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Treece Blog: Airport privatization: The case for change

By
Dock David Treece
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Several years ago I was having lunch with an outgoing elected official. This person had — at a relatively young age — accomplished much in public service, and was retiring from elected office to focus on career and family. At our meeting I was given a valuable piece of advice, which has guided many of my efforts since then: If you aren’t willing to put your hat in the ring to try to make things better, then you have no right to complain about the decisions other people make or the results that follow.

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One day not very long after that meeting, my father and I were talking about broad issues affecting this region. Dad was lamenting — as he is wont to do — the state of Toledo’s airports: their underutilized state, their dilapidated facilities, their recent threats of restrictions due to air traffic control tower closures, and the general mismanagement that goes back decades. We talked about issues we thought were holding back this region’s airports (and the aviation industry in general) and their development.

What was said next, as it turns out, has become the source of much excitement, frustration and consternation as well as personal attacks.

What was said was that if things were so wrong with Toledo’s airports, we as citizens had a right and an obligation to explore opportunities and alternatives that might make them better.

After that talk, our due diligence began. We met with current and former Port Authority officials. We talked to people from the city, current and former airport tenants, and others who had explored various ideas previously. We did all of this to better understand the problems facing businesses at the airports, the users of both facilities, the city as their owner and the Port Authority as their public manager.

We also wanted to understand — in as much detail as possible — the various duties of an airport operator. What they do, what they are required to do, what they elect to do, how they do what they do and who performs specific functions were all items we needed to understand in depth. What we found was startling. First, a great many of the functions being performed by current operating staff were not required.

Almost all of those that were required could easily be scaled back or performed by independent contractors or outside providers.

Feasibility study

Two years ago, as talks progressed and our understanding of the airports became more and more detailed, we retained a consultant — one of the best aviation consultants in the world — to conduct a full market feasibility study for both airports. This study has enabled us to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing both airports, the likelihood of turning them around under private-sector leadership and the odds and consequences of failure.

From our consultant, we also learned how the transition to a private operator should be structured to avoid the repayment of nearly $100 million in federal funds that were supplied for improvement projects at both airports over the past several decades.  Consequently, we are better prepared to ensure that federal funds will be available for future improvements at both airports.

Developing a strategy

Now, having studied the issue comprehensively and having consulted with attorneys and experts, we have developed a strategy that will allow a private entity to step into the management role currently filled by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. We have found a way to transfer the control needed to attract business, help current businesses grow, run both airports profitably, provide greater benefits to the city as the owner of those facilities and get the public off the hook for tremendous outstanding debt in the form of unexpired federal grants.

Up until this point, everything we had done was purely for our own consumption. We wanted — and want — to ensure that we understand as much as possible about the potential alternatives for management of Toledo’s airports. All told, this due diligence process has been ongoing for more than three years and was conducted at our own expense.

To bring the community up to speed on our findings and to get a second opinion on our concept, we ultimately expanded our discussions to include officials from the Port Authority, city and nearby townships. We launched our website ToledoAirports.com in November as a source for up-to-date information and to provide a public forum to discuss the findings of our marketability study, as well as our own business histories and qualifications. Since most people know us for our investment advisory business, we want to make it apparent that we also have a diverse set of business interests and histories in a number of industries, which we think will enable us to be successful private managers of Toledo’s airports, should the city elect to consider an arrangement like the one we plan to propose.

Forum for debate

However, we still weren’t ready to roll out our plan in its entirety. By this time it was the fall of a local election year. There were races going on for the mayor’s office and several City Council seats. We had hoped that our concept for the airports wouldn’t become an election issue, because during elections it seems every issue becomes controversial. This project is far too important for this region to become a mere plank in someone’s political platform. There is far too much to consider for everything to be reduced down to a few talking points.

Now that Mayor D. Michael Collins and several new City Council members have taken office, the airport discussion has resumed and Councilman Rob Ludeman has extended us an invitation for a public hearing before City Council’s Economic Development Committee, which is precisely the forum where debate surrounding this issue belongs.

We hope, in our hearing(s), to have constructive talks with the city and any concerned members of the public. Our goal is to help them explore and understand some of the alternatives available to them for management of valuable, underutilized city facilities. We also intend for everyone — both city officials  and ourselves — to walk away with a clear understanding of if and how the city may choose to pursue the alternatives we present. This may be done through a public request for proposals or letters of interest, or by entering into private negotiations.

If the city issues a request for proposals (RFP), it may receive some other bids. However, we can reasonably say we’ve discussed it with a number of the national firms likely to respond to such an RFP and any outside manager is going to charge the city a management fee.

Time to confirm

Since we have not and will not ask the city for such a fee, the city could theoretically negotiate with us directly. This would allow us the time to confirm our answers to a number of questions ranging from the impact on federal funds to the potential closure of the air traffic control tower at Toledo Express, while also permitting us to be far more open with the city in discussing potential tenants we have talked with, as well as plans for development of property at and around the airports.

In any project like the one we have been working on for Toledo’s airports, there are extensive moving parts. There are a number of issues to address, problems that arise and solutions that need to be found. Second and third opinions are always valuable, and it is important that all concerned parties have an intimate understanding of the facts. While we don’t want to do anything that won’t get approval from the FAA, we also want to make sure we have an arrangement that is financially feasible.

Our biggest hope is that hearings with City Council are a launch pad for the exploration and consideration of our proposal. We hope to share our findings with officials from the city and members of the public who are interested, and want everyone to walk away with a better understanding of the potential for positive change at Toledo’s airports.

Dock David Treece is a partner with Treece Investment Advisory Corp (www.TreeceInvestments.com) and is licensed with FINRA through Treece Financial Services Corp.

Downtown steps up to the plate for Opening Day

By
Matt Liasse
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This season marks the 13th year the Mud Hens have played at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. Toledo Free Press photo by James A. Molnar

Every year, a bash is thrown to celebrate the official start of the Mud Hens baseball season.

This year’s celebration comes at the end of a brutal winter.

The official Mud Hens party will grill plenty of burgers and hot dogs to celebrate the beginning of spring. The party, set for 2 p.m. April 4, happens before the Mud Hens Opening Day doubleheader, which will see the Mud Hens kick off their season at 4 p.m. followed by a regular season game for the Walleye hockey team at 7:15 p.m.

This is the first time in Walleye and Mud Hens history that both teams have played on Opening Day.

“It’s the biggest party in town; let’s just carry it off into the evening and be able to hang out with the Walleye that night,” said Andi Roman, communications director for the two teams.

The bash will feature drink specials and an all-you-can-eat buffet, including hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato chips and gourmet cookies, Roman said. Live music will be provided by The Bradberries at The Nest from 2-3:15 p.m.

After the Mud Hens game, the University of Toledo marching band will lead people from Fifth Third Field to the Huntington Center for the Walleye game.

Tickets to the bash are $30. For those interested in going to both games, there’s a special ticket price of $25. To attend the bash and both games, fans can purchase the $25 double ticket plus a bash wristband for $17. To purchase tickets, call (419) 725-4367 or mudhens.com.

Happening Downtown

Events celebrating Opening Day will also take place outside of the stadium.

Sarah Mettler, supervisor at Ye Olde Cock n’ Bull, 9 N. Huron St., recently used tagged photos from Facebook as art on the newly designed menus. Anyone who has tagged themselves at the bar on the social networking site just might spot themselves on the menus. Mettler said she has been waiting for the spring season to show them off.

“They’ve been out for a little bit, but it’s been the winter season so sales haven’t really been that high,” she said.

Ye Olde Cock n’ Bull, which will open at noon April 4, will have live music by Flabongo Nation from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Drink specials for the day include $1 Jell-O Shots and, as always, draft beers will be available.

This is the second year the bar will celebrate the start of the Mud Hens season. Mettler said it is the bar’s busiest day of the year and she enjoys seeing the support for local sports.

The Blarney Irish Pub, 601 Monroe St., will open at 10 a.m. April 4 and will feature a hot dog bar all day. Patrons will be able to dress their dogs in their choice of 20 exotic toppings.

Live music will be featured as well, including Last Born Sons at 1 p.m. and Nine Lives at 9 p.m.

Bill Kline, general manager of The Blarney Irish Pub, said after the winter area residents have endured, it’s exciting to begin baseball season.

“We’re looking forward to opening up the patio,” he said.

Gathered Art Gallery & Studios, 23 N. Huron St., will celebrate the new season in an artistic manner, according to Marketing and Events Coordinator Amanda Goldberg.

From noon to 4 p.m., anyone who visits the studio can make a glass baseball glove for $45. A food truck, face painting and live music will also be featured during that time.

After the game, from 6-11 p.m., people are encouraged to return to the studio for public glass blowing demonstrations and to purchase a handmade glass cup.

Barhite: Who won the game?

By
Brandi Barhite
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Here’s some Mud Hens trivia (confessions) for you.

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Nearly half of the fans leave the stadium not knowing whether the home team won or lost.

That’s me.

You don’t need to be a baseball fan to have a good time at a Hens game.

That’s me. (Don’t tell my husband. He is a high school baseball coach.)

The majority of those who attend a game are from Toledo and its suburbs (up to 60 miles away).

That’s me — a former Toledoan living in Monclova.

A Mud Hens game is a tradition you need to experience at least once. It is actually hard to avoid a game because someone you know is bound to have a birthday party, company picnic or reunion at the stadium. Last year, game attendance landed at 560,080 — the sixth best single season.

If you weren’t among those in attendance, here’s something that might tempt you. In 2013, SportsBusiness Journal named Toledo the Top Minor League Market in the country.  Additionally, USA Today and 10Best.com ranked it No. 4 in Best Minor League Ballparks.

Andi Roman, communications director, said the Mud Hens and the stadium are continually being recognized because of the support of the community, the sponsors, season ticket holders and the fans.

My family and friends certainly contribute to this fandom, which is split evenly among men and women, according to Roman.

My grandfather, Richard Buchholz and his wife, Evelyn, are huge fans from Temperance. I even recall my grandpa leaving a birthday party because he had to get to a game. I guess that makes sense because Roman said the games attract a lot of seniors, as well as singles. Looking for a mate? Get back in the game.

My recently married cousin, Derek Cousino, loves Mud Hen games because he grew up playing baseball. The start of the season signals the start of fun times and (hopefully) warmer weather for him.

“It’s only a 10- to 15-minute drive to the stadium and it’s my hometown’s team,” he told me. “I grew up watching them at the old stadium also and seeing many of the players get transferred to the Detroit Tigers.”

Roman said the Mud Hens organization knows that people have a lot of choices, such as amusement parks and video games, when it comes to their disposable income.

“For us, it’s all about our fans and the experience they have from the time they purchase tickets to when they leave the stadium,” she said in an email.

My church friend Andy Good said when he was younger the thrill of going to the game was all about seeing the players who would someday make it to the major leagues.

“But as I have gotten older, I realize the real charm is the atmosphere of the ballpark,” Good told me. “It is a great way to spend an evening — whether it be a date, a night out with the boys or spending quality time with the entire family.

“I think it’s impossible to grow up in Toledo and not have many fond memories of the Mud Hens,” he said.

My favorite Mud Hens memory is when I coined the term “popple.” My then-boyfriend (now husband) Dorian Boggs still hasn’t let me forget that I meant “pop-up,” although I maintain I was just being cute and referencing the plush toys from the 1980s.

But since Roman said the main goal of the Mud Hens experience is for people to leave in a good mood, I guess I did my part.

“We want every person who attends a game to leave with a smile on their face and maybe a lasting memory,” she said.

I just wish my husband’s recollection wasn’t so good.

Excitement building about Hensville development plans

By
Jay Hathaway
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An artist’s rendering of the Mud Hens’ proposed Downtown development project, Hensville. Illustration courtesy Toledo Mud Hens

With funding set to roll in, Toledo residents will soon see parts of Downtown’s Warehouse District become Hensville.

The Hensville project was initially announced in August. Mud Hens President and General Manager Joe Napoli said the original plan involved four buildings on St. Clair Street near Fifth Third Field — two that are actually attached, and two across the street from the right field fence.

“After evaluating the four buildings, unfortunately, we had to demolish one of the buildings.”

Napoli said Chicago’s Wrigleyville was an inspiration for the project.

“What we contemplate going forward is filling the buildings with restaurants, banquet facilities, an expanded Swamp Shop, rooftop dining and rooftop decks akin to Wrigley Field,” he said.

Napoli cited the success of the ballpark’s elevated seating and party decks as one of the inspirations and themes for Hensville.

“The Roost is extremely popular, so we’re going to extend that concept, to permit fans to watch the games from the rooftops,” he said.

“There will be another rooftop deck that will look out over the Maumee [River] and Owens Corning,” he added.

Diane Keil-Hipp, president of the Warehouse District Association, said she is equally excited about the new developments.

“We’re thrilled,” she said. “For St. Clair, there was a time when almost every building on the street was vacant. The block before it has [undergone] a wonderful renovation. It’s just been a section at a time, and [these buildings] that the Mud Hens are renovating are kind of the last holdouts on that entire street.”

Keil-Hipp said the buildings are significant because they encompass so much space on the block.

“We couldn’t be happier about completing, really, the full renovation of St. Clair,” she said.

Mud Hens President and General Manager Joe Napoli

“There’s a lot of rooftop entertaining going into the Warehouse District. It’s very cool, and it seems like a common thread in the Warehouse District,” Keil-Hipp said.

Napoli said the team originally considered using the name Mudville, but could not, because it is already a registered trademark of another minor league ball team. However, he maintains Hensville is a fitting moniker.

“Everyone refers to the team as either the Mud Hens or the Hens, so we think Hensville has the potential to work out quite nicely for us,” he said.

Napoli said the Mud Hens organization will operate the new businesses in the renovated buildings.

“We already run a robust catering business. When we’re attracting 10,000 people Downtown, to attract another 200 people to a restaurant seems like it would be a natural fit.”

As for the themes of the restaurants, Napoli said the specifics are still being worked out.

“Right now, we’re looking at a variety of different options,” he said. “We’re talking to several people who have ‘celebrity’ culinary backgrounds. We’re exploring that before we move forward.”

According to Napoli, parts of the funding will likely come from sources such as new market tax credits and historic tax credits.

Additionally, the state recently approved $1.5 million for the project from its capital budget.

Napoli added that there are still some local, state and federal funding sources the team is continuing to explore, such as green initiatives and working with several local entities to pursue other funding.

The balance of the project will come from Mud Hens net proceeds. Debt from Fifth Third Field is set to be clear in 2016, and Napoli said that the aim is for net proceeds to grow as a result.

Porter Architects has been working on Hensville’s design concepts, and the Lathrop Company has been brought on board to manage the construction project. Subcontracting will take place closer to the groundbreaking, sometime during winter 2014-15. Hensville is set to be completed by Opening Day 2016.

Napoli said recreation and entertainment facilities are one of the critical aspects for revitalizing a downtown area.

“We’ve been so impressed with the development in the Warehouse District and Downtown,” he said.

Napoli said Downtown development was one of the primary reasons the Mud Hens organization decided to move its facilities Downtown years ago.

“Now, between Fifth Third Field and the Huntington Center, we’re attracting a million people a year Downtown for fun,” he said. “[Hensville] will be something new and different for Toledo and the region. We’re very excited about the potential success for all of this new activity.”

When asked if he would be engaged in a similar conversation about the Huntington Center area in five years, Napoli laughed, but did not completely dismiss the idea.

“One never knows,” he said. “If the right opportunities present themselves, one never knows.”

Mud Hens unveil new foods for 2014 season

By
Danielle Stanton
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The new Mac and Cheese Dog will be served this season at Fifth Third Field. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni.

Hungry Mud Hens fans will have new and interesting food options to choose from this year at the ballpark, including two new hot dogs and a chocolate chip funnel cake.

A Cut Above Catering, the subsidiary company that runs the food and beverage at Fifth Third Field, recently showcased new menu items at a preview at the ballpark’s Bird Cage Restaurant.

Every year for the past dozen or so years, the catering company put their heads together to come up with different food items for the restaurants and usually their brainstorming involves hot dogs,  A Cut Above Catering president Craig Nelson said.

PHOTO GALLERY

The hot dog is by far the favorite food item at the ballpark and this year, the company designed two new dogs: the El Burrito Dog – a flour tortilla, cheese, chili and onion wrapped around two hot dogs – and the Mac and Cheese Dog — a grilled hotdog topped with mac and cheese and bacon.

“We’re always trying to introduce new hot dogs,” Nelson said. “Hot dogs are always No. 1.”

The new Mac and Cheese Dog will be available on the concourse at the Hen and Hound, which will also sell old standbys, including chicken tenders, foot long hot dogs and French fries — another favorite for Mud Hens attendees.

The El Burrito Dog will be sold at the El Burrito Misterio, a Mexican food restaurant on the concourse that also sells tacos, quesadillas and nachos.

A new surprise combination this year is the Chicken and Waffle Bites — maple-flavored chicken bites paired with Belgian waffles and warm maple syrup.

“We wanted to do a chicken waffle sandwich,” Nelson said. “We messed around in the kitchen. It wasn’t coming out right. We sell a lot of chicken tenders. So we decided, ‘Let’s do chicken bites with waffle.’”

Dusten Brown, executive chef at A Cut Above Catering , said his crew looks to see what is trending in food to come up with the new varieties and combinations.

“We’re seeing what other restaurants are doing, seeing what’s going on,” Brown said. “It’s going out to eat and seeing the trends.”

Dusten Brown is executive chef at A Cut Above Catering. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni.

Close behind hot dogs in popularity are snacks and desserts. This year, A Cut Above Catering staff came up with several: chocolate chip funnel cake, French vanilla coffee float, chocolate lovers sundae, Toft’s campfire s’mores ice cream, roasted almonds, and bulk candies and snack mix all found on the concourse. Hot fudge cream puffs, chocolate brownies and caramel and almond-topped vanilla ice-cream are new at the Bird Cage sit-down restaurant.

Nathan Steinmetz, manager of online marketing, said the chocolate chip funnel cake has been getting the most buzz online.

“We’ve posted photos online and it’s neat to see what people gravitate to, especially if we don’t really push them toward anything,” Steinmetz said. “That one hit pretty big. It got some national attention. Some guys from ESPN saw it and retweeted it.”

The Bird Cage has seating for 300 guests and has catered several wedding receptions already this year, Nelson said. Fifth Third Field was the site of five weddings this past season with two on the field, he said. The restaurant has WiFi, three TV screens and accepts reservations. Other new items this year include Bird Cage burger sliders, portabella sandwich and Asian dumplings.

The concourse got a $200,000-plus facelift last year with concession stands given new identities and themes. Some of the restaurants and bars include Gilhooley’s Sports Bar & Grill, Pub 315, Suds & Wieners, Mudzarella’s, Farr Out Funnels and Frozhen, an ice cream shop that also sells draft beer.

The preview brought out the media and employees of the Mud Hens who tasted samplings of the new menu items. Mud Hens broadcasters Jim Weber, who is being inducted into the International League Hall of Fame, and Matt Melzak, both said they enjoyed the food. Melzak especially liked the Mac and Cheese Dog.

More new items unveiled March 20 included the Bleu Mushroom Burger, Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and the Antipasto Salad.

Communications manager Rob Wiercinski, who recently left WTOL-11 to work for the Mud Hen’s franchise, said: “The problem is, I like it all.”

A new dessert at the ballpark this season will be chocolate chip funnel cake. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni.

Ohio Treasurer presents first Ohio Strong award to Toledo worker

By
Duane Ramsey
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Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, right, presents the Ohio Strong award to John Incorvaia Jr. of Toledo Metal Spinning on March 24. Toledo Free Press Photo By Duane Ramsey

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel presented the inaugural Ohio Strong award to John Incorvaia Jr. of Toledo Metal Spinning (TMS) on March 24.

Mandel launched the new effort to help recognize men and women in manufacturing and the skilled trades and to raise public awareness to encourage more people to pursue careers in those fields.

Mandel said Toledo was chosen “for its long history of manufacturing, Toledo Metal Spinning for its longevity in that business and Incorvaia for his hard work, dedication and success in that field.”

Incorvaia, a native of Toledo and graduate of Central Catholic High School, said he was honored to be chosen as the first person to receive the Ohio Strong award.

He began working in metal spinning in 1973 and has worked at TMS since 1983. Incorvaia said he is currently making large stainless steel hemispheres used in the production of chocolate and other food products.

If the Incorvaia name sounds familiar, it may be because John’s family owns and operates Inky’s Italian Foods, a well-known Toledo restaurant.

As part of the Ohio Strong effort, Mandel has been meeting with small businesses, family-owned manufacturing companies, vocational trainers, job creators and workers throughout Ohio.

“I launched Ohio Strong to recognize dedicated men and women like John from across our state who work in these fields that are so vital to our economy,” Mandel told the group of employees and local media before presenting the award to Incorvaia.

Eric Fankhauser, vice president of TMS, said the Ohio Treasurer’s Office called the company about presenting the first Ohio Strong award to one of their employees and they recommended Incorvaia.

“As baby boomers are retiring, I frequently hear about the shortage of welders, pipe fitters, electricians, carpenters, machinists and other skilled trades across Ohio,” Mandel said.

Toledo Metal Spinning Vice President Eric Fankhauser, left, describes the product examined by Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel during a tour of the company March 24. Toledo Free Press Photo by Duane Ramsey

Approximately, 600,000 manufacturing jobs remain unfilled nationally because employers cannot find qualified workers, according to a 2011 skills gap survey by the National Manufacturing Institute.

A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study showed 48 percent of college graduates are working in jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, Mandel said.

“I believe there is a quiet crisis upon us, and in order to prosper as a country, we need to inspire more young Americans to pursue careers in the skilled trades,” he said.

After presenting the award, Mandel toured the Clinton Street facility with Incorvaia, Fankhauser and members of the media. Incorvaia and other workers demonstrated their skills during the tour.

TMS was started in Toledo in 1929. Brothers Bill and Ken Fankhauser bought the business 50 years ago. Eric and his brother Craig, sons of Ken, now run the family business that employs 40 workers.

The company has become a leader in metal spinning applications for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, building materials, home brewing, military, plastics, pharmaceuticals and others.

Fankhauser said the company processes 200-300 jobs in the plant at any one time in lots of up to 10,000 pieces. About 80 percent of their orders are repeat business, he said.

Fankhauser said the company hasn’t gotten this kind of attention since a fire at the plant in 1998.

For more information about nominating someone for the Ohio Strong award, email [email protected].

CedarCreek pastor diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

By
Toledo Free Press
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Lee Powell, senior pastor of CedarCreek Church

Lee Powell, senior pastor of CedarCreek Church, announced to his congregation that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“Many of you are aware that over the past few months I have developed a tremor in my hand and I have been upfront in my sermons regarding this affliction,” he said in an email. “After a few more symptoms materialized, [my wife] Joi and I took my doctor’s advice to go to the Cleveland Clinic. The good news is we finally have a diagnosis for a series of symptoms, including my obvious tremor. Unfortunately, the bad news is it is Parkinson’s.”

The founding pastor of what has grown into the largest church in Northwest Ohio, Powell said his doctors will first treat a problem he’s been having with sleep deprivation, after which they will address the other aspects of Parkinson’s.

According to WebMD, “Parkinson’s disease affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Parkinson’s disease symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors and changes in speech and gait. After diagnosis, treatments can help relieve symptoms, but there is no cure.”

Symptoms can often be effectively controlled for years with medication, the website said.

Among the high-profile people with Parkinson’s are Billy Graham, Pope John Paul II, Linda Ronstadt, Janet Reno, Johnny Cash and Michael J. Fox.

Powell expressed optimism in his email. “Most people do respond well with the treatment and research is advancing with this disease,” he said. “Joi and I both feel this is not a death sentence and are thoroughly educating ourselves. At this time we don’t have all the answers, so please give us a week or two as we continue to learn about this new challenge.”

He said he plans to continue preaching and will remain active as CedarCreek’s senior pastor, using video teachings as a backup plan when necessary. He plans to attend monthly support meetings in Cleveland with others who have Parkinson’s.

Saying that “God knows what he is doing and God is good,” Powell said he sees a silver lining in the diagnosis because he and his wife now have an opportunity “to share the gospel with many people whom we would otherwise never cross paths with. … Joi and I appreciate all your love and support. We covet your prayers during this time and we’ll keep you updated.”

The nondenominational CedarCreek Church held its first service at the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg in October 1995 with 180 people in attendance. It now has  weekly attendance of more than 10,000 at four campuses — Perrysburg, West Toledo, Whitehouse and South Toledo — and also has an Internet campus.

David Yonke is the editor and community manager of Toledo Faith & Values (ToledoFAVS.com), a website that provides in-depth, nonsectarian news coverage of religion, faith and spirituality in the Toledo area.

Ghostbusters lead slate of new Mud Hens promotions

By
Chase Will
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Ghostbusters’ jerseys will be worn May 30. Illustration courtesy Toledo Mud Hens.

“Ghostbusters,” “Star Wars” and “Seinfeld” will be among the themes for promotional nights planned by the Mud Hens this season, as well as nights for knitters and dog-owners.

“Each game will have its own unique flavor,” said Michael Keedy, manager of special events. “Each game offers a different experience and there is always something going on for everyone in the family.”

The annual Opening Day pregame party will take place April 4 at Fifth Third Field. This event will include live music, drink specials and an all-you-can-eat buffet followed by a Downtown doubleheader, starting with the Mud Hens kicking off their season against the Louisville Bats at 4 p.m., and followed by the Walleye taking on the Fort Wayne Komets down the street at Huntington Center at 7:15 p.m.

Honoring the 30th anniversary of the “Ghostbusters” film franchise, Ghostbusters Night is a new addition this year. This event is set for May 30. Players will wear “Ghostbusters” uniforms, which will be auctioned off for charity after the game, with proceeds benefiting Northwest Ohio Relay for Life. The first 2,000 fans through the gates of Fifth Third Field will receive green blinking Ecto-colored glasses.

“Fans can expect “Ghostbusters”-themed costumed characters, special on-field skits, classic video clips, a “Ghostbusters” replica car and fun fan giveaways,” Keedy said.

The “Ghostbusters” promotion has drawn a lot of national attention, said Nathan Steinmetz, manager of online marketing.

“That went everywhere. An hour after we put it out on Facebook and Twitter, Sports Illustrated called us,” Steinmetz said. “There was no press release. We just pushed it out through social media and the biggest sports magazine publication was on the phone within an  hour. That’s pretty neat.”

The promotion has especially struck a chord with fans as it was announced days after “Ghostbusters” actor and co-writer Harold Ramis died.

“That was not specifically timed to be on the heels of Harold Ramis’  passing, but people were talking about ‘Ghostbusters’ again and it was at the top of everyone’s minds,” Steinmetz said. “No other team that I know of has done that jersey, so it had that unique factor and that sweet spot of nostalgia.”

Star Wars Night

May 10 will be the return of the popular Star Wars Night, featuring costumed characters, “Star Wars”- themed music, a fan costume contest and a glowing Thunderstick giveaway for the first 2,000 fans to arrive.

Last year’s Chewbacca jerseys worn for Star Wars Night also attracted national attention, Steinmetz said.

“We’ve established ourselves with this reputation for coming up with unique promotions,” he said.

Also on May 10, Fifth Third Field’s Pub 315 will host its first of four beer-tasting events from 6-8 p.m. The other three beer tasting events are June 13, July 3 and Aug. 15. Each event will feature offerings from several different brands and breweries. Attendees will receive a drink ticket for 20 2-ounce samples, a souvenir Pub 315 glass, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a raffle ticket. Tickets are $40, or $30 for designated drivers, and include a game ticket.

Superhero Night

After a successful 2013 event, Superhero Night will return June 28. There will be costumed characters throughout the ballpark, skits on the field and a fan costume contest with prizes, Keedy said. A new addition this year is a special superhero-themed jersey. These jerseys will also be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds to benefit The Miracle League of Northwest Ohio.

LEGO Night

July 10 will be LEGO Night, a new promotion this season.

“LEGO Night will celebrate the popular children’s toy in a unique way,” Keedy said. “The Mud Hens will even be giving away our own collectible Mike Hessman blockhead.”

Christmas in July

Christmas in July will take place July 19, and will include 12 hours of Christmas at Fifth Third Field. In addition to an appearance from Santa, the Mud Hens will wear elf-themed jerseys during the noon game and Santa-themed jerseys during the 7 p.m. game. Jerseys from both games will be auctioned for charity.

“To our knowledge, it will be the first time a team has worn multiple specialty jerseys in one day,” Keedy said.

Toledo Baseball History Night

On Aug 9, the Mud Hens will pay tribute to baseball history by honoring the 1939 Toledo Crawfords, a Negro American League team who played a season in Toledo. This year is the 75th anniversary of the Crawfords relocating to Toledo for a season in 1939 after winning Negro League titles in 1935 and 1936 with the help of future Baseball Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Julius “Judy” Johnson. In partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Mud Hens will wear throwback Crawfords jerseys.

Seinfeld Night

Aug. 14 will include a special Seinfeld-themed event, honoring the show’s 25th anniversary.

“Seinfeld Night is a promotion about nothing!” Keedy joked. “But, of course, fans can expect a lot of laughs and surprises throughout the night. Fans will also have a chance to meet Larry Thomas, who is better known as the Soup Nazi. Larry will be on hand to throw out the first pitch and meet-and-greet with fans during the game.”

Hens & Hounds

Back for its second season is Hens & Hounds Night on Aug 26. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the ballpark. “Pooch” Bag Dispensers will be given to the first 500 fans. Tickets for dog owners are $10 each and tickets for dogs are $8. All proceeds from dog tickets will benefit the Toledo Area Humane Society and Cutie’s Fund at Lucas County Canine Care & Control. All dogs and owners will sit in the Home Run Picnic Terrace. Special water stations, minipools and designated restroom areas will be provided.

Stick ‘N’ Pitch

Stitch ‘N’ Pitch, tentatively scheduled for July 29, is a game geared toward knitters.

“We work with local knitting guilds to put together a package for them to come out and enjoy a game,” Keedy said. “They sit in their seats and knit and work on projects with the backdrop of a baseball game. We’ve had groups of more than 100 come out.”

Pink in the Park

Other events to look forward to include Pink in the Park for breast cancer awareness July 11, a ’90s-themed concert night July 12 and a Jimmy Buffett tribute Aug. 7.

Walleye Hockey Night

For Walleye fans hankering for their hockey fix, Aug. 8 will be Walleye Hockey Night at the Mud Hens, featuring coaches, players and alumni available for autographs.

“We’ve done it the past two  years and it’s a really neat event,” Keedy said. “It’s kind of the official kickoff of the new Walleye season and gives everyone a little taste of excitement for the upcoming season. Especially with Winterfest, an outdoor hockey rink to be set up at Fifth Third Field in December, that’s going to be a big thing.”

Kid-favorite entertainment will include the ZOOperstars! on July 11 and BirdZerk! on Aug. 1.

“We have a very fun, creative marketing group. Everyone knows all ideas are welcome,” Keedy said. “We organize all of our new ideas and account for all of our recurring events. We build the promotional schedule about six months prior to the start of the season.”

Since new events are always being added, fans are encouraged to frequently check www.mudhens.com for changes or additions to the promotional schedule.

“We’ve got a loaded promotional schedule already, but people can expect things to be introduced throughout the season,” he said.

Singer-songwriter offers organic serving of thoughtful music

By
Vicki Kroll
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Jen Chapin will open for Brian Vander Ark on March 29 at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Photo by Nathan Leatherman.

A Thursday morning in Brooklyn, N.Y., finds Jen Chapin loading the dishwasher while fitting in a phone interview.

The mother of two boys, 8 and 4, wrote about the balance between parenthood and music for her 2013 disc, “Reckoning.”

“My memory of writing [‘Reckoning’] was late at night, as I was stealing moments in between nursing my then younger boy. I was thinking about this stage of my career and thinking about being young in jazz years, but decrepit and ancient in pop music years,” Chapin said and laughed.

“I want to make my mark: I want to be making music that’s respected by my peers and meaningful for my listeners.”

But challenges come up.

“Just dealing with the mixed signals that so many artists get from basically your parents — and I luckily didn’t have that situation,” the daughter of the late Harry Chapin said. “These signals you get about it’s not going to work, it’s not going to happen, you’re not going to break through, you’re not going to have a career.

“Little positive signals that we may get, whether it’s a good review or a kind email or a positive response to a show, those things are so meaningful. So ‘Reckoning’ is, well, is there a quantitative way to balance all these things? Basically not, you just do what you’re going to do.”

Since her 2002 debut, “Open Wide,” Chapin has been creating a memorable, introspective blend of folky, urban jazz. Her soulful songs often touch on social issues.

Consider “Feed Your Baby”: “City shut down the B84/ Was our only good ride to the grocery store/ Paycheck goes to the glucose strip/ … Junk food minefield on the TV/ … Change the channel try not to see/ Starvation/ Still starvation/ In the 21st century.”

“It’s something that many of us care about, food justice, that you can never do enough to tell the story of hunger and how so much of it, especially in this country, is invisible,” the singer-songwriter said.

“All of us can benefit from re-establishing the human tradition of being connected to our food and connected to the land, whether it’s a window-box garden or our grandmother’s recipe. We’ve lost that as a society. There’s a parallel kind of hunger, which I think is very healthy the way people want to stay connected with food. It’s a way to be reconnected to family, to community, to spirituality.”

She is involved with WhyHunger, which was founded by her father, and is one of many artists, including Willie Nelson, Indigo Girls, Dave Matthews and Bono, known for promoting food movement initiatives.

Chapin will serve up thoughtful songs when she opens for Brian Vander Ark at 8 p.m. March 29 at the Ark in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $15; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

“There’s sometimes a false dichotomy between dance music and thinking music,” she said. “Not that I’ve ever pretended to make dance music, but I want music that makes you move in your chair a little bit. That’s what inspires me, music with some kind of rhythmic tension and groove. I try to combine that with things that bring us all together.”

‘The Voice’ winner Danielle Bradbery bringing ‘Heart of Dixie’ to Toledo

By
Toledo Free Press
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Danielle Bradbery will open for Hunter Hayes at the Huntington Center on March 28. Photo courtesy Big Machine Records.

To say Danielle Bradbery was a long shot to win season 4 of “The Voice” is an understatement.

This shy teenage singer, without any vocal lessons or stage experience, not only turned the chairs of judges Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Usher last spring but also wowed audiences. Despite feeling overwhelmed at first, there was a moment when this Texas native discovered self-confidence and never looked back.

“I was so scared, I went into it not really knowing at all what was going to happen,” said Bradbery, calling from Nashville. “I was just waiting for something to happen. It was amazing. I think throughout the whole thing there were big steps every time I stepped on ‘The Voice’ stage.

“The live shows were kind of when I started to see a lot of difference in myself. A lot of things I did I thought I couldn’t do. I learned a lot about myself at that point. The things that I could do were really surprising.”

Invariably, the last year for Bradbery has been one surprise after another. Not only was she the youngest person every to win “The Voice,” but her self-titled debut album featured the top 15 lead single, “The Heart of Dixie,” which has sold over 380,000 downloads.

She also toured last summer with Shelton followed by a winter run with Brad Paisley. Now the 17-year-old artist is joining Hunter Hayes’ ‘We’re Not Invisible Tour,” which comes toToledo for a March 28 show at the Huntington Center.

“It’s going to be so exciting,” Bradbery said. “People know I performed with him on ‘The Voice’ during the live shows. That was so much fun. I’m really curious to see this audience.”

Bradbery has seen plenty of high-profile audiences of late. Not only did she get to sing the National Anthem at the Houston Rodeo but she recently met Carrie Underwood. The latter experience still inspires her. And no, she didn’t cry.

“I wanted to,” Bradbery laughed. “I got emotional, but I didn’t let out any tears. I was more excited than anything just thinking to myself I finally got to be face to face with her knowing how much I look up to her. It was a great moment.”

When it’s pointed out that Bradbery’s recent success now means just as she looks up to Underwood there are thousands of girls who look at her as a role model, she admitted it’s an amazing feeling. She’s also thankful to have had such an impact on young girls.

Looking ahead, Bradbery knows sustained success isn’t guaranteed and fame can be fleeting. Considering how far she’s some in such a short while, she seems up for the task. Even more importantly, Bradbery is saying all the right things. 

“Nothing is always going to be easy,” Bradbery said. “You have to work hard to get something you want, and you’ll have bumps along the road. For me, I just need to stay true to who I am, and just have friends and family around me to keep me grounded. As long as I have that, I’ll be OK through it all.”

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