By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
Some great things have been happening, in recent years, along the Lagrange Street corridor in the Vistula community and at no time was that more apparent than this past July 4th weekend celebration as businesses brought residents together to celebrate Independence Day and the neighborhood’s revitalization.
The community’s holiday weekend began on Friday, July 4, as Bertha Mae’s Kitchen, on Summit Street, at the end of Lagrange, opened at noon and offered free live entertainment to all who dropped by. Dorian & Shannon with The Experience entertained visitors in the restaurant’s front yard while the Bertha Mae’s staff served hungry patrons their famous catfish and other items on the full menu.
Later that evening, just up the street, Toledo Spirits offered a 20 percent military discount to guests.
On both days, the Josephine’s Soul Food staff, at 906 Lagrange, were cooking up their extensive menu of soul-food favorites and monitoring the corner festivities across the street.
On Saturday afternoon, Debra Sue, executive director of Historic Vistula Community Awareness Connection (HVCAC), and the driving force behind the Lagrange Street regeneration effort, hosted the community gathering at her business location at 831 Lagrange.
The afternoon event brought together street vendors, a kids’ lemonade stand, a bouncy house and free hot dogs and chips for Vistula kids.
Debra Sue founded Glass City Talent 419 (GCT419), transforming the historic building at 831 Lagrange into a vibrant creative hub known affectionately as “The Compound.” The space is like a mini-Motown, where artists gather to compose music, practice performances and learn about the music industry. The building also houses a beauty salon, a clothing boutique and a classroom for industry education.
The Vistula community is on the move thanks to the efforts of folks like Debra Sue – non profit community groups, business owners and concerned residents.