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Miller: Sacred day in the bayou

By
Michael Miller
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Cullen at his baptism at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Paincourtville, Louisiana, July 20. Photo courtesy Rachel.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Paincourtville, Louisiana, is an unassuming brick building with a modern metal roof and a smattering of trees providing scant shade in its parking lot.

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Inside, it is an overwhelming architectural achievement — 50 stained glass images of saints and the Passion, statues of key figures of faith and meticulous columns and arches embraced by stunning hand-painted flourishes from floor to ceiling. It’s impossible to describe the artistry of the church interior as a separate entity from spirituality, as every dab of paint and inch of wood is infused with the glory and promise of  faith. The church’s founding priests are entombed near the altar, silent witnesses to the testaments of generations.

Founded in 1840, St. Elizabeth is one of the oldest parishes in its region and has been in the same building since 1902. Described as “The Gem of the Bayou” on its website, “the beautiful gothic building was designed by the LeSaicherre brothers, who were priests at the parish in the 1880s.  From the magnificent Italian marble high-altar to the hand painted images painted on the cypress ceilings, St. Elizabeth Church is a glorious sight to behold.”

The interior was painted by two Mexican refugee brothers on sections of burlap feed sacks, which were then sewn together and hung on the walls.

It is a magnificent place of worship, but the baptism that brought us there July 20 could have taken place in a broom closet with one dim light bulb and the spiritual impact of the sacred event would not have been diminished one iota.

We traveled to Paincourtville for the baptism of Cullen, first-born son of our friends Will and Rachel. I have known Will for more than 20 years, since our University of Toledo days. We have seen each other in times triumphant and disastrous, hilarious and mournful.

Will and I are not always fans of happy endings, but it has been gratifying to see Will and Rachel build a life together, especially in the context of my jaundiced disdain of some of the less pleasant people he has spent time with. To see Will build a family has been amusing, as his contempt for romantic conventions in general and children in particular has softened into an understanding that one does not have to compromise intellect to engage emotionally.

My family shared with the arrival of Cullen just a bit more than a year ago, trading visits to strengthen our relationships and making sure our sons will know Cullen.

When Will asked if I would serve as Cullen’s godfather, I hesitated long enough to do some inner searching and evaluating of my own faith and qualifications to mentor and guide. I came up short but accepted anyway.

I am Lutheran, not Catholic, so even though I took a class on being a godparent to a Catholic child, I am officially Cullen’s “Non-Catholic Christian Witness,” a title Cullen will one day appreciate as a perfect title for my sense of humor and askance approach to organized religion and the complications of bureaucratic thinking.

We gathered with a large number of Rachel’s family after Mass to celebrate the baptism under the auspice of the Rev. Andrew Merrick, a pastor who seemed as young and irreverent as his church is old and authoritarian.

Father Merrick struck the right note of comfort and adherence to tradition, walking us through the understanding of our responsibility and a renouncement of Satan (I have renounced that particular entity before but not with as much conviction as I did that morning).

Cullen, a blue-eyed, curious child with his father’s still-waters-run-deep demeanor, marveled at every moment of the sacrament and did not cry once. Surrounded by a loving family and a loving God, the little boy glowed in the light of the spirit and the purity of Christ’s embrace.

I remembered the baptism of our sons Evan and Sean and how precious it was to be surrounded by our earthly family and our heavenly one.

In his life, Cullen will know good and bad, great love and great evil. He will experience the complexities of life, the whims of love and the mysteries of faith.

All that was miles and years away as Father Merrick anointed Cullen and let the holy water welcome him into the faith. For those few minutes it was only about family, faith and love.

As godfather, it is my responsibility to help Will and Rachel as they guide Cullen. If we can retain the spirit and momentum of that brief confluence in St. Elizabeth, that responsibility will be a joy, not a chore, a celebration, never a burden.

Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and news director for Newsradio 1370 WSPD. Email him at [email protected].

Hays: Nurture resilience

By
Pam Hays
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Each of us reacts differently to problems. Whether it’s a job loss, an illness or a death of a loved one, people with resilience are able to harness inner strengths and rebound more quickly from a challenge, stress or traumatic event. People who are less resilient may dwell on problems, feel victimized, become overwhelmed and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. They may even be more inclined to develop mental health problems.

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Being resilient won’t make your problems go away, but it can give you the ability to see past them, find some enjoyment in life and handle future stressors better. We all know people who are able to bounce back from almost anything and others who seem to fall apart over the simplest of things.

Resilience is the ability to adapt well to challenges and trauma; it is not about toughing it out or living by old clichés, such as “making lemonade out of lemons.” It doesn’t mean denying your feelings of sadness or loss. Nor does it mean you have to always portray yourself as strong by not asking for support from others. Being willing to reach out to others is a key component of being resilient.

There is a misunderstanding about resiliency and how resilient people should act or feel. You can’t tell someone to not feel a certain way. Yelling “Stop your crying” at a frustrated child rarely works to stop the flow of emotions and all you are teaching them is to hide their feelings. Honest feelings that are suppressed can manifest themselves in ways that have a negative impact, including on our ability to relate to others beyond what is superficial. When we work through our emotions and don’t label them “good” or “bad,” we can find balance and resilience.

If you can adapt to change easily and feel in control of your life; if you have close, dependable relationships and remain optimistic and keep trying even if things look hopeless; if you can think clearly and logically under pressure, have a healthy self-esteem and a good sense of humor under pressure; or if you can “bounce back” after pressure or trauma, you are on the right path to becoming resilient. The more of these attributes you possess, the more resilient you are according to a resiliency rating scale by the Mayo Clinic. If you don’t see yourself in these traits, it is not too late to nurture resilience.

Becoming more resilient can lead to a life filled with more forgiveness, less bitterness, more focus and direction, increased passion for life and emotional buoyancy. Picture a balloon filled with helium. The balloon can float and bounce through the winds to reach new heights and the lowest of lows during its flight. Now, picture a balloon filled with just air, not helium. That balloon will never reach the heights it could have if it were more buoyant. The balloon falls and stays grounded until completely deflated. You are the balloon; resilience is your helium.

Do things you enjoy and nurture your body so when you call on it to respond to stressors, it will respond positively. Make your conversations with yourself as caring as you would for others. Be your own best friend.

Life is not a straight line; when you lose your rigidity and expect a certain amount of uncertainty, you can accept, adapt and overcome! Take action when needed and don’t ignore the problems facing you. Don’t give more weight to your problems than they deserve. Mountains can turn into molehills if you change your focus and direction.

Pam Hays is president and founder of The Arms Forces, www.thearmsforces.org; (419) 891-2111.

July 29 concert at casino to celebrate Red Cross benefit CD

By
Sanya Ali
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Carmen Miller said her track, ‘I Want It All,’ is influenced by her love for ’80s music — with a personal twist. Photo by The Shutter Monkeys

Updated with the lineup of bands.

Eight of the artists who donated their original tracks to this year’s

Toledo Free Press “Red, White & You, Too!” CD, benefiting the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio, will gather at 7 p.m. July 29 at Hollywood Casino Toledo for a summer concert to promote the project.

RELATED: Summer CD of local music to benefit American Red Cross

Carmen Miller, one of the featured artists, volunteered her time to organize the show. Miller also had a hand in last year’s concert.

“Dealing with a lot of different musicians is a very cool thing,” she said. “It’s fun, stressful, amazing, weird — all at the same time.”

Miller said she appreciates being able to hear her fellow artists from the album live, as it gives her a good perspective on the different types of music Toledo has to offer.

“I’m a musician myself and I’m an absolute fan of these people,” she said.

The goal of the concert, according to Miller, is getting the bands some publicity and drawing attention to a good cause.

She said she hopes to show “the camaraderie of local musicians and for people to come out and hear lots of bands that they’ve never heard before.”

Miller also said she wants to have a great time, introduce the album with a bang and support the cause.

“Bands here in Toledo are very philanthropic. It’s the way that we support our city,” she said.

The lineup will be:

  • 7-7:15 p.m.:Zak Ward / Bob Stevens
  • 7:20-7:35 p.m.:Fish Fisher
  • 7:40-8 p.m.:The Bradberries
  • 8:05-8:25 p.m.: Aaftermath featuring Carmen Miller
  • 8:30-8:45 p.m.: Robert Storm
  • 8:45-9 p.m.: Nathan Roberts and the New Birds
  • 9:05-9:25 p.m.: Wicked Tuna
  • 9:35-10 p.m.: Distant Cousinz

Musical styles range from folk to rock to electric influence, with each artist playing two or three songs.

Admission to the concert is free but audience members must be 21 years of age or older to attend, per casino policy.

Won’t throw stones: Kyle White respects ‘glass cities’ on Red Cross benefit CD.

By
Toledo Free Press
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Kyle White performed a song dedicated to Toledo for this year’s “Red, White & You Too!” CD.

Kyle White said she will never turn her back on her hometown. Though she has moved around, Toledo will always have a special place in her heart.

“I love being here,” White said. “My friends and my family are here and it’s a good place to be.”

For this year’s Toledo Free Press “Red, White & You, Too!”  CD benefiting The American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio, White wrote and performed a song dedicated to the city she loves.

“‘Glass Cities’ is a song about how I feel about Toledo,” White said. “I wrote it kind of in response, not really in response, but kind of an answer back to people who are so down on our city.”

White said she wants her listeners to take away an optimistic feeling from the track, which talks about never throwing stones at the town that raised her.

“As far as this song — a positive message [encouraging] living for the moment and not taking life too seriously,” White said. “It becomes a burden.”

White has not always been a Toledoan. She lived in Portland, Oregon, for a few years as a child and when it came time for college, White packed her bags and moved out to Cleveland.

“I was going to Cleveland State, then I moved back to Toledo and finished college at the University of Toledo,” White said. “I liked Cleveland but it wasn’t home.”

White finds inspiration in “everyday life. “A lot of songs that I wrote are my own personal experiences,” she said.

Working on these benefit discs for the past few years has given White a glimpse of many different musical perspectives.

“You get to hear a lot of other people’s music and experience that and that’s kind of cool,” she said.

White said her goal for the album is simple: to raise sufficient funds for the Red Cross.

“I hope that they sell a lot of them and raise a lot of money,” White said. “That’s the whole purpose behind it.”

The CD is available for $10 at area Frisch’s Big Boy and Ralphie’s locations.

White’s next step includes some personal projects as well as collaborations with other Toledo musicians.

“I’m writing and working on my third album right now, which I’m hoping to have done by this fall or early winter,” White said. “I’m trying to start a songwriting session with other songwriters in Toledo to collaborate and write music that way.”

White said she is thankful that Michael S. Miller, who produces the benefit CDs,  chose her to sing for each of the projects.

“It’s neat to be part of a compilation of other area artists,” White said. “It’s nice to be included in part of a community thing where everyone is contributing something worthwhile.” O

Concert to celebrate ‘Red, White & You, Too!’

By
Toledo Free Press
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Eight of the artists who donated their original tracks to this year’s TFP “Red, White & You, Too!” CD, benefiting the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio, will gather at 7p.m. July 29 at Hollywood Casino Toledo for a summer concert to promote the project.

Carmen Miller, one of the featured artists, volunteered her time to organize the show.

Miller also had a hand in last year’s concert.

“Dealing with a lot of different musicians is a very cool thing,” she said. “It’s fun, stressful, amazing, weird — all at the same time.”

Miller said she appreciates being able to hear her fellow artists from the album live, as it gives her a good perspective on the different types of music Toledo has to offer.

“I’m a musician myself and I’m an absolute fan of these people,” she said.

The goal of the concert, according to Miller, is getting the bands some publicity and drawing attention to a good cause.

She said she hopes to show “the camaraderie of local musicians and for people to come out and hear lots of bands that they’ve never heard before.”

Miller also said she wants to have a great time, introduce the album with a bang and support the cause.

“Bands here in Toledo are very philanthropic. It’s the way that we support our city,” she said.

The tentative lineup for the concert is Zak Ward and Bob Stevens, Fish Fisher, The Bradberries, Carmen Miller with Aaftermath, Shutterfish, Nathan Roberts & The New Birds, Cindy Slee and Distant Cousinz as the finale.

Musical styles range from folk to rock to electric influence, with each artist playing two or three songs.

Admission to the concert is free but audience members must be 21 years of age or older to attend, per casino policy.

Toledo ‘social networker’ confronts incurable disease

By
Toledo Free Press
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Jenn Wenzke, Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni

The barely 5-foot-tall woman glanced up at the glaring sun from the seat of a small kayak. It was a hot February day on a crystal-clear Costa Rica river as she sat there alone, slowly swirling in an eddy.

Another kayaker, who had already paddled through the current, was now shouting back at her friend from the safety of shore.

“Jenn! Get out of the water — right now! You can make it. Stop telling yourself that you can’t,” Debby Peters said.

That’s when Jenn Wenzke, one of the 50 to 60 individuals in the greater Toledo area who lives with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), said she remembers realizing that she wanted to die — and it was time to turn her life around.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The muscles in the spinal cord of a person with ALS have little nourishment and slowly waste away, becoming increasingly smaller and weak.

“ALS doesn’t discriminate. It knows no racial, religious or gender boundaries,” said Mary Wilson Wheelock, executive director of the ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter. “There’s no Magic 8 ball to predict how long an individual may live. We don’t have answers. But whatever causes this disease also causes these people to be the life of the party. They’re always so happy.”

The life expectancy of the 5,600 Americans diagnosed with ALS every year averages from two to five years from the time of diagnosis, according to the ALS Association. ALS has no known cure.

“Who said I would get three more years anyway? I have today,” Wenzke said. “There’s this whole beautiful world that I had stopped loving. I quit dreaming because I kept waiting to get more answers about my illness before moving forward. When we do that, our inner light gets lower intensity until it extinguishes in the body. Then, when you leave this amazing Earth, your dream dies in your heart.”

Wenzke’s dream largely focuses on helping women achieve their goals through professional networking and life coaching.

She spent 20 years working as a sales director for Mary Kay. But a few years ago she gave back the keys to her Cadillac and became trained as an NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) master practitioner who specializes in personality assessments, business coaching and life coaching.

“I went to Mary Kay and told them I needed them to take my Cadillac back. I didn’t want to drive it and have a woman not be confident that I’m 100 percent here for her,” Wenzke said. “My passion is to be a life coach. When someone sits across from me, I want to be sure that I have all the tools to help them.”

In October 2011, Wenzke took her dreams to the next level when she founded So Now, a women’s networking organization.

So Now launched as a monthly networking dinner for professional women. When women walk into a So Now event, they sign into the “networking board” by posting a handwritten sticky note with their name, how So Now can help them, phone number and ideal client. At the end of the event, women go up to the board and pull off people’s names that they want to contact afterwards.

Wenzke opens So Now events with a story about a recent milestone in her life and what she learned from it. Afterwards, three women have an opportunity to feature their respective businesses for two minutes each.

“Standing in front of a group has truly been God’s way of throwing me into the woman I’m supposed to become,” Wenzke said. “I always felt like I wasn’t good enough or didn’t measure up. I didn’t want anyone to find out who I really am inside and worried that they may not like me. Then I realized: ‘Jenn, this isn’t about you. It’s about helping others.’ When you do that, your life will blow up big time — in the best possible way.”

So Now attracts about 100 attendees to its dinner events and about 70 attendees to its new luncheon events. In addition to Wenzke, about 20 women volunteer to help manage all the responsibilities that go along with running a grassroots organization.

“Jenn has very smartly drawn a huge group of women to surround her,” said Peters, a member of So Now’s Board of Inspiration. “She totally flies by the seat of her pants and always hoping to help others succeed. We never know what we’re going to be doing because Jenn’s all over the map in conversation. She helps my brain engage and get creative.”

In addition to So Now’s success, Wenzke’s newest initiative, Define Your Own Destiny (DYOD), has skyrocketed since its launch six months ago.

DYOD is a speakers workshop program, led by Wenzke and friend Kathy Pigott, that encourages women to develop their talents and follow the “five steps toward the promise of a happy future.” DYOD aims to reach out to 10,000 women.

“We tell the story of our struggles. The real story is that every woman is the same,” Wenzke said. “We all want to leave a mark on the world, be appreciated and feel loved. Women hear our stories and think, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m not alone.’ It’s true. They’re really not alone.”

DYOD’s goal is to host one talk every month, which is free and open to the public.

“I know that she will set the world on fire every day of her life no matter how long it is. For all I know, she’ll outlive me,” Peters said. “Jenn has this unique talent for helping women by identifying what’s really important to them. Plus, she’s so positive and always smiling. There’s a lot of energy and fun from one woman.”

Wenzke touts her strong family support system and her 15-year marriage to the “most amazing man” as the source of her positive attitude. She also said she draws immense strength from her faith in God and continual dedication to reading scripture.

“I’ve always had a strong faith but I didn’t realize how weak it was until I became ill,” Wenzke said. “Knowing that you have eternal life and knowing God’s there gives me strength. Plus the way my family has lived through this and come out on the other side supporting me is amazing. Just amazing. And my huge support system starts with my husband — the most amazing, strongest, loving man I could ever have in my life.”

Wenzke lights up the room with her entrepreneur’s personality and  smiling eyes. Her extroverted demeanor and dedication to expanding opportunities for women goals is evident in the success of So Now and DYOD. And on a personal level, Wenzke refuses to let the fear of an incurable, crippling disease define who she is.

“Dying is scary. I think about what that’s going to be like. I picture God waiting for me and it takes the edge off, but it’s not an easy topic to think about or talk about,” Wenzke said. “What keeps me going is my faith, family, and watching the face of a woman light up when she reaches her goals. I know that I’m doing what I’ve been set in this world to do — and I’m so thankful for the chance to do it.”

Toledo Pride gears up for annual celebration

By
Rick Cornett
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The biggest celebration of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and  transgender (LGBT) community is sure to be the fifth annual Toledo Pride Festival and Parade, at Promenade Park  in Downtown Toledo. The event started in 2010 at the Erie Street Market with 1,500 attending. Last year, over 15,000 attended during the three-day event, and this year is expected to draw about  24,000 people from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.

Cornett,-RickFor months the Toledo Pride committee has been hard at work with meetings, fundraisers, securing permits, and networking to gain support from volunteers, sponsors, vendors and entertainers as we raise awareness for the annual celebration. The preplanning for a growing event like this never really ends. You no sooner wrap up one year before you’re already working on the next.

Toledo Pride is a celebration of the diversity the LGBT community embraces. We unite to celebrate the history of the equal rights lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have been working toward since the Stonewall Riots jumpstarted the gay rights movement in 1969. We welcome the allies of family, friends and co-workers although they have not always welcomed us. All LGBT-friendly people are welcome at the Toledo Pride Festival and Parade!

The three-day event kicks off on Friday, Aug. 22, with a Night Glo 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run,Walk and Roll at the University of Toledo at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, is the main day with the Pride Parade kicking off at noon at Washington and Ontario streets and unfolding into Promenade Park. The Pride Festival starts at 1 p.m. and runs until midnight with a full day of live entertainment including singers, drag queens, drag kings and bands. Featured acts include Indie pop artist Pastele, dance hip-hop singer Rye Rye and pop-punker Eryn Woods. Other acts include Flabongo Nation, Arctic Clam, Chavar Dontae and Breaking Ground.

Toledo Pride will also include many food vendors, a beer tent and 50  booths from various LGBT organizations promoting education, health, charity groups and social support. Some booths will offer information on local churches, politics, and media outlets, as well as pride merchandise.

The Sandpiper boat will again offer 40-minute Pride Rides on the Maumee River. The Park Inn is the host hotel for Toledo Pride with discounted rates of $89 per room and they are within walking distance of the festival.

The weekend wraps up with Sunday Funday at Promenade Park with kid friendly games and family fun activities from noon to 3 p.m. There will be no alcohol sales from noon until 3 p.m. to ensure a child friendly environment. The laid back day continues until 10 p.m. with entertainment, food and

beer vendors.

Although June is gay pride month across the world Toledo Pride is celebrated in August. We are the newest of the Ohio pride festivals and we are trying to establish our event without competing against others throughout June. This ensures better support and a bigger turnout for Toledo Pride as we continue to grow.

Lexi Staples, director of Toledo Pride, and her team of dedicated committee members — myself, Deanna Eff, Nicole Hayman, Kelly Heuss, Nicole Khoury, Brent Rabie, Sandra Rabie, Mandisa Sherife-Kekulah, Brian Sniegocki, Lenny Sniegocki, Kaleena Spivey, Honnie Staples, Torie Thorne, Sherry Tripepi, and Justin Veigel — work together as a labor of love for the LGBT community without financial compensation. Beyond this committee an army of volunteers is needed to help make this event happen. If you are interested in helping volunteer please reach out to volunteer coordinator Brent Rabie at [email protected]

For the fourth year, Toledo Free Press will serve as the official media sponsor for Toledo Pride. If you are interested in advertising in the special Pride Guide issue, contact John McNamara at jmcnamara@toledo freepress.com

For information on Toledo Pride 2014, visit www.ToledoPride.com and like them on Facebook.

Rick Cornett is an activist, promoter and historian for the Toledo LGBT community serving on the Holiday with Heart Charity Gayla and Toledo Pride committees.

Batman at 75: Library plans week of events

By
Erin Holden
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Batman turns 75 this year and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is celebrating with a week of free activities.

Five Batman movies will be screened at the Main Library’s McMaster Center, 325 N. Michigan St.: “Batman the Movie” 1-3 p.m. July 21; “Batman Forever” 1-3 p.m. July 22; “Batman Begins” 6-8:20 p.m. July 23; “Batman” 1-3 p.m. July 24; and “Batman and Robin” 1-3 p.m. July 25.

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People can vote for their favorite Batman all week on paper ballots available at the Main Library. The winner will be announced July 26 at Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave., during a Batman “reader’s theater” program.

RELATED: Listen to a preview “Bat-Thespians” scene on 1370 WSPD’s “Eye On Your Weekend”

RELATED: The many faces of Batman: Toledo Library’s 75th anniversary celebration continues with movie marathon

The free, all-ages program is set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 26 at Sanger’s meeting room where a group of “Bat-thespians” will act out prominent moments in the Dark Knight’s history, said Allison Fiscus, assistant manager at Sanger. There will also be displays of vintage Batman memorabilia and comic books as well as giveaways and photos with Batman, Fiscus said. Costumes are encouraged.

Fiscus said Ed Katsche, owner of Monarch Cards & Comics, approached the library about organizing and sponsoring the event at Sanger. Local comic book writer and Toledo Free Press columnist Jim Beard organized the “reader’s theater” portion of the program.

“It’s going to focus on Batman throughout history, not just the origins and not just the modern-day Batman, but really an overall look at the different eras the character has gone through,” Fiscus said.

The “Bat-Thespians” will be Beard, Beard’s wife Becky Beard, TFP Pop Culture Editor Jeff McGinnis, TFP Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller and Matthew Gretzinger.

“We’re going to walk them through 75 years of Batman and illustrate what makes the character one for the ages with both images and words,” Jim Beard said. “Our ‘reader’s theater’ element will immerse the audience in Batman’s world, and bring the stories to life.

“Even though Batman has been around for 75 years and has adapted to each decade’s moods and themes, he’s essentially the same superhero we’ve known and loved all this time. The talk will show that there’s literally been a Batman for everyone — and that it’s been the same one all along.”

Other activities planned include Batman-themed crafts and puzzles 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. July 21 in the Main Library’s teen computer area; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 at the Point Place Branch Library’s children’s area, 2727 117th St.; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 in the Main Library’s children’s computer area.

Local writer to discuss ‘The 52/52 Project’

By
Toledo Free Press
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Sherry Stanfa-Stanley and her dog, Ringo. Photo Courtesy Sherry Stanfa-Stanley

As Sherry Stanfa-Stanley approached the mid-century mark — plus two — the forecast called for calm and predictable with a slight chance of adventure. But a sweeping bold front brought excitement and a hail of a lot of fun.

The director of communication and fund stewardship at the University of Toledo Foundation challenged herself with a new experience every week for one year.

For “The 52/52 Project: Detours off the Cul-de-sac,” she:

  • Suited up as Rocksy the mascot for a UT soccer game.
  • Babysat quadruplets.
  • Wore pajamas in public for a day.
  • Rode with police and went on a raid with the vice squad and SWAT team.
  • Spent 24 hours with nuns at a convent in Joliet, Illinois.
  • Visited a nude beach in Florida — and took her 75-year-old mother, Gloria Stanfa, a retired UT secretary, who said, “Be sure to mention I was clothed.”
  • Performed as a mime outside a shopping center in Newport, Kentucky.
  • Crashed a wedding reception — and caught the bride’s bouquet.

She’ll talk about her amazing, crazy, inspiring year at 7 p.m., July 28, at the Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.

“The Way Library’s programming specialist read about ‘The 52/52 Project’ in a winter issue of the UT Alumni magazine and contacted me. I can only assume they were desperate for speakers,” Stanfa-Stanley said and laughed.

That sense of humor and her thoughtful observations have more than 3,500 followers on her project’s Facebook page. The 1983 UT graduate’s exploits are chronicled on facebook.com/The52at52Project, at sherrystanfa-stanley.com and will be the subject of her forthcoming book. At the library’s free event, Stanfa-Stanley will discuss how she decided to change her life.

“I hope people realize that if I could add some excitement and enlightenment to my life by pushing my boundaries, anyone can,” she said. “I hope everyone who’s never envisioned embarking on an ‘unbucket list’ will walk away pondering, smiling and simultaneously nodding and shaking their head.”

For the past five years, the 52-year-old has been making folks laugh on her blog and has been featured on humorpress.com and The Rumpus. In 2012, a piece she wrote was included in a humor anthology, “Fifty Shades of Funny: Hook-ups, Break-ups and Crack-ups,” which was co-edited by her sister, DC Stanfa, a 1982 UT alumna.

What will the witty writer do for an encore?

“As I wind up the project, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and relief. Yet as the weeks pass, I know I’ll feel a bit of a void in my life. So I’m already planning some kind of new adventure for this next year, probably starting in the fall,” Stanfa-Stanley said. “All I can say is that it should prove fun, challenging and more interactive for those following ‘The 52/52 Project.’ Stay tuned.”

Pounds: New neighbors

By
Tom Pounds
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In the wake of ProMedica’s announcement it is moving its headquarters to Downtown Toledo and making a major infrastructure investment, it is very welcome news that  the Lathrop Company is also planning to move to the heart of the Glass City.

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As first reported by Toledo Free Press Staff Writer Tom Konecny, “The Lathrop Company — a construction firm responsible for building many of Toledo’s signature landmarks — is moving its offices and more than 50 employees from Maumee to Downtown, either later this year or early 2015.”

“Downtown was on our list of areas we were looking at,” said Tom Manahan, president of Lathrop Company and senior vice president of Turner Construction Company, Lathrop’s parent company.  “In recent months there was real momentum about Downtown, and that option got more intriguing.  It makes business sense for us, because a number of our clients and business partners are there, or are coming down there.”

Konecny reported, “Lathrop’s recent Downtown projects include Fifth Third Field and Huntington Center, and the company is also involved with the Mud Hens’ new ‘Hensville’ development project, among others.”

“Certainly plenty of challenges remain,” Manahan said.  “But when you see what’s happened around the ballpark and arena, we think it’s the right time for us.”

I located Toledo Free Press near the intersection of Huron and Monroe streets in 2006 because I believed in the potential of the area around Fifth Third Field. That potential has been greatly realized as The Blarney Irish Pub, Table Forty4 and PizzaPapalis have joined other restaurants and galleries to fill in the Downtown area.

Mud Hens home Fifth Third Field is the cornerstone, but Downtown has a lot more to offer to the region’s business and entertainment future.

There is a long way to go, but seeing companies such as ProMedica and Lathrop investing in Downtown further bolsters the movement to revitalize our region’s hub.

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press. Contact him at [email protected].

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