June Edition - Toledo City Paper

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

“WALKING ON SUNSHINE” BY KATRINA AND THE WAVES.

Co-publisher/ Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

“IN THE SUMMERTIME” BY MUNGO JERRY.

Editorial

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

“TIME TO PRETEND” BY MGMT.

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

“KISS IT BETTER” BY RIHANNA.

Calendar Editor: Shannon Merryman (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

ONE?! I HAVE A 23-HOUR LONG PLAYLIST OF SONGS THAT REMIND ME OF SUMMER.

Contributing Writers: Janet Amid, Curtis Deeter, Johnny Hildo, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Jon Ruggiero, Drew Saunders, Tanner Wertz

Interns: Sneha Kamath, Mallory Miller

Advertising Sales Coordinator

Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

“DREAMS” BY FLEETWOOD MAC.

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

“HEAT WAVES” BY GLASS ANIMALS. Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

MAYBE “SUMMERTIME” BY ELLA FITZGERALD AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG.

Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

“ALL SUMMER LONG” BY KID ROCK.

Amy Bjarke (abjarke@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

“BLISTER IN THE SUN” BY VIOLENT FEMMES.

Art/Production

Production Manager:

Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

“TEMPERATURE’S RISING” BY MOBB DEEP.

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

“SUMMER WIND” BY FRANK SINATRA.

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

“BIRCH TREE” BY FOALS.

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

“FEELS LIKE SUMMER” BY CHILDISH GAMBINO.

Information Technology: John Borell (jborell@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com)

“SUMMER IN THE CITY” BY THE LOVING SPOONFUL.

Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com)

“LET’S DANCE” BY DAVID BOWIE.

MARKETPLACE CHANGES UPDATES

„ El Viejón, a popular food truck, has opened a restaurant in south Toledo. El Viejón Mexican Bar & Grill, 1045 S. Reynolds Rd., is in a former San Marcos Restaurant. 419-754-1545. El Viejón Mexican Street Tacos food truck, still open for business, and can often be found at 830 N. Westwood Ave. Check Facebook for updates on the food truck and bar & grill.

„ Red Eye Pie and Frozen Fantasty’s is once again open to the public. The Oregon pizza and ice cream shop was closed for several months due to the death of its owner and his brother, refinery workers Max and Ben Morrissey. The shop reopened in April and offers a variety of specialty pizzas, including one topped with poutine; a Philly cheesesteak pizza; and a BBQ chicken bacon mango pizza. 3219 Seaman Rd., Oregon. 419277-4010. facebook.com/redeyepie

„ Delia’s Reggae Kitchen opened in late April at 330 Central Ave. near Cherry St. The Jamaican restaurant is open for dine-in, take out and delivery through DoorDash. 419-720-5900. deliareggaekitchen.com

„ The Garden by Poco Piatti, a fast casual concept by the Hajjar restaurant family (The Beirut), is open inside Market Hall at Glass City Metropark. The Garden will serve park visitors year-round, seven days a week for lunch and dinner with dining room and outdoor seating overlooking the Maumee River. 1521 Front St, Toledo. 419-931-0281. facebook. com/PocoPiatti

„ Fire Station Bar and Grill in Maumee has reopened, under new ownership. The BBQ smokehouse offers outdoor seating. 6040 Knights Inn Place, Maumee. 567-703-8126. firestationbarandgrilloh.com

„ Deseo Modern Mexican brings a coastal, Mexican tapas menu to Toledo. Its co-owner and general manager hails from Puerto Vallarta and has longed to bring the taste and spirit of his hometown to a restaurant setting. 3137 W. Central Ave., Cricket West Shopping Center. 419-2140583. deseo.restaurant.

„ NeNe’s Sweets, a mobile bakery business, has opened a bricks & mortar store in Woodville. Nene’s, known for cupcakes, macarons, oatmeal cream pies, milkshakes and cheesecakes, will also serve ice cream. 419-699-0918. 135 E. Main St., Woodville. facebook.com/ NeNeSweetsdesigns

„ The Mindful Table, the gluten free and vegan deli and bakery located in Levis Commons, is opening a second storefront in the Ottawa Hills Shopping Center, 4334 W. Central Ave., Toledo. Also offering catering. 419-345-6775. Atthemindfultable.com

„ Noodles & Co.’s second store in the area recently opened near Spring Meadows. 6829 Airport Hwy., Holland. 567-297-2414.

„ The Gilded Exchange has moved to a new storefront in Perrysburg and is open for sales, consignment, and design services. 140 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. 419-931-0790. thegildedexchange.com.

„ Namay Dentistry has moved its office. The practice is now located at 6800 W. Central Avenue, Suite A-1, Toledo. 419843-7884. Namaydentistry.com

„ Toledo Clinic Facial Plastics and Dermatology’s new location in Defiance is open. Emily Niese, CNP will be the care provider at, the practice’s fifth location. 417 Fourth St., Defiance. 419785-4660. toledoderm.com

„ Dani’s Place, a mental health rehabilitation center specializing in transitional support services for patients who have been discharged from inpatient care but are not yet ready for life on their own, will soon break ground east of the University of Toledo Medical Center. Representative Marcy Kaptur, the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County and NAMI of Ohio working together will open the facility in 2025.

„ Grand Rapids Vintage Treasures is a multi-vendor store that carries handmade crafts, vintage items and much more. 24122 Front St., Grand Rapids. 567832-1001. For more information, search Facebook for “Grand Rapids Vintage Treasures.”

„ Ridge and River, an outdoor gear outfitter, has opened in downtown Toledo. The store is partnering with Metroparks Toledo to donate one percent of its revenue to youth recreation programs. 621 Adams St., Toledo. 703-261-4833. ridgeandriver.com

„ Local streetwear company Original OwnLane has opened at 1011 Monroe St., downtown Toledo. Clothing may also be purchased online at originalownlane. com

Downtown Toledo Wants Your Input

As Downtown Toledo grows and changes, city planners are thinking about next stages. Downtown Toledo’s Master Plan is being refreshed, and the City wants your input. Toledoans can take a survey to share their thoughts on the Downtown Toledo experience, drop a pin on the interactive map of Downtown Toledo to highlight places you enjoy or places that need improvement, or post an idea or comment on the Downtown Toledo ideas wall. Visit Downtown Toledo’s Facebook page to participate in refreshing the Master Plan.

CITY POLITICS

Whither Wade?

Varying paths in City Politics

By Johnny Hildo

There are two kinds of elected officials in City Politics. Those who serve their time in elected office, then move on to other pursuits. And those for whom there is always another office, another spotlight, another position of power to be sought.

Out of sight, out of mind

Consider the living former Toledo mayors. There’s Donna Owens, the anomalous Republican in the group. Owens served two terms on Toledo City Council, and then three terms as Toledo mayor back in the nineteen eighties. Her public service ended in nineteen eightynine.

She has never run for another office. She pops back into the public eye occasionally, most recently as part of a group of former mayors calling for measures to end gun violence in the City. She spoke at then-candidate Donald Trump’s Toledo rally back in twenty sixteen. And she was infamously convicted of a Tom Noe-related scheme to skirt campaign finance laws in two thousand six.

photo op he didn’t like, and apparently can’t stand to be out of the public eye.

Carty is an extreme example of political narcissism, but there are plenty more of his ilk. There are those, like George Sarantou, always looking for their next seat. Sarantou was term limited from City Council, and ran for various offices in the interim. After a brief stint away, he’s back in the friendly confines of the twenty first floor of One Guv Center.

Then there are those who use each elected office as a step to the next. Think Anita Lopez, who has been a school board member, County Recorder, and has spent the last seventeen years as County Auditor. Along the way she had an infamous flameout as a failed mayoral candidate and has flirted with running for judge.

Decisions, decisions

Other than that, no further electoral ambition. Ditto Mike Bell, who served one term as mayor ending in twenty fourteen. He pops up occasionally to lend his support to some cause or another. But he has never appeared on another ballot. Owens and Bell seem content with their former public service and let it go at that.

There are other notable examples of folks who serve briefly, then move on to other pursuits. Former Toledo Council member Frank Szollosi comes to mind. Ditto former state Senator Linda Furney.

L’etat, c’est Carty

Then there’s the other kind of elected official. Think Carty, the pol that never seems to go away. He’s the embodiment of ambition, believing only he can cure all that ails us.

Carty has run for every office imaginable. He has been a Republican, a Democrat, and an independent. He runs for mayor again and again, most recently in twenty twenty one. He has never seen a

All of which brings us to the two seats of power in Toledo government, the Mayor and the President of Council. Matt Cherry holds the latter seat, and he is term limited this year. He had never held office prior to his appointment to Council to replace Mike Collins, when Collins was elected Mayor in twenty thirteen. Cherry is still relatively young, and has strong backing from labor. He serves as a business agent for the sheet metal workers union. His name has been mentioned as a possible candidate for mayor or county commissioner. He could also run for an at-large Council seat in two years, following in the footsteps of his fellow denizen of District Two, Rob Ludeman. Or he could go back to the private sector.

All of which brings us to Wade.

He’s not term limited for two more years, but he must be thinking about next steps. He’s served in one elected position or another for most of his adult life. His attempt to change the charter to give himself a third mayoral term was rejected soundly by voters.

Whither Wade? Become a political elder statesman, riding off into the sunset like Owens and Bell? Minus the money laundering, or course.

Or keep popping up on another ballot, like Carty? Run for the statehouse, County Commission, even try to get back on City Council like former Mayor Jack Ford once did?

Our guess is he’s already got his next step planned out. And it doesn’t include going quietly into that sweet, good night.

“ Those who serve their time in elected office, then move on ... And those for whom there is always another office...”

Preserving the Wild

Celebrating conservation in Northwest Ohio, the Black Swamp Conservancy is hosting a fundraising event, So Wild a Place, on Saturday, June 10 at 5:30pm at the West Side Montessori Campus, 7115 W. Bancroft St. 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 Talkbacks.

Black Swamp Conservancy was established in 1993, 30 years ago, to preserve and enhance natural habitats in Northwest Ohio. The Conservancy now protects 175 properties for the benefit of current and future generations, covering over 20,000 acres with the mission to restore natural habitats, improve water quality and to increase biodiversity.

Current projects include work on a 40 acre parcel on Catawba Island - the Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve which features a walking trail, kayak launch (ADA accessible), an accessible pavilion for picnicking and gatherings and a Storybook Trail for family enjoyment.

The location on the southern shore of Lake Erie provides excellent opportunities for viewing both migratory and resident birds along with spectacular sunrises.

Another current project is Howard Island, a 9-acre island in the Maumee River at Grand Rapids, Ohio. Closed to the public except for guided tours, the Island is home to a bald eagle nest, endangered fresh-water mussels and glacial grooves.

As well, the Conservancy recently purchased the Fox-Shank Laboratory, comprising 16 acres along Tontogany Creek across the street from the campus of Otsego Schools. Working in conjunction with the school district, efforts are focussed on restoration of the former farm field to natural habitat wetlands with a plan to donate the property to the school district once the restoration work has been completed. Tickets for So Wild a Place are available at blackswamp.org/event/so-wild-a-place-2023 or by calling 419-833-1025.

SIDE CITY

Gaming Together

The Be Excellent Festival brings local tabletop gaming community together

By Jon Ruggiero

Tabletop gaming has become more popular in recent years, with board games and pen-and-paper adventure gaining notoriety. That was even before we were all kept inside due to the pandemic, which, sadly, limited an important aspect of tabletop gaming: the gaming convention. New gatherings are beginning, like this year’s Be Excellent Festival, a day that will bring together local gaming aficionados.

First-Time Festivities

The Be Excellent Festival of Games, run by Jenny Gagne, owner of Awkward Puffin Productions, is leading this festival. Gagne has previous experience at the Festival site, Lourdes University in Sylvania: “As a former employee and alumna, I am familiar with the Franciscan Center and had some ideas about how it could host a small festival.”

The Festival will take place June 10th at Lourdes University. The festival will bring together different gaming groups in the area. Gagne explained she wants the Festival to bring people together: “A lot of people have feelings of isolation

and a lack of community, and I hope to help connect people through gaming. We have a lot of local game stores (at least 7), so I know we have a population with interest!”

Gathering to Game

Local game store Checkmate Games and Hobbies will be participating, as well as independent vendors. Local gamemakers will also be on hand. “We have several local published game design ers coming. I’m really excited for them to show off their hard work,” explained Gagne. These creators include Seabound creator Samuel Harmon and Free Radicals designer Nathan Woll, who will demonstrate their games.

As this is a gaming festival, open gaming space is ready for any willing adventurer. Role-play gaming sessions, using everything from Pathfinder to Dungeons and Dragons, will be available. According to Gagne the festival has “recently connected with Paws and Whiskers, and there will be an adoption event happening in a side room. They’ve also agreed to run the concessions booth as a fundraiser.”

This first-year festival will be a great event and Gagne hopes it will do well enough to ensure future events. “My piein-the-sky hope is that people will have so much fun that they’ll want to team up and help turn this event into a full-blown weekend-long gaming convention. I hope that people make connections and look forward to the event every year.” Not

only can you have a fun day of gaming at The Be Excellent Festival, but you can also say you were there when it started!

Sat., June 10, 11am-6pm. Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Event schedule and more information can be found at beexcellentfestival.com

Many-sided dice and illustrated cards are a few of the accoutrements of tabletop games, which offer unique opportunities to utilize strategy and creativity.

LUPITA’S CANTINA

209 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-963-4311. lupitas-mexican.com.

What months is your patio open? It’s partially heated - we open in late April and close early October. When is your happy hour: Daily specials (all day).

What is a must-try dish: Authentic street tacos (of course).

What are your peak hours: Lunch from noon-2pm, and dinner 6pm-close.

Patio size/capacity: 50.

SHORTY’S TRUE

AMERICAN ROADHOUSE

5111 Monroe St., Toledo. 419-841-9505. shortystoledo.com

LOMA LINDA

10400 Airport Hwy., Swanton. 419-865-5455. lomalindamexican.com

Patio season? Our patio is open all year. (Heated patio in the winter.)

What kind of destination does your patio represent? It represents traditional family values, with excellent customer service and margaritas. Tradition starts here!

Happy Hour? 3-6pm, Monday-Saturday. Must-try dish or cocktail? Our margaritas!

Peak hours? The peak hours are from 5-7:30pm.

Patio size/capacity? 100 people.

Sun factor? Half of our patio has shade. Type of seating? We have low and hightop seating available.

Live music and/or special events? We have DJ Benny, every Thursday.

Table service? Monday-Saturday from 11am-9pm.

Pet friendly? Our patio is not pet friendly.

Reservations? It’s first come, first served.

What months is your patio open? All year.

When is your happy hour? MondayFriday 3-6pm.

What is a must-try dish? Fall off the Porch Ice Tea.

What are your peak hours? 5-8pm.

Patio size/capacity: 40-45.

Sun factor (how much shade does your patio have?): Covered seating. Does your patio host live music and/or special events: Sometimes. Does your patio offer table service? Yes.

Pet friendly? Yes.

Sun factor (how much shade does your patio have?): Partially covered and canopy shade plus umbrellas. Does your patio host live music and/or special events: Yes, live music and farmers market every Thursday. Does your patio offer table service: Yes.

Pet friendly? Outside patio yes, inside patio only service dogs. Do you take reservations for the patio? First come, first served.

Do you take reservations for the patio? Yes, for parties from 7 to 44.

The sun is shining, a sultry breeze is in the air, and you’re focused on these friends and this conversation. Here are some of the T-town area’s best patios to meet up and make memories.

GEORGJZ419

1205 Adams St., Toledo. 419-842-4477. georgjz419.com.

Patio season: Memorial Day through the fall.

Happy hour: 3-9pm.

Must-try dish: Any of our specialty pizzas.

Peak hours: Varies by the day.

Patio size/capacity: 40-50.

BLACK PEARL

4630 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo 419-380-1616. blackpearltoledo.com.

Patio Season: Mid-May through midOctober.

Happy hour: 3:30-5:30pm.

Must-try dish: Black Pearl Steak: Blackened slow roasted Prime Rib topped with bell peppers, onions and fresh garlic and peppercorns and au jus.

Peak hours: Between 5:30-7:30pm.

Patio size/capacity: 25 to 30 people

Sun factor: Awning.

Type of seating: Tables and chairs.

Table service: Linen table cloths, full service.

Pet friendly? Yes during weekdays, no on the weekends.

Take reservations? Yes.

Sun factor: Umbrellas and an external covered bar.

Type of seating: Tables and chairs.

Live music and/or special events: On weekends, we have featured guests from time to time.

Table service: No.

Pet friendly? Yes.

Take reservations? No.

MAUMEE BAY BREWING COMPANY

SIDELINES SPORTS EATERY AND PUB

8116 Secor Rd., Lambertville, MI. 734-856-5050.

2111 Mellwood Ave. 419-474-0000. 1430 Holland Rd., Maumee. 419-897-5050.

sidelinessportseatery.com

SMOKEHOUSE 734

7309 Lewis Ave., Temperance, MI. 734-224-7056. smokehouse734.com

When is your patio open? Open May thru September.

What makes your patio unique? We have satellite music on all our patios. What kind of “destination” does your patio represent? We have covered patios at Lambertville, Mellwood, Maumee locations. These have ceiling fans, lights, TVs, music. Non-covered patios have umbrella tables.

Must-try dish or cocktail? Dish: Chop Chop Salad— chicken, bacon, pineapple, cranberries, sunflower seeds, feta, cucumber and poppyseed dressing. Cocktail: Sidelines Slammer— refreshing drink made with vodka, rum, peach schnapps, southern comfort, triple sec and fruit juices.

Peak hours? 6-9pm.

Patio size/capacity? Our patios hold 30-40 people. Table service? We offer full table service.

Pet friendly? Sorry, no pets.

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

When is your patio open? Every day. We have heaters and firepits if the weather is cooler.

What makes your patio unique? Our patio is actually a courtyard inside our building so it is surrounded by brick, planters and string lights.

What kind of “destination” does your patio represent? Guests frequently comment that our courtyard reminds them of a little French café.

Happy hour? We have half price growlers and pitchers on Thursday every week.

Must-try dish or cocktail? Stop in and try our wood fired pizza or yummy burgers.

Peak hours? Friday and Saturday nights

are usually the busiest.

Patio size/capacity? The patio space can comfortably seat up to about 70 people.

Sun factor? Our courtyard space offers a mix of sun and shade depending on the time of day and also has umbrellas.

Type of seating? Tables and chairs. Live music/special events? We do host live music in our courtyard space, follow us on social media for dates and additional information.

Table service? Yes.

Pet friendly? Yes, our courtyard space welcomes well behaved dogs on a leash. Reservations? We try to honor everyone’s requests but depending on business sometimes we might have an additional wait for the space.

ROSIE’S ITALIAN GRILLE

606 N McCord Rd., Toledo. 419-866-5007. rosiesitaliangrille.com

When is your patio open? On our four-season front and back patio, we have plenty of seating available year-round. But, we typically open the entire front and back patio around Memorial Day. What makes your patio unique? Our patio in the back unique would be our koi fish pond. We love it when we are able to bring them back out and guests love seeing them. The kids love to feed them too!

What kind of “destination” does your patio represent? Our whole restaurant decor is meant to give you a Tuscany/ Sicilian experience. However, with the plants, painting, and the pond on the back patio, we are inviting guests into our own sort of villa. It really is a beautiful scene once the sun is out and we can bring out all the plants and fish again.

Happy hour? Every day from 3-6pm at our bar. We offer guests various appetizers and drinks at a discounted price.

Must-try dish or cocktail? Since we are talking about the patio season I would say one of our must-try drinks would be our sangria. We offer a red, ginger peach and raspberry rose sangria by the glass and by the pitcher. They are the perfect addition to any patio table.

Peak hours? Generally from 4-8pm. Patio size/capacity: Since we have a front patio and back patio I can assure you we have plenty of seating opinions capacity-wise. We can host larger parties on our back patio and we have music on our front patio Tuesday through Saturday from 6-9pm.

Sun factor: We have a variety of options in terms of the sun factor for your patio dining. The majority of our tables in the sun have umbrellas that can give you shade or let you bask in the sun. Plus, we have plenty of shaded areas under our awnings.

Type of seating: Our patios have standard patio tables and chairs for guests to dine on. We can accommodate guests of two and more!

Live music and/or special events: We have a full lineup this year of amazingly talented local musicians. Every Tuesday through Saturday this summer we will have live music from 6-9 pm. If you are interested in the full lineup you can visit our website.

Table service: All of our tables on the front and back patio offer full-service dining. Our front patio does have a few couches near the band stage where guests generally order from the bar and take their drinks and/or food with them.

Pet friendly? At this time we do not allow pets to accompany guests unless it is for medical reasons. Reservations? Yes, we take reservations for our patios. If you would like a reservation we ask for you to give us a call at 419-866-5007.

VENTURA’S

7742 W. Bancroft St., Toledo. 419-841-7523. venturasmexicanrestaurant.com.

When is your patio open? Late May until September (weather permitting).

What makes your patio unique? It’s small, but cozy.

Happy hour? Daily from 2-6pm. Must-try dish or cocktail? Our Cajun Chicken Chimichanga is one of our most popular Mexican dishes and our BBQ Ribs are #1 in American cuisine!

Peak hours? From noon-2pm at lunchtime and 6-8pm at dinner.

Patio size/capacity?

Approximately 46 (11 tables).

Sun factor? Our patio sets to the east of the building so we have a lot of sunshine during the day hours. Umbrellas are on most of the tables to help shelter from the sun.

Type of seating? We have a couple high top bar tables which seat two people, three tables that seat six, and six tables that seat four customers.

Live music and/or special events? It is very small so we have no live music, however there are speakers with music playing.

Does your patio offer table service?

Yes.

Pet friendly? No.

Reservations? No.

MANCY’S

BLUEWATER GRILLE

461 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee. 419-724-2583. opentable.com, mancys.com

What months is your patio open? May-October.

What is a must-try dish? Maple Bourbon Salmon.

What are your peak hours? 5-7:30pm.

Patio size/capacity: 50 guests.

Sun factor (how much shade does your patio have?): We have an awning that keeps you shaded, but also gives you warmth of the summer days and nights.

Type of seating: Single and party seating.

Does your patio host live music and/or special events? No, it does not.

Does your patio offer table service?

MANCY’S ITALIAN GRILL

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

What months is your patio open? May

When is your happy hour? 4-6pm.

What is a must-try dish? My favorite dish is the Vesuvio: casarecce pasta, shrimp, fennel sausage, fresno peppers and spinach, with a garlic cream sauce.

What are your peak hours? 6pm.

Yes, of course.

Pet friendly? Service animals are always welcome.

Do you take reservations for the patio? Yes, we do.

Patio size/capacity: We have 3 tables that can seat 6-8 people, 3 high tops that can seat 2-4 people, and 4 tables that can seat 2-4 people.

Sun factor (how much shade does your patio have?): We have a pergola, and umbrellas, but there is some sun.

Type of seating: High tops, couch and chairs with cushions and tables.

Does your patio host live music and/ or special events? No.

Does your patio offer table service? Yes.

Pet friendly? Yes.

Do you take reservations for the patio? We do not take reservations for the patio.

SOUK MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN AND BAR

139 S. Huron St., Toledo. 567-777-7685. soukkitchenbar.com

Patio season: May-October, depending on weather.

Happy hour: No happy hour, sorry.

Must-try dish: The Grilled Halloumi or the Kibbeh Nayeh.

Peak hours: Generally weekends, between 6-8pm, or brunch between 10am2pm.

Patio size/capacity: 66 seats.

Sun factor: Umbrellas on all tables. Type of seating: Tables and chairs.

Live music and/or special events: No. Does your patio offer table service: Yes.

Pet friendly? Yes. Take reservations? No, because of our lovely Ohio weather.

WHITEHOUSE INN

10835 Waterville St., Whitehouse. 419-877-1180. thewhitehouseinn.net.

When is your patio open? Any month or day that is above 70 degrees, but usually May through October.

What makes your patio unique? The enormous amounts of beautiful flowers surrounding the patio area and front and side yards. My wife Marcy shops locally at so many greenhouses to support local. Hands down, we have the most flowers on and around our amazing patio. What kind of “destination” does your patio represent? Our patio represents how important our guests are to us. It represents the care we take into everything we do here at the Inn: the quality and care we take into all of our fresh menu items and the service that is provided by our amazing service staff. It’s absolutely a destination patio being in downtown Whitehouse. Many get to leave the city, drive through the countryside, and roll up into this amazing village.

Happy hour? No happy hour. Must-try dish or cocktail? The margaritas are our biggest seller by far. We have more than eight different flavors,

short or tall. Food wise the French onion soup is a must along with a nice cut or prime rib. Other popular items are our chicken chunks and wings along with our vast amount of unique and classic lunch sandwiches. Our appetizers are very unique and some non-traditional. Lake perch, shrimp scampi and the beef short rib are three more of our favorites. Peak hours? Noon-3pm and 5-9pm. Patio size/capacity? Our patio is 30’ by 60’ and holds up to 72 guests. It’s like sitting in a botanical garden. Sun factor? All of our tables have umbrellas.

Type of seating? Our oversized patio furniture consists of low tops closest to the building and our newer patio has all high tops.

Live music and/or special events? We may look into doing more live music this year. If we do, we will post it on our Facebook page. We have added a cornhole board to add a little fun to the patio.

Table service? Absolutely. Our guests are here to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Our job is to take care of each and every one of you.

Pet friendly? Yes, as long as they behave and get along with other pets and guests. Reservation? First come first served, no reservations for the patio.

LEISURE TIME WINERY

16982 CR-M2, Napoleon. 419-758-3442. leisuretimewinery.com.

What months is your patio open? Weather dependent, May-September. What is a must-try dish? Sweet & Spicy Italian Pizza.

What are your peak hours? 5:307:30pm Friday-Saturday.

Patio size/capacity: 100+.

Sun factor (how much shade does your patio have?): We have trees and a covered carport.

Type of seating: Metal tables and chairs.

Does your patio host live music and/or special events: We have live entertainment every Saturday from 6-9pm which is posted on our Facebook page.

Does your patio offer table service: No.

Pet friendly? Absolutely. Do you take reservations for the patio? Yes, by phone or Facebook message.

Amanda Drees

How is your intern experience?

My internship at Dana Incorporated has been a great experience so far. I’ve already learned so much from my team to help me begin my career in Human Resources. Do you practice “Casual Friday?”

Yes, I definitely do. I usually wear jeans with a nice top when I go for a Casual Friday look.

Wakeso Peterson

How is your internship experience?

I’ve interned at SSOE since last summer and it has been a great learning experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many architects and see exactly what I’ll be doing in the future.

What are you looking forward to exploring in Toledo this summer?

I would like to learn more about different buildings in the area and their architecture, what architecture firms they’re connected to and how they got started.

Busang

What are you looking exploring in Toledo

I’m looking forward to networking likeminded individuals all the Summer

What are “Dressing I stand by it 100%. always the first impression is always important. the right places to meet

Bowling Green State University, Architecture. Interning with SSOE.

University of Toledo, Human Resources. Interning with Dana Incorporated. Bowling Green MBA

PHOTOS BY KELLI MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Green State University, with a specialization in Finance. Interning with Toledo Small Development Center.

Busang Magosi

looking forward to Toledo this summer?

networking with more and participating in Summer in the City events.

are your thoughts on “Dressing to Impress?”

The way you dress is impression people get, which It can help put you in meet the right people.

Summer in the City, a program of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a unique opportunity for summer interns to connect with each other and explore the Toledo Region. We invited them to explore all the great stores at Franklin Park Mall and show off their choice summer internship fashions.

FRANKLIN PARK MALL FASHION AND SHOE STORES Abercrombie & Fitch Aerie Aeropostale Altar’d State American Eagle BoxLunch

University of Toledo, Marketing. Interning with Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

POPPERS

Enjoy The 40th Annual Cherry Fest

Whitehouse’s 40th annual Cherry Fest, June 8, 9 and 10, allows cherry lovers to experience the tart sweet fruit with a cherry pie eating contest, a parade, 5k races for all ages and much more. For more information, visit 40th Annual Cherry Festival on Facebook. 6751 Providence St., Whitehouse.

Hannon’s Block Hosts Italian Wine Dinner

Toledo is gearing up for the Italian Bowl on July 1, and local eateries are honoring the event with specialty Italian dinners. Hannon’s Block will host an Italian Wine Dinner on Tuesday, June 13 at 5pm. Experience a chef-inspired dinner with a tasting of Italian wine. Check out the Italian Bowl XLII website for other Italian dinners happening in preparation for the Bowl. Hannon’s Block, 619 Monroe St., Toledo.

Higher Grounds Coffee

Higher Grounds Coffee is partnering with the YWCA to empower women, one cup at a time. Patrons can support the YWCA of Northwest Ohio. With every bag purchased $5 is donated to the cause of keeping women safe from violence. The YWCA is raising money to renovate its 1950s building and to create a safe, welcoming facility with increased service capacity. Learn more about the cause or buy a bag of grounds at highergroundstrading.com/products/ ywca-empower-blend.

CHOW LINE

Natural ingredients and a robust menu: Vegan Taste

Baked goods so tasty you didn’t even notice they were vegan

By Kelly McGilvery

Baked goods have not historically been a high point on the vegan menu, but local company Vegan Taste is on a mission to change that perception. “I always tell people [about our food] that if you didn’t know it was vegan, you wouldn’t guess it was vegan,” said KJ Jackson, who owns and operates Vegan Taste with his wife Kelsey. After adopting a healthier lifestyle several years ago, they had trouble finding vegan treats in the area and began to create their own. Initially, it was a sideline to their day jobs in education and fitness.

Over several years, Vegan Taste has built up a considerable wholesale business, providing baked goods such as cookies and muffins to coffee shops and food trucks throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. You’ve likely already had some of their pastries if you frequent Black Kite, The Flying Joe, The Leaf and Seed or SIP Coffee. Their menu has also been available for orders

Vegan Taste offerings

through their website that can be delivered or picked up at one of several locations around town, including Black Kite Coffee and Erin Ann’s Homemade Ice Cream & Juices.

On Tuesdays, online orders are delivered throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan - a complete map of the included territory can be found on their website. Though a majority of its business is wholesale, Vegan Taste welcomes customers in person at Perrysburg Farmers Markets and at its new storefront on Laskey Rd., inside a Graze shared kitchen.

The Graze shared kitchen, also known as a “ghost kitchen,” hosts several food businesses which utilize a shared storefront to provide a greater selection of menu items for customers and increased efficiency and decreased overhead costs for businesses. This Graze also contains Big Knuckle Burgers, Mozza!, Wings Up and Olga’s Express. The other food businesses are open for pickup from 10am2pm and open for delivery from 11am1:30am. The City Paper covered the phenomenon, and this specific kitchen, in 2021.

Consider getting a sampler box of their treats: the selection we brought to the City Paper office was a great introduction, and everything was eaten by the end of the day. The menu offers something for every palate, as the baked goods also incorporate dietary restrictions for other eaters - much of the menu is also gluten-free.

A couple of the tastiest treats were the blueberry and strawberry pop tarts. Brown sugar cinnamon is also available. One of the benefits of eating vegan is that often, food is much simpler to prepare and contains fewer synthetic ingredients. The pop tarts tasted like ingredients I recognized: fresh, natural fruit.

To this reviewer’s way of thinking, the perfect breakfast includes lots of caffeine and sugar. Enter the Vegan Taste cold brew whoopie pie, which is a highly efficient mix of both, in the form of a cakey sandwich cookie. Other whoopie pie varieties include mint chocolate and peanut butter cup.

What’s next for Vegan Taste? Updated versions of cinnamon rolls and donuts. Stay tuned to their social media platforms for more information and swing by their storefront to select from an appealing selection of cookies, brownies, muffins, cakes, and more. 1734 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo. vegantastetoledo.com.

KJ Jackson, Vegan Taste owner and baker, above. At left, the bakery’s storefront on Laskey Road.

FILM

Summer Films Under the Starry Sky

The former Sundance Drive-in Movie Theater on Navarre Ave. in Oregon is open for business this summer, under new leadership and with a different name: the Parkside Drive-In, the name of the theater when it first opened in 1949 as a single-screen outdoor cinema.

A recent fundraising campaign raised enough money and community support for the nonprofit organization Save Our Screen to keep the Drive-in from shutting down completely. This year it’s open for business with screenings nightly. As a thank you to the community for its support, Save Our Screen’s Community Night will be held each Wednesday this summer, offering free admission, special treats and themed events. 4500 Navarre Ave., Oregon. 419-635-7575. parksidedrive-in.com

APPEAL REEL

“Don’t dream it, be it”

50 years of the Rocky Horror Picture Show

By Curtis Deeter

“Don’t dream it, be it.”

Without summarizing the story, this single verse epitomizes the theme of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). The show begs viewers to stop asking for permission to be them selves, to ignore society’s vanilla expec tations, to be free of their inhibitions and to embrace their sexuality.

The movie is based on The Rocky Horror Show (1973), a musical written by Richard O’Brien (who stars as butler Riff Raff) and directed/produced by Jim Sharman. It takes a satirical stab at Blist science fiction and horror and is the longest-running theatrical release in film history. RHPS also has a rich history in Northwest Ohio.

Black Swamp Players Presents

Party in the Park

Promedica Live presents several free, outdoor film screenings for families this summer at Promenade Park. Come early for the screening and enjoy family events on the lawn, like activities with Imagination Station, an inflatable dragon slide and airbrush tattoos! DJ Frankie Jaye and Friends will spin music until showtime arrives at 8pm. Family events begin at 6pm. The series kicks off on Saturday, June 24 with “Raya and the Last Dragon,” continues on Saturday, July 22 with “DC League of Super-Pets,” and culminates on Saturday, August 12 with “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Concessions are available for purchase. Promenade Park, 400 Water St., Toledo. promedicalive.com

The Black Swamp Players have their own theater in the heart of downtown Bowling Green. They open their space to a variety of events and community organizations, including other theater troupes such as Glass City Improv. Before they announce this season’s six show line-up, the Black Swamp Players are putting on a two-night only production of RHPS, which will include live audience participation.

“It’s a special event we’re doing to address a different audience that we

maybe haven’t tapped into,” Samantha Heater, producer and trustee of the Black Swamp Players Board says. “And to also celebrate and raise awareness around Pride month. We want to create a welcoming atmosphere in a world that isn’t always that welcoming right now.”

RHPS, at its core, teaches people to embrace the weirdo within; a complete exploration of being free to be yourself.

Catch the Black Swamp Players’ production Friday and Saturday June 9-10 at 8pm. General admission is $25, tickets for $30 include admission and a goodie bag. Seating is limited.

115 E. Oak St., Bowling Green. onthestage.tickets/black-swamp-players.

Midnight Screening at Collingwood Arts Center

On June 17, Collingwood Arts Center hosts a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as part of a double feature with Phantom of Paradise (10pm). Tickets are $10, and the screening will include a live Shadowcast (actors dressed in film-accurate costumes to bring the story alive, in real-time).

“We wanted to do this because Toledo has a long history of screening RHPS,” Patrick Tansey, founder of the Collingwood Arts Center explains. “I was part of the Shadowcast at the Maumee Indoor Theater in the 90s. Since no one has taken up the mantle lately, we decided to keep it going ourselves.”

The Arts Center also stages Stone Production’s musical The Rocky Horror Show every October. info@collingwoodartscenter.org or 419-244-2787.

2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo.

CURTAIN CALL

The Toledo Rep Salutes Sondheim

‘Sunday in the Park with George’ is a turning point in a legendary career

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

Stephen Sondheim was one of the most important figures of musical theater in the 20th century. At ten years old his close friendship with James Hammerstein led to a mentorship with his friend’s father, Oscar Hammerstein II. Sondheim wrote the lyrics for “West Side Story” and, in 1962, wrote music and lyrics for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which was a smash hit on Broadway. From 1970 to 1981 he collaborated with Hal Prince, producing shows like “Follies,” “Company,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Sweeney Todd.” Their collaboration ended in 1981 with “Merrily We Roll Along,” which was a failure by comparison. While soul-searching and figuring out his next move, Sondheim met James Lapine with whom he would collaborate throughout the second half of his career.

Challenging and personal work

“Sunday in the Park with George” was created at a pivotal point in Sondheim’s career. Amy Spaulding-Heuring, director of the show says, “In honor of Sondheim, who passed away in November 2021 at age 91, the Rep wanted to bookend this season with shows written by him. They began the season with ‘Side by Side’ and chose ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ to close with.”

Spaulding-Heuring says the cast is honored to present this musical because it’s rarely done due to its unusual and challenging staging. The titular “George” is French impressionist painter Georges Seurat and was inspired by his famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of la Grande Jatte.” The plot involves a fictionalized Seurat, who immerses himself in his painting, and his great-grandson (also named George) who is a conflicted, contemporary artist. Spaulding-Heuring notes, “The musical contains some of Sondheim’s most challenging music to perform while also being arguably his most personal work. It’s very ambitious both musically and in terms of staging, taking place in two very distinct time periods. Act I takes place in the 1880s and Act 2 is 100 years later in 1984. You have two different sets of costumes and the cast needs to change very quickly. In the original production, set pieces came up out of the floor. We are using projections instead but they must be perfectly timed with the dialogue and the music. It’s a difficult piece but we’re embracing it.”

The magic of community theater

What Spaulding-Heuring loves most about directing community theater is the fact that people from all walks of life and ability levels come together to put on a

NOTES THEATER

The Stranahan Presents “Dear Evan Hansen”

BY UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHERRR AUCTIONS, PUBLIC DOMAIN

show. “We have an actress who is ten years old playing Louise, while the actor playing George has done professional work in New York and New Jersey. The actress playing Dot has done musical theater with Croswell and The Rep. Three weeks in March were spent rehearsing the music intensively, and April was devoted to staging.”

One of the most complicated numbers is “It’s Hot Up Here,” which is sung by the characters in Seurat’s painting. It imagines that the characters are trapped in the painting for posterity and are not very happy about it. SpauldingHeuring notes that this is a very precise piece with tight, overlapping harmonies. If someone misses a line it could have a disastrous domino effect.

Sondheim may have been striving to depict art imitating life with this song as it mirrors the difficulties working in a show for a long time. “Sondheim was a realist,” says Spaulding-Heuring. “All his musicals show that relationships are messy and yet we pursue them. In this musical he’s tackling the realistic demands of making art while having to satisfy yourself and your financial backers. It’s true of both artists in the musical, and of Sondheim himself.”

The artistic committee at The Rep chose this musical because it revitalized Sondheim’s career. The song, “We Do Not Belong Together,” is a favorite of Spaulding-Heuring’s. “It’s heartbreakingly beautiful. It’s an anthem to 1984’s George, urging him to move on and find his art and himself, and Sondheim’s anthem to himself as well. He also needed to move on from the first half of his career and to create something new.”

June 9-25 at the 10th Street Stage. $14.75-$24.75. 16 Tenth St., Toledo. 419-243-9277. toledorep.org.

A popular Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen,” ran on Broadway for seven years. Now, the musical is touring the country with a stop at Toledo’s Stranahan Theater. “Dear Evan Hansen” tells the story of a boy who dreamed of a different life and, through a misunderstanding regarding a classmate, falls into the life he always wanted. However, when his lies start to catch up to him, he must choose whether or not to keep deceiving people or to tell the truth. americantheatreguild.com. 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard. June 13 -18.

Black Swamp Players Elevate Playwriting Contest Winner

Black Swamp Players has selected the troupe’s annual playwriting contest winner, and will perform the winning work at the Black Swamp Players Theatre. “Not Quite Gone” is a play by recent Bowling Green High School graduate Ethan Woody Brown. The show follows an aging woman experiencing dementia and how she works with a friend to figure out how to remember the past. Tickets are $15. blackswampplayers.org. 115 E. Oak St., Bowling Green. Friday, June 16 through Sunday, June 25.

Waterville Playshop Presents “Newsies Jr.”

Extra, extra, read all about it! Waterville Playshop performs “Newsies Jr.” at the Maumee Indoor Theatre. Children ages 6 through 18 will perform a 60 minute version of the Broadway musical inspired by the 1992 film. Alan Menken, Jack Feldman and Harvey Fierstein perfectly captured the true story of newsboys in turnof-the-century New York City. watervilleplayshop.org. 601 Conant St. June 23-24 at 8pm, June 25 at 2:30pm.

Children’s Theater Workshop Presents “Annie”

The sun will come out tomorrow for the kids of CTW, as they put on a production of “Annie KIDS.” The cast, ages seven through nine, practice singing and dancing at the CTW summer camp to prepare for the performances from June 23 through June 25. This children’s adaptation is presented at The Historic Ohio Theatre, 3112 Lagrange St. ctwtoledo.org.

A singular figure in musical theater, Sondheim left behind an unparalleled body of work upon his passing in 2021

BOOK NOTES

Poetry Album Raises Awareness For Homelessness

A new poetry album, “The Unforgivable Gossamer Sadness,” written and spoken by local poet Mike Hackney and produced by local musician Scott Fish, was recently released raising awareness of homelessness. Album proceeds benefit Hackney, who was, himself, living at the Cherry Street Mission homeless shelter earlier this year. Fish organized a CD release party for the album, and thanks to the donations and purchased auction items, Hackney recently got the keys to a new apartment. To listen to the album, search Mike Hackney on Spotify.

University of Toledo Author Tours the Country

Dr. Kimberly Mack, a scholar of African American literature and American popular music at UT, is touring the country to promote her new book. Part of the 33 1/3 book series, which contains a number of short books about individual albums by musical artists across time periods and genres, “Living Colour’s Time’s Up,” is 152 pages “reclaiming rock music as Black music” through the focus of the band’s sophomore album, “Time’s Up.” Mack’s book was one of 15 accepted out of 400 submissions. To learn more about the 33 1/3 series, search the title on Amazon.com or visit Bloomsbury Academic’s website.

CITY PAGES

On Drowning Rats, lessons from the workplace

How-to guide on dealing with sexual harassment

By Drew Saunders

What do you do when you have been the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace? Cami Roth Szirotnyak and Rachel Richardson decided, when they realized that they were both the victims of the same harasser, that they would help each other stand up to him, leading eventually to a book they co-wrote about the experience: On Drowning Rats.

“If I ever write another book I’ll have to figure out a way that Cami is involved,” Richardson said. Szirotnyak said she was relaxing with her husband several years after enduring the initial sexual harassment from The Harasser, scrolling through social media while they watched a TV show. She startled her husband when she read a social media post – made anonymously by Richardson about the Harasser – and immediately knew it was the same man. She reached out to Richardson’s anonymous profile, and they connected the dots, collecting information which eventually turned into a blog, and then became a book.

Both women have writing experience and wrote from their individual perspectives and not as one voice. The two authors hosted a gathering at Gathering Volumes in late April. Sitting at a table across from their audience, they took questions,

and acknowledged help from friends, both personal and professional, as they explained their journey and read a chapter from the book.

A guide and memoir

On Drowning Rats is as much a how-toguide for surviving and confronting sexual harassment in the workplace and volunteer space, Szirotnyak explained, as it is a memoir for both women. By staying away from dates and names and identifying characters as The Harasser or The Coworker, and by identifying organizations as The Foundation or The Office they are hoping to create a one-size-fits all guide that isn’t too specific, and is therefore applicable to any reader looking for help. Practical guides and worksheets within the book will help to stop harassment and prevent its recurrence.

“The reason we specifically focus on the workspace and volunteer space is, in theory, there should be policies and protocols in place we can lean on. So, we created worksheets and “how to” lists,” Szirotnyak explained, adding “Really it is kind of more of a menu than a how to … to allow readers to make it fit their situation.”

As proud as they both are of vanquishing a sexual harasser and the publication of their book, the two women acknowledged their work’s limitations. The book is specifically meant for women in offices or non-profit arenas. They acknowledge multiple times the protection and power they had as white women, which Women of Color are unlikely to experience in the same degree.

Attendee and collaborator Tava Scott said, “I think they did an amazing job . . . of taking a very tough situation and providing a compass for other women so they will know the direction to go . . . and ideally a warning of dangers in the future.”

On Drowning Rats is available for purchase in

Authors Cami Roth Sirotnyak (left) and Rachel Richardson (right) are joined by Naima Moon (center) as they discuss their new book, On Drowning Rats, at a book release party at Perrysburg’s Gathering Volumes.

ART TO HEART

Destroy the Gap demonstrates what’s possible

Disability justice in exhibition form

By Kelly McGilvery

Destroy the Gap is an exhibition at BGSU’s Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery through Saturday, June 3. It features work by artists and designers who identify as disabled, as well as care workers and allies. The artists, drawn from around the country, create art that engages history, aesthetics, fashion, dance, ornamentation and decoration. The show was coordinated by Andrea Cardinal, Assistant Professor of Design at BGSU.

Fully accessible

Radical accessibility in the arts allows visitors to enter via a ramp, greeted by a wall of colorful flyers, outlining the artists and theme of the exhibition.

Moving around the gallery, each piece has explanatory text also a QR code that, when scanned, plays an audio recording of the text describing the work it accompanies. Large print and braille programs are also available.

Several embroidered works provide a meditation into the experience of chronic pain - the needlework evokes the passage of time as well as the sense of being stuck without relief. Andy Marlowe’s “Hemans,” an embroidered cape/gown, is adorned with language from a book that deeply influenced Marlowe.

Video works in the show contain open captions so visitors with hearing issues can follow what’s happening on screen.

In “Madness” by Heather Cassano, a three-panel video installation pairs historic footage about mental illness, utilizing outdated language about conditions and treatments that banished the mentally ill from their families and communities. The banished were housed in sanatoriums where their autonomy was not respected and they were viewed as nuisances.

Social media posts about this show contain robust alt text, which describes what’s happening for those who use screen readers or desire more information about what they’re seeing.

The exhibition is wheelchair and mobility-aid accessible Visitors seeking additional services for their visit are encouraged to contact the University’s accessibility services office.

Changing lives, eliminating the gap

Some of the work displayed in Destroy the Gap is funny or whimsical. Chanika Svetvilas’ “Pharma Infinity” features a parabolic sculpture made from prescription bottles, hung from the ceiling, in front of a video screen on which the artist dances with the sculpture in the aisles of a CVS as a soundtrack plays that is, as the artist explains, “a mashup of techno music, scanner sounds, a news report about Big Pharma’s power as a lobbying force, and an Abilify medication commercial.”

The exhibition title references a quote from Associate Professor of English at BGSU, Sheri Wells-Jensen, who specializes in xenolinguistics and alien languages. Wells-Jensen is blind and has participated in space trials to help scientists learn what being in space will be like for people with disabilities.

In talking about her work, Wells-Jensen said, “I’m not a patient person, but I’m willing to take the long view when I have to. We’re making things better by doing the work of gathering the data we need, which will eventually make things more accessible. We will eventually change lives, and we will eventually destroy the gap.”

Destroy the Gap is a celebration of different bodily experiences. Assistive devices become fashion, dance, exultation. The exhibition creates a space in which the experiences of disability are represented, welcomed, accommodated and celebrated. The show is free to experience and will be open through June 3. Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery, School of Art, BGSU. instagram.com/destroythegap

Swoop into summer: June Art Loop

The Warehouse District comes alive on Thursday, June 15 from 5-8pm, as the Arts Commission presents “Art Loop Street Faire.” Huron Street between Monroe and Lafayette will be abuzz with live music, numerous artists, interactive artwork and glassblowing demonstrations at Gathered Glassblowing Studio (23 N. Huron St.). Afterward, check out Art Loop After Dark at Graphite Design + Build (15 N. Huron St.) from 8-10pm. theartscommission.org, facebook.com/ ArtLoopToledo. 419-254-2787.

Art by the square foot at Toledo School for the Arts

Toledo School for the Arts’ annual fundraiser UNDISCLOSED, features more than 100 artists, TSA students, staff, and local celebrities, who create original pieces of art measuring 12”x12”. Guests select a work of their choice when their raffle ticket is drawn. Only after their choice is made is the artist’s name disclosed. This year the event will be held in the new Porter Gallery and Community Portal which is part of the school’s expansion. Tickets are $100 and admit two people to the event. 333 14th St., Toledo. 419-246-8732. ts4arts.org

Stoop-sitting in Nigeria with the Mbari Club

Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club opens in TMA’s Levis Gallery on June 3. The show documents Lawrence’s travels to Nigeria in the early 1960s and the impact of his exposure to and influence of a young Nigerian artists’ community. The Mbari Artists and Writers Club is the name of the arts club that hosted him. This exhibition also showcases archives of Black Orpheus, the periodical documenting arts and activities of the Nigerian creative community at the time. Free for members, $10 for non-members. Tickets are available online. 2445 Monroe St., Toledo. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org

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. The exhibit runs until June 24, 2023. 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair St. 20northgallery.com

Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg - Machine

Auguries: Toledo

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. 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.

SATURDAYS

Market Street Art Collaboration

Art on Market Shoppes hosts an opportunity for artists to demonstrate and sell any variety of original art on Saturdays during the Farmers Market. Register online to sell. 9am-2pm. Art on Market Shoppes, 201 S. Erie St. toledolampcompany.com

SAT JUNE 10

Open House in the Artist Village

See art demonstrations, exhibits, and behindthe-scenes peeks into Artist Village studios, galleries and garden spaces. Open Houses will be the second Saturday, each month through November. 10am-4pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. metroparkstoledo.com

WED JUNE 21

Plein Air in Pastel Sponsored by Red Bird Sylvania

Discover the art of Plein Air painting with Red Bird Sylvania! Join instructor Mary Jane Erard for a special course designed for all skill levels and abilities. Learn composition, color, and technique while exploring the beautiful landscape. No experience needed. Registration is required. 1-3pm. The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. abilitycenter.org

THURS JUN 22

-SAT JUN 24

Art & About 2023: Jim White Memorial & Paint Walk

Art and About is a three-day event that invites talented, local artists to set up and paint outdoors throughout the historic city. The public is invited to watch the artists paint and interact with them as they work. Downtown Waterville, Anthony Wayne Trail, Waterville. awaac.org

FRI JUN 23SUN JUN 25

Crosby Festival of the Arts

The Crosby Festival of the Arts (CFA) is a highly regarded fine arts show. Toledo Botanical Garden has hosted the CFA since 1965. This festival is Ohio’s oldest outdoor juried art festival, celebrating its 56th year. Live music and great food and drink are also part of this three-day art show. $12 advance, $15 at the gate. Friday, June 23, 6-9pm. Saturday, June 24, 10am-5pm. Sunday, June 25, 10am-4pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. crosbyfest.com

Jen White Johnson’s portrait series Collages for the Culture, spotlights influential figures in the disability rights movement, like activist, editor and writer Alice Wong, pictured here.

A hanging sculpture by Chanika Svetvilas accompanies a video, “Pharma Infinity,” in which she dances with the object in the aisles of a CVS pharmacy

LISTEN HEAR

Telesonic 9000 Blends

Art-Rock with Art-House

A mix of film, live drumming and electronica

By Tanner Wertz

Telesonic 9000 is the multimedia project of Toledo native Dominick Gray. Coming from a family of drummers, Gray started playing drums at age 11 while becoming obsessed with bands like Queen, The Police and Pink Floyd. Fast forward to today, and Gray, 33, has lived in Berlin, Germany, toured in Japan and Europe, and recorded drums for the Brian Jonestown Massacre. Gray currently resides between Toledo and Ann Arbor.

Telesonic 9000 was formed while Gray was living in Berlin. The oneperson project, originally conceived as a live multimedia show combining his music and film interests, expanded into digital music and video releases. According to Gray, he’s a drummer first and foremost, and drumming is an anchor for Gray’s other creative outputs, including composing, producing, filmmaking/editing and live show design.

Updating with electronic sounds

Released in March, the EP E.C.H.O. is the latest effort from Telesonic 9000. Musically, Gray wanted to capture the

energy and experimentation of new wave bands like Devo and Blondie, but also update and incorporate new electronic sounds into that vocabulary. That’s where the synthpop elements of Kraftwerk and YMO (Yellow Music Orchestra) come in, mixing with the conceptual approach of artists like Björk, Cornelius and Steven Wilson.

The EP will be paired with a short film later this spring. Inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey, including postwar atomic visual imagery, the short film comprises 99 archive films, sampled and remixed into 11 minutes. The project will blend Gray’s experiences in Berlin with an American sensibility, informed by his attendance at Toledo School for the Arts. According to Gray, the interaction of sound and visuals really defines the world of Telesonic 9000.

“E.C.H.O. is sparked by the discord between the wide-eyed techno wonder of the computer age and the tech-malaise of modern times. We’re living at a time that was once envisioned to be a utopia, which instead has mutated into a digital world haunted by a loss of optimism,” explains Gray.

European experience

Comparing living and performing in the United States to Europe, Gray said “funny enough, I thought more about the States living abroad, and I think more about other parts of the world when living in the US. Overall, the US has so many outstanding musical identities and constantly creates new cultural revolutions - and the caliber of musicianship [here] is phenomenal. That’s a heritage I’m proud to be a part of. It takes a high level of performance to really capture the attention of American audiences, and that pressure produces great performers. There’s also the flip side where music that is left-field has a harder time

breaking through, whereas in other parts of the world the public is much more receptive and invested in what they go to see and hear.”

Gray continued, “There’s a more intense appreciation of culture and room to breathe creatively in other parts of the world. Europe also has the advantage of being very aware of their respective long-running folk traditions and incorporating that into modern art in really beautiful ways. To me, it’s two very different worlds where each has wonderful strengths.”

Gray plans on bringing E.C.H.O. to the stage and film festival screenings throughout 2023. telesonic9000.com

Musician Dominick Gray has released a new EP for his Telesonic 9000 project.

METRO MUSIC

THURS, JUNE 1

Bar 145: The Height & The Hair (acoustic)

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

Every Thursday at The Real Seafood

Company: Area Pianist/Vocalists

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Dueling Saxes

Featuring Brandon Monford and Art Bishop (jazz)

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn:

Lettuce Turnip the Beet: Music at the Market: Swingmania (jazz)

FRI, JUNE 2

Bar 145: Slow No Wake Duo (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room:

Damnit Sam (acoustic)

Maumee Bay Brewing Co.: the Skittle

Bots (pop/rock)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Andrew

Ellis (acoustic)

Point Place Boat Club: Sweet

Tea Band (country/rock)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle:

Promedica Masterworks: Mahler

Symphony No. 3 (classical)

Papa’s Tavern: Chick Flick (acoustic)

SAT, JUNE 3

Downtown Sylvania: Maple & Main

Art & Music Festival (various)

Toledo’s Mainstreet Bar & Grill: Toledo

Deathfest 2023 (heavy metal)

Bar 145: Joe Woods (acoustic)

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

Ottawa Park: The Bradberries (acoustic)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Benfield Wines: Dragons Duo (acoustic)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Acoustic Chrome (acoustic)

THURS, JUNE 8

Bar 145: Tony Salazar (acoustic)

Wood County Museum: Todd Elson, Chloe & the Steel Strings, Jeff Stewart (singer/

songwriter)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn: Lettuce

Turnip the Beet: Music at the Market: Lee

Warren Band (rock)

Ottawa Tavern: Damien Jurado & Chris Pureka (indie rock)

FRI, JUNE 9

Bar 145: Caveman (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Cindy Slee

(acoustic)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

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

Centennial Terrace: The Menus (rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Johnny O’Neal

(jazz)

Glass City Metropark: Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder (gospel)

2023 Summer Ohio Guitar Show

JUNE 25, 2023

11:30AM-5PM

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Mark Tonelli (jazz)

The Switchboard: Dead McGee & Decent Folk (rock)

SAT, JUNE 17

Oak Shade Grove: 8th Annual Polish Summer

Picnic (polka)

Wolverine Park: Mayfly Music Festival

(various)

Danny Thomas Park: Funky Fusion Fest (rock)

Bar 145: Hunter Hoop (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Brent Lowry

(acoustic)

Ottawa Park: Chloe & the Steel Strings

(americana)

Downtown Waterville: Rock the Block: the Skittle Bots (pop rock)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Chris Shutters (acoustic)

Centennial Terrace: Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute (classic rock)

Kickstand Saloon: NightBird (classic rock)

Dexter’s: My80s Vice (pop rock)

Hensville Live! Summer Concert Series

A stop on Toledo’s summer event list is the Hensville Live! Summer Concert Series to follow a game. June boasts two concerts: The Boy Band Project June 9, and Simply Spice (Spice Girls Tribute Band) June 24. Use your Mud Hens ticket for entry to the show. Visit milb.com/toledo.

Head To Perrysburg For Music At The Market

Thursdays in Perrysburg will be a lot more exciting with Lettuce Turnip the Beet, the summer season of Music at the Market, held in conjunction with the weekly Farmers Market. At 7pm on the Commodore Schoolyard Lawn, 140 E. Indiana Ave., artists perform. Sponsored by Yark Chevrolet, the June lineup features Swingmania, Lee Warren Band, Shane Piasecki & The Lone Wolf Hippies, Ben DeLong Band and the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra. The concert is free, but audience members should bring their own chairs and blankets. visitperrysburg.com/music-at-the-market.

Maumee Bay Brewing Co.: Cabaret Night (musical)

The Switchboard: Soul Night (r&b/soul)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Ellie Martin (jazz)

Point Place Boat Club: Random Act (classic rock covers)

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle: Promedica

Masterworks: Mahler Symphony No. 3 (classical)

Polish Ostrich: An EGGStraordinary Night w/ Trash Inc (classic rock)

Sportsman Bar: Elektrick Mayhem (rock)

Ye Olde Cock’n Bull Tavern: The CastawayZ (rock)

The Village Idiot: 2 Left Missing (pop/rock)

SUN, JUNE 4

Downtown Sylvania: Maple & Main Art & Music Festival (various)

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

Sodbuster Bar: Father’n Son Jam (acoustic)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Muddy (acoustic)

The Toledo Zoo: The Barenaked Ladies with Semisonic and The Del Amitris (alternative rock)

Every Sunday at The Village Idiot: Jazz Night and Open Mic

MON, JUNE 5

Every Monday at Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey

Room: Whiskey Monday featuring Jake

Pilewski

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

TUES, JUNE 6

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

Ford Memorial Park in Rossford: Stroll the Street: Athens Wheeler (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Listening Loft: Acoustic on Wheels (acoustic)

WED, JUNE 7

Every Wednesday at The Real Seafood Company: Area Pianist/Vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

The Village Idiot: Act Casual (rock)

Hensville Park: Hensville Live!: The Boy Band Project (pop)

SAT, JUNE 10

The 577 Foundation: Music in the Gardens: TSA String Quartet (classical) The Pinnacle: Juneteenth Jazz Brunch (jazz)

Urban Pine Winery: Abbigale (blues)

Bar 145: Brent Lowry (acoustic)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Dave Rybs

(acoustic)

Ottawa Park: The Good, the Bad, and the Blues (blues)

Prime Nightlife: Smile Empty Soul (rock)

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Ottawa Tavern: Take Weight / Oscar Bait /

Last Gasp / Trash Cat / Snakeout (rock)

Most Blessed Sacrament Parish: 56 Daze

(pop/rock)

Centennial Terrace: Jazz on the Terrance

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: The Rocky Athas

Band (blues)

Bar 145: Random Act (pop rock)

SUN, JUNE

11

University of Toledo: The Toledo Choral

Society Presents: Considering Matthew

Shepard (choral)

Sodbuster Bar: Father’n Son Jam (acoustic)

TUES, JUNE

13

Ford Memorial Park in Rossford: Stroll the Street: The Cheeks (rock)

The Village Idiot: Pete Schlegel (americana)

WED, JUNE 14

The Town Center at Levis Commons: Barile & May (acoustic)

Woodlands Park: Wednesdays at Woodlands: Jake Pilewski & Friends (acoustic)

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

The Polish Ostrich: Dealing with Dragons (rock)

THURS, JUNE 15

Whitehouse Village Park: Whitehouse

Summer Concert Series: Yankin’ Covers (classic rock)

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn: Lettuce

Turnip the Beet: Music at the Market: Shane

Piasecki & the Lone Wolf Hippies (rock)

Ye Olde Cock’n Bull Tavern: Holly Lafferty (acoustic)

FRI, JUNE 16

Rossford Recreation Center: Rossford 125th

Anniversary Concert: Ashley McBryde, Walker

Montgomery and Gary Levox. (country)

Oak Shade Grove: 8th Annual Polish Summer

Picnic (polka)

Bar 145: Ryan Roth (acoustic)

Wolverine Park: Mayfly Music Festival

(various)

Prime Nightlife: Funky Fusion Fest (rock)

Pavlov’s Brewing Co.: Holly Lafferty (acoustic)

SUN, JUNE 18

Wildside Downtown: Hops for Hospice (various)

WAKT Studio: WAKT We Act Radio 106.1

Toledo Summer Concert Series (various)

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

Sodbuster Bar: Father’n Son Jam (acoustic)

MON, JUNE 19

Walbridge Park: 4th annual Toledo’s Juneteenth Celebration (various)

TUES, JUNE 20

Ford Memorial Park in Rossford: Stroll the Street: North of Nashville (country)

The Toledo Zoo: Chicago (classic rock)

WED, JUNE 21

Woodlands Park: Wednesdays at Woodlands:

Tim Oehlers (acoustic)

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

THURS,

JUNE 22

Bar 145: Hot Lunch Duo (acoustic)

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

The Chop House: Jazz Piano

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn: Lettuce Turnip the Beet: Music at the Market: Ben DeLong Band (rock)

FRI, JUNE 23

Frontera Sabores de México: Dragons Duo (acoustic)

Bier Stube: The Cheeks (rock)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Ross Thompson (acoustic)

Over Yonder Concert House: RB Stone (americana)

Centennial Terrace: 80’s Dance Party (pop rock)

SAT, JUNE 24

The Town Center at Levis Commons: Brent Bliss (acoustic)

The 577 Foundation: TSA Glass City Steel (steel drums)

Urban Pine Winery: Scott Sherer (acoustic)

Frontera Sabores de México: Dragons Duo (acoustic)

Ottawa Park: Madison Avenue (classic rock)

Prime Nightlife: Master of Tributes (metal)

Nick & Jimmy’s Bar & Grill: Christian Lombardo (acoustic)

Hollywood Casino: Red Hot Tribute (alternative rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Route 66: Bryan Eng Trio (jazz)

Hensville Live! Concert Series: Simply Spice (Spice Girls Tribute) (pop)

SUN, JUNE 25

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

Sodbuster Bar: Father’n Son Jam (acoustic)

Jazz Collective Series Presented At Peacock Cafe

Jazz music fans should head to the Peacock Cafe, 2007 Monroe St., for performances of the Jazz Collective. Every Thursday, notable jazz artists perform at 7pm within the historic venue. Performances have no cover charge and are curated by renowned Toledo jazz drummer André Wright. Past performances have featured McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Dan Wison and more. For more information or to see the schedule of performers, visit peacockjazzcollective.com.

TUES, JUNE 27

Ford Memorial Park in Rossford: Stroll the Street: Johnny Rodriguez (acoustic)

WED, JUNE 28

Woodlands Park: Wednesdays at Woodlands: Hepcat Revival (jazz)

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night Glass City Metropark: Sunny War (folk)

THURS, JUNE 29

Wildwood Metropark: Richard Wolff (acoustic) Bar 145: Kyle White (acoustic)

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn: Lettuce Turnip the Beet: Music at the Market: Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra (classical)

FRI, JUNE 30

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Frank May (acoustic) Bar 145: Distant Cousinz (pop rock) Stranahan Theater: Joe, Dru Hill & Joe Torry: An Evening of Love & Laughter (r&b)

THE BIG TO DO

THURS, June 1

[book sales]

Friends of the Library Used Book SaleStock up on summer reads while supporting the library. CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and more are also available. Runs through Saturday, June 3. Thursday, June 1, 4pm-7pm. Friday, June 2, 9am-4pm. Saturday, June 3, 9am-4pm. FOL Book Center, 1301 N. Reynolds Rd. friends-of-thetoledo-lucas-county-public-library.square.site

[religion & spirituality]

MultiFaith Council Summer Series - The MultiFaith Council of NW Ohio presents a summer community series. Hosted by First Unitarian Church of Toledo, this event includes dinner, basics of faith, site tour, Q & A, and activities for children/youth. Also on Thursday, June 8 and Thursday, June 15. 6-8pm. First Unitarian Church of Toledo, 3205 Glendale Ave. multifaithcouncil.org

[fundraisers, parties & reunions]

9th Annual Celebrating Possibilities - Join Bittersweet Farms for an evening of #FarmLife, local food and drink, live music, and more to celebrate four decades of Bittersweet Farms. $60. 6-9pm. Bittersweet Farms, 12660 Archbold Whitehouse Rd., Whitehouse. @bittersweetfarms. bittersweetfarms.org

FRI, June 2

[craft beer, parties]

Summer Kickoff Party - Maumee Bay Brewing Co. is kicking off summer in Growler Park with a party featuring the Skittle Bots. Kids and pets are welcome. 6-10pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 201 Morris St. mbaybrew.com

SAT, June 3

[fundraisers, pets]

38th Annual Bark in the Park - The 38th annual 5k and 1-Mile family fun walk returns. Join in for the walk and run, along with a morning of food, games, adoptable animals, treats for pups and kids alike. Register online. 9am-noon. The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. toledohumane.org

[music, visual arts]

Maple & Main Art & Music Festival - Artist booths line Sylvania’s Main Street, with a stage for musical performances on Maplewood. The children’s art activity area will be near the Historic Village. 11am-9pm. Also on Sunday, June 4, noon-4:30pm. Downtown Sylvania, Maple & Main. sylvaniaarts.org

[handicraft markets]

2nd Annual Multicultural Twilight Market - A farmers market-style showcase of local BIPOC & immigrant-owned small businesses. Free and open to the public. Come shop, eat, and support small businesses! 6-10pm. Toledo Farmers Market, 525 Market St.

SUN, June 4

[outdoor concerts]

Barenaked Ladies with Semisonic and Del Amitri - Those beloved, fun-loving rockers

Barenaked Ladies are at it again with two direct support acts, American band Semisonic and Scottish rockers Del Amitri. $45-$135. Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

WED, June 7

[running]

Global Running Day 5k - Celebrate Global Running Day with a 5K brought to you by the Toledo Roadrunners Club in partnership with Metroparks Toledo. Sign up online. 6pm. Swan Creek Metropark, 4659 Airport Hwy. toledoroadrunners.org

THURS, June 8

[festivals & fairs]

40th Annual Cherry Festival - A beloved festival that celebrates everything Whitehouse has to offer. The weekend will also include cherry pie eating contests, parades, 5k races for kids and adults and more. 6pm. Also on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. Village of Whitehouse, 6751 Providence St., Whitehouse. awchamber.com

[outdoor concerts]

Music at the Museum - Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music and lawn games. Food trucks will be on site. Music by Todd Elson, Chloe & the Steel Strings and Jeff Stewart. 6pm. Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org

FRI, June 9

[parks & gardens]

Glass City Metropark Opening WeekendOpening weekend for Glass City Metropark will be Friday-Sunday, June 9-11, with a free concert Friday evening, a roller skating party Saturday and an outdoor expo Sunday. 11am ribbon cutting. Glass City Metropark, 1001 Front St. metroparkstoledo.com

SAT, June 10

[rummage & yard sales]

Old Orchard Neighborhood Garage Sale - The annual neighborhood-wide garage sale returns the second Saturday of June. 10am-2pm. Old Orchard Neighborhood, between Bancroft, Secor & Central. oldorchardtoledo.org

[parks & gardens, visual arts]

Open House in the Artist Village - See art demonstrations, exhibits, and behind-the-scenes peeks into Artist Village studios, galleries, and garden spaces. 10am-4pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. metroparkstoledo.com Free

[games]

Be Excellent Festival of Games - Learn to play new games, explore some old favorites and be sure to visit the vendor booths to find unique treasures. 11am-6pm. Lourdes University, 6830 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. beexcellentfestival.com

(See story on p. 7)

SUN, June 11

[choral]

The Toledo Choral Society Presents: Considering Matthew Shepard - In their final concert of the season, the Toledo Choral Society performs Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard. With its unique three-part fusion style, this oratorio seamlessly weaves a diverse range of musical styles. $25. 3pm. University of Toledo Doermann Theatre, 2801 Bancroft St. toledochoralsociety.org

Wood County Museum Hosts An Amateur Radio Showcase

The Wood County Amateur Radio Club hosts its annual Field Day at the Wood County Museum on Saturday, June 24 from 2pm through Sunday, June 25 at 2pm - 24 hours of radio. Sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, Field Day helps allows amateur radio operators to practice emergency communication procedures. 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green. 419-352-0967. woodcountyhistory.org.

Kennel Club Hosts All-Breed Show Obedience Trial, Dock Diving Competition

Dog lovers unite: the Toledo Kennel Club’s All-Breed Show is coming to the Lucas County Fairgrounds June 2-4. Fans can watch obedience trials and see dogs of all breeds fly through the air at 20 feet and higher. There will be food vendors, and pop up shops. All dogs must be pre-registered. Parking is $6 per car, per day. 1406 Key St., Maumee. 419865-8736. toledokennelclub.com.

4th Annual Toledo’s Juneteenth Celebration

Enjoy live entertainment, food, local vendors, family activities along with culture and heritage in the celebration of Jubilee. Attractions include: family obstacle course, kid’s potting activities, a petting zoo and a 5k run/walk, in addition to live music from Sax 5th Music and Distant Cousinz.Noon-8pm.

Walbridge Park, 2761 Broadway St.

TUES, June 13

[gardening]

Backyard Gardens: Family, Food and Fun

This sustainability informational session will cover topics including homestead gardens, solar power, community gardens and more. 6-8pm. First Unitarian Church of Toledo, 3205 Glendale Ave. uutoledo.dreamhosters.com

WED, June 14

[automotive]

Genesis Village’s Annual Car Show - Entertainment by Cruisin’ Zeake, prizes, 50/50 Raffle and of course, classic cars. Food & drink available for purchase. Rain date June 15. 6-8pm. Genesis Village, 2429 S. Reynolds Rd. Free

THURS, June 15

[civic benefit, arts]

Art Loop: Street Faire - Join the Arts Commission for live entertainment, local art, and more. 5-8:30pm. Warehouse District, Erie St. to Summit St. theartcommission.org

FRI, June 16

[fundraisers, miniature golf]

Practically Golf 2023 - The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio hosts their annual mini golf tournament. Open play begins at 5pm Friday and goes through 11pm Saturday. The Blarney Irish Pub, 601 Monroe St. epilepsycenter.org

[fundraisers, live music]

Funky Fusion Fest - Toledo’s first ever Funky Fusion Fest is brought to you by BeInstrumental. Friday night keepitcasual and The Funk Factory open for Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo at Prime Nightlife. Saturday will be a free event at Danny Thomas Park (2101 Broadway St.) from noon7pm. keepitcasual and Leaving Lifted will play. All proceeds help underprivileged kids enjoy music in their lives. $25-$75. 6:30pm. Prime Nightlife, 3922 Secor Rd. beinstrumental.org

SAT, June 17

[festivals & fairs]

Toledo Beer & Bacon Fest 2023 - The Hungarian Club of Toledo hosts the popular Beer & Bacon Fest. General Admission tickets get 10 4 oz. beer samples, and VIP tickets get 15 beer samples. Many bacon food items will be available for purchase also. Tickets on Eventbrite. $35-$45. 3-7pm. The Hungarian Club of Toledo, 224 Paine Ave.

[markets & shopping]

Toledo Night Market - Inspired by night markets from around the world, the Toledo Night Market is a fun community gathering at the Farmers Market. Shop with local artisans and vendors and enjoy live music, food trucks and craft drinks. $5 admission. 6-11pm. Toledo Farmers Market, 525 Market St.

SUN, June 18

[automotive]

Jeep/UAW Local 12 Car Show - The Jeep assembly plant car show is back with cars, music and food. Open to the public. 11am-3pm. Toledo North Assembly Plant - Chrysler, 4400 Chrysler Dr.

WED, June 21

[painting, lesson & classes}

Plein Air in Pastel Sponsored by Red Bird Sylvania - Join instructor Mary Jane Erard for a special course designed for all skill levels and abilities. Learn composition, color and technique while exploring the beautiful landscape. No experience needed. Registration is required. 1-3pm. The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. abilitycenter.org

THURS, June 22

[food & wine}

Cork & Pork 2023 - Great food, cold drinks, fantastic music and fun games supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio. Tickets online. $50-$3,000. 6pm. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. rmhctoledo.org.

All Meals served hot and ready to eat. Just Bake the cobbler!

419.893.2293

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

Celebrate Juneteenth

In Ypsilanti

On June 19, celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of African Americans.

Ypsilanti celebrates Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17, beginning at 11am at 107 Ferris St. for a day full of events. Visit Ypsilanti’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Facebook.

Reggie Watts Brings Laughs To Ann Arbor

Comedy fans, gas up your cars and drive to Ann Arbor for Reggie Watts’ stand up performance at 8pm on Friday, June 16 at Hill Auditorium. Watts will perform as part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. An internationally renowned musician, comedian, writer and actor, Watts’ credits include leading the house band on CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” being the subject of a Netflix special, “Spatial”, and performing at large festivals like Bonnaroo, SXSW and others. Tickets start at $33. Search Reggie Watts at Hill Auditorium on Facebook. 825 N. University.

[visual arts]

UNDISCLOSED 2023 - Over 100 original 12”x12” pieces of art will be created by artists, TSA students, staff, and local celebrities. When their raffle ticket is drawn, guests select the work of their choice. Only after the work is selected is the artist’s name revealed - therefore UNDISCLOSED! $100. 7pm. Porter Gallery/Community Portal (entrance on Adams St.) at Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St. #4, Toledo. ts4arts.org

FRI, June 23

[music, dance]

80’s Dance Party - Join Centennial Terrace for their 11th annual 80’s Dance Party! Come dressed in your best 80’s outfit for the costume contest and dance to your favorite 80’s hits. Rain date June 24. $25-$300, $5 parking. 8pm. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. centennialterrace.org

SUN, June 25

[football]

Mayor’s Cup - Toledo Mayor Wade Kapsukiewicz invites mayors from NW Ohio and Michigan to participate in a skills competition at Central Catholic High School. Come cheer on your mayor and enjoy the afternoon with residents from participating cities! Noon-5pm. Central Catholic High School, 2550 Cherry St. italianbowlusa.com

MON, June 26

[nature & wildlife]

Nature’s Nursery Education Presents: Wildlife

WED, June 28

[outdoor concerts]

Metroparks Toledo Folk Music Series: Sunny War - Metoparks Toledo kicks off their Folk Music Series with punk folk artist Sunny War. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso has been called one of the best new voices in Roots music. 7:30pm. Glass City Metropark, 1001 Front St. metroparkstoledo.com

THURS, JUNE 29

[golf]

Italian Bowl Celebrity Golf Tournament - A golf tournament with celebrity golfers and their foursomes will take place at Sylvania Country Club. The event includes lunch, snacks and lively entertainment. Participation fee of $1,500 for three-person teams plus one celebrity. 8:30am. Sylvania Country Club, 5201 Corey Rd., Sylvania. italianbowlusa.com

COMING EVENTS

UPDATED DAILY AT TOLEDOCITYPAPER.COM

Open

Rehab - Discover how Nature’s Nursery helps the wildlife of our community. Meet 3 education ambassador animals. Space is limited and pre registration is required. $25. 1-2pm or 3-4pm.

Nature’s Nursery, 7541 Dutch Rd., Waterville. Natures-nursery.org

SOCIAL STUDIES

Cinco de Mayo Week

The RE/MAX Preferred Associates “Cinco de Mayo” Party is a fundraiser held every year in May since 2002. This year’s event was held on Thursday, May 9 at Reset in Rossford. All proceeds benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo as well as Susan G. Komen.

Alma Fesh, Tricia Paquin, Vera Wiskochil, Brooke Pilles, Brandy Blanco-LeVally and Noah Zdesar

Laura Gedman, Chris Chisholm, Angela and Jason Decker, Ashleigh Hamilton and Dana Chisholm

John Mangas, Heather Goodman-Sheehy and Rob Bergeron

Sherri Dennis, Judy Pusateri and Christi Marino

CROSS WORD

SPEAK THE STARS

by Janet Amid

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) An unpredictable month for most Geminis as transiting Saturn in Pisces and the full moon in Sag, at odds, may trigger feelings of restlessness. It’s a toss-up between work and home as emotions run high, and expectations may disappoint. Although, with the new moon on the 18th, you may feel less chaotic, and more in sync, as it brings out your more optimistic, chatty side.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) As with most Aries, you’re typically the one who takes the lead. And during this month, there is no exception to the rule. The planets in transit highlight your more ambitious, assertive edge, so there really isn’t much you cannot accomplish. During this time your abilities to deal with friends, family work matters are totally in your hands. A strong cycle for getting the job done and forging ahead. Though Saturn’s retrograde in Pisces, occupying your twelfth house of inner thought could drudge up matters from the past. So it is up to you to tackle situations that remain unclear, in order to move ahead.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

GOING TOO FAR

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Many of the answers in this crossword are too long and won’t fit in the spaces provided. Each of these answers will either begin or end in the gray square immediately before or after it. When the puzzle is done, all the gray squares will have been used exactly once, and the letters in them (reading left to right, line by line) will spell out a quote by Demetri Martin.

Across

1.  “Wynnona ___” (Melanie Scrofano series)

4.  More run down

8.  Jazz home

12.  Room with defibs

13.  Dalai Lama’s birthplace

14.  Said aloud

15.  Good times

16.  “¿___ estás?”

17.  Man’s name at the end of a famous palindrome

18.  Do a TSA job

20.  Benchmate of Ketanji and Amy

22.  Pricing word

23.  Battlefield doc

24.  “Heads up!”

27.  Right now

29.  Baking giveaway

31.  Trains around town

34.  Like fables involving talking animals

35.  “Preacher’s Daughter” singer ___ Cain

36.  Ruling issued by a mufti

37.  Credit union claim

38.  It’s a snap

40.  Busy body?

44.  London mayor Sadiq

45.  Without question

46.  Without question

49.  Country that will be the world’s mostpopulous mid-year

51.  Hombre’s home

52.  49-Across language

53.  Cajun stew

54.  Comprehend

55.  They do taxing work: Abbr.

56.  Expiration-date preceder

57.  TV actress Ward

Down

1.  Civil engineer Gustave with an eponymous Tower

2.  “Precision Crafted Performance” sloganeer

3.  Like some hard-to-read characters

4.  Reeves’ assassin

5.  Woodwind instrument

6.  It’s good for what ails you

7.  Spirit that comes in Vanil, Peachik, and Ohranj flavors, for short

8.  Situated atop

9.  Little kid

10.  Similar (to)

11.  “A Quick One, While ___ Away” (The Who song)

19.  No longer sailing

21.  Change actors

23.  Rising point

24.  Little jump

25.  Kuwait leader

26.  Colorful desktop computer that comes with Dolby Atmos

28.  Action film star Lundgren

30.  Raising hell

31.  Messy sandwich

32.  Alien-seeking grp.

33.  Archaic pronoun

34.  Warmth

36.  Snack with a communal dipping bowl

39.  Chills out with

41.  Over 18

42.  Oil holder

43.  Mistakes that were printed

44.  PF Flyers rival

45.  Treat delicately

46.  Ingredient in edibles

47.  Persistent problem for a plumber

48.  Italian article

50.  Precarious perch on a poplar

There comes a time in everyone’s life when the greatest gift we can give ourselves is time alone. During this period, you may find yourself becoming more introspective and less occupied by the demands of others. The focus for the next few weeks or so is on allowing yourself space, while keeping your options open. Remember that the planets are always moving and forming new angles. It’s up to you to follow your own instincts.

CANCER (June 21 - July 20) During this particular month you may feel as though you are waking from a long deep sleep, as many of the obstacles that were in your path begin to slowly drift away. Saturn, in harmony to your own sign, helps to lend a secure balance with home and family. This can be your “take charge” month to focus on details left behind. Be aware that your financial picture shows more clarity and it’s your time to relish your accomplishments.

LEO (July 22 - August 22)

Increased social activity adds a generous lift to your everyday life as Mars in sync to your sun sign brings activity and movement to your everyday life. Travel and speculation are all the more favorable, though pacing yourself is the key. Matters of the heart continue to beat, even more so as Venus, the planet of love, conjuncts your own sign. Tackle money matters carefully, as Saturn in retrograde can be unpredictable.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) Don’t be surprised if current aspects lead you into a higher path than what you’ve chosen. This can be a conducive period for workrelated matters as your need for perfection in the workplace finally allows others to see your worth. This may be your month where most areas of your life finally merge together. Moreover, Saturn’s retrograde in your area of partners can be shifting your enthusiasm as you go from zero to a hundred in a flash. So be aware of the signals. Try not to overthink. Just be in the moment.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Job recognition can play a major role in personal achievement however, your workload may change a bit towards the end of the month. During this time, you may feel a need to look beyond your own horizons. As with most Libras, the need for balance is essential, so during this cycle you may try to do a juggling act. Also, love may be interesting, however a bit challenging. In addition, paying better attention to health and fitness is paramount at this time. So be good to yourself.

SCORPIO (October 23- November 21) Your personal life shows promise this month, as Jupiter transits your area of partners. For the intense Scorpio, you can’t ask for a better transit as you finally begin to settle in and feel the balance. In addition, work related matters may signify a need for a drastic change, though it would be in your best interest to step carefully.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22December 20) Higher levels of emotional intensity add a greater impact to your present situation as transiting Mars balances your own sign, creating a link between you and those around you. Specifically, you may find yourself approaching matters with an air of confidence. Changes within the confines of home may cause you to be going in a million directions. So taking a step back can be useful in determining your next move.

CAPRICORN (December 21January 19) As a true Capricorn, your desire is to always climb the ladder of success, and in most areas of your life, you most likely have achieved your goals. Your career aspirations are highlighted, and your home life seems to be more in sync. However, when finances and personal security are involved, you’re constantly unsettled. Rest assured, you’re in a good place. Take the win.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Your involvement with partners, work or personal, may “feel” a bit off this month. Transiting Mars at odds with your sun can be causing you to overreact to petty annoyances. Realize that much can be said about the need to pace your life accordingly. Setting your game plan in motion at least provides you with a sense of control. Step back and reset.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19)

Your drive and ambition are strong this month as your need to excel is a strong motivator. During this period as Saturn and transiting Jupiter harmoniously blend with your own sign, you are charged up and ready to go. On the flip side, as Saturn retrogrades in Pisces a need to review and rethink goals can be a determining factor. So step back before making any major moves: it’s all about timing. In addition, money looks good. However, be cautious when making any huge investments.

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

Celebrate Global Running Day at Swan Creek

Wednesday, June 7 is Global Running Day. Celebrate with a 5k as The Toledo Roadrunners Club partners with Metroparks Toledo to host a race at Swan Creek Metropark. The 5k starts at 6:30pm with a free 1k for kids starting at 6pm. All kids 12 and under get in for free and should stay with their parents or guardians during the run. Roadrunners Club members, free, non-members $8. Add a cotton blend t-shirt for an additional $12. Register online prior to the event. Search Global Running 5k on runsignup.com. 4659 Airport Hwy., Toledo. toledoroadrunners.org.

Learn About Personal Safeties at The Ability Center

Understanding and being aware of your safety, both at home and in the community, is a crucial part of staying healthy. The Ability Center hosts a series of workshops on safety, every Thursday through June 8. People ages 18 through 24 can attend from 3:30-5 pm, and younger ages 13-17 can attend from 5-6:30 pm. Topics will include personal boundaries, stranger awareness, internet and phone safety, how to avoid scams, how to stay safe in your home and how to act quickly in the event of an emergency. There will also be demonstrations from selfdefense experts. Search the Personal Safety event on The Ability Center’s Facebook page. 5605 Monroe St., Toledo. 419-885-5733. abilitycenter.org.

GUARDIAN BOOK & THRIFT

8484 Brown Street, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267 (734) 807-1826

K-12 Textbooks, Workbooks, Classroom Literature, Children’s books, Cookbooks, Fiction, Non- Fiction, Novels, Antiques, Vinyl Records, Home Decor, Furniture, AND More! Only 20 minutes from Downtown Toledo! Our Mission is to create a lifelong yearning for learning through the love of READING!

Hard Covers: $1

Soft covers: $.25 or 5 for $1

Vinyl Records: $.25 All other merchandise is price negotiable. Special Discounts for volume sales. Perfect for home-school co-ops or summer reading programs! Credit cards, cash, checks and school P.O.accepted

Stop in for free coffee, baked goods, and a sample book! Owner is nearing retirement and is willing to discuss the sale of the business and/or building! Call or stop by! Ask for Norm Black! We hope to see you soon!