Home Blog Page 8

Huron Yards: Downtown’s outdoor last call

By
Stephen Zenner
-
0
Huron Yards in downtown Toledo on Wednesday, Aug. 5. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – Sunshine welcomed the ribbon cutting for Huron Yards, 27 N. Huron St., on Wednesday morning.

A small group gathered at what used to be a parking lot and loading dock, across from the Mud Hens’ Fifth Third Field, as business and political leaders held a short ceremonial session to mark the completion of the finished gathering area.

“Where we’re standing used to be lined up with diesel trucks, fencing…we were blocked off from access from the alleyway,” said Matt Rubin, a principal for Crane Development Ltd., who were the main force behind the rebuild of the area.  

“To be able to transform this space into a place where people are going to come gather…we are just absolutely ecstatic,” he said, and emphasized the space as a “family-friendly” alternative to bars. 

Kylie Crouse, a baby sitter, plays with Frank, 4, after the ribbon cutting for Huron Yards. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Huron Yards is the first downtown Toledo beer garden, and is outfitted with games, picnic benches, a pergola, food trucks and some kid friendly seating and activities. 

“It’s a flexible community-based gathering space. It’s designed to bring residents, workers, and most importantly, families together,” said Julia Randles, another principal who worked on this project for Crane Development. “The Yard transforms what was once an underutilized corridor into a vibrant destination where people can connect, eat, drink, and enjoy the energy of downtown Toledo.”

“We invite and encourage the entire Toledo community to visit the yard and experience the yard on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.”

Julia Randles, a principal for Crane Development Ltd., described Huron Yards as a “vibrant destination where people can connect, eat, drink, and enjoy the energy of downtown Toledo.” (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

The space has hosted a few select events, has been open since the beginning of the 2026 summer, but now with T’s crossed is ready for its grand opening, this Friday, in the middle of Jeep Fest. 

People and entities named with the project included Edge Design Group, Klumm Bros., contractors employed by Crane Development, the City of Toledo, Karen Poore, the development navigator with the Lucas County Department of Economic Development and Mike Stancati, a local restaurateur who is in charge of operating Huron Yards. 

Wade Kapszukiewicz, the mayor of Toledo, watches a putt he made right before the ribbon cutting. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

“I guess those late night dancing sessions at mayoral conferences paid off after all,” said Wade Kapszukiewicz, the mayor of Toledo, as he spoke from the podium about securing the liquor license for the beer garden through Lydia Mihalik, the director of the Ohio Department of Development.

According to Kapszukiewicz, Mihalik was a dancing partner with him during a networking event, and he was able to call her to cut through some red tape around Huron Yards’s liquor license. 

Afterwards the mayor talked about the space. “This wasn’t just a parking lot, this was a gravel pit, basically, and now it is just a wonderful place where you can miss putts for five or 10 minutes while cameras are snapping you doing it,” he said referring to the two putts he missed prior to the ceremony. 

Kapszukiewicz brought attention to downtown as the fastest growing neighborhood in Toledo, and talked about how the space would enhance the neighborhood aspect of downtown. 

Come September, Stancati, who also operates Hannon’s Block Restaurant, said the former venue known as The Alleyway, 28 N Erie St., would open as a sports bar called The Station, and would coordinate with Huron Yards, a few yards away. 

Technically, since The Station and Huron Yards are operated by the same owner, Stancati said drinks brought between the two areas wouldn’t require Toledo’s Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) cups, but he said, “for cautionary purposes, we are encouraging the DORA cups throughout [The Station patio and Huron Yards].”

“We’re just excited that we have a space here that can be community driven, can support other businesses like the food trucks and just a fun space for people to hang out,” Stancati said of Huron Yards. 

Olive, 6, and Frank, 4, play in Huron Yards. Matt Rubin of Crane Development Ltd. described the space as a “family-friendly” alternative to bars. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Jeff Lonsbrough, the vice president of membership for the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, was on hand with the traditional giant scissors for the ribbon cutting, and said a few words as a frequenter of downtown for a decade and a half. 

“I was just saying, ‘What’s going to come first? The storefronts…or the people?’” he said. “It’d be great if they could both come at the same time, because that’s what they both need.”

(Left to right) Jeff Lonsbrough, the vice president of membership for the Toledo Chamber of Commerce; Matt Rubin, a principal for Crane Development Ltd.; Julia Randles, a principal for Crane Development Ltd.; Wade Kapszukiewicz, the mayor of Toledo; Mike Stancati, local restauranteur and operator of Huron Yards; Frank, 4; Olive, 6; and Ida, 8, pose during the ribbon cutting. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

A Walk in the Park with Runners

By
Erin Holden
-
0

Having long given up the idea of being a runner, Erin Holden revisits the idea with local running coaches Bob Masters and Joan Mathews, both of whom share some tips on how to get started.

This is the fifth episode of A Walk in the Park with, a WGTE Public Media and Metroparks Toledo collaboration hosted and produced by Erin. Join her as she explores everyday life in Toledo’s Metroparks. In each episode, Erin interviews different park visitors – runners, teachers, artists, parents and more – revealing the many ways people connect with nature. You’ll hear personal stories about people’s relationships with our parks and the activities they cherish. Erin also documents her journey along the way, reflecting on the insights she gains from each experience.

Create Community Peace Fest brings people together

By
Karen Gerhardinger
-
0
Among those hosting the event are back row (from left) Brody Schriefer, Halina Schriefer, Paul Narus and Carol Sarkan and, front row, Linzi Jenkins and Kelsey Burke. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WHITEHOUSE – Every day since opening in 2020, Ordinary Pioneer Spiritual Healing Community has focused on its mission to create a harmonious world of love and unity, by providing a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can thrive physically, mentally and socially.

For some, that means taking a class on meditation, yoga, Reiki, qigong or tarot. For others, the Whitehouse-based community provides a comforting space to relax and connect with community members.

The name Ordinary Pioneer comes from the idea that it doesn’t take superhuman qualities to make an impact in a world that seems a little wild and scary at times. 

“It’s ordinary acts of kindness that are creating a great impact in the world,” said Halina Schriefer, co-founder of the nonprofit.

Ordinary Pioneer is hosting a Create Community Peace Festival on Saturday, August 8 from 2:00 to 8:30 p.m. at 6901 Providence St. in Whitehouse. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

In 2022, Schriefer hosted the first Create Community Festival – a one-day event that merges creativity, spirituality and community through art, music, food and family-friendly activities. 

This year has an additional focus: peace.

“The world has changed a little since 2022. Peace seems to be what people are seeking – and hope. So we added the word ‘peace.’ Our mission at Ordinary Pioneer is to bring people together with one intention of creating peace through unity,” she said.

The Create Community Peace Fest will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 from 2 to 8:30 p.m. at 6901 Providence St. in Whitehouse. New this year is more live music, an ongoing meditation space with crystal sound bowls, and an outdoor cooling tent with misters and water play for all ages. From 1:30 to 5 p.m., massage, Reiki and tarot sessions will be offered by Ordinary Pioneer healing facilitators. 

From 2 to 5 p.m., vendors will be set up and craft activities offered, along with peace demonstrations, including:

Joe Sparks, poetry at 2:15 p.m.

Dr. Guldal, “Walk Sacred” at 2:45 p.m.

Kerry Patrick Clark, musician, at 3:30 p.m.

Jon Schoonmaker, musician, at 4:15 p.m.

Halina Schriefer, “Breathe Love” at 5 p.m.

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy a community meal and live music from Humble Cannon.

At 6:30 p.m., Sound Voyage will lead a drum circle – inviting guests to use buckets and sticks or drums to join in.

A closing ceremony will be held at 8:15 p.m.

Musician Kerry Patrick Clark will perform at 3:30 p.m. during the August 8 festival. (Courtesy photo)
Dr. Guldal, a spiritual leader and medicine woman, will present “Walk Sacred” at 2:45 p.m. during the Create Community Peace Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Whitehouse. (Courtesy photo)

The festival is free and open to everyone. Since Ordinary Pioneer is involved with the Center for Conscious Living, the Multifaith Council of Northwest Ohio and Unity of Toledo, Schriefer anticipates many members of those communities will attend. 

“It’s not just one group putting on this day, but multiple communities coming together. Which is kind of the whole point. I think we will see it taking on a tone of a music festival with spiritual and wellness communities,” Schriefer said. But, she added, it attracts many local people as well, including the group of teenagers that happened to be walking to the park last year when they saw the festival and decided to stay.

Volunteers and healing facilitators who collaborated on the 2025 festival gathered on the lawn. (Courtesy photo)

Over the years, Ordinary Pioneer Co-Founder Paul Narus has seen the gathering take on a more “festivaly” feel, with people just hanging out, listening to live music, talking to vendors and enjoying an atmosphere that is open and accepting of everyone.

Wearing a “Welcoming Weirdos” t-shirt, Schriefer smiles as she speaks about the people who have become part of the Ordinary Pioneer community.

“We had a man come in and tell us that he had a lot of social anxiety, and he was terrified to be around people. He said no one accepted him – that he was the black sheep in the family,” she recalled. “I said, ‘You’re in the right place; we welcome weirdos here.’ People are not always accepted in their families or communities. We welcome them all with open arms. People are here because they can relax here.”

Both have seen a transformation in many of the community members, who pop in for a class, a chat or just to be. 

“People come in here with multiple intentions and problems. We provide space to solve them. We don’t really give them direction, just opportunity,” Narus said.

“We direct them back to their most authentic selves,” Schriefer added. “We have a lot of people that demonstrate individuality. For me, that’s inspiring. For individuals who are quirky and express themselves out of the norm, it takes the edge off and lets others know that it’s okay to be themselves.”

The Ordinary Pioneer space allows people to relax and share the burdens they’ve been holding onto, she said. 

“Everybody is going through something. No one is more advanced or has it more figured out than another person. We come together and share,” she said.

The Ordinary Pioneer community members work together, sharing their gifts for the benefit of all. It could be tending the garden, cleaning, bringing food, mowing the lawn or donating monetarily, Narus said.

“We rely on each other for the health of the community,” he said.

Most of the classes and services operate on the gift economy, which means donating what feels right, rather than having a set price, Schriefer said.

“Where one person isn’t able to give or can just give a few dollars, someone else is able to give more,” she said.

A raffle during the Create Community Peace Fest will raise funds for a Gifts of Healing Program, which supports those with little or no income who are in need of healing services. Narus and Schriefer are also up to an ice bucket challenge: the jar with the most money in it by the end of the event will determine which one gets to endure having ice poured on their head.

For more information about the event or services, visit ordinarypioneer.com.

Whitehouse answers questions on library plans

By
Karen Gerhardinger
-
0
The northwest corner of the S.R. 64 and Finzel Road roundabout is being considered for sale by the village of Whitehouse to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for a Whitehouse Branch. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WHITEHOUSE – The Village of Whitehouse’s plans to sell the six-acre property on the northwest corner of the Finzel Road roundabout to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for a new Whitehouse Branch took many residents by surprise, including Rebecca Rude.

“It was like a punch in the gut,” Rude told village council during its Aug. 5 meeting.

Rude, like many residents, thought the new Whitehouse Branch would be located in Blue Creek Metropark. But changes in funding at the state level impacted that decision, explained Library Public Information Officer Stephanie Elton, who also attended the meeting. So the Library and village began looking for a new location, with at least five acres, on which to build.

Rebecca Rude, at the podium, addresses Whitehouse Village Council members during the August 4 meeting. Also in attendance was Charlie Grass, left, from Artisan CraftBuilt Homes. Council members include Dave Riggenbach, Carrie Tuohy, Mayor Rich Bingham, Steve Fine, Joe Bublick and Larry Yunker. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

As council held a first reading on an ordinance that would allow administration to sell the property to the Library for $620,000, Mayor Rich Bingham asked for citizen comments. Both Rude and Jeff Heaney shared concerns about the location.

Rude, who moved to the area in 1978, complimented the village on the improvements she’s seen over the years: the revitalized downtown, beautiful flowers, limestone planters and the well-landscaped roundabout.

“Every time I drive through, I’m so proud of what Whitehouse has become,” she said.

 But with the village being a gateway to the Oak Openings Region, she believes the pollinator area at the roundabout should remain in place, to reflect the natural areas in the Metropark.

Pointing out the window to Blue Creek Metropark behind village hall, Rude said it’s the perfect spot for a library, with the trails and proximity to the quarry.

She recalled being in council chambers in March 2025 for a listening session with the Metroparks and Library representatives, sharing ideas for what was to become a combination library and conservation center. 

“We voted for that library to go there. It’s like a bait-and-switch. All these people voted for it,” she said.

Heaney echoed her sentiment, and asked what changed.

In 2024, voters approved a 1-mill bond to fund capital projects throughout the library system, including a new Whitehouse Branch. But in 2025, the Ohio state legislature cut the Public Library Fund, resulting in a $2 million cut in funds used for operational expenses. So TLCPL made several decisions, including closing a branch and reducing hours at several locations, including Waterville, Elton explained.

“These operational challenges have also affected the timing and direction of the Library’s capital plans. Originally slated to be built within Blue Creek Metropark, the Library made the difficult decision to pursue a different location for the Whitehouse Branch due to budget and timeline constraints. While the location has changed, the Library’s commitment to bringing a new branch to Whitehouse has not,” she said. “Our goal is to create a branch that reflects the community it serves and provides greater access to services for residents of Whitehouse and the surrounding areas.”

Listening sessions will be scheduled again to give the community an opportunity to provide input on the design and services for the branch, which will alleviate pressure on the Waterville Branch – which served 88,000 customers and circulated 287,000 items in 2025. The area has grown tremendously since the TLCPL first considered a branch in the village. In the time since, the independent Whitehouse Library was installed at Blue Creek Metropark and run by volunteers for over 20 years, demonstrating a need. Once the new branch is open, the Whitehouse Library will close.

“A new Whitehouse branch will help address that demand while expanding access to library services for a growing community,” Elton said. “Locating the branch within the village also means residents will have the opportunity to access their library by walking, biking and other forms of transportation, not just by car.”

The village has owned the 6-acre, commercially zoned property since purchasing the land for the roundabout, built in 2015, and has been actively looking for the right fit. Bingham noted that other possible users have approached the village about purchasing the property, including a hotel and gas station. While the Library plans to hold community listening sessions to inform the design and offerings at the branch, developers of a gas station or hotel would not do that, Bingham told Rude after the meeting.

Rude also wondered what would happen with the Whitehouse Library, which sits on land owned by the Metroparks, once the new branch opens. The Metroparks is open to working on improvements to Blue Creek, including more pollinator areas, Bingham said. 

Daugherty said he spoke with Library Executive Director Jason Kucsma earlier in the day about the opportunity to incorporate botanical features into the landscape of the new branch. And the Metroparks are advising the village as it works on its S.R. 64 corridor plans, which include bringing more botanical life and pollinator areas.

Council held a first reading on the ordinance authorizing Daugherty to sell the the property to the library. A second reading will be held on Sept. 1, and a third and final reading on Sept. 15.

Council member Joe Bublick expressed gratitude for the citizens who came to the meeting to share their concerns in person. After reading dozens of comments on the article posted on the Anthony Wayne Free Press Facebook page on Aug. 3, Bublick said he understands the frustration.

“Everyone on village council hears you and are committed to maintaining a balance between community growth without sacrificing what makes us special. Have faith,” he said. “I believe that economic development is something that can happen hand-in-hand with retaining the things that make Whitehouse unique, like our beautiful botanical areas.”

During the meeting, council also:

–Held a first reading on an ordinance to purchase 10125 Waterville St. for $200,000. 

-Held a first reading on two ordinances relating to Country Meadows South, a housing development that had a site plan approved by the Planning Commission. One ordinance would void the site plan, while another would substitute it with another plan. Developer Charlie Grass of Artisan CraftBuilt Homes was in the audience but did not comment.

-Held first readings on ordinances related to pay classifications and benefit steps, vacation accruals and comp time.

-Heard that Ice Cream with Mayor and Council will be held at Whitehouse Park on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with ice cream and an opportunity for conversation with village leaders.

-Learned that Village Council will not have a meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18. A Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11.

-Heard Bingham say that a resident contacted him about possibly putting a fence up in front of the recycling center to prevent trash from blowing in neighbors’ yards.

-Approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F550 4×4 Braun Select ambulance.

-Heard that new police officer Jon LeGrand took the oath of office. 

Mini-roundabout construction detours school traffic

By
Karen Gerhardinger
-
0
With construction of the roundabout delayed due to utility line delays in the roundabout just to the west at Albon and Monclova roads, work on the roundabout in front of Monclova Primary School is estimated to last until September 17. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Construction of a mini roundabout at Monclova and Waterville Monclova roads began on Monday, Aug. 3. And so did the illegal use of a gravel path designed for use by emergency vehicles only, Monclova Township Administrator Mike Hampton told trustees during their Aug. 3 meeting.

“I did make a call to the Lucas County Sheriff today, our good friend Lt. [Jon] Leach, and told him there is quite a bit of non-emergency traffic going through there, and to ticket them appropriately,” Hampton said. “They’re putting people’s lives at risk. They shouldn’t be going through there.”

With construction of the roundabout delayed due to utility line delays in the roundabout just to the west at Albon and Monclova roads, work on the roundabout in front of Monclova Primary School is estimated to last until Sept. 17. The school opens on Aug. 17.

Anthony Wayne Local Schools, the Lucas County Engineer and Monclova Township coordinated plans for emergency vehicle access through the intersection during construction. The north parking lot is closed to staff and parents, but a gravel drive was installed so that emergency vehicles – including police, fire and EMS, as well as a few buses – can get through. No other traffic is permitted through that drive or into the north lot.

Parents should utilize the south parking lot and entrance for drop-off and pickup of students. Additional law enforcement support will be on site to help maintain the safe and efficient passage of vehicles. A link to the detour was shared by the schools as well. 

Resident Ryan Bauman said some parents and staff may still believe they can use the gravel driveway as well, so Hampton said he would work with the district to reinforce that it is only for emergency vehicles.

Construction of the roundabout at Albon and Monclova was wrapped up and opened on July 31. Plans for a roundabout at Albon and U.S. 20A are now delayed until April 2027, because utilities will not be ready for nine weeks, which is too late in the season for paving. This is actually a relief, Hampton said, as the Ohio Department of Transportation will begin construction of a roundabout at U.S. 20A and Strayer beginning Aug. 17. Having two intersections on the same road closed concurrently would cause issues, he noted.

Roundabouts are shown to save lives and move traffic, Hampton said, adding that many of these intersections get clogged at peak times. Roundabouts will alleviate that congestion.

During the meeting, the board also:

-Listened to Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki detail the strategic plan that will guide decisions over the next five years. This is the first time for the county to implement a strategic plan, which included input from a consulting firm, residents, elected officials, employees, businesses, unions and community partners. The plan includes operational goals, advocacy areas, and mission, vision and values statements. The plan is posted at co.lucas.oh.us. 

-Approved $71,750 for a new monument sign with an LED display area to replace one that was removed for the Albon and Monclova road roundabout. The county paid the township $60,000 for that sign, leaving the balance to be paid by the township.

New Monclova monument sign.Download

-Heard that a Notre Dame Academy student is interested in shadowing members of the Public Works Department, and that Hampton is working through steps to get parental permission. Trustee Chuck Hoecherl suggested adding shadowing opportunities as a policy, as students may be interested in learning more from the fire department personnel as well.

-Heard that the fire department received the SCBA equipment and accessories that were purchased through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant (AFG). The 27 SCBA packs come with two breathing air cylinders and a facepiece. The grant covered additional facepieces so that everyone on the department gets issued their own facepiece, rechargeable battery packs for the SCBA units, and three battery chargers, Homik said. The award also included updates to our two Rapid Intervention Team Packs that are compatible with the new SCBA packs. The department conducted mask fit testing and in-service on each shift last week. The AFG award covered 95 percent, or $266,852.38 while the township covers 5 percent, or $13,342.62. 

Monclova Township Fire and Rescue team members show the new SCBA equipment and accessories paid for with a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant covering 95 percent of the cost. Pictured are (from left) Bill Schultz, Josh Stagner, Tracy Robertson, Carolyn Hinde-Grzechowiak, Mike Harris and Meagan Beaudry. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

-Discussed a request by Sylvania City Schools for the township’s old SCBA equipment, which would be used for training in a new career tech program in the district. Trustees agreed that supporting the program would be beneficial for the township as well, with opportunities to recruit graduates of the program. MTFD may also assist with instruction and offering a clinical site or field work, Homik said.

-Approved the purchase of a Stryker Power Pro 2 cot, batteries and charger for $39,811.98. In May, the board approved the purchase of a power load system to replace 14-year-old units, as well as the replacement of the 2012 medic unit. 

-Heard Hampton say that he is working with a consultant to create informational pieces about the pros and cons about limited home rule, which is on the November ballot. “We’re trying to be transparent about what limited home rule means,” he said.

-Listened to resident Risa Sindel ask what the township is doing to protect the township from bit coin operations, which can operate on as little as five acres but create havoc to those who live in the area because of noise and vibrations. 

-Learned that the staff is working with Design Entertainment to post audio from the meetings, for which minutes are generated by an AI program. 

-Heard that the zoning administrator, Eric Wagner, will share more about plans for improving its zoning resolution around data centers, as well as a text amendment about generators, during the Aug. 17 meeting. The township is working continuously to put new guidelines in place before the one-year moratorium on data centers expires at the end of the year, said Trustee Barbara Lang.

Oliver Hazard Day returns to Waterville Aug. 15

By
Karen Gerhardinger
-
0
Oliver Hazard will return to Waterville on Saturday, Aug. 15 to perform a 75-minute set, beginning at 9:15 p.m. (Courtesy photo)

WATERVILLE – Oliver Hazard is coming home, and the indie-folk band is bringing some friends.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, Michael Belazis, Devin East and Nate Miner will wrap up The Waterville Tour – named for the five-track EP released in April – with a performance in the 8th Annual Oliver Hazard Day, held in downtown Waterville from 4:30 to 11 p.m. The band will be joined by a lineup of artists they’ve met over years of touring in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

“We started Oliver Hazard Day as a way to bring the artists we’ve met on the road back to the town that raised us,” said Belazis. “Watching people travel from all over the world – and now from overseas – to experience Waterville together has been incredibly meaningful. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

The longevity of the festival has helped, as artists want to play festivals that have a great reputation, where they know fans will show up and the experience will be meaningful, Belazis said.

“Every year we’ve been able to build a little more trust, and now we’re fortunate that artists often already know about Oliver Hazard Day before we even reach out,” he said. “We love putting together a lineup that’s built around artists we’d genuinely listen to ourselves.”

Olive Klug is to to perform at 6 p.m. (Courtesy photo)

This year’s lineup includes Olive Klug, who toured with Oliver Hazard earlier this year and will take the stage at 6 p.m.

“They’re an incredible songwriter, and we’re excited to have them in Waterville,” Belazis said, noting that Olive has become a good friend. “We love watching audiences discover their songs.”

Briscoe, seen here performing at the Sagebrush in Austin, Texas, will take the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 for Oliver Hazard Day in downtown Waterville. (Courtesy photo)

The Austin-based band Briscoe, consisting of Truett Heintzelman and Philip Lupton, was named “one of country music’s best kept secrets” by Rolling Stone. Briscoe will perform at 7 p.m.. The duo has performed for Lollapalooza, Newport Folk Festival, Bonaroo, SXSW, Austin City Limits, and more. Their songs “Sparrows” and “When the Desert” were featured on the ESPN series TrueSouth.  

“Briscoe has been one of our favorite live bands over the past few years. Their harmonies and songwriting fit the spirit of the festival perfectly, and we think people who love Oliver Hazard are going to fall in love with their music too,” Belazis said.

TORS, from the United Kingdom, is Oliver Hazard Day’s first international act. The band takes the state at 8:00 p.m. (Courtesy photo)

At 8 p.m., the OHD fans will welcome TORS. Hailing from Devon, a southwest coastal county in England, TORS includes brothers Matt and Theo Weedon and friend Jack Bowden. An interesting aside: Matt and Theo’s grandfather, Bert Weedon, was a guitarist whose style of playing was influential in the 1950s and 1960s. Bert’s 1959 guitar tutorial, “Play In A Day,” influenced musicians including Eric Clapton, Brian May and Paul McCartney.

Having TORS joining the OHD lineup all the way from the UK feels really special, Belazis said.

“We’ve admired what they’re doing for a while, and it’s exciting to have an international on the lineup for the first time,” he said.

Kicking off the event at 4:30 p.m. is hometown DJ Jon Zenz, who will spin an all-vinyl soundtrack of soul, funk, roots, and classic grooves.

The OHD website, oliverhazardday.com includes a playlist featuring all four artists’ work.

“It’s an easy way for people to discover the lineup before they arrive,” Belazis said. “One of our favorite parts of Oliver Hazard Day is introducing people to artists they may not have heard before. Hopefully people come for one band they already love and leave with three or four new favorites.”

Oliver Hazard Day is returning to downtown Waterville on Saturday, August 15 from 4:30 to 11:00 p.m. Last year’s OHD filled the streets with all ages. (Courtesy photo)

Oliver Hazard has been on the road this summer and will continue performing through the end of the year, including stops on the East Coast, Canada, Denmark and the U.K.  Often the bandmates stop at local diners for a meal and strike up conversations with strangers.

“Most people have no idea we’re in a band, which is kind of the fun of it. We’ll end up talking to someone over breakfast or while waiting in line for coffee, and eventually they’ll ask what brought us to down,” Belazis said. “One of the best parts of touring is getting little glimpses into places through the people who actually live there. You end up with restaurant recommendations, local history and stories you’d never find online.”

Touring can be exhausting, he admits, but stepping onto a stage and spending an evening with a room full of people singing Oliver Hazard songs back at them makes it all worthwhile.

“Touring also gives us a lot to write about. You’re constantly seeing new places, meeting new people, and collecting little moments that eventually find their way into songs,” he said.

Through Spotify for Artists, Oliver Hazard can see city-by-city listening data, and sometimes they’ll notice, for example, that someone from Boise listened to the same song 35 times in one month. 

“We don’t know who it is, but it’s fun to imagine that one person carrying the flag for us in a city we’ve never been to,” Belazis said. 

These artist insights are part of a promotional campaign the band shares online, and a way to remind people that independent music grows one listener at a time, he added.

While many Oliver Hazard fans may never have been to Waterville, the band’s hometown has featured prominently, not only in The Waterville Tour but in several songs., beginning with the 2018 release of their first album, 34 N. Third  – named for the home where it was recorded. Coming back to Waterville is a little surreal, but never stops feeling special, Belazis said. 

“It’s grown into something that’s bigger than our audience. It really feels like a community event now, and we think that’s what makes the atmosphere so unique,” he said. “This festival only exists because our hometown has embraced it. This whole day belongs to the community. Whether you’ve followed the band for years or you’re just coming out for good music, local food and to see your neighbors, that’s exactly what Oliver Hazard Day is meant to be.”

This year’s food truck lineup includes Naan Stop Kebab, Los Pollo Loco, Guac Shop, Pepperoni Tony’s, Deet’s BBQ and Wandering Bean Coffee Co. Buffalo Rock Brewing Company will bring its annual OLI Session IPA, brewed especially for OHD.

Toledo mural artist Tayler Meinen will create a live mural installation, while other local artists will be on hand. Oliver Hazard Day continues its mission of giving back to the creative community by donating a portion of the proceeds to the Toledo Arts Commission to support arts programming and creative opportunities throughout northwest Ohio.

If you go, bring a lawn chair or blanket, as OHD is held on a street and seating is not provided. Tickets are available at the gate for $40 if they are not sold out. Advance tickets are available through DICE for the same price. Visit oliverhazardday.com for ticket information. Children 10 and under are admitted free with an adult.

Doctor’s vision changes lives: Support with a summer boogie

By
Stephen Zenner
-
0
Anne Ruch (far right), an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) from the Toledo area, seeks to meet the needs of a rural population in northern Guatemala with the nonprofit SewHope. (Courtesy photo)

TOLEDO – One Toledo doctor had a vision back in 1998, and since then, has worked towards developing it into a reality.

“So we rented a house and just started a little clinic, and then as it turned out, one of the medical students who came with us had been down there twice,” said Anne Ruch, an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) from the Toledo area, who was trying to meet the needs of a rural population in northern Guatemala. 

Dr. Ruch fondly remembers one of the trips she took to Guatemala with Shannon E. Wilson, who was a medical student at the time. “That’s where the SEW came from,” Ruch said, explaining that Wilson’s initials were where the name for the organization she helped start – “SewHope” – came from. 

Initially, Dr. Ruch went to Guatemala without a context, and wasn’t sure how to help the people of the Central American country. Upon returning to the U.S. she said, “I left just thinking, oh my gosh, I’m a doctor; I need to do something.”

Women attending a jornada, mobile health and wellness events that travel to more remote areas of Guatemala. (Courtesy photo)

Years of mission trips to Guatemala saw Dr. Ruch treating thousands of patients, and gradually getting closer to a full vision of care for rural Guatemalans. What she began to realize was that the short term help was not enough for people with chronic conditions.

“There’s so much cervical cancer in that country. It’s rampant among young people and it’s 100 percent preventable,” she said. Eventually, the busy doctor started flying quarterly down to Guatemala and training locals there. 

“We train people down there to do the pap smears and to get everything set up. So when I would go, I’d be able to do the treatments.”

Off-handedly, Randy Ruch, Dr. Ruch’s husband, asked if there was anything he could do to help the doctor’s mission. 

“And I’m like, ‘Yeah, find us some land.’ And I came back at the end of the day, and he goes, ‘I found it. I bought four acres,’” she recalled of the interaction. 

From there, Dr. Ruch raised money to build a permanent clinic, and would go on to build more needed infrastructure for the area. 

Unfortunately, Wilson died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism, and Dr. Ruch honored her by naming the nonprofit after Wilson. 

SewHope officially was founded in 2007 and has been a growing international partnership. 

“Our board of trustees is made up of leaders from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, and we also have a board based in Guatemala,” said Cecilia Chaudhary, the development director for SewHope. 

SewHope operates an accredited elementary school serving 160 students. (Courtesy photo)

“We have a strong working relationship with the Guatemalan Ministries of Health and Education,” she said, because the clinic developed a school on its campus. 

The school came to fruition when Dr. Ruch realized mothers were often bringing children with them to the clinic, and then began fostering a tutoring program, eventually growing into a full school. 

Students studying inside a classroom of an elementary started by SewHope in Guatemala (Courtesy Photo).

“Today, SewHope operates an accredited elementary school serving 160 students, a licensed medical clinic (and laboratory) that will provide cervical cancer screenings and care to more than 8,000 women this year, and community development programs that improve[d] health and economic stability through clean-burning Chispa stoves, water filters, poultry projects, home gardens, and women’s savings groups,” Chaudhary said.  “All programs are implemented by our SewHope Guatemala staff of 18.”

A retired elementary school teacher for Washington Local Schools, Roxanne Ward, works as the director of education for SewHope. “The first time that I went there [in 2022], we stood there in front of the property, and I started crying,” Ward said, as she was overwhelmed by the impact SewHope had in Guatemala. 

“This October marks one of the most meaningful milestones in SewHope’s history as our school celebrates the graduation of our very first sixth-grade class!” Chaudhary said. “These students have been with SewHope since kindergarten, making them the first group to complete their entire elementary education with us.”

The elementary school just completed their sixth grade classroom last year, according to Ward, who monitors the progress of the students through their online sources. 

Each class has a teacher, but Ward raises funds for each of the 160 students. 

“One of the ways our local community supports this work is through our annual summer social, which this year is Boogie for Good!” Chaudhary said. 

“The disco-themed evening features music, food, auctions, and dancing, with every dollar raised helping sustain SewHope’s education, healthcare, and community development programs!” 

“It’s a fun night that is made possible through the support of Taylor Automotive Family and our generous community!” she said in an email. 

The event takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14 at the Taylor Hyundai Showroom in Perrysburg. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased here. 

A drone captures the elementary school run by SewHope. (Courtesy image)

Brick by brick: two more murals in Toledo

By
Stephen Zenner
-
0
Connor Degnan, artist and muralist known as ConTron, leans against his lift next to his in progress mural at the Davis Building in downtown Toledo on Thursday, July 16, 2026. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – Deteriorating brick walls are getting some color, as muralists Connor Degnan and Chilly Rodriguez leave their mark on the downtown Toledo Davis Building at 151 N Michigan St.

These two murals are part of a public art movement led by local artist Dean Davis in partnership with River Gallery Studio and Keep Toledo / Lucas County Beautiful, called 100 Works of Art or 100 Mural Project. 

But the murals are serving a practical reason, “water was soaking through the brick, and it was causing issues on the inside,” said Chris Eischen, a local entrepreneur hoping to percolate some interest in the Davis Building. 

“We needed to seal the brick to eliminate that problem,” he said. After a quote, Eischen realized that repainting and sealing the walls would be the same price as painting a mural, so they opted for the mural. 

Chris Eischen points at the lift holding artist Chilly Rodriguez, while Rodriguez primes a wall for a mural at the Davis Building. Eischen is working with the owner of the Davis Building, Elliot Katz, to create stronger community between the businesses and attract more retail foot traffic. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

“I’ve been over here the past, I think three days now, scraping and just getting the wall ready,” Rodriguez said of his mural on the northwest side of the building. 

“It’s going to be really bright, vibrant, and colorful,” he said, mentioning that this was going to be his biggest solo mural to date. 

Connor Degnan, AKA ConTron, works on a mural on the Davis Building while Canadian wildfires pollute the air in downtown Toledo on July 16. The murals are part of an effort to seal the building’s brick exterior and to revitalize the area. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

On the southwest side of the building, facing The Switchboard and Culture Clash, Degnan was doing some of the same prep work on his wall. 

“Whatever paint we would use would be good enough to seal it,” Degnan said. “But for this, I am using an extra high quality exterior paint-primer combination.”

Already, Degnan completed a part of his wall, and moved on to prepping more of the southwest side. 

Chilly Rodriguez, an artist and muralist, sprays primer on the Davis Building in downtown Toledo. Two murals are being painted simultaneously to reinforce the seal on the bricks and to attract more people to the Davis Building. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Both muralists are happy to be able to help refurbish the building, which they have some history with. 

“Chris Rodriguez and I had studios here for about three years in, around 2018,” he said. 

Now the two have invested themselves in a different studio space on the first floor of the Gardner Building, 500 Madison Avenue, Mind And Soul Gallery & Studios. 

Connor Degnan, an artist and muralist, takes a break from painting. Degnan and Chilly Rodriguez are both working on painting the exterior of the Davis Building to seal the bricks and to bring more people to downtown. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Beyond the artistry, Eischen hopes to create a community hub out of the Davis Building, and channel some of the goals of previous projects into the current one. 

“This provides more opportunity for expansion and growth for a lot of the ideas that I had started over at the Tech Loft, and so this is kind of an expansion of that on a larger scale,” he said. 

Previously, Eischen was attempting to create a technology-centered community with the Toledo Tech Loft (334 N. Superior Street), one of David Ball’s properties. Even before that iteration, Eischen passionately worked at creating Code City, above Rustbelt Coffee at 119 N. Ontario Street, in late 2016. 

Chilly Rodriguez, an artist and muralist, stands in front of a wall he has prepped for a new mural at the Davis Building. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

In this latest incubator attempt, Eischen is working with Davis Building Owner Elliot Katz, the man behind Clock Tower Properties LLC.

When asked about Eischen’s previous partnerships that didn’t quite pan out, Katz said, “That’s my opportunity!”

“Sometimes people don’t realize when they have a gem looking right at them, and they could do something amazing,” he said. “Literally, I couldn’t imagine anyone better than him.”

Eischen said the focus on the word “tech” during the Superior St. project became more of stumbling block for his vision than a help. Instead, he said the focus was really on “up-skilling our community,” and doing so with the latest technologies. But for now, Eischen said he’s focused on revitalizing the Davis Building as a retail and community space people would want to spend time in, and then start cross pollinating ideas with multiple people and businesses in one space. 

“I’m looking for an overall building rebrand,” he said, and threw out the name Flux Community Building.

“If you’re a startup, we can provide co-working space. If you’re established and you need a private office, we can provide that, or if you’re a larger company that needs several offices, we have some spaces that have multiple offices.”

Already, Eischen said Flatrock Distillery Bourbon Street Bistro in Fallen Timbers Shopping Center would be moving into the Davis Building to take over the vacancy left by Leaf and Seed. A health company was hinted at as another potential tenant in the building, but regardless, there are already businesses and private working folks invested in the Davis Building. 

Connor Degnan, artist and muralist also known as ConTron, leans against his in progress mural. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Just like Degnan and Rodriguez before, there are people already committed to the space, and that gives Eischen more to work with as he tries to build community in downtown. 

Located next to more open parking spaces, and across from The Switchboard and Culture Clash, already active community spaces, Eischen hopes the Davis Building will combine and amplify community and co-working. 

As for the collaborations already happening, Rodriguez said, “I just want to give a shout out to Dean Davis for kind of making this this whole thing possible and giving other artists sharing the spaces with us…coming together for the common goal of making Toledo a better and more beautiful place.”

Progress made by Chilly Rodriguez, an artist and muralist, as he paints a mural on the Davis Building. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Library will be “a beautiful entryway” into Whitehouse

By
Karen Gerhardinger
-
0
The corner of S.R. 64 and Finzel will have a new occupant in the coming years, as the Toledo Lucas County Public Library is planning to build a new Whitehouse Branch on 6 acres of land on the northwest corner. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WHITEHOUSE – The Finzel and S.R. 64 roundabout is Whitehouse’s southern gateway, with more than 8,000 vehicles a day traversing the stretch between Finzel and the downtown area each day.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Whitehouse Village Council will vote on legislation that will allow administration to move forward on the sale of village-owned property at the roundabout, and the purchase of another property just to the west of the intersection.

The 6-acre, village-owned land on the northwest corner of S.R. 64 and Finzel Road is currently a pollinator garden – popular with bees, butterflies and photographers. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library plans to purchase the property for $620,000 from the village to build a new Whitehouse Branch. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
The family of the late Gary Pennell has offered to sell 10125 Waterville St. to the village of Whitehouse for $200,000. Bordering Blue Creek, the property has mature trees, a 1901 home that is hidden by greenery, and three outbuildings. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

The 6.5 acre parcel at the northwest corner is currently a pollinator garden, with wildflowers attracting photographers, bees and butterflies. If approved, the village will sell their land to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) for $620,000. The plan is to use the property for a new Whitehouse Branch, confirmed Public Information Officer Stephanie Elton.

“The reading planned for the August 4 village council meeting is one of the first steps of the process,” she said. “We anticipate closing on the property later this fall and are working to organize community engagement opportunities to coincide with that milestone.”

In March 2025, the TLCPL held community sessions along with Metroparks Toledo to look at constructing a library branch and conservation center in Blue Creek Metropark. Those plans changed, however, due to several reasons, including reduced funding for public libraries at the state level and uncertainty around the future of property taxes as a revenue source, according to a FAQ section on the Library’s website. This prompted taking a more conservative approach.

As a result, Library leadership began looking for a different sites in Whitehouse, working with Village Administrator Jordan Daugherty and Mayor Rich Bingham.

“This will be a perfect site for the library, and a beautiful entryway into Whitehouse,” Bingham said, adding that the village-owned property had been eyed for a possible hotel or gas station. “This is a win-win for everybody. It’s open to the public. It’s right down from the schools, and accessible from bike paths, including the Sgt. Andy Eckert Memorial Bridge that was dedicated last year. We’ll have a new library and we’ll get $620,000 back for the taxpayers of Whitehouse.”

Once the sale is finalized and community input received, TLCPL will engage an architect to plan and design a structure for the site, Elton said. The volunteer-run Whitehouse Library, which is not affiliated with the public library system, remains open to the public until the new library is open. For information, visit whitehouseohlibrary.org.

While the village is selling the property to the Library, it is also looking at purchasing a 2.3-acre property just across from the Cemetery Road entrance to S.R. 64. The family of the late Gary Pennell has offered to sell 10125 Waterville St. to the village for $200,000. Bordering Blue Creek, the property has mature trees, a 1901 home that is hidden by greenery, and three outbuildings.

Once the purchase is complete, Bingham said council and administration will explore opportunities for the property, which is in the business district. Several years ago, the village rolled out a big picture vision for the future of the S.R. 64 corridor. Among those plans is an idea for a roundabout at Cemetery to provide safe access at the intersection. Whether economic development, additions to the multi-use path system or some other use, Bingham said purchasing the property will enable the village to be flexible.

Also on the agenda for the August 4 meeting is an ordinance disapproving of the Planning Commission’s July 6 decision to approve a preliminary site plan for Country Meadows South, due to the commission’s granting of variances on lot widths for the R-2 zoned property for 49 percent of the lots. During the July 7 council meeting, council members Steve Fine, Carrie Tuohy and Larry Yunker voted in favor of having Law Director Kevin Heban draw up the ordinance, while Dave Riggenbach was opposed. Louann Artiaga and Joe Bublick were absent.

Artisan CraftBuilt Homes owner Charlie Grass, who is developing Country Meadows South on land west of Oak Brook subdivision, had his attorney, Lane Williamson, present during the July meeting. Williamson asserted that the Planning Commission has sole jurisdiction over such decisions, and that council was displaying “an abuse of corporate power.”

Council will discuss the ordinance during the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at Whitehouse Village Hall, 6925 Providence St.

Wild Side: Rattlesnake-master wildflowers

By
Art Weber
-
0
Rattlesnake-master in Secor Metropark. (Photo by Art Weber, Metroparks Toledo nature photographer)

We’ve got wildflowers – lots of them – right now. Look for them primarily in our meadows and prairies, which are alive with blooms of white, purple, and yellow, typically atop tall spikes that sway in the summer breeze.

Among them are some rarities, including one that is particularly fascinating.

Rattlesnake-master, shown here in the tallgrass prairie at Secor Metropark, is unusual both in appearance and in history. Don’t be confused by its yucca-like, sword-shaped leaves and round spiked flower heads, this plant is a member of the carrot family. Those flower heads are particularly attractive to pollinators, drawing in a variety of insects including bees, wasps, and butterflies.

Its unusual name speaks to its use by some Native Americans and in folk medicine to treat venomous snake bites, though modern medicine does not consider it to be effective. 

Rattlesnake-master is considered to be potentially threatened in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

1...789...303Page 8 of 303