Good morning, Toledo.
Happy first day of June! You can really feel spring stirring around the city. This has to be one of my favorite editions as we get to spotlight 2 Toledo Legends!
Let’s get right to it…
-An art festival worth marking on your calendar, plus two lives worth knowing about
-A downtown bridge closure that affects your commute starting Monday
-What a 102-year-old Toledoan can teach us about living well
Local Business Spotlight: Gardner Hair Collective
Gardner Hair Collective is a warm, welcoming Toledo salon on W. Laskey Rd., thoughtfully reimagined from the longtime local spot formerly known as The Crimping Tree. Today, it brings together independent stylists with 50+ years of collective experience, offering cuts, custom color, curls, blonding, blowouts, facial waxing, and everyday refreshes.
With a cozy, personal feel and a team that makes each appointment feel easy and comfortable, Gardner Hair Collective is a local salon worth knowing for your next style update.
News
Art Festival Returns to Sylvania
The Maple & Main Art & Music Festival is back this weekend, bringing free creative energy to Sylvania. Expect paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and live performances throughout the event—a solid reason to spend some time outdoors if the weather cooperates.
It's one of those neighborhood festivals that feels both polished and approachable, drawing locals who appreciate good work without the fuss.
Community Spotlight
A Neighborhood Legend Remembered
Joe Negri, the beloved jazz guitarist who spent 31 seasons as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, has passed away at 99. For decades, he shaped Pittsburgh's music scene as a teacher at Duquesne University, where he founded the jazz guitar program and mentored generations of musicians.
From a childhood ukulele to performing alongside the Kelly brothers, Negri's warmth and talent made him a fixture both on screen and in his community.
A Century of Common Sense
Donald Gorrell just turned 102, and he's still showing up for his family in Sylvania. The WWII Army veteran spent his birthday weekend surrounded by three generations at a local grill, sharing his secret to longevity: common sense and a healthy diet (minus brussel sprouts).
He's already looking forward to his next TV appearance at 103.
City Updates
Skyway Closes Monday Night
I-280 and the Veterans Glass City Skyway will be closed Monday night for inspection work, with ramps shutting down in stages starting at 7 p.m. The full closure hits at 11 p.m., and everything should reopen by 6 a.m. Tuesday. Plan your route accordingly if you're crossing the river late Monday.
Events This Week
SUMMER ARTS CAMP!
Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 am
333 14th St, Toledo, OH
Unlock your child’s creativity this summer with hands-on arts experiences at Toledo School for the Arts’ award-winning Summer Arts Camp for ages 10–14. Get details →
Chillin & Grillin ON THE PATIO WITH CHEF TRAVIS!
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:00 pm
22 Main Street, Toledo, OH
An elevated summer patio dining experience featuring bold seasonal flavors, curated by Chef Travis Tucker, with a multi-course menu designed for a vibrant and unforgettable evening. Get details →
Roll & Smoke - Candle Making & BBQ Night
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:30 pm
915 N Summit St., Suite 201, Toledo, OH
A cozy hands-on candle-making night featuring handcrafted 100% beeswax candles, delicious BBQ bites from Riverside BBQ Co., and refreshing drinks in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. Get details →
NetWORKs Cafe Presents Public Speaking Tips!
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 8:00 am
915 N Summit St., Suite 201, Toledo, OH
A cozy hands-on candle-making night featuring handcrafted 100% beeswax candles, delicious BBQ bites from Riverside BBQ Co., and refreshing drinks in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. Get details →
Lunch at Levis
Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:30 am
Levis Square, 435 N St Clair St, Toledo, OH
Lunch just got tastier! Join us at Levis Square Park for Lunch at Levis 2026 — featuring local food trucks, live music, and downtown vibes all summer long from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Get details →
It’s Friday! Summer Series: Yoga
Friday, June 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm
2444 Monroe St, Toledo, OH
Unwind at the museum with an evening of art, live music, yoga, and summer vibes — the perfect Friday night out to relax, recharge, and celebrate creativity. Get details →
Old West End Festival 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm
3003 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH
Get ready for the 2026 Old West End Festival! 🎉 Celebrate one of the nation’s largest historic neighborhoods with live music, art, food, shopping, and community fun all weekend long! Get details →
Los Aztecas & La Traizion LIVE at The Ottawa Tavern
Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00 pm
1817 Adams St, Toledo, OH
Innovation Concerts presents Los Aztecas & La Traizion live at The Ottawa Tavern for a night of unforgettable music, energy, and downtown Toledo vibes. Get details →
Old West End Stampede 5k 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 7:30 am
2499 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH
Join the 2026 Stampede for a fast, fun, and festive 5K featuring a lively course, enthusiastic crowds, costume flair, great neighborhood views, and an exciting post-race celebration right in the heart of the city! Get details →
Brick & Breakfast
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8:00 am
1506 Front St, Toledo, OH
Due to low temperatures, this event has been postponed to June 6! Join us downtown for a Bike Month brick workout featuring a 15-mile group ride, optional run along the riverfront, and breakfast with friends afterward. Get details →
Toledo Choice Sponsors
Elias Geha Photography captures clean, authentic moments from striking cityscapes to mountain views. Now offering professional photography and drone services for hire via his Instagram handle @elias__geha. Explore prints at eliasgphotography.picfair.com/ and follow @elias__geha on Instagram for his latest work and content.
Astor Home Buyers is Toledo’s #1 Cash Home Buyer. If you need to sell your home fast, maybe tired of managing a rental or behind on your mortgage, Astor Home Buyers can make selling your home easy. We buy homes As-Is, no closing costs, no commissions. Get cash for your home in less than 2 weeks, get a free quote
YOUR BUSINESS/EVENT/JOB OPENING if you want to advertise in this exact ad slot in our upcoming editions, you can purchase and make your ad in less than 30 seconds by clicking here
Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great week!
Sincerely, Jacob