This month the government announced social security payments will not go up for retirees next year. This is the first time this has happened since back in the 1970s. So, we were wondering; are we really in a deflationary environment or is inflation a real risk? Did the government play tricks with the numbers to work it in its favor?
On the surface, it seems like there are a lot of areas where things are getting cheaper. Almost all electronic prices have come down, retailers are slashing prices to sell inventories, houses and real estate prices are plummeting. So, one might say the evidence points to a deflationary world.
The history of what inflation is calculated on is called the Consumer Price Index (CPI). According to www.Shadowstats.com, this history of the CPI dates back to the 1880s when the government started studying the impact of taxes on prices of goods bought and sold. Then in the mid-1990s, the unions began using the CPI for cost of living increases. And so when Social Security and Medicare and a ton of other government benefits were created, this formula was used to calculate increase in pay.
Herein lies the problem. The government — and really all of us in the form of taxes — were on the hook for more and more money. Originally, the calculation for inflation was pretty simple. They measured the price of a fixed basket of goods over a period of time. During the Carter, Reagan and the Clinton years they began to change the way the formula is calculated. Some of the numbers you hear published actually remove food and energy from the calculation. Now, I don’t know about you, but the price of food and energy has a pretty big impact on our lives. If the government used the original formula for calculating inflation, some estimates show  Social Security payments would be nearly double what they are today, and true inflation would actually be around 6 percent today instead of the reported negative 2 percent. Bottom line, Social Security payments are not going up next year and it isn’t something you control.
Sure, you could sit around at breakfast with friends and complain about the government. And that may be fun for a while. But, there are steps that seniors and retirees can take to help add to the bottom line next year.
First, a lot of people we meet have up to 85 percent of their Social Security payments taxed and there are steps to reduce this tax. Talk with a financial professional and an accountant about ways to reduce your Social Security taxes before the end of the year. The solution could be as easy as using a different investment account for some of your savings.
Second, look for ways to cut out other excess expenses you are paying for. This could be done by reviewing insurance and investment expenses that aren’t adding value to you.
Finally, do a comprehensive review of all your monthly expenses to see what other areas you could save on. And before you know it, your income might actually go up next year, not down.
The Obama administration is considering giving seniors and retirees a $250 stimulus check. We will continue to keep you posted as new developments come out. Yet, in the meantime remember to focus on making changes to what you have control over and don’t dwell on facts that you have no control over.

For more information about The Retirement Guys, tune in every Sunday at 11 a.m. on 1370 WSPD or visit www.retirementguysradio.com. Securities are offered through NEXT Financial Group Inc., Member FINRA / SIPC. The Retirement Guys are not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group. NEXT Financial Group, INC. nor its representatives provide tax advice. Always consult with an accountant. The office is at 1700 Woodlands Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537.

The Toledo Public Schools (TPS) Board of Education has three open positions to be filled in the Nov. 3 elections. Darlene Fisher is the only TPS board member up for re-election; the other two members of the board who are running were appointed to their positions.
“I have so much history. I think we need someone who is well experienced on the board. If elected I would be the most tenured person on the board,” Fisher said.
Fisher is a market researcher and strategic planner. She said her background is beneficial when digging into the details of how the budget dollars are spent.
Fisher said she has been an advocate for community involvement and transparency throughout the district for the past 15 years.

Darlene Fisher

“Whether we agree with every opinion or not, we need community support. I’m very gung-ho on supporting the community and getting its input,” Fisher said.
Community support
Fisher is supported or complimented by several local leaders. Writing in the Sojourner’s Truth, former mayor and current TPS board member Jack Ford said, “The one voice that has been consistent in the past four years at TPS on diversification is Darlene Fisher.”
Stephen Ward wrote in a news release, “[Fisher] has been a champion for all students. She has not been a politician, but a mother who cares for the children.”
Community leaders and education advocates Ben Williams and Warren Woodberry have also expressed support for Fisher.
“I support Fisher 110 percent,” Woodberry said. “She was at the forefront of helping us save Scott High School and has been in conversations about saving Libbey.”
Fisher received endorsements from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund, Teamsters and Northwestern Ohio Building and Constructions Trade Council. She is supported by the Toledo Urban Coalition.
Vocal opposition
She does have vocal detractors though.
Francine Lawrence, President of the Toledo Federation of Teachers, said, “Darlene Fisher is one of the worst school board members ever” in a September release titled “Fisher’s hypocrisy.”
Fisher said she respected Lawrence’s opinion as a union representative, but Fisher’s role is to make sure the kids are best served. Fisher believes there needs to be someone with an objective view not influenced by the unions.
“I’m not offended by her comments, in some ways it’s a badge of courage for me. If you are willing to stand up and say, ‘look, we need changes and other people aren’t willing to stand up,’ what does that say about her character or mine?” Fisher said.

Fisher said she doesn’t accept lower standards and strives for the best for our kids.
“I have principles and I stand to them. I’m willing to address issues no one else is going to address,” Fisher said. “Even if there is one person like that on the five member board, it has impact. Now, even if the other members take my ideas and use them, if we get the success it does matter.”
Fisher thinks a long list of challenges face the school district. Board members will have to come up with ways to stretch the budget, engage students and bridge the gap of lower performing schools.
One of the main challenges the district faces is recruitment and retention of students. Fisher said she believes the schools that are declared on academic emergency should be made a No. 1 priority. Focusing on these schools to boost their ratings will allow them to no longer qualify for vouchers.
Fisher said she believes the district needs to work with social services in some of the lower performing districts to help those kids succeed. She said students need to have their basic needs met to perform when they walk through the door Monday.
The district needs to reach out to the union to come up with creative ways to engage the students, Fisher said. The board needs to create teacher incentives so more senior teachers will work in the lower performing schools.
Fisher said the board must prove to the community it’s spending its tax dollars well.
“We should set the benchmark and watch it. Let’s do everything we can to support it, and if we don’t come through let’s figure out why. And if we do come through, what bigger and better things do we need to achieve excellent rating throughout the district.”
Fisher also believes that behind-the-scenes politics have consequences on the district.
“We have more than 60 schools, and it gets to be very bureaucratic and there are a lot of politics that go on behind the scenes that I think eventually hurts kids, not just in Toledo, but across the country,” Fisher said.
“If I don’t win, at least I know I stayed true to my principles and the idea that I’m helping the children in our community,” Fisher said.

Voters’ guide to TPS board candidates
Norman Drogmiller
Norman Drogmiller said for the past 20 years he has thought of running for TPS board. When Steve Steel left the board, he knew it was time to run.
“I believe people who commit themselves to the board should fulfill their commitment to the schools,” Drogmiller said.
Drogmiller has been a Bowsher High School and Arlington Elementary School volunteer for 17 years. He served on the boosters for 15 years, was president for six years and is vice president.
Drogmiller coached fifth and sixth grade basketball in 1990 for his daughters, and now coaches for his grandson. He also headed up a $1 million renovation at Bowsher stadium and is announcer for Bowsher sporting events.
A graduate of Rogers, Drogmiller said he believes in “furthering the education of our children.” He would like to see more vocational and trade programs, such as carpentry, welding or plumbing, for children who don’t necessarily want to go to college, but want to have a job where they can sustain themselves.
Drogmiller, a registered Democrat, thinks he would be a good candidate because he has no interest in furthering his political career and is only running for the children.
“The last 15 years I’ve been doing this, the only thing I’ve been doing this for is the kids. I believe that the kids need a good education and the right teachers in the school so they can go on to bigger and better things,” Drogmiller said.
Aji Green
Aji Green said his interest in the school board first came when he was “pointing fingers” at it. He said the school board had a lot of conflict among its members that kept it from helping the children.
“People fighting each other and pushing each other over nonsense issues isn’t productive,” Green said.
Green has a bachelor’s degree from UT in human resources and management and is currently working on a dual master’s degree in law and political science at UT. Green also served in the Army National Guard for five years.
He has studied education finance in the state of Ohio teachers union and public sector labor law and educational reform in urban communities.
Green volunteered at Lincoln Elementary before it was Lincoln Academy, at Pickett Academy and at his church. His wife teaches at Pickett Academy.
Green said he is looking to close the achievement gap, address the budget crisis, get people back into TPS and build community relationships.
“A lot of people in this community need a voice, and I want to be that voice,” Green said.
The same problems continue to be seen over and over, Green said. He believes until people who have a vested interested in education, such as the mayor, city council, teachers and the community, come together the same problems will continue to be an issue.
Green plans to work with teacher unions to come up with solutions that move the district forward. Green would also like to work with the community to address the increased dropout rates of blacks and Hispanics from the district.
Green has been endorsed by the Toledo Area UAW CAP Council, Toledo Federation of Teachers, Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel, Northwestern Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council and the Lucas County Democratic Party.
Brenda Hill
Brenda Hill is a school board member appointed in June to fill the vacant seat of Steve Steel. Prior to her appointment, Hill was already planning on running for the board in November’s election.
“I went through the TPS system and so did my children. I received a good education and I’m determined to make sure future students get the same education,” Hill said.
A retired teacher, Hill taught for 35 years in the TPS district. As a Title 1 teacher Hill taught at the now Pickett Academy, Walbridge
Elementary School, Birmingham Elementary School and Navarre Elementary School.
“As a teacher, I know what it’s like in the classroom, working with the students and working under contract,” Hill said.
Hill would like to increase involvement in the schools on all levels, getting parents involved and the community.
She said she would like to motivate students to be responsible for their own growth, offering them classes on how to study.
Hill wants to see continual improvement in test scores. She said the district needs to better evaluate curriculum and buy new books to prepare students for state testing. She would also like to implement new ideas and programs to bring the underachieving schools to a level of the higher achieving schools.
“I want the school system to stay strong and give all of our children a strong foundation. The economy has changed and the jobs have changed,” Hill said. “For jobs, you can’t just get a high school degree. Our students need to be prepared for college and able to compete here and overseas. They have to receive a well-rounded education.”
As the city’s tax base goes down and federal funding decreases, Hill said she will make sure state representatives know her name as she gets the district any money and grants available.
Hill has received endorsements from the Toledo Area UAW CAP Council, Toledo Federation of Teachers, the Teamsters Local 20 and the Lucas County Democratic Party.
Vince Hornik
Vince Hornik, a DeVeaux Middle School parent, decided to run for school board at the urging of fellow parents.
Three years ago, Hornik started the Parent Teacher Association at DeVeaux when his son attended there and he continues to be an active member as his daughters go there.
Hornik’s son entered the school district on an independent education program (IEP), and Hornik has dealt with teachers and administrators in the school district to make sure his son received everything he needed to learn. Hornik also dealt with the staff on behalf of other parents and children as well.
Communication and accountability are important issues for Hornik. He believes networking with the teachers and administrators is a big way to help solve problems.
“There isn’t one person that has all the answers. The TPS system is a giant and we have to work together,” said Hornik.
“We need to put teams together and set goals and make them happen. When goals aren’t met we need to make a plan to fix that. We can agree to disagree, but we have to listen to each other and not just talk over one another.”
Hornik has a background in retail management and deals with the public on a daily basis.
A registered Republican, Hornik is running as an independent and hasn’t sought endorsements of a political party. Hornik has received an endorsement from the Toledo Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund.
“I’m running for the kids. To put a smile on their faces and educate them,” Hornik said.
Mindy Jenson
Mindy Jenson was approached by the Lucas County Republican Party and asked to run for school board.
“Every parent wants what’s best for their kids, and as a parent, I would try and work toward what’s best for the kids,” Jenson said.
Jenson’s background is not in education, but in health care. She has worked as a nurse for 17 years and is the director of nursing at the Rosary Care Center. Jenson said her background provides a different perspective, different ways of looking at the problems.
As part of the health care industry, Jenson said she understands what it’s like to have less funding coming in. She said she would come up with different and creative ways to get the best quality product at an affordable price for the students.
Jenson aims to keep education engaging, maintain small class size and provide quality resources. She would like to see more hands-on learning and set up after school tutoring programs.
In the time of H1N1, Jenson said she wants to make sure the schools are doing what they need to do health wise for the children.
“I don’t have unrealistic ideas. If I can help the kids achieve their goals early on I think that’s very important,” she said.
Although endorsed by the Lucas County Republican Party, Jenson has not sought out any endorsements. She said although labor unions are big in Toledo, she is not a member of one and doesn’t think it is fair to ask for their support.
James Jones
James Jones entered the race for TPS board because he believes that for too long decisions have been made based on the principle of backdoor politics influenced by special interest groups, only to benefit the status quo.
Jones is a former student, educator and administrator of TPS.
“I would be a good school board member because I have the experience. I served for 12 years as an educator and administrator. I’m a graduate of TPS from grades K-12,” Jones said. “I’m also working on my doctorate dissertation in curriculum instruction. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
Jones was a member of the TPS Urban Leadership program and taught at different schools throughout the district. He taught at Nathan Hill Elementary, Old West End Academy, Leverette Middle School, was the dean of students at Robinson Middle School and DeVeaux Middle School and assistant principal at Robinson Middle School.
Jones also coached both girls and boys throughout his career at Old West End, Leverette, Woodward High School, Scott High School and Robinson.
Jones said he wants to work on bridging the gap between the schools, strengthen the leadership in the schools, build strong teamwork and put interest groups behind the board and serve the children.
“We need someone on the board who can relate to the children in the inner-city schools with the high drop out rates,” Jones said. “Because of my life experiences, I believe that I am the candidate best suited to do more than simply address these issues, but also to envelop those “at-risk” students in a supportive academic environment, encourage them and redirect them on the right path to success.”
Jones was endorsed by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund.
John G. “Bull Dog” Rust
John G. “Bull Dog” Rust has been a lawyer in Toledo for 60 years.
“I’m an independent thinker. I’m for the children and I’ll be looking out for the interest of the children,” Rust said. “ I have the guts, the brains and the will to stand up for the children. My conviction and my point of view is strongest for the children.”
Rust said he believes there are no strong advocates for the children and that politics are getting in the way of what needs to be done.
“I feel that every decision at the school board should be made for the children. I think at times they act in the best interest of the union and the board members themselves. They aren’t acting for the children,” Rust said.
Rust thinks the district has a lack of education and a lack of high school graduates that needs to be accounted for.
Rust doesn’t have specific plans he wants to implement in the district; he’s waiting until after he’s meet with the superintendent and unions to see what needs to be done.
Rust said the best ideas should be debated and fought over and at the Oct. 23 debate, he will have his plan of action prepared.
Rust said he hasn’t sought any endorsements and won’t take any.
“They don’t want ‘no men,’ they want ‘yes men.’ I’m an independent thinker,” he said.
Larry Sykes
Larry Sykes is a former TPS board member, having served from 1997 to 2007.
Sykes looked at the current direction the district was going and decided to run.

“When 18 percent of eighth graders pass the state test there’s a problem. If I took 100 kids on a field trip and came back with 18 this community would be in an uproar,” Sykes said. “No one is addressing this decline.”

Sykes said there is no stability on the board as people come in and want to further their political careers. Now a retiree, he said he has time and expertise to bring to the school board.
“We have to do a better job. When we’re elected we have to be accountable and have to hold ourselves accountable. The children should always come first,” Sykes said.
As member of the school board Sykes said he helped recruit Dr. Eugene T.W. Sanders as superintendent, assisted the district in getting schools off of academic emergency, instated new programs and founded new schools.
Sykes wants to provide students and parents with what they need and emphasize customer service. He plans on getting members of the community involved with the district as well.
Sykes, who hasn’t sought any endorsements, said, “my record speaks for itself.”
Bob Vasquez
Bob Vasquez is currently serving as the president of the Toledo Public Schools board. He was appointed in 2008 to fill the term of Robert Torres who resigned.
“I believe that since I’ve been involved with TPS I have good ideas about taking us to the next level and pursing excellence in our schools,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez has a four-point platform to better the school district. He said the first step would be to develop community partnership and engagements. He would achieve this through partnerships with area universities, labor, elected officials, business leaders, nonprofits, parents, teachers and administration.
The second step would be fiscal responsibility, Vasquez said. He plans to make a clear financial statement available to the public at all board meetings, as well as request the treasurer to have quarterly forums about the budget to seek public input.
A diverse well-rounded curriculum would be his third goal, Vasquez said. He would also look at the underperforming schools and work to bring them to a level of the high achieving schools.
Vasquez said his final point would be stable, productive labor management relations.
“I want to see an atmosphere in the district where everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction,” he said.
Vasquez said he has received endorsements from the Lucas County Democratic Party, Toledo Federation of Teachers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 8, Northwestern Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Toledo Port Council-Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO, Toledo Area AFL-CIO Council, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1184, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund and Toledo Area UAW CAP Council.

Three local high school golf teams qualified for the Division I state finals.
Anthony Wayne and St. John’s Jesuit will participate in the boys’ final, while St. Ursula Academy will participate in the girls’ final. Both take place Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 at the Ohio State University (OSU).
St. John’s tied with Anthony Wayne at Division I districts, but went on to win 18-20 on a play-off hole.

Megan McKernan of St. Ursula.

“I’m proud of our accomplishments throughout the year. It’s exciting to be one of three teams from this area going to states,” said St. John’s head coach Bill Perry.  “We’ve worked hard all year. This is the goal we’ve set out for and we were able to accomplish it.”
St. John’s finished second in the City League, fourth at sectionals and first at districts.
The varsity golf team has 19 members, but will bring the top five players, plus one alternate to OSU.  Michael Balcar, Topher Garzony, Zak Hart, Ryan Jorgensen and Nick Mancinotti will be playing at the state tournament. The team’s alternate is Austin Garner.
Balcar placed first as an individual at districts.
“It’s great to go to states. We get to go down and prove ourselves. Show everyone what it is to be a Titan,” Balcar said.
St. John’s last appearance in the state tournament was two years ago. The school has previously won three state championships.
Anthony Wayne finished first in the Northern Lakes League, was sectional and district runner-up, and placed first in five other tournaments this year.
Pat Phillips, Anthony Wayne’s head coach, said he is excited about the team going to states.
“It’s a reward for all the hard work they’ve put in throughout their four years, especially this summer. Everyone played every day, usually multiple times each day,” Phillips said.
Anthony Wayne has 16 team members. Josh Bialecki, John Gaspar, Kevin Hoyle, Deion Tansel and Brian Turnwald will play during the tournament. Paul Lynch is the team’s alternate.
Bialecki is the team’s lowest shooter by 0.4 of a stroke. Last year, he played at the state tournament as an individual.
“It will be nice going down with the team. I’ll explain the course to them, show them where to hit it and where not to hit it,” Bialecki said.
This will be the school’s third appearance in the state tournament. Anthony Wayne also played in 2000 and 2002.
St. Ursula has gone to the state tournament seven times in the past 10 years.
Jim McGowan, St. Ursula’s head coach, said it is “pretty neat” that St. Ursula has the kind of girls that allow the team to excel every year.
“A lot of other teams’ goal is to improve a little bit. Our goal every year is to be playing in states,” McGowan said. “It’s a lofty goal. The highest one you can have, but we keep getting there. The girls work hard all year long and they really deserve it.”
St. Ursula competes in both the City League and the Northwest Ohio Girls Golf League (NOGGL). This year, they won the both leagues.  The team was runner-up in both sectional and districts.
Megan McKernan was the City League’s player of the year and is the No. 1 spot on St. Ursula’s team.
“I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to ending my season with states,” McKernan said.  “It feels good to be recognized for all the hard work and good scores we’ve put up.”
St. Ursula has 12 members between varsity and junior varsity.  McKernan, Eva Antypas, Alex Graf, Eileen Perry and Meredith Taylor will play in the state championship. The team’s alternate is Kallie Blosser.
The boys will compete against 12 other schools for the state title. The tournament will consist of two days of 18-hole rounds on OSU’s scarlet course. Likewise, the girls will compete for two days against 12 other teams, but on OSU’s gray course.

First and goal from the one yard line was first and a lifetime for Tyler Brown.
“For as long as I can remember I’ve been a big football fan,” said Tyler, a junior at McComb High School (MHS).  “I’ve liked it all my life.”

Tyler Brown

On most Friday evenings throughout the season, Tyler enjoys the game from the sidelines.   He’s been the team manager for McComb football since middle school.
“Normally I’ll get water for coach (Kris) Alge or balls or whatever he needs done,” Tyler said.
Then earlier this year, Kris Alge approached Tyler with a crazy idea.
“Coach Alge said, ‘Hey, I want to get you out there playing a little bit.’ I thought he was joking.”
“I think it was last spring (Tyler) started getting into lifting weights and started getting buff,” Alge said.
The 16-year-old was now standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at more than 200 pounds, making him one of the biggest kids at MHS.
Tyler made his debut in week three in a game against Van Buren.  He traded his normal duties of sideline supervision for cleats, pads and the Panthers No. 2 jersey.
“Our defensive coach said I was going in,” Brown said.  “All I could feel was just butterflies.”
Three weeks later, Alge convinced Tyler to suit up again.   Early in the game, the team manager, turned running back, had his first crack at a score.
“He got stuffed, two-yard loss,”  Alge said with a chuckle.
But opportunity came knocking again later in the game. This time Tyler fumbled the football and Vanlue recovered in the end zone.
“There was a huge hole,” Tyler said.  “I would have scored had I not let it slip out of my hands.  I thought my opportunity was gone.”
But on this night Tyler was not to be denied.
With McComb crushing Vanlue 40-7 in the fourth quarter and the ball resting on the one, the snap came to Tyler.   Two seniors, Clay Lilly and Corey Fry, friends of Tyler since kindergarten, enclosed him in the bear hug of his life and gave him a shove into the end zone.
“They screamed ‘You’re in!’” Tyler said.
First and a lifetime because of what he overcame to fight for that yard.
Tyler is legally blind.
“It was amazing,” Tyler’s mother Bonnie said of the touchdown.  “I never thought it would happen and all I could do was cry.”
From the sidelines, Alge was caught up in the emotion of the moment.
“I was just pumped for him,” coach Alge said.  “I don’t think Tyler thought it would ever happen.”
Tyler has never let his condition hold him back. His mom tells me doctors are stunned to hear what her son is able to accomplish on a daily basis.   Tyler rides four-wheelers and plays video games on his XBox with friends.
“I guess I just kind of got used to it,” Tyler said.  “I never really had the opportunity to know what I was missing, until now.”
Three weeks have passed since Tyler’s tumble into pay dirt, but his story is starting to spread like wildfire.
The small village of McComb made national television on Oct. 18 when a satellite truck set up shop outside MHS.
Tyler, surrounded by coach Alge and a few teammates, were interviewed live as part of the “Today” show’s Sunday morning broadcast.
Tyler’s trip to touchdown town goes to show you in the midst of the world seeking out the next big thing, the next pretty face, we could be missing out on the next awe-inspiring moment.
Much like Jason McElwain rewrote the book on autism and athletics, Tyler may shine some light on sight and sport.
“It’s something few people with sight get to experience,” Tyler said.  “So for me it was tremendous to have the opportunity.”
“I just think it’s a blessing to have a good group of friends and a coach and a team,” Bonnie said.
“There are plenty of people that are far worse off than I am,” Tyler said.  “Put your mind to it and you will be able to achieve what you want to achieve.”
It’s first and goal.
Who’s pushing you?

Ryan Fowler is the weekend sports anchor at NBC24. He can be reached at bgsualum03@hotmail.com.

Career coach Rick Fishman of Sylvania understands the tactics needed to land a job these days.
“The job market is way different than it used to be,” said Fishman, president and founder of TheCareerCoach.org. “There are fewer jobs and more people. Technology is also different. You communicate more so by e-mail than telephone. Social networks can be used to your advantage, but make sure you look like an adult.”
Fishman has put in more than six years as a career coach and has previous business management experience where his responsibilities included hiring.
While the job market is different, Fishman said a résumé is still important. Its main purpose is to secure interviews.
“Your résumé needs to be more than just a chronological listing of things you’ve done. It needs to be more like a brochure,” he said.
While styles of résumés include chronological and functional, Fishman said the type depends on things like age and circumstances. When reviewing resumes, Fishman urges clients to answer the question, “What do you want to do?” He said many clients can’t answer that.
Fishman helped Josh Stebing of Perrysburg get focused and find a job. Stebing had been working in retail for two years — a job he took after graduating from BGSU with a degree in geology.
With his geology degree, Stebing found that most of the jobs in his field emphasized engineering, but he didn’t have the right certifications.
Fishman said he learned that Stebing was an Eagle Scout and still had a strong interest in Boy Scouts. During the four months Stebing worked with Fishman, Stebing tailored his résumé to his professional interests, became a better interviewee and eventually landed a job as the district executive for the Findlay-based Black Swamp Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Fishman said résumés should also showcase tangible skills like leadership, project management, driving sales and prospecting new business.

“There can’t be any spelling mistakes or poor grammar. There is so much competition that you don’t need any strikes against you,” Fishman said.

Other job searching tips from Fishman include:

• Face-to-face networking is “very important,” though many people are uncomfortable with it. If you have a particular company you want to work for, ask around. Because of the area’s “small town feel,” Fishman said job seekers are likely to find someone who can provide a company contact.
• If you get laid off, do not take time off. Fishman said the job market is too competitive to not start searching immediately.
• Don’t take being laid off personally and don’t be embarrassed by it. “You have to tell everybody you know that you are looking for a job. Tell friends and friends because you’ll need that support staff.”
• In job interviews, if you are asked what salary you’re expecting, try not to answer. Avoid it by saying, “Before I can answer that, I need to learn more about the company and the job and factor in my own experience. Don’t worry, though, as I know we will agree on something.” If you are pressed to answer, you may still have to, he said.

But while a lot has changed in the job market, one overriding aspect has not, Fishman said.“Employers are still looking for quality people,” he said.

With the rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the appearance of fights on networks like CBS and NBC, mixed martial arts (MMA) has arguably become the fastest-growing sport in the world. On Saturday, October 24th, the North American Allied Fight Series (NAAFS), a regional MMA promotion that is seen on SportsTime Ohio, will make its Glass City debut at Headliner’s Concert Hall.

The event, called “Northcoast Showdown 4,” will feature 11 fights in a wide variety of weight classes. Top billed is Toledo native Josh “The Buzzsaw” Johnson (MMA record of 9-0) vs. Jeff Holmes (7-1) in a lightweight bout.

Toledoan Josh Johnson

“The NAAFS is the premiere mixed martial arts promotion here in the Midwest,” the company’s president and CEO Greg Kalikas said in an interview. “We have sent numerous fighters to the UFC and feature the only nationally recognized amateur series, which features nationally ranked fighters in every weight class.”

NAAFS alumni who have appeared on the UFC stage include Ryan “The Lion” Madigan and Jason “Dynamite” Dent, who appeared on the 9th season of UFC’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter.”

The NAAFS is unique in the MMA world with its combination of professional and amateur series bouts, and examples of both will be on display at Headliner’s on the 24th. The rules differ slightly between the two classifications, with longer round times allotted for professional fights.

“Ohio was the first state to sanction the amateur mixed martial arts, and a big part of that was due to the NAAFS,” Kalikas said. “We became the first promotion to get behind the amateurs…We recognized that any sport that’s going to get to the level of professional baseball or football, or any of the major sports, has to have a strong amateur base.”

The expansion into the Toledo market is just the latest step for the NAAFS, which has been in existence since 2005. The organization has seen demand for its product increase with the mixed martial arts boom.

“MMA as a sport is becoming more and more mainstream,” said Kim Singleton, director of advertising and sales for the NAAFS. “The more publicity we get as a sport, the more diverse our crowds become.”

This increasing acceptance and diversity has lead to a decided shift away from what is considered the “traditional” contact sport fan base. “We have seen over the last 12 months more and more women at our events than we ever had in the past,” said Singleton. “I would say about 40 percent of our pre-event sales are women.”

Kalikas said that the change in MMA fans has come with more people being educated to the realities of the sport, thanks to its increased exposure.

“Five years ago, there was no MMA on TV. I mean, you could barely find the UFC on pay-per-view. And now, there’s literally not a network that doesn’t offer mixed martial arts,” he said. “The fans have become more educated about the sport. This isn’t Toughman. These aren’t guys that are coming in off the street. These are athletes that put in the time, just like NFL players or NBA players. I mean, these are world class athletes.”

With the glut of MMA organizations rising in the wake of UFC’s ascension, Kalikas stated that fans will find many reasons that the NAAFS product stands out from the pack.

“First and foremost, it’s the quality of talent in the NAAFS. With the exception of UFC and Strikeforce, I feel the NAAFS has the talent to compete with any other ‘B-level’ promotion in the world,” Kalikas said.

“That’s the one thing I can assure anybody who ever comes to an NAAFS show as a fan: You will never walk out of an NAAFS show and say, ‘Man, I didn’t get my money’s worth tonight.’ And that’s what sets us apart, is our reputation. Once you come to an NAAFS show, you’re hooked.”

Tickets for NAAFS “Northcoast Showdown 4” are available at www.NAAFS.tv, or by calling 330-280-8442. Bell time is 6:30 on Saturday, October 24th.

E-mail Jeff at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com

About 500 runners and walkers hit the trail Oct. 10 for Kaylee’s Course, the fourth annual race for progeria.

The event, which included a silent auction, raised $57,500, according to Tim Halko, Kaylee’s father.

“[My wife] Marla and I really appreciate the support we’ve received from the community. This is the most money we’ve raised so far,” he said, adding the first three races brought in about $110,000.

Funds will go to the Progeria Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering treatments and a cure for the condition.

“Kaylee is now old enough to know that she has progeria, and she understands that everyone at the walk was there to support her,” Tim said. “As her father, it’s a great feeling to see this many people care about your daughter and want to help find a cure.”

“With the advancements made over the past few years, we’re optimistic about Kaylee’s future,” Marla said.

Kaylee is one of 53 children in the world who has progeria, a rare, fatal condition characterized by accelerated aging caused by a gene mutation.

The 6-year-old kindergarten student at Monclova Primary School started the first clinical drug trial for progeria in 2007 and began a new triple-drug trial last month.

Kaylee and the Halkos will be featured in a TLC documentary tentatively titled “Old Before Their Time” scheduled to air in December.

More than $700,000 in federal funding has been granted in Toledo to assist local nonprofit groups.

Toledo Community Foundation received $500,000 in grants and United Way of Greater was awarded $202,762.

“The grant reconfirms what we do; indeed we are helping the community. It assures we’re doing the right things to grow Toledo in a positive direction,” Keith Burwell, president of Toledo Community Foundation, said.

The money will be used to strengthen and help local nonprofits through The Center for Nonprofit Resources. The Center for Nonprofit Resources is a collaboration among Toledo Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Toledo and The Community Partnership.

Toledo Community Foundation will grant $350,000 to local nonprofits to help build each organization’s capacity. The remaining funds will be used to bring in training opportunities and workshops for non-profits. United Way will use their grant money to employ a consultant to provide onsite education and training.

For more information visit the Center for Nonprofit Resources at www.c4npr.org.

Parishioners and volunteers of Zoar Lutheran Church will pack 20,000 dried meals Oct. 31.

They are working with Kids Against Hunger, a nonprofit organization which provides dehydrated food, to be packed by volunteers, and used to feed families in case of emergency or disaster, said Shar Cook.

“We haven’t decided where we want it to go yet,” she said. “Local people packing the food will decide.”

The church is looking for volunteers to join in the assembly-line packing, she said. Each pack will serve four adults or six children.

Cook, a member of the church’s social ministry committee, has participated in a similar event at Trinity Lutheran Church.

“A few of us had done it before and want to do it again,” she said. ‘We’re inviting anyone who wants to help.”

The food was purchased by the church through Kids Against Hunger. Money was raised through offerings and donation.

Parishioners are hoping to recruit 150 volunteers to work one of two shifts Oct. 31. The first shift will run 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

A programs manager from Kids Against Hunger will speak to volunteers 20 minutes before each shift starts, Cook said.

“We’re really excited,” she said. “We’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it’s finally happening. We’re looking forward to working with anybody who wants to help out.”

To volunteer, call Zoar Lutheran Church at (419) 874-4346.

The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a 2009 Toledo Candidate Forum for chamber and EPIC Toledo members at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 23 at WGTE, said Jan Aguilar, communications manager for the chamber.

The forum will feature mayoral candidates Independent Mike Bell and Democrat Keith Wilkowski, and all school board, city council and judicial candidates.

Questions will come from the audience of chamber members to the candidates.

If the question is directed at one candidate, the others will have a chance to answer as well, Aguilar said.

The forum will be broadcast live on Buckeye CableSystem Community Channel 69 and replayed later on WGTE channel 30, she said.