A Mother's Day Reflection

The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe

The Faith Community Leader Series continues today with Perrysburg resident Mohammad Shalabe. He is the current President of the Islamic Center of Great Toledo (ICGT). Mohammad is originally from Palestine. He earned his medical degree in the Ukraine. He is an endocrinologist by training, and he is employed by Mercy Health in Sylvania, Ohio. When he moved to the Toledo area, Mohammad and his family connected with the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo. From the beginning, they found a welcoming and supportive community in Perrysburg. He and his wife have three children who attended the school at the ICGT. During our interview, you will hear about the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo as a place of worship and community gathering space in Perrysburg. People from different faith traditions often have more in common than they realize. Many of us want the same things: strong families, supportive communities, opportunities to serve others, and places where people feel welcomed and connected. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Islamic Center of Greater Toledo 25877 Scheider Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 https://icgt.org/ [https://icgt.org/] 419-874-3509 [tel:419-874-3509] Terms You'll Hear in This Episode * Imam - worship leader * Iftar - meal * Quran - holy scriptures * Mosque - place of worship * Ramadan - holy month of fasting for Muslims Links and information for the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo (ICGT) * Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, 419.874.3509 [tel:419.874.3509], 25877 Scheider Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 * ICGT website https://icgt.org/ [https://icgt.org/] * ICGT Summer Camp Sign-Up https://icgt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Camp-registration-form-2026.pdf [https://icgt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer-Camp-registration-form-2026.pdf] * Islamic Food Bank https://islamicfoodbank.org/ [https://islamicfoodbank.org/] * Halim Clinic [https://www.halimclinic.org] https://www.halimclinic.org/ [https://www.halimclinic.org/] * Halim Clinic at PHCA phone number: (567) 318-4609 * Visitor's Guide for the ICGT https://icgt.org/visitors-members/#program-2 [https://icgt.org/visitors-members/#program-2] * Email info@icgt.org [info@icgt.org] * ICGT on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ICGToledo [https://www.facebook.com/ICGToledo] * ICGT on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/icgtoledo/ [https://www.instagram.com/icgtoledo/] * ICGT on Twitter (X) https://x.com/icgtoledo [https://x.com/icgtoledo] * ICGT on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@IslamicCenterofGreaterToledo [https://www.youtube.com/@IslamicCenterofGreaterToledo] Faith Community Leader Series (can be found on perrysburgpodcast.com [http://perrysburgpodcast.com]) Episode 30: Places of Worship [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/30] Episode 34: Interview with Pastor Mark Wentz [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/34] (Lutheran Church of the Master) Episode 40: Interview with Pastor Dan Gildner [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/40] (Grace Church Perrysburg) Episode 62: Interview with Pastor Melanie Forrey [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/62] (Zoar Lutheran Church) Episode 79: Interview with Father Matt Wahlgren [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/79] (St. Timothy's Episcopal Church) Episode 86: Interview with Amichai Stout [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/86] (Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo) Episode 107: Interview with Bishop Neil Baird and Youth Leader Quinten Dworczyk [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/107] (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Episode 136: Perrysburg's Christian Science Reading Room [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/136] Episode 149 (today): The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo with ICGT President Mohammad Shalabe [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/149] Other links for this episode * Sign up for the weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] * Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com]

Pickleball Paul and the Rise of Pickleball in Perrysburg

Today's episode is about pickleball in Perrysburg, and my guest is "Pickleball Paul," also known as Paul Smithers. During our conversation, you'll hear how pickleball became so popular locally, where to play, how beginners can get started, why the game has become such a social activity for people of all ages, and more. Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you already play regularly, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Perrysburg's fastest-growing recreational activities. Highlights from this episode 🏓 the history of pickleball in Perrysburg 🏓 where to play 🏓 beginner tips 🏓 some pickleball etiquette 🏓 a reminder to stay active as you age 🏓 and why pickleball is such a social sport Links from this episode * Perrysburg Pickleball Club Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2105884833042311/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2105884833042311/] * Pickleheads App (Find a Player) https://www.pickleheads.com/ [https://www.pickleheads.com/] * Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] List of Pickleball Courts in Perrysburg, Ohio Outdoor Courts * Perrysburg Municipal Park * Rotary Community Park Indoor Courts * Fort Meigs YMCA * Zion Lutheran Church (beginner classes Wednesdays from 2-6 PM) * Grace Church (E. Boundary St.) * Not mentioned today, but also available: PHCA (Perrysburg Heights Community Center) Other Locations Mentioned - Outside Perrysburg * Bowling Green pickleball courts * Sylvania pickleball courts * Holland pickleball courts * Waterville pickleball courts * Toledo pickleball courts at Rossford/Toledo Pickleball Club area

What is the Perrysburg Heights Community Association? Interview with PHCA Board Member Paul Belazis

The Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA) is a nonprofit community organization in Perrysburg Township that helps children, adults, and families through education, wellness, food assistance, recreation, and community support programs. It started in 1991 as a response to concerns about children struggling academically in the Perrysburg Heights neighborhood. Over time, it grew from a small after-school tutoring effort in a construction trailer into a full community center offering: * after-school reading and enrichment programs * a summer camp * a food pantry * fitness and wellness activities * volunteer opportunities * GED support through partnerships * health screenings * a free primary care clinic for uninsured and underinsured patients A big part of PHCA's mission is helping people access opportunities, resources, and support while building a stronger sense of community connection. It also serves as a hub where schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers, businesses, volunteers, and local organizations collaborate to help families in the Perrysburg area. Paul Belazis has been a member of the Perrysburg community since 1987. He served as a member of the Perrysburg Heights Community Association PHCA board of trustees at its inception in 1991. He is the immediate PHCA Past President. Perrysburg Heights Community Association (PHCA) 12282 Jefferson St. Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-874-4529 Website: https://www.phcaohio.org/ [https://www.phcaohio.org/] Follow PHCA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/phccofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/phccofficial/] Community Partners Mentioned * Perrysburg Schools [https://www.perrysburgschools.net] * Islamic Food Bank of Toledo [https://islamicfoodbankoftoledo.org] * Halim Clinic [https://www.halimclinic.org] * Halim Clinic at PHCA phone number: (567) 318-4609 * Penta Career Center Adult Education [https://www.pentacareercenter.org/adult-education] * The Greater Toledo Community Foundation [https://toledocf.org] * United Way of Greater Toledo [https://unitedwaytoledo.org] * Mercy Health Mobile Mammography [https://www.mercy.com/news-events/events/toledo/2026/april/mobile-mammography-perrysburg-heights-community-association] Ways to Support PHCA * Volunteer * Donate * Become a reading mentor * Help with the food pantry * Schedule a tour * Spread awareness about PHCA services * Share this podcast episode Other Links * Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast]

A Mother's Day Reflection

This is a Mother's Day themed episode. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in Perrysburg and beyond! This episode publishes on Friday, May 8, 2026, and Mother's Day in the United States is on May 10. Note: Even though this episode celebrates Moms, Mother's Day can also feel complicated, painful, or bittersweet for some people. No matter what this holiday feels like for you, I hope there's something in this episode that resonates with you today. This episode has three parts: 1. First: I peel back the curtain so you can get to know me better as a Mom 2. Second, I celebrate all types of mothers 3. Third, I share some of my personal favorite Mom-related things. Links and resources mentioned * Fort Meigs YMCA https://www.ymcatoledo.org/branch/fort-meigs/ [https://www.ymcatoledo.org/branch/fort-meigs/] * Barney Google song on YouTube [https://youtu.be/Qj4Td6-AL8M?si=41fWXnhTeCIBvnP4] * Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts * Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt * The Parent Trap (movie) * Bad Moms (movie) * Forrest Gump (movie) * https://mamadoctorjones.com/ [https://mamadoctorjones.com/] (women's health channel) * I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant episode [https://youtu.be/J0B7cE84f_M?si=lVTf6BOlaxeQ0k1o] (Mama Doctor Jones YouTube Channel) * Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast]

Fort Meigs Historic Site: What to See and Do with John Thompson

Today's episode is about the Fort Meigs Historic Site, and my guest is John Thompson. He's the Manager of Historic Programming and Head of Interpretation at Fort Meigs Historic Site. If you've ever driven past it and thought, I should check that out sometime, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn what to see and do at Fort Meigs, what not to miss inside the fort and museum, and how to experience it in a way that really brings history to life. We also talk about how the community uses the space and how to enjoy it while respecting its history. Fort Meigs Historic Site War of 1812 Museum and Reconstructed Wooden Walled Fort 29100 West River Road Perrysburg, Ohio Links from this episode * Fort Meigs Historic Site https://fortmeigs.org/ [https://fortmeigs.org/] * Ohio History Connection https://www.ohiohistory.org/ [https://www.ohiohistory.org/] * War of 1812 Reenactment (Memorial Day Weekend – May 2026) https://fortmeigs.org/memorialday/ [https://fortmeigs.org/memorialday/] * Independence Day Event (July) https://fortmeigs.org/independence/ [https://fortmeigs.org/independence/] * American Revolution Event (August) https://fortmeigs.org/revolution/ [https://fortmeigs.org/revolution/] * Life in Early Ohio (September) https://fortmeigs.org/earlyohio/ [https://fortmeigs.org/earlyohio/] * The Foot of the Rapids Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foot-of-the-rapids/id1508380833 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foot-of-the-rapids/id1508380833] * Email the Host - Kim Newlove, kim@perrysburgpodcast.com [kim@perrysburgpodcast.com] * Sign up for our weekly newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter [https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com] * Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast] 🤝 SUPPORT FORT MEIGS HISTORIC SITE - PERRYSBURG, OH * Volunteer https://fortmeigs.org/volunteer/ [https://fortmeigs.org/volunteer/] * Donate https://fortmeigs.org/donate/ [https://fortmeigs.org/donate/] * Membership information https://fortmeigs.org/membership/ [https://fortmeigs.org/membership/]