Toledo City Paper: August Edition

August 1-August 31, 2023

Vol. 26

Issue 8

Adams Street Publishing Co.

What movie title describes your life?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Co-publisher/ Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Editorial

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

LOVE HARD

Contributing Writers: Kelly McGilvery, Jon Ruggiero, Johnny Hildo, Sean Nestor, Julie Pompa, Curtis Deeter, Jennifer KellowFiorini, Jeff Glick, Mary Genson, Janet Amid

Interns: Makenna Rose Flores, Laura Sandlin, Srestha Chattopadhyay, Grace Rooney

Advertising

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Libby Cassidy (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE

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CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

Bonnie Hunter (bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

ON GOLDEN POND

Jenny Leach (jleach@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

QUEEN OF THE DAMNED

Amy Bjarke (abjarke@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

ANIMAL HOUSE

Art/Production

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AS GOOD AS IT GETS

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PSYCHO

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STRANGER THAN FICTION

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DAZED AND CONFUSED

Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com)

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

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A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Advertising/General Info

For advertising and general information, call 419244-9859 or fax 419-244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@toledocitypaper.com. Deadline for advertising copy 2pm. 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.

Member

Also publishers of: Audited by

Historic Music Venue Frankie’s Inner-City Returns

MARKETPLACE CHANGES UPDATES IN

LOCAL

„ Alterations & More offers custom tailoring at 3450 W. Central Ave., Suite 130. Walk-ins are welcomed, with appointments requested for bridal and custom clothing projects. 419-578-9978. alterations-more.com

„ Bangkok Cafe moved from Woodville Road, now at 3508 Goodrich Ave, Northwood. 419-697-7979. facebook. com/BangkokCafeOhio

„ Carlos Poco Loco on Adams St in Uptown has a new name. The restaurant, 1809 Adams St., is now Poco Loco. Carlos Mendez, the namesake and owner, parted ways with Poco Loco. Ownership has consolidated and remains with the partners that have been previously involved. Management will also remain the same.

„ Cookies and Creams by Grace’s Kitchen is now open in Point Place, serving sandwiches, omelets, ice cream, cookies and fudge. 5241 N. Summit St., Toledo. facebook.com/ graceskitchentoledo

„ Element 112 is rebranding as Madeline’s Pâtisserie, a small cafe and bakery. They will no longer serve the regular brunch, lunch and dinner menu, but instead have a small bakery menu. Element 112 on Facebook.

„ HEAVY Beer Company will launch its third brewing facility at 1301 Adams St. in Uptown Toledo, a building that recently received $1.1 million in historic tax credits for renovation. The total project is slated to cost $13 million. HEAVY will scale up production as well as experiment with new flavors and

concepts. Expansion’ efforts include the Detroit and Cleveland markets. facebook. com/heavybeerco

„ JD’s Pub is opening at 3323 Sylvania Ave. where Jamos used to reside. Upon closing, Jamos sold the space to JD’s. The new pub will feature a new menu, as well as an open patio, Keno, dart boards, new TVs and music. JD’s Pub on Facebook.

„ Los Agaves, which owns two popular food trucks, will open a brick and mortar restaurant at 30 E. Alexis Rd., Toledo. Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant on Facebook.

„ Penguin Palace, a soft serve ice cream shop, has reopened for business after making repairs to its building due to storm damage. 2117 River Rd., Maumee. 419-893-0561. facebook.com/ ThePalaceMaumee

„ Sideline Embroidery & Crafts, a veteran-owned business, creates jewelry and sewn objects. Online sales only. 419-699-1017. facebook.com/ SidelineEmbroideryCrafts CLOSING

„ Grumpy’s Food & Drink on S. Main St. in Bowling Green is closed. The downtown Toledo and Sylvania locations remain open. As well, the food truck, can be found around the region.

„ Heartland Healthcare Services, the long-term care pharmacy in south Toledo, will close in September due to lack of business.

„ The Glendale Garden Cafe, 2915 Glendale Ave., will not reopen. Visit the sister location, Reynolds Garden Cafe.

Scooters, Golf Carts Make Downtown Transportation Accessible

toledocitypaper.com

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2.The rocket’s red glare: a 2023 guide to Independence Day celebrations and fireworks in the 419

3. The Time With Lennon: May Pang’s Candid Photos on Display in The Long Weekend

4. Marketplace Changes: July 2023

5. Toledo Food Truck Guide

UT Planetarium Shines Bright With Summer Programs

Those looking for a romantic evening under the stars or a way to learn more about the planets should head to the University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory. August’s show, Cosmic Colors, explores color and how it registers to the human eye, with shows every Friday evening at 8:30 pm from Aug. 4 to Aug. 25. There are also Saturday afternoon kidfocused programs. Visit utoledo.edu/nsm/rpbo/.

Toledo Featured in Midwest Living Magazine

The City of Toledo was featured in “Midwest Living Magazine” in a salute to the City “redefining itself” to celebrate area heritage. The article explores Toledo exceeding expectations, and even records, with the country’s largest mural. The nationally acclaimed artist Gabe Gault created the mural, complete with Native American women and sunflowers. Visitors can take a boat ride to have a closer view. midwestliving.com.

Toledo Library Wins Prestigious Award

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library won the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The prestigious award named 15 U.S. libraries as finalists, with four named as winners, including the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. The IMLS dedicates itself to supporting U.S. archival institutions and has presented this award to exemplary institutions since 1996. Visit imls.gov.

CITY POLITICS

Toledo loves its Jeep Accentuating the positive in City Politics

By Johnny Hildo

We’ve been writing this column for a very long time. Too long, if you listen to our critics. Screw ‘em, by the way.

Whoopsie, there we go again! All too often we lapse from tried ‘n true satirical ribbing into all-out negativity. This column will be different. This column will celebrate ol’ Froggy Bottom with the onset of the latest in a long line of summer festivals.

Jeep Fest!

Lovin’ the swamp

Face it. For all our griping about corruption and sheer lunacy in City Politics, there’s lots to love about our lil’ corner of the swamp. We have the community accessibility of a mid-size city with lots of the amenities of a much larger metropolis.

There are the vibrant downtown main drags in old school suburbs like Perrysburg, Maumee and Sylvania. There’s the downtown Lunch at Levis concert series, featuring live local music and local food trucks. There’s great restaurants, from old staples to creative new choices. For the sports enthusiast, there are minor league and collegiate sports in world-class venues. For the outdoors types there are fantastic metroparks and the river and lake for all types of excursions.

The Toledo Zoo! The library system!

The Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Opera! The greatest week in birding! The Downtown and Adams Street open container districts! Concerts at the Zoo and at Huntington! The list is way too long for one column.

And then there’s summer festivals. Out-of-towners are stunned by our love of festivals. Neighborhood, ethnic, church, and food festivals. Art, music, identity and charity festivals. You name it, we prob have a festival to celebrate it. Heck, we have a festival to celebrate a mural on Adams Street.

World class T-town

Yet somehow we waited until recently to celebrate what truly makes our little slice of paradise world class. Our Zoo is great, and we love our Hens, but lots of places have zoos and sports. Our metroparks rock, but so does Cleveland’s Emerald Necklace. Put succinctly, we are blessed as a city, but so are lots of other places.

There are two things that draw visitors from across the globe. One is our art museum. Our collection includes unique pieces folks travel thousands of miles to see, like Monet’s Water Lilies. The Art Glass Movement started right here, and that history draws seekers from far and wide.

Our other world-class claim to fame is the Jeep. The iconic Willys Overland all-purpose vehicle designed for military use in World War II is now celebrated around the world for its rugged off-road capabilities. There are Jeep enthusiasts literally everywhere. And it all began in the T!

Yet until recently the largest Jeep gathering was in Moab, Utah.

It’s long past time that we bring Jeep Fest home. Now expanded to three days, this year’s fest features an offroad course, rock climbing, music, food trucks, kids and family zones, a beer garden, vendors, indoor and outdoor exhibits and a Jeep parade.

Next steps would include a permanent dedicated off-road challenge course and Jeep museum. Let’s bring the world here year-round to celebrate our industrial workforce and heritage. Let’s raise the funds, get the site, do the work and make it happen.

Let’s say, loud and proud, that Toledo loves its Jeep!

2023 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

SEE PAGE 31 FOR DETAILS

TOLEDO PRIDE

WHAT PRIDE MEANS TO US:

August is a time for Toledoans to truly show off their pride in the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month, for Toledoans, includes having the month of June nationally and our own celebration in August with love shown to our queer friends and loved ones in the area.

Toledo City Paper celebrates pride year round, highlighting queer businesses, performers, news and individuals who make the community better and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in a positive way. We are proud to work at a place where we we are inclusive toward everyone, no matter their age, race, social status, sexuality, gender or religion. Pride celebrates what makes us all different and unique, and bridges our gaps through what makes us similar and connected. We want to hear from you, though. If you have any local businesses, figures or events in the community that you’d like to see covered, email editor@adamsstreetpublishing. com. We want to wish you the happiest Toledo Pride celebration!

GUIDE TO PRIDE:

In honor of Toledo Pride, Toledo City Paper’s staff chose our favorite queer people, places and media to highlight.

Artist: Hayley Kioko

Song: “What I Want” by MUNA

Album: “the record” by boygenius

Friday, August 18

Kick-Off

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Promenade Park 400 Water St.

Toledo Pride - Kick-Off, held at Promenade Park, features live music and drag shows. Other events in Downtown Toledo could affect parking. Rates vary with parking locations.

Sat., August 19

Pride Parade

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Adams Street

Toledo Pride will step off on Adams Street in uptown to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Last year, over 50 local businesses, community organizations and religious organizations participated in the Toledo Pride Parade with thousands of spectators lining the Street.

Toledo Pride Main Event

1 pm - 10 pm

Promenade Park 400 Water St.

Vendors, live music, entertainers and more at Promenade Park

Sun., August 20

Big Rainbow Brunch Crawl

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Various locations

A one-time $5 fee gets you food at each of the participating bars, which each has a special drink and a dish with a rainbow color theme.

Show: “Our Flag Means Death”

Book: “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyenn

Coffee Shop: Grindhrs

Movie: “Moonlight”

Celebrities: Elliot Page, Aubrey Plaza, Lil Nas X, Bowen Yang, Stephanie Beatriz, Bella Ramsey

Bar: Georgjz419

Drag Performer: Ivory S. Foster

Restaurant: Hamburger

Mary’s

Protecting Trans Kids

Supporting local transgender youth with limited resources

By Sean Nestor

Identifying as transgender is not easy. Statistics demonstrate that transgender individuals are four times more likely to be physically assaulted than those who are cisgender (those whose gender identity matches the one they were assigned at birth). Studies also show that 82% of transgender individuals have considered suicide, with 40% making an attempt. These rates are highest among transgender youth.

Despite those statistics, lawmakers across the United States are seeking, with increasing regularity, to restrict tranagender individual’s access to healthcare, their participation in sports and other activities.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help trans youth – some of which are right here in Toledo.

Key Resources in Toledo

ƒ Solace Health & Wellness, a nonprofit committed to filling in the gaps for medically vulnerable populations, organizes social nights and monthly support group meetings for transgender teens at their office at 137 N Michigan St in downtown Toledo. Group size is restricted and pre-registration is required to ensure the safety of participants. There is also a support group for parents of transgender teens. For more information, email info@solacehealth.org or visit solacehealth.org.

ƒ Toledo Area Transgender Support (TATS) is a peer-led support group established in 2010. Open to all, those 14 and older are welcome to participate. Frequent discussion topics include when and how to come out, how to get your name changed, how to update the gender marker on your birth certificate, how to navigate transitioning in the workplace, where to find clothes and shoes that fit and which area doctors are welcoming. The group meets on the fourth Sunday of each month from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at 440 Floyd Street, Unit C. For more information, call Aran at 419-6196810 or visit facebook.com/toledoareatranssupport.

ƒ Safety Net, a shelter operated by the Zepf Center that is for runaway youth, and welcomes to transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Located at 2005 Ashland Ave., the shelter is open to those who are under 18 and have left home without permission from their parents. For more information, call 419-206-0926 or visit zepfcenter. org/safety-net/.

ƒ Planned Parenthood, a medical center at 1301 Jefferson Ave. in downtown Toledo, offers gender-affirming care based on informed consent to those who are at least 18 years of age. Gender-affirming care includes hormone therapy, care coordination, birth control, STI testing & treatment, HIV testing, cancer screenings and primary care. For more information, call 419-255-1115.

ƒ Equality Toledo, a nonprofit LGBTQ advocacy organization affiliated with Equality Ohio, is a hub for learning about resources and organizations. They keep a calendar of events for the transgender community, such as clothing swaps and name change clinics. For more information, visit equalitytoledo.org or facebook.com/equalitytoledo.

Supporting trans youth?

Presently, two bills are working their way through the Ohio General Assembly that will almost certainly make life harder for trans youth. House Bill 8, the “Parents Bill of Rights,” features provisions that will require schoolteachers to “out” students to their parents; while House Bill 68, the “Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act,” would ban gender-affirming care of any kind in Ohio and prohibit trans athletes from participating in women’s sports. As of this writing, both bills have passed the Ohio House of Representatives and are set for consideration by the Ohio Senate.

The rhetoric used by the politicians sponsoring these bills – that allowing children to see or engage in gender-nonconforming culture is child abuse – has been parroted by far-right vigilante groups. Last December, several members of the Proud Boy and Patriot Front groups came armed with rifles to a Unitarian church in Columbus to stop an event where drag queens read storybooks to children.

“It’s getting pretty terrifying,” Quinn Albright, a 21-year-old Toledo trans woman currently living in Columbus, said. “Before the attacks on trans healthcare started, things in Ohio were already hard. [Transgender] people would go missing and not be found (and those disappearances would not ) even really (be) investigated. Last July, the clinic where I get all my healthcare was shut down for a week and a half due to bomb threats. Since then, there have been armed guards on the premises.”

The best resource for individuals identifying as transgender is a community that cares about and advocates for them. That means making sure that the spaces you occupy are safe for trans folks. To advocate for trans identifying individuals, consider speaking out and educating others in your home, school, house of worship and workplace; write letters to local news outlets or elected officials; or sign up to volunteer with advocacy organizations like Equality Toledo.

To learn more about issues facing transgender youth, contact Equality Ohio (www.equalityohio. org) or the National Center for Transgender Equality (www.transequality.org).

jeep fest

The 6th annual celebration features concerts, exhibits and more

By Grace Rooney

Jeep Fest is only a few weeks away. The sixth annual Toledo Jeep Fest, in the home of the Jeep, welcomes back Jeep owners to cruise down city streets. Downtown Toledo will host the All-Jeep Parade with a variety of activities for Jeep-lovers of all ages. Enjoy Jeep Fest by participating in the full schedule of events, below.

Friday, August 4

12 pm - 6 pm: Jeep Off-Road Welcome Party 18-obstacle course, unique giveaways and more.

6:15 pm: Kick-Off Concert

Scotty McCreery performs live (tickets at PromedicaLive.com).

6 pm - 10 pm: Adams Street Invasion

Car crushing, RTI ramp and balance blocks opps, vendors, DJ, food trucks and more.

Grogan’s Towne & Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade

Saturday, August 5

10 am: Grogan’s Towne & Charlie’s All-Jeep Parade

10 am - 6 pm: Outdoor Park-N-Shine Show

Indoor Exhibit: Speaker Series and RC Rock Crawling Course.

Vendor Midway

Kids’ Zone @ Festival Park

Family Zone @ Hensville Park

Live Bands and Entertainment

Food Trucks

Beer Gardens

Levis Square

4:30 pm: Official Program and Commemoration

6 pm - 7:30 pm: Movie Night @ Fifth Third Field

8 pm: Free Jeremy Rowe Concert @ Hensville Park Doors at 7 pm.

Scotty McCreery

A Brief History of Jeep in Toledo

Everyone recognizes the Jeep and Toledoans love Jeep Fest. The history of the Jeep is woven into the fabric of Toledo.

1909

John Willys moves the Overland Auto Company from Indianapolis to Central Ave. in Toledo, at the site of the former Pope-Toledo plant. The new company, dubbed Willys-Overland, ranked second nationwide in automobile production from 1912-1916.

1938

Willys-Overland bids to produce a new, lightweight truck for the War Department. New chief executive Joseph W. Frazer directs engineer Delmar Roos to improve Willys’ 4-cylinder engine. Production of the Willys MB vehicle— also known as the “Jeep”— begins in 1941. Willys grants the government a non-exclusive license so other manufacturers can produce the vehicle.

1945.

By the end of World War II, Willys-Overland manufactures nearly 360,000 Jeep vehicles— over half the total number produced for the war effort. Instead of returning to traditional passenger vehicles, the company begins production of the first Jeeps for civilian usage.

1946.

The Jeep Utility Wagon, a station wagon with the Jeep’s engine and transmission, is released. By the end of 1947, Jeep sales have topped 100,000 vehicles.

produces the Jeep Liberty.

2003

New parent company DaimlerChrysler announces intentions to expand the Toledo Jeep plant to boost production of the Wrangler. The resulting Toledo Supplier Park, on the same site as the original Stickney plant, opens in 2007.

2016

The first Toledo Jeep Fest is held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the vehicle in Toledo, which has grown into an annual event held over the course of three days. Happy Jeep Fest, everyone!

The Toledo Area UAW CAP Council Salutes The UAW Men And Women Who Have Built Jeeps In Toledo Over The Decades

Spot that Jeep!

Movies and shows that feature Jeep cars

By Grace Rooney

Back to the Future

Marty McFly was saved by a Jeep more than once. Back in 1985, he was able to grab a Jeep while riding his skateboard, making his journey to school that much faster (and way cooler). Flash-forward to the future and McFly once again catches a ride on the back of a Jeep to get away from Griff’s gang.

Dukes of Hazzard 

For more than one hundred episodes, Daisy Duke sported her trademark Jeep “Dixie,” with its name stenciled on the side of the hood. Daisy cruised around plenty in her Jeep throughout her time in Hazzard.

Gilmore Girls

One of the staple props of the series is Lorelai’s Jeep. Either parked in front of her house, or transporting the mother/daughter duo heading to Richard and Emily’s house for Friday night dinners, the Jeep makes an appearance in most episodes of the seven season series.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Band of Brothers 

In this war miniseries, Jeeps move through battlefields, war camps, and towns carrying soldiers in and out of trouble. Injured or healthy, the Jeep carries soldiers onward through the war.

Baywatch

Though the lifeguards run across the beach throughout the series, each character has a Jeep to drive through the waves and across the hot sand.

Breaking Bad

Jeep appears in Breaking Bad in two different forms: as a Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Hank’s Jeep Commander takes quite a bit of damage, being shot at by multiple people, while the Grand Wagoneer had a bit of an easier ride with the simple task of transporting Walt’s wife, Skyler White.

Jeeps are made to take on the jungle, but not many Jeeps have held up a swordfight. Mutt Williams and Irina Spalko balance atop two Jeeps speeding through the jungle while fighting sword against sword.

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park just wouldn’t be the same without Jeeps. Attacked by way too many dinosaurs, Jeeps flee with stolen embryos.

M.A.S.H.

In every episode for 11 seasons, the 1942 Willys Military Jeep appeared in the hit sitcom. The Jeep had many adventures: Klinger tried to eat the Jeep, Radar tried to mail it home, it was painted gold and the vehicle is was stuffed to the brim with people to break the world record for how many people a Jeep could hold.

Cars 

Sarge, the army Jeep, was one of the best soldiers who fought in World War II and is now owner of his own shop “Sarge’s Surplus Hut”. The Jeep is found barking orders while helping other cars train for racing.

A truly tough vehicle is needed to withstand a tornado, and the Jeep Pickup stood against the natural disaster well… up until the end at least. A sturdy vehicle was needed to carry “Dorothy”, a data collecting tool, into the storm, and the Jeep did a commendable job before being destroyed at the end of the film.

Get prepared for Jeep Fest by reading this list of Jeeps in your favorite films and television shows.

Twister 

THE BOARD GAME LOCALLY GROWN

Starting your own business can be a daunting task. Not only do you need the right idea, the paperwork and the many other logistical elements, but you also need to create good relationships within the community to thrive. Luckily, local businesses are sharing their tips for the nine steps to owning your own business.

LOCALLY GROWN AREA BUSINESSES

ALICE LOUISE PRESS

Amy Lesniewicz

107 Louisiana Avenue (419)345-8045 alice-louise.com

BLOOM

Ashley Bush

112 E. Dudley St. (419) 326-5732 bloomwomenscounseling.com

BOYD'S RETRO CANDY

Pam Lloyd-Camp 954 Phillips Ave. 419-720-7387 boydsretrocandy.com

BUCHUVIDA

Phil & Jo Feltman 24124 Front St (419) 830-3055 buchuvida.com

Business idea/inspiration

CASTILLO FUNERAL HOME

John Castillo 1757 Tremainsville Road 419-740-6151 castillofuneral.com

CRUNCH FITNESS

Sarah Page 4925 Jackman Road #16 (419) 262-0722 crunch.com

FLYING RHINO

Angie Cucunato 201 Morris Street (419) 973-7099 Flyingrhinocoffee.com

FRANKEL DENTISTRY

Pamela Weitzel 5012 Talmadge Road 419-474-9611 jonfrankeldentistry.com

HLS ORTHODONTICS

Deana Butler 4413 Keystone Dr 419-882-1017 perfectbraces.com

HEALTH FOODS BY CLAUDIA

Jim Roscoe 3904 Secor Road 419-474-2400

Health Foods by Claudia on Facebook

INK & IRON

Mike Klein 1505 Adams St. 419-265-6453 inkandirontattoo.com

INSIDE THE FIVE

Katie Fields

5703 N. Main Street 567-408-7212 insidethefivebrewing.com

JEFF’S HAULING & CLEANUP

Jeff Hoffman 310 Mulberry St. (419) 508-3782

Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup on Facebook

LASALLE CLEANERS

Gary Resnick 922 Jefferson Ave. 419-242-2391 lasallecleaners.com

LOMA LINDA

Mike Kunzer 10400 Airport Hwy 419-865-5455 lomalindamexican.com

ROSIE’S ITALIAN GRILLE

ROSIE'S ROLLING CHEF

ROSARIA'S ON THIRD STREET

Andrew Cooper Various Locations 419-866-5007 rosiesitaliangrille.com

SIDELINES

Eric Sitter 1430 Holland Road (419) 474-0000 sidelinessportseatery.com

SCHMUCKER’S

Douglas Schmucker 2103 N. Reynolds Road (419)260-5395 schmuckersrestaurant.com

SOUK

Moussa Salloukh 139 S. Huron St. (567) 777-7685 soukkitchenbar.com

WHITEHOUSE INN & CRUST

Tony Fronk & Marcy 10835 Waterville St 419-877-1180 thewhitehouseinn.net crustpizzawhitehouse.com

WOODCRAFT

John and Carroll Nystrom 5311 Airport Highway 419-389-0560 woodcraft.com/stores/toledo

Business idea/ inspiration

What inspired you to get into this industry? How long did it take you to open your business once you had the initial idea?

HEALTH FOOD BY CLAUDIA

My greatest inspiration for opening a health food store and getting into the business of true health will always be my beautiful mother. She had a simple and powerful understanding of the importance of food and what it truly means in our life and I am so grateful. When our health needed attention, she turned to what God and nature offers us first.

BOYD'S RETRO CANDY

Peanuts. More specifically ground up peanuts to make a candy chew called Squirrel Nut Zippers. An older gentleman asked me if the store I worked in carried Squirrel Nut Zippers which I’d never heard of. He described them the best he could and told me how they were his favorite candy and he couldn’t find them anywhere. My love of finding that special candy customers were looking for was born.

That was in about 1998. It took me till 2006 to actually begin operating a store of my own.

NEXT: FINDING YOUR CLIENT

CONT'D ON P16

YourFindingClient

What is the key demographic of your customers/clients and how did you determine this?

WHITEHOUSE INN + CRUST

Our key demographics are of course Whitehouse, Waterville and Monclova. We also have noticed the past few years we are reaching out to guests as a destination restaurant. We have guests from Michigan and Indiana quite frequently. We determine this by asking guests where they are from along with guests telling us where they are from. I also walk around the parking lot (like a psycho) looking at license plates.

FRANKEL DENTISTRY

If you ask our staffers who schedule appointments, over 70% of our dental appointments are made by moms, wives and girlfriends. Attractive hours, two locations, individualized dental care, online scheduling and complimentary consultations make seeing the dentist convenient. Our doctors, healthcare providers and staff want every visit to be the best dental experience. All of these factors lead current patients to recommend Frankel Dentistry to their family and friends. Most of our new patients are referred to us by our existing patients. It is a telling compliment for all of us.

The key demographic is the generations of families who have made Loma’s their tradition, starting in 1955. We cannot thank our loyal customers and employees enough.

A. I never try to see others as competition in our industry. I thrive on seeing others who have made something of themselves and know that they worked just as hard as I did to get here. If anything it just pushes me to try something new, but as far as I’m concerned, there’s enough to go around.

SCHMUCKER’S

A. We have seen the growth of national chains over the years. Many do it well!

We have a simple plan in response: Stay the course by continuing to stay focused on Grandpa Harvey’s core beliefs. He believed in providing quality food at a reasonable price and making sure the customer did not go away hungry that customers would be back. As a fourth we have added: exceptional service. When we do this, we secure another 75 years. Being a 75-year-old diner with made from scratch meals and the best staff one could ask for truly sets us apart!

WOODCRAFT

B. We have expert woodworkers on staff who can teach woodworking skills, provide support and recommendations for project questions and know how wood will respond. We “help you make wood work.”

ALICE LOUISE PRESS

Creating a Business Plan 4.

What is your business model, big picture goals and growth plan?

If I could recreate the corner store days when I could walk down Sylvania Ave. (licking my first Sweet Tart which I discovered in the early 60s) on my own at seven years old, with no adult necessary by my side, I would. If I could create a corner store where a child could choose to save their allowance for two weeks to buy a Barbie doll dress or spend that allowance each week on a bag of candy, I would. I would love to put Boyd's in more towns to bring joy to more families.

FRANKEL DENTISTRY

VIDA

Our business model is centered around offering a range of natural health and wellness products. Our product line includes patented natural deodorant, facial toner, patented shampoo, yoga mat spray, soaps, lip balm and teas. These products are created using natural ingredients, with a particular focus on the buchu plant due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

In addition to the product offerings, our business model involves a holistic approach to health and wellness. We provide information and resources to educate customers about the benefits of natural remedies, promoting overall well-being and potentially offering additional services through Yoga Faith and upcoming retreats. We have an upcoming retreat scheduled for September. Visit our website, and navigate to the events page to learn more about this exciting opportunity. The retreat promises a rejuvenating experience focused on holistic wellness, providing attendees with a chance to immerse ourselves in a transformative journey towards well-being.

SIDELINES

We are planning to open a neighborhood steak & seafood restaurant. Stay tuned.

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

BOYD'S

BUCHU

LOMA LINDA

The goal is to make the atmosphere welcoming and fun. People just want to get away and take a break from all their worries, with a margarita.

WHITEHOUSE INN & CRUST

We determine some of our goals and ideas by listening to our Guests and their ideas and suggestions to see if it meets our business model. We also determine them by the demographics of the area we live in. Whitehouse and the surrounding areas are growing quickly and we need to stay ahead of it.

ROSIE'S

Ideally we would love to see Rosaria’s as busy as Rosie’s. That is the dream and the goal!

NEXT: REGISTRATION AND PAPERWORK

CONT'D ON P18

5.

Registration + Paperwork

Were there any resources that were particularly helpful with the initial business registration and paperwork?

HEALTH FOOD BY CLAUDIA

I grew up with many family members that owned successful businesses, so business has always been in my blood. But one resource I utilized was SCORE, a wonderful organization of retired business people willing to share their expertise in all aspects of business, and at no cost. I found it very helpful and would suggest to any start-up to check out the organization.

WOODCRAFT

We are a strong supporter of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and any local opportunities (i.e., UT and BGSU seminars) that educate prospective entrepreneurs. There are so many classes and seminars available to help entrepreneurs along their path to becoming business owners – from understanding what the different types of businesses are and how to develop a business plan through understanding legal and state requirements, human resource needs and training, inventory modeling to record and accounting needs, assessment and evaluation reports, marketing and mining for new customers, supporting and complimentary services and planning for the future of the business. We also found networking with retail consultants and groups to field questions, generate creative ideas, share concerns and find solutions and support have been invaluable.

Funding + Financing 6.

Was there a business expense you weren't prepared for or that you would recommend new business owners be on the lookout for?

RHINO

The most unexpected business expense is always time. We want to think we can do it all. I can figure out most things myself (with enough time) but that doesn't mean that I should! Time is valuable and finite. As a small business owner, knowing your capabilities and delegating wisely is a must.

INSIDE THE FIVE

Legal fees. We found a lawyer to guide us in some initial business decisions. Many people see this as costly advice and not necessary, but it helped us to be more confident, knowing we were doing things the right way.

SIDELINES

Taxes, taxes, taxes.

NEXT! BUSINESS TOOLS

CONT'D ON P23

FLYING

Business Tools 7.

What's one unique tool that's essential for your everyday business function?

HLS ORTHODONTICS

We use a 3D printer every day. By printing models of your teeth, we are more efficiently able to place your braces and are able to easily create retainers. Models for retainers used to be made from plaster, which broke after making a single retainer. Now, we can make unlimited retainers from the same 3D model, which is great news for people who tend to misplace things.

INSIDE THE FIVE

Our amazing designer Rae. After a few years, we decided to hire an employee to solely focus on our brand consistency including our website and social media. It was one of the smartest decisions we made.

NEXT: MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

CONT'D ON P 26

LOMA LINDA

The microphone! Everyone knows, you wanna go, where the microphone knows your name!

Marketing

Business

JEFF’S HAULING & CLEANUP

BLOOM

While we are not able to accommodate walk-in appointments or customers, anyone who is interested in our services is invited to call us at 419-326-5732, or visit our website www.bloomwomenscounseling.com for more information.

FLYING RHINO

Flying Rhino Coffee is always evolving. Our roastery is really something special in Toledo. You can see the roaster running and coffee being manufactured. We have new coffee selections all the time and a very impressive selection of coffee brewing equipment. It’s a hidden gem. When new customers come in they always feel like they have been let in on a secret. It’s a positive space with good vibes and great coffee. What more could you want?

NEXT: GIVING BACK TO THE

CONT'D ON P28

C.

A. Although I wasn’t around when the business was established, getting to accept an award at Toledo City Paper’s Best of Toledo Awards celebration the year after I started at HLS made me feel like I was part of a great business. SIDELINES

A. After I failed and dusted myself off, educated myself more and opened a new location.

A. I made it as an established business? Hahaha. I don’t know that I personally can ever enter the space of comfort when it comes to business. Stay humble and work hard. Someone is always working harder than you.

B. I have so many friends that own businesses around town; someone that truly inspires me to diversify and grow is Kengo Kato. His commitment to excellence has earned my respect and my business for years. Kengo, best sashimi in town. Kato, best ramen in town. Shobu, expanding the footprint of sushi. The man doesn’t miss.

C. Ink and Iron concentrates on elevating the tattoo community. We are friendly and care about each other and the community as a whole. We are a group of artists that just want to grow and learn from our experiences while breaking stereotypes. Showing the community in Toledo that we can work together and create more peace, tattooed or not. That’s what is important today, harmony.

HEALTH FOODS BY CLAUDIA

C. I believe our business impacts our community in a very positive way because we witness individuals reclaim their health safely and effectively on a daily basis. We will always be a voice reminding everyone that our human body is a miraculous machine and designed to heal when given the proper tools to do so. That message means a lot to those that choose to embrace it.

MINDING OUR BUSINESS

Big Tastes in Little Toledo

Kirin Asian Mart opens to bring large selection of specialties to NW Ohio

Jon Ruggiero

Despite the diversity of items at big box grocery stores there are still some items that are not stocked, particularly a full array of ethnic foods.. While there are some small markets in Northwest Ohio, the purchase of some items, especially Asian foods, required travel to Michigan.

With the opening of the new Asian supermarket in Toledo, local cooks now have access to a culinary world they may have not experienced previously. A variety of drinks, noodles, vegetables and many speciality items, like dehydrated mushrooms and fresh, live seafood are just a few of those items that are found at Kirin Asian Mart on Secor Road.

Toledo Tastes

Kirin Asian Market opened earlier this year, with many locals excited and eagerly awaiting a chance to peruse the selection. Kirin Asian Mart owner and floor manager Vicky Wang explained that Toledo was “the first city we selected. We found that Toledo has a large population that likes Asian food very much, but does not have a large Asian supermarket with a full range of categories.”

Full range is a great way to describe what’s available here. Roughly the size of a local grocery chain store, Kirin has an impressive variety of food and food-related items. Several aisles are stocked with many variations on the same products, including various soy sauces and dried fungi. The store also has a large section dedicated to cooking and serving implements, including woks, food preparation tools and other items.

Special Selections

Snack foods are available, much like any other grocery store, however here the items take on a different look with plastic soda cans, a variety of dumplings in the frozen food aisle, an impressive collection of not usually seen flavors of Lays potato chips (like leek, shrimp and hot pot, for instance), and black pepper taro root chips along with many candies, sweets and dried fruits . The front of the store boasts a hot table line with Asian inspired takeand-go meals and sushi available.

The chefs at Kirin will prepare items for order including roasting entire ducks and preparing fresh fish from the tanks visible in the back of the store. And Kirin, despite having a lot to offer, are already adding new services. Wang explains that “we will gradually increase different kinds of services in the store, such as product promotion, cooking demonstrations and serving milk tea.”

Kirin offers a lot to take in for people not familiar with Asian food, but Wang is looking forward to everyone finding something to like at Kirin.“We have various selections of Asian vegetables, noodles and ice cream that are very popular,” Wang said. “For customers who are not experienced with cooking, we sell a lot of pre-made sauces and frozen foods, which are easy and convenient to serve.” Kirin Asian Mart is a great place to shop, whether you’re an expert or novice, when it comes to Asian food.

Kirin Asian Mart, 3314 Secor Road, (419) 725-1352. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Kirin Asian Mart on Facebook.

POPPERS

Cork & Knife Offers

Cooking Classes

Cork & Knife Provisions has only been in the area for a couple of years, but is already expanding its reach beyond serving food and into cooking experiences for guests. Cork & Knife now offers cooking classes ranging from themed courses, like French Basics, to full culinary camps for children. Classes are held at the restaurant, 224 S Erie St. For pricing and monthly class offerings, visit corkandknifeprovisions.com.

Enjoy a Feast with a Beast

The Toledo Zoo is known for its fun events and its plethora of animal residents. The Zoo’s ‘ Feast with the Beasts’ allows participants to experience a chef collective style dinner with a local and sustainable menu and specialty wine pairings. This fundraising event will also feature a live auction offering unique Zoo experiences. Featured chefs include Eloisa Beltran and Jamie Perkins of the Toledo Zoo, Richard Grimm of Sylvania Country Club and Michael Rigot of Toledo Renaissance’s Brim House. Attendees must be 21 or older. toledozoo. org or call 419-385-5721, ext. 2091.

Twin Oast Brewing Acquires Catawba Island Brewing

Twin Oast Brewing announced the acquisition of Catawba Island Brewing Co. Twin Oast, a farm-to-fermenter brewery since 2018, is located on a 60-acre farm while Catawba Island Brewing Co. was founded in 2013. Twin Oast has a long-term vision of producing high-quality fruited sour ales using home grown ingredients sourced from Quinstock Farms. By acquiring Catawba Island Brewing, that vision becomes more of a reality. Catawba Island Brewing’s location will still be used for production and distribution. 3630 NE Catawba Rd. Port Clinton. twinoast.com.

CULINARY CALENDAR

THURS, Aug 3

Salad & Sandwich

All you can eat salads & sandwiches by Lulu Fare, live music, wine and craft beer available for purchase. $15. 5 pm - 8 pm. Majestic Oak Winery, 13554 Mohler Rd., Grand Rapids. majesticoakwinery.com

FRI, Aug. 4

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival and a Little Brew, too

This is the premier food and wine event of the year. There will be wines from Ohio wineries, food, cooking school demonstrations, two stages of live music entertainment, artisans, and shopping. $37. 12 pm - 9 pm. Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green. ohiowines.org

SAT, Aug. 5

Low Country Shrimp & Crab Boil

1st Annual Shrimp & Crab Boil! Chef will be cooking alongside you and your friends on the patio. The menu will feature shrimp & crab with summer sides and desserts. A cash bar will be available for beer, wine and cocktails throughout the evening. $100. 5 pm - 9 pm. Cork & Knife Provisions, 224 S. Erie St. corkandknifeprovisions.com

THURS, Aug. 10

Feast With the Beasts

Fundraiser for Toledo Zoo featuring chef collective style dinner with local and sustainable menu and specialty wine pairings. $250-$2500. 6 pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

MON, Aug. 14

Tea Infused Treats Class

Learn to make delicious tea-infused gelato, ice cream, granita, and sorbets with The Summer Kitchen Girls. $30. 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org

TUES, Aug. 15

Oceanside Soiree

Celebrate the beauty of Australia at a coastalinspired dinner featuring an exclusive collaboration with The Hidden Seas winery, located in the heart of the Limestone Coast. Tickets available on Eventbrite. $69. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 4705 Talmadge Rd.

WED, Aug. 16

Zonta Club of Toledo

Wine Tasting Event

Come enjoy delicious food and wine with the Zonta Club of Toledo. Funds raised from this event will support local women’s services and empowerment initiatives. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $75. 6 pm - 8:30 pm. Stone Oak Country Club, 100 Stone Oak Blvd., Holland. zontatoledo1.org

THURS, Aug. 17

Mac & Cheese Flights

Live music by Mike Szafarowicz, wine and craft beer, and the ultimate comfort food. $15. 5 pm. Majestic Oak Winery, 13554 Mohler Rd., Grand Rapids. majesticoakwinery.com

CHOW LINE A Successful Leap Into Wine

Chateau Winery & Vineyard reaches one-year milestone

By Julie Pompa

Michele and Bill Hollister have been wine enthusiasts for several decades, sampling wines wherever they’ve traveled and even making their own blends. During their time living in Oak Harbor and Fremont, they were frequent patrons of Chateau Tebeau Winery in Helena, even buying some of their winemaking supplies there.

So, when the owners, Bob and Mary Tebeau, suggested that perhaps the Hollisters would like to buy the winery, the Hollisters agreed. Well, not immediately, but they soon realized that this was where they had been headed for years.

“We’re both business teachers, so we have that business background,” explained Michele Hollister. When the Tebeaus retired, the Hollisters opened Chateau Winery and Vineyard in July, 2022, and they haven’t looked back.

Farming, producing, selling and distributing

Michele describes Chateau Winery and Vineyard as a 36-acre farm, with a 3.5 acre vineyard, featuring hardy grapes that can thrive in this northern climate. The vineyard produces grapes for the following varietals:

„ Frontenac (a big red with a strong cherry taste)

„ Noiret grapes, for use in red blends

„ Traminette (a white with many of the same flavors as Gewurztraminer)

„ Vignoles (a white commonly found in wines vinted in the Midwest and New York’s Finger Lakes)

They also purchase grape juice from vineyards around the country, which the winery uses to make wines including Riesling, Pinot Gris and a new Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Merlot. They plan to add more grape varieties to the vineyard in the future. Chateau Winery & Vineyard prod-

ucts are sold at more than 50 retailers throughout northwest Ohio, including several Home Buys and Wal-Mart locations.

In addition to the vineyard and winery, the Helena property also includes a tasting room / restaurant, an outdoor area with a koi pond, a gazebo, other seating areas and a home.

Changes and expansions

When Chateau Winery & Vineyard first opened, many guests were concerned about the changes the Hollisters had planned. While they changed a few things around the property, much remains the same. Most important is the “Friends Gather Here” sign prominent in the tasting room. “A lot of guests have told us that the place has a friendly atmosphere,” Michele said. “The support of our customers has been great. Many of them have become our friends.” They have added seasonal food items to their menu and along with bringing in the occasional food truck. They began offering special events, such as “vino bingo,” music trivia and paint parties. They feature live weekend music (outside when the weather’s good) and are building a schedule of events to host on the grounds.

The winery has become a popular stop for bus tours from around the region, according to Michele, and guests can stop by for wine tastings or call ahead to schedule vineyard tours. “We’ve also found that the winery (located just south of Ohio Route 6 near Helena) is a great stopping point to or from Lake Erie, especially in summer,” she explained.

Chateau Winery & Vineyard, 525 State Route 635 in Helena. 419.638.5411 or visit chateauwineryandvineyard.com. Email 419wine@ gmail.com. 11:00 am. to 8:00 pm. Wednesday and Thursday, 11:00 am. to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Michelle and Bill Hollister, wine enthusiasts and winery operators.

FILM

Start Your Filmmaking Career Via Smartphone

If you are looking to start a filmmaking career, grab your smartphone. The Toledo Library is hosting the FilmToledo Workshop Series with a course on smartphone filmmaking, Thursday, Aug. 17 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in the Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Community Room 1. Participants will learn the basics of cinematography and shot composition, and begin creating their own content. toledo.libnet.info, 419-259-5200.

“The Erie Situation” Screening Raises Awareness

This award winning film talks about the toxic mix from big agriculture flows through the Maumee River and into Lake Erie. The screening, shown at Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., takes place on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7 pm. Following the film will be a Q&A with expert panelists including Mayor Wade Kapszukiewcz and moderated by Toledo Newscaster Jerry Anderson. Admission is free, limited seating with a capacity of 500. For more information, visit theeriesituation.com.

Attend a “Powerlands” Screening with Better Toledo

Join The Toledo Library, The City of Toledo Human Relations Commission and Welcome TLC, all part of Better Toledo, for a community screening and conversation about the award winning documentary, “Powerlands.” The film features a young Navajo filmmaker who investigates displacement of Indigenous people, the devastation of the environment caused by the chemical companies that have exploited the land where she was born and she learns from Indigenous activists across three continents. Toledo Lucas County Library - Main Branch, 325 N Michigan St., Thursday, Sept. 7, 3 pm to 5 pm. For group and individual registrations call 419-259-5293.

APPEAL REEL 9th Annual CommUNITY Film Festival

Celebrating Challenges and Contributions of those with Disabilities.

The CommUNITY Film Festival celebrates its ninth year, inspiring short films by and about people living with disabilities.

The festival, a project of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, for the past six years has been co-hosted by Film Toledo, a group of local film, media and educational professionals with a mission to bring more film productions to the Toledo/Northwest Ohio area.

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities highlights filmmaking talents of all ages and abilities. “Wolverines,” “Galactic Guardians” and “Music Videos” are just a few of the short film subjects. President of Film Toledo, Michael DeSanto, filled us in on the Festival, what to expect this year, and some favorite Festival moments since Film Toledo became involved.

Festival Focus

“The focus of the Festival is to showcase participants’ daily lives,” DeSanto explains, adding, “Some films are very creative, and there are even music videos, but it’s all about what their interests are and showcasing how they live.”

The Festival has been held annually at the Maumee Indoor Theater, where films are screened and eligible for prizes. The goal is to promote community and inclusion while celebrating the lives of people of all abilities. This year submissions have included 20 short films which will be screened, with five or six of those films taking home prizes.

Partnership with Film Toledo

Film Toledo is the local film commission for Toledo and Northwest Ohio with a mission of bringing more film productions to the area. Charles Wetzel Jr., networking coordinator at Film Toledo, was a judge for CommUNITY Film Festival before becoming the host. Wetzel brought Film Toledo onboard to work with the Festival. DeSanto has helped to give the Festival a more visible presence, donating his talents in graphic design and creating a website.

“A major focus is partnering the right people with more seasoned filmmakers to really bring their ideas to life,” DeSanto said. “Film Toledo paired one filmmaker with someone who specializes in visual effects to create a short film where the main character is superhero ‘Wolverine.’ If filmmakers have an interest in music, they (are) paired with people who specialize in music videos.”

From Story to Film

One of the challenges when making these films is uncovering the big idea. DeSanto sees the yearly Festival as highly anticipated, with everyone eager to get their stories on film. “There are a lot of ideas, so it’s about trying to decide what to work on this year and how to make things different,” DeSanto said. “We have a lot of sequels to previous projects. In one case we have a prequel made by Cohl Dollison, who is an artist, and created a superhero, ‘The Galactic Guardian.’ The film is made in comic strip style and this year (Dollison) is creating a short film about the origin story of the character.”

At the Festival

“We try to grow the Festival every year and get more people involved, while keeping it within this community,” DeSanto said. “The Festival itself is like a big party. It’s a free event, everyone is welcome and we don’t make a profit or charge for entries. At the Festival attendees can meet individual filmmakers, their families and the staff from the board of Developmental Disabilities. We partner with iDance in Toledo, a group that teaches dance to people of all abilities, and every year we have a live dance performance in the middle of the festival to get everyone up and dancing.“

Sunday, Aug. 20. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 N Conant St. (419) 897-8902. To find out more about CommUNITY Film Festival times and tickets, visit communityfilmfest.org.

Film festival winners recieve recognition and awards.

CURTAIN CALL

Bird’s Eye View Circus Classes For

All Ages and Skill Levels

An emphasis on positivity and creativity.

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

Teachers Perform Stand Up Comedy

Come laugh with the funniest teachers in the world. Bored Teachers, the leader in teacher comedy with millions of followers and video views on social media, is on tour with a powerhouse roster of comedians. The Teachers Do Stand Up Tour has a rotating lineup with the hilarious teacher comics from around the country, spreading smiles to every educator in need of a night of laughter before embarking on another challenging school year. This tour visits The Toledo Funny Bone, 6140 Levis Commons Boulevard, Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 at 6 pm. toledo.funnybone.com.

Fly Away with Mary Poppins at The Croswell

Aerial arts are a way to spice up your workout and Toledo’s Bird’s Eye View Circus at the Collingwood Art Center, can help you take to the air. Devoted to circus arts and founded in 2012, the studio is now operated by longtime troupe members and offers classes in aerial arts, including silks, hoops and other trapeze techniques, along with juggling, stilt walking and much more.

Background

Bird’s Eye View Circus was founded by Erin Pierson in 2012 when current owners Renee Granados, Matthew James Miller, Morgan Sopko and Chloe Whiting-Stevenson were among her first students. Ten years later in 2022, the group purchased the business from Pierson. “Erin was our teacher and mentor in circus arts,” Granados said. “Something that is important to us is the culture. Inclusivity and positivity are things Pierson instilled, and we continue to strive for today.”

Classes Offer “Something for Everyone”

Classes are offered every day of the week. “We have a mix of things,” Granados explains, adding, “in aerial arts we have the silks, the trapeze, the lyra and the swing. We offer those classes at various levels, from beginner to more advanced.”

Bird’s Eye also has sampler classes, to allow an introduction to aerial, juggling and hoop dancing. Flow Arts class offers a taste of different disciplines such as hula hoops, poi (weighted objects that are spun) and dragon staff (a long stick, used as a baton with “dragon” referring to a flaming baton, for the more advanced student).

Youth classes start as young as seven, and Granados points out that they have adults taking classes into

their 50s. “There is a good diversity of age,” Granados said. “We have a grandmother who teaches a class, and her granddaughter takes classes. It’s an exciting thing to see because one thing we like to say in the circus is that age and body type don’t matter; we’re all capable of surprising ourselves. In class we are all there to learn and everybody is where they are — that’s why the positivity aspect is an important pillar for how we run our business. We are always trying to make the classes as accessible to as many people as possible.”

Circus Training Camp and Performances

Birds Eye View Circus offers an annual camp for youth and teens in half day sessions where students learn circus skills at different levels. In July they offered a circus performance camp that focuses exclusively on how to be a performer and concludes with a performance for friends and family. Granados says circus arts have the ability to “turn your mood around.”

The Birds Eye View troupe performs at events, with show-stopping aerial performances as well as “roaming” entertainment, interacting with crowds on the ground with juggling, hoops and poi.

Showcasing Students Work

Students perform in showcases a few times a year with an upcoming performance at Toledo Pride on Aug. 19 in downtown Toledo. Showcase performances can include storytelling, using a whole cast plus props to tell stories. Helping students find that magic and creativity is why I fell in love with circus arts,” Granados says.

Bird’s Eye View Circus, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. (567) 694-6628. birdseyeviewcircus.com

A timeless tale of a special nanny, “Mary Poppins” at The Croswell Opera house, 129 E Maumee St. Aug. 4 through Aug. 20, follows a nanny who tries to turn the lives of two British children upside down with a little magic and a great attitude. Tickets range from $15 to $44. Evening shows at 7:30 pm. Matinee performances at 2:30 pm. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. croswell.org.

Participants work on tightrope walking, airborne agility and more.

CITY PAGES

Join the Silent Book Club

The Silent Book Club, a group of book lovers, meets one Saturday each month for about two hours. The first and last half hours are for visiting and chatting, but the middle hour is for silent reading. The group holds meetings at different restaurants, bars, or coffee shops and posts regular updates on Facebook. To join and learn the August and September book club dates, check out Toledo Silent Book Club on Facebook. Show up with whatever book you are loving right now.

Big Idea Book Group Reads “Black on Both Sides”

The Big Idea Book Group is a discussion group dedicated to diverse voices, perspectives and authors that aims to construct a meaningful conversation about anti-racism while embracing the diversity of the Toledo community. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the group will meet via Zoom to discuss “Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity” by C. Riley Snorton. To register or for more information, visit events.toledolibrary.org/event/8213981.

Kerry Trautman’s Book Launch & Reading

Author Kerry Trautman will head to Sam and Charlie’s White Hut Diner, 2344 Central Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 12 pm to 2 pm, for a reading from her new fiction book “Irregulars”. She’ll also read from “Unknowable Things,” her latest poetry collection.Register by Aug. 24 to provide an accurate headcount. Also, a limited number of open mic slots are available, with a 5-minute limit with the theme of restaurants/bartending/waiting tables/food/cooking etc. To register, search “Irregulars” Book Launch Reading with Kerry Trautman on Facebook.

The Soul and Color of Poetry in

Toledo

Kesha Valentine spreads rhythm and melody of spoken word

By Curtis A. Deeter

The Toledo poetry and performance art scene is alive and vibrant. For Kesha “Kay Renee” Valentine, poetry is part of who she is, and she shares that by spreading the rhythm and melody of spoken word through various local events, including Poetry & SOUL Sessions and Poetry & Soul Colors.

Kesha “Kay Renee” Valentine

We asked Valentine, a Toledo native who joined the poetry scene in 2008 after attending a show at the “Ground Level Coffeehouse,” about the artist behind the words. A self-proclaimed “shy poet/artist who found her voice through a love of all things art,” Valentine has been a writer for as long as she can remember and admits that sharing her work is difficult because it often focuses on controversial topics. Her most well-known poem, “Dear Caseworker,” touches on domestic violence from a victim’s perspective and was inspired by her own experience as a social worker.

In 2010, Valentine, along with Naki Akrobetto and Ky Holston, founded Azucar Morena Ent and created the Poetry series “The E-Zone,” uniting eroticism and poetry in Toledo – something that hadn’t yet been explored. Since then, Valentine has co-hosted a series of other live events and fundraisers including B.A.P.P.S. (Black Aids Poetry and Paint Sessions), The Poetic Art Jam, P.I.N.K. (Performers in the

Name of Komen), and Stand and Deliver, an honor to the late Patrice Davis.

Valentine shares that, although she works as a social worker full-time and is the sole owner of NRG Me by Valentine (an artisan jewelry making business), hosting events allows her to stay connected to the art scene, a boost of strength for her over the years. “Poetry and music have the capacity to transcend language barriers and cultural differences, as they speak directly to the core of our being,” Valentine explains, adding, “They are an outlet of selfexpression for everyone involved to share their innermost thoughts and feelings.”

SOUL and Colors as a “Vibe”

Adding to her poetic resume , Valentine believes that progress is power and new experiences feed the artistic soul. Her most recent endeavors include The Poetry & Soul Colors at The Truth Art Gallery in downtown Toledo and the Poetry & SOUL Session at The Entrepreneurs Club in East Toledo. Both events are a collaborative effort with her partner Megan Powell, and the band Soulful Collective (Gary Black and C.J. Brown). The Poetry & SOUL Session is a long-standing show passed down to Valentine from Rhonda Sewell and L.J. Hamilton, the event’s original hosts.

“It provides a memorable experience for attendees through live music by Soulful Collective, two to four featured performing artists, an occasional live art demo and an open mic session at the end,” Valentine said. Valentine emphasizes that the sessions provide a safe space for local and regional artists to showcase their work.

The Poetry & SOUL Session, every Thursday from 7 pm to 10:00 pm at The Entrepreneurs Club, 222 Fassett St. For more information, contact Kesha “Kay Renee” Valentine via Facebook.

Kay Renee” Valentine is a self-proclaimed “shy poet” who found her voice through a love of all things art.

ART TO HEART

Performing well describes

Toledo’s School for the Arts

Enhanced curriculum and facility set the tone for the future

By Jeff Glick

Mystique of the American West landscape up now at 20 North Gallery

Jan Bell and Jane Williams display their photography and paintings of the American West landscape in Exploring the Western Wild at 20 North Gallery. The local artists explore the natural beauty of the American landscape in their work. Bell, a photographer who has won a Grand Prize in the Ansel Adams Photo Competition, exhibits black and white photographs that use long exposures to capture an almost mystical quality of water, rocks and fauna. Williams, a painter who is a member of the Athena Art Society and the Ohio Watercolor Society, is inspired by her travels in the deserts of the Southwest. The gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday 12 pm - 4 pm or by appointment. On display through September 23. 18 N. St. Clair St., Toledo. 419241-2400. 20northgallery.com/exploring-the-western-wild

New wood workshop and studio space in west Toledo

The proud development director of the Toledo School for the Arts, Dave Gierke, explains, “When we opened this school almost 25 years ago, we realized that all of the students that attended were not going to end up on stage.”

The arts have many ancillary positions that offer creative and satisfying careers that have, along with the core arts classes in dance, theater, music and fine arts, now become regular offerings in Ohio’s most successful charter school.

Tools for a Career

“We teach our students how to market themselves,” Gierke said. “What they are learning is beyond the technical aspects of art and supporting positions, it is how to make those things into a career so that they are able to support themselves as adults."

When the Toledo School for the Arts, commonly known as TSA, opened in the late 1990s in the downtown Secor Building, they had 135 students enrolled in grades 6 through 12. Now their enrollment has reached 760 students with a goal to increase that number to 840 in the near future. For the last several years, the Toledo School for the Arts has had a waiting list.

In 2005, the school moved to its current location at 333 14th St. In Uptown and added courses of study in recording, animation, stage sets, costuming and other arts related curricula. At the time, the school occupied two of the building's four floors as tenants. Since then, TSA has expanded and now owns and occupies the entire building.

Raising Funds to Enhance

The Toledo School for the Arts began a fundraising campaign to enhance their space in 2021, focusing on two phases of upgrade and expansion for the school. In September 2022, Phase 1 of the project was completed including the installation of a new stairwell, which was necessary to meet building code requirements for students to move between floors, and the relocation of the school cafeteria, The Fly-

ing Pig. The new stairwell came at a cost of $1.3 million while the upgrading of classrooms and the cafeteria added another $500,000.

The original fundraising project goal started at $5 million. That number increased to a total budget of $10 million with Phase 2, comprising the building purchase, a new dance studio, the Black Box Theater, a video and technology lab, a scene shop, a textile arts lab and a recording studio.

“The fundraising efforts had three main purposes: to admit more students, to improve the facility and to increase sustainability to ensure that TSA is here for many years into the future,” Gierke explained.

The acquisition of the balance of the space in the building added another 17,000 square feet to the school’s footprint. It now includes a community portal, which houses a coffee shop, gathering space and gallery to provide a connection to the Adams Street corridor and the larger Toledo area community. The new updates allow the community to become more involved and learn more about the activities at TSA.

From Fans to Friends to Funders

“We are moving community members along from being fans to being friends to being funders for our mission,” Gierke said. “The arts are not frivolous; artists create movement in our society.”

With a need to raise $500,000 annually to maintain the building and the programming, TSA is well on its way to meeting that requirement. Phase 2 will be completed by August 28, the date set for an open house to spotlight the new dance studio and Black Box Theater.

Considering the popularity of TSA in the community and the fact that the school’s core Arts and Marketing program has been adopted by the State of Ohio as a benchmark for measuring the success of other arts related schools across the state, the Toledo School for the Arts has a bright future as a jewel in the crown of Toledo’s Uptown.

The Inspired Lumber Workshop has opened in the Westgate Meadows Shopping Center, across from Cricket West. The woodshop and creative studio offers workshops for those interested in learning new skills or creating new projects. Memberships to the space, which has a plethora of woodworking tools are available. The space also offers a Marketplace, where local creatives can sell hand-crafted original art. Current classes include shop safety, making a charcuterie board or coffee table and screenprinting for kids. The shop is open TuesdaySaturday from 10 am - 9 pm and Sunday from noon-5pm. inspiredlumberworkshop.com. 419754-1408. 3156 W. Central Ave., Toledo.

Pandas and penguins and elephants, oh my!

On Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, Aug. 13 from 10 am - 4 pm, the Toledo Zoo hosts Wild About Art, an art fair that takes place throughout Zoo grounds. More than 70 artists will display and sell their work, from painting and photography to ceramics and woodworking. There will also be animal painting demonstrations, including portraits of African elephants, red pandas, penguins and tortoises. Entertainment includes Millenius String Quartet and the Pop Combo and Urban Jazz Collective from Toledo School for the Arts. 419-385-5721. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. toledozoo.org/events/wildabout-art

ART EVENTS

WED thru SUN

Portraits, People and Pets Show

Take in a fine art show while exploring the Toledo Botanical Garden. Area artists will be featured in this exhibit. Through September 27. 11am-3pm. Toledo Artists’ Club, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. toledoartistclub.com

THUR.,

Aug. 3

Homage to Willys

Toledo School for the Arts’ first public exhibit featuring classic Willys-Overland vehicles. Toledo Jeep Fest and Toledo School for the Arts will also present Fragile/Not Fragile, a collaborative fine art project. Also on Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5. Noon-7pm. Martin D. Porter Gallery, 1401 Adams St. ts4arts.org/martin-d-porter-gallery

FRIDAY, Aug. 4

VIS-A-VIS Vol.1 Photography Exhibit

Four local Toledo area photographers come together to present a one-night event showcasing their work at The Switchboard downtown Toledo. Featured photographers Nick Amrhein @nickamphoto, Grant Beachy @grantbeachy, Josh Ball @vanity.studios, Rob Wagner @ manoverboardimages. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery space of The Switchboard for 2 months. Loaded Gastro Food truck, DJ Ian Thomas and live music by Echo Record. 6pmmidnight. The Switchboard, 912 Monroe St.

SATURDAY, Aug. 12

Barrio Latino Art Festival

Barrio Latino Art Festival celebrates diversity, innovation and achievement. Live music, dancing, food, artwork, crafts, a Grito contest, a Jalapeño contest, art kid’s activities and many other special performances. 3pm-midnight. Nuestra Gente Community Center, 1411 Broadway St. facebook. com/BarrioLatinoArtFestival

SATURDAY, Aug. 26

Firenation Tent Sale

The annual glass art sale (formally Santa’s Secret Tent Sale), in the Firenation parking lot. 10am4pm. Firenation Glass Studio and Gallery, 7166 Front St., Holland. firenation.com

Last Look: Black

Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club

Meet in Herrick Lobby. Join Toledo Museum of Art’s Curator of American Art, Erin Corrales-Diaz, for a last look at Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club before closing on September 3rd. Pre Registration is required. 1pm. Also on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 5:30pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., 419-255-8000. Toledomuseum.org

Along with the Black Box Theater and dance studio, The Porter Gallery connects to the Adams Street corridor.

LISTEN HEAR Life is a Work of Art for Toledo

Jazz Artist Ellie Martin

The musician and teacher is celebrating her new album, “Verdant.”

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

With her first album “Verdant,” Ellie Martin channels the joys of motherhood and the strength gained from surviving cancer, into a work that shimmers with life.

Martin has been singing jazz at clubs since she was 25, but her musical journey and life have intertwined in unexpected ways. Her first album, “Verdant,” is bursting with both the joys and sorrows she’s experienced, waiting to finally come alive with her own music. Having studied and taught music for most of her life, this album is original material that she took out on the road on a mini tour that included Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Martin now teaches performance and jazz voice at the University of Toledo and at the Toledo School for the Arts

“I came from an academic family, but my dad had an artistic side and wrote poetry,” Martin said. “My mom loved to listen to Motown, so I got some hip music influence from her.”

She says she was “the black sheep of the family” who gravitated toward the arts. While her parents were supportive, they also were concerned that, following her musical ambitions, she might not be able to make a steady living.

From Classical to Jazz

Music education was one way to assuage those concerns. When applying to college, Martin sought programs that offered both classical and jazz. She wound up studying in Montreal, home of the world-famous Montreal Jazz Festival — a city teeming with great clubs and musicians.

While Martin is appreciative of her classical training, she found the music itself too constricting.

“I always knew I wanted to write my own music, even if I didn’t know exactly what that was yet,” Martin said. “I was drawn to Joni Mitchell and wanted to be more individually expressive.”

Inspiration came from hearing Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong on a duet album.

“I loved how it swings so hard, and how they interact with each other,” Martin said. “I always had a thing for jazz but was steered away from it by a classical teacher who told me I’d ruin my voice.”

Trust the Process

Martin says writing is much more fun than arranging someone else’s songs.

“With writing you have a blank canvas to play with,” Martin said. “With someone else’s song, you work within another person’s color palette.”

She also shared her thoughts on her songwriting process, saying, “I tinker at the piano until I find a chord progression, then a melody and then lyrics. On rare occasions I’ve had the melody and lyrics come first.”

The Album

On “Verdant,” Martin wanted to choose songs that played to the strength of her band. Her husband, drummer Olman Piedra, is from Costa Rica and adds a Latin influence. Martin loves the drama of Latin music, which influenced songs like “Dancer’s Serenade,” and “Living for the Now” — a samba written for her daughters, aged two and four.

“What’s a better groove for toddlers than samba, they’re such high energy!” Martin said.

“Verdant” reflects Martin’s experiences as a woman, a mother and cancer survivor, and focuses on the beauty that comes out of hardships. Her cancer battle reminded her that life was beautiful, but short, and we should do what we love.

“My experiences gave me a feeling of renewal, and so I called it ‘Verdant,’” Martin said. “I wrote ‘Love Somehow Will Heal’ about my friend, Lisa Garcia. She was my advocate and passed away from cancer at 36. That was the hardest song on the album to sing. Even though she’s gone, I carry her in my heart.”

Verdant is very much alive: the culmination of considerable talent channeled through the vibrant life of its composer. Listen to Verdant at https://elliemartin.bandcamp.com/

Ellie Martin recording her first album, “Verdant.”

MON.

WEEKLY

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

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

TUES.

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

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

WED.

The Real Seafood Company: Area pianist/vocalists

Arlyn’s Good Beer: Jazz Night

THURS.

The Real Seafood Company: Area pianist/vocalists

The Chop House: Jazz piano

Peacock Cafe - Jazz Collective

Weekly Jazz Hang (jazz)

FRI. + SAT.

The Chop House: Jazz piano

SUN.

The Village Idiot: Jazz night and open mic

Sodbuster Bar: Father’nSon jam (acoustic)

TUES, AUG 1

Rossford Stroll the Street : Bliss (acoustic)

One Seagate Fountain : Tamgo Gato (strings)

Sunset Serenade Concert, Olander Park : Polish American Band (polka)

Main Library : Los Aztecas (tejano)

Woodlands Park : Bliss Trio (acoustic)

WED, AUG 2

Read

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Cara Taylor (acoustic)

THUR, AUG 3

Toledo Botanical Garden : Gene Parker Quintet (jazz)

Maumee Indoor Theater : Acoustic

Benefit featuring Paul Thorn & Chris Shutters (acoustic)

Perrysburg Farmers’ Market :

Jordan & Josh w/ Evan (acoustic)

FRI, AUG 4

St. George Cathedral Summer Festival : The Grape Smugglers (acoustic)

Bar 145 : Christian Lombardo (acoustic)

Bier Stube : Distant Cousinz (pop/rock)

Promenade Park : Scotty McCreery (country)

Bar 145 : Union Rising (rock)

Toledo Zoo : Matchbox 20 (rock)

Delta 109 Tavern & Eatery : Dealing with Dragons (rock)

Wood County Fair : Craig Morgan & Easton

Corbin (country)

Hollywood Casino : Letter Rip (rock)

Stranahan Theater : Lindsey Sterling (violin)

Pat & Dandy’s : Echo Chamber (pop/rock)

SAT, AUG 5

St. George Cathedral Summer Festival : Madison Avenue (pop/rock)

The Switchboard : Dead McGee, Catfish Dave, P

Asa Danekind (rock)

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Shane

Piesecki & the Lone Wolf Hippies (rock)

Monroe County Fair : Jackson Dean wsg/ Caitlyn Smith (country)

Benfield Wines : Morgan Tooth (acoustic)

Ottawa Park : DeZire (soul)

Ottawa Tavern : Lame Ass Dads, Blatant Finger, Creeping Nun, B-Plot (punk)

Hollywood Casino : Motley Inc. - Motley Crue

Tribute (classic rock)

The Sand Bar : Pop’s Garage (pop/rock)

Sneaky Pete’s : Married with Children (pop/rock)

Kickstand Saloon : Strawberry Kush (rock)

SUN, AUG 6

St. George Cathedral Summer Festival : After Shock (rock)

M.J. Wright Pavillion on the Towpath : Blue Moon (blues/rock)

Toledo Zoo : North Coast Concert Band (jazz)

TUES, AUG 8

Rossford Stroll the Street : Pop’s Garage Duo (acoustic)

One Seagate Fountain : Aayan Naim (r&b/soul)

Conrad Park - Eats & Beats Food Truck

Tuesdays : Shane Piesecki & the Lone Wolf Hippies (rock)

WED, AUG 9

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Aaron Hertzfeld (acoustic) Woodlands Park : Barile & May (acoustic)

THUR, AUG 10

Levis Square : Brent Lowry (acoustic)

Wood County Museum : The Polka Floyd Show,

3 Too Many, MTET (rock)

Toledo Botanical Garden : Jean Holden (jazz)

Over Yonder Concert House : Drew Peterson

(singer/songwriter)

Perrysburg Farmers’ Market : Duane Malinowski Orchestra (polka)

FRI, AUG 11

Bar 145 : Ben DeLong (acoustic)

Bier Stube : The Twenty Fives (alternative rock)

Sunshine Communities : The SkittleBots (pop/rock)

Toledo Museum of Art : Not Fast Enüff (pop/rock)

Maumee Indoor Theater : A Motown Party featuring The Shades of Blue (soul)

SAT, AUG 12

Glass City Metropark : Glass City Jazz Fest (jazz)

The 577 Foundation : Bliss (acoustic)

Hubs Swantucky Pub : Dealing with Dragons (rock)

Bar 145 : Caveman (acoustic)

Downtown Waterville : Oliver Hazard Day

(various acoustic & rock artists)

Ottawa Park : Distant Cousinz (pop/rock)

Six Fifths Distillery : Matthew James (acoustic)

Pat & Dandy’s : Strawberry Kush

(classic rock)

Anchor Inn : Echo Chamber (pop/rock)

Hensville Live! Concert Series : Appalachian Outlaws (country)

SUN, AUG 13

Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum : Leave

Those Kids Alone (classic rock)

Toledo Zoo : Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra (classical)

TUES, AUG 15

Rossford Stroll the Street : North Coast Big Band (jazz)

One Seagate Fountain : Tim Oehlers (acoustic)

Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill : Will Freed (acoustic)

Ottawa Tavern : Mat Kerekes with Equipment, Outside, Meka and Hemmingway Lane (indie rock)

WED, AUG 16

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Chefs of Dixieland (jazz)

Woodlands Park : Locoweed (rock)

J&M Cruise Lines : Kerry Patrick Clark (acoustic)

Daffy’s Thirsty Duck : Caveman (acoustic)

Centennial Terrace : The Beach Boys (classic rock)

The Village Idiot : Sunny Side (jazz)

THUR, AUG 17

Levis Square : Arctic Clam (rock)

Perrysburg Farmers’ Market : Ol’ Creek Road (acoustic)

FRI, AUG 18

Frontera Sabores de México : Morgan Tooth (acoustic)

Bier Stube : Everyday People 419 (r&b/soul)

Toledo Museum of Art : Howlin’ Mercy (blues)

Swan Creek Metropark : Steve Madewell wsg John Barile (folk)

Wheelin’ on the Rocks : Aces & Eights (rock)

SAT, AUG 19

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Chloe & the Steel Strings (americana)

Bar 145 : Hot Lunch Duo (acoustic)

Bier Stube : The CastawayZ (rock)

Centennial Terrace : Get the Led Out:

Led Zeppelin Tribute (rock)

The Switchboard : Second Hand Mojo (rock)

Pat & Dandy’s : Elektrick Mayhem (rock)

Walbridge Tap Room : Acoustic Hoopla (acoustic)

Hensville Live! Concert Series : Main Street

Dueling Pianos

SUN, AUG 20

Frankie’s Inner City : Wheatus (rock)

TUES, AUG 22

Rossford Stroll the Street : EZ Pickenz (acoustic)

One Seagate Fountain : Johnny Rodriguez (acoustic)

WED, AUG 23

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Josh Kirk (acoustic)

Woodlands Park : The Ellie Martin Duo (jazz)

Sunset Serenade Concert, Olander Park : Sylvania Community Orchestra

THURS, AUG 24

Levis Square : Ben DeLong (acoustic)

Wildwood Preserve Metropark : Chloe & the Steel Strings (americana)

Toledo Botanical Garden : Lauren Smith Quintet (jazz)

Ottawa Tavern : The Intergalactic League, The Patient Zeros, The Heartthrobs, Black Moon Cult (alternative rock)

Perrysburg Farmers’ Market : Freight Street (indie rock)

Kickstand Saloon : Caveman (acoustic)

FRI, AUG 25

Bar 145 : Hunter Hoop (acoustic)

Bier Stube : Madison Avenue (pop/rock)

Over Yonder Concert House : Wilson Thicket (roots/americana)

SAT, AUG 26

The 577 Foundation : The Ellie Martin Duo (jazz)

Pat & Dandy’s : String Theory (classic rock)

SUN, AUG 27

The Sand Bar : Pop’s Garage Duo (acoustic)

M.J. Wright Pavillion on the Towpath : North Coast Big Band (jazz)

Scotty McCreery at Promenade Park

Scotty McCreery, the esteemed country pop star, is on the road celebrating his fifth consecutive No. 1 hit “Damn Strait” on the Billboard country chart and his Top 15 single “It Matters to Her.” In 2011, McCreery rose to fame after winning the tenth season of American Idol. Since then, he has released four studio albums and has won multiple awards. He will be performing Friday, Aug. 4 at Promenade Park as part of the 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest.

Ticket prices vary.

For more information, visit promedicalive.com.

Glass City Jazz Fest

Jazz lovers unite; the Glass City Jazz Fest is ready to impress. Saturday, Aug. 12 from noon to sunset at the Glass City Metropark, 983 Front St., The Jazz Fest is free to attend. Toledo Jazz Week will host a warm up with a full slate of performances from Monday, Aug. 7 through Friday, Aug 11 at local venues. Presented by the City of Toledo, Lucas County, the Great Lakes Jazz Society, Metroparks Toledo and TARTA. Glasscityjazzfest.com.

Mat Kerekes to Perform at Ottawa Tavern

Ottawa Tavern is known for live performances, and alternative Michigan artist and former lead singer of emo/post-hardcore group Citizen, Kerekes is joining that list. Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 pm, Mat Kerekes will perform an album release show featuring bands Equipment, Outside, Meka and Hemmingway Lane. $20 per person. Ottawa Tavern, 1817 Adams St. Mat Kerekes Album Release Show on Facebook.

The Beach Boys Take on Centennial Terrace

If you’ve heard “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” or “Kokomo,” then you’re familiar with the pleasant sounds of The Beach Boys. The band, having sold over 100 million records worldwide and receiving more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards, is coming to the Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Road, Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 pm. centennialterrace.org/event/the-beach-boys/.

TUES, AUG 29

One Seagate Fountain : Kerry Patrick Clark (acoustic)

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

WED, AUG 30

The Town Center at Levis Commons : Jeff Stewart (singer/songwriter)

Woodlands Park : RuKus (rock)

THURS, AUG 31

Toledo Botanical Garden : Kerrytown Stompers (jazz)

Perrysburg Farmers’ Market : Chris Canas Band (blues)

THE BIG TO DO

TUES, Aug. 1 [author events]

Wine & Words | Beer & Books with Author E M Anderson - Book Club where you can meet and enjoy an adult beverage with the author. The August meeting will discuss The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher, a new fun, urban fantasy by E.M. Anderson. 6:30pm. Gathering Volumes, 196 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. gatheringvolumes.com

WED, Aug. 2 [comedy]

Bored Teachers presents: Teachers Do Stand Up - The Teachers Do Stand Up Tour, a rotating lineup with the most hilarious teacher comics from around the country, spreads smiles and validation to every educator in need of a night of laughter before the start of another challenging school year. $42-$72. 6pm. Also on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 6pm. Toledo Funny Bone, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. toledo.funnybone.com

THURS, Aug. 3

[gardening]

Small Space Kitchen Garden Workshop - Are you limited on garden space, but want to grow food? Sow and Reap Gardens hosts a workshop to demonstrate creative ways to maximize productivity in even the smallest of garden spaces. $30. 6-7pm. Callisto Terra, 5223 Hill Ave. sowandreapgardens.com

[live

music]

Acoustic Benefit ConcertThis concert is a tribute to Sam Irmen & Dick Anderson for their unwavering support of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. Paul Thorn will perform with special guest Chris Shutters. $20. 6pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. maumeeindoor.com

FRI, Aug. 4

[outdoor concerts]

Matchbox Twenty

Chart topping group Matchbox Twenty brings their Slow Dream tour to Toledo. Also appearing is Matt Nathanson. All tickets previously purchased will be honored for this new date. $120-$160+. 7:30pm. Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

SAT, Aug. 5

[auto

racing]

Silver Crown Series 100 - Watch the Super Fitness USAC Silver Crown Series 100 and take in the vintage race car display. $26, $6 children 6-12. 7:30pm. Toledo Speedway, 5639 Benore Rd. toledospeedway.com

[visual

arts]

Tye Dye Jamboree 2023 Official Pre-Party Treehouse Productions and The Weaving Stone

LLC proudly present The Tye Dye Jamboree 2023 Official Pre-Party. The Venue opens at 5pm with live music beginning at 8pm. Dead McGee, Catfish Dave and P Asa Danekind will perform. KC Saint John will be blowing glass on the patio, including a special fire breathing performance. Artist Jim Danger will be live painting. The Switchboard, 912 Monroe St.

TUES, Aug. 8

[fitness, fundraiser]

Miles for Missions Raffle Run - A combined running, walking and raffle event! Eight raffle ticket stations will be set-up throughout the park. Participants will have 60 minutes to reach as many of the eight ticket stations as they can, collect raffle tickets and then return to the start. Proceeds benefit SewHope’s public health projects. $10. 6:30-8:30pm. Side Cut Metropark, 1025 W. River Rd., Maumee. Sewhope. org

WED, Aug. 9 [aviation history]

CAF Airpower History Tour - The CAF AirPower History Tour is coming to Toledo. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of historic World War II aircraft. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close & touch the aircraft, tour the cockpit, talk to the crews and see the planes fly. $20 adults, $10 children 10-17, free children under 10. 9am-5pm. Also on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 9am-5pm. Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI), 11371 W Airport Service Rd., Swanton. airpowersquadron.org

THURS, Aug. 10

[author events]

Book Launch for The Thirteenth Book with author M.A. Csortos - Visit Gathering Volumes for an evening of fantasy, with a touch of horror, by joining author M.A. Csortos as he discusses his new novel The Thirteenth Book. 6:30-7:20pm. Gathering Volumes, 196 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. gatheringvolumes.com

FRI, Aug. 11

[nature & wildlife]

Fridays at Forest Cemetery Tree and Tombstone - Join OSU Extension Educator Amy Stone to explore the trees of Forest Cemetery, along with Forest Cemetery historians who will share family stories about the Cemetery. Meet at the main gates. 11am-noon. Forest Cemetery, 1704 Mulberry St. historic-woodlawn.com

SAT, Aug. 12

[visual arts, parks]

Art in the Garden - See art demonstrations, shop, enjoy live music from Chloe & the Steel Strings and more. 11am-4pm. The Artist Village at Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. metroparktoledo. com. Free

[maritime history]

Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day - Explore Great Lakes history at the National Museum of the Great Lakes and view the Port of Toledo aboard the Sandpiper river boat. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $40. 1pm-3pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St.

[festivals & fairs]

Barrio Latino Art Festival - The Barrio Latino Art Festival celebrates diversity, innovation, and achievement with live music, dancing, visual arts, food and more. 3pm-11:45pm. Nuestra Gente Community Center, 1411 Broadway St. facebook.com/ BarrioLatinoArtFestival

St. George Cathedral Summer Festival

St George celebrates history and culture with this festival which runs Aug. 4 through Aug. 6, featuring local bands, dancing, Middle Eastern music and a belly dancer. Middle Eastern and American food will be available for purchase, and there will be a children’s area, too. Opens 5 pm Friday, 4 pm Saturday and 12 pm Sunday. St George Orthodox Cathedral, 3754 Woodley Rd. $5 general admission, children under 10, free.

Barrio Festival

The 12th Barrio Latino Art Festival steps off Saturday, Aug. 12 from 3 pm to 12 am at Nuestra Gente Community Center, 1411 Broadway St., celebrating diversity, innovation and achievement with proceeds used to fund community-based projects. This event is full of live music, dancing, food, artwork on display, artist recognition awards, crafts, a Grito contest, a Jalapeño contest, art kid’s activities and other special performances. Sponsorship and booth space are available. Search 12th Barrio Latino Art Festival on Facebook.

Get Barefoot at the Beach

One of the Toledo area’s largest fundraising events, Barefoot at the Beach raises money to support the mission and programs of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo. Get barefoot at Maumee Bay State Park, Aug. 12 at 7 pm. You must be 21 or older. For tickets and sponsorship information, barefootatthebeach.org/ tickets/.

[disco]

Disco Party - The Toledo Yacht Club is open to the public to enjoy disco favorites with Rico Sounds. $5. Toledo Yacht Club, 3900 N. Summit St.

SUN, Aug. 13

[collectibles]

Glass City Record Show - All genres of vinyl can be found here, plus cassettes, CDs, DVDs, posters, t-shirts and more. Cash is suggested for admission and most dealers. $1. 10am-4pm. Knights of Columbus Hall, 4256 Secor Rd. gcrassets.wixsite.com

[dance]

Community Contra Dance - A contra dance is a fun, easy-to-learn social dance similar to square dancing and country dancing. Beginners lessons begin at 2pm. Live music by Pimento Mori. Dance lesson and calling by River Abel and John Clark. All gender neutral calling. All ages and experiences are welcome. Masks are required. $5-$10 suggested donation. 2pm-5pm. Glenwood Lutheran Church, 2545 Monroe St.

TUES, Aug. 15

[alternative rock]

Mat Kerekes Album Release Show

Mat Kerekes You Look Like A Stranger album release show. Special guests Equipment, Outside, Meka, Hemmingway Lane. $20. Ottawa Tavern, 1817 Adams St.

WED, Aug. 16

[classic

rock]

The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys sound is synonymous with the California lifestyle and summer. The Beach Boys, led by Mike Love, continue the legacy of the iconic band. $29.50$99. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. centennialterrace.org

THURS, Aug. 17

[farmers

markets]

Farmers Market at the Health Department - Vendors accept SNAP, WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons, Senior Nutrition Coupons, Produce Perks and cash. 11am-2pm. Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, 635 N. Erie St. lucascountyhealth.com

[gardening]

Fall Gardening 101 Workshop - Do you want to learn to extend the gardening season? Participants will gain knowledge and skills to plan and start a fall garden. $30. 6pm-7pm. Callisto Terra, 5223 Hill Ave. sowandreapgardens.com

FRIDAY, Aug. 18 [astronomy]

Deep Sky Objects - Discover the stories in the stars with Metroparks naturalists, and get up close with planets, galaxies and distant objects with amateur astronomers John Starr and Jim Gasser and their telescopes. Camp chairs are encouraged. 10:30pm-11:30pm. Bend View Metropark, 10613 S. River Rd., Waterville. Metroparkstoledo.com. Free [comedy]

Ali Saddiq - Ali’s unique style of stand-up began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. His comedy special The Domino Effect has over 8 million views on YouTube. $37-$47. 7:30pm and 10pm. Also Saturday, Aug. 19 at 6pm and 8:45pm. Toledo Funny Bone, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. Toledo.funnybone.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

Aug. 4 and SAT, Aug. 5

Bigfoot Festival - A super fun, FREE, recreational, nature savvy Bigfoot themed festival in Hocking Hills. Local vendors, national speakers, an art exhibit and even a “squatch walk” Located in the heart of bigfoot country, Logan, Ohio. Downtown Logan, Ohio. hockinghillsbigfoot.com

SAT, Aug. 19 [dogs, celebrations]

10 Year Anniversary Parking Lot PartyCelebrate 10 years of business for Canine Karma. In partnership with Lucas County Canine Care and Control. There will be cake, music, food trucks, contests and vendors. Noon-3pm. Canine Karma, 6549 Angola Rd., Holland. caninekarma.org

[outdoor concerts]

Get the Led Out: A Celebration of the Mighty Zep - From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get the Led Out (GTLO) has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. $29.50-$59.50. 8pm. Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. centennialterrace.org

SUN, Aug. 20 [automotive]

11th Annual Wreaths Across America Toledo Metro Chapter Car Show - Annual Car Show, with donations benefiting Wreaths Across America Toledo Metro Area Chapter’s efforts, to honor the Veterans laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park. Opening ceremony, with the playing of our National Anthem, is at noon. 10am-2pm. Toledo Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 6382 Monroe St., Sylvania.

[film]

FRIDAY, Aug. 25 [live music, amercana]

Wilson Thicket - Old school favorites, creative covers and dynamic original songs are all delivered with strong doses of vocal harmony and creative instrumental mastery. Concerts are private and by invitation only. Events include an optional potluck one hour before the show. Please contact Over Yonder Concert House for an invitation. $20. 7:30pm. Over Yonder Concert House. overyonderconcerthouse.com

[fundraiser]

Mystery Gala to support the Northwest Ohio

Teen Book Festival - Join the Northwest Ohio Teen Book Festival for a mystery book themed gala to benefit teen literacy. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $60. Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, 1222 Broadway St.

[history]

Fort Meigs After Dark Lantern Tours - Experience Fort Meigs after dark! Led by costumed guides, guests will tour the Fort by lantern light, witness a nighttime musket demonstration and experience the historic battlefield as soldiers did during the War of 1812. Registration is required. $10-$15. 8pm. Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg. Fortmeigs.org

SUNDAY, Aug. 27

[history]

Aug. 10 through Aug. 12

All Ohio Balloon Festival

Annual festival with concerts, aerial entertainment and rides, food and hot air balloons. The Beach Boys perform Thursday night. The Wallflowers perform Friday night. The Groove performs Saturday night. Don’t miss the daily launch at 6pm and the Nightly Glow after dusk, weather permitting. See website for pricing details. $5 parking. Gates at 4pm. Union County Airport, 15000 Weaver Rd., Marysville. allohioballonfest.com

Aug. 23rd & 24th

Bash on the Bay

Returns to Put-In-Bay with iconic latin musician Pitbull and country superstar Luke Bryan. Also appearing are Elle King, Brothers Osborne and more. NFL bag policy will be enforced. $89-$650. 2:30pm, 1494 Langram Rd., Put-In-Bay. visitputinbay.com

Aug. 25 - Aug. 27

Holler Fest 2023

9th Annual CommUNITY Film Fest - This unique film fest focuses exclusively on amateur video. The event celebrates contributions made to the community, challenges assumptions and enhances respect for individuals with disabilities. 2pm-5pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St. maumeeindoor.com. Free

TUES, Aug. 22

[book clubs]

Salty Reads Book Club - This monthly book club meets at The Salt Cave of Perrysburg to discuss banned books. Call to reserve a seat. (419) 8733700. 6pm-7pm. The Salt Cave of Perrysburg, 318 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg

WED, Aug. 23

[astronomy]

Star Struck: Moon Viewing - Peer through a telescope to see the moon in a whole new light. Metroparks Volunteers John Starr and Jim Gasser will guide a telescope tour of moon features. Camp chairs are encouraged. Meet at Whitehouse Library in the grass by the parking lot. Register online. 9:30pm-10:30pm. Whitehouse Library, 10651 Waterville St., Whitehouse. Metroparkstoledo.com

THURS, Aug. 24

[book sales]

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale - Books $1 each. In addition to books there will be DVDs, CDs, audio books and more. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Library and help support Library programs. 4pm-7pm. Also on Friday, Aug. 25, 9am-4pm and Saturday, Aug. 26, 9am-4pm. FOL Book Center, 1301 N. Reynolds Rd. friends-of-the-toledo-lucascounty-public-library.square.site

[yoga]

Yoga in the Vineyard - A unique one hour outdoor yoga experience in the vineyard. Includes a glass of wine or craft beer. Pay by cash, check or Venmo: @ Sheila-Watson. $25. 6:30pm. Majestic Oak Winery, 13554 Mohler Rd., Grand Rapids. majesticoakwin-

[festivals & fairs] German American Festival

The German American Festival is Toledo’s oldest and largest ethnic festival, showcasing authentic German food, imported beer, folk dancing and German music. Take part in traditional German contests and feats. The kids will enjoy lots of fun activities and rides. $9-$20, children 12 and under are free. 6pm-1am. Also on Saturday, Aug. 26, noon-1am and Sunday, Aug. 27 from noon-8pm. Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon. germanamericanfestival.net

SAT, Aug. 26

[small business]

Small Business Saturday - Annual small business expo hosted by The Social Butterfly. Vendors, entrepreneurs, DJ, live entertainment by Mike On SAX and food trucks. Free admission and parking. 11am-4pm. Ottawa Park, 2209 Kenwood Blvd.

Living History Day - Meet first-person interpreters who will share stories of past Wood County residents, 2 pm. A Joyful Noise performs at 1:30pm. Bring your own chair. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org

MONDAY, Aug. 28

[chess, craft beer]

Chess and Craft Beers - A casual meet up for players of all levels. Boards are available to borrow, or bring your own. 6pm-9pm. Upside Brewing, 5692 Main St., Sylvania. facebook.com/ UpsideBrewing

SOCIAL STUDIES Equality

Toledo’s LoveFest

An evening of celebrating love and equality at Toledo’s Love Wall! The outdoor festival featured live local entertainment: bands, drag performers, theater companies, DJs, and more The evening proceeds benefited Equality Toledo’s ongoing education, activism and other antidefamation efforts to eliminate discrimination in our region based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Christen Johnson and Jason

Alisha Yeager, Rochelle Cooper and Kelly Harget

CROSS WORD

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

Down

1. Car-washing necessity

2. “Well, um, I guess so”

3. It can hold up to eight decks

4. Gmail button

5. Relyvrio treats it, for short

6. Song played after every Dodgers home victory

7. Nine-sided shape

8. Room for experimenting

9. “___ got work to do”

10. Middle of a kazoo?

11. Room off of another room

12. Red color

13. Animal caught in headlights

a Franklin impersonator? 19. Squeezed (out) 20. Winemaker’s container 22. Fictional Brontë governess 23. It has a lot of screens

Many coll. applicants

Dog drool

Afternoon hour

“Would you like some Indian bread, grandma?”? 36. Ump in a snorkeling place? 38. Religious rights org. 39. What’s cooking? 40. Very perceptive “Jeopardy!” host Jennings? 44. Places pitches? 47. Character developers: Abbr. 48. Fictional setting of “Anne of Green Gables”

50. Turn red?

51. Reinforced concrete in some construction

52. 27-Down’s cousins

55. How the Astors made their money 56. US Open units 60. “Didja throw the thing already?”

64. Tire out dad? 66. Put forth 67. Where checked luggage goes 68. Siberian plains 69 .Winningest manager in Kansas City Royals history

14. Totally with it

21. Q neighbor

23. Website with Outlook

24. Yuengling alternative, initially

25. “Beef” director ___ Sung Jin

26. Poetic conjunction

27. See 52-Across

28. Competed in Indy

29. Rep’s figures

31. Tire part

32. Laura Linney’s “Ozark” character

33. Handy

35. She’s a sister

37. Rock bands?

41. Actor Penn

42. “Flamin’ Hot” director Longoria

43. “Psych!”

44. Aggresively close to

45. Close companion

46. Gentle touch

49. Letters indicating going into overdraft: Abbr.

51. Nikon setting

52. They have it

53. Provocative pic

54. Looney Tunes character

who woos Penelope

56. Fix, as a pet

57. Inarguably Beck’s best single (for crossword purposes only)

58. Dresses, with “out”

59. Maid’s challenge

61. “Couldn’t agree more”

62. San Diego-to-Phoenix dir.

63. Commanders’ stats

65. Condition with fixations, briefly

by Janet Amid

SPOTLIGHT IS ON LEO ( July 22 - Aug 22) Setting healthy limits with yourself, as well as with how others may be perceiving you, can be in your favor this month as Venus continues to retrograde in your own sign. Healthy boundaries, whether romantic or with family and friends, can shift your outlook allowing for a better, long term future. As Venus moves directly on Sept. 4, make the changes needed to insure a more prosperous outcome.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) Your personal relationships, new or existing may shift a bit as Venus retrogrades your area of love. This may not be the best time to bring in a new love interest as Venus retrograde can confuse situations, perhaps even clouding your judgment calls. Also, be aware of speculation of any kind, as this transit could be unpredictable. For example, feast or famine? Also, with Mercury moving retrograde in your area of health on Aug. 23, paying better attention to your body’s signal can prevent ongoing issues.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) You may have a sudden need or desire to move, or change your home environment at this time, as you find yourself questioning, when and how? Best to wait until after Sept. 4 to initiate any major shifts, though planning at this time, is definitely in the cards. Also, family matters or stress may heighten at this time, best to have a plan of action, taking each day in stride.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20) As always, most Gemini’s have their best face on, in any given situation. Though at this time, you may not always find the words to portray your intent. So be well aware of delivery, even more so after your ruling planet moves retrograde on the 23rd. Words spoken, without clear thought, can be detrimental. Also, a need to travel, or to undertake a new venture may be in the plans, though it’s better to plan accordingly before jumping into uncharted waters.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) As cautious as you are at this particular stage of your life, you may be a bit more carefree where money is concerned. Therefore, think before making any major financial moves. In addition, your sense of security may feel a bit off, causing you to retreat inward, so be aware of aspects triggering underlying anxiety that may not readily surface. Pay attention to your instincts. Trust your gut. Perception plays a key role.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) This Venus retrograde, along with Mercury, can be a reminder that it’s time to relinquish old patterns. Moving ahead, furthering yourself into a better mindset can be favorable in the long run. Self-defeating old patterns need to be cleared out, allowing better thought patterns to emerge. This is the time where you take the bull by the horns, and become more proactive in your personal endeavors.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

Time to reevaluate relationships through work or play as Venus taps into your area of groups. In addition, new alliances may be up for scrutiny as well. This is a period in which you begin to look at those around you from a completely different angle. Taking in stride your ability to balance is key. The need to forge ahead, can help to establish a better outcome.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Your career or job trajectory is noted at this time as Venus retrogrades your area of work and recognition. It’s time to reexamine your own role in how you handle everyday situations. It’s time to realign yourself with goals and ambitions, asking yourself whether or not this is where you choose to be. However, this month is not the best time to make changes, but a very good cycle in which to re-examine your long-term goals.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22- Dec 20) As Venus retrogrades your area of awareness, you may find yourself more astute than ever. This transit triggers your own house placement, allowing you to feel at home as you delve into a higher path of thought. This is a time where you review personal endeavors, career as well as matters of the heart. Taking in stride, other planetary placements, it’s a good time to remain objective while pacing yourself.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19) You may find yourself gearing up for some major financial moves, though when planets move retrograde, it’s better to stick to careful planning or thought before jumping in. In addition, the emphasis this month is on your own sense of security, as you reflect on your own needs and desires. Better to play it safe than sorry.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

So much activity taking place in your area of partnerships, work or personal relationships, existing or new. You may find yourself questioning every single move you make, as your thoughts and emotions are working overtime. If you’re in a healthy relationship, your partner may also be experiencing changes as well. So pay attention. Pick your battles. Work from the inside out.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20) This month speaks to your area of self-sacrifice and personal health. Giving of yourself is a standard part of a Pisces personality, however there comes a time when you need to set healthy limits. And that time is now. Putting yourself first is a must, taking time to reset your goals, and maintaining your sense of self an important factor to consider.

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 -1-888561-2837. 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.

Coffee Walk With Birds

Enjoy a birding stroll with coffee, sponsored by the Wood County Park District. The group visits a different park, and in cooler months, starts with a warm drink before heading out on the trail. Register for one or all monthly programs. August 2 from 8:30 am to 10 am at Otsego Park, 20000 W. River Rd. reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org.

AFTER Grief Support Group

Those dealing with grief from losing a loved one, a pet or for any other reason can turn to the AFTER Grief Support Group. The group meets regularly to provide support for one another in a peer based scenario. The group will meet Thursday, Aug. 10 from 7 pm to 8:15 pm at Spring Green, 2319 Detroit Ave. Contact Dawn Duhaime at 419-2500810 or dawnduhaimesgef@gmail.com.

Back 2 School Skating Party

School is nearly back in session and to celebrate, individuals, parents and kids can gather for the Back 2 School Skating Party. This themed night is held at Ottawa Park Ice Rink, 2015 Parkside Dr., from 7 pm to 10 pm. Friday, Aug. 25. $4 Admission and $12 skate rental. Groups should call ahead at 419-936-2700.toledo. oh.gov/residents/parks/ice-rink.

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