MLiving - March/April 2021

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2021

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MATURE • MODERN • MARVELOUS

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FREE March/April 2021 Volume 8  Issue 2

CURB URB APPEAL

THAT’S DUNRIGHT! 6

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Meet:

Yvonne Dubielak of Toledo Grows

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Beautiful Public Gardens

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Grow Healthy herbs!

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March 2021

StaFF

EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF COLLETTE JACOBS cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com CO-PUBLISHER/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER MARK JACOBS mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com EDITORIAL Assignment Editor KYLE ALISON CUBBON mleditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com Associate Editor JEFF MCGINNIS mcginnis@adamsstreetpublishing.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SALLY BRESLIN, CURRENTZ, ERIN HOLDEN, KIM JACOBS, JONI JOHNSON, JULIE POMPA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sales Coordinator SHANNON MEYER distribution@adamsstreetpublishing.com Account Managers JEN LEACH sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com BONNIE HUNTER bhunter@adamsstreetpublishing.com SUZANNE BELL sbell@adamsstreetpublishing.com Classified Sales classifieds@adamsstreetpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION Accounting ROBIN ARMSTRONG rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com Distribution SHANNON MEYER smeyer@adamsstreetpublishing.com ART & PRODUCTION IMANI LATEEF imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com LEAH FOLEY leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com WEB GURU NATE LIGHT digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com DIGITAL MARKETING SOCIAL MEDIA MARGOT JACOBS margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com

PHONE 419.244.9859 WEBSITE mlivingnews.com

ADDRESS Adams Street Publishing 1120 Adams St. Toledo, Ohio 43604

Mature Living® News Magazine, Inc. is printed 6 times per year with a deadline of the 15th of preceding month. Distribution is the first of the month. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. Reprint of Mature Living® material is not permitted without written consent of the Publisher.

Contributed articles are accepted for review and potential print. Advertising and contributed articles appearing in Mature Living® do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the paper. Mature Living will not accept any advertisement that it considers misleading, fraudulent, objectionable, unethical or illegal.

Audited by

March 2021

Also publishers of:

Friends, The countdown to Spring is here! March 20 marks the vernal equinox with expected warming temps and the return of green. I love Spring with its feelings of rebirth after a frosty winter. My thoughts turn to my garden on the first warm Spring day as I suppose is true for many of you. In this issue we feed your gardening interest and I know you'll enjoy our articles about healthy herbs, native plantings and public gardens. We also suggest local businesses that can help increase your home’s curb appeal.

An interesting and informative article talks about cryptocurrency, and while I’m not ready to invest personally, it is helpful to understand more about this different way of investing.

We feature Eddie Lee’s Restaurant in our dining feature; one of my favorites - offering consistently great prime rib.

Since mask wearing is still a continuing necessity, we have included a fun, personal tale about masks in our Storytelling feature where you, our readers, write. If you

Our Reader’s

New Restaurants During COVID-19 Caring for your Heart After a Heart Attack The Best and Worst Cities for Retirement

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have a story to share with our readers, please send it to me at mleditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com.

Sign up to receive our weekly Thursday email newsletters which contain links to our online publication including online-only articles, recipes, reviews of classic movies, calendar events (live and virtual) and a host of other items we think you will enjoy. Sign up at www.MLiving.com.

We realize that, especially in these times, getting out to pick up a printed copy of MLiving can be challenging. We can mail you a copy of each issue when it’s printed for a charge of $15 for a year to cover mailing costs. Contact us to subscribe; additional information is on page 11.

Enjoy the Spring and as the outdoor temperatures warm, do as I like to do, go play in the dirt!

Fondly, Kyle

Top Articles online Five Vaccines and the Elderly

FIND, LIKE & FOLLOW US!

Digital Issue Jan.&Feb. 2021

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lOCal

Three locals join TMA board

The Toledo Museum of Art announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Brian Chambers, the president and CEO of Owens Corning; Dr. Romules Durant, the CEO and superintendent of Toledo Public Schools; and Lisa McDuffie, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest Ohio. The three will serve a five-year term on the Board, with the possibility of a second term.

Marcos Transition benefits Tony Libardi

Marco’s Pizza announced the promotion of Tony Libardi to president and co-CEO, along with longtime CEO Jack Butorac. The promotion is in preparation for a long-term transition of leadership from Butorac, who has been CEO of Marco’s Pizza since 2004, to Libardi who, as President and Chief Marketing Officer, led the Marco’s team to achieve record-breaking sales, pilot new innovations, sign 114 new store commitments and open more than 70 new locations, including the brand’s milestone 1,000th store.

Local Food. Delivered

Farmers Market Wagon (“FMW”), brings farmers, bakers, coffee roasters, jam makers and more to doorsteps.

Shoppers go online and order locally sourced foods which FMW then delivers. The website provides detailed information (location, ownership, size, philosophy) about fresh, locally sourced foods from producers including Knueven Creamery, Bluebird Meadows Farm, Flying Rhino Coffee and many others. farmmarketwagon.com

A disability-friendly Art Museum

Knight Insurance announces additional owners

A collaboration between the Toledo Museum of Art and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo is creating a disability-friendly Museum. The Ability Center will assist the Museum to identify and eliminate barriers to encounters with art. Adam Levine, Museum Director said, “we aim to become the most disability-friendly art museum in the United States.”

Kenneth P. Knight, Chairman of the Board, has announced that Greg Corbitt and Allison Hammons have become owners in Knight Insurance Group. Greg has been at the agency since 2014 as a commercial insurance producer and for five of the last six years has won the Golden Hammer Award for highest sales in the company. Allison has been in a sales role with the agency since 2006 and won the Golden Hammer for her strong sales performance in 2017.

Sometimes, ads can seem too good to be true. While we can vouch for our fabulous clients, we can’t verify the claims of one ad in this issue. Can you find the fake ad? Send an e-mail to fakead@mlivingnews.com for a chance to win a restaurant gift certificate for two at a local eatery.

FAKE AD

Mail answers to: MLiving News 1120 Adams St. Toledo, Ohio 43604

NAME: PHONE: EMAIL: Page # where the Fake ad appears?

*Answers must be received by the 20th of each month.

Bald eagles

The refuge wetlands near Lake Erie provide suitable habitat with plenty of fish, a primary food source for eagles. Visit the Ottawa National Refuge to see the eagles build their nests. Check the Friends of Ottawa National Refuge website before going for more information.

friendsofottawanwr.org Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor. 419-898-0014, fws.gov/refuge/Ottawa

MlIVING aSKS “Are you getting a covid vaccine?

I received the Pfizer vaccines and believe in it after researching it fully.

Also, I’ve had many friends, clients and family members get Covid and have seen its terrible effects. I believe we all have a responsibility to aggressively help stop the spread.

- Tim Croak, President, Croak Asset Management 4

Roger and I have received our Moderna vaccine in Florida in January. We believe in the vaccine as a means to protect ourselves and a way to prevent it from spreading.

I had my first Covid shot in January at St V’s medical center. There was never any question in my mind if I would take the vaccine as there have been too many illnesses & deaths associated with Covid for me to ignore. My daughter & son-in-law are in the medical field & also highly encouraged me & others to do so.

- Rosie Feeback, active retiree, (fabulous golfer!)

(who walks miles per day!)

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- Dottie Wilkerson, retiree

Yes, I am taking the Covid 19 Shot. I want to spend some time with my 1-year-old grandchild in Portland, Oregon and I want to continue my volunteer work with the Toledo Ballet and the Toledo Symphony.

- Jim S. Hill, Professor Emeritus of Theatre & Film March 2021

PROFIleS From the family farm to community advocacy

Toledo GROWs Executive Director Yvonne Dubielak tells her story

By Erin Holden

Photo by: Jonathan Miksanek

Growing up as the oldest of eight children on her family’s Seneca County farm, Yvonne Dubielak experienced firsthand the joys of gardening, even if it was often a tedious undertaking.

“We had a huge vegetable garden, which I sometimes hated as a kid, because we’d have to wake up and weed on Saturday mornings,” Dubielak relates.

“My mom always canned and froze our vegetables. And I helped with that whole process.”

Dubielak became Executive Director of Toledo GROWs in 2017 after four years as Outreach and Education Director for Toledo Botanical Garden.

Though her interest in horticulture is certainly homegrown, the professional pursuit of gardening was a shift after spending time as an educator, beginning her career as an elementary school teacher before, eventually, moving into an administrative role.

Dubielak “I’m the oldest daughter in a became Executive big family, so it’s bred in me,” Director of Dubielak says of her tendency Toledo GROWs to step into leadership posiin 2017. tions. “As (a school) principal and in administrative roles, I felt like I could listen to people and rally people around.”

Getting involved with Toledo GROWs was a way for Dubielak to make use of those skills while making a difference in our community. She first became aware of Toledo GROWS when her daughter performed service hours there while in high school, and Dubielak soon found

Describe your typical work day:

We have a little urban farm that’s home to our program, just north of downtown Toledo. I like to get here about a half hour before everybody else. On a typical day, I would probably have a meeting or go out and meet with a partner or a sponsor in the community. I oversee the farm and manage all the staff. I’m at work from 7:30am to 4:30pm, and then I like to go home and work out or have a nice long walk and a good dinner at home. Then I just relax in the evening. I try to leave work at work and take care of myself, too.

March 2021

How does Toledo GROWS address food insecurity in our area?

Basically, the community gardens are in neighborhoods — at churches, at community centers, at libraries, at schools, all different places. For garden leaders that really want to start a garden, we’ll help them with technical assistance, get them free seeds and seedlings in the spring, loan them tools, get some volunteers out there. We provide opportunities for them to network and learn from each other. We also do some advocacy— a lot of dealing with water access (for irrigation) from the city and those kinds of things.

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herself getting to know the staff and volunteers. She knew she wanted to be a part of it. “I want to serve the underserved,” she says. “I had the leadership skills and the familiarity with agriculture; it just all kind of came together.”

Planting seeds The Toledo GROWs is an organization which facilitates the operation of 125 community gardens throughout the city. There is a huge educational component to what the nonprofit accomplishes under Dubielak’s watch, with the help of a supportive staff and a network of volunteers. She’s seen firsthand and heard accounts of participants, explaining how the organization has changed their lives. One diabetic woman who began a community garden with the help of Toledo GROWS shared with Dubielak that she’d lost 20 pounds and her insulin levels had stabilized, all since beginning her involvement with the group.

“I can really appreciate the fact that I am very healthy, and grew up eating healthy food prepared and grown at home,” she reflects. “You know, that’s different for so many people now. Helping people to get in touch with the source of their food is huge. If I can be part of that process— getting people connected to the land and knowing where their food comes from? The healthier they eat, the healthier they’ll be.”

To get involved with Toledo GROWs as a volunteer, donate, or to purchase food items from them, call 419-720-8714 or visit toledogrows.org.

How can our readers best support the Toledo GROWS mission?

Seek out a community garden and get involved in it.

They can help by working in one of those community gardens.

Or they can contact us, and we can connect them with a garden nearby and with a leader for that garden.

We could also use help at Toledo GROWs (on Oneida St., near downtown), though we were limited last year due to COVID. I’m really hopeful that by late spring this year, we can have open volunteer times again. We invite volunteers to assist every Wednesday morning from 9am to noon. They can support us by donations or by purchasing produce here; we always have honey, eggs and produce that we sell. You can even sponsor a class to come for a field trip or help with funding for us to be able to provide seeds or seedlings to kids or to a senior center.

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CURB

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

APPEAL

For most, purchasing a home is our biggest investment.

We want homes to suit our needs in terms of square footage, number of rooms and location along with nice amenities, pleasing colors and surfaces. For a home’s exterior, we want something appealing for ourselves and our neighbors. When thinking about selling, exterior presentation can make the difference between a potential buyer walking in or passing by. Curb appeal is important.

Bill McConnell, Owner/President

We introduce you to locally-owned businesses that can improve your homes’ curb appeal -- to encourage potential sale, please your neighbors and, most importantly, for you.

Why choose us: Dunright was formed to offer a quality product at a fair

Jeff Hoffmann, Owner/Operator Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup

310 Mulberry St., Perrysburg, Oh. (419 )508-3782 facebook.com/ Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup

How long in business: We are preparing to celebrate start of our 22nd year in business.

About: Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup, founded in 1999, is a local,

family-owned company. We got our start by moving furniture for a family friend. Word got around that “Jeff had a truck and would haul stuff”. We focused our attention on debris / junk removal and we began the growing process. Over the years we have developed great working relationships with numerous contractors, realtors, investors, banks, apartment communities, your friends, and your neighbors. We do downsizing, estate cleanouts, junk removal and much more. We are licensed and insured.

In 2019 we were voted the 2nd best junk removal company in the Toledo area. In 2020 we were voted the BEST junk removal company in the Toledo area. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction, and would love the opportunity to earn your business, trust, and friendship.

Curb Appeal: It’s important to homeowners, neighbors, and pro-

spective buyers. Curb appeal shows those around you that you take pride in your home, it is inviting and well maintained.

Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup is able to assist homeowners with improving their curb appeal . We can assist with junk/clutter/debris removal as well as “light demolition” consisting of decks, sheds, playsets, etc.. Allowing us to come and a ssist you with your curb appeal projects, shows that you take pride in your home, and will make it more appealing to prospective buyers should you decide to list it with any of the great realtors we are blessed to have in our area.

10 words or less: Prompt, professional, family-owned, the best in Toledo.

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Dunright Building Services, Inc. 1057 Custer Drive, Toledo, Ohio. 43612 419.537.7465 info@dunrightbuildingservices.com

About: We specialize in new vinyl replacement windows. We recently became Pella Certified Contractors which allows us to show and install the entire Pella line. Also, we are expert sliders with one of two area 5-Star Contractor designations from Certainteed. In addition, we sell and install ThermaTru steel and fiberglass entry doors.

price with integrity.

Our company has earned local and national awards which set us apart from the out of town competitors. In 2017, we received the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Business Ethics. The next year we were named to Remodeling Magazine’s Big50, an award only given to the top 50 companies nationwide, placing us in the top 1% of all contractors nationwide. We’ve also had the honor of winning Mature Living Contractor of the year and City Paper Best of Toledo twice and we ran runner up the third year.

We, a locally-owned and operated company, successfully competes with the out-of-town, larger corporate window companies doing business in Toledo.

We are the local choice. We will be there before, during and after installations.

Curb appeal: It’s a term used to describe a property in a positive light, its

“perceived value.” Upgrades of windows, siding and doors makes a home more desirable and easier to sell than one priced similarly that needs lots of work.

For example: ThermaTru had published an article noting that a new door with decorative glass can increase that home’s perceived value by at least 47%! Curb appeal is important because it goes directly to pride of ownership. The more a client increases curb appeal, the more perceived value he receives as payment for all of his hard work and investment.

In 10 words or less. Our customers can trust us to get the job Dunright!

Steve and Dawn Miller, Owners Elite Awnings & Sun Shades

5932 Main St. Sylvania, Ohio 43560 419-343-1993 www.createyourshade.com,

About: We are a local family owned and operated Power Awning and Screen Company. We help homeowners shade their outdoor living areas using our American made “Sunesta Shade Systems”. From our beautiful retractable awnings to our sensible power screens we make outdoor living enjoyable.

Curb Appeal It’s important because it makes a statement that you love and

adore your home. Curb appeal also brings value to the homeowner and the entire neighborhood. So go ahead and make those statements and show people that you love your home.

How do we help improve curb appeal: Adding our awnings & screens to your home is like adding jewelry to an outfit.It brings the “Bling Factor! We can help add the right products and colors to your home making your outdoor oasis have it’s own bling.

Why select our company: We have been in business for 8 years. Shade is all we do, and we are the best. www.mlivingnews.com

March 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Veronica Sheets, Events & Development Director Schedel Arboretum & Gardens

19255 W. Portage River S. Rd.Elmore, OH 43416 419-862-3182 x 1001 schedel-gardens.org

About: SA&G is a 17 acre garden estate for guests to wander and enjoy. In addition to a wide selection of unusual trees and plants, visitors are treated to a variety of beautiful and meticulously manicured gardens including iris, peony, rose, kitchen, and water gardens as well as beds planted with some 10,000 annuals each year. Unique garden features include a Japanese garden with Torii gate, pagodas, lanterns, waterfalls and a reflecting pool. A groove of Dawn redwood trees and a world class bonsai exhibit including nearly 140 specimens. New in 2021, is the addition of the world’s largest collection of Lithophanes. The Blair Museum of Lithophanes will be housed in the Schedel Manor House. SA&G is also a perfect venue for outdoor weddings and events. The Brown Welcome Center indoor facility is ideal for work retreats, showers, parties and social events.

DID YOU VOTE YET?

Home to the ORIGINAL

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Ballot Page 12

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If a homeowner is thinking of changing or adding flower beds, is Schedel Gardens a good place to visit? Why? Abso-

lutely, guests are invited to “steal our ideas” and what better place to do that?

Unique combinations of plants in beds and containers change every season!

Do plantings add to the “curb appeal” of a home? How?

You bet, getting attention with splashes of color makes for great curb appeal.

SA&G has a wide variety of viburnum shrubs and magnolia trees if you want to add a scented appeal as well.

If visitors see plantings and flowers they might want to learn more about, do you give guidance? Do you provide the names of

your plantings so visitors can later look up their favorites and learn more?

A plant book is kept at the check in counter and the gift shop so our staff and volunteers can assist with visitor questions. Plus, throughout the season SA&G offers workshops on trees and plants including a few “make and takes’’ on topics including bonsai, wreaths, and various art forms. There are also a couple of wonderful nurseries right around the corner from SA&G including Bench’s Greenhouse and Nursery and North Branch Nursery.

Does Schedel Arboretum & Gardens “specialize” in any particular types of plantings? If so, name a few. The grove of Dawn

Redwoods, unusual varieties of trees and shrubs, Japanese peonies, world class bonsai display with tropical, coniferous and deciduous varieties a grove of yellow groove bamboo and a large collection of water lilies on Noble lake.

Kimberly Arnold - Manager Myers Fireplace and Patio

808 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, Oh 43615, 419-531-9789 Myersfireplaceandpatio.com

About: Myers has been a small family owned business since 1956, we specialize in everything from outdoor kitchens and patio furniture to fireplaces, gas inserts and wood burning and gas stoves. We are here for all your hearth and home needs.

Curb Appeal: There is nothing like an outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplaces to increase curb appeal! Add beautiful outdoor furniture and your home will become the star of your neighborhood.

10 Words or Less: Established, experienced, family-owned, 65 years March 2021

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Protecting Natural Ecosystems with Your Home Garden

What do insects, native plants and Lake Erie have in common? You.

By Joni Johnson That powerful quote from Dr. Tallamy is meant to inspire members of the National Wildlife Federation to revolutionize the way people garden and landscape to benefit wildlife and communities. Dr. Tallamy has researched how non-native plants, that have evolved elsewhere, impact food webs and biodiversity creating ecosystem-wide problems. We now know how important it is to restore and protect our natural ecosystems for survival.

Concious Concern As a home gardener, you can take steps to protect future ecosystems and humanity. And one step is planting native plants in your home garden.

“Nature is built from millions of specialized interactions and relationships.”

- Dr. Doug Tallamy*

Importance of Native Plants Many native animals and insects have lost food sources due to urban development and degradation. Native plants are important to ecosystems as they restore food and habitat sources for biodiversity of wildlife and environmental health.

The more native plants, the healthier the insects. The healthier and wider variety of insects, the healthier and wider variety the food webs.

Plant species provide nectar, pollen & seed that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals who primarily feed upon native foliage thanks to adaptations formed over millions of years. Some insects can feed only with one specific plant. Also, some insects manage garden pests while pollinating plants which humans depend on.

*A professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.

Native plants are beautiful, with a variety of structures and colors, along with being hardy. They have deep roots which help to prevent erosion. Deep roots also encourage infiltration from runoff while absorbing nutrients, reducing the risk of flooding and polluting our waterways.

According to Erika Buri, Executive Director of Olander Park, native plants, adapted to this region's climates and soils, don’t need fertilization. They attack native insects (pests) acting as Pro tip: Erika Buri of Olander Park suggests to start small natural pesticides, and experiment. Native gardens have evolved over time. meaning they limit the use of harmful chemicals Also, native plants require much less watering than non-native species, which allows for our precious water source to be preserved.

Native plants are not maintenance free, but do require much less care over time.

Replacing a grass lawn, with shallow roots and minimal nutrients, with native plants,results in less mowing which means less carbon emissions and better air quality. According to Natural Resource Specialist Jessica Wilbarger of the Soil and Water Conservation, perennial native plants take about three years to actually establish. The plants’ energy is directed into making roots for the first couple of years, so you will not see the entire plant right away. The benefit of root mass holding onto water and preventing erosion begins in the first year.

“If we don’t have the base of the ecosystem, we can’t have everything else.” explains Cindy Carnicom, co-founder of Poppin Up Natives. “Plants are that base.” Poppin Up Natives is a great local resource for how to start your own rain or pollinator garden. (Check them out at facebook.com/poppinupnatives)

Native plants to match soil and climate conditions Board Member of Wild Ones, Jon Zabowski says that with any gardening, the type of plants you have depend on soil type (sand or clay), sunlight (shade, partial, direct) and water requirements. Zabowski lists other important considerations when making garden selections. What kind of pollinators or birds do you want to attract? What colors do you like? What do you want to see in bloom?

How tall or short? How formal or wild? How much maintenance are you ready for? Do you want plants or seeds to start? Will this be a rain garden? Will this be a pollinator garden? Conditions are species specific. It’s important to find what are the species requirements and put them in the right place.

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March 2021

Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed leaves.

Resources for the local gardner If you want to see native gardens in person, Olander Park and several Toledo Metroparks are great places to view different styles. It’s helpful to see how heights, colors and shapes of different species work together.

■ Sacred Grounds, a Garden for Wildlife program of the National Wildlife Federation, highlights rain garden and pollinator garden designs. raingardeninitiative.org

Pro tip: Poppin Up Native, a local gardeners’ support network, will help plan your home garden and answer your questions. Reach Cindy Carnicom at 567-277-0771 or Robin Parker at 419-351-1157. The two also design garden plans and templates to make getting started easier. poppinupnatives@gmail.com

■ Learn about invasive plants with the Ohio Invasive Plants Council. oipc.info/invasive-plants-of-ohio.html ■ The National Wildlife Federation hosts a native plant finder web tool.

Type in your ZIP code to find important and nutritious trees, shrubs, and native plants for our region. nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/ ■ Research local gardening communities. Reach out to your neighbors to build a support for this experimental process. Gardening is a great community builder, so do not feel you have to do this alone.

■ For a guide to purchasing native plants and seeds in person and online and to keep on the lookout for the upcoming 2021 plant sale events, visit wildonesoakopenings.org/native-plant-sources ■ A great start to learn about our region’s land and ecosystems would be ‘Living in the Oak Openings,’ created by The Green Ribbon Initiative, a partnership of conservation groups from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan working together to protect the beauty and biodiversity of the Oak Openings Region. oakopenings.org/landowner-guide ■ Wild Ones is a national nonprofit organization with local chapters that teach people about the benefit of growing native plants. The Oak Openings Region Chapter is named to highlight the locally-threatened ecosystem Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. wildonesoakopenings.org

March 2021

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Food-specific Gardens From urban farms to neighborhood gardens, food-focused gardens are common in our area. In addition to crops, many gardens train residents to grow their own food.

r o f n e d r a G A d ee N Every

Toledo GROWs Gardens With more than 125

Uncovering Hidden (or not-so-hidden) Regional Gems

By Julie Pompa Gardens can be a place to grow food, to appreciate flowers and to learn about our natural habitats.

Plentiful in this area, community gardens enrich our lives, boost our spirits and benefit our communities.

Here are some recommendations of local gardens to explore.

community gardens, Toledo GROWs is dedicated to gardening opportunities for people of diverse ages and abilities. Their headquarters features an urban farm and education center with opportunities for volunteers. Call 419.720.8714 to visit there or any garden. 900 Oneida St., Toledo; 419.720.8714; toledogrows.org

Ironwood Community Garden Enjoy the gardens, participate in the neighborhood programs or help out.

Open 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. 1304 Ironwood Ave., Toledo; (no phone number); Search “Ironwood Community Garden” on Facebook.

Sophia Quintero Arts & Cultural Center Learn

how art and education can play a role in our everyday lives, and how a vacant property can become a community centerpiece, with native habitats, pollinators, fruit orchards, strawberries, vegetables and flowers. Part of the Toledo GROWs community garden network. Check with the office (419.241.1655) for information and tours. 1222 Broadway St., Toledo; 419.241.1655; sqacc.org)

Ziems Conservatory and Gardens, Toledo Zoo Featuring a garden of roses,

Formal Gardens Formal gardens can include a wide range of features: flowers, native plants, water features, landscapes, statuary and other items. We are fortunate to have a variety of beautiful spaces locally: Toledo Botanical Garden Metropark

60+ acres with celebrated daylily and hosta collections, gazebo and pond, perennial gardens and sculptures.

with more than 40 varieties, 20 types of perennials, a lily pool and acres of annuals, as well as hundreds of plants in the Conservatory. In colder weather, the gardens are the backdrop for the Lights Before Christmas.

Free with Zoo admission. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo; 419.385.4040; toledozoo.org/gardens

Schedel Arboretum & Gardens

More than 10,000 plants, flowers and exotic trees over 17 acres. Be sure to visit the Japanese garden with a 30 ft. waterfall, streams and bridges. Opens daily in May,. 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore, Ohio; 419.862.3182; schedel-gardens.org

577 Foundation Established on the grounds of Virginia

Stranahan’s former home, 577 is a place of joy and discovery for the whole family, with a geodesic biodome, community gardens and trails to the Maumee River. Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 577 East Front St., Perrysburg, Ohio; 419.874.4174; 577foundation.org

Also visit the Secret Forest for kids,

the Doneghy Inclusive Garden and Artisan Village. Open dawn to dusk

daily (no dogs). 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo; 419.270.7500; metroparkstoledo.com

Natural Gardens Ranging from prairies to preserves, wetlands to forests, streams to lakes, natural gardens offer not only undisturbed native habitat, but they also preserve our lands and waterways.

Pat & Clint Mauk’s Prairie The 30-acre native prairie habitat at Black

Swamp Conservancy, a northwest Ohio land trust, includes a one-mile public trail and several wetlands. Open daily from dawn until dusk. 4825 Sugar Ridge Rd., Pemberville, Ohio; 419.833.1025; blackswamp.org Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve This natural,

waterfront area is being developed and protected by Black Swamp Conservancy along the West Bay area of Catawba Island.

The preserve will open to the public this summer; 419.833.1025;

blackswamp.org

Howard Marsh Metropark Take a boardwalk stroll for a quarter mile

through the 1,000-acre wetlands to the water’s edge. The area also features canoeing and hiking. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. till dark. 611 S. Howard Rd., Curtice, Ohio; 419.407.9700; metroparkstoledo.org

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March 2021

Woodlawn Cemetery and Arboretum The grounds are sanctuary

to 100 species of trees and over 200 migratory and stationary birds, and a lake on the grounds attracts ducks and other waterfowl. Open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F, and 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday. 1502 W. Central Ave., Toledo; 419.472.2186; historicwoodlawn.com Toledo Botanical Garden Herb Garden Beautiful, healthy

herbs of all kinds lovingly cared for

by Maumee Valley Herb Society volunteers.

5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo. Open daily 7:00 - dark. 419-270-7500; metroparkstoledo.com

Gardens that Defy Labels There are other, equally beautiful and inspiring places around the region that may not boast plants, but are certainly great places to visit. May we suggest: Sculpture gardens in Ottawa Hills (inter-

section of Secor Rd., Bancroft St., and Indian Rd.), Sculpture in the Park features permanent and temporary sculptures.

Doneghy Inclusive Garden at Toledo Botanical Garden

WALKER

5403 Elmer Dr. or 5434 W. Bancroft, Toledo, is a new, wheelchair accessible garden with ADA seating, a sensory water wall and plantings -- good to smell and touch. Open daily 7:00 - dark.

419-270-7500; metroparkstoledo.com

Also visit the Georgia and

David K. Welles Sculpture Garden, Toledo Museum of Art.

The two dozen sculptures are positioned throughout beautifully landscaped grounds. 2445 Monroe St.; 419.255.8000; toledomuseum.org

Norma Stark Memory Garden & Labyrinth Features a custom stone

9-circuit labyrinth, beautifully landscaped grounds and places to sit and reflect. A fountain greets visitors. Open daily from dawn to dusk. 345 W. South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio; 419.410.2496;

normastarklabyrinth.com

DID YOU VOTE?

BALLOT PAGE 12

March 2021

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RECREATION

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LIVING WELL

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OUT & ABOUT

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PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR E-NEWSLETTER LIST March 2021

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13

FINaNCe

acquire a digital wallet is to create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange, where you can use U.S. dollars to initiate purchases..

Demand has led CPAs, accountants, online brokers, and other financial professionals to assist clients with cryptocurrencies. Working with a trusted financial professional is a great way to get acquainted with the investment.

As a bonus, they can assist with capital gains tax.

Cryptocurrency Demystified Bitcoin isn’t even the half of it

Is cryptocurrency safe?

By Current Z.

For the average cryptocurrency investor, seeing the value of your portfolio fluctuate by 20% is just what happens during a typical day.

Volatility, a hallmark of the cryptocurrency market, is likely the central point understood by the mainstream.

Whether you are a student and follower of digital currency or not, you are probably familiar with recent headlines like these: “Bitcoin price surges; passes records yet again”, “Tesla buys $1.5 billion in Bitcoin,” “India banks clamp down on cryptocurrency,” and “Price plummets; Bitcoin investors desperate to sell.”

So, what does it all mean?

An overview of the basics: A technical explanation of cryptocurrency:

A form of digital payment.

Cryptocurrencies issue virtual coins or tokens.

Anonymity. transactions are made anonymous through “cryptography,” a security practice of encryption and decryption.

Online transaction records.

the time, date and quantity involved in a transaction are maintained online. Identities are protected, as data is encrypted and cannot be decrypted.

Sometimes cryptocurrencies exist physically. For this confusion, blame a guy in Utah named Mike Caldwell who created an unofficial physical version of a Bitcoin, called Casascius coins.

What you really need to know...

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that are managed by a computer algorithm. Personal identities are not tied to transaction history. When you buy cryptocurrency, you are purchasing a virtual coin, or a fraction of a coin, for a fixed price. As more people buy, sell, or trade other coins of that cryptocurrency, the price changes.

Currently, there are more than 6000 types of cryptocurrencies that offer secure, private transactions.

Each has its own value and recordkeeping ledger. The total value of all cryptocurrencies was more than $897.3 billion at the end of January 2021, according to CoinMarketCap. Bitcoin, which debuted in 2009 courtesy of an anonymous creator, is considered the first cryptocurrency and remains the most popular. In 2011, a single Bitcoin was worth $1.

In early February 2021, the price

surpassed $47,000 per coin. If you had invested $100 in Bitcoin on March 1, 2012, you would have $700,044.43 on February 6, 2021.

That’s a 699,944.426% total return on your investment. And, yes, we adjusted for inflation.

Why does cryptocurrency exist?

■ Cryptocurrency supporters offer

a variety of reasons to explain their zeal. Beyond privacy and anonymity, a few of the most popular rationalizations include: ■ Cryptocurrencies are the currencies of the future. As the global economy continues to operate without borders, a decentralized currency that does not require central banks is a more efficient way to manage the money supply.

The decentralized ledger is an important technology. Many cryptocurrency supporters are attracted to the encrypted technology that supports the venture. They claim the private and secure system is a superior alternative to more traditional record keeping.

■ Investment opportunities. Many investors who hold cryptocurrencies are interested in the market’s apparent upward rise. The market’s volatility offers retail investors a chance to triple, sometimes quadruple asset values. Conversely, however, that same volatility can contribute to equally extraordinary losses.

How to buy cryptocurrency

Like “real money,” you need a (digital) wallet to buy, sell, trade, and hold cryptocurrencies. One way to

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■ Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new phenomenon and their values are volatile. It would be an understatement to refer to it as a “risky investment.”

■ Cryptocurrencies do not have the legal protections offered by mainstream investments, and there are few regulations governing the marketplace, so you have no guarantee of your investment.

In addition, scams and online thieves are rampant. You could also simply lose access to your wallet, resulting in the total loss of your investment.

Still not dissuaded? Congratulations— you may be regaining that youthful enthusiasm. Just don’t spend all of that rediscovered youth on one coin.

Price on February 1, 2021 (in U.S. dollars): Bitcoin: $33,613.32

Ethereum: $1,315.24 Chainlink: $22.84 Litecoin: $142.16

Fun facts:

■ On May 22, 2010, two Papa John’s Pizzas were exchanged by an investor for 10,000 BTC. The value was $41 at the time. Those two pizzas would be worth $456,681,000.00 on February 8, 2021.

■ Bitcoin was created by a person (or group of people) under the pseudonym ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’.

The mystery persists to this day.

■ There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin.

■ The Bitcoin blockchain has never been hacked.

■ It is estimated that 4 million bitcoin are lost.

■ On December 7, 2018, the price of Bitcoin plummeted to $3,300— a 76% drop from the previous year.

■ On December 22, 2017, the price of Bitcoin lost one-third of its value in 24 hours.

March 2021

March 2021

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Health Healthy Herbs

Herbs aren’t just for flavor, they have health benefits too.

By Kim Jacobs It seems that, eventually, everything old becomes new. Centuries ago, we looked to nature to heal ourselves.

Natural remedies were commonplace, like mint and ginger to help digestion, aloe vera to assist in healing burns and chamomile to fight inflammation and promote better sleep. Recently, there has been a to return to these kinds of environmental treatments, with good reason: they work.

An obvious benefit to using herbs is that we’re more likely to eat beneficial foods like vegetables when they taste better. A healthier diet often means less salt and fat, which can also mean less flavor. Fresh herbs can enhance flavors and more than make up that deficit. “Food is medicine, and what we eat affects our health. Herbs are a natural medicine that are easy to absorb and utilize. Herbs are a kind of food that can help you heal. For example, many people use green onions on their food, but they use the green part and discard the white part, when it’s the white part that is good for the immune system,” explains Tamara Willingham, LOM, owner Tamara TCM Wellness Clinic in downtown Maumee https://tamaratcm.com/

Nutritional powerhouses

But what about the herbs themselves? Do they have any nutritional benefits of their own? Studies have shown that herbs contain elements

that are anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Many herbs also boast a variety of antioxidants, which combat cell damage throughout our bodies.

These properties can help with conditions including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, blood clots and high cholesterol. Some herbs have even been shown to fight cancer. In addition, most herbs have high levels of vitamins and minerals.

The nose knows

You don’t even have to eat some herbs to benefit from them. Smelling rosemary can boost brain activity and help your memory. Peppermint aromatherapy has proven to be very successful in fighting nausea and headaches. The scent of lavender has a calming effect, good for both anxiety and insomnia.

If you’re used to cooking with dried herbs, switching to fresh means that you’ll likely need to use greater amounts. As a general rule, it takes four teaspoons of fresh herbs to get the same amount of flavor as from one teaspoon of dried herbs. Add fresh herbs as close as possible to the end of cooking the dish to preserve their healthful benefits.

Growing herbs is not difficult; container gardens work very well. This is the time of year to begin “from seed” indoors to later transplant outside once the weather is cooperative. Outdoor herb gardens are a joy. Not only beautiful, fresh herbs are available all summer and into the early fall. A large herb garden can be enjoyed for a source of ideas at Toledo Botanical Gardens, 5403 Elmer Drive,, 419270-7500, metroparkstoledo.com/ explore-your-parks/toledo-botanicalgarden-metropark/

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Some herbs can interact with medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor before dramatically altering your diet.

SIX HERBS

To inspire you to grow and use seven of the best herbs that will flourish in your garden, here are some recipe suggestions.

Thyme“One of the best herbs

for novices is thyme, because it’s easy to grow and has so many uses. It’s good in soups, in a compound butter, or even infused in honey for your tea.” says Christie Clark, Herbalist with the Maumee Valley Herb Society, facebook.com/MaumeeValleyHerbSociety. Thyme is very good on chicken, lamb, veal and eggs.

Parsley Flat leaf parsley tastes

much better than the curly variety. Pair it with current culinary darling cauliflower, and you’ve got a winning side dish. Parsley is very good as a finishing touch to soups and stews. It is the mail ingredient in Tabouli, a muchloved Lebanese salad.

Mint and chocolate are a clas-

sic pairing, and it doesn’t get better than brownies. Mint adds death and flavor to many foods: lamb, Fatoosh, fresh fruit. It is also tasty muddled with vodka.

Basil and tomatoes are best

friends. There’s nothing better than raw tomatoes, straight from the garden, with fresh basil.

For extra indulgence, go for the classic Italian salad, by adding sliced mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Basil is the main ingredient in pesto.

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Rosemary The piney flavor

of rosemary goes exceptionally well with meats, especially lamb. Rosemary goes well with pasta, adds a kick to meatloaf and long stems, with needles left on, make fantastic skewers for kabobs.

Oregano is the exception to

the “use more when fresh” rule.

Unlike other herbs, it’s stronger fresh than dried, so you need less if you’re using what comes out of your garden instead of what comes out of a jar. Use oregano in red sauce, on a pizza, with potatoes, fish and chicken.

March 2021

Health Events MANAGED CARE PROGRAMS

The Area Office on Aging partners with three managed care plans (Aetna, Buckeye Community Health Plan and CareSource) to coordinate the care of their members who receive Medicaid and/or Medicare benefits. The Area Office on Aging’s care managers and waiver service coordinators help connect the individuals with the services to meet their needs, such as help with bathing and dressing, home-delivered meals, adult day care and more.

419-382-0624. Areaofficeonaging.com

CARE PACKETS TO FIGHT COVID BOREDOM

The Maumee Senior Center offers a downloadable care packet for seniors experiencing too much time and loneliness. The download includes coloring, brain games and a link to the monthly newsletter full of ideas along with links to food, help and assistance. maumeeseniorcenter.com/

PRIVATE MEMORY CHAT

Make a 30 minute appointment for an individual, family and/ or caregiver that wants to learn now to navigate life after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Dementia or simply memory changes.

Facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association. Second Thursday, monthly; by appointment For appointment call: 419.885.3913 scsonline.org/seniorcenter/

March 2021

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Dini ng out A Toledo Tradition: Eddie Lee’s Restaurant Well-prepared, consistently tasty prime rib, steak, fish, chicken and more

By Kyle Alison Cubbon Eddie Lee’s Restaurant is three restaurants in one. The dining room has cloth linens on the widely spaced tables and the quiet buzz of patrons enjoying time tested and well-made cocktails and menu selections. To get to the dining room, and just inside the door, patrons must pass through the “booth area,” which is a bit noisier caused by access to the kitchen. And, discreetly housed in the back of the building, is a very comfortable, sometimes rowdy bar.

Consistently good food

The same great food is served in all areas of the restaurant. And I expect that steaks and seafood entrees are

served more often in the “linen” area with sandwiches more often on the plates of those seated in the “booth” area. The bar must be the best place to find the burger eaters as Eddie Lee’s big, juicy burgers are less expensive in the bar!

The food is consistently good. The kitchen gets the menu standards right, using quality ingredients and experienced servers who know just how each plate should look and be served. Owner Willie Lee, always present, is constantly monitoring the dining areas, watching and assisting.

Lee Family tradition

The Lee family has owned and operated Eddie Lee’s for over 40 years, with no signs of slowing down. Willie is the son of Eddie Lee who operated the popular Colony Restaurant in one of Toledo’s first shopping centers at Monroe and Central in West Toledo. Reservations are accepted and if you are not yet ready to go inside, Eddie Lee’s will gladly deliver your selections curbside.

Appetizers Include homemade, very crispy onion rings, shrimp cocktail, fried mushrooms along with soups (the French onion is a favorite) and salads.

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A favored menu item is the prime rib, which is excellent - many say it is the best. It is not unusual for everyone at a table to order the prime rib! Meals are served with potato, vegetable and salad.

The whitefish is delicious. Expertly pan seared and served with a drizzle of lemon-caper sauce. Shrimp, scallops and lobster complete the seafood entrees. Also offered are a few chicken dishes (try the bourbon chicken), beautiful pork chops and sandwiches.

Occasionally, Eddie Lee’s offers specials, depending on availability. If you are visiting when perch is on the menu, order it. Give this Toledo tradition a try. You will be happy with their food, ambiance and prices.

March 2021

DID YOU VOTE?

BALLOT PAGE 12

March 2021

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StORYtellING Discovering Things to Like about Wearing a Mask

By Sally Breslin When I first started wearing a face mask, I wasn’t at all happy about it. For one thing, I guess I have big nostrils, because every time I breathed, the cloth on the mask would suck right up my nose.

I had to keep pulling the mask down to my neck so I could catch a breath, defeating the purpose of wearing it.

So I was relieved when I found some masks I’d bought years ago to wear when I was staining some furniture.

They were shaped like cups, so unlike the cloth masks, they didn’t cling to the skin. The problem was, they were plain, boring white. I wanted something more interesting, more fashionable, so I searched the house for something made out of colorful cloth that I could cut up and sew over the mask.

I finally found the perfect material – soft black cotton with dainty pink flowers sprinkled all over it, cloth which was then currently in the form of a pair of my panties. I cut them apart and sewed the material over the mask. The end result looked and felt great.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I’d be walking around breathing through my panties.

Another mask wearing issue arises when I go grocery shopping. I’m in the habit of sniffing things before I buy them. With potatoes, for example, if I sniff the bag and there is an odor of mildew or a rotten potato, that’s usually a sign the whole bag is ruined. So now I have to ask myself if it’s worth exposing myself to a billion germs by lifting my mask just to sniff out a rotten potato.

And then there are my ears. Never before did I realize just how flat against my head my ears are…until I attempted to get a mask’s elastic bands to stay on.

There’s just not enough ear meat sticking out of my head for the elastic to hook around. And when, after struggling, I finally do manage to get the straps to say in place, if I yawn or turn my head quickly, the straps can snap off like slingshots.

Still, the longer I wear a mask, the more things I have discovered to like about them. For one thing, I am saving

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a lot of money on lipstick. No one sees my lips, so there is no point in wasting it. And I don’t have to keep using the little mirror in my purse to discreetly check my nose or my lipstick.

And those stubborn strands of hair on my chin that magically arrived with menopause; the ones I have to pluck on a regular basis, with the face mask, I don’t have to be as concerned with plucking any more. I can let the hairs grow a bit and just tuck them inside the mask.

Wearing a mask also hides a lot of wrinkles, especially those trenches around the mouth, referred to as frown lines. Before the mask-wearing era began, men who struck up conversations with me at the bank or supermarket looked to be in their 80s. Now, the men who talk to me are much younger…or at least I think they are. They also might be hiding Shar Pei- like wrinkles behind their masks.

Another perk of mask wearing, I can add extra garlic to my recipes without worrying about breathing on people and causing their hair to wilt.

But something happened a couple weeks ago that made me actually feel grateful I had to wear a mask. I had a dental appointment for my regular cleaning and checkup. When the dentist examined my teeth, he noticed that my partial denture on top was loose and said it would have to be refitted and adjusted. He took an impression, then said, “I’ll have it back to you in a week.”

I stared wide-eyed at him. “You’re keeping it?” “I have to send it out to the lab,” he explained.

With several errands to run after my appointment, I felt panicky, and I asked, “You’re actually going to make me walk out of here looking like a jacko-lantern?”

He laughed and replied,” Just wear your mask. No one will know.”

Perhaps I will actually miss my mask when we no longer are required to wear one. I emphasize the word “perhaps.”

March 2021

MARCH

WEDNESDAYS [misc.]

Metroparks Trivia Night

WEDNESDAYS

Curbside Honey Buzz on over to Toledo GROWs’ front door every Wednesday to pick up delicious, local honey. Jars are $10 each. Cash or check only. For orders of 5 or more jars, please call ahead.

12-3pm. 900 Oneida St. 419-720-8714. toledogrows.org

Metroparks Trivia returns to test your mastery of all things Metroparks and Toledo in a fun evening of trivia each Wednesday in March. From local history to nature knowledge, Metroparks Trivia will prove your park prowess. Registration will close by 6:30 p.m. the day of the event.

7pm. Virtual Event.

419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com Free

MARCH MONDAY 1 [history]

SATURAY

13

The American Woman & World War II

SUSHI!

Bernadette

PETERS

Boasting a Golden Globe, three Tony Awards, three Emmy and four Grammy Award nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics over the decades with her inimitable performances on stage, film, television, concerts, and recordings.

8pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

March 2021

If you love sushi, you’ve come to the right place!

Work on basic knife skills as well as learning how to roll sushi using traditional and non-traditional ingredients like BBQ Eel, Spicy Tuna, Cold Smoked Salmon and more during this class!

4:30-7:30pm. Foodology, 2059 W. Laskey Road. foodologytoledo.com

This exhibit highlights the monumental roles that women played in World War II, on both the national and local front, through an array of photos, periodicals and documents from the library’s collection. Exhibit located in the Fact and Fiction Department and viewable during library hours. 9:30am. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org Free

TUESDAY 2 [lit.]

Online Waterville Evening Book Group

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende. In the late 1930s, civil war grips Spain. When General Franco and his Fascists succeed in overthrowing the government, hundreds of thousands are forced to flee in a treacherous journey over the mountains to the French border. 6:30pm.

Virtual Event. 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org Free

www.mlivingnews.com

[music]

Student Recital: DMA Showcase Current Doctoral of Musical Arts students will perform a showcase recital as part of our doctoral auditions. 8pm. Virtual Event.

419-372-2181. bgsu.edu/musical-arts Free

THURSDAY 4 [art]

Painting with Ink, Pastel, and Watercolor

Combine the best qualities of ink, pastels, and watercolor. Students in this class virtually visit the galleries to examine how the use of unconventional painting techniques can add to the emotional impact of a work of art.

Member $105, Non-members $125.

1pm. Virtual Event.

419-246-8000. toledomuseum.org

FRIDAY 5 [food]

Lenten Fish Fries

The Season of Lent is almost here, and we are pleased to announce that we will indeed be having take-out only fish fry dinners. Every Friday of Lent — not Good Friday. 4pm.

Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 2240 Castlewood Dr. 419-472-2288. blessedsacramenttoledo.com [music]

Tchaikovsky and the Russian Romantics

From a grand serenade to a lively finale, hear Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto performed by internationally-acclaimed violinist Timothy Chooi on this program featuring the great Russian romantics.

8pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

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SATURDAY 6 [misc.]

Winter Yoga Series

Take your yoga practice into our beautiful Metroparks. Carve out some time for yourself to move, breathe, connect and enjoy the beauty of our Metroparks as we practice together. All levels welcome, no experience necessary.

Please bring a mat and some water. $12. 11am. Glass City Metropark, 1001 Front St. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

WEDNESDAY 10 [art]

Wine & Wildwood Winterscapes Enjoy the whimsy of winter with a two-hour guided painting class.

Step-by-step instruction is provided so you can sit back and let your creativity flow with a glass of wine.

Just wear your coziest painting clothes and bring a friend. All other materials will be provided. $25. 6-8pm. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com [food]

Manhattan’s Wine Tasting

Manhattan’s hosts a wine tasting event where the Pub’s resident wine expert, Katie, provides information to attendees as they sample a variety of wines, each with an appetizer pairing. Advance reservations are required and all social distancing requirements will be observed. $40. 6:30-9:30pm.

1516 Adams St. 419-243-6675. manhattanstoledo.com

SUNDAY 14 [food]

Homemade Pierogi Class

Chef Sarah will be sharing her knowledge and love for making delicious pierogies! Not only will you learn how to make the pierogi dough and roll it to perfect consistency, guests will also get to be creative with some popular traditional and non-traditional fillings. $50.

3-6pm. Foodology, 2059 W. Laskey Rd. foodologytoledo.com [food]

Virtual St. Patrick’s Celebration

With so many Irish-themed events being canceled around the world, HeART Gallery is hosting a Virtual St. Patrick’s Celebration to ensure your day is filled with Irish cheer.

FRIDAY 26

Order a corned beef dinner-to-go: beef, carrots, cabbage, red potatoes with creme de menthe dessert bar. Dinner can be ordered through kate@stpaulstoledo.org. $30. 4pm.

Virtual Event. 419-270-3224. heartgalleryandstudios.com

County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. 419352-0967. woodcountyhistory.org

MONDAY 15

Enjoy the latest in a series of open discussions about military history, featuring a variety of guest speakers. 7:30pm. Fort Meigs, 29100 W River Road, Perrysburg.

419-874-4121. fortmeigs.org Free

Claim your front row seat to nature’s featured spring performance. We will walk the prairies to experience the sights and sounds of this unusual bird as it ascends and dives through the sky with a “twitter” and a “peent.” $2. 8-9:30pm.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

[art]

[music]

[lit.]

Sanger Under 200

Virtual Book Group Women & Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard. Two essays connect the past with the present, tracing the history of misogyny to its ancient roots and examining the pitfalls of gender. 6pm. Virtual Event.

419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org Free

FRIDAY 19 [history]

Fort Meigs Military History Roundtable

Doormat Class

[lit.]

Come be creative, have some fun, and drink some great wine! Benfield Wines & Gifts along with Bless This Hot Mess is hosting a doormat painting class. $32. 7-9pm.

102 N Main St., Swanton.

419-862-5427. benfieldwines.com

Spring Lecture Series: “Heroic Age of Diving”

SATURDAY 20

WEDNESDAY 17

Heroic Age of Diving by Jerry [food] Kuntz During the 1840s and Indian Cuisine 1850s, during the infancy of the Do you love Indian food, but feel development of underwater breathhesitant to give it a try or to try ing apparatus, Lake Erie became making it yourself? Let Chef Chris the proving ground for this new at Foodology guide you! Learn technology. The salvage of three inabout the unique spice blends famous passenger steamer wrecks, and cooking methods that make the Erie, the G. P. Griffth, and the Indian Cuisine an amazing, Atlantic became the incentive yet sometimes intimidating, MORE for divers and engineers to foodie adventure! $53.

CALENDAR test the limits of their new 4:30-7:30pm. Foodology, EVENTS devices. 7pm. Virtual 2059 W. Laskey Road.

ONLINE AT Event. 419-214-5000 foodologytoledo.com mliving.com ext. 200. nmgl.org Free

SUNDAY 21

THURSDAY 18

[history]

[misc.]

Tea and Historic Craft

Glide into Birding

The best time to start birding is now! Join this bi-monthly webinar, featuring a different avian topic each session. Please register for each session independently to receive your personal Zoom link, which will be emailed to you prior to the session. Participation and questions are welcomed for personalized discussions. 9am. Virtual Event. 419-407-9700. [history]

Wood County Museum Open Late

In 2021 the Wood County Museum will be open for extended evening hours on the third Thursday of each month. This will offer a chance for visitors who normally cannot visit during the day to come out and tour the museum. $7 for adults, $3 for children. 10am-8pm. Wood

22

Have a hot beverage and learn a new historical craft, surrounded by one of Northwest Ohio’s most legendary historical sites. Included with admission. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. 2-4pm. Fort Meigs, 29100 W River Road, Perrysburg.

419-874-4121. fortmeigs.org [arts]

Arts & Crafts

Attention all fellow CRAFT beer lovers & CRAFTers in the Toledo area! Maumee Bay Brewing Co. is hosting our first ever Craft Show!

Join us this spring to see what talent your local community has to offer, just in time for Easter & Mother’s Day! 10am-3pm. 201 Morris St. 419-243-1302. mbaybrew.com

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[misc.]

The Dance of the Night Partridge

Ear | Eye: Listening and Looking: Contemporary Music and Art BGSU students in the DMA program will perform contemporary music in the Toledo Museum of Art galleries.

7pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-372-2531. events.bgsu.edu Free

WEDNESDAY 31 [food]

Cookie Decorating Class

Cookie Decorating by Sweet Rae’s is back by popular demand! \$60.

6pm. Nazareth Hall, 21211 West River Road, Grand Rapids.

419-832-2900. nazarethhall.com [lit.]

Authors! with Sister Souljah

Join us from your home as we talk with Sister Souljah about her latest book, Life After Death, in celebration of Women’s History Month.

The author will join us for an online discussion. There will be time at the end of the event for Q&A submitted through the chat option of Zoom.

7pm. Virtual Event.

419-259-5199. Toledolibrary.org

APRIL THURSDAY 1 [music]

Small Ensemble: Horn Club and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble

The Horn Club and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble will perform. This recital is free and open to the public. 8pm.

Moore Musical Arts Center, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green. 419-372-2181. events.bgsu.edu Free

MONDAY 12

March 2021

[music]

[misc.]

Music at the Forefront: Spektral Quartet

The 10th Annual Business & Health EXPO

Guest ensemble Spektral Quartet will perform as part of the Music at the Forefront concert series sponsored by the MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music. The concert is free and open to the public.

8pm. Moore Musical Arts Center, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green. 419-372-2181. events.bgsu.edu Free

FRIDAY 16 [music]

Forces of Nature: TSO Celebrates Metroparks Toledo

Get outside yourself and explore the forces of nature within Toledo’s Metroparks. From sunrise at Howard Marsh to Sunset at Oak Openings, join the Toledo Symphony for a high-def musical tour through the nation’s number one parks system.

8pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

SATURDAY 24

Small Business with goods and services. Health products, jewelry, women’s & men’s apparel, desserts, candles, entertainment, natural products, health screenings, food and door prizes. 10am-4pm. St. Clement Hall, 2990 Tremainsville Road. 419367-9765

SUNDAY 25 [music]

Moving Soliloquies

Michael Lang’s world premiere of Moving Soliloquies takes us on a unique journey of Shakespeare’s famous speech “All the world’s a stage.” 7pm. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

FRIDAY 30 [food]

Friday Night Dinner

Polish Wedding dinner: chicken, kielbasa, mashed potatoes, green beans, roll & dessert. $10. 6-8pm. Bavarian Sports Club, 2102 Lagrange St. 419-255-6040. bavariansportsclub.org/meal

Find Your Next Great Read With the Library

Not sure what to read next? The Library can help!

Try a Book Bundle

We’ll put together a bag of books, movies, or DVDs based on your age and preferred subject matter (mystery, romance, science fiction, and more – or let us surprise you!)

Get personalized recommendations

Tell us titles you have enjoyed in the past, and we’ll make recommendations just for you!

Read our blog

Library staff love to read and then write about their favorite finds.

Check out their blogs about cooking, decorating, home repairs, parenting, and so much more.

Subscribe to monthly book lists

Get a list of our newest acquisitions sent right to your email so you can request materials while they are hot!

Join a book group

Join a book group to read more while also enjoying new friends and conversation. With 12 different book groups that meet via Zoom once a month, there is a genre and meeting time for all!

Call 419.259.5200 or any Library location or visit toledolibrary.org to get started!

March 2021

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March 2021

SCeNe

Jazz Brunch at Basil

Basil Pizza and Wine Bar started hosting a Sunday morning Jazz Brunch in December on a trial basis. Folks enjoyed it so much that in 2021, it is a regular thing and the brunch menu has expanded, along with mimosa flights.

Carole and & Nick Espinoza

Heidi & Michael Seery with Susan Hilton

Mediterranean Brunch at Souk

In 2020, Chef Moussa hosted a few pop-up brunches. In 2021, he has made it a regular Saturday morning event!

Connie Farrell and her daughter Kelly

Annie & Ricky Strause

STAY IN THE KNOW

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The Elizabeth Scott Community offers a variety of living units for seniors. Independent Living units are unfurnished onebedroom and studio apartment models. Each apartment features walk-in closets (onebedroom); full kitchen with stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher; private washer and dryer (one-bedroom); with daily continental breakfast and dinner included. Amenities include a Resident Activity Center with fitness equipment; heated outdoor pool; daily social programs; utilities including Wi-Fi; and weekly housekeeping. Elizabeth Scott staff will also greet you every morning in your apartment. The Elizabeth Scott Community also offers two distinct levels of Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing if further care is needed. In September 2015, the Elizabeth Scott Community opened a 12,000 square foot Skilled Rehabilitation facility. The Skilled Rehabilitation facility offers state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient treatment along with14 private rooms with private baths. For more information, please email Matt Bucher at mbucher@ elizabethscott.org or call 419-724-5021.

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