Good morning, Toledo.

Happy belated Mother’s Day to all of the Toledo Moms, we appreciate you! This year I got my mom some flowers and a gift card to her favorite store, she loved it but I couldn’t help but feel like I could have been more creative. So I’d love to hear, who thinks they got or gave the best mothers day gift? Reply to this email so you can give me some ideas for next year (Ha!), we reply to all emails.

In today's edition:

-Autonomous drones now monitoring Lake Erie year-round
-Bar 145 closes after serving the west side since 2010
-Free pickleball clinics launching across Toledo parks
-Maybe our largest list of events yet!

Let's get to it.

Choosing the perfect environment for your dog can make all the difference in their happiness and well-being. At Karnik Pet Lodge, we offer professional, structured care thoughtfully tailored to each dog’s unique personality and needs.

New clients are invited to start with a complimentary Temperament Assessment — a simple step that ensures your dog is matched with the ideal playgroup and environment for a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. When enrolling, simply mention the code “Toledo Dispatch”!

From full-service dog daycare and overnight lodging to bathing and nail trims, every service at Karnik Pet Lodge is delivered in a clean facility under the watchful care of our experienced team. Our thorough temperament evaluation gives you confidence that your dog will thrive — whether they’re here for daily exercise and socialization, an extended stay, or a refreshing bath.

Give your dog the attentive, personalized care they deserve! Schedule your free Temperament Assessment today and discover Toledo’s trusted destination for premium pet care!

Six autonomous Saildrones are quietly gliding across Lake Erie, giving the Coast Guard eyes on nearly 10,000 square miles of water that crews couldn't always monitor. The drones can stay out for 100 days at a time, scanning with radar and cameras while human operators watch from shore. If you spot one, just let it pass.

Read more →

After 15 years on the west side, Bar 145 announced it's closing its doors. The neighborhood spot became a familiar gathering place where locals could count on good company and a welcoming atmosphere.

It's the kind of place that quietly becomes part of the fabric of a community, and it'll be missed by those who made it part of their routine.

Learn more →

EcoFest brought neighbors together at Glass City Metropark to pick up practical skills for living more sustainably. It's the kind of event that makes environmental action feel accessible rather than overwhelming.

Small steps, shared locally, tend to stick around longer than grand gestures.

Learn more →

The city is rolling out beginner pickleball clinics at five parks this summer, running May through September. Each four-session clinic costs $20, includes all equipment, and meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It's open to all ages and designed to get people comfortable on the court without much fuss.

Read more →

Mindful Meditation Mondays with Ali
Monday, May 11 • 6:00 PM
The Casual Space, Toledo, OH
Start your week with guided mindfulness and meditation designed to reduce stress and improve focus. Get details →

Nature Journaling for Birders
Tuesday, May 13 • 6:00 PM
Toledo Metroparks, Toledo, OH
Learn how to combine birdwatching and sketch journaling to deepen your connection with nature. Get details →

Nigerian Food Tour – Toledo 📍
Tuesday, May 12 • 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rudy’s Hot Dog
Enjoy authentic Nigerian favorites including fufu, egusi, oxtails, jollof rice, and more during this one-day food event in Toledo. Get details →

Wild Toledo & Horticulture Workshops at the Orchid Show
Tuesday, May 12 • 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
The Toledo Zoo
Create terrariums, build bouquets, and learn gardening techniques during these interactive workshops at the Toledo Zoo Orchid Show. Get details →

Outdoor Yoga at Toledo Botanical Garden
Tuesday, May 12 • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Toledo Botanical Garden
Relax, stretch, and unwind with an outdoor yoga session surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Toledo Botanical Garden. Get details →

Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.

Hope you have a great week!

Sincerely, Jacob