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A2 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

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OPINION

MARCH 7, 2010

PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press. E-mail him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC, Vol. 6, No. 10. Established 2005. EDITORIAL Brandi Barhite, Associate Editor bbarhite@toledofreepress.com Kristen Rapin, Special Sections Editor krapin@toledofreepress.com Bret Guthrie, Design Editor bguthrie@toledofreepress.com ADMINISTRATION Pam Burson, Business Manager pburson@toledofreepress.com

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■ A3

LIGHTING THE FUSE

Letter of the law he Feb. 26 signature fraud investigation report from Cuyahoga County special prosecutor James Gutierrez is not a textbook example of an open-and-shut case. Gutierrez is firm in his conclusion that Lucas County Republican Party leaders Jon Stainbrook and Kelly Bensman did not commit fraud when one officer signed another’s name to a campaign finance report form, but his logic and reasoning fall short of his responsibility to uphold the letter of the law. Remember, the petitions for the Take Back Toledo recall effort were tossed out because of a minor difference in phrasing on a falsification warning. The red light camera Thomas F. POUNDS ballot issue was denied because each petition circulator did not notarize their signature on each individual part-petition. Neither group was given an opportunity to re-file amended petitions. So, clearly, the powers that be are merciless in their interpretations of the law, and make no exceptions, right? Wrong. According to Gutierrez, a Lucas County Board of Elections (BOE) employee, Olga Vellajo, witnessed the signature fraud act, and accepted that document anyway; later, the group was allowed to file an amended report. Vellajo brought the fifthdegree felony to the attention of Jeremy Demegall, BOE deputy director, who told Gutierrez he does not remember the details of the incident and was unaware “proxies are not allowed,” although it is a fifth-degree felony under state law. Gutierrez reported there is an admission of forgery, but because those accused of committing the forgery told him they did not intend to defraud the BOE, there was no intent to defraud the BOE. Remember that the next time you are caught for speeding or running a red light: “Gee, officer, I didn’t intend to run that light. I can go now, right?” As odd and off-key as Gutierrez’s report is (his comments and attitude regarding Glass City Jungle operator and Toledo Free Press contributor Lisa Renee Ward are particularly interesting, as she describes on Page A4), it also reveals some of the culture at the BOE. The inaction in the face of clear rule breaking, the indecision, the lack of understanding the law and the impression that BOE employees are intimidated by Stainbrook do not paint a complimentary picture. If it is true that under the leadership of Executive Director Linda Howe, a culture exists that enforces the rules to the max on some occasions but not when employees are scared of certain individuals, that impression does not flatter her or her organization. The BOE is charged with keeping politics clean and within the boundaries of the law. When that body becomes embroiled in politics instead of rising above them, its leadership and the entire system is compromised.

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A stitch in mine

he bright fluorescent bulbs glowed from the hospital ceiling was closer to him, so I called to her, urging her to get to him, as I like malevolent orbs, casting their unforgiving, violating light bounded out of my seat. She scooped him up and held him in a upon the gurney, but the patient in the bed could not see them. chair, and I could see twin Snoqualmie waterfalls of blood gushing The blood from his wound was draining down the bridge of his nose down both sides of his face in an alarming, pulsing gush. I know there are babies born with heart problems who are rushed into his eyes, so both of those precious windows were covered with absorbent bandages. A young male nurse stood behind the gurney, into surgery as they draw their first breaths. I know there are tumors his rubber-encased hands grasping the boy’s head, which all but dis- and cancers and diseases that strike at children indiscriminately, punappeared in that unrelenting grip. The muted television high in the ishing their young bodies with fervor. I know there are babies abused by evils I cannot bring myself to name. But perspective corner watched passively, its screen displaying a rockand relative judgments of suffering shrink and run like jawed Batman battling faceless bad guys. A doctor roaches from a laser beam when the child in question hovered over the boy, her face stern and focused, as is your child, wailing in his mother’s arms with lifeshe pinched the torn flesh between her fingers and blood pouring from his face like he’s just been dispushed the needle carrying the first stitch through the missed from Sweeney Todd’s barber chair. I will never skin and flesh. The boy began drumming his feet on forget that initial jolt of fear and the call to action that the gurney despite his parents’ best efforts to hold him provided clarity and sense in the panic. still and began wailing, “I want to go home! I want to In between cries, when Evan unwrinkled his go home! I want to go home!” eyes, the white bone could clearly be seen under the Of course home, the haven the boy was despercut, which ran about a half-inch right where a pair of ately wishing to return to, was the location of the Michael S. MILLER glasses would rest on the upper bridge of his nose. accident that sent him to the hospital. We live within three miles of an emergency room, and they had Any experienced parent will tell you that there is really no such thing as a “baby proofed” home, but Lord knows we try. Evan on a gurney within a few minutes. Once the flow of blood was There are covers on the electrical outlets, locks on every cabinet staunched, under the cool ministrations of his mother, my boy calmed that contains anything more deadly than paper towels, and gates down and began asking about the important things in his life: his blocking every staircase. There are plastic cases on door handles friend Logan, his brother Sean, cartoons, cookies from McDonald’s. that little fingers would like to twist open, no glass frames within The staff treated the wound with the numbing medicine lidocaine and reach and no bookshelf or stand that would topple should an en- said they would be back within 20 minutes to stitch him closed. An hour later, we buzzed the front desk to ask for help. The terprising toddler try to scale its modest heights. There is no bubble wrap on the furniture, but that is mainly team showed up, with one nurse covering Evan’s eyes, one holding because while bubble wrap might protect young bones from hard his head still and the doctor hovering with her mobile Frankenstein kit. As she pinched the torn flesh between her fingers and edges, it also represents a suffocation risk. I am beginning to believe we could raise our sons in a cotton pushed the needle carrying the first stitch through the skin and candy bubble and they would find some way to bump, bruise, cut flesh, Evan began drumming his feet on the gurney despite our or otherwise injure themselves. While visiting friends less than a best efforts to hold him still and began wailing, “I want to go week ago, 20-month-old Sean was racing from the kitchen to the home! I want to go home! I want to go home!” living room and clipped his forehead on a dining room table. By The doctor all but sneered, “This doesn’t hurt,” as Evan did the time we picked him up, a bump the size of a walnut protruded his best to make his case for the opposite sentiment. We pointed from his head and was turning an ominous shade of purple. Sean out that the lidocaine was by this time 70 minutes old, but she was fine, but with hindsight, I can see The Universe was sending dismissed us and continued to sew, with Evan crying “I want to us a message: “Dear Parent,” The Universe was saying, “Please go home” with a frightening conviction and intensity. heed the following example of what happens when a child’s skull The stitches were in place and Evan was back in his mother’s connects at a high speed with an unyielding tree-based piece of arms fairly quickly, but I felt like saying, “OK, Doc, your turn. furniture. Since you cannot remove the skull or the furniture Let’s blind you, restrain you, give you a 20-minute dose of medifrom every scenario, please consider removing the high-speed cine, then wait an hour after that and start sewing you up. Sound trajectory from the equation. Sincerely, The Universe.” like fun to you? He’s not even 4 yet; your ‘Don’t cry, you’re not in Five days later, as I watched Evan, who will be 4 in June, circle the pain’ line might work with the big boys, but how about 10ccs of living room, galloping and throwing himself up in the air, I flashed compassion for a scared child?” back to Sean’s accident and started to warn Evan to be aware of how We signed forms, bundled Evan into the car and drove home. close he was to the solid cherry coffee table that dominates our living The soft bulbs glowed from the bedroom ceiling like loving room. But he wasn’t really close to it, and he wasn’t really running, lamps, casting their comforting, familiar light upon the gurney, just jumping in place, so I did not say anything. but the patient in the bed could not see them. Just as I chose not to say anything, Evan jumped straight up Evan was sound asleep. in the air, and landed like a gazelle — a blind gazelle with roller skates strapped to its hooves. Evan twisted over his own feet and Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press. fell the length of his body face first into the coffee table. My wife E-mail him at mmiller@toledofreepress.com. Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com ADVERTISING SALES Chick Reid creid@toledofreepress.com DISTRIBUTION Charles Campos (419) 241-1700, Ext. 227 ccampos@toledofreepress.com PRODUCTION Charlie Longton, Photographer

Michael S. Miller, Editor in Chief mmiller@toledofreepress.com

STAFF WRITERS news@toledofreepress.com Jim Beard • Michael Brooks • John Dorsey • Lori Golaszewski • Colleen Kennedy Vicki L. Kroll • Jeff McGinnis • Duane Ramsey • Jennifer White • Dave Woolford Chris Schmidbauer, Sports Editor • Mike Driehorst, Social Networking Manager Chris Kozak, Staff Writer Emeritus COPY EDITORS/PROOFREADERS Lisa Renee Ward, Brandi Barhite, Joshua Stanley

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OPINION

A4 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

MARCH 7, 2010

SHREDDING THE CURTAIN

GUEST COLUMN

Report leaves questions unanswered

Building battle is waste of resources S

ell, here we are again. After a long, drawn-out battle with several isolated individuals when United Way first announced our decision in August 2008 to construct a new building and demolish the existing one, we’ve circled back around to invest further time and resources to hash it all out again. During the first round, we openly responded to any and all questions about our board of trustees’ wellBill researched, thoughtful decision. We repeatedly reiterated this was the best long-term solution for our organization and our community. Renovation costs were prohibitive and would still leave us with a half-empty building. We were also committed to staying Downtown and staying on our current property, maintaining our open access to bus lines, free parking and tax-exempt property. Thank you to our board for its careful work on this matter and for staying strong when external forces were trying to apply pressure. And thank you to our community for getting behind our board’s decision and remaining steadfast in your United Way support. During this time period, we gave multiple tours to potential buyers or parties interested in seeing what the space could offer. Politicians like then-Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop and City Councilman Joe McNamara also toured the building. After numerous tours, absolutely no one was interested in the space or offered a reasonable or viable solution. We proceeded with the project, as planned, and all went smoothly. We were also able to go back to investing staff time and resources into the issues that really matter: education, income and health. Several weeks ago, in keeping with our original plan, we applied to the City of Toledo for a demolition permit setting the final phase of our plan into motion. As a result, two things happened. First and most importantly, the matter was brought before the Historic Commission on March 1. Now, its decision is simply a recommendation because the

building is not considered historic, but it voted 4-3-1 to “not oppose demolition.” This was a great validation for us, and our heartfelt thanks go to the Commission for understanding our dilemma. The second thing that happened was McNamara had a press conference March 2 announcing his introduction of an emergency resolution before council “to pursue alternatives to demolition of Community Services KITSON Building.” We can only assume the rest of city council is as tired of rehashing this issue as we are — because they voted it down 7-4. Thank you council members Michael Ashford, D. Michael Collins, Mike Craig, Rob Ludeman, George Sarantou, Tom Waniewski, and Lindsay Webb for recognizing what really matters in our community. We are troubled Councilman McNamara is forcing us to go through this entire exercise again. First, he toured our building more than a year and a half ago and is just now coming forward to suggest we begin (again) to look for alternatives. Second, we are outraged on behalf of Toledo residents that even more government resources are being invested to revisit everything. What’s even more frustrating is we are being forced to use more of our valuable staff time and resources to respond to this all over again. At the end of the day, we remain committed to our originally stated plan that’s best for our community. We know this is the best possible decision for our organization and we will not allow a few isolated critics distract us from our mission. We have some very exciting changes and community collaborations we’re preparing to launch and that is where we should be focusing our energy. So while local individuals continue duplicating the work our board spent years doing, we will continue the good fight of helping every kid graduate from high school, equipping our families to become financially stable and improving access to health care. And we hope you’ll join us. Bill Kitson is president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Toledo.

During my December interview, Gutierrez kept focusing omething is still wrong. On July 21, when I first noticed that the signatures on how I discovered the signatures did not match. He asked me for Lucas County Republican Party Treasurer James several times, “Out of thousands of pages of documents how Damas did not match on several campaign finance reports, did you find these signatures?” My answer was the same every I had no idea what was going to happen. All I knew was time: I was not looking at thousands of pages of documents, I something was wrong. As Toledo Free Press reported on July was looking at the financial reports for the Lucas County Re30, Ohio Secretary of State Press Secretary Jeff Ortega said publican Party and the signatures not matching was obvious. “Are you a handwriting expert?” he asked me. No, I am not, only a party treasurer or deputy treasurer may sign financial I told him, which is one of the reasons I turned to Toledo Free documents; no one may sign by proxy. My main question was the same from the very first day: Press; I knew that I could not get handwriting experts. Next he asked, “What if I told you that Jon Stainbrook said Who signed the financial reports for the Lucas County Rehe had permission from James Damas to sign publican Party? At first it appeared things were these forms?” moving along. I was contacted by Frank Stiles, an I answered Gutierrez’s question: I told him investigator for the Lucas County Prosecutor’s ofthere was nothing on those forms that indicated fice at the end of August 2009. someone else signed them. On Oct. 26 I learned the signature fraud case As I left, I felt fairly certain nothing was going was handed over to a special prosecutor from to be done. When the decision was announced Cuyahoga County. I was told that I would be that there was going to be no prosecution, we did contacted and I would be interviewed again. finally learn the truth: Damas did not sign the On Nov. 18 I had my first conversation with finance forms for the Lucas County Republican James Gutierrez, the special prosecutor assigned Lisa Renee WARD Party. Kelly Bensman, a close Stainbrook associate, from Cuyahoga County. I regularly deal with people who don’t like or trust blogs, so admitted she signed at least one form. Gutierrez’s report raises more questions than it answers. his comment to me that blogs were “crap,” they had “no credibility,” that it was like the “wild wild west with no responsibility,” Why wasn’t action taken when the one signature was signed in front of a BOE employee? How can it be against election law to invoked my “I’m not that kind of a blogger” argument. He then gave kind of a laugh and said, “a blogger with cred- sign by proxy yet have it be determined if you have permission ibility; now that’s an oxymoron.” Gutierrez shared quite a bit of that’s not election fraud? Why was someone who demonstrated his beliefs during that cell phone conversation. He did not think an impression of bias picked as the special prosecutor? Why either political party was worthwhile, stating he was an inde- were there several variations of Damas’ signatures? I can hope those answers won’t take another eight months pendent. The media has a liberal bias, he believes, and CNN to discover, but I can’t shake the feeling that nothing will be and FOX News do not give him news, only talking points. The impression that he did not think the signature fraud done about any of that, either. case was an important one was hard to shake. Gutierrez made it clear he was not driving back and forth from Toledo to Cleve- Toledo Free Press contributor Lisa Renee Ward operates the political blog Glass City Jungle. land often, stating that was a waste of time.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sylvania firefighters ‘greedy for safety’

labor agreement has been reached between Sylvania Township and Sylvania Firefighters Local 2243, your professional full time firefighters. Negotiations began in November of 2008 for a contract that expired in December that same year. One year of tedious negotiations later, the firefighters unanimously rejected a fact finder’s report that removed a minimum daily staffing clause from the contract. In these tough economic times, the monetary incentives were attractive, but the negatives with reducing safety in the contract outweighed the positives. The crux of the issue was an attempt to remove a previously negotiated daily staffing level of 14 firefighters. The fact finder eliminated the minimum daily staffing level completely, so there was no requirement to have any number of firefighters on duty. Daily staffing exists to provide for an adequate number of firefighters on duty to properly and safely serve the Sylvania Community. Even with 14 firefighters on duty, the Sylvania Township Fire Dept is understaffed. National guideline NFPA 1710

calls for 15 firefighters to adequately and safely combat a fire in a 2000 square foot residential structure, and 22 firefighters in a commercial structure of the same size. Additional firefighters are required if the square footage exceeds 2000. In either case we are fundamentally understaffed assuming all 14 personnel are available to respond. Because we respond to more than 4,000 incidents annually, it’s unlikely all units are available at any given time, further compounding the inadequate staffing. Whispers of firefighter greed have been heard through the media and from citizens in the community. However the allegations are both unwarranted and unfounded. Your career firefighters compromised on many economic factors, but not on safety. The issue of minimum staffing is simple; a certain number of personnel are needed to do a job quickly and safely. That is the business we are in; when you call 911, we take care of the problem. Arriving at your emergency we need to be able to mitigate your emergency and not give you a false sense of security. In order to

effectively and safely complete that task, it requires personnel. The initial contract rejection is a testament to the sincerity and dedication to safety issues no matter how lucrative the incentive. Just as your family counts on the fire department to respond adequately in your time of need, our families expect us to return home in the same shape we left in. In addition to firefighters, we are also husbands, fathers, uncles and sons. Safe staffing levels benefit everyone by protecting the community, while keeping us safe in the process of performing our duties. I am thankful to say the township and firefighters were able to reach an accord on staffing, while reducing overtime costs. Although we are still understaffed, this new agreement provides some level of safety for Sylvania as opposed to none. Maybe the firefighters are a little greedy when it comes to safety. Yours and ours. CHRIS NYE, president, Sylvania Firefighters IAFF Local 2243

MARCH A4 ■ TOLEDO 7, 2010 FREE PRESS

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Urban League celebrates 100 years The 2010 annual dinner of the Greater Toledo Urban League, marking the 100year anniversary of the national organization, will take place March 12 at the Parkway Plaza in Maumee. Call (419) 243-3343 or e-mail centennial@gtul.org for more information.

PEOPLE

By Brandi Barhite TOLEDO FREE PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR brandibarhite@toledofreepress.com

Tony and Vicki Duris arrived at rehearsal to the most tragic sound. “It is emotional,” is all Tony could say about hearing the music his daughter — the violinist — used to play. The Sylvania couple came bearing an announcement on this particular Sunday, five weeks after Morgan was killed crossing the street to get on her school bus. Toledo International Youth Orchestra (TIYO) member and cellist Ian Pribe MORGAN DURIS would receive a scholarship to travel to Austria and Hungary this summer — a trip Morgan was set to take. It would have been her first international trip. “She loved to travel and she has visited her cousins in Hawaii, but that was her last major trip,” Vicki said. “I think she was thrilled to be going. She wanted to see the countries, and I know that she knew it was very different from anywhere she had been. “Plus, I was hoping she would come back a more mature, responsible person, more wanting to practice,” Vicki said, laughing. The couple chose 15-year-old Ian to receive the $3,500 scholarship paid for through donations in honor of their daughter who was the same age. Four people applied for the musical mission; 21 other students had already committed to the trip. “We wanted to send someone who really wouldn’t otherwise be able to go at this time without a scholarship and because it wasn’t the easiest thing for us to get the money together to

send Morgan,” Vicki said. “I just sensed that Ian might really get something from this trip and probably be something he would take with him for the rest of his life,” she said. “You just never know the people you might meet on the trips or how years down the road, those things may come back. I just felt by choosing Ian, it would be a good way to honor Morgan. I felt like [he] might really grow from the experience and appreciate it.” Ian said his family could not afford to send him on the trip. His mother was downsized out of her job, and his father was laid off for a while. “Morgan actually was in my orchestra class at Northview,” Ian said. “A lot of people miss her smile and her positive attitude ... and everyone has so many memories of her. I just feel really honored that I am going on this trip in her memory.” Part of his job on the trip will be to distribute flower seeds in Morgan’s honor. He would like to plant the seeds in the shape of her initials. “She loved flowers and she was always smiling,” said orchestra manager Liz Villarreal. “Even in her clothing, she always wore things with flowers. She was a flowery girl. So, by bringing these seeds to another country, we will bring her memory.” Ian wrote an essay detailing why he would like to go on the trip. “I was keeping in mind what TIYO means to me and what it is doing for me,” Ian said. “I am really quiet and I don’t want to talk much around new people, so it is helping me open up.”

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY CHARLIE LONGTON

Parents ﬁnd solace in daughter’s orchestra

Power of music Morgan joined TIYO last year, before the orchestra traveled to Toledo’s sister city, Tanga, Tanzania. Although she didn’t make that trip, she played at concerts to raise money for the school in Africa. ■ MORGAN CONTINUES ON A7

■

FROM LEFT, VICKI AND TONY DURIS WITH TIYO ESSAY CONTEST WINNER IAN PRIBE.

Mercy knows

by heart.

COMMUNITY

MARCH 7, 2010 ■ MORGAN CONTINUED FROM A6 “She was starting to come out of her shell,” Tony said. “She was always real shy, a lot of times around family and adults ... she was starting to become more mature, and I think being a member of TIYO helped. She still wasn’t to the point where I could get her to play her instrument for her grandmother.” Vicki said Morgan was private, despite her smile and cheerful demeanor with friends. She was a gifted artist, who would not show anyone her work from the time she was a toddler. “She would spend hours drawing,” Vicki said. “We have hundreds and hundreds of her drawings, but she wouldn’t show us. She would go to bed and we would have to rifle through all of her papers and that is how she has always been, even when she got older, she would be private about her work.” TIYO conductor Yang Kun Song said Morgan had improved since beginning private lessons with him 18 months ago. Her dad remembers a lot of giggling when he wanted her to be serious. “You could tell the progress she made. When she first came, she never gave up, she worked hard,” Song said. Villarreal said the decision to start the scholarship surfaced immediately after Morgan’s death. Orchestra members suggested doing something that

would last forever. “It is great that he is going, but we feel so terrible under the circumstances,” said Bill Pribe, Ian’s dad. “It is an honor and a privilege for Ian to be able to accept this, and with it comes a responsibility to carry on Morgan’s memory,” added his mother, Donna.

Strong girl Vicki often wondered if her daughter was truly happy. At 15, it is a wonderful time of life, but it is difficult, too, she said. Morgan’s older brother, Joshua, is severely handicapped, which contributed to her shyness. He suffered from a degenerative disease called mitochondrial disorder complex I. “His body cannot produce the energy it needs,” Tony said. “He is pretty sharp, but he cannot communicate with us anymore, especially with Morgan’s tragedy, we don’t know what Joshua is thinking.” When they were little, Joshua was not as sick and Morgan didn’t view him as handicapped. But as she got older, her friends wondered what was wrong and she felt differently because she was his sister. Morgan would at times pretend her brother was not going through such difficult times, Vicki said. The family’s house wasn’t always fun, with medical

“

It is an honor and a privilege for Ian to be able to accept this, and with it comes a responsibility to carry on Morgan’s memory.” — Donna Pribe

equipment all over and nurses coming in and out to care for her brother. One reason she was looking forward to the TIYO trip was because the family couldn’t go on many trips. “In some ways, she was very independent from the time she was an infant,” Vicki said. “Sometimes I felt like she was stronger than me.” The family has found comfort in viewing photos posted on Facebook, as well as photos she had on her camera. It was a different side of their daughter — a side that helps them get through the rougher days. Tony works the third shift at the Toledo Machining Plant in Perrysburg, while Vicki has decided to stay home. Her dad has found solace in Morgan’s pets, in particular the dogs, who have been moping around in her ab-

Visit www.toledofreepress.com sence, he said. “Her cousins offered to adopt her pets, but I don’t think I can just give them up. I want to hang onto them and see what happens.”

Final note The last time Morgan performed was at a Jan. 9 concert to raise money for the Toledo Secondary School in Tanga. Less than two weeks later, she was struck by an SUV as she crossed Erie Street. Her body was thrown into the air in front of students on the bus. She died at the hospital shortly after. Cynthia Anderson of Toledo has pleaded not guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide. Her trial is set for March 30; she did not return a request for comment. “I was looking at the school bus I think, to see if that red thing was going to put out,” Anderson stated in the police report. “It was stopping. I was going to the see the red thing and I was going to beat it. I wasn’t looking over there, the child just darted out.” She went on to say, “I was wrong. I should have just been calm and cool and stopped. I wasn’t thinking.” Vicki and Tony would not comment because of the upcoming trial. It is still hard for them to believe that with all the dangers in the world, their

Profile of Excellence: Shawn Mahone, Sr. Owens Community College Alumnus Growing up in an inner city neighborhood in Toledo, Shawn Mahone avoided trouble by playing basketball at Rogers High School and serving as class president his senior year. He had planned to go into the Marines, but his parents emphasized that college was a viable alternative.

■ A7

daughter was killed as she crossed the street to get on a school bus. They want to stay involved in TIYO because it provides a connection to their daughter, although to what extent, they are not sure. “We are thoroughly immersed in our grief right now, but as far as knowing exactly what we are going to do, we are just really grieving right now,” Vicki said. But the couple is glad a scholarship has been established in her honor. “No matter what happens, you always want to provide for your children,” Vicki said. “You always want to give them wonderful experiences in their life that will last throughout their life.” She hopes Ian learns from the trip, which will include performances, as well as sightseeing in Toledo sister cities, Budapest and Szeged. Vicki is convinced the trip would have been life-changing for Morgan, too. Sadly, no one will ever know. “She would have returned a different girl,” she said.

How to help To donate to the scholarship in honor of Morgan Duris, visit the Web site www.tiyo.us.

Come Join The Fun Join the Alumni Association today and experience cultural events, community service, legacy scholarship opportunities and more.

focused on correcting behavior and discipline issues and providing positive role models for youth.

Reconnect with Owens online at www.owens.edu/alumni.

Mahone said that his classes at Owens were great. One instructor, a former suburban police chief, took him under his wing. “Since I was a kid from the inner city, for a guy like him to give me guidance was huge,” Mahone said. “Owens helped me see that with a degree, I have options.”

The program currently serves children ages 4-18 from Toledo and surrounding communities, with two-hour sessions held each Saturday for twelve weeks. Parents must attend two sessions and older students serve as leaders and mentors to younger students. “We work to strip away all the negative traits and provide positive reinforcement through stressing exercise, self-discipline, responsibility and accountability,” Mahone said.

Alumni Night at the CFPA March 19

Following his graduation in 1990, Mahone worked as a private police ofﬁcer in a hospital, in an undercover role in corporate security and then as a drill instructor for the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Eventually, job stress prompted him to make a career change to corporate sales.

In the past four years, on a shoestring budget, over 500 children have participated in the program. Mahone is proud of his students’ achievements, citing the student who overcame a substance abuse problem to make the honor roll. By teaching children to become responsible members of society, his ultimate goal is to help create economic development in the area.

Although he was very successful, after several years Mahone said “God gave me a vision to come back to Toledo to start Young Men and Women for Change.” He created a boot camp program (Behavior Obedience Observational Training) Shawn Mahone, Sr. Executive Director 1990 Graduate

On April 17, 2010, Mahone and his students will participate in the ﬁrst “Walk For Youth” day. Walking through Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Perrysburg and Rossford, Mahone hopes to raise awareness of the challenges kids face in overcoming behavioral and discipline issues.

“Owens helped me see that with a degree, I have options.”

Join the Alumni Association at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts to catch the performance of the Grammywinning bluegrass band, The Grascals. For more information contact Laura Moore, Owens Alumni Relations and Special Events Director, at (567) 6617410 or at alumni@owens.edu. For a complete calendar of events, please call Laura Moore at (567) 661-7410, e-mail alumni@owens.edu or go to www.owens.edu and click the Alumni and Donors link.

COMMUNITY

A8 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

MARCH 7, 2010

WORLD NEWS

By Lauren Farnsworth TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER news@toledofreepress.com

The news of Chile’s magnitute 8.8 earthquake and ensuing tsunami is more than just a devastating headline for Toledoan Bill Imes. In the days following the quake, Toledoan Imes, construction manager of Vision for Chile, has been calling, texing and searching Facebook for updates to see if any of his friends are among the estimated 800 dead. To his relief, they’re not. Imes first visited Chile in 1987. He went to Latin America to build a church and has since visited about 30 times. In 2001, he joined Vision for Chile, a Christian ministry that helps improve the lives of homeless children and their caretakers. He had previous experience helping in Africa and wanted to use his building and contracting skills to help Chileans. Last year, he spent 72 days in Chile. He has worked on nearly a dozen buildings, including orphanage dormitories, caretaker homes and the House of Hope, a 12-bedroom home for adult orphans who are kicked out of the orphanage at age 18. “If it weren’t for what we’re doing for these adult girls, they would be on the street. There is no place for them to go,” he said. Vision for Chile provides the orphans with a safe place to stay, a college education, food, water, clothing and hope for a better future. “They get earthquakes, hundreds of them, all the time. There are earthquakes and tremors going on continuously,” Imes said. “I’ve been through several of them.” The earthquake that hit Feb. 27 was a “megathrust,” the most powerful type of earthquake, caused when a tectonic plate dives beneath another. Nearly 50 gigatons of energy was released and almost 340 miles of the fault zone were broken, according to The Associated Press. Alicia Barcena, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, told The Associated Press that Chile’s government is “well-organized to respond to the crisis,” but has appealed to the U.N. and governments in the region and elsewhere for specific emergency needs, including temporary bridges, field hospitals, satellite phones, electric generators, damage assessment teams, water purification systems, field kitchens and dialysis centers. Tom Orme, the director of Vision for Chile, was there during the earthquake. He is OK, but he said the

country is facing difficult times. The house he was staying in has water, but they are using candles for light. Orme said the orphanage lost several items, including televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, dishes and glasses with an estimated value of $6,500. In addition to this, the secretary at the orphanage lost everything in her apartment and is now staying with family. Orme’s observations were posted on the Vision for Chile Web site: “The girls at the Hogar [the orphanage] are scared to death but are ok. The House of Hope is ok, however we did lose an outside perimeter wall. The country of Chile needs your prayers. Over 700 have died. Millions, maybe billions of dollars in damage. The country is running low on gas, food and water. We

have no electricity.” Orme said the damaged security wall will cost about $3,000 to repair and is a necessity. In many cultures a security perimeter is a way of life, even in nicer areas. “A hole could allow any number of people access your home,” he said. While visiting Chile in 1995, Orme, noticed an orphanage without a proper perimeter. Upon questioning the administrator, he discovered that a four-year-old girl was raped when a man entered through the fence. This same child had been placed in the orphanage for protection after her father had raped her. Many of the children share similar pasts and were placed in the orphanage to seek shelter from abuse in their own homes. ■ CHILE CONTINUES ON A9

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Local contractor anxious for Chile earthquake news

■

A MAGNITUDE 8.8 EARTHQUAKE DEVASTED TALCAHUANO, CHILE ON FEB. 27.

COMMUNITY

■ CHILE CONTINUED FROM A8 “We’ve found a need and we’re trying to fill it,” Imes said. “I’m not saying there aren’t needs in the United States. I’m not saying that at all, but we have programs often times to help and down there they just don’t have that kind of a thing.” Because Vision for Chile is faith based, the organization relies on donations. Imes said the best way to

help, is through financial support. But, he said, Chile as a whole is in need of water, food and clothing. Many of the roads and bridges are in poor condition, some no longer passable. Communication lines are down, buildings are burning and looters are in the streets, according to Orme. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve never been through something like

this,” Orme said. “I think the next few weeks are going to be tougher than the last few days.” He predicts gas and food shortages due to road conditions and the port’s southern location. Vision for Chile is a part of Christian and Missionary Alliance, which is assembling a relief team. For more information, visit www. visionforchile.org.

N U N CO MMON E VE NING

Friday, March 26 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Visit www.toledofreepress.com

■ A9

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY LAUREN FARNSWORTH

MARCH 7, 2010

■

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER BILL IMES SPENT 72 DAYS IN CHILE LAST YEAR.

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COMMUNITY

A10 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

MARCH 7, 2010

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— Marla Halko sees the value of progeria research, not only for children like Kaylee, but for the entire aging population,” Audrey Gordon, president and executive director of the Progeria Research Foundation, wrote in an e-mail. “Such vast exposure will inevitably help to raise awareness of progeria, as we seek to find and help all of these wonderful children throughout the world.” “[We hope viewers will have] a better awareness of what progeria is and how important it is to work toward a cure so that people like Kaylee will be with us for a long time,” a production representative from “The Dr. Oz Show” wrote in an e-mail.

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Move over, Madonna and Cher. There’s a new one-name, internationally known celebrity: Kaylee. The 6-year-old from Monclova was in New York City with her parents, Tim and Marla Halko, last month to appear on “The Dr. Oz Show.” “Our hotel was real close to Times Square, so we walked around there,” Tim said. “We had a lady from Africa who was visiting her brother in the U.S. for the first time come up and point at Kaylee and say, ‘Kaylee.’ She didn’t speak English, but her brother said that she was telling him that she saw Kaylee’s documentary back in Africa. “She was excited and was kissing Kaylee’s hand and asked if she could get a picture with Kaylee to take back to show her friends.” That documentary, “6 Going on 60,” premiered on TLC in December. The film starred Kaylee and Lindsay, two of 62 children in the world who have progeria, a rare, fatal condition characterized by accelerated aging caused by a gene mutation. Staff from “The Dr. Oz Show” saw the film and contacted the Halkos in February. “We decided it would be a good way to raise awareness; it’s a respected show,” Marla said. Tim said, “Kaylee had a great time during the taping, and the Dr. Oz staff loved her.” “Kaylee liked being on the show. She did a cheer and everything. She says she’s a star,” Marla said. “She ran around the studio with the staff for about an hour. She said, ‘Mom, I’m big; I’ve got it.’” “Everyone was so taken with Kaylee, her spirit, her energy and also her incredible parents,” a production representative from “The Dr. Oz Show” wrote in an e-mail. “Kaylee got the chance to roam our studios and met with just about all of our staffers — from our stage managers and stagehands to our executive producers in the control room. She was a big hit.” The Halkos will be on “The Dr. Oz Show” at 5 p.m. March 8 on WNWO, the local NBC affiliate. The 15-minute segment also will feature the University of Michigan’s Dr. Jeffrey Innis, the physician who diagnosed Kaylee in 2004, and Dr. Leslie Gordon, medical director of the Progeria Research Foundation Inc. “We are thrilled that such a popular and well-respected medical show

“

“Kaylee liked being on the show. She did a cheer and everything. She says she’s a star. She ran around the studio with the staff for about an hour. She said, ‘Mom, I’m big; I’ve got it.’”

■

KAYLEE HALKO WITH DR. MEHMET OZ DURING A TAPING OF “THE DR. OZ SHOW.”

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■ A11

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COMMUNITY

A12 â&#x2013; TOLEDO FREE PRESS

MARCH 7, 2010

Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store to close during renovations Warehouse District, has not been renovated in 40 years. Planned renovations include new paint, a wheelchair accessible entrance, moving offices from the middle to the back of the building and possibly an update to the exterior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The store needs a more retail look to generate more traffic and be more appealing to the public and our clients,â&#x20AC;? said Willi Meyer, the store manager. The thrift store consists of three floors and a warehouse. The society has a contractor who has volunteered to help with the first floor, but they still need help with the other two, Meyer said. Business representatives working with the Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store will meet with city officials to discuss possible grants available for renovation, including a faĂ§ade grant from the city. According to city officials, grants of this type do not come

By Kristen Rapin TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR krapin@toledofreepress.com

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Toledo District Council, is temporarily closing its thrift store operation to renovate its building and warehouse. The thrift store, 1001 Washington St., closed Feb. 28 and will remain closed for approximately three months. After working with area business professionals, as well as an architect and contractor, it was suggested now was the best time for the thrift store to undergo renovations, said Ray Patterson, president of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Toledo District Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough to close down, even temporarily, because people need our services,â&#x20AC;? Patterson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This time of year we have less traffic than others, and it has to be done, so we closed.â&#x20AC;? The thrift store, located in the

out of the general fund. The success of the thrift store is due to community support, Meyer said. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store accepts donations of clothing, shoes and miscellaneous items like dishes. All proceeds from

sales go back into the community to assist the poor, Meyer said. Additionally, the society will collect $125,000 to $150,000 to help pay for some of the construction expenses. Volunteers are needed to help move inventory out of the store and warehouse.

During renovations donations will still be collected at area drop boxes, but the thrift store will not be making home pickups. For more information, call (419) 243-2243. To locate a donation drop box, visit www.svdptoledo.org.

EAT HEALTHY, SLEEP MORE AND GET MOVING!

Take a walk! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthy and relaxing! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good for the whole family! And â&#x20AC;Ś itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE! As part of our ongoing mission to improve the health and wellness of children throughout our community, Mercy Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital and Kohlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s department stores are proud to offer the Kohlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kids in Action program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; designed to provide parents and other caregivers with practical advice on raising healthy children. Kohlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kids in Action offers support and guidance for individuals to foster positive behaviors in the health and nutrition of children. Our approach is centered on four steps critical to raising healthy children: good nutrition, increased physical activity, proper water intake and good sleep habits.

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MARCH 7, 2010

Max & Ermaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to donate to Junior League The Junior League of Toledo is hosting an event to raise money for its Kids in the Kitchen program. Patrons who eat at Max & Ermaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Levis Commons any time from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 23 will donate 20 percent of their bill to the cause. A flier must be presented to the server and can be downloaded at juniorleaguetoledo.org. Meals can be eaten in or taken out.

Ohio hits record for concealed handgun licenses

Does Toledo Have Talent? Hell Yeah! Sidelines at the Arena is giving you every Wednesday to prove it at our Open Mic Night. Ever wanted to be a comedian or do an acoustic act in front of an audience? Come on down-tell some jokes, sing a song, read a poem, or just tell a story.

Now is your chance to have 5 minutes of fame on stage. Those who qualify will perform with professional comedians at our monthly Comedy Night, or be paid by Sidelines to perform your acoustic act at one of our 3 locations. We will be selling Drafts for a buck, and our House Shot of the Night:

Liquid Courage for $1.00 We invite our friends from the neighboring bars and restaurants to come and enjoy great drink specials in a fun atmosphere.

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Prosecutor drops GOP signature fraud case From Staff Reports

(AP) Ohio issued a record 56,691 concealed handgun licenses in 2009. That tops the previous high of 45,497 set in 2004 when the concealed handgun law first went into effect. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the third-straight year for an increase. State Attorney General Richard Cordray attributes the increase to more Ohioans feeling comfortable exercising their right to carry concealed handguns.

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Cuyahoga County Special Prosecuting Attorney James A. Gutierrez released a report Feb. 26 in which he stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;criminal prosecution is not appropriateâ&#x20AC;? in the GOP signature fraud investigation. The Gutierrez report stated that while Lucas County Republican Party (LCRP) Oversight Committee Chairwoman Kelly Bensman admitted to filling out a campaign finance form and signing the name of LCRP Treasurer James Damas, she and LCRP Chairman Jon Stainbrook â&#x20AC;&#x153;were under the impression they could sign the form ... and they had express permission by James Damas to sign the forms.â&#x20AC;? Gutierrez also reported, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since Stainbrook and Bensman completed the act in the open and obvious circumstance [witnessed by a Lucas County Board of Elections employee] would give rise to the inference that Stainbrook and Bensman intention was not to deceive the BOE that Damas actually signed the document ... to say that Stainbrook and Bensman intent was to deceive or defraud the BOE under these facts is dubious at best.â&#x20AC;? The case was sent to Cleveland on Oct. 26 after Lucas County Chief In-

vestigator Frank Stiles concluded his investigation. A decision to turn his investigation to date over to a special prosecutor was made by the Lucas County Prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office to avoid an appearance of conflict of interest. It was determined the allegations from the BOE involving the Republican Party could cause a conflict of interest since the board of elections is a client of the prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Toledo Free Press Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller sent a letter to the Lucas County Board of Elections and Ohio Secretary of State on July 30, alerting them to potential inconsistencies among signatures on Lucas County GOP campaign finance reports and other official documents. The apparent inconsistencies came to light as the result of research conducted by Lisa Renee Ward, a Toledo Free Press contributor and operator of the political blog Glass City Jungle. According to the Ohio Revised Code, section 3517.10, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The statement of contributions and expenditures shall be signed by the person completing the form.â&#x20AC;? Under Ohio law, according to the office of the Ohio Secretary of State, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A fifth-degree felony conviction [of election falsification] may result in a prison sentence of six to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $2,500.â&#x20AC;?

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A14 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

MARCH 7, 2010

PASSPORT waiting list eliminated for seniors By Kristen Rapin TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR krapin@toledofreepress.com

Gov. Ted Strickland eliminated the waiting list for the PASSPORT (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) In-Home Care for Seniors Program and Assisted Living Waiver Program, administered locally through the Area Office on Aging (AOoA). “It’s a wonderful day for homecare service. We can get those on the waiting list enrolled and provide them services so they can remain in their homes more safely,” said Pam Wilson, vice president

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of longterm care at the AOoA. “Generally when people call us they need the help now, waiting conditions aren’t the most desirable for them. With this initiative we’re able to enroll people in the services they need immediately.” PASSPORT is a Medicaid waiver program run through the Ohio Department of Aging and provided locally by the AOoA. PASSPORT provides help

with personal care, offers home delivered meals, funds emergency response buttons and adult day care services and provides transportation, Wilson said. Sixty-four seniors in Northwest Ohio will be removed from waiting lists and enrolled into the program. The Ohio Department of Aging implemented a waiting list for PASSPORT services in order to balance its 2010-2011 fiscal budget. Strickland

has asked for a transfer of funds from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to pay for the elimination of PASSPORT, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and assisted living waiting lists. Generally, ODJFS incurs increased costs from nursing home use when there are waiting lists. For more information about the AOoA, visit the Web site www.areaofficeonaging.com.

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As baseball season approaches, parents should watch for ways to help young athletes avoid injury after an inactive winter. Especially common are overuse injuries such as Little Leaguer’s Elbow. This injury can occur in children ages 8 – 15, and involves pain (during or after throwing), swelling or tenderness over the inside of the elbow. The following tips may help your child avoid or lessen the severity of injury:

By Kristen Rapin TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR krapin@toledofreepress.com

Sylvania Community Action Team (S.C.A.T.) and Oregon Community and Family Coalition (OCFC) are sponsoring a community drug dropoff project March 13. The organizations are encouraging citizens throughout the community to drop off their unused, unwanted and expired prescription and over-thecounter medications. “We’re doing this collection for a few reasons, there has been a spike in recent years in abuse and misuse of prescription and overthe-counter drugs and the drop off reduces the risk of accidental poisoning,” said Dave Bensch, executive director of OCFC. The organizations want individuals, specifically parents and caregivers, to be aware of how much of a medication they have and encourage them to keep it in a safe place, said Deb Chany executive director of S.C.A.T. “Parents and caregivers are our first lines of defense against the abuse of these drugs,” Chany said. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 70 percent of children older than the age of 12 got pain relievers for non-medical use from their family or friends, Chany said. OCFC will collect medications from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City of Oregon Complex, 5330 Seaman Road. S.C.A.T. will be collecting medications from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sylvania City Police Department, 6635 Maplewood, and Sylvania Township Police Department, 4420 King Road.

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SPECIALREPORT:MSAWARENESSMONTH

MARCH 7, 2010

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GUEST COLUMN

Just keep moving W

hen I pick up a magazine mountains, run marathons, or juggle what draws my attention is six kids and two jobs all while living with multiple sclerosis. usually what While these folks are I have an interest in, undeniably amazing, in“Want to lose 10 pounds stead of inspired I find in 10 minutes?” “Simple reading such stories ways to organize your often make me question life,” “Gourmet meals my own character. Befor less than $5 and in 5 cause I’m not aspiring minutes,” and the always to run a marathon or popular, “Do you have to even run around the these symptoms?!” block (unless someone is While thumbing Tricia chasing me) or because I through the usual, occachoose the elevator over sionally a more substanCOURTNEY the stairs, stories like tive piece catches my atTISCHLER those I’ve read make me tention, especially if the letters MS jump out at me. Typically wonder, am I good at MS? But then it dawns on me I didn’t these articles try to offer inspiration by telling tales of those who climb run a marathon or take up mounnationalmssociety.org/oho Kay (left) diagnosed in1986

tain climbing before I was diagnosed with MS either. Isn’t it enough I have to deal with this disease…do I really need to start signing up for triathlons too? Frankly, some days brushing my teeth, showering and getting dressed are all the Olympic challenges I can handle. I say, celebrate all the “mountains” we conquer! However, because March is MS Awareness Month in Ohio and our goal at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to keep people with MS moving, I at least owe it to myself, my family and friends to not use MS as another excuse to stop moving (because “I’m too busy” and “it’s too cold” often suffice anyway). Ah, but how to get the intrepid couch potato and desk jockey on the road to a healthier body and mind? My solution: I got a puppy. Having a puppy is like having a newborn baby. You are perpetually up to see why they are crying or where the odor, noise or even worse, silence is coming from. I have to take him on

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419-720-3989 Member of ProMedica Health System two walks a day, play with him perpetually and he loves me unconditionally no matter how clumsy I am! Not that I recommend everyone get a puppy. Again, that was my solution to not only a more sedentary life brought on my MS fatigue but to empty nest syndrome brought on by my daughter going to college and my son entering the teen years and exiting his interest in mom. Whatever your solution, if you have MS or know someone with MS, adopt the mantra “Just keep moving” for MS Awareness Month (chanted much like Dory’s “just keep swimming,” in “Finding Nemo”). Yes, physical movement is a huge challenge for many with MS (we have more than 3,400 living with MS just

in our area!)…but the word “move” doesn’t just mean 10 reps and three laps…it also means propelling your mind, heart and others forward! Whether it’s learning a new skill, supporting a friend in some way to lift your own spirits, thanking a caregiver, nurse or doctor for all they have done to keep you moving or just supporting the National MS Society in any way (go to nationalMSsociety.org/oho to learn how!) Movement is magic and it doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or chase a puppy around your home. It just means MS hasn’t stopped you. Tricia Courtney Tischler is director of media for the national MS Society, NWO.

MS Society ‘on the move’ for annual event By Colleen Kennedy TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER news@toledofreepress.com

Walk MS is a simple, but incredibly powerful way for you to share in the hope for the future. It’s a time and place to stand together and be together to help raise critical funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society so people with MS can move their lives forward. Sign up for the Toledo Walk MS on Sunday, April 11 at www.nationalmssociety.org/oho or call 1-800-FIGHT MS

For Suzanne Carroll Witherell, rolling up the sidewalks early is out of the question this year. As chairwoman for the Northwestern Ohio Multiple Sclerosis Society’s “Women on the Move against MS” spring event she’s been working to make this year’s event unique. The seventh annual event will be March 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Pinnacle in Maumee. Historically a luncheon, Witherell said the suggestion to change the event to a dinner was the committee’s, not hers. “My committee came to me and said, ‘You’ve been chairing this event for so long, we think we need to make this event more like you — jazzy and fun,’” Witherell said, “and that’s not lunch.” Themed “As Simple as Black and White,” guests are encouraged to wear black and white attire and will enjoy silent black and white films, black and white martinis, a silent auction and transportation services provided by the event’s main sponsor, Black & White Transportation. The event will feature guest speaker Zoe Koplowitz, author of “The Winning Spirit: Life Lessons Learned in Last Place.” Koplowitz, described by

Witherell as the “world’s slowest marathon runner,” has completed 22 marathons despite a diagnosis of MS. Witherell said, “She helps you understand what a diagnosis of MS is. Your life is still your life. Don’t sit here and use this as an excuse to shut your life down.” Last year’s event raised more than $25,000 — a number Witherell is looking to top this year. Tickets are $50, presale and at the door. Of the profits, 20 percent will be contributed toward the National MS Society’s research fund. The remaining 80 percent will stay in Northwest Ohio to fund MS programs like the “Lending Closet,” a program that provides immediate use of scooters, walkers and other equipment to the 3,800 people registered with the Northwest Ohio MS chapter. “It’s empowering for us, feeling like we’re fighting against it when there are many days we can’t do a whole lot of fighting,” Witherell said. Jazz tunes will be provided by the Warren Commission from Detroit, selected because of its inspirational pianist, Daniel Warren, who also has MS. “When he plays piano in a room full of people who have MS and they all know he has MS. You want to talk about inspirational? He almost brings people to tears,” Witherell said. “I’ve

WITHERELL seen him play a whole gig where his feet were off the side of the bench pointed out straight; they wouldn’t bend. They were straight all night but he kept on playing. He never missed a note and didn’t miss the gig. Unbelievable.” True to Witherell’s promise not to roll up the sidewalks at 8:30, Mancy’s Bluewater Grille will host an “after glow” party following the dinner until, Witherell said, “John Mancy kicks us out or last call — whichever comes first.” To purchase tickets, call (419) 8979533 (select “option 2”) or visit www. nationalmssociety.org/oho.

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MARCH 7, 2010

By Jennifer S. White TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER news@toledofreepress.com

Judy Potter, co-owner of Black and White Transportation, lives with multiple sclerosis. This year her company is sponsoring Toledo’s Women on the Move Annual Spring Event, benefitting more than 3,800 people living with MS in Northwest Ohio. “I was diagnosed with MS in 2002,” Potter said. “It began as a flash of light in my eye. I had just had LASIK eye surgery, so at first I thought that this was related.” Potter said she was actually relieved to be diagnosed with MS. “I was afraid it was a brain tumor,” Potter said. “I can live with [MS]. I can take medication and go into remission. I stay active. I work out just about every day. I’m at the gym by 5:30 a.m. This disease is not going to get the best of me. I’m going to get the best of it.” Suzanne Carroll Witherell is chairwoman of Women on the Move and host of The Jazz Brunch with Suzanne Carroll on 101.5 The River. She is excited to experience this year’s Women on the Move event with Potter. “I am so honored to be the first one to show her the meaning of what she is doing,” Witherell said. “The day after this event, she’ll understand the full capacity of the help she’s given to her MS community.” The event is close to Potter’s heart. “This year’s theme is simple as

black and white. It couldn’t have been more fitting for us, with Black and White Cab,” she said. “[Potter] has been instrumental,” Witherell said. “This year’s black and white theme ties in perfectly with her.” She said Potter’s marriage to husband and Black and White Transportation co-owner Scott also fits this year’s theme. “[Potter] is married to a jazz musician,” Witherell said. “Together they own Black and White Transportation. Scott has been a huge part of the Toledo jazz scene.” “Scott plays trumpet,” Potter said. “He plays primarily in jazz trios and quintets.” She said they have been providing vehicles and smaller donations to charities for years, but this year they were ready for a bigger commitment.“We’re a family business, and we like to be active in our community,” Potter said. Potter said this November marks their 13th anniversary as owners. “We have 95 vehicles on the road right now,” Potter said. She said they are also actively preventing drunk driving. “We created an iPhone app called B4UDRIVE,” Potter said. “You enter in your gender, weight, what you had to drink and the time frame you consumed it in, and you will get an approximate blood alcohol level. If it’s over the legal limit, the software can connect with us to call you a cab.” She said another option is to have a driver pick you up in your own vehicle and take you home.

Witherell said the black-andwhite-themed event, expected to draw at least 300 people, is a nod to Potter’s sponsorship. “We’re going to have black and white martinis, a live jazz band from Detroit, and one of the players has MS,” Witherell said. The event’s guest speaker, Zoe Koplowitz, is a Sept. 11 survivor and award-winning author of “The Winning Spirit — Life Lessons Learned in Last Place.” Koplowitz has been running the New York City Marathon for more than 20 years. She has completed 22 marathons, including races in Boston and London; all in last place.“It takes me between 28 and 32 hours [to complete a marathon],” Koplowitz said. Koplowitz said a marathon is a journey much like life, and that her book is the story of everyone she has met along that road. “This book is about winning,” Koplowitz said. “You choose from moment to moment to be a positive person, and these moments are all we get. People don’t appreciate the marathons that they run every day.” She said she looks forward to speaking at the Women on the Move event, viewing it is an opportunity to make a difference. “I hope that we raise a lot of money for MS,” Potter said. “I feel very fortunate. I can afford my medication. A lot of people don’t have access to these resources, and we’re raising money to help those people.”

Region 2B We are proud to be returning sponsors of the MS Walk and MS Bike-To-The Bay for 2010. The UAW encourages you to sign-up now for this year’s events at www.nationalmssociety.org/oho

We’ve Joined the Movement, Won’t You? Ken Lortz, Director, Region 2B, UAW 1691 Woodlands Drive, Maumee, OH 43537

419.893.4677

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY CHARLIE LONGTON

Black and White Transportation owner sponsors MS beneﬁt

■

JUDY POTTER, CO-OWNER OF BLACK AND WHITE TRANSPORTATION, LIVES WITH MS.

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MARCH 7, 2010

Home & Garden Show is source for remodeling, landscaping By Duane Ramsey TOLEDO FREE PRESS SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER dramsey@toledofreepress.com

The PRO Home & Garden Show is coming to the SeaGate Convention Centre March 12 through March 14, offering consumers a chance to check out the latest in home improvement, remodeling and landscaping. The annual show is conducted by the local Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO), formerly known as the Toledo Home Remodelers Association. PRO is the largest independent industry organization in the U.S. that is self-supported by its members, according to Executive Director Mike Schobe. More than 137 exhibits will be on display for consumers to see. “People come to the show to find reliable, licensed remodeling contractors that have good business practices and listen to what the customer wants,” said Terry Parker, president of PRO and owner of Parker Roofing and Home Improvement Inc. in Toledo. He said the Home & Garden Show is strictly for home remodeling, improvement and landscaping companies, compared to the recent House & Home Show hosted by the local home builders. “Business is getting stronger every day as more people choose to remodel where they currently live rather than buy a new home,” said Parker, whose firm will exhibit at the show and represents 44 years in the home improvement and roofing business. Arnold’s Home Improvement of Toledo is one of the primary sponsors of the show this year. Owner Jason Arnold said it supports PRO as the local representative of the remodeling industry that offers continuing education with training for certification and networking opportunities for licensed contractors. “The PRO Home & Garden Show is good exposure to show the public what we can to do for them to improve the value of their homes,” said Arnold, president-elect of PRO. His firm was chosen to install the new roofing system for Owens Corning, one of the major corporate sponsors of the 2010 show, along with ABC Supply Company of Toledo. The Home & Garden Show also offers information about lawn and landscaping services from local contractors in that business. Hatfield Lawn & Landscape has participated in the show for many years and receives leads for potential projects and interest in landscaping from people at the show, said Kevin Cook, landscaping supervisor. The firm specializes in landscape design-

build projects and operates a retail garden center in Sylvania. Howard Landscaping of Curtice will display five water features in its exhibit ranging from small ponds and water gardens to more formal landscape settings, said Andy Howard, co-owner of the family business with his brother Kelley and sister-in-law Jessica. The firm is an authorized installer of the Unilock paving system for patios, walks and garden projects which will be displayed at the show, Howard said. Solar Solutions and Skylights will offer energy-saving products at the show as a certified installer of the Velux solar water heating system and 5-star skylight specialist. Solar water heating systems can save 50 to 80 percent on water heating bills that can account from 15 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in homes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

People attending the show will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle to win a Caribbean cruise, a $2,500 backyard makeover donated by Hatfield Lawn and Landscape in Sylvania and a weekend at Evans Lake Resort in Michigan’s Irish Hills donated by Parker Roofing and Home Improvement. Tickets for the raffle will be avail-

able at the show with proceeds benefiting the local Zenobia Shriners for the treatment of children at various Shriners hospitals, said Shobe. Attendees will have a chance to draw play money from an ATM machine at the Great Lakes Credit Union booth with cash prizes for the people receiving the highest amounts. The Home & Garden Show is open

from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 12, 10 a.m. to 9.p.m. March 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors. Children under 12 and active military personnel are admitted for free. For more information about the Home & Garden Show, visit the Web site www.thra.com.

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Toledo company helps homeowners clean up and restore By Mike Driehorst TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER news@toledofreepress.com

There are some businesses in the Toledo area that really clean up. Cleaner & Dryer Restoration, 3232

South Ave., is one of them. “Water, fire, mold — we clean up and offer full restoration and construction services,” said Dave Conklin, marketing director for Cleaner & Dryer. A member of the Toledo Home Remodelers Association for 10 years,

Cleaner & Dryer has been in business for 16 years. While Conklin said much of its Cleaner & Dryer’s business is from insurance referrals, homeowners and business owners call them directly when they spot trouble. “Any time there’s water in the base-

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ment or the crawl space from pipes bursting or anything like that, you should call,” he said. As needed, Cleaner & Dryer will work with the homeowner and his or her insurance company to help with paperwork and anything else required to handle a claim. “We’ll do what needs to be done and take care of the immediate need,” he said. The company serves Northwest Ohio — from Sandusky, Findlay and Lima to Bowling Green and Toledo and west to the Indiana border. Cleaner & Dryer also serves Southeast Michigan, up to Monroe, Ann Arbor and Adrian. Cleaner & Dryer has about 50 employees and a 25-vehicle company fleet. Before any employee works in a customer’s home or business, he or

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We’ll do what needs to be done and take care of the immediate need.” — Dave Conklin, marketing director for Cleaner & Dryer she is fully trained and certified and required to undergo ongoing training to maintain certification. A member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Cleaner & Dryer is part of J. Schoen Enterprises, which has a BBB rating of A+. For more information, visit www. cleaneranddryer.com.

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BUSINESS LINK Pool and spa company getting into wind turbines W W W. T O L E D O F R E E P R E S S . C O M

By Duane Ramsey TOLEDO FREE PRESS SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER dramsey@toledofreepress.com

Preferred Pools and Spas in Maumee is getting into the wind turbine business, according to the company’s owner Rick Kleopfer. “We’re expanding into wind turbines with plans to sell them to the same clientele for our pools and spas,” Kleopfer said. The company will act as the sales force for selling wind turbines manufactured and installed by SUR Energy of Sandusky. Tim Rathbun, CEO of SUR Energy, confirmed Preferred Pools will represent and sell the 40kW wind turbine his company plans to produce by the end of this year. The company also distributes other models of wind turbines ranging from 10kW for homes to 2.5 MW for wind farms. Rathbun said his company has invested $1 million in wind turbine technology and is investing another $1.5 million to build a 12,000 to 20,000 square-foot production facility on the site of its sister company, Oncore Plastics in Sandusky. Kleopfer said Ohio has the best grants for wind energy, paying 40 percent of the cost, while federal grants cover another 30 percent with additional tax credits available. “It’s really a home run kind of thing for consumers at this time,” he said. The SUR Energy wind turbine could retail for about $75,000 but with the state and federal grants and tax credits, you can get the out-of-pocket expenses down to $15,000 or $12,000, according to Kleopfer. Kleopfer and six of his employees enrolled in the Wind Installation Training Program at Owens Community College. Bill Gwin, Gary Hardenbrook, George Kramer, Jason Jones, Allen Monrow, Jeffrey Samson, and Kleopfer were part of the first class of 10 students who completed the program March 4. “We’re learning the technical side

of the products so we can properly represent them,” Kleopfer said. The students in the wind training class gained firsthand knowledge when they learned how to lower the 33-foot Skystream 3.7 wind turbine located on the college’s Toledo campus for inspection and maintenance purposes. “It’s safety first and safety always. Everything has to be checked and double checked,” Joe Peschel, coordinator of customized training at Owens, told the students before they began the exercise on the wind turbine March 2. The students conducted the experiment under the supervision of Brady Bancroft, instructor for the wind turbine training program at Owens, and Peschel. Kleopfer served as foreman of the crew composed of his employees and other students who conducted the work. Kleopfer said he was proud of his employees and how seriously they took the wind training course and live exercise. They may not be installing or maintaining the wind turbines, but they will know the process for doing it, he said. The wind turbine at Owens is a fully integrated, utility connected wind generator designed specifically for residential and small businesses that is similar to the model that will be marketed by Preferred Pools and Spas. Owens also operates a 120-foot EW50 wind turbine located adjacent to the Industrial and Engineering Technologies Building. The wind turbines are used to convert wind power into electricity for operating that building at the college. The Wind Installation Training Program is a 40-hour class that is conducted at Owens’ new Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee. Specific dates have not been set for the next wind training program but Owens plan to offer it again in early June, according to Michael Bankey, vice president of work force and community services at Owens. For more information about the program, call (567) 661-7357.

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY CHARLIE LONGTON

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■ STAFF FROM OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE EXPLAIN HOW TO INSPECT A WIND TURBINE TO THE STAFF OF PREFERRED POOLS AND SPA.

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Area Girl Scouts learn about ‘Car Sense’ at Owens Eleven young women from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and their troop leaders will roll up their sleeves and learn about basic car maintenance as Owens Community College presents a “Car Sense” program March 6. Founded in 1998, the Owens’ “Car Sense” program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Transportation Technologies Center on the Toledo area campus. The college is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Attendees will learn about preventive maintenance, oil changes, tire rotation and balance, emergency kits, brake inspection and where to go for car service, checking tire pressure with a gauge, completing brake inspections, replacing windshield wiper blades, changing a tire and changing a vehicle’s oil and filter, along with other maintenance.

By Duane Ramsey TOLEDO FREE PRESS SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER dramsey@toledofreepress.com

A local father-son team who owns MAC II Enterprises is planning to build and operate a new auto manufacturing facility in Toledo. Mark Connor Sr. and Mark Connor Jr. are co-owners of the privately-owned Tier 2 auto supply company that is expanding its operations with plans to open a manufacturing facility in Toledo. The Toledo natives came up with the idea for their company in 2002 and began operations in 2004 with the intent of bringing a manufacturing facility to Toledo, according to Mark Connor Jr. “We’re now to the point where we can put a plant in Toledo,” he said. “Toledo has the best work force for the auto industry, which gives it a competitive advantage. We plan to hire experienced workers from the local work force.” MAC II Enterprises has previously produced parts in China and Mexico for Tier 1 auto suppliers due to the reduced startup costs. Those parts have landed in components for vehicles made by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Nissan. “We plan to continue as a Tier 2 supplier, but expand into making bigger parts and components for Tier 1 suppliers and other automobile brands,” said the son.

The Connors plan to build a new 40,000 to 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility behind their current warehouse located on Nebraska Avenue. They are in the initial planning stages with a timeline of opening the plant in 18 months to two years. “It’s pretty exciting to have two Toledo guys who want to bring business to their community,” said Dean Monske, deputy mayor for external affairs for the City of Toledo. “Mark (Sr.) and I go back a lot of years and have a good business relationship. When he called me about this opportunity, I asked him ‘how can we help?’” Monske helped assemble a team composed of members from the City of Toledo, Lucas County, State of Ohio and Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to work with the Connors on their project. “The team met with them a few weeks ago to discuss how we could help them accomplish their goals. It makes a difference to have this kind of collaboration on these projects,” Monske said. The Connors are talking to local builders and contractors about their plans for the plant and looking to the City of Toledo for help with permits and zoning issues. “I want to stress how helpful and positive Mayor Bell and his staff have been to us. Toledo is becoming more business friendly since Bell was elected,” said Connor Jr. The father has a background working in metals and the auto in-

TOLEDO FREE PRESS PHOTO BY DUANE RAMSEY

Father-son team plan new parts plant in Toledo

■ MARK CONNOR SR. (LEFT) AND MARK CONNOR JR. HOLD A COMPONENT WITH PARTS THEIR COMPANY MAKES FOR THE AUTO INDUSTRY.

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TMACOG addresses transportation issues The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) is addressing the transportation needs of the region with several activities and events in March. TMACOG plans to update the 2007-2035 transportation plan titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;On The Moveâ&#x20AC;? in 2010. The plan, established in 2007, will be reviewed to determine if it still meets the changing needs of the community. A series of public meetings has been planned to solicit input from citizens on the long-term transportation plan. The first meeting took place March 5. Additional public meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. March 24 in the Wood County Public Library in Bowling Green and at 7 p.m. March 25 at Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo. For anyone unable to attend the meetings but wanting to provide input, displays about the transportation plan with comment forms are available at branches of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. A professional development day featuring the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting Local Governments through the Economic Crises,â&#x20AC;? will take place for TMACOG members and other elected officials March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Owens Community College. TMACOG will host its annual Transportation Summit on March 19, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza in Toledo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The summit brings together leaders from all public and private sectors of the community to address those issues,â&#x20AC;? said Diane Reamer-Evans, transportation project manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;TMACOG has a unique responsibility to make sure federal transportation funds continue to flow into the region. We help our members to meet federal requirements to bring those dollars into the region for transportation projects.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Duane Ramsey

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A26

Rodriguez committed despite hardship at Michigan By Chris Schmidbauer TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPORTS EDITOR cschmidbauer@toledofreepress.com

“Nobody likes to lose,” he said. “I am not accustomed to it, and neither are our players and fans. It has really been tough, and we carry that with us every day.” Rodriguez has been tasked with reshaping a program, and he and his staff have had to accomplish that feat with a lot of young talent. Rodriguez has begun to assemble a very talented core for the program that will be counted on to right the ship in 2010. “We had many of the young guys who were forced to take the field for us the first two years here. That experience, coupled with the guys we will bring in this season, is going to be crucial to our success this fall,” he said. The Wolverines have struggled mightily on defense in Rodriguez’s first two seasons at Michigan, and the

ASSOCIATED PRESS

To say that things have not gone according to plan, in Rich Rodriguez’s first two years as the head coach at The University of Michigan, might be an understatement. “It has been a very challenging time, that’s for sure,” Rodriguez said. “But I am confident that we are headed in the right direction.” Rodriguez did not exactly get off to the start that most fans hoped he would. Before he even set foot on the football field, he was engaged in a public feud with his former employer, West Virginia University. To make matters worse, Rodriguez had a player leave the team

during spring practice, when Justin Boren transferred to The Ohio State University, citing a lack of family and core values from Rodriguez and his new staff. “There have been many challenges that were unforeseen before we came here to say the least,” Rodriguez said. Things did not get much better that fall when Rodriguez’s Wolverines posted a 3-9 record for the 2008 season, the school’s worst in the history of Michigan football. Throw in an offseason NCAA rules violation and another losing season and Rodriguez has quickly become one of the most vilified men in college football. For all of the programs problems, Rodriguez said the losing has been the toughest thing for everyone to swallow at Michigan.

coach said that has been one of the main focuses of Michigan’s offseason. The Wolverines allowed opposing

teams to score an average of 27.5 points per contest last season in 2009. ■ RODRIGUEZ CONTINUES ON A27

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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN FOOTBALL COACH RICH RODRIGUEZ WILL SPEAK IN TOLEDO ON MARCH 8.

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Opposing teams racked up almost 5,000 yards of offense against Michigan. Rodriguez said he is confident defensive coordinator Greg Robinson will turn the unit around. “We have been paying a lot of our attention to defense this year,” Rodriguez said. “Coach Robinson and his staff have a good plan in place, and we are going to focus on putting our players in a position to succeed.” However, the defense’s improvement might be the least of Rodriguez’s problems. On Feb. 22, the NCAA infractions committee accused Michigan of five major rules violations, including failure to foster an atmosphere of compliance within the program. Per NCAA rules, Rodriguez was not allowed to discuss the specifics of the ongoing investigation into practice violations during this interview, and he declined to comment about any of the parameters surrounding the situation. For all of the issues on and off the field, many have lambasted the coach for the fall that the Michigan program has experienced since

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Rodriguez took over as head coach. Many fans and pundits of college football believe Rodriguez’s job is on the line this upcoming season, and nothing short of a winning campaign and a bowl game appearance can save the West Virginia native’s job. “I don’t read and listen to everyone else’s expectation for us,” Rodriguez said. “The benchmarks and numbers don’t mean much to me and the team, but we are going to measure our success in the progress we make in 2010. We need to take steps to make progress on and off the field, and we are confident people would see it this fall.” Despite all of the struggles Michigan football is embroiled in, Rodriguez remains committed to making the program a success that all fans of the maize and blue can be proud of. He and his staff are confident success is just around the corner. “Hang in there with us,” Rodriguez said. “We are so appreciative of the support of our fans through some tough times, and we are working hard to get better every day to make our fans proud. I am very confident that people will see all that hard work pay off for us on the field this season.”

■ A27

Rodriguez to honor scholar athletes Rich Rodriguez will speak at the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete dinner at The Pinnacle in Maumee on March 8. The head coach, who is entering his third season at Michigan, said he is excited for the opportunity to speak at this year’s dinner. “These young athletes deserve to be honored for their work on the football field, but also for all of their success in the classroom,” Rodriguez said. “Plus, any time I can help out an organization such as the National Football Foundation is great. We, as coaches, owe them for the outstanding job they do for promoting excellence in football and in the classroom.” The dinner also gives Michigan’s coach an opportunity to come to the Glass City, a place that has a special place in Rodriguez’s heart. “I love Toledo,” he said. “There are so many great U of M fans down there, and I have so many friends and supporters that live in Toledo. I am looking forward to coming and visiting one of my favorite places.” Tickets for the dinner are $45, and for an additional $30, fans can attend a special reception with coach Rodriguez before the dinner. Tickets can be purchased by calling Team Sports at (419) 865-TEAM (8326). — Chris Schmidbauer

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ARTS LIFE Bowersox advances to top 16 on ‘Idol’ ARTS LIFE

A28 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

By Kristen Rapin TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR krapin@toledofreepress.com

Despite being hospitalized 24 hours earlier with diabetes complications, Crystal Bowersox wowed “American Idol” judges on March 3. Bowersox’s performance earned her enough votes to advance to the Top 16 “American Idol” contestants. Bowersox opened the women’s performance, which was switched with the men’s night due to Bowersox’s hospitalization, with a blues rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “As Long as I Can See the Light.” The Elliston native received praise from all four judges, even Simon Cowell, who was critical of her performance before. “Crystal, I completely underestimated you last week, because for you to come back this week with that song, that performance ... I promise you, this was like the moment we realized with Kelly Clarkson that we’ve got a serious artist here. And I think we’ve got a really serious artist with you,” he said.

Jammin’ Bowersox’s performance was no surprise for those who know her. If everything goes right in her performances the audience will be “blown away,” said Frankie May, a bassist who has performed with Bowersox in Toledo and is a friend. “She’s a great musician. I love her songs. I mean the covers that we did, she’d make her own. But, the area she really did shine was with her own original music,” he said. May, who had connections to Bowersox through his parents and her grandparents, first met Bowersox 10 years ago when she was playing with his father, Bobby May, at Papa’s Tavern. The pair have jammed with each other since their first meeting. Playing together before Bowersox moved to Chicago and after she moved back to Toledo, he said. The duo has played at the Village Idiot, Papa’s Tavern, Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi and others. Performing around town at various venues, crowds seemed receptive to Bowersox’s music, May said. “We had a lot of regulars. A lot of people who enjoyed [the performances], even people who were just passing through. We got a very positive response,” he said.

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A28

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CRYSTAL BOWERSOX AND FRANKIE MAY PLAY AT THE VILLAGE IDIOT IN NOVEMBER 2009.

May thought some of the best shows, Bowersox and he had were on Monday nights at the Village Idiot when the two were in tune with each other and the crowd. It was surprising when Bowersox auditioned for “Idol,” but it was amazing when she made it, May said. “I was glad to see she got on when she did. She’s a seasoned artist and I know she will do well,” he said. “It’s awesome seeing her on TV. She deserves recognition that she’s getting. I’m extremely hopeful for her and this competition. But, I know that even if she were to get cut today, there is a lot more on the horizon for her now that she has received this exposure.” In his opinion, Bowersox is beyond needing his advice, so when he speaks with her, he gives her words of encouragement, May said. “She’s already paid her dues in a lot of ways. She’s been out there performing for a long time, even in front of millions of people she feels comfortable with it. It’s very admirable,” May said. May hopes other area residents will support Bowersox on Idol. “When somebody from Toledo has a big chance like this you have to support them and represent,” he said. “She’s

not going to forget where she came from. She knows that everyone here is cheering her on and voting for her.” May currently plays bass with the Chris Shutters Band.

Local Idol Parties Papa’s Tavern, 1328 Liberty St., will host a viewing of “American Idol” every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday that Bowersox continues to be on the show. “We’re really happy for her. It’s so great to see her succeed,” said Tim Stahl, owner of Papa’s Tavern. “She’s always been a great musician, when she’d play here people would stop playing pool and focus on her.” Bowersox began performing at the bar when she was 14 years old and has played there countless times, Stahl said. It’s bittersweet to see Bowersox in the show because everyone wants her to succeed knowing that means most likely she will not return to Papa’s Tavern to perform, he said. The bar has a mural by Karen Robinson with four local musicians including Bowersox, that was started before she was on “Idol.” “Crystal’s a very spiritual young lady,” Robinson said. “She’s awesome,

we love her.” During the women’s performance, March 3, the Papa’s Tavern was full of people wearing shirts that said “Papa’s Tavern Supports Mama Sox.” As Bowersox was shown on camera, everyone in the bar cheered and clapped for their favorite contestant. Debbie May, Bobby May’s wife, was at the bar to show support for Bowersox, who has performed music with her husband. “It’s amazing to see her perform. I’m so proud of Crystal,” she said. “She used to just draw crowds of women and then it expanded to include crowds of men. I know with all my heart she’s going to make it all the way.” Bar patrons said they don’t think being on “American idol” will change Bowersox much. “She’s not a diva. She may change her makeup and clothing for “American Idol,” but she will be true to who she is,” Stahl said. Eight women and eight men remain in the competition. Bowersox will compete live against other female contestants March 9. The following evening, March 10, will be the male competition. FOX Toledo airs “American Idol.”

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■ A29

Owens welcomes the return of Sign Stage with ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ By John Dorsey TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER jdorsey@toledofreepress.com

Owens Community College’s latest theatrical offering is hoping to break down a few language barriers. The bilingual production of Roald Dahl’s chil-

dren’s classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which features spoken dialogue and American Sign Language, is set to take the spotlight at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre on March 7, as part of the Family Fun Sundays Series. “When a character speaks on

UPCOMING EVENTS with WCM!

LENTEN FISH FRY! Every Friday during Lent from 4-6 p.m. Both Locations.

stage it occurs in American Sign Language, however, a spoken voice will be heard at the same time,” said Barbara Barkan, Owens’ operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “The blend of languages allows individuals to experience the spatial beauty of American Sign Lan-

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Both Locations!

Growing in popularity every week! Starting Tuesday, March 16th 4-7 p.m. Wednesday March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday March 18th 11 a.m.-7 p.m. • Jigg’s Dinner- Steamship Round of Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots, Honey Mustard & Soda Bread $7.99 Dinner • Only Corned Beef Carved from Steamship Round $8.99/ lb. • Cream of Potato & Spinach Soup or Irish Lamb Stew $7.99/ qt. • Baked Cod in Cream & Bay over Saﬀron Rice with Sautéed Leeks, Asparagus & Red Pepper $8.99 ea.

• 2 Pieces of Hand Breaded, Pan-Fried Cod • Served with two sides

(Coleslaw & Potato Salad Only $ 99 Served with Roll, Butter meal & Wedge of Lemon

Any fish company can say they have the best fish but only one can and has delivered consistently high quality fish since 1906 - Foley Fish. Flounder is almost always referred to as “sole” on menus and in markets. In the Northeast, there are variety of different flounders-winter flounder, witch flounder, summer flounder- but most are as generic “flounder” or “sole.” Sole from the North Atlantic is light, flaky, delicate and delicious. They are best prepared either sautéed or rolled and stuffed.

Fish of the Week!

Georges Banks fresh Sole Fillets

1099

The Foley Fish Cookbook Recipe of the Week

419.872.6900 Hours: Mon-Sun 7 a.m.– 11 p.m.

BARKAN Jerash Festival in Amman, Jordan. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the box office or online at www.owens.edu. Owens’ Toledo area campus is located at 30335 Oregon Road in Perrysburg. For more information, call (567) 661-2787.

Friday Night ALL YOU CAN EAT

Lenten Buffet

5 P.M. to 9 P.M.

Cookbook Available at Both Locations

This Sole Rocks 4-6 sole fillets (4-6 ounces each) 4 tablespoons oil ¼ cup pine nuts 2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into strips 1 cup chopped tomatoes flour for dredging Sauce: Preheat pan over medium-high heat. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in frying pan, and toast pine nuts until light brown and fragrant. Lower heat, add basil and chopped tomatoes to pan. Cook until tomatoes break down; set aside. Fish: Lightly dredge sole in flour. Preheat sauté pan over high heat. Add oil. Lightly sauté fish over medium-high heat 2 minutes on first side; and 1 minute on second. Salt and pepper to taste. To Serve: Spoon sauce over sole and garnish with basil. Serves 2

www.waltchurchillsmarket.com 26625 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg

guage as the actors move their hands and bodies, as well as hear the spoken dialogue, so that audience members, both deaf and hearing, are able to fully enjoy the adventurous tale of Charlie Bucket and his trip to Mr. Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.” Sign Stage on Tour was founded in 2000 by Artistic Director William Morgan. Morgan is not deaf, but has performed deaf theater for a number of years. A few of Sign Stage’s past productions include “James and the Giant Peach,” “Dr. Doolittle,” “Matilda” and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox.” The group, which is based in the Cleveland/Akron area, has traveled around the world performing in a number of different venues. Event highlights include DeafWay II in Washington, D.C., the Eighth International Pantomime Festival of the Deaf in Brno, Czechoslovakia, and the

3320 Briarﬁeld Blvd., Maumee

419.794.4000 Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun 8 a.m.

Effective 03/08/10 -03/14/10 | We reserve the right to limit quantities. | No sales to vendors. | Not responsible for pictorial or typographical errors.

Adults $8.99

Children 10 yrs. & under $4.99

Free Lenten Buffet for each child 3 yrs & under with each adult Lenten Buffet purchased.

Enjoy baked & fried fish fillets, clams, pasta, macaroni & cheese, hush puppies, mashed potatoes & gravy, a hot vegetable, Swiss steak or meatloaf just to name a few! Available at the following locations. • Perrysburg 10705 Fremont Pike • Northwood 2669 Woodville Rd. • Maumee 1405 Reynolds Rd. • Toledo 925 W. Alexis Rd. • Toledo 3537 Secor Rd.

COMICS

A30 ■ TOLEDO FREE PRESS

BIFF & RILEY March 5 – 10, 2010

Doug MOATS Chief Meteorologist

Circus Tricks by Ann Fisher

Answer these questions about tricks you might see at the circus. 1. Some people in the circus walk on a cable that’s up very high. What is it called? 2. Sometimes a magician pulls a rabbit out of what?

SeaGate Centre FRIDAY•MARCH 12 4 pm - 9 pm

SATURDAY•MARCH 13 10am - 9 pm

3. Think of a circus trick a monkey could do.

SUNDAY•MARCH 14

4. What is a trapeze? 5. What is always placed under a trapeze for safety? 6. To ride a horse standing up, a person must be able to keep her _____. 7. Circus acts usually take place inside what shape? 8. What animal do you think is the hardest to train for the circus? Why?

10am - 5pm

6 ADULTS 5 SENIORS

$ $

FREE 12 &

UNDER

FREE

with active military ID

GAMES

MARCH 7, 2010

BY JEFF PAYDEN

ANSWERS: 1. a tightrope 2. a hat 4. a high swing used for acrobatics 5. a net, to catch people who might fall and protect them from hitting the ground 6. balance 7. circle (ring)

TVLISTINGS

MARCH 7, 2010 Sunday Morning 8 am 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

8:30

March 7, 2010

MOVIES

9 am