John Zajac depends on the Toledo Lucas County Public Library every day to read the news and magazines but he and other people like him might have to cut back on library time if congress passes Ohio’s 2010 to 2011 budget.

Gov. Ted Strickland proposed balancing the budget on June 19 by cutting $227 million from the Ohio Public Library Fund, causing Lucas County Libraries to cut 25 percent of the annual budget, said Clyde Scoles, executive director of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

“We’re talking about not only tightening our belts but strangulation,” Scoles said.

Toledo’s Libraries, which have not seen a budgetary increase since 2000, would have to cut $2.4 million within the next six months and $4.5 million by next year, he predicted.

Tax-payers support about half of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s $35 million budget so the system is very dependent on state funding, said Rhonda Sewell, media relations coordinator at the Toledo-Lucas County Library.

If the budget is passed as is, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library might have to close on Sundays, reduce weekly hours, order fewer books, DVD’s and children’s programs and initiate a hiring freeze, according to the news release.

The counties’ libraries have served nearly a 10-percent increase in circulation and participation in children’s programs has almost doubled since last year but the budget cut threatens to force those numbers to shrink, she said.

Unemployed people also use the library to find jobs by participating in the “retooling your life” program, which offers computer assistance for people sending resumes to prospective employers, she said.

“This comes at a really bad time,” she said. “Libraries are a life line to a better economy. They need their libraries at such bad economic times.”

Scoles said he could not name any specific branches that could face closure if the budget gets passed.

Libraries that do not receive any local funding make up 70 percent of Ohio’s Libraries and the budget could threaten to close these places around the state, especially in rural areas, said Mackenzie Betts, director of communications at the Ohio Library Council.

“I don’t think any money for the libraries should be cut,” Zajac said. “Some kids, when they get out of school, they need to get in here and use the computers because their families can’t afford computers.”

The Public Library Fund is not the only cut. Reducing the state budget by $2.43 billion to attempt to lessen the state’s $3.2 billion deficit, Strickland proposed spending reductions for nearly all state agencies, said Amanda Wurst, Strickland’s spokesperson. However, he will not cut funds that support local schools, she added.

“He is prioritizing education, to continue to reform education to lead to long term economic growth in Ohio,” she said.

Congress will vote on the budget this week and Scoles said that he wants Toledoans to write to their congressmen and women immediately to ask for reconsideration.

After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Gov. Ted Strickland announced a plan for slot machines at seven horse racing tracks as a way to help balance the state budget.

Strickland, a Democrat, said he stared into the face of painful cuts _ particularly cuts to a state prison system already 32 percent above capacity _ to erase a $3.2 billion budget deficit and decided that the expansion of gambling was the best option among a host of painful choices.

“This has been a difficult choice for me but I believe a necessary one,” said Strickland, who said a “conservative” estimate found the gambling expansion would bring in net revenue of $765 million to the state, whose budget is about $54 billion. “It is contrary to what I ever thought I would have to do.”

The choice was particularly difficult for Strickland because he endorsed establishing the slots through legislative action and not through a vote of the people, who have shot down gambling initiatives four times in the past 20 years. The governor said legislative action was required to provide revenue quickly enough to avoid a tax increase.

Strickland said he’s still opposed to a plan to put an amendment on the November general election ballot to establish casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Gambling opponents, including the conservative-leaning Ohio Roundtable, were quick to respond to Strickland’s racetracks proposal.

“Difficult economic times do not give the governor a free pass to trash the Constitution and the results of four statewide elections,” the public policy group said in a statement. “The Roundtable calls upon the Ohio Legislature to defend the Ohio Constitution and the votes of the vast majority of Ohioans who stand clearly opposed to the expansion of slot machine gambling in Ohio.”

The state Constitution restricts gambling. But the Ohio State Racing Commission, which has pushed for the slots proposal as a way to generate revenue and save a flagging industry, has said lottery-run slots won’t violate the Constitution – a position with which Strickland agrees.

Racetrack owners have said that Ohio’s industry is at a disadvantage because neighboring states subsidize their purse winnings with proceeds from casinos or from slot machines at the racetracks.

The governor’s reversal on slot machines helps solve a piece of the puzzle confronting lawmakers negotiating the two-year budget plan.

However, Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican, has said he opposed any expansion of gambling without the approval of voters. House Speaker Armond Budish, a Democrat, has long been the most open of the three leaders in state government to gambling initiatives and praised Strickland’s announcement in a statement as a move that “will help save Ohio jobs and avoid detrimental tax increases on Ohio families.”

Strickland’s gambling proposal was just one facet of a budget framework he’s providing to lawmakers attempting to reach a budget deal by July 1. The framework is a break in precedent as the governor generally permits legislative negotiators to work out the details of the state spending plan once the governor introduces his proposed budget months before.

Republican lawmakers have been calling on Strickland to say what he would accept in a budget proposal.

The governor’s plan preserves funding for his school-funding proposal and for the continuation of a tuition freeze for a third year at the state’s four-year colleges and universities.

Strickland’s plan includes $1.3 billion in state agency spending, $770 million in cuts to the Medicaid health insurance program for the poor and a cut from 14 percent to 8 percent in the state share of contributions to the Public Employees Retirement System. The cuts proposed by the governor come to about $2.4 billion.

A proposal tucked into the state budget plan would allow cash-strapped county governments to solicit advertising on their Web sites, a shift critics said would lead to conflicts of interest.

State Sen. Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, inserted the proposal into the state budget plan that lawmakers are negotiating. Seitz said he did so at the request of Hamilton County commissioners, who, like many in local government, are in desperate search of revenue during tough economic times.

“I’m doing this at the request of the people who run my county who, by the way, aren’t even of the same political party as me,” Seitz said. “They are looking for every nickel in the couch, too.”

But the Ohio Newspaper Association is opposed to the move, saying it’s a drastic shift in public policy that has negative implications for private industry and good government. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce said it has concerns as well.

Both organizations said the proposal won’t get the public vetting that it needs when it’s part of a gigantic two-year state spending plan.

“There are very serious concerns about the inherent conflict of interest that would be set up here,” said Frank Deaner, executive director of the Ohio Newspaper Association. “You would have public elected officials who control all of these county offices and they would be out there soliciting advertisements.”

Deaner presented scenarios in which the same private firms that are seeking government contracts are also seeking to advertise on county Web sites, or wealthy individuals or political donors doing the same with the possible perception they’re looking for favors.

Seitz threw the conflict-of-interest concerns back at newspapers.

“Who’s to say that the advertisements in The Columbus Dispatch don’t influence their editorial decisions?” Seitz said.

Newspapers are also concerned about the competition for advertising dollars, a worry shared by business interests.

“We have some concerns,” said Linda Woggon, vice president of governmental affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. “We are trying to get a little bit more information about it.”

Lawmakers attempting to reach a budget agreement by the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1 are working off the Senate version of the budget, which contains Seitz’s amendment.

A Toledo garden received a much-needed makeover in recent days thanks to the national Catholic Heart Workcamp organization.
Participants from the organization worked in conjunction with the Toledo Botanical Gardens and its outreach program, Toledo GROWs.
“Working with kids in the garden is so much more different than the classroom,” said Abbie Sackman, a Toledo GROWs employee. “It allows for so much more freedom and experiential learning. They have enjoyed watching everything transform before their eyes.”
When Courtney Triplett of Georgia arrived at the garden located at the intersection of Glenwood and Woodruff avenues, she saw rampant weeds. Nearly a week later, the plot looks brand new, she said.
“So much has changed out here,” Triplett said June 17. “Everything looked overgrown and uncared for. Now, it looks amazing.”
Workcamp manager Bryce Roberts said Glenwood was a youth-oriented garden, so it was a good fit for the team of students. He said, despite a short work schedule, his students accomplished a lot.
“I am really, really impressed with the project,” he said. “We are shocked at the amount of work these students are capable of. These kids are outstanding.”
Roberts, a Toledo area resident, said Catholic Heart had 300 student volunteers in Toledo between June 14 and June 19. The students were divided into groups and assigned to some of 42 different work sites in the city, he said. He said the organization had sent volunteers to Toledo since 2005. Catholic Heart is a national organization that plans student mission trips all over the country.
Michael Szuberla, the manager of Toledo GROWs, called the group’s volunteer efforts “phenomenal.” He said Catholic Heart students were working at five other community plots besides the Glenwood location, thus beautifying a large portion of Toledo.
“Our fundamental goal is to bring the Toledo Botanical Garden right into the community and use horticulture to transform people’s lives,” Szuberla said. “I think this is one of the most productive weeks in the history of the program.”
Ethan Kraft, a freshman at Georgia’s North Cobb Christian School, said the project had taught him a lot about herbs, fruits and vegetables.
“We have made a lot of progress this week,” he said. “People can see the garden is very beautiful. There is great opportunity for new growth in this city.”
Roberts said the project offered Downtown Toledo beauty, food and community. He hopes Catholic Heart’s efforts inspire maintenance of the garden.
“This is a tangible solution to hunger,” he said. “It is a very efficient way of feeding people. Our goal is to help them establish something they go back to and continue working on.”
Szuberla said the group deserves praise for its work on not just the Glenwood garden, but the entire city. He said other teams working elsewhere for Toledo GROWs had built picnic tables, chicken coops and even a turkey run.
“Overall, the program is really taking off,” he said. “We have tremendous momentum right now. Toledo looks better for their efforts.”

The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual conference at the SeaGate Convention Centre brings an economic “stimulus package” to Downtown Toledo. The convention begins June 19 and will continue each weekend through July.
For five years, the Witnesses have brought the six-week conference to Toledo and with them thousands of patrons to area businesses.
According to Witness spokesman John Harrington, approximately 5,000 people will attend each of the six conventions.
Harrington noted the central location as one of the main reasons the Witnesses choose to hold their convention here each year.
“We like that it’s centrally located for about 400 congregations in Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio,” John said. “We also have three conventions in Cleveland and three in Dayton, so we’re centrally located in Toledo.”
Harrington said the social climate and support from local government are other reasons the Witnesses return.
“We find that Toledo is very friendly with excellent cooperation with the parking authority and the police department, who ensure the safety of our people,” he said.
Some local business owners claim the conference brings their biggest numbers of the year.
Michael Sapara, general manager of Park Inn Hotel, has already seen the effect of the conferences long before June 19.
“Unless you’re unconscious, you can’t help but see the economic impact here,” he said. “We’re going to have about 1,000 to 1,200 guests for six consecutive weeks.”
Sapara said the Park Inn, the largest hotel in Northwest Ohio with 400 rooms, is at full capacity.
“We’re at full employment and have to hire additional summer help,” he said. “There are a few rooms here and there left; you might have 30 to 40 rooms over those three days total open.
“During the course of the year, it is the largest group we have in the Park Inn Hotel.”
Among the restaurants that the Witnesses patronize are The Docks at International Park; they often take ferry rides from Downtown, Harrington said.
“We always look forward to them not only coming to our city but to our restaurants,” said Eileen Cousino of Cousino Restaurants. “They make our summer happen.”
This year the Witnesses are launching a campaign to invite new followers to their church with the “hope to extend a personal invitation to as many people as possible,” according to a news release.

“We feel that God has a message of peace and security for people who want to serve him, and we want to give that message and invite the people of Toledo to join us,” Harrington said.
Watchmen
Witness spokesperson John Harrington said Jehovah’s Witnesses call themselves “Watchmen,” as they are constantly on the watch for the fulfillment of the biblical prophecies of Jesus, specifically world events they believe indicate “the conclusion of the system of things.”
It is upon this literal interpretation of the Bible that the fundamentals of the Jehovah’s Witness belief system stands, as they believe it is the written “word of God.”
The name Jehovah’s Witness refers to the act of bearing witness to God or “Jehovah,” a name that appears in the original Hebrew Scriptures. The scripture upon which the Witnesses base their name is Isaiah 43:1-28, according to watchtower.org, the official Web site for the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization.
Isaiah 43:10
“You are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “even my servant whom I have chosen, in order that YOU may know and have faith in me, and that YOU may understand that I am the same One. Before me there was no God formed, and after me there continued to be none.”

FATHER’S DAY EVENTS
Dreams From My Father: Father’s Day Celebration. Participants will discuss what fatherhood means and share their favorite quotes or passages from President Barack Obama’s book about his father. 2-4:30 p.m. June 20, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

Butterfly House: The home to hundreds of flittery, fluttery creatures that capture hearts and imaginations is open. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, 11455 Obee Road, Whitehouse. $4.50-$6; dads get discounted admission June 20-21. (419) 877-2733.

Beer tastings: Hops for Pops. Pick out some bold brew or smooth suds for Dad’s Day. 1-4 p.m. June 20-21, The Andersons, 4701 Talmadge Road. (419) 473-3232.

Father’s Day Ice Cream Social: Attendees can get hot dogs for dads and make their own special sundaes. The event will fund a crisis account for families in difficult circumstances. 11:30 a.m. June 21, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 9144 Lewis Ave., Temperance, Mich. (734) 850-6552.

The Canal Experience: Visitors can see what an authentic 1876 canal boat was like during an hour-long cruise, then see how waterpower is used to saw logs and grind grain. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and noon-4 p.m. Saturdays through June, Kimble’s Landing, Providence Metropark, 13827 U.S. Route 24 West (at Route 578), Grand Rapids. Boat tickets: $4-$6; dads ride free on June 21.

Sunday Sampler: Dads of the Park. “From daddy long legs to crawdads, this walk will celebrate Father’s Day and the first day of summer.” Visitors can bring picnic dinners. 5-6 p.m. June 21, meet at Wildwood Preserve Metropark’s Metz Visitor Center, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

Father’s Day at TMA: A variety of events are planned for fathers and the people who love them. June 21, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> Pop Modern: A Father’s Day Celebration. “Meet the father figures” in the TMA collection on this guided tour. 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., from Libbey Court.
> Make a Father’s Day Frame: Noon-5:30, Family Center.
> Father’s Day Delight: Kids will be able to make something for their dads. 2-4 p.m., Libbey Court.
> Glassblowing demonstration: 12:30 p.m., Glass Pavilion Hot Shop.

Father’s Day Celebration and Barbecue: The zoo is “home to lots of terrific dads,” and any Pop who brings his kids gets in free. A special lunch for the old man is on the menu, too. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $8-$11 (regular zoo admission). (419) 385-5721.

Concert on the Lawn: Father’s Day. Music will waft over the grounds of the former home of Virginia Stranahan for Dad’s special day. 6th Edition will perform; kids’ activities and jazzy art projects are also planned. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. 7-8:30 p.m. June 21, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Father’s Day Barbecue Train: Take Dad for a ride while devouring Famous Dave’s All-American BBQ Feast. The additional 8-by-10 family photo and a bottle of barbecue sauce are gravy. 2-4 p.m. June 21, Blissfield depot, 301 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, Mich. $80 for Pop plus one; additional people are $16. Reservations: (888) 467-2451.

INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS
Stories Our Country Tells: Tales from the U.S.A. “will be featured, including a puppet show, movie and a participatory reader’s theater presentation.” 2-2:45 p.m. June 25, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.

Freedom Celebration: Holland will set off some fireworks during its eighth annual Fourth of July party. Entertainment will include dance groups, bands, children’s activities, concessions and a performance by the Ohio 122nd National Guard Band (8-9:30 p.m.). 4-7 p.m. June 27 (June 28 if rain), Community Homecoming Park, 7617 Angola Rd., Holland. (419) 865-0239.

TMA Family Center program: Celebrate America. Hands-on art activities for children. Noon-5:30 p.m. June 28 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 30 and July 2, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or www.toledomuseum.org.

Patriotic Poetry: Young writers can create independence-minded verse and decorate their masterpieces. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 1, Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave. (419) 259-5210.

Salute to America: Greenfield Village will “strike up the band” for its 17th annual patriotic performance, including a concert by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, fireworks and more. Picnics are welcome. 6-10 p.m. July 1-4, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $14-$22.50 (advance) or $17.50-$27; $5 parking. (313) 982-6001 or (800) 835-5237.

Celebration: A community picnic featuring brats, hot dogs and ice cream, plus live music and children’s events, will be capped off with fireworks. 5 p.m. July 3, 100 block of East Wayne Street, Maumee. (419) 893-5805.

Star-Spangled Celebration: Music, dancing and kids’ activities lead up to the show @@ fireworks at dark. 7 p.m.-midnight July 3, Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania. $5; $5 parking. (419) 882-1500.

Red, White & Kaboom fireworks/Taste of Toledo: Local cuisine will be showcased during the day, but the night will explode with pyrotechnical bursts. Also featuring Battle of the Bands performances. Noon-midnight July 3-4, Promenade and Festival parks, Water St.

Fireworks Cruises: See the pyrotechnics above and reflected below. Snacks will be provided. 6 p.m. July 4, Sandpiper, departing from the Jefferson Street dock in Promenade Park. $40. Reservations: (419) 537-1212.

Lil’ Timbers Kids Klub: Celebrate independence with crafts and personalized storage totes to keep. 1-2 p.m. July 4, Learning Express, Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. (419) 878-6255 or (419) 878-2446.

Old-Fashioned 4th of July: The day will be filled with “hand-cranked ice cream, old-fashioned games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and patriotic songs being played on the reed organ.” A naturalization ceremony will take place, too. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4, Sauder Village, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. $6.50-$12.50. (800) 590-9755.

Lake Erie Beach Treasure Hunt: Grab a map, solve the clues and perhaps treasure will be your reward. For kids ages 4-10. 5 p.m. July 4, Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center, 1400 State Park Road, Oregon. $3. (419) 836-9117.

Independence Day concert: The nation’s first presidential center will host Civil War re-enactors and the Toledo Symphony Concert Band’s concert of red-white-and-blue tunes and cannon-fire accompaniment to “The 1812 Overture.” 2-3:30 p.m. July 4, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Buckland Avenue, Fremont. (419) 332-2081, ext. 38, or (800) 998-7737.

Independence Day 1813: The 4th nearly 200 years ago at Fort Meigs was celebrated with cannons, drinking, music and a day of leisure. Re-enactors will relive the day with demonstrations, an 18-gun salute, fife-and-drum concert and encampments. Noon-5 July 4 and 9:30 p.m.-5 p.m. July 5, 29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg. $5-$9. (419) 874-4121 or (800) 283-8916.

MOSTLY FOR ADULTS
Parents should determine appropriateness for children

Super Savings Sundays: Race fans can collect dollar deals (admission, hot dogs, beer and programs) while taking in some harness action. Track opens at 11:30 a.m.; post time is 5 p.m. Sundays through June 28, 5700 Telegraph Rd. $1-$2. (419) 476-7751 or www.racewayparktoledo.com.

Creole in the Attic: New Orleans-style food, an in-house “good witch” to read fortunes, music and live crawfish will bring the feel of the Big Easy to Toledo. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 26, The Attic on Adams, 1701 Adams St. (above Manos). (419) 243-6063.

Farmers Market: Vendors of produce, flowers, jams and more will line the shopping center’s main drag. 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 29, Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. (419) 878-6255 or www.toledofarmersmarket.org.

Perrysburg Farmers Market: Locally grown plants, baked goods, garden art and gifts will be available. 3-8 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 15, Louisiana Avenue at Second Street, downtown Perrysburg. (419) 874-9147 or www.visitperrysburg.com.

Wine Tasting Saturdays: Grape groupies can try five wines, selected by Uptown Vineyard, and appetizers. 6-7 p.m., Manhattan’s, 1516 Adams St. $10. Reservations: ty@uptownvineyard.com. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com.

Wine Tastings: In the mood for something a little grape? See what’s new and tasty on The Andersons’ shelves. 1-4 p.m. Thursdays, 4701 Talmadge Road, (419) 473-3232; 5-7 p.m. Thursdays, 530 Illinois Ave., Maumee, (419) 891-2700; and 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, 3725 Williston Road, Northwood, (419) 698-8400. Nominal fees apply.

Sandpiper cruises: Take a float up or down the Maumee. Departing from the Jefferson Street dock in Promenade Park. Reservations: (419) 537-1212.
> Discover the River/picnic lunch cruises: Two-hour cruises go either down the Maumee to see the Veteran’s Glass City Skyway Bridge, port, shipyard and dry docks or up river to see riverside homes, yacht clubs, marinas and wildlife. 10 a.m. Saturdays through September; $7-$15. Picnic cruises include casual lunches catered by Superior Catering: noon Thursdays, June-September; $14-$22.
> Sunset & City Lights Cruises: “Listen to love songs while enjoying a two-hour, up-river cruise with sunset around Walbridge Park and city lights shimmering on the water.” Snacks included. 8 p.m. Sundays through September; $20.
> Friday night rides: “Two-hour up-river cruise to see beautiful homes, wildlife and marinas.” 6 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 28; $7-$15.
> Murder Mystery Cruise: A peaceful river cruise turns deadly, and police are called to investigate murders on the Maumee in this production from Random Acts. Try to solve the case during a two-hour trip, including a pasta buffet dinner. 7 p.m. June 24, $39.
> Lighthouse Cruises: A five-hour trip past the Veteran’s Glass City Skyway Bridge and the port, out into Lake Erie to see Toledo’s Harbor Lighthouse and the remains of another. Picnics welcome. 12:30 p.m. June 28, $15-$35.

Party @ the Park: Live music will be featured each Saturday all summer. Track opens at 11:30 a.m.; post time is 6 p.m. 5700 Telegraph Rd. $1-$2. (419) 476-7751 or www.racewayparktoledo.com.
> June 20: Exit Reality.
> June 27: Hoozier Daddy.
> July 4: Hot Lucy.

Beer tastings: Home of some intriguing suds, The Andersons offers hopheads a chance to try new brews. 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 4701 Talmadge Road. (419) 473-3232.
> Fifth Annual Andersons Beer Challenge: What’s the best tasting beer? Visitors can blind taste Labatt, Budweiser, Coors and Miller Genuine Draft to discover their personal favorites. June 27-28.

Bustin’ Out Berries: Toledo Farmers’ Market will celebrate strawberries, with a pie-eating contest, music from Whiskey Before Breakfast (9-11:30 a.m.), a largest locally grown berry contest and plenty of recipes. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. June 20, 525 Market St. (419) 936-3743 or www.toledofarmersmarket.org.

Give Autism the Boot: Volunteers will collect donations for the Great Lakes Center for Autism to provide “additional services, programs and support for families affected by autism.” June 20, The Town Center at Levis Commons, Interstate 475 and Route 25, Perrysburg. (419) 931-8888.

Volunteer Naturalist Training: “Nature interpretation, seasonal plant and animal cycles and Northwest Ohio natural history are topics” of monthly field studies. 1-3:30 p.m. June 20, Side Cut Metropark, Riverview area, 1025 River Road, Maumee. (419) 893-2789.

Black Gay Book Discussion Group: Readers are invited to discuss “The Messiah” by Lee Hayes. Noon-2 June 20, Downtown Latte, 44 S. St. Clair St. blackgaybookclub@ymail.com or www.myspace.com/gaybookclub.

Blood drives: The Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross will hold several drives this month. For more information or opportunities to donate, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givebloodtoday.org.
> 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 20-21, Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St.
> 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 30, Student Health and Activities Center, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg.

Mansfield Gun Show: A family-oriented sport show featuring hundreds of items related to hunting and shooting, as well as some military history items. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 20 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 21, Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 North Home Rd., Mansfield. $4. (330) 806-1110 or heritagearms@hotmail.com.

Sell It on eBay: “Learn how to sell stuff on the worldwide marketplace.” 6:30-8 p.m. June 22, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

37th Sandberg Literacy Institute: Two weeks of workshops with authors and illustrators of children’s literature, as well as educators whose work enhances the use of literature in classrooms. Presenters include James Bruchac, Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy, Wendy Halperin, Marc Tyler Nobleman and Yona McDonough. 1:30-5:15 p.m. June 22-26, UT’s Scott Park Campus Auditorium, off Parkside Blvd. $10-$30 a day, plus parking. www.utoledo.edu/education/sandberg/index.html.

Yoga on the Roof: Hour-long programs with Glass City “skyline views” for everyone from namaste newbies to practiced yogis. Noon June 24 and 7 p.m. July 14 and 21 and Aug. 12 and 19, Civic Plaza rooftop, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Registration: (419) 259-5209.

“Andrew’s Raid: The Great Locomotive Chase.” Local historian Mark Young will share the story of a group of volunteers, including men from Wood County, who undertook a dangerous mission at the height of the Civil War and were the first to be awarded the Medal of Honor. 7 p.m. June 24, Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green. $1-$4. (419) 352-0967 or museum@woodcountyhistory.org.

Friends of the Library book sale: Excess books, magazines and videotapes will be sold with prices ranging from a quarter to $1. Proceeds benefit library programs. 4-7 p.m. June 25 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 26-27, Friends of the Library Book Center, Reynolds Corners Shopping Center, Reynolds Road and Dorr Street. (419) 259-5207.

Wine Tastings: Lovers of the vine’s fruit can try varietals based on the evening’s theme. $20. 7-9:30 p.m., TMA’s Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> Santa Barbara County Wines: June 26.

Frank Roche: “Energetic and eclectic,” this comedian uses both impressions and props to entertain. Also featuring “Funniest Person in Columbus” Bill Arrundale. 8 p.m. June 26, Bitter End, Anchor Pointe Marina, 900 Anchor Point Road, Curtice. $10 (advance only). (419) 836-7044.

USS Brig Niagara tours: Critical to the British Navy’s first-ever defeat during the Battle of Lake Erie, this ship will dock in Put-in-Bay for tours (11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 26), day sails (June 26-28, $100) and, if you can afford it, the $1,250 Seamanship Sail Training Program, in which apprentices “live and work onboard ship for two to four weeks, sailing on Lake Erie to various ports of call.” Fox’s Dock, Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island. (419) 285-2832 or www.visitputinbay.com.

Ballroom Basics: The Ballroom Company from Maumee will offer a beginning lesson. 1-2 p.m. June 27, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Chess for Adults: Don’t be a pawn! Learn the names of the pieces, strategy, tactics and etiquette. 7-8:30 p.m. June 29 and July 1, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Yoga in the Garden: Inspire your practice with the serenity of nature. 6-7:15 p.m. Mondays, June 29-Aug. 3 or Aug. 10-Sept. 28, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. $85. (419) 536-5566.

Dillon House Victorian Teas: One of Fremont’s finest examples of Victorian-era architecture is the setting for a formal event that includes entertainment and presentations, such as acoustic guitarist Dave Lester. 1-3 p.m. July 1, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Buckland Avenue, Fremont. $12-$20. Reservations required: (419) 332-2081, ext. 38, or (800) 998-7737.

Creative Zone: Beginning adults can get started in a productive pastime. Supplies will be furnished. 7-8 p.m. Thursdays, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. Registration: (419) 259-5250.
> Photo album and journal, July 2.

Metroparks Seniors: Rare and Endangered Animals. “Learn about North American and Ohio endangered species and what is being done to protect them. Optional walk to follow.” For those 60 and older. 2-3:30 p.m. July 8, Ward Pavilion, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $2. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

ART & EXHIBITIONS
Toledo Museum of Art exhibitions: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> “Archaeology in the Golden Age: Toledo Explores Iraq, 1929-1932.” “A political and trading hub for more than five centuries,” Seleucia-on-the-Tigris was capital of one of Alexander the Great’s successors. The TMA was part of an excavation in the 1930s; this exhibit displays what was uncovered. Through June 28, Little Theater Gallery.
> “Juneteenth: Photography in Focus.” Local African-American photographers’ work will be displayed in “an intimate exhibition showcasing their diverse styles.” Through July 19, Community Gallery.
> Sylvania Senior Center Artist Group: These seniors “explore varied styles and subjects,” but share the enjoyment of creation. That enthusiasm is on display in this exhibition. Through July 19, Community Gallery.
> “The Spirit of Creativity”: High school students serve as curators and organizers of this exhibition of their peers’ work. Through July 19, Community Gallery.
> “Radiant Ensemble”: “The Glass Pavilion sparkles” with historical jewelry made between 1785 to 1885 from the collection of Nancy and Gilbert Levine. Through Aug. 9.
> “Prints of Pop II: The Art of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.” A collector of “ordinary things, Paolozzi used old magazines, comic strips, consumer products and advertisements” to create graphic works, “expanding on themes introduced by the Dada artists.” Through Sept. 6, Works on Paper Galleries.

Detroit Institute of Art exhibitions: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Regular admission: $4-$8; special exhibition prices include general admission. (313) 833-7900.
> “Of Life and Loss: The Polish Photographs of Roman Vishniac and Jeffrey Gusky.” Both men photographed Jews, Vishniac to raise money for humanitarian aid, Gusky to define the culture and identity. But the lapse between the efforts provides the drama of this exhibition. Through July 12.

“Three Women in the Woods: Preservation and Conservation of Ohio’s Woodlands.” Jane Rogers, Jill Sell and Barbara Krans Jenkins are working together “to help preserve beautiful and endangered” landscapes. This exhibition of photography, fine art and poetry tries to “educate and encourage others to express their own appreciation for nature and raise the level of caring for the natural world.” Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through June 28, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

Outdoor Writers Photo Show: Winning entries in the Outdoor Writers Association of America annual photography contest will be on display. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through June 28, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

“America’s National Parks: A Monumental Vision.” Clyde Butcher’s black-and-white photographs draw the viewer “into a relationship with nature, inspiring others to work to save nature’s places of spiritual sanctuary for future generations.” Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through July 4, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

Karl Mullen: This Irish painter’s works “tell a colorful story,” rich with “poetry, dreams, mythology, whisky,” love and invention. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, through June 30, Hudson Gallery, 5645 N. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 885-8381.

Doodlebug Art Camp: The Perrysburg Area Arts Council will help kids entering first to fourth grades discover the arts and their own creativity. 2-3 or 3:30-4:40 p.m. Wednesdays through July 1, Youth Activity Center, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. $3 a session. Registration: (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

“Re.Fresh”: Large-scale prints by Myra Klarman offer a peek at moments from last summer’s Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Through July 4, lobby, Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor, Mich.

“Once Amish”: Artist Greg Kempf will present a retrospective of his paintings, woodcuts and lithographs. 7-10 p.m. daily through July 5, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 244-2787.

“Terrific Teens”: Area teens have compiled oral histories and archival materials to produce this community-based exhibition that explores the lives of teenagers in northwest Ohio over the past 50 years. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, through July 18, Walter E. Terhune Gallery, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-2721 or www.owens.edu.

“The Long View”: A retrospective of work by Blade photographer Herral Long. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through July 29, second floor gallery, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

“Flowers From Rome”: Gary Bukovnik’s watercolor floral imagery is clear and refreshing. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through July 30, Paula Brown Gallery, 912 Monroe St. (419) 241-2822.

“First-Lady Style: White House Gowns.” This display “examines the role of the First Lady using fashion as a focus,” exhibiting “33 original or reproduction gowns designed for American first ladies.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, through Aug. 2, Hayes Museum, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont. (419) 332-2081, (800) 998-7737, www.rbhayes.org.

“Rock Stars’ Cars & Guitars 2″: Eye-popping cars, iconic guitars and a dizzying array of rock memorabilia, such as Billy F. Gibbons’ 1932 Ford coupe, “Eliminator”; Gene Simmons legendary axe bass; and one of Pete Townshend’s Rickenbackers, smashed to smithereens, will be on display. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Sept. 7, Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $10-$14; $5 parking. (313) 982-6001 or (800) 835-5237.

Art Hours: Would-be glass artists now can reserve spots in the TMA’s hour-long studio sessions. 2445 Monroe St. $25. Reservations start the Tuesday before the event: (419) 254-5771, ext. 7448.
> Hot glass flowers: 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 28, and 2 and 4 p.m. June 20 and 27.
> Flame-worked swizzle sticks: 7 p.m. June 26.
> Various flame-working projects: 6, 7 and 8 p.m. July 3.

TMA Tours: Get the inside scoop on what’s new, interesting and artful during docent-led tours. Most start from Libbey Court, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> Let’s Face It: Collection Portraits, 2 and 3 p.m. June 20.
> Highlights of the Collection, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. June 26; 2 and 3 p.m. June 27; 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. June 28.
> “Monkey Business”: Inside and Out. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 3; 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Aug. 30.
> Animals in Art, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. July 5.

Prizm Art-a-Fair: It’s the third year for this juried fine arts exhibition created by PRIZM Creative Community. 1-4 p.m. June 20, Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery, BGSU’s School of Art, Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster, next to the Jerome Library. (419) 372-8525.

Tiffin Art Guild Second Annual Art Festival: Art plus the “Taste of Tiffin” food fair, live music and a KidZone will be featured at this celebration of creativity. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 20, Heidelberg University, 310 E. Market St., Tiffin. (419) 443-0478 or www.tiffinartguild.org.

Nature Shoot: Summer Solstice. “Activity in nature hits a peak with the longest day of the year.” 6-9 p.m. June 22, Kitty Todd Nature Preserve, 10420 Old State Line Road, Swanton. $20. Registration: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Local glass artists: Workers in silicon-based media will be spotlighted. Drew Kowalski, blown/sculpted hot glass: 7-10 p.m. June 26, TMA, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.

Focus on Fiber Arts: Learn how a sheep’s wool is transformed into a sweater as artisans demonstrate and share their love of fiber arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 27, Sauder Village, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. $6.50-$12.50. (800) 590-9755.

44th Crosby Festival of the Arts: More than 230 artists from across the nation will display stunning works in a variety of media. Music and kids’ activities round out the artful experience. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 27 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 28, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. $7. (419) 536-5566.

Art on the Line: Community members, local artists, employees of local companies and visitors to the TMA can contribute to paintings on fabric panels made from recycled plastic bottles to create outdoor galleries this summer. Completed works will be hung on clotheslines scattered throughout the campus as the museum attempts to install more than 200 new works of art. Contribute from 7-9 p.m. Fridays, July 3-Aug. 21, in the Sculpture Garden, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.

Outdoors on the Terrace: Visitors can take part in hands-on activities inspired by works in the Sculpture Garden. 7-9 p.m., main TMA terrace, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> July 3: Deborah Butterfield’s “Second Daughter.” Use sticks and natural objects to create horses.

Open Art Day: Visitors can let their inner artists out at these demonstrations, hands-on activities and live performances. Noon-4 July 5, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. (419) 536-5566.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Whitehouse Cherry Fest: A whole bowlful of events and entertainment @@ amusement rides, car show, pit spitting and pie contests, pageants, fireworks and a parade @@ make it a cherry of a festival. 9 a.m.-midnight June 20, Whitehouse Village Park, Providence Street, Whitehouse. (419) 877-2747 or www.whitehouseohchamber.com/cherryfest.html.

Earth Day Every Day Environmental Fair: Learn to protect Mother Earth every day by reducing, reusing and recycling. 1-5 p.m. June 20, The Town Center at Levis Commons, Interstate 475 and Route 25, Perrysburg. (419) 931-8888.

Family Fun Fest: Kids (and adults) can decorate their trikes, bikes, wagons or themselves and meet at the Visitor Center at 11 a.m. for a parade to the Manor House for games, crafts and refreshments. Until 1:30 p.m. June 20, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

Viva South Mexican American Fiesta: Music will be provided by Grupo DeZeo, El Futuro, Lil T and Eddy G, and DJ Joe Cardenas; Ballet Folklorico Imagenes Mexicanas will perform; and there will be food and a children’s play area. 6 p.m.-midnight June 26 and 1 p.m.-midnight June 27, Broadway Street between Walbridge and Western avenues. $3 Saturday. (419) 241-1071.

Riverside Wine Festival: Try Ohio wines and fine foods and see entertainment, arts and crafts, displays and demonstrations. Noon-8 June 27, Riverside Park, McManness Avenue, Findlay. $20 for admission and 50 samples; designated drivers and non-imbibers, $5. (419) 422-4624 or www.artspartnership.com.

Book fair: Assistance Dogs of America, which helps individuals with disabilities by training and placing therapy dogs, will operate the “Once-Read Book Center” through June. Proceeds will be shared between that group and Read for Literacy. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; book fair, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 27-28, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Adopt-a-Thon Carnival: About 15 rescue organizations will have dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits and ferrets (maybe even a bird or two) available for adoption. Games and food will be on hand, too. Noon-5 June 28, Sylvania Veterinary Hospital, 4801 Holland-Sylvania Road, Sylvania. (419) 885-4421.

FAMILY TIME
Frogtown Froggy Museum: More than 300 amphibians are on display, as well as a “ribbit-ticklin’” activity room. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, 136 N. Summit St., Suite 1A. Donations. (419) 944-8806 or www.frogtownfroggymuseum.webs.com.

Camp Sunshine fundraiser: Tropical Smoothie Cafe is selling flip-flop signs to raise money to “send children with life-threatening illness and their families to camp for a week of rest, relaxation, medical counseling and emotional support.” Money raised locally will help families in Ohio go to the lakeside camp in Maine. Through June 30, 1385 Conant St., Maumee. $1. (419) 893-2100 or www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.

Way-Out Wednesdays: A different craft or game is planned each week. 2 p.m. through July 15, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.

Young Artists Club, Summer Edition: Kids 11 and younger are invited to show off their artistic talents. 3 p.m. every other Tuesday through July 28, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Knitwits: Learn to knit by making a washcloth; supplies provided. This Tuesday knitting club is for anyone in fourth grade and up. 2-3 p.m. through July 28. Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. Novices must register; advanced knitters can stitch along without registering. (419) 259-5307.

Reading Circle: Children who will enter second grade can practice their literacy skills. 2 p.m. daily through July 28, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. Registration: (419) 259-5390.

Grandparents Mondays: Grammy and Gramps will be admitted half-price when their grandkids tag along. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, through Aug. 25, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont. $4-$10.50. (419) 332-2081, (800) 998-7737 or www.rbhayes.org.

Saturday chess: Players 12 and younger of any skill level can practice basic moves and learn some advanced strategy. 9-11 a.m. through Aug. 29, children’s library, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

Raising Readers: Special activities and games for kids ages 2-8 will be available. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 29, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.

Fort Meigs: Historical interpreters, dressed in period attire, answer questions, offer weapon demonstrations and discuss the history of the fort and its role in the War of 1812. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through October, 29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg. $4-$8. (419) 874-4121 or (800) 283-8916.

Fossil Park @@ You’re Gonna Dig It: Visitors can hunt for and keep relics from the 375-millon-years-ago Devonian era. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 18, 5705 Centennial Road, Sylvania. (419) 882-8313.

Cre-activities: Heatherdowns Branch Library will offer teens the chance to express themselves with a variety of weeklong contests during regular hours, 1-5:30 p.m. Sundays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.
> Roll Over Beethoven: Test your knowledge of musicians. Through June 21.
> I Think I Better Dance Now: Figure out the different dance steps in this week’s puzzle. June 22-28.
> More Than Just Painting by Numbers: Figure out who created the famous works of art. June 29-July 5.
> The Joke’s on You: Figure out the punch line for each set-up. July 6-12.

Music Makers: Teens who know their musical instruments could win. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 20, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.

Unexpected Inventions: Teens can test their knowledge of “inventions that were mistakes.” 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 20, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. (419) 259-5290.

Dairy Days: Celebrate National Dairy Month with demonstrations and hands-on activities, “gaining a better understanding the role dairy played in the lives of pioneers.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 20, Sauder Village, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. $6.50-$12.50. (800) 590-9755.

Black Swamp Benefit Bazaar: This festival of Mennonite culture and tradition will feature homemade foods, handcrafted items, live entertainment, a 5K run, children’s activities, a kids’ auction and the highlight quilt and wood auction (9 a.m. Saturday). 7:30 a.m.-midafternoon June 20, Fulton County Fairgrounds, Route 108, Wauseon. (419) 337-3763 (866) 330-4765 or www.blackswampbenefit.org.

Summer Party and Pig Roast: Classic cars will be on display, Cruisin’ Zeake & his Oldies Machine will provide music, and kids’ games are planned @@ in addition to the siren call of succulent roast pig. Noon-4 June 20, Maumee Senior Center, 2430 S. Detroit Ave., Maumee. $7. (419) 893-1994 or maumeeseniorcenter.com.

Wolcott House Annual Lawn Sale: Collectibles and antiques will be available. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20, Wolcott House Museum, 1031 River Road, Maumee. (419) 893-9602 or www.wolcotthouse.org.

Paw Promenade: Those looking for new animal friends can save lives by adopting at this event, and pet questions may find their answers at the vendors fair. Furry friends are welcome. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20, Promenade Park, Water Street, downtown, west bank of the Maumee River.

Spring Pancake Breakfast: All-you-can-eat flapjacks, plus sausage and beverage. 8-11 a.m. June 20, Metroparks Hall, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $5 (benefits metroparks projects).

Magic Corner: Magician and illusionist Kenneth Ladd will amaze and astound visitors. 10:30 a.m. June 20, 121 N. Fulton St., Wauseon. Registration: (419) 335-6626.

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure: More than 2,500 bicyclists will ride through northwest Ohio, with stops in Norwalk, Elmore, Bowling Green, Defiance and Fostoria, covering more than 350 miles on their loop. Activities will take place at each base, including bike rodeos and races, games and demonstrations. Registration is closed for this year’s tour, but enthusiasts can cheer on the pedalers at each stop and check out www.goba.com to dream about and plan for the 2010 excursion.
> June 20 and 27, Huron County Fairgrounds, Norwalk.
> June 21-22, Woodmore High School, Elmore.
> June 23, Wood County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green.
> June 24-25, Defiance College.
> June 26, Fostoria High School.

Expressions & Explorations: Teens have a chance to win in these weekly contests at Holland Branch Library. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturday, 1032 S. McCord Road, Holland. (419) 259-5240.
> Express your artistic side: Match paintings to the artists’ portraits. June 20.
> Express your detecting side: Find tiny objects hidden in a bottle of rice. June 22-27.
> Express your literary side: See if you can decipher the titles of teen books. June 29-July 3.
> Express your musical side: Identify singers from song lyrics. July 6-11.

Match games: Fifth-graders to high school seniors can participate in Birmingham Branch Library’s series of games, held during regular hours, and win prizes. Noon-9 Mondays-Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 203 Paine Ave. (419) 259-5210.
> Masterpiece Matchup: Match the artist with his or her work. June 20.
> Unmask the Superhero: Link the superhero to the actor who portrayed him or her. June 22-27.
> Salty Snack Match: Identify the sodium-loaded snacks. June 29-July 3.
> I-Spy Masterpiece: Identify all the pieces of art in a bottle. July 6-11.

Plane Fun 2009: “Antique, classic and warbird aircraft” will be on display. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 20-21, Toledo Metcalf Field, 28329 Lemoyne Road, Millbury. (419) 466-7908.

Fisher-Price Little People Live Tour: Costumed characters will get kids’ help in “solving a mystery before a birthday celebration can begin.” 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. June 20-21, Toledo Zoo amphitheatre, 2700 Broadway. $8-$11 (regular zoo admission). (419) 385-5721.

TMA Family Center programs: Hands-on art activities for children. Noon-5:30 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or www.toledomuseum.org.
> Make a Father’s Day Frame, June 21, 23 and 25, Family Center.
> Celebrate America, June 28 and 30 and July 2.
> Make an Animal, July 5, 7 and 9.

Today’s Teens: Poet and performer C.C. Ardrey will lead a discussion about current issues. Participants will be able “to read their own poetry or favorites by others.” 3-4 p.m. June 22, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Name That Ohio Artist: Teens can learn about the Buckeye State’s “wealth of artists” and win prizes. 2-3 p.m. June 22, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

Shrinky Dinks: “Make a keychain or pendant with this retro art form.” 7 p.m. June 22, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. (419) 259-5250.

Skin Essentials and You: Erica Stefanski will relate tips for young adults. 7 p.m. June 22, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. Registration: (419) 878-3055.

Go Green with Brown: Teens and tweens can turn brown paper bags into woven boxes to keep desk detritus cleaned up. 2-3 p.m. June 22, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Creative Avatars: Each icon posted earns teens a chance to win prizes. Noon-9 June 22-23 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 24-27, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.

Name that TV Tune: “See how many theme songs you can name and enter to win a drawing.” 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 22-27, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. (419) 259-5390.

“A Day With No Crayons”: Enchanted Entertainers will tell this tale of about a girl whose world goes gray when her preferred artistic tools are taken away.
> 2-2:45 p.m. June 22, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. (419) 259-5250.
> 2-2:45 p.m. June 23, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2089.
> 10:30 a.m. July 7, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. (419) 259-5290.

Clownin’ Around: “Balloon animals, stories, silliness” and, of course, clowns “will abound.”
> 2-3 p.m. June 22, Norwich Apartments, 5084 Norwich Rd. (419) 259-5315.
> 10-11 a.m. June 23, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1702 Upton Ave. (419) 259-5315.
> 2-2:45 p.m. June 24, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Lend an Ear: Storyteller Adisa Ababa tells tales that get the audience dancing.
> 6-7 p.m. June 22, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.
> 10:30-11:30 a.m. June 29, Summit YMCA, 1500 N. Superior St. (419) 259-5315.
> 2-3 p.m. June 29, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.

Yo-Yo Fun: National champion Robb Kitts will perform yo-yo tricks “from easy to complicated.” Visitors can enter a yo-yo drawing.
> 7-7:45 p.m. June 23, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Sign of the Times: “Miss Jennifer from Toledo Hearing and Speech, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center will teach basics of sign language.” 1-2 p.m. June 23, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

Sand Art: Can’t make it to the beach? Get some sand with this project. 10:30 a.m. June 23, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Artist Trading Cards: These cards are “miniature masterpieces” made to be traded with friends and family and share your talents. 2 p.m. June 23, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. Registration: (419) 259-5360.

Reach for the Stars! Youngsters will stretch their “bodies and minds.”
> 7-8 p.m. June 23, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5295
> 1-2 p.m. June 30, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

“Jack in the Sky Place”: Joyce Davis will use her puppets to tell the story of a farmer with animals that disappear and his “quest to reclaim them.”
> 2 p.m. June 23, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.
> 1:30 p.m. June 24, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.
> 3 p.m. June 25, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. (419) 259-5330.

Just Bead It: Students can learn how to make a memory wire or ankle bracelet or a pony bead necklace. 4-7 p.m. June 24, Wauseon Public Library children’s area, 117 E. Elm St., Wauseon. Registration: (419) 335-6626.

Wacky Wednesdays: A random activity @@ games, books, crafts or movies @@ will be offered. 3-4:30 p.m. June 24 and July 1, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Kindred Spirits: “A costumed schoolmarm will lead lessons, teach manners, introduce games at recess, instruct girls in sewing a doll and help boys build a wooden toy. The day will conclude with hand-cranking ice cream.” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 24, Oak Grove School, Wildwood Preserve Metropark’s east entrance, 5100 W. Central Ave. $7. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Artistically Creative: Art supplies will be on hand for youngsters who want to show off their skills. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 24, Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave. (419) 259-5210.

Cold Creations: Cool off by making snowflakes and ice cream. 2 p.m. June 24, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. Registration: (419) 259-5390.

Dance, Dance, Dance: The Ballet Theatre of Toledo will discuss their work and help visitors with a related craft. 2 p.m. June 24, Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Road, Holland. Registration: (419) 259-5240.

Cool Dance Party: “Wear your rock-star gear and groove to the latest dance steps.” 2-3 p.m. June 24, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. Registration: (419) 878-3055.

Rings and Things: “Aspiring teen jewelry designer Chelsea D will offer instruction on the basics of jewelry making.” 3-4 p.m. June 24, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. Registration: (419) 259-5330.

Creative Paper Making: Melinda Lesniewicz from Keep Toledo-Lucas County Beautiful will demonstrate how to make writing material from recycled papers.
> 3-4 p.m. June 24, Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. Registration: (419) 259-5280.
> 2 p.m. June 30, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.

Teen Iron Chef: “Whose snack will reign supreme?” Ingredients will be supplied. 3-4 p.m. June 25, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Teen Time Gaming: Youths can play video games on the big screen or old-school board games. 3-5 p.m. June 25, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

Those Incredible, Edible Bugs: “Jamie Kochensparger of the Lucas County Soil & Water Conservation District will” divulge which bugs are edible and demonstrate preparing them. 3-4 p.m. June 25, Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. (419) 259-5280.

The Art of Books: The TMA will present a workshop teaching kids 5-10 how to use oil pastels, crayons and ink to create book covers that will be displayed in the museum’s Community Gallery. 1:30 p.m. June 25, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Registration: (419) 259-5231

“The Wizard of Oz”: Steven’s Puppets will perform this tale of being lost and finding one’s strengths. 11 a.m.-noon and 1:30-2:30 p.m. June 25, Youth Activity Center, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. Registration: (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

Rickrolling Cafe: Teens will surf the Web for interesting content, then share what they find. 2-3 p.m. June 25, Huntington Meeting Room, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

Wilson Lake and the Rock Bass: An interactive musical experience that takes listeners on a toe-tapping adventure about growing up at a Michigan cottage.
> 3 p.m. June 25, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.
> 2-2:45 p.m. July 6, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon.

Lupine Seed Collecting Day: “Participants will harvest seeds from lupine plants, crucial to the survival of the Karner blue butterfly.” 10-11:30 a.m. June 26, Mallard Lake, Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Road off Route 2, Swanton. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Women in Astronomy: This program “points out the rich history of women in this scientific field and looks at their many important discoveries.” 8:30 p.m. June 26, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $4-$5. (419) 530-4037 or (419) 530-2650.

St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Festival: A white elephant sale and chicken dinner are part of the festivities, which also include performances by Rodney Parker and Liberty Beach (Friday), Empire Drift (Saturday) and Aaron Wardle (Sunday). 6 p.m.-midnight June 26, 2 p.m.-midnight June 27 and noon-6 June 28, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 381-1540 or www.toledostpats.org.

Summer Reading Challenge: Participants can square off in this game-show style trivia contest about classic summer reading titles. 2 p.m. June 27, Borders, 5001 Monroe St. (419) 474-3704.

Pink Ribbon Horse Race: Entry fees in this race will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 4 p.m. June 27, Wood County Fairgrounds, Brim and West Poe roads, Bowling Green. $2. (419) 559-3842 or (419) 724-2873.

Eco Hikers: Nature lovers ages 6-12 “will learn about the ecological and historical importance of the Metroparks through games, activities and hands-on exploration.” 1-2:30 p.m. June 27, Farnsworth Metropark, Roche de Bout parking lot, 8505 S. River Road (U.S. Route 24), Waterville. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Sunday Samplers: Visitors can bring picnic dinners and try a different experience each week. 5-6 p.m. (unless noted), meet at Wildwood Preserve Metropark’s Visitor Center, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.
> Music in the Courtyard: Listen, sing along or bring acoustic instruments to fill Wildwood’s courtyard with song. June 28.
> Estate tours: Explore the horse stables, pool cabanas and limousine garage at the former Stranahan estate. Until 6:30 p.m. July 5.

Teen Yoga: Learn “poses that are inspiring, invigorating and calming and be led through meditations that promote relaxation,” awareness and imagination. 4:30-5:30 p.m. June 29, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Razzle Dazzle Kaleidoscope: Teens will make their own kaleidoscopes. 2 p.m. June 29, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. Registration: (419) 878-3055.

Assistance Dogs of America: Learn what these canines do for people. 2-2:45 p.m. June 29, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon.

Got Drama: Bowling Green State University graduate Julie Sneider will present an acting workshop, and participants can design and decorate comedy/tragedy masks. 2-3 p.m. June 29, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Creative Dance: Land of a thousand dances? If teens can recognize some, they may win. Noon-9 June 29-30 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 1-3, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.

Make n’ Take Bookmarks: Readers 18 and younger can create bookmarks for their summer reading. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. June 29-30 and 9 a.m.-5:30 July 1-3, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

Grab ‘n’ Go: Teens can stop in and “grab packets of games, puzzles and mazes for long holiday car rides.” 9 a.m.-9 p.m. June 29-July 2 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 3, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. (419) 259-5360.

How Many Jolly Ranchers? Guess the number of candies in the jar. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 29-July 3, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. (419) 259-5250.

Mini Tote Bags: Teens will decorate their own small canvas bags. Supplies will be provided.
> 2-3 p.m. June 29, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.
> 2-3 p.m. July 2, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. Registration: (419) 259-5390.

Energy Savers: Amy Carles from the Office of Ohio Consumers’ Counsel will explain “how to save energy at home.” 7-8 p.m. June 30, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5295.

Create an Ice Cream Treat: Kids 11 and younger will make their own tasty treats in honor of Dairy Month. 2 p.m. June 30, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. Registration: (419) 259-5360.

It’s Potty Party Time: “An informative, fun party for babies and their families” that will feature “songs, books, a ‘poop-it’ show” and more. 2:30 p.m. June 30, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Puppets on Parade: Librarians and their felt friends will tell stories and lead songs to “celebrate the start of the summer reading club.” (419) 259-5315.
> 2-2:45 p.m. June 30, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2089.

Ragtime Rigadoon: “John Cleveland will have the whole family making music.” 7-7:45 p.m. June 30, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Printmaking for Kids: Using “unusual techniques,” young ones will create “colorful, exciting prints.” 10:30 a.m. June 30, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. (419) 259-5290.

Moon Jar Savings Program: This program is a first step in teaching young children about money; they will learn to save using their very own banks.
> 3-4 p.m. June 30, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. Registration: (419) 259-5283.
> 2 p.m. July 1, Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Road, Holland. Registration: (419) 259-5240.
> 3 p.m. July 2, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. Registration: (419) 259-5330.
> 7-8 p.m. July 7, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5295.

Toddler Trails: Children 18 months to 3 years old and their adults can go on outdoor nature adventures. 10-11 a.m. July 1, Metz Visitor Center, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Create Your Own Keychain: Kids can draw their favorite cartoons or action figures on plastic and watch them transform. 3-4 p.m. July 1, Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. Registration: (419) 259-5280.

Ohio Roots Match Game: Match the famous Ohioans with their hometowns. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 1, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. (419) 259-5330.

A Cornucopia of Crafts: Wiggly eyes, craft sticks, pipe cleaners and foamies are just waiting for creative kids to design their masterpieces. 2-4 p.m. July 1, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. Registration: (419) 878-3055.

Nature’s Nursery: Learn how injured and orphaned wild animals get the help they need. 2 p.m. July 1, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. Registration: (419) 259-5390.

Chalk It Up: Artists can spruce up the library sidewalks with this ephemeral medium. 2-3 p.m. July 1, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. (419) 259-5370.

Kempo Martial Arts: Karate will provide teen participants a unique forum for self-expression through a disciplined venue. 2-2:45 p.m. July 1, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Game Championship: The ultimate players of board and card games will be crowned in this event for youths 12 and older. 3-4 p.m. July 2, Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. (419) 259-5280.

Bead Bookmarks: Cord, beads and charms will be used to make these markers. 3-4 p.m. July 2, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. (419) 259-5290.

Sea Creatures: Kids will be able to make their own briny friends to take home. 3 p.m. July 2, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.

A Woodland Pond Study: Find out which different species make their homes in and around our lakes during an under-the-surface and in-the-muck pond exploration. 1-2 p.m. July 5, Buehner Center porch, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Road off Route 2, Swanton. (419) 826-6463.

Craft Potluck: “Leftover” crafts from previous programs will be featured. 2-3 p.m. July 6, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.

Teens Cast Your Vote for Pizza: Teens can elect the king of area pizzerias. 2 p.m. July 6, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. Registration: (419) 878-3055.

Remember It Bracelet: Materials will be provided to created this souvenir. 7 p.m. July 6, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. (419) 259-5250.

Fun With Food: Kids 4-7 can learn nifty tricks with edibles, including cooking, crafts and experiments. 9:30-10:15 a.m. July 6-9, Crestwood Elementary School, 111 Crestwood Dr., Swanton. $15-$85. (419) 826-7085.

Around the World In Four Days: Kids 7-10 will board “Swanton Airlines” for a whirlwind tour of four countries. Mugshots are required for “passports.” 10:30-11:15 a.m. July 6-9, Crestwood Elementary School, 111 Crestwood Dr., Swanton. $15-$85. (419) 826-7085.

Quotable Movie Quotes: The teen who can identify the most movie quotes will win two movie tickets. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 6-10, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. (419) 259-5390.

Artists: Teenage art aficionados can win if they know who did which work. Noon-9 July 6-7 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 8-11, South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway. (419) 259-5395.

She Wrote It Match-Up: Pair each female author with her work. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 6-9 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 10-11, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. (419) 259-5290.

Body Art: Teens can learn the origin of henna and other temporary body art, and get designs of their own.
> 2-3 p.m. July 6, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. Registration: (419) 259-5230.
> 4-6 p.m. July 6, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

In the Park After Dark: Glimpse nature at night by the light of the full moon on this guided exploration. 9:30-10:30 p.m. July 7, Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, Airport Highway Airport Highway parking lot. $5. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Afternoon at the Movies: Kids 8 and younger can enjoy Beverly Cleary’s “Mouse and the Motorcycle.” 2-2:45 p.m. July 7, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2089.

Resume 101: What will make your resume stand out? Learn the basics about format and content. 7-8:45 p.m. July 7, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Registration: (419) 259-5209.

“Jack in the Sky Place”: Joyce Davis will use her puppets to tell the story of a farmer with animals that mysteriously disappear and his quest to reclaim them.
> 2 p.m. July 7, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. (419) 259-5360.
> 6:30 p.m. July 7, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

Sweet: Kids could win prizes in this contest to guess the number of candies in a jar. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 7 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 8-11, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Family Center Gallery Tours: These tours are coordinated with an art project to be completed in the center. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, TMA, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> July 7 and 9: Animals in Art.

MOVIES
“Kung Fu Panda”: Po’s dreams of becoming a martial arts master are put to the test when he is chosen to study alongside his idols.
> 2-4 p.m. June 22, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.
> 2-3:30 p.m. July 6, Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

Silver Screen Classics: Classic movies at classic prices. 1 p.m. Mondays, Showcase Cinemas Levis Commons, 2005 Hollenbeck Dr., Perrysburg. $2. (419) 891-5039.
> “Little Princess,” June 22.
> “A Farewell to Arms,” June 29.
> “Eternally Yours,” July 6.

Movie Madness: Visitors bring the sodas, the popcorn’s provided at this series of G-rated Disney flicks. 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. (419) 259-5360.
> “The Absent-Minded Professor,” June 22.
> “Old Yeller,” June 29.
> “Blackbeard’s Ghost,” July 6.

“Wall-E”: After decades alone, a trash-collecting robot finds love after another robot is sent to see if Earth is safe again for human life.
> 6:30 p.m. June 25, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. (419) 259-5360.
> 1:30 p.m. July 1, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.
> 1-2:30 p.m. July 7, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

“Tale of Despereaux”: See this movie, based on the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo, about a mouse, rat and princess … and soup.
> 6:30 p.m. June 25, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. Registration: (419) 259-5390.
> 2 p.m. July 2, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.

Saturday matinees: Locke Branch Library will screen movies on its big screen. Noon June 27, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

“The Bad News Bears”: A has-been (Walter Matthau) coaches a ragtag team of misfits to little league glory. 2 p.m. June 28, Ritz Theatre, 20 S. Washington St., Tiffin. $3. (419) 448-8544.

MUSIC
Blarney Irish Pub: Catch local acts while taking in the pub’s modern Irish and American fare. 601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www.theblarneyirishpub.com.
> Kentucky Chrome, June 20.
> David Lester: June 25.
> 2 Dudes & a Chick: July 26.
> Chris Shutters Band: June 27.
> Empire Drift: July 3.
> Coyote Run: 7:30 p.m. July 4.

Bronze Boar: Be sure to check out this Warehouse District tavern’s namesake, overhead near the entrance. 20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www.bronzeboar.com.
> Bush League: June 20.
> River Edge: June 25.
> Dave Carpenter, Jaeglers: June 26.
> Stonehouse: June 27.
> Joe Wood Band: July 2.
> Polka Floyd: July 3.
> Dave Carpenter, Jaeglers: July 4.

Fat Fish Blue: Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayou-style grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474.
> Anthony Gomes & the New Soul Cowboys: 9 p.m. June 20, $10.
> East River Drive: 9:30 p.m. June 26.
> Tom Turner & Slow Burn: 8:30 p.m. June 27, $2.
> Arctic Clam: 9:30 p.m. July 3, $2.

Frankie’s: Toledo’s venue for rock. 308 Main St. (419) 693-5300 or www.FrankiesInnerCity.com.
> Let’s Get It; I Am Abomination; an Officer & a Gentleman; I, Monarch; the City Circles: 4 p.m. June 20, $8-$10.
> Great Lakes Crew, C-Fifth, Justin Kelly: 9 p.m. June 20, $5-$7.
> O Pioneers, Bridge and Tunnel, Unsinkable Molly Brown, Ten Bars North, Come On! 8 p.m. June 21, basement; $8-$10.
> Enon, AM Error, D. Rider, WEe: 9 p.m. June 21, $8-$10.
> Cheap Girls, Infernal Names: 9 p.m. June 22, $5-$7.
> Highland, Always Falling, the Alumni Club, Lights Out, First Kiss Denial: 6:30 p.m. June 24.
> Big Livy, the Unknown, Light Weight Slams: 9 p.m. June 25, $5-$7.
> Settle the Sky, Outrun the Gun, Versus the Ocean, Death Upon Her: 4 p.m. June 26, $8-$10.
> Dying to Know, the Comeback, Ugly Tribe Revival, From the Depths: 9 p.m. June 26, $5-$7.
> The Germs, Krum Bums, the Red Scare: 8 p.m. June 27, $14-$16.
> Kill Whitney Dead, the Demonstration, Wretched, In the Hands of a Nihilist, Banner of the Sun, Hour of Victory, Death Upon Her: 6 p.m. June 28, $8-$10.
> Phantogram, Radio Broadcast: 9 p.m. June 29, $6-$8.
> T-Town Tuesday: Infernal Names, Black Horse, Floral Terrace, Goot, the In Crowd. 9 p.m. June 30, $2-$4.
> Nico Vega, the Secret Stones, the Elements: 9 p.m. July 1, $8-$10.
> Inept, Artifex Pereo, Lost at Sea: 9 p.m. July 2, $6-$8.
> Locrian, Hivemind, Needlehammer: 9 p.m. July 2, basement, $5.
> The Highgears, Los Viking Del Muerto: 9 p.m. July 3, $5-$7.
> T-Town Tuesday: Infernal Names, Rocketboys, Dear Future. 9 p.m. July 7, $2-$4.

Headliners: All ages, all genres are welcome. 4500 N. Detroit Ave. (419) 269-4500 or www.headlinerstoledo.com.
> Silverstein, Poison the Well, the Sleeping, Oceano: 7 p.m. June 23, $12-$15.
> Combichrist, Julien K, Aesthetic Perfection, Dismantled: 7 p.m. June 25, $16-$19.
> Family Force 5, Spoken, Southbound Fearing, Honest Abulic Intentions: 6 p.m. June 30, $13-$15.

Manhattan’s: This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City provides entertainment most weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com.
> Quickness: June 20.
> Tom & Kyle Turner: June 25.
> Eric Brazier & the Truth: June 26.
> Frostbite: June 27.
> Quartet Bernadette: 5:30 p.m. July 1.
> Quick Trio: July 2.
> Dick Lange Trio: July 3.

Mickey Finn’s: A variety of genres to wash your drinks down with. Open mic nights (no cover), 8 p.m. Wednesdays. 9 p.m., 602 Lagrange Street at North Huron Street. $5-$7 cover. (419) 297-1943.
> Resident Soul, Mouths of Dogs: June 20.
> The Falling Spikes, Stretch Lefty: June 25.
> Band Called Catch: June 26.
> Amherst, Mellow Down Easy: June 27.

Murphy’s Place: Jazz @@ straight, smooth, bebop or traditional @@ all kinds are played here. 151 Water St. (419) 241-7732 or www.murphysplacejazz.com.
> Art Tatum 100th Birthday Party featuring Johnny O’Neal, John Hendricks, Ernie Krivda, Romona Collins, Dominick Farinacci: 2 p.m. June 20.
> Clifford Murphy and Claude Black: 8 p.m. 22-23 and 29-30, $4.
> Anna Givens: 9 p.m. June 26, $6.
> Glenda McFarlin: 9 p.m. June 27, $6.
> Anna Givens: 9 p.m. July 3, $4
> Fireworks, plus Clifford Murphy and Claude Black: open at 5 p.m. July 4.

Omni: Toledo’s newest club is a venue for music (and music lovers) of all types. 2567 W. Bancroft St. (419) 474-1333.
> Thunderstruck (AC/DC tribute), Standard Addiction: 7:30 p.m. June 26, $7.

Ottawa Tavern: Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com.
> Chris Shutters: June 24.
> Jason Quick: June 25.
> Gregg Aranda: July 2.
> Andrew Ellis & the Setting Son: July 3.
> Crucial 420: July 4.

Ragtime Rick’s Second Edition: The tavern/restaurant devoted to jazz and ragtime has reopened in a new location and rededicated itself to music and fun. 301 River Road, Maumee. (419) 389-0956.
> Gene Parker & the Jazz Trio: 8:30-11:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
> Ragtime Rick & Wes Linenkugel: 8:30-11:30 p.m. Thursdays.
> The Cake Walkin Jass Band: 8:30 p.m.-midnight Fridays.
> Ragtime Rick & Banjo Betsy: 8:30 p.m.-midnight Saturdays.

Brown Bag Lunch Concerts: Noon’s noshes get better with serenades from local musicians. Noon-1:30 Wednesdays through July 29, Woodland Park, 429 E. Boundary St., Perrysburg. (419) 873-2787 or www.perrysburgarts.org.

Bluegrass concerts: Local musicians will bring the sounds of the South to life. 5-10 p.m. Thursdays through July 30, Conn-Weissenberger American Legion Post 587, 2020 W. Alexis Road. (419) 471-0587.

Courtyard Concerts: Beats are paired with eats for this music series: each day’s music features food from a specific eatery. 1:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 4, Latham Courtyard, South Main and East Sandusky streets, Findlay.
> Jeff Tucker/Main Street Deli: June 23.
> One Way Out Band/Katie’s Kids Cafe: July 7.

Brown Bag Concerts: “Grab a blanket or lawn chair, your favorite co-workers” and munchies for free lunchtime tunes. 12:15-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 5, Toledo-Lucas County Main Library north lawn, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5209.
> Tom Turner and Slow Burn (blues, jazz, R&B): June 24.
> Steve Jad (acoustic folk): July 1.

Music in the Park: This summer concert series brings melodies to park-goers. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 7, Commodore Square, Louisiana and Indiana streets, Perrysburg. (419) 873-2787 or www.perrysburgarts.org.

Lunch at Levis Square concert series: Eat to the beat while taking in free lunchtime entertainment. Noon-1:30 Thursdays through Aug. 27, Levis Square, Madison Avenue and North St. Clair Street. (419) 249-5494.

Summer concert series: Music lovers are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, friends and family for live tunes. 6-8 p.m. Saturdays, Lake District amphitheater, Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. (419) 878-6255 or www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com.
> June 20: Resonant Soul.
> June 27: Kerry Clark Band.
> July 4: Good Stuff Maynard.

Life is a Cabaret IV: The Perrysburg Symphony Chorale’s annual fundraising event offers food, a silent auction and entertainment. 7 p.m. June 20, Toledo Hilton 3100 Club, 3100 Glendale Ave. $50-$90 (a portion is tax-deductible). (419) 874-9126 or www.perrysburgsymphonychorale.org.

Sunset Serenades: Kerry Patric Clark. Take in sweet sounds as the sun sets over Lake Olander. 7 p.m.-dusk June 24, Nederhouser Community Hall deck, Olander Park, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. $3 a car; or park at Tam-O-Shanter, 7060 Sylvania Ave. (419) 882-8313.

Verandah Concerts: Fostoria Community Band. The presidential porch of Rutherford B. Hayes becomes the stage for free outdoor concerts. 6:45-8 p.m. June 24, Hayes Presidential Center, Buckland Avenue, Fremont. (419) 332-2081, ext. 38, or (800) 998-7737.

Glassmen All-Star Review: This annual drum-and-bugle corps competition kicks the Glassmen’s national summer tour. 7:30 p.m. June 25, UT’s Glass Bowl Stadium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. (419) 698-9775 or glassmen.org.

American Harp Society Day Ensemble concert: “Harp Week” participants will perform in this 12th annual concert directed by Denise Grupp-Verbon and Nancy Lendrim. 7 p.m. June 26, TMA’s Great Gallery, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.

Summer Disco Party Under the Stars: Hustle on down to help Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio. 7 p.m.-midnight June 26, Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania. $25-$30; 21 and older only. (419) 882-1500.

Hamler Country Music Fest: Some of country’s hottest up-and-comers and established acts are scheduled to perform, including Shilo, Rhett Akins, Clay Underwood, Shenandoah and Tony Rio. 2 p.m. June 26-27, Hamler Community Park, Route 109, Hamler. $20-$35. hamlersummerfest.com or www.countryfest2009.com.

Dave Koz and Brian Culbertson: These jazz masters will be performing side by side, collaborating on each other’s hits. 7 p.m. June 28, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $35-$75. (419) 242-2787.

Voice Workshop: Kids ages 7-11 will receive instruction on the correct way to sing, learn new songs and get audition tips. 9:30-11 a.m. June 29-July 2, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $32. Registration: (419) 861-4618 or pianoadventures@buckeye-express.com.

Back in the Day Summer Soul Jam: Midnight Star, Al Hudson and One Way will make the season smooth. 7:30 p.m. July 3, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $25-$45. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 381-8851 or ticketmaster.com.

Club Friday: Some of the city’s most talented performers entertain museum-goers during TMA’s It’s Friday events. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Peristyle Terrace, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.
> July 3: Hep Cat Revival (swing).

Vivace Tutti String Camp: Young musicians who have completed a year of training can attend this camp that will conclude with a gala concert. 9 a.m.-noon July 6-10, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $65. Registration: vivacestringcamps@sbcglobal.net or (419) 874-4174.

Vivace Camerata String Camp: High school musicians can attend this camp that will conclude with a gala concert. 1-4 p.m. July 6-10, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $65. Registration: vivacestringcamps@sbcglobal.net or (419) 874-4174.

SPORT
Happy Trails 5K Race/Walk: In its fifth year, this 5K running/walking event will have a new route. 9 a.m.-noon June 20, starts at Metroparks Hall, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $18; $24 after June 14. Registration: (419) 535-3056.

Maumee River Canoe Float: Explore the scenic Maumee River from its surface. 1-3 p.m. June 20. $10. Call for location details, restrictions and reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Express Girls Summer Slam Individual Basketball Camp: Area players ages 8- 15 can learn more about the fundamentals from Owens women’s basketball program members. 8 a.m.-noon June 21-25, Student Health and Activities Center, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-7941 or (800) 466-9367, ext. 7941.

UT athletics summer camps: Clinics are offered for a variety of sports. Volleyball: Tentative dates start June 22. (419) 530-2534. For more information about dates and availability, visit tinyurl.com/ccjecm.

Ohio Amputee Center Walking and Running Clinic: This clinic is “designed to enhance the control of prostheses” and will feature “an array of stretching and exercise activities.” 4-6 p.m. June 23, Student Health and Activities Center, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (419) 872-7336.

Team Basketball Shootout: Area high school varsity girls basketball teams interested in competing against some of the best in the region are invited to participate in this two-day Express Girls Summer Slam event. 8 a.m. June 26 and 9 a.m. June 27, Student Health and Activities Center, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-7941 or (800) 466-9367, ext. 7941.

Audubon Island Canoe Excursions: Make the most of a rare opportunity to visit an island nature preserve. A leisurely evening on the river should provide some great wildlife viewing; binoculars are welcome. 6:30-8 p.m. July 30 and Aug. 27, Side Cut Metropark, Riverview parking lot, 1025 River Road, Maumee. $10. Call for restrictions and reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic: No. 1 player in the world Lorena Ochoa, defending champion Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie, will compete in the 25th annual event. The first round starts July 2. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. June 29-30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. July 1-3, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 5, Highland Meadows Golf Club, 7455 Erie St., Sylvania. $15 weekdays, $20 weekend, $50 ground badges. (419) 531-3277 or www.jamiefarrowenscorning.com.

Varsity Developmental Soccer Academy: Fifth- through ninth-graders can get their kicks with experienced coaches who will prepare younger players for varsity play through focus on “technical and tactical aspects” of the game. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 13-17, Erme Soccer Complex, 5560 Harvest Lane. $100. Registration: (419) 380-8211 or www.varsitydevelopmental.com.

STAGE
Connxtions Comedy Club: Comedians bring their best yuks for your amusement. 5319 Heatherdowns Blvd. $12-$14. (unless noted otherwise). (419) 867-9041.
> Mike Armstrong: 8 and 10 p.m. June 20.
> Scott Long: 8 p.m. June 25-27 and 10 p.m. June 26-27.

Funny Bone: 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. $12-$14, unless noted otherwise. (419) 931-3474.
> Vince Morris: 7 and 10 p.m. June 20.
> The Men of Fat Fish Blue: 8 p.m. June 24, $10.
> John Morgan: 7 p.m. June 25 and 27-28; 8 and 10:30 p.m. June 26; and 10 p.m. June 27.
> James Sibley: 7 p.m. July 2 and 5; 8 and 10:30 p.m. July 3; and 9 p.m. July 4.

“All Shook Up”: “Inspired by the songs of Elvis Presley.” 8 p.m. June 20 and 2:30 p.m. June 21, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. $5-$24. (419) 243-9277.

Shakespeare at Sunset: Outdoor performances of the Bard’s “All’s Well That Ends Well,” a comedy about a wife’s attempts to win her husband’s love, will be staged by the Glacity Theatre Collective. 7 p.m. June 20 and 26 and 2 p.m. June 21 and 28, Alida Ashley (Outdoor) Amphitheatre, Maumee Valley Country Day School, 1715 S. Reynolds Road; 7 p.m. June 27, Millennium Theatre (rain location), also at Maumee Valley Country Day School. $15; $50 includes post-show troupe benefit on June 21. (419) 530-2254 or glacity.tix.com.

“Mamma Mia”: The music of ABBA is turned into a musical about a young girl hoping to discover who, among a trio of men, is her father before her wedding takes place. 2 and 8 p.m. June 20 and 2 p.m. June 21, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $22-$58. (419) 381-8851.

“The Producers”: “A conniving Broadway backer and a neurotic accountant discover they could make more off a flop than a hit,” so “Springtime for Hitler” hits the boards. 8 p.m. June 20 and 25-27 and 3 p.m. June 21 and 28, Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, Mich. $24-$28. (517) 264-7469.

“Unequally Yoked”: A church woman is torn between her longtime beau, who seems stuck in a no-hurry rut, and her attraction to a nightclub owner who may not share her beliefs. 7 p.m. June 21, Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $20. (206) 600-6288 or gospelplay.net.

Positive Force: This dance troupe will present its summer recitals. 6 p.m. June 20 and 2 p.m. June 21, Owens Community College, Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-2787 or (800) 466-9367, ext. 2787.

WHEEL FUN
Murder Mystery Dinner Train: Two brothers fight over control of their father’s newspaper after his death in “Headline: Deadline.” 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Blissfield Old Road Dinner Train’s depot, 301 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, Mich. $70. (888) 467-2451.

Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum: Board the Bluebird for a trip through time on the Nickel-Plate Railroad. 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays and holidays and 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays through August, 49 N. Sixth St., Waterville. $7.50-$11. (419) 878-2177 or www.tlew.org.

Train rides: Visitors can hop a ride on the rails, via a train with diesel engine 101, 5-8 p.m. Saturdays; or steam engine 901, 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 6, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 11600 County Road 99, Findlay. $1. (419) 423-2995 or www.nworrp.org.

Pop’s Cruise-In: Auto enthusiasts are welcome to admire or enter this weekly car show. Prizes and music come standard. 6-8 p.m. Mondays, The Andersons, 3725 Williston Road, Northwood. Register at Rick’s Cafe in the parking lot. (419) 698-8400.

Tractors, Tractors, Tractors: Celebrate modern farming while getting up close with some big farming machines and learn more about modern farming. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 20, Sauder Village, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. $6.50-$12.50. (800) 590-9755.

Motor Muster: Everything from fire engines to Porsches will be on display. Music, historic baseball, activities and more are planned, including a lecture: “The Business of Speed: The Hot Rod Industry in America,” at 1 p.m. June 20. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. June 20 and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21, Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $16-$22; $5 parking. (313) 982-6001 or (800) 835-5237.

Bike to the Bay: Riders can choose from four routes (35 to 200 miles) and up to two days of riding for this event to support the National MS Society. 7 a.m. June 27-5 p.m. June 28 from Maumee to Port Clinton. (419) 897-9533 or www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/OHO/index.aspx.

Portage River Festival: Antique cars, trucks and tractors, as well as model railroad displays, will be on display; food, music, crafts and more are in store, too. June 28, Ory Park, Rice Street, Elmore. (419) 862-3552 or www.villageofelmore.com.

Portage River Bicycle Tour: Bicyclists will “travel mostly flat terrain” on routes of 10, 31, 62 or 100 miles, following the river toward Lake Erie. 7 a.m. June 28 from Woodmore High School, 633 Fremont St., Elmore. $15 (before June 23)-$20. (419) 243-7680, www.hitoledo.org or www.freewheel.com.

Caboose Tours: The best part about the train? Arguably, the end. Take a peek inside on these tours. Sundays 1-4 p.m. July 5, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 11600 County Road 99, Findlay. $1. (419) 423-2995 or www.nworrp.org.

Fat, it has been noted, is the last holdout of the politically correct movement.
Public discourse has been stripped of what the intelligentsia deems offensive references to race, gender, age, religious belief, financial status, physical/mental disability and sexual preference. One using pejoratives in any of those categories risks one’s standing and career.
Fat has escaped the politically correct movement (very slowly escaped, in a lumbering waddle accompanied by breathless tuba music, but escaped nonetheless).
When a video posted by Toledoan Brian Minley surfaced June 16 in which Toledo Mayor Carleton S. Finkbeiner called a young man “Fatso,” “Tubby” and “Fat Ass,” the most interesting aspect of the video was the chopped-for-effect editing. But if Finkbeiner, who is fit and in fine shape for someone on a steady diet of his own foot, had let slip with a racial slur or more obscene name, he may have found himself with a very unpleasant welcome home from the “All America City” competition in Florida. Because he used the mundane, albeit outdated, “Fatso,” this will be just another brick in the crumbling wall of his personal legacy.
Speaking as a fat person, I can tell you that, in general, fat people know when they are fat; words like “Fatso” roll off our humped backs like a warm quarter-inch block of butter on a syrup-soaked stack of Bob Evans pancakes.
Speaking as someone who recently caught The Blade’s attention for swearing, I would like to point out that while I used what Blade meat puppet JC Reindl described as “a vulgar word for anus” in front of a group of high school seniors, I was not directing the word at any of them. In a world of gradients, this puts me on slightly higher moral ground than the mayor stands on, and as Stephen King points out in his current Esquire story “Morality,” even the smallest gradient can make a sizable difference.
Anyway, the young man in the video does not even qualify as fat, because he is in public with his shirt off, and no self-respecting fat guy would be caught in public with his shirt off any sooner than he would drive past a Golden Corral without exhibiting immediate, sweaty signs of sexual arousal.
Two aspects of the story are far more interesting than the fat angle. One, as pointed out by astute poster Soap Box at Glass City Jungle, is that Finkbeiner appears to be wearing a Lansing Lugnuts baseball cap. Lugnuts? Could Finkbeiner more accurately broadcast many Toledoans’ perception of his mental state? Perhaps he left his “Fort Wayne Under-Medicateds” cap at home. To make sure Finkbeiner has some Toledo-specific gear, I have sent a Toledo Free Press ballcap to his office. Hopefully, the next time Finkbeiner does something zany, our proud star logo will shine in a million YouTube windows.
It is also worth asking about Finkbeiner’s intentions in apparently rushing in to break up a fight with more than two dozen young people in the mix. Should Finkbeiner, who is 70 (that’s 490 in dog years, 4,900 in Scout years, and the amount of calories in two marshmallow Peeps, but I digress), really be charging into such a situation? He is the mayor of one of the globe’s most livable cities. What would we do if he, God forbid, worked himself into another heart attack or got trounced by a ne’er-do-well reprobate?
Since city council doesn’t have a president, who would become mayor and take the solemn onus of being No. 1 Block Bros. lickspittle? (And hey, about that early June Blade photo of John Block semi-hugging Finkbeiner at the mayor’s birthday party? There hasn’t been that much failed ambition and flop sweat in one photo since the picture of Elvis shaking hands with Richard Nixon.)
Isn’t it a bit reckless for a 70-year-old man with Finkbeiner’s responsibilities to go marching into such a charged situation like he’s Morgan Freeman playing “Crazy” Joe Clark in “Lean on Me”? What does it say about Mayor Lugnuts’ state of mind that he would put himself in such danger?
Note to Finkbeiner: Lone gunslingers have gone the way of Seven-Up candy bars and Post Toasties cereal.
The best riff on that theme was provided by the increasingly relevant and reliably sophomoric gang at the Toledo Onion Web site, with their story, “Toledo Mayor To Meet Mikey By The Flag Pole at 3:00 PM.”
Still, fat people are slow to action, so the full impact of Finkbeiner’s “FatsoGate” may not yet be known. It is still possible that Toledo’s fat folks, and there are plenty of us, will find the strength to unite around more than Twinkies and buffalo wing/blue cheese-flavored Chex Mix. Perhaps the mayor will one day soon hear the sound of his treadmill drowned out by the soft scuffling of 10,000 voters’ thighs as they herd toward One Government Center, slowed only by their own girth and a quick stop into Magic Wok. Perhaps one brave Fatso will lift his chins to the sky and lead his people in a chorus of “Baby Got Back,” to chastise the mayor who so callously calls young people such insensitive names. Perhaps I will be that courageous hefty guy who wags a fleshy finger at the mayor and intones, “Chuba je gusha, peedunkey? Pushee wumpah skocha-kloonkee! Bona nai kachu!”*
And if the mayor doesn’t like this uprising of cellulite and lard? If he doesn’t care for my insolence and roiling rebellion? If he refuses to apologize for his soul-scarring words and bully assault on the overweight?
Then he can kiss my fat ass.

Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press. Contact him at mmiller@toledofreepress.com.

* Huttese for “Do you feel lucky punk? Watch out, exhaust-for-brains! You’re in trouble now!”

Gospel singer Edwin Hawkins hit it big with the Grammy-winning recording of gospel anthem “Oh! Happy Day!” in 1969, and he continues to spread the wealth of his musical and spiritual knowledge.
Alongside his brother Bishop Walter Hawkins, he will host the 28th annual Edwin Hawkins and Walter Hawkins Music & Arts Love Fellowship Conference, which will be in Toledo June 21 through 27 at the Ramada Hotel (the former Clarion on Secor Road).
It was a live recording from this very conference that won the Grammy award for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album in 1993, said local event coordinator Larry Jones.
Jones said the first conference took place in San Francisco in 1979 and was created to foster Christian fellowship through gospel workshops and educational seminars. The conference took the road, making annual stops in San Francisco and Atlanta and eventually found a home in Toledo in 1994.
Hawkins said the welcoming the conference organizers felt and the outpouring of support from Toledoans made them want to bring the conference back to Toledo this year.
“We’re hoping this year’s conference will be a big success,” Hawkins said. “We haven’t been back in Toledo for 14 years.”
The conference will kick off with a live concert at the Indiana Baptist Church at 6 p.m. on June 21.
“We’ve got about 15 groups coming in from Atlanta, Detroit and Toledo, all gospel groups,” Jones said. “When the conference came to Toledo last, it was considered one of the best.”
Jones said the conference would have classes in a variety of subjects. The musical teachings of the week will be put to the test as the conference comes to a close at the St. James Armory at 7 p.m. on June 27, where a live musical recording will be taped. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit www.musicandartslovefellowshipconference.org for more information.

Those who have celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving far away from hearth and home have a special appreciation for each holiday spent with loved ones.  If you have ever spent the Fourth of July in another country, you too feel a special privilege to enjoy this most patriotic holiday in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  Each and every Independence Day I spend here in the UnitedStates, I fly my flag proudly; I watch the fireworks with awe, and I get misty eyed when I see Old Glory pass by in the parades.  I love the picnics, the pageantry and the pomp.  I cherish the freedom and the rich heritage America enjoys.
I grew up in Brazil, the daughter of American parents.  For all but one day of the year, we blended into the surrounding society. But on July 4, the expatriate community in Sao Paulo would put together an incredible all-day celebration. There were games with wonderful prizes, races and free food donated by American companies in Brazil.  After a frenetic day of competing, winning and eating, at sunset (which comes early during the winter month of July) the group would gather together on the soccer field.
The Brazilian flag, with its green and yellow, would climb the pole as a locally hired band played the Brazilian National Anthem. This song has a complex introduction, followed by a militaristic-like anthem.
And then the Star and Stripes would be unfurled.  The local band always butchered the tune; still, the rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” for those gathered Americans was magnificent and heart-stirring.  Though the red, white and blue flag, by law, had to be smaller and lower than Brazil’s flag, our hearts swelled  as we sang about the rockets’ red glare and the bombs bursting in air.
And every one there missed America in the worst way.  We knew that across the sea there would be incredible fireworks electrifying the sky over Lady Liberty in New York’s harbor, and there would be fireworks all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. We knew bands would be marching in parades; Shriners would be riding their little cars, and American soldiers would be saluted.
We knew tiny flags would be marking graves of fallen heroes in cemeteries across the land.  And yes, we longed for all of this and for so much more.
In my youth, Brazil was ruled by a military dictator.  The government determined everything from the price of gas to the cost of bread.  The freedoms we sang about were not enjoyed locally.  As we Americans banded together, we were proud to know we were citizens of a country that continued to live up to the ideals of the Founding Fathers.
And as we sang the second verse, “Oh thus be it ever when free man shall stand, between their loved homes …” we understood. When Roxana Saberi, the American journalist who was just released from prison in Iran, was interviewed after her release, she said one of the things that helped her get through four months in jail was singing “The Star Spangled Banner,” in particular the second verse.
And now I live in America. I savor every day and every Fourth of July, especially.  And I want my children to appreciate their country.  I have dragged them across this great land; I have also taken them to other countries so they can appreciate the contrast.  They have seen the opulence of the Winter Palace in Russia and contrasted it with the simple majesty of the White House in Washington, D.C.  My children have walked the Freedom Trail in Boston, been to the Statue of Liberty, Pearl Harbor and, yes, to Ground  Zero. We have been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington and stood amidst the poppies in Flanders Fields. They have seen a concentration camp in Germany and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.  They have enjoyed the beaches of Waikiki, the redwoods of California and the rocky shores of Maine.
This land is now my land; this land is their land. Hurrah for Independence Day!  Savor and delight in these, the best of places and because of peace, the best of times.

E-mail columnist Jenifer Christiaanse at letters@toledofreepress.com

Seems everybody can use a little encouragement these days, even two hot jazz stars.
“It’s such an interesting time for our country, for the world and, not to get too big with the concept, but it felt like, at least this year, like a goal was helping each other out, kind of support, support for one another on stage and support for our country and what people are going through, and that’s where the idea of ‘Side by Side’ kind of came through,” said saxophonist Dave Koz.
Koz and multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson will bring their Side by Side Tour to the Valentine Theatre for a 7 p.m. show June 28. Tickets range from $35 to $75.

“I’m very excited to be sharing the stage with him, too, because he’s about 10 years younger than I am, and he always kicks me in my you know what,” Koz said and laughed. “He’s got that youthful exuberance. And when I get on the stage, too, I’m 46, but when I get on the stage I feel at least 20 years younger because it just brings out that super, high-charged energy in me.”
Both artists are fueled by 2008 releases — Koz’s “Greatest Hits” and Culbertson’s “Bringing Back the Funk” both debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz chart. That’s a familiar position for Koz, who held the top spot for 12 weeks in 2007 with “At the Movies,” a collection of cinema classics.
When asked what inspires him to write, Koz talked about a recent screening.
“I just went and saw this movie, ‘Up.’ Wow. I came out of that movie theater and was like, that was incredible. It inspires me,” he said from his Los Angeles home during a phone interview. “When you see that kind of greatness and creativity that people put into their projects, that makes me want to be a better musician, a better songwriter, to dig deeper into my own creativity to come up with something that could make people feel that same way in my own way.
“I can have that experience by going to see a movie or by going to a museum and seeing a beautiful piece of art, hearing other people’s music, spending time with my family, which is always an important inspiration, going on holiday, drinking an incredible glass of wine, having someone make some good food — any creativity inspires my creativity.”
The sax man said he’s working on a new disc that should be out late this year or early 2010.
“As an instrumentalist … it’s all about those notes and the sequence of those notes. When you don’t have lyrics to lean on, it really requires a melody that transforms somebody,” the songwriter said. “And it’s not just the notes, then it’s how you deliver them. So it’s that combination of that rare alchemy that exists when it’s the notes and the person playing them imbuing them with emotion and passion.”
The expressive nature of the horn has captivated Koz since age 13.
“Whatever I’m feeling inside emotion-wise, the saxophone is a way of getting it out,” he said. “It can be extremely expressive, and that doesn’t mean just on the romance side. Of course, the saxophone is a very romantic instrument, but it also can be very jubilant, it can be extremely haunting, it can be sad, it can be pretty much any emotion that you put in, it can mirror that and that’s why it’s been a very satisfying instrument to play.”
On the web: visit www.davekoz.com and click on links for more information.