Thomas J. Winston, president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, speaks during a levy renewal press conference on Thursday at the Ironville Terminal in Toledo. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)
Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority seeks renewal of .4-mill property tax
TOLEDO – Voters will be asked on the Nov. 5 ballot to renew a levy for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority – funding that the agency said it uses in part to support local economic development projects.
“With your support, we can keep momentum going,” said Robin Whitney, chair of the Committee for Jobs, during a kickoff press conference Thursday at Ironville Terminal, located at 2863 Front St.
Wendy Gramza, president and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, speaks during a levy renewal press conference. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority was established in 1955. Its core responsibilities involve cargo and passenger transportation via the Port of Toledo, Toledo Shipyard, Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, Toledo Express Airport and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.
But as explained at the levy kickoff and on the Committee for Jobs website, the agency’s impact goes beyond the sites under its jurisdiction, and supports a range of economic development projects.
Over the last few years, we have adopted the model that the Port Authority is ‘more than a port,’
Thomas Winston, Port Authority president and CEO
The real estate levy is for all of Lucas County. It has been on the books for decades, and was last passed in 2018. It is a five-year renewal of .4 mills using historic valuation, starting in 2024, with the first payment due in 2025.
For many taxpayers, Winston explained, the amount works out to about $8 in taxes a year for each $100,000 in property value.
Lucas County commissioner Anita Lopez, one of the presenters at the press conference, said in her previous role as Lucas County auditor that the port authority tax amounts were so minimal that it was “the levy no one complained about.”
But that collection results in about $2.5 million a year for the Port Authority, or about 7 percent of the agency’s overall budget. This is the money that supports capital improvement projects for maritime and aviation transportation services; investment into wetlands restoration and sustainability projects; along with providing local support toward economic development.
In some cases, the local financial support helps leverage state or federal funding.
Waterville mayor Tim Pedro speaks during a press conference to discuss the upcoming levy renewal. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)
Specifically, the Port Authority runs the Northwest Ohio Bond Fund, with 100 new business or business expansion projects financially supported since its launch 36 years ago. The bond fund earned a national rating of “A” earlier this year from S&P Global Ratings. Recent examples, according to the Committee for Jobs website, include the Toledo YWCA building renovations.
Administrative costs and salaries in the Port Authority’s budget, along with other operating expenses, come from other sources, such as revenue generated by its services.
Those speaking Thursday on behalf of the port authority work and the levy renewal request included Waterville mayor Tom Pedro and Wendy Gramza, president and CEO of Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Angela Pratesi, of the Bowling Green Music Library, holds an album by Metallica before playing the song "Enter Sandman" at a listening booth session at the Way Library in Perrysburg. (TFP Photo/David Yonke)
Perrysburg library’s ‘Listening Booth’ launches new music series
PERRYSBURG – Nobody said “Shush!” when a recording of Metallica’s Enter Sandman was blared inside the Way Public Library.
Not this night, anyway, because a librarian was the one spinning the vinyl and cranking the volume on this and 13 other songs in a program titled The Listening Booth.
The evening session on Tuesday was the first in a series of library programs titled, Explore Sound Waves: A Celebration of Music.
Natalie Dielman, programming coordinator for Way, said she was inspired to organize the music series after visiting a bookstore in Columbus and noting that Rob Harvilla, Ohio music journalist and author, had just given a talk there.
From there, she was able to contact Harvilla and make arrangements for him to speak at the Perrysburg library on Sept. 9.
Dielman also contacted Angela Pratesi, head librarian and associate professor at Bowling Green State University’s Music Library, and Bill Schurk Sound Archives, to help organize four more programs for the series.
The Listening Booth event featured 14 songs selected from Harvilla’s book, 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s.
“I had a difficult time narrowing them down,” Pratesi told the small group assembled in a basement conference room at Way. “One criterion was that the songs don’t grate on my nerves too much.”
She chose a variety of styles, with selections from each year of the 1990s, spanning country, pop, hip-hop, alt-rock, folk, blues, singer-songwriters, boy or girl groups, “at least one rocking guitar solo,” and a song from a movie soundtrack.
The tunes ranged from soft and reflective to loud, raging angst.
Rob Harvilla, podcaster and author of “60 Songs that Explain the ’90s,” will speak at Way Public Library in Perrysburg on Sept. 9. (Courtesy Photo)
Harvilla’s book is a spinoff of his podcast of the same name, in which he ended up including well over 100 songs from the ’90s, but decided that 60 was a good number for the title.
Perrysburg resident Eric Britton said he decided to attend the Tuesday night listening session because he had enjoyed a previous discussion at the library about the Clash’s classic punk rock album, London Calling.
“I’m alone this week and saw this posted on the library bulletin board and thought it would be fun,” Britton said.
Pratesi had no trouble obtaining copies of the music, all on vinyl, for the library listening session.
“The Listening Booth” session at Way Public Library featured songs on vinyl from each year of the 1990s. (TFP Photo/David Yonke
BGSU librarian Patty Falk said they have 700,000 recordings on the shelves, including 215,000 33 1/3-rpm vinyl albums and 211,000 7-inch 45’s.
The Music Library & Bill Schurk Sound Archives has more than a million items, including records, reel-to-reel tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, books, periodicals and videos, according to the BGSU official website. The website includes a catalog search button to look up specific materials.
It’s one of the largest collections in North America that is accessible to the public, Pratesi said. Anyone can go in and listen to music. The library staff will handle the vinyl, however, placing it on the turntable for visitors because the albums need to be handled with care. After all, it is an archive and the materials are meant to be preserved for generations.
“Wannabe” by the Spice Girls gets a turn on the turntable. Photo by David Yonke
“The Listening Booth” session at Way lasted about 90 minutes as Pratesi spun songs in the following chronological order:
“Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks (1990)
“Vogue” by Madonna (1990)
Pratesi asked the group for a “yes or no answer” on the third song, and got a thumbs up: Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” also from 1990. There was an interesting discussion about copyright laws as Vanilla Ice settled a dispute, without going to court, by paying an undisclosed amount of money to Queen and David Bowie for allegedly sampling the bass line from their song “Under Pressure.” Ice later said it was $4 million.
“Enter Sandman” by Metallica (1991)
Pratesi introduced the next selection as “the most required song of the ‘90s”: The raging grunge rocker “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991).
The group was asked to choose one song from a list of three released in 1992: “One” by U2; “Hey Jealousy” by Gin Blossoms, and “Nightswimming” by R.E.M. The vote was for “Hey Jealousy” but the vinyl Pratesi brought to the session was recorded as a 45 rpm and she didn’t have an adapter, giving “One” the spin by default.
There were only two ‘90s soundtracks worth consideration, Pratesi said, choosing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, from “The Bodyguard” (1992). The other possible pick? “Titanic.”
This time the listeners were asked to choose between two singles from 1993, “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube or “Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa. “Shoop” was the unanimous pick.
The 1994 selection was another listeners’ choice, either “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys or “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden. The Beasties’ rap classic won the vote.
“Just a Girl” by No Doubt (1995)
“Wannabe” by the Spice Girls (1996)
The song introduced as a “weird one from the anarcho-punk collection” was “Tubthumping” the catchy 1997 tune by British band Chumbawamba (with the irrepressible lyrical hook, “I get knocked down, but I get up again, you are never gonna keep me down.”)
“To Zion” by Lauryn Hill (1998), featuring guitar god Carlos Santana
Wrapping up the decade was the Santana’s 1999 classic, “Smooth,” with vocals by Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty.
Pratesi said she wanted to give an “honorable mention” to Sonic Youth, the influential New York group known for its experimental indie rock sound, but didn’t have time to play any of their songs as the listening session was running out of time.
The Listening Booth was not just for listening, it also included some lively conversations and interactions between audience and presenters about the artists, songs, videos and memories of the 1990s.
More music events
Upcoming programs in the Way Public Library’s “Sound Waves” series:
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m.: The Book Mixtape – Sample a mix of books by musicians and about music.
Thursday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.: Music Fun Night – An evening of music, games, and fun including karaoke, Guitar Hero, dancing, and creating your own mixtape.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m.: BGSU Music Library Tour. Tour the Music Library and sound archives at Bowling Green State University. Registration is required and participants must provide their own transportation. Call 419-874-3135.
Monday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.: Author talk with Rob Harvilla, Columbus-based author and podcaster best known for “60 Songs that Explain the ‘90s.”
The Way Public Library is at 101 E. Indiana Ave. in Perrysburg.
A toy model of U2’s Bono, dressed in his “Fly” costume, soaks up the sounds of the Way Public Library “Listening Booth.” (TFP Photo/David Yonke)
Maumee mayor James MacDonald address concerned residents during a July meeting.
Maumee lays groundwork for sewer ordinance repair reimbursement
MAUMEE – Maumee residents received positive news during the city council meeting on Tuesday. The council voted 5-2 to authorize city administrator Patrick Burtch to set parameters and approve a grant program for residents who had their sewer system fixed or replaced under the sewer ordinance.
The city originally passed a sewer ordinance on June 17, requiring homeowners to schedule an inspection of their property at the time of sale or as requested, and pay for the repairs within 90 days of inspection. Some residents were facing the possibility of spending thousands of dollars repairing their homes. The sudden financial burden drew backlash from residents.
The backlash persuaded the city council to repeal the sewer ordinance on July 31, roughly six weeks after it was passed. Mayor James MacDonald explained the discontent of the citizens and looked at how the sewer ordinance would impact the total expense of every household. He says the city plans to gather citizen input.
The sewer ordinance was originally passed in response to the EPA’s mandate that Maumee eliminate the inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sewers. MacDonald said the city continues to be in contact with the EPA but shared his difficulty with them.
James MacDonald faces residents during a Maumee city council meeting on Tuesday. (TFP Photo/Steven Bieber)
“The thing about the EPA is they won’t tell you how to fix the problem,” he said. “They’ll just tell you that you have a goal post to meet.”
MacDonald also explained the grant system that the city approved.
“While that original ordinance was in place, some people actually conveyed their property and had work done on their property in order to sell their house,” he said.
“What we want to do is make right with any expenses that they incurred in the city right away not on their private property, to rectify that they had to move while that ordinance was in effect and then it got repealed.”
When asked about a new ordinance, MacDonald said the city is in information-gathering mode right now.
The next step for the city council is to hold the remaining community roundtables to gather information from Maumee residents. The roundtables are at 6 p.m. on Aug. 22, 27 and 29. To attend you must register and be a Maumee resident.
Toledo Public Schools superintendent Dr. Romules Durant gives a thumbs up to Escuela Smart Academy first graders during the first day of class on Monday.
TPS superintendent Dr. Romules Durant visits Escuela Smart Academy
Dr. Romules Durant shares a message to all returning TPS students. (TFP Video/Lori King)
TOLEDO – Holding a gigantic and oversized yellow pencil and with the Toledo Public Schools superintendent kneeling by his side, Dylan Marcelo, 5, scribbled his signature on a contract, becoming the newest student to sign with the Escuela Smart Academy.
Escuela Smart Academy incoming kindergartener Dylan Marcelo, 5, is assisted by TPS superintendent Dr. Romules Durant during his signing day. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
Escuela Smart Academy incoming student Alana Castilla, 5, pencils her name to a signing day form. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
The signing is an unofficial and fun way for students to feel welcomed to their bilingual school, which opened its doors on Monday to phased-in preschoolers and kindergarteners and grades 1-6. Dr. Romules Durant was on hand to witness several signings.
Durant also visited a first-grade classroom, where students became excited when their teacher, Jennifer Wagner, asked if they remembered his previous visit when he read Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat … dressed as its namesake.
Escuela Smart Academy was a charter school before TPS pulled it into the school system in 2019. Principal Natasha Allen said coming from a charter to public school provided a lot of opportunities and resources for students, families, staff and teachers.
Allen, who’s been the principal for nearly four years, said half of the 290 students are learning English as a second language, and 75 percent are Latino. Many of the faculty are bilingual, and if they are not they’re still familiar with the culture and know Spanish. There is also a dedicated Spanish teacher.
As the doors opened to the students and they walked in the building for the start of their first day, they were greeted with a community cheering section to celebrate their return to school.
TPS superintendent Dr. Romules Durant interacts with first graders at Escuela Smart Academy during their first day of school on Monday. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
“It’s just a wonderful school and environment and I’m excited to be here with our families and our Latino culture,” proclaimed Allen. “The families are amazing and the engagement at family events is wonderful.
“Our kids like coming to school and smile pretty much every day because it’s a really great place and they feel accepted,” she said.
Back-to-school dates for TPS students are scattered. Grades 1-9 reported Monday; Grade 10 reports on Tuesday; Grades 11-12 on Wednesday; and Wednesday, Aug. 28, is the first full day for all pre-school and kindergarteners.
Customers line up at Jikoni's truck kitchen for a taste of East African food. (TFP Photo/Kevin Tiell)
Jikoni serves up more than East African cuisine
TOLEDO – For my first column, I want to introduce Jikoni, a local food truck bringing East African cuisine to the masses. I caught up to them at Toledo Botanical Garden’s Crosby Arts Festival.
Jikoni means “kitchen” in Swahili, which is the language most prominent in East Africa. Chef and owner Tom Otieno hails from Kenya and crafts popular dishes similar to those served in East Africa, South America and Afghanistan.
Using fresh ground spices for vibrant flavor, Jikoni offers a curated collection of savory bowls, including pilau chicken and red bean curry over coconut rice and pilau rice, along with chapati (soft flatbread) and samosas. For dessert, Jikoni offers a selection of savory sweets, including cardamon coffee cake and mango tarts. Rich flavors are built using a combination of cardamon, ginger, cumin, black pepper corns and cinnamon. Fresh cilantro, green onions, carrots and tomatoes embellish these dishes.
Jikoni uses a commissary kitchen to prepare food to better execute food service. Marinating ingredients overnight, roasting and braising in the morning, and assembling relishes and fresh chutneys before heading out are keys to quick service and repeat customers. All the meats are prepared in advance and kept warm at safe holding temperatures for service, then packed in insulated travel containers taken to the destination.
Jikoni is a tow-behind trailer with limited space, so the menu is limited to just a few options. Fast service is their priority, averaging five orders per minute at peak speed. Otieno said that “long lines are no indication of quality, but more of an operator’s process.”
Samosa. (TFP Photo/Kevin Tiell)
Before catering large events, communication with organizers is important for a successful day. They inform vendors with metrics specific to attendance, weather, cost and permitting. Electricity is often provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Having electricity allows for overnight storage in onboard refrigerators, minimizing back and forth.
Site selection is one of the most important considerations because friers and grills create heat, and weather can be hot and humid. It helps to park in shade with open windows for cross-ventilation. It is also best to not be located in corners where hungry shoppers pass other vendors whose lines extend in front of the truck. Menus can be tailored to specific tastes or account for allergies or gluten intolerance.
Operating a food truck is erratic. Retaining help is difficult with no formal schedule. Jikoni relies on referrals and collegiate labor for assistance. For big events on long weekends, it is common to miss sleep due to long days and so much preparation.
Palau chicken with palau rice. (TFP Photo/Kevin Tiell)
Cardamom Carrot Cake. (TFP Photo/Kevin Tiell)
Like any business, it helps to have a bookkeeper who can record expenses and income, and file taxes. Without a formal location, constant marketing is critical for notifying people where and when they operate. Having a trusted partner would be a big advantage, and Otieno has been working to bring his sister to the United States to aid in the operation. She knows the history of the food, the way it is supposed to taste and be presented and can answer questions.
Jikoni also offers cooking classes, private in-home dinner parties and catering for large organizations. Jikoni will be releasing a new line of graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts in the next couple weeks and have plans to launch a redesigned website later this year.
You can find them on Instagram and Facebook (Jikoni Toledo) and on the StreetFoodFinder app and website.
Charles Wetzel Jr. speaks during the Maumee CommUNITY Fest held at the Maumee Indoor Theater on Sunday. (TFP Photo/Steven Bieber)
CommUNITY Film Fest
MAUMEE – To showcase amateur films created by individuals with developmental disabilities, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, FilmToledo and Maumee Valley Partners for Inclusion teamed up to present the 10th annual CommUNITY Film Fest on Sunday at the Maumee Indoor Theater.
The Film Fest is a competition among filmmakers to create short films that cover various topics, including challenging their life assumptions, promoting inclusion, educating the community about who they are, and how you can contribute to your community.
The 2-5-minute mini docs were the film fest finalists. Filmmakers expressed themselves in several different ways. Many of the entries highlighted a day-in-the-life of the filmmaker, while others created a slideshow of themselves or a video with music playing over the film. Other entries that stood out were a music video and an animated short film.
During intermission, guests were treated to a performance by members of the iDance Adaptive Performing Arts Center.
Lori Balogh, Community Inclusion and Employment manager for Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, explained that their organization supports from birth to death about 4,400 individuals with disabilities throughout Lucas County. It also provides quality-of-life services, such as improving independent living skills, giving to donation centers and helping people look for jobs.
Lori Balogh makes her entrance to ABBA’s Dancing Queen. (TFP Photo/Steven Bieber)
Participants and employees take a bow during the Maumee CommUNITY Fest at the Maumee Indoor Theater. (TFP Photo/Steven Bieber)
The board begins to help filmmakers with their projects as early as January. If a filmmaker wants to do something simple, the Board of Developmental Disabilities can help. If it is complex, they will reach out to another organization that is part of the festival.
FilmToledo is the film commission that covers Toledo and Northwest Ohio. As a regional film commission, they have two main roles, to bring film productions to the region to help boost the economy in the film industry and to educate and train people to work in the film industry.
Michael DeSanto, executive director at FilmToledo, explained what his organization contributes to the festival.
“We connect the individuals who want to make films with professional filmmakers and give them the resources they need to fulfill what’s in their imagination,” he said.
Desanto also explained why he thinks it is important to help these individuals create the films for the festival.
“It’s showcasing the lives of people with disabilities, that they are just as motivated and dedicated to get into film. Some people just want to showcase what their regular everyday lives are, and removing that stigma and showcasing what people with disabilities are doing and can do.”
Barbara Robinson was one of the many attendees. She said she has worked with people with disabilities for 32 years, and explained what she thought people learned from the festival, that “everybody is their own person and you should appreciate everybody.”
The CommUNITY Film Fest ended with an award ceremony, with 17 finalists taking home awards.
