cheer

Charlie Mops opened in 2018 and now offers lunch and dinner service. The building had been various restaurants over the years, and the new owner renovated the building to its current status. Wahl explained the new owner “just wanted a home town bar to enjoy; to be about highlighting our restaurant, not his name.”

The main bar and eating room has a large seating area and many windows for a bright pub experience. Though

bars are often known for providing food as an afterthought, the selection of edibles at Charlie Mops is testament to the care put into the recipes. Housemade sauces and foods are inspired by the song that inspired the name of the bar.

Food specials for each day of the week (including Sunday brunch) include Thursdays with half-priced appetizers including breaded cheese curds, pickle bread, pickle Tiddly Stix and French Onion mushrooms.

Singing Praises

The cheese curds ($8.99) were an upgraded mozzarella stick, boasting mellow cheese inside and an impressively crunchy exterior, enhanced by a Ranch sauce with a lemony finish. Two pickle-based appetizer options include pickle bread ($9.99), a fluffy-and-crispy pizza crust topped with dill pickles, alfredo sauce and a cheese blend. Tiddly Stix ($7.99), which reference a lyric from Beer, Beer, Beer, are fried pub-style egg rolls. They come in jalapeno-popper, pizza, and pickle varieties. The pickle Stix were perfectly rolled and crunchy outside encasing pickle spears within.

Also Cajun French Onion Mushrooms ($7.99) are seasoned and sauteed in French onion soup, then topped with a swiss cheese blend, reminiscent of the soup itself. The mushrooms are a delightful and fun fusion of a fancy dish and an appetizer.

The sandwich options include the bruschetta grilled cheese ($11.99), one of a line of sandwiches and burgers at Charlie Mops. Paired with freshly-fried pub chips, the grilled cheese is another fascinating combo of two well-loved dishes with toasty bread surrounding havarti and provolone cheeses, tasty marinated tomatoes and a sweet balsamic reduction.

If Charlie Mops only served this grilled cheese sandwich, the recommendation would still be to try the eatery. Not just for the food, not just for the beer, not just for the ambiance; visit Charlie Mops for all of it.

Charlie Mops, 8505 Secor Rd, Lambertville. 734-568-6686. charliemop.com

Clockwise from top left: the bruschetta grilled cheese is highly recommended by our reviewer, who also appreciated the bar’s whiskey selection; Charlie Mops, the pub’s namesake, appears in its logo; and the burger with tiddly stix (fried pub-style egg rolls) is a filling option.

POPPERS

Lifelines & Benfield Wines

A psychic medium accompanied by wine? That’s the combination you didn’t know you needed. Benfield Wines, 102 N Main St., Swanton, presents an evening of wine and making connections from the beyond with Medium Sirena La Point. There is limited seating, so register as soon as possible. Beginning at 6pm on Friday, May 5, Sirena will do her best to make connections, but messages are not guaranteed. No outside alcohol is permitted. $40. Visit benfieldwines.com for more information about the event or to register.

Tequila and Tapas and Toledo… Oh My!

The Toledo Zoo is celebrating Cinco De Mayo with a Tequila and Tapas event. On Friday, May 5 beginning at 6pm, guests can sample tequilas paired with professionally made small plates. There are different stations to explore, and your $65 non-member ticket or $60 member ticket will get you admission, parking, six tequila and food tasting samples along with entertainment. Event is rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable. Attendees must be 21 or older and show a valid ID. toledozoo. org.

Make Mother’s Day Special With Libbey House

Looking for a special way to share Mother’s Day with your mom? Head to Libbey House, 2008 Scottwood Ave., on Sunday, May 21, for one of their three 90 minute tea party seatings. Tea times are 11am, 1pm and 3pm, when you can enjoy a selection of tea, sandwiches and desserts. $40 per person, and you must register before May 17. All proceeds go to the Libbey House and to support programs for the Women of the Old West End. Social distancing and masks will be observed. Visit libbeyhouse.org for more information.

CURTAIN CALL NOTES THEATER

CTW presents Stargazer

Action, adventure, friendship and lossempowering kids through playwriting

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

Toledo Rep & Actors Collaborative Present: American Hero

From May 12 through May 14, the Toledo Repertoire Theater is collaborating with Actors Collaborative Toledo for a performance of “American Hero.” The show follows three misfit “sandwich artists” who must band together in order to save their failing sub franchise. The show celebrates creativity and focuses on everyday people trying to survive, one sandwich at a time. Students and children $9.75, seniors 60 and over $17.75 and general public $19.75. For specific times, more information about the show or to buy tickets, visit the Toledo Repertoire Theatre website.

The Toledo Opera Presents Annual Gala

Looking for a proper night out on the town? The Toledo Opera is hosting its annual fundraising gala at the Toledo Club Friday, May 12. The event will begin at 6pm with a cocktail hour and the concert, performed by resident artists Sara Mortensen, Imara Miles, Brendan Boyle, Matthew Payne and Steven Naylor, will begin at 7pm with a plated dinner. Kevin Bylsma, coartistic director and head of music preparation, will be the event’s master of ceremonies and accompanist. Tickets for the cocktail hour and concert are $125, and with dinner included are $250. Full tables of 10 can be purchased for $2,500. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit toledoopera.org or call 419-255-SING.

Make Your Escape To Margaritaville

Stargazer, an original play written by the students at Children’s Theater Workshop (CTW), is a typical adventure story — a group of friends must defeat a threat, along the way characters are added to the party, obstacles are overcome and then there’s a showdown with the big bad. It’s formulaic in that way, but what is interesting about how kids write for themselves is that they impose their own questions and experiences onto the stories. A lot of things written for children are written by adults, assuming that it will appeal to kids. When kids write, you gain a unique understanding of what stories they want for themselves.

The play is about a young person named Stargazer who lives outside a small town, leading a simple life with dreams of adventure. A goddess, Pesta, devastates the area, killing Stargazer’s parents. Stargazer rallies a group of friends to find Pesta and exact revenge. Along the way the group meets a helpful forest spirit, does battle and solves riddles, but before the final battle one friend betrays Stargazer, and that betrayal is an important part of the play.

Tween Years

The theme of a toxic friendship is something not often addressed in children’s literature and media. When a friend does something, perhaps even with good intentions, that is hurtful, how do friends deal with that? Will the friendship survive, or is it better to move on? Younger kids are taught to get along and to share but as children grow, there are lessons to learn about the changing dynamics in friendships. Aimee Reid, CTW Executive Artistic Director, notes that there isn’t a lot of good material written for this age group, which is a good time to start exploring their own stories. While Stargazer is full of action and adventure, there are themes of lost friendships and difficult choices. This is the age where things start to get messy in relationships, says Reid. “I tell them, your first heartbreak isn’t romantic, it’s the loss of a friend.”

The CTW Process

“Devising’ is an umbrella term for collaborative theater,” Reid says, adding, “For us it means that a group of young people and the teacher will talk about plot, character and the foundations of script writing. The kids get together and brainstorm ideas and a teacher helps form connections to build a plot. We talk about foundational playwriting terms and how we use them to make a great story. Feedback on a playwright’s work shouldn’t be someone imposing their personal preference on the writing. That’s not how we do things. I want to help kids to write the play they want to write and I try to give feedback that will help them in that endeavor. This way the play is owned by the kids writing it, and we act as support staff.”

A course for every aspect of theater

On the CTW website there are programs available for different age groups and most aspects of theater. The playwriting class for 10–12-year-olds, the Devising Class, is available along with classes in musical theater, and technical theater (lights, sound and the technical elements of running a show). Some of the kids who wrote Stargazer also perform, but others prefer only to write. Reid teaches most of the Devising Classes. “Writing a play,” she says, “is a great way to step up your understanding of theater. When a child participates in writing a play, their comprehension of storytelling goes through the roof. They aren’t just passively receiving a story; they are creating the story and must explain why characters do certain things.” Reid says she firmly believes everyone is a theater person, anyone who’s ever sat at a table or around a campfire telling a story — that’s theater. “Everyone has a story to tell. What we do is equip kids with the tools to tell their story the way they want to tell it.”

Stargazer runs May 19-21 at The Historic Ohio Theater 3112 Lagrange Street For tickets and showtimes go to ctwtoledo.org/tickets

Looking to escape your everyday life? Oregon Community Theatre has the event for you: “Escape to Margaritaville” will run May 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13 at the Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Avenue, Oregon. Featuring songs from Jimmy Buffett’s classics, this musical follows a part-time bartender, part-time singer and full-time charmer named Tully who thinks he has life figured out – until he meets a career-oriented tourist who turns his world upside down. May 7 is a matinee performance beginning at 3 pm, and the other dates will have a 7:30pm curtain. Tickets are cheaper if you purchase online, with regular tickets being $18 online and $20 at the door, and students 18 and under and seniors 60 and over tickets being $15 online and $18 at the door. Visit oregoncommunitytheatre.org for more information.

Actors from the same age group as in the upcoming Stargazer production present the fall play Carbohydrate Catastrophe, which they also wrote.

BOOK NOTES

Get Your Round Barns of America Book Signed

Fans of the “Round Barns of America & Historic Barns of Ohio” book can meet the author and get your book signed. Author Robert Kroeger will head to the Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green, from 9am-1pm for a painting demo and a presentation. The book features paintings and stories of 75 round barns in 32 states ranging from the east coast to the Wild West. Ohio has 11 round barns in the book. The event is free for members, $7 for non-members, and the books will be for sale in the gift shop. Wednesday, May 31 from 9am-1pm. For more information on the event, visit woodcountyhistory.org.

Gathering Volumes’ Spring Hours, May Event

For those looking to support a communitybased, independent bookstore, Gathering Volumes is open for business. With the updated spring hours, Gathering Volumes is offering carefully curated shelves of books and fun events for customers. In May, Gathering Volumes is offering a Wine & Words/ Beer & Books night with author Anastasia Ryan, who penned the book “You Should Smile More.” This book club involves meeting the author and discussing the book. For anyone wanting to get involved with Gathering Volumes but unsure if they can make the May event, check out gatheringvolumes.com for more on what books it’s featuring and upcoming events. Tuesday, May 2 from 6:30-7:30pm.

CITY PAGES

Feminist Library Collection Growing

Steinem Sisters Collection at Main Branch Library

By Julie Pompa

A new book club, a new collection librarian and expansion of media offerings are all part of the Steinem Sisters Collection at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s (TLCPL) Main Branch. Established in 2018 with over 400 titles, the Steinem Sisters Collection features feminist materials exploring the lives and achievements of women making historical, cultural and political contributions. Nestled in a niche on the first floor of the downtown library (just past the Fact and Fiction Desk), the Collection is a beacon of historical and modern works by and about women, a welcoming space for women of all walks of life to share their truths.

Local roots

Toledo native Gloria Steinem was instrumental in founding the collection, according to Allison Fiscus, TLCPL adult services coordinator. The library has continued to add to its original 400 titles. “We take a critical eye to everything we add to the collection,” Fiscus said. But the collection remains a tribute to Steinem. Among the many titles in today’s collection are several special issues of Ms. Magazine, the publication Steinem co-founded in 1972. Other titles in the collection feature issues from throughout the history of the women’s movement, including: Stop the Next War Now: Effective Responses to

34TH ANNUAL

Flower Day Weekend MAY 27-29TH

toledofarmersmarket.com/flower-day

Violence and Terrorism, edited by CodePINK Cofounders; Votes for Women, by Winifred Conkling; It’s Your World, by Chelsea Clinton; Our Bodies Ourselves, by Boston Women’s Health Book Collective and Writings From the #MeToo Movement, by Shelly Oria.

The Steinem Sisters Collection was originally housed at the women’s bookstore People Called Women which donated the Collection to the Library when the physical bookstore was closed. People Called Women still operates a mobile bookstore in Toledo. More information at peoplecalledwomen.com.

From past to future growth

When the collection was established, a dedicated librarian headed the group’s activities and partnerships. An advisory board was created (and still exists) and a book group was established. The Collection and Library partnered with a variety of community organizations, including hosting Bethany House’s Silent Witness Project. The pandemic interrupted the Library’s activities within the Steinem Sisters Collection, but now, a new librarian has been added to the collection, and the book group was re-established in March, to discuss The Soul of a Woman, by Isabel Allende. Upcoming book group meetings will be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm.

Honoring Steinem’s legacy

“Our responsibility is to explore feminism in different ways as we expand,” said Fiscus. “Gloria Steinem believes in intersectionality and learning through talking. We’re being true to her goals and looking at a lot of different perspectives” for the Collection. “The conversation (about feminism) changes daily,” she said. “We’re exploring feminism in every possible way, as it intersects with inclusivity, equity and diversity.”

325 N. Michigan St., Toledo. 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org.

Over 80 vendors will be selling their best plants, yard art, plant accessories, and crafts.

Gloria Steinem is a well-known Toledo native and co-founded the feminist magazine Ms. in 1971. Her sister, Susanne Steinem Patch, attended law school, became an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission and also was an expert in gems.

ART TO HEART

Vod’s Here Creates Mindful Crafting

An art studio and crafting space to mindfully create

By Riley Runnells

Describing Vod’s Here, owner Michelle Atkinson uses the term “organized chaos.” And she would not have it any other way. Walking into the business’ space is like opening a life-sized miscellaneous, craft drawer; the space is covered with fabrics, notebooks, crochet materials and various other items used to create pieces of art.

Atkinson, endearingly known by her nickname Vod, which came from her roller derby days from her alias, “Vod Killah,” says the “organized chaos” around the studio is a direct reflection of her mind – a combination of a creative and a controlled “Type A.” “I am upfront and completely honest in saying I’m not an expert in anything,” Vod explains. “I see myself more as a cheerleader. My thought is, ‘You can do it, or we can figure it out together.’ Teaching is not about being an expert; it’s about just being a little bit further ahead than the person you’re teaching.”

MIssion: finding creativity and having fun

Vod’s teaching style reflects the mission statement of the craft studio: Finding your creativity and having fun doing it. Vod does not encourage participants to make perfect creations. Vod wants her students to create something for themselves and for the purpose of mindfulness rather than to become hung up on perfectionism.

The idea of perfectionism, however, is, oddly enough, what sparked the idea behind Vod’s Here. After working in higher education for over 20 years, Vod quit her job during the coronavirus pandemic. Feeling burned out and ready for a change, she walked out of her job without a plan for what she would do next.

that I did over and over and over. All these things get you into a movement meditation of really focusing and getting lost.”

Movement meditation and solace

The practice of movement meditation and finding solace through crafting inspired Vod’s Here, as a studio space last October at 2910 W. Central Ave. in Toledo, and also with the idea for a Meditational Craft class. Participants are assigned a craft-like activity as a way to get in the rhythm of crafting without worrying about creating something perfect.

Though fabric and yarn are her two main mediums, Vod’s classes are open to any type of craft. Vod offers a B.Y.O. Crafty Hangout, where people can bring in their own crafts or purchase a set of materials to craft with, using the studio as a space to connect with others. Additionally, for those who want a more guided session, she offers classes like Crocheting 101. “Sometimes, though, you have to teach people how to be silly and how to have fun,” Vod explains.

Assistance and encouragement

Vod’s children help with the business in various ways, including running the website, and her husband of 30 years provides encouragement and support. Vod credits her core group of friends for consistently supporting her and helping out. Vod has connected with her family and friends more and more since opening Vod’s Here, but she is also deeply connecting with herself, learning how to slow down and enjoy every aspect of life, which has been mentally beneficial.

Mini-Comic and Zine Workshop at Main Library

On Saturday, May 6 from 2-3pm, Main Library presents a Mini-Comic and Zine Workshop. In honor of Free Comic Book Day, make your own handmade, self-published mini-comics and zines while learning about their history and cultural importance. Free comics will be available for all attendees. This program is for all ages. Free. 325 N Michigan St., Toledo. 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org.

Night Market in the Garden kicks off summer night market series

Toledo Night Market presents Night Market in the Garden at Toledo Botanical Gardens on Friday, May 12 from 4-9pm. Stroll through the gardens while exploring the Artist Village and shopping from artisan sellers. The Artist Village is home to eight arts organizations and studios, including the Toledo Potters Guild, the Toledo Area Glass Guild, Unruly Arts, Photo Arts Club of Toledo, Toledo Artists Club and Toledo Federation of Art Societies. Food trucks will be on site and there will be live music throughout the event. This event is the first in the Night Market season, which also sees events at the Toledo Farmers Market throughout warm months. Free. 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo. 419-536-5566. toledonightmarket.com.

Celebrate 20 North Gallery’s 30 years

20 North Gallery, the oldest independent gallery in Toledo, celebrates its 30th anniversary this spring with a retrospective exhibition featuring work by artists who have been central to its tenure, in a show called “20 North: 30 Years.” Artists include Aaron S. Bivins, Phil Hazard, Tom Marino, Jack Schmidt, L. Sue Szabo, Leslie Adams and more. The exhibit will be on view April 21 – June 24. The public reception and 30th Anniversary Celebration for 20 North Gallery will be held on Friday, May 19 from 6-9pm. Free. 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair St., Toledo. 419-241-2400. 20northgallery.com.

ART EVENTS

DAILY

20 North/30 Years

A celebration of new and legacy works by artists who have been iconic exhibitors for each of 20 North Gallery’s impressive three decades. Friends and collectors are welcome to the free public Reception for 20 North / 30 Years and 20 North Gallery’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, May 19, from 6 - 9 p.m. The exhibit runs until June 24, 2023. 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair St. 20northgallery.com

Seeing Stars,

Divining Futures

Seeing Stars, Divining Futures highlights the long history of human interest in the cosmos and its impact on earthly affairs. The exhibition showcases works from the Toledo Museum of Art’s collection. Runs through June 18, 2023. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., 419255-8000. toledomuseum.org.

Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg - Machine Auguries: Toledo

She began sewing and spent time crafting and working with the Juvenile Court, running a program called “Crafting to Calm.” The mental health benefits that come with crafting, the calming of mood and a time to think and relax, are motivating for Vod and her clients. “I noticed when I was in lockdown, I would start getting into repeating actions: knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, slow stitch, wrapping sticks with yarn — things

“Everything that I’m advertising right now is just the tip of the iceberg,” Vod said.

“I feel more alive than I did a year ago, because the train is going,” Vod said. “There’s no dipping your toe in, you just jump in. I just want people to know that I’m Vod, and I’m here for the people who need me.”

For more information about Vod’s Here or to sign up for a class, visit vodshere.com.

Expanding

Horizons:

The Evolving Character of a Nation

This exhibition celebrates, complicates, and above all, aims to instill curiosity and inquiry about American art. Expanding Horizons: The Evolving Character of a Nation features more than 80 objects from TMA’s permanent collection, exploring understudied narratives, confronting misconceptions, putting select works in conversation with each other and inviting visitors to share feedback that will help shape future installations going forward. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org.

The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) and Superblue will present Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg –Machine Auguries: Toledo at the Toledo Museum of Art. It is the artist’s first solo exhibition in the United States and her largest indoor installation to date. A site-specific, immersive installation simulates a natural dawn chorus, a daily call and response performed by birds in the spring and summer to defend their territory and find mates. By using machine learning, Ginsberg slowly replaces the natural dawn chorus with artificial birds. Due to the region’s location on spring migration flyways, Machine Auguries: Toledo examines how human activity has resulted in bird population declines. Through Nov. 26. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org.

Her enthusiasm and creativity are evident in her new shop and studio. The shop’s logo is sometimes rendered in needlepoint, as seen below.

Vod’s Here is the brainchild of Michelle Atkinson, a.k.a. Vod, from her old roller derby name Vod Killah.

Sea Shanties And More with whateverandeveramen. Have a drink and sing along with songs of the sea

By Tanner Wertz

As part of their “Song & Drink” series, local choral group whateverandeveramen. are hosting two shows at Earnest Brew Works’ downtown Toledo location on May 21 and 22. Each performance will revolve around a setlist of “sea shanties,” songs that make you feel like a pirate, singing with your shipmates.

There’s more to sea shanties than visions of Captain Hook walking the plank, according to Brad Pierson, whateverandevermen. Founder and Artistic Director. “When people hear the term ‘sea shanties’ there is a tendency to picture pirates and things being a bit silly, or - thanks to TikTok, maybe people are familiar with “Well-

whateverandeveramen. members add a convivial and communal atmosphere to the pub

erman.” However, sea shanties are actually really diverse. Yes, there are some that are silly (What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor), and some that are a little crass (All for Me Grog), but there are also some really gorgeous melodies (Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her)”.

Pierson adds “with sea shanties every song we do will be a singalong. You don’t need to know anything about music to join in. We teach you all the words during the event. So we all share a few pints and sing some songs together. It is a really special and unique thing to come together with sixty strangers in a bar and to make music together.”

Along with the shanties, whateverandeveramen. will be performing other traditional drinking songs. To Pierson, the whole evening is an excuse to have a few drinks with friends, make a little noise and be part of a community.

About whateverandeveramen.

whateverandeveramen. was formed in 2012 in Seattle when Pierson was a graduate student at the University of Washington. Looking to create a project-based ensemble that he could continue when he left Seattle, Pierson sought opportunities for doing non-traditional choral events while working with friends. This group has since provided Pierson with an opportunity to explore a variety of projects. (Pierson moved to Toledo in 2015 to lead the choral

program in the Department of Music at the University of Toledo.)

A project based group, singers are hired per event based on location and the requirements of the music. There have been as few as four singers and as many as twenty four. What sets whateverandeveramen. apart from other vocal/choral groups, Pierson explains, “I think the thing that makes me most proud of this ensemble is the sense of community we have been able to build through our events. So often in the world of ‘classical music,’ performances are just that - a performance. There can be a strong dichotomy between audience and performer, and that can come with a certain sense of pretension. I have always believed that it is important for choral music, and classical music more broadly, to find ways to make our audience feel more like members of a community than spectators. I didn’t set out expecting that our Song & Drink events would become our primary type of event, but they are so conducive to building community. They are a bit more casual than your traditional choral performance, but we also encourage people to participate in a variety of ways, primarily by singing along.”

25 S. St Clair St., Toledo. 419-318-8344. Sunday, May 21 at 6pm and Monday, May 22 at 6:30pm. $20. Tickets, which include entry to the event and a pint of EBW’s craft beer, are available at whateverchoir.org/schedule.

METRO MUSIC

MON, MAY 1

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Whiskey

Monday featuring Jake Pilewski

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

TUES, MAY 2

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

WED, MAY 3

Dexter’s: Jon B. Roth (acoustic)

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/ Vocalists

The Listening Loft at Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Thunder Lily w/ Brittany Hölljes from Delta Rae (indie rock)

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

THURS, MAY 4

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Hector Mendoza (guitar)

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/ Vocalists

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co.: Keith Scott (blues)

FRI, MAY 5

Music Vine Concert Series, Grand Rapids

Town Hall: John Reichle (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Cindy Slee (singer/songwriter)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Huntington Center: Casting Crowns (Christian rock)

The Casual Pint: JP and the Big Deal (acoustic)

Ottawa Tavern: The Quasi Kings and The Ice Cream Militia (indie rock)

Maumee Indoor Theater: EmiSunshine and the Rain (country)

Prime Nightlife: The Infinity Process, No Luck and The Stinky Meatballs (rock)

Dexter’s: G-String Jettison (rock)

Bar 145: North of Nashville (country)

SAT, MAY 6

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Calen Savidge (acoustic)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Benfield Wines: Jenn & John (acoustic)

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Vlad Tovbin (jazz)

Ottawa Tavern: Asava (alternative rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Jean Holden (jazz)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Matt Havers (acoustic)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: Toledo

Jazz Orchestra: The Art of Art (jazz)

Backyard BBQ & Booze: Echo Chamber (rock)

The Village Idiot: Echo Record (indie rock)

Dexter’s: The Castawayz (rock)

Bar 145: 2 Left Missing (pop/rock)

SUN, MAY 7

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Anthony Beck (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Jazz Night and Open Mic

MON, MAY 8

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Whiskey

Monday featuring Jake Pilewski

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

TUES, MAY 9

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

WED, MAY 10

Dexter’s: Adam Vasquez (acoustic)

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/

Vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

THURS, MAY 11

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Mark Elder (acoustic)

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/ Vocalists

Highlighted events indicates our picks for the week

Read more online at toledocitypaper.com

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Papa’s Tavern: Papa’s Open Jam with Bobby

May (acoustic)

Huntington Center: Brit Floyd (classic rock)

FRI, MAY 12

Music Vine Concert Series, Grand Rapids

Town Hall: Noah Nelson (acoustic)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Ottawa Tavern: Black Swamp Punk Fest -

various artists (punk)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: The Bullhorn

Boys (blues)

Arlyn’s Good Beer: The KB (pop/rock)

Perrysburg High School: Chamber Series

Concert Fundraiser (classical)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Andrew Ellis (singer/ songwriter)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: Promedica

Masterworks: Bartók & Stravinsky (classical)

The Sand Bar: 2 Left Missing (pop/rock)

Prime Nightlife: Gimme Gimme Disco (disco)

Dexter’s: Venyx (pop/rock)

Bar 145: The Skittle Bots (pop/rock)

SAT, MAY 13

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Ross

Thompson (acoustic)

Ottawa Tavern: Black Swamp Punk Festvarious artists (punk)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Maumee American Legion Post 320:

Dragons Duo (acoustic)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Anthony Beck (acoustic)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: Promedica

Masterworks: Bartók & Stravinsky (classical)

Dexter’s: Kickin Tenders (rock)

Howard’s Club H: 2 Left Missing (pop/rock)

SUN, MAY 14

The Village Idiot: Jazz Night and Open Mic

MON, MAY 15

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Whiskey

Monday featuring Jake Pilewski

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

TUES, MAY 16

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Rob Storm (acoustic)

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

WED, MAY 17

Dexter’s: Jeffrey Oliver (acoustic)

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/

Vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

The Polish Ostrich: Dealing with Dragons (rock)

THURS, MAY 18

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/

Vocalists

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jon B. Roth

(acoustic)

The Toledo Zoo: Parker McCollum (country)

Over Yonder Concert House: My Politic (americana)

FRI, MAY 19

Music Vine Concert Series, Grand Rapids

Town Hall: Bittersweet Karaoke

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Chloe

(acoustic)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Chris Canas (blues)

Papa’s Tavern: 5th Ace (rock)

Dexter’s: Sonic Temple Rock Revival (classic rock)

SAT, MAY 20

Frontera Sabores de México: Dragons Duo (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Tatum

Hartford (acoustic)

Toledo’s Mainstreet Bar & Grill: NFE, Yesterday’s Hero, Nefertiti, The Dotted Eyes (rock)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Aaron Krott (singer/ songwriter)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: KeyBank Pops: Direct from Sweden - The Music of Abba (pop)

The Polish Ostrich: Lost Signal (rock) Bar 145: Letter Rip (pop/rock)

SUN, MAY 21

Dexter’s: CatFest 2023 (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Steve Jad (acoustic)

The Toledo Club: Buckeye Broadband and Blade Chamber Series: Summer Music (classical)

The Village Idiot: Jazz Night and Open Mic

MON, MAY 22

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Whiskey Monday featuring Jake Pilewski

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

Earnest Brew Works Downtown: Sea Shanties & Drinking Songs with whateverandeveramen. (choral)

TUES, MAY 23

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

WED, MAY 24

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/ Vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

THURS, MAY 25

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Tim Oehlers (acoustic)

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/ Vocalists

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Papa’s Tavern: Papa’s Open Jam with Bobby May (acoustic)

FRI, MAY 26

Music Vine Concert Series, Grand Rapids

Town Hall: The Skittlebots (pop/rock)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: The Alex Anest Organ Trio (jazz)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Steve Kennedy (acoustic)

Dexter’s: Mediocre Mixtape (pop/rock)

Sportsman Bar: The StoneFlys (rock)

Hensville: Hensville Live! ft. 21 Gun Salute (classic rock) Bar 145: The Antones (country)

SAT, MAY 27

Papa’s Tavern: Papapalooza (rock)

Urban Pine Winery: Scott Sherer (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jack Schilb (acoustic)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Keller, Kocher & Co. with Sarah D’Angelo (jazz)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Jeff Stewart (singer/ songwriter)

Speedways Bar & Grill: Dealing with Dragons (rock)

Hensville: Hensville Live! ft. Noisy Neighbors (rock)

Bar 145: Matt Clarkson Band (pop/rock)

Larry Fuller with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra

The Toledo Jazz Orchestra will perform with pianist Larry Fuller at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle Theater, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo on Saturday, May 6 at 8pm, Fuller and the TJO will dazzle fans with their combined performance, “The Art of Art,” sponsored by McLaren St. Luke’s, will honor Toledo native Art Tatum, who extended the vocabulary and boundaries of jazz piano and made innovative strides through the use of reharmonization, voicing and bitonality. $15 for child/student and from $31-$56 for the general public. For more information or to buy tickets, visit toledosymphony.com.

My Politic is Over Yonder

My Politic, the folk/Americana duo based in Nashville, is performing at the Over Yonder Concert House in Toledo on Virginia St. at 7pm on Thursday, May 18. The duo, composed of Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey, have been performing as My Politic since they were 15 years old. Their character-driven story songs mixed with tight harmonies create a unique sound. The duo’s nine albums have been inspired by artists like John Prine, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and more. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at the door. For more information, check out overyonderconcerthouse.com.

Sarah D’Angelo with Keller, Kocher and Co. at Lucille’s

Jazz fans will delight in the performances at Lucille’s Jazz Lounge, 1447 N. Summit, Toledo, on Saturday, May 27 from string bassist Paul Keller, vibraphonist Cary Kocher, jazz pianist Adam Mosley and vocalist and clarinetist Sarah D’Angelo. Combining elements of big band and symphony orchestra to be performed by the small group, Keller, Kocher and Co. offer free-spirited jazz improvisations to charm and entertain the audience. Doors open at 7:15pm and the show starts at 8pm. $12 for TolHouse members and $18 for the general public. For more information, visit lucillesjazzlounge.com.

SUN, MAY 28

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Aaron Rutter (violin)

The Village Idiot: Jazz Night and Open Mic

MON, MAY 29

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Whiskey

Monday featuring Jake Pilewski

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

Inside the Five Brewing Co.: Sylvania’s 5th Anniversary Party (pop/rock)

TUES, MAY 30

Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (soft rock, jazz)

WED, MAY 31

The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/ Vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night Exclusively online

THE BIG TO DO

MON, May 1 [museums]

Museum Ship & Tug Open for Season - The National Museum of the Great Lakes will be reopening the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for the season to the public beginning Monday, May 1. $14-$17. 10am-5pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1017 Front St. nmgl.org.

TUES, May 2 [literary arts]

Wine & Words | Beer & Books - With Author Anastasia Ryan

Enjoy a discussion and a drink at this monthly book club. Join author Anastasia Ryan for a discussion of You Should Smile More. “Reminiscent of The Office and 9 to 5, Ryan’s debut is a slapstick blend of comedy and heart, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and strong female heroines.” —Kirkus. 6:30-7:30pm. Gathering Volumes, 196 East South Boundary St., Perrysburg. gatheringvolumes.com.

WED, May 3 [crafts]

Virtual | Pricing Your Craft and Handmade Products for Profit - Makers and Crafters will be able to learn about pricing strategies from expert James Dillehay, an author and a professional craft artist. The presenter will be live via Zoom and will be open to questions. 6-8pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary. org. Free.

THURS, May 4

[talks & lectures]

Better Toledo | Bridges Out of Poverty

Leadership Overview - Better Toledo is a personal and professional development series to ensure “you will do better in Toledo.” Bridges

Out of Poverty provides the common language, understanding, and tools to address poverty through leadership in professional and community settings to improve customer service and teamwork. Register online. 3-5pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org. Free.

FRI, May 5

[Cinco

de Mayo]

Cinco de Mayo Celebration - The annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will feature the talents of local entertainers and fun cultural crafts and activities, taking place in the historic Amphitheatre. Free with zoo admission. 11am-3pm. Stay for Tequila and Tapas at the Malawi Event Center. Sample various tequilas along with professionally-paired small plates. $60-$65. 6-9pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org.

SAT, May 6

[birdwatching,

hiking]

Beginner Birding Hike - The Biggest Week in American Birding festival kicks off on May 5. Join the festivities with this Metroparks introduction to birding. Bring binoculars if you have them; a limited amount of binoculars will be available to borrow. No experience necessary! Register online. $5. 8-9:30am. Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. metroparkstoledo.com.

[markets & shopping]

Thrift & Sip: A Downtown Toledo Flea MarketSip local craft brews as you thrift clothing, home decor, art, crafts & more. All are welcome to this one-of-a-kind downtown flea market hosted by Maumee Bay Brewing Co. and the Toledo Warehouse District. Free. 10am-3pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 201 Morris St. mbaybrew.com.

SUN, May 7

[orchestral]

Sylvania Community Orchestra ConcertOrchestral Openers - The Sylvania Community Orchestra will present a free community concert at the Franciscan Center featuring overtures from Brahms to Bernstein. 4pm. Lourdes University, 6932 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. sylvaniaarts.org. Free.

WED, May 10

[crafting, meditation]

Meditational Crafting - Get back to basics and learn how doodle paint and wrapping sticks with yarn can be a source of calm and escape. All materials provided. $25. 7-8:30pm. Vod’s Here, 2910 W. Central Ave. vodshere.com.

THURS, May 11

[concerts]

Brit Floyd - Brit Floyd returns to celebrate 50 years of the iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon. $39.50-$59.50. 8pm. Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. huntingtoncentertoledo.com.

FRI, May 12

[markets & shopping]

Night Market in the Garden - The annual night market season kicks off at the Artists Village at Toledo Botanical Garden. Celebrate by strolling the beautiful garden, shopping with the artisan sellers and exploring the Artist Village. Free. 4-9pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. toledonightmarket.com.

SAT, May 13

[recycling]

Clean Toledo Drop-Off Refuse and Recycling

- Community recycling events will occur through October. Acceptable items include electronic waste (including TVs and CRT TVs and monitors); up to 10 tires, on or off the rim, but no commercial tires; document shredding and recycling; bulky items, cardboard, and refuse. See website for specifics on acceptable items. 9am-1pm. Robinson Elementary, 1074 Horace St. toledo. oh.gov. Free.

[handicraft markets]

Maker’s Mart - Shop small at Toledo’s favorite one day pop up indie craft fair. Come experience some amazing vendors + Handmade Toledo love. $5 admission, 10 & under free. 11am-7pm. handmadetoledo.com.

SUN, May 14

[gardening]

Native Alternatives to Classic Garden Plants

- The environmental and ecological benefits of using native plants are indisputable, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. The Toledo Zoo is offering a class on native plants and how they can be incorporated into your home landscapes. Participants will receive a digital coupon to be used at the Wild Toledo plant sale with registration. $15 youth 6-12, $25 members, $35 non-members. 10:30am-noon. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org.

Better Toledo At The Main Library

Better Toledo, a personal and professional development series aimed toward bettering individuals and groups in the community, is hosting a “Bridges Out Of Poverty” training based on the book collaboration, “Bridges Out Of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities” from Ruby K. Payne, Philip DeVol and Terie Dreussi Smith. Thursday, May 4 from 3-5pm, at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 N. Michigan St., learn about common language, understanding and leadership tools to address poverty in professional and overall community settings. For more information or to register, call 419-259-5293 or visit toledolibrary.org.

Grab Your Binoculars For American Birding

Get ready for The Biggest Week in American Birding. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory is organizing and hosting a 10-day festival in northwest Ohio, which is regarded as the Warbler Capital of the World. Starting Friday, May 5, birding fans can immerse themselves in spring songbird migration and participate in workshops, guided birding trips, daily walks, presentations and more. Beginners and seasoned birders alike can attend, as well as go to evening socials with free food and music. For more information, email staff@bsbo.org or call 419-898-4070. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com.

Experience Maker’s Mart In Person

Toledo’s classic pop up indie craft fair is back and in full swing. On May 13, Toledoans can head to Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St., from 11am-7pm for a day of supporting makers and shopping small. Admission is $5, but anyone 10 and under gets in for free. Vendors will be selling their products and you can walk around to explore the different treasures of Toledo. For more information, visit handmadetoledo.com or call Handmade Toledo at 419-214-1717.

MON, May 15

[nature & wildlife]

Blue Week: Wetlands - Celebrate Oak Openings

Blue Week by learning about the importance of wetlands and the creatures that call it home. Register online. 10-11am. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks. org. Free.

TUES, May 16

[legal]

Free Legal Clinic - Talk to an attorney for free and privately about civil legal matters related to consumer law such as debt, bankruptcy, and more. Walk ups welcome. Services are provided on a first come, first served basis. Please bring all required documentation. This event is done in partnership with the Ohio Justice Bus, the Lucas County Law Library, and the Toledo Bar Association. 10am-noon. Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. toledolibrary.org. Free.

WED, May 17

[sewing]

Sew Your Own Clothes! Free Info Session

- This monthly informational session is for everyone of all levels. Vod will give you the stepping stones to start sewing, from sewing machine basics to patterns to fabrics. 6:30-8pm. Vod’s Here, 2910 W. Central Ave. vodshere.com. Free.

THURS, May 18 [paranormal]

Haunted Waterville Tours - Take a horse drawn trolley tour of haunted Waterville with special guests. Each tour will feature a different guest, from professional ghost hunters to tarot interpreters. Tickets are limited. $30. 5:15pm. Robbins House Museum, 114 S. River Rd., Waterville. watervillehistory.org.

SAT, May 20 [recycling]

Clean Toledo Drop-Off Refuse and Recycling - Community recycling events will occur through October. Acceptable items include electronic waste (including TVs and CRT TVs and monitors); up to 10 tires, on or off the rim, but no commercial tires; document shredding and recycling; bulky items, cardboard, and refuse. See website for specifics on acceptable items. 9am-1pm. Rogers High School, 222 McTigue Dr. toledo. oh.gov. Free.

KeyBank Pops: Direct from Sweden - The Music of ABBA - Direct from Sweden, tribute performance The Music of ABBA has sold out venues and arenas around the world. Hits like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance, and many more make. $13-$67. 8-9:30pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledosymphony.com.

Looking for a quick change of scenery and a taste of something different? Visit toledocitypaper. com or check out our sister Current magazine (covering Ann Arbor), at ecurrent.com, to explore film, art, music and more

Movement Electronic Music Festival

On Memorial Day weekend every year, thousands of people from all over the world gather to celebrate Detroit’s musical heritage and its influence over countless generations. Dedicated to showcasing authentic electronic music and providing an experience unlike any other, Movement Music Festival is one of the world’s longest-running dance music festivals. The festival takes place in Hart Plaza. $139-$389. Festival hours are as follows: Saturday, May 27: 2pm-midnight. Sunday, May 28: 2pm-midnight. Monday, May 29: 2pm-11pm. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI. movementfestival.com.

Motor City Comic Con

MC3® runs from Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21. It features over 250 comic book creators, writers, and artists, as well as actors from the television and movie industry. Over a million comics will be for sale, along with collectible toys, anime, movies, pop culture crafts, and gaming merchandise. $30-$249. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI. motorcitycomiccon.com.

SUN, May 21 [festivals & fairs]

Oregonfest - Oregonfest is a celebration that brings families and community members together to celebrate the City of Oregon through exhibits and business booths, entertainment, contests, food, and a Grand Parade. Parking and admission are free. Noon-6pm. City of Oregon, Dustin Rd. oregonfestoh.com.

[live music]

Catfest - Gather together to celebrate the life, love, and loss of Cat Lambert. Catfest is a day of good music, good company, and a good cause. A silent auction, raffle, 50/50, and a ton of other cool ways to help. Proceeds go to directly support people affected by domestic violence in the 419. Noon-9pm. Dexter’s, 6023 Manley Rd. More info available on Facebook.

MON, May 22 [beer, music]

Sea Shanties & Drinking Songs - Big fan of grog? Pirate aficionado? Just looking for a great excuse to drink and sing with friends? Join whateverandeveramen. for a night of sea shanties and drinking songs. $20. 6:30-9:30pm. Earnest Brew Works Downtown, 25 S. St. Clair St. whateverchoir.org.

THURS, May 25 [comedy, open mic]

Earnest Brew Works Open Mic Comedy Night - Come out and perform at this open mic comedy night. Each comedian gets five minutes on stage. Sign up sheet goes out at 7:30pm; show at 8pm. Hosted by John Hawley. 7:3010pm. Earnest Brew Works Downtown, 25 S. St. Clair St. earnestbrewworks.com.

FRI, May 26 [live music]

Hensville Live! Ft. 21 Gun Salute - The annual summer music series kicks off with AC/DC tribute 21 Gun Salute. $40 VIP tickets available for purchase. 9:30pm. Hensville Park, 406 Washington St. hensvilletoledo.com, mlbtickets.com.

SAT, May 27

[museums]

Memorial Day Weekend - The National Museum of the Great Lakes will be offering free admission during Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29) to veterans and active military. This free promotion provides admission to the museum and to both the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio. 10am-5pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org.

[music]

Papapalooza 2023 - Summer hits the Eastside with the 17th Annual Papapalooza. Live bands, car and bike show, barbecue, 50/50 raffles and prize drawings. 2pm-1am. Papa’s Tavern, 1328 Liberty St. facebook.com/papastavern419.

MON, May 29

[parties]

Inside the Five’s 5th Anniversary PartyCelebrate 5 years with Inside the Five Brewing Co. at their parking lot party. Watch the Memorial Day parade on Main Street and hang out after for live music, beer releases, food trucks and more! 10am-10pm. Inside the Five Brewing Co., 5703 Main St. Sylvania. insidethefivebrewing.com.

[parades]

2023 Memorial Day Parade - Sylvania’s Memorial Day Celebration has grown to be one of the largest and most well attended in Northwest Ohio. The Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, local veterans groups, and the City of Sylvania invite you to participate in this year’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies. 10:15am. Downtown Sylvania, Main St., Sylvania. business.sylvaniachamber.org.

WED, May 31 [fundraisers]

An Evening with Peyton Manning - Enjoy an evening with speaker and NFL legend Peyton Manning with special guest comedian Henry Cho. Proceeds will benefit this year’s LPGA Dana Open children’s charities. $100-$225. 6-8pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. danaopen.com.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Toledo’s 419 Day!

Festivities erupted all over Toledo on April 19, also known as 419 Day. From special races - on foot and by bike - to contests, deals and promotions across town, locals celebrated their favorite aspects of Toledo living. Maumee Bay Brewing Company held a release party for its Pour 1-9 beer, and music was provided by local band Distant Cousinz. A few blocks away, bicyclists participated in a six mile “419 Day Mini Rat Bike Ride Across Toledo” that began and ended at Earnest Brew Works downtown.

AT MAUMEE BAY BREWING COMPANY

AT EARNEST BREW WORKS DOWNTOWN

Bailey Saxon, Brittany Hainer, Shari Yglesias and Caprice Hannah

photos by Christine Senack

Beth & Kevin Wonser and John & Joan Groll

Distant Cousinz are: Caiden Chase, Keith Ransey, Del Grace Jr., Armone Blakely and Corey “Big C” Coley

Laura Hollingshead Kutzli and Dani Jensen

Randy Nissen, Jahnine Blosser, Alec Spears, Phil Blosser and Scot Yarnell

Peter McGowan and daughter Brynn

Erik Binder, Jessica Tucker, Tiffany Binder, Tonda Wilkes Koszycki and Erin O’Connell

CROSS WORD

SPEAK THE STARS

by Janet Amid

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Your sense of security is restored, as motivating Mars, in total harmony to your own sign, greatly increases personal gain. However, on the flip-side, transiting Pluto may cause you to question your every move. As with anything else, allow yourself the opportunity to breathe and navigate. Know that the balance played out through restrictive Saturn and jovial Jupiter can help to lessen the obstacles. It’s all in how you play your hand.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) As transiting Mars ignites your personal space, emotional needs through family and friends increase. So, following your heart can be beneficial as it leads you into the right direction. Also, with Venus in the earthy sign of Taurus, your money house should be gainful. Paying better attention to details can work wonders. In addition, this is an excellent time to embark on new projects and financial prospects as you forge ahead.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your mind and body are definitely working overtime as transiting Mercury, your ruling planet, travels through the sacred part of your birth chart. At this time, your subconscious mind should be on auto alert. Also, with Saturn at odds, career matters may be overwhelming as your need to reset your goals are indicated. Bear in mind, this can be an unpredictable month, so hold off making decisions until Mercury moves direct.

62.  Stuff to sell

NORTH BY NORTHEAST

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Across

Apple ___ (aggregator app) 5.  Put in a locker 9.  Some Korean rice drinks 14.  First in a subset 15.  Carry around

16.  “Don’t make me”

17.  Dragon’s home

18.  Latin lover’s love

19.  ‘60s jacket style

20.  Announcement that you’re surrounded by those who have scarlet letters?

23.  Workout cover up

24.  Rain-___ (gumball brand)

25.  Game console that used a Nunchuk attachment

26.  CBS show with a blood-spatter specialist

27.  Cover story

29.  Maker of the Matriarch synthesizer

31.  What’s coming to you

32.  German city on the Danube

34.  St. Louis City SC league

35.  Very long times

36.  MIT played a prank on Yale, say?

40.  Dirty slime

41.  “What up, ___?”

42.  Urban decay

43.  Paths that go up as much as they go down

44.  Computer that comes with Thunderbolt ports

46.  Indy 500 competitor

50.  Govt. property overseer

51.  Actress ___ de Armas

52.  Intention

54.  Tree chopper

55.  Became a superobsessive fan over a 2016 Beyoncé album?

59.  Extremely skilled

60.  They’re part of the food pyramid

61.  Fully engrossed with

63.  Capital city with the Frogner and Grønland suburbs

64.  “The Tragedy of Macbeth” director

65.  Her mom “has got it goin’ on” in a 2003 hit

66.  Stink

67.  ___ sûr (“to be sure,” in French)

Down

1.  Lower Manhattan neighborhood

2.  Tooth covering

3.  Chinese artist/activist Ai with a reduplicative name

4.  Holi covering

5.  Reporter Lesley

6.  Drum on the floor

7.  “But have we considered,” initially

8.  Silver bullet victim

9.  Mideast peninsula

10.  Grady of the “Jurassic World” series

11.  His “4’33”” composition is entirely silent

12.  Still beat

13.  Crams for a test, say

21.  Government investment option

22.  California region between Carmel and San

Simeon

28.  Swells (up)

30.  Watch company whose name is a letter

31.  Drink that comes in orange, strawberry, and pineapple flavors

33.  “Funky Cold ___”

36.  Hurled a few f-bombs towards

37.  Like those in a Zoom meeting

38.  Fall head over heels over

39.  Bellini opera

40.  They prohibit free speech

45.  Protect the king, in a two-piece chess move

47.  Is unable to

48.  Devon cathedral city

49.  Fixed anew

51.  Eager to move

53.  “No sweat”

56.  Barrel-regulating org.

57.  Simplicity

58.  “I’m impressed”

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) As Mars travels through your own sign, personal drive accelerates. Manifesting the outcome while focusing on work related goals increases the odds for a better outcome. Also, love matters flourish, romance is in bloom, and small steps can lessen the doubt. The choice is yours.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) A mixture of influences lends a positive perspective this month. Specifically, as your love for speculation takes hold, you may be more inclined to test your fate. Also, love connections can flourish: it’s up to you to set the bar. This can be your month to challenge yourself in areas of home and career.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) With Saturn in opposition to your own sign, you may feel discombobulated. Your tendency to overthink has you spinning. Taking into account your given priorities, be aware of the tendency to become too impulsive with obligations. Pull back and take a breath. In the end, it all fares well.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

The next few weeks or so lay heavily on the financial sector of your birth chart as obligations merge together. Pay very close attention to details, while not taking any unnecessary risks. In addition, this could be a fortuitous time for partnerships, as your need to explore options is well in your orbit.

SCORPIO (October 24November 22) No matter how close you are to someone, there is always the possibility of crossed wires, so instinctively be alert to signals. Specifically, the month ahead reinforces personal connections through work or home. So, take the time to rekindle or reestablish boundaries. This is an excellent month for you: flow with it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23December 21) The focus is on health and fitness, taking the bull by the horns and following through. Work and money show promise, as motivation increases. Also, love matters may be on an upswing as you emerge from your cocoon. A good month to explore goals, dreams and ambitions.

CAPRICORN (December 22January 20) Let your instincts be your guide this month, focusing on responsibilities, work or home. Ideally, paying better attention to health and fitness can restore confidence. In addition, money prospects can be excellent as well as prosperous. This is a time where you have most of what you need, to get to the top of your game plan.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This month highlights love matters, new or existing. Be prepared for positive changes ahead as you find yourself exploring all options. In addition, your need to travel or make a large purchase is intensified. In addition, letting go of past issues is indicated. Working on closure takes you to the halfway point.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

It is often said that we need to be aware of our limitations. You, for one, fall into that category. Trust your instincts by setting better boundaries for yourself. As disciplined Saturn conjuncts your own sign, life/work matters may be pressing, though not without great results. This can be an opportune time to reach for the stars. Grab on!

Janet Amid is a columnist and radio and media personality who can be heard Monday mornings from 8:10-8:20am with Denny, Suzi and Paul on 93.5 FM. Text or call 419-240-1935 as she takes astrological questions and requests! Every second Wednesday on 96.7 CLASSIC HITS with Keith and Dawn. Call 1-888561-2837 every other Wednesday morning from 7:308:30am as she takes calls live. Contact Janet Amid at 419-882-5510 or at JanetAmid@aol.com.

GET HEALTHY

Take A Bath –No Water Required

The Waterville Library in Conrad Park, 800 Michigan Ave., is hosting a relaxing, sound bath performance Tuesday, May 2, at 4 pm in Community Room B. Up to 37 guests are invited to bask in the singing bowl sound bath from local artist Jennifer Bak. The sound experience will work to release any tension within your body. The session will have a brief demonstration of how to use singing bowls in a one-on-one focused sound bath, followed by the concert and a brief Q&A to wrap up. Participants should bring their own yoga mats and wear comfortable clothes. For more information, visit the Library’s website, or call 419-878-3055. toledolibrary.org.

Jake & Cooper’s 5K-9 Run & 1 Mile Family Mutt Strut

Whether or not you have a dog or whether or not you love to run, Jake & Cooper’s event is here for you. Sunday, May 7 from 9am-noon Jake & Cooper’s 5K-9 Run and a 1 Mile Family Mutt Strut will step off at the Eastern Community YMCA, 2960 Pickle Road in Oregon. The 5K is available for anyone who wants to run, going to Dustin Road and looping by the Library, Cardinal Stritch High School and through the Hallschild Subdivision. If you are not a runner, grab your dogs and head to the one mile family walk. For more information or to buy tickets, check out Jake & Cooper’s 5K-9 event page.

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE ENGINEER wanted in Northwood, Ohio to work on developing Manufacturing Execution Systems Software tools for JIT assembly plants. 40 hrs/week, M-F. Please send resume to Amanda Fay, Human Resources Manager, Norplas Industries, Inc. 7825 Caple Blvd., Northwood, OH 43619.

HOUSE FOR RENT: Point Place Area, 2 beds, remodeled, basement and garage, very nice (419) 867-1059

ITEMS FOR SALE: Window AC Unit-$70, Exercise Bike-$50, Drum Set-$700, Shower Base-$50, Extension Ladder-$70. Call John for details (567) 315-5814

ACCIDENT/INJURY COVERAGE $15,000 automotive hospital costs - accidental death M$17.50 F$13.25- Kemperlife - Dave (734) 639-4025

RENTER’S INSURANCE CHEAP! Fire contents Integrincy cash, jewelry & accidental death $10,000/$10.64 add $5,000 Burglary $9.00 - Kemperlife - Dave (734) 639-4025

Surrogate Mothers NEEDED!

Earn up to $50-60K in Expenses & Fees REQUIREMENTS:

Age 21-43

Healthy Pregnancy History

Nonsmoker

BMI Under 34 Give the gift of life... the rewards are more than financial!

LIVING CANER POLICY- pays $15,000 upon 1st diagnosis- 18yo Female $6.84, 60yo Female $37.35 - Kemperlife - Dave (734) 639-40025

TOLEDO LEGAL AID SOCIETY

MULTIPLE ASSISTANT PUBLIC

DEFENDER and TLAS Fellowship positions: Successful candidates must be licensed with the Ohio Supreme Court. Graduates from an accredited college of law that are awaiting Ohio bar results; have a UBE score that transfers to Ohio; or are eligible for Practice

Pending Admission will be considered. Please see https://www.nlada.org/ node/63311 for more detailed descriptions.

REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITH THE BEST-LOOKING AND LONGESTLASTING MATERIAL STEEL FROM ERIE METAL ROOFS! Three styles and multiple colors are available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807

AUTO INSURANCE

LOOKING FOR AUTO INSURANCE? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote!

866-924-2397

CALL US TODAY: 201-505-0078 www.reproductivepossibilities.com

WANTED

CASE MANAGER/SOCIAL WORKER: Opportunity Project Case Managers identify client needs and provide meaningful connections to behavioral health and other services. LCDC II, LSW, LISW, LPCC, preferred but not required. Please see https://www. nlada.org/node/63321 for more detailed descriptions.

OFFICE/COMPUTER HELP NEEDED, Part-time position in the Lambertville area, Please call (734) 807-1826

RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

TRANSPORTATION from Toledo to Kansas City around May 15th - If willing to help please call (734) 807-1826

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR

We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo. com/macnet

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV AND MORE TO SUPPORT OUR VETERANS! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!

GENERAL SERVICES/

MISCELLANEOUS

INTERNET & WIFI STARTS AT $49 Call us Today to Get Started. Find High Speed Internet with Fiber Optic Technology No Credit Check, No SSN Required. Call us Today! 866-396-0515

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HEALTH/MEDICAL

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus. com/macnet #6258

DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. NO obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7,

1-888-650-9135

STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE ARE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH, ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call

1-866-518-8391

HEALTH/MISCELLANEOUS

DON ’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today!

1-844-317-5246

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ MISCELLANEOUS

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY WITH A GENERAC HOME STANDBY GENERATOR $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options

Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage:

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SAFE STEP. North America ’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step

1-833-356-1954

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS FOR AS LITTLE AS $149/MONTH! BCI BATH & SHOWER. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today!

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THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866-783-0292

HOME IMPROVEMENT/ MISCELLANEOUS

WE TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN IN LESS TIME, WITH LESS STRESS, AT AN AMAZING VALUE. Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. Call today for a free estimate

(PA017137

1-844-887-5145

MISC.

DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the Most Local MLB Games! CHOICE Package, $89.99/mo for 12 months. Stream on 20 devices in your home at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS

1-866-629-6086

MISC.FOR SALE

ARE YOU RECEIVING SSDI/SSI BENEFITS? You may be eligible for additional benefits. CALL US TODAY Citizen Disability

1-888-490-6616

ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS: Generic 100 mg blue pills or generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Call Today 1-877-707-5518

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply.