http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:30:52 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/04/sauder-village-host-second-annual-storytellers-conference/stories/20260404110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/04/sauder-village-host-second-annual-storytellers-conference/stories/20260404110#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:13:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/04/sauder-village-host-second-annual-storytellers-conference/stories/20260404110 ARCHBOLD, Ohio — Mackenzie Keene of Morenci, Mich., is an aspiring writer who’s been in a bit of a rut lately. Don Allison participates in oral storytelling during the second annual Storytellers Conference on April 4 at Sauder Village in Archbold. Attendees participate in an activity during the second annual Storytellers Conference on April 4 at Sauder Village in Archbold. Bill Senecal participates in oral storytelling during the second annual Storytellers Conference on April 4 at Sauder Village in Archbold. David Timm, Co-founderof IronClad Comics, takes notes during the second annual Storytellers Conference on April 4 at Sauder Village in Archbold. Mackenzie Keene, right, listens during the second annual Storytellers Conference on April 4 at Sauder Village in Archbold. Mackenzie Keene, right, listens during the second annual Storytellers Conference on April 4 at Sauder Village in Archbold. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/04/5-poets-inspired-nature-offer-words-intended-soothe-souls/stories/20260403120 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/04/5-poets-inspired-nature-offer-words-intended-soothe-souls/stories/20260403120#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:59:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/04/5-poets-inspired-nature-offer-words-intended-soothe-souls/stories/20260403120 Perhaps we all need to be reminded every once in a while there’s beauty within our reach, especially when it feels like we’ve been besieged by stories of hate and violence on television and in motion pictures. Ruelaine Stokes signs her letter-pressed poem for Denise Fonner during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark iin Toledo on April 4. From left, Grace Guy, Ruelaine Stokes, Cal Freeman, and Charles Malone, four of the five poets who wrote poems about Metroparks, listen to a speaker during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Cal Freeman recites his poem about Middlegrounds Metropark during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Charles Malone recites his poem about Cannonball Prairie Metropark during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Attendees listen as poets recite their work during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Charles Malone recites his poem about Cannonball Prairie Metropark during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Letterpresses of the poet’s work crafted by Pineapple Press and Design are bundled together for attendees to take home 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Julie E. Bloemeke recites Dior J. Stephens poem for him during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Ruelaine Stokes recites her poem about the Toledo Botanical Garden during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Attendees applaud after Carl Freeman recites his poem during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Grace Guy recites her poem about Wiregrass Lake during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Ruelaine Stokes autographs her letter-pressed poem about the Toledo Botanical Garden, as Grace Guy chats with an attendee during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. Cal Freeman smiles after signing his letter-pressed poem for an attendee during 5 Poets, 5 Parks in the Glass City Pavillon at Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/toledo-native-not-letting-up-ukrainian-aid-efforts/stories/20260404004 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/toledo-native-not-letting-up-ukrainian-aid-efforts/stories/20260404004#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:12:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/toledo-native-not-letting-up-ukrainian-aid-efforts/stories/20260404004 LONDON — It has been four years since the start of the war between Ukraine and Russia, yet Jeff Hartman and his partners at Ukrainian Action remain hard at work helping those affected. Jeff Hartman, fourth from left, with participants in the Ukrainian Action skiing program. A participant in the Ukrainian Action ski program for veterans heads down the slopes. Participants in the Ukrainian Action Heroes program don special vests on the slopes in the Carpathian Mountains. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/ut-partners-international-scientific-journal-webinar-series/stories/20260403100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/ut-partners-international-scientific-journal-webinar-series/stories/20260403100#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:24:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/ut-partners-international-scientific-journal-webinar-series/stories/20260403100 The University of Toledo, in partnership with the international scientific journal Microbiota and Host, will launch a new webinar series to explore the relationship between the human microbiome and one’s health. Harry Sokol https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/office-star-rainn-wilson-speak-bgsu/stories/20260403094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/office-star-rainn-wilson-speak-bgsu/stories/20260403094#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:21:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/office-star-rainn-wilson-speak-bgsu/stories/20260403094 BOWLING GREEN — Actor and author Rainn Wilson, best known as Dwight Schrute on NBC’s The Office, will visit Bowling Green State University on Thursday. Rainn Wilson speaks on stage during the "Backstrom" panel at the Fox 2015 Winter TCA in Pasadena, Calif. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/workshop-to-teach-about-living-wills-getting-one-s-affairs-in-order/stories/20260403098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/workshop-to-teach-about-living-wills-getting-one-s-affairs-in-order/stories/20260403098#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:57:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/workshop-to-teach-about-living-wills-getting-one-s-affairs-in-order/stories/20260403098 Learn how to be ready for life’s major changes during a free workshop April 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/birding-in-bowling-green-program-starts-april-10/stories/20260318118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/birding-in-bowling-green-program-starts-april-10/stories/20260318118#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:36:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/birding-in-bowling-green-program-starts-april-10/stories/20260318118 BOWLING GREEN — Join the volunteer naturalists of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation every Friday from April 10 through May 15 for a casual birding hike. A Northern parula takes flight during the Biggest Week in American Birding May 9, 2025, at Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-best-pictures-week-ending-april-2/stories/20260403058 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-best-pictures-week-ending-april-2/stories/20260403058#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:33:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-best-pictures-week-ending-april-2/stories/20260403058 Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond. CJ Auman and June Park walk across a rope bridge at Glass City Metropark during an afternoon stroll in Toledo on March 31. Student Ore Okonrende shoots a bubbles into the air during Ziggython, a 10-hour dance marathon at BGSU dedicated to raising money for Nationwide Children's Hospital, at the Perry Field House on March 28 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Dancers lead on stage during Ziggython, a 10-hour dance marathon at BGSU dedicated to raising money for Nationwide Children's Hospital, at the Perry Field House on March 28 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Rich Meklus kneels at the end of the reading of Jesus Christ's Passion during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Maren Ruhe, from Columbus, gets a hug from the Falcons mascots during Ziggython, a 10-hour dance marathon at BGSU dedicated to raising money for Nationwide Children's Hospital, at the Perry Field House on March 28 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz shows the 2026 Kid Mayor Jamie Howard, fourth grader at Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls, the right way to prop her feet up on his desk April 1 at One Government Center in Toledo. Heather Straka, left, and Breanna Straka, center, get a photo taken by Julie Woods, with Simplicity Sounds, during the annual bridal show event at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids on March 29. Protesters gather during a No Kings protest against President Donald Trump and his administration at Promenade Park in Toledo on March 28. Window washers tidy up the glass of the Glass City Center in Toledo on March 30. Sunshine Communities volunteer Ryan gets a hug from Donna Masney after delivering Mobile Meals to her on March 27 in Swanton. Birds sit on a log at Cullen Park in Toledo on April 2. Jon Leach, on the Eagle Knights team, front right, looks at a screen to see a question during Rich and Ronnie G's Trivia at The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar in Toledo on March 31. Kandy Takas of Millbury, who received a lifesaving kidney transplant in 2000, raises a flag to kick off National Donate Life Month on April 2 at UTMC in Toledo. An image of Artemis II from the broadcast reflects on Marc Hathaway’s glasses during a launch watch party at Bowling Green State University’s planetarium in Bowling Green on April 1. The mission is the first manned mission to the moon in over half a century. It will last approximately 10 days and take the astronauts around the moon and back to Earth. Young Toledo fans cheer for their team during the second period of an ECHL hockey game in at the Huntington Center downtown Toledo on March 29. Toledo’s Tanner Dickinson attempts a goal against Bloomington’s Dryden McKay during the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 28. Kwinlyn Tyler draws with wax on her egg during a Pysanky Fundraising Event in downtown Toledo on March 29. Casey Kenworthy, Perrysburg PIO takes a selfie with Daxbot during a demo of the Daxbot robot to assess the condition of the Perrysburg sidewalks in Perrysburg on March 30. An ice crew member removes two walleye thrown on the ice after Toledo’s first goal during an ECHL hockey game between the Toledo Walleye and Indy Fuel at the Huntington Center in Toledo on March 27. Cattrick waves the Walleye flag in the spotlight before the first period of an ECHL hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo on March 28. University of Toledo tight end Jacob Newell makes a catch as tight ends coach Kory Allen looks on during spring practice on March 31 at Glass Bowl Stadium in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/going-home-to-stay-program-aims-to-reduce-prison-recidivism/stories/20260402068 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/going-home-to-stay-program-aims-to-reduce-prison-recidivism/stories/20260402068#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:10:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/going-home-to-stay-program-aims-to-reduce-prison-recidivism/stories/20260402068 David Oxner, Jr., remembers the 27 years during which he had a serious drug habit, many of which involved living on the streets. Stanley Smith, whom Ms. Sobecki called a role model for others hoping to turn their lives around, ended the news conference with an enthusiastic message. Keary Sarabia, the first of two guest speakers at the event. Teshauna L. Isaac, the second of two guest speakers. David Oxner. Stanley Smith At the news conference, Lucas County Commission Board President Lisa Sobecki recognized April as Second Chance Month. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/learn-how-to-disagree-arguing-free-april-11-workshop/stories/20260401016 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/learn-how-to-disagree-arguing-free-april-11-workshop/stories/20260401016#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:32:46 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/learn-how-to-disagree-arguing-free-april-11-workshop/stories/20260401016 Braver Angels, a nonprofit that promotes “courageous citizenship” across political divides, is hosting a workshop to teach people how to disagree without anger. Debbie Golus leaves the Maumee Branch Library with her books in 2020 in Maumee. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/impactof-ai-in-the-classroom-topic-of/stories/20260330083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/impactof-ai-in-the-classroom-topic-of/stories/20260330083#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/02/impactof-ai-in-the-classroom-topic-of/stories/20260330083 A leading expert on generative artificial intelligence will discuss the impact of AI in the classroom. Using a photo of himself as a starting point, Logan McCarthy created this AI generated image of himself and an artificial doppelganger. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/01/photo-gallery-bowling-green-state-university-hosts-artemis-ii-watch-party/stories/20260401170 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/01/photo-gallery-bowling-green-state-university-hosts-artemis-ii-watch-party/stories/20260401170#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:56:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/01/photo-gallery-bowling-green-state-university-hosts-artemis-ii-watch-party/stories/20260401170 Space enthusiasts took in the historic Artemis II launch at a watch party at Bowling Green State University’s planetarium. Artemis II marks the first manned moon mission in over half a century. Attendees watch the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. An image of the broadcast of Artemis II's launch reflects on Marc Hathaway’s glasses during a launch watch party. Attendees wait for the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. From left, Bowling Green High School students Anna Goehring, Khloie Peppers and Chidiogo Onyekelu watch in awe as the rocket rises at launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. An image of Artemis II from the broadcast reflects on Marc Hathaway’s glasses during a launch watch party. Attendees watch the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. Aurobi Das continues to watch the live broadcast as the rocket is in space during an Artemis II launch watch party. Attendees watch the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. An image of Artemis II from the broadcast reflects on Marc Hathaway’s glasses during a launch watch party. Rowan Headley, 13, watches in awe at the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. Attendees watch the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. Kate Dellenbusch, planetarium director, speaks to attendees after the launch during an Artemis II launch watch party. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/31/writers-to-talk-process-creativity-at-library-s-authors-events/stories/20260330091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/31/writers-to-talk-process-creativity-at-library-s-authors-events/stories/20260330091#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:37:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/31/writers-to-talk-process-creativity-at-library-s-authors-events/stories/20260330091 The Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Authors! series continues with four speakers scheduled for April. The Toledo Lucas County Main Library. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/30/minority-health-events-highlight-observance/stories/20260325055 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/30/minority-health-events-highlight-observance/stories/20260325055#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:23:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/30/minority-health-events-highlight-observance/stories/20260325055 The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is hosting a series of weekend community events in recognition of Minority Health Month in April, officials announced. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/photo-gallery-pysanky-egg-decorating-fund-raiser/stories/20260329118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/photo-gallery-pysanky-egg-decorating-fund-raiser/stories/20260329118#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:23:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/photo-gallery-pysanky-egg-decorating-fund-raiser/stories/20260329118 A Pysanky egg decorating fund-raising Event took place in downtown Toledo on March 29. Kwinlyn Tyler draws with wax on her egg. Laura Fingerle draws with wax on her egg. George Caughhorn concentrates as he draws with wax on his egg. A person heats up their wax. Kwinlyn Tyler draws with wax on her egg. Laura Fingerle heats up her wax. A person uses a candle to heat up the wax. Amy Henderson works on her Pysanky egg. Scot Henshaw draws wax lines onto his egg. Scot Henshaw draws his name in wax as practice. Finished Pysanky eggs sit in a basket. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/ray-of-hope-awards-red-carpet-event-honorees/stories/20260328002 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/ray-of-hope-awards-red-carpet-event-honorees/stories/20260328002#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:04:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/ray-of-hope-awards-red-carpet-event-honorees/stories/20260328002 Sylvania Area Family Services will be holding a red carpet event for its Ray of Hope Awards. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/ut-collecting-books-puzzles-free-library/stories/20260329113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/ut-collecting-books-puzzles-free-library/stories/20260329113#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:39:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/29/ut-collecting-books-puzzles-free-library/stories/20260329113 Jesup Scott Honors College at the University of Toledo is still collecting new and gently used books and puzzles. The Lancelot Thompson Student Union on the main campus of the University of Toledo in Toledo is shown in 2016. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/photo-gallery-no-kings-protest-promenade-park/stories/20260328121 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/photo-gallery-no-kings-protest-promenade-park/stories/20260328121#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:17:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/photo-gallery-no-kings-protest-promenade-park/stories/20260328121 Protestors gathered in and around Promenade Park for a No Kings Protest in Toledo on March 28. Protesters gather at Promenade Park. Protesters line Summit Street near Promenade Park. Baldemar Velasquez, founder and president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), was one of the several speakers during a No Kings protest against President Donald Trump and his administration at Promenade Park on March 28. Protesters line Summit Street. Protesters gather. Tanner Duvall wears a jack-o'-lantern mask while protesting along Summit Street near Promenade Park. Protesters gather. Protesters line Summit Street. Protesters line Summit Street near Promenade Park. Craig Fisher sports an outfit of the American Revolution era as he holds a sign. A baby Donald Trump balloon hangs onto a sign. Roy Mays makes balloons for attendees. Brandi Burrell holds up a sign. A protester carries a sign. Protesters gather. Protesters gather. The band New Moon performs. Protesters hold up signs. Protesters line Summit Street. Protesters hold signs and flags. Donna Malone, with the Toledo chapter of Moms Demand Action, participates in the protest along Summit Street. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/photo-gallery-battle-of-badges/stories/20260328125 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/photo-gallery-battle-of-badges/stories/20260328125#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:15:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/photo-gallery-battle-of-badges/stories/20260328125 Members of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department and the Toledo Police Department took to the ice on March 28 for the annual Battle of the Badges hockey game at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo. Click the image above to view the full gallery. Helmets are at the ready. Goalie Mychael McAninch is introduced for the Toledo Police Department. Owen Heffernan, son of deputy chief Joe Heffernan, drops the puck. Brendan Sokoloski celebrates opening the scoring for TPD. Goalie for the TPD Mychael McAninch stops the puck. Tim Langlois (16) and Zack Valiton celebrate scoring for the TPD. David Donovan of the TPD beats the goalie 5-hole. Dan Revill for the TPD go through the TFD's Tony Macari. Goalie Mychael McAninch gloves a puck out of the air for the TPD. Chris Stockner shoots the puck for the TFD. Goalie Mychael McAninch gloves a puck out of the air for the TPD. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/owens-host-series-autism-awareness-week-programs/stories/20260328118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/owens-host-series-autism-awareness-week-programs/stories/20260328118#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2026 20:09:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/03/28/owens-host-series-autism-awareness-week-programs/stories/20260328118 Owens Community College will host a week of events in honor of Autism Awareness Week from Monday to Friday. Owens Community College.