Boomers & Beyond MAY 2016

Sassy • Spirited • Successful

May 2016 INSIDE brates • Lily’s Cele 15 Years g’ to a • ‘Downsizin Mansion

Get Real this Mother’s Day • Land the Job at Any Age Talk Derby to Me • Using Walls to Define Your Garden

Sassy • Spirited • Successful

This month, we celebrate real mothers on their special day (pg. 3). Mark Twain once said, “You will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did.” If this is the case, Laura and Matt Mishler have no regrets. While many Boomers are “rightsizing,” this dynamic duo recently moved to a “midlife crisis mansion” (pg. 4). Head to the finish line with some Derby Day favorites that are certain to put you in the winner’s circle (pg. 8).

Looking for employment? Our expert has some tips for Boomers on how to interview like a pro and land a job (pg. 14). There has been lots of talk in the current political climate about building walls. Our Italian Garde ner is building walls—in and around the garden (pg. 15). Spring truly has sprung.

Get outside in the sunshine. Take a deep breath and remember you are only confined by the walls you build yourself. As Laura and Matt Mishler can attest, life truly begins at the end of your comfort zone.

sas•sy

spir•it•ed

suc•cess•ful

adjective very stylish; confident and energetic

adjective full of courage or energy; very lively or determined

adjective having the correct or desired result; ending in success having achieved wealth, respect, or fame

BOOMERS & Beyond Inside Editors Mary Helen Darah Jennifer Ruple Boomer Consultant Sharon Lange Sales Manager Connie Torrey Contributing Writers Rick Cozza, Mary Helen Darah, Jennifer Ruple, Sue Schafer, Jim Worden Digital Media Specialist Layne Torrey Layout and Design Elissa Cary Boom Your Business with Advertising boomersandbeyond2014@gmail.com 419/824-0100 On The Web sylvaniaadvantage.com/boomers-beyond facebook.com/BoomersandBeyondSylvania Boomers Hangout 5655 N. Main St. #1, Sylvania, Ohio 43560

• Boomers visits Dublin

3 4 6

• Host a Kentucky Derby party

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• Get real this Mother’s Day • Midlife crisis mansion

• Books for Boomers

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• Crossword fun

11

• Fitness for all ages and sizes 12 • Win the job at any age

13 14

• Walls to define your garden

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• Going beyond

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• Lily’s celebrates 15 years

• Judy Church of Lily’s at Levis, a home décor shop, makes the most of every moment.

• The Mishlers ‘downsize’ to the Old West End causing some to question their sanity.

ON THE COVER

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Get ‘real’ this Mother’s Day

A tribute to strong and diverse women By Mary Helen Darah

I have been attempting to purge the “stuff” I have collected after being in this house that has been filled to the brim with three daughters, four exchange students, two dogs and an assortment of other critters—domesticated and uninvited—for three decades. It’s a thankless task, but every once in a while you find a treasure. In this case it was my childhood copy of ‘The ‘Real’ woman Helen L. Scheib was a force of Velveteen Rabbit.’ This nature in and out of the kitchen. beautiful tale by Margery Williams is an everlasting reminder of a basic truth: that being loved can physically and mentally take its toll, but only to those who don’t understand. In the book, the toy horse explains to the little stuffed rabbit who wants to be ‘real’ that by the time you are ‘real’ most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and you get Helen Shields thought that life is better if you very shabby. Thankfully, I find the humor in every situation, indulge in a have not sunk to those glass of wine and wear comfortable shoes. depths but I do know what ‘real’ women are, having had the good fortune of being surrounded and mothered by them.

I grew up with two incredibly strong and diverse grandmothers that I like to refer to as ‘my two Helens.’ Grandmother (my Dad’s mom) was the wife of my high energy surgeon grandfather who loved the farm just as much, if not more, than medicine. Many were intimidated by his larger-than-life personality and presence. He required a REAL woman to keep up with him.

Thankfully my grandmother was one such woman. She was a Penn State graduate, a MAY 2016

registered dietitian and a force of nature. She supported her family as the bread winner while my grandfather was in medical school. She was known for her endless philanthropic endeavours and for feeding the masses. Whether it was serving shrimp and mimosas to the members of the medical auxiliary or wearing a cowgirl hat and hosting a BBQ for the Hereford Cattle Association, she single handedly performed Biblical miracles by feeding 250 hungry doctors and farmers. Her philosophy was that it is just as easy to feed 100 as it is 12 ... you just need bigger containers. She was also a woman of protocol. To this day, I cringe when one of the kids puts a plastic milk carton on the dinner table or asks me, “Where’s it at?”

There will be no dangling of participles in this house!

My Gram, my Mom’s mom, also wore white

MOTHER’S DAY TO 7

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Midlife crisis mansion

Matt and Laura Mishler make a move to the Old West End By Mary Helen Darah Matt and Laura Mishler were living a quiet life in suburbia for the past 14 years. The couple, who have been married 25 years, had numerous friends and activities in their neighborhood.

Over time, their Owner Matt Mishler enters the friends moved home through the original glass doorway of his new home. away and new families with young children moved in. The couple began suffering from what they refer to as “suburban boredom.” Laura saw an article in the paper that a house in the Old West End was for sale. “I handed it to Matt and he said, ‘We are not moving,’” recalled Laura. Actually, I’m paraphrasing and can’t repeat what he really said but it was a definitive ‘no.’ I told him to read the article anyway.” The next day at work Matt emailed his wife asking her to go look at the house. “That went on for two weeks,” said Laura. “He eventually sent me an email that said we had an appointment to see it.”

Their youngest child accompanied them to look

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4

at the house. “Since she would be here the longest as a young teenager, we wanted her to be happy,” stated Laura. “She had only known one house and had never moved before. We were there 10 minutes when she looked over at me and mouthed ‘I love it’. It needed a lot of work but it was stunning.” Before making the decision to purchase, the couple spent time walking around the neighborhood. “I’m sure people thought we were stalkers,” joked Laura. “We found the neighborhood to be a lot of fun and extremely welcoming. Surprisingly, we know many people here and the house is also close to everywhere we want to be. Our girls are on crew team and what used to be a 40minute drive for them is now a seven-minute one,” stated Matt. I went from a 21-mile work commute down to six miles.”

Making history Another Matt Mishler has no regrets about appealing aspect the move to the Old West End. of the house was its historical significance. “We find the history of it so fascinating,” said Laura. The Old West End contains one of the largest collections of Victorian and Edwardian homes in the U.S. and the “Mishler Midlife Crisis Mansion” is no exception. The construction of the home began in 1901 by Alvin B. Tillinghast who was a Toledo Museum of Art board member and founder of the Toledo Licorice Company that sold licorice flavoring to tobacco companies.

Tillinghast was a wealthy guy, European traveler and a lover of the arts,” stated Matt. “A lot of his influence is infused in this house. He went bankrupt before the house was completed. It was supposed to be 30% larger. Tillinghast went back BOOMERS

& Beyond

A Real Fixer Upper to the construction company and sold the house to John North Laura and Matt have big plans Willys.” Reportedly, John North for their new home. Initially, the Willys purchased the home for 12 couple spent money on heating Toledo Pope Automobiles. Today and fixing water damage and on that would be equivalent to new plumbing. “We would like $100,000 for each car. Willys to build a new garage and build a died in the 1930s with an estate pool,” stated Matt. “We would estimated to worth $10.8 million. also like to redesign the yard. It’s “There was quite a fight over his a whole city block. A previous estate especially with mistresses owner didn’t realize that he and cloak room girls,” said owned part of the property and Mishler. “When he moved from neglected taking care of it. We this house, he relocated to a 1,200 would like it to look unified.” acre property in what is now I should have let him get a Ottawa Hills.” The third owner of One of the original fixtures lights up Corvette the home was Arthur T. Bell. A the grand staircase.

Laura jokingly says that there are graduate of Yale days that she thinks the University, Bell founded purchase of a sports car A.T. Bell and Company. would have been a Arthur and his bride, better choice for dealing Ruby, lived in the home with a midlife crisis. “A until 1938. The house lot of people think we then passed to the Society are crazy, but we don’t of Oblate Fathers of St. care,” stated Matt.

Mary. Priests lived in the “Laura and I have one house from 1938-1978. friend that couldn’t The room on the third understand what we floor was converted to a Numerous architectural treasures can be found in and were thinking. She around every corner of the home. chapel and you can still informed us that most see the confessional they people our age—and she is only slightly used in a sitting area on the first floor. A real younger—would be sensibly downsizing. Who estate agent and previous owner, Michael wants to downsize? We have our college-age Murray, sold the house at auction in 1998. Since kids and their friends, family and our friends that time, it has suffered damage from neglect.\ over. There are always people here. Yes, it was a decision not totally based on logic but the house Editors on Full Plate has been a great spot for entertaining and enjoying family.”

The couple encourages others to make a move and not be afraid to try something new. “I don’t know why anyone working downtown wouldn’t want to live here,” said Matt. “People have the

Chris Raszka

OLD WEST END MANSION TO 6

LMT, LLC

Watch Boomers’ editors Jen Ruple and Mary Helen Darah cook up delicious spring brunch dishes on May 8 at 12:30 p.m. on WTVG’s Full Plate with Rebecca Regnier.

MAY 2016

Christine A. Raszka, Licensed Massage Therapist 6616 Monroe St., Ste 3 • Sylvania, OH 43560 419.705.4993 • craszka@gmail.com • chrisraska.com

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Old West End Mansion

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misconception that it isn’t safe,” explained Laura. “Our girls walk to the Art Museum. The neighbors look out for each other. There was a parade of people welcoming us when we moved here. We carefully considered this option and it’s a good fit for us. Our old A stone (circa 1915) for ladies to exit neighborhood was getting remains from third owner Arthur boring. We frankly didn’t fit carriages Bell who graduated from Yale University and in there like we do here. The founded A.T. Bell and Company.

Matt Mishler sits in front of a Mud Hens, Walleye games, confessional used when the home You can follow the Docks, the Old West End Festival (June 4 was occupied by priests. the Mishler through June 5) and tons of community events family and their adventures on Laura’s blog, are all here.” Whether it be a “mansion” or a new midlifecrisismansion.net. The blog is a way of vehicle, the couple highly recommends getting showing friends and family their latest home out of your comfort zone, letting go of what projects and to reassure them that they haven’t others think and finding new adventures. completely lost their minds.

Boomers & Beyond in Ireland!

Elissa Cary, our graphic designer, recently traveled to Ireland with her mother, Fran Cary. They enjoyed a visit to Taylors Three Rock Irish Nights and Cabaret in Dublin, and visits to Killarney, Kilkenney, Waterford, The Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and many beautiful and historic stops in between. Elissa also brought along copies of Boomers and Beyond to share with the locals.

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

FROM 3 cotton gloves. Hers, however, were used to put a worm on a hook at one of our many fishing excursions at our lake home in Canada. Unlike my proper grandmother, Gram had a wicked sense of humor. When someone would ask her if she had naturally curly hair, she would reply with, “Yep, $50 bucks worth.” She would blame gaseous moments on the dog, neglecting to check to see if Spike was in the room before doing so. It always amazed me how this woman, who provided us with laugh-out-loud moments, was the same woman who defied her family by hopping on a train and heading out of Seymour, Ind., to become a registered nurse. Of course, she loved to turn on the ambulance siren even when there was no patient on board. She taught me that life is always better if you adjust your attitude, have the occasional “nip” and wear comfortable shoes.

The REAL woman and partner in crime is my mom, who is still going strong, loving the outdoors, her grandchildren and trying to keep up with my father at the age of 80.

I thought of her while Thanks to the building of solid reading an foundations by ‘domestic engineer’ Sue article that Scheib, the legacy of love continues. compared motherhood to the great cathedral builders.

Much of her work will not be recognized. The cathedral builders built hidden treasures in the nooks and crannies of their edifices knowing that only God would see. That pretty much sums up not only my mom but motherhood. I hope she realizes that as a “domestic engineer,” she has built a solid foundation of love and support that I hopefully have passed on to my daughters.

Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of yourself

Mother’s Day

MAY 2016

when you are helping others build their dreams and futures. I hope she realizes that like the Velveteen Rabbit, even though she has two new hips and a knee and is well-worn from giving and receiving love, she is Sue Scheib is a living, breathing ‘Velveteen Rabbit,’ well worn from perfectly selfless giving. imperfect to me. She is beautiful and above all REAL. Happy Mother’s Day to all.

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Plates and Places

Talk Derby to me By Jennifer Ruple It has been dubbed the most exciting two minutes in sports, and it happens every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The Kentucky Derby is horseracing’s most beloved Jennifer Ruple event and is steeped in 142 years of tradition. Handsome horses, colorful silks, fancy hats, bourbon, roses and mouthwatering southern food - all create the Derby experience.

But you don’t have to make the trip to Louisville to enjoy the race. Celebrate the occasion at home in true Derby style with these essentials: The Hat - is the pièce de résistance to your party attire, and the bigger it is the better. Create your own from a simple beach bonnet. Adorn with a big, colorful ribbon and attach large silk flowers with a hot glue gun.

The Décor take your cue from the Derby’s moniker, Run for the Roses.

Arrange red roses in silver trophy or julep cups.

The Race - so you think A “Run for the Roses” centerpiece in a you’ve got silver trophy bowl. what it takes to pick the winner, visit kentuckyderby.com to place your bet from home.

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Derby glasses are ready to be filled with cocktails.

The Beverage - the Mint Julep is the iconic drink of the Kentucky Derby, consisting of bourbon and a simple mint syrup served over ice.

For those who are not bourbon drinkers, try my fruity, vodka-based Mint Rulep below.

The Fare - think Southern-inspired foods like country ham and biscuits, beef brisket, Kentucky Hot Browns and bourbon-chocolate pecan pie.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes for Derby day.

The Mint Rulep Mix up a pitcher or two an hour or so ahead of time, chill and you’ll be ready to pour when guests arrive.

1 cup vodka 1 ½ cups pomegranate juice 1 ½ cups ruby red grapefruit juice 3 cups cranberry juice Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

In a large pitcher, combine vodka and juices.

Serve in individual glasses over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.

BOOMERS

& Beyond

Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Cookie Bars The quintessential dessert of the Kentucky Derby is Derby-Pie®.

Here’s a twist on tradition – these cookie bars have the same principle ingredients as the pie– bourbon, chocolate, nuts and brown sugar, only they’re easier to eat while juggling your tip sheet and Mint Julep.

For the cookie base: 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed

Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Cookie Bars are a decadent dessert.

1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour Pinch of salt

For the topping: 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed 3 tablespoons bourbon

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1 cup semi-sweet morsels

Heat oven to 350 F. Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper, and butter the paper and sides of pan.

Cream together butter and sugar until mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Stir in egg yolk and vanilla. Sift together flour and salt and stir into butter mixture. Press dough into prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cookie base is lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes before topping.

Whisk together eggs, brown sugar and bourbon. Whisk in flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in pecans and semi-sweet morsels. Spread topping evenly over the cookie base.

Bake for 20 minutes, until topping is deep golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.

Hot Browns Hors d’oeuvres The classic Hot Brown sandwich, originally created by the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky., is an open-faced sandwich topped with a cheesy sauce. Here’s a quick and easy appetizer version of it.

2 pieces crispy cooked bacon, 1 cup roasted turkey breast, crumbled diced Gruyere cheese, shredded 1 Roma tomato, seeded and diced Paprika 24 mini phyllo tart shells Parsley for garnish

Heat oven to 350 F. In each tart shell, layer turkey, tomatoes, cheese and bacon, sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned and tart is crispy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Equestrian-themed wine adds to the Derby ambiance.

Jennifer Ruple is the author of the blog somedaycowgirl.blogspot.com.

Midwest Entertainment & 93.5WRQN Welcome

H 1964 The Tribute H

Saturday July 30, 2016 Centennial Terrace H Sylvania, Ohio H 7 p.m.

The #1 Beatles Show In The World! Tickets available at etix.com or by phone (419) 381-8851 1964 The Tribute is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Corps. Ltd. • Photo by Steven Gardner

MAY 2016

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Books for Boomers

May is Sports and Fitness month, and you probably can’t wait to take advantage of the new warm weather. Here are some book suggestions to keep you active and healthy, as well as help you shape up for summer!

By Sue Schafer Younger Next Year: The Exercise Program, Workman Publishing, Manager, Sylvania Branch, 2016 Toledo Lucas County

By Chris Crowley Public Library This is the definitive exercise book that the one-million-plus readers of the Younger Next Year® series have been waiting for—and the exercise book that takes the intimidation out of starting a workout routine.

Anatomy of Exercise for 50+, Firefly Books, 2012

By Hollis Lance Liebman The exercises in this book support good health at any age, but for those over 50 they can help in the prevention of age-related problems like joint mobility, balance and fatigue, as well as medical conditions like heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Fitness after Forty: Your Strong Body at 40, 50, 60 and Beyond, American Management Association, 2015

By Vonda Wright The author is the creator of a unique exercise program tailored to the needs of mature athletes. You will learn how to approach exercise in a new way, gain flexibility, benefit from aerobic exercise, and much more.

Get Up! Why Your Chair is Killing You and What You Can Do About It, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014

By James A. Levine Health expert James A. Levine’s original scientific research shows that today’s chair-based world, where we no longer use our bodies as they evolved to be used, is having negative consequences on our health and is a leading cause of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Levine shows how to throw off the shackles of inertia and reverse these negative trends through simple changes in our daily lives.

This is Your Do-Over: The 7 Secrets to Losing Weight, Living Longer, and Getting a Second Chance at the Life you Want, Scribner, 2015

By Michael Roizen From the best-selling coauthor of the YOU series, this is the ultimate guide to reversing damage, optimizing health, and living a life filled with energy and happiness.

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Crossword fun: Think Spring ACROSS 1. Boat load 6. Line of work 9. Stairway alternative 13. Hitler’s mistress 14. High or low card 15. Country on Samoan Islands 16. Stiff hair or bristles 17. Kan. neighbor 18. Holy See loyalist practicing different rites 19. *Daylight ____ time 21. *Spring is a symbol of this 23. Much of this about nothing?

24. “Stop!” to marchers 25. Feather glue 28. World’s largest continent 30. To show off 35. Functions 37. Jittery 39. End of a poem 40. *Before you spring clean you make one?

41. Manet’s and Gauguin’s contemporary 43. Seaside bird 44. *”Spring to mind” or “Spring into action,” e.g.

46. Table mineral 47. Equal 48. Correspondence friend 50. Part of ROM 52. *Spring is a cure for ____, acr.

53. As opposed to “want” 55. Pine juice 57. *Vernal event 61. *Japanese spring blossom

MAY 2016

64. Knucklehead 65. Wear and tear 67. Made cow noise 69. Old hat 70. June honoree 71. Muscat resident 72. #23 Across, pl.

73. Mama sheep 74. Relating to Scandinavia DOWN 1. *Masters Tournament network 2. Mars, to the Greeks 3. “Pro” follower 4. Exotic jelly flavor 5. Iroquois tribe 6. “More ____ for the buck” 7. *It dissipates in spring 8. Striped equine 9. Raja’s wife 10. Gulf V.I.P. 11. Castle’s line of defense 12. Beaten by walkers 15. Difficult to detect 20. Red-____ like Rudolph 22. Hermey the dentist, e.g.

24. Wastedlooking 25. *Popular spring flower 26. Comment to the audience 27. Pine product 29. *____ of

March, or March 15 31. “The ____ Go Marching” 32. Part of eye containing iris, pl.

33. Marilyn Monroe’s given name 34. Pronged, as in three____ fork 36. “Cut that out!”

38. Ivy League school 42. Bills under mattress 45. Like “The Martian” mission 49. DiCaprio to his friends?

51. Nature spirit in Greek

mythology 54. Ooze out 56. Movie trailer, e.g.

57. Cocoyam 58. Leg muscle 59. “Do ____ others as...”

60. Frosts a cake 61. Formally surrender 62. Lion’s warning 63. Strong desires 66. Horror movie series 68. One of a set of dice

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Fitness fun is not just for the fit

REFIT offers uplifting exercise experience By Mary Helen Darah

and stages are welcome as evidenced by a third The motto of REFIT® instructor on the REFIT® Greater Toledo team, Revolution, a national millennial Hollyce Brammer. The class also helps cardio dance program, is participants discover their positive “impact potential” “Fitness isn’t just for the in their own lives as well as in others and raise the fit; it’s for the willing.” excellence and standards of culture while still Boomer, Dolli Darah, is now a REFIT® instructor remaining relevant to it.

Heart work Lori Brandt and Dolli Darah, and is excited to offer certified REFIT instructors, classes called REFIT® “It’s not about the ‘hard,’ it’s about the ‘heart,’” are part of a national dance Greater Toledo, where explained Darah. “Our routines use positive program called the ‘REFIT participants of all shapes movements and contemporary Christian music, which Revolution,’ that provides a and ability levels can safe environment and fitness not only creates a powerful body, but mind, soul and fun for people of all shapes work out in a safe spirit as well.” Participants are invited to take part in a and sizes. environment. “I started 5-minute session called “heart work” at the end of out teaching ZUMBA®,” she recalled. “But I was class. “It is a time of fellowship, sharing and lifting longing for an environment that was more than just an people up in prayer. We like to explain to the group exercise class. The ‘community’ aspect of REFIT® is that this part of class is optional. REFIT® is faith what caught my attention. I knew it would be the infused NOT faith invaded,” stated Darah. “We love perfect ‘fit' for me. There are no prerequisites for the gospel message and carry Christian values but we participants. Everyone can just be themselves.” are a fitness program for all people. We allow an open Fellow Boomer and REFIT® floor for sharing. During this instructor, Lori Brandt, week’s heart work, a class couldn’t agree more. “I teach member shared her joy of her exercise to cancer survivors daughter recently passing a at the ‘Victory Center',” difficult professional test. stated Brandt. “I went online Another participant asked to search for ideas for my that we remember a family class and I discovered going through a rough time. I REFIT®. Not everyone is a shared an inspirational quote size 2 or a gymnast. I love from nationally known A group of REFIT participants are on their way to that REFIT® celebrates creating a powerful body, mind, soul and spirit. author and speaker Brené diversity and age difference. It Brown, ‘You can’t start the next chapter of your life if is a safe community to form relationships and love you keep re-reading the last one.’ people as they are. We are all together moving on If you are ready to start a new chapter of fitness fun God’s great dance floor.” and be a part of an uplifting fitness experience, Core values consider joining the REFIT® Revolution.

Instructors promote the core values of the REFIT® REFIT® Greater Toledo classes are held at the Church philosophy. These include acceptance, bridging, of the Cross, 1750 Eastgate Rd. in Toledo, on Tuesdays connection, impact and excellence. Participants are at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. and at Epworth encouraged to love and accept the body they’re in.

United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Ave. in The community wants to build a “bridge” between Toledo, on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Find them on different cultures, beliefs, abilities and generations to Facebook at facebook.com/REFITGreaterToledo or email ddarah@bex.net for additional information. connect with others in class and out of class. All ages

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Celebrating 15 years

Lily’s at Levis offers unique home décor By Jennifer Ruple

A terrifying experience led Judy Church, owner of Lily’s at Levis, to realize that life is too short and that she should make the most out of every moment. In September 2000, Church was on her way home when suddenly Judy Church, owner of the home her vehicle was décor gift shop Lily’s at Levis, is struck by a semi. proud to celebrate 15 years in The truck ended business. up dragging Church’s vehicle about the length of two football fields before it completely stopped. “Of course I thought I was going to die,” she recalled.

While recuperating from the accident in northern Mich., Church stumbled upon a gift shop that sold unique home décor pieces. With prior experience as a business owner and in art sales, Church toyed with the idea of opening a similar business in the Toledo area. Fortunately for her, the owner of that shop agreed to sell Church her vendor list.

With the new vendor list and her passion for art, Church opened Lily’s on Main on May 1, 2001, in downtown Sylvania. “I had no idea what it was going to be until I put those Spring home and garden décor is two together,” she displayed from floor to ceiling at said. Named after Lily’s. her father’s favorite flower, Lily’s began as a Southwest décor store. “I like the look of the pine and pottery and more organic pieces. That’s kind of what it’s always been about.”

MAY 2016

Prior to opening Lily’s, Church sold fine art in a gallery in Ann Arbor, Mich., and was the owner of Deck the Walls, a print and framing store at Franklin Park Mall.

In 2008, Church relocated Lily’s to a larger space at The Shops at Fallen Timbers, then known as Lily’s on the Lake. In 2009, an opportunity arose, and Church moved Lily’s to its current location at The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg. Now known as Lily’s at Levis, the shop has 12 employees and offers more merchandise than ever including artwork and wall hangings, lamps and chandeliers, dishes, garden art, clocks, clothing, A horse print takes center stage in jewelry and this rustic vignette at Lily’s at Levis. accessories.

On May 1, 2016, Lily’s turns 15 years old. Church attributes her success to her positive attitude, always looking at the glass half full, and her love of life. “I always see the good in people. I love all of my customers, and I’ve had great employees over the years.”

Crossword Puzzle Solution

13

Job Search

A Challenge for Boomers? By Jim Worden

Were you born between 1946 and 1964? Have Skills – Are you comfortable with technology in you been in a job search during the last ten general, and are you up to date in your field of years? Will you be in a job search in the next ten expertise? years? Be careful about answering that one too In my work as a job coach, I discuss the age quickly. question almost every day with people who are If you answered yes to any of those questions, approaching retirement, and some just graduating the thought of age from college. Yes, discrimination has probably the age question crossed your mind. Instead of works both ways. wasting time worrying about Those of us who are something you can’t change, experienced may be focus on the positive things you considered overcan do to increase your chance qualified while of winning the job regardless of recent grads are your age. sometimes considered not There are three key factors in Are you comfortable with technology in general, and are experienced hiring: you up to date in your field of expertise? enough.

Skills – Do your skills, degrees Be careful also and professional certifications about saying, “I could do this job in my sleep.” A match the job specifications?

Results – Are your RESULTS stories in a simple prospective employer might agree, but feel that means you’ll be easily bored and unhappy in the Situation|Action|Result format? role.

Like – Do they feel you will fit in with their existing team? If not, you probably wouldn’t like There are many things in your control and out of your control during the job search. Your age is working there anyway. clearly not in your control. Claiming you are Areas to focus on to minimize age as an issue: younger violates my primary rule of Energy – Look and speak with energy. A simple interviewing, “Don’t lie!” thing like standing during your phone screen The important thing to keep uppermost in mind interview makes a difference in how you sound is to focus your time and effort on presenting on the other end. your skills, your experience and yourself Appearance – Are your clothes, hair and general completely and positively. That gives your appearance consistent with current fashion? prospective employer and you the best chance of

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making the right match that will lead to success for both of you.

Following a 28-year career in Issue Management/Crisis Communication with a global manufacturing company, Worden now uses his communication skills to help people speed up their job search.

Whatever you’re saying, it’s better said with chocolate.

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BOOMERS

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Garden walls

Help to define planting, sitting areas By Rick Cozza, The Italian Gardener Walls! If we lived in Walla Walla, Wash., talking about walls (or possibly wallabies) would probably be a daily occurrence. I’ve never been there, so I don’t know for sure.

But this past week I have been thinking a lot about walls, having put several A low wall helps to define a into proposals for planting area. new customers’ yards. I’m not talking about massive retaining walls like along the interstate or next to a hillside. I mean just a simple, low wall that helps to better define a planting bed or a special sitting area, for example.

Before the low wall was put in, the rain would wash rivers of soil down onto the sidewalk, requiring the owner to sweep and clean after every rain. No longer. And doesn’t it help to define and enhance the bed as well?

Likewise, before the low wall along the driveway, visitors would walk over the edge of the bed going around the corner, the mulch would wash onto the pavement, and the area just looked unfinished. Just a The border keeps mulch and few small wall soil in the garden.

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blocks from one of the ‘home stores’ dresses up the area and gives it a finished look. Think so?

It can make grasscutting easier as well, since the grass no longer grows into the bed, and who needs grass in your bed?

Stacked stone separates gravel Simple stacked stone and mulch. keeps the gravel and the mulch apart, and wonderfully defines the bed.

And in the last photo, the effect would not be the same without the low wall.

Also note the effect of the simple tall pot. It creates a A simple, tall pot creates a focal point. focal point for the bed and brings the eye up from the low wall, but that is a story for another issue.

Whether you live in Walla Walla or Toledo, the effect is the same. Nice!

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MAY 2016

4801 Holland Sylvania at Harroun

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stop will feature one or more artists who have created unique pieces for viewing or purchase on Toledo Botanical Garden Spring Plant Sale this very special night. Event information available at 810/937-5049.

Toledo Botanical Garden May 6-8, times vary Come celebrate spring and kick off planting season by adding some color to your garden! A Cinco De Mayo 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk wide variety of plants available, plus additional Pearson Metropark, Oregon, Ohio herbs from Maumee Valley Herb Society and Sunday, May 1, 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. seedlings available from Toledo Grows. Event information available at 419/536-5566 or This race/walk will be held rain or shine. toledogarden.org.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a race start time at 10 a.m. All monies raised from the Rhythm & Brews, too Chandler Café, Sylvania, Ohio race/walk will support the ongoing programs and May 12, 5-10 p.m. social services at Adelante, The Latino Resource Grab your friends and head to Sylvania for the Center. Online registration available at coolest concert series in Sylvania history. Enjoy the imathlete.com. music of The Good, The Bad and The Blues along Toledo Heart Walk & Run with the Overton Project and more. Beer and food Huntington Center, Downtown Toledo, Ohio trucks will be available. Event information available Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m. on Facebook.

The American Heart Association is the largest Glass City Film Festival voluntary health organization dedicated to Ohio Theatre and Event Center, 3114 Lagrange St., defeating heart disease, stroke and other Toledo, Ohio cardiovascular disease. Registration begins at 8 May 19-21, 6 p.m. a.m., 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m., walk will begin The Glass City Film Festival is the first juried film after ceremony at 9 a.m. Event and registration festival presented by the Ohio Theatre and Event information available at heartwalk.kintera.org.

Center. Enjoy short and feature length narratives, The Loop documentaries, animations and music videos.

Downtown Toledo Event and ticket information available at Thursday, May 19, 5:30-9 p.m. glasscityfilmfestival.com/.

The Loop is Downtown Toledo’s premier arts and culture event. Guest are invited to walk, cycle, or dance through the Loop while visiting one or more of the 30 plus participating venues. Event The Biggest Week in American Birding information and maps are available at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, Ohio theartscommission.org or 419/254-2787.

May 6-15 This week celebrates the peak of spring migration in the Lake Erie Marsh region of northwest Ohio.

This birding week will be packed with workshops, Weed and Wine warblers, guided field trips, speakers, workshops Toledo Botanical Gardens and more. Event information available at Third Wednesday of the month, 6-8 p.m. www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com.

Pair an evening of light garden work and instruction Holland Tulip Festival from a TBG horticulturalist with a glass of wine, Holland, Mich. conversation and fun.

May 7-14 Adopt a Road Located throughout the 7 mile radius in city of Olander Park, Sylvania, Ohio Holland. In the center of town, parades march May 21, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. down 8th street and Dutch Dancers perform. Event Assist TOPS staff in the community clean-up along information available at 616/396-4221 and Sylvania Ave. from King to Mitchaw Road. More info www.tuliptime.com. at 419/882-8313 or www.olanderpark.com.

Art Hop ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital Port Huron, Mich.

Looking for dedicated people to give their time and May 20 talent through hospital volunteer programs and hospital Downtown Port Huron merchants will be turning volunteer auxiliary. To learn more or request an their storefronts into art galleries. Each Art Hop application call 419/291-3648.

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