32.1 F
Toledo
Friday, April 11, 2025

Subscribe

Story Tip Line

Home Blog

How to vote in 2024

By
Paula Wethington
-
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.

Don Lee: Safety Net Hole

By
Don Lee
-
0

Culture Clash celebrates Record Store Day April 12

By
Rachel Boes
-
0
Record Store Day is April 12, and will feature live music and food trucks. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

TOLEDO – Culture Clash Records has been a staple of the Toledo music scene for decades. The establishment hosts a vinyl store that caters to all genres of music for every imaginable audience.

It’s long since doubled as a venue, hosting a wide swath of local acts, but the last nine years have been a challenge for the business. The location and some staff have moved, the company had to adjust to a new space, and there was a change in ownership – all the while, the demand for vinyl soared.

Tim and Lizzie Friedman, owners of Culture Clash, spoke with the Toledo Free Press about their winding journey. Tim Friedman has seen a drastic difference from their beginnings in 2017 when they purchased the business, followed by their move to the current downtown space (at 912 Monroe St.) in 2020 and their purchase of the building nine years ago to now.

“Talk about the landscape changing since 2016…everything is different. When I took over, it was most common to sell used $8 rock records. Now, we sell a robust variety of things. Our best sellers are Rumors by Fleetwood Mac, but alongside that we are selling Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan,” said Tim Friedman. “We’ve seen a significant shift of people walking through the door, from parents dragging their kids along to kids dragging their parents along.” 

“The age of the average customer has gone down,” Lizzie Friedman added. “Especially as it’s gotten more popular and accessible for young people. Most of our customers are college age or younger.”

The resurgence of physical audio media has changed what’s stocked on the shelves, as well as the clientele. The heart of the store, however, remains the same. Customers come to Culture Clash because they know they have someone looking out for their taste. Bring up an artist you love, and you’ll get thorough recommendations. Looking for something special? They’ll keep an eye out for you. The current and past owners echo these sentiments. Most importantly, people feel welcomed here. 

John Contos has worked at Culture Clash since 2022. “It’s been a spectacle to see how Record Store Day has grown in the last decade,” he said. (TFP Lori King)

“The point of the store is to be available for everyone. We need to cater to the diversity of music that comes in here,” said Lizzie Friedman. 

Jon Zanz, a former patron of Culture Clash’s previous iteration, Boogie Records, commented on his warm experiences here. Zanz, a musician, has also played at both the Secor location and their new downtown store.

“It was always the best place to get records,” he said. “Pick Pat’s brain on new stuff and he would always know what you liked. They had shows there and it was the best.”

The purchase of the downtown building in 2020 was intentional for expanding the legacy of Culture Clash.

“The purchasing of the new building has clouded this vision” said Tim Friedman. “We’ve had to pivot time and again because of what’s needed of us.”

The venue hasn’t hosted shows at the frequency they had in their Secor location days. The delay has been tough to swallow. Shows, or “in-stores,” have been part of their mission to integrate with the tri-state music scene. The goal is exposure and keeping the music going; the stage is open to musicians with a range of experience. 

Tim Friedman said, “We encourage artists as a DIY space, where they can sell tickets ahead of time and at the door. We say this low-dollar amount from your ticket sales goes towards us being able to continue doing this. It covers the costs.” 

In-stores weren’t hosted until very recently because of building capacity requirements and zoning restrictions that prevented concerts from taking place. The building’s change in ownership came with changes in requirements, creating an unforeseen barrier.

“We spent a couple of years and tens of thousands of dollars determining what the city wanted from us. We worked with architects who went back and forth with a building official who no longer works for the city.”

Eventually, the expenses of their endeavor to fully realize the space came to a tipping point. “We had to ask for help last year, it got so ugly,” said Tim Friedman. “Not unrelated to the tens of thousands of dollars we spent on this building. It’s so difficult to ask for that help. It feels like saying we messed up, and I don’t think that’s true.” 

Record Store Day 2024 was a huge success for Culture Clash, but according to Liz Friedman, “we didn’t go public with the need for help until October of 2024, and then we hosted a big “Save Culture Clash” fundraiser event in November, which was a similar set up to RSD — all day party with music, vendors, and food trucks.”

This year, Record Store Day 2025 is on April 12, and it’s expected to be another all-day party.

Live music? Yes! In-stores are once again available in the space. Other adjustments were made to resolve building restrictions, and now events land on the schedule more frequently. 

Live bands will play on this stage during Record Store Day. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

“We’ll open at 10, and let 10 people in at a time,” said Tim Friedman. “We’ll have live music starting at that time. Live jazz followed by a singer/songwriter, DJ until noon. We’ll have hip-hop, Americana and indie rock, some more jazz. Hardcore to close out the night.”

This year’s Record Store Day feels like a celebration of overcoming obstacles alongside their community.

“We get to live our dream,” Tim Friedman said. “This has been a struggle to get to the point where we can maximize the space. There’s been a lot of great community and feedback. The response and the support has been wonderful.” 

John Contos, a lifelong record collector and an employee at the store, said that “whether it’s a special release that brings people out [for Record Store Day], or seeing local artists play, it’s a pleasure to see the ever-expanding community of collectors coming out every year.”

Available merchandise at Culture Clash. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Meta builds data center in Wood County

By
David Yonke
-
0
Meta Data Center rendering in Wood County. (TFP Photo/David Yonke)

BOWLING GREEN – Meta is building an $800 million data center that will be optimized for AI to connect Facebook and Instagram users around the world, officials announced Wednesday at a news conference held in Bowling Green State University’s Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Construction has already begun on the 280-acre site in Middleton Township on State Route 582, between U.S. 20 and I-75. The data center is expected to be fully operational sometime in 2027.

“We selected Middleton Township for a number of reasons, including great access to infrastructure and renewable energy, a strong pool of talent, and a wonderful set of community partners that have helped us move this project forward,” said Brad Davis, Meta’s director of data center community and economic development.

Brad Davis
Jonathan Bridges

The 715,000-square-foot data center will be Meta’s 24th in the United States and 28th worldwide. It is expected to employ 100 workers with an average salary of slightly more than $83,000, according to Jonathan Bridges, managing director of JobsOhio.

The construction is expected to employ about 1,000 workers, officials said, and work will continue even after the facility opens.

“Unlike traditional manufacturing facilities, which complete construction in one or two years, data centers require continuous updates and equipment refreshing every two to three years,” Bridges noted. “This ongoing modernization means a sustained cycle of construction, technical support and jobs.”

Brad Davis, Meta’s director of data center community and economic development, left, is joined by area leaders for the announcement of the Meta Data Center. (TFP Photo/David Yonke)

Davis said the data center will be “optimized for our AI workloads as part of a highly advanced infrastructure that helps connect millions of people” through Meta’s platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

“Our mission is to build the future of human connections,” Davis said.

This project will be Meta’s second data center in Ohio, following its investment in a New Albany facility that began in 2017.

Governor Mike DeWine, in a statement issued after the press conference, said that “Ohio is shaping the future of the data-driven digital economy, and we are pleased that Meta chose Wood County for this new investment. Northwest Ohio’s talent pipeline and strategic location will create an environment where Meta, and the other technology companies they attract, can thrive while bringing new opportunities for our regional workforce and their families.”

Bridges called Meta’s investment “transformational” for Northwest Ohio, and that “today’s announcement marks another milestone as Ohio embraces an emerging role as the Silicon Heartland.”

Bridges added that Ohio’s central location gives it a geographical advantage, with quick and easy access to interstate highways, rail networks and port facilities.

Combined with a “robust” electric grid and natural gas system, abundant water resources, and fiber-optic connectivity, “you have an ideal location for an environment for digital innovation,” Bridges said.

Dean Monske. (TFP Photo/David Yonke)

Dean Monske, president of the Regional Growth Partnership, which played a key role in bringing Meta to the area, said it was the local assets, not tax incentives, that drew the tech giant to Wood County, citing the availability of land, water and sewer, and electricity.

Wood County commissioners have granted Meta a 75 percent tax abatement for 15 years for the project.

Monske credited the success of landing the AI-optimized data facility to collaboration among elected officials, academia, the private sector, and state and regional economic development partners.

The project was kept under wraps, as much as possible, until Wednesday’s press conference. It was previously was referred to by the code name “Project Accordion” to conceal Meta’s involvement.

Ground was broken in October

Don Cromley and Mike Moulton, Middleton Township trustees, said the project has been under discussion for at least three years, and that ground was broken last October on Meta’s sprawling site, directly west of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District headquarters on SR 582, also known as Middleton Pike.

“There are 35 earth movers there now, and I don’t know how many excavators,” Moulton said.

“A big bonus is that the little town of Dunbridge is going to get sewer and water,” added Cromley.

The trustees said a water tower, paid for by Meta, is already being erected on the site. The data center will have access to up to 600,000 gallons of water a day.

“We are focused on sustainability,” Davis said. “The center will actually use a minimal amount of water, but obviously it’s a very important aspect of the project.”

Davis said Meta is proud that, like all of the company’s data centers, the Bowling Green facility’s use of electricity “will be matched with 100 percent clean and renewable energy.”

Bridges and Davis both pointed out that Meta plans to make millions of dollars in grants available to the local public school systems.

“Once this data center is open, we will launch our community action grants program, where we partner with schools and local organizations to put the power of technology to use for community benefits,” Davis said. “Once we’re online, we’re going to partner very closely with them and make sure they understand the grant process.”

A water tower, paid for by Meta, is being erected on the site. The data center will have access to up to 600,000 gallons of water a day. (TFP Photo/David Yonke)

Asked if there were any concerns that the data center might generate a lot of noise, Davis said no. “We feel good about how we operate. We want to show up in the right way, be good neighbors. We’re very cognizant of our neighbors and want to operate in their best interest. It’s important to us to be strong members of the community.

“Overall, this community has been tremendous. This $800 million investment will bring many more millions of dollars of economic activity to the area … all the things that the community has done to attract this project is really paying off now,” Davis said.

He said Meta is committed to the Wood County project no matter what happens with the tariffs recently imposed by Trump on imported products and the tariffs levied by foreign nations on U.S. goods.

Davis said Meta will be hiring people for a wide variety of jobs, including technicians, logistical workers, culinary and janitorial staff. He said jobs at the data center will be posted online at metacareers.com.

Ground was broken last October on Meta’s sprawling site, directly west of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District headquarters on SR 582, also known as Middleton Pike. (TFP Photo/David Yonke)

Springfield Local Schools funding

By
Lori King
-
0

On this episode of Behind the Byline, host Jaden Jefferson has a conversation with Springfield Local Schools superintendent Matthew Geha and Springfield Board of Education president Dr. Tanya Baldwin.

Matt Geha.

“It’s interesting … the vocabulary that different legislators use, some of them do say that more was put towards education because there’s probably one big pot they call ‘education.’ However, what could or is going to public education does not appear to be more – it appears to be less,” commented Geha in the podcast.

Geha and Baldwin talk about:

  • the difference in the amount other local schools, like Perrysburg and TPS, receive compared to Springfield
  • the Fair School Funding Plan
  • property taxes and levies
  • the cost of education per child
  • the power of opportunities and programs Springfield has purposefully put into place to create a successful environment for all the students
  • Springfield Local Schools success stories
  • the continued impact of COVID

New episodes of the Behind the Byline drop every Wednesday on the ⁠⁠⁠Pod Station⁠⁠⁠.

Behind the Byline is a production of the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Toledo Free Press.⁠

Dr. Tanya Baldwin speaks during an April 4 press conference on fighting for fair funding. (Courtesy Photo)

Steven J Athanas: Moe’s Art

By
Steven J Athanas
-
0

Diverse coalition recites Martin Luther King, Jr. anti-war speech

By
Laurie Bertke
-
0
Children from the Doug 419 Community Youth Chorus and the Ann Jerkins-Harris Academy of Excellence Select Choir perform at Monroe Street United Methodist Church on April 6 during Our Time to Break Silence. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)

TOLEDO— An eclectic group united their voices at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church on April 6 to commemorate the anniversary of Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence, the famous anti-war speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr.

One by one, individuals representing 50 different community organizations stepped to the microphone to solemnly proclaim King’s words calling for peace and justice. King gave the speech at Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967 – one year to the day before he was assassinated. 

Our Time to Break Silence has been held annually since 2017. The community reading is hosted by the church but organized by a committee representing a large coalition of individuals and organizations from the Toledo area.

Readers included representatives from Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities, the League of Women Voters, Lucas County Children Services, students from The University of Toledo and Toledo Public Schools, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, and many other nonprofit and advocacy groups. 

Children hold up signs at the end of a dramatic community reading of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.” (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)

“I can personally say I have never been in a room with such a diverse group of people, and I think Dr. King’s message speaks to the fact that we are much stronger together than we will ever be apart,” said Marilyn DuFour, a member of the organizing committee and representative of Sacred Grounds Toledo.

“I think that’s what draws people to this event. It gives everyone an equal voice, and gives everybody an opportunity to share their own particular way of breaking silence,” she added.

Throughout the community reading, the crowd in attendance was encouraged to stand periodically to recite key lines expressing King’s message. Each of these passages was punctuated by the repetition of the phrase, “I will NOT be silent.”

Organizers drew parallels between the Vietnam War and other injustices of King’s day and those taking place now, including the war and devastation in Gaza.

“Even though it is no longer 1967, there are still travesties happening today that need to be spoken out against,” Vernita Lewis Taylor said during her introduction for the program. 

Vernita Lewis Taylor introduces the program. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)

Lewis Taylor, an event co-chair who also works as an accountant for TPS, cited among her concerns the attacks on women’s rights and voting rights, the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the Department of Education. 

She said the event is meant to ignite people to want to do something to make their own communities better, using King as a role model. 

“What he’s doing in the speech is saying that we must bond together,” said Lynne Hamer, a member of Monroe Street United Methodist who started the event in 2017 and co-chairs the planning committee. She added that King cast a broad net in his speech when he called for the defeat of “the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism and militarism.”

Lynne Hamer processes to the front of church with other community members. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)

This year Hamer divided the speech into parts for 53 readers, trying as best she could to match excerpts with the priorities of the representative’s organization. “You hear the speech in its entirety in all of these different voices,” she said.

TPS has served as an event co-sponsor for the past several years. Students and administrators spoke during the program; artwork created by TPS students was on display around the church; and the Chamber Orchestra from Toledo School for the Arts performed “North Star to Freedom” by Soon Hee Newbold. 

“It’s wonderful to have our students involved in this event, to show them that their voice does matter,” said Linda Ruiz-Bringman, the assistant superintendent of Student, Family and Community Engagement for TPS and a member of the event’s planning committee.

Stephenie Williams, a senior at Jones Leadership Academy of Business, said she was not familiar with King’s speech before she was asked to serve as a reader for this year’s event. She took her role seriously, noting that it was important not to read too fast or too slow. 

“You got to let everybody hear the power that’s coming from you,” Williams said. 

“Just to be part of something so moving, so inspirational, is something that I personally feel proud to be a part of,” she added.

Photos by Laurie Bertke

Photos by Laurie Bertke

Anyah Powell portrays Maya Angelou and Olivia Smith-Pasker is Rebecca Lee Crumpler during the reading of “Our Time to Break Silence.” Both attend Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls.

Rodney Gordon represents the Toledo Kwanzaa House as he performs his reading.

Patricia McCauley tolls a bell during the reading.

Representing Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, third-grader Lyric Baughman reads from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.”

Kingston Polk, a freshman at the Toledo Pre-Med and Health Science Academy, reads from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.”

Dianne Stubblefield-Webb holds a sign during Our Time to Break Silence event.

Director Dianne Stubblefield-Webb sings with the Doug 419 Community Youth Chorus and the Ann Jerkins-Harris Academy of Excellence Select Choir.

Congregation members react during the the event. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)

A child holds a sign as she performs with a group that included the Doug 419 Community Youth Chorus and the Ann Jerkins-Harris Academy of Excellence Select Choir. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)

Local vets journey to war memorials for 30th Flag City Honor Flight

By
Mary Helen Delisle
-
0
(Courtesy Photo/Flag City Honor Flight)

SWANTON – Greeted by rounds of applause, grateful hearts and the United States Armed Forces Medley, 73 veterans returned from an all-expenses paid, one-day trip to Washington, D.C.

The Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) veterans arrived home on Tuesday, April 1, to a Welcome Home ceremony attended by their families, FCHF volunteers and community members.

“It was probably the best day of my life,” said 25th Infantry Vietnam Veteran Donald Miller.

“The send-off and return were unbelievable, the music, the band, shaking hands,” Miller said. “It was like New Year’s Eve.”

This was the 30th flight the FCHF has taken. The FCHF, a nonprofit with a 100-percent volunteer force, makes four veteran flights annually. This year’s dates are April 1, June 3, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14.

More than just a fun vacation to the nation’s capital, this visit is an opportunity for veterans to attend the World War II, Korean and Vietnam war memorials.

(Courtesy Photos)

The 2025 trips will differ slightly from previous years, however.

While all flights still depart and return from Toledo Express Airport, they are using a new airline, JetBlue, rather than Allegiant.

FCHF media leader Mallory Crooks said this is to help save time. With Allegiant, veterans had to fly to Baltimore and take a long bus ride to the memorials. JetBlue provides a more direct route to the memorials.

Mike Sassaman, left, and Rene Niese (Courtesy Photo/Rene Niese)

“Outstanding” was Vietnam veteran Rene Niese’s one-word response regarding his experience on the FCHF trip.

While Niese and Miller had each visited the national war memorials before, they agreed that seeing them on the trip with other veterans completely changed the experience.

“The Vietnam wall was my favorite,” Miller said. Miller’s cousin was killed during the war, and his name is inscribed on the Vietnam War Memorial.

Miller explained that while everybody looks at war memorials differently, to him, they are a celebration of life.

In addition to seeing memorials, the trip is also a chance for veterans to bond and connect.

For Niese, who was a battalion supply officer in Vietnam and a captain in the 359th Transportation Company, it was a chance to reconnect. He happened across one of his old high school classmates, who, unbeknown to Niese, had also served in Vietnam.

While the trip was attended by Korea veterans, as well, for the Vietnam veterans, being honored for their service was especially moving.

Warm welcomes were not especially common when soldiers returned home from Vietnam.

“Welcome homes then were mom and dad, and maybe a friend,” Miller said.

Niese said he also particularly enjoyed mail call. He recalled that during his deployment, he used to eagerly await letters or packages from his wife and family.

“We would wait, and they would call your name and give you your mail,” Niese said.

So, it was particularly moving during mail call at the Welcome Home ceremony. Niese received a mail bag filled with dozens of letters written by everyone from children to congressmen.

“I did not want it end,” he said.

In addition to the bag of mail, Niese also received a knitted red, white and blue blanket, which he plans to use while sitting on his porch chatting with his wife.

While the memorials are the primary focus of the trip, Crooks said veterans have opportunities to see more sights.

Arlington Cemetery. (Courtesy Photo/Rene Niese)

“This particular flight, we had four Flag City Honor Flight representatives lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” Crooks said.

Veterans also saw the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, and drove past the Navy and Air Force memorials.

Veterans in Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan qualify for the FCHF flights.

“I’d highly recommend it to any veteran,” Miller said. “It’s really well worth it. Makes you feel good.”

Crooks said the FCHF is looking for volunteers and sponsorships to help fund the flights and keep them free for veterans. Learn more at flagcityhonorflight.org.
Iwo Jima Memorial. (Courtesy Photo/Rene Niese)

Don Lee: Historycensored.gov

By
Don Lee
-
0

Sunshine pool upgrades sought

By
Steven Bieber
-
0
The Sunshine Communities pool was built in 1991 and needs upgrades. Sunshine is seeking donations to each their $400,000 goal. The pool is now closed. (Courtesy Photo)

MAUMEE – If you’ve ever sought out resources for a family member with developmental disabilities, you’ve likely heard about Sunshine Communities, a longtime community presence. The organization is now trying to meet a fundraising goal to address badly needed updates to their therapeutic pool, which is currently out of commission.

The nonprofit is known for building community among people with developmental disabilities and their families, friends and staff through residential, vocational, therapeutic and recreational services on their Maumee campus and in community homes.

They also offer supported employment opportunities through Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts, a coffee shop and restaurant, and Sunshine Studios, an art studio and creative space in Uptown Maumee.

Sunshine was founded in 1950 by Roy and Georgette Engler. The two had five children with developmental disabilities. While taking care of their children at home, the couple visited state institutions to see what care options were available. Since they found other institutions appalling, they founded Sunshine Children’s next to their home with the help of a nearby Mennonite congregation.

At the core of the offered services is a commitment to the progression, inclusion and integration of individuals with developmental disabilities within our community. They empower the people they support by promoting independence and growing confidence to improve the quality of life.

Aquatic therapy and recreation

One service Sunshine Communities offers is its aquatic program, which utilizes an indoor swimming pool that became part of Sunshine in 1991.

A volunteer helps a child swim in the pool when it was open. It which was built for both therapy and recreation. (Courtesy Photo)

The pool can be used for both therapy and recreation. It has a raised floor and chair lift to allow individuals of all abilities to enter the water safely. The pool is kept at a temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit to support neurological engagement. The pool is utilized for arthritis exercise classes, swim lessons, local school classrooms, birthday parties and practice space for basketball and cheerleading teams and more.

“Therapy in the pool helps patients with pain relief, improves mobility, strengthens muscles,
reduces inflammation and enhances balance and coordination,” said Lori Ciacelli, director of clinical services.

Lori Ciacelli. (Courtesy Photo)

Sunshine must make significant upgrades to the pool to reopen it and continue offering its benefits to their residents and community. To improve the pool, they will replace and relocate the aging natatorium HVAC unit. New mechanics will improve ventilation, and corrosion exterior plumbing costs will be reduced.

Sunshine needs to secure funds to finish the upgrades. Ciacelli explained how people can help, how much they need to raise, and what the money goes to.

“People can donate to this cause, and every dollar helps us get closer to the $400,000 needed for the specialized equipment,” she said. “Pools are expensive, and this includes essential features, like the raise-and-lower floor, temperature control, and other factors that ensure safety and accessibility for individuals at Sunshine.”

Shannon Bova, chief philanthropy officer at Sunshine Communities, added that “Sunshine’s pool is a unique year-round therapy outlet that we are proud to offer.
Individuals love it, and our staff enjoys incorporating it into their therapy plans. The community is eager for public use and classes to return.”

Although no fundraising events are scheduled for the pool, Sunshine is in need of financial support to reach their goal of $400,000. If you would like to contribute to the vital improvements of the swimming pool and the aquatic program, you can donate to the fund here.

American coots: Mud hens are back

By
Art Weber
-
0
Adult coots gather on top of a muskrat cabin at Howard Marsh Metropark. (TFP Photo/Art Weber)

Our Toledo Mud Hens baseball team is back for the season, and so are the American coots, commonly called mud hens, the bird that gives our famous baseball team its unique name. 

Coots are unique looking water birds that flourish and breed in our local marshes. See them in big numbers right now in such places as Howard Marsh Metropark, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area.

A mud hen – an American coot – takes off running and splashing as it picks up speed at Howard Marsh Metropark. (TFP Photo/Art Weber)

Mud hens are often referred to as ducks, but they’re a water-loving member of the rail family. Check their feet and note that they’re not webbed like a duck’s, but equipped with long bizarre-looking lobed toes. Those toes give them extra traction when paddling, and when they perform their classic frenetic watery takeoffs that require skittering and splashing to get airborne.

Coots spend a great deal of time out of the water, so they are often observed standing on mud flats and muskrat cabins, for example.

They’ll be nesting soon. Our coots, aka mud hens, that is.

123...55Page 1 of 55
spot_img

The Toledo Free Press is a project of Toledo Integrated Media Education.

Company

Trending

Categories

© Copyright 2024 - Toledo Free Press