(Compiled from press releases)
Events
Northwest Ohio Vegan Advocates hold documentary screening, Q&A, Mini VeganFest
Learn about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, connect with local resources and discover local vegan products and organizations during this day-long event, which features a documentary screening of Eating Our Way to Extinction – a film showcasing the dire impact of our food choices on the planet and the animals we share it with. The documentary will be followed by a Q&A session.
There is also a Mini VeganFest, which includes vendors and resources, including Leaf and Seed, Phoenix Earth Co-op, The Good Shepherd Sanctuary, Vegan Taste, NOVA, Food Not Bombs and Farley’s Farm Sanctuary.
When & Where: Sat., Jan. 18, from 2-5 p.m. at Collingwood Arts Center. Free Admission.
GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist Warren Haynes Band
Warren Haynes, the GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and Gov’t Mule frontman will be coming to Stranahan Theater with his Warren Haynes Band on their Million Voices Whisper 2025 Tour.
When & Where: Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Stranahan Theater.
Toledo Opera Returns with South Pacific
The Toledo Opera will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. The Toledo Opera will also host a free Pre-Opera Talk one hour before each show in the Grand Lobby of the Valentine Theatre.
Former Toledo Opera Resident Artist and regional soprano Grace Wipfli will provide historical context and insight and be available to take questions after the talk.
When & Where: Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Valentine Theatre.
TPS Strategic Interplay Chess Tournament on February 15
The Toledo Public Schools Strategic Interplay Chess Tournament will be held at the Toledo Museum of Art. Area students from 3rd to 12th grades are eligible to enter. $5 entrance fee at door. Email ldm43528@gmail.com for more details.
When & Where: Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Toledo Museum of Art. Check-in is at 11 a.m. and the tournament starts at noon.
News Briefs
Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) earns legislator award
Rep. Grim received the Jack Wolfe Memorial Award for Democratic Legislator of the Year. The award, from the Ohio Association of Election Officials (OAEO), honors a legislator who is committed to improving Ohio’s election processes.
New inclusive indoor playground
DOT (Defying Odds Therapy) Playspace, founded by pediatric occupational therapist Erica Zimmerman, announces its soft opening phase on Central Ave. Designed for children of all abilities, DOT Playspace combines play, learning and therapy in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.
Families can enjoy unlimited free play for $15 for the first child and $9 for each additional sibling, with no charge for caregivers or children under 12 months old.
New ProMedica Eidi Family Rehabilitation Center opens
ProMedica is pleased to announce the grand opening of the ProMedica Eidi Family Rehabilitation Center on Flower Hospital’s Campus at 5360 Harroun Rd. in Sylvania.
The newly consolidated and updated rehabilitation center will continue to treat various conditions, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, trauma, fractures and joint, replacement, amputation, complicated orthopedic conditions and more.
Oregon Library Branch Reopens
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Oregon Branch) is reopening. The branch, located at 3340 Dustin Rd., in Oregon, closed in August 2024 because a plumbing failure caused extensive water damage throughout the branch.
Over the past six months, the Toledo Library worked closely with its insurance company and a restoration company on mitigation efforts, including drying out the building; plus removal and replacement of drywall, carpet and in-floor electrical elements.
The Toledo Library also coordinated with the City of Oregon and an architecture firm to secure the permits needed to safely reopen the branch. Toledo Library staff are in the process of reinstalling the collection at the Oregon branch in preparation of its reopening.
Commissioners Join Large Urban Counties Alliance
The Board of Lucas County Commissioners voted to officially join the Ohio Large Urban Counties Alliance (OLUCA). Representatives from Ohio’s six largest counties – Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Montgomery and Summit – have been meeting informally for about a year to discuss shared priorities and challenges.
The MOU approved by the Commissioners formalizes the relationship.
