Toledo City Paper: July Edition

summer adventures

Mayor

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

I MET ANOTHER NEW MOM OVER 30 YEARS AGO AT THE MOTHER’S CENTER AND THE IDEA FOR TOLEDO PARENT WAS BORN. WHICH THEN BIRTHED THE IDEA FOR THE CITY PAPER!

Co-publisher/ Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

AN 18 YEAR OLD KEITH RICHARDS WAS CARRYING A CHUCK BERRY RECORD ON THE LONDON SUBWAY AND HIS GRADE SCHOOL MATE MICK JAGGER STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION WITH HIM.

Editorial

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

STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION WITH A STRANGER AT A COFFEESHOP AND WOUND UP WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS

I’M STILL CLOSE TO, 25 YEARS LATER.

Contributing Writers: Janet Amid, Curtis Deeter, Johnny Hildo, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Sean Nestor, Jon Ruggiero, Riley

Runnells Interns: Sneha Kamath

Advertising

Sales Coordinator

Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

DECIDING TO TAKE A SUMMER CLASS AT BGSU

FIRELANDS WHEN I WAS 14. MY LIFE WOULD LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT RIGHT NOW IF I DIDN’T START THERE.

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

SIGNING UP FOR A TOUR OF MY HIGH SCHOOL’S MEDIA ARTS PROGRAM WHEN I WAS IN 8TH GRADE. I HAD NO IDEA AT THE TIME I WOULD FIND SO MUCH PASSION IN THE FIELD AND MAKE IT MY FOCUS THROUGH MY TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. THAT DECISION DEFINITELY LANDED ME WHERE I AM TODAY!

Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

COMMENT BY AN ENGLISH TEACHER.

Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

RESPONDING TO A HELP WANTED AD ON CRAIGSLIST BROUGHT ME BACK TO MY ORIGINAL PATH MANY, MANY YEARS LATER AT TOLEDO CITY PAPER.

Amy Bjarke (abjarke@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

I WAS WORKING THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK AT KROGER WHEN MY FUTURE HUSBAND CAME IN TO PAY A BILL.

Art/Production

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

GETTING MY DRIVERS LICENSE. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

I APPLIED A SKILL I’D LEARNED FROM MY DAD TO AN UNRELATED CAREER TASK. I KNEW AT THAT MOMENT I WAS STUCK IN GRAPHICS FOREVER... NEVER LOOKED BACK.

Digital Media:

Nathaniel Light (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

I STARTED PLAYING POKER WITH MY FRIENDS. IT NOT ONLY TOOK ME TO LAS VEGAS FOR TWO YEARS BUT ALSO INSTILLED A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF GAME THEORY. THIS HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON ON MY PURSUIT OF A BUSINESS DEGREE AND LAID THE KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR MY TRANSITION INTO THE BUSINESS AND MARKETING WORLD.

Digital Media & Social Media:

Margot Jacobs (margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

RECIEVING A BURNT CD FROM A HIGHSCHOOL FRIEND. WITH OUT THAT CD I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY! Information Technology John Borell (jborell@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

Administration

Accounting:

Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com)

MOVING (AGAIN) THIS TIME TO SYLVANIA, OH. I WAS CORRECTING PAPERS FOR MY ENGLISH TEACHER AND MET A BOY IN HER CLASS. I’M STILL MARRIED TO HIM<3

Distribution:

Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com)

TO SUPPLEMENT OUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME, I DELIVERED A NEWSPAPER ROUTE.

RESPOND READERS

A closer look?

On June 15 we published “A School Board candidate at age 18,” a profile of Brady Hall, a recent high school graduate running for a seat on the Washington Local Schools Board of Education. The story sparked discussion online: here’s a selection of reader thoughts. Make sure you’re following us on social media, and let us know what you think of our coverage - we appreciate your input!

1. Toledo Food Truck Guide 2. Dining Guide Awards 2023 3. Film Notes

Issue Box Theatre Presents ‘The Willard Suitcases’

MARKETPLACE CHANGES

UPDATES IN LOCAL BUSINESS

„ Toledo native Ella Lynn Dudek returned to Northwest Ohio after several years in the catering business in Hollywood. Her new restaurant in Sylvania’s Mayberry Square, Backstage Eats & Drinks, presents a showbiz flair to classic diner offerings. The location formerly housed the Sunset Cantina and My Way Cantina. 5680 Mayberry Square N., Sylvania. 419517-1033.

„ Bertha Mae’s Kitchen is now open in downtown Toledo. The menu boasts the “best catfish in town.” 840 N. Summit St. 419-386-1244.

„ Brew House Coffee and Bake Shop has opened in downtown Toledo’s Fort Industry Square. Similar to the Maumee location, the downtown shop will offer coffee, tea, baked goods and a food menu. With speakeasy-themed decor, Brew House also offers cocktails. 114 N. Summit, Toledo. brewhousemaumee.com

„ A unique home dining option has entered the pecking order with a delivery-only chicken and biscuits menu. Cluck Baby items are made at Fowl & Fodder and available through DoorDash. fowlandfodder.com/cluck-baby

„ Fleetwood’s Tap Room at Hensville has scaled back its summer hours, now opening primarily for special events, like concerts, post-game fireworks and

DJ nights. Check website for complete schedule of summer open hours. 28 N. St. Clair. 419-724-2337. hensvilletoledo.com/ fleetwoods-tap-room

„ Jikoni Toledo, a food truck serving East African foods, is now open for business. Scheduled locations for Jikoni, which means kitchen in Swahili, are on the website. Chef Tom Otieno also offers catering services and cooking classes. 419-280-4755. jikonitoledo.com

„ Everyday People Cafe in Bowling Green is operating under new ownership, with a focus on brunch. 309 S. Main St., Suite D. 419-353-0136. facebook.com/

EverydayCafeBG

„ Tabby and Fido’s, a cat cafe, is now open in Bowling Green. A rotating menagerie of up to 10 cats are available to visit with during appointments. The cats and kittens are available for adoption and cafe proceeds benefit the Wood County Humane Society. $10 for nonmembers, $5 for children under 3. 300 N. Main Street, BG. tabbyandfidos.com

„ CLOSED

Bravo! Italian Kitchen at the Franklin Park Mall has closed its doors.

„ Luscious Bath Bomb Boutique in Sylvania’s Saxon Square has also closed.

CITY POLITICS No On 1

Guilt and hypocrisy in City Politics

By Johnny Hildo

Like they say in show biz, that’s a wrap.

The long, sordid saga of the Indicted Four has now concluded with the Guilty Four. All that’s left now is the sentencing, to determine if it will be the Hoosgow Four.

The last of the four former Toledo Council members indicted on federal charges has been found guilty, this time by a jury of his peers. Gary Johnson was recently found guilty on one count of bribery in connection with a two thousand dollar cash payment that he apparently never reported as a campaign contribution. He joins fellow former council members Larry Sykes, Tyrone Riley and Yvonne Harper, all of whom pled guilty to a variety of similar charges of bribery and extortion in return for favorable treatment by council. Now all four await sentencing which could include time in federal prison.

Just ask former council member Bob McCloskey, who did federal time for bribery back in the mid-aughts. It’s no joke. Johnson sez it was a campaign contribution, not a bribe. It just happened to coincide with a favorable vote on council. And was solicited directly. And apparently never reported. And received in untraceable cash money. Yeah, sure.

Emergency clause

Speaking of hypocrisy.

Just this January Ohio Repuglicans pushed through sweeping changes to Ohio’s election laws, including eliminating most August special elections except in emergency fiscal situations. Too expensive, they said. And typically very low turnout anyway, because most voters aren’t focused on elections in the summer.

Oopsy! Looks like they found another emergency, only this time the trouble is the voters of Ohio expressing direct democracy and taking power into their own hands rather than bow to a legislature out of touch with the will of the people. And pushing through a change that subverts the will of the people is so much easier if no one pays attention!

Enter Issue 1, which would raise the threshold for voter-led initiatives to amend the state constitution from a simple, fifty-percent-plus-one majority to a

STANDS CORRECTED HILDO

Submitted online

August 8 Special Election seeks to affect Ohioans rights

much tougher sixty percent. Placed on the ballot by the GOP in an August special election they said earlier this year was too expensive, when no one pays attention.

That was before the Repugs realized that voters were very likely to enshrine reproductive rights into the state constitution through a ballot initiative. The horror!

Issue 1 has everything to do with Capital Care of Toledo, the last and only local provider of abortions. The clinic has been under siege for years and years, from legislative attacks on its transfer agreements in case of medical emergencies to regular harassment of patients and clinic workers to attacks on the rights of women to make their own reproductive health decisions.

Last year’s Dobbs decision by the US Supreme Court removed a federal right to abortion, leaving regulation to the states. Now the retrograde Repugs that dominate the Ohio legislature are poised to destroy a woman’s right to choose her own reproductive health care, if only those pesky voters don’t get in the way.

Get registered and just say no

Here we are. A special election is scheduled on August 8 in a brazen attempt to raise the bar so you and your ilk can no longer exert simple majority rule, a fundamental precept of American democracy. This would make it almost impossible for voters to control policy decisions around issues like women’s reproductive health, and instead allow the Repug legislators in Columbus to run amok, unfettered by the public will.

If you would rather let the elected hypocritters control all future decisions than have any say in the laws governing the state, by all means vote “yes” on Issue 1. On the other hand, if you trust your own judgment and believe in democracy, for the love of all that’s holy, vote “no!”

No really. Get out there on August 8 and vote “no” on Issue 1.

It bears repeating. “No” on Issue 1!

For more than a century now, Ohio voters have had the ability to amend the state constitution with a simple majority, more than 50%, of the vote. That could change on August 8, when polls will be open in a special election allowing Ohio voters to decide whether any future amendments to the state constitution will instead need the approval of 60% of the voters.

Timing and effect

That change, if approved, would almost certainly determine the fate of abortion access in the state. The US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in June 2022 overturned the dictates of Roe v. Wade, stating generally that the issue of abortion access should be left to each state to enact laws, based on the vote of the people or their representatives. The High Court’s Roe decision in 1973, an almost 50 year precedent, ruled that the Constitution of the United States generally protected a pregnant individual’s liberty to have an abortion. Since the overturning of the Roe precedent a year ago, attempts by anti-abortion groups have been made in many states across the country to make it more difficult for voters to approve access to abortion.

Issue 1 seeks to raise the bar on passage of a constitutional amendment to protect an individual’s access to abortion in Ohio, and any other amendment to be voted on in the future by Ohioans, by increasing the percentage of voters participating in the election from 50% to 60% going forward.

Despite challenges and protests by Ohio citizens and interested groups regarding the language of Issue 1, the Ohio Ballot Board approved the language of Issue 1 and it will be on the August 8 ballot. With a proposed higher percentage needed to amend the constitution, if Issue 1 passes, the

The language of Issue 1 :

Ohio Constitution will be harder to amend. Earlier this year the Republican controlled Ohio state legislature outlawed August special elections, stating that summer elections had historically extremely low turnouts and were too costly. Then the same legislature made an exception for the election scheduled for August 8.

Any vote to make abortion a right for individuals protected by the Ohio Constitution in the upcoming November, 2023 General Election, or any future election, will become more difficult if Issue 1, seeking a 60% supermajority for any amendment, is passed.

Changes to be “ballot eligible”

Voters should also be aware that Issue 1 seeks to make signature requirements for having a constitutional amendment on future ballots expand from the now required signatures from 44 (half) of Ohio counties, to require signatures to be gathered in all 88 counties, according to Jen Miller with the League of Women Voters of Ohio.

“My biggest concern is that Ohioans will look at this ballot language, will not understand that if they vote yes, they’re actually voting to take their own personal power and right away as an Ohio voter,” Miller is quoted as saying in media releases.

Republicans have admitted this effort is largely to stop abortion from becoming legal; Miller says it does so much more, including diminishing a voter’s choice on issues like redistricting, worker laws and bonds for funding infrastructure projects. Miller added that a passage of Issue 1 will take away the rights of Ohio voters during the August election, which many Ohioans may not even know is happening.

Ohio Issue 1, the 60% Vote Requirement to Approve Constitutional Amendments Measure is on the ballot in Ohio as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on August 8, 2023.

A “yes” vote supports amending the Ohio Constitution to:

• require a 60% majority from voters to approve a constitutional amendment;

• require initiative petitions proposing a constitutional amendment to be signed by at least 5% of the electors in each of Ohio’s 88 counties, rather than in 44 counties, though still require signatures from 10% of the electors that have voted for governor in the previous gubernatorial election; and

• remove the 10 day period for petitioners to gather additional signatures for a constitutional amendment if they filed an insufficient amount of signatures.

Hildo responds: Due to word count concerns and ambitious editing the words “should have” must have been inadvertently cut from the printed column text.

You kiddos all know that truth has a certain fluidity when it comes to City Politics.”

-Hildo

A “no” vote opposes amending the Ohio Constitution regarding constitutional amendments, thus upholding the status quo of requiring a simple majority (50.01%) from voters to approve a constitutional amendment, requiring initiative petitions proposing a constitutional amendment to both be signed by at least 10% of the electors that have voted for governor in the previous gubernatorial election and 5% of the electors in 44 counties, and keeping the 10 day period for petitioners to gather additional signatures for a constitutional amendment if they filed an insufficient amount of signatures.

SIDE CITY Fighting for Peace

Does a group of former mayors know something that Mayor Wade doesn’t?

By Sean Nestor

Toledo has recently implemented several new programs to combat violencebut some residents, including a coalition led by several former mayors, say the city isn’t doing enough.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cities across the United States collectively saw a 30% increase in homicides between 2019 and 2020. That percentage was twice as high in Toledo, where poverty rates – statistically, linked closely to violent crime – are more than double the national average. Toledo saw 57 homicides in 2020 (a significant increase over the 35 recorded in 2019) and a new record, surpassing the previous high of 60 homicides in 1980.

As Toledo residents reel from the loss of loved ones to senseless violence – often carried out with guns – demands have grown for elected officials to act.

Save Our Community

Since 2020, the city has tried several different approaches to reducing violent crime – particularly homicides – including targeted neighborhood enforcement initiatives, a push to have police walk their beats instead of driving them, an expansion of ballistics monitoring devices (“ShotSpotter”), a program allowing owners of private security cameras to link their devices with police and continual recruitment by the Toledo Police Department.

One approach that has garnered significant attention is the Mayor’s “Save Our Community” initiative. Based on the Cure Violence program pioneered in Chicago, SOC sees crime as a public health issue and likens the spread of violent crime to the spread of contagious diseases. By employing public health workers, deemed “violence interrupters,” in targeted areas, the program works with at-risk community members to disarm conflicts before they escalate into potentially fatal violence.

The City of Toledo formally began Save Our Community in early 2021 by hiring JoJuan Armour, a Central Catholic graduate and former professional football player, as the first Commissioner of Save Our Community. Armour began

with a staff of three interrupters dedicated to the Junction and Englewood neighborhoods in the Central City, with training from Cure Violence.

The program provided some promising early results, reducing the number of homicides in those neighborhoods from nine in 2020 to three in 2021. However, homicides in the city on the whole rose beyond the record set in 2020, ending at an all-time high of 68.

Public criticism of the program began to mount and in May 2022, JoJuan Armour resigned from his post. Armour has never given a public statement about his reasons for resigning, while some on Toledo City Council criticized the Mayor for not showing more support for Armour and the Save Our Community program.

reaching out to the family members of murder victims. The coalition presented public forums where Toledo residents could weigh in on what they felt the City should be doing about crime.

By administering questionnaires to those who attended their meetings, the Coalition collected input from over 200 residents which became the basis for a 12-point plan. The plan, which can be viewed in full online at peacefultoledo. org, includes calls for:

1. More youth programming

2. More support for building strong neighborhood groups

3. Increasing police presence using the “community policing” model

4. Stricter parole and probation sentencing

5. Support for parenting classes and conflict resolution training

6. Beautifying neighborhoods

7. Enhancing mental health resources

8. Expanding the city’s Block Watch program

9. Strengthening gun control laws

10. Stronger protections for those who wish to report crimes

Ultimately, the City decided to double down on the program by increasing the number of interrupters from three to eight, expanding its scope and adding both Lagrange and East Toledo areas. David Bush, a spoken word artist with several years of experience in youth outreach, was appointed to replace Armour.

The Coalition for Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods

As 2022 wore on, Toledo homicides continued at a high rate. Though fewer in number than 2021, 2022 saw 64 homicides in the City proper.

Spurred by what they have identified as a lack of meaningful progress, former Toledo mayors Donna Owens, Carty Finkbeiner, Mike Bell, and Paula HicksHudson formed the Coalition for Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods and began by

11. Deploying more public surveillance cameras

12. Enforcement of curfews to keep minors off the streets at night

Since the unveiling of the plan in February 2023, the Coalition has lobbied the City to adopt its proposals. However, support from elected officials has not been forthcoming.

“I believe all of those ideas are very good. In fact, they’re so good that we’re already doing most of them,” said Mayor Kapszukiewicz. Dr. Tiffany Preston Whitman, an at-large member of Toledo City Council, agreed. “A lot of what they are talking about we are already addressing and looking to build in the future.”

Violence interrupters working with Save Our Community, a cornerstone of the city’s approach to reducing violence

PHOTO CREDIT: CITY OF TOLEDO

Former Mayor Mike Bell countered that if the City is undertaking these plans, they may not be communicating it well. “When we put those twelve points together, it was about what people thought needed to happen. The twelve points are not the twelve points of the four mayors, but the twelve points of the people at these meetings. So obviously, if they’re bringing these ideas to us, they don’t know that the City is doing them.”

Cities United & the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement

Around the time that the Coalition for Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods unveiled their 12-point plan, the City administration was exploring a contract with Cities United, a network of city governments that studies evidence-based best practices for reducing violence in urban areas. Council ultimately voted 9-3 to approve a $180,000 contract with Cities United at the end of May.

Detractors on City Council echoed the sentiments of the Coalition for Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods. “Most Toledoans believe Toledoans should tackle Toledo problems,” said Carty Finkbeiner, referring to Cities United, which is based in Louisville, Kentucky. Finkbeiner believes that the contract represents lost funding opportunities for local programs like the ones his Coalition is supporting.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz rejects that argument, stating that the contract with Cities United is like other consultant contracts that the city routinely approves. “We hire consultants whenever

we design a new sewer system or build a new Metropark; we should do the same with safety issues.” When asked about the price tag, the Mayor demurred, pointing out that $180,000 is approximately one tenth of one percent of what the city spends annually on its police department.

Helping to implement the recommendations that will come from Cities United is Malcolm Cunningham, the newly appointed Director for the Mayor’s Office on Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. Cunningham’s background includes three years in Rwanda with the Peace Corps and previous work for the Zepf Center, the University of Michigan, and the ProMedica Ebeid Neighborhood Promise.

Cunningham stated that there seems to be a misconception about Cities United, with some in the public confusing it with just another version of Cure Violence. “Cure Violence is a specific

intervention with high-risk individuals; it is not a coordinated system. Cities United is system-level work. It isn’t really a model when it comes to violence intervention; it’s a connection, a technical assistance that helps us get internal pieces – the system – working together,” he explained.

Cities United will help the city develop a comprehensive five-year plan that pulls together previously isolated programs across the City – as well as developing new ones based on what has been successful in other similarly sized cities. Some of the programming is placebased, engaging victims of violence at schools and hospitals; others seek to connect with and provide resources to the families of those who have been impacted by violence in some way.

Conflict Persists

Representatives from the City said they welcome participation from the Coalition for Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods in the work they are planning with Cities United. However, the Coalition remains skeptical, recently declining an opportunity to meet with Cities United. When asked if the Coalition would be willing to work with Cities United going forward, Finkbeiner stated that his first question would be if they’ve read the Coalition’s 12-point plan.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz feels the Coalition’s skepticism is born more of political rivalry than commitment to making the city safer. “We’ve cut homicides almost in half in the first six months of this year. We have had a much, much safer city

this year,” said Kapszukiewicz, referencing the fact that there have been 16 homicides so far in 2023. “An organization genuinely dedicated to the safety of our City would lift that message up and celebrate it instead of engaging in political rhetoric.”

Finkbeiner contests the merit of that statistic. “Those numbers should never be trusted in early June. I think everybody in America knows that it is warm weather months where most violence takes place. So let’s see how we are doing in mid-September.”

When asked what the Coalition will be working on in coming months, Finkbeiner stated that they would be supporting more homegrown efforts to stop violence. One such effort is a march for peace being organized by Sisters 4 Unity, a group of four mothers and grandmothers who have lost their children to gun violence. The event is scheduled to take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, August 26 at Smith Park.

As the City of Toledo’s new programs get underway, residents are hopeful but uncertain. Alfonso Narvaez, a community activist in North Toledo, expressed cautious optimism but stressed that the city has to do a better job of supporting grassroots neighborhood groups. “We need to get back to basics. We know that when groups are actively engaging their residents, crime goes down. The City hasn’t been innovative in that arena,” Narvaez explained.

ATTENTION VOTERS IN LUCAS COUNTY BE PREPARED TO VOTE IN THE AUGUST 8, 2023 SPECIAL ELECTION

TO VOTE, YOU MUST BE PROPERLY REGISTERED AND A RESIDENT OF LUCAS COUNTY

JULY 10, 2023 AT 9:00 P.M. IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THIS ELECTION

To verify your registration status, register to vote, update your registration online or request an absentee ballot application, call our office at 419-213-4001 or visit our website at: www.lucascountyohiovotes.gov

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING – YOU MAY VOTE EARLY IN-PERSON FOR ANY REASON AT LUCAS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS EARLY VOTE CENTER at 3737 W. SYLVANIA AVE., ENTRANCE C (ENTRANCE AT BACK OF BUILDING) SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS (BEGINS JULY 11TH)

DEADLINE: YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT MAILED TO YOU MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE LUCAS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS BY 8:30 p.m., TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2023.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: IN ORDER FOR YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT TO BE COUNTED , you may hand deliver your absentee ballot to our office prior to Election Day, or by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. You may also utilize the drop box located at 3737 W. Sylvania Avenue in the back of the parking lot. If mailed, the return envelope must be p ost-marked by the day before the election (August 7th) and received by the Board of Elections b y the fourth day after the election.

NOTICE TO ALL VOTERS – NEW ID LAWS

Voters must bring identification to the polls in order to verify identity. Identification must include a current and valid O hio driver’s license, state ID card, interim ID form issued by the BMV, U.S. Passport or passport card, U.S. Military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card, or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

SEASONAL WORKERS ARE NEEDED FOR ABSENTEE-BY-MAIL DEPARTMENT, EARLY VOTE CENTER (EVC), AND WAREHOUSE - CALL 419-213-4001 FOR MORE INFORMATION

POLL WORKERS ARE NEEDED FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS - CALL ROBERT AT 419-213-2043 OR VERONICA AT 419-213-2034, OR APPLY ONLINE AT: https://lookup.boe.ohio.gov/vtrapp/lucas/pwapp.aspx

look good FEEL GOOD

Whether your self-care regimen is inspired by those with bronzed bodies (gym, tan, laundry) or falls more in the realm of glitzy pampering (“treat yo’self,”) there are a lot of strategies for looking good and feeling good at the same time. We asked a few of our trusted advisors to give us some pointers on how to have it all.

For your Soul

1. Read a good book

2. Go camping with family and friends

3. Spend time at the lake

4. Pray

5. Be with your pets

For your Mind

1. Organize your space

2. Yoga

3. Music

4. Read a book

5. Laugh with a friend

For your Body

1. Go for a long walk

2. Swim

3. Walk the dogs

4. Ride a bike

5. Sleep

For your Soul

1. Spend time near the water at least once a week - Deb Oliver, Team Leader

2. Do one thing for someone else without them knowing at least once a day. - Elena

3. Teach Sunday School and organize activities for children. - Dr. Greiss

4. Help a dental patient overcome their fear and complete treatment. - Melanie, Team Leader

5. Live each day with gratitude, encouragement, and trust. - Britt, Front Desk

For your Body

1. Go to hot yoga twice a week and pilates three times a week. - Sheri, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA)

2. Walk or hike for at least one hour at one of Toledo’s Metroparks three times a week. - Pamela, Leadership Team

3. Eat well and work out four days a week. - Dr. Al Janabi

4. Sitting is the new smoking. Get up and walk. - Mendi, EFDA

5. Go to a float lab once a month. - Cindy, Team Leader

have additional hints on living your best life by doing things that make you look good and feel good.

Frankel Crunch Fitness

4925 Jackman Rd. #16, Toledo 419-262-0722 crunchtoledo.com

For your body

1. Get your ‘sweat on’ in our saunas and wellness pod.

2. Make some noise during your workouts; it means you’re working! At Crunch, “heavy breathing is encouraged!”

3. Push past plateaus with your complimentary CrunchONE Kickoff.

4. Challenge your body to move in a new way with over 70 varieties of group fitness classes taught by our rock star instructors.

5. Use our Fit3D body scans to accurately see your results and track your progress.

This fitness center promises no judgments, accommodating everyone regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender or fitness level. No matter the workout of choice, the staff wants you to feel good

For your soul

1. Appreciate how far you’ve come instead of how far you have to go.

5. Try something new and outside your comfort zone.

7. Compliment a stranger.

8. Look at each failure as a learning experience and not a set back.

10. Come work out at Crunch Fitness!

For your mind

1. Exercise to relieve stress, calm the mind and increase overall focus.

2. “Perspire to Greatness” with our state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment.

3. Set realistic goals.

4. Take some time to rest, relax and recover in our exclusive relax and recover area.

5. Embrace the diverse and welcoming Crunch community and family atmosphere.

For your Mind

1. I smile alot. - Sherri, EFDA

2. Find your ideal balance of work, family, friends, and vacation time. - Dr. Karem

3. Relax by fly fishing. - Dr. Al Janabi

4. Consciously breathe. Take a slow deep breath in and out four times at least twice a day. - Diana, DA

5. Wake up grateful, smile, stretch, and complete the NYT Wordle and Spelling Bee. - Pamela, Leadership Team

At Soto, the experienced beauty experts provide customized, results-driven salon and spa services and treatments. The goal is for each guest to achieve a look that makes them feel beautiful and the tools to maintain at home.

For your Mind

1. Take some peaceful alone time.

2. Create routine in your schedule.

3. Give gratitude to yourself others out loud every chance you get.

4. Spend unplugged time with your people.

5. Pay attention to how you connect online.

For your Body

1. Schedule your monthly salon and spa services at Soto!

2. Eat well: food is fuel.

3. Move your body daily for 30 minutes.

4. Wear something that makes you feel your best.

5. Wear bright lipstick.

For your Soul

1. Treat yourself like you treat a good friend.

2. Express your authentic self.

3. Laugh a lot.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

5. Be proud of yourself.

For

1. Meditation

4. Manage stress

Buff City Soap provides scented plantbased soaps, handmade daily, in each of the local Soap Makeries. The mission is to create handmade products that are free of harsh ingredients and full of nourishing plant based goodness.

For

1.

4.

8. Sleep

9. Hanging with friends

10. Journaling or talking

For

1. Meditation

2. Journaling

3.

4.

5. Reading

Ada

Aesthetics

12780 Roachton Rd., Perrysburg 419-873-6961

adaaesthetics.com

Where the health and beauty of your skin is the number one priority. The staff is ready to assist you with the most advanced products and techniques in skin health.

For your body

1. Move it! Honor the exercise that makes your body feel good. - Sarah Stierman, MD

2. Get enough sleep! - Maureen McCarthy, PAC

3. Avoid processed foods.

- Mike Stierman, CNP

4. Emsculpt treatments.

- Kim Dauer, Aesthetician

5. Complete sun protection and application of medical grade products that rejuvenate the skin.

- Christy Lorton, MD

For your mind

1. Breathe! It is grounding to take a pause. - Sarah Stierman, MD

2. Listen to music. - Joanna Ansted, PAC

3. Spend 3-5 minutes every morning writing down thoughts. - Mike Stierman, CNP

4. Walk my 4 dogs. - Lee Bates, Aesthetician

5. Reading - anything that is meaningful. - Christy Lorton, MD

For your soul

1. Take a walk in nature. - Joanna Ansted, PAC

2. Recognize and appreciate the small joys in life.

- Maureen McCarthy, PAC

3. Set 30 minutes aside every day to do something for yourself unapologetically. - Mike Stierman, CNP

4. Yoga. - Lee Bates, Aesthetician

5. Close relationships with family and friends. - Christy Lorton, MD

Cont’d on p12

For your body

1. Go for a bike ride.

2. Soak in a tub with your favorite essential oil.

3. Feed it healthy whole foods: nourish your body.

4. Eliminate sugar and dairy.

5. Do some weight-bearing exercise.

The team of exceptional talent, wisdom, and skill is dedicated to nurturing and healing your mind, body, and spirit.

For your mind

1. Challenge your mind with a puzzle or word game.

2. Meditate or spend 20 minutes of quiet time.

3. Be grateful!

4. Set a daily intention.

5. Listen to music or indulge in a sound bath at Welcome Om!

For your soul

1. Forgive.

2. Love an animal.

3. Indulge in a favorite family recipe or comfort food.

4. Volunteer at your favorite organization.

5. Make a phone call you’ve been putting off.

112 E. Dudley Street Maumee, OH 43537 bloomwomenscounseling.com (419) 326-5732

Bloom is a psychotherapy office in Maumee specializing in the mental health and wellbeing of women and those who identify as LGBTQ+ in an accepting and affirming environment.

For your body

1. Spend at least 30 min a day outside

2. Wear Sunscreen

3. Stretch your muscles often

4. Schedule yearly check-ups with your healthcare providers

5. Laugh often.

For your soul

1. Engage in acts of kindness

2. Spend time with loved ones

3. Get creative

4. Practice forgiveness

5. Laugh

For your mind

1. Seek support

2. Limit screen time

3. Set realistic goals

4. Engage in creative outlets

5. Seek professional help

THRIFT/ RESALE STORE

WINNER: ReStoreMaumee Valley

Habitat for Humanity

1310 Conant St., Maumee. 419-382-1658. mvhabitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore serves as a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center. Selling new and slightly used furniture, appliances and home accessories, priced at 25% to 80% off original retail prices. What makes ReStore unique is that all sale proceeds support building and repairing homes for low-income neighbors in Lucas County. ReStore works in conjunction with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity’s vision, so that “everyone has a decent place to live.”

RUNNER-UP: Toledo Humane Society Thrift Store toledohumane.org

Best toledo 2022 of

RECAP 2022 Best of Toledo Awards

The 2023 Best of Toledo winners were announced in March, tallying more than half a million votes on the 2022 ballot. We celebrated the winners at our Best of Toledo Awards party at the Toledo Club, a rollicking good time with a Roaring ‘20s theme. Here we take another look at the Winners, showcasing several ballot categories. Each of the Winners were selected by loyal Toledo City Paper readers to determine the Best of Toledo Awards.

LOCALLY OWNED MEN’S CLOTHING

WINNER: Szar’s Mens Shop 4743 N Summit St., Toledo. 419-726-2226.

Szar’s Men’s Shop is on Facebook. Since 1977, Szar’s Mens Shop has provided quality clothing and accessories for Toledo area men. Szar’s also offers tailoring services for customers, both for clothing they sell and for outside purchases. Service and knowledge are the hallmarks of Szar’s longevity and success. Toledo City Paper readers made the smart choice in selecting Szar’s as Toledo’s Best Locally Owned Men’s Clothing Store.

RUNNER-UP: Diamond’s Men’s Shop diamondsmensshop.com

TATTOO ARTIST

WINNER: Jordyn Tinney, Brick House Tattoo & Co. 1415 Bernath Parkway, Toledo. 567-742-7099. facebook.com/brickhousetoledo.

Jordyn Tinney, owner of Brick House Tattoo & Co., has developed her own tattooing talents while fostering a culture of inclusivity through her business. Tinney creates many larger, colorful images that seemingly pop off the skin. See Tinney’s work at instagram.com/tinybabytattoo, or contact Brick House Tattoo & Co. to book an appointment.

RUNNER-UP: Sailor Woody, Brass Monkey Tattoo Co. instagram.com/sailorwoody55.

THANKS TOLEDO!

NATUROPATH

WINNER: Dr. Maleigha Watts, Toledo Naturopathic 13 S. Third St., Waterville. 419-376-6104. toledonaturopathic.com

Dr. Maleigha Watts, winner of the Best of Toledo Award for naturopathic treatment, has been serving northwest Ohio since 2011. At Toledo Naturopathic, Dr. Watts upholds the six principles of naturopathic medicine: do no harm, the healing power of nature, identify and treat the causes, doctor as teacher, treat the whole person and prevention is key. Dr. Watts prides herself on offering a spectrum of care, including for those seeking preventative action or for patients with complex health histories looking for more advanced holistic care.

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar, PflegMed Pflegmed.com

SPIRITUAL SHOP

WINNER: Reger’s Church Supply

4100 Secor Road, Toledo. 419-474-4740. regers.com.

For over 100 years, the John A. Reger Company has served the community by providing religious gifts and church-related items for customers. The products include prayer cards, devotional books and more. Reger’s Church Supply provides for the people of God through their mission of personal, friendly customer service rooted in faith. For any religious occasion, be it a baptism, first communion or other occasion, Reger’s Church Supply has the gifts for you.

RUNNER-UP: Angela’s Angels angelasangelsgifts.com

Services

Local

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Patron Saints Brewery

12-3pm

4730 W. Bancroft St.

The winner will be the person who eats 8 hot dogs the fastest. Sign up online.

JULY

PULL OUT CALENDAR: YOUR “HANG UP” FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

IN THE CITY

Saturday, July 8 from 11am-2pm

XLII Italian Bowl USA

The top teams in the IFL will face off for XLII Italian Bowl at the Glass Bowl Stadium. Tailgating, live music, and a special Night Market will cap off the week of festivities. $15-$30. 2:30pm. Glass Bowl Stadium, 1745 Stadium Dr. italianbowlusa.com.

The Commonheart, followed by fireworks

7:30-10pm

5 The energetic roots-soul band from Pittsburgh will perform a free concert on the event lawn at Glass City Metropark. 50yearsfortoledo.com/events/july-concertone-the-commonheart/

Adams Street Block Party

2-10pm.

Come together as a community and celebrate summer. Taking place on Adams Street between 12th and 20th Streets, the Adams Street Block Party feature activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music, food trucks, and a dunk tank. Village on Adams, Adams St., Toledo. 951-923-2679. facebook.com/TheVillageOnAdams.

MONDAY

AREA FIREWORKS SCHEDULE

Friday, July 7

Djobi Ensemble

“Wake Up Spirit”

FundraiserPerformance & Dinner -African Drumming from 5-9:30pm The Trunk, 3353 Franklin Ave., Toledo. 419-984-2442. The Djobi Ensemble play original and authentic music from West Africa bringing the dance right out of your soul. The African authentic mask dances such as Zaouli, Boloye and more are played with both drum and dance. Sample West African food and enjoy the performance. $40, tickets on Eventbrite. wakeupspirit.com/Magic

Wednesday, July 5, 9-11pm

FORREST GUMP

Free Movie at the Parkside Drive-In Community Nights,

July 6th at Centennial Terrace

Thu, Jul 6 –Centennial Terrace, 5777 Centennial Rd Sylvania, OH centennialterrace.org

July 8 6:30pm

Frankie’s Inner City

July 3

Many local bands on 2 stages before thefireworks at dusk ultimateuptown.com

July 6th, 11:30-1:30pm Picnic Lunch Cruise on the Sandpiperjmcruiselines.com/the-sandpiper

Re-Opening Party: Tropic Bombs Midsummer Meltdown Help celebrate the re-opening of one of the most iconic live music venues in ToledoFrankie’s! After three long years of closure, Frankie’s returns with brand new facility updates. The new era kicks off with Tropic Bombs. They return to the stage with a very special original lineup. A limited number of tickets are available online only at etix.com. $10. 308 Main St. etix.com/ticket/p/8348727/tropic-bombsmidsummer-meltdown-9-toledo-frankies

TAPA in the Parks: Family Fun Days

Junction Park, 419 Junction Ave., Toledo. Join TAPA in the Parks this summer for family fun music time. The event will include instrument petting zoos, crafts and other activities. For ages 3-adult. No registration required, drop in at your leisure!

July 8, 10am-3pm

Thrift & Sip 2

Maumee Bay Brewing Co.’s event warehouse, 200 Morris St. Sip MBBC beers and enjoy the music of Chloe & the Steel Strings while you visit thrift vendors. mbaybrew.com

July 8, 9am-6pm

Disabled and Proud Fest

Toledo’s Disabled and Proud Fest welcomes people of all abilities to celebrate the disability experience. The event will feature fun activities, a DJ, food trucks, and an all-abilities wheelchair basketball tournament. Levis Square, 435 N. St. Clair St. toledo.oh.gov/events.

Saturday, July 8 - 3rd annual

419 Family Cookout featuring Ekoostik Hookah at Poe Rd. Music Sanctuary, 24401 Poe Rd. W., Grand Rapids. Tickets begin at $40. rednote.events/419cookout

July8 & 9

Saturday, July 8 - Sunday, July 9

Oak Openings

Family Camp-Out

Come gather around the campfire and enjoy the beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark with the ones you love. Bring the family for a fun outdoor experience including nature games, campfire cooking and a night hike. Fee: $22 per guest. Tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads available to borrow. metroparkstoledo.com/outdoor-adventures

Sunday, July 9 at 1pm

Cardboard Boat Regatta at Grand Rapids Rally Day

Downtown Grand Rapids. Bring family and friends together in a fun and creative event taking place on the beautiful Maumee River Canal. Build the boat of your dreams out of cardboard and participate in this friendly race.

visitgrandrapidsohio.com/ rally-by-the-river-days

Tuesday July 11, 5:30-8pm

Eats & Beats Food

Truck Tuesday

Conrad Park, 798 Michigan Ave., Waterville. Art workshops for kids. Performance by the Original Killer Flamingos. awaac.org/events-1

Friday, July 14, 5-11pm

Back to the 90s at Promenade Park, 400 Water St. featuring C+C Music Factory, DJ Kool, Treach of Naughty by Nature, and Young MC. $15. Clear bag policy. promedicalive.com/summerconcert-series/back-to-the-90-s

Saturday, July 15, 4pm

African American Festival

at Promenade Park, 400 Water St. Celebrate history, health and education at this year’s 18th Annual African American Festival. beautiful Promenade Park. $45-$65. Gates open at 3pm. Performers include Stokley, Ginuine, Freddie Jackson and Zapp. ticketmaster.com.

Don’t miss the African American Parade Dorr St. & Detroit Ave. from 10am-noon.

SATURDAY

July 15

Toledo Loves Love Fest

Love Fest 2023, an annual fundraiser benefiting Equality Toledo, returns to the Love Wall on Adams Street on Saturday, July 15 from 3pm-12:30am.

A colorful slate of performers including musicians, drag performers, theater groups. $5. Open to the public, but attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 1209 Adams Street, Toledo. equalitytoledo.org/ events/love-fest-2023.

Wednesday July 19, 7-9pm

Sunset Serenade Concert with Extra Stout

Nederhouser Community Hall at Olander Park. 6390 Sylvania Ave. Concert is free and open to the public. Parking and admission are free for Sylvania School District residents; $3-per-car parking fee for non-residents. outdoorsylvania.com/ programs-events

July 21

The Toledo Club 36th

Annual Party in the Parking Lot

The annual party features food trucks and live music from Ramona Collins & Trez Gregory, Hear Now, The Amelia Airhearts and U2 tribute band headliner One. $15 advance, $20 at the door. 6pm. The Toledo Club, 235 14th St. toledoclub.org

Saturday, July 22, 2-6pm

Art Loop: Summer Spectacular

The Art Loop partners with Feed the Culture Food Truck Fest for an action-packed event celebrating community, local art, music, and food, including the Handmade Toledo Mini-Mart and Art Loop Scavenger Hunt.

Uptown Green Park and Adams Street (between 17th and 21st Streets, theartscommission.org/events/art-loop

24 th

The Suns Flower

Sunflower festival in Lindsey, Ohio. $5. Over a million sunflowers. Sunflower trail, wagon rides, and lots of photo ops. thesunsflower.com

FRIDAY

July 28

2023 Northwest Ohio Rib Off

The annual NWO Rib Off is where ribbers across the nation come to compete. Friday night features yacht rock legends The Little River Band with special guest Orleans. Country artist Gabby Barrett on Saturday. Day. $20-$55. Noon. Runs Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. nworiboff.com.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

Wednesday, July 26 7:30 – 10:30pm

Stranahan Theater & Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $40.50-$227. stranahantheater.com/event

Friday, July 28

6-8pm

Toledo Jeep Fest Hype Bash at Toledo Speedway

toledojeepfest.com/plan-your-weekend/ hype-bashes

Saturday, July 29, 5:30-11pm Waterville Blues, Brats and Brews Festival Downtown Waterville. The Waterville Rotary Club in conjunction with Third Street Cigar present the Blues, Brews, and Brats, Chris Canas is the headliner. https://www.facebook.com/ events/552458733658512

Sunday, July 16, 4-7pm

The

Currents

at WAKT, 526 High St. We Act Radio 106.1 Toledo Summer Concert Series, $10. facebook.com/waktradio.

Sunday, July 30August 6

Wood County Fair

Wood Co. Fairgrounds, \W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. 150th annual fair. Livestock, carnival rides, games, art and craft judging, live music, tractor show, catch-a-pig woodcounty-fair.com

UNION

WINNER: Glass City Federal Credit Union

1340 Arrowhead Drive, Maumee. 419-887-1000. glasscityfcu.com

Glass City Federal Credit Union is an integral part of the Toledo area community. Since 1947, Glass City Federal Credit Union, now with five locations, has been providing financial services. Now with over 26,000 members, including more than 200 businesses, organizations and associations, Glass City Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, federally chartered, not-for-profit cooperative credit union with locations in Maumee, Toledo and Bowling Green.

RUNNER-UP: Directions Credit Union

GYM/ATHLETIC CLUB

WINNER: LiveFIT

12905 Eckel Junction Road, Perrysburg, 419-482-8175, livefitperrysburg.com

LiveFIT is a personal training facility available for all ages, genders and fitness levels. Though the gym is private, it requires no memberships, contacts or pressure, and encourages fun for all who attend. LiveFIT is full of experienced, certified personal trainers and instructors that can help you reach personal goals and work with you on goal setting. In adult fitness, there are one on one workouts, one on two workouts where you can bring a friend, and small group classes. For kids, they can learn the fundamentals of fitness, achieve athletic goals and work on confidence building.

RUNNER-UP: Red Line Circuit Training Redline30.com

FILMMAKER

WINNER: Hivemind Films

Hivemind Films on Facebook, @hivemind_films on Instagram

Local filmmakers are a key component of the local arts scene, and Hivemind Films is an example of local excellence. The film collective, winner of the Best of Toledo Filmmaker Award claims to be a “group of weirdos making videos and 3D printing stuff.” Working out of a space they lovingly refer to as “the nerd cave,” Hivemind Films has an illustrious YouTube channel filled with parody videos and comedy creations. Check out their short films at youtube.com/@hivemindfilms3660.

RUNNER-UP: Gabriel Rios-Hannon Gabriel Rios-Hannon on IMDb

POPPERS

Drink Rosé on the Rooftop

The Heights, 444 N. Summit St., hosts a Rosé on the Rooftop event every Friday-Sunday beginning at 4pm. Head to the top of the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel to try new twists on rosé with half price bottles and enjoy some complimentary rosé dessert trifles. 419-244-2444.

Poolside Punch at Registry Bistro

Registry Bistro, 144 N. Superior, hosts monthly Craft Cocktail Workshops as a hands-on, engaging experience. July’s workshop features Poolside Punch on Thursday, July 20 at 6pm. Participants will learn the history of the cocktail and how to mix it while enjoying light appetizers. Reservations are required, space is limited. Call 419-725-0444 to register. $35 per guest, plus tax and gratuity. registrybistro.com.

New Packo’s Lager is Golden

Tony Packo’s has a new addition to the menu: Packo’s Golden Lager. In partnership with Earnest Brew Works, Packo’s Golden Lager features a golden glow with hints of hops and tones of citrus. The lager complements Packo’s Hungarian-inspired menu. Visit tonypacko.com or earnestbrewworks.com.

CULINARY CALENDAR

WEEKLY TUESDAYS

Eats & Beats Food Truck Tuesdays

Fun community event with a selection of food trucks and live music by The Original Killer Flamingos. Presented by the Anthony Wayne Arts Commission. 5:30-8pm. Conrad Park (behind the Waterville Branch Library), 789 Michigan Ave., Waterville. awaac.org

THURSDAYS

Food Truck Thursdays - Each week three food trucks will be parked to the east of Wooster Green in Downtown Bowling Green and serve food and drinks.11am-1pm. Wooster Green, 100 S. Church St., Bowling Green.

Lunch at Levis - In addition to the food trucks, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Live entertainment is a highlight of the event, games and other activities to enjoy, making this event perfect for families and individuals alike. 11:30am-1:30pm. Levis Square, 435 N. St. Clair St.

SAT., JULY 15

Beer & Food Pairing - Join Chef Tim and Brewmaster Alex for a guided sensory exploration through the science and art of complementary and contrasting flavors. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $45. 6-8pm. Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co., 1210 Jackson St.

TUES., JULY 18

Buona Sera, Capri! - Take a trip to the Italian island of Capri for a three-course dinner with wine pairing. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $69. 7-10pm. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 4705 Talmadge Rd.

THURS., JULY 20

Craft Cocktail Workshops - Join Registry Bistro for a full hands-on experience learning about and creating craft cocktails. July’s theme is “poolside punches.” Call to reserve your spot as space is limited. 419-725-0444. $35. 6-8pm. Registry Bistro, 144 N. Superior St.

TUES., JULY 25

National Wine and Cheese Day - Join the experts at Mancy’s Bottle Shop for excellent suggestions for celebrating. 11am-9:30pm. Bottle Shop at Mancy’s Italian, 5453 Monroe St. mancysitalian.com

SUN., JULY 30

Toledo Spirits Sunday Booze CruiseEnjoy a Sunday afternoon of fun and cocktails as the Toledo Spirits team takes over the Sandpiper for a Sunday Funday Booze Cruise! Take a scenic tour of the Maumee River while enjoying a curated tasting of cocktails and light snacks. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $55. J&M Cruise Lines - The Sandpiper, 1 Jefferson Ave.

Wraps & Salads

CHOW LINE Kitchen Comforts

Jikoni Toledo, an East African food truck with cooking classes

By Jon Ruggiero

One of the best aspects of food trucks is their ability to provide cuisine that people may have not tried in an easily accessible way. This is especially true for regional foods from different countries. For those who have not tried African food, specifically Swahili cuisine, take a taste with Jikoni Toledo, a food truck specializing in East African dishes.

Swahili spices

Jikoni is a Swahili term for “kitchen,” and the name of the mobile kitchen set up by Tom and Krista Otieno. “We own and operate Jikoni, offering from-scratch Swahili cuisine,” explains Tom. The truck came from humble beginnings, an expansion from Otieno creating meals at his house: “I love being hospitable in my own home and I wanted to share my culture and food with my new home here in NW Ohio.”

It’s easy enough to find the next stop for Jikoni through posts announcing upcoming locations on Facebook and Instagram. They’ve set up at parks, in business courtyards and all around Toledo, but also have cooking classes available to book online that teach signature Swahili dishes.

Those signature dishes are delightful riffs on foods you might be familiar with, but with an East African touch. “What stands out is I use spices from back home,” says Tom. “I take pride in quality and staying as authentic as I can be. That’s why we have a limited menu.”

East African in Toledo

You can check ahead to see what’s on the menu, but the items purchased for this review are usually available. Samosas ($3) are a fried pocket holding meat and veggies. Two were more than enough. The crunchy dish contains unfamiliar flavors in a package known all too well.

The savory pockets also came with a green coriander-lime chutney that heightened the flavors. The creamy and flavorful chutney might be an unfamiliar condiment, but it was the best part of the experience.

Another Jikoni offering is pan-seared chicken, served in a bowl with pilau rice ($15). If you’re curious about the list of

ingredients in your meal, Jikoni has everything broken down and listed on their on-truck menu so you know exactly what you’re getting.

This bowl came with pilau rice, a basmati rice with a Swahili spice mixture that included cardamom and cloves. The chicken was spiced just right and juicy enough on its own that the lack of a sauce is largely unnoticed. Thinly-sliced onions and carrots topping the chicken bring added sweetness and texture to the dish. A vegetarian style of the same dish replaces the chicken with red bean curry.

The rice bowls are filling and flavorful. Despite starting this review while hungry, the reviewer had a samosa and half of the rice bowl left over. Food like this can fill you up without weighing you down. If you’re looking for a good meal with unique flavor and provenance, keep an eye out for Jikoni Toledo.

419-280-4755. jikonitoledo.com facebook.com/JikoniToledo.

Jikoni is a Swahili term for “kitchen,” and the name of the mobile kitchen set up by Tom Otieno.

APPEAL REEL

Honoring the Trailblazing Toledo Troopers

Women’s pro football team focus of documentary

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

The Toledo Troopers were a women’s football team — the first of its kind in the 1970s. We aren’t talking about powderpuff football many girls played in high school in the 70s or 80s, or even softball, which was kind of invented for girls – hence the larger “softer” ball. The Troopers played rough, tough, no-holds-barred, tackle football.

The Troopers were part of the Women’s Professional Football League from 1971 to 1973 and the National Women’s Football League from 1974 to 1977. During that time the team won a stunning seven consecutive national championships. According to a press release by Anserina Films, a division of Toledo’s Communica Media Agency, the team behind a new documentary about the Troopers, the NFL Hall of Fame recognized them in 1980 as “the winningest team in pro football history – making it difficult to dismiss them as a “girls’ team.” These ladies, who did so much to advance women’s sports, never got much credit and are largely forgotten today. The new book and documentary released this year, “We Are the Troopers,” attempts to change that.

Documenting The Troopers

Stephen Guinan and Guy Stout of the Troopers players’ committee reached out to Anserina Films with a proposition to make a documentary. At the time, Guinan was still in the process of writing a book on the Troopers, which was published in August 2022. Through the 1990s, many women’s games weren’t televised like mens’ sports. The Troopers played almost fifty years ago, so footage of games or even radio broadcasts were difficult to come by. This provided more reason for the film to be done now, while former players can still talk about their experiences.

The documentary team started by working from the book. Guinan says the film’s editor, Tom Sanders, conducted interviews with any former players who wanted to speak on camera.

The filmmakers collected whatever they could from the players, including newspaper clippings, photographs, and some game film. In a pre-video era, this meant reaching out to friends and family who had the ability to film the games. Through the years, much of the film had been lost or damaged, but they used every bit they could find. “We filmed the

reels ourselves to digitize them. There was a film of player Linda Jefferson being featured on ABC Superstars and we were also sent a snippet of a game from Dallas Stadium. It was the Dallas team’s side footage, so it was one reel of some of the Dallas [women’s] team’s offensive plays.”

Sanders hopes that as people see the documentary, more footage, photographs and other memorabilia will turn up. Even so, the documentary’s strength is in the words and memories of both players and fans — 48 interviews were done for the film. With so many stories to tell, the hardest part was narrowing down that footage. Sanders says it was fascinating to hear the accounts of women who played offense, defense, and special teams, while still maintaining a job and for some, marriages and kids.

Legendary Quarterback, Pam Fisher (Pam Hardy, No. 11)

It’s not a typical women’s sport. Some of the girls on the team had never played a game in their life, but liked the game and were interested, and some played backyard football growing up with brothers. For Fisher, it was the latter. A family pastime every fall was to break out the football and play. “I really loved playing football with my family,” remembers Fisher. “Then a friend called me and said, ‘Have you seen this ad in the paper? There are tryouts for a women’s team.

Do you want to try out?’ and I said, ‘Yes I do!’”

The women were paid $25 a game, with no health insurance. In the days before Title IX, this is how it was. Fisher is quick to point out that most of the women players weren’t thinking about

NOTES FILM

Free Movie Wednesdays at Parkside Drive-In

Title IX, they just wanted to play a game they loved. “Every one of us has great stories to tell and it was a fantastic time in our lives. The coaches treated us like we were football players, not like girls. It was serious business.”

Fisher tells how she became the quarterback. “When I was a rookie there was a gal that was the starting quarterback and she also played on a softball team. They were going to the playoffs, and the first night of the season she wasn’t there because of her other team commitments, so they put me in and she never got her job back.” Pam originally thought of playing defense, but at 100 pounds, her size put her in the running to be a quarterback. “The coach used to tell the frontline players not to let me get hit, but the ball was out of my hands before I was in any real danger.”

Sisterhood

One of the most moving comments came when Fisher talks about the sisterhood of the team.

“We were very diversified,” she says, “but we were sisters. It didn’t matter where you came from, we all had each other’s backs.” These are women who came together because they loved the sport and were brave enough to say, I don’t care what anyone thinks, I’m gonna play.

“We are the Troopers” will be showing at the 9th Annual Toledo Jewish Film Festival at the Franciscan Center at Lourdes University on Monday, July 31 at 7pm. A Q&A with author Stephen Guinan will follow the screening. $10. jewishtoledo.org/toledo-jewish-film-festival-2023

Parkside Drive-In (formerly the Sundance Drive-In) is connecting with the community by offering free movie nights every Wednesday throughout the summer. July Wednesdays feature four movies: “Forrest Gump” on July 5, “Psycho” on July 12, “The Breakfast Club” on July 19 and “Krampus” on July 26. The events are presented by Save Our Screen. 4500 Navarre Ave., Oregon. 419-635-7575. parksidedrive-in.com and saveourscreen.org.

Oregon Library Presents “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Though no actual breakfast will be served, the Oregon Library is hosting a screening of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on Tuesday, July 25 at 2pm in Community Room A & B. Each month, the Oregon Library features a classic movie screening, free to the public, and this month’s movie follows Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a New York City playgirl, determined to marry a millionaire. 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon. 419-259-5250. events.toledolibrary.org.

The Toledo Troopers women’s football team circa 1970. Learn more at the documentary screening 7/31 at the Franciscan center.

CURTAIN CALL NOTES THEATER

Glass City Improv’s The Monthly

Discovering some things about yourself

By Kelly McGilvery

Children’s Theater Workshop

Presents “Chaplin: The Musical”

It’s the final Friday of the month. You enter Studio A from Adams Street - it’s part of the Valentine Theatre complex. The black box theater has several rows of stacking chairs and bistro tables. The stage is just slightly elevated off the theater floor. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8:30pm. There’s a cash bar. Get ready to laugh: you’re at The Monthly, an improv comedy show presented by Glass City Improv.

The Monthly has tickled Toledo audiences since 2018 and features veterans of Glass City Improv’s training program, as well as its founders, which include Diana DePasquale, Erin Kanary and Nick Morgan. Each month’s ensemble is different - the featured players are usually named in advance of the performance.

A Run in Studio A

Glass City Improv began as an offshoot of the Toledo Rep and in 2018 began its run in Studio A, part of the Valentine Theatre. Several times a year, registration opens for a series of workshops. Classes fill up quickly once registration opens. Classes are rated by experience beginning with Level 1, an introductory class for folks with very little experience with improvisation. Level 2 includes some more complex forms of improvisation, and Level 3 focuses on long-form improvisation, where actors develop scenes from audience suggestions. There is also an introductory sketch writing workshop. Each series of classes ends with a performer showcase so participants can demonstrate what they’ve learned in front of an audience.

Currently, The Monthly sells out each month. The group reaches out into the community, performing at Bellwether, the Toledo Club, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Botanical Gardens and Black Swamp Players Theatre in Bowling Green.

No better feeling than getting laughs

According to co-founder Nick Morgan, even if the idea of improv classes sounds intimidating, you should consider signing up anyway. “We pitch classes at the end of our monthly show and encourage people to go sign up. If [that] sounds exciting, perfect. That’s a great reason to sign up. But if it sounds terrifying, that’s an even better reason. You’ll get even more out of it and you’ll be proud of yourself (when participating in the classes). You’ll meet a cross-section of people from the area that you otherwise would never have crossed paths with.”

“You bond with those people you do your first class with . . . everybody is incredibly nervous and scared. And then there’s just an adrenaline rush or sense of relief once you get through your first class that you did it and it wasn’t as scary as you thought it would be. In fact it’s a lot more fun. You are doing one of two things in class: . . . you may be the one getting laughs and there’s no better feeling than that. (Or) you’re the one sitting and watching your classmates and laughing.”

“We hear from students how much they look forward to coming to the class each week. How much fun they have and sort of the therapeutic nature of just being there for a couple of hours. The class experience is uplifting and becomes a highlight of peoples’ week and we hear that a lot,” Morgan added, continuing, “I think it helps people discover some things about themselves that they’re capable of that maybe they didn’t know.”

The Monthly is staged the final Friday of (almost) every month. Tickets are $10 and go on sale 2 weeks prior to the show. Studio A, 410 Adams St. glasscityimprov.com

Many are familiar with Charlie Chaplin as the famous silent movie actor. However, not everyone knows his life story. Children’s Theater Workshop presents a production of “Chaplin: The Musical,” a show that follows Chaplin’s life and work, featuring actors ranging in age from 13 to 18. $10-$12. Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 at the Historic Ohio Theatre, 3112 Lagrange St., Toledo. 419-244-5061. ctwtoledo.booktix.com.

3BProductions Presents “Mean Girls: The Musical”

3B Productions is making “Fetch” happen with its performances of “Mean Girls: The Musical.” Thursday, July 13 through Sunday, July 16, the show follows Cady, the new girl in school who pretends to be part of the popular crowd with the intention of exacting revenge on her friend Janis. However, the tables turn when Cady starts to enjoy being one of the popular girls. $18 to $20. Performances at the Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., Maumee. 419-3605639. 3bproductions.org.

Be More Chill

Stone Productions presents the sci-fi musical Be More Chill. Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about “The Squip,” a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $20. 8pm. Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22 at 8pm and Sunday, July 23 at 3pm. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. collingwoodartscenter.org.

Glass City Improv performs on the final Friday of each month.

ART TO HEART The Time With Lennon

May Pang and her candid photos of the late Beatle on display in The Long Weekend

By Jon Ruggiero

The Beatles were an influential musical group. As well, John Lennon’s legacy of art and music has been inspiring and monumental.

Lennon’s relationships with other artists, both professionally and passionately, is a topic of some interest, Famously Lennon worked and fell in love with avant garde artist Yoko Ono, but another previous partner also has has a lot to say about her time with him.

Lennon’s Lover

May Pang is a photographer and music producer who had a relationship with Lennon during a period when he was separated from Ono. Pang, a great artist in her own right, illustrates her relationship with Lennon, both in business and romantically, in “The Lost Weekend: The Photography of May Pang.”

The show, currently touring around the country, will stop in the Glass City at the River House Arts gallery in July. You can find River House Arts in the heart of downtown Toledo, in the Secor Building on Jefferson Avenue. Run by owner Paula Baldoni, the gallery originally opened in Perrysburg before moving to Toledo in 2016.

Downtown Art Destination

The reason for the move, according to Baldoni, was that “there are just not enough galleries in the city and we have a lot of talent. We also have a need to see what else is going on in the world (in terms of art), and have access to it.”

So This is Christmas (Polaroid Series), Palm Beach, FL 1974 May comments, “A Polaroid shot of us with our Christmas gifts. John’s windshield wiper glasses were from Julian.”

Baldoni has previously worked with Beatles-related art in the gallery: “In the past we had done a pop up (gallery show) that featured works by Ron Campbell, the illustrator of The Beatle’s Yellow Submarine,” she explained. In order to give access to Pang’s art, her exhibit will be free and open to the public.

That exhibit, “The Lost Weekend,” will showcase candid photos from May and John’s working and personal relationships over the 18 months they were together from 1973 to 1975. The show also happens to come to town after the release of The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, a documentary film about Pang and Lennon released in April. While collaborating with May Pang, Lennon went on to have some of his biggest solo musical successes. One of the photographs making its debut in the gallery show is a picture of Lennon signing a contract that would dissolve The Beatles as a band.

Say Cheese, Los Angeles, CA 1973At Lou Adler’s home in Bel Air, May picked her camera which was a 35mm Nikkormat to take a snap of John but he beat her to the punch with the Polaroid SX-70 camera to take one of her.

1974, at Walt Disney World. John was the last one to sign the contract officially dissolving the Beatles for good.

Those interesting photographs and May Pang herself, will visit River House Arts on July 18th and 19th. The photographs will be available for purchase, allowing gallery visitors to take home a part of legendary musical history.

Look out for various books May Pang has written about her past, to learn more about this little-known, influential artist.

“The Lost Weekend” is open to the public on Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19 from 4-8 pm. River House Arts, 425 Jefferson, Toledo. 419-441-4025. riverhousearts.com.

Ticket to Ride, 1973 May comments, “No explanation needed…this was John’s International Driver’s License. I used to carry it for him.”

Art Loop Summer Spectacular

The Arts Commission’s Art Loop Summer Spectacular will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 2-6pm in Uptown Green Park and on Adams St. between 17th-21st. This event is a mix of Art Loop favorites including artists doing make-and-takes, creative spaces, food trucks, live art, music and much more. Volunteer positions are available for enthusiastic, engaging adults from the community. More details available at facebook.com/ArtLoopToledo.

Sylvania Plein Air Festival

The first-ever Sylvania Plein Air Festival will take place in conjunction with the Red Bird Art Walk from August 1 through August 5. “Plein Air” comes from a French term meaning “open air.” Artists utilize portable easels to draw and paint while surrounded and inspired by nature. This open space in downtown Sylvania will support artists making open air paintings, but not being juried. Participants will self select from the professional, emerging artist or youth categories. To register or for more information, visit redbirdsylvania.org.

PHOTO BY MAY PANG

PHOTO BY MAY PANG

METRO MUSIC

WEEKLY

MON. Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Whiskey

Monday featuring Jake Pilewski (acoustic)

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

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

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop: Father’nSon (acoustic)

WED. The Real Seafood Company: Area pianist/vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

THURS. The Real Seafood Company: Area pianist/vocalists

The Chop House: Jazz piano

FRI. The Chop House: Jazz piano

SAT. The Chop House: Jazz piano

SUN. The Village Idiot: Jazz night and open mic

Sodbuster Bar: Father’nSon jam (acoustic)

SAT JULY 1

Adams St. Block Party: Various artists

Majestic Oak Winery: Noisy Neighbors (rock)

Maumee Indoor Theater: Kelsey Lynn (pop/rock)

Glass City Metropark:

The Commonheart (soul)

Bar 145: DoobiuUS Brothers & Sisters (classic rock)

SUN JULY 2

Majestic Oak Winery: Bruce Brodie (acoustic)

Ottawa Tavern: Starbenders +

The Haunt (alternative rock)

The Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre:

122nd Army Band (musical)

Uptown Maumee | Uptown Maumee

Music Fest: Various artists (rock)

MON JULY 3

Uptown Maumee | Uptown Maumee

Music Fest: Various artists (rock)

THUR, DEC 1

Ottawa Tavern: Never Ending Game, Gridiron, special guest Mean Mug (punk)

WED JULY 5

Main Library: Ice Cream Militia (rock)

Woodlands Park: Tree 3 (acoustic)

Rossford Public Library: Public Scene (classic rock/country)

Olander Park: Ellie Martin Quintet (jazz)

THURS JULY 6

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn | Lettuce

Turnip the Beat: Music at the Market: Jeff Tucker (acoustic)

Centennial Terrace: Styx (classic rock)

Bar 145: DJ Issa Lynch (electronic)

FRI JULY 7

Highlighted events indicates our picks for the week

Bar 145: Caveman (acoustic)

Prime Nightlife: Rock the Block feat.

Tinfoil (rock)

Bittersweet Farms | Music Vine Concert Series: John Reichle (acoustic) Wood County Museum: Nikki D & the Sisters of Thunder (soul, gospel)

Bar 145: Hunter Hoop (country)

Promenade Park: Killer Queen (classic rock)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Mississippi Heat

(blues)

Hensville | Hensville Live! Concert Series:

Parrots of the Caribbean (Jimmy Buffet Tribute)

Pat & Dandy’s: Nasty Habit (classic rock)

SAT JULY 8

Poe Road Music Sanctuary: 3rd Annual 419

Family Cookout ft. Ekoostik Hookah (rock)

The Town Center at Levis Commons: Ryan Dunlap Trio (acoustic) Graystone Banquet Hall: Voices Of Tomorrow

25th Anniversary Dinner/Concert (choral)

Bar 145: Joe Woods (acoustic)

Ottawa Park: The Katch Band (pop/rock)

Frankie’s Inner City: Frankie’s Re-Opening

Party: Tropic Bombs Midsummer Meltdown 9 (rock)

Centennial Terrace: Hairball (classic rock)

Backyard BBQ & Booze: Echo Chamber (rock)

SUN JULY 9

Agnes Reynolds Jackson

Arboretum: Madison Avenue (pop/rock)

The Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre: Maumee Community Band (orchestra)

TUES JULY 11

Rossford Stroll the Street: New Moon (acoustic)

Conrad Park Eats and Beats

Food Truck Tuesdays: The Original Killer Flamingos (pop/rock)

WED JULY 12

The Town Center at Levis Commons: Swingmania (big band)

Main Library: Extra Stout (folk/rock)

Woodlands Park: Abbigale Rose Duo (blues) Rossford Public Library: The Bradberries (pop/rock)

The Polish Ostrich: Dealing with Dragons (rock)

THURS JULY 13

Bar 145: Calen Savidge (acoustic) Tony Packo’s: The Cake Walkin’ Jass Band (jazz)

Toledo Botanical Garden | Jazz in the Garden: Ramona Collins Quintet (jazz)

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn | Lettuce

Turnip the Beat: Music at the Market: Cara Jenise (acoustic)

FRI JULY 14

Bittersweet Farms | Music Vine Concert

Series: Noah Nelson (acoustic)

Promenade Park: Back to the 90’s (rap/hip hop)

Over Yonder Concert House: Joy Clark (singer/songwriter)

SAT JULY 15

The 577 Foundation: TSA Urban Jazz Collective (jazz)

Bar 145: Scott & Melissa (acoustic)

Frontera Sabores de México: Caveman (acoustic)

Ottawa Park: Chloe & the Steel Strings (Americana)

Dexter’s: The Castawayz (rock)

The Village Idiot: Baccano (rock)

SUN JULY 16

WAKT Studio: The Currents (rock)

The Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre: Polish American Concert Band (orchestra)

TUES JULY 18

Ottawa Tavern: Every Avenue, SayWeCanFly and Makeout (alternative rock)

WED JULY 19

The Town Center at Levis

Commons: Jon B. Roth (acoustic)

Main Library: Cake Walkin’ Jass Band (jazz)

Woodlands Park: Old State Line (Americana)

Huntington Center: Snoop Dogg with Wiz Khalifa and Ying Yang Twins (rap/hip hop)

Rossford Public Library: Whitehead/Mac (classic rock)

Bar 145: Tony Salazar (acoustic)

THURS JULY 20

Whitehouse Village Park: Sinjon Smith (pop/ rock)

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn | Lettuce

Turnip the Beat: Music at the Market: Slow No Wake (acoustic)

FRI JULY 21

Bittersweet Farms | Music Vine Concert

Series: Johnny Rodrigues (acoustic)

Bar 145: The Height & the Hair (acoustic)

Frontera Sabores de México: Caveman (acoustic)

The Toledo Club | 36th Annual Party in the Parking Lot: Trez Gregory & Ramona Collins, The Signal Quartet, The Amelia Airhearts, One (jazz, rock)

Promedica Park: Chris Janson (country) Hensville | Hensville Live! Concert Series: Arctic Clam (rock)

SAT JULY 22

The Town Center at Levis Commons: The Buzz Anderson Project (rock) Ottawa Tavern: September Mourning (metal)

Jazz in the Garden Through July

Metroparks Toledo hosts Jazz in the Garden every Thursday in July at 6:30pm at the Toledo Botanical Garden. Warm summer nights paired with cool jazz showcases the best regional artists. Food trucks on site. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and blanket. Performances in July include Toledo Jazz Orchestra July 6, Ramona Collins Quintet July 13, Signal Quartet July 20 and Cakewalkin’ Jass Band July 27. $5 for members, $10 for non-members. 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo. metroparkstoledo.com/jazz.

Concerts at the Terrace

Centennial Terrace hosts concerts and events throughout the summer. July concerts include Styx on Thursday, July 6 and Hairball on Saturday, July 8. Styx averages over 100 shows a year while the special effects of Hairball is a rock and roll experience you won’t soon forget. Tickets start at $39 for Styx and $23.50 for Hairball. 419-885-7106. 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. centennialterrace.org.

Listen to Music Under the Stars

Every Sunday evening through August 13, enjoy free concerts at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater. July will feature the 122nd Army Band July 2, Maumee Community Band July 9, Polish American Concert Band July 16, Velvet Jones July 23 and Jeff McDonald’s Swingmania Orchestra July 30. All shows begin at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Food and beverages available for purchase. 2 Hippo Way. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org.

Ottawa Park: Carmen Miller Music (r&b/soul)

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge: Johnny Rawls (blues)

Over Yonder Concert House: Rod Picott (singer/songwriter)

Toledo Yacht Club: Clive Live (reggae)

Anchor Inn: Echo Chamber (rock)

Bar 145: Hot Lunch Duo (acoustic)

Pat & Dandy’s: RuKus (classic rock)

SUN JULY 23

The Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre: Velvet Jones (pop/rock)

TUES JULY 25

Rossford Stroll the Street: Randy Krajewski’s Polish Band (polka)

WED JULY 26

The Town Center at Levis Commons: Ben DeLong (acoustic) Main Library: Bliss

Swanton Public Library: The Drumline with the SHS Band (percussion) Rossford Public Library: The 25s (alternative rock) Stranahan Theater: Melissa Etheridge (singer/ songwriter)

THURS JULY 27

Toledo Botanical Garden: The Cake Walkin’ Jass Band (jazz)

Commodore Schoolyard Lawn | Lettuce Turnip the Beat: Music at the Market: Ramona Collins Quartet (jazz) Bar 145: Dave Carpenter (acoustic)

THE BIG TO DO

SAT, July 1

[boxing]

ESPN Top Rank Boxing Toledo’s own Jared Anderson will square off with Zhan Kossobutskiy in the main event. $43-$253. 6pm. Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. 419-255-3300. huntingtoncentertoledo.com.

FRI, July 7

[festivals & fairs]

Grand Rapids Rally by the River Days Celebrate summer along the river and enjoy the Front Street Parade, Chicken BBQ, the Annual Rubber Duck Race, and so much more. 5pm. Also on Saturday, July 8, 10am and Sunday, July 9, 11am. Downtown Grand Rapids, Front St., Grand Rapids. visitgrandrapidsohio.com.

[outdoor concerts, classic rock]

Killer Queen - Patrick Meyer pays homage to one of the greatest rock bands, Queen, with his uncanny tribute to the legendary Freddy Mercury. Food trucks on site. $15-$65. 5pm. Promenade Park, 400 Water St. promedicalive.com.

[fundraisers]

Boiler BBQ Bash Fundraiser

As a result of Christmas weekend storms, the Wood County Museum suffered over $50,000 in water damage. As a result, the Museum is closed to the public until further notice. This fundraiser will help to offset lost revenue from admission and event & program sales. Featuring Nikki D & the Sisters of Thunder. $60. 6-9pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd.,Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org.

SUN, July 9

Sunday Evening Toledo Lighthouse Dinner Cruise

Enjoy an evening dinner cruise with Toledo Harbour Lighthouse Society. See the Maumee River where it enters Maumee Bay - Grassy Island, Turtle Island and the iconic Toledo Lighthouse. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $50. 6:30-9pm. Glass City Pearl, 444 N. Summit St. toledoharbourlighthouse.org.

FRI, July 14 [breakfast]

18th Annual African American Festival CityWide Prayer Breakfast

The 18th annual festival kicks off with a prayer breakfast. Tickets available at Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union. $10. 8-10am. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledourban.net

[fundraisers]

Lakeside Reading Retreat

Bring a book (or borrow one!) and join the Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival for a Lakeside Reading Retreat! Take in panoramic views of Maumee Bay and Lake Erie from a spacious private home in Point Place. Find a comfortable spot inside or outside and get ready to be pampered and relax. Each ticket includes a 4 hour session, meal, and beverages. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $60. 6pm. Also on Saturday, July 15, 8am-10pm. 5922 Lakeside Ave. nwoteenbookfest.com.

SATURDAY, July 15 [paranormal, author events]

Searching the Unknown: Paranormal Investigation and Celebrity Meet & Greet - The Collingwood Arts Center presents an event that combines paranormal investigation, celebrity meet & greet, and suicide prevention awareness. Renowned paranormal investigator Dustin Pari, who is a former cast member of the popular television series Ghost Hunters and the author of several books on the paranormal, will join the VIP paranormal investigation. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $20-$50. 6pm. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. collingwoodartscenter.org.

Sneaking around the Glass City Center

On Saturday, July 8 from 2-5pm, head to the Glass City Center for a sneaker convention. Lovers of sneakers will experience different brands and styles of the shoes along with other vendors. Tickets are $15. 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. 419-255-3300. glasscitycenter.com.

The Ability Center’s Library Takeover

Empower, Educate, and Explore: The Ability Center Takes Over Toledo’s Library! Toledo’s downtown branch will host fun and educational activities during this family-friendly event to empower, educate, and include people of all abilities. Saturday, July 22, Noon-4pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org. Free.

WED, July 19 [live music, rap & hip hop)

Snoop Dogg w. Wiz Khalifa and Ying Yang Twins: Celebrating 30 Years of Doggystyle - Living Legend Snoop Dogg headlines an epic show celebrating 30 years of the masterpiece Doggystyle. Also featuring Wiz Khalifa, & Ying Yang Twins. $69-$199. 6pm. Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. huntingtoncentertoledo.com

THURS, July 20 [visual arts, mental health]

Create Now - Create Now is offered as part of the Creative Expressions program by NAMI Greater Toledo and Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County. Explore a variety of art techniques and experience the power of art. Ages 15+ welcome to attend. Registration

on Eventbrite. For more information please contact Sonya Quinn at 419-243-1119 ext. 103 or squinn@ namitoledo.org. 9am-2pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. namitoledo.org.

[parties & reunions]

36th Annual Party in the Parking Lot - The annual party features food trucks and live music from Ramona Collins & Trez Gregory, Hear Now, The Amelia Airhearts and U2 tribute band headliner One. $15 advance, $20 at the door. 6pm. The Toledo Club, 235 14th St. toledoclub.org

[zoos & animals, Christmas]

Christmas in July - It’s a slice of Lights way Before Christmas (not the full electrical spectacle, though!) Listen to holiday music while strolling through the Zoo’s south side. Enjoy strolling performances, glowin-the-dark mini golf, festive crafts, and more! $13$15, zoo members free. 7-11pm. Also on Saturday, July 22. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org.

SUNDAY, July 23 [handicraft markets, craft beer]

Crafts & Drafts - Craft Beer meets Craft Show. Shop unique arts & crafts by Toledo artists in the Maumee Bay Brewing Co. event warehouse. 10am-3pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 201 Morris St. 419-243-1302. mbaybrew.com.

TUES,

July 11 [kayaking, canoeing]

Paddle the Pond - Get in a canoe or kayak and enjoy the pond. A safety and skills instructor will be available for introductory instruction. All boats, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Kayaks, canoes, and gear are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. 4-7:30pm. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. woodcountyparkdistrict.org.

WED, July 12 [glass art, craft beer]

Stained Glass Art Class -

Try something new at Maumee Bay Brewing Co.! Stained glass art class with host What the Flux Studio. Learn to cut, grind, and solder your own piece. This specific class will be making a craft beer piece. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $65. 6-9pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St. 419-243-1302. mbbc.com

Monday, July 17 [tea, crafts]

Possibilit”teas” Chai Sugar Scrub Tea Class

- Join the Wood County Museum and The Summer Kitchen Girls and explore all of the possibilities of tea! Sip on some chai as we talk about this delicious tea and tell you how to infuse it into a yummy treat we will snack on. Then we will create a chai hand and body scrub for you to take home. $35. 6-7:30pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org.

MONDAY, July 24 [home & garden]

Intro to Pressure Canning - It is easy to store home-canned goods, they are readily available year-round, and they make excellent gifts. This class will provide clear demonstrations and instructions on pressure canning from beginning to end. $30. 5:30-7:30. The 577 Foundation, 577 East Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org.

FRI, July 21 [civic benefit, mental health]

NAMI’s African American Leadership Initiative 10th Annual Summit - Gun Violence: A Conversation On How It Has Affected African American Men’s Mental Health - Featuring Cecil Holston as Speaker for the day and Charles Williams, Willie Knighten and Cecil Holston for a panel discussion. The focus this year is on exploring ways to promote mental health & wellness and safety within the African American community, and to empower leaders to take action towards this goal. Registration is available

TUESDAY, July 25 [book clubs]

The Salty Reads Book Club: We Read Banned Books - The Salt Cave of Perrysburg with Gathering Volumes presents this monthly banned books book club in a unique environment. To reserve a seat, make sure to call the Salt Cave at (419) 873-7300. 6-7pm. The Salt Cave of Perrysburg, 318 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. saltcaveofperrysburg.com.

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

July 14 through July 16

The 40th Annual African World Festival - Join The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History at Hart Plaza for this 3-day celebration of the beauty, strength, and spirit of the African Diaspora. Among the headliner acts are Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, stages filled with entertainment, and over 125 vendors offering food, clothing, health products, visual arts, live demonstrations, community resources and more! $10-$135. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI. thewright.org.

July 20 through July 22

The Ann Arbor Art Fair

Taking place in downtown Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is the largest juried art fair in the nation with nearly 1,000 artists. Ann Arbor Art Fair consists of three independently juried, nonprofit art fairs that run concurrently: Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original; Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; and Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. Shuttle service is available, and highly recommended. See website for details. The event starts at 10am on all three days. Downtown Ann Arbor. theannarborartfair.com.

SATURDAY, July 29 [markets & shopping]

Toledo Night Market - A stroll through the market at twilight is a great way to enjoy the warehouse district. Featuring lights, food trucks, shopping, craft drinks and live music. $5 admission. 6-11pm. Toledo Farmers’ Market, 525 Market St. toledonightmarket.com.

SAT, July [parties29& reunions]

Kip’s Reunion/ Appreciation Night

If you partied, played, or worked at one of the Kip’s venues (Kip’s South, Roxanne’s, Crobar, etc.) this night’s for you. DJ Mattimoe will be spin ning some 80s and 90s hard rock and metal on the patio and The Switchboard’s amazing bartenders will have your favorite beverages flowing. 9pm. The Switchboard, 912 Monroe St. switchboard419.com.

SUNDAY, July 30 [boating, drinks]

Toledo Spirits Sunday Booze Cruise Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of fun and cocktails as the Toledo Spirits team takes over the Sandpiper for a Sunday Funday Booze Cruise. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $55. The Sandpiper, 1 Jefferson Ave. jmcruiselines.com/the-sandpiper.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Juneteenth Celebration at the Library

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library and the NAACP Toledo joined together for a Juneteenth Celebration on the Main Library Rooftop This celebration included a live performance from the M.G.M. Band and tasty treats from Jera’s Heavenly Sweets and a Family Affair catering.

Photos by Christine Senack

Allen and DeVona Smith

Cleveland Henderson and Ardenia Jones-Terry

Alizia McBride, Rosa Lyles, Khaliah Lyles, Chris Stewart and Sherry Easterling

Front- Jelise Guynn, Deborah Roberts, Monica Perryman BackReginael McDaniel and Willie Perryman, President of the NAACP

CROSS WORD

SPEAK THE STARS

by Janet Amid

CANCER (June 21 - July 20) Cautious as you are with money, this retrograde can be turning up the heart where impulse spending is concerned. Not the greatest time to make large purchases or indulge in something totally out of your wheelhouse. Putting things on hold for a while would suit you best. Rethink before taking on too much. In addition, as Pluto opposes you, your area of partnerships becomes the main focus. The opposition of this transit can render you vulnerable to emotions as well as actions. You may be asking yourself whether to push back or give in. You may see yourself caught between a rock and a hard place. It’s a toss-up, though much depends on circumstances involved.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) Protect your heart with armor as Venus, the vixen of love, retrogrades in your 5th house of romance. In addition, if chance taking, be cautious. Not the best time to take on “an exciting new venture”. Play it safe until September. Don’t fall prey to impulse. In addition to all of this, Pluto in retrograde, transiting the zenith part of your chart, beckons you to take stock of your sense of order. Embracing your leadership abilities. Believing in your own power and carving out any trace of insecurity. It’s all about gaining insight into yourself and turning it outward.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Your personal space may be in a pickle this month with Venus retrograding your inner sanctuary. Symbolically, it can also relate to personal emotional clutter as emotions can get caught up in an upheaval and family pressures mount. So, what to do? Paying better attention to the signals and stepping back before making judgment calls or assumptions is your best option. Also, with Pluto in retrograde, in sync with your own sign, tap into your higher consciousness. Readjusting and reshaping how you view the world as well as yourself is key. Digging deep into your psyche and shifting your thoughts in a more productive manner can help you progress further.

NO FUTZ

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Whatever it is, he’s against it

14.  Stand-up ___ Von

15.  Classic karaoke selection

16.  “Bye, babe”

17.  Reynolds who co-owns Wrexham AFC

18.  Songs by airheads?

20.  Molecule with an a negative charge

21.  Actress Cattrall

22.  Trout native to Anaheim

23.  Doofus wearing Dr. Martens?

28.  Bother

30.  “I’m shocked,” initially”

31.  FDR program

32.  A fiver

33.  Sporty Camaro

35.  Messing with other actors?

37.  Exasperated cry

38.  Exact copy of an excellent French city?

41.  Hosp. area

42.  Bozo

43.  Acting without thinking 44.  Put on 45.  Come together 46.  Yahoo! portal

47.  Maze runner’s goal

48.  Combined media barrage?

53.  Kao na nua cuisine

55.  Charismatic leader?

56.  “Where is the ___?”

57.  Things that hold up fashion doll toys?

61.  See 54-Down

62.  Typesetter’s selection

63.  “Turn on the ceiling fan, will ya?”

64.  Squeezed (by)

65.  Alan of crosswords

66.  What || means

67.  Flat top land

Down

1.  Take it all off

2.  “Silly, silly, silly”

3.  Favored one side

4.  Unimaginably long time

5.  Programmer’s work

6.  Reach the top

7.  Summer time in Philly

8.  Documentarian Garbus

9.  Allow

10.  Mixed-berry smoothie berry

11.  Sugar substitutes?

12.  Suffer huge financial losses

13.  Platform with Face ID

19.  Real estate abbr.

21.  Bibimbap side dish

24.  Suit worn by jazz cats

25.  Undivided

26.  Around-the-world trip

27.  Mountain pool

29.  Key audience for influencers, for short

33.  Running things

34.  Curvy calligraphy style

35.  ___ fruit

36.  Oxygen-using bacterium

38.  Home-care worker

39.  First focus of a jigsaw, often

40.  Food court building

46.  “___ Fideles”

48.  Real lulu

49.  Some hoodies emblazoned with rhinos

50.  “This’ll do”

51.  They get rotated in a garage

52.  Link’s princess

54.  With 61-Across, encouraging words

57.  Curator’s preliminary deg.

58.  Beneficial info

59.  Org. with the Rod of Aesculapius in its logo

60.  “In the Heights” director Jon M. ___

61.  Real lulu

GEMINI (May 21- June 20) A strong communicator at heart, always there for a good laugh, Venus’s transit in retrograde taking place in your area of communication could tone it down a bit. Specifically, what you need to say, and how to go about delivering your message can create mixed messages. So, digest your words carefully. Also, this is not the best time for travel, though if you’re in need of getting away, or work matters prevail, be on alert. Pluto retrograding your eighth house of possessions can trigger compulsive financial behavior. Untangling the knots and working through the finer details can take you way ahead of your game plan.

LEO (July 22 - August 22) Venus in retrograde this month in your own sign can be one of great interest and it forces you to look at yourself from the inside out. Having to take more stock into everyday affairs, mainly relationships, new or existing. Taking a personal inventory can be in your best interest. In addition, you may have more of a critical outlook in how you view others. Also, with Pluto’s retrograde hitting your area of responsibilities, you may be more inclined to take on more than you bargained for. Though being aware of boundaries is essential, taking on what you need for yourself, health and fitness being the key, is all that counts. Self-preservation.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) With Venus traveling through the sacred part of your chart, emotionally and mentally, nostalgia kicks in. This can be a period of sentiment, as thoughts of the past are rekindled. In addition, former partners and/ or friendships may emerge from the ethers. Unexpected trials and tribulations can develop. Also, you may be tempted to take on more than you should where money matters occur. In addition, with Pluto now transiting your area of love and speculation, you may start to focus on joy. Simple pleasure and self-gratification, allowing yourself to breathe. Forcing you out of your cocoon.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) With ruling planet Venus retrograding in Leo triggering friendships, your connections to others could sway in different directions. For most Libras, keeping it steady is the key. However, during this transit, your observations become more critical as you seem more aware and alerted to your own needs and wants. This could be the best time to pay attention to your instincts. Also, as Pluto retrogrades your home, family and friends become more so of a safety net. Looking for validation, or any kind of reassurance is key. A good time for allowing yourself to nestle in and enjoy your space.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Keeping it real where career matters flourish is a matter of importance as your main goal is achievement. However, Venus’s transit in retrograde can be unpredictable if not chaotic. On one level you find yourself spinning your wheels, tackling even the most difficult projects. On the flip side, you’ve run out of gas and are moving at a much slower pace. Where you land is in your hands. Moreover, as your ruler Pluto is now in retrograde, the words you say speak volumes. Your energy speaks for itself, though at this time with Pluto in retrograde, having to revisit old wounds, and reassess your thoughts, taking more of an authentic approach can be healing in itself.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December

20)

As Venus in retrograde tackles your area of higher consciousness, your mindset resides deeply in your inner thoughts. Getting caught up in your head, introspection, delving into your purpose, is in your wheelhouse. Taking time out, and just allowing yourself to be, going with the flow can be best. Also, taking the time to regain your financial stance is important at this time. With Pluto in retrograde of your money house, it’s all about taking a few steps back and regaining your sense of security.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January

19) It would be most beneficial during this period to use caution where finances or investments are concerned. It’s not the best time for large purchases or to tackle any major projects. This is a period where rational thought is in conflict with emotional cloudiness. So, step back and reexamine your steps. Also, with Pluto moving back into your own sign, it’s all about having to reflect on the person you were when this transit occurred 15 years ago. Turning inward and regaining your steps is a feat in itself.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

Time to hit the brakes as relationships through work or play may need to be streamlined while the planet of love retrogrades in your area of connections. Those around you may feel a bit touchy and could take criticism very seriously. So, it’s best to avoid confrontation. Though with the planets in your favor, a sense of buoyancy and complete cooperation is in store as you glide through. Pluto in retrograde of your subconscious allows you to tap into your intuition, diving into the deepest parts of your mind, on more of a solitary inner journey. It’s all about letting go and moving ahead.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19) It’s a make it or break it time where health and personal attainment are concerned. As the focus is placed on fitness, this can be a good time for you to take stock of your personal goals. The desire to get moving in the right direction is strong, yet the slowing down of Venus in retrograde could have other things in mind. So, stay on track, no matter what. With Pluto transiting in retrograde, your area of social connections, you may be seeking out more of a community of support. This can be an interesting transit as it allows you to emerge and become more involved.

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 419-2401935 as she takes astrological questions and requests! Every second Wednesday on 96.7 CLASSIC HITS with Keith and Dawn. Call 1-888-561-2837 every other Wednesday morning from 7:30-8:30am as she takes calls live. Contact Janet Amid at 419-882-5510 or at JanetAmid@aol.com.

CLASSIFIEDS GET HEALTHY

Luckey Road Lavender Yoga

Luckey Road Lavender Farm is a great place to pick bunches of lavender, capture interesting photos and enjoy nature. The garden’s beauty enhances yoga classes on Wednesdays at 7pm, with three dates in July on the 5, 12 and 19. For $10, enjoy these restorative classes between the lavender rows. 19587 Luckey Rd., Pemberville. luckeylavender.com.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Support Group

Church3TwentyOne hosts weekly grief support groups on Wednesdays at 7pm. July dates are 5, 19 and 26. Each session is self-contained, so you are welcome to join any week or with whatever schedule you choose. Support groups are also available in Dundee, Holland, Temperance and Toledo. 419-824-3321. 5845 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. griefshare.org.

City of Toledo presents 2023

Disabled and Proud Fest

The 2023 Disabled and Proud Fest takes place Saturday, July 8 from 9am-6pm at Levis Square in downtown Toledo. The event will include face painting, food trucks, activities and resources highlighting disability, an all-abilities 3 vs. 3 wheelchair basketball tournament for youth and adults, and more. Sponsored by the City of Toledo and partner organizations including the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Sight Center, Deaf Services Center, Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, UToledo Disability Services and Metroparks Toledo. Free and open to the public. 435 N. St. Clair St., Toledo. Find more information about the event and sign up for the basketball tournament at toledo.oh.gov/events/ disabled-and-proud-fest.

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