Category Archives: Events

Touchstone Awards ceremony returns to the Valentine Theatre Thursday, Sept. 26

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Community award winners will be honored along with the best in local journalism at annual awards ceremony this fall

The best in local journalism will be celebrated this fall when the Press Club of Toledo hosts the 2024 Touchstone Awards at the Valentine Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 26. The ceremony is observing 26 years of commemorating the work of area journalists and communications professionals. Nominations are being accepted now through Monday, July 15.

In addition to giving journalism and communications awards, the Press Club of Toledo recognizes individuals for their service and contributions to the greater Toledo community at the ceremony. The 2024 community award honorees are:

Barbara Hendel, society editor at The Blade, is the recipient of the Norm Cartwright Award, which is named after a founding member of the Press Club of Toledo and honors outstanding efforts to promote the Press Club’s principles;

Ambrea Mikolajczyk, real estate developer and owner of ARK Restoration and Construction, is the recipient of the Contributor Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the community, specifically someone who has made a significant impact on the quality of life in Northwest Ohio over the past year;

Debra Monagan, president ex officio of Communica, is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the community in all aspects, including business, public service and philanthropy; and

Mark Zaborney, retired reporter from The Blade, is the recipient of the Golden Touchstone Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the field of journalism in Northwest Ohio. 

Tickets for the 2024 Touchstone Awards are on sale now toledopressclub.com, with discounts available for Press Club members, nominees and students.

To be eligible for a 2024 Touchstone award, the work must have been produced or published between May 1, 2023 – May 14, 2024 and not submitted for previous Touchstone award consideration. There are over 20 categories across print, television, radio, social media and public relations to choose from. The fee per nomination is $10 for students, $25 for Press Club members and $75 for nonmembers. Nonmembers can also submit a nomination and become a first-time Press Club member for $50. Additional information about the nomination process is available at toledopressclub.com.

The Touchstone Awards is the sole fundraiser for the Press Club of Toledo’s scholarship fund. Two scholarships are awarded annually to students from The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University who epitomize service and dedication to the profession of journalism.

The 2024 Touchstone Awards is supported in part by The Blade, Adams Street Publishing, Communica, Nuestra Gente Community Projects, Owens Corning, SSOE Group and media sponsor BCAN/BCSN.

An Evening of Connection, Collaboration and Celebration at AAF Toledo’s Holiday Networking Event

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The Dec. 9 mixer with Toledo’s creative community features holiday vendors, a raffle in support of the Cherry Street Mission and a cashless bar

Toledo, Ohio — Toledo’s creative community is invited for an evening of festive networking and connection-building at the Merry Mixer @ TolHouse, presented by the American Advertising Federation–Toledo (AAF Toledo). The event is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6 – 10 p.m. at TolHouse, a private social club that caters to the vibrant, city-dwelling creative and entrepreneurial class.

“The Merry Mixer @ TolHouse promises to be an unparalleled experience, bringing together those in the marketing, communications, media and creative fields,” said Valerie Thompson, president of AAF Toledo’s board of governors and owner of Leap Graphics.

Featuring networking opportunities with various creative and media representatives, guests can also immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with unique holiday vendors, featuring Toledo Soap Co., vintage clothier Muddy Rags and artist Duane Ackley, and participate in a raffle that supports the Cherry Street Mission. Holiday beverages will be available for purchase and light appetizers will be provided. Please note that TolHouse accepts debit and credit cards only. The event is cashless.

AAF Toledo has partnered with the following influential organizations on the event: Film Toledo, The Juice 107.3, Toledo Creatives, Press Club of Toledo, The Sojourner’s Truth, The Stalwart Magazine and the Toledo City Paper.

“The Merry Mixer @ TolHouse is more than just a networking event,” Thompson added. “It’s a celebration of the season, a platform for collaboration and an opportunity to support a worthy cause. Join us for an evening of connection, creativity and community spirit.”

Merry Mixer @ TolHouse tickets are $20 and are on sale now at eventbrite.com. For more information, visit aaftoledo.org or @aaftoledo.

Celebrate the Season with Toledo’s Creative Community on Dec. 9

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Embrace the magic of the holiday season with the biggest bash of its kind! Open to all, but especially for individuals in the creative, marketing and media community, our Merry Mixer is designed to make new connections and ignite your creative spirit at the vibrant TolHouse social club!

For the first time, several of the most influential creative and media organizations in the city will come together for a night of mingling complete with holiday vendors and raffle prizes. Each organization will have info and representatives so that you can learn more, ask questions, and meet connections that will lead to your next big opportunity!

Admission is $20 and tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com.

Event Details

Merry Mixer @ TolHouse

Saturday, Dec. 9: 6-10 p.m.

1447 N. Summit Street

Admission: $20

Tickets: eventbrite.com

Merry Mixer Partners

The raffle will support the Cherry Street Mission.

Pressing Issues: MENTAL HEALTH AND THE MEDIA: Covering and Coping

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Join the Press Club of Toledo and Communica for a thought-provoking discussion on MENTAL HEALTH AND THE MEDIA: Covering and Coping on Thursday, Sept. 7.

This FREE event is open to all business professionals looking to grow their skill sets and take away actionable items to their workplace.

We’ll be uncovering the two sides of mental health in our world today. Especially how the media covers it, and how those in the media manage their own mental health.

We do ask you to RSVP for the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/pressing-issues-mental…

An Anchor from WTOL 11, will be moderating the panel discussion with the following local mental health leaders: Dr. Philip D. Atkins, PhD, Chief Care Coordination Officer, at Harbor, Faith Kelleher, Communications Manager, at the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, and Kelly McGilvery, a freelance writer, editor, and advocate for disabilities and the arts.

The event will be held at 705 Monroe Street Conference Space, Toledo Ohio at Communica. There will be a 7:45 a.m. meet and greet along with a continental breakfast. At 8:30 a.m. the hour-long program is set to begin.

WHAT: MENTAL HEALTH AND THE MEDIA: Covering and Coping

WHERE: Communica, 705 Monroe Street Conference Space

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 7 doors open at 7:30 a.m.

WHY: To better understand ourselves and each other in the workplace when it comes to mental health.

Please RSVP for the event.