Toledo Free Press – Jan. 9, 2011 by Toledo Free Press

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The future of economic development, Page A14

Ottawa Hills firefighters face pay cuts, Page A4

NW Ohio Transitions

Under the fire truck

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Toledo firefighters ask for your help in solving arson cases. By Kristen Criswell, Page A5

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Opinion

january 9, 2011

Education Champions

ne of last year’s more compelling continuing stories was the crisis facing Toledo Public Schools (TPS). After a failed May levy, many community forces joined to push for a November levy. On the frontlines and in the trenches was United Way of Greater Toledo, which in a rare move endorsed the levy and did its best to keep education in the spotlight. One of those efforts was a community showing of the documentary “Waiting for ‘Superman’,” which revealed the intrinsic challenges the American education system faces and showed examples of the triumphs taking place despite those issues. The levy failed, but the issues remain. At the end of 2010, Toledo Free Press met United Way officials, led by PresiThomas F. Pounds dent with and CEO Bill Kitson. Our question was simple: “What can we do to help keep these issues in the headlines and keep education on the forefront of people’s minds?” As a result of that first discussion, Toledo Free Press is partnering with United Way of Greater Toledo to spotlight a dozen successful education programs within the local education system. The series, “Education Champions,” will begin Jan. 16. Inspired by the “Waiting for ‘Superman’” approach, these will be initiatives taken by teachers and parents to overcome the resource limitations TPS faces. It will not be overtly critical of TPS, but it will show how grades and attendance can be demonstrably improved with cooperative outside-the-box thinking. The programs we will highlight have been chosen in consultation with United Way, but if you know of any we should focus on, contact us. At the end of the 12-week series, we will post all the stories in a special forum, like the Pepsi Challenge Grants, which will allow people to vote for their favorite success story. The winning program will receive a grant from United Way, and we are working on the details to provide a student in that program with a free college scholarship. The winner will be announced at an event at the United Way building in March, sponsored by Columbia Gas of Ohio. In addition, Doni Miller’s 13abc “Bridges” program will feature interviews with some of the people from the education programs as the weekly series progresses. We are hoping the effect of the series will be to encourage progressive thinking and to provide a stage for those whose voices are overwhelmed in the larger issues and debates. Without immediate attention and change, TPS and education in our region will continue to struggle and suffer. No one will flourish and grow in an area that lacks the absolute best educational resources. We know Superman is not on his way. But there are plenty of local superheroes and champions with stories to tell, and we suspect our initial 12 are just the start. O Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

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arty Clark, 73, died Dec. 15. While I was not even to the university, very intelligent.” Clark would be proud to be remembered for his work, a brief footnote in his life, he provided one of the his friendships and his undying UT spirit. professional highlights of mine. Spirits of another kind were also a factor in Clark’s For 30 years, Clark worked in the Public Information life. As one retired UT source shared with Office (PIO) at the University of Toledo, me, “Marty was such an ‘old school’ kind serving as Public Information Officer for 27 of guy, what with the martinis at lunch and of those years. He was a man of tradition, a the ashtray in his office (until smoking was believer in the Society of Professional Jourbanned). He also had that old-school gentlenalists and its ethics codes. He was a member manliness and integrity. He had a well-read of the Board of Trustees of the Northwestern intelligence, and there was a deep caring for Ohio Chapter of the Society of Professional the university that many didn’t fully appreJournalists for more than 25 years. hend until he was retiring. I remember him as an affable, offbeat “Marty could be exasperating, but he man who seemed to understand the percowas also intelligent, kind and thoughtful. He lating irony of his job, which often required putting a smile and positive spin on univer- Michael S. miller was the kind of guy you didn’t want to see anything bad happen to. Even back then, his sity news or presidential follies that reflected health wasn’t the best, but he carried himself with a dignity negatively on his institution. Vicki L. Kroll, a longtime and current UT communica- that you don’t see often enough these days.” I worked in the UT Public Information Office for a setions employee and a Toledo Free Press contributor, remembers Clark as many who worked with him will: “Marty was mester in 1991 and remember the respect the staff had for very thorough when it came to writing and could crank out Clark’s work and its collective tolerance for his lunchtime indulgences; today, we’d probably call it enabling. I did not stories with the best of them. He was have much direct contact with Clark during my semester in very knowledgeable about UT and its the office, but his words were always patient and encouraging. history and always willing to help.” A year later, after my acrimonious, cowardly and probably Joe O’Conor, who worked with justified dismissal from the UT student newspaper, I partnered Clark in the UT PIO office after he rewith fellow idealist Will Nicholes and launched Spectrum, an tired as executive editor of The Blade in independent weekly tabloid newspaper designed to provide 1984, said in a Jan. 5 phone interview insight into issues and people largely ignored by the estabthat Clark was “very loyal to UT, aclished and well funded behemoth. Spectrum was a hit with curate in his writing, a good guy … students and quickly grew, but was viewed as a scourge by he would not mislead anyone. He was CLARK some key UT administrators who did not want an indepentotally honest, but he took care of UT.” O’Conor shared a story that illustrated Clark’s savvy in dent voice on campus in general and who specifically did not want that voice to come from me. There were UT adminiswalking the line between truth and spin. “James McComas was the first UT president to make trators who tried to block distribution, who tried to block $100,000,” O’Conor said. “When Marty left the board production and who tried to block fair access to information. Marty Clark was not among that confederacy of dunces. meeting to write up the news release about the hiring, he wrote a long, two-page release, and in the very last para- He never crossed the line and went against UT’s interests, graph, mentioned the salary. The report was accurate, and but he was fair, which was a lot more than many of his had media read it to the very end, they would have seen contemporaries offered. During a conversation at the dedithat part of the story, but no radio or TV news picked it up.” cation of the expanded UT Student Union in 1993, Clark O’Conor recalled that Clark once had an office next to commented on Spectrum’s extensive coverage. “You’re doing what no one else has done before,” he said. the office of Max Gerber, who was UT sports information “Working outside the system, outside its funding and protecdirector from 1960 to 1988. “Marty was a loyal Democrat and Max was a true con- tion. You’re doing good work, good journalism. UT is better servative,” he said. “I used to walk by them in the morning, off with your efforts, even if it doesn’t want to admit it.” Those words impacted me to the core. As nearly 20 throw out a political comment and walk away, leaving them years have passed but my overall situation hasn’t, I continue to talk it out all day.” Gerber said in a Jan. 5 phone interview that despite the to take inspiration from them. Rest in peace, Marty. Your work and influence live on. O political differences, he and Clark remained friends. “He was always a very positive person — he was better than I am in that way — energetic, happy-go-lucky, seldom Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and complained,” Gerber said. “He was a good friend, very loyal Toledo Free Press Star. E-mail: mmiller@toledofreepress.com. Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com

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SHREDDING THE CURTAIN

Under the fire truck

Opinion

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nitially, the position of the Village with our discussions and the inforof Ottawa Hills was that its 10 fire mation provided to our people.” The Dec. 15 letter does not list department employees would lose no pay or benefits with the proposed a salary. It states, “As part of the merger, you will become a City of Toledo merger. Ottawa Hills told residents in a Toledo Fire Fighter provided you letter dated Oct. 18, “All of our full- meet several conditions.” Those time employees will be offered com- conditions include passing a medical parable positions and compensation examination, being current on taxes owed to Toledo and being compliant by the Toledo Fire Department.” That changed, but the language with any child support order. Thompson conwithin the agreement firmed Dec. 28 that did not change on comdespite the agreement pensation. The agreethe Village Council of ment that was approved Ottawa Hills approved on Dec. 20 by the Village committing there would Council of Ottawa Hills be no material reduction and is still pending beor loss of wages, the four fore Toledo City Council would see their wages states in Section 10: reduced. He said he was “The parties agree that, to the extent prac- Lisa Renee WARD unaware of any plan to amend the language. ticable and permitted by Sedlar spoke to Toledo Free law, VOH Fire Department employees retaining employment with the Toledo Press on Jan. 4. He confirmed he Fire Department shall not suffer any was going to take the largest cut in material reduction or loss of wages, pay, even though it was previously fringe benefits, sick leave fund balance promised he and the other fire staff or retirement benefits as a result of the would not see their wages cut. “I am 26 months away from implementation of this Agreement.” On Oct. 15, the City of Toledo retirement, I really don’t have a sent each of the 10 a letter outlining choice,” he said. “Acceptance” is the word Sedlar the position and salary they would receive. A Dec. 15 letter was issued used on the possibility of going from in its place and it was implied they fire chief, with more than two dewould be hired at the beginning fire- cades of service in Ottawa Hills, to a Toledo firefighter. It’s the only way fighter salary at one point. Jennifer Sorgenfrei, public infor- he can collect a full pension should mation officer for Toledo, said via e- the merger go through. The City of Toledo does not plan to mail on Dec. 28, “Pay rates would not transfer from Ottawa Hills, but would amend the language in the agreement. be commensurate with experience — Sorgenfrei wrote on Dec. 28, “Section for example, a firefighter with 5 years 10 refers to ‘the parties’, not exclusively on the Ottawa Hills force would be to Toledo and further addresses wages paid at the rate of a firefighter with and benefits as to ‘the extent practi5 years on the Toledo force (plus the cable and permitted by law’.” Despite the legalese cited as a paramedic rate where applicable).” Four of the Ottawa Hills fire staff reason to not amend the agreement would receive a cut in salary with so that it is more accurate, Ottawa Fire Chief James Sedlar receiving Hills changed its position from what it the largest salary reduction. The stated to its residents amd employees. Toledo originally agreed to no loss Oct. 15 letter from Toledo offered him a salary of $75,312.64 at the in wages. While some may not think rank of captain, with a 3.5 percent it’s that big of a deal to throw the four raise Jan. 7 — the salary for a fire- under the fire truck, the same promfighter with 22 years of service is ises as far as attempting to make sure employees are “made whole” have been $56,456.29 before the raise. An Oct. 25 e-mail obtained bandied about in the discussion of the by Toledo Free Press from Ottawa elimination of Toledo’s trash service. It’s a fire truck today, but tomorrow Hills Village Administrator Marc Thompson to Deputy Mayor Steve it could be a garbage truck. The larger Herwat said the change in wages for question — when is a promise really a Sedlar would be “significant.” He promise? — is left unanswered. O wrote, “We have said from the beginning that how our people were Toledo Free Press contributor Lisa treated was critical. These two re- Renee Ward operates the political blog cent developments are inconsistent GlassCityJungle.com.

january 9, 2011

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CITY OF TOLEDO

By Kristen Criswell

Toledo Free Press Special Sections Editor krapin@toledofreepress.com

For the Toledo Fire Department’s investigation unit, public assistance is crucial to solving and prosecuting an arson case. “It’s very dependent upon the public,” said Phil Cervantes, deputy chief. “It’s truly amazing how much [the fire investigators] rely on people in the neighborhoods to come forward and say something, give us anything — an address, a name, something along those lines.” Often arson fires are easy to identify, Cervantes said. Sometimes it’s a vacant home where utilities have been shut off, so there’s no reason for the fire to be burning, or accelerants are found at a fire scene. While some arson fires can be easy to identify, proving arson is more difficult. It’s the public’s assistance that helps identify and prosecute suspects. Neighbors tend to work with fire investigators to gather information, but when it comes time to go to court, individuals are afraid of retaliation and will not testify. “We may have a good idea of who did it, why they did it and how they did it, but when you put it all together and discuss it with a prosecutor they want an eyeball witness,” said Andre Tiggs, fire investigator. “[Without a witness], the prosecution won’t go forward at all.” Fire investigators don’t want to put anyone in danger in their own neighborhood, but the only way for arsons to stop, or slow down, is for individuals to come forward, said Glen Frames, fire investigator.

The Toledo Fire Department’s investigation unit has three investigators. The investigators are all trained firefighters and also have police powers. This allows investigators to follow an investigation from inception through prosecution. If crews come across a suspicious blaze while out fighting fires, they call the on-call fire investigator to investigate the scene. When first arriving, investigators will talk to the crews at the site before performing a 360-degree inspection of the building, Tiggs said. “We talk to a lot of guys, especially those who are first in. They will describe flames, smoke or even smell,” he said. After talking with crews, the investigator then conducts a burn-pattern analysis, takes pictures and collects char samples. The investigator notes things found in the heaviest fire areas and whether those things should be present, Tiggs said. When there are homeowners, investigators interview them and then look into the occupant’s financials, Tiggs said. The unit doesn’t investigate every fire and the fires the investigators look into are prioritized by solvability, Cervantes said. Despite the focus on solvable cases, investigations are constantly revolving. “They may go out and it’s a nobrainer that it’s arson, but we don’t have any witnesses, don’t have the smoking gun sitting there, so they’ll put it on the back burner,” Cervantes said. “A couple months later someone comes up and says I have a name for you and all of a sudden it’s back up to the top. Our cases are pretty de-

pendent upon what we can prove and what we can’t prove.” To date, the fire investigators have actively worked on 316 investigations, said Dale Pelz, fire investigator. The national average for arson conviction is less than 10 percent of all cases, in Toledo that rate tends to be a little higher, Pelz. In 2010, the fire investigation unit has made 31 arson arrests with 13 of those being juveniles, he said. In Toledo, the higher arson-rate areas tend to be areas of lower income; the Central City, the East Side and the South End. “The more depleted neighborhoods tend to see an upswing in all kinds of crime and arson lends itself to that,” Cervantes said. When the fire investigation unit notices trends in arson, it attempts to pool its resources with the police department and other agencies to flood the area with patrols. After a large trend of arson fires during the summer the fire department works with the Toledo Police Department (TPD), the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on a regular basis. While the media brought attention to the “serial arsonists” during the summer, the fire investigation unit had already been detecting trends within those areas the winter before. “Arson became the buzzword in the summertime because all of a sudden the media picked up on it. It became a serial arsonist running around. There’s probably a bunch of them running around right now, but it became ‘glamorous’ in the summer when there were four or five fires a day,” Cervantes said. n ARSON CONTINUES ON A6

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY charlie longton/cover photo by associated press

Fire Dept. seeks public help in solving arson cases

Toledo firefighters michael Nicely, left, and TOm Bartley.

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CALL TO DUTY

riving back from the hospital around noon, your driver gets your attention, pointing,“Hey, look over there.” Looking up from your paperwork, you see a thin column of black smoke rising barely a half mile away. The smoke intensifies. “Maybe we ought to ... ” “Yeah.” Your driver turns toward it, accelerating, winding through the suburban neighborhood. The fire radio remains silent. Turning the corner, you see a fire at a residential one-story attached garage is spreading fiercely to the second story of the house and up into its attic. The entire side of the house next door is completely covered in fire from radiant heat; rivulets of siding melts forming plastic stalactites. Calling in a regular alarm, you see a

january 9, 2011

Help us help you fight arson behind two houses large crowd of people over. His ankles are in the street. Hopswollen and his feet ping out, the crowd are cut up from the demands you “do glass he landed in. something” and asks He was asleep in his you, “why ain’t you bedroom, heard his putting it out?” But smoke detector and life squads don’t have ran to the door. The water. Water is on the hallway was comway. Anybody know Tom BARTLEY pletely filled with about the occupants? smoke, so he hung The exposure house Michael NICELY from a second story (the structure fire spread to, not originated from) family is window and dropped himself out. How in the name of St. Florian out and safe. Nobody knows about the (patron saint of firefighters) could two occupant from the main fire building. You run to the door and kick it houses be so far involved, in the middle in; smoke bellows out. Crouching, of a well populated suburban neighborscreaming for someone to answer you. hood at the dead of noon? The investiYou listen ... nothing but crackling and gation begins. Occasionally, arson is the distant sirens. Someone runs up behind obvious cause. Unbelievably, gas cans are you and yells that the occupant is out and often found at the door. Accelerants, be-

n ARSON CONTINUED FROM A5 The media attention increased the number of tips the fire department received, but also created copycat fires, Cervantes said. To combat the large numbers of fires that were occurring during the summer, the Fire Department blitzed the neighborhoods with TPD gang and vice patrols as well as FBI and ATF officers, he said. “[Increasing patrols] tends to decrease a lot of activity. In those neighborhoods these people know when you see a shiny unmarked car it’s the police,” Cervantes said. “All of a sudden the South End started to die down a little bit

because of an increased activity by law enforcement and the same thing with the East Side.” As the law enforcement presence is less in the neighborhood now, the fire investigation unit is starting to see an increased number of fires in the same areas again, Cervantes said. “I think it’s picked up a little bit, we went from zero to a level a little above normal, certainly not where it was in the summer,” he said. Only one arrest was made in connection to the summer fires, Henry lee Jackson. Jackson was convicted of arson and will spend 10 months in jail. O

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sides an obvious odor, show distinctive patterns if the fire does not continue to burn. These “pour patterns” are often visible after the fire is extinguished. When this evidence is noted, the Chief calls out the Fire Investigation Unit. Overhaul becomes limited to only what is necessary to prevent a rekindle, preserving evidence. Once investigators arrive, they assess what is potentially a crime scene. This includes interviews with the crews on the initial fire attack and witnesses. The investigator collects data such as photographs and in addition, carpet samples and scrapings are taken from surfaces to be tested for the presence of accelerants. While this may prove arson, it does not provide us with a suspect. In this economic downturn, there is an overabundance of vacant homes in the city. This can attract the un-

housed simply seeking shelter, drug dealers or mischievous children who sometimes, accidentally or purposefully, catch the building on fire. A forgotten aspect of arsons is the neighbors who are frustrated with demolition waiting lists and take matters into their own hands. Fires in vacant homes certainly pose dangers to firefighters, but they also pose dangers to occupied adjacent structures. Heat and flames can travel, threatening innocent and unsuspecting people. This can be the real tragedy. We can often determine cause and arson. Prosecution requires a concerned citizenry to come forward. Help us help you. O Michael Nicely has been a firefighter for 18 years. Tom Bartley has been a firefighter for 10 years.

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n A7

Uncollected money leaves Toledo seeking payment By Michael Stainbrook

Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

As Toledo City Council continues to discuss Mayor Mike Bell’s 2011 budget proposal, millions of dollars owed to the city remain uncollected for a variety of reasons, many of which local officials might not be able to control. Unpaid income taxes, nuisanceabatement fees and water bills are an everyday reality for city department heads and attorneys. But collecting on these past-due payments is more difficult than simply issuing a written reprimand. A North Toledo resident going by the name “Neighborhood Concerns” notified Toledo Free Press in early December of his belief that city officials had not been diligent in pursuing unpaid fees. “Concerns” filed a Freedom of Information Act request

for the billing histories of several Toledo properties that had outstanding nuisance-abatement fees due. The request was denied because “no responsive documents exist,” meaning the documentation Concerns sought was not available in the form he had requested. Concerns interpreted this to mean city officials had absolutely no documentation of billing these properties, thus making future collection impossible. Bob Mossing, code enforcement manager for the Toledo Department of Housing, had a different explanation. He said the request was not worded properly and was one of many inquiries this individual had made. Tracking down the answers to all of Concerns’ questions is not required by state law and would distract his attention from more pressing matters, he said. “We certainly have the records. It’s just a matter of asking for records

rather than asking mass amounts of questions,” Mossing said. “That’s the subtle difference in this particular case. I can understand how this person, he or she, would be confused.” Toledo’s housing department “work(s) with the community to create and maintain clean, safe, attractive neighborhoods,” according to the city’s website. Part of maintaining neighborhoods involves code enforcement and issuing fines when that code is broken. As code enforcement manager, Mossing can fine residents if their houses become dilapidated, often leading to a safety or health risk, or if a property is littered with trash. When a nuisance property is reported, the Department of Neighborhoods will notify the homeowner that a code violation must be fixed within 30 days. If the problem persists, the department will issue a $75 fine and send a crew to fix the violation. The owner also must pay the city for its services. Repeat violations and unpaid fees lead to steeper fines every 30 days: $150 for a second offense and $300 up to four times after that. If the situation still is unresolved, the city can press criminal charges. According to data Mossing conveyed via telephone, the Toledo Department of Neighborhoods issued 5,430 fines in 2009. That figure does not include fines for homes that had to be demolished. As of the end of November, Mossing said his department issued about 300 fines a month in 2010. Collecting payment on those fines

is a difficult task, Mossing said. Many residents whose homes fall into disrepair do not have the money to correct the problem or to pay the fine for the code infraction. After 90 days without payment, the case is passed on to the collection agency Sheer, Green, & Burke, L.P.A. “The collection company, they keep going after them. If they have money in the future then they try to make it whole,” Mossing said. The agency also can place a collection lien against the property or take the homeowner to court. But unlike most tax cases, nuisance abatement fees can be discharged when filing bankruptcy. If the homeowner truly cannot pay, there is little the city can do, Mossing said, adding the department had collected about $5,200 a month in 2010 through November. That includes what homeowners paid to the city and what the agency collected. Mossing estimated the collection rate at about 25 percent. The payment the city receives does not go into the general fund but rather a nuisance abatement trust fund, which serves to help elderly homeowners maintain their properties. Mossing said the department spends about $100,000 a year from the fund when money is available, but only $40,000 was present when Mossing talked with Toledo Free Press in early December. City officials must also deal with collection issues for income taxes and water bills. City law director Adam Loukx said these are much more

readily collectable than nuisanceabatement fees. “By and large, tax is a collectable debt because you can’t discharge it in bankruptcy except in very narrow circumstances,” he said. “With utilities, you have the ability not to provide the service, and that helps us collect.” Toledo City Council approved an ordinance allowing a 25-percent surcharge to be added to a delinquent taxpayer’s bill. But senior city tax attorney Jim Bishop said that fee often is put aside when debtors cooperate. He said the ultimate goal is reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties. “Since the first bill they receive, we are always open for payment options that work for their situations,” Bishop said. “Filing a lawsuit is the last thing that we want.” Bishop said the city sued for $15.8 million in unpaid tax dollars in 2010. His department oversees 4,600 pending cases, some of which are suits against employers who withheld income tax dollars from employees but never paid the city. The easiest way to make the collection process go smoothly is to cooperate with authorities as soon as possible, Loukx said, noting most cases are resolved soon after the delinquent taxpayer is first notified. “A lot of times, it’s a matter of people not having the money, so we work with them, but the sooner a settlement comes up, the easier it is,” he said. O

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EDUCATION

By Duane Ramsey

TOLEDO FREE PRESS SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER dramsey@toledofreepress.com

The students and faculty at Maumee Valley Country Day School returned from their holiday vacation to start the year in the new expansion building Jan. 3. The school conducted a tour of the facilities for the local media Jan. 5. “Students, parents and faculty were excited about it and amazed with the new facilities,” said Gary Boehm, head of school at MVCDS. “We created an innovative learning environment for Maumee Valley students under one roof.” The expansion project, known as the “Under One Roof ” campaign, includes a new Upper (high) School, extensive renovations to the historic Smead Building, home to the Early Childhood preschool program, and an enclosed walkway to connect all of the buildings on the 75-acre campus in Toledo. Boehm said the idea for the expansion and new facilities started long ago and progressed into the planning stages five years ago about the same time he became head of school. He previously served as head of the middle school with a total of 19 years at MVCDS. The Under one Roof campaign was announced in November 2008 with a purpose to modernize the current facilities and create the best environment possible for learning while incorporating sustainable management with green initiatives, Boehm said. “It was a complicated project with lots of challenges that needed to be solved in the field. The dynamic design creates a visual impact that people respond to in a positive way,” he said. Boehm reported that one alumna said how proud she was of the imaginative design of the new facility. She told them it exceeded the facilities at a similar school her children now attend in Greenwich, Conn. “The openness of the building affects the atmosphere for both students and teachers. The large hallways and glass walls play into our philosophy of open discussion and hands-on learning, said Tom Cambisios of Holland, an English and history teacher at the Upper School for 18 years. “We had input all along the way, especially the science teachers on the design of the laboratories,” he said referring to the faculty. The Upper School’s design pro-

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY charlie longton

Maumee Valley Country Day opens new expansion building

Meeting to address Airport development district A joint public meeting of four area boards will discuss setting up an economic development district around the Toledo Airport. The discussion is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Monclova Township administrative offices, 4335 Albon Road, and will include Monclova and Swanton township trustees, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and City of Toledo. Supporters say a joint economic development district (JEDD) would allow Northwest Ohio to capitalize on its strategic geographic location and lay the groundwork to entice the creation of intermodal centers. Such centers are designed to handle multiple forms of freight transportation, including land, air and water shipping, and would lead to new jobs and economic development, said Monclova Township Trustee Chuck Hoecherl. As part of such an agreement, Toledo would provide infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines to designated land within the townships in exchange for a portion of income tax

revenue and net business profits from developments within the JEDD. The boards have been discussing the joint district for several years and have been close to an agreement several times, Hoecherl said. O — Sarah Ottney

Rotary Club auction

The Perrysburg Rotary Club is collecting donations for its 27th annual charity auction Feb. 5. The evening features both a silent and oral auction. Donated items could include small gift products like DVD players, CDs and jewelry to larger items such as golf packages. All donations to the Perrysburg Rotary’s auction are taxdeductible. Auction proceeds will go to benefit the Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation’s Endowed Scholarship at Owens Community College as well as service projects. Contact any Perrysburg Rotary member or Steve Hopkins, auction chair, at sth.1004@gmail.com. O

Gary Boehm in the MVCDS Digital media room.

motes the idea of collaboration. Flexible classroom spaces allow students and faculty to work together freely within their classroom and with others. Architect Kate MacPherson of MacPherson Architects in Toledo designed the expansion building to take advantage of the natural setting. She has direct ties to the school as an alumna whose son is currently a ninth grade student there. Ground was broken for the $10.2 million project in May 2009. Construction was completed in December 2010. They are still in the process of moving into some areas of the expansion building such as the two-story library. The new structure was built by Bostleman Construction of Holland with materials and processes to create energy-efficient facilities certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. They are waiting to learn if it will qualify for Gold or Silver LEED certification, Boehm said. Plans call for 650 solar panels to be installed on the roof of the expansion building pending news on a grant submitted by the school for the cost of that installation. Boehm said the school is working with First Solar on plans for the installation. The new Upper School replaces the existing building opened in 1959 that will be demolished to provide open green space behind the new structure. An enclosed walkway now connects the Upper School to the Preschool, Lower and Middle Schools, Dining Room, Millennium Theater and Phys-

ical Education Complex. The two-story building contains classrooms, a library and media resource center, sound and video production facilities, four science labs, numerous gathering spaces and a small auditorium. The four labs include one for biology with a “grow room” or greenhouse, chemistry, physics and Earth sciences. All of the classrooms are equipped with projectors, smart boards, and wireless connections for educational purposes. A daily assembly of students and faculty is hosted in the Kasperzak Center, an indoor amphitheater with glass walls on three sides looking out at the natural setting. It is equipped with a projector and large screen for live lectures, presentations and participation in distance learning programs. Boehm said the support for the project was tremendous due in large part to the vision and leadership provided by Dean Kasperzak, Fred and Linda Diechert, Scott Parry, the Welles family and Steve and Ann Stranahan. Maumee Valley Country Day School is home to 478 students from preschool to grade 12 with about 170 students attending the Upper School. MVCDS opened its doors at its current location in 1934 as a co-educational, nonsectarian independent school. Founded in western New York as a boarding and finishing school for girls, it moved to Toledo in 1884 and became known as the Smead School for Girls. For more information about MVCDS School, visit www.mvcds.org. O

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The Blanks’ new house was built from the ground up, but old memories are hard to tear down. The night the tornado destroyed their home, the BLANK Blanks sought refuge in the basement, the same basement that is now part of their new house. “I just know this is the spot that we all huddled in,” said Julie Blank as she gave a tour of the house, including the remodeled basement. “So this is a little tough thinking about.” Julie, along with husband, Ed, and their son, Casey, were among the people in the basement that

fateful June 5 night. Ed’s son, Eddie and his wife, Michelle, and their son, Noah, also came that night because they don’t have a basement. Casey’s friend, Mark Greenlese, was spending the night and was in the basement, too. Julie remembers being in that spot near the stairs. After the tornado hit, which Ed described as “the sound of a locomotive, but no horns and whistles,” he was able to get up the stairs — and saw nothing. FAMILY: “Just picture, me coming up the steps here and only being able to make it halfway and then when I cleared everything out of the way, just picture my head barely above the flooring here and looking at the sky and looking next door and seeing their house destroyed and looking that way and everything was gone,” he said. What was left was rubble. Among the rubble were end tables that were once in the family room. The family

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found the tables and decided to use them in the basement. “They were made from a lady down in Fostoria. We bought them at a craft store,” Julie said of tables that she never thought would mean so much. The other furniture in the basement is new from the Oregon condo they stayed in while their house was rebuilt. The TV that was in the basement at the time of the tornado also survived. It is back in the basement, and surprisingly, it still works, Julie said. Two of the more notable differences in the basement are the ceiling and lack of Buckeye memorabilia. The ceiling is no longer a drop ceiling because the Blanks de-

cided to spray-paint the ceiling so the pipes and everything would be exposed. They got the idea from the Parade of Homes. Ed said that the basement had been decorated with Buckeye photos and signs with the walls painted scarlet and gray. The basement is where Ed plays Texas hold ’em with 20 of his friends the day after Thanksgiving. Now, he has his upstairs “man cave,” too, but that bonus room is mostly used for Casey to play Xbox and watch movies with friends. The basement is nice, but it will never be the same. “I might get some stuff and hang it up, but nothing like it was before,” Ed said. O

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY charlie longton

RESTAURANT

Editor’s note: Toledo Free Press will follow the Blank family of Millbury for the next year as they rebuild their lives after a June 5 tornado destroyed their Main Street home.

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Jazz community mourns loss of Murphy’s matriarch By Kristen Criswell

Toledo Free Press Special Sections Editor krapin@toledofreepress.com

Within the Toledo jazz community many have stories about Joan Russell. The 77-year-old was a fixture of the community for many years. She was a mentor, friend , jazz supporter and the driving force behind the jazz club Murphy’s Place. On Jan. 2, Russell died from complications following a stroke. She leaves behind a legacy of support for the music and music community she loved. “She was a part of the scene right there along with us,” said Claude Black, longtime friend of Russell’s and pianist with The Murphy’s. “It grew on her like it did on us. It becomes a part of you when you’re around it so much. Gets in your system and your spirit becomes a part of the music and that’s what happened to her. Her spirit became a part of the music.” Black said Russell reflected her love of jazz by running Murphy’s Place, which she co-owned, and bringing jazz legends to the club from time to time. Born in Warren, Mass., Russell lived and traveled throughout the country before settling down in Toledo. Prior to entering the music industry, Russell taught at both Maumee Valley Country Day School and Scott High School. Russell met her longtime partner, jazz bassist Clifford Murphy, 38 years ago and for years traveled with him and The Murphy’s as the group played jazz around the country. Russell was the “rock” of The Murphy’s when it traveled, said Glenda Biddlestone, who met Russell in the early ’80s when she was a singer for the group. “Joan held it all together. She’d let all of us play and took care of the business,” she said. Russell sewed costumes and would go ahead of the group and rent a house for them all to stay, Biddlestone said. Russell continued with her hardworking spirit, when she and Murphy settled down and opened Murphy’s Place in 1991. Russell worked in the kitchen cleaning dishes, prepping food and cooking. Russell also maintained the business end of Murphy’s. “She loved that club and worked hard to make it a success,” said Ramona Collins, jazz singer and regular performer at Murphy’s Place. “There was no one like her. Joan had her own

way of doing things. She was tireless.” Russell worked hard at Murphy’s because she wanted a place to hear Murphy play and a place for people to come and enjoy jazz, Collins said. Murphy’s stage served as a place for many young musicians to practice their craft and Russell gave that to them, Collins said. “She dedicated a lot of time to those young musicians,” she said. Kim Buehler, another singer at Murphy’s, said Russell was a musical parent to many young jazz musicians. “She affected so many of us,” she said. “Even though she wasn’t a musician, she knew her stuff and would call you on your crap if you were being lazy.” Buehler said Russell would often come out of the kitchen to check on things, but if an act was really good she’d stay and listen. “If she stood at the end of the bar with her apron on, you knew you were doing really well,” she said. Her son, William Russell, said when he returns to town people often tell him the role his mom has played in their lives. “I am who I am because of my mother. I have been given a great gift,” he said. “So many other people got what I got. I can’t tell you how many people have told me about how my mother served as one of their instructors, mentors and even as one of their mothers.” In addition to running the club, Russell also had her own music label Sophia Records. The small independent label produced records for Black, Murphy and even one for David “Fathead” Newman, William said. “My mom leaves a very long shadow. I think she contributed greatly to the jazz community of Toledo and did it for the love of jazz,” William said. Russell is survived by her son William, daughter Martha Petrovick, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Russell is also survived by her partner Murphy, his five children, 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. A celebration of Russell’s life is scheduled for Jan. 16 at Murphy’s Place, 151 Water St. The celebration will feature tributes and jazz music. Memorial contributions can be made toward the preservation and support of the local jazz tradition through Joan Russell Jazz in care of Fifth Third Bank. O

JOAN RUSSELL

Veteran of the Month Kingston is very honored to present

EUGENE GOOLSBY

Eugene was one of the first 900 Black Americans to be recruited and to serve during WWII. Eugene proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps but still experienced discrimination. He was a Motor Transport for the 11th Ammunition Company and was based for two years in the South Pacific. Eugene has three daughters, one son and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his “Honor Flight” in July 2010.

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A12 n Toledo Free Press

FAMILY PRACTICE

january 9, 2011

Curiosity created the kid

didn’t grow up a cat person. In fact, I in awe at the mounds of recently putnever liked them until my husband away clothing suddenly blanketing my convinced me that getting one was daughters’ bedroom floor with a difour best apartment-living pet option. ferent kind of radiating fascination, As soon as we adopted our second cat, that of the “What in the world?!” or a young kitten, light was quickly shed “Again?!” variety. Elaine’s other object of uncontrolon all of the cat-based sayings and anecdotes I had heard but not fully under- lable desire is a messy little thing called stood during my dog-loving-only years. makeup. How the daughter of a former tomboy mom, who literThe whole curiosity/nine ally has only one makelives thing is absolutely up item to her grown-up true. The imposition name at any given time, caused by the curiosity, becomes obsessed with such as having your feet makeup is beyond me. As attacked in the middle carnival prizes and varof the night by a kitten ious gifts, my daughter checking to see if they has amassed her own had morphed into frisky little cosmetics collection. mice after dark, made Though the rules for her me wonder if curiosity’s Shannon SZYPERSKI using the items are quite subsequent killing was a result of a dangerous act or of angering stringent and quite clear, there has been more than one teetering tower built out unsuspecting humans. Either way, middle-of-the-night of boxes, laundry baskets, etc. in order foot attacks and other kitten-curiosities- to free her makeup treasure trove from run-amok were good preparation for its high-shelf captivity. We have thus the constant childhood inquisitiveness far avoided serious injury from her esmy own children have re-introduced to capades, but the toppled towers, fishedme. It is no doubt exciting to watch my through cupboards and containers of lip children riveted by the simple wonders gloss and nail polish strewn about where of life I learned to take for granted long her toddler sister can reach them is conago. Of course, a child’s curiosity is also cern enough. My eldest’s curiosity has narrowed often messy, occasionally annoying and momentarily heart-stopping at times. into one very specific interest: sports. Throwing three different children with Fortunately, I like sports. I like to watch three different personalities at three dif- them, occasionally read about them ferent learning stages into the mix has and don’t mind them as a topic of disbegun to make me appreciate the piece- cussion. However, my 7-year-old son of-cake life I led when only having to has now transformed his interest in wake with kitten teeth clamped on my sports, specifically NFL football, into an big toe at 2 a.m. So far this year, Lucy, my 21-monthold, has partially disassembled our laptop keyboard, figured out how to insert DVDs (and presumably other items) into our desktop computer, eaten part of a 2009 gingerbread house, emptied the contents of a cereal bag onto the kitchen floor, transferred the cat’s food to the cat’s water bowl and vice versa, ladled the subsequent cat food/water combination into her mouth using the cat food scooper, scribbled on her brother’s homework and crumbled crackers on me as I lay in bed. And this is only week one. Elaine, my 5-year-old, isn’t quite as reckless in her curious pursuits as her little sister, but she surely isn’t quiet and neat about them either. She now generally asks before digging elbow-deep into shaving cream or finger paint, but there are still certain items that she just can’t seem to keep her eager little paws off of long enough to first seek permission. She views clothing, her main passion, as an ever-changing art project. Andie Walsh, aka Molly Ringwald’s “Pretty in Pink,” would stand in awe of the fashion fascination radiating from “Senior Homecare By Angels®” my preschooler. I myself often stand

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ongoing, nonstop stream of conversation between him and the closest semiwilling set of ears. The energy I once used to clean up his toddler mayhem and discipline his preschool indiscretions is now used to try and absorb and respond to the countless statistics, game schedules, play scenarios and injury reports he throws my way on a daily basis.

As frustrating, nerve-wracking and tedious as a child’s curiosity can be, curiosity creates the kid. The passion that drives children to delve deeper into their own individual interests in their own way is what carves out the path they take throughout their lives and makes them who they are. It is a parent’s responsibility to help children strike a

balance as they pursue life’s curiosities. It can be a tricky task to keep safety and respect in check during such an inquisitive time, but not completely standing in the way is well worth the effort. O Shannon and her husband Michael are raising three children in Sylvania. Email her at letters@toledofreepress.com.

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HONORS

Mothers of Twins Club names Diane France ‘Mother of the Year’ Toledo Free Press Special Sections Editor krapin@toledofreepress.com

Diane France was named Toledo Mothers of Twins Club 2011 Mother of the Year at the organization’s annual holiday party.

“It’s a huge honor within our organization and I’m certainly humbled to be chosen,” France said. The mother of three said she was surprised to win the honor and was touched when her family came out as the award was presented. France is the mother of 8-year-old

Tuesday, January 18th , 2011 BREAKFAST served at 9:30 AM There is a $3 per person charge for the brunch.

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triplets, Macy, Melissa and Michael. She said her children are ecstatic about the award and want her to wear her crown everywhere. France has been a member of the Toledo Mothers of Twins Club (TMOTC) for the past five years. She’s served as president, first-vice presi-

2011 Kick Off Travel Club Party January 27, 2011 2 p.m.

Location: Harmony Hall at Browning Masonic Community Waterville, Ohio

dent and president adviser. On the statewide level, France serves as the organization’s jewelry chairwoman. “Anyone who has had the opportunity to get to know Diane knows that she is a very caring and thoughtful person who thinks of others before herself ” said Julie

Overy, president of the TMOTC in a release. TMOTC Mother of the Year is chosen through a nomination process and revealed at the club’s holiday party. The organization is a support group for the mothers and guardians of multiple birth families. O

photo courtesy mothers of twins club

By Kristen Criswell

Don’t miss the party! Enjoy a great event as we announce the seven 2011 Browning Travel Club Trips. Discounts and prizes are offered for those who attend the event. RSVP to Carleen or Tara at 419-878-4055.

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A14 n Toledo Free Press

City of Toledo: Building relationships

n 2010 the Bell administration focused on building relationships. For years our community partners have worked together, collaborating on economic development by focusing and pooling their resources, yet Toledo has tried to be all things to all suitors. For the past year we’ve worked to provide better and more focused service by partnering with existing programs and agencies in Northwest Ohio —building their programs and allowing Toledo to offer the ancillary support services that city government was designed to provide. By working with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, we’re helping connect more small business owners and entrepreneurs with the Small Business Development Center. Businesses can access one-on-one counseling as they develop or grow their business, increasing their

january 9, 2011

chances of success. From here the City is able to provide assistance through economic development loans, façade grants and limited tax abatements for qualifying employers. By working together with the chamber we are putting more abundant resources at the fingertips of Toledo’s business community. Another partnership that we worked to establish in 2010 was for Dean retention and expansion of existing Toledo businesses. By joining together with the Lucas County Improvement Corporation we are able to fund two dedicated specialists who call on existing Toledo businesses. Most new jobs are created by the expansion of existing businesses — not new businesses moving

in with hundreds of new positions to fill. While pursuing companies to locate in Toledo is important we need to ensure that we’re continuing to meet the needs of existing businesses that already call Toledo home and help them to grow their enterprise as an ongoing part of Toledo’s economy. The city was also able this year to participate with the ToledoLucas County Port AumONSKE thority for the development of the Diversified Contractors Accelerator Program. The program is administered by the port authority and allows greater participation by minority and womenowned contractors in publicly bid work — including city projects. By working with the port authority,

Lucas County, University of Toledo, and local chambers of commerce we can open more doors to minority and women owned businesses looking to contribute to Northwest Ohio’s economy. This is an important step in growing and supporting investment and development in greater Toledo. Finally, in 2010, the City turned our eye to the global economy. In September, Mayor Bell and I joined a small group of local business representative in a trip to China to explore the possibilities of attracting investors to Toledo. I additionally had the opportunity to visit Mexico and we’ve been privileged to welcome several foreign guests interested in what Toledo has to offer. This region is an ideal location for North American expansion for many reasons — and many of our partners have contributed to creating these ideal conditions.

The intersection of the Maumee River, Lake Erie, with railroads and highways traveling in all directions have created a logistics hub putting Northwest Ohio at the center of the new manufacturing economy. There are limitless educational and research opportunities at the region’s colleges and universities and Toledo is additionally rich in ethnic, cultural and leisure activities, creating an ideal community to raise a family. These are all attractive benefits for investors looking to expand their business and establish roots. Building relationships and partnerships was key in 2010. In 2011, the City of Toledo will continue to forge ahead by strengthening these partnerships and finding additional ways to collaborate. O Dean Monske is deputy mayor of external relations for the City of Toledo.

NORED: 12 counties, one voice

programs to market the benefits of locating in Northwest Ohio. ome talk about regionalism and then practice isolationism. NORED is recognized as a 501(c) 4 organization, which means Others talk about regionalism and really do practice it. To assist in regional economic development, the North- it is a nonprofit, tax-exempt entity required to operate “primarily west Ohio Regional Economic Development Association to further the common good and public welfare of the people of the community.” (NORED) was created late in 1998. Seeking legislative changes germane to the orAs governor of Ohio, George Voinovich told Northganization’s programs is a permissible means of west Ohio to get its act together so that it could provide attaining social welfare purposes. NORED is repa unified front to legislators and state administrators in resented in Columbus by a registered lobbyist who Columbus. Northwest Ohio often acted independently monitors the Ohio Legislature and Administration and lacked a way to determine its own priorities. for matters of interest to NORED and its members, Recognizing that to truly represent Northwest and provides guidance on how best to make sure Ohio, an organization drawing together persons NORED’s position is known there. NORED also from all over the area was necessary, economic develprovided modest financial support to the Third opment professionals organized NORED. Frontier issue which was renewed by Ohio voters Today, NORED is an association of economic in May, 2010 ballot. The Third Frontier program is development practitioners and partners spanning 12 Kay Reiter an example of how Ohio voters endorse ways to help counties throughout Northwest Ohio — Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, develop Ohio’s economy. To further its mission, NORED prepares a legislative White Seneca, Williams and Wood. (www.NORED.org) Its members meet monthly in a forum for the exchange of in- Paper for State and Federal Legislators and appropriate adminformation aimed at increasing job opportunities and improving istrators defining the Ohio and national economic development the quality of life throughout the region. NORED provides profes- priorities of NORED for the next two years. This provides elected sional development programs for its members, advocates for legis- and appointed representatives with a blueprint of the types of prolative changes to enhance economic development and implements grams and initiatives NORED would like to see supported in Co-

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lumbus and Washington. As a member of Ohio Sales Partnership, NORED helps to promote Ohio for new capital investment projects throughout the U.S., and at selected trade shows in Europe. A major effort for the members of NORED is professional development. Through monthly meetings, NORED provides a forum for members to network, to learn “what’s new” and to hear others discuss topics essential to professional economic development efforts. NORED is comprised of 58 different organizations. These include counties and cities, educational facilities, utilities, construction companies, consulting firms, financial institutions and service providers. Through NORED, Northwest Ohio has gotten its economic development act together, and by representing professional development efforts in 12 Northwest Ohio counties, NORED provides strength in numbers. Officers of NORED for 2010-2011 are: Kay E. Reiter, president, Sandusky County; Ford Weber, vice president, president-elect, Lucas County; Lisa Arend, secretary, Fulton County; and Ralph Lange, treasurer, Henry County. Jamie Beier-Grant is president emeritus, Ottawa County. O Kay Reiter is president of NORED.

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Port Authority: Increased challenges, increased opportunities

s we continue to navigate these equivocal times, the ToledoLucas County Port Authority is privileged to play a strategic role — alongside our vast partners — as our region defines our new economy. From brown field redevelopment to innovative financing programs, the Port Authority focuses diligently on ensuring this area is positioned to capitalize on growth and development opportunities. Late last year, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority purchased the historic Jeep Parkway property with the sole intent of returning this valuable parcel to the stream of development and allowing it to once again become a productive asset of our community. Due to our strategic partnerships, Jeep Parkway will be ready for redevelopment within 24 months, and we have already been approached by several interested parties. The BAX Global facility at Toledo Express Airport is the only dedicated heavy air freight-sorting complex in North America. The facility employs more than 700 people with annual volumes averaging 350-500 million pounds. Progress continues in developing additional cross docking and

customs facilities to not only enhance the state of the art cargo handling capabilities at Toledo Express, but most importantly assist in the retention of hundreds of jobs. The Port of Toledo handles on average 12 million tons of cargo and 700 vessel calls each year. With the assistance of state and federal partners and investment from the private sector from Midwest Terminals of Toledo, the ToledoLucas County Port Authority has infused more than $35 million into Paul the Toledo Seaport. This funding provides for the development and enhancement of terminal infrastructure and equipment, including the purchase of two new mobile harbor cranes — the only twin cranes of this kind on the Great Lakes. As one of the most efficient product-handling ports on the Great Lakes with more than 180 acres of developable waterfront property, we envision great growth in the next several years. Our Diversified Contractors Accelerator Program (DCAP) began in late

2010 and provides financial solutions to encourage increased participation by minority and women-owned contractors in publicly bid work and privately funded construction projects. There is a unique opportunity in our community to bridge the gap between identifying and deploying the appropriate and required contractors for publicly bid projects. DCAP bridges this gap by identifying contractors and providing access to various forms of capital for contractors unable TOTH to obtain these resources through traditional sources. DCAP has been a vision of the Port Authority for several years and we are incredibly appreciative of our partners at the City of Toledo and The University of Toledo for assisting us in bringing this program to the community. The port authority continues to develop programs as part of the $15 million Department of Energy grant we received last year to implement energy efficiency building retrofits. The grant allows the port authority to provide

funding to implement the wide-scale use of energy efficiency and alternative energy practices and solutions in commercial, governmental and industrial facilities within our communities. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority continues to take action to strengthen the Northwest Ohio Bond Fund by identifying investment sources via public and private funds. The port authority is also exploring other investment offerings that will fill a need in the region, while providing a financial advantage to our diverse community. Our financing programs have assisted more than 300 economic development projects representing a total investment of nearly $1.1 billion while helping to create or retain nearly 16,000 jobs. Toledo Express airport has found a successful niche in providing low-cost travel to Florida-based destinations. However, our local airport continues to struggle to find favor among the business travelers due to our proximity to Detroit. Though we are acutely aware that our region has multiple choices for air travel, we do ask that you check Toledo Express first. We know the offerings are not plentiful. Airlines have repeatedly told us

that the only way Toledo Express will be able to attract more air service is to make the service we have successful, which means we need to patronize our partners that are already flying here — Allegiant, American Eagle, Delta and Direct Air. Please consider these air carriers for your next trip. Your loyalty to our community airport is necessary to retain this resource. As 2011 progresses, we will undoubtedly see increased challenges and increased opportunities in our region. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority remains committed to diligently focusing our resources on job creation and development right here in our community. We will seek out additional properties for development while focusing on the highest and best use for our current property portfolio. We will work with our partners to seek out companies looking for the advantages that our region holds. Together, we can and should focus on the multiple opportunities available in our region. It is within these opportunities that our region will find growth, prosperity and advancement. O Paul Toth is president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

20.75x10.25_Collab_F#3D7886.pdf

A16 n Toledo Free Press

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12:16:37 PM

NORTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development (NORED) is a non-profit association of economic development practitioners and partners in 12 counties throughout northwest Ohio working to increase job opportunities and improve the quality of life throughout the region. NORED provides professional development programs, advocates for legislative changes, and implements programs to market the benefits of locating in northwest Ohio.

419.480.9656 www.nwored.com

VISIONS: ECONOM

january 9, 2011

WORKING TOGETHE REGIONAL GROWTH PARTNERSHIP

The Regional Growth Partnership, through private sector leadership, is leading a transformation of our economy to one that is growing, more diverse and globally competitive. Developing this innovative business environment will accelerate the attraction, growth and creation of new business, helping carry our region to new heights.

419.252.2700 www.rgp.org

TOLEDO-LUCAS COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

Our business was built to move, with an airport thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to one of the busiest international cargo hubs in North America and the largest landmass seaport on the Great Lakes.Â The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has also developed a national reputation for innovative business financing, assisting more than 300 projects with an investment of nearly $1.1 billion and creation and retention of nearly 16,000 jobs.

419.243.8251

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MIC DEVELOPMENT

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n A17

Toledo is the heart of the new manufacturing economy. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or a business that has called this corner of the state home for generations, northwest Ohio is ready to support you from research and design to manufacturing and delivery. With universities and colleges providing leading education and development partnerships, highways and waterways creating a logistics hub and collaborative agencies working to provide access and affordability for new business creation and expansion, the Toledo region has world-class assets in a mid-sized package.

ER: WITH UNITY & PURPOSE CITY OF TOLEDO

With an able and well-trained workforce, educational resources, a diverse community that celebrates its heritage, and river and lakefront views available in few other venues, Toledo is poised to compete globally. Working with our partners around northwest Ohio, Toledoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaders are prepared to take our story to the world and invite them to experience the Toledo we love. Office of the Mayor

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UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

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The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is the organization of choice for tomorrow's entrepreneurs and leaders in the new manufacturing economy. Through the strength of our membership, we deliver the buying power, business expertise, connections and advocacy necessary to maximize the success of both business and our community. www.toledochamber.com

Education is key to the economic success of northwest Ohio. UT is working with public and private organizations to transform the region into a magnet for the new manufacturing economy. By contributing knowledge, resources and facilities to economic development, UT is preparing for the primary economic drivers: highly educated graduates who can help Toledo with their entrepreneurial ideas, innovative thinking and leadership. www.utoledo.edu

CITY OF TOLEDO AT NIGHT Photo by NorthernMagnolia

By working together with unity of purpose, we are moving northwest Ohio forward in the new manufacturing economy.

A18 n Toledo Free Press

VISIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

january 9, 2011

HOW MAKING A DEPOSIT RAISES THE VALUE OF AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY. At Huntington, we reinvest your money back into the community, like with the Huntington Center right here in Toledo. That type of reinvestment helps businesses open. And neighborhoods thrive. That’s why we staff our call centers and service all our loans locally. Creating jobs and opportunities for our neighbors. So if you’re ready for a bank that’s interested in more than your balance, we’re ready for you.

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VISIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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Visit www.toledofreepress.com

n A19

Chamber offers Leadership Academy 2011

From Staff Reports

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its 2011 Leadership Academy, Jan. 10 through March 28. This 10-week course outlines the basic issues, requirements, expectations and practices associated with various types of public service. Current public

officials, private citizens considering running for public office, individuals appointed to a board, commission or committee or anyone employed in a position that requires interaction with elected officials are encouraged to enroll in Leadership Academy. Classes will take place every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. A light meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. prior to each

class. All sessions will be at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, 300 Madison Ave. Suite 200. Cost for the 10 week course is $250 per person. For more information on the program, contact Ken Piel, manager, public affairs at the chamber at (419) 243-8191 or kendal.piel@toledochamber.com. Participants can register online at www.toledochamber.com. O

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VISIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

january 9, 2011

Chamber: Branding communicates competitive advantage

hroughout this past year, many grow the awareness of the Toledo development and community region nationwide and completely organizations as well as private change the image of our region to the outside world. companies have engaged Just as all of the area in identifying, develeconomic developoping and implementing ment organizations are a brand for the Toledo working together, the Region. You might say branding initiative is also we already have a brand, a collaborative effort insuch as the Glass City. cluding (in no particular However, the branding order): Destination ToI am referring to is not ledo, Toledo Mud Hens, a tag, not a slogan and the University of Toledo, not a bumper sticker — Mark V’Soske Bowling Green State Uniit is an initiative which ultimately positions the Toledo region versity, the Toledo Regional Chamber with a unique and compelling offering of Commerce, the City of Toledo, Lucas as a civic destination for residents, busi- County, the Lucas County Improvenesses and their employees and visitors ment Corporation, The Toledo Comand one that no other destination could munity Foundation, the Greater Toledo legitimately claim with the same level Urban League, the Greater Downtown Business Partnership, Job 1 USA, Toof credibility and conviction. Branding is creating and commu- ledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Renicating a competitive advantage so gional Growth Partnership and others. In developing the Toledo region strong that we beat the competition for talent and business attraction, story, the branding team conducted

meetings in communities throughout the region to gain input from residents. Numerous focus groups were conducted as well as an online survey was available for residents to provide their input about the region’s attributes and their view of the region. The research led to the development of what is called the Toledo Region Brand Platform, the basis for how our region is positioned in ongoing communication and marketing. The foundation of the brand platform is the

positioning statement: “The Toledo Region is the heart of the New Manufacturing Economy.” Overwhelmingly, the research from residents told us that manufacturing was the key element in our region now and in the future. Work is currently under way implementing the brand platform in a number of ways. A few of the implementation strategies include asking local businesses to adopt the brand messaging into their own documents, advertising, communications and any

vehicles that reference where they are located. Economic development agencies will be using the platform to enhance their attraction and retention programs and communications. Finally, before the end of the first quarter of this year, a Toledo region website will go live providing access all of the assets of the Toledo region and become the region’s virtual front door. O Mark A V’Soske is president of Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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VISIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Proud to Call Northwest Ohio Home

Visit www.toledofreepress.com

n A21

sports

A22 n Toledo Free Press

january 9, 2011

PEOPLE

Rickard remembered for dedication to Owens Toledo Free Press Special Sections Editor krapin@toledofreepress.com

Owens Community College Athletic Director Michael Rickard, 60, died unexpectedly Dec. 27. The longtime Owensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; employee took a â&#x20AC;&#x153;genuine interestâ&#x20AC;? in people, according to his colleagues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mike was extremely friendly and inviting. He treated everybody with importance,â&#x20AC;? said Michael Llanas, Owensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball coach. RICKARD Rickard was interested in more than just the student as an athlete, but cared how they developed as an individual, said Laura Moore, executive director of the Owens Alumni Association. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I sat down with him one time about the student athletes and all he put in place to make sure students were successful. I was really blown away by everything he did,â&#x20AC;? she said. Rickard put his signature on Owens athletics, helping the pro-

gram grow since the early â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s, according to Chris Giordano, dean of students at Owens. Most recently, Rickard was the force behind bringing intercollegiate womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer to the school, Giordano said. Rickard, a 1982 Owens graduate, was involved with Owens athletics for more than 30 years. He first got involved as a scorekeeper in 1980 and served as the coordinator of athletics and intramurals for several years before being named the athletic director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was just synonymous with Owens athletics. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to think of it without him,â&#x20AC;? Giordano said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Michael was always in that facility and at a momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice would step in and do whatever needed to be done. He was committed to the college and the student athletes.â&#x20AC;? When the golf coach underwent surgery, Rickard stepped in for the team, Giordano said. In addition, Rickard would also travel with the baseball and softball teams. Llanas said Rickard was humble and although he had plenty of chances to speak with the media, he always deferred to the students and

Jesus, a partisan Partisan politics are a part of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, and the media talks as if there is some kind of wisdom in the middle ground. They say if you are partisan it will take Russ Merrin some compromise to find the right answer. Sad to say, the media elite is wrong. There are absolutes. For an example, I have performed enough funerals that I have found death to be extremely absolute. In the matter of eternal life, Jesus would be just as partisan, He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes unto the Father, but by me.â&#x20AC;? Can you imagine He said He was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;onlyâ&#x20AC;? way to get to Heaven, not Allah, not Buddha, not New Age, â&#x20AC;&#x153;onlyâ&#x20AC;? Jesus? He was right or wrong regardless of what you and I believe. I choose to be partisan for Jesus. No politics here; Jesus was partisan, and He was right. Monclova Road Baptist Church r.merrin@monclovabaptist.org Sunday 8:00 PM WLMB TV Sunday services 9:30 & 10:50AM 6PM ADVERTISEMENT

coaches themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was always about the kids and the coaches, about everyone else except for him,â&#x20AC;? he said. In 1995-1996 and 19992000, Rickard was named the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Athletic Director of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference. In addition to being heavily in-

volved with sports at the college, Rickard was also a member of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alumni board. Rickard was instrumental in the re-establishing of the board in 2003 and served as the board vice president from July 2003 to September 2005, Moore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Michael was a great colleague and a genuine people person,â&#x20AC;? she

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said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had such a wealth of knowledge of the college and knew how to engage the students, now alumni, in activities at Owens.â&#x20AC;? Rickard also served as signature fundraiser for the board and was part of the planning committee for the alumni golf classic. Rickard is survived by his two children, Alexa and Austin. O

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TREECE BLOG

2011 predictions

ach year, we release several pre- future but not until economic redictions for the economy and covery begins in earnest; maybe not markets over the following year. until 2011. Dead on so far, but only While obviously we can’t guarantee time will tell. Employment, being a lagging indithat each will come to fruition, they characterize our beliefs at the time of cator, probably won’t begin recovery until after the economy publishing. as a whole. Though corAt the beginning of porate sales and revenues 2010 we made the folhave picked up, compalowing forecasts (a recap nies have been hesitant is italicized): to grow their payrolls. The stock market We expect this has been would correct in first partially thanks to the quarter. After extending added costs of labor due its rally into January, to Health Care Reform stocks corrected roughly and other legislation. 6.5 percent into mid-FebOil prices will stay ruary before resuming its Dock David TREECE between $50 and $90 in rally through Spring. One2010. Not quite. Though prices stayed for-one. The overall economy will begin within that range for the vast majority to see improvement, with manufac- of the year, oil did experience a rally turing picking up by early summer. that led crude prices to creep above $90 The economy did begin to see some at the end of 2010. Interest rates will begin to rise as improvement in 2010, with sales and revenues recovering substantially. Two- economy recovers. Though rates ticked higher toward the end of the year, this for-two. Real estate market currently (as of has been not nearly as true as we exbeginning 2010) at bottom for prices. pected — or hoped. By all accounts, our forecasts had a Mortgage rates will move higher during year, though inventory will pretty good turnout for 2010. Thanknot drop as quickly as we would like fully, independent research can pay because there are more foreclosures off. Now, without further adieu, our to come. Mostly right. Housing prices predictions for 2011: O Economy will start to accelhave mostly stabilized, though they have continued to fall in some areas. erate with vigor by mid-year. We Mortgage rates crept up toward the end were hopeful that 2010 would be of the year, though inventory remains a good recovery year for employhigh thanks to additional foreclosures ment, but policies in Washington throughout 2010, though nothing like proved us wrong. We see employment improving in 2011 not as the waves seen in 2008. Inflation will be a problem in the hopeful, but realistic.

O Employment picks up as the economy improves. We believe job growth will be due to economic growth, which we think will be spurred by a pro-business shift in government policymaking. O Manufacturing industries will be the bright spot. To see growth and put people back to work, the U.S. needs to get back to basics. The bubbles in tech, real estate and financials didn’t turn out too well for this country. It’s time we realized there’s no such thing as a “post-industrial” economy. O Inflation will rise as economy improves. It’s true that the Fed and Treasury have created a good deal of new money to inject liquidity since 2008. Thankfully, most of that money has sat stagnant in the Federal Reserve System, serving only to prop up balance sheets of big banks. As the economy recovers, we think that money will start flowing around the U.S. economy as banks begin lending, and that’s when inflation will really become a concern. O Interest rates will rise and bond prices will drop. After reaching 30+ year lows, we saw interest rates start to creep up at the beginning of 2010. Anyone who understands the relationship between bond yields and prices will know that as rates increase, prices decrease. Unfortunately, a large number of investors have flocked to bonds because of fear since 2008, and many will be slaughtered in the coming rise in rates. O Stock market to continue its rise on real economic growth. n TREECE CONTINUES ON A24

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THE RETIREMENT GUYS

Declare financial independence

n their new book, “The Two-Income Trap,” Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi discuss why middle-class mothers and fathers are going broke. According to their book, “more people will end up in bankruptcy this year than will suffer a heart attack, be diagnosed with cancer, or graduate from college.” Ringing in the New Year, many of us made resolutions. It’s not too late to make this year the year to resolve to be financially fit and declare 2011 the year of financial independence. Independence is defined as “freedom from control or influence of another or others.” A recent retiree who visited our office described it quite well. Explaining that retirement was not just an event, but was a point in his life that he knew he was free to do what he wanted no matter how other people and occurrences beyond his control impacted his financial situation. The day he knew he was there was what he called his Mark CLAIR “Freedom Day.” Nolan BAKER The first step is to identify an emergency or rainy day account and make sure there is enough money in this account. Nearly everyone has been affected by the recent recession that almost turned into a depression. Some lost their jobs, others had to help family members out, most saw their investment accounts decline in value and still others had to drain down their emergency accounts. Gaining financial independence starts with building up a liquid account, such as a savings or money market account, to cover short-term emergencies that will come up. An emergency could be a new furnace, a major car repair or unexpected health care bills. Keeping about six months worth of income set aside in an emergency account can help fight off the majority of problems that can arise in the new year. Build up this emergency account by moving money from the left pocket to the right pocket. This means pay yourself first. Complete a budget to find out where money is going on a monthly basis and then identify ways to change spending habits. It could be eliminating two nights dining out and instead opting for a movie night or playing cards with a spouse or friends at home. Instead of signing up for the gym membership, try free alternatives such as group runs or biking in our local Metroparks. Joining a group can not only be free or low cost, the group can be a great motivator. n RETIREMENT CONTINUES ON A24

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A24 n Toledo Free Press plan could change, be it the pension, health expenses, etc. The same Contact the chamber of commerce should be expected with government to plan a year’s worth of fun activities benefits, such as Social Security for that you may not even know existed. yourself or a survivor along with Our local community has a treasure all government benefits. The single trove of wonderful activities that are best way to address this is to save and invest on your just waiting to be own. Put away 20 explored. A few Contact the percent of earnings simple and easy in a retirement savchanges could save several hundreds chamber of commerce ings account. Save as much as possible of dollars a month that can be put into to plan a year’s worth once debts are eliminated and increase building the emerof fun activities that savings every time gency account up. there is a pay raise. Next, eliminate you may not even Stop letting cirall outstanding cumstances and debts. When know existed. Our others control your someone has a debt financial future. they are a slave to the lender, sub- local community has a Don’t rely and expect others to take ject to their rules and changes with treasure trove of won- care of you in the future, take perlimited or no conderful activities that sonal financial retrol. Principles of sponsibility. It will saving can become a habit and since are just waiting to be take some time, it will take some efit can take a few months to build up explored. A few simple fort, but won’t being able to reach your an emergency account, those habits and easy changes could Freedom Day be worth it? Won’t it can become a regular way of life. save several hundreds be a great feeling knowing that you Once the emerof dollars.” now are in control? gency account is built up, redirect those savings dol- Declare this year, the year you gained financial independence. You can do lars towards debt elimination. Financial professional Dave it;you deserve victory. O Ramsey suggests the “snowball effect.” That means putting all of the For more information about The Retireextra money towards the lowest bal- ment Guys, tune in every Saturday at 1 ance debt first. Pay off debts, one p.m. on 1370 WSPD or visit the website www.retirementguysradio.com. Securidebt at a time. Increase the amount of money ties and Investment Advisory Services are being saved for retirement. Time offered through NEXT Financial Group flies and what seems like a long way Inc., Member FINRA / SIPC. NEXT Fioff will be here before you know it. nancial Group, Inc nor its representatives Remember that financial indepen- provide tax advice. The Retirement Guys dence means freedom from control are not an affiliate of NEXT Financial or influence of another or others. At Group. The office is at 1700 Woodlands any point the company retirement Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537. n RETIREMENT CONTINUED FROM A23

“

DOWN DRIVE D RIVE • Ø D OWN • Ø D DOWN OWN S SIGN IGN

’11 MAZDA 3i Sport

$175

N DON &W DRIVE

per mo.*

SIG

• Automatic • AM/FM/CD/RADIO • Side Air Bags • ABS • Stability Control • Cruise • Alloy Wheels • Fog Lights

*42mo/10k a year plus tax. O Down Sign and drive plus plate, title and $190 doc fee. Tier 1+ credit. In stock vehicles only. Sale ends 1/30/2011.

ØD DOWN OWN S SIGN IGN & D DRIVE RIVE • Ø D DOWN OWN

&D DRIVE RIVE • Ø D DOWN OWN S SIGN IGN & D DRIVE RIVE • Ø D DOWN OWN S SIGN IGN & D DRIVE RIVE •

january 9, 2011

Commodities were overbought and are due for a correction. This is particularly true of inflation hedges, which we’ve been saying for a while. Some commodities tied to industry/manufacturing should do better (e.g. oil, base metals). However, commodities have run quite a ways in a relatively short period of time. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a correction, or at least a pause in the rally. These are our preliminary predictions for 2011. Obviously our outlook will change as circumstances continue to

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2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER LIMITED Loaded, Pewter ............................ Was $5,575 2003 FORD ESCAPE XLS Well-Equipped, Silver .......................................... Was $7,400 2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT Fully Loaded, Dk. Khaki................................... Was $8,275 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY LE Well-Equipped, Silver........................................ Was $13,890 2003 GMC YUKON XL 1500 Loaded, Black Beauty ................................... Was $13,775 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA S Well-Equipped, Silver ...................................... Was $11,950

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Automatic, Loaded, White ..................Was $9,375 Hurry on this One!! ...........................Now $8,995

2004 JEEP LIBERTY LIMITED Loaded, Khaki ........................................... Was $13,025 2008 HONDA CIVIC LX Auto, Loaded, Med. Blue ....................................... Was $14,250 2009 HONDA ACCORD LX-P Fully Loaded, Silver ..................................... Was $18,550 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD, Well Equipped, Black ....................................... Was $21,425

Now $12,858 Now $13,680 Now $16,988 Now $19,495

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6123 W. Central Ave. TOYOTA/SCION

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Dock David Treece is a discretionary money manager with Treece Investment Advisory Corp. (www.TreeceInvestments.com) and a stockbroker licensed with FINRA. He works for Treece Financial Services Corp and also serves as editor of the financial news site GreenFaucet.com. The above information is the express opinion of Dock David Treece and should not be construed as investment advice or used without outside verification.

MAZDA TOYOTA SCION VOLKSWAGEN 1-800-968-4933

develop. However, we have every intention of using these developments to make money for ourselves and our clients. O

n TREECE CONTINUED FROM A23

419-841-6681

ARTS Life

january 9, 2011

Visit www.toledofreepress.com

n A25

PHOTO BY Cylla von Tiedemann

IN CONCERT

The members of the beatles tribute band rain on a set re-creating the ed sullivan set from 1964.

Forecast calls for Rain at Stranahan Theater Jan. 18-19 By Vicki L. Kroll

Toledo Free Press Staff Writer vkroll@toledofreepress.com

With The Beatles Rock Band game and the Fab Four’s music recently released on iTunes, some say the super group is bigger than ever. “I think it is because there’s more generations that love The Beatles,” said Mark Lewis. “Kids that grew up with The Beatles that loved The Beatles and maybe even their parents that are elderly now that came to love The Beatles, too, because their kids played it. And then you’ve got the baby boomers’ kids and sometimes their grandkids, so you could have

DIVERSE

up to four generations of Beatles fans, which explains why they’re more popular now.” Lewis is one of those baby boomers. He loved the lads from Liverpool so much he started to play their music in his band, Reign, in the 1970s in California. A few songs turned into a set and eventually a Beatles night. “We would work for the door, basically, for whoever came in and paid the cover charge,” the keyboardist recalled. “We wound up doing better on a Beatles night than we had done sometimes working as a Top 40 band.” It didn’t take long for Lewis to change the name of the band to Rain — A Tribute to The Beatles. Some

lineup changes followed. “I brought in guys that had been in the show ‘Beatlemania,’ which played on Broadway and toured all over the U.S.,” Lewis said during a call from New York City. “We became more of a real production show, and we started to spend more time not just getting the music a lot better, but also making the visuals a lot better and the adaptation a lot better, and we started to get more popular.” The popularity is pouring; Rain opened on Broadway in October for a 12-week run. The cast of the theatrical production will switch theaters this month and continue to play eight shows a week for four months. All they’ve got to do is act, naturally. And

INNO VA TIVE

play and sound just like The Beatles. Lewis and the rotating cast members are obsessed with that challenge. “You listen to a song like ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ or ‘I Saw Her Standing There,’ there are hand claps on the record. So the keyboard player would be in the back with samples of hand claps. And we don’t just use one hand clap because the hand claps don’t sound the same each time you do it, so we hit a different note and have a slightly different hand clap,” Lewis said. He said the samples are recorded sounds — hand claps, violins, cellos, etc. — that are played by keyboard. While Lewis sometimes plays keyboards for Rain, he also is the manager,

GLOBAL

coordinating the Broadway show and the touring cast, which will play 8 p.m. shows at Stranahan Theater Jan. 18 and 19. Tickets range from $20 to $44. Appearing in Toledo will be Jim Irizarry as John Lennon, Robert Ruffing as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Pou as George Harrison and Doug Cox as Ringo Starr; Chris Smallwood will be on keyboards and percussion. “We treat [The Beatles’ music] the same as a classical musician treats music of the masters like Mozart or Beethoven … there’s no room for improvisation,” Lewis said. “There’s tens of thousands of arrangements of Beatles songs that don’t sound anything like The Beatles; we try to sound like The Beatles.” O

experience owens More than 130 programs offered.

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Classes begin Jan. 10. • owens.edu

ARTS Life

A26 n Toledo Free Press

january 9, 2011

TRAVEL

By Duane Ramsey

TOLEDO FREE PRESS SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER dramsey@toledofreepres.com

John Tarpy, a student in the Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program at Lourdes College, is already using his newly acquired education to get into the cruise business. Tarpy recently was accredited as an independent cruise specialist for CruiseOne, a division of World Travel Holdings. With more than 600 independently owned and operated franchises across the country, CruiseOne combines the latest technology with old-fashioned customer service to provide customers with the best possible travel plans. In order to receive accreditation, Tarpy had to pass the company’s intensive training program with a curriculum in sales and marketing, hands-on computer orientation, product briefings by major cruise lines and onboard ship inspections. “I researched the franchise for two or three months as I had a lot of questions about it,” Tarpy said.

The company is a global leader in the travel industry and leading seller of cruises in North America, Tarpy said. “I fell in love with the company and I’m having a lot of fun working with them. I enjoy helping people and already helped a woman who was interested in joining CruiseOne,” said Tarpy. “CruiseOne has a mentor program and I think I would like to become a mentor with them.” Tarpy said the support CruiseOne provides is incredible with access to all cruise lines around the world and matching the best prices available. It also connects him with companies for land vacations. He went for one week of training in November at CruiseOne’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It involved working eight to 10 hours a day with presentations by two cruise lines per day, he said. His training also included making a ship inspection aboard the Oasis of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, in order to become professionally certified. Tarpy is a member of the Cruise Line International Association and expects to earn certification within one year.

He said he is working with Mark Bryant, a franchise coordinator with CruiseOne to open his business officially later this month. He already has a Web link with CruiseOne at www. CruiseOne.com/jtarpy. Tarpy said that he was fortunate to get an ad for his cruise business in the local Yellow Pages directory for 2011 that is due out in February. Tarpy credits his educational experience in the MOL program at Lourdes with assisting him in achieving his goal to operate his own business. “The MOL changes you, opens your mind and helps bring your life and career experiences together. Everything seems possible. You learn so much about yourself and the right way to do things,” Tarpy said. “I don’t want to send people on a cruise or vacation that isn’t right for them,” he said. He is working on a research project about women in political leadership for the final stage of the MOL. Tarpy said that he intends to write a book about organizational structure after he completes the program at Lourdes.

Photo courtesy john tarpy

Lourdes helps local man get into cruise business

John Tarpy on the oasis of the seas during his training for CruiseOne.

“I just love it and the people at Lourdes. The professors teach with empathy, which is important,” Tarpy said. The MOL program at Lourdes seeks to enhance critical thinking, higher-order reasoning and ethical virtue in leadership. Principles of scientifically developed leadership and their application to real-world challenges are the core of the academic curriculum, according to the college. Tarpy had worked as a controller

and chief financial officer for two companies after earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UT. After being unemployed for a couple years, he decided to go into business for himself and enrolled in the MOL at Lourdes. Tarpy had never been on a cruise or ship before getting involved with CruiseOne. “My parents had been on several cruises and I thought it would be exciting and it is,” he said. O

NEW YEAR . . . NEW US!

Holiday Inn French Quarter, Perrysburg, OH 43551 Saturdays in 2011 enjoy Prime Rib Dinner Special!

Replacing Saturday Night Surf ‘n Turf Buffet.

King & Queen cuts will include salad bar & your choice of potato. 5PM to 10PM. Saturdays only starting 01/01/11.

You’ve never tasted Prime Rib so good!

Fridays in 2011 . . . enjoy

Surf ‘n’Turf Bu et!

All your favorites including salad bar. 5PM to 10PM. Fridays ONLY starting 01/07/11.

For reservations call 419.874.3111 www.hifq.com facebook.com/hifrenchquarter

ARTS Life

january 9, 2011

Visit www.toledofreepress.com

n .A27

Levis Commons toy drive to benefit two local nonprofits By Sarah Ottney

Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg is offering its second annual “Play It Forward” used

toy drive. The Town Center will collect gently used plastic toys for local families in need Jan. 7 and 8. Donations can be dropped off in front of the movie theater at Levis Commons from noon to 6 p.m. Donated toys should be plastic, in working order, clean and have fresh

batteries if possible. “When functioning and useable toys are thrown out, they become waste in a landfill, take up a lot of space and do not biodegrade,” said Casey Pogan, marketing director at The Town Center at Levis Com-

Upcoming Events at WCM! AT THE CHEF’S TABLE

Saturday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. With Chef Bill at our Maumee Location Contact Chef Bill for details or reservations at 419-794-4000.

Chase away the winter and cold with a 5-course tasting from the Cuisine of Morocco. Featuring complex flavors from mild to fiery hot with wines to match. Call Chef Bill Kolhoff for details. Reservations required. Limited seating.

COMING IN FEBRUARY

Feb. 14th – Valentine’s Day Dinner for 2 (Carryout Only) Feb. 26th – “A Taste of India” (At the Chef's Table)

Are you looking for Gluten Free Items?

Stop by Stores any browse through g our large g selection for Gluten Free Items.

Visit our website or stop by our stores and browse through our large selection of Gluten Free Items.

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26625 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg Follow us on twitter @ waltchurchills

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419.794.4000

Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun 8 a.m.–9 p.m.

Effective 1/10/11 - 1/16/11 | We reserve the right to limitit quantities. quantititiies | N Noo sales to vendors. | Not responsible for pictorial or typographical errors.

mons, in a news release. “Adding to to make room for new and it was just this is the fact that many children an idea that transpired from our own in our area go without toys, which families,” Pogan said. Plastic toys are preferred versus are instrumental in creativity and soft toys, like stuffed animals, because imagination development.” plastic toys are more harmful The toys will be distribin landfills and because they uted in mid-January to the spawn creativity and imagiAurora House and Mom’s nation, Pogan said. House, both local charities Cousino Harris Disaster serving women and chilKleenup will clean and sanidren in Northwest Ohio. tize the toys. The Aurora House is a tran“That is a huge thing, so sitional housing shelter for if people are feeling hesihomeless women and chiltant about donating because dren, specifically women POGAN something has been sitting who were dealing with addictions. Mom’s House works to em- in the attic, they don’t need to because power single parents through educa- it’s going to be cleaned and sanitized,” Pogan said. tion and child care. Toledo Free Press and the website Pogan said the idea for the drive was born as she and a co-worker ToledosNightOut.com are the media sponsors for the event. talked about their young children. Contact The Town Center at Levis “Preparing for Christmas last year, we needed to clear out some old stuff Commons at (419) 931-8888. O

CLASSIFIED

A28 n Toledo Free Press

community

for sale

adoptions ADOPTION IS an act of love. We admire your courage. Your baby will be given love, secure future. Jane & Paul 866-530-8291. Expenses Paid. Call evenings if possible.

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employment general THE OCEAN CORP, 10840 Rockley Road, Houston, Texas 77099. Train for New Career. *Underwater Welder, Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. Financial Aid available for those who qualify. 1-800-321-0298. TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL! $500 Sign-on Bonus. Seeking Sharp Guys/Gals, Rock-n-Roll Atmosphere, Blue Jean Environment! Ryan 888553-8648, 888-285-1347.

Newly Renovated Gated Community. 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms. Starting at $400/mo. Heat & Water Included. Move In Specials & Low Security Deposits. 419.386.8578 All real estate advertised in this paper is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, in the sale, rental, or financing of housing. This Publisher will not knowingly accept any advertising that violates any applicable law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this paper are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you believe you have been discriminated against in connection with the sale, rental, or financing of housing, call the Toledo Fair Housing Center, (419) 243-6163.

2010 TOYOTA YARIS

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2004 MAZDA 6S

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real estate aUCtION! mINImUm bId $25,000! 2231 ward street tOledO, OhIO 43609 wedNesday, jaNUary 12, 2011 at 5:30 pm

2007 HONDA ELEMENT EX Black, Well-Equipped $18,490 JIM WHITE TOYOTA 419-841-6681

Auctioneer Notes: starter hOme Or INvestmeNt! South Toledo home in excellent condition and is move in ready! 3 beds, 2 story, 2 bath, quiet street, hardwood floors, all appliances, plus an “in law” home in need of rehab. 2 hOmes ON 1 PrOPerty! First time offered, same owner for 25 years.

view A coloR bRochuRe ANd MoRe oNliNe!

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APARTMENTS

Toledo Free Press publishes classified ads and cannot be responsible for problems arising between parties placing or responding to ads in our paper. We strongly urge everyone to exercise caution when dealing with people, companies and organizations with whom you are not familiar.

Pame a Rose

CARLSON’S CRITTERS

RENTALS

ART INSTRUCTION – PERRYSBURG

Group, private, gift certificates. Contact Edgerton Art at 419.290.OILS (6457) for details.

deals on wheels

january 9, 2011

419.865.1224

Pamela Rose, Auctioneer CAI AARE

Michael Murray, Auctioneer CAI GRI michael@pamelaroseauction.com

2007 HONDA CR-V EXL

Zeke is an 8-month-old longhaired gray tiger. He was brought into the shelter after his owners moved to an apartment that didn’t allow cats. Zeke is a friendly and bashful kitty. He has been around children of all ages and enjoys the company of other cats. When he is feeling shy he will hide his head in the crook of your arms and pretend like he’s invisible. He likes to sleep on the furniture and will sometimes hog the bed. Zeke is playful, rambunctious, affectionate, active and a little shy around strangers. He is

Your 24/7 Pet Care Destination • 24-Hour Services • Emergency Care • Boarding • Dentistry • Doggie Day Care • Grooming • Exotic and Wildlife Animal Care • and More!

not a fan of dogs and would prefer a home without them. Zeke loves to scratch on kitty posts and his favorite toys are feather wands and toys that look like mice. Zeke has been neutered, examined by a staff veterinarian, is current on his vaccinations and is microchipped. Toledo Area Humane Society is located at 1920 Indian Wood Circle, Arrowhead Park, Maumee. Adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call (419) 891-0705 or visit the website www. toledoareahumanesociety.org.

SylvaniaVET Dr. Bob Esplin (Dr. Bob)

419.885.4421

4801 Holland-Sylvania (at Harroun) Sylvania, OH 43560 www.sylvaniavet.com Accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) since 1978.

Black, Auto W/OD $22,355 JIM WHITE TOYOTA 419-841-6681

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TV Listings

january 9, 2011 Sunday Morning ABC 13 CBS 11 FOX 36 NBC 24 PBS 30 A&E BRAVO COM DISN ESN FAM FOOD HGTV LIF MTV TBS TCM TNT USA WTO5

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