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BUSINESS: Revolver offers smoking alternative 4 POP CULTURE: Gay rights activist stirs controversy 5 COMICS: Resurrecting The Crow 7 SPECIAL SECTION: Bridal Guide Fall 2011 9 THE PULSE: Events calendar 33 ACT: The delicate balance 35 ENTREPRENUERS: Mural business opens 36 McGINNIS: Happy birthday ... and beyond 38

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‘Pill Spill’ offers late-summer thrill at TMA

By Jason Mack TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR WEB EDITOR jmack@toledofreepress.com

Beverly Fishman is continuing her artistic study of the human body and the pharmaceutical industry through a new medium with her exhibit “Pill Spill” at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion.

The installation features 120 glass capsules representing pills, which are placed between the walls of the entrance. According to Fishman, this creates the analogy of the Glass Pavilion as a human body digesting the pills.

“I’ve had a long-standing relationship with my interest with the body, science, technology and the pharmaceutical industry,” Fishman said.

“It’s been about an 11-year investigation and has taken on many iterations. I love the idea of something so incredibly old like glass blowing dealing with the contemporary condition. This gorgeous pill is like a placebo. If you see this large grouping of them, they might do something to the viewer.

The viewer wouldn’t have to take a pill. They could just experience something.”

Fishman’s installation is part of the Guest Artist Pavilion Project (GAPP). She was named the 2010 GAPP artist-in-residence and worked on the project with staff from the Glass Pavilion.

“I had ideas I thought would work really well with glass,” Fishman said. “We started several projects, but ‘Pill Spill’ really snowballed and became the big project. Once this project started to really roll, we were in sync with each other. It just took on a life of its own.”

She worked mostly alongside Jeff Mack and Doug Patterson, with Mack handling all of the

glass blowing duties.

“We had a lot of discussions about color, because it is a huge part of my work,” Fishman said. “When Doug and Jeff came to my studio, we started to get the ball rolling. My sense of color is very electric. There are qualities of color that normally are in glass, and I was asking for color that I would say was more futuristic.”

The project is Fishman’s first time working with glass, so she generated ideas and directed Mack and Patterson on the execution.

“I’d worked with resin and chrome, but I’d never worked with glass,” Fishman said. “Glass is like entering a new world. The beauty of it is so seductive. There’s issues of transparency and detail of pattern. Things I thought I was going to do, I let go of and moved through this process.”

Fishman plans to continue working with glass after this installation, but she has no intentions of learning how to blow glass.

“I’ve been seduced by the material and what it can do,” she said. “I’m going to attempt to keep working in glass, but it would take years to catch up to where the glass blowers are. I like working with the ideas in collaboration.”

The majority of Fishman’s artistic experience is with painting. She serves as head of the painting department at Michigan’s Cranbrook Academy of Art and has a painting in the permanent collection at the Toledo Museum of Art. The painting, “Night Kandyland” is part of her “Kandyland Series,” comparing pharmaceutical pills to candy. The top of the painting contains logos of legal and illegal drugs. The bottom half looks abstract, but contains EEG patterns to represent the body.

“I’m interested in how technology has im-

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‘Pill Spill’ will be on display through September.

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aged the body and keeps re-imaging our body,” Fishman said. “Technology continues to grow and change. I started out using the microscope and cells. Those images look incredibly romantic compared to MRIs today. MRIs look like Las Vegas signs. The images, the way technology represents us, has changed over the course of years.

My intent is to keep up with that change in my work and comment on our existence today.”

“Pill Spill” is on display through September in the Glass Pavilion, located across the street from TMA at 2445 Monroe St. Fishman will discuss

her work Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the GlasSalon.

The event is free and open to the public.

“The Glass Pavilion gave me such a huge opportunity to think about the body,” Fishman said. “It is like seeing through the exterior into an interior. It read like a body, like the building itself was digesting the pills. The building is so powerful. The architecture is brilliant. The quality of light that comes through allows the glass piece to change over the time of the day. It is remarkable.

Natural light is so beautiful. The building itself became such a big inspiration.” ✯

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“More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse.” — Doug Larson

Vapor waves

Revolver specializes in new market of electronic cigarettes.

By Jeff McGinnis TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR STAFF WRITER PopGoesJeff@gmail.com

Just a few years ago, Brooklyn Beaver was a regular consumer of some pretty harsh cigarettes. Newport 100s, about a pack and a half a day. “I would try to quit, and it was unsuccessful.

And I thought, well, I’m gonna be smoking for the rest of my life,” she said in an interview with Toledo Free Press Star.

“But then, I got one of these,” Beaver said as she held up the small device on the counter in front of her — a small, sleek cylinder with a cartridge on top for inhaling. One of the many models of electronic cigarettes offered at Revolver Electronic Cigarettes Vapor Lounge, a new store near the corner of Holland-Sylvania Road and Central Avenue, which specializes in the product.

“And I was like, well, I’ll smoke this and cigarettes. And I was fine with that,” Beaver stated.

“But after I started using it, I just quit. I didn’t even mean to quit, it just happened. And then, one day my friend’s like, ‘Did you quit smoking?’

And I was like, ‘Yeah, I think I did!’”

It wasn’t a coincidence that Beaver received an electronic cigarette. Her father, Dennis Beaver, is a co-owner of the business with fellow Toledo native Matt Smith. The two men met on the Jeep assembly line, spending 12-hour work days together and fantasizing about starting their own venture.

“One day, my dad got an electronic cigarette and said, ‘You know, we should start a business.’

So they just talked about it, not really being serious, then they kinda looked into it. They started with $3,500, and it turned into this,” Beaver said, gesturing to the store she now works in.

Revolver started two years ago as an Internet startup and through word-of-mouth, rapidly grew a loyal customer base all around the country. The physical store opened in April, and has been steadily growing its own clientele.

“We get a lot of local people who have never heard of electronic cigarettes but are just coming to test it. They’re usually smokers, and a lot of them have quit from using our products,” Beaver said.

An electronic cigarette consists of a battery

NTURA’S VE

Angie Fallon,an employee at Revolver.

TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR PHOTO BY JOSEPH HERR

that powers an atomizer, creating vapor which the “smoker” breathes through a cartridge. There are no carcinogens involved, just nicotine, so the health concerns related to smoking are supposedly a non-issue. Fans of the product don’t even want to call it smoking — it’s “vaping.”

“A lot of it is that people really do just like the vapor. My sister got onto them. We do have zero nicotine [varieties], she uses them with no nicotine and she’s never smoked before. And she likes the flavors,” Beaver said.

The flavor options or the “eLiquids,” which create the vapor, really are staggering. Not only does Revolver offer varieties which emulate most every brand of cigarette under the sun, but unusual

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Beyond helping them kick a deadly habit, money is another reason many are turning to Revolver. The initial cost is high, with a deluxe model of electronic cigarette running $70 to $80.

But the eLiquid refills are a major savings in the long run for heavy smokers, Beaver said.

“For a large bottle, [the eLiquid] should last a pack-a-day smoker about a month,” she said.

“So it’s about $70 initially, and then after that, it’s about $16 a month.” Compared to the $60 or so that a carton of cigarettes can run a smoker, the economic benefit of their product becomes clear.

The FDA has yet to sign off on electronic cigarettes as an effective aid to quit smoking, or on their long-term health risks.

“They are testing it right now,” Beaver said.

“And doctors say that nicotine is about as bad for you as caffeine.” She also said that up to 80 percent of the people who try their product are able to successfully quit smoking.

As for Revolver, Beaver said the company has plans to expand in the coming months, including a store in Kansas.

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 5

Bert and Ernie and Lair Former Toledoan starts international gay rights controversy.

By Jason Mack TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR WEB EDITOR jmack@toledofreepress.com

Gay rights activist and former Toledo resident Lair Scott is attempting to use his take on the sexual orientation of “Sesame Street’s” Bert and Ernie as a platform to promote LGBTQ rights.

“It’s important, especially for children’s education, to understand and to learn that bullying people for being different is wrong,” Scott said. “It’s important for us to reach this generation of children so in the future we can live a more tolerant lifestyle around the world, not just for the gay and lesbian community but for communities all over.”

The petition “Let Bert & Ernie Get Married On Sesame Street” on Change.org started Aug. 4 and collected 9,000 signatures by Aug. 15. The Facebook page “Bert and Ernie Get Married” has more than 7,000 fans. Scott also started a “Sesame Street: Out Bert and Ernie as Gay” petition, but has decided he will cancel it and focus on the original petition.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to out Bert and

Ernie as much that it’s extremely important for ‘Sesame Street’ to educate children and parents about toleration and about the new world,” Scott said. “Thousands of children that have two mommies or two daddies watch the program.

“It’s important for them to know they aren’t any different from any other children having parents.”

The story has been picked up by international media, reported by such sources as The Huffington Post, the BBC, the U.K. SCOTT Daily Mail, ABC News, The Village Voice, USA Today and The Washington Times.

In a statement released Aug. 11 on the “Sesame Street” Facebook page, Sesame Workshop said, “Bert and Ernie are best friends.

They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves.

“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and

characteristics (as most ‘Sesame Street’ Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.”

The statement did not convince Scott.

“I didn’t think they were gay; I knew they were gay,” he said. “When I was a little boy, I took for granted they were two men living in the same household.”

Scott said he was aware of his own bisexuality at a young age.

“I knew I was different when I was 5 years old,” Scott said. “Why can’t we introduce more characters that are diverse and include the gay and lesbian community? We’re working on different types of outlets for kids and teens to be introduced to LGBTQ characters.”

Scott’s petition has received mixed reactions from the LGBTQ community.

“I would say that a majority of them understand and get it,” Scott said. “There is a small minority that hasn’t read the petition clearly.

They are outraged that I would pick on two iconic characters. They don’t understand how important it is to educate children before they become bullies against their own culture.”

Scott said he experienced bullying first-

hand and speculated on the effect the movement could have had while he was growing up.

“I wouldn’t have been gay-bashed at Start High School,” Scott said. “I wouldn’t have been forced to leave Waite High School because of my activism at such an early age. I was 14 years old when I began my activism in Toledo. Others like me in Toledo could have benefited from seeing more diversity in ‘Sesame Street’ as a youngster.”

Scott thinks the petition will be a success, but not in the way most would expect.

“Bert and Ernie will never be married; that’s not going to happen,” he said. “If you were to ask me how I would introduce gay and lesbian characters on the show, I could answer that. There would be dozens upon dozens of alternatives and opportunities for that. One of them could be that a mommy and mommy or daddy and daddy couple with children move on Sesame Street.

“That would be the epitome for me, to have real characters and not Muppets portraying gay and lesbian characters. That would be the ultimate thing that should, could and probably will happen on ‘Sesame Street’ at some point.” ✯

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New Toledo T-shirt to debut Aug. 18 The local clothing company that helped ramp up local pride with its “You will do better In Toledo” T-shirt will debut its newest design at a free launch party Aug. 18.

JUPMODE’s newest shirt will read “We’re Strong for Toledo” and be sold for $20. Other merchandise, including a new “You will do better in Toledo” tote bag and a new Tony Packo’s Tshirt, will also be available.

The all-ages party is set for 9 p.m. to midnight Aug. 18 at Bozarts Fine Art and Music Gallery, 151 S. St. Clair St., immediately following the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo’s Art Walk.

Local musicians The Miracle Vitamins, The ‘Leles, Mighthaveben and Steven Mullan will each perform the 1906 song that inspired the slogan to be compiled into a music video.

For more information, visit www.jupmode. com or JUPMODE’s Facebook page. ✯ — Sarah Ottney

TMA to display rare Bible The Toledo Museum of Art will display its first edition copy of the King James Bible beginning Sept. 16 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of its publication. The book will be on display through Dec. 3.

Among the two editions in the museum’s collection is a rare early first edition, which is identified from its woodcut engraving. The museum says that only a few of the early first editions still exist.

The Bible was named after England’s King James I after the seven-year project was completed in 1611.

The museum will also host three separate presentations about the Bible in the next three months.

“First Edition Bible: How Do We Know?” will take place Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. “A Tortured, Thrilling Tale: How the King James Bible Came to Be” will take place Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. The final presentation will be “The King James Bible, the Toledo Rubens, and the Early Modern Culture of Martyrdom” on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. Admission to all three presentations is free. ✯ — Zach Davis

Art Walk poetry Aug. 18 This month’s Art Walk will be 6 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 18. The Art Walk, sponsored by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo (ACGT), features art of all varieties through locally owned artist studios, galleries and businesses in Downtown Toledo.

The Toledo Free Press warehouse, corner of Huron and Washington streets, will be a stop, hosting a reading by local poets, including Bob Phillips, Huntor Prey, Christina Brooks, Jonie McIntire and more.

Stops will be marked with teal Live Work Create Toledo flags. For more information and a map of participating locations, visit the website www.ACCT.org. The final Art Walk of this season will be Sept. 15. ✯ — Sarah Ottney

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The Crow flies again in ‘special edition’

By Jim Beard TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR STAFF WRITER star@toledofreepress.com

Remember “The Crow”? That may conjure up the 1994 film of the same name, but what you may not recall is that the concept began as a comic book. Debuting in 1989, the original “The Crow” series spawned films, a TV show and comic spinoffs, but it’s that first, gritty graphic work that still speaks to readers like nothing that’s followed. Now, the infamous work is back in print with “The Crow Special Edition.”

“This long out-of-print graphic novel is a welcome relief,” said Jim Collins of JC’s Comic Stop. “It’s been a while since I’ve read it and it’s lost none of its greatness. Writer/ artist James O’Barr’s tale of tragedyy and vengeance was an outlet forr irlfriend The dealing with the death of his own girlfriend.

The story deals with a couple, Eric and Shelly, who have unfortunate luck with their car breaking down. A street gang chances upon them, Eric is shot and has to watch as they brutally rape and kill Shelly. Eric then comes back as [the supernatural] Crow and seeks vengeance upon those responsible. In the end the thugs meet their end in ways befitting their lives.”

“This tale deals with the emotional pain that comes with the loss of a loved one. The movie starring the late Brandon Lee was able to capture what O’Barr was trying to get across and became a cult classic, so if you’ve never had the chance to read the comic, the time is now. You won’t regret it. And be prepared to shed a tear or two while enjoying this,” Collins said. enj Another comic book character resurrection also makes Collins’ res picks this week. “Daredevil” No. 2 pic lifts the hero from the Crow-like darkness he’s been mired in for da years and sets him swinging into ye a brighter new series.

“After the delight of the first iissue, I’m excited for the second iissue of ‘The Man Without Fear’,” he said. “Mark Waid has F made this character fun to read; m with the previous run it was always gloom and doom, with everyone trying to out-Miller Miller. Daredevil is a lot like Spider-Man Frank Miller Da — a wisecracking protector of the little guy, making a difference his own way. It’s nice to see Matt Murdock finally enjoy himself as Daredevil.

The art has been a breath of fresh air too and Paolo Rivera makes you believe DD is hopping from rooftop to rooftop. Bravo on this new run of ‘Daredevil.’ I hope Waid is here for many years to come.” ✯

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Dollar dash in, ‘Chicken Dance’ out as reception staples

By Sarah Ottney TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR sottney@toledofreepress.com

The something old, new, borrowed and blue.

The white dress. The vows. The rings. The kiss.

Wedding ceremonies are full of tradition, and the reception is no exception.

From the speeches and cake-cutting to the tosses and dances, the after-ceremony celebration offers plenty of elements for couples to include, tweak — or drop altogether.

During his 30 years in the DJ business, Jim Lieber, owner of Sounds of Music in Maumee, said he’s watched many traditions remain while others have fallen out of favor.

The “Chicken Dance” is one tradition in decline, Lieber said.

“I’ve noticed if you play the ‘Chicken Dance,’ you probably won’t make it out of the building,” Lieber said, laughing. “It used to be, years ago, everybody played that; nowadays, you might get shot before you get to the next song.”

Other songs commonly found on couples’ do-not-play lists include”Y.M.C.A.”, the “Hokey Pokey” and the “Macarena”, said Doug Bermick, president of Professional Sounds in Toledo and Temperance, also a 30-year veteran of the DJ business.

“A professional DJ can entertain an audience, if they are good, without those songs,” Bermick said.

Lieber said he always respects the wishes of his clients, but sometimes reminds them songs are classics for a reason.

“Brides and grooms today, I think maybe because they’ve seen it over and over again at weddings, they want to do something different,” Lieber said. “They might be tired of hearing some of the songs, but it’s also my job to tell them more people will dance to something they’re familiar with. Weddings have a wide variety of guests and you’re not going to dance to something you’ve never heard.”

Bouquet, garter toss The bouquet toss — in which the bride tosses her flowers to a group of single ladies — is still done at a majority of receptions, Lieber said. But letting their grooms remove their garters in front of grandma and the gathered guests is a source of

nervousness for many brides.

“I’ve noticed people are getting more conservative, which is weird because you see a lot more on television these days, but they just don’t feel comfortable,” Lieber said. “Sometimes the bride is embarrassed of their leg or just the guy going under her dress.”

The bouquet toss, which today marks the one who catches it as the next to marry, started centuries ago to appease and divert wedding guests who would try and tear off pieces of the bride’s dress for good luck. The garter toss stems from when the groom needed to prove the marriage had been consummated.

Toledoans Justin and Stephanie Longacre were married in 2003. They did the bouquet toss, but not the garter toss.

“We were too embarrassed to do it,” Stephanie said.

Megan Fowler of Toledo, who will be married this fall, said she and her fiancée, Joe Lindsey, are not planning to do either toss.

“Some of our friends are gay and can’t get married, many are already married and others have no intention of ever getting married for whatever reason,” Fowler said. “There are very few who would actually want to catch them.

Also, we’re both kind of icked out about the whole garter thing. We’re pretty affectionate people, but that just seems like a gross PDA extreme. It always makes me uncomfortable to see when I’m a guest at weddings.”

Suggested alternatives posted to a message board on popular wedding blog Wedding Bee include splitting the bouquet into individual flowers and handing them out to female guests — or giving them to male guests to hand to their sweethearts.

Anniversary dance Other couples give the bouquet to the longest-married guest couple as determined by a relatively recent reception tradition — the anniversary dance, in which married couples leave the floor as milestone anniversaries are announced until the longest-married couple remains, Lieber said.

“That has become very popular,” he said.

“Years ago, that wasn’t even on the map.”

■ TRADITION CONTINUES ON 12

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12 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM ■ TRADITION CONTINUED FROM 11 The bridal party dance is one now being done less frequently, Lieber said.

“I’ve noticed people have gotten away from that in the last few years,” Lieber said. “I think a lot of the reason is the bridal party has spouses or boyfriends or girlfriends.”

The father/daughter, mother/son and couple’s first dance are other wedding dance traditions. Fowler said the first dance is the wedding tradition she is most excited about.

“Not because we’re into dancing, but it just seems like it will be a nice moment to soak in the whole enormity of the occasion while listening to a song we love and sway-dancing like seventhgraders,” Fowler said.

Dollar dance or dash The dollar dance, where guests pay a dollar for the opportunity to slow dance with the bride or groom, is popular because it offers one-onone face time with guests, both DJs said.

“Weddings go by really fast,” Bermick said.

“I would suspect some brides like that because they can talk and converse with their guests for a few minutes.”

A more fast-paced variation is the dollar dash.

Upbeat music is played while the bride and groom run around the room collecting cash from guests in a competition to see who can get the most.

The song is usually money-themed, said Bermick, who frequently uses “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band, “If I Had $1,000,000”

by Barenaked Ladies, “Money” by Pink Floyd,” or The O’Jays’ “For the Love of Money,” the theme song from “The Apprentice.”

”At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” — Plato

Another option is a 50-50 raffle, where the bride and groom sell raffle tickets, with the couple taking half the pot and the winning guest the other half, Bermick said.

Bermick estimates about 40 percent of couples do the dollar dance, 40 percent do the dollar dash and 20 percent do the raffle.

“It just depends on their family tree and what they think they’re going to like the best,” Bermick said. “The bride and groom know whether they will have a good result with whatever they pick.”

Katie Huffman of Fostoria, who married her husband, Gene, in 2007, said she was hesitant to do a dollar dance, but family and friends encouraged her.

“I thought it was rather tacky, but everyone assured me I was wrong,” Huffman said.

The Longacres decided against any of the cash-collecting options.

“We felt it looked a tad gimme-gimme,” Stephanie said.

Holly Ellerbush of Toledo said she had no qualms — and no regrets — about partaking in all the traditional elements at her wedding to husband, Larry.

“We did every tacky wedding event from the garter to the grand march and we loved every minute of it!” Ellerbush said. “We even did the ‘Chicken Dance’ and the ‘Hokey Pokey’!”

While only the couple can decide what feels right for their event and what they are comfortable with, Lieber said he personally feels some wedding fun is lost by leaving out traditional elements.

“Some of this stuff can be an icebreaker and bring two families together and get

group participation involved,” Lieber said.

“Some of the brides and grooms are stiffer than they used to be. When I think about it, it’s because we’ve gotten away from the hoedown-type reception. When I first got into this business in 1978, it was very common for people to go to a banquet hall and have kielbasa, a cold sandwich and a keg of beer at the end of the line. People are more relaxed when they’re just building their own sandwiches.

Receptions are a lot more elegant than they used to be and elegance can make it a little more stiff.”

To smash or not to smash?

Lieber said fancier receptions might explain why he notices fewer couples smearing cake on each other’s faces during the cake-cutting.

“There was a lot more of that back years ago,” Lieber said. “A lot of times the bride has her makeup. It really depends on the mood. My theory is if it’s a high-class wedding, you’re not going to see that, but if it’s more low-key and casual, you’ll see more of that.”

Huffman said she and her husband were in agreement about the cake feeding.

“One thing that was never up for debate by Gene or I was the smashing of the cake in each other’s face,” Huffman said. “It seemed terrible to spend $1,000 on a cake and smush it on our faces and possibly get it on our clothes.”

Fowler said she isn’t planning on a face full of cake, but is prepared for it anyway.

“Knowing Joe, I’m guessing it will happen,” Fowler said. “I don’t mind, because it’s all in fun.” ✯

How to obtain a marriage license in Lucas County In Lucas County, both the bride and groom must be present when filling out an application for a marriage license.

A marriage license is valid for 60 days after it has been issued. An ordained or licensed minister of any religion within the state who is licensed with the secretary of state or a judge in municipal or county court may solemnize marriages.

Marriage licenses can be obtained at the Lucas County Probate Court, 700 Adams St., Suite 200, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost of a marriage license is $50 and must be paid in cash.

What you need: ✯ Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID) ✯ Social Security number (requested but not mandatory) ✯ Birth certificate for those younger than 21 ✯ Copy of final Decree of Divorce, Dissolution or Annulment for those previously married ✯ Copy of previous spouse’s death certificate for widows/widowers Ohio residents must obtain a marriage license in the county where either the bride or groom resides. There is no waiting period on marriage licenses and weddings may take place the same day.

For more information, visit the website www.lucas-co-probate-ct.org.

Source: Lucas County Probate Court

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 13

2012 wedding trends: Sneak peek predictions

Congratulations!

W

Whether it’s six weeks away, or six months away …

e’ve had four royal weddings recently, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge taking the cake. On this side of the pond we are seeing Hollywood royalty tying the knot a with wedding from Reese Witherspoon and the upcoming nuptials of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.

If you remember, Kim’s sister Khloe’s 2009 wedding to Lamar Odom set the trend for 2010’s dark purple color scheme. Stylists are looking to Kim’s color palette to set 2012 trends.

A popular combo from 2011 is gray and yellow, which is still setting the mark for 2012. It shows we’ve satisfied our craving for rich color palettes like plum and navy and are starting to savor something soft and sweet like blush BRITTANY pink and lavender paired with charcoal grays and soft greens.

Colors should start to fall back on more neutral tones, like in the wedding of Kate Moss, which brings about tranquility and elegance.

Elegance was the perfect word to sum up royal bride Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. Thanks to her lace-covered shoulders and arms, less skin is not more for 2012 brides. Sweetheart necklines and defined waistlines flatter the figure as less skin leaves more to the imagination.

Texture is still popular on gowns and on the table. From lace and ruffles to feathered tulle and fabric rosettes, tabletop linens and chair covers are mirroring fashion with lace cutouts, lightcatching beading, pick-ups and gathers.

Weddingg cake is one tradition that never goes out of style. But it’s got g company. We’ve seen cupcakes and candy stations.

Now we are seeing dessert bars with homemade goodies and family recipes.

Cake balls were party favorites for the past two years.

Now guests are eating up a new favorite: pie pops, or pie on a stick. These tasty treats are perfect for summer fruit pies or fall’s all-time favorite, pumpkin pie.

As I predicted in January, understated sophistication is still on the minds of brides and grooms. Savvy couples are creative in their choices and splurge in only a few areas to create a memorable evening, letting the ideals of marriage speak for themselves. ✯

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”Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination.” — Voltaire

Videographers capture organic moments with technology

By Jason Mack TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR WEB EDITOR jmack@toledofreepress.com

‘‘

Hiring a videographer has become nearly as standard a step in wedding planning as buying a cake or hiring a photographer. With the expansion of technology in recent years, video quality and production values have skyrocketed while cost has decreased.

“Photography has been around forever and has kind of been the norm,” said Ken Boggs, owner of Inspired Image Video in Toledo. “It’s important to get the video, because not only do you see the images, but the real thing is being able to hear the speeches over again.

Sometimes I’m at weddings and there are unbelievable toasts, speeches, prayers and vows written by the bride and groom. If you don’t have the video, you’re never going to be able to hear those again.”

Kelly Childress-Keefer and Tim Keefer married June 11 with a ceremony at Space 237 and a reception at Maumee Bay State Park. The couple hired Inspired Image Video to film their wedding. Even though she has not seen the finished product, Childress-Keefer is happy with the decision to hire a videographer.

“It is definitely one of the best investments of the wedding,” she said. “The bridal couple misses so much that happens during the day. This is a great way to see it. For instance, as the bride, I

The bridal couple misses so much that happens during the day. This is a great way to see it.

Kelly

Childress-Keefer Married June 11

’’

didn’t get to see the flower girls go down the aisle, my bridesmaid enter or just plain hear all our pre-ceremony music. I cannot wait to watch these things on the video.

“I really cannot wait to get the video and have the ability to relive that day over and over for the rest of our lives.”

Thanks to modern technology, not only can Childress-Keefer relive her wedding the rest of her life, she can relive it in high-definition.

“With technology increasing, I’m able to have equipment that is on par with what you are seeing on television,” Boggs said. “We shoot everything in full 1080p HD. We’re able to do Blu-ray DVD production. You’re getting a real nice product. Five or six years ago, we weren’t capable of doing that. You’d have had to spend

an astounding amount of money to be able to get this level of equipment.”

The cost of equipment has gone down, but the cost of hiring a videographer varies depending on who you hire and what level of coverage you want.

“We offer many different styles and packages tailored to the couple,” Boggs said. “We’ll do something as simple as filming just the ceremony to encompassing everything. We’ll film rehearsal, shoot them getting ready, and we’re there through the entire ceremony and reception. There’s a wide variety of what we offer. It comes down to the individual couple’s desire and what they are looking for.”

Being recorded while getting ready may seem invasive, but Childress-Keefer said it’s not as bad as it sounds.

“Working with the videographer was not any issue,” she said. “It took a little time to get used to having him there, especially while us girls were getting ready. However, he quickly blended in with the group and you barely noticed him.”

Boggs cautioned that weddings are hectic events, and without a videographer people will miss out on the little moments.

“The one thing I hear the most is that one of the best decisions they made was to get a professional videographer for their wedding,” he said.

“I hear that all the time, and I also hear from other people who haven’t gotten it that really wish they would have.” ✯

Tips for setting up a wedding website ✯ Don’t assume your audience is only younger friends, and remember your etiquette. “You want to keep things wedding and older people friendly,’’ said Carley Roney, editor and founder of TheKnot. com. “You don’t want to go on and on forever. You don’t want to put things like, ‘please ship our gifts to.’ Some of the etiquette that is wrong for wedding invitations is wrong for this, too.’’ ✯ Include registry information. According to a TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com survey, about 61 percent of guests find out where a couple is registered from their wedding website — a figure that has grown from 47 percent in 2008. ✯ Get the word out. Don’t just create and publish the website and assume everyone knows it exists. “Send the information directly to your guests,’’ sometimes more than once, Roney said. “You can’t assume that something you put on your website was acknowledged by all.’’

Source: Associated Press

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“A kiss can beautify souls, hearts and thoughts.” — Unknown

Wedding dessert options expanding beyond cake

By Blair Bohland TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER news@toledofreepress.com

A traditional white tiered cake has long been a staple of wedding receptions, but other dessert trends are starting to pop up — and they are sure to please even those with the sweetest sweet tooth.

Perhaps the most nontraditional and mouthwatering candidate to lately make an appearance on the big day is the caramel apple — perfect for a fall wedding or a bride and groom who aren’t fond of cake.

“We’ve had a couple weddings where the bride and groom come in and choose a couple of their favorite apples,” said Jessie Walsh, manager and wedding coordinator at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at The Shops at Fallen Timbers in Maumee and who formerly worked at a cake decorating shop.

“There was a bride and groom apple as the topper, and different flavors on the tiers with little signs so everyone knew which flavor was which,” said Walsh, who said flavors range from buckeye to cheesecake to apple pie.

Sometimes the specialized caramel apples are only for the head table and different favors are given to guests, Walsh said.

“We have bride and groom marshmallows, miniature truffles and personalized chocolate bars that say ‘Thank you for sharing our day with us.’

You can even get your name put on those, but we need to special order the mold, so the bride and groom should order that probably three months in advance,” Walsh said. “For the apples, if it’s a large wedding we’ll need about two months advance notice and one month for a smaller wedding.”

Caramel apples are more cost-effective than a traditional cake, Walsh said. The apples range in price from $4 to $8 and can feed up to eight guests an apple.

Cupcakes are another saver-savvy choice for the big day. They are becoming more popular due to their versatility in display and flavor, said Dana Iliev, co-owner of Toledo’s Cake in a Cup. ■ DESSERTS CONTINUES ON 17

Cake in a Cup co-owner Dana Iliev says cupcakes are popular as wedding desserts due to their versatility in display and flavor.

TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAR PHOTO BY BLAIR BOHLAND

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“My first glance fell on your heart.” — Johann F.C. Schiller and rounds, or I’ve had brides who’ve opted not to have a cake topper of any kind.”

Groom’s cakes are also becoming much “I’ve never had anyone use just one flavor.

Usually, people do four to five flavors,” Iliev more popular.

“We’ve had a lot of golf, fishing and sportssaid. “We have over 30 flavors and make eight of them a day. We have seasonal flavors, too. We themed groom’s cakes,” Woodbury said.

Candy stations seem to be another growing don’t do fondant because it doesn’t taste good, so wedding trend, it won’t look like said Jeff Anan actual wedderson, who ding cake.” owns Maumee But even cupValley Chococakes can be a bit late and Candy conventional. in Maumee “A lot of with his wife, people will get Stephanie. a wedding cake Wo o d b u r y topper for the top advised couples level to make it to order their more traditional. cake at least This way they nine months aren’t just cupin advance, escakes,” Iliev said. pecially if they Cindy Woodhave their hearts bury of Rossset on a certain ford’s Cherry decorator. Time Lane Custom Toledo Free Press Sports Editor Chris Schmidbauer’s slots from May Cakes said she’s ‘Ghostbusters’ groom’s cake. through October had some orders PHOTO BY CHRIS SCHMIDBAUER go quickly. for wedding cakes “We’ve got a wedding booked as far as Nowith cupcakes on the side or a smaller wedding vember in 2012,” Woodbury said. cake with a dessert table.

Cherry Lane Custom Cakes already has 12 Even the wedding cake goes through trends.

“More brides are icing the cake in a color like cakes booked for 2012, showing that as tempting pale yellow or pink, and decorating in white or as the newer dessert trends may be, traditional flowers,” Woodbury said. “There have also been wedding cakes are still here to stay — with maybe a lot of mixed shaped wedding cakes, like squares a caramel apple or two on the side. ✯ ■ DESSERTS CONTINUED FROM 16

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 17

18 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

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After Barbara Hart’s wedding in 1989, her mom took care of the dirty work.

She had Hart’s 1950s lace gown repaired, cleaned and preserved, boxed up and ready for another bride in the family. It was late last year, though, when Hart’s niece, who was considering wearing the gown, opened the box only to learn it held the wrong dress.

“It was very upsetting to me. It’s all this connection to your younger life. A connection to my mother, to a moment in time,’’ said Hart, 50, of Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., whose mother has since died. “You’re just losing the thread of this connection.’’

So much thought goes into selecting a wedding gown, but once the celebration is over, the dress begins to fade into the background. Experts say that right after the wedding, however, is precisely the time to make sure everything is in order so your dress is pristine if you want to wear it again for an anniversary, have it made into a christening gown, or hand it down to a daughter or other loved one.

Hart doesn’t know what instructions her mother was given about opening or not opening the box, and the dry cleaner that worked on it has since changed hands.

“My advice is that people should open the box and inspect it, and make sure they have the right dress and it’s properly done at the time,’’ said Hart, a lawyer.

Mix-ups are more common than you might think. Hart said an acquaintance of hers heard her story and opened her box to find a different dress, too.

“The problem of the wrong dress is endemic

in the industry,’’ said Sally Conant, executive director of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists. “Ask to inspect your dress.’’

A preservationist for 20 years, Conant said the wrong-dress-in-the-box scenario happens less frequently now because most preservations are done in boxes that aren’t sealed, though some still are.

Conant, of Orange, Conn., said she packs the dress in front of the bride. Many gown specialists now feel it’s OK for people to open the box later, she said; it won’t void the guarantee against yellowing.

“It’s fun for them to see it again,’’ she said, “and they like to reassure themselves.’’

The association, which has members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Ecuador, requires gowns to be preserved in acid-free boxes.

Margaret’s Cleaners, a member in La Jolla, Calif., packs the gowns in chests with acidfree tissue and wraps the gowns in unbleached muslin. The box is put into a muslin bag to keep out environmental debris. The boxes aren’t sealed, and white gloves are provided so oil from your hands won’t mar the fabric.

“We want our brides to be able to open the box and examine it every couple of years’’ in case any yellow spots start to show, said bridal director of Margaret’s Cleaners Jan Bohn.

Methods that involve shrink-wrapping or vacuum-sealing the boxes, which then must remain closed, are not recommended by Conant and Heather Levine, fashion editor of TheKnot. com. “Vacuum-packing your gown can cause permanent wrinkles or trap moisture,’’ which can cause mildew, Levine said.

Cleaning the dress soon after the wedding is key to preventing discoloration and fabric damage.

■ DRESS CONTINUES ON 19

“I saw and loved.� — Edward Gibbon ■DRESS CONTINUED FROM 18 At Margaret’s, each gown is evaluated to determine how it should be cleaned, Bohn said.

Her business has seven methods.

Cleaners remove blemishes that are visible (the most common is floor dirt) and invisible (usually perspiration, or sugar from Champagne, soda or frosting). “If you do nothing, they will oxidize in a couple years,’’ Bohn said. “You’ll start seeing small yellow or brown marks, and then they grow and get bigger and they can damage the material.’’ Conant estimated that 80 percent of gowns have invisible stains, which cleaners find with special lights. “A lot of times people will think they didn’t spill anything,’’ she said. “But a friend throws her arms around you and in her hand is a glass of wine ...’’ Levine urged brides who want to save their gowns to use a gown specialist, or a local dry cleaner that handles at least 100 wedding gowns a year. “You can’t just go to the dry cleaner on the corner,’’ she said. “On a day-to-day basis, most dry cleaners aren’t working with silk organza and heavy beading.’’ Lasalle Cleaners in Downtown Toledo sends between four and 10 wedding dresses per month to a specialty wedding dress cleaner out of state, said owner Gary Resnick.

There, the dress is dry-cleaned by hand and preserved inside several nested vacuum-sealed boxes before returning to Toledo for pickup.

When dropping off a dress, customers should be sure they include all the pieces they want to preserve, such as veil, garter or other accessories. If there is a

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 â– 19

stain, don’t try and remove it yourself because you can end up setting the stain, Resnick said.

When preserved correctly, dresses will last a long time, Resnick said. “I’ve had somebody who had a flood at their house and brought back the dress because they were very concerned and the seal actually held,�

Resnick said. “A lot of people say they preserve wedding dresses, but they just throw it in the box, not preserved. You’ve got to make sure you are confident in the cleaner you take it to, whether Lasalle or anybody else.�

If you suspect a problem with the preservation, don’t open the box or it could void the warranty, Resnick said. Take it back to the store without opening it.

Conant estimates that 25 percent of brides preserve their gowns, while many resell them.

Brides spent an average $1,099 on gowns last year, according to Levine.

Some dresses may be lost to the post-wedding trash-the-dress phenomenon, which has brides donning their gowns to wade into the ocean or frolic in the mud for the camera. But even with a trashing, most gowns can still be saved. “If it’s not silk, we can return it to almost like new,’’ Conant said.

For many women, though, the sentimental attachment to the gown is strong. Hart recalls that her mother hoped Hart would have a daughter who would wear the now-missing lace dress. That daughter, now 9, was sad to learn the gown was gone. “My daughter’s face just fell,’’ Hart said. “It’s very sad to me because ... I’m not able to live out a dream my mother had for me.’’ âœŻ

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“Love is letting go of fear.” — Gerald Jampolsky

Wedding reception math How to know how much you need of everything.

(ARA) — Acting as your own planner can help save money on your wedding reception.

From ordering wedding napkins and favors to deciding how much cake and drinks to have on hand, you can keep a handle on costs by self-managing as many reception-related tasks as possible.

But how do you know how much to buy? Buy too little of any important item and you could run out, leaving guests hungry, thirsty and disappointed. Buy too much and you’ll waste money and be faced with the challenge of getting rid of leftovers.

The reception experts at MyWedding ReceptionIdeas.com, a leading online resource for brides seeking unique wedding favors decorations and supplies, offer these tips for calculating how much you’ll need of key reception items:

Beverages With all the dancing and celebrating they’ll be doing, your guests are sure to work up a thirst.

It’s important to calculate the right amount of beverages to buy so you don’t run out. A good

rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per person, per hour. You may need more or less depending upon the make-up of your crowd. Lots of kids?

You’ll probably need less alcohol and more soft drinks. Plenty of adults who love a good party?

You may need to adjust the amount of alcohol accordingly. Here are some averages to give you a starting point: ✯ Beer: Three to four beers per person. ✯ Champagne: Two glasses per person (mostly for the toasts). ✯ Wine: Three quarters of a bottle per person. One bottle of wine or Champagne yields about six to seven glasses. ✯ Soft drinks: Three to four servings per person. A 2-liter bottle holds seven to nine drink servings.

It’s always good to err on the side of caution and order more than you think you will need — about a third more is standard. Check with your distributor before you order; some will allow you to return unopened bottles.

Food If you’ll serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

before the reception, limit this time to an hour or 90 minutes — you don’t want guests filling up before the main event. Estimate three hors d’oeuvres per person, per hour — roughly five per person for the entire time. If your reception will be a cocktail/hors d’oeuvres event without a sit-down dinner, increase your calculations to 12 pieces per guest. If you’re serving a sit-down dinner, one plate per person per course should be your starting point. You may choose to ask the kitchen/caterer to have some extras on hand in case anyone requests seconds or some lastminute guests arrive.

For the wedding cake, simply tell your baker how many guests will attend and they can recommend the size cake you’ll need. It’s good to estimate more servings than invited guests as some may want seconds or bring last-minute additions to the party. If you’ll serve desserts other than cake, estimate one to two servings per guest.

Napkins Personalized or plain, linen or three-ply, wedding napkins are a must-have item. It’s hard to imagine going overboard and having too

many napkins, but it could happen — and if it does you may find yourself using those napkins at your first anniversary celebration. To ensure your napkin buying is on target with your needs, follow these guidelines: ✯ Two to three cocktail napkins per guest for the bar area. ✯ One cocktail-sized napkin per guest for the cake table. ✯ One and a half dinner or luncheon napkins per guest at the meal table if you won’t be using linen napkins. For example, if you’ll have 100 guests, plan for 150 dinner napkins.

Finally, favors This one may seem obvious — one favor per guest. In reality, however, you need to allow for breakage (What if someone drops a box of favors on the way into the reception hall and several shatter?) and guests who may ask to take an extra favor home for a relative or friend who wasn’t able to attend. Increasing your favor purchase by just 10 percent won’t cost much more, but could allow you to send guests home with an extra favor or two. ✯

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“The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman’s heart.” — Josiah Holland

Your special Bridesmaid dresses not just for weddings day deserves special flowers.

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(ARA) — You bought the dress, the shoes and the special accessories.

Now the big day is over and you’re left with yet another bridesmaid dress cluttering the back of your closet.

No matter how many brides have told you that you’ll totally be able to wear that dress again ... you’ve never worn that dress again.

Halloween doesn’t count.

But wouldn’t it be nice if you could? What if it wasn’t just another few hundred dollars down the drain? Design experts say go ahead and take those dresses out of the closet and introduce them into your wardrobe.

Step one: “Take a look at the overall silhouette of the dress and say, ‘What changes can I make that still keep the silhouette?’” says Rosalind Grenfell, academic director for fashion design and fashion retail management at The Art Institute of Colorado.

Next, if that dress is floor length, it’s time to cut it down to size. “Shorten the skirt to a mini,” suggested Zoya Nudelman, fashion design instructor at The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago.

And while you’re at it, Nudelman said you may as well remove any extraneous bows.

Now that you have all that extra material left over after hemming your dress, it’s time to use it.

“Make it asymmetrical, add a shoulder to a strapless dress,” recommended Marina Saba, fashion design instructor at The Art

Institute of Houston.

You can also add beaded spaghetti straps to a strapless dress to change the look, Nudelman said.

But you don’t have to have a tailor on retainer to make your bridesmai dress not look like a bridesmaid dress anymore, especially if it’s already cocktail length.

“Re-accessorize,” Grenfell said. “Put a shawl with it, change the shoes or put a cardigan with it for a more casual look.”

Nudelman also suggested chunky jewelry.

Since most brides pick the same dress for all of their bridesmaids even though the ladies usually all come in different sizes, make sure the changes you are making are enhancing your best features and that the new look will complement you and fit your personality, Saba said.

And speaking of brides, your dresses can get a makeover, too. “Some brides make their wedding dresses into cocktail dresses and wear them out on their first anniversary,” Grenfell said.

Saba said if brides do go that route, they should choose a tailor carefully. “Make sure that you can retain some of the special effects of the dress while still getting more use out of it.”

Nudelman said most brides are too afraid to ruin the dress and choose to preserve it.

To learn about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz. ✯

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24 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“We love because it’s the only true adventure.” — Nikki Giovanni

Off-season weddings Why getting married in November through February can be fabulous.

T

his summer has been one for the record books. Its sizzling temps and humidity are enough to make anyone hot and bothered, not to mention a continuous run of rainy Saturdays forcing “Plan Bs” into effect.

It’s the perfect reason for getting married in the off-season of November through February.

One of the beautiful things about the holiday season is the décor. From clubs to banquet halls and churches, everyone is ringing in the season.

Therefore, by adding a few touches that complement your location, you can keep your décor budget on track.

Days are shorter and nights are longer, which provides the perfect backdrop for lots of candlelight and ambient lighting effects. Line outdoor walkways with lanterns; accent tables with various votives and pillars to create a warm, glowing effect. Colorwash the walls of tents and rooms with warm amber hues to create the ultimate romantic setting.

If there’s a fireplace present, be sure to put a few logs on to boost the cozy ambience.

Welcome your guests with spiced cider and scrumptious appetizers that highlight the fall

and winter harvest. Shooters of butternut squash soup and platters of roasted vegetables are favorites. Game season is in its prime so instead of the conventional beef and chicken entrée, serve something tastier like venison or pheasant.

Believe it or not, wedding guests do not prefer summer holiday weddings.

Getting married on the popular Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day weekends is not all it’s cracked up to be. Guests who look forward to long weekends at the cottage or vacations with family feel torn between obligations.

Since gathering is a commonality during the fall and winter holidays,

BRITTANY

CRAIG

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EVENTISTA

there is no better time to bring th two families together for your union.

It’s not too late to take advantage of this year’s fall and winter wedding season. While you may have fewer weeks to plan, the decisions will be easier to make.

You will not have time to dwell on decisions or spend a year extending the budget. Instead, go with your gut instincts and make it happen. ✯ Brittany Craig is the principal event designer and coordinator for Crowning Celebrations.

She specializes in weddings and social celebrations.

Check out her website at www.crowningcelebrations. com for more inforamtion.

‘‘

Days are shorter and nights are longer, which provides the perfect backdrop for lots of candlelight and ambient lighting effects. Line outdoor walkways with lanterns; accent tables with various votives and pillars to create a warm, glowing effect.

Colorwash the walls of tents and rooms with warm amber hues to create the ultimate romantic setting.

’’

“Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes

PHOTO BY JOSEPH HERR OF EVERLASTING IMAGES

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 25

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“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.” — Victor Hugo

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Photo booths have found a niche as wedding reception entertainment.

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A photo booth is the perfect solution for couples looking to keep wedding guests entertained and laughing all reception long, area business owners say.

“It breaks the ice like nothing else,” said David Chimahusky, owner of Flashback Photobooths in Tiffin, which is regularly booked for weddings in the Toledo and Perrysburg area.

“As soon as two people go in, all you hear is them laughing. Then they get the photos and they really start laughing. It gets people’s attention right away. You get a line and instantly everybody’s more comfortable and having a good time at the reception.”

Although photo booths have been around for more than 100 years, they’ve found a new niche as wedding entertainment during the past few years.

Doug Bermick, president of Professional Sounds, a DJ service out of Toledo and Temperance, estimated about 40 percent of receptions now have a photo booth. Two years ago, almost none did.

Kids love making faces and getting photos

to take home, while older guests feel nostalgic as they recall the boardwalk or arcade booths of their youth, Chimahusky said.

“It’s really cool people have adopted them for this new use,” Chimahusky said. “What I like is when people go home from that wedding or event, 10 years down the line they will still have these photos. People never throw away photo booth pictures.”

Flashback charges $1,199 to be at a Saturday wedding from start to finish, with discounts available for Friday and Sunday weddings. The couple gets a disc of all digital images as well as free image downloads from the website.

Chimahusky said when he started the company in 2008, there were only a handful of companies offering the service.

“Every wedding, you’d hear ‘This is so amazing, this is so great, I’ve never seen anything like this,” Chimahusky said. “More companies have started since then and you’ll find at least 10 in the Toledo area that would do a wedding for you. It’s definitely picking up steam.”

Lindsay Dewalt of Maumee said the Red Eye photo booth at her July wedding in Toledo was a hit with guests and money well-spent.

■ BOOTHS CONTINUES ON 27

“I’m not perfect. You’re not perfect. But two people can be perfect together, perfect for each other.” — Valerie Lee ■ BOOTHS CONTINUED FROM 26 “I thought it was a cute idea and the amount you spend for it is pretty reasonable,” Dewalt said. “We thought it would be a really cool wedding favor and me and my husband got copies too. If you’re going to spend money to get wedding favors, it’s nice to get something in return. I think everybody that did it really enjoyed it and had something positive to say about it, so it went really, really well.”

Dewalt said she and her husband have enjoyed the scrapbook of photo strips and messages from guests they received at the end of the night.

“Some are people we don’t know that well so it’s kind of funny to see what they do, to see if they are funny or serious,” Dewalt said. “Other people you know very well and their personality comes out in it because you can do whatever you want in the series of four pictures.”

Robert Togliatti, founder and owner of Lakewood, Ohio-based Red Eye Photo Booths, said weddings comprise 66 percent of his business.

The 3-year-old company serves 15 states.

Red Eye offers a four-hour rental for $650. An attendant makes sure everything runs smoothly.

Optional package add-ons include extra hours, personalizing the bottom of the photo strips with a custom logo or customizing the outside of the booth, Togliatti said. Couples also have the option of getting a scrapbook containing all the photo strips taken at the event.

“We get a lot of feedback that they look at that more than their wedding album,” Togliatti said.

Togliatti said the most important thing is to make sure the booth is placed near the most action, typically near the bar or dance floor.

“It’s a lot of fun, but if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind,” Togliatti said.

Couples should be sure to ask for sample photo strips before booking.

“Not all photo booths are created equal,” Togliatti said. “There are a lot of companies just popping up that don’t really have any business offering the service.”

Couples might also want to ask how many people can fit inside the booth at one time, ranging from two to 10 people, Togliatti said.

Chimahusky said his photo booths provide an “old-school feel,” with a small stool and room for three people at most.

Another consideration is how portable the booth is. Some are heavier than others and venues may not allow them in elevators.

Some companies will rent props or couples can provide their own if they choose.

“Some brides don’t want props. They don’t want guests in all these goofy hats and sunglasses. They want them as they came dressed,” Togliatti said.

Some couples choose to do-it-yourself their own “faux-to” booth by building a frame out of PVC pipe and covering it with fabric and setting up a camera and laptop with photo software.

Dewalt said feedback from her wedding guests was overwhelmingly positive and she would do it again.

“Everybody from my 90-year-old grandma to the kids I babysit, I think everybody really enjoyed it,” Dewalt said. “There’s not a lot of rules, just a lot of fun.”

For more information, visit the websites www.flashbackphotobooths.com or www. redeyebooths.com. ✯

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“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” — Zora Neale Hurston

Don’t let social media keep you from being ‘in the moment’

By Sarah Ottney TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR sottney@toledofreepress.com

Today’s social media-saturated culture has resulted in couples who pause mid-ceremony to update their Facebook statuses to married. (Really! Evidence can be found on YouTube.)

In response, an area etiquette instructor is urging brides, grooms and wedding guests to resist technology and stay present in the moment.

“Tweeting and updating during the wedding, that is something that I would not strongly suggest,” said JillMarie Zachman, founder of First Impressions EtiZACHMAN quette Training & Image Design. “You need to be 100 percent where you are, doing what you are doing during that time and if you are updating your status during the ceremony, your mind is somewhere else. There’s nothing wrong with updating it after, but to have something like that during the event is just not in good taste. That day should be given the significance and the respect it deserves.”

Lindsay Dewalt of Maumee, who was married in July, said she didn’t update her status until getting back from her overseas honeymoon.

“I think it’s so funny when people do it right away. It’s outrageous,” Dewalt said. “We had a really

good time and when I got back I eventually changed it. It even took me a few days after we got back.”

Guests should also turn their cellphones off during the ceremony, Zachman said.

“When it comes to tweeting and texting, guests are some of the biggest culprits of doing this in the ceremony,” Zachman said. “Once you hit that sanctuary or ceremony site, there really should be no cellphones at all.”

Cellphone usage at the reception can also be impolite, Zachman said.

“Photographers are walking around taking pictures and one of the biggest complaints I get is they are trying to orchestrate pictures and people are supposed to be smiling, but they have a few who aren’t even paying attention, texting on their phones,” Zachman said.

Announcing an engagement or wedding date via Facebook is acceptable, but make sure to tell your family and close friends first, Zachman said.

Couples should also think before posting gift registry information or wedding shower details to social media sites.

“Some people don’t decipher information versus an open invitation,” Zachman said. “Typically, only those who are invited to the wedding are invited to the shower, so you could be sending mixed signals.”

Zachman advised asking the couple before posting photos of their wedding on Facebook.

“Typically, the bride and groom should be the first ones to post, or they may want their photos

to be the first ones, or they may even have a contract with the photographer that his photos will be first,” Zachman said.

People should also be aware not everyone in their photos may want to be seen on Facebook.

“There needs to be some discretion with that,” Zachman said.

There should also be discretion in posting personal comments about someone in the wedding, such as a family member who is not cooperating.

“One of the easiest ways to make your in-laws into outlaws is if you start posting negative comments about family members,” Zachman said.

“You really do need to be careful with that. ‘The only one who didn’t like it was my fiancée’s sister.

Ugh.’ Just something like that can start creating hard feelings in your new family already. Never say anything that you don’t want to get back to someone in person.”

Wedding websites have become the norm and Zachman has no problem with them. However, invitations and RSVP cards should always be sent in the mail, Zachman said.

“A wedding should have a traditional paper invitation,” Zachman said. “An invitation sets the tone for a wedding — how formal or informal it is, the theme. There are so many things that come across in a formal paper invitation that you’re missing with an emailed invitation. Also think about how many emails have gotten lost or routed to spam. An email invitation sets a really casual standard. People are not going to take your wedding as seri-

ously with an emailed invitation.”

An emailed RSVP is better than no RSVP at all, but a phone call is preferred when a mailed RSVP will be late.

Dewalt and her husband were one of the few couples they knew without a wedding website.

“A lot of couples today do,” Dewalt said. “I think they’re cute and useful. I do think it’s easy with technology the way it is and people definitely utilize them, but the majority of people we were inviting knew us and knew all the information already. For me, it was just overkill and one of those extras I didn’t want to put the time into.”

Younger couples especially need to keep the generational differences of their guests in mind.

“Things in your generation are going to be more acceptable than things in mine because it’s not a change, it’s a way of life,” Zachman said. “Where you might even get a wedding invitation by email and not think anything of it, someone from my generation or older would be offended because that’s looked on as extremely casual. Many of the guests at your wedding will be grandparents, older aunts and uncles, who are used to formality and tradition.”

Couples also need to remember their wedding is about more than just them.

“If it’s something that’s going to offend grandma, then don’t do it,” Zachman said.

“There’s nothing wrong with having fun, but the wedding is not just about the bride and groom; it’s about your guests.”

For more etiquette tips, visit jill-marie.com. ✯

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“You call it madness, but I call it love.” — Don Byas

Three can’t-miss tips for fall weddings (ARA) — When you think of prime wedding months, do May and June spring to mind? You might be surprised to learn that October and November are also increasingly popular months for nuptials.

When you realize autumn brings not only cooler weather, but less busy caterers and wedding venues, the season’s appeal is easy to understand.

Whether you’re finalizing plans for a wedding this fall or planning ahead for autumn 2012, you’ll be looking for ideas to add seasonal spice to your big day.

From fall wedding decoration ideas to seasonally appropriate menu suggestions, here are some trends to consider for your fall wedding:

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Al fresco and all natural “Many brides cash in on fall’s ample sunshine and cooler temperatures by holding their weddings outside,” said Ray Miller of MyWedding ReceptionIdeas.com. “An outdoor wedding celebrates the season and plays to another popular trend — eco-awareness.”

In many areas of the country, autumn brings less heat and rain. Plus, saying your “I do’s” outside, surrounded by fall’s vibrant hues, makes Mother Nature your co-decorator.

If you’re considering having your wedding outside, don’t overlook unusual venues.

Municipal parks, national parks, botanical gardens, fruit orchards and even zoos can all be fun and interesting places for a wedding.

Seasonal decor and accessories The spirit of fall can also inspire your accessories and decor. Rustic materials and touches like raffia, twigs and straw can add seasonal flair to decorations. Leaf motifs and autumnal hues can be used to adorn everything from cake-cutting sets and table linens to table centerpieces and slipcovers. You can tie your theme to fall holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving. Leafshaped votive holders, personal-size pumpkins and other Halloween wedding favor ideas can add seasonal fun to your celebration.

Remarkable menus A fall wedding also opens up opportunities to create memorable menus that play on the flavors of the season. Just as spring and summer wedding menus benefit from the season’s fresh produce, you can incorporate the fruits of the fall harvest into your autumn nuptials.

Fall vegetables like pumpkin, butternut squash, beets, carrots and rutabagas can be served slow-roasted for a side dish that capitalizes on the season’s most colorful and nutritious offerings. Greens such as spinach, endive and celery root come into season in autumn and can be incorporated into soups and salads.

Main course choices also open up in fall, when great game comes in season. Replacing boring beef with venison or mundane chicken with pheasant not only puts a seasonal stamp on a menu, but creates a culinary experience wedding guests will remember. ✯

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“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” — Sophocles

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Paying up to $300 for the following: Necklaces • Amber Items Sets Hat Pens • Compacts Mosaic Items • Cinnabar Items Jewelry Boxes From Jewelry Stores (pre-1940) Marcasite Items • Silver Boxes Bakelite Items • Earrings Glass Beaded Purses Purses (all kinds Pre–1950)

We are now buying selected pieces of fine jewelry for a future jewelry museum.

All time periods, all kinds, all types.

We are looking for the following: Silver Jewelry • Brooches Pendants • Necklaces Cocktail Rings Charm Bracelets • Earrings Bracelets • Cameos • Victorian Art Deco • Enameled Cufflinks • Pins Gold-Filled Jewelry (1920 & Older) Pearl Items Geometric Design • Ring Art Nouveau • Crossover Rings Lavaliers • Garnet Jewelry Bakelite Items Fillgree Rings • Floral Design.

Between Harroun and Main St. Next to Marco’s Pizza.

(419) 885-9100 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-3

Wristwatches and Pocketwatches All Time Periods, All Kinds, All Types Rare Watches Worth A Fortune In Cash!

Looking For : Regular Watches • Dudley Chronograph Watches E. Howard & Co Repeating Watches • Elgin Musical Watches • Frodsham Chiming Watches • Gallet Moon Phase Watches • Gruen Stop Watches • Gubelin Unusual Function • Hamilton Unusual Dial • Illinois Unusual Shape • International World Time Watches Jules Jurgenson Jump Hour Watches LeCourltre • Doctor’s Watches Longine • Pocket Watches Movado • Ladies Watches Omega • A. Lange Patek Phillippe Audemars piquet • Rolex Ball Seth Thomas • Breiting Tiffany & Co • Cartier Ulysse Nardin • Columbus Vach eron & Constantin Corum • All Others • Ditishiem

ED SZYMANSKI

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30 Years Experience in Buying Gold, Silver, Diamonds and Platinum Jewelry

32 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

”There is no remedy for love but to love more.” — Henry David Thoreau

Passionate about recognizing and celebrating all the wonderful occasions and events life surprises us with.

Brittany Craig | 419.297.1133 www.crowningcelebrations.com www.crowningcelebrations.blogspot.com

“Give all to love.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 33

THE PULSE

AUGUST 17-24, 2011

What’s what, where and when in NW Ohio

Compiled by Whitney Meschke Events are subject to change.

MUSIC The Ark This small venue offers a showcase for lesser-known acts.

316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. (734) 761-1451, (734) 7611800 or www.theark.org. ✯ Sumkali: 8 p.m. Aug. 18, $15. ✯ Todd Snider, David Mayfield: 8 p.m. Aug. 19, $30. ✯ Bill Bynum & Co.: 8 p.m. Aug. 20, $15. ✯ A.J. Swearingen, Jonathan Beedle: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21, $20. ✯ The Rosie Burgess Trio: 8 p.m. Aug. 23, free. ✯ Goitse: 8 p.m. Aug. 24, $15.

Bar 145 This new venue features burgers, bands and bourbon, if its slogan is to be believed. 5304 Monroe St. bar145toledo. com. ✯ DJ J Wayne: Sundays. ✯ Jeff Stewart: Tuesdays. ✯ 88 Keys: Aug. 17. ✯ The Brave Youngsters: Aug. 18. ✯ Pop Rocks: Aug. 19-20. ✯ Rocket Men: Aug. 24.

Bitter End Restaurant & Bar If you like your entertainment with a lake view, this may be your spot. 900 Anchor Pointe Road, Curtice. (419) 8367044 or www.bitterendbar.com. ✯ Hay Wire: 9 p.m. Aug. 20.

Blind Pig A variety of rock, soul, pop and alternative acts perform at this bar. 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. $3-$20 unless noted.

(734) 996-8555 or blindpigmusic.com. ✯ MC Frontalot, Brandon Patton, Baron Knoxburry: 8 p.m.

Aug. 17. ✯ Plug: 9:30 p.m. Aug. 18. ✯ Tickled Fancy Burlesque Co., Mizz B. Haven, Kaylouise & Mesmeric Belly Dance Fusion: 9:30 p.m. Aug. 20.

Bretz Bar 2012 Adams St. (419) 243-1900. ✯ Deja Dellataro and Felaciana Thunderpussy: ThursdaysSaturdays.

Bronze Boar Be sure to check out this Warehouse District tavern’s namesake, overhead near the entrance. 20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www.bronzeboar.com. ✯ Open mic night with Chris Knopp: Mondays. ✯ Luke James: Tuesdays. ✯ Jerod: Wednesdays and Thursdays. ✯ Stonehouse: Aug. 19. ✯ See Alice: Aug. 20.

Catch local acts while taking in the pub’s modern Irish and American fare. 601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www. theblarneyirishpub.com. ✯ Kyle White: Aug. 18. ✯ Jeff Stewart & the 25s: Aug. 19. ✯ The Eight-Fifteens: Aug. 20.

OSU

Degage Jazz Cafe Signature drinks, such as pumpkin martinis, plus live local jazz performers. 301 River Road, Maumee. $5 weekends for cafe seating. (419) 794-8205 or www.degagejazzcafe.com. ✯ Gene Parker & Friends: 7-10 p.m. Aug. 17 and 24. ✯ Michael Peslikis: 7 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25. ✯ Zac Kreuz Band: 7:30-11:30 p.m. Aug. 19-20. ✯ Leo Darrington: 7 p.m. Aug. 23.

This venue next to a quarry hosts dance parties, swing bands and rockers. 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania. (419) 8821500, www.centennialterrace.org or www.ticketmaster.com. ✯ ’80s Explosion Dance Party: Aug. 19, $25. ✯ Fashionably Late Gretchen Gottart Skeldon Benefit featuring Watermelon Men, Homewreckers: 7 p.m. Aug. 26, $20. Information: (419) 654-4695 or www.gretchenfund. org; tickets: (419) 537-9956.

A different band performs each week. 702 E. Broadway St. (419) 754-1903. ✯ DJ Lamont: Tuesdays. ✯ Devious: Thursdays (also open mic night)-Saturdays.

Club Soda This university hot spot from back in the day hosts enter-

Luke Fickell

Glass City Cafe This small venue offers musical accompaniment for its Saturday brunches. 10:30 a.m., 1107 Jackson St. (419) 2414519 or www.glasscitycafe.com. ✯ Rachel Richardson: Aug. 20.

Griffin’s Hines Farm Blues Club What started as house parties in a farmhouse basement evolved into Northwest Ohio’s blues mecca. 3750 S. Berkey Southern Road, Swanton. $12. www.hinesfarm.com. ✯ Gerome Durham, 7 p.m. Aug. 20,

Ice Restaurant & Bar The Distillery Karaoke is offered Tuesdays, but paid entertainers rock out Wednesdays-Saturdays. 4311 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 382-1444 or www.thedistilleryonline.com. ✯ Gregg Aranda: Tuesdays. ✯ Kyle White: Aug. 17. ✯ The Eight-Fifteens: Aug. 18. ✯ 56 Daze: Aug. 19. ✯ Good Stuff Maynard: Aug. 20. ✯ Ben Barefoot: Aug. 24.

Doc Watson’s Centennial Terrace

Cheetah’s Den The Blarney Irish Pub

tainment Fridays and Saturdays. 3922 Secor Road. (419) 473-0062 or www.toledoclubsoda.com. ✯ Noisy Neighbors: Aug. 19-20.

Named in honor of the owners’ forefather, this bar and restaurant serves a variety of dishes and entertainment. 1515 S. Byrne Road. (419) 389-6003 or docwatsonstoledo.com. ✯ Jamey Adams: 9:30 p.m. Aug. 18. ✯ John Barile, Bobby May: 10 p.m. Aug. 19. ✯ Tom Turner & Slow Burn: 10 p.m. Aug. 20.

Fat Fish Blue Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayoustyle grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474 or fatfishfunnybonetoledo.com. ✯ Tantric Soul: 9:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and 9 p.m. Aug. 20.

This local, family-owned enterprise offers food, drinks and music in a sleek atmosphere. 405 Madison Ave. (419) 2463339 or icerestaurantandbar.com. ✯ Deon Yates: 6 p.m. Aug. 18. ✯ Berlin Brothers: 7 p.m. Aug. 19. ✯ Elixer acoustic Beatles tribute: 7 p.m. Aug. 20.

JJ’s Pub Live music is on Saturday’s menu; the genre varies, along with the cover charge. Karaoke is on tap 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, and a DJ starts spinning at 9 p.m. Fridays. 26611 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. (419) 874-9058 or jjsperrysburg. com. ✯ John Barile and Bobby May: 8 p.m. Aug. 23.

Kerrytown Concert House This venue focuses on classical, jazz and opera artists and music. 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. $5-$30, unless noted.

(734) 769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com. ✯ Paul Burch, Whit Hill and the Postcards, the hApHaZaRdS, Jen Smith’s Cowgirl Cabaret, Ru Knoedler with Outtabox & Friends, Matt Boylan: 5 p.m. Aug. 18, free. ✯ Camp Take Notice benefit concert: 8 p.m. Aug. 19. ✯ Bridgewater: 8 p.m. Aug. 20. ✯ Janelle Reichman Quintet: 8 p.m. Aug. 26.

French Quarter J. Pat’s Pub Live entertainment after 9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Holiday Inn French Quarter, 10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg.

(419) 874-3111 or www.hifq.com. ✯ The Late Show: Aug. 19-20.

Doc Watson’s COACHES PREVIEW

New Ohio State head football coach Luke Fickell is a longtime Buckeye and the 23rd head coach in OSU history.

He became a graduate assistant with the Buckeyes in 1999 and in 2002 was named special teams coordinator under Jim Tressel and in 2004 he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator.

Fickell starts his Buckeye coaching career at home against Akron on Saturday Sept. 3 at Buckeye Stadium.

1515 South Byrne Road * (419) 389-6003

UofM

Mainstreet Bar and Grill Ronn Daniels performs weekly at this pub. 8-11 p.m. Thursdays, 141 Main St. (419) 697-6297 or www.toledomainstreet.com.

Brady Hoke

New Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke is a former assistant with the Wolverines and the 19th head coach in the school’s history. He was head coach at his alma mater Ball State from 2002 to 2008. In 2008 he became head coach at San Diego State and led the 2010 Aztecs to the school’s first nine-win season since 1971. He has a 47-50 head coaching record with Ball State and San Diego State. Hoke starts his Michigan coaching career at home against Western Michigan at the Big House.

34 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“Where there is love there is life.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Howling Summer of Fun on 107.7 the Wolf and 1077wolf.com!

The Howling Summer of Fun sponsored

by FOX Toledo continues: Visit the 107.7 the Wolf Touring Studio Aug. 19 and 20 at the Maumee Summer Fair

and Aug. 21 at the Levis Commons Fine Art Fair! Also listen for details on your chance to win WWE Smackdown tickets, coming soon on the Wolf ! ✯

Party at the Park

STAR @ THE MOVIES

The track hosts concerts before the evening’s harness races. 5 p.m. Saturdays, Raceway Park, 5700 Telegraph Rd. $2. (419) 476-7751 or www.racewayparktoledo.com. ✯ The Chris Brown Band: Aug. 20.

Pizza Papalis Get slices with a topping of entertainment. 519 Monroe St. (419) 244-7722 or www.pizzapapalis.com. ✯ Chris Knopp: Aug. 19. ✯ Kyle White: Aug. 20.

‘30 Minutes or Less’ James A. Molnar, TFP Movie critic: ”’30 Minutes or Less’ is a standard summer movie that will have audiences laughing from time to time. Its 83 minutes are filled with movie archetypes and some pretty uneventful dialogue.

Aziz Ansari’s character, however, is worth the viewing, but maybe not in theaters.”

Read the full review and watch the trailer:

Spicy Tuna Manhattan’s

Mutz @ The Oliver House

This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City provides entertainment most weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com. ✯ Open mic hosted by Meaghan Roberts and Jason Quick: Monday nights. ✯ Jam session hosted by Tom Turner & Slow Burn: Tuesday nights. ✯ Quick Trio: 6 p.m. Aug. 18. ✯ Slow Burn: Aug. 19. ✯ Quartet Bernadette: Aug. 20.

This pub offers handcrafted brews and live entertainment.

27 Broadway St. (419) 243-1302 or www.oh-maumeebaybrewingco.com. ✯ Open mic hosted by Breaking Ground: 10 p.m. Wednesdays. ✯ Karaoke: 10 p.m. Thursdays. ✯ DJs Aaron Brown and Nate Mattimoe: Saturdays. ✯ Radio Flier: 10 p.m. Aug. 19.

Mickey Finn’s A variety of genres to wash your drinks down with. Open mic nights, 9 p.m. Wednesdays, no cover; $5-$7 cover other nights. 602 Lagrange St. (419) 246-3466 or www. mickeyfinnspub.com. ✯ Rock the Stage, featuring local bands: 9 p.m. Thursdays, free. ✯ Peter & the Twins, Medicine Wheel: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19. ✯ Indigo, the Strong Talk: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 20.

This sushi bar offers occasional entertainment to accompany the fishy dishes. 7130 Airport Hwy. (419) 720-9333 or spicytunasushi.com. ✯ DJ Jimmy James: 10 p.m. Fridays. ✯ Karaoke: 10 p.m. Saturdays. ✯ Jeff Stewart: 7 p.m. Aug. 18.

Stella’s

Live music starts at 7:30 p.m. 5703 Main St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2266 or treosylvania.com. ✯ Nate Mattimoe: Aug. 18. ✯ Skip Turner Band: Aug. 19. ✯ Joe Sneider Duo: Aug. 20.

Nouveau cuisine gets a helping of music Thursdays through Saturdays. 104 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.

(419) 873-8360 or www.stellasrestaurantandbar.com. ✯ C.J. Manning, Karen Harris: Aug. 18. ✯ Eddie Molina, Charlene Ransom: Aug. 19. ✯ Alvin Jones, Leslie Lane: Aug. 20.

Ottawa Tavern

Tequila Sheila’s

Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com. ✯ WEe, Justin Payne: 10 p.m. Aug. 20. ✯ The Kickaways, Pop Empire: 10 p.m. Aug. 21.

A corner bar-type hangout with DJ-provided tunes on Saturday nights. 702 Monroe St. (419) 241-1118. ✯ Open mic with Jason Kelley: 9 p.m. Thursdays. ✯ Hip-hop night: 9 p.m. Fridays.

One2 Lounge at Treo

BENEFITTING “THE OLD NEWSBOYS”

Saturday Aug 20th

Classy Chassis Car Show Starts at 4 pm $10 Registration starts at 3 pm PRIZES AWARDED!

Check out Bowling Green and surrounding area listings online at www.toledofreepress.com

LIVE MUSIC: THIS WEEK AT THE BLARNEY

SAVE THE DATE!!

Starts at Starts at 3 p.m. p.m.

STAR is looking for movie reviews, 50 words or less.

Send them to star@toledofreepress.com.

Friday, August 19th

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 35

Toledo’s delicate balance

Traditional Dining & Authentic Mexican Specials

I

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think it was in May of this year when I met local singer/songwriter Meaghan Roberts. I was playing music on an art bench on South St. Clair Street in the Warehouse District and mee pizza at Home she was on her way to have some nd. They Slice with a mutual friend. iend approached, and our friend introduced us by saying,, “You’re both chickk ably singers, so you probably can’t like each other.”

We each smiled and nd assured him there was no o need for competition; there iss room he Toenough for us both on the ledo music scene. Since then, we have shared a stage at the Old West End Festival, we’ve s, and tried a couple of duets, she even handed me her enorhe comous shoes to fill as the RACHEL onday host of Manhattan’s Monday night Open Mic Nightt with Jason Quick while shee goes back to school for the fall.l.

This weekly open n mic night, incidentally, has been going strong for five years ars and attracts some really ly quality players with hearts rts the size of the whole room. Meaghan has been training me for the past couple of weeks and I have been watching her very closely.

I am so impressed and inspired by her skill and professionalism as a musician, but even more by how easily she supports other musicians. The atmosphere she and Jason and the staff of Manhattan’s provide for those coming in to try out their stage legs makes my heart warm and I instantly felt like I was in a room full of respect and nurturing.

This brings me to a slight point of frustration I’ve encountered enough times lately to remark on. Little worms of sabotage and discouragement have made their way into my awareness and it’s getting on my nerves. I know that I am unreasonably optimistic most of the time. I know the look that people get when they talk to me, right before they start shaking their heads slightly at my audacity in thinking that everything is always just fine. Perfect, in fact. So, I’m probably extra

sensitive to negativity because I feel like it’s my responsibility to squash it.

The reason for this is because the balance we’ve achieved in Toledo at this moment in time hovers so delic delicately between risk-taking, d de creativity and being entreccre preneurial that any wind pre p that ttha threatens to blow us over must mu be diligently withstood m if we are going to continue i w building something solid. bui b Not No only are many of us N trying our dreams on for size ttry to this a lively, vibrant, t make m magical place to live, but m most of us understand that m we w are all on the same team in i these efforts.

Having that basic comfort provides us with very sure footing that helps us continue.

So, the people who c participate in the culture, but pa who wh also play a bit of Jenga by poking holes in other artists’ p participation should conp sider focusing on their own si skills ski and contributions rather than tha diluting their energies by undercutting the work of their und fellow culture creators.

This is not to say that constructive criticism and respectful critique should be outlawed. But the underlying support and acceptance from the community must always be evident. We must never wish failure on each other.

We should only build each other’s confidence and loudly exclaim to one another that we can achieve better and more, as individuals and as a city. Self-loathing is only funny some of the time.

And when it manifests in undermining the talents of your neighbors, it can do real damage.

Toledo has nearly talked itself all the way out of its historically crippling inferiority complex. The signs are becoming more and more clear that the city is starting to feel pretty damn good about itself. This, of course, means that the best is yet to come. It’s not too late for the crabby apples to jump onboard. We’ll still have you. But if you can’t encourage the success of your fellow artists, we’ll be forced to leave you behind. ✯

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36 â&#x2013; AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

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NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR A PROPOSED AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND BASE BUILDING TOLEDO EXPRESS AIRPORT, SWANTON, OHIO The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the availability a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for a proposed new Airport TrafĂ&#x20AC;c Control Tower (ATCT) and Base Building at the Toledo Express Airport (TOL) in Swanton, Ohio. The DEA is available for public review for 30 days at the Swanton Pubic Library, 305 Chestnut Street, Swanton, Ohio 43558. The DEA will be available for public review at this location during normal business hours through September 21, 2011.

The DEA has been prepared in conformance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures. In addition, FAA Order 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions has been used as guidance in the preparation of the environmental analysis.

The FAA proposed actions that are the subject of this DEA include: â&#x20AC;˘ Construction and operation of a new Airport TrafĂ&#x20AC;c Control Tower (ATCT) and Base Building â&#x20AC;˘ Ancillary action of the relocation and replacement of the current Runway 25 Localizer (LOC) antenna and shelter with a Mark 20 or Mark 20A LOC antenna and shelter â&#x20AC;˘ Ancillary action of the relocation of the Moving Target Indicator reĂ ector â&#x20AC;˘ Ancillary action of the upgrade of electronics for the Runway 25 Glide Slope â&#x20AC;˘ Federal funding of the proposed project The new ATCT facility would improve visibility of airport surfaces, provide adequate space to improve operational and administrative efĂ&#x20AC;ciency, increase the efĂ&#x20AC;cient functionality of the facility, and have the capability to meet future operational and administrative expansion requirements because the current ATCT facility is a nonstandard design, is insufĂ&#x20AC;cient in size, and is outdated and outmoded.

The DEA analyzes the potential environmental impacts that may result from construction and operation of the proposed new ATCT and Base Building at the proposed site, as well as the no action alternative (i.e., not constructing and operating the new ATCT facility).

Custom mural business opens

By Zach Davis TOLEDO FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER zdavis@toledofreepress.com

After half of her brain was removed following a bout with chickenpox in 1984, Jeannine Daileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream of owning a business looked bleak.

However, with a little help from the job placement program at Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Dailey has made that dream a reality.

Dailey hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 16 to launch her own custom mural business, Visions Murals, at Shared Lives Studios and Gallery in Toledo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always wanted to open a mural painting business,â&#x20AC;? Dailey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This DAILEY new program is allowing my dreams to come true.â&#x20AC;?

The program gives members of the disabled community the technical support to launch a micro-enterprise. It is founded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and includes access to experts from Goodwill, The

Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and the local Small Business Development Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a lot of accommodations for me and my lack of eyesight,â&#x20AC;? Dailey told Toledo Free Press in November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a very hard time with my memory and they come up with a lot of different ideas as far as taking pictures of everybody and putting their little bios down, so I can memorize them before meetings.â&#x20AC;?

Vision Murals â&#x20AC;&#x153;helps people create the space they loveâ&#x20AC;? by changing the interior wall space in homes and businesses. Dailey will meet with clients to discuss their ideas and then create a custom design.

In addition to her new business, Dailey is also teaching art at the Oregon Senior Center. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of responsibility for a woman who was expected to spend the rest of her life in a nursing home after the procedure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to learn everything over again,â&#x20AC;? said Dailey in November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to learn to walk again, talk again and start all over. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect me to live and if I did Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be a vegetable.

I never ever expected to be a teacher again, let alone open a business and have my dreams come true. I always wanted to open a mural painting business and this program is allowing my dreams to come true.â&#x20AC;?

Her work has been displayed in the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Daileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work will be on display until Sept. 15 at the gallery. â&#x153;Ż

ROCKET FOOTBALL Toledo vs.

New Hampshire Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

Ado Adonis Thomas R Running Back All-MAC

See YOU in Your BLUE!

The public is encouraged to review and comment on the DEA. Electronic copies of the DEA may be obtained by contacting the FAA at the address listed below. Written comments concerning the proposed project may be sent to: Ms. Virginia Marcks Manager, AJW-C14D, FAA 2300 East Devon Ave. Des Plaines, IL 60018 virginia.marcks@faa.gov.

Comments will be accepted until close of business on September 21, 2011. Comments received on the DEA during the public comment period will be addressed in a Final Environmental Assessment.

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“Marriage is an agreement to let a family happen.” — Betty Jean Wylie

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 37

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AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION! – STK# 113371A – WAS $6,995 ..............................NOW $4,995*

2004 MERCURY SABLE GS

WAGON – CLEAN!! – 55,000 MILES – STK# P4651 – WAS $10,995 ............................NOW $8,995*

2004 FORD EXCURSION EDDIE BAUER

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2009 FORD FOCUS SE

4dr - 35 MPG! – 2 TO CHOOSE FROM! – WAS $14,995...................................................... NOW $13,995*

2008 MERCURY SABLE

’01 MERCURY SABLE “RUNS” .......... $1,495 ’00 PONTIAC SUNFIRE “MOON”...... $2,494 ’01 DODGE INTREPID EQUIPPED..... $2,494 BAD CREDIT, NO CREDIT

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’01 FORD EXPLORER 90K ............... $4,999 ’08 CHEVY IMPALA 58K MILES........ $13,995 ’11 FORD FOCUS ............................$17,865 ’08 MOUNTAINEER “NICE!”............ $18,985

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29MPG .............. $4,995

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2006 FORD FREESTYLE SE

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2006 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER PREMIER

V8 AWD – POWER BOARDS – LEATHER – STK# 108981A – WAS $14,995 ................... NOW $13,995*

2005 CHRYSLER 300 LIMITED

HEATED LEATHER! – CHROME WHEELS – STK# 112115A – WAS $14,995 ........................NOW 13,995*

2004 FORD EXPEDITION XLT

4x4 – 7 PASSENGERS – GREAT PRICE! – STK# P4683 – WAS $13,995 ........................... NOW $12,495*

2004 CHEV 1500 SILVERADO LS

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Toledo Area’s Premier Luxury Auto Dealer AS LOW AS 0.9%

2006 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER

LS, 4x4, Exellent Condition............................................ $9,995

2004 CADILLAC DEVILLE

1 Owner, Black, Great Condition ............................. $10,350

1999 AUDI A4

V6, Quatro, Only 31K Miles, Pristine ...................... $10,914 CXL, Extra clean, Factory Warranty........................ $20,361

2008 CADILLAC SRX

AWD, Sports Package, Navigation/DVD ............... $27,466

2008 CADILLAC CTS

All Wheel Drive, Performance Package ................. $28,379

2008 CADILLAC STS

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2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS

’ CADILLAC CATERA Leather, Moon, Warranty.......................... $$5,995 ’00 ’00 DODGE DAKOTA SUPER CAB 4X4 Super Clean ................. $6,995 ’04 CHRYSLER PT ELECTRIC CRUISER Touring, Loaded......... $7,495 ’04 DODGE STRATUS SXT Loaded Burg, 2.4 4Cyl, 29 MPG......... $7,995 ’05 FORD FOCUS ZX3 2DR, Loaded, Auto, Warranty...................... $7,995 ’02 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4 Loaded, Winter Ready! .................... $8,495

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2000 TOYOTA CAMRY LE Loaded, Gray............................................Was $5,488 2003 FORD TAURUS SEL Equipped, Gray .........................................Was $5,995 2002 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT Auto, Air, Blue ......................................Was $7,375 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT LT Loaded, Drk/Green ................Was $13,980 2004 CHEVY MALIBU LT Fully Loaded, Black/Black .......................Was $10,075 2004 HONDA CIVIC EX Auto, Air, Blue.............................................Was $11,755 2007 YARIS Equipped, Blue .............................................................Was $12,125 2004 LEXUS ES 330 Fully Loaded, Silver ........................................Was $15,550 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY LE Well Equipped, Silver ..............................Was $16,250 2009 TOYOTA CAROLLA LE Loaded, “RED”....................................Was $17,600

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38 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

Catch “Jedi of Pop Culture” Jeff McGinnis Tuesday mornings on 92.5 KISS FM.

Dear Kadence and Kendra ...

“Well, just today, I had my birthday.

I made it, 34.

Mere mortal, not immortal, Not star-crossed anymore.”

— Harry Chapin, “There Only Was One Choice” A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC, Vol. 2, No. 33 Established 2010.

Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com Michael S. Miller, Editor in Chief mmiller@toledofreepress.com EDITORIAL

Mary Ann Stearns, Design Editor mastearns@toledofreepress.com James A. Molnar, Lead Designer jmolnar@toledofreepress.com Brandi Barhite, Associate Editor bbarhite@toledofreepress.com Sarah Ottney, Special Sections Editor sottney@toledofreepress.com Chris Schmidbauer, Sports Editor cschmidbauer@toledofreepress.com Jason Mack, Web Editor jmack@toledofreepress.com ADMINISTRATION

Pam Burson, Business Manager pburson@toledofreepress.com CONTRIBUTORS star@toledofreepress.com Jim Beard • Amy Campbell • Zach Davis John Dorsey • Matt Feher • Jerry Gray Dustin Hostetler • Stacy Jurich Vicki L. Kroll • lilD • Martini • Jason Mack Jeff McGinnis • Whitney Meschke Kathryn Milstein • Rachel Richardson Patrick Timmis Julie Webster • Don Zellers

Chris Kozak, Staff Writer Emeritus Lisa Renee Ward, Staff Writer Emeritus Darcy Irons, Brigitta Burks, Marisha Pietrowski Proofreaders ADVERTISING SALES

Renee Bergmooser, Sales Manager rbergmooser@toledofreepress.com Casey Fischer cfischer@toledofreepress.com Matt Mackowiak mmackowiak@toledofreepress.com Chick Reid creid@toledofreepress.com DISTRIBUTION

Charles Campos (419) 241-1700, Ext. 227 ccampos@toledofreepress.com

Toledo Free Press Star is published every Wednesday by Toledo Free Press, LLC, 605 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43604 • (419) 241-1700 Fax: (419) 241-8828 www.toledofreepress.com. Subscription rate: $100 /year.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2011 with all rights reserved.

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T

o my dear nieces, I hope when you are old enough to encounter this letter and understand JEFF what it says, I will be the one reading it to you. But that’s impossible to know. Life is a crazy thing and no one can tell how it will end. I could still be riding around on this rock in 50 years; I could be gone tomorrow.

But as I sit here on my birthday, with the two of you shortly turning 2 years old and 4 months, respectively, I wanted to take a moment to tell you a few things, in case I am not around to say them later.

I just turned 34, the same age Mr. Chapin was when he wrote the above song — one of my favorites. It’s a long contemplation of everything from aging to commercialism, the nature of art to the nature of the American dream.

In it, Chapin contemplates mortality and discusses fantasizing “some tragedy’d be soon curtailing me.” This would prove sadly prophetic, as he would be killed in a car crash just four years later.

I have posted this song on my blog or Facebook page almost every year on my birthday.

It serves as a reminder, a point of reference. It’s cliché to say that you should never take a day for granted, but it’s a cliché I have been guilty of ignoring in the past. Reflecting on the song, Mr. Chapin, the tragic circumstances of his passing and more — it helps to keep me grounded.

It may seem macabre to think about death so much on a day that celebrates the beginning of my life, but I find it to have just the opposite effect. It makes me grateful that I’m still here, that I somehow made it this far, and still have at least some ways to go.

A lot of people are not so lucky.

Bruce Lee, John Belushi, Eva Peron, Jim Morrison, Percy Shelley and many more never made it to the age I’m at as I write. They all made an indelible imprint on culture in such a brief flicker of time. Yet I — simple, ordinary me — am still here. Life is odd that way. So, while I know I have the chance, I want to take a moment to say a few things to the two of you, who I love so much.

First, please don’t let anyone else dictate to you who or what you should be. That includes me, your friends, your teachers, even your parents, who love you so.

You choose your own path. Don’t let anyone

else tell you what you think.

Decide for yourself.

Love who you are. For years, I tried to change myself into things I thought I should be, instead of what I was. It was a grand waste of time. Don’t let yourself fall into that trap.

Never be afraid to follow a foolish impulse. Some of the best things in life happen when you’re not expecting them, and come as a result of things you never imagined. It may have been a long shot for me to try and become the Face of FOXToledo. But if I hadn’t auditioned, I never would have met Michael Miller, and I never would have gotten to write for this newspaper. You can’t tell where things will lead.

The essential rule of life, as I see it, is pretty straightforward: Do what you want, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. Beyond that,

MCGINNIS

POP GOES THE

CULTURE

don’t be afraid to defy conventions. To hell with anyone who raises eyebrows.

Try to have empathy for everyone around you. A lot of society’s problems would be cleared up if we took a moment to try and understand the other side.

If you find someone who loves you for who and what you are, and you spend the rest of your life with them, wonderful.

But if you have trouble finding that person, it’s not the end of the world. The “happily ever after” that is pop culture’s version of romance is really a façade built on fairy tales.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t win an argument. But if it’s worth it, dammit, keep fighting.

Love your friends.

Forget your enemies.

As my pal Heather says, “Keep an open mind.

Just not so open that your brains fall out.”

Above all, take advantage of every moment.

We are all so lucky to have a chance to hitch a ride on this pebble floating in space. Just hang on tight and enjoy the trip.

With all the love in the world, — Uncle Jeff Email Jeff McGinnis at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

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TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / AUGUST 17, 2011 ■ 39

40 ■ AUGUST 17, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” — William Shakespeare