Good morning, Toledo.

I hope you all enjoyed the big game last night! It's a week of civic engagement and local recognition. Plus a jam packed week of Valentines events for you to attend. Small moments and steady work—that's what shapes a place.

In today's edition:

-A new street name in Bowling Green and what it commemorates

-How you can help shape Toledo's green spaces, plus a guide to Middle Eastern markets

-An update on refinery negotiations and what's at stake

Let's get to it.

– Jacob

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Bowling Green now has a street named after Scott Hamilton, the figure skater who brought home gold for the U.S. in 1984. Scott Hamilton Avenue has become home to BGSU students who sometimes don't even realize the local connection until they look it up.

With the Winter Olympics underway, it's a good reminder that Northwest Ohio has its own Olympic history right down the street.

Read more →

The city is opening up the conversation about parks and recreation, inviting residents to help shape what comes next. A joint work session and open house gives neighbors a chance to weigh in on the master plan that will guide how our green spaces grow and serve the community.

It's the kind of planning that works best when people show up and share what matters to them.

Learn more →

Toledo's Middle Eastern grocery stores have quietly become essential stops for anyone looking to cook authentic dishes at home. From Jerusalem Market & Grill's fresh halal meats to Middle East Market's olive bar and hot pita bread, these family-owned spots offer ingredients and flavors you won't find at chain stores.

They're the kind of places that serve both longtime residents and UT students, keeping the community connected to good food and the people who make it.

Learn more →

The United Steelworkers and Toledo Refining Company are still working through local contract details, even though a nationwide agreement on pay and benefits has already been reached. It's one of those situations where the big picture is settled, but the specifics still need some attention here at home.

Read more →

Tech Night at TolHouse: Building Community Through Innovation

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · 6 - 9pm

TolHouse Vibrant Lounge, 1447 N Summit St, Toledo, OH

Join doers, dreamers, and builders every 2nd and 4th Tuesday for relaxed networking, rotating food and drink specials, and conversations about tech, entrepreneurship, and creativity in a come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Get details →

Candle Pouring Workshop

Thursday, February 12, 2026 · 6 - 7:30pm

CJs On Third, 139 West 3rd Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551

Pick your fragrance and pigment to pour your own custom candle in this hands-on workshop. Get details →

Be My Valentine Cookie Decorating Workshop

Thursday, February 12, 2026 · 6 - 8pm

Smokehouse, 734 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI 48182

Learn to decorate 6 Valentine's Day themed sugar cookies filled with love in this hands-on class.

Get details →

Galentine's Night Out with Styled Hair Co.

Thursday, February 13, 2026 · 5 - 7pm

1801 North McCord Road, Toledo, OH 43615

Celebrate friendship at the ultimate girls night out event. Get details →

Valentine's Pour Paint Experience

February 13-14, 2026 · Multiple sessions available

151 N. Michigan St. Ste 228, Toledo, OH 43604

Create coordinated acrylic pour canvases with your partner in this guided BYOB date night art class—no experience needed. Get details →

Follow Your Heart: Couples Cocktail Class

Friday, February 13, 2026 · 6:30 - 8pm

Bellwether at Toledo Spirits, 1301 North Summit Street, Toledo, OH 43604

Make Valentine's Day weekend unforgettable by learning to craft three elevated cocktails together with expert bartender guidance. Get details →

Valentine's Jazz Evening with Sheila Fleming

Sunday, February 15, 2026 · 7 - 10:30pm

Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 North Summit Street #Suite C, Toledo, OH 43604

Experience a remarkable vocal jazz talent performing live for Valentine's Day weekend.

Get details →

Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch. Talk soon!