MAUMEE – There’s something to be said for witches around Halloween: the image of women in pointed hats with a wide brim, robed in black, grouped into a coven and conjuring up ways to instill fear in others.
Then there’s the coven that’ll gather for the third straight year in Maumee. Oh, they’ll have the hats and robes and related witchy apparel, but they’ll conjure up fun, sisterhood, and – at least for a short time – ease the fear of anxiety for the introverts among them.
This’ll be at a place not exactly associated with spookiness: a center for volleyball and pickleball. Instead of a bonfire and a bubbling caldron, there’ll be a disc jockey, bingo, crafts, dancing, a buffet dinner and more – the brainchild of a Perrysburg woman who a friend described as magical: Jodi Schramm.
The event is called Witches Brew, and it will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Premier Academy, 1630 Market Place Drive, Maumee. The academy is owned by Schramm, who turned her fondness for Halloween and her desire to bring people together to create a special night for women. The only stipulation is the costume must be that of a witch.
The idea came to her after attending an outdoor Halloween gathering a few years ago in Sylvania. “I liked it,” Schramm said, “and I thought I could do the same thing and move it inside where it’s warmer. I have a facility with tables and chairs. I have a lot of decorations because I do banquets. I thought an inside one would be more popular.”
Plus, she said, “I’m a fan of Halloween. I just like it – the costumes, everything.” Thus was born Witches Brew 2023, which drew about 55 women, she said. Last year, attendance was
about 65. “This year I’m hoping for 75,” Schramm said. “It’s getting known now. People are coming back and bringing a friend.”
The cost is $60, which includes the buffet, a gift basket raffle, entertainment, tarot readings, and a costume contest, to name a few.
“It’s informal, yet structured,” Schramm said.
Brandy Crowe of Perrysburg recalls her reaction when she attended the first Witches Brew. “I was in awe,” she said, adding the décor, features, and activities were “better than I could’ve expected.”
The second year “I brought two or three of my friends,” she said. “It’s a great tagalong.” She plans to attend this year.
Wendy Arnold offered another perspective. “It’s cool at our age to be excited about dressing up for a Halloween costume party like when we were kids,” the Perrysburg resident said. Arnold is making her own costume; there are contests for the various components.
“My goal in life is to get the Best Hat award,” she said.
The focus on dressing as a witch – there are more creative versions that you can imagine, Arnold said – provides relief for those who are prone to anxiety. “It’s good for shy people because it’s structured with activities,” she said. “It’s a fun party for introverts – you’re going to be a witch, so there’s no stress over the costume.”
Whether introverted or outgoing, “Jodi brings women together to meet people,” said Amy Gerken of Perrysburg. “When you’re in your 50s and the kids are gone, that’s huge.”
About Jodi, not only for Witches Brew but other events she produces, Gerken said, “There’s nothing she does that isn’t magical.”
Register via Venmo: @jodi-schramm.
