Designer Kelli Miller productioninfo@adamsstreetpublishing.com
VENUS FLY TRAP, “FEED ME, SEYMOUR” Social Media Manager: Margot Jacobs margot@adamsstreetpublishing.com
AN ORANGE GERBER DAISY
Administration
Accounting: Robin Armstrong rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com
YELLOW HIBISCUS
Distribution: Karena Adams (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) WATER LOTUS
Beware the art in the Toledo Museum of Art’s newest collection may or may not be cursed
By Jon Ruggiero
A new kind of hockey rolls into Toledo this summer
By Andrew Kersten
Ostrich Town, is getting a new coffee and wine shop, Last Drop, 927 N. Summit St. and One of Each Wine Bar , 15 N. Summit St.
The Ability Center is planning renovations and expansions at its Sylvania campus, 5360 Monroe St., to meet growing demand for services. The project will expand the main building and add features like a community event center, commercial kitchen and accessible trails.
Archbold Furniture Company has partnered with Norwalk Furniture to open a new retail store, American Crafted Furniture, located at 6639 Airport Hwy.
BREW, a coffee shop located inside Gateway Plaza at the University of Toledo, 1440 Secor Rd., is now under new ownership. Mak and Nat, one a longtime regular and the other a former manager, are taking over the café.
Mind And Soul Gallery & Studios, a new gallery at 500 Madison Ave, aims to showcase diverse creative voices while offering a vibrant, accessible hub for artists and the community.
Film Toledo is opening a new office space located in the Gardner Building, 500 Madison Ave. Suite 201, used as a creative hub, bringing together filmmakers, artists and industry professionals to support and grow the region’s film community.
The Rustic Rabbit, a newly opened artist studio and retail space at 5950 Airport Hwy, offers a creative destination for locally made art and goods. Visitors can explore unique, handcrafted work in an inviting and inspiring studio setting.
Third Social, a new wedding and event venue designed to accommodate up to 300 guests, is opening on the top floor of the historic Spaghetti Warehouse building at 42 S Superior St. The renovation also includes upgrades to the building’s second floor for additional business use. thirdsocialtoledo.com
Also publishers of: Audited by
Cherry Street Mission is opening its first thrift store in south Toledo, at 2559 S. Reynolds Rd. in the Reynolds Plaza shopping center. Open date to be determined.
Holey Toledough Donuts is opening a new location in Bowling Green at 109 N. Main St.
Unity Urgent Care & Pharmacy, a new clinic focused on providing fast, accessible care for non-life-threatening conditions, has opened at 3065 W. Bancroft Street near the University of Toledo.
MOVING
The Arts Commission relocated its headquarters to 1000 Adams St. in Toledo’s UpTown district. The historic building with a decorative tile facade, located between 10th and 11th streets, offers greater visibility and access for artists.
Swanky Scoops will leave its 10th Street location to relocate at 23 N Huron St., across from the Farmers Market and Souk, to open a full time scoop shop with regular hours.
Van Optical is moving from 5307 Monroe St to 5226 Monroe St. by the former Rohr Fish Market.
CLOSED
60cc Brewing, 2113 N. Reynolds Rd. is temporarily closed as it undergoes a change of ownership and renovations, with plans to reopen later this year.
Advanced Specialty Hospitals of Toledo, is closing its 40-bed hospital at 1015 Garden Lake Parkway.
Ridge & River, downtown, 621 Adams Street is temporarily closed until ski season in the fall but you can still visit them at the Town Center at Levis Commons location.
Dino’s, 129 Golden Gate Plaza, Maumee, has reopened under new ownership, welcoming customers back with traditional breakfast (served all day), salads, omelets, chili mac, soup and sandwiches.
Proud to Serve Everyone.
When it comes to your final arrangements, shouldn’t you make the decisions? You don’t get to decide when to say good-bye, but how is definitely your choice. Plan ahead with John Castillo today.
castillofuneral.com
Perrysburg Deploys Robots to Assess Sidewalks
Perrysburg will deploy a fleet of four to six AI-powered Daxbot robots to inspect 173 miles of city sidewalks for safety and accessibility. For about a month, the robots will analyze cracks, uneven surfaces and other hazards to improve ADA compliance.
Free Planting Seeds Available at Bowling Green Library
The Wood County District Public Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green, is offering free herb, vegetable and flower seeds through its second-floor seed library. Seeds can be found in the card catalog to the left of the elevator. Seeds are free and community members are invited to donate seeds, as well. wcdpl.org/seed-library.
Chessie Circle Trail Project Advances in Wood County
The Wood County Park District is moving forward with the Chessie Circle Trail, an 11-mile rail-totrail project that will transform a historic railroad corridor in Wood and Lucas counties into a multiuse path. Phase 1, near River Road and W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg, is nearing completion, with kiosks and benches planned for 2026. Phase 2 is in the design stage and aims to extend the trail to Bates Road, with construction anticipated in 2027. wcparks.org.
“Small Business and Nonprofit— Your Path Forward”
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library is offering drop-in support for small businesses and nonprofits, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1–5pm at the Small Business and Nonprofit (SBN) Workspace, on the garage level of the Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. Schedule at business@toledolibrary.org
Perrysburg “Scraps to Soil” Composting Program
The City of Perrysburg’s “Scraps to Soil” program is offering free residential drop-off for food waste as part of a two-year pilot launched in 2025. Supported by the Country Garden Club and Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, the initiative helps divert organic waste from landfills while reducing methane emissions and improving soil health. Drop-off is available year-round at the Department of Public Service, 11980 Roachton Rd., and the Department of Public Utilities, 211 E. Boundary St. Accepted items include meat, bones, dairy, vegetable scraps, fats, oils and grease. perrysburgoh.gov/332/Perrysburg-Composts-Food-Waste-Disposal
CITY POLITICS
Provisional ballots
Primary Day in City Politics
By Johnny Hildo
Here’s special, secret knowledge. There’s an election just around the corner.
Not the six-months-from-now, November regular ol’ election corner. Nope, we’re talking about the comingright-up, Cinco de Mayo, May Five Primary Election corner.
Yup, no joke. You’re excused if you had no idea. Even folks who vote regularly in November elections are often clueless about primaries.
Never fear, dear reader. Here’s everything you need to know.
On and off
First, what’s on the May ballot.
Issue Seven is a point eight mil additional levy to support nine-one-one services in the county. It will replace an expiring point seven mil levy for a net increase of point one mil. County leaders say the increase is necessary to upgrade aging infrastructure. It will allow reporting emergencies via text message rather than requiring a phone call
Issue Eight is a point nine mill additional levy for the Toledo Zoo. It will replace two expiring levies that total one point six five mils. This means the tax bill will actually go down by three quarters of a mil. Zoo leader Jeff Sailer says his ultimate goal is to eventually make the Zoo self-sufficient, eliminating the need for levy support altogether.
There are also school levies on the ballot, necessitated by drastic cuts in state funding for public education. Springfield, Sylvania, Otsego, and Evergreen Districts all have levies on the ballot.
There’s lots of races on the ballot. You’ll see a dearth of candidates, though. These are partisan primaries, meaning you declare which party’s ballot you want, and only candidates from that party will appear. Most candidates are unopposed within their own party. You’ll see races for judge,
state rep, state senate, and county commissioner and auditor, but pretty much all will have only one candidate listed.
Declare issues only, and you won’t see any candidates at all.
Now for what’s not on the ballot.
First is Dem candidate for re-election to House District Forty-One, Erika White. She’s a leader of the local communication workers union and has run for office before. This time it appears she screwed up the petitions required to get on the ballot and has to run as a write-in. Can’t get petitions right, yet wants to run the state.
You’ll also not see a levy for Toledo Public Schools on the ballot. State cuts have hit schools hard all over the area. See above.
Tee Pee Ess is famously facing a massive budget hole of nearly seventy million dollars. Rather than seek additional levy funds to plug the gap, school leaders have decided to instead cut the bejesus out of their budget. School closures, reorganization, and layoffs of hundreds of employees from teachers to custodians are in the offing.
Cue chaos imminent.
Vote, dammit
That’s your thumbnail sketch. Now get your thumbs to your polling place and get your democracy on.
Voter turnout is historically low for primary elections, likely because most voters aren’t even aware when they’re being held.
Welp, now you gots no excuses. Take a break from the margaritas and nachos and vote May Fifth.
Nursing Profession Under Threat
Impact of policy changes on nursing and healthcare quality
MAY 6TH - 12TH
National Nurses Week is a time to appreciate healthcare providers, who put themselves at risk, daily, while protecting the greater community. Celebrated annually for one week in May, Nurses Week was founded nationally to recognize the many contributions that nurses make to the communities they serve.
bigger. You can too.
HIRING
Recent policy adjustments by the current administration have reclassified nursing from professional degree status and reduced graduate loan programs. These measures may adversely affect healthcare quality and accessibility by limiting resources available to the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, especially as service demand increases with an aging population. Advanced practice nurses serve essential functions in underserved regions, and data shows that nurses routinely fulfill their loan obligations after graduation. The decline in nursing’s professional standing, paired with efforts to diminish graduate loan support, is likely to affect the high standards of the nursing profession. Leading organizations, including the American Nurses Association, have often highlighted that diminishing the professional stature of nurses could compromise patient safety, given their pivotal role in care coordination, early identification of complications, and clinical decisionmaking.
Graduate loan programs and the pipeline of advanced practice nurses
Administrative proposals to curtail or end graduate loan programs, often implemented via agencies such as the US Department of Education, pose direct challenges to sustaining the pipeline of advanced practice nurses. Graduate-level education is necessary for positions including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse educators. These roles are critical for mitigating provider shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Restricting access to affordable financing may discourage qualified nurses from pursuing advanced education, leading to contraction within the healthcare workforce.
Disproportionate impact on working class nurses and workforce diversity
Reductions in graduate loan programs disproportionately affect nurses from working class backgrounds. Unlike certain professions, many nurses begin their careers with existing undergraduate debt and modest compensation compared to the cost of advanced education. Ending financial aid creates barriers to upward mobility, limits diversity in advanced practice roles, and restricts opportunities predominantly to those with independent financial resources. This has implications not only for individual career development but also for cultural competency and equity of patient care delivery.
Consequences for Patient Outcomes and Healthcare Delivery
The convergence of professional downgrading and reduced educational opportunities directly affects patient
outcomes. Evidence proves that elevated levels of nursing education correlate with decreased mortality rates, while proper staffing lowers complications and hospital readmissions. Advanced practice nurses play a significant role in broadening access to primary and specialty care. Weakening the profession and constraining its educational pipeline may lead to fewer qualified nurses, increased workloads, and diminished care quality.
Long-Term Risks for the Healthcare System
If these patterns persist, the healthcare system may experience heightened physician shortages due to insufficient numbers of advanced practice nurses. Bedside nurses could face higher turnover and burnout, there may be a decrease in interest in nursing careers resulting from reduced respect and advancement prospects, and what appears to be a cost-saving measure could result in greater long-term costs through negative outcomes, increased hospitalization, and workforce instability.
Recommendations: strengthening the nursing profession
Rather than reducing the professional status of nursing, it is advisable for policymakers and healthcare leaders to prioritize its enhancement. Strategies include supporting and expanding graduate loan and forgiveness initiatives, reinforcing the professional scope and authority of nurses, and investing in education, mentorship, and workforce development. Nurses are integral to the healthcare system, and any policy that diminishes their role or limits advancement threatens systemic stability.
Conclusion: The need for sustained investment and respect
To sum up, changes in nursing classifications and cuts to graduate loan programs pose linked difficulties that could weaken healthcare delivery in the future. Addressing these concerns requires acknowledgment of nursing as a profession calling for ongoing investment and respect.
Susan Pratt RN, BSN
UAW Local 2213 President and
Chairperson
Sunshine Communities‘ Shining Star
For nearly five decades, Linda Dittman has quietly shaped the standard of care at Sunshine Communities — not through recognition, but through action. A South Toledo native who knew she wanted to be a nurse in seventh grade, Linda built a 48-year career defined by compassion, consistency, and the ability to see potential where others might not. She began in a preschool diagnostic clinic, supporting children with developmental delays, at a time when ventilator support didn’t exist and medical resources were basic. As medicine advanced, Linda didn’t just adapt — she helped lead Sunshine into a new level of specialized care.
One standout achievement that Sunshine is known for today, its ventilator program, was built through Linda’s persistence and clinical expertise. She trained staff, built systems, and established trust with families and physicians. Under her leadership, Sunshine expanded from supporting four individuals on ventilators to now supporting nineteen, transforming what’s possible for people with complex medical needs.
Mentoring, strengthening and caring
Colleagues describe her as calm under pressure. As Angela Lyons put it, “It could be serious medical chaos, and Linda would walk in and turn it into a well-tuned, calm environment. She has your back.”
Her legacy goes beyond programs. It lives in the people she mentored, the teams she strengthened, and the standard of care she quietly raised every day.
One story captures it best. Linda reflects, “Faith was one of the most medically complex children I cared for. I learned so much from her.” After Faith passed at just one year old, Linda made a heart-shaped quilt from the child’s clothes. It now hangs in a pediatric unit at a local hospital — a lasting symbol of care that goes beyond the job.
Through every life she has touched, one thing is clear: Linda didn’t just do her job. She transformed it.
MENTAL HEALTH
Dani’s Place – Community of Support, Mission of Hope
Enhancing Mental Health Care Through Community, Compassion and Support
By Jennifer Ellison
Mental illness can be a struggle, exacerbated when it’s difficult to detect. Mental issues can present as a daily balancing act between coping mechanisms, executive function, rest, anxiety, stress and productivity. Sadly, many people struggle, or even outright fail, to find a sufficient balance to maintain their lives in a healthy manner. It can be hard to find the positives when your intellectual functioning is unsettled. Support can be found in daily exchanges of love, support and help that people suffering with mental illness seek on a daily basis. Organizations like Dani’s Place, are designed to provide support and assistance in covering the needs of those with mental illness.
Origins and societal views
Mental illness, while still an often misunderstood and stigmatized condition, has recently gained a more general understanding and even acceptance. For centuries, mental issues were treated as a pleasant nuisance or a curse, gaining a stigma we’re still struggling to shirk societally. The reality is that our brains can develop abnormally or break down in unexpected ways, just like other organs in our bodies. One in five adults in the US will experience or develop some form of mental illness before they reach their mid 20’s. Starting in the 1960’s and 70’s, segregating and locking up afflicted individuals has largely ended, but the struggle is far from over. Options for proper mental health care, even in the US medical system, are limited and difficult for many to access. In minor cases, patients struggle to find experts who can understand them and provide proper diagnoses. In extreme cases, severely afflicted people may receive inadequate care or have only brief respites from in-patient treatment, lasting perhaps 3-10 days, not nearly enough time to properly decompress and begin to recover. Then there is often a struggle for many patients to acquire and pay for the medication they require in order to function.
The mission
Dani’s Place came from the idea of Donna Heck, a woman whose broken heart laid the foundations that paved the way toward a hopeful future. In 2019, Donna’s daughter Danielle Leedy ended her own life at the age of 33 after battling depression since she had been in her teens. Danielle sought help for years and the care she received provided mixed results, at best. Working to enhance the system that Donna felt had failed her daughter, Donna sought to create for others a way to succeed on the mental health journey. In 2022 Donna joined NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and that experience supplied the ideas and the groundwork for establishing an organization dedicated to providing long-term rehabilitation for people struggling with mental illness.
Dani’s Place was born with a mission; to lift the stigma around mental illness, to provide the long term care (which could mean the difference between life and death for people in their darkest hours), and to establish desperately needed hope for those most in need.
Personal growth isn’t a straight path it’s an ongoing process of learning, healing and evolving. Counseling and wellness services can provide the tools, guidance and space needed to move forward with clarity and confidence, for lasting change.
For years, the founders of Joan Marie worked deeply within conventional mental health and Medicaid systems. They provided the highest standard of clinical care, offering tools to help people survive and stabilize crises. Yet, an undeniable truth emerged: the traditional system was built to keep people functional, but it lacked the framework to make them whole.
Operating within a strictly clinical environment provides necessary tools—mapping trauma, identifying triggers, and building cognitive boundaries. However, the medical model asks us to compartmentalize human beings, focusing only on the brain while leaving the spirit at the door. Joan Marie recognized that treating the mechanics of the mind while ignoring the Architect who built it meant only doing half the work.
This realization sparked a rebellion against incomplete care. Joan Marie was founded on a duty to bring the Creator back into the treatment room.
They are not anti-therapy; they are pro-completion. By stepping away from purely secular treatment limitations, they built a practice that honors the science of mental health but is unequivocally anchored in divine truth.
Their framework promises clinical stability and spiritual transformation through three core pillars:
n We Stabilize: Providing psychological tools to establish boundaries, manage crises, and navigate life.
n We Guide: Cutting through worldly noise to help clients confront struggles and uncover God-given identity.
n We Point to the Healer: Introducing spiritual principles necessary for true restoration, relying on God to heal the soul.
At Joan Marie, you are not a diagnosis to be managed—you are a spirit to be restored.
Essence Mind & Body Studio
MASSAGE THERAPY
Get to know the voices behind the mic Visit our site to explore our story, engage with the podcast, and become part of Joan Marie’s healing community!
Essence Mind & Body Studio is a wellness-centered space dedicated to helping individuals cultivate health, well-being, joy, peace, self-care, fitness and love. Through an individualized personal evaluation, the studio supports clients at every stage of their wellness journey, offering services that meet both physical and mental health needs.
The studio specializes in private sessions, group classes, educational workshops and professional training programs. Its offerings are designed for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, including those with clinical or therapeutic needs. Essence provides a welcoming and supportive environment where clients can build strength, improve mobility and deepen their mind-body connection.
Pilates is a core service, focusing on spinal health, alignment and overall body strength. Yoga classes, rooted in ancient practice, are equally diverse, ranging from gentle, therapeutic sessions to more advanced and athletic styles. Additionally, the studio offers strength and cardiovascular conditioning through modalities such as TRX training, Zumba and Pilates equipment work.
Beyond classes, Essence hosts workshops and certifications in areas like Reiki, sound and vibrational healing, nutrition and clinical aromatherapy. The studio also offers yoga teacher training programs at multiple certification levels, as well as specialized training in traumainformed yoga and yoga therapy. Pilates teacher training is another key feature, led by experienced professionals with extensive clinical backgrounds.
Meet the practitioner behind your healing journey
Diana M. Spiess, M.S., brings a specialized approach to mental health and wellness at Essence Mind & Body Studio. As a Board-Certified Holistic Psychology Master with a minor in psychology, she combines traditional psychological principles with advanced training in Functional Mental Health, hypnosis and Yoga Nidra to support clients on a profound level of healing and transformation. Her work is rooted in understanding the connection between mind, body and lifestyle, allowing her to address the underlying causes of stress, trauma and imbalance rather than just symptoms. With extensive credentials spanning functional medicine, health coaching, trauma-informed care and mind-body therapies, Diana offers a compassionate, personalized approach that empowers individuals to build resilience, restore balance and achieve sustainable mental and emotional well-being.
Clients can sign up for classes and services through the studio’s class schedule or by subscribing to its newsletter for updates on workshops and events.
Personal Growth Counseling Services, LLC (PGCS), powered by Serenity Path Integrative Health Corporation, provides comprehensive, client-centered behavioral health care designed to meet individuals where they are and help them move forward. They serve children, adolescents, adults and families navigating emotional, behavioral and life challenges, offering therapy, crisis support, substance use services and guidance through complex systems.
Services include individual and group therapy, intensive outpatient programs, day treatment, substance use disorder treatment, case management, housing support, medication-assisted treatment and telehealth appointments. They also provide comprehensive evaluations for ADHD and autism, as well as youth-focused after-school and summer programs that build social-emotional skills and coping strategies.
PGCS prioritizes accessibility and engagement, welcoming walk-ins and offering structured programs to support progress and accountability.
To register, individuals can contact PGCS directly via phone or website to schedule an intake or consultation. While they strive to provide timely access to care, some programs may have waiting lists, particularly for intensive out-
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
I’ve been working with Diana for about four years, after being referred to her by my cousin. I originally started with restorative yoga, not realizing how much her work and the space she’s created would come to mean to me.
Over time, her offerings became something much deeper in my life. They helped me find my way through the most devastating experience I’ve ever faced the loss of my son, Tristin.
When Tristin passed at just 16 years old, following complications from open heart surgery, I knew I needed to find healthy ways to cope with a grief that felt overwhelming. I began exploring more of what Diana offers: sound baths, hypnosis, Yoga Nidra, Holistic Psychology, energy sessions, life coaching, and continuing my yoga practice.
In the beginning, these moments gave me brief pockets of peace, just enough for my mind and body to rest and reset. And at that time, even a little bit of balance meant everything.
Now, two and a half years later, I continue these practices. What once gave me moments of peace now helps me feel more consistently centered, grounded, and at ease.
Finding Diana, her studio, and her friendship has truly been a blessing in my life.
—Essence Client Holly R.
Caring for the Person Behind the Performance
CULINARY EVENTS
SAT, May 2
Kentucky Derby Party
Enjoy an elevated Derby Day celebration featuring signature cocktails, gourmet bites, raffles, festive games, and stylish competitions for Best Dressed and Best Hat. Ticketed. $85-$110. 3-8pm. CJ’s on Third, 139 W. 3rd St. cjsonthird.com
WED, May 6
Under the Pergola :
MON, May 11
Appetite for the Arts : Benefiting Young Artists At Work
Enjoy a unique, hands-on culinary experience, benefiting The Arts Commission’s Young Artists at Work program, where you can create and savor delicious dishes in a relaxed setting. Ticketed. $100. WS Design, 901 Jefferson Ave. theartscommission.org
CHOW LINE
A Late-Spring Sicilian Supper
Enjoy a cozy patio evening filled with Sicilian flavors and relaxed conversation. Ticketed. $75.36. 6-830pm. Cork & Knife Provisions, 224 S. Erie St. corkandknifeprovisions.com
FRI, May 8
Tequila and Tapas
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Toledo Zoo with a lively tasting event featuring tequila samples, gourmet small plates, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and a strolling experience through the Zoo. Ticketed. $95. 6-10pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org
MON, May 11
A Taste of Spring: Brunch for Dinner
Enjoy a fun, flavor-packed evening brunch class where you’ll cook a rustic asparagus and goat cheese galette, lemon ricotta pancakes with fruit syrup, and cream cheese pastries, plus mocktail mimosas. Registration required. $65. 6-8pm. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org
WED, May 13
Corner Deli Pop-Up
Lunch at Cork & Knife Provisions
Enjoy a special pop-up lunch featuring a curated menu of deli favorites. 11am-2pm. Cork & Knife Provisions, 224 S. Erie St. corkandknifeprovisions.com
SAT, May 16
Booze + Brews: 419 Ale Trail Cocktail
Class with Quenched + Tempered
A hands-on cocktail class celebrating the 419 Ale Trail, where expert bartenders guide you in crafting three unique beer-inspired cocktails (featuring brews from Quenched and Tempered Brewing Co.) while learning the art of flavor pairing. Ticketed. 430pm. Toledo Spirits, 1301 N. Summit St. toledospirits.com
THUR, May 21
Registry Bistro Craft Cocktail Workshop
Enjoy a full hands-on cocktail experience where you’ll learn the history behind a classic drink, mix it yourself, and savor light nibbles along the way. Reservations are required. 6pm. Registry Bistro,
Cuban kitchen
Sweet Havana dishes up a delicious dining experience
By Jason Webber
Atmosphere is a major factor when it comes to dining out. A good restaurant takes you away from daily stressors and immerses you in a new world where you can not only satiate your hunger, but also forget about life for awhile.
Consider Sweet Havana, located in the plaza next to the Olive Garden at Glendale and Reynolds. This Cuban eatery has a winning dining formula, serving up food and drink that you’re not going to find anywhere else in the Toledo area.
Menu of interest
Sweet Havana’s menu options are rather limited, but all of the offerings are made with skill and love. We considered trying the paella, but the menu advised that it took 45 minutes to prepare, so we skipped it on this visit, but there’s always next time. And there will be a next time, because the food at Sweet Havana is absolutely top notch.
The shrimp enchilado is different from the standard Mexican enchilada; there’s no tortilla casing to speak of. The shrimp, served in a tangy, tomatobased sauce, were large and plump; decidedly not the bay shrimp variety. Side dishes included a hearty scoop of white rice, sweet fried plantains and a small salad.
The Cuban picadillo, featured a massive portion of ground beef, cooked in a “criolla sauce,”simmered with onion, peppers and garlic. Topping off our entrees was the slow roasted pork, which the menu boasts, was cooked for more than 13 hours.
I arrived ahead of my dining companions and took a seat at the colorful bar where Sweet Havana owner, Yamirka Monzon tends to everything, shaking, mixing, and stirring a variety of expertly made cocktails. I had the ‘70s song “Escape” by Rupert Holmes in my head, so I requested a pina colada, and it was hands down the best made pina colada I’ve ever had in Toledo, or anyplace else. Not too sweet, not too strong, just mmmm-mmmm good. I also tried a Tiki drink (my late arriving companions were even later), a devilishly potent concoction made with a variety of rums and banana liquor, served in a ceramic tiki mug. Trader Vic’s, you’ve been upstaged.
From the bar to a booth
My dining party joined me while I was sipping the Tiki drink, and we adjourned to a comfortable booth in the back of the dining room. Lively Cuban and calypso music played overhead as we perused the menu, including a calypso version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” that had us tapping our feet under the table. We sat under a large mural of Ernest Hemingway, a Cuban favorite son, which harkened to the island nation’s and the writer’s connection, adding to the festive mood. Maria, our delightful server, who hails from Venezuela, took our drink and appetizer orders — Cuban-style croquettes, fried pillows of melty cheese, served with a tangy dipping sauce, the tostones, featuring a large serving of pulled pork delivered in a fried plantain “shell” — the perfect introduction to a hearty meal.
Though all of us were quite full from the entrees, we still had the temerity to place a dessert order ( with the strong encouragement of Maria), opting for the tres leches cake and the flan custard. Both provided the perfect ending to an ever-so-satisfying meal.
Hosted with happiness
The denouement of our Sweet Havana experience was a visit to our table by owner Yamirka Monzon, who showed a personal and genuine interest in how we enjoyed our meal.
Ms. Monzon, a native of Cuba, came to Toledo from Florida a decade ago to be closer to family. Her Mexican husband, Oscar Gomez, previously was part of the ownership of two San Marcos restaurants, but Monzon longed to own her own restaurant, to share her Cuban heritage and cuisine with Toledoans.
“We’ve had people drive two hours to come eat here,” said Monzon, with a smile. “People really love us.”
And what’s not to love? Good drinks, great food, lively vibes. Sweet Havana is the real deal.
1855 S. Reynolds Road. Hours: M to Sun 11am to 9pm. sweethavanna.com (yes, there are two n’s). 567-315-8031
Frozen Strawberry Margarita
NOTES FILM REAL REEL TO
Street Project Film
Screening – A Safer Streets Conversation
A powerful look at road safety and community advocacy takes the screen in Maumee with a free showing of The Street Project. This 52-minute documentary explores the alarming rise in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and the growing, citizen-led movement to make streets safer for everyone. Through expert insight and real-life stories, the film examines the deeper causes of traffic violence and the push for change. A postscreening discussion will feature cycling advocate Nicole Fuizzotti, who will share local perspectives and efforts to improve safety across Northwest Ohio. Tuesday, May 5, 6:30–8:30 pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee.
Premiere of Listers & Book Signing with Owen and Quentin Reiser
Birding enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike can enjoy a special screening of Listers, the wildly popular documentary that captivates audiences with its humor and adventure. Hosted as part of The Biggest Week in American Birding, the evening includes an in-person appearance by filmmakers Owen and Quentin Reiser, who will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights. Guests can also purchase a book and have it signed. Sat., May 9, 6:30pm. Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center Ballroom, 1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com/listers-premiere.html
ON THE COVER
160 Years of Stage and
Story:
Celebrating the Croswell’s Legacy and its Future
FilmToledo’s Next Act: New Offices
Bring Big Opportunity
A downtown creative hub set to amplify Northwest Ohio’s film scene
By Steven Sloan
The Croswell Opera House reaches an extraordinary milestone in 2026: its 160th Anniversary. As Michigan’s oldest theater, the Croswell stands as a beacon of creativity, resilience and community, since 1866.
Throughout the year, the Croswell is hosting a dynamic lineup of Broadway-caliber productions alongside special events that honor the people and passion behind its legacy. The season begins in May and carries audiences through a range of musicals, showcasing the Theater’s commitment to stage performances.
Beyond the stage, the 160th celebration brings the community together in meaningful ways. Signature events like The Great Big Night in May will honor the courage and determination that built the Croswell, while the Croswell Family Reunion in August invites generations of performers, patrons and supporters to reconnect. December will showcase a festive Home for the Holidays Concert & Gala, a heartfelt tribute to the Theater’s influence.
This anniversary year reflects a simple truth: for 160 years, the Croswell has been powered by community and it continues to look forward to proving that its story is far from over.
For tickets and more information please visit croswell.org or call 517-264-7469. Follow along on IG is @thecroswell and FB is The Croswell Opera House.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
Jesus Christ Superstar — May 8–17
Gypsy — June 12–21
George M — July 10–19
Matilda — August 6–16
Come From Away — September 11–20
The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Oct. 16–25
Frozen — Nov. 20 – Dec. 6
After nearly 10 years supporting Toledo’s burgeoning film industry, local nonprofit FilmToledo has an exciting “coming attraction” of its own: in June 2026, they will be opening their very own office space. With it, the organization plans to redouble its efforts to grow film production in Northwest Ohio, supporting local aspiring creatives looking to break into the industry and making Toledo a hotbed of movie-making opportunities.
FilmToledo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting filmmaking in Toledo. They’ve partnered with “over 60 local businesses, organizations and film production companies,” per their most recent annual report and have been working directly with the City of Toledo since 2023. Their efforts range from educational endeavors like film workshops and school events to production work such as location scouting services, vendor contact info and casting support for several films that were shot in Northwest Ohio. They estimate that they’ve helped to bring millions of dollars into Toledo and their new offices should allow them to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
Filmmakers, you will do better in Toledo
“We’ve been hosting events with partner organizations such as Toledo Talent and the Toledo Tech Loft, but it was time to create a space that would meet our needs on a permanent basis,” said FilmToledo director, Michael DeSanto. “We were looking into moving into a new space in order to have a centrally located hub for our activities and events.” They found that hub in downtown’s historic Gardner Building at 500 Madison Ave. The offices will serve as base of operations for the organization as well as a community “creative hub” with a dedi-
cated screening area and more. This flexibility will allow FilmToledo to host “both educational and networking events, everything from film screenings to industry training workshops,” per their official fundraising flyer. When asked what about this endeavor was particularly exciting for the organization, DeSanto said that they “love being able to highlight the renovations being done at the historic Gardner Building, which now hosts multiple art galleries and artists. The overall vision is to create a new hub for creatives in Downtown Toledo and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
To help secure the funding for this space, FilmToledo is requesting donations from the city, local businesses and the community. “There are many ways to contribute to our goal, including online donations and ordering merch from the store on our website,” said DeSanto. “As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.” The merch store is accessible at store.filmtoledo.com and donations can be made at filmtoledo.com/donate. As DeSanto put it, “the best part about donating at this time is seeing tangible results— these funds go toward everything from rent to equipment to maintenance and upgrades.”
Lights…camera…
FilmToledo’s first planned event in the new space will be an Open House the first week of June, where they will also share the new calendar of events. So, stay tuned for a raft of exciting new opportunities to learn, connect and continue to grow Toledo into a force in the filmmaking industry.
FilmToledo. 500 Madison Ave, Suite 201. Offices open June 2026. filmtoledo.com
The Gardner Building at the corner of Madison Avenue and Superior Street in downtown Toledo is the new home of Film Toledo.
CURTAIN CALL
Roommates, Regrets and Reinvention
This sharp odd-couple comedy finds a home in Toledo by Dan Louks
Have you ever wondered what it’d be like if Dorothy and Blanche from The Golden Girls spent less time eating cheesecake and a lot more time getting into the types of exploits you’d expect from “Slippin’ Jimmy” in Better Call Saul? OK, maybe not? Nonetheless, I give you Jen Silverman’s The Roommate.
Meet Sharon: a straight-laced woman in her 50s who lives in Iowa City, now “retired” (as she puts it) from her past marriage, leading the vanilla life one could expect based on those details. When she’s not repeatedly phoning her son in New York City to come visit her, she often just sits at home while the years slip by. When she finds herself in need of a roommate, she serendipitously gets paired up with Robyn, an eclectic, bohemian-type straight from the Bronx who’s sampled everything from slam poetry to pottery and is eager for a fresh start. Despite being around the same age, Robyn is the antithesis of Sharon’s life in Iowa, and Sharon can’t get enough.
Boxes, boundaries and infinite inquiries
As Robyn settles into her new living arrangements, with her multitude of boxes filled with strange vegetables and even stranger porcelain dolls (which may, or may not, be voodoo dolls), she soon becomes the focus of Sharon’s intense curiosity and constant questions. But Robyn’s not all that eager to answer every probe sent her way, and we’re not entirely sure as to why that is. Yet…
Though there’s plenty of laughs throughout, this play isn’t all lightheartedness and jokes. The script does an excellent job of tackling heavier topics such as regret and loneliness, while offering a unique example of how it’s never too late to change your outlook on life and how you choose to live it. During its 2024 run on Broadway, the show earned Mia Farrow a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress for her memorable portrayal of Sharon.
NOTES THEATER
THE WIZ
A Broadway Revival Hits Toledo. Experience the magic as THE WIZ, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical reimagines The Wizard of Oz with a soulful, high-energy score blending gospel, rock, funk and contemporary rhythms. Critics praise its “powerhouse performances” and “stunning choreography,” delivering a visual and musical feast for the senses. Tues, May 26; Doors at 6:30 pm, Show at 7:30 pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. stranahantheater.com
Local theatre, big talent
This particular production of The Roommate is the work of Actors Collaborative Toledo (ACT). With Victoria Zajac in the director’s chair, a graduate of both the California Institute of the Arts and the University of Toledo, the show is shepherded by her impressive and lengthy background in both stage and film. “This is my first time directing for ACT and it has been a blast!” Zajac said. “I’ve had the chance to reconnect with some incredible artists and meet some new collaborators. It makes me very excited for the current and future theatre community in this city.”
Portraying Sharon in The Roommate is Jennifer Nagy-Lake, no stranger to the local theatre scene with prior performances showcased in local productions such as Assholes and Aureoles, Eleemosynary, Hunting Cockroaches and Exhibition.
Taking on the role of Robyn is Thea Grabiec. In addition to her extensive experience working in film and television in Hollywood, her local acting credits include Barbara in Perfect Arrangement with Black Swamp Players, Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday and Annie in Apartment 3A (both with The Village Players). Grabkes explains what drew her to this role: “For years, I played the femme fatales and ingenues in wigs and high heels but for the first time, I get to embrace and intertwine who I am offstage and use it to discover this particular character and reveal a different type of femininity for audiences. Robyn is not a typical female character found in most scripts so it’s nice to see diversity in both writing and presentation!”
With its mix of humor and self-discovery, this production offers Toledo audiences a chance to experience a modern day story that explores subjects that many of us face in our lifetime.
Trinity Episcopal Church 316 Adams St | May 15–17. Tickets available at act419.org
Musical Theatre BINGO –A Fundraiser with a Twist
Test your Broadway knowledge while supporting local arts at Toledo’s historic Ohio Theatre. Children’s Theatre Workshop presents Musical Theatre BINGO, where hit songs from beloved musicals call the numbers and players race to mark their cards. Recommended for ages 14 and up, this interactive fundraiser blends fun, music and community spirit. Sat, May 30, 6:30 pm. 3112 Lagrange St. ctwtoledo.ludus.com/index.php
Niel Burg100 Year of Broadway
Experience the magic of Broadway as composer and producer Neil Berg leads audiences through a century of iconic songs and unforgettable performances. This one-night concert blends storytelling, spectacular music and show-stopping arrangements, celebrating the enduring legacy of the stage. An evening of music, nostalgia and Broadway brilliance you don’t want to miss. Fri, May 29, 8 pm. Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. valentinetheatre.com
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Thea Grabiec (left), Jennifer Nagy-Lake (right) rehersing for Roommates.
Party Rentals
CITY PAGES
At the Corner of Memory and Belonging
Carryout at the heart of the city.
By Melissa Lee
On May 5, the University of Iowa Press will release Carryout, a debut collection of linked short stories by journalist and writer Hasan Dudar. Tender and funny, the book traces the life of a LebaneseArab American family in Toledo, across generations.
Set in the late 1970s, Carryout opens with Ziad Idilbi, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon, marrying Salma, a Lebanese refugee fleeing war in Beirut. Determined to start over they open a corner store across from the General Motors factory, where Toledo’s Arab community intersects with the city’s working class. It’s a humble beginning, but one that becomes the gravitational center of the story.
A city as character
Dudar, who was born and raised in Toledo and now lives in Washington, D.C., says his hometown is inseparable from the stories he wanted to tell. “In some ways,” he explains, “this story could only have been told in Toledo.”
Growing up in the Arab/Muslim communities that took root in northwest Ohio over decades, forming communities from people who arrived for different reasons — fleeing war, pursuing education or seeking opportunity — who then built businesses, mosques, cultural centers and tight-knit neighborhoods. Toledo, Dudar demonstrates, welcomed them.
But Dudar also felt limitations, growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s, as he experienced both belonging and the disorienting weight of national suspicion following 9/11 and the Iraq War. “[My] identity was forming at that age,” he reflects. “You start to feel a lot of weight — like you have to answer for things.” That tension between comfort and precarity, rootedness and displacement pulses through Carryout, especially for the children.
From journalism to fiction
Dudar’s path to fiction began with storytelling. “I was always entertained by people’s stories,” he says. “Reading was such a powerful way into yourself and into worlds you might not otherwise encounter.”
Studying journalism at UC Berkeley, the distance from Toledo sharpened his understanding of what the City meant to him. The seeds that germinated to become Carryout were planted there, in undergraduate fiction workshops, with stories that he wrote set in his hometown. After graduate school, he returned to Toledo and worked as a reporter at The Blade, immersing himself in the City as an adult. Reporting sent him into neighborhoods and led to conversations that widened his sense of Toledo’s richness.
“Being away made me realize how special [Toledo] is,” he says. “The personalities. The sense of community. The seasons. The stories people tell so freely.”
Though Carryout draws inspiration from his upbringing, including showcasing parents who own a carryout, Dudar is clear: this is fiction, not autobiography. “The duty of anyone who writes fiction is to see where you can take things,” he says. “My goal wasn’t to tell my story. It was to create something original.”
Crossroads at the corner store
The carryout at the center of the book is more than a business, it’s a crossroads where factory workers, teenagers, elders and dreamers converge. It’s where small talk becomes confession, where rumor becomes lore, where grief and humor coexist in the space between the chip rack and the soda cooler. Carryout is about the cost of building a life from scratch and the stubborn joy of doing that.
When asked what he hopes readers take away, Dudar returns to the intimacy of the reading experience. “We can all read the same book and come away with different feelings,” he says. “The thrill of reading is that you don’t know what awaits you. Hopefully, it’s something that brings joy.”
Follow on Instagram at @_dewdar or at hasandudar.com.
Author Hasan Dudar talks about his debut book, Carryout.
CITY PAGES
Explore Toledo’s Extensive Jazz Scene
New books chronicle an amazing local history and future
Toledo today is a very different place than in the 1950s, or the 1920s, but not everything changes over time. A different landscape and landmarks will change, but the spirit, creativity and talent can remain strong over time.
According to local author Doug Swiatecki, jazz is Toledo’s long-standing claim to fame. “We have the infrastructure for jazz, but have never marketed ourselves that well,” he explained. His two volumes on the history of jazz in Toledo – “Toledo’s Jazz Legacy, Parts 1 and 2” – will reinforce the history of our deep jazz roots and today’s promise.
Swiatecki has spent his life following Toledo jazz. He was introduced by his parents to the music and got a local introduction on his own. “As a teen, I’d go to Rusty’s (Jazz Café) and Murphy’s Place and they’d let me in,” he said. “I got to meet and get to know Cliff Murphy and Claude Black, as well as Jon Hendricks” in these clubs, he explained.
Toledo’s jazz legacy is based on two distinct advantages: the number of legendary artists native to the Toledo area, and the range and variety of spaces to enjoy jazz performances. “Toledo jazz is so deep, with such a history,” Swiatecki explained.
Building a legacy
Toledo was booming through a good part of the 20th century, boasting a city population of more than 300,000 in 1950. There were many contributors to this growth, including the Great Migration in the early 1900s, the return of soldiers after World War II, the growth of manufacturing in the Midwest and even organized crime. Toledo’s jazz community became well established at this time, a result of its wealth of local talent and a wide range of venues for great music.
Cliff Murphy, Claude Black, Jon Hendricks and Art Tatum were among many Toledoans who established the region’s legacy in jazz talent. “Tatum didn’t go to New York City to learn jazz,” Swiatecki said. “He developed his style in Toledo and then took it to the world.”
By Julie Pompa
Another reason for the success of jazz in this region is the plethora of places to play. “In the 1950s, there were well over 200 gigs going at any time in this area,” Swiatecki said. Jazz was featured in restaurants, bars, hotels and even bowling alleys. “One downtown spot had a 1,000-capacity club with a restaurant for 200,” he said.
Revealing the history
Two events pushed Swiatecki to writing about the history of jazz in Toledo: the 2013 death of his friend Claude Black and his interest in locating a photo of Art Tatum performing in a local club. He decided at the time that “someone needs to record these things,” and that he would be the one. He has since compiled at least 1,000 obituaries of local leaders in Toledo’s jazz industry (artists, club owners and others). And for the upcoming history books, he interviewed 25 jazz musicians and “took a sevenyear journey to put the books together.” He sourced a great deal of information from area libraries and clubs and gained access to a treasure-trove of private Art Tatum materials (including many items never seen before).
on Lafayette near where Fifth Third Field is today) to Rusty’s Jazz Café (opened in 1963 on Tedrow Road and considered the third oldest jazz club in America) to the Dorr Street Jazz hub (a range of clubs and restaurants offering live jazz), among many offerings.
With the loss, over the years, of legendary performers and locations, and changes to the city itself, some thought jazz in Toledo had died. But it didn’t. Today’s artists (such as April Varner and Nicole Heitger) and venues are reinforcing the city’s standing as a national jazz hub.
Lucille’s Jazz Lounge has become a central location for local and national jazz performances, along with paying homage to the jazz legends of the past. In addition, Live Arts Toledo has strengthened its jazz structure through the Toledo Jazz Orchestra and youth orchestras.
Wild Reads Book Club: Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo hosts Wild Reads Book Club, a nature-inspired gathering for book lovers featuring engaging discussions, light drinks and themed zoo tours. Read the selected book, then join fellow readers for a lively conversation with a mimosa or coffee in hand, followed by a guided exploration of the zoo connected to the story’s themes. Select Saturdays, 11:30am–2:30pm, at The Toledo Zoo. 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org
Ohio Creates: Wine & Words with Ohio Authors
Gathering Volumes presents Ohio Creates: Wine & Words, a lively evening celebrating Ohio’s 250th anniversary with local authors, great books and wine. Enjoy a relaxed night at Benfield Wines featuring author talks, book signings and a chance to discover your next favorite read. Friday, May 15, from 7:30–9:30pm (VIP entry at 6:30pm) in Swanton. 102 N Main St. Tickets $25–$50.
Wander & Tale –A Magical Book Fest
Meet 30+ independent authors, from all genres, at the Wander & Tale Fest. There will be book signings, shop unique vendors and local food trucks. The fest also features a tattoo artist, bead bracelet bar, photo booth and more. Saturday, May 16, from 11am–4pm. Ticketed. 202 W. Front St., Monroe, MI.
A feature of Toledo’s jazz history is the legendary Cake Walkin’ Jass Band, one of the nation’s longest-running traditional jazz bands. The band’s Ray Heitger is an original member of the band, and the nation’s longest-performing original member. They’ve been playing for more than 60 years, including a 33-year run at Tony Packo’s. They’ve also spent a good deal of time at Murphy’s Place, a nationally known, downtown jazz club that featured premier performers and open jams for young artists.
Local and national performances could be found all around the region, from the Tenderloin District (downtown
And jazz is all over town. Try the Second Sunday Jazz Jam or Monday Night Jazz at Golden Road, both on Dorr Street. Rockwell’s and the Chop House have solo piano, or head to Sylvania’s Sodbusters or the Village Idiot in Maumee. In the downtown region you can also try Brew House or Poco Loco. And don’t forget Jazz in the Garden at Toledo Botanical Garden, weekly through the summer. This is a small sampling; check out the Toledo Jazz Newsletter, which Swiatecki edits, for all the shows.
“Toledo’s Jazz Legacy: Ther Early Years Vol. 1” and “Toledo’s Jazz Legacy: The Later Years Vol. 2” will be released this summer and will be for sale (in hardcover and eBook editions) through major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, etc.). As publication nears, contact Toledo Jazz and Toledo’s Jazz Legacy for information.
Meet & Greet with Author Robert Kroeger
The Wood County Museum welcomes author Dr. Robert Kroeger for an evening exploring the rich history of America’s barns. Hear stories from his books Stone Barns of America, Historic Barns of Ohio and Round Barns of America. The program includes a book signing and self-guided museum tour. Tuesday, May 26, from 6–7:30pm in Bowling Green. 13660 County Home Rd. Free for members/$7 non-members.
Artasia & Bookie Nights: Toledo Night Market
The Muddy Maumee Book & Art Festival presents a night market featuring 50+ local artists and authors, live music and food and drinks. Sat. May 23, from 4–10pm at The Ribbon in Toledo’s Glass City Metropark. 1505 Front St. facebook.com/muddymaumeefestival
April Varner Combo at Lucille’s
PHOTO BY DOUG SWIATECKI
Toledo Area Sculptors Guild – Grand Exhibition
The Toledo Area Sculptors Guild (TASG) presents a grand exhibition of works by 11 guild members, running May 7–June 21. TASG brings together sculptors exploring diverse materials and techniques, including metal, glass, weaving and encaustic painting. Flatlanders Art Galleries, 202 W. Front St., Monroe. Flatlandersculpture.com
Maker’s Mart –Spring 2026
Discover unique handmade creations at Maker’s Mart on Saturday, May 9, from 11am–6pm at Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. Browse a variety of art and crafts from local makers, shop for one-ofa-kind items.. 1717 Adams St. shophandmadetoledo.com
Swanton Art Walk –Sip & Stroll
Join the Swanton Chamber of Commerce for Sip & Stroll: Swanton Art Walk on Saturday, May 9 from 1–4pm along Main Street. There will be handmade art, live acoustic music and DORA beverages. 102 N. Main St., Swanton swantoncc@gmail.com.
Stu’s House –Weekly Creative Night
Get creative with a collective of local artists at Stu’s House every Wednesday from 6:30–8:30pm. Enjoy an evening of coloring, collaging and connecting with Toledo’s art community. 39 N Huron St. stushouse.xyz
Art & About: Jim White Memorial Paint Out
The Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission presents the 13th annual Art & About: Jim White Memorial Paint Out, running May 29–June 2, in Waterville. This event invites local artists to paint throughout downtown, along the river and at scenic and historic locations. Registered artists can also enter work to be considered for the Exhibit at Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., June 3–July 24. Send name, contact info and painting dates to register by email lisaexner23@gmail.com
Wood Type Wednesday at Pineapple Press & Design
Pineapple Press & Design hosts Wood Type Wednesday, a hands-on letterpress workshop where participants can design and print their own posters using antique presses and a collection of wood and metal type. Wednesday, May 20, from 11:30am–1:30pm at 1827 Vermont Ave., Toledo. $35. pineapplepress.net
ART TO HEART
Kathy Dowd’s Historic Costume Designs Bring Fashion to Life
Authentic period clothing for museums, theater and living history programs
By Melissa Lee
In a quiet studio filled with bustles, bodices and bolts of fabric, Kathy Dowd resurrects centuries past. For more than 50 years Dowd has dedicated her life to historic apparel design. Her mission, simple and unwavering is to bring history to life through clothing, education and handson learning. “I fell in love with historical apparel,” she explains, “when I saw Hello, Dolly! — those Victorian bustles, I was hooked.”
Today, Dowd is one of the region’s most respected historic costume designers, museum specialists and living history interpreters. With a Master’s degree in Historic Clothing Design from Bowling Green State University and more than 35 years of freelance design experience, her work is showcased on theater stages and historic battlefields along with national museums and Disney attractions.
were 47 patterns in just one garment alone,” she recalls. “We remade one dress seven times until it was perfect.”
Because the Museum figures were life-cast sculptures, garments could not simply be slipped on. They had to be engineered in sections and secured invisibly to maintain historical accuracy while accommodating immovable forms.
The precise and compelling work was also featured in Time magazine.
Disney and living history
Dowd’s craftsmanship has reached international audiences through Disney. She created the complete clothing sets for figures on the Peter Pan ride at Disney Singapore.
A needle and a blueprint
Dowd learned to sew from her mother, an active seamstress who passed down both skill and discipline. By the time she was in high school, Dowd was constructing wedding gowns. Later, while raising her children, she designed a toy that was purchased by Fisher-Price, using her blueprints to shape production. That blend of artistry and precision defines her career.
Her work spanning decades with theater includes designing for organizations like the Toledo Opera, Toledo Rep, Epiphany Players and the Valentine Theatre. “Theater lets you expand,” she says, adding, “You can use historical elements, but you can play with color. You can create the same garment but make it theatrical.”
Lincoln Presidential Library connection
One of Dowd’s most demanding commissions came from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, where she was contracted to design and construct 11 historic garments for animatronic figures, including Mary Todd Lincoln, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Keckley and others. “There
The process was meticulous. She constructed white prototype garments, which were then sent to Disney designers for approval before colorization. Dowd has also created custom Disney princess gowns for private clients, blending historical structure with theatrical magic.
Dowd doesn’t just design history; she inhabits it. As a first-person interpreter, she portrays figures such as Jane Austen, Clara Barton, Marie Antoinette and Catherine Navarre. At the River Raisin National Historic Battlefield and the Maumee Valley Historical Society (where she serves as Curator and Living History Coordinator), she demonstrates historic needlework and 18th- and 19th-century garment construction. Her garments are built for comfort as well as authenticity which is an important detail when one must spend hours embodying another century.
The philosophy of fabric
While historic clothing is restrictive, architectural and complex, Dowd approaches each project by asking “What does this project need?”
Sometimes a project requires strict authenticity. Sometimes theatrical flourish. Sometimes seven revisions. But always, each project needs care. Kathy Dowd has spent a lifetime stitching the past into the present and history often wears her signature.
Kathy’s elaborate costume creations transform characters on stage.
Every costume Kathy creates, gets a detailed sketch (above). This is the step where she picks fabrics and colors to create a final piece (below.) The fine details of beading and stitching Kathy puts into her designs.
PHOTOS BY KELLI MILLER
METRO MUSIC
VISIT TOLEDOCITYPAPER.COM/CALENDAR FOR MORE LIVE MUSIC
Live at the Library –Ordinary Elephant
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s popular ‘Live at the Library’ series continues this spring with a May performance by Ordinary Elephant. The award-winning husband-and-wife duo delivers an intimate Americana sound that resonates with audiences. Advance registration is encouraged, not required. Thurs, May 7, 6:30-8pm. Main Library Atrium, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 N Michigan St. events.toledolibrary.org/event/14913536
Huey Lewis & The News Experience –The Transit Brothers
Big 80s energy comes to Maumee as The Transit Brothers bring their Huey Lewis & The News tribute to life in a lively, soft launch performance. Packed with recognizable hits, a powerhouse horn section and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments, the show delivers a nostalgic, feel-good night built for singing along and dancing. Sat, May 9, 7pm. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St, Maumee. tickettailor.com
McKain Lakey Album Release Show
Folk artist McKain Lakey brings a full band to Toledo for a special stop on her release tour. Blending Old Time country, Cajun and rockabilly influences, Lakey’s sound honors tradition while exploring modern themes like mental health, identity and queer love. A community potluck begins the evening. $20 cash. Proceeds to the musicians. Sat, May 16 7-9:30pm. (Potluck at 6pm). Over Yonder Concert House, 2492 Virginia St. overyonderconcerthouse.com
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass –A Milestone Celebration
Legendary musician Herb Alpert brings his iconic sound back to the stage, with an all-new Tijuana Brass, for a celebratory tour honoring the 60th anniversary of Alpert’s album Whipped Cream & Other Delights. Sat, May 16, 8pm. Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St.
CatFest 2026 – Music, Memory, and Meaning
A full day of music and community returns as CatFest celebrates 11 years of impact in Toledo. This annual event honors the legacy of Cat Lambert while raising awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence. Guests can enjoy live performances, an art contest, raffle and silent auction, and a Poker Run. Proceeds benefit equine therapy programs for veterans and their families through Little Blessings Veteran Outreach. Sunday, May 17, 12:30–9:30 pm. The Golden Road, 3560 Dorr St. CATFEST 2026 on Facebook.
Alison Krauss & Union Station –Arcadia Tour
Bluegrass and Americana take center stage as Alison Krauss reunites with Union Station for a highly anticipated stop on their Arcadia 2026 tour. Joined by renowned dobro player Jerry Douglas, the group delivers a masterful blend of rich harmonies, virtuosic instrumentation and timeless storytelling. Fri, May 22, 7:30 pm. Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre, 2700 Broadway St.
BG Porch Fest – Music Across the Neighborhood
Music spills onto porches and into the streets as BG Porch Fest returns to Bowling Green, transforming a neighborhood into a vibrant, walkable concert experience. What began in 2021 with just three houses on Eberly Avenue has grown into a beloved annual tradition, featuring a diverse mix of bands and styles. The festival is rooted in a nationwide Porchfest movement that started in Ithaca, New York, bringing communities together through grassroots music and shared spaces. Saturday, May 30, 1:30 pm. Eberly Ave. and surrounding area, Bowling Green. bgporchfest.com
HEAR LISTEN
Loving Theater Tribute
A Jazz Mainstay Turns To Broadway For A Deeply Personal, 16 Track Tribute
By Steven Sloan
Toledo-area vocalist Chris Joseph has a command of jazz standards. Perhaps best known for his work singing with the Skip Turner Band, Joseph’s musical portfolio has myriad elements; recording; playing multiple instruments (including guitar, bass and piano) and teaching voice.
In November 2025 he released his first dedicated Broadway album -- “Way Off Broadway, Vol. 1.” “Way Off Broadway” pays tribute to musical theater over 16 tracks, as area musician John Cleveland produces; Joseph does the singing and Cleveland orchestrates and performs the instrumental aspects.
Give My Regards…
A glance at the track list reveals several themes - intentional or serendipitous - that provide a window into Joseph’s relationship to the songs. “Corner of the Sky,” “Any Dream Will Do,” and “The Impossible Dream” are songs that highlight imagining and reaching toward what you want. “My Favorite Things,” “On a Clear Day,” and the cheeky closer “Applause” touch on being bolstered by things you care about and the beauty of the surrounding world.
Cleveland’s arrangements are simple but effective. His bass playing anchors the instrumentation, supplemented by digital horns, strings and keyboards. While the MIDI instruments may short change Golden Age Broadway numbers that beg for a full orchestra, the instrumentation is particularly successful with jazzier numbers like “My Favorite Things” and “A Time for Love.”
The Unreachable Star
Joseph’s croon is an enjoyable listen, with “The Impossible Dream” as the standout track. Don Quixote’s iconic song from Man of La Mancha transforms the tragic and often farcical character into a heroic figure and allows the audience to see the world through his eyes. The song is all contradictions, talking about winning the un-winnable fight and reaching the unreachable star — the point of Quixote’s life is not achieving success, but in striving.
Anyone with artistic ambitions will know that quixotic feeling well, understanding the great challenge of carving out a life pursuing the arts that currently feels more difficult to attain Throughout the album Joseph is at his best when he reaches into higher registers, where his bell-clear tone and gentle vibrato have the chance to shine. With “Way Off Broadway” Chris Joseph takes a detour from jazz standards to pay homage to the show tunes that have been a mainstay through his life. The result is a love letter to Broadway, a truly American institution.
Chris Joseph’s “Way Off Broadway,” a
ZONE SPORTS
Chris Wormley Gives Back to Toledo in a Big Way
From Whitmer To The NFL, Building A Legacy At Home
By Melissa Lee
For Chris Wormley, success has never been just about football—it’s about impact.
A Toledo native and 2012 graduate of Whitmer High School, Wormley’s journey to the NFL began close to home. After excelling at Whitmer, he went on to play at the University of Michigan, a dream destination he chose not just for football, but for its academics and proximity to family.
The transition wasn’t easy. Despite graduating from high school with a strong GPA, the academic and athletic demands of college proved challenging. After arriving in Ann Arbor Wormley suffered a torn ACL just weeks before starting classes forcing him to juggle rehab, coursework and football from day one. But resilience became a defining trait, helping propel him to the NFL.
Still active in the NFL and now a father of two, Wormley has established a personal role in giving back, creating his foundation rooted in his Toledo community.
Building a legacy: The Chris Wormley Foundation
The Chris Wormley Foundation was born out of a desire to make a lasting difference in Toledo. After years of participating in team-led charity work, Wormley and his wife decided it was time to create something of their own. “Our mission is simple,” Wormley explains. adding “Give back, help others and create a brighter future for the next generation.”
The foundation has quickly made an impact through several initiatives:
n A free youth football camp serving hundreds of kids
n Holiday turkey drives helping more than 200 families
n Holiday shopping sprees for dozens of children
n Literacy programs in partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library
One of the Foundation’s biggest priorities moving forward is literacy. After learning about reading level challenges among students in Ohio, Wormley felt compelled to act. “If you can’t read, it affects everything. Math, science, all of it,” he explains. “We want to help kids stay on track, especially during the summer.”
Despite its growth, the Foundation remains deeply personal for Wormley. With no administrative salaries, every dollar raised goes directly back into the community.
Investing in the next generation: free youth football camp
A cornerstone initiative is the annual youth football camp, held at Whitmer High School, a place that holds special meaning for Wormley and his wife, Lex, who both attended school there.
The camp, set this year for June 6, welcomes around 350 kids and is completely free. Participants receive lunch, shirts and swag bags, with the help of community sponsors like Dick’s Sporting Goods and local businesses.
The camp is divided by age groups, with younger children (K–4) in the morning and older kids (5–8) in the afternoon. And spots fill up quickly. “We want to bridge the gap for kids who might not be able to afford camps,” Wormley says. “It’s a chance for them to learn, grow and just have fun.”
The event also brings in current and former athletes, including fellow Toledo native Storm Norton, giving kids a chance to learn from players who once stood in their shoes.
A
community
celebration: celebrity softball game at Fifth Third Field
This summer, the Foundation steps on to a different kind of field. On Saturday, June 20 at 2pm, Wormley will host a celebrity softball game at Fifth Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens.
Softball offers something different and more accessible. “Football would be tough to organize,” he says. “Softball is low-contact, fun and something everyone can enjoy.”
The event will feature a mix of local celebrities and athletes, including Norton and other familiar names, expected to be announced closer to the date.
Tickets are set at an affordable $16, with the goal of making the event accessible for families. Scheduled the day before Father’s Day, the game is designed as a community outing. “It’s for everyone,” Wormley says. “A chance to bring your family out, enjoy the day and support something meaningful.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation’s initiatives, supporting everything from literacy programs to holiday drives.
More than football
Balancing life as a professional athlete, father and philanthropist isn’t easy, but for Wormley, it’s all part of the purpose.
His days are packed with training, family responsibilities and Foundation work, but he doesn’t see it as a burden. “I love what I do,” he says. “It doesn’t feel like work.”
That mindset carries into everything he touches from mentoring young athletes to creating opportunities for kids across Toledo. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or through community events, Wormley is focused on building something bigger than football—a legacy rooted in giving back.
Girl dad, Chris Wormley and his Whitmer high school sweetheart, now wife Lex.
THE BIG TO DO
FRI, May 1
[museums & exhibits]
Museum Ship & Tug Opens for 2026 Season - The National Museum of the Great Lakes reopens the historic Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio, offering seasonal tours through October 31. Monday-Saturday 10am5pm, Sunday, noon-5pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org
SAT, May 2
[plant sales]
Toledo Plant Exchange - Gardeners of all levels are invited to swap plants and garden goods, with free plants available while supplies last and a fun, community-focused morning of sharing and sustainability. 830-11am. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St.. Maumee. @ToledoPlantExchange
[volunteers]
Sing While You Work Day of Service - Kick off America 250 Week with Sing While You Work: Day of Service, hosted by Toledo Opera, as volunteers gather at Forest Cemetery to clean and prepare veteran graves in honor of Memorial Day. Registration is required. Forest Cemetery, 1704 Mulberry St. toledoopera.org
[history]
Lady Brandeberry presents a Presidential Inaugural BallGuests of all ages can enjoy a Federalist/Regency-era evening of live music, dance lessons, period-inspired attire, and food and drink during Early Ohio on the Portage weekend. RSVP is requested. 530-830pm. Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org
SUN, May 3
[markets & shopping]
Sundays at the Market - Discover 150+ vendors featuring unique shopping, food trucks, adult beverages, a photo booth, permanent jewelry, a charm bar, and more. $5. 10am-4pm. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. sundaysatthemarket.com
TUE, May 5
[plant sales]
Spring Sale: Sunshine Acres - Shop sunflowers, zinnias, and artisan goods handcrafted by individuals with developmental disabilities, with every purchase supporting skills, confidence, and community. Tuesday May 5 - Friday, May 8, 9am-6pm. Saturday, May 9. 9am-2pm. Sunshine Communities, 7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee. sunshine.org
[opera]
America 250 Veterans Concert - Join Toledo Opera for an evening honoring local veterans with dinner from Deet’s BBQ and a patriotic concert. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Registration is required. 7pm. Conn-Weissenberger Legion Hall, 2020 W. Alexis Rd. toledoopera.org
THUR, May 7
[live music, folk & traditional]
Live at the Library with Ordinary ElephantThe award-winning duo delivers an intimate evening of soulful harmonies, poetic lyrics, and heartfelt storytelling. Registration is required. 630-8pm. Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. toledolibrary.org
SAT, May 9
[fundraisers, brunch]
Breakfast for M’Lady: Legacy of Love: Women Who Shape Our World - Join the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Toledo Alumnae Chapter for their Annual Breakfast for M’Lady Scholarship Event, featuring special guest Tamara Johnson-George. Ticketed. $81.88-$802.15. 10am. The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee. @DSTToledo
[handicraft markets]
Maker’s Mart: Spring 2026 - Toledo’s favorite indie craft fair returns with 70+ local artists and Midwest makers. 11am-6pm. Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St. handmadetoledo.com
SUN, May 10
[Mother’s Day, live music]
TUE, May 12
[open mic]
The Toledo Listening Room Open Mic - This open mic invites creatives of all levels to share music, poetry, stories, and art, or simply listen and connect with the community. 530-730pm. Handmade Toledo, 1212 Adams St. @Toledo-Listening-Room. Free
[fundraisers]
Heart & Soul’s 13th Annual Celebrity Wait Night at Zia’s An awareness event for mental illness and help erase the stigma associated with it. Proceeds benefit Northwest Ohio Behavioral Healthcare and the Thomas M. Wernert Center. Ticketed. $50. 6-9pm. Zia’s, 20 Main St. heartandsoultoledo.com
FRI, May 15
[author events]
Ohio Creates: Wine & Words with Ohio Authors - Celebrate Ohio authors at this literary event featuring a diverse mix of genres from YA to cryptids nonfiction. Ticketed. $25-$50. 630-930pm. Benfield Wines, 102 N. Main St., Swanton. benfieldwines.com
SAT, May 16
[veterans, bbq]
Armed Forces Day “Chill out at the Grill out” - Join the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission for a community event honoring active, Guard, and Reserve military members, featuring BBQ, music, prizes, and resources supporting veterans and their families. 11am-3pm. Lucas County Veterans Service Commission, 2555 Arlington Ave. lucascountyvets.org
[markets & shopping]
Whiskers & Wildflowers Spring Market - Join Willow & Whiskers for a family-friendly celebration featuring 100+ local vendors, handmade goods, and springtime shopping; all supporting FELV+ cats in need. Noon-5pm. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. willowandwhiskers.org
SUN, May 17
[collectibles, music]
Glass City Record Show - Browse 75+ tables of new and vintage records, CDs, cassettes, memorabilia, and gear spanning every genre. $2. 10am-4pm. The Stranahan, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. ftrvinyl.com
TUE, May 19
[talks & lectures, history]
America250 Lecture Series - Lost Eateries of Toledo - Explore Toledo’s culinary history, uncovering the stories behind the city’s iconic and forgotten restaurants. $7, members free. 6-730pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org
THUR, May 21
[crafts]
DIY After Dark - Join this creative community night to work on projects, start new ideas, or just make and connect with BYOB, snacks, and crafts! 6-9pm. Handmade Toledo, 1212 Adams St. handmadetoledo.com
FRI, May 22
[concerts]
Alison Krauss and Union Station - Experience Alison Krauss with Union Station live at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre for an unforgettable evening of bluegrass and Americana. Ticketed. $70-$303. 730pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org
SAT, May 23
[volunteers, Memorial Day]
Tattoo Fest Toledo
Get inked,or just take in the artistry, at the 4th Annual Tattoo Fest Toledo, featuring over 200 tattoo artists from around the world. Friday, May 1, 1pm; Saturday & Sunday, May 2–3, 11am. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. Walk-ups and appointments available. Tattootoledo.com
May 8–9
Night Market in the Garden
Start the Night Market season at Toledo Botanical Garden with an evening of art, live music, food trucks and craft drinks. Fri & Sat, May 8–9. Toledo Botanical Gardens, 5403 Elmer Dr. Shuttle service available; a lit path connects the Bancroft Street lot to the market. Free. Toledonightmarket.com
May 9
EcoFest
Celebrate sustainability at EcoFest, a family-friendly festival featuring eco-friendly vendors, hands-on workshops, kids’ activities, live music, upcycled art and local food. Saturday, May 9, 10am–2pm. Market Hall at Glass City Metropark, 1521 Front St. Free. lucascountygreen.com/ecofest.html
May 15
Entre Amigos
Enjoy an evening of food, shopping and community at Entre Amigos, with a first look at the Spring Exhibition and a chance to connect with the Center’s art coordinator. Friday, May 15, 6pm. Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, 1225 Broadway St. Tickets and details at sqacc.org/entre-amigos
May 16
Maifest 2026
Celebrate spring with a lively day of German music, dancing, food and drink at Maifest 2026, featuring performances, folk dancing and a festive parade of flags. Saturday, May 16, 1–9pm (opening ceremony at 3pm). Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd. Free.
Honoring Service, Preserving History - Join the Maumee Valley Historical Society for a hands-on preservation project honoring veterans, learning gravestone care, and exploring Maumee’s military history. Registration is required. 10am-2pm. Riverside Cemetery, 1595 W. River Rd., Maumee. wolcotthouse.org
[museums]
National Museum of the Great Lakes celebrates with free admission for veterans, active military, and maritime workers this Memorial Day weekend. 10am-5pm on Saturday, noon-5pm Sunday, and 10am-5pm Monday. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org
The Midwest Mother’s Day Experience - Presented by SaxFifth, featuring live performances from regional artists, The Wall Music Band, and food, drinks, and good vibes. Ticketed. $33.85-$60.54. 5-8pm. Aria Banquet Hall, 5969 Telegraph Rd. @SaxFifthMusic
SUN, May 24
[markets & shopping]
The Vistula Artist Market: Spring 2026 - Celebrate spring at the Vistula Artist Market, featuring 50+ local artists, live music, craft cocktails, glassblowing demos, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a lively community atmosphere. 11am-4pm. Toledo Spirits Company, 1301 N. Summit St. toledospirits.com
May 30–31
Maple & Main Art & Music Festival 2026
Enjoy a vibrant weekend of art, music and community at the 15th Annual Maple & Main Art & Music Festival, featuring 95+ artist booths, live performances from eight bands and musicians, food trucks, local brews and a fun kids’ art area. Saturday, May 30, 11am–9:30pm (artists until 7pm, music continues later); Sunday, May 31, 10am–4:30pm. Olander Park, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave. Free.
May 17
Thrift & Sip
Thrift, sip and repeat at the market featuring curated vintage finds, live music and drinks. Sunday, May 17, 10am–3pm. 201 Morris St.
Looking for a quick change of scenery a nd a taste of something different? Visit toledocitypaper.com or check out our sister publication Current magazine (covering Ann Arbor), at ecurrent.com, to explore more!
WED, May 13 - SUN, May 17
Cinetopia 2026
Experience Cinetopia Film Festival, a cinephile-curated celebration of bold independent cinema featuring exclusive screenings, Michigan-made shorts, visiting filmmakers, Q&As, workshops, and special events at the Michigan and State Theatres in Ann Arbor. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI. marquee-arts.org/cinetopia
SAT, May 16 and SUN, May 17
Cleveland Asian Festival
Celebrate the Cleveland Asian Festival in Cleveland’s vibrant AsiaTown, a free community event that showcases Asian culture through live performances, cultural demonstrations, 100+ vendors, authentic cuisine and more. Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH. clevelandasianfestival.org
SAT, May 23 - MON, May 25
Movement Music Festival
A high-energy, multi-day celebration of techno’s birthplace featuring over 100 global and local electronic artists across multiple stages. Ticketed. $217.09 - $522.78.
Celebrate Ferndale Pride, Michigan’s largest free LGBTQAI+ festival, featuring 220+ vendors, multiple stages of live entertainment, and a vibrant, all-ages celebration of community, culture, and inclusivity in downtown Ferndale. 1230-10pm. Downtown Ferndale, West 9 Mile from Woodward to Livernois, Ferndale, MI. ferndalepride.com
MON, May 25
[Memorial Day, parades]
Sylvania Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony -
Honoring local veterans with a patriotic procession and commemorative events for the community. 9am-noon. Downtown Sylvania, Main St., Sylvania. sylvaniachamber.org FREE
Maumee Memorial Day Parade - Join the community for a Memorial Day Parade to honor veterans, reflect on their courage, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 9-11am. Uptown Maumee, Conant St., Maumee. wolcotthouse.org FREE
[history]
Memorial Day at the Historical Village - Experience Sylvania’s history with live demonstrations, hands-on crafts, and immersive historical activities. 10am-2pm. Sylvania Historical Village, 5717 N. Main St., Sylvania. heritagesylvania.org FREE
TUE, May 26
[theater, musicals]
THE WIZ - Experience THE WIZ live on its all-new national tour, featuring powerhouse performances, iconic soul and gospel music, and a vibrant, modern reimagining of the classic Wizard of Oz story. Ticketed. $48-$126. Multiple performances through Sunday, May 31. The Stranahan, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. thestranahan.com
WED, May 27
[rollerskating]
Rollin’ Free Wednesdays at The Ribbon - Enjoy free roller skate and rollerblade rentals every Wednesday from May 27 through September 2 at The Ribbon. Rentals are first-come, first-served. 11am-8pm. The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark, 1521 Front St. @glasscityriverwalk FREE
SAT, May 30
[comic cons]
Really Cool Comic Con - Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of cosplay, comics, anime and more. Ticketed. $20-$25. 9am-6pm. Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave. reallycoolcomiccon.com
SOCIAL STUDIES
Opening Day with COMMUNICĀ
Everyone loves opening day. That’s why Communicā, one of Toledo’s premier ad agengies, invited a few friends and vendors over to their back yard for a pre-game party.
Mudhens!
photos by Kelli Miller
ComminCā Crew Kylie leffel, Chrissy redrup, sydney shreve, Amy fitzenrider
Dan Doletzky, and Chris Marsh
Kurt and Emily Jackisch
Ron and Cathie Breed, Diana VanWinkle, Denise Culkowski
Ava and Jennifer Mauk
SPEAK THE STARS CROSS WORD
by Janet Amid
TAURUS- With the Sun and New Moon in your sign, this is a powerful month of personal renewal. Relationships take center stage, truth is revealed as this month’s Full Moon in Scorpio accents relationships. The limelight is on others as you seek stability & understanding.
ARIES- Energy surges forward with Mars and Saturn in your sign demanding structure and discipline. This is a time to take control of your goals and push ahead with determination. The Full Moon on May 1, intensifies financial matters, intensifying the need for clarity as well as resolution. Take stock.
GEMINI- Uranus activates your sign with brilliant flashes of inspiration. New ideas and technological breakthroughs could play an important role in your life. Pay attention to health related matters, as this months Full Moon accents your need to focus on fitness, and living a better lifestyle.
CANCER- Jupiter now direct continues to bless your sign with emotional growth and opportunity. Relationships and family matters may expand in positive ways. Matters of the heart are highlighted, new or existing relationships take center stage. Love can bloom. Are you ready for it?
LEO- Career matters come into focus, as you may feel a strong desire to take leadership roles or pursue long-term ambitions. Also, the focus for the month is on home and family dynamics as the Full Moon in your area of home may bring decisions regarding property, family dynamics or living situations.
LADIES FIRST
Brendan Emmmett Quigley
Across 1. Passport maker
6. Museo hanging
10. Uncertain
14. Don’t go to
15. State in the Corn Belt
16. “Don’t stop now!”
17. Battle among Spanish brothers?
19. Part of a jack-o-lantern
20. Member of an army
21. “Succession” actor Ruck
22. Restaurant guide name
23. Sardine snapper?
27. Mist
28. Cause of wrinkles
29. Sneaks, e.g.
30. Shaving stuff
33. Band whose fans are called Juggalos, briefly
36. Things that get the shit out of plant museums?
40. Job, so to speak
41. Place for plot points
42. College application part
43. Just out of the shower
45. ___ Villa (English soccer club)
46. Like the bands Blondie and The Pretenders, or an alternate title for this puzzle
52. “Gotta bounce”
53. Point in the right direction?
54. Dorm party disrupters
57. Number of Oscars David Lynch won
58. Hot pursuit of a recluse?
61. A bit cracked
62. ___ Kazan
63. Question of interest
64. Slices of baloney
65. Big name in luxury hotels
66. Tonal
Down
1. “You nutter”
2. Patisserie installation
3. Long Island village originally named Great Cow Harbour
4. Unlit
5. Oklahoma county seat
6. Burrito sauce
7. Comedian Atkinson
8. Southerner’s giveaway
9. Listen here!
10. Answer to 63-Across
11. Blacksmith’s spot
12. Frock wearer
13. Gossipy buttinsky
18. ___ a soul
22. Deking move
24. Jewish eve (in THE REBEL)
25. Tabula ___
26. Showed up
27. Butter used in body lotion
29. “That’s enough!”
30. Repair
31. Arles assent
32. Morning hrs.
33. Comment from someone who is gone
34. “The Godfather” actor
35. “Gentleman” rapper
37. Cost of doing business?
38. Programmable thermostat
39. Spanish direction
43. Kit Kat cookies
44. Little sprite
45. Opposer
46. Big test
47. Picture in an email
48. Janelle who described herself as a “funkstress”
49. Touchy partner
50. ___ to go (itchin’ to move)
51. “The Thursday Murder Club” author Richard
55. Paris mayor Hidalgo
56. “Don’t go”
58. Chop down
59. Number of chopsticks
60. Chewie’s partner
VIRGO- The Scorpio Full Moon encourages emotional reflection. This is a powerful time to release old worries and embrace transformation. In addition, your delivery as well as personal expression is much clearer. A time where you feel full alert to what is taking place around you. Uranus in Gemini can bring to light unexpected career shifts or opportunities.
LIBRA- Financial matters and shared resources come under review. Important decisions regarding investments or obligations may arise. The Full Moon in your money house gives credence for your need for financial safety. Time to reevaluate your decision making. Mars and Saturn in Aries may challenge partnerships. Patience is key.
SCORPIO- The Full Moon in your sign places the spotlight directly on you. Emotional clarity and personal transformation are likely themes. You may feel a need to reexamine your intentions, as this can be a time for a personal awakening. Pluto encourages deep reflection. Time to reexamine controlled dynamics.
SAGITTARIUS- You may feel the need to slow down and reflect before moving forward. Inner clarity will help guide your next steps. The Scorpio Full Moon may stir up subconscious emotions and hidden agendas. Uranus in Gemini, in your area of partners stimulates connections, work or play.
CAPRICORN- Friendships and social connections become important. Collaborations may open doors to new opportunities. The Scorpio Full Moon may reveal who truly supports and guides you. Mars and Saturn highlight responsibilities at home. Focus on priorities this month. It may feel a big tug-pull.
AQUARIUS- With Pluto in your sign, you are undergoing profound personal evolution. This is a time of transformation and empowerment. Career matters intensify. The Full Moon could bring recognition or a turning point professionally. Uranus in Gemini sparks creativity, romance, and bold new ideas.
PISCES - Your intuition is heightened this month, so trust your instincts when making important decisions. Your mind is on high alert. Also, travel, education, and spiritual exploration are highlighted. Pluto retrograde asks you to rethink friendships and longterm alliances. Pay attention to your gut.
May’s skies remind us that transformation is written in the stars. As Pluto turns inward and the Scorpio Full Moon on May 1, reveals truth, listen closely—the universe is whispering where your next chapter begins. Janet Amid
JANET AMID is a columnist for The Toledo City Paper & a 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 she takes your astrological questions/requests!* The stars await!
GET HEALTHY
NAMIWalks Greater Toledo
A powerful show of community support returns this May as NAMI Greater Toledo hosts its annual NAMIWalks event. Bringing together advocates, families and individuals impacted by mental illness, the walk raises awareness and funds for free, local programs, education and support services. Participants can choose between a one- or threemile route while connecting with others and championing the message of “Mental Health for All.” Free. Encouraging conversation, reducing stigma and reminding the community that no one walks alone. Sat, May 16, 10am-12pm. (Registration at 9am). Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St. namiwalks.org/greatertoledo
Toledo Cancer Research Symposium
Cutting-edge research and collaboration take center stage as the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences hosts its annual Toledo Cancer Research Symposium. Bringing together scientists, clinicians and students, the event highlights the latest advances in cancer biology, treatment and innovation. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Zhijian “James” Chen, will explore tumor biology, drug development and cancer immunology. Free. Thurs. May 14, 8am-2pm. Delta Hotels Toledo, 3100 Glendale Ave. utoledo.edu/med/cancer-symposium
Ecosystem Series – Fire
The final installment of the Ecosystem Series brings together mindfulness and environmental action in a meaningful, hands-on experience. Hosted by Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful in partnership with Toledo Mindfulness Institute, the “Fire” session includes a yoga flow followed by a community tree planting. Sat, May 16, 10-11:30am. Location TBD. ktlcb.org/ecosystems-series
CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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HEALTH/MEDICAL
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HOME IMPROVEMENT/MISCELLANEOUS
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MISCELLANEOUS
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