November 2022

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BEST OF TOLEDO VOTING BEGINS

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TOLEDO MEN WITH STYLE

Holiday Gift Guide P13

Eric Otto

The New Face of Toledo Ballet P4 WHAT TO SERVE & SIP

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October 1 • October 31

Wine Guide 1

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022 #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Here is a directory to help you find aorganizations, charities, events and more in your comunity.

Independence is Possible Independence Be a part isofPossible the Be a part of the movement movement

On Giving Tuesday, please give to help Connecting Kids To Meals feed hungry kids on Giving Tuesday!

abilitycenter.org/donate abilitycenter.org/donate

Visit www.ConnectingKidsToMeals.org FOR MORE INFORMATION.

kidney.org Sunshine’s mission is to create community among people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends and staff.

We do this by offering services that enable all of us to build relationships that enhance our lives through mutual caring and growth.

www.sunshine.org/donate

Did you know that 33% of Americans are at risk for kidney disease and is also the 8th leading cause of death in Ohio?

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Serving Northern Ohio is part of the largest nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Your gift today will fund education and access to transplant opportunities in communities who need it the most Kidney.org/SeasonOfGivingOH.

CREATE. CREATE. SUPPORT. SUPPORT. INSPIRE. INSPIRE. www.theartscommission.org www.theartscommission.org

Toledo Opera is a non-profit devoted to creating opera experiences in the theatre, classroom, and throughout the community that celebrate compelling stories. We are an ambitious cultural leader in the region, pairing storytelling and artistry of the highest caliber with authentic community connections. toledoopera.org

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Food for Thought is a local nonprofit organization that works to alleviate hunger in the Greater Toledo area. Offering ten mobile food pantries in various locations throughout the city as well as a weekend lunch distribution and outreach program, Food for Thought strives to create a community where the hunger for food, respect, and belonging is met for all people.

Every dollar makes a difference! Text ‘Donate’ to 419-314-4866 or visit us at: feedtoledo.org

The Toledo Ballet inspires the passions and spirit of our community through dance.

The Toledo Symphony inspires our region to come together through creative, thoughtful and innovative collaborations in the performing arts.

toledoballet.com/ballet/donate

toledosymphony.com/donate

They can’t win without you!

VOTE

SO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY TODAY!

November 1 • November 30

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November 1- November 30, 2022 Vol. 25 • Issue 11

MARKETPLACE CHANGES

Adams Street Publishing Co.

UPDATES IN LOCAL BUSINESS

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I will be watching football or I will be doing ___________________.

Know of any changes in the area?

Send them to editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) COZIED UP ON THE COUCH WITH MY CAT, EATING LEFTOVERS AND WATCHING NETFLIX.

The chic folks at Hannon’s Block have opened the Garage Door Bar at 619 Monroe St. Set towards the back of the restaurant, enter through the garage door on Erie St. 419-407-5146. hannonsblockrestaurant.com

Co-publisher/ Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) FOOTBALL IS LIKE A RELIGION, AND SATURDAY, ESPECIALLY THE SATURDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, IS THE HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION.

Editorial

Roosters, described as a “fun, casual” joint that’s known for their chicken wings, has opened in the former Ralphie’s location in Sylvania at 5702 Monroe St. roosterswings.com

Assignment Editor: Kelly McGilvery (editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WATCHING A MARATHON OF BRITISH MURDER-MYSTERIES Contributing Writers: David Bernard, Amanda Destatte, Johnny Hildo, Elizabeth Inman, Michael Pierce, Julie Pompa, Steven Sloan and Tre Spencer Interns: Olivia Johnson and Sneha Kamath

Advertising

Hub of Hope: How TARTA Expands Outreach for the Toledo Community

Sales Coordinator Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HANGING OUT WITH MY MOM AFTER OUR BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING.

Kato Ramen has opened right next door to Kengo Sushi & Yakitori at 40 S. St. Clair in the Warehouse District. Novices are advised by owner Kato to “slurp loud and eat fast.” (419) 469-8929. katoramen.com The Rossford flower purveyor, Urban Flowers, recently opened a new shop, Planted, in downtown Toledo in August.

Enjoy an intimate shopping experience with fun products — handmade gifts, exquisite pottery and, of course, a beautiful selection of plants! Planted by Urban Flowers, 118 S. Superior St. 419666-3990. Urbanflowersonline.com

Account Executives: Gabbi Huff (ghuff@adamsstreetpublishing.com) EATING LEFTOVERS, OR SHOPPING, OR BOTH! Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com) IS SOMETHING GOING ON BESIDES FOOTBALL!?! NOT AT MY HOUSE!!

Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MORE FOOTBALL, OF COURSE!!

Amy Bjarke (abjarke@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MAKING LEFTOVER BINGE EATING AN OLYMPIC SPORT FAR WORTHIER THAN FOOTBALL. AND I’LL PUT UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE BETWEEN SNACKS.

Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NOT. A. @!$*. THING. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WORKING. UNPACKING THE CHRISTMAS DECOR AND HOPEFULLY CATCHING THE SECOND HALF OF THE GAME. Digital Media: Nathaniel Light (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) OHIO STATE VS MICHIGAN. Digital Media & Social Media: Margot Jacobs (margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WAIT, PEOPLE WATCH FOOTBALL?

Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) WATCHING FOOTBALL FOR SURE!!

Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) WATCHING U OF M PLAY OSU-GO BLUE!

TolHouse resurrects Toledo’s jazz heritage

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most read online 1. Arnie’s returns to Toledo after 8 years

Also publishers of:

Member

The Benchmark Restaurant Group has added Claude’s Prime Seafood to its culinary dynasty. Located in Levis Commons by the theaters, Claude’s is open for dinner seven nights a week.

Enjoy signature cocktails, al fresco dining, late-night bar with live piano and multiple private dining options for parties of up to 80 guests. claudesprimeseafood.com.

419-931-6050 A new sports bar, The R.O.W. (Rollin’ On Wooster) Bar and Grill, has opened in the former Reverend’s at 130 E. Wooster in Bowling Green. 419-352-0400. therowbg.com Get your shots (the fun kind) at Agave & Rye, located in Levis Commons. Described as a “modern tequila and bourbon hall” with an ambiance described as “urban grunge,” the Covington, Kentucky-based chain is renowned for its tacos. 567-276-3742. agaveandrye.com Fetch! Pet Care Toledo has launched, offering a range of services for furry, feathered and scaly family members, including puppy check-ins, private dog walking, pet sitting, overnight care and animal transportation. 419-500-2903.

FetchPetCare.com Tye the Knot Wedding Chapel is an intimate wedding venue perfect for those with a wedding date less than a year away, those who seek a weekday or weekend wedding and those with a guest list of fewer than 30 people. 4314 Monroe Street. 567343-2933. Tyetheknot419.com Atlas Bridal Shop is celebrating their 95th Anniversary this year with a newly remodeled store, featuring a showcase dedicated to Morilee dresses for many occasions. 419-474-9119. Atlasbridalshop. com OnSite-OccuHealth is now open at 5151 Monroe St., Suite 231, offering DOT Physical Exams for CDL holders, bus drivers and charter boat captains. 567-245-1976.

Onsite-occuhealth.com

Advertising/General Info For advertising and general information, call 419-244-9859 or fax 419-244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@toledocitypaper.com. Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication. Toledo City Paper subscriptions are available by mail for $28/quarterly or $75 per year at Toledo City Paper, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio 43604. One copy free per person per week; extra copies $1 each. Persons taking copies for any reason other than personal use are subject to prosecution. Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing, and should include the writer’s full name and phone number.

Any letter submitted to the editor or publisher may be printed at the publisher’s discretion in issues subsequent to its receipt. ©2022 by Adams Street Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Dermatology Associates has moved its Sylvania office to 3141 Central Park West in Toledo. 419-872-0777. daohio.com

2. Toledo Food Truck Guide 3. Shots Fired: Newly

Storm and Sky Shoppe is a new boutique that sells products designed and made in the USA, from housewares to clothing. Located at 5333 Monroe St., Suite 21 in the former Stride Rite space. stormandskyshoppe.com

expanded ShotSpotter Program

4. Road Trip: September 2022

Audited by

5. September Astrology: The Stars Speak

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November 1 • November 30

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ON THE COVER

The New Face of Toledo Ballet The Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and Toledo Ballet named professional dancer, educator, and choreographer Eric Otto as its new Artistic Director & Head of Curriculum.

“TAPA is such a unique organization and I look forward to beginning my journey as Artistic Director & Head of Curriculum of Toledo Ballet,” says Otto. “I absolutely love the idea of the ballet and symphony operating under one performing arts organization. I have to say, that was a huge draw for me when I was researching the position. It is so rare for a ballet school to perform with live music, so when I saw that the Toledo Ballet collaborates with the Toledo Symphony for its annual production of The Nutcracker and spring performances, I was hooked.”

Otto began dancing at the age of seven with the School of American Ballet in New York City and has performed with many prestigious ballet institutions over the years, including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and BalletX. Otto has performed extensive repertoire and works by Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, John Cranko, Jiří Kylián, Kenneth MacMillan, Jerome Robbins and others.

Otto appeared in the original cast of Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, performing the leading role of Sid. He continued to appear on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera and toured with Twyla Tharp for her 50th Anniversary. Off the Broadway stage, Otto has danced roles specially created for him by some of the most influential modern dance artists of today, including Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, Lynne TaylorCorbette, and Matthew Neenan.

In addition to his professional dance career, Otto brings over 25 years of industry experience to Toledo Ballet as an educator and choreographer. As a choreographer, Otto has received commissions by Peoria Ballet Company, Albany Berkshire Ballet, The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Saratoga Arts Fest, The Bruce Museum, Bucknell University, and Skidmore College.

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November 1 • November 30

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CITY POLITICS Turkey Day in the T

Turkey and gravy in City Politics

By Johnny Hildo

Fall is finally here! Autumn leaves are falling in a blaze of color, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, and there is finally a crispness to the morning air.

‘Tis the season to pause and give thanks by slaughtering gobbler birds and eating tin can-shaped cranberry goo. Here at City Politics we also take the time to celebrate the many turkeys of T-Town. And we are thankful for the sides of gravy that make the dry, tough old birds a bit more palatable.

Behold, this year’s gobble gobble collection.

Thanksgiving dinner

Turkey Number One. Tony “Killer” Dia. By now you know Killer’s bona fides.

Convicted killer. Owner of strip joints, with a rap sheet as long as your sleeve.

Trying desperately to ride the coattails of his heroic son, police officer Anthony Dia, who was killed in the line of duty. Using the honor of his son in a craven attempt to white wash his sordid past and win public office. Talk about turkey!

Killer has run for office twice since his son’s tragic death and lost both times.

This year he is running for Ohio Senate, even though he has never served a day in public office.

Here’s the gravy. Killer’s opponent is current State Rep. Paula Hicks Hudson. In stark contrast, PHH has a lifetime of public service. She has been an attorney in private practice advocating for children, and has served as a member of Toledo City Council and as Toledo Mayor. She is gracious, thoughtful, and hard-working.

And she’ll beat Killer handily. Three strikes and yer out, buddy.

Turkey Number Two. Gary “No Clue” Johnson. The Clueless One is a member of the infamous Indicted Four, members of Toledo City Council federally indicted on various charges in Twenty Twenty. Upon his arrest, Johnson famously opined that he apparently doesn’t know the difference between a bribe and a campaign contribution. Foot in mouth much, Gary?

His fellow indictees Tyrone Riley and Yvonne Harper have largely vanished from public view. Larry Sykes had the temerity to run for re-election. Voters had the good sense to reject him out of hand.

And Johnson? He seems oblivious to the legal peril he’s in while attempting to raise his public stature. He has been sighted at every major political event lately, glad-handing and chuckling it up. Most folks are predictably polite but standoffish with the disgraced pol facing federal prison.

Sorry, folks, no gravy with this one. By the time you read this the indicted one will probably still be in legal limbo and continue to have no clue why he is persona non grata. Turkey.

And then there’s Marcy. Longtime and faithful servant, she has beaten back challenges from such chuckle heads as Ed Emery and Joe the Dumber, er, “Plumber.” In case you’ve forgotten, Emery was convicted of harassing his neighbors by tossing poop in their yard.

Nut job turkey!

Now there’s some turkey running against Marcy named Mazerowski or something or other. Election denier, serial liar, all around dumpster fire. Hey, that rhymes!

Go, Marcy, go!

Thank you for your public service

On a serious note, we believe it is appropriate to give thanks to all dedicated public servants at this time of year. From safety forces to city and county workers, from teachers to school bus drivers, and to elected officials working in public trust, thank you for your work in the public interest each and every day. You perform thankless jobs, but we are all better for the work you do.

Thank a public worker today!

They can’t win without you!

SO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE POLITICIAN TODAY! www.toledocitypaper.com

November 1 • November 30

5

Wrongful convictions do occur.

State of Ohio vs. Wayne Braddy Jr. and Karl Willis Interview with Retired Judge Michael Heavey

Background of the case

In the early-morning hours of June 15, 1998, a 13-year-old African-American boy, Maurice Purifie, was found murdered on Horace Street in Toledo. Purifie had been shot once in the chest and four times in the head.

Initially there were no suspects in the murder, but then, Toledo Police received a tip from a woman who claimed to be a friend of Shondrea Rayford. Rayford was then the girlfriend of Travis Slaughter, who was in his early 20’s at the time. The call to the police indicated that Rayford had shared with the tipster that Slaughter had admitted that he was the one who had killed Purifie. Slaughter, a boyhood friend and contemporary of both Wayne Braddy Jr. and Karl Willis, was brought in for questioning by Toledo Police, and after 6 hours of questioning, and 25 denials during that period that he was involved, Slaughter eventually claimed he was involved and that Wayne Braddy Jr. and Karl Willis were also involved. Thereafter, a presentation was made to the Lucas County Grand Jury which included reference to the statements made by Slaughter.

Initially, the grand jury did not authorize a charge, but the case was re-presented to the Grand Jury and the second presentation included the information concerning the testimony of Shondrea Rayford, after which the Grand Jury returned an indictment, or notice of a charge of Murder, against Wayne Braddy and Karl Willis.

Trial and outcome

Slaughter entered a plea in 1999, admitting involvement in the murder of Purifie, and received a sentence of 18 years (10 years for the homicide, an additional three years for use of a firearm and five additional years on another, unrelated charge), which he has served. Slaughter, who cannot now be tried again for the murder, as he has already admitted his involvement and been sentenced, has now come forward telling what he refers to as the “true story” of the killing of Purifie.

At the 2000 trial for Braddy and Willis, when called to testify, Slaughter’s girlfriend, Shondrea Rayford, refused to testify and, based upon her disobedience of a Court Order requiring her to testify, she was sentenced to, and served, a contempt punishment of 30 days in jail.

The jury, hearing only the testimony of Travis Slaughter implicating Braddy and Willis, the same testimony that had led the Grand Jury to issue an original finding of insufficient probable cause to issue a charge/ indictment, convicted Braddy and Willis.

Through the investigative work of WTOL reporter Brian Dugger, the foreman of the jury from the trial in 2000, when interviewed on camera in 2019 (see the interview here) stated that when Shondrea Rayford refused to testify, the jury, although they were instructed to disregard and NOT consider the refusal of Rayford to testify, in fact, did consider it and concluded, through assumption, that she was afraid of Willis and Braddy, or feared reprisal from their families. Instead, and again through Dugger’s investigative work, the reason Rayford says she refused to testify was that she didn’t want to lie as she was being pressured by the police to do that.

Ohio Innocence Project

With the assistance of the Ohio Innocence Project through Attorney Jennifer Bergeron, Braddy and Willis filed a Motion, based on the investigation of Dugger and the recantation of Slaughter, requesting an opportunity for a hearing before the Lucas County Common Pleas Court to determine if credible evidence, including Shondrea Rayford’s explanation, the Jury Foreman’s statements and Slaughter’s recantation of his prior testimony, exists to warrant a new trial. The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office filed a response, urging the Trial Court to deny Braddy and Willis a hearing to present the new evidence to allow the Court to determine if a new trial is warranted.

Decision denying hearing request

Judge Gary Cook of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court issued a decision on September 9, 2022, in which he denied the request of Braddy and Willis to hold a hearing and denying Willis’ and Braddy’s Motion for a New Trial. The Motion, denied without a hearing, stated a hearing would have provided the Judge with the opportunity to listen to Slaughter’s new evidence in the form of his live testimony about his own innocence, the pressure he felt during the interrogation and his trial testimony and his rationale regarding why he lied about his involvement. The Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) appealed Judge Gary Cook’s decision to the Sixth District Court of Appeals on September 30, 2022.

Braddy and Willis remain in an Ohio Penitentiary, awaiting a determination by Ohio’s 6th District Court of Appeals, doing life sentences for a crime — the murder of Purifie — that they have steadfastly maintained, since the date they were charged, that they did not commit.

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Judges for Justice founder Retired Judge Michael Heavey, being interviewed at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle.

Tell me a little about yourself, Judge, ers should go to freewayneandkarl.com. what is your background? I’m 75 years It has a lot of good information about the old now, I grew up in Seattle and I joined case. Also, for a good overview about the the Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam process of investigating wrongful convicas an officer from ‘69 to ‘70. I was awardtions go to our website, judgesforjustice. ed a Bronze Star. I went back to school org, and watch the first 18 minutes of in 1971 and completed undergraduate Episode 12. school at the University of Washington and law school at Santa Clara University.

Is your organization, Judges for I became a state legislator in the WashJustice, different from other innoington State legislature for 14 years, cence organizations, like the Innoeight in the House, six in the Senate. In cence Project? Yes, our organization 2000, Governor Locke appointed me to is different in that we don’t represent be a Superior Court Judge (the general defendants. We come in as independent trial division in Washington State). I reneutrals, with expertise in wrongful contired in 2013. victions. We educate the community by uncovering and exposing facts and eviwHow was the organization Judges dence to demonstrate that the convicted for Justice formed? In 2007, a neighperson is innocent. We also teach about bor girl, who was also a classmate of my the subconscious psychological factors daughter, Amanda Knox, was arrested that lead to wrongful convictions. for murder in Italy. Long story short, I got involved. Amanda was completely So, concerning the Braddy and Wilexonerated in 2015 by Italy’s highest lis case, have you read Judge Cook’s court. Amanda’s case sparked my interdecision denying a new trial? What est in wrongful convictions. In 2013 I codo you think? Yes, I have reviewed it founded Judges for Justice with Michiand discussed it with other members of gan retired Circuit Court judge Peter Judges for Justice several times. Judge Deegan.

Cook is an excellent judge. You can tell he is a good person; he worked hard on What does Judges for Justice do? that decision, it is clear. It is a well-writHow many members are involved? ten opinion, he writes like an appellate How many states? Judges for Justice judge. I disagree with his conclusions has studied wrongful convictions to dein the decision, but I think I understand termine why they happen. We have cases why. in Idaho, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. With regard to the Ohio case involving Karl Why do you disagree with Judge Willis and Wayne Braddy, great work has Cook’s decision on Braddy and Wilbeen done by the Ohio Innocence Projlis? For the past 24 years, the prevailing ect and Brian Dugger of WTOL in his mindset in Toledo has been that Travis “Guilty Without Proof” series. Your readSlaughter, Wayne Braddy Jr., and Karl Willis killed Maurice Purifie. After all,

November 1 • November 30

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Slaughter confessed to seeing a 13-yearold kid shot in the head four times, pled guilty and did 18 years in prison. Once a person’s mind is set, it is difficult to change that perception.

In his decision, Judge Cook mentions four or five times that Travis Slaughter is now saying he is innocent. That is correct, Slaughter is now saying that he, Travis Slaughter, is innocent, and that is new evidence, completely different from all of Slaughter’s previous statements.

Judge Cook was entitled to make a fresh credibility determination of Slaughter’s new statement. To make that determination, Judge Cook could have ordered that a hearing be held to allow Slaughter to testify, under oath, in court. However, Judge Cook decided that he would not hold a hearing to listen to Slaughter’s claim of innocence.

At a new hearing, all sides could explore Slaughter’s original confession and how it morphed into his bolstered trial testimony. Attorneys on both sides could question Slaughter about this new assertion of his own innocence, and his rationale behind why he lied about his involvement when he testified 20 plus years ago. I spoke to Slaughter three times in the fall of 2021. It all made sense after I spoke with him. Even though Slaughter’s new statement flies in the face of the accepted crime narrative, fairness to Wayne Braddy Jr. and Karl Willis begs for a hearing on the new evidence.

Registry. A wrongful conviction is the end result of a compromised legal process. Judges for Justice looks for the common signs of wrongful convictions.

Retired Judges Peter Deegan of Michigan and Michael Heavey of Washington State, co-founders in 2013 of Judges for Justice, at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan where Judge Heavey spoke to the Michigan Judges Association about wrongful convictions.

Judges for Justice believes that Travis Slaughter is innocent too?

Definitely, but before we get into that let me tell you what we look for when evaluating alleged innocence. We have been studying wrongful convictions and why they happen for the last 10 years. First, we conduct a thorough investigation. In

this case we saw that there was actually no physical evidence or eye-witness testimony other than Travis Slaughter. In fact, Judge Cook points that out in his decision. And now, today, Slaughter has completely recanted his trial testimony.

Slaughters now states, under penalty of perjury, he was not at the murder of Purifie and to his knowledge neither were Braddy and Willis.

Wrongful convictions are a terrible stain on our country’s justice system.

The University of Michigan Law School maintains a website entitled The National Registry of Exonerations. As of September 2022, the registry has 3,249 exonerations since 1989 for serious felonies.

Over 100 of these exonerees had been on death row. A full ten percent of these exonerations, 322, had been caused by a false confession of a co-defendant. Ohio has five of those cases listed on the UM

While conducting the investigation in this case, what did Judges for Justice look for? In this case, first, we see, like any neutral observer, that there is scant evidence against Willis or Braddy. The only evidence is the policebolstered trial statement that Slaughter came up with to avoid life in prison. And now that Slaughter has recanted there is no evidence at all. In addition, however, we look for the underlying, often subconscious motivating factors that cause wrongful convictions.

In the 1990s Canada had three egregious wrongful convictions come to light.

Finding that unacceptable, Canada’s Department of Justice studied how to prevent them in the future. The report from Canada’s Crown Prosecutors is a landmark study. They identified a primary cause, which the study termed “tunnel vision and its perverse byproduct of noble cause corruption.” We look for a determined investigator who is blinded by his tunnel vision and who uses noble cause corruption to overcome the lack of evidence.

That’s a lot to unpack. Let’s start with who is the “determined investigator?” Typically, these investigators are no-nonsense alpha law enforcement

Visit toledocitypaper.com to read the entire interview with Judge Heavey.

Ohio Innocence Tour Made a Stop in Toledo

By Michael Pierce Across the US wrongfully convicted inmates sit in prisons. Failures in the justice system allow this sad reality to persist. But there is growing support and advocacy for these wrongfully convicted people.

This fall, Witness to Innocence and the Ohio Innocence Project teamed up, traveling across Ohio to share the stories of innocent people who’ve spent many years on death row. On October 12th, Kwame Amaju and Derrick Jamison were two of the speakers at the Phillips Temple CME Church on Palmwood Avenue in Toledo. “These atrocities will continue to happen until we broaden the mentalities in our communities and attack the system the way that it needs to be attacked,” explains Amaju – board chairman of Witness to Innocence.

Decades Lost

Amaju’s story goes back to 1975 in Cleveland, when he was just 17 years old. “I was tried, convicted and sentenced to death before my 18th birthday”, he

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personnel. They are experienced. They know what prosecutors and juries look for. They are determined to get their way. The lead investigator in the Braddy and Willis case was Detective Bart Beavers. A Lucas County grand jury failed to find probable cause to indict Willis and Braddy based upon Travis Slaughter’s original confession. But Beavers eventually obtained two convictions, beyond a reasonable doubt, using the exact same witness.

After the trial Beavers wrote elected prosecuting attorney Julia Bates a letter. He said he was the lead investigator and the case was “extremely difficult to prosecute.” He called it an “astounding” victory. He went on to say that the trial prosecutors “accomplished the unthinkable” by convicting Braddy and Willis.

He states, and I quote, “In a case where victory hinged on the testimony of a codefendant Travis Slaughter, our backs were against the wall.”

A trial is a search for the truth, not a Michigan versus Ohio State football game. Beavers’ self-aggrandizing letter, where he characterizes the Braddy and Willis convictions as “unthinkable,” is clear proof there was never a case with probable cause, let alone sufficient proof to convict. It could be ethically questionable for a prosecutor to bring a case without probable cause and sufficient evidence to convict.

explains. Amaju, his brother Wiley Bridgeman, and their friend Ricky Jackson were accused of committing a robbery and murder of Harry J. Franks outside a local grocery store.

The statement from 12-year-old Eddie Vernon was all it took for the three to receive a death sentence.

Later, Vernon changed his story from his original statement and said that he was coerced by police to testify against the three innocent young men.

Insufficient Compensation

Later, in the 70’s, their sentences were commuted from death to life in prison. But it took until 2014 for all three to be fully exonerated. The trio received $18 million from a settlement from the City of Cleveland, but no amount of monetary compensation can make up for the time they lost. “Six of my great aunts died while I was in prison, along with two of my cousins and a best friend. There’s not enough money in the world for me to be alright with that,” says Amaju.

Near the end of 2014, Amaju became an active

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member of Witness to Innocence where he is now board chairman. According to Witness to Innocence numbers, across the US 186 inmates have been exonerated from death row, spending an average of 11.5 years in prison before being freed for a crime they didn’t commit.

Cases Continue

“The list is growing all the time”, says Allison Cohen – interim executive director of Ohioans to Stop Executions – the official campaign to stop the death penalty in Ohio. Cohen began working with the organization in 2012, and over the last decade “we’ve seen 50 more cases, nationwide,” she explains. “This is not a problem that is going away any time soon.”

Advances in DNA evidence is one way that innocent people are exonerated. Many cracks in the system exist that put people in prison cells for crimes they didn’t commit. Cohen tells us that “false eyewitnesses, official misconduct, coerced confessions and prosecutors not disclosing evidence that would lead a jury to a different conclusion – known as a Brady Violation – have all played a role in wrongful convictions.”

For more information, visit: witnesstoinnocence.org nodeathpenaltyoh.com otse.org

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Classic MAN T

This year’s Men’s Style participants bring finesse and substance to their careers in education, hospitality, sports and fitness, food and music. Brains and dashing looks mixed with great taste and tunes: what could be more stylish?

Our honorees told us about their style and showed us what they’ve got at a photo shoot at TolHouse, the hip members-only Vistula neighborhood club.

Jason MERCURIO OWNER AND TRAINER, RED LINE CIRCUIT TRAINING This dedicated trainer and entrepreneur, a former winner of TCP’s Best Dressed Man, in 2019 Best of Toledo voting, is helping folks across the area look great.

by Sonny Forest and David Bernard PHOTOS BY TYSON HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

If I wasn’t an entrepreneur I would be: a firefighter.

My inspiration comes from: Wanting to grow and build something great.

One piece of advice you’d give your younger self: To be relentless in your pursuit.

What’s one song you play to put yourself in a good mood: “California Love” by 2pac and Dr. Dre. Where would you most like to buy a one way ticket to?

Palermo, Sicily.

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Everything in the store is on sale including Scag power equipment, Bobcat Mowers, Fisher Plows, parts and accessories! We’ll even have specials on inside & outside storage!

MUSSERENTERPRISE.COM | 419-836-2561

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November 1 • November 30

My drink of choice is: Coffee with a side of coffee.

Morning routine: Gratitude, shower, coffee, into the office (my gym, Red Line Circuit Training).

Cleanliness obsession: My gym, constantly wiping and cleaning to keep everyone healthy.

Favorite shoes: NOBULLS Typical breakfast: Egg whites and fruit smoothie.

Prized possession: My creativity.

I start my day by: Giving gratitude.

Usual outfit: A black button up, dark wash jeans and aviators.

I relax by: Being around my family. No matter how loud and crazy they are, that’s where I find my peace.

On my nightstand: Phone charger, lamp and alarm clock.

I’m old school.

Item I can’t live without: My cell phone. Literally I do everything on it, including completing these questions, LOL.

My style icon: No icon. My style is simple and classic.

I feel my best when wearing: Laughter. I’m told that my laugh is contagious.

To laugh is to enjoy life!

www.toledocitypaper.com

Dr. Romules DURANT Few public figures in Toledo dress as consistently crispy as Dr. Romules Durant, Superintendent and leader of Toledo Public Schools. His style is related to a sense of discipline going back to his days as a linebacker for University of Toledo coach Gary Pinkle, the way the coach represented the school as an individual, “everything was about representation, on and off the field, so you were about the colors.”

How many suits do you own? Well over a hundred. You always want to make sure they’re 100% wool.

Who is your style icon? I wouldn’t say I really have a style icon. I just go out and be me. I get my suits from Tailor & Tuxedo In The Park (5151 Glendale).

How many pairs of shoes do you own? I own about as many pairs of shoes as I do suits.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Everything is prepped a day ahead of time. And then it usually takes me about an hour and a half from the time I start, to when I walk out the door.

What does you closet look like?

It’s a masterpiece. Every suit is colorcoordinated and pressed. It’s a walk-in all the way through on both sides.

What’s a terrible men’s fashion choice? Sagging is a terrible choice.

There’s a struggle to even move.

Cont’d on p10

pick up a Stop in and te for that gift certifica eone this special som on! holiday seas

What problem do you think style solves? You’re at your best when you look nice. When you think of professionalism, people see a sense of pride, meaning not only for myself, but I recognize that I represent the City of Toledo.

What do you wear when you’re just relaxing? For the most part, because in a sense I’m always at work, I’m in a suit probably 95% of the time. And the other 5%, is when I’m at the gym. Usually when I’m at the gym, someone may see me and almost not recognize me because I don’t have the TPS shirt collar, so they’re surprised. But because of the nature of my job, I’m always representing TPS. I always have to be on.

What’s the farthest you’ve gone in the name of style? Going back to being a football player at the University of Toledo, we always wore the blue and gold. And to this day, I have driven halfway to Columbus and realized I had forgotten my class ring, and I drove all the way back to grab it because I don’t feel that I’m properly attired. And that’s that athlete in me: you need to feel prepared not only mentally, but physically as well.

2022

Where do you get your hair cut? I have a family member in Detroit who cuts the hair for Pistons players and Lions players. And because he’s family, he can get me in.

What most influenced your style education? I was at the University of Toledo, working on my master’s degree at the time, and I was walking to class, when I ran into one of my former Professors who asked me where I was going, and I told him I was going to teach a class.

And he said, “Dressed like that?” And he comtinued, “You’re setting an example for the students. Dress like it.” So from that day forward, I always wore a tie to work.

BEST O D E L O T

VOTE

s U e t o V e s Plea

Best Cigar Shop thecigaraffair.com Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm Sunday 11am-7pm

323 Conant Street Maumee, OH | 419 891 0109

www.toledocitypaper.com

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ToddKYLES DJ T.O.

Bringing energy, elán and enthusiasm to the dance floor, DJ T.O. proves that style can be a state of mind as well as a mode of dressing.

If I wasn’t a DJ, I would be: An electrician.

My inspiration comes from: James Brown, Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant & Tupac! Just to be GREAT! One piece of advice you’d give your younger self: Believe in yourself, stay focused, take the leap of faith when the opportunity comes, spend more time with your family, continue to pray and keep your faith in God. Where would you most like to buy a one way ticket to? Anywhere that has peace. I don’t like drama around me.

My drink of choice is: Silver Patrón with a little Sprite or Remy 1738 with a little Cherry Coke.

I start my day by: Thinking positive and setting five goals to be completed by the end of the day.

I relax by: Driving with no music and just thinking.

Item I can’t live without: Everything that plays music.

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Morning routine: Drink water to help flush my system out.

Cleanliness obsession: Hide all cords after a DJ setup.

Favorite shoes: Stacy Adams “gators” or suede shoes.

Typical breakfast: French toast, turkey bacon, eggs with cheese and hash browns.

Prized possession: Pictures and videos of my Mom and Grandma who have passed away.

I always wear: Only quality clothes. When you look good, you feel good.

On my nightstand: Just my phone.

My style icon: My dressing style is influenced by Detroit’s urban culture and my grandmother’s style. From the hats to the matching shoes, fur coats and designer glasses.

I feel my best when wearing: A sports jacket with a vest, my Dobbs hat, suede shoes and my Cartier glasses.

www.toledocitypaper.com

Justin FELDKAMP PROGRAM DIRECTOR/SPORTSCASTER, BCSN This busy dad of four moves between roles on the sports field, at home, and in the studio. His style supports all the stories of his life, from bedtime stories to incisive football commentary.

If I wasn’t a TV anchor, I would be: A real estate house flipper.

My inspiration comes from: Showing my children how to work hard and enjoy your passions.

One piece of advice you’d give your younger self: Stop thinking you know it all.

What’s one song you play to put yourself in a good mood: Casanova

by Gerald Levert.

Where would you most like to buy a one way ticket to?

Cayman Islands.

My drink of choice is: Rum and coke.

I start my day by: Working out.

I relax by: Reading.

Item I can’t live without: ChapStick lip balm.

Morning routine: Work out, read the newspaper, unload the dishwasher, help prep kids’ lunches, eat breakfast, take kids to the bus stop, shower, go to work.

www.toledocitypaper.com

Cleanliness obsession: Clean and clear kitchen countertops.

Favorite shoes: Florsheim dress casual brown shoes.

Typical breakfast: Blueberry bagel, yogurt and granola, Honey Bunches of Oats, coffee.

Prized possession: 84 neckties.

I always wear: Comfortable socks.

On my nightstand: A stack of books that I need to read.

My style icon: BCSN basketball analyst Deon Thompson I feel my best when wearing: A light blue suit, button down shirt with fun socks and brown dress shoes.

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VOTE Pizza, College Bar, Trivia Night, Dinner & Live Music

STUBBORNBROTHER.COM 3115 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, OH 43606 | (419)-720-1818

Moussa SALLOUKH OWNER, CHEF AT SOUK KITCHEN AND BAR Moussa Salloukh is the owner and chef at Souk Kitchen and Bar, one of downtown’s most popular restaurants. His cool and collected style adapts to the many settings of his life: from the kitchen to the dining room, from home to the public eye.

If I wasn’t a chef, I would be: A fireman.

Morning routine: Cup of coffee, walk the dogs and then off to work.

My inspiration comes from: My mother and my family.

Cleanliness obsession: Clean kitchen.

One piece of advice you’d give your younger self: Be patient! Life is a process!

What’s one song you play to put yourself in a good mood: Foo Fighters, “My Hero.”

Typical breakfast: Protein shake & a double espresso.

Prized possession: Family recipes.

My drink of choice is: Turkish old fashioned (Bourbon, cardamom bitters, simple syrup and an orange peel).

I always wear: A great time piece.

I start my day by: Being thankful for the people in my life (my entire family, fiancé and friends).

My style icon: Isn’t an individual for me.

I think it’s more the mood I’m in.

I relax by: Being with the one I love.

Item I can’t live without: My old school turntable and vinyl records.

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Favorite shoes: Wingtip boots.

November 1 • November 30

On my nightstand: A good book.

I feel my best when wearing: A chef coat because I’m being creative and doing what I love!

www.toledocitypaper.com

HOLIDAY Wishlist SPONSORED CONTENT

It’s never too early to get started on your holiday shopping with these thoughtful suggestions from our gift guide. Food, beauty services, top-notch hospitality, or thoughtful one-of-a-kind creations: discover your family’s favorite gifts at these local businesses.

Belamere Suites 12200 Williams Rd, Perrysburg.

866-499-2352. belameresuites.com.

Homeslice Pizza 28 S. St. Clair, Toledo. 419-724-7437. homeslice419.com.

Treat yourself or someone you love to those trademarked gloriously cheesy slices of heaven at Homeslice Pizza in the Warehouse District. Since 2006, Homeslice has been serving authentic New York style pizza right here in Toledo. Experience a taste of Homeslice today! And share that cheesy goodness with gift cards.

www.toledocitypaper.com

Whether you need a romantic getaway or simply a night to pamper yourself, make a reservation at The Belamere Suites Hotel, a destination for relaxation, romance, and bliss. For more than two decades, Belamere Suites has been providing the ultimate in luxury lodging with 24-hour concierge service and rooms that will have you saying “Wow!” Featuring vaulted ceilings, inviting fireplaces, large whirlpool tubs, and two-person walk-in showers, we can’t wait for you to check into The Belamere Suites Hotel.

Cont’d on p15

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Lily’s at Levis 4190 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg.

419-931-5611. lilysatlevishome.com.

From the elegant to the whimsical, Lily’s at Levis is your one-stop home and garden boutique. This woman- and locally-owned shop offers original art and jewelry by locally- and nationally-known artisans, witty home decor, beautifully scented candles and more. You never know what charming treasures you’ll find at Lily’s, located in the bustling shopping village of Levis Commons.

Cont’d on p16

209 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH | (419) 963-4611 LupitasCantinaPBURG

g DinAiRnDS 2022

AW

BEST NACHOS

VISIT CARLOSRESTAURANTS.COM FOR WEEKLY UPDATES FOR LIMITED TIME RELEASE OF EXOTIC MARGARITAS AND FEATURED MEALS.

VOTE

VOTE COCINA DE CARLOS BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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November 1 • November 30

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Reve Salon and Spa 5633 Main St, Sylvania. 419-885-1140. revesalonandspa.com.

Health and beauty go hand in hand at Reve Salon and Spa, voted Best Women’s Salon and Best Day Spa in Toledo City Paper’s Best of Toledo 2021. Our team of experts will have you looking and feeling your best—guaranteed. Gift cards are available in any denomination. Come experience the best massages, facials, and haircut of your life at Reve.

Cont’d on p 18

WINTER GIFT GUIDE 2022

FOR YOU

SCAN TO SHOP ONLINE OR VISIT US IN-STORE 419-254-5766 • TMASTORE.ORG

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Summer Vibes Hang on to the

E VOT

• Locally owned & operated • Picture framing/matting • Memorabilia/shadowbox

• Photos • Prints • Original paintings

Please Vote For Us: BEST PROFESSIONAL FRAMERS

328 W. Dussel Dr. Maumee, OH | 419.897.0591 | wellframeit.com

www.toledocitypaper.com

November 1 • November 30

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Whitehouse Inn 10835 Waterville St, Whitehouse.

419-877-1180. thewhitehouseinn.net.

Come experience our world-famous prime rib, seafood and steaks at The Whitehouse Inn. Plus, we offer a full bar where we shake up the best margarita around! We also have banquet facilities and offer off-premise catering for your next business meeting, reception or other event. Gift cards available. At The Whitehouse Inn, you’ll dine like a president!

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STEAL

WINE GUIDE

Wine is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages, with evidence of its production dating back to 7,000 B.C. With so much history and so many varieties, wine can be intimidating for a new fan.

Fear not! Toledo’s passionate, knowledgeable and professional fermented grape experts gave us the lowdown on why they love wine, great pairings, and some of the best deals in the area.

Jean Paul Cuvee Cotes de Gascogne $28

DEAL

Cantina del Garda Valpolicella Ripasso $11 glass/ $38 bottle

Jonathan McQueary General Manager

Napa Kitchen + Bar

STEAL 2019 Comte Royal Bordeaux Blanc ($10.99)

UNREAL

101 N. Summit St. 216-353-4951 napakitchenandbar.com

Vérité 2012 La Muse

What is your favorite wine region and why?

Rhone, France. The red wines are bold yet elegant with amazing complexity. The whites have great structure and body. You don’t have to spend a lot for quality and the wineries have been in some families for generations.

Are boxed or canned wines worth trying?

DEAL

2016 Les Cedres d’Hosten ListracMedoc ($24.99)

Zoe Young

Sommelier/ Wine Director

Mancy’s Italian Grill & Bottle Shop 5453 Monroe St. 419-882-9229 mancysitalian.com

Absolutely. Go with box or canned wines from a reputable winery; it’s usually the same juice they put in the bottles.

Box and canned wines are a great way to enjoy a fresh glass of wine without having to worry about what to do with the rest of the bottle.

What’s your favorite pairing at your restaurant?

Planet Oregon Pinot Noir with the pan roasted pork chop.

UNREAL

What is one bottle of wine you plan to have on the table at Thanksgiving?

CONTINUED ON P.20

2013 Bond Estates Melbury ($679.99 originally, but we have it on sale for $449.99)

2019 Domaine Chignard Fleurie “Les Moriers” ($27.99)

What’s your favorite pairing at your restaurant?

I love our Bianco pizza with the San Leonardo Vette Sauvignon Blanc, which we sell by the glass. This is an Italian Sauvignon Blanc that leans more toward the grassy/herbal/mineral end of the spectrum, as opposed to the grapefruit bombs that come out of New Zealand. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, and the tartness plays well with the honey drizzled over the pizza.

A bottle you’ll always find in my fridge/cellar: 2020 Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco di Sorbara

www.toledocitypaper.com

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CONTINUED FROM P.19

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STEAL

The Comtesse Marion Chardonnay is a steal, coming in at $7 a glass and $21 for the bottle.

DEAL

In Sheep’s Clothing Cabernet from Washington at $12 a glass or $36 for the bottle.

UNREAL

Matt Fredricks

The Joseph Phelps Insignia we have by the bottle on our Captain’s List for $310.

Bar Manager

Rosie’s Italian Grille 606 N. McCord Rd. 419-866-5007 rosiesitaliangrille.com

Are boxed or canned wines worth trying?

Personally, I think the quality of boxed wine is not remotely comparable to bottled wine. However, on the upside, the wine stays drinkable far longer.

What’s your favorite pairing at your restaurant?

I would say a great pairing would be our Ragaleali Nero D’Avola with our New Zealand Grilled Baby Lamb Chops.

A bottle you’ll always find in my fridge/cellar?

I like dry acidic white wines for home sippers. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc is a good store buy that usually does the trick.

Jen McAlear

Owner, Winemaker

STEAL

Urban Pine Winery

Our sangrias are a steal, we have at least six flavors and they cost $18 per bottle.

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

What is one bottle of wine you plan to have on the table at Thanksgiving?

I like to have many choices for any palate at Thanksgiving. I would recommend our Cinnamon Pomegranate Sangria for sweet drinkers, Sydney - a Riesling Gewurztraminer blend from Australia if you are a white wine person, or Carmen - a Tannat Syrah blend from Paso Robles for the red wine lovers.

What is your favorite wine region and why?

My long-time favorite is a Malbec from Argentina.

Wine is subjective, how did you know you had a knack for the craft?

I got everyone’s feedback when they tried my home-made wines and they unanimously loved them.

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DEAL

Most of our wines are great deals and we have a wide variety, including 40 different wines to choose from.

UNREAL

Any of our limited releases.

www.toledocitypaper.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STEAL

Personally, I make sure that all of the wines we offer are very approachable and affordable.

DEAL

Our Forge Cellars Classique Dry Riesling by the glass ($10) and by the bottle ($38).

Katelyn Murray C.S. Wine and Beverage Director

Rosaria’s on 3rd Street 135 W. 3rd St., Perrysburg 567-898-2121 rosariason3rd.com

UNREAL

What is one bottle of wine you plan to have on the table at Thanksgiving?

2019 Sassicaia Bolgheri Super Tuscan, which is priced at $300 for the bottle

I will always have Patrick Bottex’s Bugey Cerdon La Cueille Rosé on my table at Thanksgiving. It is the ultimate crowd pleaser with a little something for everyone: a little red, a little white with floral notes, great acid, and sweet on the finish. Plus it is sparkling which is my favorite, most years it is enjoyed during dinner prep and doesn’t even make it to the table!

What is your favorite wine region and why?

Just like your taste preference and palate can change, so can your favorite wineries and regions. Currently, I am keen on Northern Italian wines and the Alto Adige region near the Dolomites. This region specializes in well-balanced zesty reds and whites with lots of unique mineral content. Most of the wine programs in this region focus on biodynamic farming and winemaking methods and really strive for sustainable habits and giving back in whatever ways they can.

What’s your favorite pairing at your restaurant?

One of my favorite things to do is order fresh oysters, pair them with some bubbly, and sit out on our couches on the patio. Our Chef always has new oysters coming in and I offer several styles of bubbles by the glass and bottle for whatever your mood may be.

Read the full interviews online at

CONTINUED ON P. 22

toledocitypaper.com

A family-owned winery offering our own handcrafted wines from vineyards around the world.

Delicious Food Menu Available 1720 Northridge Rd., Findlay, OH 45840 |gilligwinery.com | (419) 408-3230

www.toledocitypaper.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CONTINUED FROM P. 21

STEAL

Juan Gil “Honora Vera”, Calatayud, Spain. 100% Montastrell. $43.

DEAL

Podere Sapio, “Vopolo” Bogheri, Italy. $60.

Rory Fowler

Corporate Service Director North Coast Hospitality Group

Basil Pizza & Wine Bar

UNREAL Opus One, Napa Valley, CA. $650. Very limited, only 3 bottles per year are allocated to us .

3145 Hollister Ln., Perrysburg 419-873-6218 basilpizzaandwinebar.com

What is your favorite wine region and why?

Hands down Red Mountain, Washington- the terroir is known for sand, silt, and gravel. All of this adds up to more concentrated flavors and much higher tannin levels in comparison to other growing regions. With many small but highly skilled wine producers, Red Mountain is making some of the most incredible wines in the world.

A bottle you’ll always find in my fridge/cellar:

Cantina Pedres, Vermentino, Sardinia Italy. When I entertain friends and family this is always one to impress the crowd. A lesser known varietal that makes a statement. Imagine Pinot Grigio on steroids, medium bodied, with notes of honeysuckle, yellow stone fruits, pineapple, incredible minerality and a wonderful saline finish that makes you feel like you are by the sea!

Tastes change. What was the most recent change for you?

Chardonnay- I have always liked very elegant, clean chardonnay that represents the purity of the grape. This last summer I have found myself chasing more complex chardonnays, rich and full bodied. One of my favorites this year is Mary Edwards Chardonnay!

Gus Mancy Founder, Owner

Mancy’s Steakhouse 953 Phillips Ave. 419-476-4154 mancyssteakhouse.com

What is one bottle of wine you plan to have on the table at Thanksgiving?

A white burgundy from Albert Bichot! I enjoy the concentrated minerality, lush fruits and a touch of acidity found in a nicely made white burgundy.

What’s the best way to pick out bottle of wine when you know nothing about the selection?

Stop into Mancy’s Italian Bottle Shop and chat with Zoe! She understands mine and all of her customers’ preferences.

What’s your favorite pairing at your restaurant?

Boschen Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and our steak!

Currently, we are offering 7 vintages of Boschen! Each vintage is unique (and excellent)!

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STEAL

Amancaya a blend of Cabernet and Malbec from Argentina - $38

DEAL

Mancy’s Napa Cabernet. 8 bench-land vineyards from Napa.

Our best Napa wine in the $70 price range

UNREAL Boschen Cabernet Napa Estate 2012. $140

www.toledocitypaper.com

CHOW LINE A taste of wine country in downtown Toledo Sharing and pairing in a casual Napa style

by Jeff Glick

The Napa Kitchen & Bar, boasting creative food and memorable wines, sits on the corner of Summit and Monroe Streets downtown, with views of Summit Street and Hensville Park on the first floor of the newly renovated Hilton Garden Inn. The entire hotel has experienced a reformation with a fully revamped design and appointments.

Napa Kitchen exudes a California casual feel with light woods, eclectic decorating and the enticing presence of a variety of wines, with bottles displayed along the walls. While the wines are priced fairly, an added incentive is provided to visit with ½ price on all wines on Tuesdays and also, on any day of the week, for any bottle purchased “to go”!

The fresh from scratch menu, perfect for sharing and pairing, is inspired

by Mediterranean flavors and served in a casual Napa style. Suggestions advanced by the staff and on the website invite diners to enjoy a breezy lunch, a round of small plates after work, an adventurous wine dinner with friends or a lazy weekend brunch. They have done a very nice job in creating an atmosphere for casual comfort and to take a break from the mundane tasks of the daily grind.

A light, open feeling

The entrance to the restaurant is welcoming with a light open feeling emanating from the floor to ceiling windows overlooking Summit, providing a comforting ambiance for either a sunny day or even with overcast skies. The wait staff is pleasant and well-trained, with an easy knowledge of the menu items and the wine selection. The wine selection includes a number of varietals from various vintner regions in California including Napa Valley, Sonoma, Geyserville, as well as wines from Washington and Oregon and the European continent.

Wines range from easily affordable to somewhat pricey, but the costs for the more well known and traditionally expensive labels are within reason. Wine flights with tastings of various wines by the glass are also available.

The menu has a number of options including charcuterie boards (with build your own options from about $20 to $30), small plates and appetizers including fondue, calamari and shrimp dishes and crab cakes (ranging in price from $11 to $18), to soups and a variety of salads ($10) with protein accompaniments (for an added charge or $6 to $9), if desired.

Entrees include steaks, chops, seafood

www.toledocitypaper.com

and chicken dishes along with pastas from tortellini to penne with shrimp or smoked or baked chicken with several different sauces and preparations. Prices for entrees range from $19 for pasta dishes to $35 for steak and chop offerings.

The lunch and dinner menus are the same and offer flatbreads with a variety of toppings (we tried the truffled mushroom version, $16), which was very thin and crispy: a real treat. Sandwiches include a grilled chicken club, a fresh Angus burger and blackened salmon with prosciutto, lettuce and tomato (a “PLT”), all for $15.

Weekend brunch options

Brunch is served at Napa on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with many of the items mentioned above on the menu as well as egg dishes (omelets, benedicts and other breakfast staples) and french toast, with prices around $15.

An enticing offering of brunch cocktails makes this a “must try” for the upcoming lazy weekends of fall and winter.

Napa Kitchen has a full bar, with ample seating and a lively crowd at the times (lunch and dinner) that we visited.

There are private rooms that can accommodate from 4 to about 20 people and a designated dining area that flows into the open bar area, which also has tables for dining.

The hotel is easily accessible with underground parking with the entrance now relocated across Monroe Street from Hensville Park. Parking is about $1/ hour and there is a convenient entrance from the garage to the hotel.

Napa Kitchen, 101 N. Summit Street. MondayThursday 4-9 p.m., Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 216-353-4951. napakitchenandbar.com

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POPPERS Fall fun

Heather Williams of Lulu Fare knows a culinary trick or two about entertaining. Come enjoy a glass (or two) of wine on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Majestic Oak Winery while learning the ropes about making quick, delicious autumn party foods for only $20. Yum! 13554 Mohler Road, Grand Rapids.

419-875-6474

Mocktails-n-cocktails

They can’t win without you!

SO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT TODAY!

With the holidays approaching, it’s time to learn how to make festive drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. For the teetotalers, visit the 577 Foundation on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 2 - 4 p.m. for the Making and Tasting Holiday Mocktails class. Learn how to make infusions, simple syrups, and three mocktails guaranteed to please the eye and palate. Mulled Cider Spritz, Hot & Spicy Russian, and Cranberry Prohibition Mule. Participants will sample and enjoy each mocktail and will leave with the recipes and confidence to make them at home. $45. 577 East Front St., Perrysburg. 419-874-4174. 577foundation.org And for you imbibers out there, Chef Erika Rapp and her team of spirited artful dodgers at Registry Bistro will host the Craft Cocktail Workshop on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. Not only do you learn how to make fabulous cocktails, but you learn the entire history of the drink. And what better way to impress your friends at this season’s holiday parties?

Reservations required and this will sell out! $35. 419-725-0444 registrybistro.com

What’s going down with Alton Brown?

You never know what chef/author/television personality Alton Brown is going to be cooking up. When his oneman-show Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats - The Holiday Variant comes to the Stranahan on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m., expect high (and low) comedy about life, cuisine and everything in between.

And beware – there will be audience participation.

Brown is currently the host of the Netflix series “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” $39 - 119. 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-381-8851. stranahantheater.com

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THEATER NOTES

CURTAIN CALL BGSU Play Explores Relationships Through Fantasy Gaming “She Kills Monsters” set for Nov. 17 – 20

by Julie Pompa It’s billed as a dramatic comedy exploring community and relationships, but it’s built into a world of fantasy role-playing games. And according to Director Mahmoud Abusultan, the play “She Kills Monsters” is a perfect choice for our times.

“It’s a really timely show about subjects we need to talk about,” he said. “It explores family relationships, female agency and the human experience, along with alternative ways for people to reach out to one another.”

“There are many places to laugh in this performance,” said Abusultan.

“But you can also feel the pain of the two sisters and relate to them. We are always consumed with our own problems. We should learn to listen to each other more.”

“She Kills Monsters,” presented Nov. 17-20 in the Donnell Theatre at the Wolfe Center for the Arts at BGSU, is the best-known play by Qui Nguyen, an acclaimed, award-winning American playwright, television writer and screenwriter.

“It’s aliiiiiiive!”

From the zany mind of living legend Mel Brooks comes the stage musical of “Young Frankenstein” (remember, it’s pronounced ‘Frawnk-en-shteen’). Frederick Frankenstein inherits his late grandfather’s estate in Transylvania and steps into Grandpa’s mad scientist shoes, creating a monster more hilarious than horrific. Presented by Oregon Community Theater, “Young Frankenstein” runs from Oct. 28 - 30 and Nov. 4 - 5. All shows at 7:30 p.m. with a 3 p.m. matinee performance scheduled for Oct. 30. Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Avenue, Oregon. $18 (advance), $20 (at the door). Oregoncommunitytheatre.org.

Blood feast

Warning: You will get wet — possibly soaked — with fake blood at “Evil Dead: The Musical.” If you can stomach it, a fun, gory, good time awaits.

Based on film director Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” trilogy (“Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead 2,” “Army of Darkness”) this stage musical falls somewhere between an Insane Clown Posse concert and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Be there for all the fun. Presented at the Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd, on Friday, Nov. 4 - Sunday, Nov. 6. 8 p.m. on Friday/Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sunday. $12.50 - $25. 419-244-2787.

Mystery and a meal Claire Oliver, as Tilly, Agnes’ departed sister

Something mysterious is going down at The Spaghetti Warehouse. Join New York socialite Evelyn Welsh and her husband at their dinner party as the glamorous couple, who own the Hope Diamond, serve up an evening of intrigue and great cuisine. Part dinner theater, part audience participation, “The Curse of the Hope Diamond” comes with a three-course dinner and plenty of suspense. Tickets are $60 and include the meal, soft drinks and gratuity. Cash bar opens at 6, the fun starts at 6:30. “The Curse of the Hope Diamond” runs Saturday, Oct. 29; Friday, Nov. 11; Saturday, Nov. 26; Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 42 S. Superior St. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com or call 1-888- 673-7789.

The D&D connection

The play, set in Athens, Ohio, tells the story of Agnes Evans, who loses her parents and little sister Tilly in a car accident. Agnes and Tilly grew up as completely different people, and after Tilly’s death, Agnes found a module Tilly had written for Dungeons and Dragons. Agnes embarks on the D&D adventure and realizes how much of her sister she never knew. The play is set in both reality and the gaming world.

Nguyen wrote the characters in a way to allow actors of any race to be cast into every role. “We have a very diverse cast for our production of ‘She Kills Monsters,’” said Abusultan. “We wanted to bring to the story people from different backgrounds,” adding that people are very excited about this performance. “It’s been a very positive experience, and we have the flexibility to create a realistic experience.” This includes a good part of the play taking place inside the Dungeons & Dragons experience, being managed by Fight and Movement Director James Stover.

“This is a highly choreographed production,” Abusultan explained. “We want this to look great on stage, but at the same time, safe for all the actors.”

Fighting scenes unfold behind a scrim on the stage, with movements that appear realistic but also maintain a distance between the actors.

“This is a story about the human condition and imagination – even in the world of D&D,” he said. The subjects of family reconnection and sto-

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Nykera Gardner, as Lillith, very sarcastic, serious and self-aware

Agnes, played by Hailey Wright, on a D&D adventure rytelling have a personal resonance to Abusultan, a Ph.D. candidate at BGSU. Upon his graduation in 2023, he plans to return to his native Palestine to tell their stories. “The Gaza is not always about war and violence, but also about connecting,” he said. “It’s my duty to try to inspire the people of Gaza to use theater to tell our stories and share them with the world.”

“She Kills Monsters” presented in the Donnell Theatre at the Wolfe Center at BGSU from Nov. 17-20. For tickets, call 419-372-8171 or visit bgsu.hometownticketing.com.

November 1 • November 30

25

CITY PAGES

Sign painter, pinstriper, realtor to auctioneer - stories of a thrilling life.

Michael Murray, currently a real estate broker, auctioneer, artist and biker, has a life full of stories to tell and he does just that in his new memoir. “Biker Tales… and We Don’t Eat Our Young”, explores Murray’s life growing up in Toledo through trials and tribulations and accomplishments throughout his life.

He began his career as a sign painter and pin striper while in high school, working for Wally Signs.

From there, Murray used his painting skills to letter hundreds of cars and motorcycles which kick started his racing career by leading him to tracks across the US with his own sports cars.

In a collection of 82 short stories, “Biker Tales” takes readers on a journey of self-enlightenment, laughter, joy and heartache as Murray discusses his thrilling life filled with jobs as an artist, professional racing driver and even as a newspaper delivery boy.

“Biker Tales…and We Don’t Eat Our Young” deals with the journey throughout your life. How were you able to jump back into your past for the book? It all started with the very first story when I ran into my neighbor Raquel Thomas with her three children and brought back a memory of me going to the grocery store with my mother.

Then, when she suggested that I post that on Facebook, and I got such a good response, I just started writing. I wrote 82 short stories in 82 days. The more you

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November 1 • November 30

write the more you remember…those memories are in your brain somewhere.

How long did it take to write and edit your memoir? What was this process like? After I wrote my 82 stories and I wrote the very last chapter, I posted on Facebook and I said ‘’Hey, I know a lot of you are reading my stories, but you’ve never given me a like so that I know what to do with this, give me a like if you liked them’’. Well, I had over 350-360 likes…and then I started editing myself. I went through every word (and) every chapter trying to do the best I could with it.

What has been the most memorable part of your life that is not mentioned in the book? First of all, everything I’ve done has been the most memorable because I have relived those stories hundreds of times. When I am driving, (and) I’m in the car a lot, I tell my stories to myself. I would say perhaps the most memorable thing is (that) I was able to write it and publish it and hopefully my book will inspire others to have fun (and) make their dreams come true.

What advice do you have for young kids in Toledo? Drive it like you stole it.

That’s the way I live my life and I hope everybody else does the same. You can sit around and play video games or hang out on street corners (but) that’s not going to get you anywhere; you have to set a goal. What kind of a life do you want to live? You have to go to work for it.

www.toledocitypaper.com

IMAGE COURTESY OF MICHAEL MURRAY, AUTHOR OF “BIKER TALES…AND WE DON’T EAT OUR YOUNG”

Biker Tales

Toledoan Michael Murray’s life in the fast lane

by Tre Spencer

ART TO HEART

Fair Trade

Adam Maciag’s “Fields at Autumn”, one of many landscapes now on view at Hudson Gallery.

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) provide a great way for creatives to both promote themselves and their work while making new pieces of art. The Art Supply Depo hosts ATC swaps every other month, each with a specific theme. November’s swap takes place Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to noon and the theme is Halloween and “Over and Under the Moon”, so prepare to get spooky. The event is free and no registration is required.

Curious about the world of ATCs? Show up and see what the fun is all about. 5739 Main Street, Sylvania.

419-720-6462 artsupplydepo.com

Knock on wood

Father and son woodworking team Bill and Zach Rossiter will be leading a workshop designed to teach novices how to design their own custom charcuterie board. Come learn how wood can be crafted into one-of-a-kind art that will impress your friends and family. After you design your charcuterie board, the Rossiters will take your design and finalize your project a few weeks later. Plus, there will be snacks and small batch rum served at the event. Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at Fuller Art House, 5679 Main Street, Sylvania. $95.

419-882-8949. fullerarthouse.com

Merrilee Drakulich’s California Coastline #3.

ART EVENTS DAILY

in collaboration with the community in celebration of International Year of Glass and The Glass City.

5:15 p.m. Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St. visitfranklinparkmall.com/year-of-glass/

THURSDAY 3

Allison Clements: Color Shift: Allison Clements creates large colorful abstract paintings. Opening reception held Nov. 3 from 6-8 p.m. Fuller Art House, 5679 Main St., Sylvania. fullerarthouse.com

This Land II at the Hudson Gallery

By Elizabeth Inman

The newest exhibit at Hudson Gallery in downtown Sylvania, This Land II, on display through November 12, features acrylic and oil paintings and pastel drawings from a multitude of artists.

The pieces share a common theme - the exploration of fields, forests and shorelines. The artists featured in the exhibit are Jan Dyer, Alan Maciag, Justin Kellner, Susan Morosky, Angela Saxon and Merrilee Drakulich.

Jan Dyer is originally from the Midwest but now lives in New York. Many of her paintings are of the Midwest, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York— particularly New York’s Harriman State Park. She loves to travel and find new places and landscapes to paint.

Alan Maciag’s rural landscapes are a balance between form, distance, color and content. The Michigan native creates a sense of calm reverence for the rural heritage of Michigan, for the wonderland of its vacation lakes or for the sanctuary within a garden or public space.

Justin Kellner is another Michigan native who features realistic birds in abstract landscapes in his artwork. Birds

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SATURDAY 5 are often a good indicator of the health of a particular ecosystem. Kellner’s paintings combine abstract textures with realistically rendered birds to create spaces that give the impression of erosion, change and isolation.

Susan Morosky is from the Detroit area and uses the natural world as inspiration for her abstract paintings, which are nature-based, and develop from a vocabulary inspired by the properties of water, fields and their boundaries.

Angela Saxon is from Northern Michigan and uses her own perspective on nature to create unique layered artwork.

As a perceptual painter, Saxon translates what she sees into her personal dialect of ‘landscape’.

Merrilee Drakulich, an oil pastel artist from Pennsylvania, is an avid traveler - her paintings are reflections on the landscapes and seascapes of Ireland, France, Germany, Japan and Jamaica, as well as the United States.

Hudson Gallery is a founding member of Sylvania’s Red Bird Arts District, and is recognized as one of the region’s premier venues for original art. The gallery is committed to its original philosophy of exhibiting the work of contemporary artists, both regional and national.

Hudson Gallery, 5645 N. Main Street, Sylvania.

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday. 419-885-8381. hudsongallery.net

Veterans Glassblowing In Honor of Veteran’s

Kay Weprin: Abstract Personified:

An impressive retrospective of this Toledo icon’s mixed media abstract paintings including brandnew, never-before-exhibited pieces. Through Nov. 12. 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair St. 20northgallery.com

Running Wild Media | Conservation Through a Lens: Highlighting extraordinary

wildlife from around the world and their intriguing conservation stories through captivating photography, video, workshops and powerful interpretation – this exhibit takes a multidisciplinary approach to combine science and art in a way that can benefit the community and our local ecosystems. Through Nov. 28. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org

TUESDAY 1

Toledo Creatives Artist Spotlight: Michelle Mears

Learn, discuss, and talk shop with Toledo-area artists. In partnership with Toledo Creatives.

This session will feature painter Michelle Mears.

7-8 p.m. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 2

“Together We Soar “ Glass Mosaic Installation Ribbon Cutting Join artist

Gail Christofferson, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and honored guests, for a special ribbon cutting event to dedicate Together We Soar, the mosaic butterfly art installation created

November 1 • November 30

Day, all active-duty members and veterans will have a chance to participate in a free glassblowing workshop at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.

Advanced registration is required. Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum. org/visit/events

Points of Curiosity: A Conversation with Matt Wedel and Diane Wright Join Diane Wright, Senior Curator of Glass & Contemporary Craft, in a conversation with Matt Wedel on Saturday, November 5 at 2 p.m. in the Little Theater. They will discuss Wedel’s studio practice, process, materiality and his exploration of human psychology. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum.org 2nd Annual Fallen Timbers Art Festival

The Fallen Timbers Art Festival will celebrate the diverse art and artists of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Forty local artists will be featured along with wine tasting, food trucks, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commision and Bittersweet Farms. 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m., also Sunday, Nov. 6, 11a.m. - 5 p.m. The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Suite 445, Maumee. Awaac.org

WEDNESDAY 16

Art Book Club: Helvetica Join fellow art and media lovers for a discussion of the documentary, Helvetica. Helvetica is an independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture.

Joining the discussion is Barry Whittaker, University of Toledo, Associate Professor of Art, New Media Design Practices, and multimedia artist. Advance registration is required by calling or emailing. library@toledomuseum.org, (419) 254-5770. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. toledomuseum.org 27

LISTEN HEAR Ledisi Sings Nina

Shares it with Northwest Ohio at the TMA Peristyle

by Steven Sloan

Ledisi celebrates the legacy of singer and activist Nina Simone in TMA’s Peristyle Northwest Ohio is in for something special when Grammy-winning R&B and jazz vocalist and songwriter Ledisi Young, better known simply as Ledisi, performs on November 19th with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Alain Trudel, at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Peristyle as part of TSO’s KeyBank Pops series.

Born in New Orleans and raised in Oakland, California, Ledisi has an accomplished and varied 20-year career, releasing more than 10 albums, along with numerous stage credits – including workshopping The Color Purple and writing and co-producing her own onewoman show, “The Legend of Little Girl Blue.” She has also appeared in movies and on television, including portraying the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the 2014 film Selma. Ledisi has been particularly busy over the past couple years, winning her first Grammy in 2021 – a crowning achievement after 14 nominations - for the song “Anything For You” from her album The Wild Card. She also launched a record label, Listen Back Entertainment/BMG, and released her latest album: Ledisi Sings Nina, which serves as the bedrock for her latest tour.

Tribute to Nina Simone

Released in 2021, Ledisi Sings Nina is both a tribute to legendary jazz singer and activist, Nina Simone, and a showcase for Ledisi’s formidable vocal skills.

It ranges from the ebullient highs of “I’m Going Back Home” – which trades in Nina’s gospel-tinged backing for an arrangement that draws more on New

28

November 1 • November 30

Orleans-style jazz – to a sparser, but no less heart-wrenching interpretation of “Ne Me Quitte Pas” that drips with the same pain and desperation that made Nina’s rendition of the 1959 Jacques Brel standard so iconic. All the while, Ledisi masterfully balances between paying homage to Simone and making each song unmistakably her own. Because of this, the album feels essential - a virtue not many cover or homage albums can claim - as the depth of Ledisi’s respect for Simone is matched by the strength of her own artistic vision. Whether you’re looking to familiarize yourself with the album prior to seeing Ledisi in Toledo or you’re simply a fan of the genre, Ledisi Sings Nina, available to download or stream on all major platforms, is absolutely worth your attention.

A live-recorded track from Ledisi Sings Nina, “Wild is the Wind,” provides a compelling reason to get excited about the upcoming sojourn to the Peristyle. The song leaves no doubt that Ledisi brings every ounce of her crystal clear, expressive vocals from the recording booth to the stage. It’s not very often one gets the chance to experience live an artist of Ledisi’s caliber interpreting the work of an artist as enduring and important as Nina Simone. To put it simply: don’t miss this show.

Saturday, November 19, 7 p.m. $39-99 Standard, $19.50-49.50 for children and students. Toledo Museum of Art, Peristyle Theater.

2445 Monroe St., (419) 246-8000. toledosymphony.com/events/2022/11/19/keybank-pops/ledisi-sings-nina-simone/

www.toledocitypaper.com

METRO MUSIC TUE, NOV 1 Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic)

THURS, NOV 3 Majestic Oak Winery: Aaron Krott (acoustic) The Real Seafood Co.: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (singer/songwriter) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jon B. Roth (acoustic) Papa’s Tavern: Live Jam with Renegade Lemonade (rock)

FRI, NOV 4 Majestic Oak Winery: Mike Szafarowicz (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Mark Elder (acoustic) The Original Sub Shop & Deli: Christine Havrilla w/ Mama’s Black Sheep [rock] Prime Nightlife: Saturnine Hello (rock) Bier Stube: The Grape Smugglers (rock) The Brick Bar: Chloe & The Steel Strings (Americana) Sneaky Pete’s: Married With Children (pop/rock)

SAT, NOV 5 Vibe Lounge: Ohio Music Fest (rap/hiphop) The Summit Shack: Back to the Shack (indie rock) 2 Left Missing: PUMA Brew Fest (pop/rock) Ottawa Tavern: Trell Blazin’, Vaze Haze, NOMAD BREED, Xoie, Kindrosys, Chloris The Fairy Knightheart (rap/ hiphop) Leroy & Margaret’s: Strawberry Kush (rock) Arlyn’s Good Beer: Andrew Binder Trio (jazz) Lucille’s at TolHouse: Ingrid Racine (jazz) Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle Theater: Promedica Masterworks: Beethoven 5 (classical) Bier Stube: Still Rain (rock) The Bronze Boar: stop.drop.rewind (indie rock)

SUN, NOV 6 Majestic Oak Winery: John Pickle (acoustic) Stranahan Theater: Four Phantoms in Concert (musical)

MON, NOV 7 Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jake Pilewski (acoustic) BGSU: Guest Artist: Arthur Greene (piano) Bar 145: Calen Savidge (singer/songwriter)

TUE, NOV 8 Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic)

WED, NOV 9 Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night BGSU: Graduate String Quartet and Fulton String Quartet (classical)

THUR, NOV 10 Black Kite Coffee: Open Mic The Real Seafood Co.: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Tim Oehlers (acoustic) Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co.: Ethan Timm (guitar) The Ohio Theater: Twitty & Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta (country) Papa’s Tavern: Open Jam with Bobby May (blues) Bar 145: DJ Issa Lynch (electronic)

FRI, NOV 11 Majestic Oak Winery: Gypsy Luvin’ (pop/rock) Carranor Hunt & Polo Club: Dueling Pianos (piano) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Caswell Duo (acoustic) Ottawa Tavern: Freight Street (indie rock) Toledo School For the Arts: TSA Percussion: Music of The Police (percussion) Lucille’s at TolHouse: The Detroit Tenors (jazz) Prime Nightlife: Infinity Process (rock) Hollywood Casino: The Bradberries (pop/rock) Bier Stube: High Mileage (rock) Toledo’s Mainstreet Bar & Grill: Open Decks (electronic) Sneaky Pete’s: Strawberry Kush (rock)

SAT, NOV 12 Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Tim Oehlers (acoustic) Majestic Oak Winery: Crickett & Ruben (acoustic) Benfield Wines: Chris Shutters (singer/songwriter)

www.toledocitypaper.com

Highlighted events indicates our picks for the month

Lucille’s at TolHouse: Bobby G. & Friends Band (blues)

Fresh trombones

Those cool cats at the Toledo Jazz Festival are serving up a brassy good time as they present The Four Freshmen and Five Trombones: A Tribute to Mel Meyers (right). Come enjoy a night of fabulous jazz on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. $40 plus fees. Valentinetheatre.com.

BGSU: A Cappella Choir and University Men’s Chorus (choral) Hollywood Casino: Noisy Neighbors (pop/rock) The Valentine Theatre: Toledo Jazz Festival presents The Four Freshmen & Five Trombones (jazz) Prime Nightlife: DubtronicA 10 yr Anniversary: Yheti, Potions, & Peanutbutter Williams (bass) Bier Stube: Weekend Comeback (pop/rock) Bar 145: 56DAZE (pop/rock)

The book of Ruth

Singer-songwriter Ruth Wyand is a musical force of nature, bringing powerful fingerpicking, and a warm alto voice to a diverse selection of Americana, jazz, blues, folk and country.

Appearing at the Over Yonder Concert House on Virginia Street in the Old West End on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m, Wyand will perform both her original songs and covers by Jimi Hendrix and Nina Simone, among others. $15. Attendees must RSVP to get the address location. Visit overyonderconcerthouse.com for tickets.

SUN, NOV 13 Majestic Oak Winery: Chris Wiser (acoustic) BGSU: Collegiate Chorale and Volaré (choral) University of Toledo Doermann Theater: GTIYO Fall Concert (orchestra) The Village Idiot: Open Mic Sundays

MON, NOV 14 Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jake Pilewski (acoustic) Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) Ottawa Tavern: Jazz Night Bar 145: Jordan Barnett (acoustic)

Dinner music

Let local musicians Chris Brown and Candace Coleman play for you while you enjoy a fabulous meal at Ciao! Energetic enough to keep your attention, but soft enough to allow dinner conversation, Brown and Coleman serve up an appetizing musical stew that will have you coming back for seconds. They’ll be performing Monday, Nov. 14 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Ciao! 6064 Monroe St., Sylvania. 419-882-2334/ ciaorestaurant.com

TUE, NOV 15 Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) The Valentine Theatre: Million Doller Quartet Christmas (musical) BGSU: Jazz Lab Band II (jazz)

WED, NOV 16 Owens Community College Center for Fine & Performing Arts: 22nd Annual Harp Recital; Denise Grupp-Verbon (harp) Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night Stranahan Theater: A Motown Christmas (soul) BGSU: Early Music Ensemble (classical)

THUR, NOV 17 The Real Seafood Co.: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Hector Mendoza (guitar) Papa’s Tavern: Live Jam with Renegade Lemonade (rock) Lourdes University: Toledo Jazz Orchestra: The Great American Songbook (jazz)

FRI, NOV 18

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jake Pilewski (acoustic) Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) BGSU: ACDA Student Chapter Vivaldi “Gloria” Sing Along (choral) BGSU: BGSU Concert and University Bands (orchestra)

TUE, NOV 22 Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Listening Loft: King Margo (Americana)

WED, NOV 23

Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall: Toledo Irish Club Concert Featuring: “Dreams of Freedom” (folk & traditional) Benfield Wines: Morgan Tooth (acoustic) Ottawa Tavern: Snuffed Out / Cadaverous / Redivider / Formaldehigh (metal) Prime Nightlife: thaNkskilliNg (punk/metal) Lucille’s at TolHouse: Jean Holden (jazz) BGSU: Collegiate Chorale and Volaré (choral) Bier Stube: The Cheeks (pop/rock) Sneaky Pete’s: Kall Me Kendra (pop/rock) Bar 145: Jimmy Rock (electronic)

SAT, NOV 19 Majestic Oak Winery: Shane Piasecki & The Lone Wolf Hippies (singer/songwriter) Benfield Wines: EZ Pickenz (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Ethan Timm (acoustic)

Majestic Oak Winery: Eric “Tater” Edwards (acoustic) Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night Bar 145: DJ Adub (electronic)

FRI, NOV 25 Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Frank May (acoustic) Bier Stube: Dirty Lies (rock) Wheelin’ On the Rocks: Kall Me Kendra (pop/rock) Bar 145: Jimmy Rock (electronic)

SAT, NOV 26

SUN, NOV 27 Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Aaron Rutter (violin) The Village Idiot: Open Mic Sundays

MON, NOV 28 Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Jake Pilewski (acoustic) Ottawa Tavern: Jazz Night

TUE, NOV 29 Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts: Owens Pop Ensemble (pops) Ciao!: Chris Brown & Candace Coleman (acoustic) BGSU: Joyous Sounds: A Yuletide Celebration (choral)

WED, NOV 30 Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night Owens Community College Center for Fine and Performing Arts: Academy Brass Quintet: Accent on the Arts (brass)

Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Curtain 8 (acoustic/ piano) Bier Stube: Out of the Blue (rock) Bar 145: Renegade Lemonade (pop/rock)

TMA Peristyle Theater: KeyBank Pops: Ledisi Sings Nina Simone (jazz) The Original Sub Shop & Deli: Ruth Wyand (singer/ songwriter) Toledo’s Mainstreet Bar & Grill: Repeat (rock) Bier Stube: Temperance Tonic (rock) Howard’s Club H: 2 Left Missing (rock) Bar 145: Amelia Airharts (rock)

SUN, NOV 20 Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room: Cindy Slee (singer/ songwriter) The Village Idiot: Open Mic Sundays

MON, NOV 21 Owens Community College Center for Fine & Performing Arts: Electric Lunch with Eric Wallack (music education)

November 1 • November 30

29

THE BIG TO DO

Party with the dead

TUE, Nov. 1

TUES, Nov. 8

[film]

[music]

Anthony Michael Hall Film Screening: Sixteen Candles - Join 80’s icon Anthony Michael Hall for an intimate screening of the classic movie Sixteen Candles. There’ll be a meet and greet session, a Q&A before the movie, along with autographs and photo op afterwards. $30-$50.

5-8:30 p.m. Maumee Indoor Theater, 301 Conant St., Maumee. maumeeindoor.com

WED, Nov. 2 [Dia de los Muertos]

Dia de los Muertos Celebration - Food, drink, shopping, altars, and more. Proceeds from this event will go towards future programs and events. 6 p.m. Also runs Thursday, Nov. 3 and Friday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, 1222 Broadway St. sqacc.org

THURS, Nov. 3 [meditation]

Better Toledo: A Series - When we know better, we do better. This series of classes and lectures focuses on self awareness, self help, and building understanding of intersections to create a better Toledo. Meditation for Wellness will be presented

by Rachel Wixey. 3 p.m. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org Free

FRI, Nov. 4 [visual art] TURKEY FAMILY MEAL , ge Turkey, #3 green beans 99 - First #12 averaFriday Red Bird First Artpeach Walks cobbler $ Friday bake 10 muffins & a take and

99

are community events where 20+ art venues, businesses and restaurants host openings, exhibitions, special events and other happenings.

All Meals served The event is free and open to everyone. Red Bird hot and ready to eat. Just Bake Arts District, Main St. Sylvania. redbirdsylvania. the cobbler!

L MEA ILY HAM FAM $ s, org Free #5 Ham, #3 green bean cobbler and bake 10 muffins & a take

peach

95

419.893.2293

SUN, Nov. 6 [family event] Call or visit any of our

A la carte

#5 Ham $65. #10 Ham $95.

locations to order Jewishretail Book Festival 2022 - This family by December 17 @ 4pm #12 Turkey $75. event features author Nancy Churnin reading her children’s book “Dear Mr. Dickens,” while parents hear from authorFOR Franki Bagdade,MasTeRs! who Please VOTe NeeDle will discuss her book “I Love my Kids, But I Don’t Always Like Them.” Both events begin at 4 p.m.

Children will gather in Gan Yeladim Preschool and adults will meet in the Sekach Building at 6505 Sylvania Ave. $5-$30. jewishtoledo.org/nwojewishbookfestival22

[nature & wildlife]

Gratitude Moon: A Forest Therapy Immersion - Treat yourself to a guided journey into the healing elements of woods and prairie led by a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Fee includes healthy snacks, a place to warm up, and the complete sequence of a Forest Therapy Needle Masters North: immersion as recognized5801byTelegraph the Association of Suite 10 hOliDay 476-9015 Nature andsPecials Forest Therapy. (419) $20.

4:30-7 p.m. Oak Needle Masters South: Openings Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd. Swanton.

DEC 1stDEC23rD, aDD $25 527 S. Reynolds Rd for EvEry $100 spEnt metroparkstoledo.com (419) 531-4652 on gift CErtifiCatEs

MON, Nov. 7 26 [yoga]

FYI on DIY

THURS, Nov. 10

Celebrate a solid decade of DIY craft flavor as Handmade Toledo holds its 10th annual Maker’s Mart on Saturday, November 12 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. The best do-it-yourself crafters and small business owners will assemble for a pre-holiday-season shopping bazaar. You never know what you’ll find. 1717 Adams St. $5 (10 and under free) handmadetoledo.com/makers-mart.

[talks & luncheon]

Objects of Love and Regret: A Brooklyn Story - Historian and museum curator Richard Rabinowitz discusses his book about a Jewish immigrant family in the 1930s. $10-$20. Noon.

Congregation Etz Chayim, 3853 Woodley Drive.

Learn more and register at jewishtoledo.org/ nwojewishbookfestival22

[talks & lectures]

Tea & Talk Series: Let’s Talk About Sex - This presentation will offer examples of emerging scientific research on couples viewing their sexual bonds as sacred with intimate dialogue about religion and spirituality. $18-$23. 2-4 p.m.

Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org

[cooking classes]

Fall Party Planning: Holiday Appetizers Get ready for holiday parties with Lulu Fare and a glass of wine. $20. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Majestic Oak Winery, 13554 Mohler Rd., Grand Rapids. majesticoakwinery.com

COMING EVENTS UPDATED DAILY AT TOLEDOCITYPAPER.COM

JUST POINT YOUR CAMERA!

FRI, Nov. 11 [woodworking]

Design Your Custom Charcuterie Board Whether creating a gift for yourself, or others, father and son woodworking artists from Hooley Hardwoods Bill Rossiter and Zach Rossiter, will instruct on how wood is crafted into one-of-akind art. $95. 6 p.m. Fuller Art House, 5679 Main St., Sylvania. fullerarthouse.com Please visit ToledoCityPaper.com To vote for us as the

SAT, Nov. 12BEST DINER IN TOLEDO! [psychic arts]

2021

STof BEFestival Rock Your World Psychic & Holistic TOLEDO Over 30 vendors gather to offer psychicVO readTE ings, reiki energy healings, aura photography, massage, plus lots of early pre-holiday shopping.

Individual reading sessions available and most services start around $30. $10. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Open for Dine-In and Carry-out. also Sunday, Nov. 13. American Legion Post 587, 2020 W. Alexis Rd. rywevents.com

[handicraft markets]

Maker’s Mart: 10th Anniversary - Toledo’s 2103 N. Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH favorite one day pop up indie craft fair, Maker’s 419.535.9116 Mart, is back! Come experience some Handmade Visit our FB page for & daily specials schmuckersrestaurant.com Toledo love and celebrate their 10thhours birthday. $5, 10 and under free. Handmade Toledo, 1717 December 1 • December Adams31 St. handmadetoledo.com www.toledocitypaper.com

Fall Yoga - This practice will be a combination of standing poses and poses on the mat. No yoga experience is necessary; both beginners and experienced yogis are welcome! By registering for this program you will be welcome at each weekly class on November 7, 14 and 21. $24. 6-6:45 p.m. W.W. Knight Nature Center, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. wcparks.org

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TSA Rocks - Toledo School for the Arts pop combos will perform. 7 p.m. Table Forty 4, 610 Monroe St. ts4arts.org

Come spend the night honoring the dead at the Dia de la Muertos celebration, running Nov. 2, 3, 4 at Sophia Quintero Art and Cultural Center. There are three identical after hours fiestas for you to choose from, and all dates start at 6 p.m. These events help the Center raise funds for community programs such as cooking classes, art exhibitions and community gardens. Attendees can enjoy viewing altars, exhibition pieces, food and a cash bar. $60 per night.

1222 Broadway St. 419-241-1655.

[fashion, fundraisers] FLAUNT 2022 - FLAUNT your best assets at Equality Toledo’s fashion fundraiser. A unique fashion show showcasing local and regional designers and artists. $50-$100. 6:30-10:30 p.m. One Lake Erie Center, 600 Jefferson Ave. equalitytoledo.org

Cheers!

Did someone say beer? Raise a red Solo cup at Toledo Beer Fest on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 6 - 11:30 p.m., the area’s largest regional craft beer festival. From lagers to ciders to meads, there will be beverages for all tastes, as well as great food and live music. Erie Street Market, 201 S. Erie St. $50 - $75 (VIP early admission). eventbrite.com

Open shopping

You never know what treasures you’ll uncover at the Bowling Green Flea Market, held the third weekend of November (Saturday, Nov. 19 - Sunday, Nov. 20) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m./3 p.m. on Sunday at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 Poe Road. For information on renting a space, contact Dan Condon at 419-494-7635.

SUN, Nov. 13

TUES, Nov. 15

[fishing]

[musicals, theater]

Fishing 101: Fly Tying - Think like a fish and learn how to tie flies that will mimic local insects.

This fly-tying program will teach you the basic skills you need to tie your own fly patterns.

All materials provided and you get to take the flies you tie home. $10. Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 5402 Wilkins Rd., Whitehouse. metroparkstoledo.com

[talk & dinner]

52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Tradition - Food writer and recipe developer Faith Kramer will discuss Shabbat traditions and the recipes in her cookbook. $18-$40. 6 p.m. Chabad House of Toledo, 2728 King Road, Sylvania. jewishtoledo.org/nwojewishbookfestival22

MON, Nov. 14 [fashion, technology]

Elements of Style: Glass City Chic - A fundraiser with STEMinist flair. More than 50 models will hit the runway wearing couture from area boutiques then 20 STEAM professionals from various local glass-centric companies and organizations donning glass-inspired and enhanced outfits will be the evening’s highlight! $75. Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel, 444 N. Summit St. imaginationstationtoledo.org

[talk & cocktails]

By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Baseball Legacy, and an Unprecedented American Dream - Former professional basketball player Dan Grunfeld will talk about his remarkable chronicle of his family and basketball. $18-$30. 7 p.m. Grogan Room, Savage Arena, University of Toledo campus, 2025 N. Douglas Rd. jewishtoledo.org/nwojewishbookfestival22

November 1 • November 30

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas - Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records – now donned with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe – rings with the sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made these four famous. $49-$89. 7:30pm. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

WED, Nov. 16 [gardening]

Composting 101 - Learn how to recycle food waste, leaves and yard waste and turn it into a valuable resource for the garden. 6-7pm. Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Rd., Bowling Green. wcparks.org

THURS, Nov. 17 [author events]

Satisfaction Guaranteed: How Zingerman’s® Built a Corner Deli into a Global Food Community - Part of the NW Ohio Jewish Book Festival. As Zingerman’s approach­es its 40th anniver­sary in 2022, Sat­is­fac­tion Guar­an­teed tells readers how they did it, and how oth­er busi­ness­ es can adopt their meth­ods and philosophies. $18 – author presentation, Zingerman’s® appetizers, and drinks, $35 – author presentation, Zingerman’s® appetizers, drinks, and book 7 p.m. Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St. jewishtoledo.org/nwojewishbookfestival22

www.toledocitypaper.com

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

Thanksgiving Family Fun Fest Thursday, 11/24. Doors open at 7 a.m. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and unique view of the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, from the warmth of The Majestic Theatre Lobby or Garden Bowl Lounge. $18-$40. Majestic Theatre Complex, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-833-9700. majesticdetroit.com/event/12556275/thanksgiving-family-fun-fest/ I think it’s gonna be a long, long time There are few names in music as big as Elton John, with more than 300 million records sold over the course of his 50-year career. John says that his latest tour, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road,” will be his last, so if you want to see one of the most iconic performers in history, now is the time.

Originally scheduled for May, 2020, John will perform at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, February 8 and Wednesday, February 9. $69.50-$249.50. 8 p.m. 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-471-7000. 313presents. com/little-caesars-arena

SAT, Nov. 19

TUES, Nov. 22

[fundraisers]

[music]

The “1925” Party - Step into a jazzy nightclub and be propelled back to a 1925 Speakeasy.

Swing to early jazz sounds while enjoying theme décor, sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Proceeds from this event will help Community Shares continue their mission of increasing funding and awareness for a diverse group of local nonprofits. Tickets available on Brown Paper Tickets. $20-$50. 7-11 p.m. Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd.

SUN, Nov. 20

THURS, Nov. 24 [Thanksgiving]

[collectibles]

Northwest Ohio Comic Show - Come prepared to dig through lots and lots of boxes for that gem you have been looking for. This is a comic focused event with vendors, local artists, and more. $3.10 a.m. - 4 p.m. American Legion Post 468, 5580 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. facebook. com/NWOHComicShow/

[LGBTQIA]

King Margo Release Party - King Margo performs at Levi & Lilac’s Listening Loft to celebrate their release ‘Waters Rise.’ This is a limited ticket event designed for a true listening experience.

“Great stories in beautifully crafted songs with the sweetest harmonies you’ll hear this year.”

Dubbed “lipstick dirtbag Americana,” Tickets PayPal.me/ReelJPConcerts. 6:45 p.m. Levi & Lilac’s Listening Loft, 301 River Rd., Maumee.

Transgender Day of Remembrance - Every year in November, across the country, transgender and gender-nonconforming communities come together to mourn those who have been taken from us due to anti-transgender violence. This is a day to remember the lives of the hundreds of transgender and gender-nonconforming people who died by violence over the past year. 2-3:30pm. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. equalitytoledo.org

Thanksgiving Buffet - Take the effort out of Thanksgiving preparations and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Buffet spread filled with holiday favorites like roasted turkey and classic accompaniments. Reservations required. 419-836-1466 x 2. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Maumee Bay Lodge, 1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregon. maumeebaylodge.com

SAT, Nov. 26 [craft markets]

The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild Crafts for

Christmas - A showplace of fine handmade juried crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations that will make your season bright. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., also Sunday, Nov. 27 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lucas County Rec Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee. Toledocraftsmansguild.org

[craft markets, wine]

Holiday Sip & Shop some great small business vendors on Small Business Saturday. Vendors, food, music and wine. 6-9 p.m. Benfield Wines, 102 N. Main St., Swanton. benfieldwines.com

TUES, Nov. 29 [film]

Classic Movie Nights - Each month the Maumee Uptown Business Association presents a free classic movie. Movie selections decided by popular vote - so stay tuned to their social media to cast your vote. 6-10 p.m. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St. maumeeuptown.com

[cooking, theater]

Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats - The Holiday Variant - Television personality, author, Food Network and Netflix star Alton Brown will be heading out on his Alton Brown Live: Beyond

MON, Nov. 21 [floristry]

FRI, Nov. 18 [music]

Toledo Irish Club Concert Featuring: Dreams of Freedom - The Toledo Irish American Club is proud to host Dreams of Freedom, an Irish Ballad Folk and Rebel Band from County Kerry, Ireland.

Formed in 2001, Dreams of Freedom focuses on singing traditional folk and rebel Irish songs to carry on the tradition of teaching the culture and traditions to their audiences. $18-$25. 6-10 p.m.

Knights-Columbus Banquet Hall, 4256 Secor Rd.

www.toledocitypaper.com

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop - Design a beautiful fresh floral arrangement for the center of your Thanksgiving table.

Class fee includes all supplies and materials to design a long and low centerpiece. Register via Eventbrite. $50. Beautiful Blooms

by Jen, 5675 Main St., Sylvania.

November 1 • November 30

31

What’s one trait you consider essential to your success: Being being a singing entertainer and not simply a singer.

TOLEDO ACCORDING TO...

Placing Bets with Ramona Collins

By Amanda Destatte

Female jazz vocalist Ramona Collins has been performing in Toledo for 54 years. Collins joined the music scene through her mother, Alice (Collins) Carter’s influence. Her mother was a jazz singer and pianist who encouraged her daughter to sing to overcome her shyness.

Although recently retired from her day gig with the State of Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, Collins is still very active in her community.

She currently sits on several boards and committees, including the Black Swamp Blues Society, where she serves as secretary and treasurer, and as a past president of the Toledo Jazz Society. Ramona identifies her greatest achievements as “my reward is people asking me to do gigs and still coming to see me perform after all these years.

That makes me give the best I can as a performer.”

How long have you lived in the Toledo area? I was born in Toledo but grew up in Lansing, Michigan. I returned to Toledo in 1968 and started singing here.

What song lyric best describes you?

“No complaints and no regrets. I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets,” from ‘Here’s to Life,’ made famous by Shirley Horn and Barbra Streisand.

What is your favorite music venue in Toledo? My absolute favorite venue in Toledo was Rusty’s Jazz Café. It still is, even though it is no longer there.

That is where I recorded my first album and became deeply involved in the jazz community after singing other genres of music.

One piece of advice you’d give your younger self: Always stand up for yourself.

What’s one song you play to put yourself in a good mood: There is no one song because I have many moods and I like a variety of music genres. My sign is Scorpio.

Something most people don’t know about me I recorded a song in 1970 in Toledo at Clark’s Record Shop, in the 1300 block of Dorr Street. That song, “You’ve Been Cheatin’,” is a collector’s item in the UK.

The one thing I wear everyday is…

A gold microphone necklace that was given to me by a fan on my 49th birthday.

My childhood ambition: To look out for and take care of my eight younger siblings. I am the oldest so that was my focus.

Do you have a favorite local musician? I am blessed to know and have the pleasure of working with many, many amazing local musicians. It is impossible to name just one as my favorite.

To see Ramona Collins perform or purchase a CD, visit her website for further information. https://ramonacollins.com/

Toledo Museum of Art Block Party Toledo Museum of Art’s Block Party returned in October, the first one since 2019.

DJ Jazzy Jeff played a jubilant set, dance troupes performed, and attendees reveled in the atmosphere of celebration.

photos by Christine Senak

Dante and Tisha-Lee Mays

Donna Richardson with Dionne & Michael Sharp

32

What is your favorite part of Toledo?

The Old West End.

Describe your story in one sentence. I am a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, singing entertainer, song writing mentor, friend, educator, radio personality, event host and three time Best of Toledo winner, among other awards.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Cindy Robertson, Michelle Klewer and Rachel Roudebush

Two of your bucket list items: Record one of my original songs and be instrumental in producing a women’s all-music festival in Toledo.

Joe and Jeremiah Peterson

Jacqueline Banks, Kimberly Gray and Audrey Johnson

November 1 • November 30

www.toledocitypaper.com

THE STARS SPEAK by Janet Amid

CROSS WORD

SCORPIO - (Oct 23- Nov 21) - An 8th house Mars retrograde places great importance as well as anxiety on matters of security. Taking small steps to better your financial situation can be favorable at this time, though on the flip side it can also trigger impulsive decisions if not dealt with properly. From an advantage point, your gift of insight can be beneficial in helping you to stay clear of unnecessary issues. The cards can be in your favor. Use them wisely.

HBO

By Brendan Emmett Quigley Across 1. Moneyed biblical kingdom 6. Lip covering 11. “The Marvelous ___ Maisel” 14. Grp. that follows Santa 15. Unwilling (to) 16. Big Saudi export 17. Dish made with discontinued Apple products?

19. Family card game with Progressive, Jump-In, and Seven-0 variations 20. Colombian coin 21. Football team originally called the Titans 22. Young’s consulting partner 24. Fighting in an octagon 26. Prepares, as cheese for some toppings 27. What you wear next to a hearth for further warmth?

33. Getting long in the tooth 34. Chinese city where COVID-19 was first detected 35. Charged particle 38. Fancy water bottle brand 39. Ranch food?

40. Toward the center 41. Box that contains some face-melting spirits, in a Spielberg movie 42. Police ___ 43. “From the top” 44. Shoot French singer Hardy?

47. Doesn’t hog 49. “More like this” 50. John who was a co-founder of empiricism 51. Big swimmer 54. Kind of tomato 58. Carpenter that doesn’t do much wood work 59. Western with a ladies’-man lead?

62. As well as 63. Let out a satisfied sound 64. Quetzalcoatl worshipper 65. Go wrong 66. “This’ll never work” 67. City that is home to the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines

Down 1. Clipping sound 2. Optimistic attitude 3. Boy with arrows 4. Broken mirrors and black cats, e.g.

5. They’ve got lines about new product lines 6. Sticky stuff 7. Attic-turned-condo 8. Clumsy folks 9. Letters on Albert Pujols’s cap 10. Second-most streamed artist of the 2010s (behind Drake) 11. Where Moses received the Ten Commandments 12. Flush (out) 13. Vegas attraction 18. City in California’s Ventura county 23. Two-timer 25. Flavor-enhancing letters 26. Tease 27. Kind of bean 28. Steele Dossier source Danchenko 29. Drinking vis-à-vis cirrhosis, e.g.

30. Dopey character?

31. Mathematician who solved the Seven Bridges of Königsberg problem 32. Chickpeas, in Indian food 36. Redding on the mic 37. Number of World Cups Portugal has won 39. Computerized trials 40. 1977 Paul Davis hit 42. Think about overnight 43. Perform 45. Bother 46. At hand 47. Chalkboard 48. “It’d be an ___” 51. Almost 80% of its residents live in metropolitan Honolulu 52. Some loaves 53. Hand over (to) 55. Cinque + tre 56. Google ___ (Zoom alternative) 57. Gas company with a red diamond logo 60. Buckingham Palace’s throne room 61. Heavy door material

ARIES - (March 20 - April 19) - As Mars retrogrades your area of chat, words and thoughts may be confusing as well as challenging. Perhaps, consider different ways to express yourself. Rethink your strategy of how to get your point across without ruffling too many feathers. What may have worked before needs reconsideration. Be impeccable with your words, thoughtful with your approach.

LIBRA - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) - This is a perfect time to gather your inner thoughts, to think outside the box. A period in which your higher awareness takes hold. A 9th house Mars retrograde stirs up your spiritual awakening yet, on the flip side can also trigger a need to isolate. So be aware of the tendency to shut everything and everyone else out. This should be a time to reach within yourself. Introspection is key.

TAURUS - (April 20 - May 20) - Your goal in life centers around routine and stability. Sticking to a plan and following through. At this time your financial situation may be unpredictable, somewhat unnerving to say the least. Perhaps it’s time to take a look at your own value system, revisit your budget, plan ahead. No matter what, you’re usually one step ahead, though at this time it’s better to play it safe.

SAGITTARIUS - (Nov 22 - Dec 21) - It’s time to re-examine your interaction with partners. Taking the necessary actions to ensure stability can be therapeutic as well as invigorating. However, how you play the game during this Mars retrograde is completely in your court. Affirm your position while also taking into consideration the other person involved. This is a strong, yet challenging time for most Sag’s.

GEMINI - (May 21 - June 20) - With Mars now retrograding in your own sign, you may find yourself on an emotional roller coaster as your energy feels scattered. During this time, it would be wise to take pace yourself, look inward, in order to manifest outward. Specifically, your actions and words may force you to step back and regain yourself. Know that this transit can be heavy, extremely energized, yet somewhat tumultuous. Knowing your limits, setting boundaries can be useful.

CANCER - (June 21 - July 22) - With Mars traveling through the most sacred part of your chart, you are a key player in your own dream. At this time your subconscious seems to be working overtime, your thoughts on overload.

Could you be holding on to the past? Or are you just overthinking? Clearly not the best time to make major life altering decisions. Allow yourself time to retreat, rest, and give yourself some “timeout.” Turn your attention inward.

LEO - (July 23 - Aug 22) Friendships, peers through work, may be causing you to feel less tolerance as Mars hits your 11th house of groups. Though your dance card is full, allowing yourself to have personal space can be beneficial at this time.

Embracing your own needs, taking time out can be therapeutic. You may find yourself going a mile a minute, so slow down, take a breath, and give yourself some grace.

VIRGO - (Aug 23 - Sept 22) - Career frustrations? Are you being overlooked? As Mars retrogrades the zenith part of your chart, you may feel a need to make a change or communicate your needs to those in charge.

However, with Mars in retrograde, the outcome can be unpredictable. So, tread very carefully before jumping the gun. If a new job is on the horizon, check it out carefully before making a major move.

THE ANSWERS YOU SEEK ARE AT TOLEDOCITYPAPER.COM www.toledocitypaper.com

CAPRICORN - (Dec 22 - Jan 19) - A 6th house Mars retrograde is all about health, responsibilities, and being proactive. This is a period in which you become more productive, yet also taking time out not to be too overwhelmed. Determination can be a good thing, but in the end can drag you down if not dealt with. Taking the necessary time is much needed during this transit.

AQUARIUS - (Jan 20 - Feb 18) - As Mars retrogrades your 5th house of creativity, you may feel stagnant.

Discovering other outlets can be useful as well as energetically helpful. Also matters of the heart, new or existing, can be exhausting as well as exhilarating. Understand that the energies at hand can be unpredictable, so slowing down can benefit in the end.

PISCES - (Feb 19 - March 20) - As Mars retrogrades your inner sanctuary, frustrations on the home front can develop. Redirecting your energy can be in your best interest. Focusing on what needs to be done and doing it. As family issues surface, showing compassion, effective listening, and working with your words can help to ease the tension.

Janet Amid is a columnist & radio/media personality and can be heard Monday mornings 8:10 AM to 8:20 AM with Denny, Suzi, and Paul on 93.5 FM. Text or call 419-240-1935 as I take your astrological questions/requests! * And every 2nd Wednesday on 96.7 CLASSIC HITS with Keith & Dawn -1-888-561-2837. Call in every other WED Morning from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM as I take your calls live.

Janet writes for THE TOLEDO CITY PAPER and can be reached at 419-882-5510 or by e-mail at JanetAmid@aol.com.

READ MORE OF JANET’S ADVICE

EXCLUSIVELY AT TOLEDOCITYPAPER.COM November 1 • November 30

33

GET HEALTHY

CLASSIFIEDS

Sex 101

FOR SALE

Come enjoy a frank but tasteful conversation about sex, spirituality, science and relationships. Part of the Tea & Talk series at the Wood County Museum, speaker Annette Mahoney of the BGSU Department of Psychology will lead the discussion. Each monthly Tea & Talk begins with a catered lunch and hot tea.

Reservations are required and are due the Friday before each tea, by calling 419-352-0967. Cancellations after that date will forfeit payment. $23. Museum admission included.

SELLING 110 POUNDS OF VARIOUS WEIGHTS with a barbell and two dumbbell bars -- $60. Adjustable bench for $30.

Call (419) 345-5275.

fall in love

with a new

furry

friend

WANTED

Emotional rescue

Mental health and wellness is just as important as physical health. On Tuesday, November 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the University of Toledo’s University Counseling Center, come by for a free Mental Health Screening Day, where you can take a mental health screening and speak with a therapist about your results. For questions, contact Jamie Wlosowicz at 419-530-3957.

Monday chill out

SNOW PLOW OPERATORS WITH VEHICLES - The City of Toledo Division of Road & Bridge Maintenance is interested in contracting with owners/operators of snow plow vehicles for plowing on residental streets during heavy snow conditions. All bids must be received by 1:30PM October 11, 2022. For a copy of the bid proposals and specifications visit https://pbsystem. planetbids.com/portal/22576/portal-home or contact: ROAD & BRIDGE MAINTENANCE 1189 W, Central Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43610 PHONE: 419-245-1588

EVENTS RUMMAGE SALE. St. Michael’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4718 Brittany Rd. Friday October 7, 12:00-5:00 and Saturday, October 8, 9:00-1:00. Bag Sale following Saturday at 2:00. Cash or check only.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Instead of a harried commute into work on Monday, stop at the Lowrider Cafe for Meditation Mondays. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., order your coffee or tea and enjoy relaxing music and chilled vibes before starting your work week. Meditate, pray, do whatever. 316 N. Michigan St. (419) 690-4420

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITH THE BESTLOOKING AND LONGEST-LASTING MATERIAL STEEL FROM ERIE METAL ROOFS! Three styles and multiple colors are available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime!

Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807

AUTO INSURANCE LOOKING FOR AUTO INSURANCE? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote! 866-924-2397

GENERAL SERVICES/MISC. INTERNET & WIFI STARTS AT $49 Call us Today to Get Started. Find High Speed Internet with Fiber Optic Technology No Credit Check, No SSN Required.

Call us Today! 866-396-0515

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November 1 • November 30

www.toledocitypaper.com

www.toledocitypaper.com

November 1 • November 30

35

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH!

HAPPY HOUR

Bring this ad for $5 off lunch Tuesday - Friday 11:30am-3:30pm

Tuesday - Friday 2:00pm-6:00pm Plus, new kitchen hours!

Tuesday - Thursday 11:30am-9:00pm Friday & Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm

JOIN US SUNDAYS FOR BRUNCH OR FOOTBALL.

Have an event or party planned?

Let us host it for you! Space for up to 65 people! For pricing and availability contact us at natalie.charliemops@gmail.com

8505 Secor Rd. Lambertville, MI. The corner of Secor and Consear Roads | CHARLIEMOP.COM