Toledo Free Press – Mar. 15, 2015 by Toledo Free Press

March 15, 2015

FREE since 2005

A to led o tra d iti o n fo r 1 0 yea rs

INSIDE: Ten years of business, health, politics, sports & more PLUS: Crystal Bowersox & five years of Star, page 29

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

March 15, 2015

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March 15, 2015

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Publisher’s statement

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

A Toledo tradition since 2005

DON LEE

10 years

his week marks a proud milestone for Toledo Free Press. Ten years ago, on March 16, 2005, we published our first issue. As I look back over the 10 years we have been in business, I marvel at all that has occurred in that time. The vision I had for a community-focused weekly newspaper was matched when I found Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller up in Adrian, Michigan. He was what I called “lightning in a bottle.” Michael agreed to come to Toledo to work on a “glass half-full approach” to this city. He was very adamant I stay out of his way. I agreed and let him do his thing while I ran the rest of the business. That arrangement never changed. The five straight “Best Weekly Newspaper designations from the Ohio Thomas F. Pounds SocietyinofOhio” Professional Journalists say all you need to know about what talent Michael brought to the table. Now Sarah Ottney, who was mentored by Michael for four years, sits in that seat and has already shown similar skills. I’ve watched tremendous writers come through our doors, including Brandi Barhite, who Michael often called one of the best journalists and feature writers he’s ever known; Caitlin McGlade, who never backed down from a challenge and is now an investigative reporter with The Arizona Republic; Jeremy Baumhower (who can forget Myles Eckert?); and Matt Zapotosky, who’s now covering federal courts for The Washington Post. Duane Ramsey has been writing business and economic development stories for most of those 10 years and Jeff McGinnis brought his unique pop culture voice to us five years ago. For our first two years, we were based out of the Toledo Edison building Downtown. Jim Murray, then-president of Ohio Edison, gave us the space to start the business. It has been wonderful to watch the growth of Downtown’s Warehouse District from our front-row seat on Monroe Street, where our offices now stand. When Blarney Irish Pub owner Ed Beczynski and I bought this building from Dave Ball (another visionary) in 2006, we had no idea what would happen around us. From the Huntington Center, Table Forty4 and PizzaPapalis sprouting up nearby to M Osteria recently opening, Black Cloister Brewing Co. coming this month and Veritas Cork & Craft right around the corner — what a hot corner we’re on where virtually nothing stood before we moved in! One thing TFP has done from the beginning is support local nonprofits (at least the ones that are not bullied into staying away from us). The latest effort, Dine 419, partnered with local restaurants to raise money for Veterans Matter to house homeless veterans (you will never find a more passionate advocate then its founder Ken Leslie). TFP has been a proud media sponsor of Holiday with Heart Charity Gayla since 2010 and Toledo Pride (started in 2010 by the just-as-passionate Lexi Staples) since 2011. As its media sponsor for the first four of its five years, we helped Leadership Toledo’s Restaurant Week Toledo grow into the immensely popular fundraiser it is today. n POUNDS CONTINUES ON 4

Editor’s Statement

t’s been fascinating these past few weeks sorting through of course, doesn’t mean today’s news stops. All our regular coverage can be found online at toledofreepress.com. Toledo Free Press issues dating back to March 16, 2005. I’ve been with TFP since September 2010, almost half I was the editor of my college paper when TFP launched, but I remember seeing an early copy when I was its existence. Founding Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller isn’t here to write a new Lighting the Fuse home on a break. In my mind, it’s the very first column, but we hope he looks back on the issue, but I could be mistaken. legacy he left in Toledo with pride. Nationally, Scott Peterson was sentenced Miller’s first column along with TFP Presito death for the killing of his pregnant wife, dent and Publisher Tom Pounds’ are reprinted the controversy over removing Terri Schiavo’s on Page 8. They highlight their hopes for the feeding tube was raging in Florida and Martha paper: to offer a fair, independent, commuStewart had just been released from prison. nity-focused voice, to focus on the positive Locally, the Tom Noe coin scandal was while not shying away from hard questions, to heating up, developers David Ball and Jimmy have a mission but not an agenda. Ten years Jackson had a plan to transform the steam plant later, those goals are unchanged. into luxury apartments and the Mud Hens were Sarah Ottney Our coverage is written by local writers, soon to be riding high as Governors’ Cup champions. The Veterans Glass City Skyway wasn’t there. Neither about and for the local community. After 10 years, we’re still rewas Huntington Center. Southwyck Mall was still open. Later fining each day our role in the community and how we can best and more responsibly serve our readers and earn their trust. that year, Carty would be elected to his third term. Happy birthday, TFP! Here’s to many more. It’s true that 10 years is only a blip on the radar in the Thanks for reading. O grand scheme of things, but I hope you’ll forgive us the indulgence of marking the milestone by revisiting some of our past coverage this week. Just because it’s our birthday, Sarah Ottney is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press. Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com

A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC, Vol. 11, No. 11. Established 2005. EDITORIAL James A. Molnar, Design Editor jmolnar@toledofreepress.com Joel Sensenig, Managing Editor jsensenig@toledofreepress.com Danielle Stanton, News Editor dstanton@toledofreepress.com Tom Konecny, Associate Editor tkonecny@toledofreepress.com Jeff McGinnis, Pop Culture Editor PopGoesJeff@gmail.com

... and counting

ADVERTISING SALES John McNamara, Sales Manager jmcnamara@toledofreepress.com • (216) 406-6384 Renee Bergmooser, Senior Sales Representative rbergmooser@toledofreepress.com • (419) 266-0254 Chick Reid, Sales Representative creid@toledofreepress.com • (419) 705-5396 Jacob Vugrinac, Sales Representative jvugrinac@toledofreepress.com • (419) 699-2707

ADMINISTRATION Pam Burson, Business Manager pburson@toledofreepress.com DISTRIBUTION (419) 241-1700, Ext. 234 tpounds@toledofreepress.com PRODUCTION Christie Materni, Photographer

Sarah Ottney, Editor in Chief sottney@toledofreepress.com

STAFF WRITERS news@toledofreepress.com Brandi Barhite • Jim Beard • Jay Hathaway • Vicki L. Kroll Matt Liasse • Duane Ramsey • Chase Will Michael S. Miller, Editor in Chief Emeritus Chris Kozak, Staff Writer Emeritus • Lisa Renee Ward, Staff Writer Emeritus COPY EDITORS/PROOFREADERS Darcy Irons, Marisha Pietrowski, Gary Varney

Toledo Free Press is published every Sunday by Toledo Free Press, LLC, 605 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43604. Subscription rate: $100 /year. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2015, all rights reserved. Publication of advertisements does not imply endorsement of advertisers’ goods or services.

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

I HEART GLASS CITY

Toledo’s better with a Free Press

“One of America’s Great Newspapers am not a writer. I never imagined my words (For Law Firms)” would be a more accurate description. would appear in TFP dedicates its a newspaper, espeink to news without a cially on a regular hidden agenda while basis. I’m fairly cerhighlighting the heart tain my family was of a city learning how to equally shocked to walk again. It provides find them in their a vehicle and voice for driveways or even in many previously unrepa grocery store. resented communities, My words did not and people dreaming of come from years of change. It’s helped chameducation nor from Jeremy BAUMHOWER pion the “You Will Do a lifelong love affair with writing. They appeared as a sur- Better in Toledo” campaign, which vival method from a heart that was now welcomes all those who visit the Glass City. drowning in things it needed to say. I come from a proud union I don’t remember what sparked the conversation between former family full of carpenters, welders Toledo Free Press Editor in Chief Mi- and UAW members. I can take my chael S. Miller and myself. But I do children anywhere around the city remember my motivation in asking. and show them things our family has After spending 10 years on the radio, built, from Fifth Third Field to the an occupation and lifestyle that cost new I-280 bridge. I have discovered me a marriage, I wanted to show my my talents lie in my voice, rather family the person I was, not the one than my hands. The love and support of those I was pretending to be. As a father of four, I fear a retire- who read my column has been overment with weekends spent primarily in whelming. This paper has served as a car or on a plane — trips to visit my my heart’s bucket, allowing me to grandchildren if this city cannot attract dump its words one column at a time. jobs to retain the younger generations. It’s given me the opportunity to effect I was tired of living in a city a positive difference. Since I don’t posbeing bullied by its daily news- sess the ability to cut a straight line, this paper. I was tired of being shown, column offers my children a chance to via front-page “special reports,” how see my work. As a child, my grandparents Pete bad and ugly my hometown was. I never understood how the publisher and JoAnn Zunk would give me of a city’s newspaper could live in a these beautiful personal tours, where completely different state, hundreds they would drive throughout the city of miles away. The irony of a news- to show how rooted our family is in paper publishing repeated editorials Northwest Ohio. After writing and appearing in offering advice to local politicians on how to run city government this paper for over a year, I learned while itself losing millions of dollars they were secretly keeping a scrapbook of my columns. My grandma a year is beyond rich. I wanted to highlight and show- was painstakingly cutting the paper case Toledo’s greatest export: its and gluing the pieces into a photo heart. I knew that if I shared stories album. Who needs Google when of Toledoans at their finest, it could you have glue? It was at this moment I knew my be contagious. I think it has been. Toledo Free Press has spent the words had reached their targeted past decade battling the one thing audience — a nice older couple that has kept this city down since the from Point Place. Thank you Toledo Free Press for last episode of “M*A*S*H” aired, and it isn’t the economy. The Blade is close being the jobsite of my work and to crippling this paper with behind- home to my heart. We have done better in Toledo the-scenes influence and legal bills with a Free Press. O from an insulting lawsuit. If you can’t beat ’em, sue ’em. If they dare to point out the emperor Jeremy Baumhower can be reached at wears no clothes, sue ’em some more. jeremytheproducer@icloud.com.

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

March 15, 2015

n POUNDS CONTINUED FROM 3 Then there were the six charity CDs we produced for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio and Project iAm — Michael’s babies — which raised more than $70,000. Lucas County Children Services’ (LCCS) Wear Blue Day, which asks people to take a stand against child abuse, is one of the most touching nonprofits we have supported in our years. Same with the organization’s holiday gift drive. LCCS is a wonderful organization that has taken some unfair hits from other media in town; it does not deserve that. Food for Thought’s Jam City and Food Fight 419 were also causes we got behind. Smoke on the Water, benefiting the Red Cross, was always a good time. In January 2007, we shifted publication from Wednesday to Sunday. On our fifth birthday, we launched Toledo Free Press Star, a standalone Wednesday publication covering arts and entertainment, which, in 2013, was absorbed back into the Sunday TFP. Throughout it all, loyal advertisers like ProMedica (from issue No. 1), Monroe Dodge (Ralph Mahalik Jr. has also been with us from the beginning), Fifth Third Bank, TARTA, Mercy, Hollywood Casino Toledo, Owens Community College, Estate Jewelers, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority,

the Town Center at Levis Commons and Fat Fish Blue have been our lifeblood. Without advertisers who had guts like these companies (and so many more) we would have never made it 10 years. We have taken our share of punches to the gut as well. Despite an unbelievable lawsuit from a newspaper that wants to step on us and disloyal employees stealing from us, we have found a way to fight through. The loyal and hardworking employees of the paper are the reason we have lasted this long. James A. Molnar is one of the most talented artists I have had the pleasure to know. Chick Reid, who has been working for me for years (first at The Blade and now here), is one of the best-known sales people in town and just a great guy. My now lon-

gest-tenured employees, Renee Bergmooser and Pam Burson, are loyal to the bone and some of my best friends. Many of our columnists have been with us for years. Our cartoons and crossword puzzles are created locally too. Last but not least are you, our readers. Thanks for sticking with us and thanks for reading. It’s the people who have made us and who are the key to our success. This is the reason we are still the largest Sunday paper in Lucas County and in my opinion the best. Thank you, Toledo! O Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

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Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

First issue The first issue of Toledo Free Press, published March 16, 2005, featured a cover story on crime statistics in Toledo, Maumee, Perrysburg and Sylvania. The story by Dave Wasinger, "Criminal Divide: Beyond the good news of falling numbers, Toledo crime stats offer a glimpse of two very different realities,” remains relevant today. The article featured Maumee shop owner David Swesey, who said he felt safe, and block watch leader Sally Hampton who said it seemed like crime reports dominated the news, and even though statistics showed crime had dropped, she didn’t feel safe. According to the article, crime dropped in Toledo by 5.6 percent in 2004, a drop then-Toledo Police Chief Mike Navarre

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

called "significant” compared to the drops of 1.5 and 1 percent in 2003 and 2002. Arsons, auto thefts and thefts all dropped. Rapes and robberies dropped too, but overall violent crimes — murder, manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault and rapes combined — rose 3 percent. At the time, Mayor Jack Ford said the increase of block watch programs from 59 to 144 since his election had helped curb crime. Also covered in the first TFP were the opening of The Market on St. Clair, a former fresh bread, produce and “upscale groceries” store in the Warehouse District, “Meet the Mayor” meetings with Ford, a profile of Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Authors! Authors! series guest Edward P. Jones, the grand opening of Dr. Scott’s

March 15, 2015

Pinball at its new location on Conant Street, a community feature on former drug addict Derek Feniger who turned his addiction to running marathons, a business feature about Toledo-based GatewayDefender offering “new age tactics in the war on spam,” sports features on high school basketball standouts Ben “B.J.” Raymond of St. John’s Jesuit and Ali Wallace of Sylvania Northview and an Arts & Life review of DC Comics’ Gotham Central. The first issue also featured introductory columns from Publisher Tom Pounds and Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller, which are reprinted on Page 8. Staff writers Vicki Kroll and advertising sales manager Renee Bergmooser have been with the paper since the first issue. O

Still in the news A few of the hot topics we covered 10 years ago are still in the news today. TFP covers in May, June and July 2005 and August 2006 featured developers David Ball and Jimmy Jackson’s plans for the Downtown steam plant. These days it’s ProMedica who has big plans for the space as its new Downtown headquarters. Our Oct. 19, 2005,

issue about rioting in Toledo following a visit from the National Socialist Movement (NSM) featured a double cover — one with a black man and another a white man. In October 2006, we revisited those affected one year later, including Lou Ratajski and Terry Rybczynski, whose Mulberry Street bar Jim and Lou’s was looted and burned. NSM recently announced it would return to Toledo next month to host a rally. O

Co n To gra l tu e on d 10 o Fr latio gr ee P ns ea t y ress ea rs !

April is National Safe Digging Month

March 15, 2015

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Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

A Toledo tradition since 2005

COMMUNITY OMBUDSMAN

{Kudos.} Plante Moran congratulates the Toledo Free Press on celebrating 10 years.

A higher return on experience.

plantemoran.com

My 10 favorite stories

y relationship with Toledo Free Press began with a simple email asking thenEditor in Chief Michael Miller if he had a job opening. I was a reporter who had just relocated from Sandusky and I liked the scrappiness of the weekly paper. I was interviewed and hired that day. That is the pace of the Free Press. But in honor of TFP’s 10th birthday, I wanted to slow down and reflect Brandi on 10 stories that most resonated with me. In no particular order:

Derek Merrin

Special Sections April 5: Eye on Health

Aging Eye on Health is a comprehensive monthly guide to the health issues affecting our community today. The April focus is aging. Included will be coverage of area resources and a list of upcoming local events, along with personal stories from seniors in the community.

Merrin was the 21-year-old Waterville resident who ran for mayor and beat the incumbent in 2007. He was one of the youngest mayors in Ohio history. He was also one of my first interviews as a reporter for TFP. He was engaging and had a great sense of humor. He told me he planned to continue to live with his parents because he wanted to stay true to his campaign promise. “I am a fiscal conservative. I want to save money,” he said, laughing. After finishing his four-year term as mayor, Merrin was hired by the state to conduct performance audits for local governments. He is now the regional liaison for the Auditor of State. Impressive.

Dominick Kaple

Kaple was part of a larger series that I worked on called Brain Gain. This series celebrated people who were making their careers in the Toledo area. Kaple was a gym teacher concerned about the rise in childhood obesity. He worked to show his kids that there is life outside of technology. Unfortunately, Toledo’s gain would be temporary. Kaple has since become an assistant principal for Lorain High School. While that is sad, that’s the point of writing about those who stay in Northwest Ohio. It seems like it is rare. When someone does stay, we want to celebrate it.

Africa

For information about advertising, call your TFP ad representative or email ads@toledofreepress.com

In 2009, I traveled with the Toledo International Youth Orchestra (TIYO) to Tanga, Tanzania, which is Toledo’s sister city. The young students were raising money to build a music room for the Toledo Secondary School in Tanga. The poverty we witnessed was indescribable. The unsanitary conditions led to many of the locals’ health problems, which were addressed by the medical

team that came with us. It would have been an otherwise dismal trip had it not been for TIYO performing for the natives who in exchange performed for us. Music is truly universal.

Tornado

On June 5, 2010, a tornado destroyed parts of Millbury and leveled Lake High School, where my husband is a teacher and coach. The tornado twisted my roles as wife and reporter. I was unBARHITE comfortably close to the story and decided to venture even closer. For a whole year, I followed a family who had lost everything in the tornado but each other. Brick by brick, I followed their rebuilding process, which included guilt for surviving. Three members of the family next door had died. Writing 52 stories forced me to rethink the notion that a story is done just because the media has moved on.

D. Michael Collins

I interviewed Collins in August 2009 when the councilman was running for mayor the first time. Some of the best stories are the ones that contain information never meant to be published. During the interview, Collins shared with me that his son had committed suicide. I wanted to publish it; Collins refused. A few days later, I called and asked again. I told him his life experiences were a reason he had empathy for the people he wanted to serve. He agreed and let me use this quote: “I will never see life the same way again, I can tell you that,” he said. “For the first couple of years, I would see something on the street that would automatically register in my head and I would have an emotional experience over my son.”

My family

I don’t like to write about my family or myself. I prefer to tell stories about other people, but I wrote about my dad losing his job and my mom shattering her leg. I wrote about my sister’s boyfriend losing his brother. Every time I write about my family I am amazed at how many people are interested. It shows me that readers appreciate when journalists become introspective.

Suzanne Carroll

I have written many stories about people suffering from diseases, but no one described her condition as vividly as Carroll, the former host of radio show “The Jazz Brunch.” In 2013, Carroll shed light on multiple sclerosis (MS) in a way

that will forever leave me humbled by those who suffer from this incurable disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. She called one of her MS attacks a “slow slide down into hell.” She was so fatigued she was tired 10 minutes after a full night’s sleep. Her subsequent nerve pain was so painful she often had to sit unclothed with her arms in the air.

Underage drinking

Is your student drinking? That was what I wanted to find out and the answers were alarming. Teens told me that it isn’t hard to get alcohol; it’s all about the connections. Some teens even buy fake IDs. The impetus for this story was the underage drinking death of Brian Hoeflinger in February 2013. Within weeks, his family, in particular his father, Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, started a nationwide conversation about underage drinking. “Parents need to talk about it; they need to start a line of conversation,” Brian’s dad said. “Millions of parents don’t think of talking about it because they don’t think their kids are doing it.”

Father’s Day is every day

Craig Schuele was one of the happiest people I have ever interviewed. His optimism and joy for life were so contagious that I left the interview thinking that adopting six kids from Lucas County Children Services was the secret to lifelong happiness. “I get a lot of love all the time. They are really great kids,” he told me. “Obviously, we have our moments and we have our days, but Father’s Day is just like every other day. We might have a soccer game; we might have a baseball game. It might be the only free day I have that weekend and I might have to cut the grass, and obviously that hasn’t happened in a while,” he said, laughing. And then he got serious. “You think about where they could have been growing up. They wouldn’t nearly have the opportunities they had had,” Schuele said. “I am proud that I am able to give them that chance, even with six of them.”

Insert your story here

Toledo Free Press only exists because of you. The best stories are yet to be told. Without your ideas and your willingness to be interviewed, our publication would not exist. While I could come up with dozens more stories that I have enjoyed writing, I am wise enough to know that some of the best stories are the ones that we haven’t even thought of yet. O Brandi Barhite is community ombudsman at Toledo Free Press. Contact her at bbarhite@toledofreepress.com.

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

First Columns These columns were originally published March 16, 2005, in the first issue of Toledo Free Press.

LIGHTING THE FUSE

Welcome to the dawn of a new tradition How long has it been since you felt any ownership in the Toledo print media? If you answered, “I own it now,” you’re not our intended audience. The Toledo Free Press has a mission, but not an agenda; we want to be a paper for the people, a conduit for ideas, stories and conversation. What stories do you want to share? We know there are good stories waiting to be told. We know there is positive news to spread. There are quiet developments, slow progressions and hard-working people investing in Toledo and working for its citizens. We want to give them a forum to discuss their ideas and discoveries. But there’s a difference between being a thoughtful booster and a blindly loyal cheerleader. We recognize that along with good news, there will be tough questions to ask and answer, accountability issues to explore, and dark, mossy corners that need a bright light focused upon them. To paraphrase New York Times publisher Arthur Hays Sulzberger, we’ll tell you which way the cat is jumping; you take care of the cat. The star in our masthead logo represents five important points of our character: n Dignity — We will treat readers with respect. n Transparency — We will openly state our editorial objectives. n Honesty — We will report with accuracy and clarity. n Accessibility — We will be open to reader feedback, input and guidance. n Objectivity — We will be fair.

Michael S. Miller These are not lofty, ivory-tower ideals. They are the cornerstones of our editorial mission. As we grow and experiment, you will see different writers, columnists and design ideas in these pages. We encourage you to contact us and let us know what you like, what you don’t, and what you believe is missing. While some local newspapers serve you gray pages filled with news that isn’t relevant to your life, presented in a way that isn’t very easy to use, we are offering you a different experience: colorful, lively pages you will want to spend time with, filled with stories you care about that, hopefully, will show you an important part of the Toledo community. It’s about time someone told these stories, don’t you think? Hasn’t it been a long time since someone wrote newspaper stories that matter to you and impact your everyday life? We’re glad to have you with us. We invite you to make an appointment with us each week. Michael S. Miller is Editor in Chief of Toledo Free Press. He may be contacted at (419) 241-1700 or by e-mail at mmiller@ toledofreepress.com.

March 15, 2015

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

A newspaper for the city, its people and its future Why the Toledo Free Press? The name of our newspaper reflects a double meaning: we are a freedistribution newspaper and we are an independent voice in Toledo and the region. The purpose for our publication is to offer area residents a positive look at the community and its economic development. We will look at both the positive aspects of life in our area as well the issues that hinder our development. This does not mean we will shy away from hard news, but it does mean we plan to emphasize the collective efforts of those who wish to see our region grow. I have had the privilege of living in several major metropolitan areas and I can testify that we live in one of the best regions in the country. Too often we hear about “brain drain” and the exodus of our young people, which I attribute in some part to a poor selfimage of Toledo. I had an opportunity to leave Toledo but I chose to stay here and start this company because I believe in the quality of life my family and I can enjoy here and because this

Thomas F. Pounds is a great place to live and do business. Toledo Free Press will spotlight people who make this a great place to live. You will be surprised at how special your neighbors are! We will focus on four major areas: Business, Community, Arts & Life and Sports. Our Business pages will offer looks at real estate, development, finances, homes, technology and all the commercial enterprises that serve our community. One of this section’s regular features is “Toledo in Business,” which will focus on businesses that have been open less than two years. Our Community section will include in-depth reporting on education, health care, government and social issues. Within this section,

you will find a weekly Toledo Spotlight, which will feature people who are making a difference with their contributions. Our Arts & Life pages will strive to bring you news on local cultural events and provide insight on emerging artists who will impact the national scene and those who liven things up locally. We have a wealth of talent in this area and we plan to showcase it. Our Sports coverage will go beyond the historical game reviews to present unique insights that will bring you closer to big match-ups. We are proud of the professional newspaper team we have assembled. We are excited to launch this business in the city and area we call home. I hope you will join me and be an active part of our efforts. Feel free to comment on our coverage. We welcome your input. Thomas F. Pounds is President and Publisher of Toledo Free Press, LLC. He may be contacted at tpounds@ toledofreepress.com.

TO THE TOLEDO FREE PRESS

AND GOING STRONG… A big ‘high-five’ and ‘thumbs-up’ to the Free Press sharing an array of thought provoking, compelling stories during the past 10 years …stories that make us TPS PROUD and Toledo PROUD. Toledo Public Schools

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GUEST COLUMN

ToledoFreePress.com

A Toledo tradition since 2005

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 11

Warehouse District: 125 years in the making

or a neighborhood that has existed for more than 125 years, 10 years seems like a blip. Part of what I lovingly accept in my role as Toledo Warehouse District Association president is that I am just a caretaker of something that has

existed long before me and will exist long after me. That being said, I am mighty proud of what our little volunteer association has accomplished in 10 years’ time, and more significantly, what the Warehouse District has be-

come in the past 10 years. The best part of the renovation of the Warehouse District is precisely that it took 10 years to get here. Each building was restored one at a time, by a committed owner with a dream. Slowly and steadily, building by

Compassionate Greater Toledo Photo Contest 2015

building, was the Warehouse District rebuilt. This careful pace and individual commitment are two important ingredients for long-term success. As you walk the streets, you are energized by the colors and creativity that flow out of these buildings. Restaurants, offices, lofts, and art galleries all call the Warehouse District home. Now, blocks of buildings have been renovated and Diane repurposed. Twenty-first century businesses operating in 19th century buildings — what a wonderful blend of modernism and history. By no means are we done. More projects are in the works: Hensville, the Berdan Building, Erie Street Market, Foundry Square. These reno-

vations are all catalyst projects; they will spur even more energy and excitement in the Warehouse District. The history of the Warehouse District is unduplicated. To know that the floors we walk on were built and walked on by people 100 years before us gives us pause. Our lives have KEIL-HIPP depth and meaning when we realize we are just stewards of this great neighborhood, and our legacy is caring for these buildings and passing them on to the next generation. O Diane Keil-Hipp is president of the Toledo Warehouse District Association.

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com·pas·sion: a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.; sympathetic awareness of others’ distress together with a desire to help them. Mission: Showcasing how diverse and compassionate Greater Toledo is in just one photo. This contest is focused on the collective greatness of our city and region, through positive and peaceful happenings that occur on a daily basis. How to Enter: Complete an entry form, find rules and details and submit photos (or a drawing for students grades K-8) at www. toledo.oh.gov/services/community-relations between March 1-31, 2015. All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form. All entry forms and photo entries must be submitted in a digital format. Photos (or drawings, only by children grades K-8) and completed entry form will be accepted via email at bcr1@toledo.gov (or by mail, or in person Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 1 Government Center, Suite 2130, Toledo, OH 43604) between March 1-31, 2015. Photos will be judged by: 1) pertinence to compassionate theme, 2) clarity of photo resolution, and 3) artistic composition. Only one photo/entry per person will be accepted. Photos will be juried by Toledo Museum of Art staff. For clarity — all photos or scanned drawings should be in JPEG or PNG format and of the highest-possible resolution.

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12. Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

Politics

Five people have held the office of Toledo mayor since Toledo Free Press first saw print: Jack Ford, Carty Finkbeiner, Mike Bell, D. Michael Collins and Paula Hicks-Hudson. Collins and Bell are tied for most cover appearances, with nine each. Politicians from all parties and levels of government have been featured in our pages, from mayoral and City Council candidates to members of Congress like Marcy Kaptur, Paul Gillmor and Rob Portman. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain were covered during their 2008 race as were Obama and Mitt Romney in 2012. In July 2005, we ran a never-before-published interview with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. On Jan. 3, 2007, we published Bob Taft’s final print interview as governor. On Feb. 22, 2009, we spoke to unlikely political firebrand Samuel “Joe the Plumber” Wurzelbacher, the Holland resident who rose to national prominence several months earlier when he asked Obama how his tax plan would affect his plumbing business. We’ve covered issues such as public breastfeeding (September 2007), when we talked with an area woman asked to leave PacSun at Westfield Franklin Park Mall for breastfeeding her 1-year-old son. In October 2009, we looked at Issue 3, which passed that November, allowing casinos to be built in Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. There were two attempts to unseat Finkbeiner and years of well-documented “dysfunction” at the Lucas County Board of Elections. Younger readers may have a hard time believing smoking in bars and restaurants was once commonplace. But plenty of business owners got quite heated about the issue when it first came to light a decade ago. From 2005-08, TFP featured cover stories about the smoking ban issue at least four times, with owners of Delaney’s Lounge and The Distillery among those vowing to fight the ban, saying it would keep customers away and irrevocably hurt their business. Both bars are still in business. O

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

March 15, 2015

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March 15, 2015

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A Toledo tradition since 2005

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 13

14 Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

BUSINESS The heartbeat of a vibrant community is its business environment, and Toledo Free Press has consistently strived to cover business matters as they affect both corporations and the average resident. In early 2006, we covered the contentious battle between Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Toledo City Council over bringing Costco to Westgate Village Shopping Center. We celebrated Tony Packo’s 75th anniversary in February 2007, Owens Corning’s 75th anniversary in 2013 and Sam Okun Produce’s 100th anniversary in 2014. We looked at how rising gas prices were driving sales of hybrids in May 2007, explored attempts to save Downtown science and technology museum COSI in December 2007, offered a tour inside the new Bass Pro Shops in April 2008 and got to know Randy Oostra as he began his position as president and CEO of ProMedica in 2010. We also interviewed personal finance guru Suze Orman in March 2011, provided a look inside the new Hollywood Casino Toledo in January 2012, took an in-depth look at the city’s vital and ongoing attempt to keep production of Jeep Wrangler in Toledo and more. O

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A Toledo tradition since 2005

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 15

Napoli, Hens have shepherded big changes Downtown over decade

TOLEDO FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

By Joel Sensenig

Toledo Free Press Managing Editor jsensenig@toledofreepress.com

Mud hens general Manager Joe Napoli, photographed at fifth third field for Toledo Free Press in June 2005.

It’s hard for Joe Napoli to stick to sports when discussing the past 10 years. As general manager of the Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Free Press placed Napoli atop its list of the “25 most influential people in Toledo sports” in 2005. He’s arguably more influential now, serving as president and general manager for both the Hens and Toledo Walleye. By spearheading the Mud Hens’ move Downtown prior to the 2002 season, he’s also had a direct impact on revitalizing the center of the city. “Nope, not much going on,” Napoli joked about the past decade from the fifth-floor executive office space at Fifth Third Field. Looking out the window overlooking the southeast corner of the ballpark, Napoli said the stadium has exceeded all expectations he had when the relocation process from Ned Skeldon Stadium in Maumee began at the turn of the century. “I think we had established some pretty high standards, but it’s really gone beyond that,” he said. “It’s almost fairy talelike when you really think about what we hoped would happen and what has happened — it’s even better. You take a look

at the Warehouse District: $12 million in annual payroll, up from virtually nothing. Seventy new businesses of all varieties. ... Those are the things that we hoped would happen, and that they have happened is very gratifying.” Napoli realizes the Mud Hens and Walleye are staples in the community, and he doesn’t plan on letting that change. “Our mission is to be affordable, familyoriented and deliver what we internally call a fanatical experience,” he said. “So as long as we keep delivering on the mission and treat all of our fans like they’re our guests, I think we’ll always be one of those institutions or attractions in town that people point to with pride. But we don’t ever rest on that, because it’s easy to take your fans for granted, and we’ve seen other organizations do that. Once you do that, it’s just going to be a recipe for disaster. “We always try to reinvent or refresh the experience,” he said. The Hensville project is one way Napoli is attempting to do just that. The effort to rehabilitate three Warehouse District buildings into dining, retail and office space recently received nearly $4 million in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits from the Ohio Development Services Agency. The project has an estimated cost of $18.8 million. Hensville is part of the Mud Hens’ com-

mitment to refreshing the game experience for fans, Napoli said. “It’s going to remind people of Wrigleyville,” he said. “There will be some dining options, there will be some shopping options, there will be rooftop decks, just like across the street at Wrigley [Field]. We’re also adding a park just beyond right field wall, with an acre of open space, for concerts, festivals and theater in the park — all of these things that encourage social interaction. “The goal is to encourage even more people to come Downtown,” Napoli said. “Between the two franchises, we bring about 750,000 people a year Downtown. We want to raise that to between 850,000 and 900,000 with Hensville.” A decade ago, Napoli began to see his dream of revitalizing Downtown through the Mud Hens come to fruition. “We really positioned the team and the location of Fifth Third Field for success,” he said. “We really felt like we had the right location. We thought that being part of the Warehouse District was important. Hindsight being 20/20, when you look at other communities that have had success at the major league or the minor league level, it’s because the adjacent properties and real estate were the type that could be renovated and rehabbed successfully. n NAPOLI CONTINUES ON 16

n NAPOLI CONTINUES ON 16

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“

March 15, 2015

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When we fast-forward 10 more years and we look back, I think we’ll be talking about how ProMedica’s move to Downtown was the tipping point. The last 10 years have been wonderful. I think the next 10 years are going to be even better.” — Joe Napoli n NAPOLI CONTINUED FROM 15 “So when you look at the Warehouse District and even the Business District in Downtown, it’s ripe for redevelopment. We have the good structure — we just needed a catalytic event.” The Mud Hens were that event. Looking to the future, Napoli sees Downtown continuing to grow. A couple of blocks to the north of Fifth Third Field, development around Huntington Center has been slower than anticipated. He blames that on bad timing. “The only thing Huntington Center suffered from originally was bad timing, going into the recession,” he said. “But with ProMedica coming in two blocks away, I think we’re going to see a lot of things happen around that building that we thought would have happened by now.” With these projects, along with Downtown riverfront property to become the next Toledo Metropark, investment in the area is approaching $200 million. “When we fast-forward 10 more years, and we look back, I think we’ll be talking about how ProMedica’s move to Downtown was the tipping point,” Napoli said. “The last 10 years have been wonderful. I think the next 10 years are going to be even better.” As for his placement on that Toledo Free Press Top 25 list? Napoli takes the humble approach, laughing when he thinks back on the designation. Others on the list included Tom Amstutz, Jimmy Jackson, Stan Joplin, Jamie Farr, Christine Brennan and Bruce Gradkowski. “It’s flattering, but when you go through that list, there are a whole bunch of men and women on that list that could be No. 1,” he said. “I have always appreciated the fact that they picked me to top the list, but I never really thought that it was deserved, because in order to be successful, you have to have so many people involved that do things very well. We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve been surrounded by good people. Not only internally, but everyone that’s supported the team, from local government to sponsors and season ticket holders and the like.”

It seems clear the New York native has no plans to leave Toledo any time soon. He smiles as he reflects on why he enjoys living here. “When you think about living an active life, you can do that in Toledo,” he said. “What I mean by that is you can go to work, and love your job and enjoy your time at work. You can be home in 10-15 minutes and participate in the lives of your family [members]. When you look at recreation, you’ve got a river, a lake, a parks system that’s amazing, all the attractions. And you have that all wrapped up in a midsized community full of very nice people.” O

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18 Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

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GUEST COLUMN

County’s next 10 years look bright

y first year as Lucas County help transform this rapidly growing Commissioner in 2005 was neighborhood into a showcase for our the beginning of what would region that will attract even more resibe one of the nation’s and our commu- dents, employers and visitors. The commissioners nity’s toughest economic pealso acquired the old Hotel riods. We faced a widespread Seagate located on the same foreclosure crisis, endured block as the SeaGate Condevastating cuts to local govvention Centre, directly ernment funds and saw many across from the future Probusinesses close. Medica headquarters. We Lucas County, through the simply could not stand idly sheer grit and determination by while this abandoned of its citizens, weathered the structure blighted an othstorm. We focused on fiscal Pete GERKEN erwise vibrant corner. Now, stability, urban revitalization and quality-of-life issues. Now, 10 years with a strong private-public partnerlater, we are poised to see a revitalization ship blossoming, we are taking steps to that promises to bring economic pros- tear down the building. We will engage our community and stakeholders about perity and good jobs back home. Sound financial stewardship has redevelopment and further investment. In August, the algal bloom event helped keep Lucas County moving forward. The commissioners made tough shed light on the need to address the decisions, including taking steps to re- water quality of the Western Lake Erie duce costs to ensure a balanced budget, basin. Just last week, the board led a in order to continue to deliver services statewide conference, bringing in 19 elected officials to focus on the protecthat citizens expect. Lucas County has a proven track tion of water quality this season. This record when it comes to urban revi- conference led the effort to a collaboratalization, having invested nearly $200 tive plan, which is the first step toward million in Toledo’s Downtown core. a real discussion on water in the region. We are fully engaged in the process As the owner of Fifth Third Field and Huntington Center, we remain com- of rebuilding the Lucas County Correcmitted to the success of Toledo. Fifth tions Center, an outdated, over-capacity Third Field, in particular, has been the and functionally inefficient facility. catalyst for the Toledo Warehouse Dis- Along with fixing the dilapidated facility trict’s revitalization. Lucas County is comes the opportunity to restructure our proud to be a major partner of the Mud criminal justice system in Lucas County. Hens’ planned Hensville development. We are working with key stakeholders We believe the $19 million project will in the criminal justice system to under-

stand root causes of issues and find solutions that will have a measurable impact. This past year, the board streamlined its economic and workforce development efforts with the creation of the Department of Planning and Development. With this step, economic and workforce development in our county began anew, focused on driving economic growth through a data-driven, results-oriented process and with a special emphasis on matching employers’ needs with potential employees’ skills. In 2014, unemployment in Lucas County dropped to levels not seen since well before the recession. The year’s annual average rate of 6.3 percent was a large improvement over the 2013 annual average of 8.5 percent and only slightly higher than the 6.2 percent annual average last seen in 2006. When combined with the increasing number of people returning to the workforce, Lucas County gained approximately 6,200 workers over the course of the year. If projections based on data during the past three years are correct, it is possible by the end of 2015 that unemployment in Lucas County may drop below 5 percent. The board is optimistic about the future and looks forward to the next 10 years to see Toledo and Lucas County continue to revitalize neighborhoods, grow our economy and cultivate a talented, diverse and innovative urban community. O

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Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 19

A Toledo tradition since 2005

SPORTS

From high school football to college basketball to minor league baseball and hockey, Toledo is a proud and fanatical sports city, and Toledo Free Press has featured a vast array of athletes and sports figures on our pages over the years — many gracing our covers. TFP’s biggest issue of every year is the Mud Hens Opening Day special section. We also dedicate space each year to the beginning of the Toledo Walleye season as well as the Marathon Classic LPGA golf tournament. Football has been the cover story 12 times, including four NFL features. Anyone remember Rex Grossman leading the Bears to the Big Game against Peyton Manning in 2007? Or the Steelers vs. Seahawks’ 2006 Super Bowl throwdown in Motown? TFP also featured former University of Toledo star Lance Moore, bound for the Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2010, and a 2011 interview with Findlay native Ben Roethlisberger when he was QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was also Ohio State coach Jim Tressel; Dick Cromwell leaving the sidelines after 26 years at St. Francis de Sales; Linda Jefferson, who took the National Women’s Football League by storm as a running back for the Toledo Troopers in the 1970s; UT legend Chuck Ealey, who led the Rockets football team to 35 straight victories from 1969-71; and the OSU-Michigan rivalry game in 2006 between the two undefeated teams. We’ve run five hockey covers: two featuring the Storm, including owner Barry Soskin in 2006, two for the Walleye and one of the Toledo Cherokee. We’ve also featured NASCAR’s Danica Patrick heading into a 2010 race at Michigan International Speedway; deemed Ealey, Jamie Farr, Christine Brennan and Jim Leyland the “Northwest Ohio Mount Rushmore of Sports”; and covered Toledo’s own William Buford of Libbey High School being named an AllAmerican basketball player in 2008 and then leading his Ohio State team in 2011. O

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20 Toledo Free Press: 10 Years JUST BLOWinG SMOKE

Here’s to 10 years ... and many more

n thinking about the 10 years produced a word in print. As I that have passed since the birth consider the years and changes that have slipped of Toledo Free by, I’m reminded Press, I was surprised of an exchange I to discover how much had with an exof that time we had ecutive upon the shared together. opening of their It was March new production fa2008 when thencility. After having Editor in Chief Mitheir Pulitzer Prize chael S. Miller conplaques pointed tacted me about a out to me, I asked, feature TFP wanted “Would you conme to participate in Tim HIGGINS sider yourself an called Brain Gain. Fascinated by the irony of having award-winning newspaper that this category be one with which occasionally makes a profit, or a my name might be associated, I profitable newspaper that occaagreed. Strangely, the subject of sionally wins an award?” I failed to get a legitimate anTFP staff writer Racheal Tafelski’s effort had to do with a blog swer to that question at the time, I’d been writing for about a year but have no doubt what the response would be from those at TFP titled “Just Blowing Smoke.” A number of changes have oc- celebrating their 10th year: “Why curred in the years since, and new can’t we do both?” My friends, five straight years postings for that effort ended a while back. But the name remained of being voted Ohio’s Best Weekly in over 200 efforts that transitioned Newspaper prove that you can, to TFP beginning later that year. even at a time when things are While I have occasionally ques- trying for so many of those tioned the sanity of those in charge around you. Congratulations and my best for allowing such material in print, I have never questioned the dedi- wishes for the 10 you’re celecation, the abilities or the profes- brating and for the 10 and more I know are ahead. O sionalism of the people involved. Now for those of you who don’t know, I spent over 30 years in the Tim Higgins can be reached at letnewspaper industry before I ever ters @toledofreepress.com.

March 15, 2015

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

BRAIN GAIN B

rain Gain is one of those To- cians and parents.” Former TFP Editor in Chief Miledo Free Press legacy series that perfectly meshes with chael S. Miller also addressed the new the paper’s mission of community- series in a column in that issue. “Once I was a focused journalism fo‘brain drain’ statistic. cusing on the positive But I, like legions of while not simply being others, came home,” a mindless cheerleader. he wrote. “Few phrases irMe too. ritate me as much as TFP has always ‘brain drain,’” TFP been quick to point out president and publisher that the series is not an Tom Pounds wrote in a attempt to ignore the column when the series problem of so-called was launched in May brain drain, but rather 2007. “I have heard that Sarah Ottney to shed a positive light concept discussed since I moved to Toledo, not stated as theory, on those who choose to stay. In all, more than 70 people were probut accepted as fact. “It’s insulting to imply that all filed for the series, which ran, from what young smart people exit Toledo as I can tell, through most of 2007 and 2008 fast as they can, leaving behind only and periodically in 2009 and 2012. Our first Brain Gain profiles feamentally deficient bumblers. Do some young people leave our area when they tured Jim Walrod, Wendy Gramza finish college? Of course; that hap- and Stephen Vasquez. All three are pens in every city, coast to coast. But still living and working in Toledo. to imply that our future is bereft of In fact, at least seven of the eight talented young minds is not only inac- area residents featured on our covers curate, it’s demoralizing to the people during the series are still living and working in Northwest Ohio. (One who choose to stay. … “With this week’s cover story, could not be reached.) In fact, a not-exhaustive followup we are beginning a regular series of profiles of young people who are with as many subjects as I was able choosing to stay in Toledo, to live to track down found the years had here and make a difference. These are brought weddings, children, houses tomorrow’s business leaders, politi- and job changes — but most are still in

Northwest Ohio and loving life here. Walrod is still with The Image Group. Wendy Gramza is still with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce — it’s first female president, in fact — and Vasquez is transitioning to a role in business development with the chamber. “I love Northwest Ohio more than I did when the first article was written,” Vasquez said. “A lot changes from age 23 to 33 and all of it has been positive and would not have been possible anywhere but in Northwest Ohio. “While there will always be work to be done, we are growing as a city — not in numbers, buildings, houses, etc., but rather in an attitude. It feels like Northwest Ohio is finally starting to realize what we have and where we want to be.” Vasquez, a St. Francis de Sales High School graduate, returned to Toledo after working for a while in Cincinnati, he told TFP in 2007. It’s all a matter of getting involved, he said. “The more you know about the city around you, the better off you’re going to be,” he said. “New York or LA could be boring if you just sit there.” Unlike those who believe young people leave Toledo because it lacks job opportunities and things to do, Gramza told TFP in 2007 she believes some individuals simply want to experience other areas of the country. n BRAIN GAIN CONTINUES ON 21

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n BRAIN GAIN CONTINUED FROM 20 “I don’t think it’s all about a negative perception of Toledo,” she said. “I think they want to spread their wings.” After experiencing other areas, many find themselves appreciating the things Toledo offers, often returning to raise a family, she said. “Why do I stay in Toledo?” Gramza told me recently via email. “I like challenges and I like to think that the work I am doing is making a difference. The Toledo region has been an excellent place for my family and I. We love the affordability and accessibility of the Toledo region.” Walrod still believes, as he told TFP in 2007, that Toledo is big enough to always find something to do, but small enough to offer great quality of life. “You can always make more money somewhere else, but then what’s your quality of life?” he asked. “As a young professional, I have had the opportunity to work with, and learn from, the greatest and most respected business leaders in our area,” Walrod told me. “I seldom wait in traffic. My wife and I enjoy taking our girls to the Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station or the closest Metropark. I fish

in the Maumee and Lake Erie. I could go on and on. ... Point is, this area offers so much I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” Tamara Bumpus has lived all over the country, but said she keeps coming back to Toledo. “Like a boomerang,” she told me recently, laughing. She

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Happy Birthday! Birthday!

A Toledo tradition since 2005 said she stays because it’s inexpensive, offers lots to do and her family is here. Bumpus, who was a nurse at the University of Toledo Medical Center when TFP profiled her for the series in 2007, now works with the Neighborhood Health Association (NHA). “I am really excited about what I

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 21 perceive to be the beginning of the Downtown renaissance — the influx of new restaurants, ProMedica moving Downtown and NHA building a new clinic in UpTown,” she said. John Smythe, featured on our cover in March 2012, is still president of Habitec Security. His wife is expecting their first baby this summer. “Toledo is a great place to live and do business,” he said. “There is still value in being a local company that is involved in their community. I think this gets lost in bigger cities.” Shawna Woody, profiled in January 2008, is still with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, now as director of program operations. “I never thought I would stay in Toledo, but I often tell others that I was meant to be here,” Woody said. “Every time I try to leave, I get promoted. I love my job, but I love my family even more.” Those I talked to who have moved to other areas said they miss family, friends in Toledo as well as the food Brian Weinblatt, who worked in the University of Toledo’s alumni relations office in 2007, has since moved to Florida, where he

works at the University of Miami. But he still visits Toledo regularly — including this weekend. “Nothing compares to the kind, generous nature of Midwestern people,” Weinblatt said. “I guess you take it for granted growing up there that everyone is friendly. The other things I miss most about Toledo are my favorite tastes of the city, namely Barry Bagels and the pizza.” Todd Davies, who was transitioning from the city to the Regional Growth Partnership in 2008, has since relocated to West Virginia, where he works at Marshall University. He said he misses the food in Toledo but was discouraged by local politics. “We in Toledo had a tendency to make things harder than they have to be,” Davies said. “Everybody talks about the resources or potential, but whenever someone tries to do something with it, people get in their way because they’re not doing it their way or they just want to complain.” Willie Williams, formerly of Owens Community College at The Source, now works at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Toledo gave me such a wonderful background, but I wanted to utilize that skill set in a larger city,” Williams said. “I’ll always miss Toledo because of the family feel you get.” Brian Babcock, profiled in 2008 and still a senior Industrial Engineer with GM, perhaps sums it up best. “I stay because of the good work environment and family and friends that are here,” Babcock said. “Basically, it’s home.” O

Cheers to 10 years!

Thank you to the Toledo Free Press for serving Thank you to the Toledo Free Press for serving forFree the past years. Thankour youcommunity to the Toledo Press10 for serving forFree the past years. Thankour youcommunity to the Toledo Press10for serving community forFree the past 10for years. Thankour you to the Toledo Press serving our community for the past 10 years. our community for the past 10 years.

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22 Toledo Free Press: 10 Years OK 2B Gay

Where were they then?

Bridging the LGBT gap

first became associated with To- other Toledo LGBT cause that is dear ledo Free Press in 2010. Feeling to my heart when I helped link them the newspaper wasn’t giving To- up with the annual Toledo Pride fesledo’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- tival and parade and they became the official media sponsor gender (LGBT) community for this event as well. enough coverage, I shot off Toledo Pride dean email to then-Editor in buted in 2010 with a Chief Michael Miller. little over 1,500 people I didn’t expect to receive a in attendance at the response, but within minutes Erie Street Market. — and I do mean minutes — Last year, the event at he responded with a quick Promenade Park saw and friendly note asking if an attendance of alwe could meet for lunch and most 15,000. discuss my concerns. Rick CORNETT Over the past five At that first meeting we became fast friends and he of- years, I’m happy to say, TFP has covfered me a job writing this OK 2B ered many LGBT issues beyond my Gay column to represent the local column and featured cover stories gay community. As we talked, I told on gay marriage, Opera Ain’t No him about the Holiday with Heart Drag, Holiday with Heart Charity Charity Gayla, for which I’m a com- Gayla, Toledo Pride, transgender ismittee member, and he offered the sues and more. I’m very honored and proud that I support of TFP as an official media could serve as the bridge between Tolesponsor for the event. With the mainstream support of do’s LGBT community and TFP. Toledo the paper, attendance grew and this is currently without a local monthly now-38-year-old event started to magazine or newspaper that represents gain respect, legitimacy and corpo- the gay community, but TFP offers us a voice, with regular coverage of the rate sponsorship. In 2011, TFP began endorsing an- people, places and events that affect us.

ENGINEER

March 15, 2015

A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

I would also like to point out I’m helping TFP distribute Outlook magazine in the Toledo market. Outlook is a monthly LGBT publication based in Columbus that covers the entire state of Ohio. This glossy magazine is packed with news, events, a bar guide and information on statewide issues. As a contributing writer, I supply them with news on the Toledo market. When Miller decided to leave TFP last year, I feared the support for the gay community would lessen within the publication. My worries were unwarranted as new Editor in Chief Sarah Ottney is also an ally and friend, as is publisher Tom Pounds. I’m happy I sent off that email rant five years ago asking TFP to respect and honor the local LGBT community. When we open our minds, hands and hearts, great things happen for all involved. Happy Birthday, Toledo Free Press! I’m honored to be a part of this Toledo tradition that has lasted 10 years now. O

Rick Cornett is a historian, activist and promoter of the Toledo LGBT community serving on the Holiday with Heart Charity and Toledo Pride committees.

PROCURE

In March 2005, when Toledo Free Press published its first issue, here’s what our current elected officials were doing: O Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson: Attorney with Department of Taxation.

Toledo City Council

O Matt Cherry: sheet metal worker. O Mike Craig: Auto title clerk at Lucas County Clerk of Courts. O Theresa Gabriel: Retired, but would return to city government in January 2006 as part of Mayor Carty Finkbeiner’s new administration. O Jack Ford: Mayor of Toledo. O Rob Ludeman: Toledo City Council District 2 representative; ran for mayor, defeated in primary. O Scott Ramsey: Indoor air quality specialist with Clean Air Systems in Holland. Opened Ramsey Brothers Restorations with his brother in October 2005. O Tyrone Riley: Attorney in Toledo, private practice. O Sandy Spang: Residential and commercial real estate. O Larry Sykes: Vice president of

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Fifth Third Bank Northwest Ohio, president of Toledo Public Schools Board of Education, president of Metroparks of Toledo Area board, chairman of the State of Ohio Minority Finance Advisory Board, board member of Lucas County Children Services. O Steve Steel: Teaching at Bowling Green State University. That summer he became the statewide field director for Ohio Fair Schools campaign and then ran for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education, winning the election in November 2005. O Tom Waniewski: Producer for WTOL-11 morning show, chairman of United Way of Greater Toledo board. O Lindsay Webb: In law school at the University of Toledo.

Lucas Co. Commissioners

O Carol Contrada: Sylvania Township trustee. O Pete Gerken: Took office as Lucas County commissioner in January 2005. O Tina Skeldon-Wozniak: Took office as Lucas County commissioner in January 2005. O

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Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 23

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A decade come and gone

s we reflect on the 10-year tical data to analyze in one paragraph. milestone of Toledo Free Press, It is important also to remember that we cannot help but review the the gains and losses were by no means last decade in the investsteady. For example, the ment business. Dow was valued at 10,800 Tumultuous does not in March 2005, but dropped begin to describe what to 6,600 in 2009, then went the U.S. economy, debt on a bull market that saw us and equities markets reach 18,200. have experienced during While it is important to that time. Some of the understand where we have statistics are troubling, been and how investments while others are rather Ben TREECE have performed, we cannot impressive, but altogether act on that information. The they have helped shape where our only way you made money on the 70 economy currently stands and how percent rise in the Dow over the past we expect to go forward. decade is if you invested in the Dow In the past 10 years, the Dow Jones before the rally. However, all the inIndustrial Average increased about 70 formation detailed above has signifipercent from 10,800 to around 18,000; cant value in determining where the the NASDAQ increased about 150 per- economy is heading. cent from 2,000 to almost 5,000; the We believe equities are overvalued S&P increased 76 percent; the U.S. dollar and have only been experiencing recently hit a 14-year high; 30-year U.S. gains due to corporate stock buyback treasury bond yields dropped from 4.5 programs and investors who typically percent to near 2.7 percent; we witnessed purchase debt instruments entering one of the worst global financial catastro- the equity arena in a search for yield. phes the world has ever seen; and histo- That is not to say that equities will not ry’s largest Ponzi scheme was unraveled. continue higher in the near term, but We have been through two presi- we urge extreme caution. dents and three Federal Reserve chairAt some point, inflation will become persons, all of whom pursued similar an issue. An economy cannot create the economic policies. Lastly and perhaps amount of currency that the U.S. has most significantly, the federal debt has over the past five years with no repercusrisen from $7.5 trillion to over $18 tril- sions. Once velocity picks up and money lion, due in large part to quantitative begins turning over in the economy easing, TARP and interest rate policies. (which low gas prices may encourage), That is a lot of numerical and statis- we expect to see inflation surpass the Fed’s 2 percent target and rates rise in an effort to keep inflation at reasonable levels. The rise in rates will likely increase the value of the U.S. dollar, which will continue to negatively impact the United States’ ability to export. Congress and the SEC are not doing nearly enough to deter the

“Madoff types” or to police large institutional firms in both the commercial and investment banking sectors. At present, leverage is at an all-time high and we have replaced subprime mortgage loans with subprime auto loans. However, regulators have displayed a willingness to fine large firms, extort their fee and allow them to continue to play their dangerous game. It is difficult to say what the results of these reckless actions will be, but it is all too similar to the years leading up to 2008. The national debt does not concern us nearly as much as it does others. While the number is daunting at $18 trillion, rates are so low that the debt service is not unmanageable. Further, once rates begin to rise, the Fed will likely utilize the Federal Open Market Committee to enter the bond market and buy up the old debt with proceeds from newly issued debt, essentially refinancing the national debt at a more reasonable level. If we fail to address the rise in the national debt and take no action at all, however, then we will have a problem on our hands down the road. We believe above all else that the next 10 years will present major opportunities to investors, if they know where to look. We expect to see an economic recovery and a stable Dow, but not until after some troubling times. Timing is everything. If you remain calm and patient, the next 10 years will be filled with prosperity and gains. O

Ben Treece is a partner with Treece Investment Advisory Corp (www.TreeceInvestments.com) and licensed with FINRA through Treece Financial Services Corp. The above information is the opinion of Ben Treece and should not be construed as investment advice or used without outside verification.

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24 Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

CRIME

Toledo Free Press has covered crime in a variety of ways: from examining cold-case murders in October 2005, to considering questions raised by the family of Andrew VanHorn, an 11-year-old boy found dead in July 2009, to profiling John Tharp in 2013, when he became Lucas County’s first new sheriff in nearly 30 years. In January 2007, we looked back at the 1992 slaying of University of Toledo student Melissa Herstrum by UT police officer Jeffrey Hodge, talking with her family members about how they still struggled to deal with her murder. We covered the on-duty death of Toledo Police Det. Keith Dressel in February 2007 amid his pursuit of 15-year-old Robert Jobe. In January 2007, we talked to advocates seeking a legal showdown over conceal-carry gun laws. A controversial photo illustration of a gun pointed at UT’s iconic bell tower on an April 2007 cover garnered plenty of letters to the editor as we considered what local universities were doing to prepare themselves for school violence in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings. In November 2007, we detailed Toledo Police Department’s effort to join a statewide fight against gangs and youth violence. In October 2013, we offered insight into underage drinking by talking with local teens after the drunken driving death of Ottawa Hills teenager Brian Hoeflinger. In August 2014, we reported on the spike in heroin deaths in Lucas County. Few local crimes got as much attention from local and national media as the June 2013 disappearance of 18-month-old Elaina Steinfurth, often referred to as “Baby Elaina.” Her remains were found in the garage behind her home that September, with Elaina’s mother, Angela Steinfurth, and Angela’s ex-boyfriend, Steven King, pleading guilty to the murder. They’re serving 15 and 25 years to life in prison, respectively. O

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Caitlin McGlade is an investigative reporter at The Arizona Republic. She interned at Toledo Free Press 5.9375x4.125_ProudSup2_TFPBirth_315_HI.pdf in 2009 and returned as a staff writer from 2011-12.

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oledo is a messy place. Gritty. It exudes a special energy. One in which its people will raise hell when things go awry but maintain pride in the town all the same. One that gives those who spring from its Caitlin McGlade tangled web a tough backbone and a zeal for real talk. Having been forged in the city’s belly, Toledo Free Press has come to embody those things over the years. It has broken stories of sorrow and abuse, stories of joy and amusement. I launched my journalism career more than six years ago in that second story office on Monroe Street, and I can thank TFP for many of the skills I use today as a journalist. The paper taught me to question everything — and not to be intimidated by big competition, but to thrive on it. It made me realize that the quality of news reporting does not rest in the resources you’re given, but by the drive to demand answers and make the world a better place. I’m now an investigative reporter at The Arizona Republic who digs through public records, analyzes massive data sets, builds charts and maps and talks to experts to get to the bottom of complicated stories. I’m about 2,000 miles away, but I’ll never be too far to feel that Toledo and TFP pride. O

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oledo Free Press gave me my first college internship in 2005 — back when the newspaper was virtually brand-new and still getting its swagger. I started learning there what it takes to be a crime reporter. One of the first times I knocked on strangers’ doors in pursuit of a story came when I was working on a cover piece about two Jeep workers in- Matt Zapotosky volved in murder-suicides. A decade later, I’ve knocked on more doors than I can count while on various law enforcement beats at The Washington Post. That’s where I work now, covering federal courts in the Eastern District of Virginia. I started at The Washington Post young; it was my first job out of college. But I never felt unprepared or inadequate, and I think my experience in Toledo is a big reason for that. My family still lives in Toledo, and I visit the city regularly. I’m so happy to see two newspapers still surviving and competing there, and I hope that continues for years to come. O

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26 Toledo Free Press: 10 Years

Did you know a

March 15, 2015

Did you know about health Toledo’s Best Kept Secret? Health issues have been and continue to be important areas of coverage at Toledo Free Press. This year, we launched our “Eye on Health” special section, which focuses on a particular area of health each month. So far, we’ve covered diet and fitness, heart health and cancer, and will cover seniors and aging in April. Each section features a variety of stories about programs from the area’s leading health centers, columns from patients and health experts in each field, as well as listings of upcoming health-related events. The section may have a new name, but we began covering health issues long before this year. We explored the childhood obesity epidemic in May 2005, looking at why more and more youth are dealing with hypertension, diabetes, depression, coronary disease and high cholesterol. In October 2008, we dug into the drive to immunize Lucas County’s children, a topic that still bears cultural discussion today with the recent measles outbreak in the U.S. A couple of months later, in December 2008, we covered the last Christmas of Beverly Kanthak, a 61-year-old woman with terminal cancer. We investigated what Northwest Ohio was doing to protect itself against swine flu in May 2009. A cover story in December featured area women struggling with infertility, but we also covered that topic in June 2007 with a look at the fertility drug Clomid. On numerous occasions we’ve featured Kaylee Halko and Carly Kudzia, two children with an extremely rare rapid-aging disease who happen to live within minutes of each other in Lucas County. We featured an interview with Dr. Oz Mehmet in January 2012 as the famous TV physician offered tips for Toledoans looking to live healthier lives. TFP has told many stories on area residents fighting various health situations, from obesity to cancer to amputation to those waiting for organ donations. O

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FAMILY PRACTICE

never exactly wanted to be a writer. I wanted to take care of children as my life’s work, so I did. As I started to become an old pro at motherhood, however, I thought I had a few minutes to spare somewhere in my crazy life and decided that I might try my hand at writing an article or two for the local parenting magazine.

A Toledo tradition since 2005

Toledo Free Press: 10 Years 27

Finding my voice

As luck would have it, I made acquaintance with then-Toledo Free Press editor, Michael S. Miller, and thought he would be the perfect resource to proofread my rusty prose. I felt slightly ridiculous, afraid he might view my request as an aspiring singer trying to slip her demo to a successful producer, but I really just needed

someone to make sure I had crossed all of my T’s and dotted all of my I’s before I leapt unsophisticatedly into the great writing abyss. He kindly obliged without so much as a hint of condescension for such a naive newbie. Much to my surprise, instead of handing back the red-marked pages I expected, he handed me the

opportunity to write my own weekly tempts to give credit to Miller and Toledo column. Upon reflection, he handed Free Press for making me a writer are me a new way to experience the world, quickly dismissed by the named parties. TFP isn’t a place where a new way of life. you are molded into a cerHaving the profestain likeness; it’s a place sionalism to realize I where everyone shows had absolutely no idea up with their individual how to be a writer, talents and we all make Miller gave me a crash something great together. course. He didn’t exEven as a writer, it’s diffiplain grammar or tell cult to express ample apme what to write; he preciation for such a place, explained growing a a place that makes you feel thick skin, having to Shannon SZYPERSKI like you have a voice and write even when you your words have a home. don’t want to and getIf I’ve learned anything after alting stared at in public by people who can’t put their finger on how they don’t most seven years as a professional quite know you — the things I truly writer, however, it’s that simply stated is usually best. Thank you, Toledo Free needed as I was just starting out. I didn’t need to know how to write; I Press, for giving Toledo a choice and needed to know how to be a writer. At- me a chance. Happy 10th! O

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By Tom Konecny TOLEDO FREE PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR tkonecny@toledofreepress.com

hen Crystal Bowersox began her climb to “American Idol” fame in January 2010, her bio listed her hometown as Elliston, Ohio. Some of us had to consult a map for that exact location, but it didn’t matter; Bowersox’s unofficial hometown was starting to grow. We all claimed her. That hometown entry of Elliston morphed into Ottawa County, then to Toledo and eventually to all of Northwest Ohio. Indeed, she was from the 419. One of us.

Finding Elliston didn’t prove to be that hard after all. One only had to listen for the excited shrieks coming from the Trinity United Church of Christ, where more and more were starting to gather for weekly “Idol” worship. “One day in church, someone mentioned that our neighbor, Crystal Bowersox, was doing well (on ‘American Idol’),” said Ron Giesler, of nearby Graytown. “After church one day, I happened to be parked in front of [Bowersox’s] dad’s house. We said, ‘Let’s get together and we’ll just have a little potluck.’ One guy said, ‘We’ll bring a TV and we’ll watch [“American Idol”] together.’ And every week it grew a little

bit as [Bowersox] grew in popularity.” The number of people attending Trinity’s weekly “Idol” viewings escalated. It wasn’t just church members anymore — people came from all over, thanks in part to a FOX Toledo news story. Giesler recalls that as the weeks went by and Bowersox advanced, more TV crews visited, including one from Cleveland. Giesler and his friends even had T-shirts printed for the growing crowds. “By the end of the final show, I think I had six or seven TV networks broadcasting live, one out of Cleveland,” Giesler said. “We had people from ‘American Idol.’ It was kind of a remarkable time to see that many people show up.

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A Toledo tradition since 2005 ToledoFreePress.com

came to Toledo Free Press in pieces would have to be my inter2010 as a Star contributor view with Young MC. His business along with Lil D. I remember sense was phenomenal and I only wish I could have written meeting with then-Edmore about his advice itor in Chief Michael on staying paid in the Miller and, after his music business. honesty about the The main message in need for more coverage every column has been of urban music, speabout teaching artists cifically from Toledo, what it takes to make it. I knew I had found a Toledo artists are now home. His respect for receiving award nomihip-hop was impressive. Martini nations, like singer Lyfe Most media outlets Jennings and Grammyin Toledo fail the urban ON THE nominated producer community and seemTubb Young. I challenge ingly save our contribumyself to cover entertions for the crime tainment beyond music, blotter sections. It has been therapeutic and nostalgic such as my interview with Christian to write over 100 columns about Aziz Bishop, a photographer from Toledo who resides in Atlanta and is the culture I grew up in. I have received priceless feed- “kind of a big deal” in the entertainback from artists who could never ment industry. Who knew? Inspiring stories about artists like imagine gaining a mention in a paper as reputable as Toledo Free B. Wills, Falease Sophae, IndiSoul Press. I have learned that with this REY, Chris Shutters, Blaq Smurph, privilege and power comes great Jameil Aossey, Krystal Monique, responsibility. I started out writing Clemmye B and Tatiana Owens mainly about artists, but it was have helped me represent the range my “how to” columns on image, of Toledo talent gone worldwide. branding and the music business “My Favorite Things” gift recomthat garnered attention. Those mendations for music lovers during writings have led to speaking en- the holiday season are always fun to gagements in schools from Toledo write, too. I owe it to my readers to be to Detroit. Helping aspiring artists honest about the music. Happy 10th birthday and thank has been my greatest reward as a columnist for Toledo Free Press. you, Toledo Free Press! It has been a Gaining a broader audience be- privilege and an honor to serve the yond my radio listenership has al- community in an informative way lowed me to inform readers about and I will continue to do so as long as you will have me. urban music in their city. As we continue on ... O One of my most memorable

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“You could not believe it — there were 400 people, at least, out in front of a little neighborhood bar,” Stahl said. “We probably had 150 in the bar, and 75 of those were security, FOX crew and different ones with them. There were no media allowed in at all, yet I had people showing credentials, trying to get in. But I had about 50 of my regulars that I let in, who were sitting on the floor and just enjoying her music. These were the people that hadn’t seen her since she left the bar [years ago]. It was awesome.” When Bowersox arrived, Stahl said she did three or four songs and was then whisked away. “I still do get people, who, to this day, if [Bowersox is] visiting her mom, I guarantee I’ll have 10 people stop in to ask if she’s going to play,” Stahl said. “And I still have people coming in to see where she once played.” Stahl said he hasn’t seen her since 2012 but still keeps in touch and her parents stop in regularly. He said he takes pride in his blue-collar group of regular patrons. Although he’d love to have Bowersox back for a return show, Stahl said he’ll never formally invite her. “Honestly, I’d rather have her stop in stone cold, out of the blue, and just play two or three songs without anyone, including me, knowing,” Stahl said. “The people that really want to see her are already going to be here anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I love the crowds, but we’re more about enjoying the music than packing them in.” Stahl said he enjoyed the fun five

Sydney Mahaney, Ron Giesler and Dylan Mahaney at Trinity United Church of Christ in Elliston, five years after Elliston native Crystal Bowersox appeared on “American Idol.” TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR PHOTO BY CHRISTIE MATERNI

years ago, and Bowersox remains a huge part of the tavern’s history. “It was pretty unreal when it was happening,” Stahl said. “She definitely is a big name now, but if you look alltime, I would say she is one of the biggest from our area. Between us, the Village Idiot and the church, we were the epicenters of it all.” Bowersox declined to be interviewed for this story.

Village people

At the Village Idiot in downtown Maumee, Bowersox often played with local bassist Frank May to small crowds. The crowds loved them, and Bowersox was a fixture at the Conant Street staple known for live music every night. Although she didn’t visit the Vil-

lage Idiot during the show’s mediafrenzied hometown tour, that didn’t stop the masses from coming on that May 2010 night. “The Blade had printed that she would be here, but she wasn’t coming, and it was horrible,” said Tom Sullivan, employee of 14 years. “We have 75 seats, and could fit in maybe 100, and the Maumee police were here, and we told people right at the door that she wasn’t going to be here. It didn’t make any difference.” Sullivan said Bowersox visited the Village Idiot once last year, and was soon mobbed by fans. “She’s just a really nice person,” Sullivan said. “She’s young, and exposed to a lot that someone her age [normally] isn’t.” O

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EVENT SPACE

effort would open for me. eally, this is all Abby’s fault. My first attempt at becoming the I met my friend Abby Bollenbacher as we both attended Face of FOX could be termed a digniBowling Green State Univer- fied failure. I made it past the first round of auditions into onsity. One day, she saw me in camera testing, at which a funk and asked what point I was eliminated. I was wrong. I was in the resolved to try again the darkest days of my depresfollowing year. sion and she offered to be an As I walked into the ear if I needed it. I took her up first round of auditions on that offer, and have been the next summer, I had forever grateful I did. no clue that I was about I often say that Abby JEFF mCGINNIS to make the most imsaved my life, and I mean portant career connecit. When I was at my lowest tion of my life. I went point, she took my hand and through my prepared pulled me toward the light. GOES THE monologue and chatted Beyond being a loyal and CULTURE with the judges — one wonderful pal, Abby is one of whom happened to be of the most ridiculously Michael Miller, then-edtalented people I’ve ever met. When she was named the second itor in chief of Toledo Free Press. Bolstered by support from tons of “Face of FOX Toledo,” a spokesperson my friends, I made it all the way to for the station, I was not surprised. What did surprise me was when the final round that year. After I got Abby began encouraging me a year the call from the FOX producers that later to try out to be the new Face of I hadn’t gotten the job, I will admit FOX once her reign ended. Honestly, to being crestfallen at first. But then I assumed I wouldn’t have a chance they told me Michael wanted to get in hell. An on-camera spokesperson in touch with me. Soon after, I found is usually attractive, at-ease, comfort- myself sitting in his office, surable in their own skin — attributes I rounded by his collection of comic lack. But as she had before, Abby saw and “Star Wars” memorabilia. Misomething that I didn’t, and all but chael told me his idea — coming on dragged me to my first audition. Little board at the paper to write a weekly did either one of us know the door this pop culture column.

POP

I thought, “I’m home.” Five years and several hundred writings later, my life is in an amazing place. I’ve gotten to interview the famous and the fascinating. I’ve gotten to converse with heroes. Roger Ebert — a lifelong hero — wrote to tell me he liked my work. To Michael, thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to grow into, well, whatever it is I’ve become. To Sarah Ottney, thank you for continuing to give me a forum, and providing steady, assured leadership. Thanks to Tom Pounds for being the engine that keeps this train running and to my friends and family for giving me support and guidance when I needed it. Thanks to everyone at 92.5 KISS FM and 1370 WSPD, for offering me time on your airwaves to grow as a broadcast personality. To all my fellow writers, who humble me with the chance to have my work run alongside theirs. To Jim Beard, who gave me the chance to stretch into writing fiction. To every reader who has ever given any of my pieces a glance — I am honored to have the chance to chat with you. And to Abby, who kicked the domino that started all this in the first place: I can never thank you enough for having confidence in me when I had none in myself. Cheers to Toledo Free Press for the first 10 years. Looking forward to the next 10, and beyond. O

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Toledo art scene flourishing

began to participate in the arts whether n 2010, I posted the Art Corner to the paper for this habit of theirs. I wasn’t paying much attention to they knew it or not, just by going to Toledo (ACT) manifesto (written by Emily Rippe Desmond) on art in Toledo 10 years ago, aside from events Downtown. People were probthe jazz scene. Professionally, I was ably going to Mud Hens and Walleye Facebook. I got a message from focused on victim advo- games too but given that I’m not much then-Editor in Chief Micacy for domestic violence of a sports fan, I saw the evidence more chael Miller within 10 survivors and my own ca- clearly as art walks grew and took over minutes, offering me reer as a jazz singer. I heard areas other than the Warehouse Disthe opportunity to write rumblings about things trict. Creative people saw that they a column for Toledo Free like “meet and greets” and could present their ideas, no matter Press Star (TFP). knew that galleries seemed how lofty, for an appreciative audience. Ten minutes. That’s to come and go. It wasn’t We gained a circus, for crying out loud! how quickly TFP jumps to until the Arts Commis- Bird’s Eye View Circus space came to support and highlight the sion introduced Arto- town and found its home at the Collinwork of Toledoans. Not Rachel matic 419! in 2006 that I gwood Arts Center. to mention the cover story RICHARDSON In the past few years, public funding felt like the local art scene TFP offered Independent was something I could has become available for arts programs Advocates in 2009, when in Toledo other than those housed by participate in. we were in the midst of Then came Bozarts Fine large institutions. Fledgling organizaour campaign to convince Toledo Municipal Court to create a Art & Music Gallery. Bozarts changed tions have been given the necessary everything by giving creative people a resources to impact the community domestic violence docket. I’ve worked with people on projects place to gather and learn about each in ways that had not yet been tried in who were wary of media and I always tell other while providing local artists a Toledo. Art has been recognized as a them not to worry, because TFP would place to show their work and collabo- tool for community organizing. It has present an objective story and truly do rate on shows, which opened so many brought together business owners, doors for so many people. Independent neighborhood residents, City Council their best to move Toledo forward. When I heard that the paper was Advocates became Art Corner Toledo members, building owners, developers celebrating its 10th birthday, I was there. The mission to promote Toledo and artists in a way that, until now, had thrilled to have a chance to return the as a city full of artists and activists was not taken place in this city. It adorns large favor by promoting TFP. Of course, born out of the fact that every time I outside walls of buildings that sat empty I’ve been asked to not do that, but to went to Bozarts I was surrounded by until its arrival. Those buildings are now instead focus on art in Toledo and both, and they were all willing to get being bought, developed and renovated. City government has recognized the how it has progressed in the past involved in each others’ work. Then came the events, each one value and importance of this work. That 10 years, because in true TFP form, they’ve turned the attention away more and more focused on art in the is a major development that those of us Newly Listed Commercial Properties Available: 6821 Rd. for Salisbury and The Arts Commission be- working in the field are grateful from themselves and onto Toledo. I community. machine and Toledoans continue to be immeasurably grateful came a party 500 Madison Ave - For Lease - 300-5,000will SF not take for granted. O Office Lease

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Star: 5 Years 33

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((((((((((((( THE PULSE

March 15, 2015

MARCH 13-21, 2015

What’s what, where and when in NW Ohio

Compiled by Matt Liasse Events are subject to change.

MUSIC

Bar 145º

$5 cover. 5304 Monroe St. (419) 593-0073 or bar145toledo.com. ✯ Swagg: 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 13. ✯ Lt. Dan’s New Legs: 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 14. ✯ Bloody Mary Bar: March 15. ✯ Open Mic Night: March 15. ✯ Ryan Roth: 8-10:30 p.m. March 18. ✯ Last Born Sons: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. March 19.

Barr’s Public House

3355 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee. (419) 8668466. ✯ Jason Hudson: 5 p.m. March 13. ✯ Last Born Sons: 9 p.m. March 13. ✯ Kyle White: March 14. ✯ St. Paddy’s Day @ B.P.H. open 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 17.

The Blarney Irish Pub

601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www. theblarneyirishpub.com. ✯ The Blarney Shuffle 3 Mile Run/Walk: 4 p.m. March 14. ✯ Empire Drift Reunion and Flabongo Nation: 9 p.m. March 14. ✯ Extra Stout: 12 p.m. March 17. ✯ Dragon Wagon: 4 p.m. March 17.

Bronze Boar

20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www. bronzeboar.com. ✯ Open mic with Steve Finelli and Oliver Roses: Mondays. ✯ Karaoke with Greg: Tuesdays. ✯ Open mic and Steve Kennedy: Thursdays. ✯ Joe Woods Trio: March 13. ✯ Kids With Knives: March 14.

Dégagé Jazz Café

301 River Road, Maumee. $5 weekends for cafe seating. (419) 794-8205 or www. degagejazzcafe.com. ✯ Gene Parker: Tuesdays. ✯ Gene Parker: Wednesdays.

The Distillery

4311 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 382-1444 or www.thedistilleryonline.com. ✯ Trivia with Team Lunchbox: Tuesdays. ✯ Name That Tune: Wednesdays.

yeoldedurtybird.com. ✯ Distant Cousinz: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. March 13. ✯ Katie’s Randy Cat: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. March 14. ✯ BJ Love: 1-4 p.m. March 15. ✯ T-Town Rounds: 7-10 p.m. March 16. ✯ Andrew Ellis: 7-10 p.m. March 17. ✯ Tim Oehlers: 7-10 p.m. March 18. ✯ Andrew Ellis: 7-10 p.m. March 19.

Elixer

This two-man band performs Beatles songs acoustically. www.beatlesebooks.com/elixir. ✯ Basin Street Grille, 5201 Monroe Street, 8-11 p.m. March 13. Dave Rybaczewski – Solo ✯ Angelo’s Northwood Villa, South Dixie Highway, Erie, 6-10 p.m. March 14.

Evolution

519 S. Reynolds Road. (419) 725-6277 or clubevolutiontol.com. ✯ Jazzy Monday with The H-Factor Jazz Show: 6 p.m. to midnight: Mondays.

Forrester’s On The River

26 Main St. (419) 691-2626 or www. forrestersontheriver.com. ✯ Wine Down Wednesday with The H-Factor Jazz Show: 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays.

Frankie’s Inner-City

Toledo’s venue for rock. Tickets vary between $5 and $14, unless otherwise noted. 308 Main St. (419) 693-5300 or www. FrankiesInnerCity.com. ✯ March Music Madness on Main with three stages and 21 bands: 7 p.m. March 13. ✯ Lost In Chicago CD Release with Megatron Hammer, One In the Chamber and the Black Swamp Casket Company: 8 p.m. March 14. ✯ Vinyl Theatre: 7 p.m. March 15. ✯ Torche, Nothing, Wrong: 8 p.m. March 19.

French Quarter J. Patrick’s Pub

Holiday Inn French Quarter, 10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg. (419) 874-3111 or www.hifq.com. ✯ Jackpot: March 13-14.

Glass City Cafe

1107 Jackson St. (419) 241-4519 or www. glasscitycafe.com. ✯ OWE’ver Easy featuring “Jason Quick, Steve Knurek & Petr Kharchenko”: 10 a.m. March 14.

Hollywood Casino Toledo

1515 S. Byrne Road. (419) 389-6003 or docwatsonstoledo.com. ✯ Sporcle Live Trivia: Thursdays. ✯ Tim Oehlers: 10 p.m. March 13. ✯ Shawn Sanders: 10 p.m. March 14.

The Hollywood Casino offers musical distractions from all the lights, noise and jackpots. 777 Hollywood Blvd. (419) 661-5200 or www. hollywoodcasinotoledo.com. ✯ Collision Six: 9 p.m. March 13. ✯ Riot House: 9 p.m. March 14. ✯ One: U2 Tribute Band: 6 and 8 p.m. March 15. ✯ Finvarra’s Wren Celtic: 7 p.m. March 17.

Dorr St. Café

Huntington Center

Durty Bird

Iggy’s

Doc Watson’s

Corner of Dorr Street at Reynolds Road. (419) 531-4446 or www.dorrstreetcafe.com. ✯ Don Coats: March 13. 2 S. St. Clair St. (419) 243-2473 or www.

500 Jefferson Ave. (419) 321-5007, (800) 7453000 or www.huntingtoncentertoledo.com. ✯ Chris Tomlin: 7 p.m. March 15. 128 Main St.

✯ Restriktid, 10/31, Shotty, T-jaks, Blakout and LITE W8: 8 p.m. March 14.

Name That Tune

✯ The Oarhouse, 5044 Suder Ave.: 8-10 p.m. Mondays. ✯ Ralphie’s Sports Eatery, 6609 Airport Hwy.: 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays. ✯ Jed’s Barbeque and Brew, 855 S. HollandSylvania Road.: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. ✯ Pat & Dandy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 3344 W. Laskey Road: 9-11 p.m. Wednesdays. ✯ Ralphie’s Sports Eatery, 5702 Monroe St.: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. ✯ The Oarhouse, 5044 Suder Ave.: 6-8:30 p.m. Fridays.

One2 Lounge at Treo

5703 Main St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2266 or treosylvania.com. ✯ Swingmania: March 13. ✯ Andrew Ellis: March 14.

The Ottawa Tavern

1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www. otavern.com. ✯ Desert Noises, Indigo Wild, Ben Stalets and Dean Tartaglia: 9 p.m. March 13. $5.

Plate 21

3664 Rugby Drive. (419) 385-2121. ✯ The Fritz Byers Band: 6-9 p.m. March 19.

SWINGMANIA

With its focus on swing music, Jeff McDonald’s group of musicians provides a peek into another era. (419) 708-0265, (419) 874-0290 or www.swingmania.org. ✯ Trotters Tavern, 5131 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 381-2079: 8 p.m. Tuesdays.

The Village Idiot

309 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 893-7281 or www.villageidiotmaumee.com. ✯ The House Band: Fridays. ✯ Dooley Wilson, Bob Rex and friends: Sundays. ✯ Frankie May and Associates: Mondays. ✯ John Barile & Bobby May: Tuesdays. ✯ Andrew Ellis: Wednesdays. ✯ The Original Killer Flamingos: March 14. ✯ The Devil Elvis Show: March 17.

Ye Olde Cock n’ Bull

9 N. Huron St. (419) 244-2855 or facebook. com/cocknbulltoledo. ✯ Open Mic Night: Wednesdays. ✯ Tore Down Blues Jam Band: Sundays. ✯ Bobby May and John Barile followed by The Bridges: March 13. ✯ The Bridges: March 14. ✯ Tore Down Blues Band Jam: March 15. ✯ Arctic Clam: 5-8 p.m. March 17. ✯ Danny Mettler: March 18. ✯ Captain Sweet Shoes: March 19.

EVENTS

Eastwood Theater

The historic landmark is screening movies for $5. 817 E. Broadway St. For more information, call (419) 720-5199 or visit eastwoodtheater. com. ✯ “Paddington”: 6:15 p.m. March 13, 7:15 p.m. March 14 and 6 p.m. March 15. ✯ “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”: 8:20 p.m. March 13, 9:20 p.m. March 14 and 3 p.m. March 15. ✯ Free Family Flick: “Lego Movie”: 1 p.m. March 14.

The Moxie

Glass City Stories: Good Luck/Bad Luck, featuring five- to seven-minute true stories about luck to be told live, without notes. 1205 Adams St. 7 p.m.

Toledo Repertoire Theatre

16 10th St. (419) 243-9277 or toledorep.org. ✯ “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot”: March 20-21.

Stranahan Theater

4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. ✯ The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild-Spring Festival of Crafts: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 15. ✯ Gregg Allman & Friends: 8 p.m. March 14.

Toledo Walleye

Huntington Center. 500 Jefferson Ave. Visit www.toledowalleye.com. ✯ Walleye versus Indy Fuel with St. CatTrick’s Day: 7:15 p.m. March 14.

The Toledo Zoo

2700 Broadway St. $11-$14. (419) 385-4040 or toledozoo.org. ✯ The Wanna Bees and Teddy Bear Care Fair: 1-2 p.m. March 14. ✯ Watch It Grow Garden Tours: March 18.

Valentine Theatre

400 N. Superior St. (419) 242-2787 or www. valentinetheatre.com. ✯ Classics from The Silver Screen! “Caddyshack”: 7:30 p.m. March 13. If you would like your event in The Pulse, contact Matt Liasse at mliasse@toledofreepress.com.

March 15, 2015

ToledoFreePress.com

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