Toledo Free Press - Mar. 30, 2005 by Toledo Free Press

FREE PRESS T

■

Stark “Sin City” comics inspire new movie, page 19

The dawn of a Toledo tradition

www.toledofreepress.com

SCARS & DREAMS:

March 30, 2005

FREE

Perrysburg baseball pitcher Lewis Calvin battles back from Tommy John surgery, page 14 Plus, a look at Waite High School’s wrestling dynasty, page 16

■ Real Estate: Toledo utilizes new 24-hour inspection appointment system, page 6

■ Education

Early College

Biodiesel

New program offers college credit for underprivileged youth, page 9

boon?

■ Community

Focus on Seniors ■ Columnist

Barbara John: “Don’t leave home without a living will”

■ Senior Medicaid premiums to rise

■ 92-year-old Maggie Gibel still dancing, page 10

■ Beneﬁt concert

Fools for animals As gas prices soar, TARTA ofﬁcials celebrate the arrival of $1.5 million for an alternative fuel project,

page 12

page 17

24 HOUR ��

✯

March 30, 2005

OPINION ✯

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 3

LIGHTING THE FUSE A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC Established 2005

FREE

Toledo Storm tickets when you mention this ad!!!

Thomas F. Pounds President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com Michael S. Miller Editor in Chief mmiller@toledofreepress.com Joshua E. Trust Vice President of Sales & Marketing jtrust@toledofreepress.com Kay T. Pounds Vice President of Operations kpounds@toledofreepress.com Stacie L. Klewer Art Director sklewer@toledofreepress.com Susan Ford Contributing Editor sford@toledofreepress.com Barbara Goodman Shovers Contributing Editor bgshovers@toledofreepress.com DM Stanﬁeld Photo Editor DMStanﬁeld@toledofreepress.com Nate Vanatta Intern - Photographer STAFF WRITERS news@toledofreepress.com Joe Bellfy Keith Bergman Michael Brooks David Coehrs Barbara John Chris Kozak Vicki Kroll Scott McKimmy Heather Nash Mike Roth Mark Tinta David Wasinger

Shootings culture foretold in old country song

e is best known for his humorous country songs, but in 1972, songwriter Tom T. Hall prophesied Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold and Jeff Weise.

In his song “Turn it On, Turn it On, Turn it On,” Hall, who made his biggest mark with such tunes as “Harper Valley PTA” and “I Love (Little Baby Ducks),” tells an emotionless tale of a picked-on young man who turns on his tormentors with deadly force. This song eerily echoes the mythos surrounding America’s two worst school shootings (the fact that there is such a category chills the blood). Harris and Klebold, two Columbine High School students in Littleton, Colo., killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded 23 before killing themselves on April 20, 1999. On March 21, Weise burst into Red Lake High School in Minnesota and killed an unarmed guard, a teacher and ﬁve students before killing himself. Earlier, he shot dead his grandfather and his grandfather’s girlfriend. Weise was reportedly into Goth culture, wore a black trench coat and was often picked on at school, a description that could have been lifted whole from the news accounts surrounding the

Michael S. Miller Columbine killers. Weise reportedly even used one of the Columbine killers’ lines, asking people if they believed in God before he shot them. Like the three killers in real life, Hall’s subject, Johnny, was tormented and teased, alienated from his society. The people in Hall’s song mock John because he “wouldn’t fight in the war,” even though “the doctor said John was just too sick to go.” One morning, Johnny, in a song written 27 years before Columbine and 33 years before Red Lake, loads his guns and decides he has taken enough. His first victim is “one of the men makin’ fun of him, a fellow named Milton Howard.” “Milton was down at the cold spring, drinkin’ from a mason jar; “He said, ‘John, you better get yourself to work or you’re gonna fool around ‘til you get fired’;

“John blew the dust from his old .44, put two holes in Milton’s head; “When Johnny walked off to get some more shootin’ done, that ol‚ cold spring was runnin’ red.” Johnny’s next victim, a “Stigall boy,” ﬁnds his religious beliefs tested, just as some of the Columbine and Red Lake victims did. “Next guy he met was a Stigall boy, and the boy had a hammer in his hand; “John said ‘Son, you should’ve built yourself a box, ‘cause you’re a headed for the promised land.’; “Stigall fell down to his knees to pray, and he cried ‘Lord, Johnny please don’t shoot!’; “Before he got halfway to saying ‘amen,’ well old Johnny shot him out of his boots.” Unlike the three real life killers, Johnny surrenders (albeit only after his gun jams as he aims it at a sheriff). He enters a guilty plea, and the results are, in their ﬁnality, the same. By this time, the band backing Hall is playing at a reckless, breakneck speed, but Hall moderates his vocal, and while he never endorses Johnny’s actions, he never condemns them, either. “They put old John in the electric chair; they shaved his ankles and his head; “The preacher said, ‘Son, have you got something to say; in a

ON THE STREET – FEEDBACK, COMMENTS AND RANTS Last Monday, in Red Lake Minnesota, 16-year-old Jeff Weise shot nine people to death, including ﬁve students, stirring echoes of the 1999 Columbine shootings. What factors could drive a young person to such extreme violence?

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scott Calhoun John K. Hartman Randy Zalewski ADVERTISING SALES Renee Bergmooser rbergmooser@toledofreepress.com Mike W. Bush mbush@toledofreepress.com Josh T. Lawrence jlawrence@toledofreepress.com Toledo Free Press is published every Wednesday by Toledo Free Press, LLC, 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 1300, Toledo, OH 43604 www.toledofreepress.com Phone: (419) 241-1700 Fax: (419) 241-8828 Subscription rate: $35/year. Subscriptions must be paid in advance. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any matter without permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2005 with all rights reserved. Publication of advertisements does not imply endorsement of advertisers’ goods or services.

“Inadequate parenting; parents play a big role in helping to develop a child’s identity. Also, I think there is too much violence demonstrated on television and in movies.” – Eddie Smolenski, West Toledo

“Some kids are troubled. You can’t always point ﬁngers at the parents, although sometimes there may not be enough supervision. There are different variables. Poverty and identity issues can be a factor. Violence on T.V. and in video games doesn’t help either.” – Huda Ahmed, Bowling Green

“School shootings occur as a result of several circumstances. You can’t just blame it on one particular thing. Many teenagers are made outcasts by their peers and in turn feel that it is necessary to lash out at these people that cause them pain. It would be unfair to blame the parents although their lack of supervision is something that should not be overlooked.” – Courtney Kennedy, Maumee

— Compiled and photographed by Heather Nash

minute you’re a-gonna be dead.’; “John said, ‘I ain’t no coward, and people know I won’t run.’; “Then Johnny smiled up at the warden and said, ‘Turn it on, turn it on, turn it on!’ ” I do not know why Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold and Jeff Weise were only able to deal with their alienation and anger in a way that left more than two dozen people dead. I do not know why life has become so cheap for some people that they can walk into a courtroom, a hotel serving as a church or a Jeep factory and take lives over slights real and imagined. I do know that when I stumbled across Hall’s song recently, it felt as relevant and frightening as the headlines on March 21. I know that the potential for such carnage is no longer contained in songs and poets’‚ imaginations, but is as real as the next troubled kid who decides to ﬁght imagined ﬁre with nuclear force. And I know that no matter how many times I seek solace in Hall’s lighter, more loving songs, I will never forget the specter of the cold spring, running red. 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.

BLOG TALK Selected quotes from Toledo-area blogs: “If any good is to come from the Terri Schiavo story, it should be this: when you apply for a marriage license, it should be mandatory to also have a living will. At the very least, it should specify what should be done in this type of situation. Describe in the living will what a ‘vegetative’ state means, and simply answer yes or no. Yes, I wish to live. No, I do not wish to live. I have heard a lot of talk about the right to die and the right to live, but I have heard nothing about how to prevent this type of situation again.” – Cool Calm & Collected, http://rickreed.blogs.com/home/

“The sad truth of economic regionalism … is that it is just more class warfare at many levels of society. Regions are not being created for the benefit of the population; they are being created instead for the benefit of corporations. And we all (should) know that the benefits will be concentrated from there in various forms of elitist tax dodges and overseas investment. Regionalism as practiced in NW Ohio will simply involve a larger form of government scam, where small entities like workers and small towns will be taxed to provide for the massive expense accounts of regional officials, as well as the insatiable welfare demands of the modern American corporation. PERIOD.” - Guest Zero, www.toledotalk.com

Page 4 ■ Toledo Free Press

✯

OPINION ✯

TOON IN

DRIVING 89X

BUSINESS

March 30, 2005

BY JEFFERY MITCHELL

If I could talk to the animals I put my reporter’s notebook in my back pocket and headed up the Anthony Wayne Trail in search of wisdom.

Then that old show tune hit me. Dr. Doolittle singing, “If I could talk to the animals, learn their languages ...” The Toledo Zoo overpass was up ahead, animal pictures decorating it. I can take a hint. I pulled in, ditched my North American-made Buick Century, waved my notebook at a guard, who looked like she had other things on her mind and would be afraid to talk publicly about them for fear of losing her job anyway, and into the zoo grounds I went. I ran smack into Accusing Alligator, one of several characters straight out of the “Sweet Pickles” series of children’s classics written by Jacquelyn Reinach and Richard Hefter that I would encounter. Accusing had been hired by someone in authority to straighten out the operation. Apparently being the No. 1 tourist attraction in Toledo with a stellar reputation was not enough for some folks. The Jewel of the Empire of Toledo, the zoo attracts people from all walks of life and from hundreds of miles away. It makes kids to great-grandparents and everybody who has even a passing interest in animals smile, and puts a shiny face on a city and region that have been taking their economic, social and image lumps. I called on Clever Camel. He tried to take the high road but he bent down: “It’s like this, Scribe, hey, hey. Our doctor, Dr. Tim, does not kowtow to the powers that be. He does what is right for us, the animals.” Worried Walrus, nearby, hollered, “So some things were not being done right. So, so, so Dr. Tim called in the governmental authorities, the people who license us, to investigate.” Loving Lion chimed in, “The inspectors came and did a roaring good job of proving Dr. Tim right and the bosses wrong.” “But the law of the jungle,” said Responsible Rabbit, “says that thou shalt not takest on the Mightiest of the Front Ofﬁce unless you can ﬁnish the job.”

E-mail John K. Hartman at john.hartman@dacor.net.

Page 5

Expo aimed at stay-at-home moms

Ponn Sabra turned an at-home party into an event that has attracted more than 100 vendors, page 7

ALL BUSINESS

TOLEDO IN BUSINESS

John K. Hartman Outraged Octopus barged in to have his say: “Well, the Mightiest do not take lightly to disloyalty. They would rather have people who are loyal than people who are right. They don’t want any trouble. Got to keep the squeaky clean image. So we lose an animal or two. Casualties of war, the war against the disloyal.” Fearless Fish said, “The Mightiest don’t want their perks examined so they want no dissent that might lead to an inquiry that might lead to their excesses revealed. Big salaries. Big benefits. Big travel expenses. And elitist cars to drive to wine and cheese parties. They would not be caught dead in a Toledo-made Jeep.” Moody Moose jumped in: “Now this place is in an uproar. The humans are going wild with accusations, recriminations and machinations. I’m about ready to shoot them full of animal tranquilizers.” “We do not want people coming to Toledo primarily for the art museum, or COSI, or The Mud Hens or a walk in the park, we want them to come to visit us first. Then elsewhere,” Jealous Jackal added. “Wait a minute!” I shouted. “I haven’t even had time to ask a question!” “And you won’t,” Enormous Elephant thundered. “We are ejecting Accusing Alligator from the premises because he was just sent here to stir up trouble and try to force Dr. Tim to quit. If Dr. Tim goes, we go.” Accusing Alligator got the hint and fled the grounds. Then the animals paraded to the Amphitheater and chanted, “Dr. Tim, Dr. Tim, Dr. Tim.” I had some more questions, but they left me standing alone. Next time, I’ll ask them if Carty should run for mayor.

■ 24-hour inspection appointment system debuts, page 6

Gourmet experience heats up

IT’S A JUNGLE OUT HERE

‘Legion of Doom’ can drive you crazy It took some convincing from my wife, but I finally caved and made a long-overdue trip to the doctor’s office this week. Twenty minutes in the waiting room, 40 pages of insurance forms, five throat swabs, two blood-pressure tests, and one hospital gown later, the results were in. I waited patiently in the cold silence of the examination room. In walked the doctor, holding my file in his left hand. His face looked grim. He sat down, slid his chair closer toward me, and opened my chart. I prepared for the worst. “Mr. Barry,” he sighed, placing his hand on my shoulder. “I don’t know how to tell you this, so I’m just going to say it ...” His words seemed to hang in the air. My wife began to weep. “Oh, Lord-y!” she cried. “No, daddy, no!” my children moaned, bursting into the room, wailing in their mother’s arms. I could hear the violin quartet playing now. “You have terminal road rage, Mr. Barry.” I had always known something was wrong. Call it a gut feeling. I’d suspected it all along. At night, when I slept, I dreamt not of naked women or fountains of imported beer. No, no. Instead, I dreamt of owning the road. Of no traffic. I see the sinister smile on my face, the dusty WWII pilot goggles covering my eyes, the leather helmet strapped tightly to my head. I cackle hysterically and give 100 sardine-packed cars the finger as I pass them in the “Ray Only” lane. Oh, is it glorious. I daydream of Bond’s silver Aston Martin from Goldfinger. Not because of its looks or to have a Bond girl riding shotgun. No, it’s for the machine gun turrets mounted into the hood and the retractable spikes on the wheel axels. I checked on eBay for them. No such luck. In my spare time, I mailed letters begging MTV to “Pimp My Ride” with ground-to-air missiles and spy-car oil-slicks. But I wasn’t born with road rage. I learned it. Cut off, nearly sideswiped, never let over and always

ready to slam on the brakes. I’m not to blame. I’m a product of my environment. And what an environment it is, let me tell you. I’ve made some real enemies out there. That’s right. I’m talking to you, “Make-up Lady.” Don’t you have a mirror at home? And you, Mr. “No-This-CallCan’t-Wait”-guy. Get off your phone, dude. I have my eye on you, “17-year-old with Mom’s Minivan.” Pick your brother up from soccer practice and quit running stop signs in the mall parking lot. And let’s not forget my favorite, my arch-nemesis of the road: Mr. “That’s-Right-I’m-in-the-Left-LaneDoing-One-Mile-Over-the-Speed-Limit-So-GoAround-Me” guy. Take this into account, members of the “Traffic Legion of Doom.” Know that I represent a lot of very angry drivers. Know that you — yes, you — may have caused an accident because of your irresponsibility ... and not even realized it. So do us all a favor. Ask yourself if you’re guilty of any of the previously mentioned things. If you do, take my advice: Stop. Stop being reckless. Stop turning people into maniacs. Just keep a few things in mind out there: 1. Get off your phone. Something important? Okay, fine. But quit using up all your anytime minutes on your way to go tanning. Talking about a keg party you might go to can wait. 2. If someone wants to pass you on a highway, let them. Here’s a rule: “Left lane fast, right lane slow.” Rinse and repeat. A lot of you have trouble with this one. Keep repeating until you don’t forget. Make a chart if you need to. 3. Stop cutting people off. If you cut off five people and five traffic lights from now you’re still next to them — you’re an idiot and you shouldn’t be driving.

Ray Barry

Contact Ray Barry at letters@toledofreepress.com.

Rachel Beck

Companies debate new accounting procedures

By Joe Bellfy Toledo Free Press Staff Writer News@toledofreepress.com

SYLVANIA – Sipping a cup of coffee at Essential Gourmet, pondering the hors d’oeuvres for your next informal dinner party, it can be easy to forget that you stopped in to replace a broken kitchen utensil – and that’s just the way Kathleen Hooker wants it. “Whether my customers buy something or not, I want them to have an experience,” said the owner and sole employee of Essential Gourmet, a specialty cooking store that opened in Mayberry Square in October, 2003. “Have something to drink, take your time, don’t just rush into a purchase.” Ms. Hooker said she takes pride in her store’s reﬁned, yet accessible nature; a gourmet chef is as likely as a weekend grill master to ﬁnd what he or she is looking for. “Providing people with quality products and knowledge is important, but I want them to be able to watch the products being used, and ask questions,” Hooker said. This hands-on approach to educating customers is bolstered by a fully functional commercial-grade kitchen in the back of the store, where cooking classes are held for up to 12 people. Jeff McKahn, executive chef for Rohr Fish and Seafood in Toledo, is a frequent contributor. Please see GOURMET, page 6

orporate America keeps complaining that new regulations forcing companies to assess their accounting procedures are a big waste of time and money that could be better spent elsewhere.

Toledo Free Press photo by DM Stanﬁeld

Kathleen Hooker wants to make shopping in her store, “an experience.”

Attention Toledo - Area Crafters! for more information call (419) 327-9739 or e-mail us at crafterswhocare@yahoo.com

Shareholders at Eastman Kodak Co., MCI Inc. and Chiron Corp. might beg to differ, though. They are seeing firsthand how those federal compliance rules can push companies to reveal poor financial reporting practices that should be stopped. And for investors all around, the exercise of having corporate controls fully analyzed may give them more trust in the numbers that appear on financial statements. Given all that, this surely sounds like time and money well spent. Under section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley corporate reform Please see BECK, page 7

Craft and Gift Shows to benefit Toys for Tots. $30 per table or two tables for $50.

show dates: Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 19

✯

Page 6 ■ Toledo Free Press

BUSINESS ✯

March 30, 2005

Beck

REAL ESTATE

24-hour inspection appointment system utilized By David J. Coehrs Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

A novel approach to building inspection is bringing Toledo-area contractors a step closer to high-tech, one-stop shopping. An interactive voice response (IVR) telephone system implemented March 1 by the city’s building inspection department schedules commercial and residential building inspections seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The two-minute touch-tone service is prompted by a building permit number and sets the requested date, time of day, location and type of inspection. The request is automatically assigned to the inspector covering the speciﬁed city area. The inspection is often held within 48 hours. Currently the only available scheduling method, the IVR system eliminates the need to return contractors’ calls and can provide them with inspection results within a day. Clinton Wallace, chief building ofﬁcial, said other advantages include a less

Gourmet Continued from page 5 “The intimate feel of the classes at Essential Gourmet is great because people can ask any question they need to,” McKahn said. Hooker’s passion for the experience of cooking reaches well beyond Essential Gourmet: she is sponsoring the appearance of master chef Jacques Pépin in May, with all proceeds beneﬁting WGTE Public Broadcasting. “Kathleen’s support of this event shows that she’s keeping up with trends to bring greater knowledge to her customers,” said Anne Parsons, an account representative for WGTE .

complex process, reduced paperwork and the ability to review previous inspection results of the same site. “It’s fantastic,” Wallace said. “It’s already showing its beneﬁts.” The system is unique to northwest Ohio. Similar systems operate in only a handful of cities nationwide. Scheduling 50 to 70 requests each day, the system has allowed the reassignment of two inspection department clerks who spent most of their time making appointments. “You just don’t know what it is to have two staff members freed up,” Wallace said. “(Scheduling) was a complicated and cumbersome process.” The $50,000 system, called “Permit Plus,” is one of the ﬁnal phases of “One Stop Shop,” a city project begun more than a decade ago to simplify the process of obtaining building permits and inspections. The system was installed by Selectron, a California-based company. The inspection department hopes to

Hooker said community is at the heart of Essential Gourmet. “I love cooking because it brings people together,” she said. Her management style reflects this sentiment. Last Thanksgiving, she kept the store open to offer a free meal to Sylvania Township police officers. “There’s not only a sense of accomplishment, but also of home and family that only cooking provides,” she said. Toledo in Business is a weekly feature that spotlights businesses that have been in operation for two years or less. If you are interested in having your new business profiled, e-mail news@toledofreepress.com.

implement a final phase – inspection reprovide greater efficiency.” sults supplied in real time by on-site porThe system will also make better use table computers – sometime next year. of the inspection department’s time, she While he’s confident the system is costadded. effective, Wallace won’t speculate how Wallace said initially he didn’t believe much it’s saving the city. the telephone prompt would work. Toledo City Council member Betty “I’m still from the old school,” he said. “And there are so many variables involved. Shultz has been involved with “One Stop To see it all come together is like magic.” Shop” since its inception. She said the Local contractors echo Shultz’s claim telephone prompt is designed “to make it they’re satisfied with the technology. a speedier process to secure those inspections, to streamline the process for the “The system works,” said Bailey Stancitizens and for the department employees. berry, owner of Stanberry Homes. “In our Time for contractors is money.” business, we need to keep things going, Shultz said the telephone prompt is and we need to keep instant communicapart of a larger goal to eventually enable tion with the inspection department. It’s a contractors to conduct all business elecstep in the right direction.” tronically. Contractors working on ToledoWhile the system may not save his company money, “what it’s saving is the aggrabased projects can already apply for and purchase some building permits and revation on the job site itself,” said Andrew Bryson, a local electrical contractor. Bryson new their licenses online. They may evensaid the convenience of scheduling inspectually be able to submit plans that way. tions by telephone saves valuable time. “This is another step for achieving the goal of conducting all of their business on“It’s a great system,” he said. “It’s the 376 CorpBank_4x7_5 3/25/05 10:23 AM Page 1 line if they so desire,” Shultz said. “It will best way to do it.”

��

�� R �� R �� R ��

��

�� Your goals are our priority. And we can help you reach �� them with integrated products and services as well as �� exceptional guidance. In addition, we can tailor financial �� solutions that meet your organization’s unique needs. �� Call to see how National City can provide solid support �� for your goals.

��

R ��

��

From Staff Reports

NORTHWOOD

Union management relations seminar Area business professionals interested in acquiring additional information about union management history and cooperation in Northwest Ohio are invited to attend a union management relations seminar hosted by Owens Community College on April 12. Serving as the keynote speakers are longtime union relations leaders Oscar Bunch and Joe Farinella. For more information about the event, call (567) 661-7249.

��

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 7

ENTREPRENEUR

Fall expo caters to stay-at-home moms By David J. Coehrs Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

What began locally as a home party showcasing businesses run by stayTOLEDO at-home moms will be The Point Place Business Association will present its first trade sponsored show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 9 at Summit Hall in the by a naMerchants Landing Plaza at 6182 N. Summit Street. Admission is free. The trade fair will feature informational booths and displays tional asfrom more than 45 Point Place businesses. The Washington Township sociation Police Department will offer free child fingerprinting and there will when it also be live entertainment, food booths, free blood pressure checks premieres and more. at the There will also be free giveaways provided by many of the businesses SABRA Seagate in attendance. For more information, call the PPBA at (419) 862-8116 Convention Centre this fall. The National Work At Home ness groups say that expenses here? How do investors gauge if Moms Association (NWAHMA) the problems are indeed fixed? have far exceeded that. Expo hopes to spotlight not only Are these firms still at risk? Will A new survey by the trade Ponn Sabra, who founded the this set the standard for aggresgroup Financial Executives Inoriginal event, but a book she sive auditing going forward? ternational puts a $4.36 million wrote on female empowerment One hopes such compliance price-tag on 404 compliance per and networking that will be restandards will create an environcompany, a 39 percent jump from leased nationally. ment where financial fraud is the $3.14 million that CFOs had Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. harder to get away with. Should been expecting to pay when surOct. 1, the NWAHMA expo will that be true, it would be worth veyed last summer. host up to 100 vendors. every penny it cost to get there. But there are some crucial NWAHMA founder Sabra was benefits. For one, the costs are a Rachel Beck is the national 25 when she was appointed a small price to pay if the results business columnist for The Aspublic health official in Hartford, boost investors’ confidence. sociated Press. Write to her at Conn., in 1998, the youngest perWhere does this issue go from rbeck@ap.org. son to hold that position nationally. But three years later she walked away from the job after learning she was pregnant. “My whole career could have been completely set,” Sabra said. “Being a mom has just changed my life, changed my personality. My husband, Max, gave me the best title in the world, which is ‘mom.’ ” After moving to the Toledo area, Sabra supplemented the family’s income as a Realtor and freelance writer. She said she �� found her greatest fulfillment �� as a stay-at-home mom to three �� daughters, but her idyllic life soon �� changed. �� While driving along Monroe �� Street in July of 2004, Sabra’s car �� was struck head-on by a vehicle �� that ran a red light. Sabra spent �� the next three weeks on ordered bed rest with post-concussive �� syndrome, which left her battling constant vertigo. �� During her convalescence �� and in subsequent months, Sabra said she was overwhelmed by �� aid provided by female friends and colleagues. They cared for � �� her and her children and did her housework while Max was away � �� on business. “”It was a very humble feeling that I was so helpless,” she said. While Sabra was still bedrid-

Trade show scheduled

Superior comfort by design, since 1957.

�� Rollie Abel� �� 419-259-7083 �� Doug Andrews 419-259-6791 �� Craig Jones 419-259-6657 ��

R �� R ��

law that Congress passed in 2002, large companies filing annual reports after Nov. 15, 2004, must assess the internal controls they have in place to ensure the effectiveness of their financial processes and procedures. Outside auditors must then vouch for those controls. The point of such reviews is to catch mistakes before they become bigger problems, and prevent massive accounting scandals like those seen at the likes of Enron Corp. and WorldCom Inc. in recent years. Companies say most of the problems that could be discovered through this expensive and labor-intensive task will be insignificant and not material — meaning they are unlikely to affect the stock price. Government estimates initially put the cost of implementing 404 at $91,000 per company, but busi-

BUSINESS ✯

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Continued from page 5

We provide a strong financial foundation.

Chad Emmenecker

✯

March 30, 2005

Indoor Air Quality Products

Cleans your house while saving you money! Call us for more information!

419-841-3333

3745 Centennial Rd • Sylvania

den, her friends helped inspire her to write a resource guide, “Empowering Women to Power Network,” in three days. It is scheduled for publication this summer. Still somewhat incapacitated, Sabra said she believes the accident served as a wake-up call for her own empowerment and quest to spread her message. “I really believe that was a divine act of God,” she said. “I did everything for everyone else but me. Physically, I was running my body into the ground. I wrote the book because I don’t want any regrets in this life, personally or professionally. I wanted to leave a legacy for women. I want their daughters to be independent and strong. If you’re your best self and utilize the people you already know, you can live life successfully every single day. You have to live your present and future dreams.” After co-hosting several inhome parties featuring vendors of stay-at-home businesses, Sabra expanded the concept with the Toledo Home Business Moms Expo, which took place March 5 at the public library in Sylvania. But the day before the expo, she received another personal blow: a diagnosis of Arnold-Chiari Malformation, an extremely rare brain disorder which may require surgery. Faced with possible lifelong disabilities, Sabra teamed with NWAHMA to maintain networking opportunities for local women. The fledgling non-profit association has 500 members nationwide, and is producing a financial course, “Wise Up,” in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor women’s bureau. NWAHMA is dedicated to making women understand they can work from home or adjust their finances to stay home, according to Lynn Phelps, founding president. She said Sabra’s life situation is what attracted her to the expo partnership. Dogged by health concerns, Sabra isn’t sure to what extent she can continue participating. She said she’s still upbeat and determined to spread her message of female empowerment. Sabra dedicated her book, in part, to her mother “for empowering me to be a woman from the day I was born.”

ON THE WEB www.nwahma.com

COMMUNITY March 30, 2005

■ ‘Dead Man Walking’ author to speak in Adrian, page 9

COMMUNITY FOCUS: SENIORS

Maggie Gibel, left, hits the dance ﬂoor – at age 92 – and columnist Babara John discusses the importance of having a living will, page 10

WILDLIFE

Bald eagle roosts on the rise in Lucas County ■

Checkmark on tax form supports management program By Nikka Dawes Special to Toledo Free Press

The majestic symbols of our nation are returning to Ohio, according to a report issued this month by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The agency has identiﬁed 116 active bald eagle nests this year, six in Lucas County. Only four of 37 counties with active nests outnumber Lucas County’s nest count. “With Lucas County being on

the edge of a marsh region, we are really starting to see more nests built along the Maumee River corridor,” said Mark Shieldcastle, ODNR wildlife biologist. “It’s a natural progression for the eagles, so we expect to see even more in the future.” Bald eagles declined in Ohio in the 1970s due to habitat loss and contaminants. ODNR reported only four breeding pair existed by 1974. This year, ODNR reported 104 eagle pairs have laid eggs and begun incubation; at press time at

least one of the eggs have reportedly hatched. “It truly is a success story,” Shieldcastle said. He credits the success to the launch of the Division of Wildlife’s bald eagle restoration program in 1979. Since then, the program has been partially funded through donations to the state income tax check-off program for Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species (line 24 on form 1040 or line 16 on EZ form). The birds, which are classiﬁed Please see EAGLE, page 11

UT, TPS offer Early College High School Mentor strives to inspire students

TOLEDO – A new program is offering an opportunity for underprivileged students to realize their dreams of attending college. The Toledo Public Schools (TPS) and the University of Toledo have teamed to create a new program beginning in the fall of 2005, Toledo Early College High School. “The program hopes to give kids who historically have the most problems sustaining a college education an opportunity to do just that,” said Valarie Napieralski, principal of University High School. The program will consist of 100 students per school year. It will be located on the Scott Park Campus at the University of Toledo.

Please see COLLEGE, page 11

COMMUNITY ✯

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 9

GUEST SPEAKER

‘Dead Man Walking’ author to speak in Adrian By Lisa Mohr Special to Toledo Free Press

ADRIAN, MI - One of the nation’s most vocal death penalty opponents will bring her message to Siena Heights Lumen Chapel April 3. Sister Helen Prejean, author of two books on the topic, will sign copies of her latest book, “The Death of Innocents” at 7:30 p.m., with a presentation about the book and current death penPREJEAN alty issues at 8 p.m. “I don’t deliver a lecture,” Prejean told Toledo Free Press, “but I try to help the audience navigate the shoals of the death penalty controversy.” “The Death of Innocents” follows the cases of two men executed for crimes Prejean said she believes they did not com-

mit. She presents evidence, some of which was available before their deaths, that she believes exonerates both men. Since gaining fame for her ﬁrst book, “Dead Man Walking,” Prejean said she has devoted herself fully to the cause of ending the death penalty in the United States. “Dead Man Walking” was made into a 1995 ﬁlm starring Susan Sarandon as Prejean, and Sean Penn as the man she ministered to during his time on death row in Louisiana. Sarandon won an Oscar for the role. Prejean said her work with the economically disadvantaged led to her involvement with death-row inmates. “It took me a while to wake up to the call of the social Gospel of Jesus,” she said. “Once I realized that poor did not only mean ‘spiritually poor,’ I moved with four other sisters to a black, inner city housing project in New Orleans. My life and my mission were forever changed.” Prejean said she believes the death penalty is still legal in the United States be-

cause of the fear and anger in the general population. “People have a right to be outraged at violent crime,” she said. “But even those who claim to believe wholeheartedly in the death penalty, when asked if they could do it, hesitate. In their hearts, they know that killing is wrong.” “If they had seen what I have seen, the effect that the process has on everyone involved, I believe they would understand,” she said. “Very few ever will, so it is my mission to bear witness, to help them to see.” Prejean said she believes racism, poverty, violence and fear shape attitudes and public policy toward the death penalty. “In the states where executions are commonplace, such as Louisiana and Texas, the justice system for the poor and black is reprehensible,” Prejean said. “The same judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys routinely participate in the trials of those to be executed. “The bulk of executions in this country,

81 percent, happened in the ten southern states that practiced slavery the longest. That alone should make us take pause,” she said. Prejean said she is pleased with the recent Supreme Court decision prohibiting the execution of those convicted of crimes committed while they were juveniles. “These people can’t buy tobacco or alcohol, because they are not responsible, yet until recently they could be executed for a crime committed while underage,” she said. “That change saved 72 lives.” Prejean said she believes that is only a start. “My purpose is to deepen people’s reflection on the subject,” she said. “Vengeance, euphemized as justice, is not what Christ stood for. His final words were to ask for forgiveness for his torturers. We need to remember and reflect upon that.”

ON THE WEB www.prejean.org

��

Submitted Photo

There are six active bald eagle nests in Lucas County.

TOLEDO SPOTLIGHT

Wendell McConnaha, executive director of ﬁeld experience and partnerships for the College of Education at the University of Toledo, has been involved with the program from its inception in July, 2004. “I got a call from the provost ofﬁce asking me to attend an information meeting,” he said. After a series of additional meetings, “a decision was made to move ahead and, collaboratively with TPS, write a grant application,” he said. The buzz around the program left the corridors of the University when a general press release went out to the community and announcements were made on TV. “A series of community meetings were then held at the Scott Park

✯

��

EDUCATION

By Scott Lemerand Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

March 30, 2005

By Randy Zalewski Toledo Free Press Contributing Writer news@toledofreepress.com

Toledo Free Press photo by DM Stanﬁeld

Front row, from left: Thomas J. Dean Switzer, Valarie Napieralski and Craig Cotner. Back row: Wendell McConnaha, John Foley and Jan Kilbride.

TOLEDO – A man whose father was lost to the horrors of war has devoted his adult life to making sure Toledo students have positive role models. Matt Wiitala (pronounced Wheat-a-la) is the coordinator for the Toledo Rotary Club STRIVE Program assistant Please see WIITALA, page 11

MAKE-A-WISH

��

APRIL 8 – 9, 2005

��

SeaGate Centre 401 Jefferson Ave. Toledo, OH

�� Shootout format: �� Each table winner in a qualifying �� session advances to the final round.�� Cost: $100 per session �� (multiple sessions permitted) �� Cash Prizes Available! �� (assuming minimum participation) �� 1st place – $ 10,000 Total – $ 15,000

�� To get specific dates and �� to register, please call the �� SeaGate Centre Box Office �� (419) 321-5007 *Must be 21 to enter, I.D.’s will be checked All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio, a non-proﬁt organization that provides wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

� ��

March 30, 2005

COMMUNITY IN FOCUS: HEALTH CARE

SENIORS Page 10

Seniors face a double-digit increase in Medicare Associated Press

Barbara John

Don’t leave your home without a living will I have had a living will and durable power of attorney for more than 25 years. Terri Schiavo did not take time to make her own wishes known with a simple document that would have let her specify the health care treatment she wanted to receive. Since her case has received so much national attention, I have been on a crusade. To my daughters, grandchildren and my normally intelligent adult friends who have not prepared a living will: Do it today! A living will isn’t just for old people. Any “of age” person should have one in case of an accident. It is so important to me that I not be resuscitated or have life sustained by artificial means, that I carry a copy of my living will in my purse, and another copy in my car. Because my nextof-kin live out of state, my nextdoor neighbor and my landlady also know where to find a copy. Ohio’s living will declaration says, “The purpose of a living will declaration is to document your wish that life-sustaining treatment, including artificially or technologically supplied nutrition and hydration, be withheld Please see JOHN, page 11

Assisted Living

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senior citizens can expect at least a 12 percent increase in their Medicare premiums for doctor visits next year, and that could rise even higher if physician reimbursements aren’t reduced. Richard Foster, the chief actuary at the

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said Friday that physicians who treat Medicare beneﬁciaries are slated to see a 5 percent cut in their reimbursement rates beginning Jan. 1. But, Foster said, he would be surprised if lawmakers allow such a cut to occur. “In real life, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Foster said at a forum

on Medicare at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. During the past two years, physician reimbursement rates have reportedly increased by at least 1.5 percent annually. If that were to continue, then Medicare beneﬁciaries can expect to see a 14 percent to 15 percent increase in premiums, Foster said.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

92-year-old keeps busy schedule By Barbara John Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

Toledo Free Press photo by Barbara John

Maggie Gibel, 92, still dances regularly.

Maggie is amazing! Maggie is articulate, artistic, enthusiastic and unexcelled in her handiwork. Maggie is indefatigable as a polka dancer. Maggie is 92 years of age. Also sometimes known as Magdalen Kachmarik-Gibel at her doctor’s ofﬁce, and during her marriage ceremonies, she is known throughout the Czech and Slovak communities as Maggie. Maggie’s parents, who lived to be 91 and 92, emmigrated from the formerCzechoslovakia in 1912 and settled in Owosso, Mich. where Maggie was born later that year. They moved to the Toledo area in 1931, the year Maggie married Frank Kachmarik. The result of that union was three sons, who have collectively contributed ten grandchildren and uncounted great grandchildren to the family tree. For her 90th birthday party, the entire clan was joined at the Millbury Fireman’s Recreation Center by more than 100 well wishers and a polka band. On her 92nd birthday, Maggie received greetings from President and Mrs. Bush and a letter from Governor Bob Taft. Maggie is so busy it took 10 days to get her to interview for this story. She was busy Monday, Wednesday and Friday playing three-card-bingo and lunching at the Oregon Senior Center, followed by shopping and other errands.

join us for our open house! sunday, april 10, 12p.m.-3p.m.

– MEET THE STAFF, TOURS, HORS D’OEUVRES –

She was busy Tuesday getting ready for her monthly trip to Firehouse 47 in Ottawa Lake, MI for a night of polka dancing. She was busy Thursday at the Hungarian Embroidery Club where she has been going for 14 years, and on Saturday she was busy baking in preparation for the Sunday monthly American Czech and Slovak Dance Club in Millbury. Maggie has out-danced her two husbands. Frank Kachmarik died at 61. She is also the widow of Andrew Gibel. Both men were dancers. Giggling a little bit, Maggie says she “now has a couple of boyfriends … just at the dances.” One of her fondest memories is the trip Andy took her on in 1978 to Czechoslovakia, Slovakia, Hungary, Switzerland and Italy. In Italy they were among visitors who met with the Pope. But with all this activity, Maggie’s claim to fame is her embroidery work. Her crewel work on the blouses she makes for polka dancers is unsurpassed. Each blouse takes from four to six weeks and is as exquisite on the underside as it is on the front. She also embroiders skirts for the dancers. She ﬁgures she has crocheted close to 80 double bed size afghans for her children, grandchildren and their children. Maggie doesn’t wear glasses. She doesn’t need a hearing aid. She drove until about six years ago, when she decided it was good exercise to walk. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. Maggie is amazing!

5719 Ryewyck Road • Toledo (419) 865-1008

Visit our licensed 12-bed living community. We pledge personal care in a family atmosphere. Find out what quality assisted living looks like!

✯

March 30, 2005

Eagle Continued from page 8

as a rare and endangered species, are protected under three separate acts. The Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty and the Eagle Protection Act of 1940 all serve to protect the birds, nests, and trees after a bald eagle nest is identified. “Essentially, if the eagle puts a stick in a tree, then the area is protected,” Shieldcastle said. He said that most people will know a bald eagle nest if they see one. “They are huge, solid nests approximately five feet across and three to five feet deep.” Most eagle nests are built in “super canopy trees,” 60 to 100 feet in the air.

If a nest is spotted, ODNR should be contacted and the nest left alone. “Federal law protects the eagles and their nest sites,” Shieldcastle said. “Any type of disturbance could cause the birds to abandon the site or discourage them from using the nest.” One of the biggest disturbances: people on the ground. “The law does not speculate the distance around a nest that is protected, so basically, if it bothers the birds, it’s a problem.” In order to protect the birds, identified nests are monitored and landowners housing the nests are given specific instructions as to what can and can’t be done. “It’s most critical to protect nesting times – from the first of February to the end of June,” Shieldcastle said. He adds that

College Continued from page 8

Campus to explain about the school and answer people’s questions,” Napieralski said.

It was at this time that applications were first made available to both parents and students. “Applications later went out to all the junior high schools in the area,” Napieralski said. The application process begins by looking at four different criteria, of which a student must meet at least one. The student must either be the first generation in their family to attend college, be of minority status, live in a low income home or speak English as a second language. “Beyond that, we look at school records and the students must complete a survey that looks at both their writing ability and whether or not they are truly interested in the program,” Napieralski said. Napieralski said the enthusiasm shown by parents and students has been reflected by the number of applications she has received. “There is a lot of excitement out there about the program,” she said. Although the program is not the first of its kind - there are similar programs in Dayton and Youngstown - the response has led McConnaha to believe that, for many parents and students, this is their first time hearing about such a program. “It is a pilot program in that it is a newer initiative within the state of Ohio,” he said. This does not mean the road has been bump-free. “There were a number of misconceptions about the program,” McConnaha said. Problems such as housing and tuition were brought up by UT students, and additional questions were posed by UT faculty. “The biggest marketing issue has been to faculty and how the program will affect their particular academic lives,” McConnaha said. To facilitate this, a series of meetings have taken place with deans and various department chairs and members of the faculty senate, McConnaha said. “There is no cost to the student. TPS received a $400,000 grant which covers this program as well as other activities,” McConnaha said. “This money pays for the course and for the primary text. Then, for

John Continued from page 10

or withdrawn if you are unable to make informed medical decisions and are in a terminal condition or in a permanently

COMMUNITY ✯ in his 30 years of experience with ODNR, most landowners have been very cooperative. The eagle population boom has ODNR staff unable to monitor every nest from day to day, so 200 volunteers take on the duty. “They are our eyes and ears,” Shieldcastle said. “They help us keep track of the activity.” As the eagles expand deeper into Ohio’s interior, more will witness the restoration of one of America’s symbols of freedom. “The bald eagle is a true symbol of their country and its natural heritage,” Shieldcastle said. “The success of the restoration program shows what men can do when they put their mind to it.”

ON THE WEB www.baldeagleinfo.com

example, if the instructor offered an additional text as an optional one, it would not be covered.” McConnaha said he feels good about the way the program works and believes the problems being voiced will end up not being problems at all. “In schools where we have observed – both Dayton and Youngstown – the concerns both students and faculty had going in have failed to materialize,” he said. “I want students and parents to be as happy with the program at the end as they are going in.” In addition to viewing the program as a way to allow underprivileged kids an opportunity to earn college credit, the program is being used to assist in the acclimation process. “If a student is attending high school but also spending time on a college campus they can get a feel for what it is like to be a university student and the transition will be smoother,” McConnaha said. While next semester’s class will only be of 100 students, Napieralski said she sees Early College High School growing in the years to come. “We are starting the program with only 100 students and then the following year we plan to add another hundred until we reach a maximum of 400 students,” Napieralski said. “The whole idea is a small school in which there is time [for teachers] to dedicate [themselves] to each student. I want it to stay small; I want it to stay personal, where every adult cares about the kids. And that they get a quality education,” she added. “The primary reason the University worked to get involved was because community outreach has always been one of our goals. [We] saw this as an opportunity to better link the public schools with the University,” McConnaha said. Napieralski said she has a vision for Early College High School that is wide in scope yet simplistic in its ideals. “The big thing is that I want to see kids taking college courses and earning that credit,” she said. “I want to have them college ready and ready to be successful.” McConnaha agrees. “The altruistic goal is very clearly to give students who would not have considered the University as an option to not only consider it but see it as a viable alternative,” he said.

unconscious state ... ” Getting a living will and durable power of attorney forms are easy. I say “forms” because a durable power of attorney form goes hand in hand with living wills. This document states that a person you choose will have the right to speak for you if you cannot make care decisions for yourself.

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 11

Wiitala Continued from page 8

principal at Bedford High School. His journey began in battleweary Estonia during the crushing annexations of World War II. His father, Evald, and pregnant WIITALA mother, Liivi, fled to escape the advancing Russian forces, while Nazi-occupied Poland engineered a separate fate for refugees; Women were put to work and the German army recruited men to be sent to the front. Wiitala’s father was sent to the German army before his son was born. He was never heard from again. Wiitala was born in a displaced person’s camp in Amberg, Germany. He said the early years of his life were spent waiting for his first taste of freedom. Sponsored by a Lutheran minister, Wiitala and his mother came to America, where he learned English from the boys on the back streets of New Jersey. “During the McCarthy era it was not cool to speak a foreign language,” Wiitala said from his home in Lambertville. After high school, Wiitala left his childhood home of Kaleva, Mich., in 1964. Relying on a strong work ethic taught to him by his mother and stepfather, Walt, he attended college in Flint and accepted a position with General Motors. “I was interested in athletics,” Wiitala said. “I also had the desire to teach business.” With a wife and kids in tow, Wiitala said he felt the need to be financially durable. He investigated law school in Texas. He eventually took a sales position with the Shell Oil Company in Cleveland. “I started to feel the almighty dollar isn’t all that important,” Wiitala said. “I began to search for something I really wanted.” The petroleum giant reassigned Wiitala to Toledo in 1973. Another twist of providence presented itself when his supervisor, a member of the advisory board of Toledo Public Schools, mentioned that there was an opportunity at Libbey High School.

Of course you can have an attorney prepare them for you. But you can also buy a kit that contains directions and necessary forms at any ofﬁce supply store. Other sources are doctors, hospitals and libraries. If you know someone who has difﬁculty with English, or who cannot read or write, they can call Legal Aid of Northwest Ohio

Wiitala said he could not resist the offer to be a teacher of business in the newly formed Vocational Education Program, even with a pay cut. The position of assistant football coach was also offered to him. “And there I was,” Matt said. “I had made the circle and evolved to the thing I originally wanted.” Wiitala said that although Libbey is perceived as struggling socially and financially, he believes some of the finest students are from that area. Wiitala received a masters degree in counseling from the University of Toledo in 1985. He held the position of guidance director at DeVeaux Junior High School until 1992. He returned to his homeland of Estonia with his mother to seek out the family tree. “The village we visited was without electricity or even a market,” he said. “Now that the Berlin Wall has come down, those people are starting to see the advantages of a free society.” Wiitala and his second wife, Jeri, who also taught at Libbey, have five children, and 12 grandchildren. The Wiitalas are semiretired, yet Jeri still teaches two days of pre-school per week in their Michigan home. Julia Faulkner is executive director of the Partners in Education Program, which serves as administrators for STRIVE. “(Matt) Wiitala has a way with the kids and the adults as well, having their best interest at heart,” she said. University of Toledo student Erica Kwiatkowski earned a scholarship through her involvement in the STRIVE program. “When I was in high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” Kwiatkowski said. “After I entered the program, I wanted to do as good as possible and win that scholarship. Mr. Wiitala is encouraging and involved with the students. No matter what he was doing, he always had time for me. He is a big reason why I decided to go to college.” Don Wiczynski, the advisor of the Humanities program at Libbey, has known Wiitala since 1978. “We’ve been friends ever since we were coaches together,” Wiczynski said. “He was varsity coach and I was JV. Matt is into it for the kids, no selfishness at all.” “Regardless of what has happened to you in your past, you have an opportunity every morning to make it a better day,” Wiitala said.

at 1-888-534-1432. Legal Aid offers bilingual assistance and the service is free. These documents must be witnessed by two non-related people, and then notarized. Join my “crusade.” Let these few words be my gift to you ... and inspire you to give a gift to yourself and your loved ones by getting a living will ... today.

✯

Page 12 ■ Toledo Free Press

COVER STORY ✯

March 30, 2005

✯

March 30, 2005

COVER STORY ✯

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

TRANSPORTATION

From Staff Reports

TARTA receives green light for biodiesel fuel study By Bill Frogameni Special to Toledo Free Press news@toledofreepress.com

TOLEDO – With gas prices soaring, TARTA officials say the arrival of $1.5 million for an alternative fuel project is good news. TARTA, the University of Toledo and Toledo Public Schools will use the funds to study the feasibility of fueling their buses on biodiesel, a reportedly cleaner, renewable fuel. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur told Toledo Free Press she had the money earmarked in 2003 as part of a 2004 federal spending bill, but the funds were just released to TARTA this month. The program was originally scheduled to begin last fall, but TARTA’s General Manager, Jim Gee, said in a reKAPTUR cent interview that he now projects it will start with the next school year. The fueling tanks will be located at TARTA’s headquarters. The goal, he said, is to monitor effects on parts of the TARTA, TPS and UT fleets and gradually increase the amount of biodiesel used. “If it’s cost effective, yes, we’d like to deploy biodiesel throughout our fleet at a higher level,” Gee said. According to the TARTA Web site, the study will be conducted by the Intermodal Transportation Institute at UT with three different fuels: low-sulfur diesel fuel (currently used in all of TARTA’s fleet); ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel; and a mixture of 80 percent ULSD fuel and 20 percent methyl ester biofuel-soybean oil and yellow grease (primarily, recycled cooking oil from restaurants). Vehicle testing will be conducted over a three-year period concurrent with data analysis and collection. The study will focus on differences in emissions, engine performance, engine wear, and operating costs. Air quality for passengers will also be measured — a first of its kind study, according to TARTA. Pure biodiesel is made from organic sources such as soybeans. It runs in most diesel engines with little or no modification. Biodiesel is non-toxic, biodegradable, and emits virtually no sulfur. The growing vegetables used to produce biodiesel help negate the CO2 produced when the fuel is burned, thus creating a balancing effect that’s impossible with oil. It can also be blended with petroleum diesel at any percentage level. Most importantly, according to Kaptur, it is renewable and can lessen dependence on foreign fuel. “Oil is finite and comes largely from undemocratic countries – that’s a huge threat to our national security,” she said. “[Renewable fuels like biodiesel are] a stroke toward America’s future.” Kaptur noted another biodiesel virtue: “It smells like popcorn.” The buses in the Toledo biodiesel program will start with a mix of 20 percent biodiesel to 80 percent petroleum diesel, or “B-20.” Gee said they decided to start with the B-20 mix since 20 percent of biodiesel is the maximum percentage allowable under the engine warranty of the buses. Many engines on the road run on pure biodiesel, B-100.

TOLEDO

Speech addresses policing solutions University of Toledo professor David Harris will explain the concept of preventative policing as he discusses his new book at noon March 31 in the UT Law Center Auditorium. In “Good Cops,” Harris introduces a new generation of law enforcement that builds bridges between police ofﬁcers and the citizens they serve and protect. For more information on this free, public event, contact Ann Elick in the Law Alumni Ofﬁce at (419) 530-2628.

BOWLING GREEN

On Jan. 31, Kaptur was presented with an “Energy Award” by The National Biodiesel Board, for her “commitment to renewable energy and domestic energy security,” according to the NBB Web site. In a press release, the NBB said “Kaptur has played a key role in opening doors that have led to the increased use of biodiesel, including her support of Daimler-Chrysler’s decision to fill every new 2005 Jeep Liberty Common Rail Diesel leaving the factory with B5 — a five percent blend of biodiesel.” For Kaptur, another biodiesel plus is that it could benefit the regional farm economy. “When you consider that over half of our imported petroleum comes from abroad — often from very undemocratic places — it should be a no-brainer to divert that money into the hands of American farmers,” she GEE said. “We’ll help our local farm community, we’ll clean our air, and people won’t have to drive behind buses anymore and say ‘Oh, that really smells terrible.’ ” Joe Molnar, owner of Midwood Inc., 12818 E. Gypsy Lane in Bowling Green, has sold biodeisel fuel for more than four years. He said he sold more than 2.5 million gallons last year. “We knew biodiesel fuel was cleaner,” Molnar said. Molnar said Bowling Green State University shuttles use biodiesel. “We’ve been happy with it, and our customers have been happy with it,” he said. “Our next transport load is already sold.” Biodiesel has been questioned by a small group of critics. University of Minnesota professor C. Ford Runge issued a report, funded by the Minnesota Trucking Association, that predicts biodiesel will cost fuel consumers and suppliers more money each year. Other critics say biodiesel doesn’t really reduce emissions. Instead of pollution coming from tailpipes, it will come from the power plants that supply the electricity used to process vegetables into fuel. The biodiesel study comes at a crucial time for bus operators. In 2006, new EPA regulations will go into effect that dictate much tougher standards for emissions. Transit agencies seeking to comply with the new rules will need to either switch to ULSD diesel, a highly refined fuel that’s still petroleum-based, or look at other options like biodiesel. Gee acknowledges concern that the funding delay (and subsequent delayed launch of the project) could potentially limit TARTA’s options in meeting the 2006 standards since TARTA will only have a few months to assess biodiesel after the project goes online. Gee and Kaptur say the $1.5 million was funneled through several government bureaucracies, which contributed to the year-long delay before it arrived at TARTA. Kaptur said she is just glad to know the project is moving forward. “We have the ability to fuel ourselves; we ought to do it,” she said.

Republican Week speakers BGSU College Republicans is hosting Republican Week, “a celebration of conservative political ideas,” according to a press release. On March 30, the BGSU College Republicans and the Young America’s Foundation will present speaker David Horowitz. Horowitz is an author and a lifelong civil rights activist. Once known as a “radical leftist,” Horowitz has changed the opinion he held in the 1960s and is now an outspoken conservative. He will be speaking on academic freedom (Ohio Senate Bill 24) and the war on terrorism. More information may be found at www.bgsucr.org.

TOLEDO

Bar president-elect to speak Recipients of the 2005 Access to Justice Awards have been announced. The awards recognize attorneys, organizations, and community advocates in Northwest Ohio for outstanding service in the public interest. Michael Greco, the president-elect of the American Bar Association, will deliver the keynote address at the dinner, scheduled for 6 p.m. April 6 at The Pinnacle in Arrowhead Park, Maumee. This year the awards are presented to Toledo attorneys Randall Dixon, John Blaufuss and Jack Gallon. Tickets are $65 per person and are available by calling (419) 255-0814.

TOLEDO

Take Back the Night Rally The eleventh annual “Take Back The Night Rally” will take place at 7 p.m. April 8 at the East Toledo Family Center (1020 Varland, between E. Broadway and Woodville Rd.) This event is one of thousands held all over the world annually to protest all forms of violence against women. For more information, contact Diane Docis, director of The University of Toledo’s Sexual Assault Education & Prevention Program at (419) 530-3431.

Toledo

Child memorial and march The community is invited to gather at 11:30 a.m. April 11, at One Government Center for the 7th annual Child Memorial and March. The 45-minute service will include the reading of the names of children who since the last Memorial have lost their lives due to abuse or neglect. This year’s memorial will also feature Pinwheels for Prevention. A colorful pinwheel will be displayed for each of the 6,369 Lucas County children who were part of an abuse or neglect investigation in 2003. The project is sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Ohio and Mercy Children’s Hospital. Call (419) 213-3254.

TOLEDO

Henderson House public tour A tour of The Henderson House, 5719 Ryewyck, is planned from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 10. Special guests include Pat Nowak, local author of the book “The ABCs of Widowhood” and massage therapist Carol Kimbrough. Staff will be present to give tours and answer your questions. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. The Henderson House is a licensed twelve-bed assisted living community. For information, call (419) 865-1008.

ON THE WEB: www.biodiesel.org • www.tarta.com

Biodiesel timeline 1900

At the Paris Exhibition in 1900, Dr. Rudolf Diesel demonstrates his new engine using vegetable oil as a fuel.

1990

The University of Missouri and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council fund a study to demonstrate the use of soy-based monoalkyl esters as a diesel fuel replacement.

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 13

Toledo Free Press photo by DM Stanﬁeld

1993

Biodiesel sells for $3 - $4 a gallon. Five metropolitan centers and 100 farmers complete biodiesel ﬁeld tests around Illinois with great success.

1994

A 24-foot Zodiac boat begins an around-theworld journey powered by biodiesel.

1996

Two biodiesel fuel suppliers register with EPA.

1998

Biodiesel is offered for sale as a test product to the Chicago Marine Market. Congress approves biodiesel use for compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).

1999

President Clinton calls for the expanded use of bio-based fuels such as biodiesel.

2000

Biodiesel becomes the only alternative fuel to successfully complete EPA’s Tier I and Tier II Health Effects testing under the Clean Air Act. Biodiesel sells for $1.50 -$2.25 a gallon.

2001

More than 60 major ﬂeets use biodiesel, including U.S. Postal Service, USDA, U.S. Department of Defense, University of Michigan, New Jersey Transit and Arizona school districts. The Defense Energy Support Center buys 1.5 million gallons of B-20 for use at government sites throughout the U.S., marking an increased commitment for government use of biodiesel.

2002

Biodiesel sells for $1 - $2 a gallon.

2004

President Bush signs into law a tax incentive designed to encourage consumers to use biodiesel. National Biodiesel Day takes place on March 18, the date of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday. –www.biodiesel.org

TOLEDO

Coffee Club educational program Lutheran Home at Toledo Coffee Club will offer a free educational program at 1:30 p.m. April 14 in the Assisted Living dining room. Myndi Milliken, Director of Communications for the American Heart Association, will speak on different types of exercise you can do for your heart. Coffee Club is held the second Thursday of every month and is free and open to the public. Lutheran Home at Toledo, a ministry of Lutheran Homes Society, provides assisted living and nursing care. The Home is located at 131 N. Wheeling St., at the corner of Seaman Street. Call (419) 693-0751, ext. 246.

SPORTS March 30, 2005

■ St. Francis De Sales lacrosse team to debut, page 16

Kozak Page 14

The Waite High School wrestlers have established themselves as a consistent force in prep wrestling, page 16

Scar tissue

Chris Kozak

hat’s the sound a dream makes when it dies?

It was a windy game against Lake High School last spring. Perrysburg High School pitcher Lewis Calvin was throwing 85 mile-per-hour aspirin tablets when he heard a ‘click’ in his right elbow. Baseball is a sport full of distinctive sounds: the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the pop of a ball hitting a mitt in the pocket. But a click? Calvin’s next pitch came in at half speed and bounced in the dirt. “What in the hell?” Calvin remembers was his ﬁrst thought. “I didn’t know what happened. But it hurt to throw after that.” His doctor conﬁrmed the worst fear of any aspiring Roger Clemens: the ligament in Calvin’s throwing elbow was torn apart. “I was hysterical,” Calvin said. “What am I going to do — not be able to throw a baseball again?” His doctor proposed the only option: Tommy John surgery. In 1974, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John

Mariano Rivera and Eric Gagne have all had the surgery.

Against The Odds

Continued from page 14

An emerging dynasty?

KOZ’S CORNER

✯

March 30, 2005

ruptured his elbow during a game. Urging his surgeon, Dr. Frank Jobe, to “make something up,” a science miracle was crafted. By removing a tendon from a wrist or hamstring, and grafting it into the patient’s elbow, the gift of lightning has been returned to hard throwers for more than 25 years. Kerry Woods, John Smoltz,

Calvin loves baseball. Like countless kids across America, he had the dream to play professional baseball. Sure, the odds are stacked higher than a New York pastrami sandwich. Studies show that of the 453,792 high school baseball players in 2003, only 2 percent would go on to play NCAA Division I baseball; of

��

Aaron / Richards - Flory Insurance Agency Auto - Truck - Motorcycle Homeowners

419-535-1750

Aaron / Richards - Flory

��

SPORTS ✯

those 9,460, just 750, 0.17 percent, would make it to the big leagues. Calvin doesn’t bother with other sports, focusing only on the game he’s played since he was nine. He has logged countless innings, including summer ball, most of the time as his team’s pitcher. The years of throwing, of bringing the heat, of ‘announcing his presence with authority,’ put a strain on his still-developing arm. To protect his dream, and with the unconditional support of his parents, Calvin traveled to Cincinnati, where Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the Reds’ medical director and chief orthopedic surgeon, performed the surgery. Grafting a ligament from his calf – Dr. Kremchek didn’t like what he got from Calvin’s wrist – all went well in the surgery that has a near 90 percent success rate. Calvin emerged with four scars (he said the axiom “chicks

��

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 15

Toledo Free Press photo by DM Stanﬁeld

Calvin Lewis shows the scars from his Tommy John surgery. dig scars” is true), groggy from medication, but ready to work. If we were watching an ESPN Sports Century program about Lewis Calvin, this would be the point where the band plays Bill Conti and the “Gonna Fly Now” Rocky theme as a montage of rehab sessions ﬂashes by. But it’s not, because dreams don’t have a montage, just sweat and pain. Simply stretching the surgically enhanced elbow “hurt really bad,” Calvin said. Despite the ache, Calvin said he never thought about giving up. “I didn’t miss a rep. I was ready to get back in it,” he said.

As his senior season begins, Calvin is three months ahead of the rehab schedule, ready to resume playing baseball. “I am just very happy that he can play this year,” said Perrysburg baseball coach Dave Hall. “He has worked hard and he will see some time at third base, ﬁrst base and designated hitter.” Prior to the injury, Calvin had hoped to play baseball in college, get an education and perhaps get some money for his parents. What’s the sound a dream makes when it dies? Don’t ask Lewis Calvin; he wouldn’t know.

��

� ��

Perrysburg’s Lewis Calvin recovers from Tommy John surgery ■

Toledo Free Press photo by DM Stanﬁeld

Please see KOZAK, page 15

(419) 476-0761

Call her today! (419) 290-8835

(419) 944-6427

��

� ��

✯

Page 16 ■ Toledo Free Press

SPORTS ✯

HOCKEY

Chiefs to play for national title By Chris Kozak Toledo Free Press Staff Writer ckozak@toledofreepress.com

The months of hard work, hours of sacriﬁce and buckets of sweat could pay off with the ultimate reward this weekend as the Toledo Chiefs travel to Richmond, Virginia, to play for the 16U 2005 USA Hockey National Championship. The Chiefs are comprised of 19 area high schoolers who were born in the calendar year 1988-89, and are the “bulk of the best talent in the area” according to Coach Chris Tarsha. The players travel throughout Michigan to play as part of the Little Caesars’ Elite Midget A Division, the largest amateur league in America. They are led by team captains Michael Higgins, who attends St. Francis De Sales High School, Ryan Sell of St. John’s Jesuit, Chris Jaeger of St. Francis De Sales, and J.C. Gulch of Bedford High School. Their season began in June 2004 with try-outs. A 66-game schedule took the team to ﬁve states, one provence, and two counties on the way to a 42-16-8 record. Tarsha points to one moment of the season when he knew this team was special. “We were playing a round-robin game of the International Silver Sticks Tournament in Newmarket, Ontario,” Tarsha said. “And we were playing a Canadian team that was undefeated, and they were really cocky. They were blasting Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ in the locker room before the game. And we just went out there and pounded them. It was that point I realized we could beat anybody at any time.” March has been tournament madness for the Chiefs. They charged through the state tourna-

STATS

of the week

Compiled by David Gatwood

Submitted photo

The Chiefs play this weekend for the 16U 2005 title. ment, treating their opponents like a used puck bag, outscoring all challengers by a 29-4 mark, and were crowned 2004-2005 U16 Ohio State Champions. The following weekend found the Chiefs in Evansville, Indiana, and again they lit the lamp, posting 24 goals to their opponents’ ﬁve as they cruised to the Mid-Am District Championship. Next stop: Richmond, Virginia, for the national championship where the Chiefs will try and go Gary Bettman on the rest of the 12-team ﬁeld. “I’ve been wearing my national championship ring to show them what we’re playing for,” Tarsha said. In 1987, a year before any of his players were even born, Tarsha won a national championship at this same level of competition. “We’re not going to be happy just to be there, we’re going there to win. I just want the team to know that playing for a national championship, at any level, is special.”

TOLEDO CITY LEAGUE Baseball: 1. Central Catholic 2. St. Francis 3. Start 4. Whitmer 5. St. John’s

Softball: 1. St. Ursula 2. Notre Dame 3. Clay 4. Whitmer 5. Bowsher

NORTHERN LAKES LEAGUE Baseball: 1. Perrysburg 2. Bowling Green 3. Anthony Wayne 4. Southview 5. Rossford

Softball: 1. Southview 2. Springﬁeld 3. Perrysburg 4. Anthony Wayne 5. Rossford

TOLEDO AREA ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Baseball: 1. Ottawa Hills Softball: 2. Northwood 3. Danbury 4. Maumee Valley SUBURBAN LAKES LEAGUE Baseball: 1. Eastwood 2. Elmwood 3. Lake 4. Woodmore 5. Otsego

The team is generated from one of the less affluent areas of the city but this has not discouraged the Indian wrestlers from dedicating themselves to the wrestling program. Although it is often difficult, the young Indians and their loyal boosters have worked hard to find the time and money needed to support the program. Amenta is quick to say “kids are kids,” but he also said, “my kids may work harder because they have to. They don’t have the advantages of other students.” The winning tradition at Waite did not come easily. When coach Amenta first arrived at Waite High School 16 years ago, the wrestling program was “in the middle of the pack” in the City League. Winning championships was a pipe dream and the program had only fifteen participants. Amenta and his staff had considerable work to do. The work began by initiating a wrestling program at the junior high level. Amenta credits the work of Doug Bell at East Toledo Junior High. Bell started a program at East Toledo that is “second to none” in the Toledo area. The Waite wrestling program has grown to the point where the

Toledo Free Press photo by David Gatwood

team now enjoys the luxury of having 30-35 wrestlers competing for one of 14 available spots. Although Amenta is proud of the athletic achievements garnered by his wrestlers, he is even more proud that during the past seven years his team has lost “only two or three wrestlers” to grade problems. Amenta and his staff closely monitor every team member’s academic progress and a study table is available for any athlete who feels he needs it. “The kids know we mean business,” he said.

Three consecutive City League championships might be enough for some teams but for the Waite Indians it is only a beginning. With “a good group of incoming freshmen” and four freshmen and two sophomores who placed in the City League tournament, the future remains bright for the Indians. The Indians have established a winning tradition and, under Amenta’s leadership, it can be expected to continue. Amenta proudly said, “these are all neighborhood kids. They all live in the same ZIP code.”

■ Library’s Film Movement series returns, page 19

Movie’s inspiration is ‘sinfully’ good

Stark comics written by Frank Miller come to life in new Bruce Willis ﬂick, page 19

BENEFIT SHOW

1. Cardinal Stritch 2. Northwood 3. Emmanuel Baptist 4. Ottawa Hills

Softball: 1. Gibsonburg 2. Otsego 3. Lake 4. Genoa 5. Eastwood

NORTHWEST OHIO ATHLETIC LEAGUE Baseball: 1. Archbold Softball: 2. Patrick Henry 3. Bryan 4. Delta 5. Montpelier

Waite wrestlers are emerging Eastside dynasty The Toledo City League sponsors 14 varsity sports and in most of these one of the five Catholic City League schools will likely be the defending champion. This has been the case for a number of years, but in one sport, wrestling, the Waite Indians have demonstrated it is possible for a public school to exercise superiority. Since 1997, the Waite Indians, under the tutelage of coach Carmen Amenta, have remained among the top five wrestling programs in the City League and, with this year’s title, the Indians have now won three consecutive championships. Participation in high school athletics requires commitment and dedication. Today’s athletes must work all year to excel. This requires that they spend considerable time in summer sports camps and off-season conditioning. To facilitate these activities, sacrifices must be made. Camp fees must be paid and after school and summer jobs must be limited. Given these parameters, the accomplishments of the Waite Indians are even more remarkable.

March 30, 2005

Preseason Baseball and Softball Predictions

WRESTLING

By David Gatwood Special to Toledo Free Press prepsports@buckeye-express.com

ARTS&LIFE

March 30, 2005

1. Delta 2. Archbold 3. Patrick Henry 4. Wauseon

St. Francis’ new lacrosse team ready to roll TOLEDO — 2005 marks the inaugural season for the St. Francis De Sales lacrosse program. St. Francis Athletic Director Dick Cromwell cites growing popularity in the 21st century as a major factor in adding the sport. “It seems to be an upand-coming sport among high school athletes,” he said. For now, lacrosse will be a club sport at St. Francis. The Knights join Perrysburg, St. John’s Jesuit, and a combined Sylvania High School team. New Knights coach Marty Ratcliffe knows the road ahead will not be easy. “Our kids will be competitive, but it will still be pretty challenging.” It’s a sentiment echoed by junior Dan Evans. “This season will be a building one. But having the background talent and an extremely talented coaching staff, we have no limit to our succes.” The season ﬁnale is on May 17 against state runnerup Toledo St. Johns. “Our kids can’t wait for that one,” Ratcliffe said. “It’s going to be lots of fun.”

— Chris Kozak

Barbara Goodman Shovers

Coffee and Cigarettes

he writing life is fairly solitary, so a couple times a week I head someplace more social. It’s a fake sense of community. I rarely talk to any of my fellow patrons, though sometimes I eavesdrop. But leaving the conﬁnes of my home gives me a sense of connection even if the reality is less so. I started this habit in Germany where I lived between 2002 and 2004. In Bonn, I didn’t have even the language to listen in on conversations. But the city’s bistros offer a drink called Milchkaffee, an überlatte to which I was addicted. It also didn’t hurt that many of them had huge displays of sweets. The French win praise for pastry, the Italians are known for their bread, the Belgians take credit for wafﬂes. But when it comes to cake, the Germans win the bake-off. One of the lovely things about cake and coffee in Germany is the way it’s served. Almost always the cup and plate are porcelain,

Please see WRITING, page 18

Toledo Free Press photo by Nate Vanatta

Band members of Three Sheets to the Wind and Chicken Pickers with some four-legged friends Saturday at the Toledo Animal Shelter.

Concert strong on animal magnetism By Vicki L. Kroll Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

MAUMEE – It’s no joke – the Fools for Animals Concert and Silent Auction will take place Friday, April 1. Three Sheets to the Wind, The Chicken Pickers and Dave Browning will take the stage at 8 p.m. at the Maumee Theater, 601 Conant St. Proceeds will beneﬁt Nature’s Nursery and the Toledo Animal Shelter. “The most important reason we’re doing this and the reason people should come is

because 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward the care and treatment of homeless animals and the rehabilitation of injured wildlife,” said Jack Fynes, president of the board of directors of the Toledo Animal Shelter. “It’s certainly a worthwhile venture,” said John Barthold, bass player for Three Sheets to the Wind. “Nature’s Nursery is something that just isn’t around in other places. If someone ﬁnds a baby animal but aren’t sure what to do, the nursery will take it and return it back to the wild.” Barthold and bandmates Hank Pauly,

lead singer and rhythm guitar; Duke Nethery, lead guitar; and Matt Cousino, ﬁddle, play anything from rock to folk to country. “We’re going to get together Wednesday and decide what we’ll play for the concert,” Pauly said. “We have more than six hours of material to choose from.” That extensive repertoire is the result of playing together for more than three decades. When asked about the band’s name, Pauly joked, “We drink on stage.” He added the name has “a couple literary references Please see BENEFIT, page 18

✯

Page 18 ■ Toledo Free Press

Beneﬁt Continued from page 17 and is an old nautical term. Of course, it was after-the-fact that we looked it up at the library.” The Chicken Pickers came by their memorable moniker before their ﬁrst gig. “Back in 1968 or 1969, we were hired to play at the old Willard Motor Inn in Toledo,” recalled Jim VanDeilen, guitar and banjo player. “We didn’t have a name. We told the hotel manager to pick a name for us and print it in the ad.” “And, lo and behold, the paper came out and we were billed as The Chicken Pickers and it just stuck,” said guitarist J.J. O’Shea. VanDeilen, O’Shea, guitarist John Baertschi and bass player Butch Feeback have their third album, “When We Were Young,” due out soon. “It contains songs by the Kingston Trio. It’s a trip down memory lane,” VanDeilen said. “Our forte is folk music,”

ARTS&LIFE ✯

O’Shea said. For the show, the group will be joined by special guest Jimmy Thompson on mandolin. Guitarist and singer Dave Browning also plans to perform folk music. “I’ll go back to my roots and play some Bob Dylan and some of the older folk songs I learned when I was a kid,” he said. VanDeilen said, “We’re all animal lovers, everyone who will be on stage that night. We all agree it’s for a wonderful cause.” O’Shea added, “These organizations do a wonderful job of caring for homeless and hurt animals, and they deserve all the support we can give them.” Incorporated in 1989, Nature’s Nursery Center for Wildlife RehaToledo Free Press photo by Nate Vanatta bilitation and Conservation EduJohn Barthold holds a puppy cation is a non-proﬁt organization that will be auctioned on Friday. located in Whitehouse, Ohio. “In the case of Nature’s NursThe Toledo Animal Shelter ery, the money will help toward was incorporated in 1927. The moving its location from private no-kill, non-proﬁt facility for stray property to the [Toledo Area] Meand abandoned dogs and cats is troparks’ new Blue Creek Conser- located at 640 Wyman St. A statevation Area,” said Laura Zitzelof-the-art building designed to berger, operations and volunteer provide the best care for the anicoordinator at Nature’s Nursery. mals opened in 2004. Every ani“The move will mean more space, mal is spayed or neutered before which we need as we’re taking in it’s adopted. more and more animals.” “About 1,200 cats and dogs Last year, the center took were brought in and adopted out in 2,053 creatures. “We take in last year,” Fynes said. everything from baby ducks and Tickets are $20 in advance songbirds to squirrels, fox and and $25 the day of the show. For deer,” Zitzelberger said. When tickets, call Nature’s Nursery at ready, the animals are released 419-877-0060 or the Toledo Animal back into the wild. Shelter at 419-382-1130.

We Sell

PAINTBALL

Products!

��

10%

Off Paintballs

419-473-1374 ��

�� EPIRES 4-30-05

Invalid with other offers

March 30, 2005

Writing Continued from page 17 the ﬂatware stainless; there’s a bud vase on the table. Doilies and tiny cookies complete the presentation. The effect is elegance that encourages lingering. And though it’s illogical to suggest, eating and drinking from “real” china makes food taste better. But before I over-romanticize this scene, throw in the half-timbered facades, geranium boxes, sexy young waitpeople, let me point out that at least during the closed-window winter months, German cafes have a distinct disadvantage to those in Toledo. In Germany restaurants don’t have smoking and non-smoking sections. If anything, they have smoking and chain-smoking sections. To me, there is no smell as repugnant as that of Marlboro Country. When it comes to choosing between caffeine lust and tobacco stench, the former always gives way. When I was in ﬁrst grade the connection was made between smoking and cancer. A physician from a local research hospital – I grew up in Buffalo – brought mice to our classroom, injected them with nicotine and made us watch them die. For a six-year-old that was a powerful lesson. My lungs, at least when it comes to cigarettes, remain virgin. While I was abroad, Toledo passed what I thought was a fabulous no-smoking ordinance. Since then it’s been scaled back and I’m sorry for that. Still, during the day patrons at the places I hang out can’t muddy my air. What they do, though, is pollute the space in other ways. Across from me a couple is eating lunch. Each has a sandwich on a tray covered with a sheet of paper. There are six plas-

��

�

��

�� BUYING ��

��

tic or Styrofoam cups between them: two grandes for soda, four minis for water. (They’re so small people take two.) The table is littered with napkins, sugars, and foil-covered butter packets. The utensils are plastic and so are the straws. And this is one of the better places. You can request coffee in a mug and the soup is likewise ceramically served. At another spot I frequent, everything is paper and tea comes in not just one, but two cups; a single’s too hot to handle. Then I need a third, for the bag. When I lived in Europe, locals continually berated Americans for their polluting habits. So not true, I would argue. We recycle. Fewer of us smoke. And because our products are supersized, we use less packaging. (To accommodate smaller Euro-fridges, containers are tinier; you need, say, four one-liter boxes of milk to equal a single gallon jug.) Especially at that last one, my friends would blanch. When I came back, I realized they were right. But here’s the scary part. This afternoon I’m looking for excess, trying to ﬁnd bad examples. But most days it slides right past me. I take the third cup, grab a handful of napkins. The surfeit that disturbed me a few months ago has become so-what? Eat and running seems normal. I’m settling into America again. But I’m not sure that’s good. I love it that people speak English. There’s a comfort knowing should a conversation be initiated I can participate. And we’re beginning to get the cake thing down; today’s cinnamon roll was yummy. But listen Toledo, don’t you dare dilute the smoking rules any further. It’s the one bistro thing we do better. Without it I’d never leave the house.

March 30, 2005

✯

ARTS&LIFE ✯

OPENING FRIDAY

Movie’s inspiration is ‘sinfully’ good By John Rozum Special to Toledo Free Press

I first read Frank Miller’s “Sin City” graphic novels about a decade ago, devouring each one as it was published, admiring them for their narratives and striking high-contrast graphics. Each panel was depicted in stark black and white - shadows and light with no gray tones. In later stories, Miller would incorporate a single color, sparingly used, usually only on one character. His sense of design was bold, and as often happens with Miller’s work (particularly his work on “Daredevil” and “Batman”), was adopted by other comic book artists in the years since. A “Sin City” movie, directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, is due April 1. The first four “Sin City” graphic novels, which make up the brunt of the plot of the movie, are “The Hard Goodbye”, “A Dame to Kill For,” “The Big Fat Kill” and “That Yellow Bastard.” Each book is published by Dark Horse Comics and can be purchased for about $17. You can probably guess by the titles that they are written in a first-person narrative style evocative of Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane. The stories are bleak, set in a city where corruption descends from politicians, through the police force, and all the way down to the dregs of society, who are the focus of these stories. Here, it is the crud of society that has the most honor and the noblest of intentions. The men are low-life thugs, a clean cop whose honor drags him to his doom and a violent drunk who cleans up his act only to be sucked back into a world of inescapable violence and ruin. The women range from a well-intentioned cop to a manipulative psychotic femme fatale, a silent assassin, a stripper and plenty of hookers, who may not exactly have hearts

A frame from Frank Millerʼs “Sin City.” of gold, but have plenty of other strengths. “The Hard Goodbye” tells the story of Dwight, a big, simple, violent brute of a man ﬁlled with his own nobility. He’s willing to throw away what little he has in order to avenge a murdered prostitute, simply because she was nice to him. “A Dame to Kill For” presents us with Dwight, a fallen man trying to make a new life for himself, who is manipulated back into his dark past, from which he’ll never escape. Dwight returns in “The Big Fat Kill,” his string of bad luck threatening to undo the thin thread which holds Sin City together. “That Yellow Bastard” gives us Hartigan, the one truly honest cop in Sin City, whose refusal to let a case go on the eve of his retirement destroys his life, but gives him something to live for. If you are looking for heroes and happy endings, look somewhere else. The “Sin City” stories present a richly woven world of interconnecting stories and characters reminiscent of the movie “Pulp Fiction,” only darker and more violent. It’s not a world you’d ever want to live in, but it makes for a great place to visit.

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 19

Library ‘Film Movement’ series returns By Mark Tinta Toledo Free Press Staff Writer News@toledofreepress.com

When “Born Into Brothels,” Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman’s examination of the children of prostitutes in Calcutta’s red-light district, was shown as part of last year’s Film Movement at the Toledo –Lucas County Public Library, no one knew it would go on to win the Best Documentary Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards. The library’s independent film program will continue this year. “If we see anything that might be a good addition to the program, we pursue it,” said Tracy Montri, the library’s Audio Visual director and head of “Film Movement: An Independent Film Festival.” “We work with a company called Film Movement, and we took the name for the series. Film Movement will sell the public performance rights, or we work directly with the filmmakers, as was the case with “Born Into Brothels.” The six-film series will run on consecutive Thursdays beginning April 7 and continuing through May 12. The series will feature documentaries such as “Middle of the World,” which follows a family on a 2,000-mile bicycle trek through Brazil, the Oscarnominated “Promises,” a look at the Jewish-Palestinian conflict, and “1,” a look at de LaSalle, the top-ranked high school football team in the country. The series will also include the Norwegian comedy “Buddy,” and Daniel MacIvor’s Canadian slice-of-life comedy-drama “Wilby Wonderful,” starring Sandra Oh of “Sideways” and the new TV series “Gray’s Anatomy.” The series will close with an animation festival featuring, among other items, works by “Wallace & Gromit” creator Nick Park. The screenings take place at 6:30 at the Main Library in the McMaster Family Center for Lifelong Learning, with a discussion following. The screenings are free and open to the public, but the films are unrated and may contain mature subject matter. For Montri, it’s important for the Film Movement series to stay current. “This is something other libraries aren’t doing,” she said. “I attended last year’s Toronto Film Festival and spoke with some filmmakers, and went from there.” If you are unable make the presentations, Montri said that once the series is complete, the films will be added to the library’s collection.

Barbara Goodman Shovers is a Toledo Free Press Contributing Editor. She may be contacted at bgshovers@toledofreepress.com. ��

��

REPAIRS ��

��

Page 20 ■ Toledo Free Press

✯

ARTS&LIFE ✯

March 30, 2005

✯

March 30, 2005

Music Notes

POP CULTURE

Napoleon Dynamite: Dissecting the phenomenon By Mark Tinta Toledo Free Press Staff Writer news@toledofreepress.com

“Napoleon Dynamite” was the surprise cult success of 2004, following its glowing reception at the Sundance Film Festival. Its local run at the “Cinematheque” at Super Cinemas lasted several months, and on the day of its DVD release, stores nationwide sold out of it. I missed it during its theatrical run, and when I got around to renting it a few months ago, I found it an amusing but unspectacular time killer. My feelings on “Napoleon Dynamite” were the very definition of “ambivalent.” Even now, the cult of “Napoleon Dynamite” is as strong as ever . It currently ranks #8 on Amazon.com’s DVD sales, and there are “Vote for Pedro” shirts and people wearing Napoleon’s shoes. Perhaps, I thought, I needed to give this film a second look. I mean, if everyone loves it, I must be missing something, right? With the Napoleon cult growing by the day, maybe I should look at this again and reevaluate it. So I did. I hate this movie. What am I missing? What is the appeal? Things I was ambivalent about on the first viewing grated on me like fingernails on a blackboard, like a screaming child in a movie theater, like the staff at Johnny Rockets. Napoleon Dynamite is the single most irritating, unlikable movie character in recent memory. And let’s not even get into Pedro, with that perpetually blank

Mark Tinta look, his molester moustache, and that stupid wig he wears in the latter part of the film. Or Kip and his knee-high socks. Why is this funny? Director Jared Hess (who co-wrote the script with his wife, Jerusha) would probably like to think this is one of those “triumph of the nerd” movies. Yeah, well you know what, Jared? It’s not. This film is laughing at them, not with them, and just because the Sundance poseurs embraced it doesn’t make it cool. I don’t fault the actors here — this is all about characterization. There’s nothing funny in these characters, nothing funny in their situations, and nothing to appeal to the viewer. The problem with “Napoleon Dynamite” is that the protagonist is a completely unappealing creep and it’s impossible to get around that. You have to like the hero in a film like this, and Napoleon is completely unlikable. I know nerds. I was (am?) one. Napoleon Dynamite is not a nerd, he’s a broad caricature of one. How can you root for someone who fills their pockets with Tater Tots to munch on during class? Idiot!

Jon Heder as the title character “Napoleon Dynamite”

Associated Press

PRESTON, Idaho — Talk to a Preston resident for any length of time and you’re likely to hear the town’s new mantra: “There’s a little bit of Napoleon in all of us,” says lifelong resident Thedora Petterborg. Preston has a following all its own. People from as far away as Germany have come to town, buying up thousands of dollars’ worth of souvenir shirts, tetherballs and the ever-popular boondoggle key chain. “I think it’s totally remarkable,” said Petterborg, who played the part of school secretary in the movie. “The llama, Tina, lives right across the street from us. People come by and take pictures — they go out of their way to see Napoleon’s town.”

Bowling Green State Univ. (800) 589-2224 Bowen-Thompson Student Union Lenhart Grand Ballroom: The Four Freshmen April 6. 8 p.m. $25. Bryan Recital Hall: Vocal Jazz Ensemble April 4. 8 p.m. Free. Student Jazz Combos April 8. 8 p.m. Free. Kobacker Hall: World Percussion Night April 1. 8 p.m. Free. Jazz Lab Band April 7. 8 p.m. Free.

Majestic Theatre 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit. (313) 833-9700 Glen Phillips April 2. 9 p.m. $18.

Gumbo’s (in The Docks) 18 Main St. (419) 697-8700 Thursdays: Dueling Pianos Fridays: Fever Fridays w/Jim Lieber Saturdays: Sin Saturday (DJ Delicious spins Retro, Top 40, Hip-Hop, High-Energy music). Doors open at 9 p.m. Headliners 4500 N. Detroit Ave. (419) 269-4500 Lil Wayne April 1. Doors open at 9 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Associated Press

Town basks in ‘Dynamite’ attention

House of Blues 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. (216) 523-2583 Glen Phillips April 3. Doors open at 7 p.m. $18. Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven April 4. 8 p.m. $14.

Detroit Opera House 1526 Broadway St. (313) 961-3500 Jon Stewart April 2. 10 p.m. $39.50-$48.50.

‘Dynamite’ inﬂuences T-shirt fashion GRAPEVINE, Texas — As Napoleon Dynamite would put it, a sweet deal has fallen into Randall Sowa’s lap. For four summers in the 80s, Sowa hawked T-shirts with a helicopter image on them designed by a pal, Phil Goettl. Each summer there was a different design. And each summer Sowa sold a couple of hundred shirts to the rough-and-tumble guys who explored — with dynamite — for oil and natural gas in remote areas of the West. Two decades later, the geeky, quirky, tetherball-loving Napoleon, title hero of the wildly popular cult movie, showed up onscreen wearing these same shirts. Since “Dynamite” was released last spring, Sowa has sold several thousand of the helicopter tees online. Starting this week, the shirts will be for sale in 600 Hot Topic stores in malls in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. “I’m into this as long as I want to be because it’s not going anywhere for a long time,” said Sowa, 51, a Grapevine resident who runs www.noridershirts.com with his wife Sharon and daughter Emily, 15.

The Ark 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. (734) 763-8587 Bitch, Gregory Stovetop April 1. 8 p.m. $12.50. David Jones April 2. 8 p.m. $13.50. Ellis Paul April 3. 7:30 p.m. $13.50. The Blind Boys of Alabama April 4-5. 8 p.m. $35. Jez Lowe April 6. 8 p.m. $13.50. University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble featuring saxophonist Tim Ries April 7. 8 p.m. $15. RFD Boys April 8. 8 p.m. $11.

Club Bijou 209 N. Superior, Toledo. (419) 531-7625 T-Townmusic.com fourth anniversary party featuring Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, MC Habitat, Vanderbee, Rediscover. April 2. 8 p.m. Free tickets at Ramalama Records, $6 at the door.

Associated Press

��

ARTS&LIFE ✯

��

Howard’s Club H 210 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 352.3195 Wolf Eyes, Bullet Teeth, Modern Soviet Enemies April 4. Doors open at 9 p.m. $7.

Maumee Theater 601 Conant St. (419) 897-8901 Fools for Animals Concert featuring Three Sheets to the Wind, The Chicken Pickers, Dave Browning - April 1. 8 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Proceeds to beneﬁt Nature’s Nursery and the Toledo Animal Shelter. For tickets, call (419) 877-0060 or (419) 382-1130. Michigan Theater 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. (313)763-8587 “Pops Around the World” by the Michigan Pops April 3. 7 p.m. $6-$9. Medeski, Martin & Wood April 6. 7:30 p.m. $27.50. Mickey Finn’s Pub 602 Lagrange St. (419) 246-3466 Girls Rock Toledo! April 1. 10 p.m. $5. Toledo’s Third Annual Folk Festival featuring JT& The Clouds, Whit Hill & The Postcards, Gregg Aranda & The Black Swamp Ramblers, Rachel Ries. April 2. 9 p.m. $10. Michael Kelsey April 3. 8:30 p.m. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. The Wide Awakes, Turnstyles, One Day to Perfect April 8. 10 p.m. $5. Ritz Theatre 30 S. Washington St., Tifﬁn. (419) 448-8544 Tom Jones April 6. 7 p.m. $59-$79.

ARTS & LIFE BRIEFS From staff reports

TOLEDO

New associate curator joins museum Toledo Museum of Art Director Don Bacigalupi recently named Amy Gilman as the Museum’s new associate curator of modern and contemporary art. Gilman will join the Museum staff on May 10, after she defends her dissertation in completion of her Ph.D. in Art History at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. In addition to curating TMA’s evolving collection of modern and contemporary art, she will collaborate with staff members to develop interpretive tools and programs that engage visitors with the development and innovation of 20th- and 21st-century works of art. Gilman previously served as associate curator and curatorial consultant at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.

Toledo

TOLEDO CONFIDENTIAL SeaGate Convention Centre 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. (419) 255-3300 Zenobia Shrine Circus April 78. 2 and 6:30 p.m. $7-$16. State Theatre 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit. (313) 961-5451 Widespread Panic April 1. 7 p.m. $29.50. Backstreet Boys April 5. 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$45. State Theatre 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. (877) 378-2150 David Allan Coe April 8. 7:30 p.m. $19.50-$45. Tango’s (in The Docks) 22 Main St. (419) 697-4678 Thursdays: ICE (solo acoustic) Fridays: Desi Serna’s “One Man Band” Saturdays: ICE (solo acoustic) Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 Libbey Court: Tapestry April 1. 6:30 p.m. Free. Rachel Richardson & Friends April 8. 6:30 p.m. Free. Peristyle: Classics Series “Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ With Mark O’Connor.” Toledo Symphony Orchestra with violinst and composer Mark O’Connor and conductor and violinist Scott Yoo. April 1. 8 p.m. $22-$45. The Underground 209 Superior St. (419) 531-7625 With Passion, Genocya, Thought Hideous April 1. Doors open at 9 p.m. $5. Jessie Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter April 8. 9 p.m. $6. University of Toledo (419) 530-2248 Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall: Honors Recital Competition April 2. 1 p.m. Free. Percussion Ensemble Concert April 4. 8 p.m. Free. Spring Festival of Music and Dance: Faculty Recital featuring works by guest composer Gwyneth Walker April 5. 8 p.m. Free. Student Recital featuring works by Walker April 6. 8 p.m. Free. Panel discussion on the art of composing with Walker and UT and BGSU faculty members April 7. 1 p.m. Doermann Theater: Large Ensemble Concert of Walker’s works featuring the UT Wind Ensemble, the University Orchestra, Women’s Chorus, Concert Chorale April 7. 7:30 p.m. Free. Corpus Christi University Parish: St. Petersburg Quartet featuring pianist Maxim Mogilevsky April 8. 7:30 p.m. $10. Wildwood Manor House 5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo. (419) 535-3050 Winners of the Dr. Marjorie Conrad Peate Art Song Competition April 5. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Cahill to lecture at Stranahan Historian, philosopher and author Thomas Cahill will lecture on his works at the Stranahan Theater Great Hall at 7 p.m. April 5 as part of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s “Authors! Authors!” series. Tickets for the Cahill lecture and all “Authors! Authors!” events are available at all Toledo-Lucas County Public Library branches.

Toledo Free Press ■ Page 21

– Compiled by Vicki L. Kroll. If you have an event you would like to see listed in Music Notes or Community Calendar, e-mail the information to news@toledofreepress.com.

Submitted Photo

Gil Manteraʼs Party Dream will appear at The Bijou on April 2.

Toledo nightlife: Feast or famine

oledo’s music scene waxes and wanes on a fairly regular basis. Ask any of the 40-somethings who used to go see Marakesh and Damien back in the mid-80s and they’ll tell you about the glory days of clubs like Kip’s South. In the early 90s, the “college rock” movement (that’s what we used to call alternative, kids) made minor celebs out of Northwest Ohio heroes like Forgiveness Row and Big Hunk o’ Cheese, with east-side dive Frankie’s launching regional acts like The Verve Pipe and Watershed. In the middle of the decade, national acts a-plenty were hitting The Main Event, Cro-bar (formerly Roxanne’s) and the Asylum. In between all these hot moments were fallow years. In those times, if any band came to town at all, it was cause for celebration. The most notable local acts, when there were any, played out of town and told people they were from “around Detroit.” The people still making the scene seldom had to make a choice — there’d be one good show on a weekend night, and that’s where you went. More often than not lately, there’s been a tough choice to make about where to go on a given night. This Saturday is a case in point — how do you choose between these awesome events? Mickey Finn’s Pub is hosting the third annual Toledo Folk Festival. Don’t let the name fool you into expecting an evening of wispy graybeards and warbling earth mothers serving up moldy Peter, Paul and Mary hoo-ha — think of this as “roots music” and wear your dancing shoes. Chicago’s JT and the Clouds will bring some soul, Michiganian Whit Hill and her backing band will deliver boogie-woogie piano and pop sensibility, while local treasure

Keith Bergman Gregg Aranda will add a dollop of irresistible down-home blues and outlaw country ﬂavor. Opener Rachel Ries describes herself as “a bit country, a bit lullaby, and maybe, just maybe, a good bit siren song.” You’ll be surprised at how much this stuff rocks. A mile away, downtown at The Bijou, local Web site T-townmusic. com is celebrating four years of promoting the area scene. Expect a Who’s Who of the Glass City’s music elite, including MC Habitat and Vanderbee, plus other acts to be announced (www. takingonexplosives.com or www. t-townmusic.com will have the latest). Headlining the show? Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, a nearlyindescribable duo whose live act mixes 80s synth-pop, techno, theatrics, performance art, and entirely-too-tight shorts. If you’ve seen them before, you know. If not, this one is mandatory. Friday’s best bet is at Howard’s in Bowling Green: Indie rockers Treysuno hold their annual April Fool’s show, in which bands play a set covering their heroes. Treysuno will perform as popular nerd-rockers Weezer. Joining them will be The Modern Soviet Enemies as Alice Cooper and Tricked By Nixon as Nirvana.

Columnist Keith Bergman may be contacted at news@toledofreepress.com.

Page 22 ■ Toledo Free Press

✯

CLASSIFIED ADS

To place your classified ad, call (419) 241-8500. CONSTRUCTION IMPACT BUILDERS Additions, garages, roofs, siding, decks, etc. 20 years experience. Insured & licensed. Call (419) 290-6046. CONCRETE/BRICK ALL CONCRETE Sidewalks, drives, floors, brick & block. Free estimates. Call now: (419) 346-4651 DRIVEWAYS Asphalt/Concrete drives. Repair/Replace. 20+ yrs. experience. Free estimates. Low prices. (419) 822-5182 ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL WORK Licenses & insured. Free estimates. Call (419) 376-3628 GENERAL HANDYMAN SERVICES Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, misc. (419) 244-2135 or (419) 654-1249 APPLIANCES AA APPLIANCES Dryers, Washers, Ranges, Frigs. Large appliance repair $17.95. 1248 Sylvania (419) 476-0442 SERVICES A ROLL-OFF DUMPSTER Save $$$$ (419) 666-6600 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 cu. yd. M & M INVESTIGATIONS And SECURITY Residential. Commercial. Industrial. On-site security guards & marked vehicle patrols. Lowest rates in the state! Call Now! (419) 237-2942 www.angelfire.com/oh5/ mminvestigations MOTHER & DAUGHTER HOME & OFFICE CLEANING SERVICES 15 yrs. exper. Free est. Call Debbie (419) 242-8227 or (419) 705-5178 LANDSCAPE SIMPLE SOLUTIONS LAWNCARE Mowing, mulching, landscaping, professional & affordable. Discounts available. Call (419) 260-1417 AUTOMOBILES 2003 DODGE DAKOTA Club Cab, 4x4, 4.7 Liter, V8, auto trans, power win/locks, remote keyless entry, am/fm/cd/trailer tow, heavy duty suspension, many extras. Blue Pearl. Low miles. $19,850 Firm. (419) 867-7056

MISCELLANEOUS GLOW STICKS w/CONNECTORS For bracelets & necklaces. 25 cents each. Great for parties, fundraisers, etc. (734) 856-3413 Ask for AJ FATHER & SONS FLEA MARKET 5101 Dorr St. (419) 536-0065 Tues - Sat 10-6 Sunday 12-6 Closed Monday. Stop in - we have a little of everything! TANNING BED FOR SALE Wolff, cost $2K, selling $1400/ obo. Treadmill $50. Heart-shaped interlocking wedding set approx 1/2 carat $600/obo. Franklin Mint Collectors Scrabble in oak/leather w/gold plated tiles $650/obo. Call (419) 662-8302 REAL ESTATE CONDO FOR SALE Unique condo near O-C with view of Warehouse

ET CETERA ✯

March 30, 2005

PARTING SHOT

DM Stanﬁeld

I remember those vicious steel wheels we had on our skates when we were kids. One pebble could send a kid to see the dentist. Then came the neoprene wheel with sealed ball bearings and suddenly the world was one big skatepark. As I watched three buddies fill a Saturday with big air, I couldn’t help but cringe, especially since a friend of mine broke her arm recently while skating at a roller rink. But still, I recall my youth. Like the time I ruined my mom’s umbrella while jumping from the roof of our house, certain it would make a perfect parachute. Or the many times I tried to emulate Alan “Ollie” Gelfand, the original king-daddy of skate tricks, only to wind up shredding my bell-bottoms. Sure, I was risking life, limb and Levi’s, but – for some reason I don’t quite recall – that was part of the fun. Jesse Artiga, 13, watches as friends Zak Knopp, 14, left, and Mike Martin, 14, take to the air at Festival Park Saturday, March 26. DM Stanfield is Toledo Free Press Photo Editor. He may be contacted at dmstanfield@toledofreepress.com.

District & Swan Creek. Has master bedroom with bath and loft style room perfect for ofﬁce, TV, library or an overnight guest.

Call today! (419) 242-1897 APARTMENT TO SHARE Lower. Spacious. All utilities. Like new furn. & appliances. Cable ready. Private entrance w/parking. $275 mo/$70 wkly. Prefer retirees. May have a dog. Call John (419) 691-4910. HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER Point Place/Shoreland area. Washington Local Schools. 3 bedroom/2 bath ranch w/many updates. Finished bsmt, oak throughout, screened patio, garage w/workshop, large lot. 5319 Hammond $139,000 - (419) 729-4872 WALKING DISTANCE TO U.T.! By owner: 2 bedrm/1 bath, new roof, central air. Own for $360/mo. (330) 603-6035 or (419) 535-5951 COMMERCIAL PRIME LOCATION Downtown Toledo 6-story bldg 4K sq. ft./floor Less than $4,500 per floor. Some office spaces available. Lease for $600/mo or less. Great views! Great prices! CALL NOW!

(419) 346-5803

Technical information: Photo taken at 1/1000 sec, ISO 200, f/8 and 28mm with a Minolta Dimage 7HI. P.S. If you look closely, TFP Intern Nate Vanatta is in the background taking pictures of the action.

EMPLOYMENT MECHANIC & GREASER Needed for local trash hauling comp. Must have own tools & reliable transportation. Full time. Apply Stevens Disposal, 16929 Ida-West Rd., Petersburg, MI. SALES/MARKETING International ﬁrm is expanding in Toledo area. Seeks sales/ mgmt types for home-based business. Car program. Call (877) 881-1702 DRIVERS WANTED Will train. Must have CDL & pass DOT requirements. Apply at Stevens Disposal, 16929 Ida-West Rd. Petersburg, MI

AVON REPS NEEDED Work for yourself! Let me show you how. Unlimited Income Potential! Start Today! (419) 307-9081

ENTRY LEVEL POSITION GROWING COMPANY NEEDS PEOPLE TO FILL IMMEDIATE OPENINGS.

No experience necessary. Wanted: Tired of being just over broke? Start a career with a 90-yr. old company setting up displays. No experience necessary. Company training. $400-$600 per wk. to start. * Service * Sales * Management Call Immediately! (419) 776-4012 COMPANY EXPANSION IN PROGRESS Due to increase in product demand, this large electrical ﬁrm has many openings for both men & women. These positions are not temporary, but are permanent and full time. Setup & display service,

sales & management positions. Hiring for all depts. immediately. No Previous Experience or Degree Required All applicants selected will receive full company training. Applicants will start work with immediate earnings & bonuses. $400/WK to START No Strikes or Layoffs Call for immediate interview. (419) 539-7204 POSITIONS WANTED CHILD CARE - Part-time or full time. Your home or mine. Consistency, love & dependability. $8/hr./child. Multiple child discounts. Refs. (419) 514-2020 PERSONALS KC, You are the most amazing and beautiful girl in the world! I canʼt wait to spend time withyou! JT