Sassy • Spirited • Successful
MAY 2015
Pedaling for a Purpose Reeves Northrup & MS Bike to the Bay
Area Garden Goes Wild • Biking on the Bayou • Forgive us for we have GINNED!
Sassy • Spirited • Successful
Happy Mother’s Day!
Motherly Love...who’s your Mama?
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. --Albert Einstein May is National Bike Month. We celebrate by visiting Reeves Northrup as he shares the story of his father’s courageous battle with MS that led him to pedal for a purpose (pg. 7). Tom Scheib moves from couch to concrete and bikes toward better health (pg. 4). We also celebrate being in full bloom and discover ‘regular folks’ doing miraculous things in the garden (pg. 10). Spring has sprung! We hope that you find the extraordinary in this blooming, BOOMING season of growth and renewal.
sas•sy
spir•it•ed
suc•cess•ful
adjective very stylish; confident and energetic
adjective full of courage or energy; very lively or determined
adjective having the correct or desired result; ending in success having achieved wealth, respect, or fame
BOOMERS & Beyond
Enjoy this issue!
Bodacious Boomers Mary Helen Darah Nancy Jomantas Connie Torrey
• Biking the Bayou
3
• Forgive us we have GINNED 5
Beyond Boomer Consultant Sharon Lange
• Books for Boomers
6
Boomer’s Digital Media Specialist Layne Torrey
• Pedaling with a Purpose
7
Boomer Wanna-Be-Layout and Design Elissa Cary
• Fire up the Grill
9
Boom Your Business with Advertising adsinboomersandbeyond@gmail.com 419/824-0100
• The Wild Ones
10
• Nifty after Fifty
11
• Spring Crossword Fun
12
Bond with the Boomers infoboomersandbeyond@gmail.com
On The Web sylvaniaadvantage.com/boomers-beyond
Boomers Hangout 5693 North Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560
2
• Maumee Valley Adventurers 13 • Boomers on the Go
15
• Going Beyond
16
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Biking the Bayou
One Man’s Journey from Couch to Concrete By Mary Helen Darah
Toledo native Tom Scheib transplanted to a new home my cholesterol was high and I felt sluggish. It was and has established roots in the “Big Easy.” Scheib, an suggested to me that I exercise. I started walking on a Anthony Wayne High School graduate, has many fond regular basis. During one of my walks, my neighbor memories of his northwestern Ohio childhood. He across the street, Wiley Bird, came over and invited me recently turned a childhood pleasure into to go biking. Wiley and his friend Cliff a new life focus. “My most Crafton have always been up to significant memory of riding a something aerobic since they were bike was when I was six young. I told Wiley I was years old. I had a red, trying to get my blood single-speed Schwinn pressure and cholesterol Flyer. I loved that bike,” under control—along with a recalls Scheib. “At the myriad of other issues by time, we had a cottage up walking. He asked if I was at Wamplers Lake and I interested in bicycling. Even enjoyed riding there. That was though it was slow and difficult to my fondest memory of riding until I pedal, I pulled out my old Murray bike Tom Scheib and Wiley Bird spin their was 63. In the time span in and I started to go riding with them. wheels toward good health . between 6 and 63, I really didn’t That was five years ago and, no pun ride that much. My father died of a coronary at age 59. I intended, haven’t looked back.” was motivated to ride again thanks to a wake-up call Got equipment? from my brutally honest physician. I was overweight, Scheib quickly learned the importance of having good equipment. “It’s important to have a good bike when you make the decision to cycle,” states Scheib. “There are considerable differences in gears, tires, seats, etc. I made a commitment and bought my current specialized bike on sale at a local bike shop.” Scheib believes that the weight and comfort of the bike are extremely important. “If you’re uncomfortable you are not going to continue riding,” he says. “Some people go out and see these heavy bikes with shock absorbers and big seats and they think, ‘Wow, this is a bike made for comfort.’ You will be surprised if you invest in that kind of bike. This kind of bike forces you to ride upright and the big seats, that look comfortable, aren’t. Actually, a larger seat leads to more friction and frankly chaffing. Also, I’ve found those little shock absorbers don’t do the job. Continued on 4
L-R: Wiley Bird and Tom Scheib expand their horizons while diminishing their health risks.
MAY 2015
3
Biking the Bayou Now, with my upgraded equipment, when I pedal, I’m going somewhere!” Biking, Brotherhood and Beer
Brotherhood and beer add to the fun of biking.
One of the things that led Scheib to keep his longevity in the sport is the availability of bike trails and paths in this country. “Mix in friends and fun and it keeps you coming back for more,” he declares. “It was hard for me to keep my interest and stay motivated on a treadmill. I really enjoy the great outdoors.” Scheib still rides a stationary bike with his cycling buddies when there is inclement weather. The men have expanded their biking experience by driving to out-of-state trails and places where they can safely ride. “We found great trails in our area,” says Scheib. “One of them is by a brewery and they sponsor free tours and tastings. FREQUENTLY when we ride on the Trace trail, we will start at the brewery and finish at the brewery. Of course, we end up having a couple of beers. We talk about the ride and get to meet other people from all over our area and the country. They recognize we are riders by our apparel and we get to talk about cycling. This has led to learning about new places to visit and ride.” The biking “brothers” have also participated in out-of
FROM 3
state cycling adventure. “The longest event we have done is a week-long camping and biking trip,” recalls Scheib. “We drove to Nashville, Tennessee then biked to Natchez, Mississippi. We covered 442 miles in five days. Scheib believes that with riding, you experience the best of both worlds. “You have an individual experience while on the ride followed by the companionship of others at the end of the day,” he explains. A la Natural Maybe our mothers were on to something. “Get outside and get some fresh air” can lead to greater physical and mental well-being. “A great thing about cycling is that it gets you outside and in nature, maintains Scheib. “I’ve seen deer, wild turkey and other assorted critters. We also rode by baby colts in the field that began trotting along side us. It was an amazing sight to see.” Health to Happiness Recently studies have identified keys to increasing life happiness and contentment that include social interaction, having a purpose, maintaining physical well-being and breaking up your daily routine. “Biking incorporates all these elements for me,” reports Scheib. “Cycling started out as a way to exercise and improve my health. It has since moved to a different dimension for me. I have learned to expand the experience through bonding with my biking buddies, exploring outward and interacting with local people. We continue to see new sights and are even talking about going to Maine. As my world has expanded through cycling, so has my happiness.”
3793 Silica Rd • Suite B Sylvania, OH 43560
*Use RWS for any and all of your disposal needs!
Spring Cleaning New Additions Roofing Old Driveway Projects Disposal New Home Yard Clean-ups Construction
**Mention this ad and receive a $20 Chandler Café gift card** 419-517-1323
4
RWS Recycling Fun Facts: 1. Only 30% of trash is recycled per year
2. Americans throw away 25 MILLION plastic bottles per DAY
3. 40% of paper recycled in the U.S. is exported to China and other countries!
Tom Scheib and his friends continue their journey forward to fitness, fun, greater happiness and a few beers along the way!
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Forgive us for we have GINNED Gin – The Original Flavored Vodka By Tammy Coxen
You could think of gin as the original flavored vodka. Gin makers start where vodka makers end, with a neutral grain spirit that is then distilled with a variety of Go ahead and GIN! botanicals. Juniper gives gin its characteristic piney flavor, and is responsible for gin’s “love it or hate it� reputation. But gin makers also use various kinds of citrus, spices and roots. The Italians used juniper first, but it was the Dutch who really got things going starting in the 16th century. Spirits then were not as refined as today, and the pharmacists who were making medicinal gin added juniper and other botanicals to the malted barley base to improve the taste. The Dutch called this Genever. British soldiers who discovered it during the Dutch War of Independence called it “Dutch Courage� and imbibed liberally before and after battle. After the war they brought it back to England, where it became wildly popular.
In the 19th century, gin makers were able to start with a neutral grain spirit base as we do today, and that made the flavors of the added botanicals the focus. There are three main styles of gin. The first and most important is London Dry. It is juniper and citrus forward, very dry, and can be a little sharp. These characteristics make it ideal for mixing into cocktails, and this is what most people think of as gin. Common brands include Beefeater and Tanqueray. Plymouth gin is both a brand and style. It’s very similar to London Dry, but it’s a protected name, like Champagne for wine, and has to be made in Plymouth, England. With a flavor that’s less juniper-forward and more earthy, this is a good gin for people who “don’t like gin.� Then there are the “atypical� gins. Less of a single style and more of a collection of styles, these gins have been driven by the rise of microdistilleries all over the United States. Distilleries often start by making vodka, because it’s simple to make and can get to market quickly. Many of these atypical gins dial back the juniper to focus on more approachable flavors. Hendricks is one of the best known, and is a soft and smooth gin with cucumber and rose petal notes. New Amsterdam is a Californian gin with a lemon-forward flavor profile. Two of my favorite gin drinks are the classic martini (I like mine with three parts of gin to one part of dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters) or the eminently refreshing gin and tonic. Both make great canvases for trying out a new-to-you gin! Tammy Coxen is the proprietor of Tammy’s Tastings. She teaches cocktail classes in Ann Arbor, Toledo and Tecumseh. Learn more at tammystastings.com.
2))(5,1* $ )8// 0(18 2) 6.,1&$5( 75($70(176 ,1&/8',1* )$&,$/6 (1=<0( $1' &+(0,&$/ 3((/6 '(50$3/$1,1* $1' :$;,1*
MAY 2015
7+( =USX 678',2
2DN $OOH\ &W 6WH 7ROHGR
ZZZ WKHVNLQVWXGLRWROHGR FRP
5
Books for Boomers Dig it! Page-turning options to get you blooming. Now that spring is here it is time to think about gardening! Whether you are a master gardener or a beginner, the library has the book for you. Here are a few titles to help you get started:
By Sue Schafer
Manager, Sylvania Branch, Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Grow All You Can Eat in 3 Square Feet, DK Publishing, 2015 Want to grow your own vegetables and food, but don't have enough space for a garden? Whether you want to grow a full garden, grow tomatoes, grow an herb garden, or just pick up great tips for small gardens, this is the book for you. (635.967 Gro)
Midwest Gardener’s Handbook: Your Complete Guide: Select, Plan, Plant, Maintain, Problem-Solve, Cool Springs Press, 2013 By Melinda Myers This is an all-inclusive resource guide featuring hundreds of proven plants—including winter-hardy choices—that are optimal for Midwestern gardeners. (634/0977 Mye) Beginner’s Illustrated Guide to Gardening: Techniques to Help You Get Started, Cool Springs Press, 2012 By Katie Elzer-Peters This is a one-stop, easy to understand, beautifully designed book with step-by-step instructions and photographs for every important gardening and landscaping technique. (635 Elz)
Essential Perennials: the Complete Reference to 2700 Perennials for the Home Garden, Timber Press, 2014 By Ruth Rogers Clausen Essential Perennials helps you decide exactly which plants will bring you the beauty you want and will thrive in the conditions you can provide. (635.932 Cla) Jamie Durie’s Edible Garden Design, Harper Design, 2014 By Jamie Durie America’s favorite design expert, Jamie Durie, shares his ideas for sustainable, healthy living, showing how to create a beautifully designed, completely edible garden, whether you live in an apartment or a house. (712.6 Dur) For additional information, please visit the Sylvania Branch Library at 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania OH 43560, or call the branch at 419/8822089. Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. September through May.
6
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Reeves Northrup
Pedaling for a Purpose By Mary Helen Darah Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body. Symptoms range from numbness to total paralysis. At this time, there is no way to predict the severity of how the disease will affect an individual. Most people are diagnosed with the disease between the ages of 20 and 50. MS is currently being battled by 2.3 million people worldwide. Many words come to mind when describing multiple sclerosis (MS); disabling, unpredictable, paralyzing and numbing. For Reeves Northrup, there is only one word— personal. “My dad was diagnosed with MS at the age of 36,” explains Northrup. “He was confined to a wheelchair at the age of 40. Back then, they didn’t have the meds and the treatments that are available today. It was more of a death sentence. We were basically told to go home because there was nothing they could do for us. Thanks to new advances in research and funding they have been able to slow the progression of the disease, but unfortunately there still is no cure. In 1994, a new drug called Copaxone arrived on the scene and since then they’ve been able to come out with ten or more new drugs to help those with MS.” Northrup’s father, Reeves Northrup Sr., lived with MS for 29 years and died two days before his 65th birthday in 1999. “My mom, Janet, was a very strong-willed person and took care of my dad. She took him to parties, my basketball games and other functions. My dad was a former athlete and a large man. It wasn’t easy but she made certain he was included and shared in our social life.” Northrup annually participates in the MS Bike to the Bay. In 2000 the event was renamed for his father as the Reeves Northrup Memorial Bike to the Bay. “It was only supposed to be named in my
WE NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS!
Reeves Northrup hits the pavement in honor and memory of his father who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 36.
dad’s memory for three years, but the event has grown to such an extent since then that they decided to keep the name permanently. Originally, Northrup rode in honor and memory of his father but that is no longer the case. “Of course I always think of my dad when I ride but now I ride for friends and acquaintances of mine such as Chris Kajfasz and Tricia Courtney who have been afflicted with MS,” says Northrup. “With new advancements you can now live with and not die from MS. They are living proof of that.” The Bike to the Bay celebrated its 25th year last year and the organization is excited to keep moving forward. Each year, Brian Douglas has helped Northrup put a team together of over 50 riders for
Continued on 8
Whatever you’re saying, it’s better said with chocolate. 5665 Main St. • 419.517.4455 Downtown Sylvania www.mychoconotes.com
MAY 2015
7
Reeves Northrup
FROM 7
the cause. “Our team name is ‘Sitting Bull,’” states Northrup. “That is because my dad’s CB handle was ‘Sitting Bull’ because he couldn’t walk. He would shout out the orders from his wheelchair back in the day.” Northrup hopes those who have biked in previous years as well as those who have never participated, will consider signing up for the event this year. “It is not just a bike ride where at the end you can have a couple of beverages and pat yourself on the back,” Northrup points out. “It raises vital funding to continue the research that will lead to continued advancement in treatments and one day to find a cure.” Northrup says, “You can be a novice or a seasoned biker and still participate. Chris Kajfasz is on the team and she has had MS for 29 years and has a drop foot. The medications she takes have allowed her to live an active life. She truly is an inspiration. Steve Kuehn and Rocky Roemer, members of Team Sitting Here is a gal that has MS and rides 35 miles. My Bull, prepare to spin their wheels for a great cause. point being, anyone can participate. Along the way there are rest stops every 8 to 12 miles. If you feel The Reeves Northrup Memorial Bike MS Bike to as if you can’t make it, there is transportation the Bay ride begins at Perrysburg High School on available to get to you to the fun at the end of the Saturday, June 20. There are route options of 35, bike ride. People at the rest stops will thank me for 50, 75, and 100 miles so riders age 12 and over of riding. I always tell them as long as I CAN ride, I any experience and ability level can register to WILL ride. I ride for those who can’t and would ride. Two-day riders stay overnight in Port Clinton love to be able to. When I’m riding to the Bay I will and receive a Jet Express ticket to Put-In-Bay be thinking of my dad and the struggles that he before making the return trip to Perrysburg on went through. I truly do pedal for a purpose.” Sunday, June 21. All cyclists must fundraise a minimum of $300 prior to the event to be eligible to participate. Sign up to pedal for a purpose! Email: ohabikeMS@nmss.org Website: bikeoha.nationalmssociety.org Phone: 800-344-4867 Volunteers are always needed and appreciated!
8
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Fire Up The Grill
Healthy cooking season is here Nothing kicks off summer like biting into that first juicy burger. So turn up the heat, and wake up your grill from its long winter’s nap. Grilling is so versatile and a healthy cooking method in that it eliminates the need to add extra fats. Plus, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen tending to a hot oven on a sunny day? Don’t burn yourself out on brats and wieners though. With grilling, the opportunities Bring your grill out of hibernation for are endless. the flavorful, healthy cooking season There’s ahead. chicken, pork or seafood - shrimp and scallops are wonderful on the grill. As are vegetables - eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers can be halved and grilled or cut into smaller pieces and threaded on skewers for colorful veggie kabobs. Lightly grilled fruit such as pineapple, peaches or pears make an incredible summertime dessert when served over vanilla ice cream and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. 515-4000
6820 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, OH 43560
(419)
Sylvania’s FULL SERVICE auto shop
REPAIR • DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE SPECIALIZING IN IMPORTS
info@alliedmotorworks.com www.alliedmotorworks.com MAY 2015
By Jennifer Ruple
You can even grill your salad. Slice a head of romaine lettuce in half lengthwise, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill cut sides down for a few minutes. Serve with crumbled blue cheese. Marinades are an easy way to add flavor and tenderize tougher cuts of meat - like flank or skirt steak. This one works well with chicken or beef and can even be used for fajitas. Happy grilling! So many options, so little time! Beef,
chicken, pork and even grilled lettuce can kick start your grilling season.
Savory Chicken or Beef Marinade ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon sage leaves 1 teaspoon summer savory ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon dry mustard ½ teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons steak sauce In a medium sized bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Place chicken or beef in a plastic, sealable bag and pour in the marinade. Marinate for 6 hours or overnight. (Recipe adapted from Pillsbury Summertime Across America, 1983) Jennifer Ruple is the author of the blog somedaycowgirl.blogspot.com.
9
The Wild Ones
Going Natural in the Garden
Dallas and Linda Howard continue to grow (literally) their passion and adventure that took root after watching a PBS special on gardening called “Naturally Native Nursery Bowling Green, Ohio.” “I was always a Linda and Dallas Howard are conventional gardener,” says living on the wild side. Linda. “I planted perennials in perfect rows, six inches apart. That obviously has changed.” Dallas recalls being interested in “going natural” but not wanting to take the first step. “Americans have a love affair with perfect turf [lawns],” he
The Howards enjoy their natural habitat that attracts native animal species, bees, butterflies and birds.
10
By Mary Helen Darah
Native wildflowers, monarchs and ducks thrive in the Howard’s grass-free habitat.
states. “Keeping a weed-free, insect-free yard comes with a high price. Turf is on life support. If you do not continually water it, feed it and throw chemicals on it, your grass will die. We decided we wanted to be one of the ‘Wild Ones’–not the Marlon Brando motorcycle type–but the kind that makes a positive difference in our ecosystem. Linda and I watched the show and realized we were ready to start growing plants indigenous to the Oak Openings area.” Dig in! The Howards began filling their yard with plant species that thrive in the Oak Openings region. The Oak Openings region is a band of sandy soil west of Toledo. It is home to many rare plants as well as animals, butterflies and bird species. “We have planted all native plants,” explains Dallas. “They require little effort. Native plants want to be left alone and
Continued on 14
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Nifty after Fifty
5 Top Behaviors of Successful Personal Training Clients
1. They have a plan. If you fail to plan, then plan to fail. One key to success is learning how to manage and plan your own high risk situations – such as eating when you’re stressed or cleaning your plate out of habit rather than hunger. Successful weight losers are adaptable and plan ahead – they know what situations might get them into trouble and have a backup plan for dealing with them. Many dine out less often, because they prefer having more control over what they eat by preparing more meals at home. 2. They set goals and track their behavior. Setting goals that are measurable, like how many minutes you will exercise, how many calories you will take in, or how many calories you will burn – are helpful because you can track whether or not you meet these goals. Successful clients keep track of how much exercise they get, and they keep food journals, often times using a food log to plan meals ahead of time. These selfmonitoring strategies are critical and provide much needed feedback on behavior changes. 3. They eat a nutrient dense diet and practice portion control. No surprises here, but a high quality diet, one with plenty of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains– is what keeps people satisfied. The fruits, veggies and whole grains are bulky and filling, but their calorie cost is Personal trainer Ann relatively low. Adequate Heckler assists a client. protein is key, because it’s highly satisfying and will keep hunger at bay between meals. By learning what size portion you need to eat to feel “not hungry any more” – as opposed to feeling “stuffed” – you can trim your food intake significantly. Some portion control strategies include using smaller plates, filling WAC team member Wendy one side of your plate with Bahmer shows a member fruits or vegetables leaving the ropes. the rest for equal parts
MAY 2015
By Bryan Williams
protein and starch, or the best decision is only eat half the food that’s on your plate. 4. They get a lot of exercise and they practice stress management. On average, successful training clients burn about 2000 calories per week through exercise. That’s a lot! They get about 60¬90 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise daily. This is combination of weight training and cardio exercises. This consistent exercise happens day after day, week after week, and month after month. You get out of it what you put in it! Food is so often used as a comfort when we’re stressed – but we usually feel guilty afterwards, which just increases the stress and keeps the cycle going. Successful training clients have learned to find other ways to reduce their stress. They exercise, call a friend, or practice some meditation or deep breathing. All of these tactics are useful to help reduce your stress level and emotional overeating. 5. They have regular meal patterns and frequency. Many people get in trouble with their programs because their eating patterns are very disorganized. Successful training clients eat at regular intervals and have healthy, nutrient-dense snacks in between meals. This helps stabilize their blood sugar, keeps cravings at bay and also prevents that late afternoon energy Trainer Heath Woodard is proud of a crash. Skipping meals is one of the member’s progress. worse things you can do. Having routine meal times means that you don’t go long periods without food – which often leads to excessive snacking or larger Williams assists a member with meals later on in the Bryan improving range of motion. day.
11
Crossword Fun Spring is in the Air
ACROSS 1. Hawaiian island 6. ___ opener 9. Actress ____ Perlman 13. Olympian Jesse _____ 14. Fertility clinic stock 15. None of these good ones go unpunished? 16. Blood line 17. Grazing area 18. Expression of pirate's displeasure 19. *Vacation destination 21. *Blooming tree 23. *Before it becomes one, corn is planted in spring 24. Computer solicitation 25. Communications org. 28. *Greek goddess of spring 30. Recipients of funds or benefits 35. Diving bird 37. Kuwaiti, e.g. 39. Mother-of-pearl 40. Fairy tale opener 41. Overthrow by argument 43. Bygone days 44. Jasmine and Basmati 46. Extinct bird 47. Musher's transport 48. Like lemon 50. Inquires 52. Driver's license and passports, e.g. 53. Cooking fat 55. To this day 57. *Resurrection celebration 60. *"Spring _______, fall back" 64. Jamaican national fruit 65. Don't waste 67. New World bird 68. A peddler who shouts to advertise 69. Lay down 70. Willow twig 71. Barrels or casks 72. Thrown in the Boston harbor 73. *Flower holder, often becomes visible in spring DOWN 1. Baker's unit 2. Military no-show 3. Agrippina's slayer
12
4. Cavern 5. Old Testament prophet 6. Soft drink 7. "___ Maria" 8. Civil rights org. 9. Back of military formation 10. German mister 11. Avant-garde 12. *___ Wednesday 15. Demigod 20. Doom and gloom 22. Consumed or experienced 24. Seaworthy vessel 25. *Roman goddess of spring
26. Like a cone 27. Spherical bacteria 29. Ill-____ or unrefined 31. Thumbs-down votes 32. Food safety threat 33. Made a mistake 34. *Most need water 36. Financial aid criterion 38. *Signs of the season 42. Ginza locale 45. Kim to Kourtney, e.g. 49. Stage signal 51. Servomechanisms, for short
54. Do like Vesuvius 56. Unforeseen development 57. Shade of beige 58. Analogous 59. Gets the picture 60. Greek salad ingredient 61. Prima donna's song 62. Fishing rod attachment 63. Mr. Uncool 64. College readiness assessment 66. Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named ___"
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Maumee Valley Adventurers
Old Friends Focus on New Health
By Scott Carpenter, Director of PR, Toledo Area MetroParks
with Toledo Bikes Maumee Valley Adventurers (MVA) is a new group of old friends. Focused on healthy, social â&#x2014;? The Tombstone Tour and Family Haunted Bike activities that are good for individuals and the Ride, October 17, also with Metroparks. community, MVA was formed in the summer of MVA also hosts weekly Thursday morning bike 2012 by longtime members of the former rides March through October and hikes Hostelling International Toledo Area Council (HI- November through FebruaryÍž Tuesday evening TA). bike rides with The HI-TA had ice cream stops been active in summerÍž the more than 40 13-week Travel years, so when Circle HI-USA travelogue unified local series in the councils under Metroparks a single, every Saturday reorganized from January national through MarchÍž organization, and other local members Maumee Valley Adventurers, a new group of old friends, is excited to meet new faces-like activities. All formed MVA to yours- on the road to fun and fitness. events are continue its listed on its popular activities and support of local causes. website, MVAdventurers.org. MVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work MVA focuses on healthy activities, especially includes advocacy for safe and accessible bicycling. Its cycling activities are open to bicycling. It supports the annual Ride of Silence, everyone. Four annual bike tours are also the non- sponsored by We Are Traffic, and has donated profitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary sources of income used to fund funds to Safe Kids of Greater Toledo to purchase activities and a grant program. bicycle helmets for kids. It was part of a joint effort by TMACOG and local bike clubs to This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MVA bike tour series includes: â&#x2014;? The Portage River Tour, June 28, in conjunction produce a brochure about bicycling in the region, and recently donated funds to Metroparks to with the Elmore Historical Society â&#x2014;? The Metroparks Tour, July 18, with Metroparks install some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first self-service bicycle maintenance stations. of the Toledo Area â&#x2014;? The Irish Hills Tour in Sylvania, September 20, For more information visit mvadventurers.org. We Make it Worry Free
3242 Executive Pkwy., Suite 101, Toledo, OH 43606
Office: (419) 531- 4431 ext. 1250 Cell: (419) 508-9821 Fax: (419) 794-6977 vera@danberry.com
Vera Wiskochil Realtor
MAY 2015
,EVQSR] MR 0MJI
% ,IEPMRK %VXW )HYGEXMSR 'IRXIV Â&#x2C6; =SKE Â&#x2C6; 8EMNM*MX 8EM 'LM Â&#x2C6; 1EWWEKI 8LIVET] Â&#x2C6; 6IMOM Â&#x2C6; )RIVK] ,IEPMRK Â&#x2C6; ,EVQSR] 7LSTTI +MJXW Â&#x2C6; %RH 1YGL 1SVI 1EMR 7X Â&#x2C6; 7]PZERME 3, [[[ LEVQSR]MRPMJIGIRXIV GSQ
13
Going Natural in the Garden
The Wild Ones
come up every year. They have evolved in this region and grow in sand. I realize we are a society of instant gratification but wouldn’t it be great if more people chose this option? These plants do not want to be fertilized and require little watering.” Linda is in agreement with her husband. “The more we planted the more we liked it. We became curious about what we could grow,” she recalls. The couple has very little turf in the front yard. What turf does remain is cut with a push mower. The grass has been totally eliminated in the backyard and replaced with stone pathways, a pond and numerous plant species, including Iron Weed and Milkweed, to attract and support monarch butterflies. “Many of our native plant species have the word ‘weed’ in them. Do not let the name deter you. Also, it is important to remember that native plants normally take a year to establish their root system before they bloom. You might want to go to a nursery for a little instant gratification of color when you first start out.” A Living Garden The Howards enjoy watching the bees, birds and an abundance of monarchs in their yard. “We once had 91 mallards in our yard at one time,” states Linda. “We also enjoy the relationships that we have established through gardening with such people as Candy Sarikonda, a conservation specialist, and monarch butterfly expert and natural gardener Jan Hunter.”
14
FROM 10
What will the Neighbors Think? The Howards have won two awards for their garden including the “TBG Nature Landscape Award” and the “Wild Ones Nature Landscaping Award.” The couple cuts down the front yard in the winter to “blend in” with the neighborhood. “For the most part everyone has been very supportive. People that walk by often stop and inquire about our garden,” reports Dallas. “In fact, some neighbors are jumping on board and asking for advice and many have planted native plants in their own yards. I am happy we chose to take this direction away from watering, pesticides and mowing toward the living, breathing, nature habitat that we along with birds and butterflies call home.” For more information on how to be a “wild one,” visit oakopenings.wildones.org.
Crossword Puzzle Solution
BOOMERS
& Beyond
BOOMERS
No Kid Hungry 5K Run/Walk
L-R: Christie Jackson, Teresa Nissen and Kay-Lynne Schaller, educators for the Anthony Wayne schools and Penta Career Center, helped organize and participated in the No Kid Hungry 5K Run and Walk.
The Garden Party
Front row, L-R: Glenda Overholt, Flo Metzger, Barbara McCloskey, Carol Baker; Back row, LR: Mike Overholt, Harry Wagner, Dale Byerly, and Lou Mineff attended ‘The Garden Party’ at the Stranahan Great Hall sponsored by Paramount Elite and enjoyed a performance by ‘Swingmania.’
MAY 2015
ON THE
GO
Mardi Gras Masquerade
L-R: Debbie and Philip Schmidt get into the spirit of the ‘Big Easy’ at the Alzheimer’s Association Spring Gala 2015 held at The Premier.
Ability Center’s 650 OUT
Don Smith, manager of the Ability Center’s Nursing Home Transition program, is honored by Ash Lemons, director of ACT’s Housing Resource Center, at the Ability Center’s “650 OUT” event, celebrating the program’s 650th person to be assisted with transitioning out of a nursing home and into homes of their own.
15
GOINGBEYOND
attendEVENTS
Oregon Fest Sunday, May 17, 12 noon-6 p.m. Dustin Road, Oregon Family-friendly free event includes business fair, parade, classic car show, entertainment, food www.oregonfest.net Toledo Mud Hens vs. Buffalo Bisons Sunday, May 24, 6 p.m. Pregame: Player autograph experience Hens & Hounds Night. Postgame: Kids Run the Bases & Fireworks Show
Memorial Day Commemoration: A Solemn Occasion Monday, May 25, 12 noon-5 p.m. Fort Meigs, Perrysburg Honoring our nation’s fallen heroes. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians reenact camp life. Wreath laying ceremony at 2 p.m. at Fort Meigs monument. Wreath laying and musket salute at end of ceremony. Fee. www.fortmeigs.org
getMOVING
2nd Annual Wags & Wheels 5K Saturday, May 2, 7:30 a.m. Fossil Park, Sylvania Funds benefit Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence, $20 adults pre-registered, $25 day of. www.abilitycenter.org Blue Week 2015 May 12 through 17 Annual celebration of spring and the Oak Openings region. Bike rides, canoeing, hikes, demonstrations. www.oakopenings.org & www.metroparkstoledo.com
Toledo Heart Walk & 5K Saturday, May 30, 8:00 a.m. The Huntington Center Benefits American Heart Association, run/walk, health fair, free screenings, Kids Zone. www.heart.org
buyLOCAL
26th Annual Flower Day Weekend May 23-25, Toledo Farmer’s Market, Downtown Saturday (8-4 p.m.) & Monday (8-2 p.m.) Market Days Sunday (8-4 p.m.) Flower Day www.toledofarmersmarket.com
searchWEBSITES
Roadtrippers.com Maps built for travelers
Everythingzoomer.com 45+ lifestyle website shopzilla.com comparison shopping online picmonkey.com feature-rich free online photo editor epicurious.com recipes, menus, cooking info & food guides metroparkstoledo.com programs, volunteer opportunities, park locations
helpCHARITIES
Treasures with a Twist—The Victory Center Sunday, May 17, 7-11 p.m. Parkway Place, Maumee Cuisine grazing, wine & beer sampling, silent & live auctions, music, dancing, “twist” contest www.thevictorycenter.org
Food for Thought Volunteer for the mobile food pantries, warehouse stocking, Friday night lunch packing, Saturday morning picnics, or administrative help Food for Thought is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to feeding the Toledo region in a thoughtful way. www.feedtoledo.org
dayTRIPPING
Biggest Week in American Birding May 8 through 17 Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center Guided tours through Magee Marsh & Ottawa National Wildlife Refugee, information & talks all about birds. www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com Put-in-Bay Island Wide Garage Sale Sunday, May 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Put-in-Bay businesses & island residents join together for one gigantic sale. www.visitputinbay.com