The grieving never ends and the wound doesn’t heal. With each passing day, the pain may become tolerable, but it never leaves. Eventually, many who’ve lost a child or loved one to murder feel compelled to gather with others who share the same experience. When that time comes, the local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) is there for them.
The thought of many will be there for them Sept. 25, during the third annual national Day of Remembrance. The local POMC chapter will participate with its own candlelight vigil.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the gathering will occur at Blessed Sacrament located at 4227 Bellevue Road and will include remarks delivered by Etta Carver, winner of the 2004 NAACP Frank Latimer Community Service Award, and a victim herself in losing her mother to homicide.
Locally, this year’s POMC event has been organized by chapter-founder Russ Simpson and his co-leaders Raleigh Hendrickson and Les Robinson. All three have lost children to murder. Simpson founded the chapter in 1983 after losing his daughter, Stacy, at age 4 and his son, Scott, 18, to murder. “The first time [my child was murdered in 1969], I hid behind a bottle. The second time [in 1981], I realized I didn’t have to go out and get drunk every night.”
Several weeks ago, Robinson and his wife, Wendy, observed the fourth anniversary of the day their only child, Dionious — “Donnie,” who was murdered at the age of 20. A year later, Wendy heard about POMC from someone at work. She and Robinson attended and have been active in the organization.
Describing his first meeting experience, Robinson said “Up until then, I didn’t feel like I could go anywhere. I felt stuck. Hearing what other members had gone through, and knowing they’d gone through the same thing made me feel I wasn’t alone, whereas I’d felt that way before. Someone else was just as mad as I was. POMC is a sounding board, somewhere to let out my frustration.”
Amy Peterson, who recently lost her 11-year-old son, Andrew, attended her first POMC meeting in August, announcing that her son had died “five weeks and one day ago.” Expressing her grief and confusion regarding the details of her son’s premature death that has been ruled “undetermined” by the Lucas County Coroner’s office, the members in attendance offered her compassion and guidance. Co-leader Hendrickson, who lost his own daughter, Stacy, 21, to murder in 1993, attended Peterson’s follow up meeting with the Lucas County Coroner’s office to lend his support because “this is a way I can help other people through the trauma and the emotional roller coaster of losing a child,” he said.
National headquarters for POMC is located in Cincinnati and was established in 1978 “in memory of those who’ve died by violence and in honor of those left behind,” said Nancy Ruhe, executive director of the nonprofit organization.
This year’s event will host its flagship vigil in Washington, D.C., ending at the National Press Club with all members of the U.S. House of Representatives invited.
The local POMC Day of Remembrance is open to the public and several hundred are expected. For those interested in honoring someone they have lost to murder, the organization is offering to include them in its presentation at the event. Contact POMC with the name of the person, their birth date and the date they died at (419) 244-4445 by 4 p.m. Sept. 23. For more information on the organization’s national events, visit www.pomc.org.

Web site seeks park to ‘honor Andrew’
The last shopping trip Amy Peterson took with her son, Andrew VanHorn, they bought a candy bar.
Inside the wrapper was a sweepstakes offer to win money to build a park, Peterson said. She and Andrew were going to enter — they had been talking about building a park in an open area down the street for years.
Andrew went to that area to play July 13 and was later found dead. Now, Peterson hopes to build a park in that same field.
“It can’t just be an area with trees,” Peterson said. “It can’t be a place I’m afraid of.”
Peterson found the candy bar wrapper while cleaning out her desk and entered the sweepstakes. On the Web site, she found a link to build her own park, she said.
The City of Toledo does not have money to build a park, but said it would not stand in her way if she raises the money, Peterson said.
“After Andrew died, everyone asked, ‘what can I do to help?’” she said. Now, she has an answer for them.
She hopes to have the project completed by the one-year anniversary of Andrew’s death, July 13, 2010.
Visit  http://projects.kaboom.org/andrewsadventureland for more.
— Alissa Romstadt

Sports geeks, like myself, love statistics.
It’s the reason we have box scores in the paper and sports almanacs on dusty bookshelves.
As sad as it sounds, when their playing days have past and they are measured up against all the greats: the numbers define the athlete.
Through the first two games of his true freshman season, UT receiver, Eric Page has 15 receptions for 266 yards (an average of 18 yards a catch) and two touchdowns.  If you go by the numbers, Page is the sixth most efficient receiving in the country.
Let me repeat that, Page, who doesn’t turn 18 years old until later this month, is the sixth most efficient receiver in the country.
I would love to share with you Page’s thoughts on his fast start to his collegiate football career with the Rockets.
But that leads me to my next alarming statistic. The number of words Page has spoken to the media this season: Zero.
First-year UT head football coach Tim Beckman has a policy in place where freshman members of his football team are not permitted to speak to the media.
I can respect his wishes. What’s difficult to wrap my brain around is why we can’t talk to the hometown boy making good.
Page practically grew up right around the corner from the Glass Bowl. He attended Springfield High School, where he played nearly every position and thrived at all of them. In fact, this time last year, I wrote a Toledo Free Press column about Page’s versatility with the Blue Devils. Back then I was allowed to speak to him, and he was allowed to speak to me. With the coach muzzling his freshman players, I had to get creative with how to share his thoughts with my readers.
Then it dawned on me; I could talk to the woman who knows him best: his mom.
“It’s pretty much surreal,” said Page’s mom, Amy Weemes.
But leave it to Mom to admit she was happier with Page’s two A-grades during summer classes than his recent play on the field.
Weemes said her interaction with Page after the Purdue game was short and to the point.
“I said ‘congratulations,’” Weemes said. “He said, ‘Thanks, it was a really good time.’”
A really good time? A trip to Cedar Point is a good time. You just exposed the Boilermakers’ secondary all four quarters. Page set a Toledo freshman record with 12 receptions for 128 yards and a 34-yard touchdown play in which the 5-foot-10, 165-pound pinball bounced off Purdue defenders until he found paydirt.
The highlight found its home on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
Have I mentioned Page is still 17 years old?
Amy and her son’s post-game pride-fest following the Colorado game Sept. 11 at the Glass Bowl was just as humble.
“I said ‘I am really proud of you,’” Weemes told me. “He said ‘they were double teaming me.’”
And even two Buffalo defenders couldn’t stop Page from exploding for 138 yards on three catches, including a 70-yard race to the end zone that Page won. Page’s mom did tell me that Page got on the phone with his younger brother, D.J., and the exchange was a bit more emotional.
Page kept asking his younger brother, “Did you see me?! Did you see me?!” Weemes said.
Oh, we see you Eric. And if the nation reads those box scores, they see you, too.
Weemes said 26 family members and a few friends are planning their trip to Cleveland for the Ohio State game to check out Toledo’s new “rocket fuel.”
I think it’s safe to say coach Beckman made the right choice allowing his true freshman to start in the slot receiver position.
With that said, I believe Page may have earned a new nickname come game day: The Slot Machine.
Defensive backs should be on high alert; if you leave him open, he may ring up 7s on you all day long.
Though, I should probably check with Vegas on the nickname — Page doesn’t turn 21 until Sept. 23, 2012.

Ryan Fowler is the Weekend Sports Anchor at NBC 24 News. He can be reached at bgsualum03@hotmail.com.

A typical chick flick complete with the love interest, rocky middle and wonderful ending, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” is the movie a typical man would not want to be caught renting alone or have in his DVD player. However, it was in mine and I admit it. My excuse is my wife wanted to watch it. What’s yours?
The shopaholic is in debt thousands of dollars, carrying several maxed out credit cards and suffering from a weakness for clothes and accessories. Despite the deep financial hole, character Rebecca Bloomwood still grabs the shovel to dig deeper for a particular green scarf. With friendly mannequins encouraging her excesses that have morphed into needs, she becomes convinced this accessory will change her life, and make her world a better place. The scarf will advance her life, open up doors to incredible opportunities and make her fashionably irresistible. How could one go wrong with mannequins in agreement?
The overpriced piece of material shoves Rebecca further off the financial edge as the need to reel in the thrilling scarf demands the use of all her cash, several different credit cards and a 20 from a complete stranger. The accessory satisfies her need for a moment, but the need for designer tags and great bargains still resides under the surface.
Outside Hollywood, Toledo inspires too many comparisons, a city seen as an accessory to acquire. Toledo plays the role of the green scarf satisfying the urges of power hungry rulers who have cursed Toledoans with their presence ever since they decided to enter the premier political zoo in Northwest Ohio. The desires are never permanently satisfied — the definition of addiction — and the thrill of reaching the mayoral office on the 22nd floor will soon wear off if a powerholic takes the reins. Lack of the thrill serves as the only reason for Mayor Carty Finkbeiner’s infamous and ridiculous display of power by disrespecting the Marines in Jan. 2008.
Can much else besides addiction to power explain why one is willing to spend thousands of dollars of other people’s money to hold a temp job in which one is supposedly responsible for nearly to 300,000 people, with cameras documenting moves, journalists describing mistakes, bloggers ripping policy decisions and recall campaign threats lurking around the corner? Is the forced strip search of a duty bound media and inquisitive electorate really that charming?
Powerholics don’t go into debt in the traditional sense; no maxed out credit cards exist. Rather, the addicts become indebted to specific donors who donated massive sums with expectations that need to be delivered on. In the pursuit of the perfect accessory, indebtedness of policy is a small sacrifice sitting harmlessly on the clearance rack.
Beyond the insanity and indebtedness of certain mayoral candidates, the powerholics spend an immense amount of time and money conspiring to become mayor to the extent of hiring conspiracy managers, also known as campaign managers.
In the midst of the gloom and despair inflicted on the powerholic’s victims, there is hope. The light switch controlling the illumination in the tunnel is still flicked on, but drastic measures must be taken. Immediate exit from the public sector is necessary. Occupying the 22nd floor as mayor of Toledo will not satisfy one’s condition, only exacerbate the issue. The addiction to power, like any other addiction, doesn’t affect just the addicted, thus the need for action.
Stephen Moore’s novelization of the graphic novel “V For Vendetta” depicts a scene in which V, the anarchist — terrorist — is talking to his assistant, Evey Hammond as she recalls a quote her father was fond of. “Artists use lies to tell the truth, while politicians use them to cover things up.”
Politicians like Finkbeiner and Ben Konop are certainly nothing like Ayn Rand and George Orwell — authors who cranked out classic works of fiction for the sole purpose of illuminating the truth. Our political elite crank out lies for the sole purpose of extending their power.
After much contemplation and meditation focused on “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” and seeing a similarity to Toledo, two questions remain: Will Toledo continue to participate in the powerholic’s cover- ups this election season, and where do I turn in my Man Card?

E-mail columnist Tom Morrissey at letters@toledofreepress.com.

Architect Thomas Porter recently reopened his firm, Thomas Porter Architects, on North St. Clair Street in Downtown Toledo.
Porter said he went back into business “to create opportunities for young associates with a business structure that allows them to become partners in the firm. This model helps in retaining young, talented and creative designers, while providing our clients with the stability found in long established firms.”
Porter previously operated a business of the same name from 1981 to 1992. He was a principal at Duket Porter Associates in Toledo from 1992 until re-establishing his firm.  He also served as assistant university architect at BGSU and architect with E. James Smith Architects, Inc.
Michael Duket is continuing his business as Duket Architects & Planners at its location on North Summit Street in Downtown Toledo.
Porter’s firm is renovating the historic buildings known as Lutz Block, built in 1876, for its home and additional commercial space. The three-story brick structures previously housed the former H. Poll Electric Company and numerous other businesses.

The associates of Thomas Porter Architects purchased the four-unit complex and plan to create a mixed-use environment. The property also includes 28 parking spaces, which are a valuable commodity Downtown, Porter said.
Historic restorations and renovations have been a big part of Porter’s experience and will continue with his firm, he said. It recently completed an “emergency renovation project” involving the interior at the DeVilbiss Academic and Technology Center for Toledo Public Schools. The interior of the former high school was renovated to house students from Scott High School for two years, while that school undergoes extensive renovations.
Porter said his firm was contracted by TPS in June and given one week for the design and two weeks to prepare documents for the renovation contractor, Rudolph|Libbe, Inc. The $1 million projected was completed for occupation by students this fall.
Porter was the lead architect for the exterior renovation of Union Elementary School in Maumee when at Duket Porter Associates. Constructed shortly after the Civil War, it is the oldest active elementary school in the state, according to Porter.
The associates of Porter’s firm have completed assessments for hundreds of schools in 60 districts funded by the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission. Renovation of school facilities usually costs two-thirds of building new facilities, Porter said.
Porter and his associates were involved in the facility assessment and historic renovation of the national landmark Libbey House located across from the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion. Built in 1895 as the home for glass industry pioneer Edward Drummond Libbey, it was purchased in 2006 by the Libbey House Foundation.
Porter’s associate Steve Shrake was the lead architect for the restoration of historic Church of St. Patrick in Toledo that was completed in 2006 by Duket Porter Associates.
Shrake was a manager and project architect at Duket Porter from 2002 to 2009. He previously served as a project architect at SSOE, Inc.
Porter’s associates worked on the restoration of the Casey-Pomeroy House Bed & Breakfast on North Huron Street in Toledo.
Stuart Cline Jr., an associate and project manager at Thomas Porter Architects, started the project with his partner, Sue Burkett, who operates the bed and breakfast business. Cline managed numerous projects at Duket Porter with his engineering background.
While historic and school renovations, commercial, industrial and retail design work are the current focus, Porter sees opportunities in other markets.
“With 70 percent of our staff being LEED accredited, we are well-positioned for optimistic growth potential in new emerging markets,” Porter said.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 1998. It provides design standards for environmentally sustainable construction.
Porter said his firm is reusing and recycling as much of the materials from the renovation of their old buildings as possible.
Seven of the nine associates at Porter’s firm were employed at the former Duket Porter Associates. Julie Apt and Bernie Merritt are graduate architects and designers. Todd Fodor is a project designer and Ronda Fejes serves as administrative assistant.  Bonnie Danford, an interior designer and space planner, recently joined Porter’s firm.
“There’s a real commitment and loyalty to the people here,” said Mike Robarge, director of business development and marketing, who joined the firm after 27 years with The Lathrop Company. “A lot of good people are looking for opportunities like this.”

The 17th annual Black Swamp Arts Festival was hosted in downtown Bowling Green recently. The outdoor event converts the city’s Main Street into a juried art fair with tented booths and fine artists and craftsmen selling their wares. The festival also takes over city parking lots and converts them to concert venues with sound stages and rows of seating. Also featured is an “artist at work” village where artist demonstrate their craft and invite festival attendees to try their hands at it.

The Black Swamp Arts Festival has the mission of connecting art and the community. The planning committee for the festival is a mix of people representing Bowling Green businesses and individuals with an interest in furthering the arts. Members of the planning committee pay dues of $10 and are asked to attend regular meetings.

Over 60,000 people attend the art show which features more than 100 visual artists and 30 performing artists. Additionally 40 local artists participate in the Wood County Invitational Art show also hosted at the Black Swamp Arts Festival. The companies supporting the three-day community event included Ben Franklin Crafts, Time Warner Television, Grounds for Thought, Life Star and the Electric Quilt Company.

One of Toledo’s favorite festivals, the Greek Fest, was sponsored by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community on their cathedral campus. The three-day event marked the 39th year for the festival which highlights Greek culture within the Toledo area.

While the cathedral tours, cooking demonstrations and informational tables on Greek culture are an important part of the festival, the center of attraction is always the food, libations and traditional Greek dancing. This year gourmet platters were available along with all of the traditional items like spanakopita, moussaka and baklava. At the taverna area of the festival, beer was sold along with a flight of 8 Greek wines.

With more than 13 scheduled hour-long performance sessions, traditional Greek dances are the focus of the event. Dancers of all ages rehearse for months prior to the event, and spend years progressing in their talents and skills. Live ethnic music is performed well into the evening encouraging attendees to join everyone in open dancing.

In addition to being sponsored by Holy Trinity, the Greek Fest is sponsored by businesses and individuals in the local Greek community. Proceeds are used to support the educational and outreach programs of the church.

While thousands of people spent their time and money at outdoor festivals, more than 400 people attended “A Night to Remember,” which is the annual gala for the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center Foundation. This year’s event included a performance from jazz singer and pianist Ann Hampton Callaway. The event is expected to net over $150,000 which will benefit programs such as hospitality van services, senior outreach, parish nursing, Healthy Connections and Positive Choices programs. There were over 50 event underwriters and sponsors which included StatCom, Toledo Surgical Specialists, Associated anesthesiologists of Toledo, Lucas County Emergency Room Physicians and Robison, Curphey & O’Connell.

Christine Senack is a Toledo-based promotions consultant connecting people, places and things for the greater good of our community. On occasion she also presents the TMZ Report on FOX Toledo News First at 4. For more event photos and video highlights, connect with her at Facebook.com/christinesenack.

Upcoming events

Oct. 1 Vines and Vices. Join the restaurants at Levis Commons, indulge in your vices and help the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio. The evening event includes wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a raffle. Tickets are $50. For more information visit northwestohio.wish.org.

Oct. 2 From Broadway to Hollywood. The annual gala to benefit the Valentine Theatre features an intimate performance with Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer prize winning composer Marvin Hamlisch. The event also includes dinner and dancing. Tickets are $175 and $225. For more information visit valentinetheatre.com.

Feel like speaking up? John Best is here to help. Along with his lifelong friend Jim Braker, Best has recently launched a congressional watchdog Web site with one goal in mind: to give their fellow citizens a better chance to be heard in Washington.
Best said www.letsspeakup.com has been designed to give men and women a collective opportunity to speak up on any given topic.
“I have spoken to over 100 fellow citizens who, like I, have written or called their representatives to receives sometimes a form letter in response or no response at all,” Best said. “I have called my senators on several occasions to hear an aide speak in a dismissive manner or act as if my concerns aren’t important.”
More than one year ago, with his own experiences in mind, Best decided enough was enough and began to think seriously about what he could do to make his voice heard. After talking to friends who expressed similar frustrations, Best and Braker united, and letsspeakup.com was born (on the Fourth of July, no less).
“I have spoken to Democrats, independents and Republicans who are frustrated, angry and scared that bills like socialized medicine, Cap and Trade, illegal immigration and deficit spending are going to bankrupt the average citizen,” Best said. “I’m pleased that this effort is becoming a bipartisan opportunity to speak up.”
To use the Web site, you must be a member, which comes at a cost of $19.95 per year.

The way his members see it, that’s a small price to pay if it means gaining a greater chance to make a difference.
“A woman in Ann Arbor  said the membership fee she paid was much less expensive than all the long-distance phone calls she makes to her congressman and two senators,” Best said.
After spending their days at their full-time jobs, Best and Braker devote their nights and weekends to the Web site, doing research on any and all legislation in front of Congress. Once the research has been completed, the men write a letter and inform their members via e-mail that it’s been posted on letsspeakup.com.
From that point, the members log on and read the letter.
“If they agree with what we’ve written, they click on the ‘I agree’ tab at the bottom of the letter,” Best said. If a certain member doesn’t agree, they can simply delete the e-mail.
“Once they have agreed, we print the letter and attach their names and addresses and send them off to Washington,” he said.
“We expect to make a much bigger impact with all those names attached to one letter. Can you imagine thousands of names and addresses attached to one letter being sent not only to the members’ individual representative, but to Congresswoman Pelosi, Senator Harry Reid and to the minority leaders in the House and Senate?”
Beyond speaking up on deficit spending, earmarks and term limits for Congress, Best says his Web site’s members have also voiced concerns about the stimulus package and Cap and Trade legislation.
“We have just written a letter on behalf of our members to the Senate asking them to reject the bill that Congress passed,” he said.
Calling his Web site a grass-roots effort, Best said he is pleased with the response thus far. “Without having any money to advertise on Web sites or on radio, we are getting new members each day, and they are telling their friends,” he said.
Although letsspeakup.com already boasts members from five different states, Best said getting it off the ground has been a challenge.
“It’s expensive,” he said. “My Web developer put a lot of time and energy into this project. I scraped every dime I had together to start this Web site.”
Best said he makes sure to never lose sight of why he and Braker joined forces in the first place.
“For both Jim and me, it’s a labor of love,” he said. “The love is for this country and for our individual rights and freedoms.”

Adam Lorenz is captain of Team First Solar, which will participate in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for the first time.
Lorenz vowed to make a difference by “getting people started and wanting to help a good cause.”
So far, Team First Solar has 128 members for the Sept. 27 race. Lorenz said members consist of employees, family members and friends.
Lorenz and his close friend and colleague, Jeremy Brown, are the founders of Team First Solar. They decided to start the team because Lorenz’s mother was a four-year breast cancer survivor who recently died, and Brown’s mother was recently diagnosed with the disease.
“We both felt like we needed to do this,” Lorenz said. “My mother was very active in Reach to Recovery and she did Race for the Cure for five years.”
Lorenz and Brown approached the company about starting Team First Solar. The company, which is based in Perrysburg, agreed to donate $30 for every employee who signs up for the race, as well as T-shirts for all the participants on the team.
“They have been very accommodating as far as the team goes,” Lorenz said. “They have been very good about helping me and the team get word out to the employees.”
Race for the Cure will be in Downtown Toledo. Those who are running start the race first, followed by those who are walking, and then those who are participating in the Family Fun Walk.

Lorenz wants those on his team who are walking to walk together.
“I am hoping we can show how big of a team we are and that we are sticking together for a cause.”
As a team, First Solar has raised more than $14,000 in donations, surpassing its $10,000 fundraising goal. The team also exceeded its goal of 100 team members. Lorenz said it is exciting to start something that will be an annual event for First Solar.
“People are more than accommodating because they know what me and my family have gone through in the past year,” Lorenz said. “I didn’t realize cancer had touched so many people until I saw how large our team is. I feel really united with them.”
The money from the Northwest Ohio race directly benefits the community. Up to 75 percent of the net proceeds raised are used for local breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs for the underserved in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The remaining proceeds go to the National Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants program and are used to fund research at the national level.
After the race, all participants will be invited into the Fifth Third Field for the celebration ceremony. The survivors line up on the field to form the pink ribbon and a picture is taken.
Up until the race, Lorenz will encourage everyone to join his team, even those who aren’t co-workers.
“I know that my mom would love to know that we were able to do this,” Lorenz said.
Registration for the race is from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 27. Adult registration is $30 and youth registration is $20. For more information on the race or to register early, visit nworace09.kintera.org or call (419) 724-CURE.

Despite a disappointing turnout, the Sept. 15 primary election narrowed the fields of candidates and cleared up the November races.
Congratulations to mayoral finalists Keith Wilkowski and Mike Bell. We know the race between the two men will be intense, but fair. There will now be time to focus on each candidate’s message and, hopefully, inspire more voters to hit the voting booths in November.
Congratulations also to the 12 surviving council candidates who will square off: Rob Ludeman, George Sarantou, Joe McNamara, Phil Copeland, Steve Steel, Polly Taylor-Gerken, Adam Martinez, Kevin Milliken, Constantine Stamos, Terry Shankland, Tricia Lyons and Terry Biel. There will now need to be spirited debate to narrow this field of familiar faces and new names.
Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner got his way with the failure of Issue 1, but it remains to be seen if that will be in the best interest of the city. The “Nine is Fine” issue also failed, but it is an idea that merits further discussion and elaboration.
Also, the City of Toledo owes a few thank yous.
Thank you to Jim Moody, D. Michael Collins and Ben Konop, who invigorated the race and contributed many ideas and innovations to the discussion. It is bold and risky to make such a public declaration of leadership and these men deserve our gratitude. We will undoubtedly hear from each of them again.
Thank you to the men and women who ran for council but did not make the cut this time: Mark Clark, Stephen Ward, Jeff Cromwell, John Adams Jr., Hans Schnapp, David Washington, Steve Sulewski, Michael Watson, Ty Daniels, Joseph Carter and Jeremiah Van Buren. We hope you will not be discouraged, but will continue to lead and seek office as you progress in your lives and careers.
These pages will dive into these races, as well as school board and upcoming levies, as we race to November. The election will be here before you know it, as will our opportunity to shape Toledo’s future.
It’s OK to stop and relish the achievements, but the pause will be brief; there is a lot of work between now and Election Day.

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

Sometimes life is a waiting game, and such is certainly the case with the coming correction in the stock market. Day after day, week after week, this market continues higher in a trend built entirely on thin air.
With few fundamentals to support this market recovery, investor sentiment is nearing levels of bullishness, typically associated with bubbles. In the late 1990s, sentiment reached all-time highs for tech stocks, and surged late last year for 30-year Treasury bonds as investors fled stocks. The global real estate market saw unprecedented positive sentiment for years as the housing market boomed, finally coming to a peak about two years ago.
Investor sentiment essentially measures the popularity of a given investment. The higher it trends, the more likely the investment is near a major peak. Investments can’t go up forever; at some point, they simply have to correct. The further an investment gets away from rational levels, the more likely it is to snap back in the other direction. This is reflected in market sentiment.
Today, we can see this not just in most of the stock market, but also in several commodities, particularly precious metals. Gold, which we typically love, has lately enjoyed a run that is extremely overdone on the upside, and it is poised to see a major correction within the next two to six weeks.
Likewise, silver is also overpriced given current conditions. Unlike gold, silver is much more closely linked to manufacturing – that’s where it’s most commonly used — and the economy simply has not recovered sufficiently to support the current price.
While we have been on the path for high inflation for a long time — we still haven’t seen the consequences of the trillions of dollars created in government bailouts — the sad reality is that it is becoming increasingly likely that the United States may enter a deflationary environment in the near future.
Deflation hasn’t been a major issue since the Great Depression, but it is typically characterized by falling prices that result from the slowing of credit, a general deleveraging (e.g. American paying off debt) and, unfortunately, rising unemployment.
These characteristics describe the current situation in the United States frighteningly well. What that means is that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, the self-proclaimed expert on the Great Depression — and avoiding a repeat — is looking at the real possibility of a double-dip recession that would cause massive unemployment and nasty deflation.
The problem now, and the reason that deflation is becoming feasible, is even though the Fed, in conjunction with the Treasury, created trillions of dollars last year out of thin air, all that new money simply isn’t circulating because the economy is so terribly slow.
The challenge facing the Fed is how to get all of that new money, currently held by banks as excess reserves in the Federal Reserve System accumulating minute interest, into the hands of American citizens and companies for spending.
At this point, with banks fearing losses from defaults, most banking institutions are happy to leave all that bailout money in the Federal Reserve System earning interest — no matter how small — rather than take the risk of lending.
Just as significantly, there simply isn’t demand for loans on the part of American consumers. The Fed seems to be expecting the consumer to turn around and create demand for credit which will get all their new money circulating. Unfortunately, this is unlikely.
During the past year, the United States has seen a drastic increase in the savings rate, which indicates that most Americans are much more interested in saving as opposed to consuming, much less taking on debt in order to make major purchases.
For years this rate was negative, meaning that Americans borrowed more than they saved. Now, it seems that trend has changed, and with unemployment moving higher and no truly positive economic news to be found (less bad will not suffice), Americans are cutting back on spending and building up reserves of their own.
When it comes to consuming, at this point, companies are much more likely to have any kind of demand for credit. In fact, right now they’re sitting on record cash reserves that could be used to service such debt.
The government’s best course of action would be to offer corporations incentives to loosen their purse strings to invest in expansion projects. This would most likely be done through tax credits for corporations. The current political climate makes this  highly unlikely.
Instead, with its outdated fixation on the U.S. consumer, the government is much more likely to try everything in its power to stimulate American citizens into taking on additional debt to make unnecessary purchases. This would most likely be achieved through the expansion of homebuyer tax credits as well as rebate programs like cash for clunkers.
What the government fails to realize is that at this point trying to stimulate American citizens to take on debt and buy things they don’t need is akin to beating a dead horse.
The balance sheets of most Americans have been decimated during the past two years and it should be abundantly clear that the demand for new debt simply does not exist. It’s time the Fed realized this, and looked for another way to rescue the American economy from the brink of disaster.

Dock David Treece is a stockbroker licensed with FINRA. He works for Treece Financial Services Corp., www.TreeceInvestments.com. The above information is the express opinion of Dock David Treece and should not be used without outside verification.

Events are subject to change.

FALL FUN
Fall Festival: Opening Sept. 19, this autumn-focused site offers corn mazes, farm animal tours (weekends only), a 10-acre pumpkin patch and activities ranging from water balloon fights and corn cannons to train and pony rides. 4 p.m.-dark weekdays, 10 a.m.-dark weekends, Country Lane Tree Farm, 3525 N. Bolander Road, Genoa. $1-$15, based on activities. (419) 461-1298.
> The Haunted Tree Maze is open Saturdays in October only, with little-kid frights before dusk and darker thrills afterward, until 10.
> Pickin’ Pumpkins by the “Light of the Harvest Moon”: Get your gourds when the after the sun goes down. 9 p.m.-midnight Oct. 17 and 24; flashlights and insect repellent recommended.
> Flashlight corn maze: BYOO (Bring your own Off … and flashlights) to try your nighttime navigational skills in this labyrinth.

Fleitz Pumpkin Farm corn mazes: Warm up with the 1-acre version, then attempt the 5-acre maze. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 20-Oct. 31, 7133 Seaman Road, Oregon. $1-$2 mazes; $1 hayrides. (419) 836-7613

Fall Frolic: Since when do barbecue and ballet go together? Since the Toledo Ballet put together this fundraiser for its guild. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Shorty’s Barbecue, 5111 Monroe St. $15. (419) 471-0049 or (419) 841-9505.

HalloWeekends: Cedar Point celebrates its 13th year of haunted houses, outdoor and indoor shows, scares for kids and, of course, rides that could scare the pants off most intrepid park-goers. Monsters parade down the midway at 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays, Sept. 25-Oct. 30; noon-midnight Saturdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 31; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 11; and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays Sept. 20-Nov. 1 (except Oct. 11). 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky. $20-$45. (419) 627-2350 or www.cedarpoint.com

MOSTLY FOR ADULTS
Parents should determine appropriateness for children

Wildwood Manor House tours: “Built in the 1930s in the Georgian Colonial style, this home was the family estate of Robert A. Stranahan, co-founder of Champion Spark Plug Co., and his wife, Page.” Tours at quarter after and quarter till the hour noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through November, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

Wolcott House tours: Visitors will get an intimate (ahem) look at what went under the outer layer in the “Corsets to Camisoles: Fashions of the Flaming 1920s” exhibit. 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through Nov. 1. 1031 River Road, Maumee. $2.50-$5. (419) 893-9602.

Toledo Farmers’ Market: Find it fresh and local at this outdoor station, which has been around for 177 years. Upcoming events include Apple Fest with Slow Food Maumee Valley, Sept. 19. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Toledo Farmers’ Market, 525 Market St. Satellite locations: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee; and 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays at Westgate on Secor Road (by Elder-Beerman). (419) 255-6765 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. 6-8 p.m. Sept. 24, 4701 Talmadge Road, (419) 473-3232; 5-7 p.m. Sept. 24, 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. Sept. 19 and 26; $7-$15. Picnic cruises include casual lunches catered by Superior Catering: noon Thursdays through 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 Sept. 20 and 27; $20.
> Fall Color Cruise: See the Maumee in all its autumnal splendor during a two-hour trip, complete with cider and doughnut holes. 1 and 4 p.m. Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18; $9-$19.

Blood drives: The Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross will hold several drives this month. Starred drives indicate appointments are preferred. For more information or opportunities to donate, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givebloodtoday.org.
> 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 20, Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane.
> 2-7 p.m. Sept. 21, Life Pointe Church, 8239 Route 64, Waterville.
> 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 22, Put-in-Bay Senior Center, Put-in-Bay.
> 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Ruihley Park Pavilion, 320 W. Holland St., Archbold.

Senior Discovery Days: Zoo fans 60 and older can park, get coffee and a treat free on weekdays in September and October (even free admission on Tuesdays). Other discounts and activities are available, too. Senior admission is $8 regularly. Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. (419) 385-5721 or toledozoo.org.
> Senior Safari, featuring health screenings, safety tips, lunch and more. Sept. 22. Tickets: (419) 382-0624.

Dance the Night Away: Instruction in ballroom, Latin and other styles of hoofing will be offered by the Dance Clinic. Party munchies will be available, and attendees can BYOB. 7-11 p.m. Sept. 19, All Occasions Banquet Hall, 3419 Hill Ave. $10. (419) 475-3055 or www.thedanceclinic.com.

Northwest Ohio Writers forum: Attendees will discuss writing and related topics. 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 19, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. (419) 202-0642 or (419) 259-5370.

Volunteer Naturalist Training: “Nature interpretation, seasonal plant and animal cycles and Northwest Ohio natural history” are topics of these monthly field studies. 1-3:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Metz Visitor Center, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Sand-Cast a Birdbath: Sandy Fore will help attendees mold concrete birdbaths from large leaves. 10 a.m.-noon Sept. 19 and 5-7 p.m. Sept. 21, Jacob’s Garden, 4570 Sterns Road, Ottawa Lake, Mich. $30. Registration: (734) 568-6868 or www.jacobs-garden.com.

Dr. S. Amjad Hussain: This UT professor emeritus will discuss and sign his book, “Treading a Fine Line.” 2 p.m. Sept. 20, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135.

Bunco Party: Roll the dice and try your luck (and some lunch) at this event for women. Prizes will be awarded. No experience necessary. 1:30-6 p.m. Sept. 20, The Bunco Club of Toledo, 2439 Tremainsville Hall. $20. (419) 787-3365 or www.BuncoClub.net.

Back to School collectibles: Textbooks and family memorabilia from 1910-49 will be featured; visitors are invited to share similar items of their own from that era. 9:30-11 a.m. Sept. 22, Wildwood Preserve Metropark Manor House, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

Wii: Learn how to play with this videogame system. 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. Registration: (419) 259-5310.

Rain Gardens: Crystal Dymond of the Ottawa County Soil and Water Conservation District will show visitors how to create spaces that allow moisture to absorb into the ground @@ and provide beautiful plots, too. 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 Portage River Road, Elmore. $12. Reservations: (419) 862-3182. www.schedel-gardens.org.

“Shooting It Out With Pretty Boy Floyd”: Did this infamous gangster deserve his reputation as a folk hero? Visitors can learn about the shootout between the gunman’s gang and the Bowling Green Police. 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13360 County Home Road, Bowling Green. $1-$4. (419) 352-0967 or www.woodcountyhistory.org.

Work, Play, Live, Toledo: This group of professionals older than 30 will hold its monthly networking and socializing event at Avenue Bistro and will feature live music. 6:30-10 p.m. Sept. 24, Avenue Bistro, 6710 W. Central Ave. $5 donation. (419) 841-5944, wpltoledo.blogspot.com or wpltoledo@gmail.com.

Wellness Across the Age Spectrum: Dr. David Perlmutter will discuss “Optimizing Your Brain.” 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 291-7901 or carrie.niemic@promedica.org by Sept. 21.

Shapiro Distinguished Lecture Series: Jon Meacham, the editor of Newsweek and a Pulitzer Prize winner, will speak. 7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 24, UT Student Union Auditorium, 2801 W. Bancroft St., off West Centennial Drive. www.utoledo.edu/as/.

Zoo Brew: Perhaps cheetahs prefer pilsner and the elephants may dig stout ales, but attendees are welcome to try the gamut of beers, in addition to “pub grub, at this event. Live entertainment is planned, too. 7-11 p.m. Sept. 25, Toledo Zoo’s Nairobi Pavilion, Anthony Wayne Trail side. $40; 21 and older only. Reservations: (419) 385-5721, ext. 3092, by Sept. 24.

Helping Hands: Aid naturalists and land management staff in restoring natural areas to preserve rare and endangered plants. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Side Cut Metropark, Riverview area, 1025 River Road, Maumee. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Epic Rocks Fashion: This networking club for young Toledoans will stomp the runway and flaunt the latest from Red Envy, Elegant Rags, Bella Brie, Francesca’s Collections and more in a benefit for the Sight Center of Toledo. 8 p.m. Sept. 26, Levis Commons. A VIP party will begin at 6 p.m. ($150); other tickets are $25-$50.

Play With Paper: Creative types can make three greeting cards. 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. Registration: (419) 259-5310.

20 Under 40 Leadership Awards: Recognition of young, dynamic leaders in our region who are under the age of 40. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 30, Fifth Third Center, 1 SeaGate. www.20under40toledo.com.

“Religious Perspectives on the Death Penalty”: This seminar will feature religious leaders from the three major branches of faith discussing the different perspectives on death as punishment. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 1, Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center Conference Rooms A and B, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $20 (includes lunch). Registration: (419) 885-1413 or gburke@lourdes.edu by Sept. 28.

Walk to Defeat ALS: This team-based activity raised $30,000 to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, last year. The 2-mile walk will conclude with activities and a “Chinese auction.” Noon registration; walk starts at 1 Oct. 4, Flower Hospital, Sylvania. Ruth Moeller, (419) 885-2673; or www.alsaohio.org.

ART & EXHIBITIONS
The Bead Goes On: The TMA hopes to collect 10,000 hand-made beads made by the public in a various media to create a curtain to be displayed at the museum. Entries will be accepted through October, 2010. 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org/PDF/BGOProspectus.pdf.

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 or toledomuseum.org.
> “LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel.” “Sequential imagery,” or pictures linked by a continuing story, has been around for centuries, but today’s graphic novelists grasp and display a full range of emotion, ideas and information. Oct. 2-Jan. 3, Canaday Gallery.

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.
> “Action/Reaction”: Video Installations. When viewed in the context of one to another, these works pose questions about the temporal and mysterious nature of human existence. Through Jan. 3.
> “Photography @@ The First 100 Years”: This historical survey of photographs from roughly the early 1840s to 1940 is taken from the DIA’s collection and includes well-known works by Julia Margaret Cameron, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Alfred Stieglitz and Paul Strand. Through Jan. 3.

“Line by Line”: Bonnie Auten, Lynda Schumacher and Dianna Wallace Soisson will display their works in colored pencil. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 29, Hudson Gallery, 5645 N. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 885-8381.

Sunshine Inc. of Northwest Ohio staff exhibit: Art by employees of this organization, which helps support people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities, will be on display and for sale. 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through September, Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts, 311 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 891-8886 or www.georgettes.org.

“Light and Mass”: Works by UT department of art faculty based on the theme will be on display. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 4, Center for the Visual Arts gallery, 620 Grove Place. (419) 530-8300.

“UpScaled/DownSized”: Works by 14 artists “who portray big subjects in small formats” @@ 1-foot square or smaller. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and Fridays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Thursdays; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 4, Willard Wankelman Gallery, BGSU’s School of Art, Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster, next to the Jerome Library. (419) 372-8525.

“Focus”: “A juried exhibition of the best high school artwork from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and Fridays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Thursdays; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 4, Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery, BGSU’s School of Art, Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster, next to the Jerome Library. Reception and awards ceremony, noon Oct. 4, Fine Arts Center Gallery lobby. (419) 372-8525.

“Review/Preview”: Work by “local, regional and international artists who have been the core” of the gallery for 17 years and a preview the upcoming season will be in a monthly rotation. Noon-4 Thursdays-Fridays and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 10, 20 North Gallery, 18 N. St. Clair St. (419) 241-2400.

“Wild Wetlands”: “A close-up photographic journey into shallow waters” by photographer David Fitzsimmons. Noon-5 p.m. weekends; 6:30-7:30 p.m. second Friday of each month; and during special events through Nov. 1; National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 407-9757.

Greater Cincinnati Photography Clubs’ Nature Images: Curated by photographer Jerry Fritsch. Noon-5 p.m. weekends; 6:30-7:30 p.m. second Friday of each month; and during special events through Nov. 1; National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 407-9757.

“The Wondrous Variety of Our Oak Openings”: With its variety of habitats, including wet sand prairies, sand barrens, and oak savannas, the region offers plants and animals only found here. Take a peek at some, represented in photographs. Noon-5 p.m. weekends; 6:30-7:30 p.m. second Friday of each month; and during special events through Nov. 1; National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 407-9757.

“White House Pets: Ambassadors at Large.” Bo may be the latest, but there’s a long history of pets both mundane and exotic in the presidential manor. Along with “White House Horses” exhibit. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays through Jan. 10, Hayes Museum, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont. (419) 332-2081, (800) 998-7737, www.rbhayes.org.

“Feed the Soul @@ Feed the Hungry”: This exhibit will feature a number of artists, including those with the “Empty Bowl” exhibition, with the goal of stocking local food pantries with nonperishable foods, canned goods and toiletries donated by visitors. The Coosters will perform Sept. 26, at the galleries’ related Fall Bash (6-10 p.m.). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 22-Nov. 15, Flatlanders Art Galleries, 11993 E. Route 223, Blissfield, Mich. www.flatlandersculpture.com or (517) 486-4591.

“Vessels”: These useful objects can also be among the most beautiful and diverse media artists produce. The interpretations of a dozen artists will be on display. Reception: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 2; exhibition: 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, Sept. 28-Oct. 31, Walter E. Terhune Gallery, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-2721 or www.owens.edu.

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 class: (419) 254-5771, ext. 7448. toledomuseum.org
> Hot glass flowers: 2 and 4 p.m. Sept. 19; 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Sept. 25.
> Flame-worked beads: 6 and 7 p.m. Sept. 25.

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 or toledomuseum.org.
> Chihuly Toledo: 2 p.m. Sept. 19; 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20, Glass Pavilion.
> Great Painting: East and West. 7 p.m. Sept. 25; 2 p.m. Sept. 26; and 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27.
> “LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel.” 7 p.m. Oct. 2 and 9; 2 p.m. Oct. 3; 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 4.

Meet the artist: Canadian glass artist Laura Donefer will discuss her work in this ARTalk. 6-7 p.m. Sept. 21, Room 1101 BGSU’s Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster, next to the Jerome Library. (419) 372-7765.

Art Attack: Downtown Toledo, beware! Roaming bands of Toledo School for the Arts students will take their work to the street in guerrilla-style surprises. Sept. 23. (419) 246-8732.

“The Art of Books and the Written Word”: Paula Reich, TMA curatorial projects manager, will offer closer look at words in the museum’s collection and upcoming exhibitions that highlight book art. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Libbey Court, TMA, 245 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Local glass artists: Workers in silicon-based media will be spotlighted. 7-10 p.m., TMA’s Glass Pavilion Hot Shop, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.
> Sept. 25: Bill and Michele McKinney will create signature glass vessels.

Meet the artist: Dudley Edmondson will discuss his work and new exhibition “Images Celebrating Wilderness, Wild Things and the Human Spirit.” 6-8 p.m. Sept. 25, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

Meet the artist: “Respected Chicago artist” Nick Sistler will provide commentary during this ARTalk. 7-8 p.m. Sept. 25, Room 204, BGSU’s Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster, next to the Jerome Library. (419) 372-8525.

Introduction to Glassblowing: This two-day workshop with Leonard Marty will demonstrate the basics of gathering glass and blowing bubbles. For those 14 and older. 2-7 p.m. Sept. 26-27, TMA Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. $225. Registration: (419) 254-5080 or toledomuseum.org.

Art history talks: UT students will present their research into topics in art history. Melissa Kempke will present “Projecting Expression: The Art and Times of William Kentridge”; Eric Sobel will cover “Art in the Dark: Shedding New Light on ‘Blackness’.” 4-5 p.m. Sept. 30, UT’s Center for the Visual Arts gallery, 620 Grove Place. (419) 530-8300.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Wyandot County Fair: Rockie Lynne will perform at 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Other activities include a rodeo and demolition derby. Through Sept. 20, 10171 Route 53N, Upper Sandusky. $6. (419) 294-4320.

Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Festival: A village from the past is brought to life in this history-focused event. A parade takes place at 11 a.m.; other festivities include music, an art fair and rides. Through Sept. 20, Hedges-Boyer Park, Summit and Coe streets, Tiffin. (888) 736-3221.

Fostoria Rail Festival: Displays, rail tours and a swap meet at Fostoria Middle School will cater to train fans; others can enjoy the farmers’ market and car show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19, Main Street, Fostoria. (419) 435-1781.

Harrison Rally Day Community Festival: Historic downtown Perrysburg will host this juried fine arts and crafts fair, which also features music, children’s art, youth band and a parade. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 19, Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg. (419) 874-9147.

Whitehouse Shrimp Festival: Thousands of shrimp will be harvested at a local farm, and this festival offers visitors the chance to see the action. Festivities include selection of the Shrimp Queen and, of course, some tasty dishes. 10 a.m. Sept. 19, Whitehouse Shrimp Farm, 11500 Obee Rd., Whitehouse. (419) 877-2733 or www.shrimp-farm.com.

Fossil Fest: Visitors can sift and search through truckloads of shale for fossils; Toledo Rock, Gem & Mineral Club members and geologists from Hanson Quarries will help identify the finds. Preschoolers can hunt dinosaur eggs, and kids 7-11 can dash in the Dino Run. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20, Sylvania Historical Village, 5717 N. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 882-4865.

Ashland County Fair: Bull riding and a combine/lawn mower derby is planned, as well as harness racing, motorcross and a women’s skillet-tossing contest. 9 a.m. Sept. 20-26, 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland. $4. (419) 289-0466 or www.ashlandcountyfair.com.

FAMILY TIME
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 through Sept. 30 and weekends only in October, 11455 Obee Road, Whitehouse. $4.50-$6. (419) 877-2733.

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.

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, Fort Meigs. $4-$8.

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. weekends through October, Kimble’s Landing, Providence Metropark, 13827 U.S. Route 24 West (at Route 578), Grand Rapids. Boat tickets: $4-$6.

Side Cut Explorer: A 12-passenger, wheelchair-accessible tram ride along the Maumee River and canal towpath. 10 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through October, Side Cut Metropark, Riverview parking lot, 1025 River Road, Maumee. $2. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

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.

Butterfly House Corn Maze: This 16-acre maze will corn-found the most able navigator. 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays, noon-midnight Saturdays and noon-8 Sundays through Oct. 31, 11455 Obee Rd., Whitehouse. $6-$8. (419) 877-2733 or www.whitehousecornmaze.com.

“Ceramics Illuminated”: An exhibition of ceramics that, when the lights go on, reveal incredible depth and detail. 1-4 p.m. weekends or by appointment through Oct. 31, The Blair Museum of Lithophanes, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. (419) 536-5588.

Serial Readers, Cereal Eaters Book Club: Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders can bring their cereal bowls for a bite and a read. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 19, Sanger Branch, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5370.

Tale Trekkers: This book club for first-, second- and third-graders will introduce fairy tales from around the world. (419) 259-5207 or www.toledolibrary.org.
> 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 14, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave.
> 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 19, Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St.
> 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Oct. 17, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane.
> 4:15-5:15 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 19-Nov. 23, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville.

Saturday Chess Players: Players 12 and younger of any skill level can practice basic moves and learn some advanced strategy. 9-11 a.m., through Dec. 26, children’s library, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

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.
> Celebrate Parents’ Week, Sept. 20, 22 and 24.
> Make Your Own Puzzle, Sept. 27, 29 and Oct. 1.
> Superheroes, Oct. 4, 6 and 8.

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.
> Amazing Autumn: Find out “how the park and its inhabitants prepare for winter during a walk under fall’s festive foliage. Sept. 20.
> Tree ID: Learn to distinguish trees by three means. Sept. 27.

Feathers, Fur & Fun: Kids in third grade and younger can hear “an animal-themed story, then meet some furry and feathered friends from Nature’s Nursery.” 2 p.m. Sept. 19, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Baby of Mine series: Programs for new parents and their newborns. 11:30 a.m., Children’s Library, Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Registration: (419) 259-5231.
> Infant Massage: Learn gentle techniques to soothe and relieve discomfort. Sept. 19.
> Baby & Me Yoga: This class will incorporate infants into poses, building parents’ strength and endurance. Sept. 26

“Journey Through the Solar System”: Peek at the sun, planets, moons, asteroids and comets in this interactive tour. 1 p.m. Sept. 19, 26, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $5-$6. (419) 530-4037 or (419) 530-2650.

“Origins of Life”: This program looks at where we came from and humans’ search for life beyond Earth. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Oct. 10, 17 and 24, Appold Planetarium, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $3-$4. Reservations: (419) 517-8897 or planetarium@lourdes.edu.

Celebrate Our Artisans: Traditional trades @@ spinning, pottery, glassblowing blacksmithing and more @@ will demonstrated. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20, Sauder Village, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. $6.50-$12.50. (800) 590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

Pack the Parks: The Metroparks’ fourth annual family celebration will feature competitions, bands, cheerleaders and refreshments. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 19, Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, Airport Highway between Byrne and Reynolds Roads, (419) 382-4664; and Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave., (419) 535-3056.

Grand Event for Grandparents: The first generation can bring the third (and beyond) to find out what life was like when the grandparents were kids. Activities will include a treasure hunt tour, games, crafts and the chance to interview each other about life as a kid. 1-4 p.m. Sept. 20, Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green. $1-$4. (419) 352-0967 or www.woodcountyhistory.org.

Big Breakfast: Flapjacks and bacon raise money for Whitehouse American Legion Post 384 and its programs for veterans and the community. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 20, 6910 Providence St., Whitehouse. $6. (419) 877-5171.

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk: Trek among the Toledo Zoo’s animals in this fundraiser for the Northwest Ohio chapter of this organization dedicated to fighting the progressive brain disease. 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. (419) 537-1999.

Irish Hills bicycle tour: The ride traverses varied terrain in routes 10 to 100 miles in length in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. 7:30 a.m. Sept. 20 from Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania. $5-$25. (419) 243-7680, (419) 536-4826 or hitoledo.org.

Ojo de Dios: Tweens can “celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making this popular folk craft.” 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 21-22 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 23-26, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

Beast of a Garage Sale: Proceeds from this second-annual event will benefit Nature’s Nursery, “a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education organization serving northwest Ohio.” Tax-deductible donations can be dropped off 10 a.m.-7 pm Sept. 21-22 and until 4 p.m. Sept. 23; sale hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 24-25 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 26. Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key St., Maumee. (419) 877-0060 or www.natures-nursery.org.

Elephant Appreciation Day: Those who are passionate about pachyderms may enjoy this story time and craft. 4 p.m. Sept. 22, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Reading Divas Tea Party: This get-together will kick off a fall reading club for teen girls. “Tea, cookies, fun and conversation are on the menu.” 3 p.m. Sept. 22, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

Yoga Jenn: Families can relax and stretch their bodies and abilities with this basic class. 7 p.m. Sept. 22, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5295.

Park Pals: Orange Monarchs. Children 3-5 and their adult companions will give the bold travelers “a happy send-off” to their migrations. 10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 22 and noon-1:30 Sept. 23, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark’s lodge, 4139 Girdham Road off Route 2, Swanton. $5. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Apple Butter Making: Falling leaves signals the start of apple season and all its bounties, including this condiment. Denizens will demonstrate the process, from cider to jar, and other apple-centric activities and dishes will abound. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 22-25 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26, Sauder Village, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. $6.50-$12.50. (800) 590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

Ductivities: Teens will create personalized lunch bags using duct tape. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 24, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290.

Bowling for Books: Youngsters can trade turkeys for paperbacks. 3:45 p.m. Sept. 24, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.

Toledo Area Humane Society Tea Party: Put on the dog to assist local strays and get a biscuit of your own to accompany your cuppa. 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Clara J’s Tea Room, 219 W. Wayne St., Maumee. $40. Registration: www.toledoareahumanesociety.org/tahs.

Make a Splash workshop: Visitors 14 and older can explore the beauty of watercolor painting in this introduction. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 25, TMA, 2445 Monroe St. $30. Registration: (419) 254-5080 or toledomuseum.org.

“Ritter From Dusk to Dawn”: Learn what happens in the planetarium, following preschool students to postdoctoral fellows, to explain the nature of the universe. 8:30 p.m. Sept. 25, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $5-$6. (419) 530-4037 or (419) 530-2650.

Underground Railroad Lantern Tours: This walking tour features the re-enactments of a slave family traveling from Africa to Canada and an abolitionist family’s journey from England to Sylvania. 7-9:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Harroun Park, Main Street opposite St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania. $5. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Traveling With the Stars: In conjunction with the Friends of Lathrop lantern tours, 20-minute shows will demonstrate the celestial help escaping slaves had in finding their way north. 7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 26, Appold Planetarium, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $3. Reservations: (419) 517-8897 or planetarium@lourdes.edu.

Monarch release: Hundreds of locally raised Monarch butterflies will be released to begin their migration to Mexico. 12:30 p.m. Sept. 26 (weather permitting), Butterfly House, 11455 Obee Road, Whitehouse. House admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4.50 children 4-12. (419) 877-2733.

Eco Hikers: Young 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. Sept. 26, Packer-Hammersmith Center, Pearson Metropark, 4600 Starr Ave., Oregon. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

The Big Feed: Zoo visitors can watch their favorite animals @@ from sharks, reptiles and tigers to birds, orangutans and elephants @@ chow down and learn more about their diets and habits. A lucky few can participate in feedings; visit www.toledozoo.org/events/bigfeed.html to see times for specific animals’ meals and opportunities/fees to participate. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 26, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $8-$11. (419) 385-5721.

Family Fiesta: Games, treats, crafts, stories and prizes will be featured in this free family event. 2-4 p.m. Sept. 26, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

Diversity in Outdoor Recreation: The Many Faces of Conservation. “Expert speakers, community leaders and park professionals will present practical ideas on promoting diversity in the outdoors.” 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 26, Ward Pavilion, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056. Information/registration: Black Swamp Bird Observatory, (419) 898-4070 or staff@bsbo.org.

Fall into Art: Kids 9-12 will learn artistic techniques and use household items to create masterpieces. 2 p.m. Sept. 26, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Registration: (419) 259-5231.

Slicing Through Steel: A blacksmith will “coax the beauty of steel to the surface as he forges Damascus knife blades.” 1-4 p.m. Sept. 26, Isaac Ludwig Mill, Providence Metropark, 13827 US 24 West (at SR 578), Grand Rapids.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” parties: The latest book in this series will be out soon, and fans are invited to celebrate with games, snacks and crafts.
> 2 p.m. Sept. 26, Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. Reservations: (419) 259-5360.
> 2 p.m. Sept. 26, Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St. Registration: (419) 259-5390.

They Walked Here Before Us Woodland Indian Celebration: Native American musicians Arvel Bird and Douglas Blue Feather and drum groups Southern Singers and Crooked Creek will perform. An “Indian Village” with demonstrations of native games and skills and kids’ tent with birds of prey will be open. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 26 and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 27, Buttonwood Park, 27174 Hull Prairie Rd., Perrysburg. $2-$4. (419) 381-7042 or perrysburgpowwow@hotmail.com.

Johlin Cabin open house: Visitors can learn about Black Swamp settlers during pioneer days. 2-4 p.m. Sept. 27, Pearson Metropark, 4600 Starr Ave., Oregon.

TMA Hands-on Activity: Families are invited to find fallish works in the galleries and then create leaf prints. 2-4 p.m. Sept. 27, Libbey Court, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Chinese Moon Celebration: Kids in fifth grade and younger can learn about the annual festival that marks the end of the summer harvest, make paper lanterns and taste moon cakes. 4 p.m. Sept. 28, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

Bear Hunt: At this indoor camping trip, kids will share marshmallows, stories and crafts. 4 p.m. Sept. 29, Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave. (419) 259-5210.

Moonjar Savings Bank: Kids in fifth grade and younger can learn about “spending wisely, saving and sharing” and make a bank to keep. 4 p.m. Sept. 29, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. Reservations: (419) 259-5307.

National Dog Week: Celebrate pooches, purebred and mutt, in this story time and craft event. 4 p.m. Sept. 29, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Origami Creations: Linda Morrissey will help families make paper-folding masterpieces that have educational benefits, too. 7 p.m. Sept. 29, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5295.

Moonlight Mile: See the sun set and the moon rise, and observe wildlife activity while listening to quotes about the night. 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 30, Metz Visitor Center courtyard, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056. $5. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

MOVIES
Silver Screen Classics: Classic movies at classic prices. 1 p.m. Mondays, Showcase Cinemas Levis Commons, 2005 Hollenbeck Dr., Perrysburg. $2. (419) 891-5039.
> “Doll Face,” Sept. 21.

Movie series: The flicks will be of more than the celluloid kind if you forget the bug spray @@ these films will be shown outdoors. Sundown Saturdays through Sept. 26, grass pad across from Red Robin Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee. (419) 878-6255 or www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com.
> “Cars,” Sept. 19, with a classic car show, 3-8 p.m.
> “Goonies,” Sept. 26.

“The Verdict”: Paul Newman stars as a lawyer of reduced circumstances faces a moral dilemma @@ settle the case or force a hearing to punish the guilty. 1 p.m. Sept. 19, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$9. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000, www.michtheater.org.

An Evening with Kevin Smith: It won’t just be “Silent Bob” standing there; the director of “Clerks” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” will discuss his work and answer questions. 8 p.m. Sept. 19, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $32.50-$65. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000, www.michtheater.org.

“American Violet”: A woman accused of being a drug dealer fights the justice system. 4:45 p.m. Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 and 4:15 and 9:15 p.m. Sept. 23, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$9. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000, www.michtheater.org.

“The Age of Stupid”: Mixing prerecorded and live elements, this production aims to tackle climate change and its impact. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. $12.50. (419) 891-5039.

“Top Hat”: Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance in this classic musical comedy of mistaken identity. 7 p.m. Sept. 21, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$9. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000, www.michtheater.org.

Film Focus Independent Film Festival: A 10th season of movies by independent auteurs. The films aren’t rated; some films may contain strong language, violence or sexual content. 6:15 p.m. Sept. 21-Oct. 26, McMaster Center, Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207 or www.toledolibrary.org.
> “White on Rice,” Sept. 21.

“Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.” A drifter moves in with a brother and sister, seducing them both, the man with a life of crime, the woman by his vulnerability.
7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Hanna Hall’s Gish Film Theater, BGSU, East Wooster Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-2719.

“The Wizard of Oz” 70th anniversary celebration: Mark the beginning of the journey down the yellow brick road with an introduction by film historian Robert Osborne and screening of behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and the high-definition version of the movie. 7 p.m. Sept. 23, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. $10. (419) 891-5039.

Film Book Club: “The Last Picture Show.” Larry McMurtry’s book was turned into film by Peter Bogdanovich. Attendees are asked to either read the book or watch the film for discussion at this meeting. 7-9 p.m. Sept. 24, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. Registration: (734) 847-6747.

Manhattan Short Film Festival: This showcase of new directors asks viewers from across the globe to decide whose production is the cream of the crop. The winner will be announced Sept. 29. 7 p.m. Sept. 24, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$9. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000, www.michtheater.org.

“Time for Drunken Horses”: This film from Iran and Kurdistan details a family’s struggles to survive on the border of Iran and Iraq. Part of BGSU’s International Film Series. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Hanna Hall’s Gish Film Theater, East Wooster Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-2719.

“Sicko”: Michael Moore’s exploration of health care in America will be screened as part of UT’s Documentary Film Series. A short, “Glass Jaw,” about a filmmaker’s health care struggle after he is assaulted will be shown, too. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, Center for Performing Arts Lab Theatre, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. $3 donation. (419) 530-2452 or www.utoledo.edu/as/theatrefilm.

“A Man Named Pearl”: The library’s Reel Art series opens with this story of “a self-taught topiary artist.” 7 p.m. Sept. 25, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135.

“A Matter of Life and Death”: Also known as “Stairway to Heaven,” this film features David Niven and Kim Hunter, “caught in a struggle between heaven and earth during World War II.” Dr. Jan Wahl will provide commentary. 3 p.m. Sept. 27, Hanna Hall’s Gish Film Theater, East Wooster Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-2719.

“Swoon”: This film explores how various groups blamed Leopold and Loeb’s kidnap and murder of a boy on the pair’s sexuality. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Hanna Hall’s Gish Film Theater, East Wooster Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-2719.

“Monster vs. Aliens”: Can Earth’s monsters and mutants repel domination-intent aliens?
> 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. (734) 847-6747.
> 4 p.m. Sept. 30, Rossford Public Library, 720 Dixie Hwy., Rossford. (419) 666-0924.

Cine-Posium: Short films and other material created in BGSU courses will be screened and discussed. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Hanna Hall’s Gish Film Theater, East Wooster Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-2719.

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.
> Empire Drift: Sept. 19.
> Kyle White: Sept. 24.
> Acoustic Shoes: Sept. 25.
> 2 Dudes & a Chick: Sept. 26.

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.
> Crucial 420: Sept. 19.
> City Limit Sundown: Sept. 25.
> Stone House: Sept. 26.

Fat Fish Blue: Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayou-style grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474.
> Curtis Jr. & the Midnight Rockers with Bobby G.: 9:30 p.m. Sept. 19, $2.
> Keith Hoyt’s Tribute to Sinatra: 9:30 p.m. Oct. 2, $2.

Frankie’s: Toledo’s venue for rock. 308 Main St. (419) 693-5300 or www.FrankiesInnerCity.com.
> Before Their Eyes, Lost at Sea, Burn the Ships, Bullets Before Beauty: 5 p.m. Sept. 19, $8-$10.
> Basil Sanchez, Emily Gessner: 7 p.m. Sept. 20, $5-$7.
> Dot Dot Curve, Breath Electric, Count Your Blessings: 6 p.m. Sept. 22, $8-$10.
> Bloodlined Caligraphy, the Burial, Eloise, Behold the Kingdom, Trucido: 8 p.m. Sept. 24, $8-$10.
> The Heart of Juliet Jones, Unsinkable Molly Brown, the Fight Within, the Red Scare: 9 p.m. Sept. 25, $5-$7.
> Nathan Cogan, the Working Hour: 9 p.m. Sept. 26, $5-$7.
> The Honorary Title, Good Old War, Cory Branan, JWC, Frank & Jesse: 7 p.m. Sept. 28, $10-$12.
> Fear Before, the Color of Violence, Baptized in Blood: 4 p.m. Oct. 2, $8-$10.
> MC Chris, Whole Wheat Bread, I Fight Dragons: 9 p.m. Oct. 3, $15-$17.
> Westbound Train, Ego and the Maniacs, El Blanco Diablo: 8 p.m. Oct. 6, $8-$10.

Headliners: All ages, all genres are welcome. 4500 N. Detroit Ave. (419) 269-4500 or www.headlinerstoledo.com.
> Once Over, Ardor, Haud Imperium, Soldierside, Measure the Redshift: 8 p.m. Sept. 19, $5-$8.
> Born of Osiris, All Shall Perish, After the Burial, Caliban, Suffokate: 5 p.m. Oct. 4, $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.
> It’s Essential: Sept. 19.
> Quick Trio: 6 p.m. Sept. 24.
> Extra Stout: Sept. 25.
> Tom Turner & Slowburn: Sept. 26.

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.
> The Albertans: Sept. 19.
> Homeville Circle, Dooley Wilson, Sisters Lucas: Sept. 25.

Murphy’s Place: Jazz @@ straight, smooth, bebop or traditional @@ all kinds are played here. 151 Water St. (419) 241-7732 or www.murphysplacejazz.com.
> Ramona Collins: 9 p.m. Sept. 19, $8.
> Clifford Murphy and Claude Black: 8 p.m. Sept. 21-22, 29, $4.
> Anna Givens: 9 p.m. Sept. 25, Oct. 2, $6.
> Kim Buehler: 9 p.m. Sept. 25, $6.
> UT Jazz Night: 8 p.m. Sept. 28, $3-$5.

Omni: Toledo’s newest club is a venue for music (and music lovers) of all types. 2567 W. Bancroft St. (419) 474-1333.
> Bryan Lee, Ernie & the Automatics: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25, $8.

Ottawa Tavern: Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com.
> Homeville Circle, Sept. 19.
> Jolly Molly, Sept. 25.
> The Falling Spikes, Sept. 26.

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.

Centennial Terrace concerts: This venue provides unique acoustics (it might be because of the nearby quarry). 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania. (419) 882-1500.
> Night Session Big Band: 7:30-11 p.m. Sept. 19, $10.

Rock ’n’ Roll Spectacular: “Veterans from the British Invasion,” including members of Badfinger, Moody Blues and Wings, will perform, along with the Cryers and the Smith Bros. 8 p.m. Sept. 19, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $21-$29. (419) 381-8851.

TEN 27: The Black Book Project. This trio “merges music and science in this multimedia performance combining original jazz compositions with beautiful images of the cosmos from the Hubble Space Telescope.” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $15-$20. (419) 897-8902.

PointFest: Christian artists Toby Mac, Family Force 5, Brandon Heath and Rich Praytor will be among the performers at this festival. 3 p.m. Sept. 19, Cedar Point’s Soak City parking lot, 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky. $40-$55 (includes Cedar Point admission). (800) 965-9324 premierfestivals.com.

Faculty Artist Series: Instructors and professors from area colleges will perform. 3 p.m. Sundays, TMA’s Great Gallery, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.
> Nina Assimakopoulos, BGSU flutist: Sept. 20.

Jazz on the Green: Ron Prebe and Company will perform an outdoor concert. 5 p.m. Sept. 20, Gesu Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd. (419) 531-1421 ext. 229.

Sunday Concert: Nina Assimakopoulos, BGSU flutist, will perform. 3 p.m. Sept. 20, TMA Great Gallery, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Guest artist performance: Misha Galaganov, viola, and John Owings, piano, will give a concert. 8 p.m. Sept. 22, Bryan Recital Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

Back to School Rock and Roll Concert: Cure the back-to-the-books blues with one last summertime jam. 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 22, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. (734) 847-6747.

Willie Nelson: Yes, he’s on the road again in support of a prolific year of music, from an album of standards and collaborations to the usual countrified sounds with a new Willie twist. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $36.50-$56.50. (419) 381-8851 or www.stranahantheater.com.

Faculty Artist Series: Ellen Scholl, mezzo-soprano, and Christopher Scholl, tenor, will perform. 8 p.m. Sept. 23, Bryan Recital Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

Hotel California: This Eagles tribute band will cover the band’s hits, such as “Desperado” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $25-$35. (419) 242-2787.

Ani DiFranco: “Righteous Babe” has been defying stereotypes for decades, founding her own record label and fostering others’ artistic impulses along the way. 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $32.50-$37.50. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000 or www.michtheater.org.

Mahler’s Third: The BGSU Women’s Chorus will lend their voices to this Toledo Symphony performance. 8 p.m. Sept. 25-26, TMA Peristyle Theater, 2445 Monroe St. $20-$50. (419) 246-8000 or www.toledosymphony.com

JoyFest: Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Marvin Sapp, Crystal Aikin and Bone Hampton will spread the word about Jesus at this festival. 4 p.m. Sept. 26, Cedar Point’s Soak City parking lot, 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky. $40-$55 (includes Cedar Point admission). (800) 965-9324 premierfestivals.com.

Grizzly Bear: This indie rock band has been getting name-checked all over the place, not to mention widespread acclaim for its latest release, “Veckatimest.” 8 p.m. Sept. 26, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $18-$42. (734) 764-2538, www.ums.org, or www.michtheater.org.

“The Age of Vaudeville”: Retired professor George Kalbouss will present a lecture and concert featuring the songs of Fannie Brice, Ted Lewis, Eddie Cantor, George M. Cohan and Al Jolson. 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135.

Bowling Green Philharmonia: The Collegiate Chorale will join the BGSU symphony in a performance. 3 p.m. Sept. 27, Kobacker Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. $7-$10. (419) 372-8171, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

Brandi Carlile: This singer with a voice to break hearts and songwriting skill to match will bring her guitar to Michigan. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. $20-$35. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000 or www.michtheater.org.

“When Music Sings, The Brain Listens and the Heart Modulates”: This concert by pianist Prisca Benoit will feature commentary by Dr. Kamal Chemali, a neurologist. 8 p.m. Sept. 30, Bryan Recital Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

Umphrey’s McGee: While fusing musical genres together, this improvisational band also combines “thought-provoking lyrics and pristine harmonies.” 8 p.m. Oct. 2, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. $22.50. (734) 764-2538, (800) 745-3000 or www.michtheater.org.

Marvin Hamlisch: From Broadway to Hollywood. This songwriting legend will perform and greet fans at this benefit gala. Dinner and dancing will follow the show. 7 p.m. Oct. 2, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $175-$225. (419) 242-2787.

SPORT
Maumee River Canoe Float: “Explore the scenic Maumee River” from its surface. 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Farnsworth Metropark boat launch, 8505 S. River Road (Route 24), Waterville. $10. Call for restrictions and reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

STAGE
Connxtions Comedy Club: Comedians bring their best yuks for your amusement. 5319 Heatherdowns Blvd. $12-$14 (unless noted otherwise). (419) 867-9041.
> The Disgruntled Clown: 8 and 10 p.m. Sept. 19. $8.

Funny Bone: 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. $12-$14, unless noted otherwise. (419) 931-3474.
> Medicine Hat: 7 and 10 p.m. Sept. 19 and 7 p.m. Sept. 20.

“Squabbles”: A man creates stress in his son-in-law’s home, and the situation escalates when the young husband’s mother has to move in with the group. 8 p.m. Sept. 19 and 24-26 and 2 p.m. Sept. 20, Village Players Theatre, 2740 Upton Ave. $12-$14. (419) 472-6817 or www.thevillageplayers.org.

“Always … Patsy Cline”: This musical pays tribute to one of country’s most beloved voices. Based on Cline’s pen-pal friendship with a loyal fan, the story features many of the singer’s hits. 8 p.m. Sept. 19 and 3 p.m. Sept. 20, Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, Mich. $15-$25. (517) 264-7469 or www.croswell.org.

“Hats! The Musical”: Based on the Red Hat Society, devoted to women older than 50, this show promotes friendship and fun. 8 p.m. Sept. 19 and 24-26 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. $5-$22. (419) 243-9277 or www.toledorep.org.

“Ernest in Love”: A musical version of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Ernest.” 8 p.m. Sept. 19 and 25-26 and 2 p.m. Sept. 27, First United Methodist Church Theatre, 1506 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green. $10-$12. www.blackswampplayers.org.

Night of 100 Stars: Three nationally known entertainers @@ Bethany Owen, AKA the “Woman of 1001 Faces and Voices; musical impressionist Pete Peterkin; and impersonator David Born @@ will headline this comedy showcase. 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Owens Community College, Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. $28-$32. (567) 661-2787 or (800) 466-9367, ext. 2787, or www.owens.edu/arts.

Glass Slipper Review: This event celebrates local women in the performing arts. Poet Ophelia Thompson, Toledo School for the Performing Arts dancers, singer Theresa Harris and musician Katrina Barnhill will be among the featured artists. 3-5 p.m. Sept. 27, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. $15-$18. (419) 244-2787 or www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

“FDR”: Ed Asner will portray America’s leader during World War II as he reflects on life in office. 3 p.m. Sept. 27, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $33-$55. (419) 242-2787.

WHEEL FUN
Murder Mystery Dinner Train: Find out exactly how far Howie Cheatum went to start his fast food Poi Boy empire in “Lethal Luau.” 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Blissfield Old Road Dinner Train’s depot, 301 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, Mich. $70. (888) 467-2451.

Pop’s Cruise-Ins: Auto enthusiasts are welcome to admire or enter this weekly car show. Prizes and music come standard. 6-8 p.m. Sept. 21 and 28, The Andersons, 3725 Williston Road, Northwood. Register at Rick’s Cafe in the parking lot. (419) 698-8400.

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, through Nov. 1, 49 N. Sixth St., Waterville. $7.50-$11. (419) 878-2177 or www.tlew.org.

Antique Car Show: Auto enthusiasts can examine Model As and Ts and discuss them with their owners. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $8-$11. (419) 385-5721 or toledozoo.org.