Toledo City Paper - May 2024

Mental Health AWARENESS

City Sips

May 1-May 31, 2024

Adams Street Publishing Co.

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

AUTHENTIC Co-publisher/ Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) CLASSY.

Editorial

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

HARDWORKING AND LOTS OF FUN

Calendar editor: Shannon Merryman calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com SELF AWARE

Contributing Writers:

Leslie Anne Shore, Kimberly Blaker, Jeff Glick, Curtis Deeter, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Jeff Berry, Audrey Blaufuss, Janet Amid

Interns: Brenden Manco

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AUTHENTIC AND HARDWORKING Art/Production

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MARKETPLACE CHANGES

„ Buffalo Rock Brewing Co. is opening a second location in Oregon, at 5002 Seaman Road. This pet-friendly location will house a production facility and taproom with live music and private rooms for rental. The original location on the Anthony Wayne Trail in Waterville remains open.

„ D’Moda Shoes is now open in the Franklin Park Mall. The global shoe brand, known primarily for women’s dressy and casual shoes, also carries a variety of handbags.

„ Franklin Perk Cafe, in the Franklin Park Mall, emulates the Central Perk coffee shop from the television show Friends, offering premium coffee, art, jams, honey and more.

„ Goat Records, a new record store in downtown Bowling Green, is operated by the Gedert family, who donated their own record collection to stock the store, which features vinyl and vintage stereo equipment. 126 W. Wooster, open 7 days a week.

„ Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is opening its 14th location this summer in Perrysburg, at 10027 Fremont Pike in the former Bed, Bath, and Beyond storefront. The store will also have a dedicated drive-thru donation pathway.

„ LaRoe’s in Grand Rapids no longer operates as a restaurant, and is now a venue rental for gatherings like rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, engagement parties and bridal showers. 24138 Front St., 419704-5140.

„ Migo’s Agave Garden is opening at 713 Monroe St., near the Mud Hens stadium downtown. The restaurant/bar boasts handcrafted tacos, freshly made tortillas and traditional Mexican food, and is run by

the same owners of Vida Cantina.

„ Sheetz, an operator of gas stations and carryouts, plans to open six Toledo area locations in late 2024 and early 2025, including two in Maumee: 1150 Clinic Drive and 1391 Arrowhead Drive; one in Sylvania, 3955 N McCord Road; one in Oregon, 2760 Navarre Ave.; and two in Toledo, 6633 Dorr St. and 6048 US-20.

„ Uptown Fondue + Wine Bar opened in Maumee, 422 Conant St., featuring wine and a four-course fondue experience. The restaurant is open at 4 pm daily, closed Sunday and Monday.

CLOSING

„ Boochy Mama’s Taproom is closed. Boochy Mama’s is still producing kombucha as a canned product for sale throughout the area.

„ Campus Pollyeyes has closed its doors in Toledo after four years of operation. Two other Pollyeyes locations, in Bowling Green and Findlay, will remain open.

„ Pho Viet Nam closed its doors due to the owners’ health limitations. Their son, Tung Nguyen, has opened Phoxy Pho at 4939 Dorr St, featuring an expanded menu that includes the housemade sriracha and chili paste family recipes of his parents. 419-754-1010.

„ RiverFront Candle Co., the candle mixing lab and boutique in Perrysburg, has closed after 5 plus years.

„ Ruby’s Kitchen closed its doors after serving homemade soul food to the community for 20 years.

Know of any changes in the area? Send them to editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com

toledozoo.org/dartfrog

CITY POLITICS

New kid in town

Lucas County Dems elect a new Chair

By Johnny Hildo

Spring has sprung in the Swamp, and with it the promise of new growth and warmer days ahead.

Songbirds have returned from their winter sojourn, and the Biggest Week of Birding will bring flocks of avid birders our way from all over the world. Incessant April showers have already coaxed the May flowers out of their months-long slumber, bringing a bright tapestry of color to a drab, dreary T-town landscape. Canada goslings amble across city streets with their poop-machine Canada goose parents in the lead.

Hope springs eternal, and in a place like Toodleydoo, we need all the hope we can get.

Abandon hope all ye who enter here

And then there’s City Politics, where hope usually goes to die.

Enter Schuyler Beckwith, Sky for short. A thirty-something fresh off an unsuccessful bid for Oregon City Council. Beckwith has a lifetime of City Politics under her belt, even at so tender an age, and yet inexplicably remains hopeful.

She was born into a political South Toledo family. Her father, Dave Beckwith, was a well known community organizer with work across the globe who passed away in twenty twenty two. Her mother, Lindsay Potts, has a lifetime of public service.

It’s no surprise that daughter Sky landed in her parents’ footsteps in community and political organizing. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a political science degree and has worked in government ever since. Beckwith currently works in Emergency Medical Services for Lucas County.

She’s young, energetic, smart, experienced beyond her years and, most importantly, hopeful about the future. And now she’s been elected the

Chair of the Lucas County Democratic Party. The single most thankless job in City Politics. Oh wait, not really a job. There’s no salary. It’s a volunteer position. Volunteer to be flogged mercilessly.

The Chair has basically two jobs. Raise money, albeit never enough. And give people bad news. Like, no, you can’t get the endorsement, because you’re an idiot and the last Democratic idiots in office got convicted of federal crimes. Chairs get chewed up and spit out by the Party on the regular. Lucas County is a Democratic stronghold, with every County elected office held by a Democrat. There are no Republicans on Toledo City Council or Toledo School Board.

The result is that local Democrats eat their own. Most recently Chair Michael Ashford got into a feud with Commissioner Peter Gerken and quickly lost the support of the bulk of his Party, finally resigning last year. His replacement, PHH, was so ineffective she declined to run for re-election as Chair.

The Sky’s the limit

Now it’s Beckwith’s turn to enter the lion’s den. She has the advantage of having Gerken on her team as Vice Chair. She is also the youngest Chair in recent history, with all the fresh ideas and youthful energy and optimism that brings.

She’ll need it. This is an election yea, and voter turnout on the D side will be critical. Perhaps Beckwith can energize younger voters, secure the older Democratic base, and bring solid Democratic values to local, state, and national elections for the benefit of all.

Hope springs eternal.

AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM MOORE

MAY 30

6-6:45

Graham Moore is a New York Times bestselling author and Oscar-winning screenwriter for The Imitation Game. Join us for this special evening featuring his newest novel, The Wealth of Shadows

Blue Week 2024

May 13th through 19th

Together We Can Make a Difference

Green Ribbon Initiative Partners across Northwest Ohio invite you to celebrate the Oak Openings Region

Participate in hikes, programs and workshops that feature globally unique plant communities, wildlife, and native plants

Visit www.oakopenings.org/blue-week for details

CITY SIDE Black Swamp Conservancy’s So Wild A Place Fundraiser

Black Swamp Conservancy is excited to celebrate conservation in northwest Ohio with their fundraising event, So Wild a Place, on Saturday, June 15, at 5:30 pm. The event will be held outdoors at West Side Montessori’s Toledo campus. Tickets and more information are available at blackswamp.org/event/so-wild-a-place-2024.

This year’s celebration will be a casual “backyard” gathering featuring musical artist Joshua Davis, a Michigan-based performing songwriter, teaching artist and 2015 finalist on NBC’s The Voice; Jimmy G’s BBQ dinner, including vegan and gluten free options; an open bar; and a live auction with unique regional experiences and outdoor adventures available.

Who

they

are, what’s the impact

Established in 1993, Black Swamp Conservancy preserves and enhances natural habitats and family farms in northwest Ohio for the benefit of current and future generations.

Currently, Black Swamp protects 180 properties spanning more than 22,900 acres across the region.

The organization works to restore strategically-sited land back to historic wetlands, functioning floodplains and as sociated upland habitats. These projects serve multiple ecological and community benefits, including improved water quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and public access for recreation and education.

To date, Black Swamp’s major habitat restoration projects have converted over 880 acres of land, revitalized more than 2.5 miles of streams and planted more than 75,000 trees.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL NURSES WEEK MAY 6-12,

2024

Celebrating Nurses Week in Ohio

By Riley Runnells

National Nurses Week is a time where everyone can appreciate healthcare providers that risk their lives daily and work on the frontlines to protect the greater community.

Celebrated annually in May for one week, Nurses Week was founded nationally to recognize all the many contributions nurses make to communities. The week kicks off May 6, which is National Nurses Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of modern nursing founder, Florence Nightingale.

Toledo City Paper recognizes some local nurses that have a big impact.

OOhio Living Swan Creek 5916 Cresthaven Lane, Toledo (419) 865-4445 ohioliving.org

hio Living Swan Creek is a senior living facility that serves adults 55 and over. Helping more than 230 seniors, Ohio Living Swan Creek offers 34 acres of resort-like living in the heart of the city. There are walking trails through the woods, plenty of places to exercise and ride a bicycle or simply take the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the pleasures of life. This location also offers easy access to cultural, educational and sporting venues.

Additionally, Ohio Living Swan Creek offers the I’m Still Here (ISH) program in Memory Care, which helps our residents living with dementia to prosper through engagement in life, family and community. The programs engage residents and their caregivers in arts, culture and community.

As a life plan community, Ohio Living Swan Creek offers a variety of on-site housing options and health care services, plus many other features customized to meet your needs including villa homes, apartment homes, short- and long-term rehabilitation and more.

Frankel Dentistry 5012 Talmadge Road 419-474-9611 jonfrankeldentistry.com

Dr. Sheldon Frankel started Frankel Dentistry in 1946. His dedication to the art and science of dentistry was inspirational. Along with this daily exposure to dentistry, there is a familial factor as well, with the staff made up of family and friends that create a positive environment for your treatment.

Most importantly, Frankel Dentistry is the first 100% employee owned dental practice in the United States.

The staff will provide you with a comprehensive and advanced approach

to achieve optimal oral health and wellness. All patients receive the most aesthetic, minimally invasive, caring and cost effective therapies available. Frankel’s doctors, healthcare providers and staff want every visit to be the best dental experience. Attractive hours, two locations, individualized dental care, online scheduling and complimentary consultations make seeing the dentist convenient.

All of these factors lead current patients to recommend Frankel Dentistry to their family and friends. Most of Frankel’s new patients are referred to the dentistry by existing patients. Frankel wants you to remember that a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.

CONT’D ON P8

HLS Orthodontics originally started as Sylvania Orthodontics and was founded by Dr. Eugene Simon in 1981. Besides offering traditional metal and clear braces, HLS is also a premier provider of Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® and uses innovative methods like growth guidance appliances to help correct severe overbites and minimize the need for extractions or orthognathic surgery. Although the key demographic for orthodontic treatment has traditionally been middle schoolers through high schoolers, the introduction of clear

ceramic braces and Invisalign has greatly increased the number of adult patients in treatment. Often, treatment is most efficient and effective when a patient has all, or most, of their permanent teeth and is still growing, which is why so many teens and pre-teens get braces. However, we have patients of all ages. HLS believes a smile can make a huge difference in someone’s life. The nurses and doctors love seeing how patient smiles and self-confidence improve through orthodontic treatment.

Mental Health Awareness Month |

Safe Medication Return

Free Convenient Safe Environmentally Responsible

When you properly store and dispose of unused medications, you are doing your part to keep your family and friends healthy and safe.

Help prevent accidental poisoning, medication misuse and environmental harm by dropping off your expired or unused medications at a local medicine drop box.

Check your local police department, pharmacy, hospital or go to www.lcmhrsb.oh.gov for a list of locations in Lucas County.

How to Find a Mental Health Care Provider You Trust

Plus, what to do if a problem arises by Kimberly

Blaker

More than 100 million Americans will experience serious problems in relationships, become depressed or develop anxiety at some point in their lives, reveals Larry E. Beautler, Bruce Bongar, and Joel N. Shurkin in A Consumer’s Guide to Psychotherapy: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Therapist and Treatment That’s Right for You. If you are faced with a crisis, how can you find a reputable mental health care provider with the expertise you need and that you can trust?

Finding

a trustworthy, reputable therapist

Most mental health care professionals adhere to ethical guidelines. But as with any field, there are always exceptions. Here’s how to screen.

Begin your search by asking family or friends for recommendations or obtain a referral from your primary care doctor. You can also contact area clinics for recommendations or consult an online directory. Phone three or four therapists and ask about their credentials, policies and treatment methods. The following are helpful questions to ask:

„ What are your areas of expertise?

„ How much experience do you have with my particular issues?

„ Are you licensed or certified by the state?

„ Has your license ever been suspended or revoked? If so, can you tell me about the situation?

„ What are your professional affiliations?

„ What forms of treatment and

therapy do you provide? What evidence is there to support its effectiveness? Is there controversy among mental health care professionals regarding this treatment?

„ What are your fees? Do you accept my insurance or work on a sliding scale?

If you can’t get answers to these basic questions over the phone, look elsewhere.

Evidence-based practice

Once you begin therapy, and as a consumer, do your research to ensure the validity of your diagnosis or form of therapy or treatment. If you discover contradictions from reputable sources, discuss it with your therapist. It may be a simple misunderstanding or data of which your therapist was unaware. If your therapist rejects the information, ask why. Though rare, unethical therapists have been known to misdiagnose for financial gain. More common, those with questionable practices may recommend unnecessary, inappropriate, outdated or unproven treatments.

FOR MORE MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE, SIMPLY POINT & CLICK!

Mental Health Awareness Month | May 1

SPONSORED CONTENT

Creating Todd Crandell: A Year to Write, 57 Years to Live

The Racing for Recovery™ founder publishes his sixth book Riley Runnells

Racing for Recovery™, the addiction prevention and recovery organization founded by Sylvania native Todd Crandell, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCCS) and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC-CS), is a pillar in the Toledo area.

As Racing for Recovery™ advocates the benefits of fitness with addiction recovery, Crandell and other members of the organization participate in grueling runs to help center their minds. Crandell has also written books to aid his work with the organization, his latest being Creating Todd Crandell

Sharing his racing

Crandell, The Original Sober Triathlete SM, supports clients’ recovery both mentally and physically. Crandell has participated in more than 114 IRONMAN Triathlons to date, and even centered his fifth book, 100, around his completion of 100 IRONMAN events. Additionally, Crandell’s fourth documentary project, scheduled to premier in 2024, is a testament to his enduring physical, mental and emotional struggles while sustaining sobriety and committing to serving others.

wants people to understand how far he had to come to get to where he is today. “It’s not the damn race; it’s what it takes to do the race, and why I’m doing the race,” Crandell quips.

Creating Todd Crandell

His latest work is his sixth book, which he titled Creating Todd Crandell which dives deep to a focus on the lessons he’s learned from his own journey, which he wants to impart to others.

One co-worker, after reading Creating Todd Crandell, told him that this book feels like Crandell has finally found his stride and confidence after over 23 years of hard work through Racing for Recovery™.

“The good was always within me and was buried because of a drug addiction,” Crandell said. “I’ve let it finally come out in a way that shows healing, self-esteem and confidence. Hopefully that message that I’m arrogant and conceited can be put to the side.”

The book illustrates the impact of trauma, discussing how long it takes to heal from drugs and alcohol, but mostly, showcasing that it can be done. Racing for Recovery™ is a resource that Crandell did not have available when going through his recovery. The idea was influenced by Nikki Six’s Becoming Nikki Six, as well as the people Crandell has surrounded himself with, who are going through similar circumstances. Creating Todd Crandell took a year to write. He hopes that people understand what he’s had to endure to see his dreams come to fruition, and take inspiration from his story.

“To be able to be alive, to do what I’m doing with Racing for Recovery™ and to have one book was pretty cool, but to now have six… each of these books have been because of questions people have asked about previous books, or I saw a need that I could write a book about,” Crandell explained.

Providing meaning through jobs

The mission of Racing for Recovery™ is to prevent all forms of substance abuse by promoting a lifestyle of fitness and plant based health for all those affected by addiction. Part of the mission also includes rehabilitating clients by providing job opportunities.

Not all of the staff at Racing for Recovery™ went through the program, but some like Chef Dean Orner have gone through rehabilitation. Racing for Recovery™ is a facility with a fully plant based kitchen where Chef Dean Orner serves proper nutrition for mind, body and soul along with the education on how that food benefits all individuals, especially those in recovery. Recipes are available in Todd’s fourth book, Do NO Harm: Discovering the Truth and the Power Behind a Compassionate Lifestyle

Defeating your demons

Crandell hopes Creating Todd Crandell will reach a broader audience — not just those battling addiction. Everyone has dreams and work they must do to get to where they want to be, and Crandell sees his book helping people believe in themselves to get the job done. “A lot of people see what I’ve accomplished and see that you can accomplish these things, but now they’re going to see how it feels to embrace what you’ve accomplished,” Crandell said.

Crandell strives to be an inspiration and servant, but

Crandell’s gratitude is tenfold. He never thought he would be alive today, let alone able to write books and share his perspective with other people. The hard copy debuted April 15, which marked Crandell’s 31st year of sobriety.

OhioGuidestone provides Project Direct Link (PDL) services to those incarcerated in Lucas County Corrections

PDL provides access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use, assessments, and connection to treatment services. These services offers those involved with the justice system a chance to free themselves from the weight of substance use disorder and maintain a path of recovery.

Creating Todd Crandell is available on the Racing for Recovery™ website, amazon.com and Barnes and Noble at The Shops at Fallen Timbers. Racing for Recovery™, 6202 Trust Drive. 419-824-8462. Racingforrecovery.org

Mental Health Care Providers

Racing for Recovery

Todd Crandell 6202

Racingforrecovery.org

Tell us what mental health services you provide. Racing for Recovery™ offers IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) Groups by credentialed facilitators; clinical counseling by licensed clinical counselors; individual, family and group counseling; and I offer mental health speaking engagements.

What does mental health awareness and protection mean to you? Mental health awareness and protection means acknowledging the cause of the trauma and being willing to let go of what no longer serves our best interest. Along with nurturing the hurt, agony and sorrow while simultaneously supporting and encouraging self love, self respect and pride.

How can people use skills you teach them at home? They have to learn about it through our books, movies, podcasts, livestream and services before they can implement them at home.

How do you take care of your employees and practice mental health protection in the workplace?

I encourage our staff to be their best self before they enter the building to provide services, because if you can’t be good for yourself, how can you be good for someone else? I listen to their ideas, I value their opinions, I respect them as human beings, I appreciate their knowledge and I provide a safe, fun and encouraging work environment that allows for advancement. I give experiences such as travel and entertainment that they can only dream of. I give them the opportunity to live the Racing for Recovery motto, “With Sobriety, Anything IS Possible!”

Why should people care about mental health awareness?

Because without mental and emotional wellness, we as a society will be unfulfilled and self destruct.

Zepf Center

6605 W. Central Ave.

419-841-7701

zepfcenter.org

Tell us what mental health services you provide: We provide the full life cycle of care. In the mental health realm, our continuum includes Adult Mental Health & Therapy, Crisis Care Services for Youth & Adults, Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Therapy and the Safety Net Youth Runaway Shelter. We also offer Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Primary Care Services for the whole family, Recovery Housing, Workforce Development and Problem Gambling Treatment & Prevention.

What does mental health awareness and protection mean to you? At its core, mental health awareness supports our advocacy and encouragement for accessible, reliable mental health services in partnership with physical healthcare. Community awareness about mental health conditions and support for mental health services helps to reduce stigma and allows those living with mental health conditions to be seen and valued as human beings. Mental health awareness goes beyond a basic understanding; it also includes acknowledging the importance of mental health in individuals’ lives, advocating for accessible treatment options, and engaging in community conversations about the importance of mental health acceptance and care.

How can people use skills you teach them at home? Mental health treatment provides a foundation for clients to learn more about their mental health, connect them to resources and develop a support system outside of the clinical setting. Treatment is most successful when an individual feels safe, supported and empowered, allowing them to develop and grow in their recovery journey. Often, the skills learned in therapy can be incredibly valuable when practiced at home. Therapists use their vast mental health background to assess which techniques might work best for an individual and educate the client to utilize these skills in their everyday lives.

How do you take care of your employees and practice mental health protection in the workplace? Zepf Center is a certified trauma-informed agency, meaning we value and defend the well-being of our staff and clients. A trauma-informed and trauma-responsive culture supports the needs and vulnerabilities of everyone in the agency, providing them with tools, support systems and protocols to handle challenging situations when they arise. Zepf Center employees also have access to Wellness programming, employee assistance program services, and a culture of collaborative support designed to help them excel in their personal and professional lives.

Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting, & Wellness LLC

112 E. Dudley St. 419-326-5732

bloomwomenscounseling.com

Tell us what mental health services you provide: At Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting and Wellness, LLC, we provide mental health and lactation services to women. We specialize in providing mental health care to women, throughout the state of Ohio, across the lifespan from ages 14 through end of life.

What does mental health awareness and protection mean to you? Mental Health awareness means being conscious of our mental wellbeing, and the mental wellbeing of others. It means making choices that support our mental health like speaking our feelings, accepting things that may/may not be in our control, and also meeting our basic self care needs like spending time outside, minimizing our social media consumption, eating healthfully, and getting enough rest. It means recognizing when you may need additional help and reaching out to qualified mental health professionals when needed. Mental health protection implies knowing what negatively affects our mental health and actively reducing our exposure to those triggers.

Mental Health Care Providers

How can people use skills you teach them at home? Teaching children that it’s safe to talk about their feelings, by actively listening when children communicate, and then responding in an open and affirming way when they do. There are wonderful books that talk about feelings and how to express feelings available at your local library. Some of our favorite books are: You, Me, and Empathy and, also, In My Heart.

How do you take care of your employees and practice mental health protection in the workplace? We engage in regular supervision meetings where we process our cases together, and have open communication about what is going on in our lives and how it may be impacting our work. We encourage our therapists to have good boundaries between home and work, and to take time off if they need it.

Why should people care about mental health awareness? The current statistics are that 1 in 5 adults in the United State live with a mental illness. About the same number of children ages 13-18 will also experience mental illness. In short, mental illness is common and affects a lot of people at some point in their lives, this means that creating a society that accepts, provides compassion and helps those experiencing mental illness instead of fostering feelings of shame, will serve to make life better for a great deal of people at some point in their lives.

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Shaking Things Up

Local drink slingers work hard to quench your thirst at their respective bars. Here’s what they’re serving up this summer, and what recipes they shared for you to imitate at home.

Toasted Old Fashioned

Experience

The Spicy Paloma

Carlos Mendez LUPITA’S CANTINA

209 Louisiana Ave. 419-963-4611 lupitas-mexican.com

Experience in years: 24 Favorite in house liquor: Tequila - no specific brand because I change my mind a lot. Right now I love Mezcal. Favorite in house beer: I have deals with local breweries and they send so many I love. Right now I like Coffee, Stills and Mash from Oncore Brewing.

Try it at home

Grapefruit soda „ Tajin „ Chamoy

HOW TO: Put the kosher salt on the bottom of the glass; Squeeze fresh juice, jalapeno, grapefruit soda and tequila into a shaker ; Shake it up; Coat the rim of

Angie Cucunato

FLYING RHINO

201 Morris Street 419-973-7099

Flyingrhinocoffee.com

Experience in years: 12 years industry, 6 years Flying Rhino owner

Favorite in house light roast: Tica Linda - a honey processed Costa Rican coffee produced by women!

Favorite in house medium roast: Lumineer House Blend - the first blend I ever made unguided, by myself.

Favorite in house espresso: Shift - a blend we’ve had since the beginning of the company that I reimagined this year so it would be more modern. It turned out really well!

Try it at home

Coffee Cream Soda

„ 2 shots of espresso (sub for 3-4 ounces of cold brew concentrate)

„ 4 ounces of oat milk

„ 20 grams of vanilla simple syrup

„ 2 ounces of Topo Chico (sub with any seltzer)

HOW TO: Stir it together; Fill a glass with ice, pour the mixture in; Pour the seltzer on top; Push the seltzer down rather than stir it so it doesn’t lose carbonation; Enjoy!

Coffee Cream Soda

Deborah Walker

MANCY’S STEAKHOUSE

953 Phillips Ave. 419-476-4154 mancyssteakhouse.com

Experience in years: 26

Favorite in house liquor: Vodka (no specific brand)

Favorite in house beer: Stella Artois on draft

Favorite in house drink: A Lemon Drop

Put your own twist on a classic: Just about everything has my own twist. I try to make drinks for women the way I like them: More subtle than overbearing. I’d rather sell two or three drinks than one so it’s not too strong.

Try it at home

Blackberry Crowne Mule Ingredients:

„ 1 and ¼ ounce of Crown Royal Blackberry

„ ¼ shot of Chambord

„ 4 blackberries

„ Fresh lime

„ Barnitt’s ginger beer

„ Mint sprig

HOW TO: Muddle 3 blackberries in the glass; Add Chambord and Crown Royal; Fill the glass with ice; Pour ginger beer to the top of the glass; Garnish with mint sprig and one blackberry; Enjoy!

Blackberry Crowne Mule

Shorty’s Mule

Experience in years/jobs: 11 at Shorty’s Favorite in house liquor: Toledo Spirits’ Heart of Glass vodka

Favorite in house beer: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – it’s a staple here.

Favorite in house drink: Mimosa

Most popular: Strawberry Lemonade, made with Toledo Spirits and our house lemonade.

Bourbon Presbyterian

Shannon Meadows

VENTURA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 7742 W. Bancroft St. 419-841-7523 venturasmexicanrestaurant.com

Experience in years/jobs: 50+ years, 40 of those years at Ventura’s!

Favorite in house liquor: Jim Beam

Favorite house beer: Modelo Especial

Favorite house drink/most popular: Margarita

Put your own twist on a classic: Mexican Dreamsicle by adding Kahlua to the original Dreamsicle

Sangria in Pouches

Jen McAlear

URBAN PINE WINERY 3415 Briarfield Blvd. 567-703-1281 urbanpinewinery.com

Experience in years: 3

Favorite in house liquor: Tito’s vodka

Favorite in house beer: Anything from Earnest Brew Works

Favorite in house red wine: Toro Spanish Tempranillo

Favorite in house white wine: White

Orchid - Australian Sauvignon Blanc

Experience in years: 21

Favorite in house liquor: Heart of Glass - a local, strawberry vodka

Favorite in house beer: Glasshopper - earthy, herbal & citrus hop finish

Favorite in house drink: Hummingbird Martini or the Lemon Drop Martini

Most popular: Miami Vice Put your own twist on a classic: Moscow Mule, I use Absolut Pear.

ITALIAN/ BOTTLESHOP

5453 Monroe Street, Toledo 43623 419-882-9229

mancysitalian.com/toledo-mancy-sitalian-grill-bottle-shop

Experience in years: Manager 10+ years, bartending around 19 years

Favorite in house liquor: Fernet-Branca - an amaro, a bittersweet Italian liqueur with notes of menthol and eucalyptus (often known as the “Bartender’s Handshake”).

Favorite in house beer: Maine Beer Company’s Lunch IPA

Favorite in house wine: Anno Domini “Sottovoce” sauvignon blanc

Favorite in house drink: Barrel-aged Manhattan Most popular: Dirty Martini

Bomb Pop

Bailey

Almester

RESET ARCADE ROSSFORD

27250 Crossroads Parkway 419-874-4555

resetarcade.com/rossford

Experience in years: 2

Favorite in house liquor: Grey Goose

Favorite in house beer: Rhinegeist Bubbles

Favorite in house drink: Aces Strawberry Lemonade

Most popular: Malibu Bucket

Try it at home Bomb Pop

Ingredients: „ 1 1/2 ounces raspberry Smirnoff „ Sprite „ A dash of grenadine

of

How to: Pour a dash of grenadine; Add ice; Pour in vodka; Add in sprite; Top with

Perfect Margarita

2825

Experience

Favorite

Proper Copper Coffee Pot

Entering the storefront in the Library Plaza strip center on Dorr Street near Reynolds Road is pleasant and appealing. Split stalks of thick bamboo line the walls as calming, progressive jazz accompanies the subtle lighting for a functional, clean vibe. These signs let you know you’ve made it to Phoxy Pho, a taste of Southeast Asia right here in Toledo.

Beginnings for Phoxy Pho

Phoxy Pho is a generational departure by owner Tung Nguyen. His parents opened Pho Viet Nam (3636 Upton Ave.) a decade ago. Tung had graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine and then worked the international finance circuit in cities throughout Southeast Asia. But he missed the US, and his family here. So when his father asked Tung to help with Pho Viet Nam while his father visited his relatives in Vietnam, Tung answered the request. Tung’s “help” stretched into longer term management of the Upton Avenue restaurant, due to health limitations his father experienced while abroad.

After running the family restaurant in Toledo, Tung saw how he could enhance the dining experience, which gave rise to Phoxy Pho. Given that Pho Viet Nam closed in March 2024, the bygone restaurant’s spirit animates this second incarnation, featuring an expanded menu that fortunately still includes the housemade sriracha and chili paste, the family recipes of Tung’s parents.

Varied offerings

The banh mi bites, basically Vietnamese toast points with a spread of pate, topped with roasted pork, pickled cabbage and fresh cilantro, reimagine the traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwich. The tempura shrimp, five large shrimp, encased in a crispy, yet light, tempura batter, served with a zesty and creamy peanut sauce, were cooked perfectly — tender rather than chewy.

The pho’s unique flavors owe to a

broth with hints of clove and allspice, served with a variety of sides to add in, like the Sriracha-style sauce (house made from a family recipe), thinly sliced jalapeños, fresh bean sprouts and Vietnamese basil.

We also sampled the Omnivore noodle salad, the wok-fried lemongrass option, with seasoned round-eye beef steak, deep fried pork gyoza (potstickers), vermicelli rice noodles, chopped lettuce, cucumber, cabbage and bean sprouts, topped with fried shallots and crushed peanuts; Served with fish sauce and the house vinaigrette, it’s an enticing combination that scratches a nuanced itch.

Phoxy Pho warrants a return trip to try the crispy noodle stir fry, offered with a variety of protein and vegetable options.

Friendly and accommodating

Another key trait Phoxy Pho inherited from its predecessor restaurant is the familial sense of hospitality. Friendly and courteous staff go out of their way to acquaint guests with their knowledge of the varied menu. The steady stream of customers who stopped in to pick up to-go orders during our meal testified to how well Phoxy Pho’s food lends itself to carryout.

Although Vietnamese food may not be a regular stop on many Toledoans restaurant itineraries, Phoxy Pho is an excellent point of departure to convert any uninitiated palates to the flavors of Vietnam. And more experienced diners can rest assured that the fresh and tasty foods of this Southeast Asian country are in good hands at Phoxy Pho.

Wednesday through Monday 11am-3pm / 5pm-8pm. Closed Tuesdays 4939 Dorr St. 419-754-1010 phoxypho.com.

Toledoan featured on Food Network’s Chopped

After 12 years of applying, Mikhala Bagot, local chef and owner of the Island Soul food truck, was selected to be a contestant on the popular Food Network competitive cooking show, Chopped. Her appearance and the latest episodes are available to stream at foodnetwork.com

Beer & wine tasting at Schedel Gardens

Join Schedel Gardens and Personal Chef Jennifer Schuerman for a fun night out, featuring insights and tasting tips on beer and wine, as well as a great selection of food. Reservations are required. 19255 West Portage River South Road. Thursday, May 9, 6:30 pm to 8 pm. $38. schedel-gardens.org

Sofia Quintero

Culture and cooking courses at

Reservations for Interactive Cultural Tours for 2024 are filling up. The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center welcomes you and a group of 10 or more to create your own day of interactive cultural activities in the kitchen and in the gallery. Cook empanadas, carne asada and more through the culinary courses. 1222 Broadway St. 419-241-1655. Find tour request forms and a calendar of events for 2024 on sqacc.org.

CURTAIN CALL

Little Shop of Horrors

Staged by Stone Productions at Collingwood Arts Center

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

It started as a low-budget comedy in 1960 by legendary producer/director Roger Corman. The story of an awkward young man who nurtures a plant and discovers it’s carnivorous became wildly successful in 1986, remade as a musical starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin and Bill Murray, with music and lyrics by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin).

Little Shop of Horrors remains a crowd favorite, performed by community theater troupes across the nation. This is Stone Productions’ first time performing this show, though it’s a personal favorite of director James Gregory Mull.

Stone Productions

The company began as an experiment by Mull and a few friends who had worked semi-professionally in theater. The groups’ first show was The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2015, put on in a nightclub. Some members of Collingwood Arts Center (CAC) were in attendance.

As Mull explains, “Back then, CAC was new. They didn’t have an in-house theater company for plays and musicals, so we were approached to work in collabo-

ration with them as their in-house theater company.”

Mull says in 2016 there weren’t many companies in the area doing shows with an edge, which they thought could become their niche. By 2024, Stone Productions has made a name for itself with an edgier style while branching out to perform the classics, as well.

“Choosing the shows for the season means sitting down with the CAC board and talking over what shows haven’t been done in a while, what they can get rights to perform and what’s possible to produce in the space they have,” Mull explained.

A Dream Show

Little Shop of Horrors is Mull’s dream show. “When I was in kindergarten, one of my classmates played the plant. We got to go to the theater and see it and I was hooked. A year later, the movie version of the musical came out and I was just obsessed with it. I was in the musical in high school, so the show has great sentimental meaning for me.”

Mull says that while it’s always been a show he’s wanted to do, there were aspects of the production, namely the pup-

pet of Audrey 2, that were difficult and expensive to produce. This year they had some puppets donated and tech people on the crew have been able to build them out and tailor them for the show.

Putting on the show

The group decided to perform Little Shop of Horrors in the smaller of the Collingwood Arts Center’s two theater spaces to make it more intimate for the audience. “We want to make them feel like they’re in 1960s Skid Row in New York City. We have great production and lighting designers who have done an incredible job with the space,” Mull said. Everyone who auditioned for the show was incredible, Mull said, but there are only eight parts in the production. “We had to say no to really good

people, but, in the end, we went with the chemistry between the actors,” Mull said. “Our Seymour (Kameron Girardot) and Audrey (Mara Connor) are great at conveying these unconventional leads and have wonderful chemistry together. Bradley Baker is an opera singer, and if you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll love the way he does the voice for Audrey 2.” Mull and the rest of the group are excited to be putting on this show, relating, “Sometimes I can’t believe I’m directing this show (that) I grew up with. It’s a little intimidating, but very exciting.”

Little Shop of Horrors May 3, 4, 11 and 12. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. $15. Stone Productions on Facebook. onthestage. tickets/show/collingwood-arts-center

Left to Right: Audrey (Mara Conner) and Seymour (Kamron Girardot) with Audrey II (the plant) and puppeteer, (Pat Mahood).

BOOK NOTES

West Toledo’s Science Fiction & Fantasy book club

The West Toledo Library hosts the May meeting of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club, featuring good conversation, friendly faces and Nnedi Okorafor’s Noor. Anyone who has read the book is encouraged to come to the meeting. West Toledo Library, Community Room A, 1320 Sylvania Ave., Tuesday, May 21, 7pm. toledolibrary.org

Toledo Museum of Art’s Book Club

Join fellow art and book lovers for a look female bodies, & societal roles via Catherine McCormack’s Women in the Picture: What Culture Does with Female Bodies. This event is free, but registration is required. Register at library@ toleodmuseum.org or call 419-254-5770. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Wednesday, May 8, 5:30 pm. toledomuseum.org

Franklin Park Mall: A History

The history of Toledo’s shopping destination

By Curtis Deeter

Locals’ memories of Franklin Park Mall might include a favorite store or a memorable first date at the movie theater, the aroma of freshly baked pretzels or recall riding up and down the escalators at Dick’s Sporting Goods when they were a kid, when those moments were a brand new adventure.

A trip down memory lane to a lost era of American shopping malls may recall Hobby Center Toys and the Rainbow Shop, York Steak House and Hickory Farms and the Red Baron arcade and National Record Mart; harkening to a time when the Mall was a destination for a family outing.

Author Chris Bores explores Franklin Park Mall’s history and community impact with The Franklin Park Mall: A History

Where it all began

“I wrote Haunted Toledo (which led me to) spend a lot of time peeling back the layers of the City, and I also did a book on the history of the Sandusky Mall, where I grew up,” Bores said. “Since that book was so well received, I decided to focus on Franklin Park Mall. There is so much rich history there, and we are at a point where people are nostalgic for the retail history they grew up with, the Mall especially.”

Bores explained how the Mall began with a rocky start, taking about 20 years before it was built. The idea for the shopping area was first proposed in 1952 as a huge shopping plaza, but the Westgate

Village Shopping Center developers beat them to the punch. “The idea gestated for years until malls became popular,” Bores explained. “JC Penney’s development team eventually got involved and pushed the project forward.”

Shopping history

After consulting countless library books, digging through the city’s business registry and reviewing years of archived newspaper articles, Bores compiled a comprehensive history of the Franklin Park Mall. The book is divided into three sections: how the Mall came to be; a breakdown of each individual retail space; and, a look at the Mall’s expansions over the years.

Toledo history-aficionados will enjoy Bores’ historic perspective on Franklin Park Mall (along with the 400+ photographs). “If you visited Franklin Park Mall in the 70s and 80s, this book will bring back many memories,” one reader commented. “This is a great history of Franklin Park Mall. Loved walking down Memory Lane with all the wonderful photos and stories of all the great stores I grew up shopping at,” added another reader.

The Franklin Park Mall: A History is available for purchase on amazon.com. Published November 2023

Main marquee sign for Franklin Park Mall on Talmadge Road outside of Hudson’s, it’s first anchor department store.

ART TO HEART

Becoming an Artist

Toledo-born artist sheds addictions to find his Zen moment

By Jeff Berry

In 2012, Toledo-born artist Ian Dawson put down the bottle and embarked on a journey, trading a self-destructing addiction for a much healthier one: creating art.

Dawson’s mother (who is also an artist) suggested he follow in his great grandfather’s footsteps and try blacksmithing. He signed up for classes at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) and worked at the forge for a couple of years. After Ian ended a toxic relationship in 2022, his mother offered another suggestion to occupy his time: a glass blowing class at Bowling Green State University (BGSU).

“I started [blowing glass] because I wanted to make beautiful things. That made people happy, (and) that’s what made me happy,” Dawson explained. “And, in sobriety, helping others helps you.”

Becoming an artist

Striving to be proficient, Dawson spent every free moment he had at BGSU practicing his craft: Creating, failing, succeeding. At times he felt frustrated and wanted to give up, like most young artists. “It took many, many, many, screw-ups to improve and every time I [thought] ‘I can’t do it,’ I told myself, just like I did when I stopped drinking, ‘Get back in there, get yourself together and practice more and you’ll eventually get it,” Dawson said. “It just became an addiction for me. Whenever I was upset with being in recovery, I would go to BGSU or spend time at the Museum. It was a Zen place for me to go and do things and be happy while I was doing it.”

An artist’s pilgrimage

With every piece he creates, Dawson strives to capture something a little different and new. That aligns with the goals that he sets out for himself every year. Last summer the young glass blower decided to observe and learn from some of the best. With help from glass-blowing friends, he packed up his things and traveled with his mother to Marino, Italy to watch world-renowned glass blowers. Dawson claims he spent five hours of the trip as a tourist and 40 hours in the glass blowing studios, watching maestros of glass mold soft glass into unique forms of art with great precision. “I learned so much, . . .talking to the maestros about art and learning. They gave me pointers and made me feel welcomed,” Dawson said.

Presenting local art

Dawson’s work can be seen at Myla Marcus Winery in Bowling Green and at community art shows. To showcase his art, opportunities have come from refer rals and shop owners calling him. The young artist insists he’s still learning and hasn’t pushed to monetize his craft. “I didn’t get into it to make a profit. It’s nice doing shows, but that wasn’t my focus and that’s probably why I’ve gone as far as I have with it in a short amount of time,” Dawson said.

Dawson donates a portion of the pro ceeds from the sale of his pieces to char ity, including autism related charities – a cause near and dear to his heart because he has autism. “Having autism, my social game isn’t on point, but I’m always think ing about the next thing I can do or the next step to better myself,” Dawson ex plains. “[Art] allows me to be myself and to not feel awkward in a situation. I like ex pressing myself and I can’t express myself as well, socially, as I’d like to sometimes, so I do it with art.”

Bowling Green Arts Council announces new space

With thanks to the City of Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Arts Council (BGAC) has secured a one-year lease for the space behind Coyote Beads & Jewelry at 178 S. Main St. as the BGAC ArtSpace. Bowling Green Arts Council on Facebook.

Toledo Tattoo Festival

The Toledo Tattoo Festival offers tattoo contests, on site tattoos, merchandise and more, featuring over 200 tattoo artists from around the world. 401 Jefferson Ave., Friday, May 5, noon to 10 pm; Saturday, May 6, 11 am to 10 pm and Sunday, May 7, 11 am to 7 pm. Single day passes $30, 3-day weekend passes $65. tattootoledo.com

Lunch & Learn: A Mother’s Love

Mothers can show unconditional love by providing a nurturing home, sharing wisdom or teaching life skills like cooking, sewing, playing an instrument and more. This Lunch & Learn will include artists’ works inspired by their mothers along with an interactive mural of gratitude, a HER Hub build-a-chair project and a lunch buffet offering Mom’s recipes. Mother’s Day, Thursday, May 16 at 12 pm. Free parking, handicap accessible. HeART Gallery and Studios, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N Erie St. 419-243-4214. Free with suggested cash donation of $20. Email kate@ stpaulstoledo.org for reservations.

Find Ian Dawson on Instagram, instagram.com/ iandawson77 and Facebook, facebook.com/artisticmetalworks.

JUNE 7

Glass artist, Ian Dawson working on his craft at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion.

THURSDAY, JUNE

METRO MUSIC

WED, MAY 1

Sodbuster Bar: Ragtime Rick & His Chefs of Dixieland (jazz)

THUR, MAY 2

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

Ottawa Tavern: Crazy Town X (alternative rock)

Huntington Center: Chris Young (country)

Kickstand Saloon: Jeffrey Oliver (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Unkle Lay Lee’s Moonshine All-Stars (country/rock) Peacock Cafe: Jazz Collective (jazz)

FRI, MAY 3

Howard’s Club H: Rat Fest (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jeff Stewart (acoustic)

The Toledo Club - Opera Gala: A Tribute to Suzanne Rorick (opera)

The Village Idiot: House Band (rock)

Frankies Inner City: Jer & Insignificant Other (rock)

The Fieldhouse: Various local artists Pioneer Inn Bar and Grill: DJ with Jere-O-Kee (karaoke)

Kickstand Saloon: Mediocre

Highlighted events indicates our picks for the week

THUR, MAY 9

The Barrel Room at Beckett’s: Rob Storm & Dave Athanas (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Aaron & Peter (acoustic)

BGSU: Catholic Conservative Schools Joint Concert

Papa’s Tavern: Open Jam (acoustic)

Kickstand Saloon: Frank & Harry (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Rob Matterhorn Band wsg

The Hoffman Bros. (rock)

Bar 145: DJ Issa Lynch (dance) Peacock Cafe: Jazz Collective (jazz)

FRI, MAY 10

The Village Idiot: The Bridges (rock) and Live Roots (rock)

Frankie’s Inner City: Mezmer (rock)

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

Ottawa Tavern: The Iron Roses & Hit Like A Girl (alternative rock)

The Fieldhouse: Various local artists

Manhattan’s Pub ‘n Cheer: Christian Lombardo (acoustic)

Pioneer Inn Bar and Grill: DJ with Jere-O-Kee (karaoke)

Bar 145: Master TC & The Visitors (pop rock)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: Tragic Destiny (classical)

Kickstand Saloon: Old School (rock)

Bier Stube: Distant Cousinz (pop rock)

SAT, MAY 11

The Village Idiot: Devil Doves (rock) and Distant Cousinz (pop)

Ottawa Tavern: Decade Of Revenge: In Memory Of Shane Williams (alternative)

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

Benfield Wines: John Reichle and Jenn Shook (acoustic)

Kickstand Saloon: String Theory (rock)

Bar 145: Katch Band (pop rock)

Bier Stube: Ryan Dunlap Trio (rock)

SUN, MAY 12

Lourdes University Franciscan Center: Sylvania Community Orchestra Mothers Day Tribute (orchestra)

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic Ottawa Tavern: Simon Says & Oceans On Other Planets (alternative)

MON, MAY 13

Toledo Museum of Art: A Season on the Wind: A Cinematic Concert Celebrating Migratory Birds (performing arts)

TUE, MAY 14

TUE,

WED,

Bar: Kyle Smithers (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Ryan Roth Sideshow wsg Big Blitz (rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: SESSIONS: Jazz Tuesdays (jazz) The Village Idiot: Kyle Smithers (acoustic)

WED, MAY 15

The Village Idiot: Caswell & Co. (rock)

THUR, MAY 16

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Frank May (acoustic)

Frankies Inner City: Josey Scott The Original Voice of Saliva (rock)

Kickstand Saloon: Snyder & Rutter (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Renegade Lemonade (pop rock) Peacock Cafe: Jazz Collective (jazz)

FRI, MAY 17

The Village Idiot: House Band (rock) and Them Oh Boys (rock)

The Fieldhouse: Various local artists

Pioneer Inn Bar and Grill: DJ with Jere-O-Kee (karaoke)

Kickstand Saloon: Kall Me Kendra (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Rick Caswell (acoustic)

Bar 145: Renegade Lemonade (pop rock)

Bier Stube: 56 Daze (pop rock)

SAT, MAY 18

The Village Idiot: Damnit Sam (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Cara Taylor (acoustic)

Frankies Inner City: Emery, The Almost (rock)

Pioneer Inn Bar and Grill: Open Jam

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Jean Holden (jazz)

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

Bar 145: Ryan Mundy (country)

Bier Stube: Letter Rip (rock)

SUN, MAY 19

Bar 145: Cat Fest 2024 (pop rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Consonant Conversations (classical)

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic

Sodbuster Bar: Bobby May & Friends (acoustic)

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

Frankies Inner City: Native Howl (rock)

MON, MAY 20

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

The Village Idiot: Frank May (acoustic)

TUE, MAY 21

Frankies Inner City: Angelo Moore (rock)

Benfield Wines: EZ Pickenz Sings Lightfoot – a Concert Event! (acoustic)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: SESSIONS: Jazz Tuesdays (jazz)

WED, MAY 22

The Village Idiot: Reckless Saints (rock)

THUR, MAY 23

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

Peacock Cafe: Jazz Collective (jazz)

Papa’s Tavern: Open Jam (acoustic)

Kickstand Saloon: Chris “Caveman” Jaquillard (rock)

The Village Idiot: Good Kneivel (rock)

Bar 145: DJ Issa Lynch (dance)

FRI, MAY 24

Tékēla Sylvania - Rob Storm (acoustic)

Loved

Adam Caroll performs at Over Yonder

The music of Adam Carroll, a singer/songwriter, has been a household staple at Over Yonder Concert House for years. Carroll will perform songs with his wife, Chris, Thursday, May 23 at 6 pm. Virginia Street in the Old West End. $20. overyonderconcerthouse.com

By Millions band reunion/ tribute concert

The popular 1980s Toledo-based rock band Loved by Millions will reunite to celebrate the life of bandmate and bassist Ed Wells. The Friday, May 3 show at Toledo School for the Arts (TSA) aims to raise money for music scholarships. 7 pm, 333 14th St. $20 admission. app.arts-people.com

Brainiac performs live at Frankie’s

The indie rock band originating in Dayton, Brainiac, will take the Frankie’s Toledo stage featuring Exit Angles and goLab. Saturday, May 25, 7 pm, 308 Main St. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of. frankiestoledo.com

Ramona Collins performs Music on the Patio

Toledo Jazz legend Ramona Collins will take the stage at The Switchboard, 912 Monroe St., for a night of music, fun, stories and more. The event will also feature Trez Gregory. Friday, May 31 at 7 pm. ramonacollins.com

Cat Fest 2024

Each year the best musicians and artists that Toledo has to offer, gather together to honor the late Cat Lambert with the biggest party possible. They raise money to help others whose lives have been devastated by domestic violence, and this year we are giving directly to families who have been made homeless from domestic abuse. Sunday, May 19 at 1 pm, at Bar 145, 5305 Monroe St. Cat Fest 2024 on Facebook.

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

The Village Idiot: The New Fashioned (rock) and keepitcasual (rock)

Frankies Inner City: Ryan Rockwell (rock)

The Fieldhouse: various local artists

Pioneer Inn Bar and Grill: DJ with Jere-O-Kee (karaoke)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: The Eyes of the World (orchestra)

Bar 145: Summer DJ Nights (dance)

Bier Stube: The Grape Smugglers (acoustic)

SAT, MAY 25

Papa’s Tavern: Papapalooza (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Cindy Slee (acoustic)

The Village Idiot: Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder (R&B) and Chirp (rock)

Frakies Inner City: Brainiac (indie rock) Ottawa Tavern: Blind Adam and The Federal League & Matt Pless (alternative)

Kickstand Saloon: Jeremy McClellans Open

J.A.M. (rock)

Bier Stube: Chronic Blues Band (blues)

SUN, MAY 26

The Village Idiot: Jazz and Open Mic

MON, MAY 27

The Village Idiot: Jordan & Josh (acoustic)

TUE, MAY 28

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: SESSIONS: Jazz Tuesdays (jazz)

The Village Idiot: Kyle Smithers (acoustic)

WED, MAY 29

Ottawa Tavern: Smile Empty Soul (alternative)

THUR, MAY 30

Kickstand Saloon: Rick Flores (acoustic)

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

The Village Idiot: Rockstead &

FRI, MAY 31

THE BIG TO DO

WED, May 1

[home & garden]

Clutter Free Living - This class will help you attain a balance to bring peace and creativity to your own living space. 6-7pm. Main Library, 325 N Michigan St. toledolibrary.org. Free

THURS, May 2

[fundraisers]

Homes and Dreams - Fundraiser for The Fair Housing Center. Mike Williams on sax will provide entertainment. Ticketed. $75. 5-8pm. Registry Bistro, 144 N Superior St. toledofhc.org

FRI, May 3

[body art, conventions]

Toledo Tattoo Festival - There will be over 200 artists from all over the world participating in the Toledo Tattoo Festival. A three-day event full of tattoos, art, shopping and more. Ticketed. $30-$65. Noon-10pm. Also on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. tattootoledo.com

[opera, galas]

Opera Gala: A Tribute to Susan RorickCocktails, dinner and a Gala Concert featuring guest soloist, tenor Victor Robertson and Toledo Opera’s Resident Artists. This year’s gala will pay special tribute to the remarkable legacy of Suzanne Rorick, who is retiring after 13 years as Toledo Opera’s Executive Director. Ticketed. $300-$3,500. 6pm. The Toledo Club, 235 14th St. toledoopera.org

[arts]

The Mix 2024: A Celebration of Art, Music, and Culture in Toledo - This critical fundraising event for The Arts Commission will bring together artists, performers, and the culturally inclined from around Toledo to create, enjoy delicious food, and move to live music. 7:30 pm, TolHouse, 1447 N Summit St. theartscommission.org/events/the-mix

SAT, May 4

WED, May 8

[talks & lectures, women]

Women in Leadership: Shattering the Glass Ceiling - In this TEDx-style event, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of challenges and triumphs from three trailblazing local women. $20. The Summit, 23 N. Summit St. unitedwaytoledo.org

FRI, May 10

[markets & shopping]

Night Market in the Garden - The Toledo Night Market returns for the summer season. Celebrate by strolling the Toledo Botanical Garden, shopping the artisan sellers and exploring the Artist Village. 4-9pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. toledonightmarket.com

SAT, May 11

[handicraft markets]

Spring Makers Mart - The juried fair features handmade goods + artisanal food made by independent crafters, makers and artisans creating a unique shopping experience. $5. 11am-7pm. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. shophandmadetoledo.com

[festivals]

[environmental causes]

Clean Toledo Recycling Event - Engage Toledo will host a drop-off event. See the website for details on accepted items. Direct questions to Engage Toledo at (419) 936-2020. 9am1pm. Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. toledo.oh.gov

[markets & shopping, wine]

Spring Fling Pop Up - Local Sellers will offer arts & crafts, jewelry, plants, self care items and more. 10am-4pm. Golden Hind Wine Bar, 915 N Summit St Suite 101. goldenhindwinebar.com

[horse racing, parties]

Glass City Derby Day Party - Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Food, entertainment, raffles and more with drink specials and a hat and blazer contest. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $50-$75. 4-9pm. The Bay, 18 Main St. toledoalphas.com

SUN, May 5

[markets & shopping]

Finders Keepers Vintage Market - Over 100 vendors with locally made products, vintage + new decor, boutique trucks and food trucks. $5-$15. 10am-4pm. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. finderskeepersvintagemarket.com

[cinco de mayo]

Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Local entertainers, fun cultural crafts and activities in the historic Amphitheatre at the Toledo Zoo. Free with admission. 11am-3pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

MON, May 6

[talks & lectures]

Investigating Reality and Discerning Truth in News and Other Media - This event is hosted by the League of Women Voters. This presentation will explore how humans learn and discern reality; how our senses fool us; the common methods used to manipulate understanding; and what is truth. Online or in person. 5:30-7:30pm. Main Library, 325 N Michigan St. lwvtoledo-lucascounty.org

Toledo Sister Cities International Festival - Join the group celebrating ethnic food vendors, activities for all ages, music, dancing and more. Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Road at 11 am. toledosistercities.org

SUN, May 12

[Mothers Day, brunch]

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet - Treat mom to a delicious brunch. Reservations are required,. $12-$32. 10am-3pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St., (419) 243-1302. mbaybrew.com

[Mothers Day, parks & gardens]

Mother’s Day at Schedel Gardens - Free admission for moms on Mother’s Day with a free gift for the first 100 moms that enter. Mimosa’s available for purchase. 11am-4pm. Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River S. Rd., Elmore. schedel-gardens.org

[orchestra]

Mothers Day Tribute - The Sylvania Community Orchestra presents a free community concert. This program will feature Amy Marcy Cheney Beach’s Gaelic Symphony. 4pm. Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd, Sylvania. sylvaniaarts.org

TUES, May 14

[theater]

Little Women - Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March, each determined to love on their own terms. $49-$89. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St., valentinetheatre.com

[performing arts]

Momix: Alice - Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. $44$84. 7:30pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. stranahantheater.com

THURS, May 16

[lunch, learning]

Seat at the Table - In honor of Mother’s Day the exhibit “Seat At The Table” will feature pieces by HER Hub, a a STEAM program for girls and young women ages 12 to 17. Reservations are required to kate@stpaulstoledo.org. Suggested donation is $20 payable in cash or check at the door. 11:30am. HeART Gallery/St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St. heartgalleryandstudios.com

[fundraisers]

Jam City 2024 - Twenty of Toledo’s best restaurants will be competing for the title of Grand Jam-pion. Enjoy a night of food and fun all in support of Food for Thought. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $60-$70. 5-9pm. Fifth Third Building, One Seagate. feedtoledo.org

Night Market in the Garden

Friday, May 10, 4 pm to 9 pm

Celebrate spring by strolling the beautiful garden, shopping artisan wares and exploring the Artist Village. The Night Market is Friday night of Mother’s Day weekend. Grab food and drinks from food trucks, listen to live music and explore the secret forest playland. Friday, May 10, 4 pm to 9 pm. Toledo Botanical Gardens, 5403 Elmer Drive. toledonightmarket.com

Finders Keepers Vintage Market

Sunday, May 5 at 10 am

Head to the Lucas County Fairgrounds for an exciting event with over 100 vendors all gathered in one place! Shop locally made products, vintage and new decor dealers, boutique trucks and food trucks in Maumee. Tickets range from $5 to $15 on Eventbrite.

The Biggest Week in American Birding

The Biggest Week in American Birding is a 10-day festival in northwest Ohio, “The Warbler Capital of the World.” Immerse yourself in spring songbird migration and experience some of the best birding North America has to offer. The festival has something to offer beginner and seasoned birders alike, with bird identification workshops, guided birding trips, birding by canoe, daily walks at the world famous Magee Marsh, and much more. Hosted by Black Swamp Bird Observatory May 3 through May 12, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, 1750 State Park Road #2. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com

Glass City Derby Day Party

Saturday, May 4 at 4 pm

Come out and celebrate the Kentucky Derby, Alpha Style, at the annual Glass City Derby Day Party, Saturday, May 4 at 4 pm. Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter at The Bay, 18 Main St. Tickets range from $50 to $75, on Eventbrite.

FRI, May 17

[drag shows]

Coochie Fatale vol. 2 - Solo Jackson presents Coochie Fatale vol. 2, hosted by Solo Jackson and Gizelle Deveaux. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $6-$15. 7pm. Ottawa Tavern, 1817 Adams St.

SAT, May 18

[running]

Dart Frog Dash - The 5k course takes participants through the neighborhood to the west of the Zoo, through the Zoo’s Tembo Trail and ends in Main Plaza. The Kids’ Fun Run and Zoo For All Walk take place within the safety of Zoo grounds. $15-$30. 8:30am. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

[fundraisers]

NAMIWalks Greater Toledo - To fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI’s mission and let people know they are not alone. 10am-1pm. NAMI Greater Toledo, 4334 Secor Rd. namiwalks.org

[outdoor recreation]

Outdoor Expo - Metroparks is for everyone and Outdoor Expo invites the community to try tree climbing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, Kids Zone and much more. 11am-4pm. Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. metroparkstoledo.com. Free

[markets & shopping]

League of Women Voters Annual Garage Sale - Join the League of Women Voters for their annual garage sale with varying items for purchase at 5 pm. 3655 Lainar Drive. lwvtoledo-lucascounty.org

SUN, May 19

[live music, fundraisers]

Cat Fest 2024 - Each year the best musicians and artists that Toledo has to offer, gather together to honor the legacy of Cat Lambert with the biggest party possible and raise money to help others whose lives have been devastated by domestic violence. 1pm-10pm. Bar 145, 5305 Monroe St.

[choral, drinks]

Sea Shanties & Drinking Songs presented by whateverandeveramen. - Argh mateys! Gather up yer good shipmates and join whateverandeveramen. for a few songs and a bit of grog. $20. 6-9pm. Also on Monday, May 20, 6:30-9:30pm. Earnest Brew Works Downtown, 25 S St Clair St. whateverchoir.org

THURS, May 23

[handicraft markets]

Maker Market & Block Party - Kick off summer with this fun event within Swanton’s DORA area. Enjoy wine with Benfield or a drink at Hub’s while shopping curated, homemade and homegrown items, art and more. 5-8pm. Downtown Swanton, Main St., Swanton. swantonareacoc.com

SAT, May 25

[plant sales]

Flower Day Weekend -

toledofarmersmarket.com

SUN, May 26

[markets & shopping, craft beer]

Thrift & Sip - Enjoy shopping for second-hand clothing, decor, jewelry and more while enjoying your favorite MBBC craft brews. 10am-3pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St. mbaybrew.com

MON, May 27

[parades]

Sylvania

THURS, May 30

[concerts, country]

huntingtoncentertoledo.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

WED, May 1

Sauder Village - The Historic Village at Sauder Village will open for the season with the annual Quilt Show from May 1-4. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday through Friday, 10am-3:30pm. Saturday, 10am-5pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday. Sauder Village, 22611 State Route 2, Archbold. saudervillage.org

SAT, May 3 SUN, May 4

The Official Annual Put-in-Bay Spring Fling, Hosted By The Island Club - Two days of free food, cold drinks, island entertainers, giveaways and certainly a few surprises. Attendees

must be staying at one of the following locations. putinbay. com; Island Club Rentals (islandclub.com) – 216-898-9951; Put-in-Bay Condos (putinbaycondos.com) – 216-898-1105; Commodore Resort (commodoreresort.com) – 419-2853101; Victory Station Hotel (putinbayvictorystation.com) – 419-285-0120; Bird’s Nest Resort (birdsnestresort.com) – 419-285-6119

SUN, May 19

Flower Day at Eastern Market - Flower Day features Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association vendors from all over the Midwest and will have added festivities for all ages. 7am5pm. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St. easternmarket.org

SAT, May 25 - MON, May 27

Movement Music Festival - Detroit - Movement Music Festival is one of the longest-running dance music events in the world, committed to showcasing authentic electronic music. $159-$419. Saturday, May 25, 2pm-midnight. Sunday, May 26, 1-11:30pm. Monday, May 27, 1-10:30pm. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI. movementfestival.com

TOLEDO ACCORDING TO...

Rosie Best

Years lived in Toledo: 31 Occupation: Therapist, Artistic Director of Issue Box Theatre, Assistant Director Northview High School Plays and Musicals

My story, in one sentence: I was born in Wolverhampton to Irish parents. My mom was from Belfast, and my dad was from Dungannon. I’m the youngest of five children, and I had been a youth worker and I had done two years at Youth and Community College, which was training to be a youth and community worker. Then I did a year at the London School of Theology, basically a year of seminary study, and I came over here to work with the young people in a church when I was nearly 30. Then I ended up getting a religious worker visa, and then I got my green card. Eventually, I became a citizen, by which time I was teaching theater at Toledo School for the Arts. I left there in about 2000… and now at the point where I’ve been in Toledo nearly 30 years.

The Toledo Library, Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo Zoo are the places in Toledo I’m most proud of.

The best meal I had in Toledo was the beans at MaMa’s Kitchen. →

Toledo Pride is my favorite annual event.

If I could change one thing about Toledo, I would help encourage people to have appropriate debates and discussions with civility, dignity and reverence.

The best view in Toledo is the roundabout on River Road with the wonderful fountain and the view of the river.

A business Toledo needs (but doesn’t have) is a British food store.

My favorite piece of local art/ architecture is The Soul of Words I & II outside of the Toledo Museum of Art.

My favorite production I’ve ever been in was The Secret Garden at the Toledo Repertoire Theatre.

My favorite production through Issue Box Theatre was The Willard Suitcases.

When I’m away from Toledo, I can’t wait to have a hug from my wife when I get back.

If Toledo had a new motto, it would be “We’ve got it all.”

The most underrated thing in Toledo is our arts scene.

The most overrated thing in Toledo is the anti-Toledo rhetoric.

Rob and Casey Koenig are the Toledoans I most admire.

SOCIAL STUDIES

photos by Christine Senack

Holy Toledo Polka Days

They danced all weekend at the Holy Toledo Polka Days, which is truly a destination festival. Folks come from across the country to gather, listen to polka music, eat, and... dance! Holy Toledo Polka Days, founded by Joe Zalewski in 1992, is one of the most popular Polka Festivals in the United States.

Brian Irbanczyk, TJ Salonick and Richie Zebrowski.

Alyssa Grajczyk with Dave Snyder.

Sandra DePalma, Paul Krywy, Linda Ross, Charlene Reha and Marcia Kitrys

SPEAK THE STARS CROSS WORD

by Janet Amid

After a month of dealing with last month’s Eclipse as well as Mercury retrograde in the fiery, intense Aries, we have now slowed down our pace, enjoying the soothing, calm of the Sun now transiting in the earthy sign of Taurus. Situations, ideas and occurrences that took place during Aries are starting to flourish at a steadier rate. It’s time for many of us to reap the benefits as we begin to come out of our homes to enjoy the sunshine, putter in the garden and enjoy the long walks. As we emerge from hibernation, it’s time to take on the world. Get a sense of grounding, get more creative with Sun conjunct Venus and Jupiter in the creative, stubborn, sign of Taurus.

TAURUS - (APRIL 20 - MAY 20) With the Sun, Venus, and Uranus transiting your own sign, you may be encouraged to try something new, stepping out of your cocoon. This is your season, so honor your own needs. Focusing on self-love and nurturing yourself creates that muchneeded balance. Getting back to doing what you love the most, should be your given priority. This is your time.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) With so much activity taking place in Taurus, along with the New Moon on the 8th, you may feel a sense of nostalgia and extreme sentiment. Setting new intentions, focusing from the inside out can be therapeutic as well as healing. Tapping into your inner psyche, trusting your instincts opens up the pathways.

CANCER - (June 21 - July 22) This is the time to pay better attention to your friendships, good, or not so good. Deciding on where you need to be, as well as where your expectations lay. This can also be a time to open up your inner circle and establish new connections as well. You’re happiest when your dance card is full.

ODDFELLOWS

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Across

1. Cutting room?

5. Jack-o’-lantern mo.

8. Gets up

13. Mount Olympus queen

14. Org. that does a lot of lab work

15. Restaurant place

16. A news anchor might wear one

18. “Same here”

19. Buzzing activity

20. Audit manager, likely: Abbr.

21. Harvest

22. R&B group with the 1986 Top Ten hit “Tender Love”

25. Bathtub cleaner

28. Their motto is “Defending Our Nation. Securing the Future”: Abbr.

29. “The Past is Another Land” musical

31. Tackle item

32. Minor cold

35. “The Chi” creator Waithe

37. The Storting’s nat.

38. Toy’s sound

41. 2002 Adam Sandler movie

43 & 44. Tied up after four games

45. Working stiff

46. The English Beat’s genre

48. Ills

50. Candy in the Wonder Woman universe

52. “Austin City Limits” network

55. Tidy up

57. Fried fish in a bun lunch

61. Suckling spot

62. Time slot placeholder letters

63. Born this way?

64. “This way!”

66. “Whew, that smells AWFUL!”

68. Seafood and rice dish

69. “Parks & ___”

70. Accusatory phrase

71. Bad guys in bedtime stories

72. Bearded animal

73. Bee lookalike

Down

1. Bundle of grain

2. Directly confrontational

3. Three are there in this cule

4. Fist bump

5. Late lunch time

6. Noisy insect

7. With 26-Down, 1994 Brandon Lee movie

8. Blue supergiant in Orion

9. Wailing Wall nation

10. Extended family member by remarriage

11. Preceding, in poetry

12. One to grow on?

15. Groups that play well with drunks?

17. Swelling reducer

23. Ride from the airport

24. Sound in “muscle” or “scissors”

26. See 7-Down

27. Life saver

30. Bloodhound’s tail?

33. One who works from home?

34. Matcha, e.g.

36. Question

38. Display ennui

39. Additive in some cosmetics

40. Cheap sofa covering

42. Stipple unit

47. Car-financing fig.

49. British MI6 agent Christopher who linked Donald Trump with the Kremlin

51. Tennis legend Gibson

53. Beautiful, in Barcelona

54. Comes down hard?

56. Titled Englishmen

58. One way to be taken

59. Pinning spot

60. Was a prelude (to)

64. CNBC news item

65. Badger repeatedly

66. Twisted

67. Mountain ___

LEO - (July 23 - Aug 22) The recognition you crave and deserve should begin to happen as planetary influences hovering over the zenith part of your chart plays a key role. Your career aspirations are highlighted, though a bit hectic as you fight your way to the top. It’s only with true struggles that you accomplish your much desired goals. On May 8, with the New Moon in sight, you may finally feel at ease.

VIRGO - (Aug 23 - Sept 22) With the Taurus Sun, Venus and New Moon in your 9th house of higher aspirations, you may feel a strong need to recite affirmations, meditate, heal and/or feel rejuvenated by the newness of what is happening. Shedding old patterns and beliefs, creating healthier ones may help lead you into a better pathway. This is a strong period in which you gain so much more of yourself.

LIBRA - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) This month is all about giving and receiving. It’s a wakeup call to be more cognizant of your financial standing. In addition, the lunation on the 8th, allows for financial gain as well if dealt with properly. This is your month, Venusruled, to set good intentions.

SCORPIO - (Oct 23 - Nov 21) With so much activity taking place in your area of partners, you now have the opportunity to share, feel grounded and stay connected. This period offers you the chance to focus clearly on your relationship dynamics, personal as well as business related. Fortify them, as you fortify yourself.

SAGITTARIUS - (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Ground yourself this month. Get centered. Prioritizing your emotional needs is a must and will provide a stable anchor for the upcoming days. This is a time to get in sync with your body, mind and spirit. A 6th house stellium of Taurus influences is all about getting yourself rooted with what your needs are. Reestablish new habits. Allow yourself to feel restored this month.

CAPRICORN - (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Matters of the heart are the focus this month, new or existing. In addition, it’s all about finding a creative outlet, allowing yourself to explore new and unique options. Set new intentions through mediation and follow the path. In addition to all of this, try your hand at being more creative. It’s all about making the time.

AQUARIUS - (Jan 20 - Feb 18) This month the emphasis is on the home base. Untangling yourself from past chaos. Creating a new and safer space to work from. Shedding old patterns and restoring new beliefs. This is all about your inner sanctuary, family and friends. Getting grounded, feeling anchored.

PISCES - (Feb 19 - March 19) As the Sun, as well as Venus are transiting in Taurus, it’s time to take the focus on your daily life. Seek out, savor what is in front of you. Try your hand at writing: journal, blog, get your words. Communication should come easily at this time, as your area of chat is highlighted. Also, an excellent time for travel. Spread your wings.

With the Sun and Venus now transiting in Taurus, it’s time to pay better to finances as well as personal resources. The emphasis is to find better ways to accomplish your goals. And with the New Moon taking place on the 8th, you couldn’t ask for a better setup. Also, let this be your month to create, or attempt something new or different. Step outside of your mold and take a chance.

Janet Amid can be heard Monday mornings from 8:10-8:20 am on 93.5 FM. Every second Wednesday on 96.7 CLASSIC HITS and every other Wednesday morning from 7:30-8:30 am. 419-882-5510 or JanetAmid@aol.com.

GET HEALTHY

Plate 21 hosts running club

In an effort to get a little more movement into the week, surrounded by the community and enjoying time outside, Plate 21 created the Wake it Up, Shake it Up Run Club. Named for Plate 21’s house coffee, the group is open to anyone and meets at Plate 21, 3664 Rugby Drive, every Friday morning at 7 am. Runners head to the Chessie Trail behind the shop, a paved bike path that leads to River Road. The course is about 3.2 miles. plate21coffee.com

Mercy Health presents “Ask the Expert” series

Mercy Health makes health and wellness topics more accessible with a monthly “Ask the Expert” virtual series. All are welcome to join the sessions featuring experts presenting health and wellness information. One-hour, monthly sessions are held, via Zoom, the third Thursday of every month from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. To join the sessions, participants can call 646-931-3860 or Zoom meeting ID: 975 5220 8436. No need to pre-register. For a schedule of upcoming topics, visit mercy. com and book your spot by emailing healthyliving@ymcatoledo.org.

Mental Health Awareness Night at the Mud Hens

It all starts with a conversation. Join the Toledo Mud Hens for Mental Health Awareness Night on Thursday, May 9, as they recognize the importance of checking in on one another. The Hens take on the St. Paul Saints at 6:35 pm. Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. More details at milb.com/toledo.

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HEALTH/MEDICAL

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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/MISC

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30,000 BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM!!! BOOKS $1.00 Each; Children & Adults, Picture books, Biographies, Home School, Classroom, Teacher & Librarians, Sports, Mysteries, etc. Teacher supplies. Assorted Bibles & Religious writings $1.00/book; 25 Special Edition Elvis Presley “Life and Special Moments” $35.00/set; “Collector’s Corner” - Hard to find, rare out of print classics - Best Offer; Huge Selection of Cookbooks $5.00/ea.; Huge Selection of Animal Books – Best Offer

MORE MISCELLANEOUS: Vinyl Records (33-1/3 & more) $1.00/ea.; Bulk Paper – Various sizes and prices; Spinner Racks $20.00/ea.; Book Shelves-Metal or Wood, various sizes - Best Offer; Blackboards $24-$40/ea.; Suit Cases, Clothes & Purses - Best Offer; Glassware $1.00/ea.; Stuffed Animals $1.00/ea.; Antique Books (some autographed)Best Offer; Kids Toys $1.00/ea.; “Holiday Room”- Find your treasure!!! Mirrors $5.00/ea.; Lawn Mower $65.00; Paper Cutters – Multiple sizes & prices; Lamps (Asst.) $35.00/ea. - $55.00/ea; Candles – Best Offer; 1 – 6 ft. Bilingual Santa (English &Spanish; Flower Pots $15.00/ea.

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OCTOBER 18 - OCTOBER 27