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How to vote in 2024

By
Paula Wethington
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0
Lucas Zielinksi, with Turning Point USA, hands Amelia Mathkour, a music, business and tech major at Owens Community College, a pamphlet about voting registration. Zielinksi said he was on campus for the day to help students register to vote. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Lucas County Board of Elections explains voting details, process

Toledo – With Election Day a month away, preparations are in full swing at the Lucas County Board of Elections office.

“We’re up and running and getting everything ready,” said Timothy Monaco, deputy director of the elections office. “It’s a wonderful time. It’s important to exercise your right to vote.”

Logistics that the staff and officers have been handling for weeks on behalf of Lucas County’s 303 voting precincts include preparing ballots, training precinct election officials, and getting early voting dates and times posted on their website.

Monaco said the most commonly asked question from voters during the past couple of weeks has been when absentee ballots will arrive in the mail. 

Here’s the answer: Ohio voters can look for the absentee ballots starting Oct. 8, which is one day after registration ends for the Nov. 5 election.

The Lucas County Board of Elections staff doesn’t give predictions on voter turnout, Monaco said. But, according to state election records, 67 percent of registered Lucas County voters participated in the 2020 presidential election, and 66 percent did so in the 2016 presidential election. This participation includes absentee voting, early in-person voting and traditional Election Day voting.

Those choices are meant to help all eligible voters participate, whether they prefer going in person to a local polling site or to cast a ballot before they travel out of town.

“It’s important to make your plan as to who you are going to vote for,” Monaco said. “Make sure you make a plan and know what is on your ballot.”

While the presidential campaign is the key race of the Nov. 5 election, there are also races in Lucas County for local judges and city officials. For those who want to see the list ahead of time, ballot proofs are available for review on the election board’s website.

“Ballots will be three pages for everyone and four pages for some,” Monaco said.

While some people remember how they wish to vote when going to the polls, others find it helpful to bring paper notes or refer to a list on their phone, Monaco said. “Some folks really come prepared,” he said.

“It’s also important to be respectful at the location,” he added, referring to an Ohio law that prohibits photos of marked ballots. “We do ask that you limit cell phone use at the ballot.”

Many other election details are explained at lucascountyohiovotes.gov.

Election calendar

Key dates for the November 5 election:

  • Military and overseas civilian voting: Started Sept. 20.
  • Voter registration deadline: 9 p.m. Oct. 7.
  • Early in-person voting season: Oct. 8.-Nov. 3.
  • Absentee ballot postmark deadline: Nov. 4.
  • Election Day: Nov. 5.

CAMPUS TALK

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS SOUND OFF ABOUT VOTING

Question: How important is voting to you?

Oliver Odendahl
James Johnson
Nivant Dawson
Sydney Stanley
David Case III

Voting is not my main concern, but it is pretty important because it is the future of America and I would like to have a say in what is gonna be my future. I usually try to vote on voting day, if I can’t I’ll do the absentee ballot.

Oliver Odendahl | EMT Major | Tontogany Resident

I am not a registered voter. If I was to lie to you I’d say yes. But honestly, I don’t have enough time … it’s not really a main priority, even though it should be. I do plan on voting at some point, maybe when I’m in my adult phase. Even though I’m not a registered voter I do think voting is important because it basically determines the society and the rules and regulations we live by.

James Johnson | Broadcast Media Technology Major | Toledo Resident

I’d say voting is very important. There’s certain aspects of it that do feel sort of depressing, when you think about it, because a lot of people would say people voting normally wouldn’t matter because of a small majority in the Electoral College – their votes matter 100 times more than your own. That’s what it feels like at least from what I know. It does feel a little degrading knowing that’s going to happen.

Nivant Dawson | Business Major | Toledo Resident

I think voting is important, but I’m not exactly sure why it’s important. I mean, there’s a lot of things that come from it. You’re voting for someone that you’re putting your trust and you’re faith into to guide us all in the right direction, but we just all don’t know what that direction is yet. So, we’re just kind of free-balling it, in a way. So, I don’t know … I’ve never voted before but this will be interesting. I really don’t know what all is involved. I just have a lot to learn about voting – like what I should be looking for in the leader I’m going to be voting for. So, yeah, it’s coming up soon. There’s a lot to learn.

Sydney Stanley | Chemistry Major | Millbury Resident

Voting is very important, especially in this day and age, when everything’s going on.

David Chase III | Literature Major | Toledo Resident
Registration details

Ohio voters must be registered by 9 p.m. Oct. 7 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

Residents can register to vote, look up voter registration, change their address, find an early voting location, look up Election Day polling location or track an absentee ballot at VoteOhio.gov.

Photo ID requirement

Bring your photo ID when voting. The options are:

- Current Ohio driver’s license or State of Ohio ID card.

- Interim ID form issued by Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.

- U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

A registered voter who has changed his or her name since the photo ID was issued will need to show proof of legal name change and sign a form. A photo ID card can show a former address if a current address is on file with the voting records. If you forget a photo ID, you can request a provisional ballot. 

How to vote absentee

An absentee ballot in Ohio needs to be requested, signed, dated and submitted for each election. Military personnel and civilian overseas voters can file one application for all elections happening in a given year.

The application asks for the number on your Ohio driver’s license or Ohio ID card, last four digits of your social security number, or a photocopy of other eligible ID such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and can be hand delivered to the Board of Elections on Nov. 5.

Additional instructions are on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

In-person early voting

Ohio’s in-person early voting season begins Oct. 8 and ends Nov. 3. 

The Lucas County Early Vote Center is at 3737 W. Sylvania Ave. Suite 121 Entrance C (at the rear of the Lucas County Board of Elections building) in west Toledo.

Voting times and dates can be found at LucasCountyOhioVotes.gov.

Election Day voting

Polling sites are open in Ohio from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can look up your polling location at VoteOhio.Gov.

What’s on the ballot?

A “ballot proof” is available for review on the Lucas County Board of Elections page. It lists candidates and ballot issues by precinct, so voters know what to expect.

For example: Six president/vice president candidate teams have declared in Ohio, with an additional write-in option available. Other candidate races include U.S. Senator, Lucas County Sheriff and openings on Toledo City Council.

Ohio Issue 1 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that has gained a lot of attention. This issue, if approved, would designate a redistricting commission to draw state legislative and congressional districts.

There are other issues locally, such as a proposed bond issue for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and a tax renewal request from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

Are ballot “selfies” allowed?

Ohio does not permit photos to be taken of a marked ballot. It’s actually a fifth-degree felony should that take place, according to Ohio law.

The “I Voted” Sticker

A traditionally popular way to showcase voter participation is through an “I voted” sticker, picked up on Election Day at the polling site.

Ohio’s current “I Voted” sticker design was adopted in 2019 through a student art contest. A red squiggle depicts a map of Ohio, nestled in a blue circle outline, with the phrase “Ohio Voted.”

Voters are invited to download the image to share on social media at the Ohio Secretary of State website. That website also has also a “future voter” coloring page for children available for download.

Is campaigning allowed at election sites?

Ohio does not allow election campaigning, also known as electioneering, within 100 feet of a voting site. This means no campaigning messages on attire such as shirts or hats, Monaco said.

Two small United States flags are placed at each voting site to designate the “neutral” zone where this applies. 

Where is the Board of Elections office?

If you need to visit the Lucas County Board of Elections regarding a voting matter, that office moved about two years ago from its former location at One Government Center to 3737 W. Sylvania Road in West Toledo.

When are election numbers official?

Ballots cast on Election Day will be delivered in person to the Lucas County Board of Elections for the counting procedures.

There will be numbers reported after that count is complete. 

The Ohio Secretary of State does not consider voter counts to be official until two or three weeks later, after provisional ballots are accounted for and to give time for absentee ballots to arrive that met the postmark deadline.

The miracle of medicine & friendship

By
CherylHardyDillin
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Cheryl Hardy-Dillin and her best friend Cathie live their bestie life. Hardy-Dilliin will now play a life-saving role as a live liver donor for her best friend. (Courtesy Photo)

The moral of this story: ‘Get your cancer screenings.’

By Cheryl Hardy-Dillin

I believe in the magic of Christmas – maybe even a miracle.

Let me tell you a story of about my bestie, Cathie … and we have quite the life story to tell. Epic, actually.

Last year, Cathie was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic cancer. With strength and grace, she and her family have fought through multiple rounds of tortuous chemotherapy and radiation, and battled with the emotional and physical toll that this wicked disease takes. 

Cheryl Hardy-Dillin. (Courtesy Photo)

But Cat was a strong advocate for herself in the toughest and most Cathie-way ever. She never allowed the doctors to be good enough; it was always a challenge to them – what else can be done? 

Because of her persistence, mental toughness and demanding the best for her own health, Cathie was referred to a revolutionary program at the Cleveland Clinic that allows patients with her EXACT cancer circumstances to get a liver transplant.  This procedure is expected to cure her of cancer. 

In January, Cathie is set for final testing and scheduling of her liver transplant – a procedure in which a donor match gives her a lobe of their liver. The liver is regenerative, so the lobe will grow into a full and healthy liver. 

I am Cathie’s live liver donor match.

The tale of how we met

I have been friends with Cathie for more than half of my life; it’s hard to remember life without Catherine, Cathie, Cat, Chickie …. Catherine and I met at a Toledo Home Remodelers Association meeting almost 30 years ago.  I had just started my agency and was trying to build relationships and get business. On this night, the THRA had Miss Ohio in attendance and the room was packed. However, other than Miss Ohio and me, there were maybe one or two women.  

After the painful meeting and listening to Miss Ohio sing, I grabbed a bar seat at the usual after-meeting watering hole in hopes of finally doing some real networking. On the other end of the  bar was a confident and bodacious young woman who was also recalling the pretty unsatisfying meeting. We made eye contact and did that woman thing, where you say 1,000 words with your eyes, and even though you don’t know each other … you understand. And that was it: We were best friends.

Cat is the one who gave me a style look because she didn’t think my overalls were as cute as I did. So, if you like my style, thank Cathie. It’s her fault I wear anything other than Garanimals.

Cat is the one who fixed me fresh strawberry daiquiris with a powdered sugar rim because I ‘didn’t really drink much and didn’t like beer, wine or booze.’ I am now a wine, gin and tequila girl – all compliments of Cathie’s influence.

I have only one superpower in life and that is my ability to believe in other people and convince them, through my belief, to believe in themselves. I learned that from Cathie, too. It’s what she’s done for me over and over and over again.

I remember a young Cathie and her love Wayne bouncing over a hill and proudly announcing their engagement, which led to marriage, and what a wedding it was. I was the maid of honor and made sure my toast would be remembered.

I frequently tell the story of Cathie’s 80/25 percent rule, a rule that made absolutely no sense until she proclaimed, martini in hand, that any man not giving more than 100 percent wasn’t worth even a look from me.

Then there was the time she strode into my office with the air and confidence of a famous actress, threw a piece of paper on my desk and announced, “You’re going to win this national marketing competition for us, and we’re going to have THE BEST time.”  I did, and off we went to Italy on an all-expenses paid trip.  

And we did have THE BEST time. We danced on the Spanish steps; drank from the Trevi Fountain (Limoncello induced, of course); got cool Italian sunglasses; visited the Colosseum and the Statue of David; took a gondola ride; drank a Bellini right where Hemingway sat; and got the giggles so bad in Venice that our neighbor pounded on the wall for us to be quiet (didn’t work). 

I remember when she told me she was pregnant for the first time … and the second. When she and Wayne bought their first house and then built their dream house. I also cherish that they helped me buy my first home.

But the story I remember most was just a couple months ago. 

Cathie and Cheryl Hardy-Dillin. (Courtesy Photo)

The day everything changed

I was pulling into a parking lot, running late, when Cat called me. I answered, “Hey, I’m walking into the FBI. Can I call you later?” Cat paused but chuckled, “Of course you are. Talk to you later.”

The evening was amazing. I had great conversations with the special agent in charge (SAC) and the assistant special agent in charge. The SAC coined me – a real wow moment that I tried to act cool about, but I really wanted to jump up on the table and show everyone my cool Special Agent in Charge coin.

On my way home, I hit cruise control and happily dialed up Chickie. I loved Chickie talks!

“What’s up, Cat?!” I smiled.

In true Cat fashion , she said, “Tell me all about your FBI night, Chicky.” (She’s Chickie and I’m Chicky. Aunt Chicky to everyone in her family, actually.)

I proudly told her about my SAC coin and how much it meant to me, thankful that my bestie was the first to hear my special news.

She then offered mildly, “Remember how you jumped out of an airplane with me when I turned 30?”

Yeeeeeeesssssss.  In my head I had absolutely no idea where this was going.

“Remember how you ran a half marathon with me when I turned 40?”

Um, yesssssss. She only gave me like two weeks to prepare.  It rained and was miserable. What torture was she preparing me for?

“Well, I picked something a little harder for my 50th.”

“You did!?” (We cannot print what was going through my mind.)

“Yep, this year I’m going to fight cancer.”

That was not it. That was NOT what was going through my mind. That was NOT what I wanted to hear. I wanted to hang up, call back and find out I was punked or that this voice that sounded like my best friend was a deep fake. Please, anything but what I had just heard.

People tell me all the time something I already know, that my relationship with Cathie is special; the once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend that most people only wish to have. She’s my person. My ride or die. My rock. My home base.  

And with one sentence, I felt the earthquake of that special relationship rock my world. I still feel the aftershocks today.

I share this story to encourage you to make the appointments for your cancer screenings. Get your mammograms. Schedule those colonoscopies. Why? Because the worst part of this story is that if Cat had had a colonoscopy based on her family history and age, they very likely would have caught it in a preventable or treatable stage.  

Today, she is fighting stage IV colon cancer that has metastasized to her liver, and next month we hope to save her with a liver .

The moral of this story is to get your screenings. Do it for your wife or your husband. Do it for your sons and daughters. Do it for your mom and dad. Do it for your best friend who will cry the most painful tears possible if you don’t.

The ultimate gift of friendship and love

And these are just some of the reason why being the donor is so special. 

If this isn’t the exclamation mark on an already exceptional friendship, I don’t know what is. It has been such an honor to have a friend like Cat – and for our entire friendship, I’ve counted my lucky stars to have her in my life, always my North Star.

Now we get to do something absolutely remarkable together – because our friendship wasn’t big enough already – Let’s go cure cancer Cat – because we can, because that’s the power of us!

BELIEVE in a Christmas miracle

Believe in miracles. Believe in hope. Believe in magic. Life is so much brighter when you believe what could be…

‘Tis the season. This year makes it so clear that the magic of Christmas isn’t wrapped beneath a tree, but wrapped up in our hearts, between the friends we consider family and the family we consider friends. 

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas – it is strong in this house, and I wish you all the happiness your heart can hold and all the love and hugs your family and friends will tolerate!

Pray for a miracle for Cat, because what’s happening next is nothing short of absolutely incredible – magic in its purest form – a Christmas miracle. 

The Toledo Free Press will keep you updated on this heartwarming and hopeful story of Cheryl and Cathie.

Toledo’s probationary firefighters prepared for duty

By
Paula Wethington
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Lt. Jeff Wheeler, right, instructs recruits how to operate an aerial ladder during pump works and hose work training on Oct. 3, at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

TRFD Academy celebrates its current class with Family Day

This is Part 2 of a limited series about the current Toledo Fire & Rescue Academy class.

Story by Paula Wethington | Photos Courtesy of Toledo Fire & Rescue

WALBRIDGE – Toledo Fire & Rescue Department’s newest class of probationary firefighters have earned their assigned stations after being sworn in during a ceremony on Dec. 6.

Nineteen recruits from Fire Class 298 take the firefighter oath during family day on Dec. 6, at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness in Walbridge, Ohio. They will be assigned to line operations as probationary firefighters. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

The ceremony took place during the academy’s Family Day program at the Center for Emergency Preparedness Center on Tracy Road. The facility, designed for public safety and first responder training, is near the main campus of Owens Community College.

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. I wanted to give back to my community,” said Aubrey Bruhn, 18, of Waterville, who was among those named to probationary firefighter rank that day.

Scott Bruhn, who described his daughter as “motivated,” explained his daughter did not wait for the 2024-25 fire academy to officially begin, but took her emergency medical technician class ahead of time. The schedule for EMT was tight, given her birthdate, but the accomplishment was earned.

Bruhn’s TRFD assignment is at Station 9. She met her station crew mates just one day before earning her rank.

Fire Academy Class 298

Toledo Fire Class 298 started its training Aug. 16 with 30 recruits. By early December, one was on an injury leave while 29 remained active in the program. 

The class participants ranged in age 18 to 39, with some coming in from former careers, such as with the military. Those who already have EMT or paramedic certifications, like Bruhn, get station assignments after completing the firefighter training courses, while the rest continue with EMT-Basic classes.

A graduation ceremony for the academy class takes place Feb. 28.

Training their crew mates

Running a fire academy is a huge investment for the department, and it happens only as schedules and budgets permit. 

One reason is that veteran personnel from across the city need to step out of their regular 24-hour-on/48-hour-off station assignments into instructor preparation and training hours to coincide with the recruits’ schedule. But that’s how TRFD wants to bring new personnel on board.

Recruit Nathanael Hicks leans back in his harness at the top of the 95’ ladder of an aerial ladder truck on Oct.18 at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. The aerial ladder climb is a requirement for all recruits, intended to boost their confidence. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
Recruit Garrett Whitney climbs the 95’ ladder of an aerial ladder truck on Oct. 18 at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. The aerial adder climb is a requirement for all recruits, intended to boost their confidence. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

“They put forth effort, and we’ll get them to the finish line,” said Lt. John Rodriguez, who was among the academy instructors.

“I’m very proud to say they are coming to the line with me,” said Capt. Michael Romstadt, who led this year’s academy class. “It’s a very tough academy. We push them; we push them very hard.”

TRFD academy meets for 40 hours a week. Most of the classwork and training takes place at the Owens facility; some instruction takes place at Maumee Fire Division’s burn tower. The lessons include how to put out a structure fire, handling hazardous materials at a scene and how to operate the department’s equipment.

“I knew it was going to be very physical,” Bruhn said about the 16-weeks firefighter training. “But I didn’t expect how physical, and how good they got me in shape.”

Another classmate, recruit Shamonde Sanders, age 26, of Toledo, is a military veteran who had considered police work as his next career step. But then he decided on fire and rescue. 

“This is a perfect opportunity to give back to the community,” Sanders said about his career path. “I think it is underrated how smart firefighters are, what they need to know and be prepared for at all times.”

The recruits are paid for academy training, and “we’re definitely getting our money’s worth,” Romstadt said.

Family Day celebration

Family Day is second only to graduation day itself within the academy. It marks the training achievements so far, and it is also a chance to meet and thank family and friends who supported recruits throughout the process. 

The Dec. 6 ceremony and luncheon took place in the vehicle bay of the Owens training facility. It included speeches from the TRFD chief and other officials, introductions of the instructors and a roll call of the newest firefighters. Rev. Nicole Ritz, one of the TRFD chaplains, also gave a welcome and prayers.

The speeches and remarks included numerous acknowledgements for the family and friends at home.

“It’s the support system at home – you guys – that get this across the finish line,” Romstadt told their family and friends. “We talk a lot about tradition in the fire department. This is not a job: This is about service. This is about teamwork.”

Daniel Brown-Martinez, deputy chief of the training academy, encouraged the academy students to keep their passion for service. “Remember that it is a privilege and an honor to serve,” he said.

Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong speaks during family day for Fire Class 298. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

Then TRFD Chief Allison Armstrong gave her keynote speech.

“We know that they rely heavily on family and friends for support,” she said. “We chose a career of service.”

In their future roles, she reminded the audience, firefighters will have long and busy 24 hours before going home.

Lt. Jeff Wheeler, left, instructs recruit Rafael Cordova how to work the instrument panel for a pumper rig during pump works and hose work training in October at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness in Walbridge, Ohio. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

The firefighters are trained to respond to situations, such as a traffic accident or medical emergency. Under those conditions, the chief said, the firefighters are expected to treat the public with courtesy and professionalism. “People call us because they need help,” she said.

But there are also school visits, community events, parades, vehicle maintenance, training updates and smoke detector demonstrations.

Jadon Thompson, left, who became a probationary firefighter after taking the firefighter oath, shakes hands with recruit Nathanael Hicks during family day on Dec.6. Thompson will be assigned to line operations while Hicks will progress to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training before he becomes a probationary firefighter. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

Armstrong instructed her new personnel that they are to be the first to get up and last to sit down when they arrive at their stations for a shift.

“Expect to be busy all day and prepare for that,” she said.

The 19 students who earned probationary firefighter status wore a full black dress uniform with the TRFD patch and cap. After the speeches, they lined up at attention in front of a Toledo fire truck to raise their right hands and recite the department’s oath of office.

The remaining 10 recruits who will continue on in the academy wore a simpler uniform and a red hat. Those recruits sat among the audience, but stood to join their classmates in the chant: “We will serve our community. We will inspire.”

What’s next?

Toledo’s newest firefighters spend a year rotating around three different stations.

TRFD has 18 stations across the city, and while the crews primarily work within the city limits, the department participates in mutual aid calls with neighboring fire districts as needed.

With upcoming city budgets currently under discussion, it’s not clear when the next academy class will begin. Romstadt said they like to start that series in the summer so that any training that needs to take place outdoors can happen amid ideal weather conditions.

Romstadt and Rodriguez said the schedule and personnel selected for each academy is intended to stay ahead of pending and expected retirements. 

RELATED CONTENT: Part 1 | Crawl. Walk. Run.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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0

Merry Christmas to all!

Cartoon by Jerry King for the Toledo Free Press.

Special Report: What is LifeWise Academy?

By
Laurie Bertke
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Lifewise Academy provides student transportation to and from off-site locations for its Bible classes. (Courtesy Photo/Roger Nedel/LifeWise)

Ohio nonprofit offers Bible education during public school hours

This is the first of a limited series about Ohio-based LifeWise Academy and its impact on local school districts.

By Laurie Bertke

OHIO – If LifeWise Academy has not yet come to your public school district, the odds are good someone is currently working to introduce it in the near future.

Headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio, the nonprofit that brands itself as providing Bible education to public school students during school hours has rapidly spread from two schools in Ohio to more than 600 schools in 31 states since it launched in 2019.

Joel Penton, founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, estimates it will soon be confirmed in 40 percent of all school districts in Ohio. The organization is working to replicate this success across the country and reports national enrollment at 36,574 students.

Joel Penton, founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, launched the program that provides Bible education to public school students. (Courtesy photo/Lifewise)

“We’re investing heavily to build out capacity to grow to bring LifeWise to the nation,” Penton stated in the Lifewise “State of the Ministry” report for November 2024.

If you are scratching your head and wondering how Bible education during the public school day is possible, here is the condensed pitch shared by proponents of LifeWise:

In 1952, the Supreme Court ruled that students can be released from public school during school hours to attend religious classes. This is known as released time for religious instruction (RTRI), and 26 states have an RTRI law on the books. Ohio passed its RTRI law (Revised Code 3313.6022) in 2014, giving local school districts the option to develop these policies.

The Supreme Court ruling stipulated that programs must meet off school property, be privately funded and can only be offered with parental permission. The Ohio law requires parents to provide written consent for participation and states that no public funds may be expended and no public school personnel may be involved in providing religious instruction.

Until recently, RTRI was used on a limited scale by small, local programs. Penton, a former OSU linebacker and self-described “nonprofit entrepreneur,” learned about one program that was operating successfully in his hometown of Van Wert and developed the idea of creating a “plug-and-play” model that could easily be replicated in other public school districts.

For supporters who want to bring school-day Bible classes to their district, LifeWise lays out a 10-step process that begins with collecting 50 signatures and raising $500. Coalitions of local churches partner with LifeWise to provide funding, classroom space and volunteers. Large, branded red buses transport the children from school to churches and other off-site locations to study the Bible during the school day.

While LifeWise Academy is not affiliated with any one Christian denomination, its website says its teachings align with “historic, orthodox Christian beliefs.” Its curriculum is based on The Gospel Project, which comes from the publishing arm (Lifeway) of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The local proliferation of LifeWise & changes to RTRI law

In the metropolitan Toledo area, the program is currently enrolling elementary students from the Anthony Wayne and Perrysburg school districts, and it is in various stages of being introduced in virtually every other district in the region.

The LifeWise Academy classroom at the Perrysburg Alliance Church in Perrysburg. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

If a district does not have an existing RTRI policy in place, LifeWise cannot operate there during the school day unless the school board passes a policy.

Current Ohio law says public school districts may adopt a policy that authorizes a student to be excused from school to attend an RTRI program. But that is soon expected to change, as state legislators passed a bill during the lame duck session this month that would make adopting an RTRI policy a requirement for all public school districts.

Gov. Mike DeWine is expected to sign House Bill 8 into law before the end of the year, clearing the way for programs like LifeWise to start up in any district with relatively few barriers. When similar legislation passed in Indiana, the number of LifeWise programs tripled.

Rachel Coyle. (Courtesy Photo)

Rachel Coyle, policy director for Honesty for Ohio Education, said LifeWise representatives lobbied legislators to change the law when districts began rejecting LifeWise, or even rescinding their existing RTRI policies due to complaints and concerns about the organization.

Districts in Ohio that have rescinded RTRI programs due to issues with Lifewise include Huron, Westerville and Worthington. “There’s going to be some very angry parents in the districts where they have removed RTRI programs because they have seen them go poorly already,” said Coyle.

“Right now school boards and parents have the ability to determine that this is not a good fit for their district,” she added. “If passed, the law would require every school district to allow religious release programs in some capacity.”

In northwest Ohio, public school boards in Bowling Green and Sylvania have already blocked LifeWise Academy from entering their districts.

LifeWise proponents presented the program to the Sylvania Schools Board of Education and requested permission to operate in the district earlier this year. The meeting drew a larger crowd than usual, and included public testimony that predominantly came from residents opposed to the program.

On March 18, the Sylvania Board of Education ultimately chose not to adopt a policy to allow release time for religious instruction. Board members cited concerns about liability, disruptions to the school day and opening the door to other programs requesting excused absences. They suggested it would be more appropriate to offer the program after school.

“It’s not about whether we’re allowing LifeWise,” said Tammy Lavalette, board president. “It’s about whether we’re allowing any religious instruction program that wants to come in. And that could be at different times of day. It could turn into an even larger disruption.”

Public schools as a “mission field”

Why doesn’t LifeWise want to offer its religious programming before or after school?

Penton has described public schools as a “mission field” and and Lifewise supporters see public schools as a place to encounter families that aren’t coming to church on Sundays. According to the Lifewise website, its vision is “To reach unchurched public school students with the gospel through a replicable released time religious instruction program.”

Coyle said several school boards in Ohio have attempted to work with LifeWise on setting up a before or after school program, to no avail.

Headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio, LifeWise Academy now operates in more than 600 schools in 31 states. (Courtesy photo/Lifewise Academy)

LifeWise programs are typically held during lunch and recess or during “specials” classes such as art, music, gym and library. In some Ohio districts, the number of children attending LifeWise is so large that schools have replaced a class with a study hall because so few students are left behind.

Coyle said this means students who don’t participate in LifeWise are missing out on classroom activities, too. “So, we see the goal being to disrupt the public school day,” she said.

Critics have also accused LifeWise of rewarding students for attendance with candy and other treats and boosting enrollment by offering incentives for students to recruit friends to attend. While LifeWise proponents claim the program promotes character education and improves mental health, others counter that LifeWise is abusing release time for religious instruction policies.

“It’s absolutely true that RTRI has existed for some time,” said Coyle. “But the disruption has only been caused by this new group.”

With passage of House Bill 8 likely, Coyle said the next step for Honesty for Ohio Education is to develop a sample policy to help districts think through all the potential issues that may arise.

Many unanswered questions remain about the details regarding RTRI programs. How can districts ensure people taking kids out of school for religious education have been properly vetted with background checks? Who is driving the buses that transport the children off site for class, and have they received proper training? Do the facilities where classes are held need to have supplies such as epinephrine injection devices and fire extinguishers?

There are dozens of basic everyday things parents should be asking that the bill does not require the districts to do, but then the district would have to do that on their own for these policies.

Rachel Coyle, policy director for Honesty for Ohio Education.

School districts might want to define how often programs can remove students, or require programs that remove students during lunch to feed the the children. Coyle said there could also be a defined process for “kicking out” programs for violations, such as repeatedly failing to return students to school on time.

Larger questions are also raised by the lack of definition in terms of what qualifies as an RTRI program. “We absolutely are concerned about who else is going to attempt to use this to their advantage,” said Coyle. “Is there any kind of validation or accreditation that has to occur for someone to be a full religious release program? That kind of thing is going to be important as well for the local policies to have.”

The end goal is for districts to have thorough policies that keep children safe and minimize disruptions to the school day, according to Coyle. “It’s going to be every district having local parents come in to advocate, essentially, for what they’re going to end up with.”

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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0

Cartoon by Jerry King.

Confessions of a rock ‘n’ roller girlaholic

By
Steven J Athanas
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0
Steven J Athanas at Howard's Club - read the story for more details. (Courtesy Photo)

Reaping the benefits, backlash of a rock band life

On a cold winter’s night (Feb. 9,1964, to be exact) a whole lotta television sets were tuned to CBS’ “The Ed Sullivan Show” to witness first-hand the American arrival of the four lads from Liverpool, The Beatles.

The musical landscape, and for that matter the world at large, would never be the same. What many thought would be a flash-in-the-pan phenomenon grew to be a cultural revolution, in the true sense of the term. Though the band played by the rules initially (suit and ties, “yes sir/no ma’am,” clean shaven with coiffed mop tops), they and a lot of other people slowly found it much more fun to taunt the social norms of the time.

And in addition to all the high-falutin’ academic, sociological, genre-bending aspects of the British Invasion, there was something that bubbled underneath – for me at least. It was all but indiscernible at the time, like a slow-moving, raucous weather system that hasn’t hit yet. 

I was there, a distant witness to it all, itching to be in the fray, rebelling against authority (my parents), hungry to emulate my new found heroes. Goodbye Elvis. Hello, John, Paul, George and Ringo.

It wasn’t till recently, I suppose, that I recognized what that undercurrent was that I couldn’t put my finger on at the time. As those of us who were there recall, the cameras would switch from The Beatles performing to the audience’s reaction during the show. And that audience was majorly screaming girls.

So, sure, I wanted to be on stage singing and whoopin’ it up, but it hadn’t occurred to me, at the age of 10, that one of the major reasons for my interest and excitement was girls. Rock’n’roll was an indistinguishable path to girls!

Fast forward to Columbus, Ohio, around 1965. My Dad worked for the railroad, and he and the family got transferred to the capital. We lived in a suburb called Forest Park, an enclave of stucco homes and middle class families. By that time, I had been Beatle-ized: I had a six-foot poster of McCartney in my bedroom, I had all the Beatle albums at that point, and a mass collection of Beatle cards – the whole whammy. More than all o’ that, it was in this ‘burb that I first used my vocal cords to ‘spress myself.

Steven J Athanas, center, with the band Wet Shavers. (Courtesy Photo)

A kid my age lived directly across the street. Don King was his name, and he played a beige hollow-body guitar that was almost bigger than him. In no small part because of Beatlemania, we decided to get a band together, but because of certain restraints, we had to rehearse as a duo in the garage of my home. So, Don would drag his guitar and amp to my place, and we’d go at it, with the garage door open.

For whatever reason, we only knew one song: “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter,” by Herman & The Hermits. Over and over we’d do the tune – musta drove the neighbors nuts!

Steven J Athanas where he sang the song Mrs. Brown. (Courtesy Photo)

But the only neighbors that mattered to me were two sisters of my age, who lived kitty-corner across the street from me. I would literally fix my eyes on their upstairs bedroom window and croon, like a poor boy’s Romeo and Juliet. Try as I may, though, it was for naught, but I still felt that rock ‘n’ roll was my vehicle to get female attention and L-O-V-E!

Eventually, puberty, testosterone and my sexual id came into being. I succeeded a couple of times in obtaining girlfriends in the years that followed, but probably the most memorable of my encounters happened when I was in my early 20s. I had already taken the cue from The Beatles and the screaming girls and formed a few rock bands. At the time, I was in a “blues” band called Strongheart, and I was also enrolled at the University of Toledo, working to become a commercial artist (a term that eventually morphed into graphic artist.).

Part of the course study was a beginner’s psych course. I liked the class well enough, but what I really liked was the young lady who sat in front of me. A true beauty (she still is) who made my heart go wingy-wangy (a technical term.)

As luck (and fate) would have it, she came to see Strongheart one night. I was on her like wings on a bird, and we chatted up a storm. One thing led to another and we consummated our love. Our bumpy relationship lasted many years.

So, in the late ’60s/early ’70s I found that with my “position” as lead singer/goofball of a rock band, people (read “girls”) would come up and talk/flirt/entice me into their auras. But I also took the initiative, feeling more cocksure (pun intended) to talk to women I would heretofore never approach.

One incident that I remember was on Halloween. The band (Wet Shavers, I think) was playing at Howard’s Club H in Bowling Green. It was wild, with all kinds of costumes, liquor flowing, cocaine up the nostrils – I’m surprised I survived those days! Towards the end of the evening, a tall, red-headed woman approached the stage. Dressed as some sort of S&M dominatrix, she grabbed my arm and handcuffed me. She didn’t unlock the cuffs till the next morning.

As I look back, something happened. I can see that things got a little out of hand. I became addicted to the female charm. I was no prince, that’s for sure, a plain somewhat chubby dude, but as the center of attention on stage, it was easy for me to talk to girls. I became a “girlaholic.”

My ego soared out of control, and I became reckless and ruthless. The huge, elephant-in-the-room irony was that this was supposedly the norm for the job. In those days, rock ’n’ rollers were supposed to be womanizers! Hell, we weren’t makin’ any money. Why not?!!

All of those incidents, though they may have been a whole lotta fun at the time, seem to ring mostly hollow now. Yeah, I say “mostly.” I mean, after all, what am I without all the bad-boy shenanigans that accompany rock ’n’ roll? Like I said, this is a lot of what rock ’n’ roll is/was about. I can’t deny it; I can’t take it back, and I won’t. To what avail? But it’s not where I am now.

This went on for years – nay decades. Self-centered, thinking with the wrong head. I hurt people. I am painfully aware that I’ve done multiple dumbshit things in my Life, but I’m still a true believer in Karma – what goes around comes around – whatever you wanna call it. So, for all of the stupid stuff I did, and however much time I have on this orb, I’m hoping to make amends, and for some semblance of redemption. 

But as we all know, there are no guarantees, just death and taxes. 

Merde.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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0

Cartoon by Steven J Athanas for the Toledo Free Press.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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0

Cartoon by Jerry King.

Susie’s Coats, other charities collect warm clothes for TPS students

By
Stephen Zenner
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Valerie, 6, puts on a holiday head band with lights during a Holiday party and coat distribution at Escuela SMART Academy. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – Changes in weather make for changes in wardrobe, but quickly sprouting kids can easily outgrow clothes from the previous year. As it gets colder, there is a pipeline of organizations at the forefront of providing warm clothes for kids.

“We held our distribution in November, when 904 children passed through our doors, and it [their supply] wasn’t enough,” said Susan Perry, executive director of Susie’s Coats for Kids, about the need in the Toledo area.

Rising to meet the need, Susie’s Coats teamed up with Holland, Ohio company Designetics, which specializes in fluid applicators for manufacturing companies, and their humanitarian arm, Care for Kids, a nonprofit founded in 2020.

Sydney Williams, president of Designetics, said their first year getting Care for Kids up and running included a Trunk or Treat in the fall, but by the next year, “they [the kids] didn’t need candy, they needed coats.” 

Sydney Williams, president of Designetics, left, stands with Susan Perry, founder and executive director of Susie’s Coats for Kids and Hannah’s Socks, while they hold coats before a Holiday party and coat distribution at Escuela SMART Academy on Monday. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
Simon, 6, receives a coat during the holiday party. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)

Perry became aware of northwest Ohio’s need to clothe children two decades ago and has worked doggedly to provide more resources to children. 

The nonprofit’s main goal is to make sure kids have well-fitting and presentable coats without holes or tears when winter rolls around. Susie’s Coats’ primary storehouse is based in Millbury, but the nonprofit has 35 ‘coat closets’ within a 45-mile radius of Toledo, most of them based in elementary schools. 

Perry said her nonprofit has experienced exponential growth since it began, and just last year merged with Hannah’s Socks, who shares a similar goal. Between the two nonprofits, Perry said 224,102 items of warm apparel, including coats, gloves and socks, have been distributed this year. 

One distribution site was at Escuela SMART Academy in south Toledo, where Susie’s Coats, Designetics and the Toledo Zoo on Monday handed out winter-wear, along with other holiday items, during the Escuela holiday party.

“We know there’s a big need in our community, and we know it’s cold,” said Martha Ohashi, school nurse for Escuela SMART Academy. 

Ohashi reminds teachers to be aware of kids consistently coming to school without warm clothes. “When the child comes into my office [after being recommended by a teacher], I make a call to their home, and I try to connect them to resources,” she said. 

School nurse Martha Ohashi directs students through the coat distribution line during a Holiday party and coat distribution at Escuela SMART Academy on Monday.

Linda Ruiz-Bringman, assistant superintendent of student, family and community engagement for Toledo Public Schools (TPS), is focused on meeting the needs of children throughout TPS, so that the students can perform well in school.

“The need is great within the Toledo area,” Ruiz-Bringman said. Because of this need, all TPS nurses have essential items on hand, ranging from clothes to hygiene items. “We are always engaging with families. Families will reach out to us and our department.”

The Community Engagement Department deals with a host of different issues, including students lacking food, access to internet, clothing or even basic access to utilities in their homes. 

Information from schools and classrooms largely impact how aid gets to children. Perry’s organization has its hands full partnering with nonprofits and businesses to provide items, but relies largely on TPS’s reporting to decide where to distribute items and setup closets.

Rolando, 6, smiles while standing in line for warm clothes during a Holiday party.
Ava, 5, waits in line to receive items during a holiday party and coat distribution at Escuela SMART Academy on Monday.

Natasha Allen, principal of Escuela SMART Academy, is well aware of the needs of her students, and estimated about 180 of her 285 students were in need of coats this year. Over the past four years at the academy, she said there is always a need for coats, and that each year at least half of the students need them. 

“We’re just grateful to have them … so our kids can do well,” the principal said, and firmly added that “the students in need of coats are getting coats.”

As students at Escuela filed into the holiday party, grabbed holiday items and colorful socks, nurse Ohashi checked the names of students who needed coats with the size of coat that would fit them. Volunteers from the Perrysburg Knights of Columbus sorted through boxes of warm clothing items, and then handed them to students, who received them with smiles.

“We won’t stop,” Allen said resolutely, adding that the school would find other ways to support their kids if the need increases or the support dries up. 

“We support the whole child, and that includes their family,” she said.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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0

Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for Toledo Free Press.

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