41410

FREE • GOOD FOR TWO WEEKS

APRIL 14, APRIL 27, 2010

Teaming up for treats:

p.24

lott industry and ADAI debut true rewards dog treats

seeing

Green find out how local organizations are helping the earth

Saturday night live:

the skinny on toledo’s hoppin’ club scene

p.9

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April 14 • April 27

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April 14 April 27, 2010

Vol. 10 • Issue 19

Adams Street Publishing Co. Think twice before tossing this paper in the recycling bin after reading. Our staff has some pretty interesting ways of reusing old issues of TCP.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

RECYCLE?!? I HAVE 13 YEARS WORTH

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com)

MAKE IT INTO HATS AND MARCH AROUND THE OFFICE

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Gina Sares (gsares@toledocitypaper.com)

I USE THEM TO STUFF HOMEMADE TEDDY BEARS A&E/Metro Music Coordinator: Emily Rippe (erippe@toledocitypaper.com)

THEY KEEP MY BONFIRE A BLAZIN’

Calendar: Courtney Brown (calendar@toledocitypaper.com)

PAPER HATS!

Web Coordinator: Nathan Daulbaugh (nathand@adamstreetpublishing.com)

MAKING PAPER FORTS

Contributing Writers: Johnny Hildo, Sue Lovett, Clara Engel, Brittany Jones, Kevin Moore, Christine Holliday, Karen Zickes, Allen Sanders, Matt Desmond, Cole Christensen

Art/Production

Design Manager: Jocelyn Hasenbalg (jocelyn@toledocitypaper.com)

I RUB THE INK ON MY SKIN AND USE IT AS MAKEUP Production Coordinator: Danielle Suffron (danielle@toledocitypaper.com)

I DECO-PAGE MEMORY BOXES FOR ANDY Graphic Design: Erin Kanary (adsin@toledocitypaper.com)

COVER SLEEPING BABIES

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MY DAUGHTER USES IT FOR HER LIZARD’S BEDDING

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I USE IT AS A PLACEMAT

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WALL PAPER

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I PAPER MACHE THE PERFECT FRIEND

Advertising/General Info

For advertising and general information, call 419/244-9859 or fax 419/244-9871. E-mail ads to adsin@toledocitypaper.com. Deadline for advertising copy 2 p.m. Friday before publication.

Toledo City Paper subscriptions are available by mail for $20/quarterly or $75 per year at Toledo City Paper, 1120 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio 43604. One copy free per person per week; extra copies $1 each. Persons taking copies for any reason other than personal use are subject to prosecution.

Letters to the editor must be limited to 300 words, are subject to editing and should include the writer’s full name and phone number. Any letter submitted to the editor or publisher may be printed at the publisher’s discretion in issues subsequent to its receipt.

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April 14 • April 27

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�� �� ��� � �� �� �� �� �� �� �� � �� �� �� ��� �� �� �� �� � �� �� �� �

True or false?

A word of thanks Thank you so much for the coverage on the Celebration of Life for my husband, Jimmy Cook. Your paper did a beautiful job and always does for any celebrations we have for my husband. Your whole staff is absolutely wonderful and always comes through for me.

Mrs. Jimmy Cook Toledo

Fighting fire I have been a Toledo Firefighter for over a dozen years. I am tired of people blaming the safety forces for the financial situation the city is in now and looking for us to give up more than any other city employee to try and get the city out of the hole it is in.

The police and fire unions are very aware that the city is in the middle of some pretty bad financial times. However, this is not the fault of the safety forces.

The police and fire unions have given up pay raises in years past in exchange for the city paying more into our pensions. The city agreed to these terms and is now complaining about having to pay it.

There has been a lot of complaints about how much in overtime the safety forces cost the city. This is not our fault either. The city decided not to hire police or fire classes for several years. Since

I recently read an article in your paper in the Political section on our previous ���� mayor (“Carty to city: Drop dead!” March 31-April 13, 2010). It had quoted him as making statements regarding his plot to destroy the city of Toledo. I am a pretty gullible person, so I didn’t know if this article was in fact or a satire message. ���� Please could you help me out with ��������� �������� ��������� my gullibility and let me know if this �� �������� ������ ���� article is actual fact and Carty did do those things to cause our city ��� ������� job c harm or if it is a sarcastic satire ������ ������� wakelubs arise in of rec ession ���� type article. I thought maybe it wasn’t factual since the picture of him is actually Dr. Evil.

Follow up questions for each possibility.

IF it is a factual article, can’t poke fun at him, isn’t it considered a libelthe city of Toledo go af- ous article since it makes him look like a ter him to make him pay total jack***? I am just curious and really back funds out of his own would like to know if it is a true article. pocket that he basically Anonymous used in a frivolous manner. And if Editor’s Note: Best not to believe everything you read in print... especially when it is not a factual the issue dates correspond with a certain type message day devoted to hoaxes and practical jokes. and meant to

’!

S L O L FO

APRI

on the hu nt

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the numbers of cops and firefighters are decreasing, there are more openings that need to be filled on a daily basis by people working overtime to meet a minimum manning for safety.

I resent and see it as a slap in the face when George Sarantou says, “The gravy train has made its last stop.” Police and firefighters earn every bit of pay and benefits that we make. We are willing to put our lives on the line for the safety of strangers.

Our lives may not be in danger on every call we respond to but we are willing to put our lives on the line each and every call. We don’t necessarily get paid for the amount of work we do in each shift but we get paid for what we are trained, willing, able, and ready to do in a moment’s notice.

I am not bringing up the job that the safety forces do to toot our own horn.

I am just growing sick and tired of the bashing we are taking in the media.

���

���

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��� ���

Were you fooled by our last issue?

Congrats to Robert McCarthy of Maumee who won our contest to find the most fake articles in our April Fools’ issue, March 31 - April 13, 2010.

Socks for lonely soles, p. 4 Let anger out with scout, p. 6 And Amway we go..., p. 7 Carty to city: Drop dead!, p. 9 Sandwichery at its best, p. 14 Majestic Maumee Parfume ad, p. 16 Catcher in T-Town, p. 17 Against alt-weekly armageddon, p. 17 Edmund Spenser and the Fairy Queens, p. 28

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We’re online. Are you?

Find more exciting Toledo City Paper coverage online.

We’ve got - recent releases from Culture Clash - a preview of The Life Stage Theatrical Troupe’s “Between Two Worlds” - bizarre tax facts from H&R Block - more social studies photos - online digital archives of past issues

Find it all at www.toledocitypaper.com!

Matt Conway Toledo

People are talking on our Facebook page. Join in the conversation!

We asked: What’s your favorite spring activity to do in Toledo?

Steve Przynosch Do the Zoo Jacqueline Koepfer Hiking at all the different parks!

Pamela D. Samples Sit out on the back porch with good friends and a cool tropical drink!!

Amy Gostkowski Mud Hens games!

Find more feedback at

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April 14 • April 27

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Who’s in your family tree?

Geneology is no joke. It takes organization, investigation, and plenty of patience to learn just where you came from.

But novices can breathe a sigh of relief that the Ohio Genealogical Society is here to help with a free beginner’s genealogy workshop on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the SeaGate Convention Centre. Learn where and how to begin your family history research with this special event, held in conjunction with the society’s annual conference, featuring over 50 programs from nationally recognized speakers in the field of genealogy. The workshop and exhibit area are free to the public. Workshop attendees who purchase a membership to the Ohio Genealogical Society can attend Saturday afternoon conference lectures for free.

Registration encouraged, but not required.

Call 419-756-7294 or email conference2010@ogs.org.

Taking back the night Toledo area organizations are teaming up to take a stand against violence

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with Take Back the Night on Saturday, April 17. The event, at the WaymanPalmer YMCA (2053 N. 14th St., Toledo) features a resource fair, community rally, survivor speakout and men’s program to confront social ills including rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, violence against children and violence against women. Displays open at 6 p.m., events begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.toledotakebackthenight.org.

We remember

On Sunday, April 18, the Jewish Community Relations Council hosts one of the few remaining survivors of the passenger ship St. Louis which carried Jews from Germany escaping the Holocaust. Dr. Sol Messinger is the keynote speaker for the 2010 Community Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) & Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day) Program. Sol boarded the St. Louis in 1939 at the age of 7 with his family and more than 900 other Jewish refugees. Des-

A young Sol Messinger with his parents aboard the St. Louis. tined for Cuba, the passengers were refused entry due to invalid visas, and were forced to return to Europe after 35 days of aimless sailing. Many of the former St. Louis passengers returned to Nazi rule and did not survive the Holocaust. Luckily, Sol did. Hear his story and participate in the community memorial from 10:15 - 12 p.m. at Congregation Shomer Emunim. 6453 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania.

—GS

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Still I rise

RISETYME COACHING OFFERS HELP FOR HEALING AND LIFE TRANSITIONS In April 2007, Leah Beck was finishing up the final draft of her autobiographical manuscript when she realized the immense impact these words had on her life. Rising from old thinking patterns to heal from traumatic abusive experiences, she saw a need to help others to do the same.

Today, Leah’s business, RiseTyme Coaching, is an umbrella organization, co-owned by her daughter, Rachel Hobson. In February, the business moved into the Savage Building at 4427 Talmadge, allowing the mother-daughter duo to expand their services to help individuals “question, imagine, define and build” their lives.

Although the two say they have very different work styles, both share a vision in helping others by questioning negative programming to build a life of joy.

Leah, a Certified Life Coach, specializes in helping individuals heal from trauma, including physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse as a victim and/ or a perpetrator, while Rachel helps individuals through life transitions, such as a career move or a divorce.

“As a person who has directly experienced severe abuse and who carried it on to my first child,” explains Leah, “I am aware of what it takes to move up and beyond it — with all of the challenges

Daughter and mother team Rachel Hobson and Leah Beck help others build a life of joy through RiseTyme Coaching. and determination it takes to let go of the negative programming and create a positive, loving self-image and life.”

Even as a coach herself, Leah knows the many benefits of having her daughter’s help. “Rachel is my daughter and one of my best friends, but she’s also my coach,” she says. “She helps me center myself.”

In fact, Rachel’s work is focused heavily on the self. “I help individuals connect with their spirit, intuition and vision while they are going through a time in their life that requires absolute trust in themselves and the world they live in,” explains Rachel, who has a B.A. in Interpersonal Communications. “If we can learn to trust the vision we have, moving forward is not only easier, but an amazing opportunity.”

Through group workshops, individual sessions, and exercises, the team of two aim to help individuals experience change in their life by rising beyond old thinking patterns.

“I believe I lived through the abuse in order to be a beacon of hope to those who have lost their core self in the labels and memories of days long over,” says Leah.

“Carrying the cycle on was the deepest regret of my life, knowing that I can help others end the cycle and choose (purposefully) their best life means everything to me.”

RiseTyme Coaching is located at 4427 Talmadge Rd., Suites 204 and 205.

1-888-735-RISE. www.risetyme.com —GS

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April 14 • April 27

MARKETPLACE CHANGES YOUR GUIDE TO UPDATES IN LOCAL BUSINESS

Perrysburg’s ShutterLove Studio has recently expanded, acquiring the front portion of the building at 200 Louisiana Ave. With the move comes a new storefront and, eventually, a larger studio for indoor photography. The husband and wife photography team, Joe and Carli Felix, specialize in wedding, baby, and senior photography. For more information, visit www.shutterlovestudio.com. 419-654-0411.

This year, Rudy’s Hot Dog celebrates its 90th year in business! The local, family owned business serves up 8,000 Rudy’s chili dogs (complete with mustard, onions and chili sauce) per week! Visit www.rudyshotdog.com to view the menu, find a Rudy’s location or to shop online for Rudy’s clothing and souvenirs.

Toledo’s People Called Women, Ohio’s only feminist bookstore, has moved to a new location at 6060 Renaissance Place (next to the Hungry I restaurant). Come view the store’s new digs at its first event, Thursday, April 15 at 6 p.m., when author Alix Dobkin reads from her memoir, My Red Blood: A Memoir of Growing Up Communist, Coming onto the Greenwich Village Folk Scene and Coming Out in the Feminist Movement. 419-469-8983. Find more info at www.peoplecalledwomen.com.

Know of news in the marketplace? Send it to editor@toledocitypaper.com.

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A flair for hair — and more MAIN STREET HAIR DESIGNS ADDS TO THEIR SERVICES

Downtown’s Sylvania’s Main Street Hair Designs is finding new ways to help you look and feel your best. Owned

by Barbara Peckham and Diana Leitner for the last 20 years, they have evolved into a hair, nail, and skin care salon, complete with massage therapy.

According to Peckham, they purchased the store front adjacent to them and incorporated the back half of it with their salon about three years ago, allowing them to offer clients more services.

Within the last few months, they have added facials and massage therapy to their services, which already included pedicures, manicures, and of course, personalized hair Co-owner Barbara Peckham and Diana Leitner continue to evolve Main Street Hair Design care. “We also carry Dermalogica. It is a very nice skin care line,” said Peckham. bag. “You literally can change your purse Whether you have teenage skin, or more mature skin, Dermalogica in seconds,” said Peckham. has products for everyone. Clients can Monthly customer specials are also literally be pampered from head to toe at offered at Main Street Hair Designs. “For Main Street Hair Designs. And with ex- the month of April if you come in and get tended hours three nights a week, every- a pedicure and a manicure you get $10 one can squeeze in a little “me time.” off,” Peckham added. Just in time for Bigger digs have also allowed for a sandal weather. Walk-ins are welcome, mini boutique, allowing for proper ac- but appointments are advised. cessorizing. Among other things, the boutique features handmade jewelry by Check them out at www.mainstreetdea local artist as well as “MICHE” bags, signs.net or contact them at 419-882-5757. which come with interchangeable de- 5663 Main St., Sylvania.

—KZ signs. Purchase a base, and enjoy countless options to change the outside of the

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Gimme a break

Plenty of rest for the weary in T-Town by Johnny Hildo We finally found it!

Three months into the Bell Administration and we thought it was déjà vu all over again. Ham-handed bungling of collective bargaining with unions? Check.

Rolling back the tax credit and hiking the trash fee to balance a massive budget deficit? Check and check. Blaming, finger pointing and name calling in a press conference deriding a “do nothing” City Council? Check trifecta.

Yep, we were convinced the Bell tactics were the spittin’ image of those of the notorious past denizen of the 22nd Floor.

We looked for the promised change in vain as each familiar nuance revealed itself. We even opined as much in this merry space.

But now we know that this is most assuredly not the old boss. One thing Carty never did was run from a fight.

Fiddling while Rome burns Yet that’s exactly what Mayor Bell has done while bemoaning his inability to make substantive changes to the way the City does business.

“We only took office January 4th,” he whines repeatedly. Giving him mere months, a paltry two thousand eighty eight hours to peruse the budget and get it on even kilter by the state mandated deadline of March 31.

Excuse us for our temerity, Monsieur Bell, but weren’t you elected last November? What kept you from starting work immediately on exorcising the demons and wee beasties that plague our esteemed guvmint coffers?

Oh yeah. Right after squeaking out the victory you needed a vacation from the stresses and annoyances of the election cycle. Which, being a political novice, you had no idea was so tough.

So instead of working to convert the details of the “Bell Plan” from glossy campaign literature to action, you needed time off to sip fruity foo-foo drinks at an undisclosed beach in So Cal. Great.

Your budget plan looked so familiar.

Didn’t have time to concoct something of your own while knocking back the pina coladas so you copied off your predecessor’s paper?

All this was followed by a month, give or take, of bullying, cajoling, and whining. Plus a week or so of hardcore horse trading, which constitutes the down and gritty reality of political life. Which, being a political novice, you had no idea was so tough.

And voila! Before the buzzer, ladies and gents, a balanced budget. With wildly unpopular provisions, plus legal challenges from most of the city’s employee unions. Meaning the battles merely began on that late Tuesday evening when the last vote was cast, as citizens and workers rose in anger.

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Lots to be done, Mayor, to explain the necessities of the balanced budget, the temporary need for shared sacrifice, and to get tough on recalcitrant union bosses if need be.

Unfortunately, you weren’t available to take the heat and battle the fires, since you were busy sipping margaritas down Mexico way.

That’s right.

After fighting the good political fight to save the City from the fiscal nightmares it faced, Our Mayor did what any tough-minded leader would do. He took a vay-cay.

We’ll give you this, Mr. Mayor. You sure give new meaning to the phrase, “I wanna be like Mike!”

Countdown to E Day On a serious note, folks, with early voting already underway there’s no excuse not to exercise your civic right and responsibility. There are important issues on the ballot, including a reallocation of Toledo’s 3⁄4% tax to allow more flexibility in balancing the budget and an income tax for support of Toledo Public Schools. There are also contested partisan primaries for County Commissioner and several other races. Plus the ever interesting fight for control of the Republican Central Committee between Jon Stainbrook and Jeff Simpson will be decided.

Don’t wait ‘til your last chance on Election Day, May 4. Early voting is available at the county-wide site adjacent to The Source at the corner of 13th and Washington downtown. Hours are 8:30 A to 4:30 P Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, plus 9 A to 3 P on Saturday, May 1. For more info, call the LC Board of Elections at 419-213-4001.

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shallow waters,

deep problems ongoing threats to Lake Erie require a call for action by Brittany Jones As Sandy Bihn of the Western Lake Erie Waterkeeper Association (WLEWA) puts it, “oil is the water of the future.”

In other terms, if people do not understand the importance of water, then it will be scarce and highly sought after — the Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie, is almost to this point.

Sandy Bihn of the Lake Erie Waterkeeper Association

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In the late 1800s, Lake Erie West was a resort hotspot. People would come for Memorial Day weekend and stay until Labor Day. With cottages and white sands, the waterfront was an attraction.

Today, however, the once beautiful shore has become an eyesore.

Where the water flows, the money goes

With Earth Day, April 20, and the “going green” initiative gaining global momentum, TCP turns its attention to our area’s most important, yet overlooked, resource — Lake Erie.

Like Cleveland and other shore-based cities, Toledo quickly grew because of the open waterway for transporting goods and housing booming industries. “People think that industries bring money into the area, but there are places that have good waterfronts (without significant industries) that are very prosperous,” explains Bihn.

What makes our lake such a treasured resource? What are the issues threatening our waters? What are the possible solutions? TCP talked with Bihn to get the facts about Lake Erie.

The Great Lakes region makes up one third of the nation’s economy. If action is taken to improve the area, the benefits of this natural resource would only increase. According to a study from

April 14 • April 27

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Testing the waters

Don’t know much about the lake in our own backyard?

Here are some quick facts that may surprise you.

The Great Lakes boasts about 10,900 miles of shoreline — more U.S. shoreline than the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts combined.

Water flows from Lake Huron to the St. Claire River to Lake St. Claire then to the Detroit River and finally to Lake Erie. Only one percent of the water in Lake Erie is replenished annually.

Out of all the lakes, Lake Erie is the shallowest (average depth 62 feet) and warmest, which contributes to its vulnerability and fragility. It also makes it the “fishiest,” providing more consumable fish than all the other Great Lakes combined.

Over 100 rare aquatic species call the area home.

20%

GLOBAL

NATION

The region can supply 40 million people with drinking water and accounts for 20 percent of global and 95 percent of the nation’s surface freshwater source.

the Brookings Institute, one dollar invested in the Great Lakes will return two dollars. Tourism, fishing, business and recreational sports would increase, adding approximately $6.5 to $11.8 million to the city’s economy.

The locality is also home to a historic monument, the Toledo Lighthouse. The unique structure with 70 windows and Romanesque design has been deemed a “Toledo/Lake Erie treasure.” With three stories — including an annex, main building, and cellar — the proud structure is capped with a steel roof, designed like an inverted ship’s hull.

With proper care, the Lake Erie area could contribute to increased property values, a surging business and recreational atmosphere, and reduced costs in water treatment and other municipal services.

The Toledo Lighthouse majestically sits on the Lake Erie Shore.

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95%

What are the issues?

Lake Erie has suffered damage from humans for hundreds of years. Issues like industrial lake dumping and agricultural runoff are unfortunately getting worse due to the increase in area industry. Coupled with its shallow depth, Lake Erie’s shoreline agricultural land amplifies these problems because the lake’s size cannot handle the stress from industrial impact, and that is becoming more visible.

FISHY MURDERS

Five power plants sit along the Great Lakes: Fermie-2, Davis-Bessie, DTE, Perry and Bayshore First Energy. Out of these, two (the nuclear plants) have cooling towers to help reduce fish kills. The others are in need of updating their current procedure.

Together, these plants use about 3 billion gallons of water each day. The city of continued on page12

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April 14 • April 27

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Toledo, by comparison, uses 12-20 million gallons per day. According to Bihn, one of the largest threats is the destruction of the natural habitat; the mass killing of fish due to power and fossil fuel plants taking in almost 80 percent of the water through intake screens.

The Bayshore First Energy plant alone uses about 650 million gallons of water a day to operate.

In the fall, it uses the entire Maumee River flow. There is an ongoing debate between this plant and environmental organizations like the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and WLEWA concerning their threat to the depletion of the lake.

Despite safeguards set up by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow more fish to pass through Bayshore’s system, fish are being killed by impingement (fish caught against the screens) and entrainment (larval fish go through screens). In 1976-1977, an estimated 19 million fish were caught, compared to a 2005-2006 company report, which stated that 46 million fish are impinged and 2.5 billion are entrained each year. That equals about one million pounds of fish lost each year.

BAYSHORE’S TOLL ON FISH Annual estimates of adult fish killed by being slammed up against Bayshore’s water-intake screens, based on 2005 and 2006 sampling data, for species thought to lose 50,000 or more, a year:

SPECIES - KILLED ANNUALLY Emerald shiner - 24,080,877 Gizzard shad - 14,313,113 White perch - 1,593,199 Spottail shiner - 313,326 Freshwater drum - 225,706 Trout-perch - 159,379 Yellow perch - 123,405 Round goby - 93,918 Walleye - 77,812 Channel catfish - 77,469 Logperch - 51,547

Also, more than 2 billion larval and 14 million juvenile fish die each year by being pulled through the power plant.

SOURCE: Tetra Tech Inc., an Ohio EPA consultant.

the Ohio Sea Grant show that 25 percent of the sediments dumped do not sink, thus feeding the algae.

“They don’t have to count them, they don’t have to report, they don’t have to pay a dime.” With fish limits governing the amount of fish caught, Bihn says, “(individuals) would be in big trouble if we did anything like that.”

A GROWING ALGAE PROBLEM

Another problem Bihn explains is the increasing algae growth due to dredging (digging into the lakebed to make room for ships to come into ports), phosphorus from The Detroit Wastewater plant, manure from confined animals and runoffs and open lake dumping.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Lake Erie had a problem with algae. In the summer of 2009, it happened again. Bihn says the problem is due to the dumping of sediments allowed into the lake. Studies from

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April 14 • April 27

Two chemicals that lead to algae growth are phosphorous and nitrate.

The phosphorus levels have become a concern over the years especially since 80-95 percent of the lake’s water flows in from the Detroit River. With the Detroit Wastewater Plant being the largest wastewater plant in America, it treats about 30 million gallons of sewage a year, some of which occasionally streams into Lake Erie.

With the swell of algal blooms, oxygen levels deplete and the entire eco-system is impacted.

These threatening factors contribute to the depletion of walleye population. Estimated at 80 million just five years ago, the population is currently estimated at 20 million.

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Finding a solution There are many endeavors in trying to improve the water quality of the lake through projects, bills and organizations, including work done by the WLEWA. Their mission, too “preserve, protect and improve the waters and fish in the Western Lake Erie’s basin, the warmest, shallowest, fishiest in the Great Lakes through collaboration, education and advocacy,” is the basis of their work.

The WLEWA recently received a grant from Freshwater Future, another Great Lakes initiative group, for video equipment, allowing the organization to post YouTube videos about the status of the lake. There is also the Ottawa River and Selby Creek Cleanup project that will remove 260,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments.

Under consideration is the government-funded Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which totals at $475 million in EPA’s budget. This will target the most significant problems in the region, including invasive aquatic species, non-point source pollution, and contami-

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How can you help?

Making a difference starts at home, suggests Bihn.

nated sediment. It directly addresses directly $20 billion Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy blueprint, which will improve water quality, test the waters to see if it is safe for swimming, improve municipal water treatment along the Great Lakes, and preserve habitats.

The Department of Biology & Health Sciences of Lourdes College was recently awarded a $45,000 grant by the Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship through Education Network (GLISTEN). Through the grant, Lourdes will be in charge of the “Green Water/Gray Economy Project” which launches the Western Lake Erie cluster for GLISTEN. It will implement area-wide service-learning initiatives that address algal overgrowth in the Western Basin due to increasing concentrations of phosphates in each of the basin watersheds. This will also open new opportunities for field experience in the students’ area of study.

“Fifty percent of energy is used in homes. People should buy more efficient appliances and also realize the value of water so that excess can be saved.” Energy-saving light bulbs or water saving washing machines and toilets—even something as simple as not letting the faucet run when brushing teeth — have the potential to make a difference.

The garden fertilization can also make a difference. Bihn says the middle number on the fertilizer bag should read “0.” the other numbers are nitrogen (first number) and potassium (third number). Fertilizers are only needed on newly seeded lawns, but if a lawn care company is used, request no phosphorus fertilizer.

One can also take the urban road by beginning a rain garden, where water is collected from a runoff source like a downspout or driveway. Rainwater is captured rather than reaching the sewer system.

Then plants in the garden filter out sediments and other debris, so one can harvest the clean water.

Writing to senators, congress persons, elected officials and other political figures about the open lake dumping and the significance of water helps bring awareness to the problem. The WLEWA propose that residents ask OEPA to require Bayshore to shut down three units during spawning season and for officials of power plants to be required to count and report fish kills.

Educating friends and family also benefits the cause.

Learn more about RAIN GARDENS at The ToledoLucas County Rain Garden Initiatives website, www.raingardeninitiative.org

To learn more about fish kills and other issues threatening Lake Erie, visit www.westernlakeerie.org. There will be a public hearing at Clay High School on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.

April 14 • April 27

“If the lakes are not taken care of, it could paint a negative picture of our water and community,” Bihn said.

“The lake is at its tipping point and we need to do something soon to tip it back.”

Learn more about fish kills in Lake Erie with TCP’s previous article “One fish, two fish, 46 million Lake Erie dead fish” [AUGUST 19-SEPTEMBER 1, 2009].

Find the digital copy online at

www.toledocitypaper.com

13

Teaming up for treats

Lott Industries and Assistance Dogs of America debut True Rewards dog treats by Clara Engel A little bit of giving helps a Lott. That’s a policy that Toledo’s Lott Industries, a provider of employment opportunities for people in Lucas County with developmental disabilities, has used as a foundation for more than 50 years. Always looking for new and exciting ways to assist the community, Lott Industries and the Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. (ADAI) have recently teamed up to create True Rewards dog treats.

Prison pups The Prison Puppy Training Program increases the number of dogs ASAI have in training while giving inmates at the Toledo Correctional Institute a sense of accomplishment. Since kicking off in 2005, inmates have been carefully chosen to receive a puppy to live with them in their single-person cells. The puppies live with their inmate-trainers until they are one year old, when they are placed into a traditional foster family. Studies of the Indiana Canine Assistant and Adolescent Network Program (after which the Prison Puppy Training Program was modeled) reported an improvement in empathy, positive communication skills and general “acting out” in inmate-trainers. For more info, visit www.adai.org.

“This project has been in the works for over a year now, and we’re excited to finally see it come to life,” say Lott Industry’s Business Analyst Melissa Zorn, who’s been spearheading this project since joining the organization last year.

These special all-natural corn and wheat-free concoctions are produced, packaged and distributed by Lott employees. Proceeds from the project are

used to support Lott’s employees and to fund the training and placement of therapy and service dogs throughout the community.

“It’s so great to see progress on this project every day,” says Zorn. “The people working on it are so excited by what they’re doing and the pride that they take in their work is truly amazing.”

True Rewards all-natural dog treats are produced and packaged by Lott Industries to benefit Assistance Dogs of America.

Chartered by the State of Ohio as a community-minded, non-profit corporation, Lott Industries was created to provide a productive environment to enhance the lives of those living with developmental disabilities through training, preparation and placement at one of three fully-accessible production facilities.

ADAI, Inc., headquartered in Swanton, Ohio, has been training and placing service and therapy dogs to assist with disabled individuals for more than 20 years. In addition, the organization has launched special initiatives like the Prison Puppy Program to help teach inmates about responsibility through caring for and raising these canine cuties.

“We serve the same individuals and have a lot of the same beliefs,” Zorn says about working with ADAI, Inc. “It was a perfect fit.”

Together, these two special organizations have created a healthy way to support their missions, their community, and their furry friends!

If you’d like to order True Rewards dog treats, call 419-536-5564 and look for them online and in Toledo-area stores soon! To learn more about Lott Industries and ADAI, Inc., visit www.lottindustries.com and www.adai.org.

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April 14 • April 27

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Nice day for a company picnic

Bea brews up fresh blends Freshly roasted coffee delivered to your doorstep? Local roaster Bea Hardy makes this dream a reality with her company, Bea’s Blends. “All my orders are personal,” she says, “I want to give my customers coffee as fresh as I can.”

For four years, the TPS teacher has been roasting coffee out of her home, running a low-key business that has grown by word of mouth. It all started when Bea ordered coffee while vacationing in Bath England. “They roasted it while I was waiting. It was the first time I had instantaneous fresh coffee. It’s the best coffee in the world.”

Now, Bea roasts and delivers ten fair trade coffees, including Sumatra from Indonesia, Colombian coffee (“I just don’t think it gets any better than Colombian”), Guatemalan and decaffeinated coffee (water processed for no added chemicals).

Look for Bea’s Blends at Nick and Jimmy’s, People Called Women bookstore, or — if you’re one of her lucky clients — on your doorstep with a special visit from the roaster herself.

419-343-1157/www.beasblends.com

This way to the food!

On Saturday, April 17 - Sunday, April 18, the Bowling Green Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts an event that’s sure to make any foodie’s mouth water. The Foodways Expo & Culinary Conference at the Woodland Mall will feature a variety of demonstrations, samplings and competitions dedicated to the culinary world.

Saturday is the Culinary Conference, which includes a lunch presentation by Chef Pat Hannon of BGSU and a keynote presentation

by Culinary Specialist, Mario Rizzotti, a judge on Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

Following on Sunday is the Foodways Expo, featuring an Iron Chef Style Competition, Demonstration Alley, Kids Korner, Foodways Exhibit, samples and giveaways. For more information and pricing details, visit http://cee. bgsu.edu/food.

www.toledocitypaper.com

Local roaster Bea Hardy of Bea’s Blends

—GS

A taste of a better nation

In a mission to ensure that no kid in America grows up hungry, local sponsors and restaurants are teaming up for Taste of the Nation on Sunday, April 25. Held this year at Levis Common’s Fat Fish Blue, the event features guest chefs (for 2010, award-winning Chef Andy Husbands from Boston and nationally renowned Chef Celina Tio), as well as over 40 local participating restaurants, including Beirut, Mancy’s, Tony Packo’s and Cake in a Cup. The food tent will be open from 58 p.m., with The Bridges Band taking over from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $150 each, 100 percent of sales go to local beneficiaries, Toledo GROWs, Toledo Day Nursery, Aurora House and Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank. For more info, visit www.toledotaste.org.

The arrival of summer means the return of a tradition that many look forward to — the company picnic. And The Pinnacle in Maumee is already gearing up for this delicious pastime. Menus range from the Budget Beater, to the The Glass City Picnic, to the Western BBQ, all with an assortment of entrees, sides and drinks.

“With all the cutbacks companies have had to make recently, the company summer picnic is now even more valuable and important to make employees feel like they matter,” says Mark Thees, Owner and President of The Pinnacle.

In today’s economy, companies are even teaming up for “shared picnics” to help curb costs while celebrating their employees.

Nervous about the chance for rain?

Never fear. The Pinnacle’s Grand Ballroom is a great indoor backup location in case of bad weather.

The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee.

419-891-7325/ www.pinnaclecpwevents.com.

Get a taste of Mancy’s

Mancy’s Italian Grill is giving Toledoans a taste of the best with their upcoming wine and beer events. On Tuesday, April 27, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., the Wine Bash is on! Sample Vermentino, Sangiovese/Syrah and Sangiovese, as well as delicious snacks like eggplant fries, signature pizza, and assorted crostini. $15 per person.

On Thursday, April 29 at 6 p.m., it’s Chicago’s Goose Island Brewery against Eric Ross Wines in Sonoma, CA at the Throwdown 419. Five beers versus five wines with an assortment of four artisan cheeses and chocolate. $30 per person, all inclusive. Call for reservations, 419-882-9229. 5453 Monroe St. —GS

Culinary specialist Mario Rizzotti appears at the Foodways Expo and Culinary Conference.

culinary [saturday, april 24]

Spring Gatherings: Food for Friends

Learn to make asparagus and Gruyère tarts, sautéed pork medallions with rhubarb chutney, couscous with fresh peas and mint, and little fudge cakes. Register online or by phone. 10am-2pm. $65. un coup de main, 12695 Eggert Rd., Dundee, MI. 734-529-2318. www.georgeannbrown.com.

[tuesday, april 27]

Julie and Julia Again Roast Loin of Pork

Make cream of mushroom soup, roast loin of pork, asparagus served with hollandaise sauce, scalloped potatoes and cinnamon toast flan-a bread pudding served with creme anglaise-classic custard sauce.

6:30pm. $40. Kitchen Tools & Skills, 26597 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. 419-872-9090. www.kitchentoolsandskills.com.

high spirits [wednesday, april 14]

Stone Brewery Beer Tasting

Join as this brewery from California rolls out a new and exciting brew. Sample the Stone Black IPA. There are a total of six beers to taste. 7-8pm. $20. Vino 100, 3355 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee. 419-866-8466. www.vino100maumee.com.

[thursday, april 15]

Meet a Winemaker

Meet David Huse, founder of Five Star Cellars. Get some one-on-one time with Huse while tasting wines that range from Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah to Merlot. You may even get your very own bottle autographed by this successful winemaker. 5:30-7:30pm. $15. Beer & Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-382-6221. www.toledomeatsandmore.com.

[saturday, april 24]

Wine Tasting Saturdays

Featured this week are Pinot Grigios. Be sure to enjoy the patio bistro during the wine tasting. Prices vary. Pay by the sample or for the whole flight. 12-5pm.

Average cost, $10-$15. Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee. 419-794-4000. www.waltchurchillsmarket.com.

Tastings at the Beer and Wine Cave

Tastings take place Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6-8pm. $10 beer, $15 wine. Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns. 419-382-6221. www.toledomeatsandmore.com

April 14-15

Atwater Beers and Five Star Cellar Wine (5:30-7:30pm)

April 21-22

Wheat Beer and California Wine

April 14 • April 27

15

Will the real El Camino please standup?

El Camino Real opens new Mexican restaurant in Maumee by Kevin Moore Most Toledoans are familiar with El Camino Real. The owners of the local Mexican restaurant chain have several successful locations in the area, the original at Sylvania Ave and Douglas Rd. (voted by TCP readers as Toledo’s Best Mexican Restaurant X years in a row), its neighboring Executive Diner, El Camino Sky at Woodville Road in Oregon, and El Camino Real in Ann Arbor. On March 15, the El Camino Real brand added one more restaurant to the familia, opening at the location of the former Ground Round on Dussel Dr. in Maumee.

While offering the same authentic Mexican fare that forged El Camino Real’s reputation, the Maumee location is branching into new territory. “This location serves hamburgers and cheeseburgers, which our other restaurants do not.

We also have three seafood plates,” said General Manager Raymundo Martin, who came from the Sylvania and Douglas location to open this latest restaurant.

“We have fish tacos made with cod, sour cream, and pico de gallo. There is the fried perch (lightly breaded and served with rice) a traditional salad, and a side

of avocado. Finally, we serve a threepiece grilled tilapia meal that comes with warm tortillas, rice, and a guacamole salad. Many customers use the tilapia to make their own tacos.”

Supplementing El Camino Real’s menu is an extensive drink selection, with five flavors of margaritas, including strawberry, raspberry, peach, mango and passion fruit.

The new location retains the same layout as its former occupant, but its El Camino Real’s newest location on Dussel Dr. offers a rustic, color scheme has relaxed atmosphere, outdoor patio, and authentic Mexican fare. been redrawn to give the place a relaxed and rustic Mexican atmosphere. The restaurant is also add- and a selection of fresh Mexican fare, it ing a patio, debuting by Cinco de Mayo. seems like the fiesta has already startIn honor of the holiday, El Camino Real ed. will host a mariachi band and offer free t-shirts and beads. But with $10 spe- El Camino Real is located at 551 West Duscials on Corona buckets through May 5, sel Dr, in Maumee. Hours are Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 419-887-0700.

Catering available.

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April 14 • April 27

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Yards ahead of the green game Clean Wood Recycling offers reuse for yard waste

by Christine A. Holliday

Yard cleanup got you down? Consider doing something nice for your yard, and for Mother Nature, by taking the bags or truckloads of yard waste to Clean Wood Recycling. Owners Greg and Matt Kott, who call themselves the “Got Mulch?” guys, invite Lucas County residents to recycle their yard waste, and pick up some new mulch and or/topsoil at the same time.

Greg Kott explains how their business works.

“Residents check in and put their grass waste (clippings, leaves, and garden waste) or their brush waste (tree trimming and woody material) in designated piles. We screen donations, so we know that the bags don’t contain paper, plastic, or other garbage.”

Over the course of a year, those waste products aerate and break down into mulch or topsoil, which the consumers can buy—in small or large amounts. Kott says the service brings in a variety of individuals: “Some bring in small handfuls of twigs; others make weekly visits, probably after they have mowed their lawns.” That service is free to residents who show ID, but contractors, landscapers, and rental properties can also bring waste for a fee. Kris Van Deilen, Office Manager, notes that some spring weekends bring more than 1,000 residents to the large yard to drop off waste and pick up colored mulch or topsoil for their gardens and yards.

we deliver, with a reasonable cost that depends on your area and what you need.”

Clean Wood also accepts donations of untreated lumber, and wood pallets. Nails found in any of those products are also recycled. To celebrate Earth Day on April 24, Clean Wood is hosting a live remote team from Radio K-100 from 11:00 a.m.3:00 p.m., with customers invited to bring old clothing to donate to local charities. Those who purchase a Clean Wood product will receive a free “Got Mulch?” T-shirt.

Clean Wood Recycling, 6505 W. Bancroft Street between US 23 and McCord Road, is open year round. Spring hours (AprilOctober) are Mon - Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat and Sun 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A second location, at 5330 Stickney Avenue, also accepts yard waste drop-offs.

For more info, call 419 843-9663.

The company offers natural mulch in two natural colors, and four colored ones, dyed with pigments mined from the earth. Kott explains, “Customers can buy mulch that has been ground twice or three times, and the cost is almost half of what they would spend buying it at stores or gas stations. And

Owner Greg Kott holds mulch used on school and day care playgrounds.

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April 14 • April 27

17

Plant a tree banner

It’s a banner year in Toledo, and the Urban Forest Project honors area artists and designers during their ribbon cutting party and banner walk on Saturday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

With respect to Earth Day, “environmentally-minded” banners will be strategically placed on light poles throughout the city, each with the form (or metaThe Urban Forest Project will plant environmentallyphor) for the tree to make a minded posters throughout Toledo. powerful visual statement. All together, the banners will create a “for- Green days With Earth Day just around the corest” of thoughtful images in the urban landscape, and also raise awareness ner on April 22, Toledo area organizaof sustainability and youth mentoring. tions are gearing up for a celebration of Once the banners come down, they will Mother Earth. The Lake Erie Western be recycled into tote bags designed ex- Alliance for Sustainability is keeping clusively for the Urban Forest Project. track of all the festivities on their webSales benefit the Arts Commission’s site, www.lewas.org. From Tree PackYoung Artists at Work Program. The ing, to the Toledo Zoo’s Party for the ceremony will feature special guest Planet, to EPIC Toledo’s Raising Green UFP Toledo juror, Chris Rubino, and in- for Going Green Bowling Tournament, cludes appetizers from Grumpy’s. Cash the fun is on from now until even after bar and DJ music will also be included. Earth Day. Grumpy’s, 34 S. Huron St. For more Little birdie treats info, www.ufp-toledo.com.

Help support conservation educa—ER tion in the Toledo area with the Andersons. Throughout April, the local store will contribute one dollar to Nature’s Nursery for the first 1,000 bags of 20-pound Andersons-brand premium blend wild seed sold at the company’s stores. The money will be used to support the 20-year-old nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education center in Whitehouse. Customers must redeem a special Nature’s Nursery bird seed voucher at the time of purchase. Vouchers are available at www.natures-nursery.org or by calling 419-877-0060.

—GS

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Saving butterflies

St. Francis High School receives greenhouse grant

by Christine A. Holliday

Environmental Science students at St. Francis de Sales will be putting their classroom lessons into practice this spring, building a large greenhouse on the school’s campus, and learning to grow the plants that provide habitats for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly.

The butterfly, native to the Great Lakes area, was popular in the Oak Openings area, but vanished from that habitat in 1988, due to a change in the land and the encroachment of non-native species and woody plants. The insect was placed on the National Endangered Species List in 1992. At that time, staffers at the Toledo Zoo, including biologist Dr. Peter Tolson and Education Curator Mitch Magdich participated in developing an Ohio Karner Blue Recovery Team to reintroduce the butterflies into Oak Openings Metropark in 2007. Metroparks workers used land management techniques to restore the habitat of the butterflies, and visitors to Oak Openings can now see the small butterflies living on the wild lupine plants.

Those staffers, and others at Toledo Botanical Garden, will offer assistance to the SFS students as they cultivate plants in the greenhouse thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Toledo Rotary Foundation. The project will be shared with Gesu School. The plants they grow will be given to TBG and The Toledo Zoo for replanting at various Karner Blue habitats.

St. Francis Environmental Science teacher, Kristi McKinley, explains that the plan is for the greenhouse project to increase the population of the butterfly species. She notes that, in addition to the greenhouse, her students will benefit from state-of-the-art sensors and equipment to maintain the perfect environment for growing the plants. Students will complete activities in workbooks that will be connected to computers for gathering data, which can be used with SMART boards in the science classrooms.

McKinley has Ms. worked for nine years in the Education Department at various zoos, and is pleased that some of her former colleagues will be partnering with her students on this project. “The environment is everyone’s responsibility. I am excited that my students will get a chance to learn that first-hand with this project, and to contribute to making Toledo even more beautiful.”

Left to right: St. Francis teacher Ms. Kristi McKinley, Peggy Riehl (Gesu School), Scott Secrest (Science Dept. Chairman at St. Francis) and Dr. Peter Tolson (Toledo Zoo) will work together on the Greenhouse project.

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April 14 • April 27

19

Everyday hero

Matthew Vaughn’s newest flick “kicks ass” by Lauren Carlson

Kick-Ass R, 117 minutes, ★★★★

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) hits the streets as Kick-Ass, a self-made superhero.

Aaron Johnson did a great job of playing Lizewski/Kick-Ass. He goes from a desperately awkward teen who is dying to be noticed by anyone to this superhero alias, and we are able to see those heroic characteristics of his alias bleed into his real persona. Nicholas Cage is back on the screen as Big Daddy. This is definitely his redemption from National Treasure. It was interesting to see the conflict between the loving dad who wants to protect his little girl, and the combat trainer who teaches his daughter to take a bullet. However, he After his first run-in with some street looked so aged that it made it a little unbethugs, he dubs himself “Kick-Ass,” and lievable that he could be a Batman-esque his anonymous fame builds via viral video. fighting machine. 13-year-old Chloe Moretz But when Kick-Ass comes across a father- plays his daughter and accomplice. Every daughter fighting duo, Big Daddy and Hit time she was on screen, all eyes were on Girl, who actually do have some serious her. She gave a powerhouse performance, though I can’t tell if it was her acting abilass-kicking abiliity or because she ties and are on a consistently took mission of venout rooms of ganggeance, he finds sters with grace himself in deep, a and ease. Christo[tuesday, april 20] lot deeper than he pher Mintz-Plasse, ever intended to be, Chinese Places and Their Legends better known to and wonders if his Part of the Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage audiences for his Month Film Series at the University of Toledo. UT’s greatest childhood role as “McLovin,” Asian Studies Institute presents Chinese Places and dream has just in Superbad was Their Legends in the television lounge.

12pm.

Free. become his worst a great addition University of Toledo Student Union, 2801 W. Bancroft nightmare.

St. 419-530-4677. to the film and ofThe name really www.utoledo.edu. fered up several does say it all. From laughs, but I felt the very beginning, [sunday, april 25] the other talent on when a winged man screen overshadMr. Wong, Detective in costume jumps See page 23 for details. 3pm. $4-$5. Collingwood owed him. off a building and Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. 419-244-2787.

M a t t h e w crashes full-speed www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

Vaughn has defiinto a parked car, nitely succeeded this film just keeps in the realm of the rolling hard. I loved comic book movie.

The idea was unique how it started with the concept of a normal person becoming a superhero, while and translated extremely well on screen. acknowledging the hilarity of that actu- The action sequences were over the top, ally happening. People’s initial reactions but did not detract from the movie. I had to Kick-Ass as he crusades the streets are to look away at a few, but could not wait to pretty hilarious. However, as the movie see what came next. This film was one of progresses we see our awkward protago- the biggest at the festival and will no doubt nist take on some of the characteristics of be added to the cult film ranks of our generation. his alias and really come into his own.

In the movies, superheroes exist for one reason: to fight the bad guys. In the real world, we have plenty of bad guys, but no superheroes. A radioactive spider has never bitten Dave Lizewski; he doesn’t have the gadgets and cash of Batman; sure, he can deal with kryptonite, but he definitely can’t fly. His lack of superpower doesn’t stop him, though. He purchases a wet suit online, customizes it for a superhero’s needs and begins the necessary training: sit-ups, jumping from building to building.

also playing

Kick-Ass opens everywhere, Friday, April 16.

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Wondrous woman

Women rule, and nobody can attest to this better than the Honorable M a d e l e i n e Kunin. As a former governor of Vermont, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Deputy U.S. Education Department Secretary, Kunin paved the way for a younger generation of female Madeleine Kunin paves the way for a leaders during a time when few women held new generation of high office. With the female leaders.

Women’s Initiative at United Way’s annual meeting on Tuesday, April 27, Kunin will be honored as a featured guest speaker. An author of two books sharing her extensive political experience, Kunin’s most recent work, Pearls, Politics and Power: How Women Can Win and Lead speaks to young women aspiring to be tomorrow’s leaders. 6 p.m. $25 advance, $35 at the door. The Dana Conference Center on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus. For more info, unitedwaytoledo.org/ 419-254-6777.

Bag-o-books

Grab a sack and head over to the Main Library for the 2010 April Book Sale on Wednesday, April 28-Friday, April 30. This three-day sale is the Library’s infamous Stuff-A-Bag full of books, CDs, DVDs, videos and books on tape for just $5. The sale includes a variety of gently-used materials to choose from. Runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m each day. ToledoLucas County Public Library, 325 Michigan St. For more info, www.toledolibrary.org.

—ER

MVCDS thinks globally

Maumee Valley Country Day School wraps up its 2009-10 Speaker Series on Thursday, April 22, by hosting author, journalist and humanitarian physician Sheri Fink. Author of the award-winning War Hospital: A True Story of Surgery and Survival and contributor to The Washington Post, The New York Times, and several renowned scientific journals, Fink presents “Double Trouble: Public Health in War & Disaster.” has spoken She nationally about global health issues based on her humanitarian work in Iraq, earthquake devastated Haiti, postKatrina New Orleans, war torn Bosnia, and tsunami ravaged Southeast Asia.

The free event takes place in the Millennium Theatre at Maumee Valley Country Day School, 1715 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo. A book signing and dessert reception follows. —GS

Whodunnit?

The historic Collingwood Arts Center presents another classic film on Sunday, April 25. Boris Karloff proved to be a popular actor in the 1930s and ‘40s, starring in a series of mystery films.

Catch him on the big screen in the 1938 film, Mr. Wong Detective. Selected short films will also be screened. A preshow theatre organ mini-concert starts at 2:30 p.m. $5. The Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. 419-244-ARTS/ www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

Mazel Tov

The Jewish Community Centers of Greater Ann Arbor and Metropolitan Detroit team up with the Michigan Theater for the 9th Annual Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival Sunday, April 25 - Thursday, April 29. This popular community event showcases a variety of films, as well as guest speakers and special events over a five-day span. The film fest kicks off at 8 p.m. on Sunday evening with a screening of A Matter of Size. Nominated for 13 Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Picture, this Hebrew film with English subtitles tells the story of Herzl, an overweight chef from Ramala, who discovers the fine art of Sumo wrestling after landing a job as a dishwasher at a Japanese restaurant. In

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order to become the first Jewish Sumo wrestler, Herzl recruits three hefty friends to help him achieve his goal. The result is a touching, sweet, relatable and hilarious story about self-love and acceptance. Monday screenings include Leaving the Fold, City of Borders, The Debt and Jump. For complete schedule, www.jccannarbor.org/ 734-677-0109.

—ER

April 14 • April 27

21

theater events

Second to none

Improv comedy at its best by Matt Desmond Sam Richardson knows that comedy is a serious business. The Michigan native, who will appear in the Second City 50th Anniversary Tour at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts on April 17, is “thrilled and honored” to have the opportunity to perform, and has no intention of letting it go to waste. Richardson, who grew up in the Detroit area, came of age watching the performances of the legendary comedy company’s Detroit branch, and now he has managed to become a part of it.

City company in residence on a Norwegian Pearl cruise ship. That might seem intimidating, in a way— to be a captive performer before an essentially captive audience, surrounded by water, but Richardson insists it was a terrific experience.

“It’s a great gig to have,” he said.

“You play to hundreds and hundreds of people on vacation.

They’re ready to have a good time; they love it.”

“I used to go watch the performances downtown,” Richardson said, “with all of these great performers—Keegan Michael Key, Larry Joe Born in Detroit, Sam Richardson lives out his Campbell, Mary Beth Monroe. And dream of being a Second City improviser. when I got the chance, I started taking classes there.” Richardson attended Wayne State University, and was aclessly dedicated to the stage. He is also tive in theater, but was always naturally active in Detroit’s own Hamtramck-based drawn to comedy. “I can’t remember the Planet Ant Theater, where he works with last time I acted in a drama,” he said. “But the Planet Ant Home Team improv troupe, good comedy needs drama, right? Every and with his own two-person troupe Boy laugh needs a cry.”

Meets Girl. But his role in the Second City After studying with Second City, Rich- touring company is an exciting step onto a ardson was able to land a job as an un- larger stage. derstudy with Second City Detroit, where The road hasn’t always been straighthe has performed in the revues Bobble forward—in fact, sometimes it wasn’t a Heads of State, Michigan Impossible, and road at all. Richardson has only recently Night of the Living Debt. But he is tirefinished performing at sea, with a Second

Back on dry land, Richardson is excited to promote the Second City anniversary show. The landmark comedy group formed in Chicago in 1959, and has been entertaining theater audiences ever since. (And television audiences, through the fondly-remembered SCTV show created

by Second City Toronto.)

In the process, the company has launched the careers of countless comic performers, of which Richardson is a part of the newest generation. The anniversary show is a retrospective of sorts, compiling beloved sketches from throughout Second City’s history—with material written by many people who are comedy household names now, including Steve Carrell, Steven Colbert, and Tina Fey. But the show will also include improvisation, a Second City staple. “It’s a very funny show,” Richardson says. “We all have different improvisational skills. Parts of it are completely unscripted.”

It might be unpredictable, but it’s guaranteed to be entertaining— and Richardson couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” he said.

The Second City 50th Anniversary Tour lands at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 North Maumee St., Tecumseh, Michigan on Saturday April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at www.thetca.org/517.423.6617. For more info, www.secondcity.com.

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April 14 • April 27

[friday, april 16]

The Happy Prince

Oscar Wilde’s classic tale comes to life in this brand new musical written by Monroe native Douglas Stewart. This world premiere performance includes a cast and orchestra of over twenty-five actors and musicians from the greater Monroe/Toledo area.

Directed by Sue Sacks and produced by Billie Riggs.

See website for showtimes. Through April 18. $10. La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. 734-384-4272. www.monroeccc.edu.

[thursday, april 22]

Re-Imagining Medea: Songs From the Urban Jungle

Performed by Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor of the national touring ensemble, Cultural Odyssey. This is a unique performance experience of works from The Medea Project: Theatre for Incarcerated Women. The performance/lecture features Ms. Jones and Mr. Ackamoor performing excerpts from their varied repertoire including Big Butt Girls, Hard-Headed Women, The Love Project and The Medea Project.

In addition, Ms. Jones speaks and shows videos about her work.

7-9pm. Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. 419-242-2787. www.valentinetheatre.com.

[friday, april 23]

Peter Pan

The River Raisin Ballet Company presents Peter Pan, a coming of age tale that pits Peter and the Lost Boys against Captain Hook and his outrageous band of pirates. Join Peter Pan, Wendy, Hook, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys for a sprinkling of magic in this fun and whimsical adventure told through vibrant dancing.

A ballet for the young at heart - and for those who never want to grow up.

See website for schedule.

Through April 25. $10-$16.

River Rasin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI. 734-242-7722. www.riverraisincentre.org.

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Wonderfully Wicked Broadway’s blockbuster hits Toledo

by Allan Sanders

The award winning musical, Wicked, (now playing at the Stranahan Theatre through Sunday, April 18), at first glance appeared to be a recipe on how to create a musical that would end up in theatre’s elephant graveyard. A musical based on a well-beloved book (“Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West”, the first of what will eventually be four novels author Gregory Maguire calls “The Wicked Series”), which in turn was based on an even more well-beloved book (L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”); a composer, Stephen Schwartz who, after some hits early in his career (Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show), had recently turned to writing music for Disney films (Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame); and a script by television screenwriter turned B’way newbie, Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life, The Wonder Years, Thirtysomething).

Wicked turns out to be not just a Broadway hit, but a cult favorite, inspiring fans as no musical since Mamma Mia. As spectacular and awe-inspiring as it is to watch, it’s hard to ignore the darker themes of the piece that allow it to rise above the cartoonish—jealousy, greed,

Not my nephew

The Toledo Rep brings the outrageous antics of Auntie Mame to the stage April 16-May 2.

In this production, directed

by Lee Krahenbuhl, Auntie Mame is the quintessential roaring ‘20s Grande Dame. Patrick — her orphaned nephew — is thrust into her eccentric life of madcap adventure and free-spirited fun after the death of his parents. While Patrick may seem destined to be stuffy and uptight, Mame tries to rescue her nephew from this fate. Watch as this unlikely pair develops a loving bond that proves life is indeed a banquet. Runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and a special Thursday show at 8 p.m. on April 29. $18.

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. 419-243-9277/ www.toledorep.org.

Chester’s creation

The University of Toledo’s Theatre Department gives the public an historical acting lesson with “Creation/ Doomsday” April 16-18 and April 21-25.

The production is drawn from the cycle of biblical plays which were regularly performed in the English town of Chester during the medieval era. This performance re-examines and re-shapes the Chester Mystery Cycle by combining theatrical techniques of the past

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envy, corruption and the lust for power (some of Holzman’s favorite themes from her television years). Wicked is one of the most entertaining and substantial musicals to grace our area in quite some time, and a must see for anyone who even remotely enjoys the magic and music of live theatre.

Wicked (playing at the Stranhan through April 18) tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. Featuring Elphaba and Glinda, it’s the biggest musical since Mama Mia.

Adapting freely from Maguire’s novel and borrowing randomly from such diversely popular entertainments as the iconic film with Judy Garland, Harry Potter, Disney and Sweeney Todd, this is a fairy tale for grown-ups. The ending strays from both books and movie to provide a measure of happiness that stretches the plot a bit, and it’s hard to imagine this Wicked Witch hurling fireballs at the Scarecrow based on a storyline I won’t give away here, but it is a very impressive piece with exceptionally strong casting.

Both Marcie Dodd (Elphaba – The Wicked Witch of the West) and Natalie Daradich as Glinda are wonderfully appealing as the frienemies. Dodd particularly has an outstanding voice that brought tre-

mendous audience approval seemingly with every song she sang. Kudos also go to Zach Hanna (Boq), Chris Peluso (Fiyero) and Don Amendolia (Wizard). All singers at the Stranahan have to battle some pretty lousy acoustics that make lyrics incomprehensible at times. And if all of the music does not live up to the Act 1 closer, “Defying Gravity” (the song everyone seems to know from this show), it’s never boring or uninteresting.

The real fun of Wicked is in watching how some of the characters in the early story, become the characters we cherished in our youth. There are explanations for everything in the Baum books: the Scarecrow, The Tin Man, The Cowardly Lion, the ruby red slippers, even those obnoxious flying monkeys. It’s a thrill to watch and, if not necessarily emo-

Wicked Dance Workshop

SATURDAY, APRIL 17/11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Participate in a master dance class taught by two cast members from the national tour of Wicked. Enrollment fee is $30 and open to the public. For more info, contact The Toledo Ballet at 419-471-0049. tionally engaging (I mean, how worked up can you get for someone who’s green – and whom you grew up hating thanks to Margaret Hamilton’s film-stealing performance), then it’s at the very least visually stunning and beautifully sung.

Wicked runs through Sunday, April 18 at the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. For tickets, www.theaterleague.com.

And note to the Producers, when the movie is finally made, you could do a lot worse then enlisting Tim Burton to direct. This show is right up his alley, which is all you really need to know about the production right there.

and present. 7:30 p.m. $13 general public, $11 faculty, staff, alumni and seniors, $9 students.

Center for Performing Arts Theatre, 2801 W. Bancroft St. For more information, 419-530-2375/ www.utoledo.edu/as/theatrefilm.

—ER

All aboard the Outward Bound

The Life Stage Theatrical Troupe presents its post-Easter play, Between Two Worlds, a new production of a classic British play on Wednesday, April 14 at the University of Toledo, Campus Ministries (7 p.m.), Saturday, April 24 at St. Aloysius in Bowling Green (7 p.m.) and Sunday, April 25 at Sylvania First United Methodist Church (6:30 p.m.). A “friendly presentation,” directed by Reverend Bob Versteeg, the play deals with serious issues including life, death and suicide. The passengers on Outward Bound seem alive enough, all too human, comic and sad, compliant and defiant, even mysterious. The only thing is (as they discover) they are all dead. They are headed for Heaven and Hell, and an interview with an Examiner who will determine their fates. For an in-depth article and interview with Rev. Bob Versteeg, visit www.toledocitypaper.com. More info, 419-601-0499.

—GC

April 14 • April 27

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Toledo gets loopy

The Blue Loop

ACGT hosts biannual Gallery Loops by Emily Rippe

Collingwood Arts Center 2413 Collingwood Come wander the galleries and studios of this 100+ year old Franco-Romanesque architectural treasure. Galleries display current work created by the CAC Resident Visual Artists, and a full schedule of artist demonstrations and live performances is on the itinerary for Gallery Loop Day.

Parkwood Gallery 1838 Parkwood ACGT’s vibrantly diverse Barton Makar Weiss exhibition. On display through April 30.

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo gears up for this year’s first Meet and Greet Gallery Loop, and this time they’re busting out four sets of wheels.

On Friday, April 16, patrons of the arts have the opportunity to explore nearly 20 galleries and studios in Downtown Toledo and the Uptown/Old West End areas, showcasing the eclectic creativity of the local artistic community. Two Red Loop busses circle around the Arts Zone, Warehouse District and lower Uptown, while two Blue Loop vehicles venture into Uptown proper and the OWE.

Passengers can transfer lines at Toledo School for the Arts’ 333 Gallerie. The biannual event offers free transportation and access to all galleries and studios for anyone interested in Toledo’s thriving arts scene. Make sure to bring some folding money along, many of the pieces displayed are available for purchase. 6-10 p.m. Meet and Greet Gallery Loops are a function of the LiveWorkCreateToledo program. Below are some of the participating destinations and exhibitions. For more information, www.acgt.org.

Truth Art Gallery 1811 Adams St. The Truth Gallery displays the work of Klaire, Mack Walton, Wil Clay, Adam Russell, Sally Thompson, C.C, Lorenza Arnold and Brian Dunn.

Studio Eleven Eleven

The Red Loop Studio M Printmakers

1111 Adams St. This workspace/gallery presents the paintings/mixed media works of Julie VanHeyst, and the glass works of Leonard Marty.

320 N. Michigan Studio M Printmakers show prints made at the studio by Carrie Carter, Mania Dajnak, Brian Heller, and Mark Smith. Works include woodcuts, collagraphs, etchings and monoprints.

Space 237 237 N. Michigan Space 237 celebrates the opening reception of its spring exhibition from 7-10 p.m. The 1st floor gallery features a show titled “Yesterday” where visitors can explore the humor and depth of nostalgia as it relates to the various emotions one may feel delving into their past. The 2nd floor gallery hosts “Today” where spectators can view contemporary art and how it has been influenced by everyday life, media and the aesthetic of design.

Grey Gallery at UT’s Center for Sculptural Studies 535 Oakwood Featuring select student works from the 2010 Spring semester.

UT’s Center for the Visual Arts Gallery 620 Grove Place The annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition at University of Toledo Center for Visual Arts (located in the Frank Gehry building attached to TMA) showcases the work of graduating seniors.

Toledo Museum of Art – It’s Friday!

2445 Monroe St. In addition to the permanent TMA collection, special exhibitions include “Bare Witness: Photographs by Gordon Parks,” “Whistler: Influences, Friends and the Not-So-Friendly,” and “Mexico’s Toledo” at the Main Museum. In the Glass Pavilion, enjoy free glassblowing demos 7-10 p.m. and drop-in wine tastings ($15 members/$20 nonmembers).

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Gallerie 333, Toledo School for the Arts

Secor Building

RED AND BLUE LOOPS STOPS

425 Jefferson The Secor Artists host Open Studio Night at the Secor Building. Come roam through the studios of over 15 artists located on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

333 14th St. Toledo School for the Arts (TSA) students display current projects in the gallery for the Mid-Year Visual Art Exhibition. The exhibit includes a variety of media from students at all levels in the school. The adjacent sculpture garden is also open for visitation.

20 North Gallery 18 N. St. Clair 20 North Gallery offers artist demonstrations by local jewelry artist Kimberly Arden, showcasing the intricate polymer mosaic work of her solo exhibit Adorning Glory. The exhibit continues through Saturday, April 24.

Jamil Lewis Multicultural Center Gallery

Sur St. Clair

237 S. Erie View the works of Toledo artisans at the Jamil Lewis Multicultural Center Gallery in the corridor of the Erie Street Market.

Bozarts Fine Art and Music Gallery

1 S. St. Clair Sur St. Clair features the works of Widler Germain, Doug Fiely, Ralph Behrendt, Martin Chappuies and Ann Kneip.

151 S. St. Clair Join Bozarts for “A Series of Random Events” a solo exhibition featuring the works of resident artist Anthony McCarty.

April 14 • April 27

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Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St. 419.255.8000 www.toledomuseum.org

events

it’s friday

friday16

April 16 Create a glass flower ($15 members/$20 non-members), taste wine from the Buttonwood Farm Winery ($15-$20), or see free demonstrations on glassblowing.

April 23 Flamework glass beads (see above fee), meet local glass artist Matt Paskiet, or bead a butterfly/bead a bee.

Spring Open House, Packer Creek

introduces two new patterns. They are proud to provide unique hand-made products, produced in America by skilled and dedicated artists. See website for more info. Packer Creek Pottery, 103 E. 8th St., Genoa.

419-855-3858. www.packercreekpottery.com.

saturday17 4th Annual Kazuri Bead Show, Kazuri

Ltd., a member of the Fair Trade Federation, produces a wide range of handmade ceramic beads that shine with a kaleidoscope of African colors. Each bead is shaped without the aide of molds, forms or any modern machinery. The beads are painted with high gloss paint, then glazed to produce a smooth, shiny decorated product. Customer support empowers women in Kenya and makes a difference in the lives of these women and their families. 10am-7pm. Free. Bonita Bead Boutique, 215 Conant St., Maumee.

419-887-4000. www.bonitabeadboutique.com.

thursday22 Earth-aware Art Show & Auction, Orbis Ars, an art student organization, presents an exhibition of artwork made of recycled and reusable products. See how art can be made out of trash. All artwork displayed are eco-friendly and/or shares a message of environmentalism. 11am-6pm.Free. McAlear Hall at Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. www.lourdes.edu.

friday23 Student Art Exhibition, See various artist’s works on display. Open to the public. Opening

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Two new designs from Packer Creek Pottery. reception at 7pm. Free. McAlear Hall at Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania.

419-885-3211. www.lourdes.edu/art.

Exhibit runs through May 15.

saturday24 Bowling Green Art Walk, The eighteenth

annual art walk brings artists of all ages together for a celebration of the visual and performing arts. See art displays from professional and amateur artists, music and dance performances, interactive art activities and architectural tours of the historic downtown. Be sure to sample the offerings of Bowling Green’s unique shops and restaurants. 11am-5pm. Free.

Downtown, Main St., Bowling Green.

419-354-4332. www.downtownbgohio.org.

ongoing Adorning Glory, 20 North Gallery presents

outrageous jewelry by local artist Kimberly Arden. She creates memory wire bracelets, polymer clay jewlery and mixed media creations. 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair St. 419-241-2400. www.20northgallery.net. Through April 24.

Glass Marbles Eggs,Vibrantly-colored glass

works including marbles and eggs are on display at the American Gallery in Sylvania.

The exhibition features work by Geoffrey Beetem, Jody Fine, Mark Matthews, Doug Sweet and Michael Wallace. American Gallery, 6600 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. 419-882-8949.

Through April 24.

Switch Hitters III, Features sculptures by

monday27 Student Art and Photography, Students

in the Findlay Campus’ “Foundations in 2-D Design”, “Foundations in 3D Design”, “Fundamentals of Drawing” and “Black and White Photography I and II” classes present their best work of the semester. Reception 5-7pm. Free. Owens Findlay Campus, Library Gallery, 3200 Bright Rd., Findlay.

1-800-GO-OWENS. www.owens.edu. Exhibit runs through May 7.

friday23 Strong Sensations: Impressionism and Symbolist Works on Paper, Featured are prints created between roughly 1860 and 1900 by French and Northern European artists. Art history students at the University of Toledo selected objects from the Toledo Museum of Art collection with guidance from UT faculty and TMA curatorial and exhibition staff. Through June 20.

ongoing exhibitions Bare Witness: Photographs by Gordon Parks, Pioneering photographer, journalist, and film director Gordon Parks captures a cross section of the human experience-from wealth to poverty, fame to obscurity in his visually arresting images. Through April 25.

Quest for Community, Quest For Fire Studios and friends take over the Toledo Museum of Art’s Community Gallery.

Nearly thirty artists were asked to produce a piece for this collection. The exhibit is unjuried and uncensored. Through May 2.

Ken Thompson and John Leyland. Flatlanders Art Gallery, 11993 E. US 223, Blissfield, MI. 517-486-4591. www.flatlandersculpture.com.

Through April 25.

Mexico’s Toledo, Francisco Toledo is inspired by Mexican culture, his native state of Oaxaca, and his Zapotic heritage.

Using surrealist influences and a deep knowledge of printmaking technique, Toledo ’s art shows an appreciation for the aesthetics of nature. Through May 9.

Barton, Makar, Weiss, View a collection of diverse work, from the hip-hop and black pop culture-inspired works of Sam Barton, to the one-of-a-kind, literally moving installation of Laura Makar to the unique ceramics of Mary Weiss. 6-8pm. 1838 Parkwood Ave. 419-254-2787. www.acgt.org.

Through April 30.

Whistler: Influences, Friends and the Not-So-Friendly, Featuring works on paper, this exhibition highlights the talents of the iconic American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, positioning his work within the context of his contemporaries, influences, friends, and enemies. As a printmaker, Whistler was a leading personality among all modern etchers. Through May 30.

April 14 • April 27

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ARTIST’S PALETTE RONALD D. GOSSES

Days in Space

Space237 Galleries and ClaySpace gears up for a multi-level art event, “Yesterday & Today” opening Friday, April 16. The 1st floor gallery features a show titled “Yesterday” where visitors can explore the humor and depth of nostalgia as it relates to the various emotions one may feel as they delve into their past. The 2nd floor gallery hosts “Today” where spectators can view contemporary art and how it has been influenced by everyday life, media and the aesthetic of design. The show features a variety of media including ceramics, oil painting, digital print, airbrush, installation and mixed media. Participating artists include Dustyn Bork, Matthew Derezinksi, Helen Grubb, Melanie Harris, Julie Webster, Dave Wisniewski and more. Exhibition runs through June 5. Opening reception 7-10 p.m. on Friday, April 16 (coinciding with ACGT’s Gallery Loop). Space237, 237 N. Michigan Ave. 419-255-5117/ www.space237.com.

Nature: A photographer’s playground

Photographers with an interest in outdoor subjects are welcome to attend any of the National Center for Nature Photography’s workshops and photo shoots, taking place at various parks and nature preserves throughout Toledo.

On Thursday, April 22, participants will focus in on mid-spring wildflowers at Oak Openings Preserve (4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton). This is the second shoot following the wonderful progression of spring wildflowers, led by Art Weber and Bob Jacksy. Registration is required. $15. 6 p.m. For more information, 419-407-9757/www.naturephotocenter.com.

Sights of Spring

A female-friendly exhibition of art created by women artists is on display at the Eberly Center for Women through Friday, May 7. Titled, “Spring Art Show,” the exhibit features selections by more than ten artists including Alyssa Brown, Jessica Crossfield, Cora Lind and Delfine Zapata.

Showcasing lively pastels and comforting subjects, the exhibit

displays a variety of spring-inspired material. Opening reception will be held Thursday, April 22 from 5-7 p.m. The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women, University of Toledo’s Tucker Hall Rm. 0168, 2801 W. Bancroft St. For more information, 419-530-8570.

Artwalk this way

Downtown Bowling Green transforms into one giant art museum on Saturday, April 24, as local galleries and businesses host a variety of artwork by local professional and amateur artists. Paintings, jewelry, comics and more— The BG Artwalk Festival features an array of talent at downtown galleries, restaurants, stores and outdoor space (which stay open 11 a.m.

- 5 p.m.), with shuttle services available to help patrons cover more ground. Don’t miss an exhibit of skateboard art at Cycle Werks (248 S. Main St.), with sales benefiting the BG Skatepark.

Exhibits are also presented at the Wood County Public Library, BGSU, Ben Franklin, Grounds For Thought and Waddington Jewelers. Attendees can also enjoy live artist demonstrations by visual artists, dancers and musicians.

The event concludes with the People’s Choice Awards ceremony and reception at Grounds For Thought (174 S. Main St.) at 5:30 p.m. For more information, www.downtownbgohio.org.

—ER

Website www.ronaldgosses.com Works exhibited at ICO Gallery, NYC; Hun Gallery, NYC; Art Raw Gallery, NYC; Artexpo, NYC; National Gallery, Seoul, South Korea; Concept of Contemporary Art Gallery, Meepyang, South Korea; Hun Trump World Gallery, South Korea; Westmoreland Art Nationals, Pennsylvania; Art and Soul by Phoebe Gallery, Munci, Indiana; BGSU Summer Show, 2008; BGSU Summer Show, 2009 Career beginning: My first design job was at Tiedtkes, which eventually led to my career as a international designer. As Executive Vice President of two major department stores in the US and Canada, I traveled extensively in Europe and Asia, designing clothing and furniture. I was fortunate to work with famous design houses, including Oleg Cassini, Tommy Hilfiger, Nolan Miller, Niedermaier and Pucci International.

At age 5, I wanted to be an artist. In kindergarten, when the teacher said to draw something beautiful, I happily drew Mae West with all her obvious attributes. Dismayed and worried, the principal contacted my parents, who strongly supported me in the ensuing fray. This was my first realization of how powerful and polarizing a simple drawing could be. I was fascinated; from then on art was an irresistible and constant companion in every aspect of my life.

The last DVD you watched: The Blind Spot. I am not a sports fan, but the movie was positive , uplifting and very entertaining.

Exercise routine: Several times a day, I lift my martini glass.

Favorite possession: My home library, which is extensive.

Favorite place in the house: The Lake Room, which I designed, with beamed and paneled 17 foot ceiling, and 12 foot high windows overlooking the lake. There I can watch the geese water ski landing past my home.

Inspiration: Seeing with new eyes. A childhood accident left me living in a still life world, unable to see 3-D, depth or air space.

Just recently, I can actually see depth. It is exhilarating! I am driven to express this new gift of dimension on canvas with dramatic three dimensional abstracts in bold color and relief.

Ronald Gosses, a painter and designer from Bowling Green, creates with new eyes.

Famous people you have shaken hands with: Oleg Cassini, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Donald Trump, Peter Max, Chuck Close.

Five famous people—living or dead—that you’d invite to a dinner party: Andy Warhol, Oscar Wilde, Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Pavarotti, Vermeer, Stephen Sondheim, Kari te Kanawa, Chuck Close, Damien Hirst and Cole Porter. I have a very large dining room and table.

want to know more about your favorite local artist? email their name and art medium to

editor@toledocitypaper.com 26

April 14 • April 27

Favorite place to visit: Having lived for a while in Maine, I am very fond of New England and the ocean; and I also love the Netherlands where I have family.

Way to go, Gosses!

Bowling Green resident and international artist and designer, Ronald D. Gosses (see this issues Artist’s Palette), is one of 56 artists worldwide to be profiled in the world-renowned art magazine, “New Art International 2010.” Gosses’ art is described as leading the viewer “through a sea of sensuous expression that involves into a fine impressionism as emotions rebound to the surface.” It wasn’t until recently that Gosses has depth perception for the first time since a childhood accident. “Everything I looked at would appear like images on a television do to everyone else,” Gosses said. “New Art International” is available at Barnes & Noble and amazon.com. The magazine showcases a diverse array, sampling from fresh innovators and knowledgeable seasoned masters. For more information, www.ronaldgosses.com.

—ER

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wednesday 14 [ health ]

Quit Smoking Workshop, Attend a workshop offering a fresh approach to quitting smoking. The events are followed by a fifteen minute discussion. Clinic includes a presentation by a treatment specialist and a former smoker who shares his or her story about quitting with the help of a prescription treatment option and support. Receive tools to create a personalized quit plan. Light refreshments available. Pre-registration required, online or by phone. 7-8am, 12-1pm and 6-7pm. Free.

St. Luke’s Hospital, 5901 Monclova Rd., Maumee. 1-888-866-0843. www.freequitclinic.com.

[ outdoors ]

In the Park After Dark, Immerse yourself in a special nighttime adventure under the light of the full moon. Track nocturnal wildlife, listen for owls and experience a sky full of stars with a telescope while the moon’s shadows follow you. Register online. 9-10pm. $5. Swan Creek Metropark, 4659 Airport Hwy. 419-407-9709. www.metroparkstoledo.com.

[ sports ]

Beach Volleyball, Spring is here and the Toledo Sport and Social Club is working with the Toledo Beach Volleyball Association to run the Beach Volleyball leagues in 2010. Their goal is to “make it easy for everyone 21+ to enjoy co-ed recreational sports leagues year-round throughout the Toledo area.” Call or see website to register. 216-403-0532. www.toledosportandsocialclub.com.

[ comedy ]

John Witherspoon, Fiery and energetic, Witherspoon’s shows tend to make absurdity look commonplace. John has starred in a number of popular films like Boomerang, Friday, Next Friday and The Ladies Man. No stranger to television, he also boasts credits such as The Wayans Brothers, Def Comedy Jam and Boondocks. 7:30pm. $18. Fat Fish Blue Home of the Funny Bone, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg.

419-931-3474. www.toledofunnybone.com.

thursday 15 [ education ]

Motorcycle Safety Training Program, Owens’ Motorcycle Safety Training program requires sixteen hours of coursework. Classroom topics feature an intro to motorcycling, preparing to ride and street strategies. Practice riding sessions feature training in motorcycle familiarization, negotiating curves, obstacles and lane changes and matching gears to speed. Attendees are provided with motor-

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cycles, helmets and a student workbook. You must show proof of a Motorcycle Endorsement on your driver’s license or a valid temporary motorcycle permit in order to participate. Register online or by phone. $25. Heidelberg at Arrowhead Park, 1757 Indian Wood Cir., Maumee. 567-661-7357. www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.

[ miscellaneous ]

An Evening of Storytelling, Garrison Keillor is the living embodiment of the Midwestern spirit. He shares his steady thoughtfulness, old-fashioned values, traditional songs and dry humor through his legendary radio show “A Prairie Home Companion.”

More than three million listeners hear his show each week. 7pm. $25-$65. OCC Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 30335 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg. 567-661-2787. www.owens.edo/arts.

W. W. Knight Preserve, 29530 White Rd., Perrysburg. 419-353-1897. www.woodcountyparkdistrict.org.

[ health ]

Self-Defense, Learn a few techniques to help keep you safe and react appropriately to an attempted attack. Zen believes in the peaceful resolution of problems, but wants everyone to be safe in a bad situation. This session teaches basic techniques to help you protect yourself and to be proactively aware. Registration required.

9:30am-12pm. $30-$35. Zen in the District, 1700 Canton St., 2nd Floor. 419-244-4ZEN. www.zeninthedistrict.com. org.

[ spiritual fitness ]

Are You Funny With Money, Receiving, giving,

relationships and success are discussed. This event introduces how beliefs and personal energy relate to this topic. Muscle testing is used to reveal this info to you and to reveal your potential. 2-3pm.

Free intro. Sanger Branch, Toledo-Lucas Public Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. 419-754-6909. http://johanmiller.heartforgiveness.org.

[ miscellaneous ]

Community Shred It Day, For area residents who want to safely and securely destroy personal documents and recycle electronic equipment. New items that can be recycled are computers and computer parts, monitors, laptops, hard drives, keyboards, computer mice, printers and routers. Also, telephone equipment, cell phones, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, speakers, radios, electronic games, cameras, microwaves and PDAs.

friday 16 [ education ] Lourdes College’s Speaker Series, See renowned author Wm. Paul Young. Young’s selfpublished novel The Shack was a USA Today bestseller. Originally penned as a Christmas gift to his six children, The Shack shares the transformative tale of friend, husband and father, Mackenzie Philips, whose daughter is kidnapped and murdered during a family camping trip. Upon returning to the shack – where his daughter’s clothing was found after her disappearance – he comes to grips with his despair, ultimately finding strength and enlightenment through characters representing God and the Trinity. Call for tickets. 1pm. Franciscan Theater & Conference Center, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania. 419-824-3999. www.lourdes.edu.

[ health ] Free Health Screening, ProMedica Total Wellness offers health screenings and educational info for National Minority Health Month. The focus is on cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Participants are screened for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI).

8am-4pm. Free. Westfield Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St. Also Saturday, April 17, 8:30-11am. Korean Church, 5260 Hill Ave. 419-291-5826. www.promedica.org.

saturday 17 [ education ] Finding Your Roots, The Wood County Park District, along with Kerry Steiner, from the American Indian Center of Indiana, presents a Native American Genealogy Workshop. Discuss the history connected to native ancestry, myths and facts about Indians and research techniques.

Call to reserve a spot. 11am-1:30pm. $15.

April 14 • April 27

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Hit the pavement sunday27 Put on your running shoes, it’s time for the Glass City Marathon and 5K Run. The weekend event runs Sunday, April 25 at the University of Toledo/Wildwood Preserve University Park Trail, and provides an athletic challenge for the entire family. In addition to the marathon, and a five-person relay, the event features a 5K, half mile and one mile kids runs, as well as a half-marathon run. The Glass City Marathon honors the memory of Sy Mah, one of Toledo’s greatest running enthusiasts, who once held the Guinness World Record for running in 524 marathons throughout his lifetime. For more information, contact the Toledo Roadrunners Club at 419-360-3709.

— ER

No TVs, air conditioners or appliances, fluorescent bulbs or alkaline batteries can be accepted.

9am-3pm. $5 suggested donation. The Anderson’s Market, 38 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. www.andersonsinc.com.

6th Annual Spring Craft Show, Hope United Methodist Church hosts this spring craft show featuring local crafters who are showing and selling a variety of handmade crafts. Find Mother’s Day gifts as well as items for men, women, and children.

Lunch is available 11am-2pm, as well as an all-day bake sale. 10am-4pm. Free. Hope United Methodist Church, 4069 Sylvania Ave. 419-882-8128.

[ benefit ]

Earth Day Roundup, Aluminum Cans for Burned Children, a non-profit children’s organization, sponsors an aluminum beverage can ‘Roundup’ in observance of Earth Day. In an effort to promote recycling, area youth groups are collecting aluminum beverage cans. The beneficiaries of this project are area burned children, burn prevention education, funding for juvenile firesetter programs and raising money for charity. 10am-4pm. Free. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. 419-382-6205. www.acbanorthwestohio.org.

2010 ITZA Ball, Enjoy dinner, entertainment, a live and silent auction, and a reverse raffle. The grand prize is a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The proceeds support the Toledo Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Club of Toledo’s Centennial projects. Call for ticket info. 5:30-11pm. $75. Parkway Place, 2592 Parkway Pl., Maumee. 419-241-7060. www.itzaball.org.

Recycle Your Jeans, Robinetta West Apparel & Bridal Designer presents Recycle Your Jeans for the Cure. Tote bags will be sewn out of the donated jeans. 10% from each tote sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Northwest Ohio.

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Purchase a tote bag for the Cure, going green for a good cause. Drop off jeans to Suite 246. 9am-1pm.

Free. Elder Beerman’s parking lot, Westgate, 3311 Secor Rd. 419-215-9279.

[ pets ]

K9 Therapy Dog Training, All breeds are welcome to join for therapy training. Please only one dog per owner, and be sure to bring a current shot record. Saturdays through May 22. There is AKC/ Good Citizen Certification Testing available on the final day of training. Call for more info. 9am. The New Pilgrim Church, 1375 Sylvania Ave., Toledo.

419-478-6012. www.thenewpilgrim.org.

sunday 18 [ miscellaneous ]

Northwest Ohio Life Fair, See brief presentations and visit booths of participating organizations.

Anyone interested in getting involved in pro-life activities has the perfect opportunity to survey his or her options. The goals of these organizations include ending abortion and providing life-enhancing alternatives to women facing challenges with their pregnancies. 1-4pm. St. Rose Catholic Church,

215 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 419-708-9497. www.prolifeconnection.com.

Natural Herbal Housekeeping, Herbal cleaning products bring nature’s fragrances indoors. Herbs are stronger for killing bacteria than commercial cleaners or antibiotics. Cleaning can even give you aromatherapy benefits such as relaxation, stress relief and a stronger memory.

Make to take home rosemary/lemon scouring powder, peppermint/tea tree bowl cleaner and lavender/lemongrass counter top cleaner. 2-4pm. $25.

The 577 Foundation, 577 River Rd., Perrysburg.

419-874-4174. www.577foundation.org.

Tap Water vs. Bottled Water, Bottled water is both a popular product and a major contributor to pollution – filling landfills and burning up fossil fuels at an alarming rate. Find out if bottled water really is “better.” Facts about tap and bottled water are presented at the testing station. Sylvania Franciscan Academy student, Natalie Thompson, also shares her state-qualifying science project about water quality at 11:15am and 1pm.

11am-5pm. Free. McAlear Hall at Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. www.lourdes.edu.

April 14 • April 27

[ education ]

Life Lab Nature Experience, Learn about nature and the environment. Snacks and beverages are provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own lunch. Registration is required, please call for more info. 11am-1pm. Free. Lourdes College, 6832 Covenant Blvd., Sylvania. 419-824-3691. www.lourdes.edu/CommunityOutreach/LifeLab.aspx.

monday 19 [ health ]

Zumba Dance/Fitness, Combines fitness moves with Latin dance steps to burn up to 1,000 calories in a one-hour cardio session. Zumba is for everyone, you don’t need to know how to dance, just have fun and move. Call to register. 6:307:30pm. Free. The Lutheran Home at Toledo, 2519 Seaman St. Also Tuesday, April 20, 5:30-6pm. The First United Methodist Church, 1526 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green. 419-381-2225.

www.toledocitypaper.com

www.toledocitypaper.com

April 14 • April 27

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