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Owens coach wins 801st

By
Jeremy Schneider
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Owens celebrates a point against Lakeland Tuesday night. Owens won the deciding set, giving head coach Sonny Lewis his 801st Express victory.

Volleyball coach Sonny Lewis looks for OCCAC title

Story by Jeremy Schneider | Photos by Lori King

PERRYSBURG – Sonny Lewis has spent nearly 50 years coaching volleyball in Northwest Ohio, first at Springfield High School and then at Owens Community College. During that time, Lewis has sat through exactly one job interview.

When Lewis left the high school ranks, the Owens volleyball head coach had just retired. He applied for the job and had the first job interview of his life. Needless to say, he must have done pretty well during the interview.

Owens freshman Kora Rollins listens to head coach Sonny Lewis before the start of a set. Rollins, an Otsego High School graduate, had 107 kills going into the game against Lakeland.

“They hired me the next day,” Lewis said.

Now in his 24th season leading the Express program, Lewis won the 801st game of his college coaching career on Tuesday when they faced off against Lakeland. Add those wins to the 373 wins coaching high school, and Lewis has been on the winning side more than 1,101 times.

“I’ve been here a long time, so that gets a lot of that in,” Lewis said. “My associate head coach, Denny Caldwell, has done a great job of recruiting people in the area. They want to come here and play, and since they see we do well, that gets us some good attraction.”

This season, the Express is 19-9 overall after hosting Lakeland Community College Tuesday night for the Pack The SHAC Night at the Student Health and Activities Center.

“Lakeland played very well against us, especially the first two sets. You know, that was very unexpected that they won the first two sets against us. We had to come back and win the next three,” Lewis admitted after the game. “I gave our kids a lot of credit. They come back on the next three for us to win the match.

“We’ll just keep working. Right now we have a lot of things going on, like three of our starters were not playing tonight. Our No. 1 middle is out with an injury; our No. 1 outside hitter is out with an injury; and then our libero was out because she had a class she had to go to. We’re banged up a little bit right now. We’re just trying to recover from it and get back on our feet,” Lewis said.

Lewis isn’t the only one to reach a career milestone for the Express this year. Sophomore libero Lilly White (Monroeville H.S.) went over 1,000 digs this season, and sophomore setter Michaela Hahn (Fremont St. Joseph H.S.) got the 1,000th assist of her career.

“It was definitely something I was aiming for; it’s good to have goals,” White said. “When I saw that I had 600 last year, I thought it was possible (to get 1,000) this season. … I just go out and play, hope for the best.”

Sophomore Michaela Hahn sets the ball during a game against Lakeland. Going into the home game, Hahn has 467 assists, earning her 17th in assists and 12th in aces in the nation.

White ended last week with 541 digs, an average of nearly six per set. Lewis called White the “back bone” of the team.

Hahn leads the team with 416 assists, along with 148 digs. The Owens program is obviously a well-oiled machine, and Hahn gave credit for her success to the abilities of her teammates.

“It shows how good our program works together,” Hahn said. “It wouldn’t be possible without Lilly digging the ball or my hitters putting it away. It shows how good of a school we are at volleyball.”

The Express are going for their third straight Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) title. They’re currently tied with Lorain County Community College atop the standings at 7-1. They split their two meetings this year, with both schools winning their home matches.

To learn more about the Owens volleyball team, visit Owens Volleyball.
Owens Express head volleyball coach Sonny Lewis takes notes between sets during his game against Lakeland.
Owens freshman Maura Deutschman blocks the ball against Lakeland.
Owens celebrates a point against Lakeland Tuesday night.
Owens’ Michaela Hahn, from left, and Susan Ringler react to a play during a game against Lakeland.
Owens freshman Paige Hoodlebrink listens to head coach Sonny Lewis before the start of a set.
Owens Express head coach Sonny Lewis huddles with his team after their deciding set against Lakeland.
Owens and Lakeland shake hands after Owens took the deciding set on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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Cartoon by Steven J Athanas for the Toledo Free Press.

David Brooks touts book

By
Steven Bieber
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David Brooks signs an autograph for Scott and Meig McIntyre in the Franciscan Center at Lourdes University. (TFP Photo/Steven Bieber)

Bestselling author discusses importance of connecting with others

SYLVANIA – Lourdes University hosted hundreds of people Oct. 8 for a lecture, Q&A session, book signing and reception with New York Times bestselling author David Brooks.

Brooks discussed his new book, How to Know a Person, at the Lourdes University Franciscan Center.

In his 40-minute speech, Brooks opened with stories from his early life. He said the book, A Bear Called Paddington, inspired him to be a writer at seven years old. He also talked about his educational background and journey to obtaining an education at The University of Chicago.

Brooks also gave good advice on making people feel heard or important. One example he gave is not to try to respond to someone’s struggles with something worse that happened to you.

He offered three steps to know someone:

  • the first encounter
  • accompaniment
  • conversation

After his speech, Brooks invited audience members to ask him questions for about 30 minutes. When the Q&A was finished, he signed copies of his book. After the book signing, he took the time to explaine to fans what How to Know a Person is about.

It’s really about how to see others deeply and make them feel deeply seen. How to make the people in your life feel like you really understand them and respect them and value them.

David Brooks

Brooks said he’s is trying to reach a large group of people with this book, and understands that most people would benefit from making more friends or social connections.

David Brooks talks with Phyllis Cresswell after his talk. (TFP Photo/Steven Bieber)

He also said that he wrote this book because of the social breakdown he was witnessing. Worsening statistics for higher suicide, depression rates, and an increase of people who say they feel lonely or have no close friends were factors in his decision to write his book.

“When a third of Americans say they’re lonely, then we’ve clearly got a national problem around this. There are a lot of different ways to address it, but the piece I thought was important was arming people with the skills: If you’re going to make a bench, you need to have some carpentry skills. If you’re going to be a decent human being, you need some social skills,” he explained.

Brooks said connecting with people is important because it makes them happy, and having good relationships makes people feel fulfilled. He finished by offering some of the advice from his book.

“Some of it is just practical, like how to ask good questions, how to be a really good listener, how to take an average conversation and turn it into a deep conversation. And that’s done by asking big questions, like I mentioned in there. If five years is a chapter in your life, what’s the chapter about?” Brooks asked.

“If we have a conversation about that, then I’m going to learn something about you and you’ll learn something about me, and we’ll take a normal conversation and make it a memorable one,” he said.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.

Power Tour educates voters

By
Au'Ree Antoinette
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Host Morgan Harper, from left, panelist Coleena Ali, Dr. Brittany Jones, Sommer Clayborn, Matthew Smith Jr. and Chris Matthews discuss their many topics on the Power Tour stage on Oct. 6.

Reinvest Toledo wraps up its 4-show voter education initiative

Story and photos by Au’Ree Antoinette

TOLEDO – The nation is buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 presidential general election nears. Campaign signs dot neighborhoods across the country. Yet, despite these signs of engagement, many still feel uncertain regarding the future of both state and nation, as all 468 seats in the U.S. Congress are up for grabs.

Closer to home, Reinvest Toledo, a local nonprofit, took on the daunting task of educating Toledo residents on the importance of voting this fall.

On Sept. 22, Reinvest Toledo launched one of its pillar programs, the Power Tour: Unlock Your Vote. This initiative aimed to bring voter education to its target demographic: low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods. Each tour, held at the Collingwood Arts Center, included a 90-minute multimedia production that focused on voter education, and featured speakers and artists that spanned music, spoken word and film.

The Power Tour audience listens to host Morgan Harper’s opening statements.

Power Tour shows:

  • Sept. 22 | Bridging the gap regarding voter engagement | Host Montrice Terry
  • Sept. 28 | Then & Now: How voting has impacted the queer community | Host Lexi Staples
  • Oct. 6 | Your vote can impact issues facing your community | Host Morgan Harper
  • Oct. 12 | How voting can change what you see everyday in your neighborhood | Host Rob Pasker
Panelist Sommer Clayborne exchanges information with an audience member.

“The communities or wards with the lowest voter turnout are predominantly African American,” explained Amelia Gibbon, Reinvest Toledo’s executive director. “That’s why we chose to focus on the Englewood and Junction communities.”

The third Power Tour event on Oct. 6 was hosted by Morgan Harper, Columbus-based advocate and director of policy and advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. The event featured a panel of neighborhood leaders who shared their experiences and discussed how they’re applying their expertise to uplift their communities.

Panelists Sommer Clayborne, Chris Matthews, Dr. Brittany Jones, Matthew Smith Jr., and Coleena Ali tackled a variety of topics, including reproductive health, gun violence, food access and affordable housing.

Founded in 2015, Reinvest Toledo began as a partnership with the Lucas County Land Bank and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). Its intention is to act as a connector between neighborhood leaders and city officials. The founding members hope to empower residents with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for change within their communities.

Performers and speakers from the Power Tour. (From left to right Shardae Moss, Amelia Gibbon, Dr. Brittany Jones, Morgan Harper, Jodie Summers, Dawn Freison, Coleena Ali, Joe Sparks, Sandra Gill, Audrey Johnson, Lamarsheo Martin and LaToya Williams)

“We wanted to place power in the hands of the people,” Gibbon said. “Like the mother who sits on the porch or Miss ‘So and So.’ They are leaders, too, and for so long they have been denied the title of leaders. They need to be recognized for who they are because they have the influence, not us.”

Beyond their Power Tour, Reinvest Toledo runs several other impactful initiatives. One being the Raised Advocacy Project, a six-month program designed to equip eight participants with the skills to advocate for their neighborhoods. Additionally, participants collaborate with neighborhood leaders to build capacity for tackling community challenges.

Their Environmental Justice efforts are focused on the future of the Doehler-Jarvis site that has been abandoned for over 50 years.

“The Land Bank has identified funds for brownfield remediation,” Gibbon said. “Now we’re discussing as a community what we want to do with that land once the site is cleared.”

Reinvest Toledo’s mission is clear: Empower the voices within the community. Gibbon added, “I always tell people, don’t wait to be invited to the table. Create your own table and make them come to you. Otherwise, you’re just going to be an afterthought.”

For more information or to get involved in their mission, visit Reinvest Toledo's website.
For voting information, go to Election 2024

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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0

Cartoon by Jerry King for the Toledo Free Press.

Help with hurricane relief

By
Kelly McGilvery
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Photo by Pixabay

Locals helping out

Toledo and our surrounding communities have committed to helping with hurricane relief efforts in many ways. Below is a list of recent efforts, as well as ways our citizens can chip in.

Members of Ohio National Guard called to serve

Gov. Mike DeWine has deployed members of the Ohio National Guard from Port Clinton to Florida to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. He recently deployed other Guard members to North Carolina to help in the recovery and relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. (WTOL)

Blood drive

The American Red Cross is seeking additional blood donors during the Hurricanes Helene and Milton recovery and relief effort. There are blood drives happening throughout the month. Schedule a donation at the Red Cross website.

Fund drives

Catholic Charities fund drive

Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo is collecting and forwarding donations to Catholic Charities agencies in impacted areas for this disaster relief effort. Donations for Hurricane Helene Relief can be made on its secure website. Checks can also be made out to Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, with a Hurricane Helene Relief designation. Please mail to Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, 1933 Spielbusch Ave., Toledo, OH 43604. 

Jewish Federations fund drive

The Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo is seeking donations to a national fund to support Jewish communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. More information about the Hurricane Helene Emergency Relief Fund.

American Red Cross fund drive

The Red Cross is also accepting monetary donations to support its efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Supply and donation drives

Valley Freightliner of Toledo is collecting non-perishable food items and bottled water for hurricane relief. Supplies needed include toiletries, cleaning gear and new stuffed animals for children. Donations can be dropped off at 6003 Benore Rd. in Toledo. A complete list of needed supplies can be found on Valley Freightliner’s Facebook page.

Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church is leading a relief effort to help hurricane survivors in North Carolina. Donations are being accepted through this week: baby supplies, batteries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and more. A complete list of supplies needed can be found on the Church’s Facebook page. Supplies can be brought to IAMBC during church hours at 640 Indiana Ave. in Toledo. 

Lourdes University Athletics is running a relief drive for Hurricane Helene on campus through Tuesday, Oct. 15. Requested items include baby formula, pet food, plastic bags, energy/granola bars and more. Items can be dropped off on campus at St. Francis Hall, Canticle Center, Ebeid Recreation Center, Gubi’s Grind, or the Franciscan Center. A complete list of needed supplies and information about cash donations can be found at their Facebook page.

Girl Scout Troop 1268 is leading a supplies drive for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene at Hawkins STEMM Academy. They are seeking donations of winter coats, gloves, hats, sweatshirts, blankets and other items needed during cold weather. A complete list of needed supplies is at the school’s Facebook page. Please drop off donations at the school at 5550 W. Bancroft Street in Toledo through October 17.

Wild Side | Sassafras Tree

By
Art Weber
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0

We are blessed to enjoy some of the best fall color anywhere. The parade of colors is courtesy of our wide variety of mixed hardwood forests that are joined by wonderful fall wildflowers and mature grasslands. They put our region among the best places to enjoy not just great fall color, but rich colors that persist over a period of weeks.

This year’s parade is already well underway.

The opening days of the season are dominated by sassafras, a smaller distinctively gnarled tree that loves establishing itself along woodland edges. Though in some local areas the color may be muted by the effects of our extended drought, sassafras can glow in a mosaic of colors that can include bright yellows and oranges, scarlet, even burgundy and purple.

Sassafras is especially common in the Oak Openings Region, notably Oak Openings Preserve Metropark along Girdham Road. One of the most obvious stands of sassafras is along the west side of I-475, north of Airport Highway.

Even if you haven’t noticed the tree itself, there’s a reasonably good chance you’ve tasted it. It’s the source of the root in root beer. Maybe you’ve been served sassafras tea, or maybe you’ve used fiÍe powder to thicken your gumbo. That powder is ground sassafras leaves.

As good as it is to taste, it’s even better visually, and not just or fall colors.

The tree has the unique distinction of having three distinctly different leaf forms. One is a simple unlobed leaf. Another is mitten-shaped. The third form is two-lobed and said to resemble a trident.

Especially this time of year, we think a better name for that third form is the ghost leaf. Check out the photo and see for yourself. It’s why children often call sassafras the ghost tree.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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0

Homophone cartoon by Steven J Athanas.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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0
Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.
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