Local spectators discuss the artwork displayed in the River East Gallery.
River East Gallery owners bring color to East Side at first art fest
Story and photos by Au’Ree Antoinette
TOLEDO – River East Gallery owners Chris “Chilly” Rodriguez, Conor “Con-Tron” Degnan and Luke Stoeckley made history Sept. 28 when they hosted their first Mural & Arts Festival in East Toledo.
The corner of 6th and Main streets was transformed into a hub of artistic expression as hundreds of attendees gathered to witness over 50 murals come to life.
Rodriguez shared the inspiration behind the event, reflecting on a journey he and his colleagues took in 2020.
Locals painter Charity “Artsy Wolf” Lockard discusses her piece of work to local photographer James “dirtykics” Dickerson.
Grafitti artist “Teeth” creates a signature mural facing a nearby East Toledo neighborhood.
“During COVID, Conor, Luke and I took a cross-country trip together. We got to experience the art scenes and districts in other big cities,” Rodriguez explained. “When I got back home, I realized one of the things I was supposed to learn [from that trip] was how to bring that energy here and help it [our own art scene] grow.”
One year after that trip, Rodriguez and Degnan secured their current space at 601 Main St. in December 2021. What once stood as a rundown tattoo shop was transformed during the winter of 2021-2022 into the vibrant River East Gallery.
The inaugural festival showcased nearly 60 artists, including around 25 muralists and 30 graffiti artists. The event attracted talent from across the country, including Toledo native Campo Graphic, who now resides in Portland, Oregon. Local artists like Teeth, Con-Tron, Michael Osborne, Abigail Bruce, and Mia Otto were also among those featured.
For many local art enthusiasts, the festival was a nostalgic reminder of past community events. Local spectator Brad Scherzer recalled, “This is the first art festival like this since the Main Event on Starr Avenue back in 2014.”
The overnight transformation and energy of the neighborhood left the city eager for more, with many already asking when the next mural festival would take place.
Rodriguez is enthusiastic about the future of the festival, stating, “This was just to show everyone the potential of an event like this. I have big plans to do it again next year.”
As Toledo’s art scene continues to grow, Rodriguez expressed his gratitude. “There’s something special and magical going on right now [in the Toledo art scene], and I’m very grateful to be a part of it.”
Columbus graffiti artist “Image” puts the finishing touches on a collaborative mural that spanned across several feet.Festival attendees and art lovers Brad Scherzer and Lindsay Williams admire the local work displayed in the River East Gallery.
Family of the muralist Campo Graphic stands in front of a mural of late Gary Fields, father of Campo.
Financial planning for long-term care to lessen stress, burdens
I recently attended an auction for the property of a good friend’s mother. A family homestead for decades, it had a pond, barn, big house and plenty of land.
After the father passed away and the mother began aging, a plan was needed to help her maintain control and independence while reducing the stress for everyone involved. The good news is that she is now closer to family, has secured a high property value, and the entire family likely has a lot less stress managing her needs.
Aging is a process we all go through, and the decisions a family makes now can either create or eliminate stress.
One caregiver who is dealing with this issue is Scott Kerschner, who is caring for his mother.
“I have so many wonderful memories of my parents as a child, as a young adult, and as a mature adult,” he recalled. “I’ve have the privilege of having the best parents anyone could ever ask for. As they’ve aged, so have their needs, which is normal.
“But this can be a very challenging time for those who are caregivers. After losing dad on Christmas day 2021, I’ve had to be the sole primary caregiver for mom. The challenges are visiting mom and being Scott her son vs. Scott her caregiver. When I visit, she typically would say, ‘Son, I have a list of things I need you to do.’
“The hard thing to prevent is letting resentment creep in. It will cause you to dread visiting and cut your visit short,” he admitted.
Here’s how to put a plan in place:
Retirees can experience a high level of emotional and physical stress when faced with the reality of an aging parent. The roles are now reversed. Moreover, someone in their 50s to 70s may find themselves caught between caring for their aging parents and helping adult children who may be facing their own challenges. The financial burden and multiple disruptions can be overwhelming, making it difficult to balance the stress of retirement while supporting their loved ones.
Then, there’s the complexity of navigating the world of unknown issues. Americans face a confusing healthcare system when it comes to understanding what expenses are covered and what are not. Managing a care plan can be time-consuming and costly for the caregiver. In my experience, it’s important to help not only the caregiver but also the parent to avoid isolation, and to seek proper professional support.
Sometimes, the lack of proper legal documents can create a financial nightmare. It’s crucial to have updated estate plans, such as wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents, and to review beneficiary designations on all assets. One simple mistake could be costly to the entire family.
I met with a family who waited too long, and since the mother was no longer able to make financial decisions, it resulted in what I believe were wasted taxes, probate fees and confusion.
What is at risk? In Ohio, a lot. Depending on the level of care needed, costs can range from $1,500 to $9,000 a month. Most of this is paid out of pocket unless coverage is in place beforehand. Think Medicare or Medicaid will cover it? Think again. In many situations, without proper planning, the family will be asked to write the check. This is why families can easily be wiped out financially.
The good news is that there are solutions for both families looking to plan ahead and those in crisis. I believe there are at least these four options:
If you’re young and healthy, consider purchasing long-term care insurance, annuities with riders or life insurance with long-term care benefits.
Look for rate guarantees, and take the time to understand how the policy works.
If you’re unhealthy or in a crisis situation, learn about Medicaid planning and veteran benefits.
Understand the resources available, and know that there are solutions.
The risk of needing long-term care is high. Many studies suggest the average retired couple faces up to a 65 percent risk of needing long-term care in their lifetime. I can’t think of many families that would face a 65 percent risk of needing to file a claim for home or auto insurance without having coverage in place.
When it comes to your health, think about that risk. Plus, think about the benefits of planning ahead. Without a proper plan, it can turn into a crisis and financial disaster. But with a well-thought-out plan, the aging process can become a smooth transition into the golden years.
For more information about America’s Retirement Headquarters, tune in every Saturday at 12 PM on 1370 WSPD or visit www.arhq.com. Investment Advisory Services offered through The Retirement Guys Formula, LLC. Securities are offered through PEAK Brokerage Services LLC., Member FINRA / SIPC. America’s Retirement Headquarters and Retirement Guys Formula is not an affiliate of PEAK Brokerage Services LLC. The office is at 1700 Woodlands Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537. 419-842-0550
The Homewreckers perform cover hits for the masses. (Courtesy Photo/Steven J Athanas)
Tribute bands do covers for ego, acceptance, gigs
This is a monthly column that highlights the historical shenanigans of The Homewreckers frontman Steven J Athanas and his bandmates.
This definition may be a bit dated. I think a Led Zeppelin cover band would now be called a Led Zep tribute band, assuming that’s all they do is Led Zep. Whereas a cover band (or bar band) is a band that covers/interprets multiple bands. Apples and oranges, I suppose.
The fact of the matter, however, is this: 99.99999 percent of musicians, regardless of gender, style of music, amount of talent, etc, have one thing in common: an ego. An egoless musician is an oxymoron, it just don’t happen. It is that ego that leans them into being a musician – to put themselves on a stage, under lights, and putting it all out there, for all to see and judge.
Of course, there are varying degrees of ego. Some have the talent to back it up, while their humility will keep it all in check. Still, others seem to throw it all against the wall and see what sticks. Some, of course, have more ego than talent and vice versa.
But it’s that “ME” aspect of being a musician, present in all, that puts us out there, dares us, prods us.
When a human being starts a rock band, it’s that initial ego that puts us on stage. Then what? We sing and play, and nine times out of 10, we sing other people’s material, because the ego wants acceptance, and we get acceptance by offering our audience the familiar, that which they already know.
The audience knows the words, the melody and they recognize the rhythm, which allows them to get up and dance. It’s nearly impossible in most local nightclubs in Northwest Ohio to come out and grab ‘em with a song that is an original composition. Sad but true. The performer and the audience want to bond, feel that they’re coming from a common place, and have something to share. Truth be told, the band is usually secondary to the crowd that is just looking to have a good time.
One of the things that is always there, but not given much recognition in a bar/live music situation is this: the club owner. He/she wants one thing and one thing only – to make money, and he/she does that by selling drinks.
If people are happy and thirsty because they’ve been dancing, working up a sweat, then everyone’s happy. The owner’s happy because he/she’s making dough, and the bartenders are happy because they’re getting tips. The crowd is happy because they’re familiar with what the band is puttin’ down, and the band is happy because their ego’s being gratified and there’s a good chance they’ll be asked to return to the club.
And yet, that nagging ego usually wants more. Initially, it’s great to make people dance, but after a while many musicians think they can throw in one of their tunes. It’s a risky proposition. When the dance floor’s packed because you’re playing Brown-Eyed Girl, or Everlong, and you throw in an unknown song at the crowd, it breaks the flow. People leave the dance floor, maybe even the club. Then you got trouble, brudda!
Of course, there are bands that defy this premise, that are happy making the money and getting the gratification of playing other peoples’ music exclusively. Nevertheless, many musicians try to push the envelope.
All of my bands were cover bands. From Jell-o to The Homewreckers, we played the familiar, while, as stated above, trying to sneak in a tune created by one of us. It would always be with mixed results.
It seems that if the tune kept up the momentum, kinda like a DJ does by “mixing” one beat into another, and the crowd was with us (or drunk enough), no problem. But yes, there were usually the frequent heckles or the “play somethin’ we know!” from an unimpressed crowd. When the latter happened, the fragile ego of the musician would run for shelter and quickly break into I Want You Back, Honky Tonk Woman, or some other recognizable tune.
There were exceptions to the rule, however. The band I had called The Coosters was a short-lived one, but one of my faves. We were all over the musical map, doing not only originals, but jazz, blues and a totally eclectic repertoire.
I’ll never forget when we were playing a downtown club and doing a rendition of Lydia the Tattooed Lady, made popular by Groucho Marx from At the Circus, and the owner came up to me while I was singing the song and yelled in my ear, “DONCHA KNOW ANY BEATLES??!” Of course we knew Beatles, but this guy (mind you, the one who paid us at the end of the night) didn’t want us to take the chance with his crowd.
Still, we could get away with a broad spectrum of tunes because:
a) we didn’t charge that much
b) we weren’t really a dance band
c) we were mostly acoustic, with a percussionist, not a drummer per se..
When I was in The Raisin Band, though we started as a cover band, it quickly became our challenge to get a record deal, and we started writing songs. We would sprinkle our songs in with covers that we were doing, with mixed results.
The band Loved by Millions, with Steven J Athanas, center. (Courtesy Photo/Steven J Athanas)
Eventually, the songwriting became the priority, and the boys moved to Cincinnati while I went to NYC. Another one of my bands, The Best, released a package of two 45s with three originals and a cover of NRBQ’s Green Lights. Loved By Millions self-released two cassettes of all originals (save for a Thelonious Monk cover), and The Coosters put out an EP of seven self-penned tunes.
And who could forget my masterpiece, We Are Our Own Parade, an LP’s worth of Athanas originals??! I still have about 400 copies gathering dust in my basement.
I have long since given up on the quest and hardly ever pick up my guitar, except to sing Happy Birthday to friends. It’s a very tough plight to get recognition from your personal output, and I would venture to say that it’s tough to maintain once you’ve achieved it, hence the term “one hit wonders.”
So, with dubious logic, and still an overpowering need to create, I’ve switched from being a musician to a visual artist, because, as well you know, it’s so much easier to make a living from making art!
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.”
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 OdendahlJames JohnsonNivant DawsonSydney StanleyDavid 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.
Waite High School teacher Doug Gogol, in gray shirt at center, and his students listen to a report by BMW Group Technical Support Engineer Jonathan Staley. The car on display was a 2023 BMW XM hybrid vehicle on display at their school. (TFP Photo/Paula Wethington)
TPS high schoolers get a look at 2023 BMW XM hybrid
Toledo – Career technology students received a close-up at a high performance hybrid vehicle when a BMW representative visited the Waite and Start high school campuses on last week.
The tour was arranged by Yark Automotive Group and BMW of Toledo as a way to showcase today’s EV and hybrid technology to students, as well as what they might work on when they join the workforce.
The back seat of a 2023 BMW XM hybrid vehicle on display Thursday at Waite High School as part of a presentation on electric vehicle technology. (TFP Photo/Paula Wethington)
It certainly didn’t hurt that the demonstration vehicle – a 2023 BMV XM hybrid – had a range of upgrades and luxury details, which included a lighted interior ceiling and a metallic sparkle amid the dark gray exterior paint hue.
“How often do you get to probe around a nearly $200,000 car?” BMW Group Technical support engineer Jonathan Staley asked with a smile as he prepped for the first student group to arrive.
The dashboard and driver’s seat of a 2023 BMW XM hybrid vehicle. (TFP Photo/Paula Wethington)
Participating students were from welding and auto collision career technology classes at Waite High School, along with auto mechanic technology classes at Start High School.
“I’ve always liked cars,” said Brooklyn Tucker, a Waite junior who is taking the welding class.
Waite High School welding teacher Zach Kulwicki said he wanted his students to see the hybrid vehicle because it shows a practical use for the robotic welding lessons they are learning in class.
Waite High School welding teacher Zach Kulwicki, left, and junior Brooklyn Tucker look over a 2023 BMW XM hybrid vehicle on display. (TFP Photo/Paula Wethington)
Electric vehicle adoption has been happening in fits and starts in the United States during the past few years. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that about 50,000 all-electric vehicles were registered in the state of Ohio in December 2023. California, Texas and Florida are the states where they have caught on the most, the federal data shows.
Staley said early adopters flocked to the technology, but others continue to hold out for reasons such as driving range questions and charger availability. “Demand for EVs has definitely cooled off,” he said.
While today’s EVs look similar to other vehicles on the road, their operation and charging logistics are a significant change from the gas engines Americans have driven for decades.
That’s one of the reasons that BMW includes school visits on its promotional campaigns. Staley said it takes a lot of “intelligence and training” for technicians to be able to keep the newer vehicles running smoothly, and he wants the students to be aware of the possibilities when making a career choice.
“We go around and explain the reality of working on cars these days,” Staley said.
BMW Group Technical Support Engineer Jonathan Staley and the 2023 BMW XM hybrid vehicle he took on tour to Waite and Start high schools Thursday. (TFP Photo/Paula Wethington)
Fish sale for pond fish available through Lucas SWCD website
Toledo – Local pond owners have the chance to restock their ponds at a discount price, thanks to Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District (Lucas SWCD), which is in partnership with Fender’s Fish Hatchery in Baltic, Ohio.
To take advantage of this sale of $1.35 or less per fish, buyers must preorder by Oct. 3 and pick up on Oct. 10.
The species include large mouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish, bluegill, and fathead minnows. These fingerlings range from one to six inches in length. To order or find out about future fish sales, visit lucasswcd.org, where you’ll also find events ranging from composting classes to milkweed pod collection.
