Your Community Matters Podcast
Your Community Matters Podcast
Podcast Description
Your Community Matters looks at macro concerns through a micro lens: the Northwest Ohio region, and people who are working to make their community better. Their stories are local, but their concerns are common to people across the country.
This podcast features uncut versions of the 27-minute weekly radio show that airs Tuesdays at 8 PM on Toledo’s public access radio channel, WAKT 106.1 FM. The radio station is itself a project undertaken by area citizens to make our community better, and can be accessed globally via livestream at toledoradio.com. yourcommunitymatters.substack.com
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on community improvement, local artistry, and public engagement initiatives, with episodes exploring topics such as funding challenges in the arts and creative community connections, illustrated by interviews with individuals like mosaic glass artist Gail Christofferson, who shares her experiences of overcoming obstacles in her artistic journey.
Your Community Matters looks at macro concerns through a micro lens: the Northwest Ohio region, and people who are working to make their community better. Their stories are local, but their concerns are common to people across the country.
This podcast features uncut versions of the 27-minute weekly radio show that airs Tuesdays at 8 PM on Toledo’s public access radio channel, WAKT 106.1 FM. The radio station is itself a project undertaken by area citizens to make our community better, and can be accessed globally via livestream at toledoradio.com.
I had a chance encounter at a downtown Toledo brew pub with the guests on this edition of Your Community Matters, Sue Terrill and Tonda Koszycki. Instantly, we discovered we had something in common: we were all fan girls of Edward Drummond Libbey and his wife, Florence.
What’s more, I learned that Sue and Tonda were involved with multiple events honoring the two during Toledo’s 419 Week celebrations, April 13-19, which coincidentally happen to include Mr. Libbey’s birthday on April 17 — so it seemed natural to invite them to share their favorite Libbey family stories on this podcast. Here are the two of them, photographed as we wrapped up a lively discussion about why these two people still mean so much to the people of Toledo 100 years after Mr. Libbey’s death.
There are so many 419 Week events to include in the show notes this week that I will refrain from my usual commentary and simply say that if Jessup Scott hadn’t persuaded Edward Libbey to move his glass manufacturing enterprise to Toledo, it is doubtful the city would ever have been known as the Glass Capitol of the World. Today, the glass industry is no longer central to the economics of the region — but the Libbey legend lives on in the many lives they still touch today through their groundbreaking contributions to the city.
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419 Week Events
419 Week is Toledo Week! Full of fun and diverse events brought to you by local organizations and small businesses to celebrate Toledo and its history.
Edward Drummond Libbey’s Birthday Celebration & Crystal Awards
Libbey House Foundation FREE Open House
Sunday, April 13
11 AM – 3 PM
2008 Scottwood Avenue
Celebrate the late Edward Drummond Libbey’s birthday with a FREE open house tour of all three floors of the historic Old West End mansion, and announcement of this year’s Edward Drummond Libbey Crystal Award recipients. Birthday cake and punch will be provided by the Libbey House Foundation.
April 10-13
Holiday Inn & Suites (and other locations)
27355 Carronade Drive
This Polka Festival will feature the some of the top polka bands in the industry.
Earnest Talk & Libbey Trivia
Tuesday, April 15
5-9 PM
25 S. St. Clair Street
This edition of the Earnest Talks features a lively presentation from Sue Terrill and Tonda Koszycki about the Libbey’s legacy in Toledo and Toledo Trivia with Jo Mo on the Mic. Doors open at 5:00 PM, Talk & Trivia begins at 6:00 PM
Earnest Brew Works 419 Bike Ride
Wednesday, April 16
6-9 pm
Earnest Brew Works South Toledo
4342 S. Detroit Avenue
Bike from the brewery’s Detroit Avenue location to Side Cut Metro Park and back. Enjoy friends, hand-crafted Earnest brews, and the scheduled Big O’s Food Truck.
Florence Scott Libbey 419 Day 5K Early Packet Pickup
Thursday, April 17
5-8 PM
909 Jefferson Avenue
Stop by Just Toledo to register for the race or to pick up your race bib and shirt. Enjoy an artist reception for Jeff Schofield (6-8 PM) and browse Just Toledo.
The Florence Scott Libbey 419 Day 5K and Ryders Free Kids Race
Saturday, April 19
8-11 AM
Ottawa Park
2205 Kenwood Blvd
Celebrate 419 history and the woman who helped make the Glass City great with a 5K through the beautiful grounds of Ottawa Park, the City of Toledo’s first and largest park. “Mrs. Libbey” will be on hand to start the events and present you with a special 2025 finisher medal designed by Ryder, inspired by Toledo. Register now!
Ode to the Zip Code
Saturday, April 19
2-4 PM
Toledo School for the Arts Portal
1401 Adams St
What does your ZIP Code say about you? Ode to the Zip Code celebrates the stories that shape our neighborhoods. Poetry contest winners will be announced!
Downtown Toledo Best Bites on 419 Day — SOLD OUT
Saturday, April 19
12- 4 PM
Ticket holders will do a self-guided tour of 12+ different restaurants to savor amazing cuisine from the 419. Must be 21+ years of age to participate.
419 Day at Culture Clash & The Switchboard
Saturday, April 19
912 Monroe Street
Celebrate 419 Day at Toledo’s iconic Culture Clash & The Switchboard with multiple opportunities, and entertainers, including live music from Keepitcasual, The Essentials, and Live Roots. Shop records at Culture Clash, score local 419 art/clothing vendors, and savor delicious, authentic Döner Kebap from Naam Stop Kebap.
Saturday, April 19
5-9 PM
Glass City Center
401 Jefferson Avenue
This year’s Night Market offers FREE ADMISSION and a chance to enjoy all things 419, including more than 100 local artisans & sellers, live music, and a scavenger hunt.
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Libbey photo credit: http://www.utoledo.edu/library/canaday/exhibits/oi/OIExhibit/ACityBuiltofGlass.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6863909
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