How to vote in 2024

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October 3, 2024

Lucas Zielinksi, with Turning Point USA, hands Amelia Mathkour, a music, business and tech major at Owens Community College, a pamphlet about voting registration. Zielinksi said he was on campus for the day to help students register to vote. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Lucas County Board of Elections explains voting details, process

Toledo – With Election Day a month away, preparations are in full swing at the Lucas County Board of Elections office.

“We’re up and running and getting everything ready,” said Timothy Monaco, deputy director of the elections office. “It’s a wonderful time. It’s important to exercise your right to vote.”

Logistics that the staff and officers have been handling for weeks on behalf of Lucas County’s 303 voting precincts include preparing ballots, training precinct election officials, and getting early voting dates and times posted on their website.

Monaco said the most commonly asked question from voters during the past couple of weeks has been when absentee ballots will arrive in the mail.

Here’s the answer: Ohio voters can look for the absentee ballots starting Oct. 8, which is one day after registration ends for the Nov. 5 election.

The Lucas County Board of Elections staff doesn’t give predictions on voter turnout, Monaco said. But, according to state election records, 67 percent of registered Lucas County voters participated in the 2020 presidential election, and 66 percent did so in the 2016 presidential election. This participation includes absentee voting, early in-person voting and traditional Election Day voting.

Those choices are meant to help all eligible voters participate, whether they prefer going in person to a local polling site or to cast a ballot before they travel out of town.

“It’s important to make your plan as to who you are going to vote for,” Monaco said. “Make sure you make a plan and know what is on your ballot.”

While the presidential campaign is the key race of the Nov. 5 election, there are also races in Lucas County for local judges and city officials. For those who want to see the list ahead of time, ballot proofs are available for review on the election board’s website.

“Ballots will be three pages for everyone and four pages for some,” Monaco said.

While some people remember how they wish to vote when going to the polls, others find it helpful to bring paper notes or refer to a list on their phone, Monaco said. “Some folks really come prepared,” he said.

“It’s also important to be respectful at the location,” he added, referring to an Ohio law that prohibits photos of marked ballots. “We do ask that you limit cell phone use at the ballot.”

Many other election details are explained at lucascountyohiovotes.gov.

Election calendar

Key dates for the November 5 election:

Military and overseas civilian voting: Started Sept. 20.
Voter registration deadline: 9 p.m. Oct. 7.
Early in-person voting season: Oct. 8.-Nov. 3.
Absentee ballot postmark deadline: Nov. 4.
Election Day: Nov. 5.

CAMPUS TALK

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS SOUND OFF ABOUT VOTING

Question: How important is voting to you?

Voting is not my main concern, but it is pretty important because it is the future of America and I would like to have a say in what is gonna be my future. I usually try to vote on voting day, if I can’t I’ll do the absentee ballot.
Oliver Odendahl | EMT Major | Tontogany Resident

I am not a registered voter. If I was to lie to you I’d say yes. But honestly, I don’t have enough time … it’s not really a main priority, even though it should be. I do plan on voting at some point, maybe when I’m in my adult phase. Even though I’m not a registered voter I do think voting is important because it basically determines the society and the rules and regulations we live by.
James Johnson | Broadcast Media Technology Major | Toledo Resident

I’d say voting is very important. There’s certain aspects of it that do feel sort of depressing, when you think about it, because a lot of people would say people voting normally wouldn’t matter because of a small majority in the Electoral College – their votes matter 100 times more than your own. That’s what it feels like at least from what I know. It does feel a little degrading knowing that’s going to happen.
Nivant Dawson | Business Major | Toledo Resident

I think voting is important, but I’m not exactly sure why it’s important. I mean, there’s a lot of things that come from it. You’re voting for someone that you’re putting your trust and you’re faith into to guide us all in the right direction, but we just all don’t know what that direction is yet. So, we’re just kind of free-balling it, in a way. So, I don’t know … I’ve never voted before but this will be interesting. I really don’t know what all is involved. I just have a lot to learn about voting – like what I should be looking for in the leader I’m going to be voting for. So, yeah, it’s coming up soon. There’s a lot to learn.
Sydney Stanley | Chemistry Major | Millbury Resident

Voting is very important, especially in this day and age, when everything’s going on.
David Chase III | Literature Major | Toledo Resident

Registration details

Ohio voters must be registered by 9 p.m. Oct. 7 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

Residents can register to vote, look up voter registration, change their address, find an early voting location, look up Election Day polling location or track an absentee ballot at VoteOhio.gov.

Photo ID requirement

Bring your photo ID when voting. The options are:

- Current Ohio driver’s license or State of Ohio ID card.

- Interim ID form issued by Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.

- U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

A registered voter who has changed his or her name since the photo ID was issued will need to show proof of legal name change and sign a form. A photo ID card can show a former address if a current address is on file with the voting records. If you forget a photo ID, you can request a provisional ballot.

How to vote absentee

An absentee ballot in Ohio needs to be requested, signed, dated and submitted for each election. Military personnel and civilian overseas voters can file one application for all elections happening in a given year.

The application asks for the number on your Ohio driver’s license or Ohio ID card, last four digits of your social security number, or a photocopy of other eligible ID such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and can be hand delivered to the Board of Elections on Nov. 5.

Additional instructions are on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

In-person early voting

Ohio’s in-person early voting season begins Oct. 8 and ends Nov. 3.

The Lucas County Early Vote Center is at 3737 W. Sylvania Ave. Suite 121 Entrance C (at the rear of the Lucas County Board of Elections building) in west Toledo.

Voting times and dates can be found at LucasCountyOhioVotes.gov.

Election Day voting

Polling sites are open in Ohio from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can look up your polling location at VoteOhio.Gov.

What’s on the ballot?

A “ballot proof” is available for review on the Lucas County Board of Elections page. It lists candidates and ballot issues by precinct, so voters know what to expect.

For example: Six president/vice president candidate teams have declared in Ohio, with an additional write-in option available. Other candidate races include U.S. Senator, Lucas County Sheriff and openings on Toledo City Council.

Ohio Issue 1 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that has gained a lot of attention. This issue, if approved, would designate a redistricting commission to draw state legislative and congressional districts.

There are other issues locally, such as a proposed bond issue for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and a tax renewal request from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

Are ballot “selfies” allowed?

Ohio does not permit photos to be taken of a marked ballot. It’s actually a fifth-degree felony should that take place, according to Ohio law.

The “I Voted” Sticker

A traditionally popular way to showcase voter participation is through an “I voted” sticker, picked up on Election Day at the polling site.

Ohio’s current “I Voted” sticker design was adopted in 2019 through a student art contest. A red squiggle depicts a map of Ohio, nestled in a blue circle outline, with the phrase “Ohio Voted.”

Voters are invited to download the image to share on social media at the Ohio Secretary of State website. That website also has also a “future voter” coloring page for children available for download.

Is campaigning allowed at election sites?

Ohio does not allow election campaigning, also known as electioneering, within 100 feet of a voting site. This means no campaigning messages on attire such as shirts or hats, Monaco said.

Two small United States flags are placed at each voting site to designate the “neutral” zone where this applies.

Where is the Board of Elections office?

If you need to visit the Lucas County Board of Elections regarding a voting matter, that office moved about two years ago from its former location at One Government Center to 3737 W. Sylvania Road in West Toledo.

When are election numbers official?

Ballots cast on Election Day will be delivered in person to the Lucas County Board of Elections for the counting procedures.

There will be numbers reported after that count is complete.

The Ohio Secretary of State does not consider voter counts to be official until two or three weeks later, after provisional ballots are accounted for and to give time for absentee ballots to arrive that met the postmark deadline.

Don Lee: RIP Opal Covey

By

Don Lee

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March 10, 2025

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Dragon’s Roost builds community through gameplay

By

Hannah Sellers

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March 10, 2025

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Maxwell Kelso leads a game of Dungeons and Dragons. (TFP Photo/Hannah Sellers)

HOLLAND – Marshall Jones dreamed of owning his own game shop ever since he was a child. In May of 2017, his wish came true when he and his wife, Robin Jones, opened Dragon’s Roost Coffee and Games, a coffee shop, game store and gathering place.

“Our ultimate goal was to have a good community. We wanted to break the mold and create a safe, inclusive place for all players and non-players,” Marshall Jones explained.

Dragon’s Roost Coffee & Games in Holland, Ohio. (TFP Photo/Hannah Sellers)

Alice Calvillo works at the counter as a barista. (TFP Photo/Hannah Sellers)

He said it’s important to him to welcome people at all levels of gaming experience and backgrounds of life. This locally owned business is a family affair, as you can find the husband and wife running the store with their granddaughter, Alice Calvillo, who works at the counter as barista.

“I’ve been here since I was 15. I love our customers and I’ve seen this place grow,” Calvillo shared.

The owners assure that anyone can walk into Dragon’s Roost and find something they enjoy, from the large selection of games, to the Hobby Station for painting miniatures, books on gaming lore, delicious drinks and bakery treats. The walls are covered in game-themed posters and art. Their menu boasts seasonal flavors, as well as signature favorites.

“I recommend the Han Solo,” Marshall Jones said about the raspberry café mocha. Another customer favorite is the Chewbacca, a caramel and toasted marshmallow café mocha with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

The atmosphere inside Dragon’s Roost is just what Marshall Jones planned: Welcoming and familiar as people gather to have adventures while empowering their imaginations.

Maxwell Kelso is one of the regulars at Dragon’s Roost. When he brought his idea of one-shot Dungeons and Dragons sessions (a popular tabletop role playing game) to the owner, Marshall Jones encouraged the idea wholeheartedly.

“He comes in and does all the voices and really makes an atmosphere for the players,” he said about Kelso.

There are game maps and a multitude of terrain sets free for anyone to use, and game clubs are encouraged to come in. For a full list of events, a calendar is released monthly.

“If you don’t think you are a gamer, you just haven’t found the right game yet,” Marshall Jones teases.

As more customers arrived, the shop filled with greetings and laughter as they found their spots at a game table, browsing the shelves at the Hobby Table or in the coffee shop. It is apparent that Dragon’s Roost acts as a second home to many.

Maxwell Kelso is one of the regulars at Dragon’s Roost. He brought his idea of one-shot Dungeons and Dragons sessions (a popular tabletop role playing game) to the store. (TFP Photo/Hannah Sellers)

A gamer plays Dungeons and Dragons. (TFP Photo/Hannah Sellers)

Kelso is excited at how well his sessions have taken off in just a few short months. He hopes that his Dungeon Master skills will bring in a new crowd of players that have been previously intimidated about getting into the game.

“I wanted to make Dungeons and Dragons accessible to more players. I put in the work and provide stat blocks so that more time can be spent on gameplay,” Kelso added.

Players of all skill levels and ages are invited to join gameplay, whether it is their first time or they have played for years. “It’s exhilarating when new players walk in and come up with crazy ideas I’ve never thought of before,” Kelso stated.

Kelso encourages players to join him as a cleric, a dwarf, a barbarian or any other number of characters for a few hours. “There are no strings attached. There is always a new adventure to be had.” He said he’s happy to have found a comfortable home for his growing group to gather on Sundays at 1 p.m.

“You do not have to have played this game before. You don’t need anything but an open attitude,” Kelso exclaimed.

Dragon’s Roost Coffee and Games in Holland, Ohio. (TFP Photos/Hannah Sellers)

Maxwell Kelso leads a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Local environmental groups seek volunteers

By

Steve Roberts

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March 10, 2025

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Clean up at the Delaware Islands Complex copy — Partners for Clean Streams volunteers clean up the Delaware Island along the Maumee River in Toledo. (Courtesy Photo/Partners for Clean Streams)

For environmentally minded locals who want to make a difference in our community, there are several ways to get involved. We’ve compiled a list of five organizations that are seeking volunteers.

Partners for Clean Streams

“Partners for clean streams is a coalition of citizens, government agencies, businesses and industries working towards restoring the quality of water,” said executive director Jesse Stock. “Our mission is primarily the removal of debris in and alongside our waterways.

“Seeing families, especially those with kids under 18, helping out gives me a lot of hope. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm,” said Stock. “We have a year-round debris removal program, but what we’re most known for is an annual event in September that we’ve held for 28 years.”

Partners for Clean Streams also marks storm drains, removes fishing debris from the Maumee River and monitors water quality.

To sign up for these activities, visit their website here. Reach out to admin@partnersforcleanstreams.org or 419-874-0727 for more information.

Black Swamp Conservancy

The mission of Black Swamp Conservancy is to preserve and enhance natural habitats and family farms in northwest Ohio for the benefit of current and future generations.

“We preserve over 22,000 acres at this time, more than 180 properties,” said Laura Rodriguez, events and education manager for Black Swamp Conservancy. A lot of the acreage includes family farms in Northwest Ohio, as well as natural habitats.

The conservancy restores strategically located properties back to their natural ecosystem, which could help in filtering water coming off of farm fields before it goes into a ditch, stream or river. The goal is stopping it before it lands in Lake Erie. This also helps increase biodiversity and natural habitat.

There are seasonal nature walks, along with gardening and photography workshops. On Wednesdays during the summer, there is the Paddle and Groove event, featuring live music from a pontoon while kayaking or canoeing downtown on the Maumee River.

Help out by removing invasive plants, planting beneficials, maintaining trails, improving habitats, office tasks, and planning or working at events.

Contact information: 419-833-1025 | Location: P.O. Box 33, Perrysburg

Meadowbrook Marsh Preserve. (Courtesy Photo)

Citizens Climate Lobby – Perrysburg (CCL)

The mission of CCL Perrysburg is to promote a legislative climate solution, the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy. The CCL also builds awareness about the present state of the climate.

Bob Clark-Phelps, Karen Soubeyrand and Charlotte Reith lobby in Washington D.C. for Citizen Climate Lobby. (Courtesy Photo)

“We can actually solve this problem through the policy, working together and being bipartisan. Climate change affects us all. Instead of arguing with each other, why don’t we work together and find solutions?” reasoned Rob Schuster, CCL’s chair.

“Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Perrysburg is totally powered by volunteers. We train members of the group to join in actions including lobbying politicians in northwest Ohio and Washington D.C., community tabling, and writing letters to the editor. There is also an easy monthly activity, such as writing a brief email to your congressman,” he explained.

Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Way Public Library in Perrysburg. Zoom is available.

Google Citizens Climate Lobby, click the join CCL button, provide your information, and it will bring you to our chapter page or email Rob at robshue7@gmail.com

Climate Reality Project: NW Ohio Chapter (CRP)

“Our mission is to be the voice of reality about climate change in northwest Ohio by educating about the state of climate change and the need for individual and policy action,” said the organization’s co-chair, Julie Shapiro.

Climate Reality Project members Dennis Slotnick and Alicia Smith attend the How to Power a City movie, hosted by CRP. (Courtesy Photo)

For years, Climate Reality delivered climate presentations to civic groups, churches and clubs, and lobbied politicians to bring about policy change.

“We have expanded and now we collaborate with other groups to do projects such as EcoFest Toledo and movie events,” she said.

“We have a library tour targeting climate topics specific to their area. We did one at the Mott branch library about the urban heat island effect and what to do about it. The next one, at the Oregon library will focus on the impact of the changing climate on agriculture.

“We are a volunteer organization, so we need all kinds of help with our projects and welcome people openly,” noted Shapiro.

The group usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Toledo libraries, primarily the Sanger branch. Keep up to date with their meetings and events by following the group on Facebook. To get involved, email julie.shapiro@outlook.com.

Lake Erie Advocates

LEA defends Lake Erie from assaults by animal factories and other polluting sources to sustain the lake’s health for all life that depends on it.

“Since the water crisis in 2014…we have not had a moratorium on more manure…but five million more animals had been added,” said Sue Carter, an activist involved in LEA.

“I mean, the best thing to do is just show up at a meeting. There’ll be something to do, because there’s always going to be some place to put your body with a sign, or to go to a meeting and learn more, or speak out someplace or confront a politician.”

From its beginnings, LEA has confronted politicians, taught at schools, done demonstrations and put up billboards.

The best way to join this group is to attend a meeting. You can also go to lakeerieadvocates.org and subscribe for updates.

Public meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and held at Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St, Toledo.

Lake Erie Advocate members Mike Ferner, from left, Sue Carter and Mary Meyers march for a clean Lake Erie in 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

This is an ongoing list of volunteer opportunities that will be updated throughout the year as we receive more updates. Bookmark it!

NEWS SHORTS: Happenings

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Press Release

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March 9, 2025

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pexels-markus-winkler-1430818-4057663 resized — Pexels photo by Markus Winkler

(Happenings are compiled from press releases and placed in order of occurring dates.

NEWS SHORTS BRIEFS ARE UPDATED DAILY

HAPPENINGS

Women of Toledo’s 2025 International Women’s Day Luncheon

TOLEDO – International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global day celebrating women’s
social, economic, cultural and political achievements. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

International Women’s Day is powered by collective efforts, and collaboration is key to
advancing women’s equality. Collective action and shared ownership to drive gender parity are what make International Women’s Day impactful. One of the most significant ways to help Accelerate Action for gender equality is to Support the Supporters.

This year, IWD 2025, we will be in conversation with women scaling up and building supporters who support collaboration networks as part of their strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women’s advancement and support and elevate their implementation.

As part of our annual forum in our community, Women of Toledo (WOT) is organizing an IWD signature luncheon on Monday, March 10, from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Downtown Toledo.

For more information, see this flyer.

Cold War speechwriter to share her experience at UToledo

TOLEDO – The University of Toledo’s Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership will present a speechwriter’s account of one of the best-known lines of the Cold War.

“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

Clark Judge, a speechwriter and special assistant to President Ronald Reagan, will present The Story Behind ‘Tear Down This Wall.’”

Judge will discuss Reagan’s 1987 speech at the Berlin Wall that famously called for Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to open the wall that had divided the German capital since 1961. It is remembered as a turning point in the Cold War.

Free parking is available for attendees who register their vehicles in advance using the event link through ParkUToledo. Registered guests may park in any A Permit parking area on this date. All vehicles must be parked with their license plate facing the drive aisle.

Metered parking is also available in Area 12 within marked spaces facing the Center for Performing Arts. Metered rates can be found at the payment kiosk.

March 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the McQuade Law Auditorium. Lunch will be provided at the free, public lecture.

Astrophysicist to discuss exoplanets in UToledo lecture

Are we alone in the universe?

A Harvard astrophysicist will explore the question during a free, public lecture on the mysterious planets that orbit stars outside our galaxy. Dr. David Charbonneau will present “The Terrestrial Worlds of Other Stars,” continuing the Excellence in Astronomy series at the University of Toledo.

Dr. David Charbonneau

Charbonneau is the Fred Kavli professor of astrophysics at Harvard University, where he develops novel methods and instruments to detect and study exoplanets, which are planets that orbit stars other than our sun. He studies how stars affect the atmospheres of the planets that orbit them, with a particular interest in the rocky worlds that are similar in temperature and composition to Earth.

In “Terrestrial Worlds of Other Stars,” Charbonneau will discuss how the James Webb Space Telescope is offering astronomers valuable insights into exoplanet conditions and predict that rapidly advancing technology will soon be able definitively answer the grand question of whether we are alone in the universe.

March 13 at 7:15 p.m. in UToledo Wolfe Hall's Room 1205. Visitor parking is free in Areas 12 and 12S from 6-9:30 p.m.

Toledo Public Schools host Toledo Memorabilia Show

TPS is hosting its final event for its Local History Lecture Series, as six major Northwest Ohio memorabilia collectors will bring their best items to showcase the history of the Toledo area. The show will include Mark Snyder’s vast collection of Toledo candy tins, Libbey Glass memorabilia, and some rare local history books will also be on display.

The event is free and open to the public. Tiedtke’s Coffee Shop will also have coffee for sale. Use the entrance off Arlington Avenue and enter through the doors on that side of the building next to the school cafeteria.

March 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Bowsher High School, Toledo

Women of Toledo presents 2025 Women’s History Month

TOLEDO – Women’s History Month is an annual observance that highlights women’s
contributions to history and celebrates their social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

“Women are the real architects of society,” said author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Women of Toledo seeks to honor the lives and legacies of all women, past and present, and their contributions to the making of history.

This year’s Women’s History Month experiences include:

March 12 – NWO Business Mentoring Coffee Connections highlighting woman-owned
business, Sonia Organics
March 19 – HeforShe Connectors highlighting woman-owned business, Quench & Tempered

March 20 – HerHub Networking Luncheon, Toledo Botanical Garden
March 7 to 20 – Women’s History Month Glass Ceilings: Breaking Barriers, Building
Future, A Seat at the Table Exhibition Chair Auction, TSA Porter Gallery

March 20 – Glass Ceilings Chairs Auction, TSA Porter Gallery
March 23 – Brunch So Hard, TolHouse

To learn more about the Women’s History Month, visit Women of Toledo.

TMA celebrates National Women’s History Month

Call for artists for Fourth Annual Disabled Women Make History (and Art) Show: This year’s art show will be held on May 17 at the TMA Glass Pavilion. Accepting submissions of art until March 17.

Admission and parking to TMA are always free, welcoming everyone to explore its galleries.

The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday, and select holidays. TMA is located at 2445 Monroe St. 

For more information, call 419-255-8000 or visit toledomuseum.org.

**Jupmode’s Here for Good program returns for 6th year**

TOLEDO – Jūpmode, a locally owned screen-printing, embroidery and retail business, is proud to bring back its Here for Good Program for the sixth consecutive year, continuing its mission to uplift local businesses, artists and nonprofits through custom apparel sales.

This year’s program includes 350+ participants, spanning a diverse range of local businesses and organizations, from coffee shops and gyms to independent artists and nonprofits. Notable participants include Bittersweet Farms, Nature’s Nursery, Black Swamp Conservancy, Good Grief of NWO, Toledo Humane Society, Schmucker’s Restaurant and many more.

The online-only sale runs until March 23 at midnight EST. Shoppers can browse and purchase designs HERE. Partial profits go the organization selected.

Creativity comes alive at TPS Fine Arts Festivals

Enjoy the creativity of Toledo Public Schools, as students put their artistic and musical talents on display during the upcoming Fine Arts Festival series.

The TPS Fine Arts Festival events are free and open to the public:

Thursday, March 13 from 5-8 p.m. Waite High School
Saturday, March 15 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon Bowsher High School
Wednesday, March 19 from 5-7 p.m. Jones Leadership Academy of Business

Wednesday, March 19 from 6-8 p.m. Start High School
Thursday, March 20 from 5-8 p.m. Woodward High School
Friday, March 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Rogers High School

TLC Community Credit Union hosts fraud awareness seminars

TLC Community Credit Union is holding a series of Fraud Awareness Seminars designed to educate and protect community members from financial scams and fraudulent activities. These free events will provide valuable insights into recognizing and preventing fraud, equipping attendees with the knowledge to safeguard their personal and financial information.

Community members interested in attending can register at www.tlccu.org/seminar.
Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged. The Fraud Awareness Seminars will be held at various locations throughout the
community on the following dates:

Dundee Senior Center
Monday, March 10 | 1-3 p.m.
284 W Monroe Street, Dundee, MI
Adrian Library
Wednesday, March 12 | 6-7:30 p.m.
143 E Maumee Street, Adrian, MI

Tecumseh Senior Center
Thursday, April 3 | 1-3 p.m.
703 E Chicago Boulevard, Tecumseh, MI
Adrian Senior Center
Wednesday, April 16 | 9-10:30 a.m.
327 Erie Street, Adrian, MI

Judy Collins plays at The Stranahan

Singer/songwriter, activist, author, poet and icon Judy Collins is celebrating her 85^th birthday this year on tour nationwide. Tickets can be purchased here.

Wednesday, March 12: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at The Stranahan Theatre, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.

Native American culture celebrated through conversation, cuisine

TOLEDO – Sign up for an afternoon luncheon and forum to celebrate Native American culture through a unique blend of storytelling, history and cuisine, sponsored by the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center and The Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance.

This event will offer an opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue while partaking in a curated menu inspired by Native American traditions. This collaborative gathering is designed to honor and preserve Native American heritage, giving voice to Indigenous communities while fostering cultural understanding and unity within the local community.

Saturday, March 15 from 2- 4 p.m. at 1225 Broadway St., Toledo | For ticket information, go here.

Residents urged to to sign up for severe weather alerts

TOLEDO – Lucas County commissioners and the Lucas County’s Emergency Management Agency are encouraging the public to make preparations for spring weather and to sign up for the Lucas County Alert system ahead of Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from March 16-22 throughout the state of Ohio, and a statewide tornado drill will occur on March 19 at 9:50 a.m. Lucas County will go live with a new alert system through provider Everbridge. This new system will send timely, geotargeted alerts and can be personalized to fit your individual needs, including allowing users to register up to five phone numbers, five email addresses, and five physical locations.

Alerts will be sent based on your registered locations, ensuring you receive only the most relevant information, whether it’s about severe weather, local emergencies, or community updates.

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, Lucas County residents are encouraged to prepare their homes, businesses and organizations for the upcoming months of potential severe weather and associated conditions such as flooding, wind events, hail, tornadoes, lightning and power outages.

Text alerts will come from 89361 or 89362, and email alerts will come from noreply@everbridge.net. Lucas County officials encourage everyone to save that information in their contacts under Lucas County Alerts.

WAKT 106.1 FM presents the Toledo Music Jam

TOLEDO – WAKT 106.1 FM, your local community radio station, is presenting
the Toledo Music Jam at the Collingwood Arts Center. The show will showcase local talent while supporting WAKT’s mission to amplify diverse voices and connect community.

Carmen Miller, Jennifer Westwood, Streetlight Curfew, Stone Productions and Open Door Policy will deliver an unforgettable day of music.

WAKT is owned and operated by the nonprofit Toledo Integrated Media Education
(TIME), which recently helped bring back the Toledo Free Press. In addition to music,
WAKT broadcasts locally produced talk shows, is an affiliate of the Pacifica Network,
and serves as the Toledo home of “Democracy Now!”

“We want WAKT to be known for its support of the local music scene in Toledo,” said
Nathan Staples, WAKT development director. “The Toledo Music Jam is just the
beginning. We hope to sponsor more live, local performances that support local artists,
the station, and the community.”

March 16: Hours are from 2-6 p.m. For tickets and information, visit Toledo Radio.

Cheap and Chic Event to Benefit The Victory Center

Who doesn’t love to shop and now you can shop till you drop at the Cheap and Chic Shoppers Event held at the Lamson’s Building 600 Jefferson Avenue in Toledo.

Local boutiques including Ragazza, Sophia Lustig, Vivian Kate, The Little Being, Meig, Hip to the Groove, Madison Paul, I.M. Jaffe Jeweler and Pura Cashmere will be on hand selling their chic designs for “cheap money” all in support of the Victory Center.

Prepare to see designer looks at bargain prices in this once-a-year extravaganza from local boutiques who urge people to shop local. “Where else can you see the best stores in NW Ohio under one roof” states Pat Nowak.

March 22: Shopping hours are 9 a.m. -3 p.m..  Admittance is $5 and proceeds benefit the Victory Center. Lamson’s Building at 600 Jefferson Ave., Toledo

Order tree seedlings and more through Lucas SWCD sale

LUCAS COUNTY – The Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District (Lucas SWCD) is accepting orders for the Annual Tree, Shrub, and Garden Sale now through March 28. There are two ways to place an order: online through our website at Lswcd-tree.square.site (credit card only) or stop by the office during business hours to fill out an order form and make the payment (cash, check or credit card accepted at the office).

This year’s sale offers several hardwood species in 3-gallon pots including Northern Catalpa, Serviceberry, Black Gum, and Eastern Redbud. Also offered are bare root seedling packs of flowering shrubs like Gray Dogwood and Ninebark and three varieties of conifers or evergreens.

If you are interested in getting more than one species in a pack, you can order a Variety Habitat Packet or the Native Prairie Seed Packets, which contain seeds from flowers
and grasses collected locally from the Oak Openings Region. New this year is the Apple Tree Bundle, featuring two fan-favorite varieties to grow your own apples!

TARTA Adds Lourdes To Muddy Shuttle Lineup for 2025

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority’s Muddy Shuttle will connect baseball
fans with Toledo’s team again in 2025.

TARTA’s Muddy Shuttle will bring Mud Hens fans directly to the game from five area
park-and-ride locations for 17 games this season, including Opening Day on Friday,
March 28 against the Columbus Clippers. In addition to the new stop at Lourdes, $3
round-trip rides to and from the game will be available by parking at:
 Miracle Mile Shopping Center, 1727 West Laskey Road
 Maumee, Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key Street
 Waterville, Kroger, 8730 Waterville Swanton Road
 Oregon, Starr Elementary School, 3230 Starr Avenue

The Shuttle will run on Opening Day and for every Friday and Saturday home game
after Memorial Day. It will take off from park-and-ride locations one hour before first
pitch and will depart Fifth Third Field 20 minutes after the game or postgame
fireworks.

March 28: Mud Hens Opening Day | Game starts at 4:05 p.m.

ProMedica offers community events in March

The ProMedica Stroke Support Group will be meeting and discussing finding appropriate footwear with Dave’s Running. The support group will take place at the ProMedica Flower Hospital Conference Center (5200 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, OH 43560) beginning at 4:30 p.m. Stroke survivors, caregivers and supporters are all encouraged to attend. No registration is required.

March 27: 4:30 p.m. (Stroke Support Group)

BGSU Falcons unveil secret identities

By

Chas McNeil

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March 8, 2025

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KBP_6930 copy — Unveiled Falcon birds celebrate their outing: From left - Kyle Negin: Danielle Cain; Will McLean; Lilah Nye; Cam Drake; and Hannah Super. (TFP Photo/Kyle Brown)

BOWLING GREEN – When you think about Bowling Green State University, your mind might wander to school colors or the fight song, but for sports fans it’s undoubtedly the falcon.

When it comes to bringing the bird of prey to life, nobody does it better than students in the mascot costumes of Freddie and Frieda Falcon.

Near the end of every basketball season, the masked birds get the spotlight they deserve. One of those birds is Danielle Cain, unveiled to Falcon fans after BGSU’s home rivalry game against Toledo on Feb. 22.

Danielle Cain is unveiled to fans, family and friends. (TFP Photo/Kyle Brown)

“Once I was at the game, I was very anxious watching the clock. The timer was going down very fast for some reason. Even when I got to interact with the crowd, it felt like I was only out there for five minutes before I had to go back and get ready for my reveal,” Cain recalled that day.

Cain, a senior majoring in criminal justice, was joined at the Battle of I-75 game by five other students who had to hide their “secret identity” from family, friends and the public for a year: Cam Drake; Will McLean; Kyle Negin; Lilah Nye; and Hannah Super.

“I’d say the closest I’ve been to being caught was there was a period where I had a lot of events in a row and I missed some scholarship things,” junior Hannah Super admitted. “So a lot of people were looking for me and questioning where I was and if I was actually where I said I was.”

Hannah Super is a junior pursuing a degree in communication with a minor in leadership and a member of the 2022 Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy cohort.

The stress these students experience by having a double life is not lost on director of spirit Tyler Bill, Bowling Green’s coordinator of Spirit Programs.

The tradition has long been a part of BGSU history, beginning in 1950 when Freddie Falcon debuted during a home basketball game against Ohio University. Frieda first joined Freddie in 1966 as Mrs. Freddie Falcon and was then reintroduced in 1980 as Freddie’s little sister and sidekick.

This year marks a milestone as Freddie Falcon turns 75 years old. The university is celebrating with a birthday bash during Homecoming in September.

“We have a bunch of events planned, essentially leading up to reveal, that get them connected with alums and get them to be able to tell their stories and get their jitters out before reveal,” Bill explained.

Despite it not being the first time Bill has walked a “flock” of Freddies and Friedas through an event like this, Bill said that the enjoyment of seeing the student’s hard work pay off never gets old.

Lilah Nye is a senior studying adolescent to young adult integrated math education from Wadsworth, Ohio, near Akron. Nye is a student teacher for seventh-grade math at Donnell Middle School in Findlay. She’s also a campus tour guide and Honors College ambassador. (TFP Photo/Kyle Brown)

Cam Drake is a senior studying middle childhood education and is currently student teaching in fifth grade at Otsego Elementary School in Tontogany, Ohio, near Bowling Green. (TFP Photo/Kyle Brown)

“I feel like a very proud parent; it’s really crazy to think of where they start and where they end up. Throughout the year, it’s never been about them, it’s been about giving back,” Bill said. “It’s really nice for them to get their flowers and be applauded for all that they do; this crew has already done 900 hours in suits in over 300 events, which is tremendous.”

With the sheer time commitment being massive for a single year, it should come as no surprise that the concept of being Freddie and Frieda sticks in the identities of the students for the rest of their lives.

Many Frieda and Freddie alumni attended the Feb. 22 game to show their love and support to the current mascots, including Bailee Phillips, who was Frieda Falcon from 2017-2018.

“This is my first year being back at reveal since 2020. It’s really cool seeing a lot of my friends that I haven’t seen in a long time. The birds actually came to my wedding. One of my bridesmaids was Frieda, so honestly, BG is a huge part of me,” Phillips said.

Kyle Negin is a senior pursuing a degree in marketing and business analytics. He is a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and serves on the executive boards of the Inter-fraternity Council and Bikes 4 Tikes. (TFP Photo/Kyle Brown)

Throughout the event, it was clear that the falcons not only represented BGSU, but also a community with a shared experience and singular goal – to make people smile and cheer.

“Being able to see that one person that may not seem too happy or too in the mood and make them smile…any change that you can do to give them a positive experience leaves a special place in your heart,” said Freddie Kyle Negin said.

The application to be Freddie and Frieda for the next season is now closed – applications ended on Feb. 26 at midnight. But that means that the next Freddie or Frieda could be anyone, even a close friend.

The birds will be on the court a few more times during the MAC Tournament at Rocket Arena in Cleveland: 
- Women: No. 6 BGSU will play against No. 3 Buffalo in the quarterfinals on March 12 (Game 4).
- Men: #8 seed BGSU will take on No. 1 Akron in the quarterfinals on March 13 at 11 a.m. (Game 1)

Will McLean is a senior studying finance and business analytics. He is a member of Alpha Tau Omega and serves on the Inter-fraternity council executive board. (TFP Photo/Kyle Brown)

Don Lee: Car parts in the USA

By

Don Lee

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March 7, 2025

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Wayman D. Palmer YMCA boosts Warren-Sherman neighborhood

By

Stephen Zenner

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March 7, 2025

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Wayman D. Palmer Opening 20250305 8268 — People play basketball on the new courts during opening day at the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA in the Warren-Sherman neighborhood. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – Residents of the Warren Sherman neighborhood and the City of Toledo celebrated opening day at the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA on Wednesday.

A full parking lot was a positive sign as people circled the lot looking for spaces to park for the highly anticipated grand opening.

“I think we broke records for any of our grand openings,” exclaimed Melinda Hunt, membership director for the new YMCA. Hunt, who has worked with the YMCA for more than two decades, said she’d never seen such a response to a new YMCA building at 200 E. Bancroft St.

“We sold 50 memberships today. The turnout was huge!” she said.

Melinda Hunt, membership director for the new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

Len Hicks plays pool during opening day. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

The YMCA of Greater Toledo is also celebrating 160 years of service in Toledo.

Len Hicks, of north Toledo, described the state-of-the-art facility as “roomy. It looks comfy. It looks friendly,” he said as he knocked the pool balls around in the lobby.

The shine on the floors and clean white walls were a welcome sight to the hundreds of community members who walked through the Y’s front doors.

“I take it that this Y is going to be very successful,” Hunt said.

When asked why the community responded so strongly to this central Toledo YMCA, Hunt responded that “we’ve never had anything like this in this area.”

The previous Wayman D. Palmer YMCA, just a few yards from the new one, was not a full service facility and lacked many amenities, most noticeably a swimming pool.

Back in fall of 2023, during the groundbreaking for the new building, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said during the planning for this community project that he was not interested in cutting any corners for the Warren-Sherman neighborhood facility.

$28.7 million later, the pool, the one part of the building still not completely finished, was the main sticking point Kapszukiewicz said he fought for, and that the community seemed to be most excited for.

Orlondo Cotter. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

“I love the fact they have a pool put in there because we never had one,” said Dymon Carter, of north Toledo, as she watched her sister’s kids in the Kids Zone, one of the most dramatic updates in the new facility.

Comparing to the old building to the new one, Orlondo Cotter, the Kids Zone family coordinator, said the new facility was “lightyears” ahead of the older version.

“You know, when you have a 50-year-old building, you have 50-year old-problems,” she said. “We had leaks. We had that ‘old building smell,’ all the lovely old things that you get with an old building.”

“But also, we didn’t have a play structure. We didn’t have new computers,” she added.

Upon entering the new facility, guests and members will see a cardio and strength building area straight ahead; to the left is a family locker-room with custom code lockers and personal changing rooms leading to the pool, which is set to open in May.

When visitors turn right upon entering the building, they will enter the NAACP-specified basketball courts, the new Kids Zone (daycare), complete with a slide indoor playground, and a computer lab setup for gaming and for help with school and activity rooms for exercise classes.

“So, I’m a little emotional, because if you’ve seen what our facility looked like over there versus now … this is amazing,” said Lydia Falls, the membership experience wellness director for the new YMCA.

Rahsan Wilson, director of programming for the Wayman D. Palmer YMCA, plays games in the computer lab with kids during opening day. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

Lydia Falls, membership experience wellness director. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

“Being in the facility [that is] clean, being able to have a swimming pool, you know, for the community,” was noticeably meaningful to Falls on a personal, meaningful and emotional level.

“The building was leaking. It was falling apart,” she said as she described the old Wayman D. Palmer. “Our heating system was crazy, because one minute it will heat the room, and next minute it had, like, the air conditioning on. This is so much better.”

The Wayman D. Palmer YMCA will also replace the Summit Street YMCA in downtown.

March 14 will be the last day for the Summit Street YMCA. The equipment from the Summit Street facility will be moved to the new facility, which will host a Head Start Program and a food pantry, “…so we will be feeding the homeless,” said Falls. “We also have a washer and dryer so people can come and wash their clothes.

“I like the fact that we have this here because we are trying to customize for the community,” she said. “This Y is unique.”

This Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., the YMCA will host a welcome event with Live Remote with The Juice, membership give-a-ways, free swag, group exercise demos, Cherry Street Second Helping food truck and tours available all-day.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Saturday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sunday from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Iulian Berindean, 3, from front, plays in the kid zone with Daniel Carter, 3, and Navaeh Carter, 2, during opening day. (TFP Photos/Stephen Zenner)

Iulian Berindean, 3, plays in the kid zone.

Daniel Carter, 3, and Navaeh Carter, 2, play in the kid zone.

Jerry King: Casual Fire Day

By

Jerry King

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March 6, 2025

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Stu’s House brings artists together

By

Mary Helen Delisle

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March 6, 2025

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PXL_20250203_205150969 copy — Artists Luke Stoeckley, (from left) KP Pace, Lee Harms and Tayler Meinen hang out at one of their collaborative spaces in Stu’s House. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)

TOLEDO – In a tucked-away downtown warehouse space above the Blarney Irish Pub, four artists have joined forces to create a studio that fosters collaboration and creativity.

The studio, now known as Stu’s House, began in August after artist Tayler Meinen got permission from the owners of the Blarney, where she works, to use the space for her artistry.

Luke Stoeckley got to know Lee Harms and KP Pace, the other members of Stu’s House, through the B Team Bike Club, and knew they were looking for studio space to work on their art.

Tayler Meinen (from left), Luke Stoeckley, Lee Harms and KP Pace made their first social media post for Stu’s House on this couch. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)

Meinen said she had previously worked with Luke, who was a part of the mural they both worked on at St. Paul’s United Methodist on Madison [Ave].

“We brainstormed a few months ahead of time before we started painting. We collaborated, and we just worked really well together. I knew I wanted someone I worked well with, and he was the first one that came to my brain,” she said.

Stu’s House is currently a studio, but they have plans to add a gallery.

The four artists work both individually and collaboratively to produce art, and they have big plans for the future of Stu’s House.

“We are hoping to open our gallery on March 22. We are going to call it Stu’s Housewarming, and have works from all four of us, all of the resident artists,” Meinen said.

In addition to art galleries, Meinen said Stu’s House is hoping to host other events in their gallery space, such as yoga classes and local art shows. The resident artists work with a variety of mediums, including textiles, glass, spray paint, pastels, acrylics and more.

“All four of us haven’t made one piece together, but Lee and I share the space and materials,” Pace said.

“I also know we have plans to collab on a piece or two for our studio opening, all four of us, so we are excited to see what that turns out to be like,” added Meinen.

While they work collaboratively, they agreed it is not necessarily because they are working on the same project.

“The whole space here is a collab in general. The studio, I think we really — on purpose — didn’t want to wall ourselves off from each other, and so the openness of it all kind of gives space for collaboration to happen anytime any of us are here,” said Pace.

The four agreed the space helps foster their sense of creativity because of the nature of the studio.

“You’re not going to get ideas working at home yourself; you might work better that way, but no matter what, you’re still going to have a more closed-minded vision than when you’re working on stuff in front of people,” said Stoeckley.

One of the group’s shared goals is an emphasis on sustainability. The artists often thrift the cloth materials used in their projects and have connected over biking as a way to promote environmentally conscious practices.

“It’s kind of been my vision for a while to support people stepping away from car-centralized thinking to cycling and alternate forms of transportation,” said Harms, who works for Toledo Bikes.

As Stu’s House continues to work on projects and become more established in the community, they hope to host events and spread the word about their work.

“I think we have some really big things ahead of us. Once we get this opening going, there’s going to be a lot of events and everything going on, and I just really want to have the whole community involved. I want to open it up to anybody and everybody that wants to have a space to do something,” Meinen said.