Gov. Ted Strickland, whose popularity has declined with the economy, will soon pick his running mate and begin his 2010 re-election campaign in earnest.

While political observers say the importance of the lieutenant governor nominee shouldn’t be overstated, voter unease is complicating an election that once looked solid for the Democratic governor. A recent poll showed Strickland in a virtual tie with Republican challenger John Kasich.

“Governors, in picking running mates, try to balance the ticket and bring somebody, or a strength, to the ticket that they don’t necessarily have themselves,” said Paul Beck, who teaches political science at Ohio State University. “In Strickland’s case, that might be organized labor. That might be a more Democratically inclined part of the state than southeast Ohio.”

The names of potential Strickland picks circulating around Columbus in recent weeks would each add a benefit — some more tangible than others — for the governor.

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, 38, has been touted by political observers. Williams — who is black and has a background in finance and banking — hails from a major Democratic stronghold in northeast Ohio, the state’s most populous Democratic region. Northeast Ohio’s six congressional districts contain nearly 3 million voting-age adults — and all but one of them have a Democratic representative.

One catch, though: Williams was elected mayor in 2005 as an independent, which could make some Democrats question his party loyalty. Williams has previously described himself as a strong Democrat.

State Rep. Matt Szollosi, another leading young Democrat in the Ohio House, is one of the most oft-mentioned names in the running-mate sweepstakes. Szollosi is from Toledo, a city far from Strickland’s home in Appalachia.

Perhaps most importantly, Szollosi has strong fundraising and political ties to organized labor, a traditional constituency that is particularly crucial in getting Democrats elected. Strickland has had to go through a tough round of collective bargaining agreements with state employees and has had to pull back on initial plans to emphasize the use of prevailing wage.

Szollosi founded a law firm that specializes in labor law and could call on a rolodex of labor allies who can spread their good will with campaign donations and help with the nuts and bolts of get-out-the-vote efforts.

Either of these candidates would provide a fresh new face to go with Strickland, who is more than 30 years their senior.

Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut has been widely mentioned but is not expected to be picked. Fingerhut has extensive political experience, having served as a state lawmaker and candidate for the U.S. Senate. He was elected to Congress in 1992, the same year Strickland was first elected.

Strickland selected Fingerhut, who is well-regarded around Columbus, to lead Ohio’s higher education system. Fingerhut also provides geographic balance because he is from Shaker Heights in northeast Ohio and could help connect the ticket with a generous Jewish donor base, much the same as Strickland’s former Number Two, Lee Fisher, did.

State Rep. Jay Goyal of Mansfield, a young lawmaker who is known among Ohio’s 40,000-strong Indian-American community, has been a strong contender and is still considered to be in the mix.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles in northeast Ohio reportedly turned down Strickland’s offer to be lieutenant governor earlier this year.

Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks also expressed interest in being considered, but it is unclear that she ever was.

There are some who think Strickland’s choice of a running mate is only important to political junkies.

“Who cares?” said Cleveland Democratic consultant Gerald Austin, noting that Ohio voters no longer choose the governor’s No. 2 as they did in the past. “You have to choose a lieutenant governor because the law says you have to. It doesn’t really matter.”

History shows, over the past 30 years or so, that only a handful of lieutenant governors go on to become a statewide force.

Former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine was lieutenant governor from 1991 through 1994 before he became a senator, and George Voinovich was lieutenant governor in 1979 before he became mayor of Cleveland, and later governor and U.S. senator. Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O’Connor served as Gov. Bob Taft’s lieutenant governor during his first term. But they are outnumbered by obscure names.

Toledo Free Press won five Crystal Awards at a Nov. 17 ceremony sponsored by the Toledo Chapter of Women in Communications.

TFP Special Sections Editor Brandi Barhite won a first place Crystal Award of Excellence for Best News Feature Series for her work on the pre-primary mayoral candidate profiles of Keith Wilkowski, Jim Moody, Ben Konop and Mike Bell (her profile of D. Michael Collins was published after the contest entry deadline). Barhite won a second place Award of Merit for Best Feature Series for her “Trip to Africa” stories, which documented her trip to Toledo sister city Tanga with the Toledo International Youth Orchestra. Barhite was also named with TFP Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller for second place Best Special Section for their work on the 2009 Toledo Mud Hens issue.

“The series Brandi wrote on the mayoral primary was the most comprehensive reporting on the race in the market, and it is gratifying to see her work rewarded,” Miller said. “Each piece captured the candidates’ personalities, addressed controversies and showcased her compelling writing.”

Miller was awarded first place for best opinion column for “M-14, 4:30 p.m., Jan. 11, 2009.”

This is Miller’s third-consecutive first-place win in the category.

Ohio University student Caitlin McGlade won first place for Best Student Media for “Brundage remembered as friend and teacher,” her cover story on the death of community activist Robert Brundage. McGlade was an intern at TFP during the summer of 2009.

TFP contributor Jeff Payden, who writes and illustrates the weekly “Biff & Riley” comic strip, won two first-place awards for his work at Hart Associates.

“We are proud to participate in the Crystal awards and thank Women in Communications for hosting the event,” Miller said.

Miller also offered congratulations to the print media winners from The Blade and Adams Street Publishing.

The complete list of winners will be listed Nov. 18 at the Women in Communications Web site.

Toledo Civic Theatre rocked Nov. 6 as Peter Tork – formerly of The Monkees – brought his own brand of blues to town.

Opening the evening’s entertainment were area vocal/acoustic guitar duo Elixer with their fresh interpretations of The Beatles, followed by The Nu-tones.

An all-ages audience of approximately 150 attended the show, which was beset with technical difficulties due to the less than optimal acoustics of the venue, and a table of disruptive drunks – about whom the security staff refused to do anything – was a definite detraction.

Still, headliner Shoe Suede Blues ripped thru one rousing rendition after another. Material ranged from the great Louis Jordan’s 1943 classic The Chicks I Pick Are Slender and Tender and Tall to blues-flavored versions of a half dozen hits from Tork’s boy band days to newer numbers. Particularly enjoyable was a rollicking arrangement of the Huey “Piano” Smith-penned Sea Cruise, best known as sung by Frankie Ford in 1959.

SSB has a cult following in New England where the band is based, and it’s easy to understand why: they’re electrifying, and their musicianship is superb. In fact, one loyal fan came all the way from Massachusetts to attend the show. SSB consists of a cool drink of water named Arnold Jacks on bass, the red-hot Derek Lord on drums, and the wonderfully eccentric Joe Boyle on guitar. Then there’s Tork. The 67-seven-year-old is even better than you remember. Moving easily between guitar and keyboard, Tork puts the lie to persistent rumors that The Monkees didn’t play their own instruments. And his voice is stronger than ever, despite his having been treated with surgery and radiation for oral cancer earlier this year.

Tho often dismissed as bubblegum by critics, Tork is a consummate musician, as are the other members of the band. These boys can wail.

An Ohio jeweler says thieves who smashed their way into his store and got away with rings are in for a surprise when they try to sell them.

Henry Triplett of Henry’s Jewelers in Toledo says what appeared to be thousands of dollars in gold rings in his display cases were actually rings made of brass and worth barely 25 cents apiece.

They were dealers’ samples in the style of genuine gold rings that Triplett had safely locked away, out of view.

He says his real cost of the break-in will come from replacing the front window on his shop and the shattered glass on 13 display cases.

On a Nov. 11 field trip in Toledo, some Blissfield school students faced a confrontation outside El Tipico Restaurant on South Avenue.

According to the police report, unknown suspects threw rocks at the school bus, breaking the rear passenger side window.

“It’s disappointing that we had an incident of this nature on what was supposed to be a positive trip for the students,” said Scott Mollenberndt, superintendent of Blissfield schools.

Around 6:30 p.m. as students were getting back on to the bus, two unknown school-age suspects approached the bus, Moellenberndt said. One threw a rock breaking a back window, while the other stood on the back bumper and tried to get in through the emergency door. It was unclear if any verbal exchanged happened prior to the event, he said.

The broken window was made of safety glass so no one was injured when it shattered.

The 33 Spanish 1 students were on a field trip to Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center for the Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, observance. Following the event they went to eat at El Tipico Restaurant.

Moellenberndt said the incident could have happened to anyone, anywhere and would not keep the school from continually supporting the Day of the Dead celebration.

“I don’t think the incident will keep us from coming back. There’s an educational value to cultural center,” Moellenberndt said. “However, next time we may have to revisit where we eat or the time of day we come to visit.”

Nine freshmen. Four sophomores. No seniors.

If you needed any sort of UT men’s basketball preview beyond that, you simply love excess reading. They lost their exhibition game to Division II foe Central State on Tuesday by seven. Saturday night they lost their home opener to Eastern Illinois by 10, and for much of the game it wasn’t really close. The team’s greatest export is youthful exuberance, but for this season that may not translate into many games.

Naturally, it’s up to the athletic department to come up with new and inventive plans to bring fans into the stands and, perhaps more importantly, keep them in their seats for the entire game. That’s why Saturday night they tantalized the audience with coupons for a free small Wendy’s Frosty, provided the Rockets scored 60 or more points. (And they did.) At face value it’s just a 99-cent dessert, but one who would freely refuse a free Frosty is either an American traitor or perhaps lactose intolerant. It’s a brilliant ploy by the Rockets athletic department, because even in a blowout there is a reason to stay, other than to see the dudes at the end of the bench play some minutes.

But there’s probably no better way to expose the Rockets youth than to set the bar at 60. If a team can’t routinely score that many points, it’s usually not exactly a hopeful sign.

Consider: of the 330 teams in Division I last year, 311 of them averaged at least 60 points. Toledo was one of the 19 who weren’t (59.2). In more than half of their games (18 of 32) they ended with 59 points or fewer. In all fairness, the 60-point threshold was met in 9 of their 13 home games. But with four of their top six scorers graduating, who will account for the 67 percent of points that either have diplomas or left the team?

In my day, BGSU basketball games offered free McDonald’s fries if the team reached 85 points. This was achieved only once last year by the Falcons at Anderson Arena, and they scored at least 80 two other times. This is the carrot dangled in front of the typical ADHD fan. Of course, you can’t lure people with free carrots. Junk food is more effective.

Perhaps 85 is too much to ask in Savage Arena (UT hasn’t netted 85 at home since November 30, 2005 against IPFW) but putting it at 60 could demoralize the Rockets. Admittedly they made it to 62 on Saturday against EIU, but it was a struggle. Perhaps something like 70 points is a more reasonable “treat,” and the sliding scale can be such that when Gene Cross’s team starts winning more games and shooting better, then they can increment the coupon milestone.

Note: I plan on live blogging select UT men’s basketball home games this season on Twitter. Follow @rockethoops to enjoy this free public service.

Ohio on Nov. 13 became the first state to adopt a procedure for lethal injections that uses one drug, a method never before tried on U.S. inmates.

The state filed papers in U.S. District Court saying it has decided to switch from a three-drug cocktail to a single injection of thiopental sodium into a vein. A separate two-drug muscle injection will be available as a backup.

The decision comes two months after an Ohio death row inmate walked away from an unsuccessful execution and subsequent executions were put on hold.

Several states have faced similar challenges, but Ohio is the first to drop the three-drug approach in favor of one dose.

Richard Dieter, director of the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center, said the method has never been attempted on humans.

“Unfortunately, this is really going to be an experiment,” he said.

“They’re human subjects and they’re not willingly part of this. This is experimenting with the unknown and that always raises concerns.”

He said the method has been used in euthanizing animals.

The death penalty has been temporarily on hold in Ohio while the state developed its new policies. The update follows a botched execution on Sept. 15 that was halted when executioners couldn’t find a suitable vein on inmate Romell Broom.

Broom, who was convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing a 14-year old girl in 1984, complained in an affidavit following the execution attempt that his executioners painfully hit muscle and bone during as many as 18 attempts to reach a vein.

The state said in a court filing last month it was having a hard time finding medical personnel willing to consult about injection because of professional and ethical rules. The rules – which generally prohibit doctors, nurses and others from involvement in capital punishment – were deterring such personnel from speaking publicly or privately about alternatives to the state’s lethal injection process.

Ohio has put 32 people to death since 1999, when executions resumed in the state.

Compiled by Whitney Meschke

Events are subject to change.

FALL FUN

Season of the Squirrel: Learn about these rascally neighbors, then hit the trail to observe their habits and habitats. 1-2 p.m. Nov. 14, Metz Visitor Center, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Fall Craft Show: A variety of handmade crafts, fall and holiday items will be for sale, raffles will be held and homemade soups, sandwiches and more will be sold for lunch. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 14, St. Michael Catholic School gym, 510 W. Front St., Monroe, Mich. (734) 241-8645.

Happily Appley: This apple-themed harvest celebration will feature stories, crafts, refreshments and more. 7 p.m. Nov. 16, Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. Registration: (419) 259-5303. www.toledolibrary.org.

THANKSGIVING

Free Thanksgiving meals:

> Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m. Nov. 26, Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission, 1917 Jefferson Ave.

> Noon-2 Nov. 26, St. Pius X Parish Family Life Center, 3011 Carskaddon Ave. Information: (419) 535-7672.

> 11:30-2 p.m. Nov. 26, Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, Adams and Second streets, Port Clinton. Volunteers, call (419) 967-0185 by Nov. 20. For delivery, call Marion at (419) 732-3582 by Nov. 24.

> 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 26, Woodmore High School cafeteria, 633 Fremont St., Elmore. Residents of Allen, Benton, Carroll, Clay, Harris and Salem townships can call for transportation: (419) 862-9924. Reservations: (419) 866-9924.

> 4-6 p.m. Nov. 26, Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission Outreach Center, 670 Phillips Ave.

> 5 p.m. Nov. 28, Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission, 1917 Jefferson Ave.

Partners in Fun: Three- and 4-year-olds and their adults will listen to stories, play games and make crafts based on the week’s theme. 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $5 each session. (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

> Turkey Hats: Nov. 17.

> Thanksgiving Table: Nov. 24.

Create Your Own Gratitude Journal: Teens will design covers for gratitude journals, in which they can record they have to be grateful for. 4 p.m. Nov. 17, Lagrange Branch Library, 3422 Lagrange St. (419) 259-5280. Grades 5-12

Give Thanks Walk: Participants will raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by walking in this 5K event. 7:45 a.m. Nov. 21, Westfield Franklin Park, 5001 Monroe St. (800) 942-5533.

Homeschoolers: Turkey Talk. Students will learn interesting turkey facts and look for turkeys. 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark lodge, 4139 Girdham Road off Route 2, Swanton. $2. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Gobble Up a Good Story: Stories about November’s favorite bird will be shared, along with related songs and crafts. 4-5 p.m. Nov. 24, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE …

Winter Bazaar: Holiday present ideas will be on display and kids can get their faces painted. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd. www.toledostpats.org.

Ladies Day & Holiday Open House: Participants can get designer tips, floral demonstrations, samples and gift ideas. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, Ken’s Flower Shop, Perrysburg. (800) 253-0100 or www.kensflowers.com.

Holiday Craft & Gift Marketplace: Exhibitors will highlight holiday art and crafts, collectibles, antiques and gifts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 14 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15, Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee. $4. (419) 213-2206 or (419) 436-1457.

“The Nutcracker” in a Nutshell: Children in fifth grade and younger can learn about the ballet’s story and basic moves and try a related craft. 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14, Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Road, Holland. Registration after Nov. 2: (419) 259-5240.

Cake Decorating for the Holidays: A professional cake decorator will help participants spice up their sweets. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. $5. Registration: (419) 259-5283.

Collectibles: Memories of Noel. Joanne Temme will share keepsakes that feature the name “Noel” in memory of a loved one. 10-11 a.m. Nov. 17, Wildwood Preserve Metropark Manor House, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

Holiday entertaining: Ideas for finger foods, floral arranging, dessert cups, holiday coffees and wines could spread the season’s spirit. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Andersons Market, 7638 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. (419) 517-7707. Registration: www.danberry.com.

“Mary Wolcott’s ‘Southern Hospitality’ in the Maumee Valley”: Visitors can see how the Louisville, Ky., transplant would have celebrated the holidays in northwest Ohio in the early 1800s. Noon-4 Thursdays-Sundays with guided tours at 12:30 and 2:30, Nov. 19-Dec. 19, Wolcott House Museum, 1031 River Road, Maumee. $5 adults, $4 seniors and $2.50 students. (419) 893-9602.

Community Tree Lighting: Bowling Green’s mayor will hit the lights, the high school Madrigals will carol and the community can hang their homemade ornaments on the tree. Wagon rides and refreshments are planned, too. 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Wood County District Public Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green. www.downtownbgohio.org.

An Intimate Christmas With Lorie Line: Known for her family-friendly holiday fare, this pianist will bring her latest show to the Franciscan Center. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $42. (419) 824-3975.

“Just Say Merry Christmas”: A mix of some of the holiday’s most requested songs, along with choreography, costumes, special effects and more from the Concert Ministries Inc. Concert Choir and others. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $20-$30. (419) 381-8851, (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Bowling Green Holly-Days: Carols will be sung and wagon rides will be offered at the community tree lighting. The next day, floats, antique cars and marching bands will help kick off the holiday season. Tree lighting: 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Wood County District Public Library, 251 N. Main St., Bowling Green. Parade: 10 a.m. Nov. 21, Main Street, downtown Bowling Green. (419) 353-7945 or www.downtownbgohio.org.

Lights Before Christmas: So many lights, you’ll think it’s daytime. Or dusk, at least. Illuminated animal images, an 85-foot tree more incandescent than the one at Rockefeller, ice-carving demonstrations, carolers, model trains, “dancing lights” and the Man in Red? make this event a Toledo tradition. 5-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 20-Dec. 31, closed Nov. 26 and Dec. 24-25, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $7-$10. (419) 385-8080, (419) 385-5721 or toledozoo.org.

Build a Log House: “Kids in grades three-six can learn about log homes and build one from pretzels, crackers and icing.” 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 21, church basement at the Wolcott House Museum Complex, 1031 River Road, Maumee. $10. Registration by Nov. 12: (419) 893-9602.

Holiday Craft Show: Area crafters will show off and sell their products. Also planned are raffles, an auction, refreshments and lunch. Net proceeds go the Northwest Ohio Make-A-Wish Foundation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21, Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee. (419) 244-9474 or (419) 893-4589.

Grand Rapids Christmas open house: Entertainers will stroll the streets with Father Christmas, and visitors can take horse-drawn wagon rides. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 21 an 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 22, downtown Grand Rapids. (419) 832-5305.

Canadian Brass Holiday Pops: This golden group will celebrate the season with the Toledo Symphony. 8 p.m. Nov. 28, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $21-$60. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.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.

Toledo Farmers’ Market: Find it fresh and local at this outdoor station, which has been around for 177 years. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, 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.

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.

Andersons Wine Tastings: In the mood for something a little grape? See what’s new and tasty. 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, 3725 Williston Road, Northwood, (419) 698-8400; 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, 4701 Talmadge Road, (419) 473-3232; 5-7 p.m. Thursdays, 530 Illinois Ave., Maumee, (419) 891-2700. Nominal fees apply.

Blood drives: The Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross will hold several drives this month. Starred drives indicate appointments are required. For more information or opportunities to donate, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givebloodtoday.org.

> 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 14, Sylvania Senior Center, 7140 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania.

> 1-7 p.m. Nov. 16, Christ United Methodist Church, 301 W. Main St., Portage.

> Noon-5 Nov. 16, Swan Creek Retirement Village, 5916 Cresthaven Lane.

> 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Ruihley Park Pavilion, 320 W. Holland St., Archbold.

> Noon-6 Nov. 17, Swanton American Legion, 200 S. Hallet Ave., Swanton.

> Noon-6 Nov. 17, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4227 Bellevue Road.

> Noon-6 Nov. 19, Faith United Methodist Church, 3415 Starr Ave., Oregon.

> Noon-6 Nov. 19, North Clinton Mennonite Church, 831 W. Linfoot, Wauseon.

> 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 19, UT Medical Center, 3065 Arlington Ave.

> 2-7 p.m. Nov. 20, Church of St. Andrew, 3620 Heatherdowns Blvd.

> 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21, First Baptist Church, 590 W. South Boundary, Perrysburg.

> 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 21, Mount Pilgrim Church, 1401 Hoag.

Eberly Center Brown Bag Seminars: A series of lunchtime conversations and presentations about topics of interest to women and others. 12:30 p.m. Thursdays at UT’s Catherine S. Eberly Center for Women, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Tucker Hall Room 180, off Campus Road. (419) 530-8570.

> “Obesity in Women: Genetics or Diet,” by Sonia Najjar, director of the Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, at Mulford Library Cafe, Health Science Campus, Library Circle off Arlington Avenue, Nov. 19.

Square and Contra Dancing: Beginning and experienced dancers can twirl to old-time music from a live band. Partners aren’t necessary. 6:45-10:30 Nov. 14, Rossford United Methodist Church, 270 Dixie Highway, Rossford. $3-$6. (419) 874-8831, (419) 691-5389 or www.notmad.org.

Bird Hikes for Adults: Fans of the flighted will explore the winged world. Binoculars and bird guides welcome. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Nov. 14, Buehner Center porch, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Road off Route 2, Swanton. (419) 826-6463.

Church Bazaar: Crafts, a variety of vendors, collectibles and a bake sale will be available. The church Men’s Group will provide lunch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit local missions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, First United Methodist Church, 7000 Erie St., Sylvania. (419) 885-2023.

Meet the author: Local author Dr. James Ravin will sign copies of his book, “The Artist’s Eyes.” 1 p.m. Nov. 14, Borders, Sylvania Avenue side of Westfield Franklin Park, 5001 Monroe St.

Central Catholic High School Dinner Auction: Supporters of Catholic education are invited to dine and bid to benefit Central Catholic’s scholarship fund. Lots include a trip to New York, vacation homes, Yankees tickets, jewelry, art, furniture and more. Music will be provided for dancing. 6 p.m. Nov. 14, Central Catholic High School Sullivan Center, 2550 Cherry St. $125. (419) 255-2280, ext. 1076, or www.centralcatholic.org.

Sunday & Sundae Delights: Historian Judy Justus will discuss “Northwest Territory Native Americans and Artifacts.” 3 p.m. Nov. 15, Gorman Nature Education Center, Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. Reservations: (419) 882-8313, ext. 30.

Attracting Winter Birds to Your Backyard: Participants will learn the basics of feeding stations. 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Metroparks Hall, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $2. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Yoga for Food: Zen in the District yoga studio will introduce visitors to the practice in exchange for a donation to the SeaGate Food Bank. 9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 15, Park Lane Luxury Apartments, 142 23rd St. $10 or a bag of groceries. (419) 255-4455 or (419) 244-4936.

“It Did Not End With Moses”: Alan Mayor Sokobin will review the development of Jewish law through the centuries and how it is still applicable today as this year’s Toledo Community Foundation Goldberg Lecture. 2 p.m. Nov. 15, Franciscan Center Conference Rooms A & B, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. (419) 241-5049 or (419) 824-3969.

Topical Tuesday: Greg Knudson. The vice president of technology at Regional Growth Partnership and director of Rocket Ventures will talk about “The Importance of Entrepreneurs in Building the Economy of Northwest Ohio.” 7 p.m. Nov. 17, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

Browning Brunch Bunch: Dr. Laura Megeath, coordinator of the Appold Planetarium at Lourdes College, will discuss the final frontier and our place in the universe. 9:30 a.m. Nov. 17, Harmony Hall, Browning Masonic Community, 8883 Browning Dr., Waterville. $3. Reservations: (419) 878-4055.

Identity Theft: This Ohio Attorney General’s office workshop will demonstrate to participants how to protect themselves as consumers and preserve their identities. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Registration: (419) 259-5209.

“Managing the Effects of Cancer Treatment”: Nurse Heidi Nichols will offer techniques for coping with chemotherapy and other treatments. 7 p.m. Nov. 18, Flower Hospital Medical Office Building, adjacent to the Hickman Cancer Center, 5200 Harroun Road, Sylvania. Registration: (877) 291-1441.

The Art of Fine Living: Chefs from some of the area’s best restaurants will offer tastes; silent and live auctions will include a week’s stay in a private Jamaican vacation home; and, of course, music. The event benefits the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Oliver House, 27 Broadway St. $125. (419) 254-2787.

Accent on Accessibility: Prepare for Winter. Individuals with disabilities, paired with trained volunteers, will explore trails “to see how animals prepare for winter.” 10:30 a.m.-noon Nov. 18, Swan Creek Preserve Metropark’s Yager Center, Airport Highway between Byrne and Reynolds Roads. $2. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

“Through a Glass Darkly”: Phoebe Gloeckner, author, visual artist, Guggenheim Fellow and University of Michigan assistant professor, will speak. 5 p.m. Nov. 19, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 768-8397, (734) 668-8463 or www.michtheater.org.

PBS Program Club: “Dayton Codebreakers.” Visitors are invited to watch a program together, then discuss it. This month’s program is about how the Navy enlisted an Ohio company to help break Nazi codes during World War II. 11 a.m. Nov. 19, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

Through the Drinking Glass: This fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio will feature wine and local restaurants Kotobuki, LaScola Italian Grill, The Melting Pot, Mancy’s Bluewater Grille and Wixey Bakery. 6:30-11 p.m. Nov. 20, Hilton Garden Inn, 6165 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. $95. (419) 329-2196.

10 Grand: Cabaret Rock the Kasbah. This Toledo School for the Arts fundraiser features an exotic evening of cabaret-style entertainment, cash bar and appetizers. Attendees should wear their best “country club casual” or sheik attire. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Park Lane Hotel, 142 23rd St. $100 a couple. (419) 246-8732.

Southeast Asia: Participants in this class will learn authentic recipes via illustrated step-by-step instruction. The meal will include spring rolls and shrimp dumpling soup. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 20, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $20. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Total Wellness Days: As part of a year-long effort to help people lead healthier lifestyles, ProMedica will hold a series of free community events to assess people’s body mass index, check blood pressure, answer questions and provide cooking demonstrations. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 20, Westfield Franklin Park food court, 5001 Monroe St. (419) 473 3317

An Evening with Helen Thomas: The White House Press Corps star will discuss her new book “Listen Up, Mr. President.” 7 p.m. Nov. 24, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 327-4200 or www.aadl.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. 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.

> “Cottier Studios: Inspired by TMA.” Artist Page Cottier has used the TMA collection as a springboard to realistic detail. This exhibition will feature work by her students. Through Nov. 15, Community Gallery.

> “Northwest Ohio Camera Club Council: The World Up Close.” Participating photographers used composition, point of view and other techniques to focus on themes of intimacy and smallness, Through Nov. 15, Community Galleries.

> “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. Through Jan. 3, Canaday Gallery.

> “Storybook Stars: Award Winning Illustrations from the Mazza Collection.” Dozens of artworks by luminaries in kiddie lit, from Maurice Sendak and Eric Carle to Arnold Lobel and Dr. Seuss, will be on display. Through Jan. 31, Works on Paper Galleries.

> “Word Play”: Works that use language to invoke imagery will be highlighted. Through Feb. 7, Gallery 18.

> “Chihuly Toledo!” Since his first Toledo showcase in 1970, this Seattle glassmaster has become linked to the Glass City with his iconic chandelier in the TMA’s Glass Pavilion. Rarely seen works from the museum’s collection and on loan from private holdings will be on display. Through Feb. 7, Glass Pavilion.

> “Paris: City of Art.” UT art history students selected work from TMA’s collection depicting the City of Light and creations of the city’s artists. Through March 14, Hitchcock and Stevens galleries.

Detroit Institute of Art exhibitions: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Regular admission: $4-$8; special exhibition prices include general admission. (313) 833-7900.

> “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.

> “Avedon Fashion Photographs, 1944-2000”: A comprehensive study of Richard Avedon’s photographs that represent the evolution of his style. Included are shots of celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor and Barbara Streisand, and models such as Kate Moss and Detroit-native Donyale Luna. Through Jan. 17; $6-$12.

> “Government Support for the Arts: WPA Prints From the 1930s.” About 100 prints created as part of the Works Progress Administration, created to provide relief to Americans during the Great Depression. Nov. 18-March 21.

“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. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 15, Flatlanders Art Galleries, 11993 E. Route 223, Blissfield, Mich. www.flatlandersculpture.com or (517) 486-4591.

“The Poetic Dialogue”: This exhibition is the result of collaboration between 31 artist-and-poet pairs. 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 Nov. 19, Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery, BGSU’s School of Art, Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster streets, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8525.

“Group of 9”: This exhibition aims to showcase the region’s talented artists in a variety of media. Open house: 3-5 p.m. Nov. 14; exhibition: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 28, Hudson Gallery, 5645 N. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 885-8381.

Georgette’s Art Showcase: Work from the Prizm Art Group is on display. 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 30, Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts, 311 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 891-8886 or www.georgettes.org.

Owens’ seventh annual faculty exhibition: The college’s art faculty includes award-winning graphic designers, photographers, painters, printmakers and sculptors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 11, Walter E. Terhune Gallery, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-2721 or www.owens.edu.

“Celebrating Nature Through Photography”: Shutterbugs were invited to submit their images of the greatest of northwest Ohio’s outdoors. See the results … and who won at this exhibit. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events through Dec. 20, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

“Knuffle Funny: The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems.” More than 60 original works by the award-winning creator of the Pigeon, Elephant & Piggie and “Knuffle Bunny” will be on display. Noon-8:30 Mondays-Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 26, second floor gallery, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

“Variety Show”: This exhibition highlights “diversity of artistic styles and media.” 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and noon-4 Saturdays through Jan. 2, Space 237, 237 N. Michigan St. (419) 255-5117 or www.space237.com.

“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.

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.

> “LitGraphic” exhibition: 2 p.m. Nov. 14; 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

> American Art, Past and Present: 7 p.m. Nov. 20; 2 p.m. Nov. 21; 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 22.

> Chihuly exhibition: 7 p.m. Nov. 27; 2 p.m. Nov. 28; 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Glass Pavilion.

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

> Glass flowers: 2 and 4 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21; 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 27.

> Flame-worked marbles: 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Nov. 20.

> Glass icicles: 10 and 11 a.m. and noon Nov. 21.

TMA Workshops: No experience is necessary for these three-hour classes for those 14 and older. 2445 Monroe St. $65. Register: (419) 254-5080. www.toledomuseum.org.

> Snowflake ornaments: Jane Lamanna will help visitors make baubles using beads and wire. 6-9 p.m. Nov. 20, metalsmithing studio.

> Picture frames: Hans Ruebel will demonstrate making 4-by-6-inch wooden frames. 6-9 p.m. Nov. 27, sculpture studio.

Local glass artists: Workers in silicon-based media will be spotlighted. 7-10 p.m., TMA Glass Pavilion hot shop, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000.

> Patrick Dubreuil will hot sculpt glass. Nov. 27.

Face Painting: A class to teach beginners the basics of creating facial masterpieces; safety and techniques will be covered and students will receive starter kits. 1-3 p.m. Nov. 14, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $40. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Stamped Cards & Papercrafts: Participants will create six projects for the holidays, including napkin holders and thank you’s, using stamp techniques. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $20. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

“The Art of Books and the Written Word”: Tom Loeffler, collections manager for works on paper, will lead this gallery talk. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, TMA, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Sights & Sounds exhibition: Local and national artists will display and sell their work. 9 p.m. Nov. 20, Spaghetti Warehouse, 42 S. Superior St. $8-$10. (419) 215-1906.

Handmade Holidays: Creative types 10 and older of all skill levels can create unique presents for the people on their gift-giving lists. 4-6 p.m., TMA, 2445 Monroe St. $30. Register: (419) 254-5080. www.toledomuseum.org.

> Beaded bracelet: Nov. 21.

Southern Graphics Council traveling exhibition: Artists from across the country are included in this show, featuring works in a variety of printmaking processes. The artists will take part in a panel discussion at 5 p.m. Nov. 20 in Room 204 of the Fine Arts Center; a reception will follow in the Willard Wankleman Gallery. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, plus 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, and 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 20-Dec. 13 (closed Nov. 26-30), BGSU’s School of Art, Fine Arts Center, between Ridge and Wooster streets, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8525.

The Color of Chihuly: Hue, shade and tint are critical to the glass master’s work … and yours. Participants will use color and form in this TMA hands-on activity to create their own artworks. 7-9 p.m. Nov. 27, GlasSalon, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Pop-Up Books: Visitors will create 3-D books with layers. 2-4 p.m. Nov. 28, Libbey Court, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

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. Nov. 28-29, TMA Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. $225. Registration: (419) 254-5080 or toledomuseum.org.

FAMILY TIME

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

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. 4:15-5:15 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 23, Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville. (419) 259-5207 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Knitwits: Beginners can learn to knit by making a washcloth; others can bring their projects and knowledge to share. 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 8, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.

Magic lessons: Andrew Martin and son Eli will share the secrets of illusions that kids in second to eighth grade can use to entertain friends and family. 5-7 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 10, Hero’s, 9851 Meridian Ct., Rossford. $10. (419) 873-9400 or www.herostoledo.com.

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.

“Batman at 70”: An exhibition of vintage comics and collectables, a re-creation of the Bat Cave and a history of amazing bat-gadgets over the decades will mark the start of the Dark Knight’s seventh decade. Noon-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays through the end of the year, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. (419) 259-5207 or toledolibrary.org.

Circus! exhibition: Visitors can walk the high wire, learn to juggle or spring up to a trapeze bar and learn the science behind the circus’ wonders in 23 interactive exhibits. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, through Jan. 3, Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way. $6.50-$8.50. (419) 244-2674 or imaginationstationtoledo.org.

Lego Castle Adventure: Fans of these colorful bricks can immerse themselves in a world of them. Kids and families can explore, build and play in a castle and grounds entirely composed of Lego. Exhibit: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 3 (closed Nov. 26 and Dec. 25), Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $11-$15, plus $5 parking. (313) 982-6001, (800) 835-5237 or www.thehenryford.org.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Story Time: Fans of the flamboyant Ms. Nancy can dress in their holiday finest for stories, crafts and giveaways. 11 a.m. Nov. 14, Borders, 5001 Monroe St. (Sylvania Avenue side of Westfield Franklin Park). (419) 474-3704.

Ohio Young Birders Conference: Keynote speaker Malkolm Boothroyd of Whitehorse, Yukon, will discuss his “big year” of bird watching in North America by bicycle. The conference also will include a field trip to an area marsh. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 W. Route 2, Oak Harbor. $10-$20. (419) 898-4070 or www.bsbo.org.

Helping Hands: Aid naturalists and land management staff in restoring natural areas to preserve rare and endangered plants. Noon-3 Nov. 14, Packer-Hammersmith Center, Pearson Metropark, 4600 Starr Ave., Oregon.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”: Fans of Greg Heffley are invited for an afternoon of Wimpy Kid-inspired activities. 2-2:45 p.m. Nov. 14, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. Registration: (419) 259-5250.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: This three-ring spectacle takes things over the top, with the ringmaster and a clown competing for control of the magical top hat the controls the show. Tigers, elephants, aerialists, dogs and more will perform. 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 14; and 1 and 5 p.m. Nov. 15, Lucas County Arena, 500 Jefferson Ave. $11-$65. (419) 321-5007, (800) 745-3000 or www.lucascountyarena.com.

Black Holes: This production immerses audiences in animations of birth and death @@ of the universe, stars and galaxies. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21, Appold Planetarium, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $3-$4. Reservations: (419) 517-8897.

Hubble Fest: The BGSU planetarium will celebrate the famous space telescope with a series of programs about it. BGSU Planetarium, near North College Drive and East Merry Avenue, Bowling Green. $1. (419) 372-8666.

> “Through the Eyes of Hubble”: A universal tour through the eye of the Hubble telescope. 2 p.m. Nov. 14.

> “Hubble’s Universe”: Discoveries brought to light by the telescope. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Nov. 17 and 20 and 2 p.m. Nov. 21.

> “Hubble Vision:” The telescope’s best images. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Nov. 24 and 27 and 2 p.m. Nov. 28.

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.

> Pyramids & Palaces: Nov. 15, 17, 19.

> Holiday Postcard Placemats: Nov. 22, 24, 26.

Jewelry Making: Teens will make jewelry from recycled materials. 4-5 p.m. Nov. 16, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230.

Game Day: Families and friends are invited to play board games. 4 p.m. Nov. 17, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

Amazing Stories: Condessa Croninger will bring stories to life for kids 10 and younger. 4 p.m. Nov. 17, Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave. (419) 259-5210.

Park Pals: White-Tailed Deer. Children 3-5 and their adult companions will learn about deer’s method of communication and how they live in the woods. 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 17 or 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark lodge, 4139 Girdham Road off Route 2, Swanton. $5. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Mixed Media Collage: Third- to seventh-graders will use a variety of materials to create a beautiful mixed media collage based on a favorite photo or other original resource. 4-5 p.m. Nov. 18, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $20. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Quack, Quack, Waddle: This story time will feature stories and activities designed to “quack up” little ones. 1-2 p.m. Nov. 18, Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. Registration: (419) 882-2089.

DDR: Teens who think they have boogie fever can prove it while playing this video game. 3-5 p.m. Nov. 19, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

Create-a-Tale: Kids are invited to create new stories. 3:45-4:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.

Make-A-Mini Spa: Teens can create gels, salts and bubble bath for their next at home spa days. 2 p.m. Nov. 21, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. (419) 259-5250.

School Bags: Teens and tweens make their own book bags using a simple pattern. 1-3 p.m. Nov. 21, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $15. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Homesteading: Preparing for Winter. After harvest’s end, visitors can participate in activities that help to store food for the cold months. 2-4 p.m. Nov. 22, Johlin Cabin, Pearson Metropark, 4600 Starr Ave., Oregon. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

RuneScape: Teens can play this online role-playing game uninterrupted. 6-7 p.m. Nov. 23, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270.

Sensei Tom: This leader of Kempo Martial Arts will lead participants in moves, and discuss the importance of focus and confidence in the martial arts. 7-8 p.m. Nov. 24, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5295.

MOVIES

“Twinkle Wish Adventure”: The My Little Ponies go in search of the missing Wishing Star in this month’s Kidtoons selection. Noon Nov. 14-15, Franklin Park 16: Cinema Deluxe, 5001 Monroe St., (419) 891-5039; Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee, (419) 891-5039; Showcase Cinemas Fallen Timbers, 2300 Village Dr. W., Maumee, (419) 891-5039. $3.50.

“Spend Sunday Afternoon with Cary Grant”: A different film from the suave legend’s career will be shown. 2 p.m. Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

> “I Was a Male War Bride,” Nov. 15.

> “The Grass Is Greener,” Nov. 22.

Silver Screen Classics: Classic movies at classic prices. 1 p.m. Mondays, Showcase Cinemas Levis Commons, 2005 Hollenbeck Dr., Perrysburg. $2. (419) 891-5039.

> “Inspector General,” Nov. 16.

> “Algiers,” Nov. 23.

“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. 6:30 p.m. Nov 17, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. $10. (419) 891-5039.

Classic Movie Series: “Separate Tables.” Several parties intertwine at an off-season hotel. 1-3 p.m. Nov. 17, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. (734) 847-6747.

“Turandot”: A ruthless Chinese princess hates men so much that she has any suitor who can’t solve her riddles beheaded. Who could win her love? A recorded encore by New York’s Metropolitan Opera at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. $15-$18. (419) 891-5039.

Teen movie: “My Sister’s Keeper.” A girl tries to gain independence from her parents, who rely on her to help her ill sister. 3 p.m. Nov. 19, Rossford Public Library, 720 Dixie Hwy., Rossford. (419) 666-0924.

Film Book Club: “Revolutionary Road.” Richard Yates’ story garnered Oscar nominations upon adaptation for the screen. Attendees are asked to either read the book or watch the film for discussion at this meeting. 7-9 p.m. Nov. 19, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. Registration: (734) 847-6747.

Midnight Movies: This late-night flick series takes a turn for the dark. Midnight, State Theater, 233 S. State St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$9. (734) 761-8667.

> “Donnie Darko,” Nov. 21.

“Speak Easily”: Jimmy Durante and Buster Keaton star in this 1932 film about a man who, swayed by romantic interests, uses his inheritance to fund a bad musical. Includes a 30-minute pipe organ concert. 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. $4-$5. (419) 244-2787 or www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”: A stranded couple seeks help from a questionable source @@ transvestite alien Dr. Frank N. Furter. 9 p.m. Nov. 24, Cla-Zel Theater, 127 N. Main St., Bowling Green. $5. (419) 353-5000 or www.clazel.net.

A “New Moon” Celebration: Teens can hang and discuss the latest installment in the “Twilight” movie series. 4-5 p.m. Nov. 25, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. (419) 259-5330.

Movie Matinee: “Bridge to Terabithia.” Based on the classic book by Katherine Paterson this movie tells the story of two friends who create a magical world of Terabithia, an imaginary kingdom filled with giants, trolls and other magical mythical beings. 2-3:45 p.m. Nov. 27, Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr. (419) 259-5220.

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.

> Celtic Cross: Nov. 14.

> Kyle White: Nov. 19.

> Nu-Tones: Nov. 20.

> Jeff Stewart & the 25s: Nov. 21.

> Thanksgiving Party with Resonant Soul: Nov. 25.

> Toast & Jam: Nov. 27.

> Two Dudes & a Chick: Nov. 28.

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.

> Dave Carpenter & Jaeglers: Nov. 14.

> Joe Woods Band: Nov. 19 and 21.

> Stonehouse: Nov. 20.

> River Edge: Nov. 26.

> Swamp Kings: Nov. 28.

Degage Jazz Cafe: Signature drinks, such as pumpkin martinis, plus live local jazz performers. 301 River Road, Maumee. $5 Tuesdays-Thursdays. (419) 794-8205 or www.degagejazzcafe.com.

> Gunnar Mossblad & Friends: 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

> Gene Parker Trio: Wednesdays.

> Andre Wright Trio: Thursdays.

> Gunnar Mossblad: Nov. 14, $10.

> Jean Holden: Nov. 20-21, $10.

> Gene Parker: Nov. 27-28, $10.

Fat Fish Blue: Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayou-style grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474.

> Suburban Legend: 9 p.m. Nov. 14, $2.

> East River Drive: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 20; 9 p.m. Nov. 21, $2.

> Hepcat Revival: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 27, $2.

> Tom Turner & Slow Burn: 9 p.m. Nov. 28, $2.

Frankie’s: Toledo’s venue for rock. 308 Main St. (419) 693-5300 or www.FrankiesInnerCity.com.

> Jucifer, Peregrine, Megaton Hammer, Smoke Theory: 9 p.m. Nov. 14, $6-$8.

> Battle of the Bands: 4 p.m. Nov. 15, $8-$10.

> Lions Lions, Tonight Is Glory, Adrienne: 6 p.m. Nov. 15, $8-$10.

> All Hope Abandon, Calveris, Measure the Redshift: 9 p.m. Nov. 20, $5-$7.

> Jason LaPorte, Steven Mullan & the Storm, Bartones: 9 p.m. Nov. 25.

> Homeward Bound, JWC, Zimmerman Twins, Confront the System: 9 p.m. Nov. 27, $5-$7.

> The Ataris, Resonant Soul, the Comeback, Man Down, the Closure Rule: 8 p.m. Nov. 28, $10-$12.

> The Gay Blades, Zunk: 8 p.m. Nov. 29, $8-$10.

Ground Level Coffeehouse: Mix your beans with some music for an eclectic brew. Open mic on Monday nights. 2636 W. Central Ave. (419) 671-6272 or www.groundleveltoledo.com.

> Dick Lange: Nov. 14.

> Steve Mullan: Nov. 20.

> Watson St. Loft: Nov. 21.

Headliners: All ages, all genres are welcome. 4500 N. Detroit Ave. (419) 269-4500 or www.headlinerstoledo.com.

> Ekoostik Hookah: 8 p.m. Nov. 28, $16-$20.

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.

> Jeff Williams: Nov. 14.

> Cynthia Kaay Bennett: 6 p.m. Nov. 16.

> The Real Magicians: 6 p.m. Nov. 19.

> Quartet Bernadette: 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20.

> Bourbon Street Band: Nov. 21.

> Frostbite: Nov. 28.

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 St. at North Huron Street. $5-$7 cover. (419) 297-1943.

> Winslow, Fairly Handsome Band: Nov. 14.

> Ryan Arisen: Nov. 20.

> Church of the Red Museum: Nov. 21.

> Boogie Matrix Mechanism: Nov. 25.

> Great Lakes Crew, Falling From Grace: Nov. 27.

> Laser Love Five, Flamtronic: Nov. 28.

Murphy’s Place: Jazz @@ straight, smooth, bebop or traditional @@ all kinds are played here. 151 Water St. (419) 241-7732 or www.murphysplacejazz.com.

> Nicole Heitger: 9 p.m. Nov. 14, $8.

> Clifford Murphy and Claude Black: 8 p.m. Nov. 16-17 and 24, $4.

> Anna Givens: 9 p.m. Nov. 20 and 27, $6.

> Kim Buehler: 9 p.m. Nov. 21, $8.

> UT Jazz Night: 8 p.m. Nov. 23, $4.

> Glenda McFarlin: 9 p.m. Nov. 28, $8.

Omni: Toledo’s newest club is a venue for music (and music lovers) of all types. 2567 W. Bancroft St. (419) 474-1333.

> Girth, Tinfoil: 8 p.m. Nov. 20, $3.

> Kenny Wayne Shepherd: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21, $24.

Ottawa Tavern: Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com.

> Adult Books: Nov. 14.

> Marco Polio & the New Vaccines, GoLab: Nov. 21.

> Antivillains CD release party: Nov. 25.

> WEe: Nov. 28.

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.

Swig: This new restaurant/pub offers acoustic tunes weekly. 219 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 873-6223.

> Gregg Aranda, Nov. 14.

> Chris Konop, Nov. 20.

> Vytas, Nov. 21.

> Brian Bocian, Nov. 25.

> Jason Hudson, Nov. 27.

> Gregg Aranda, Nov. 28.

Old-School Weekend: It’s Essential will perform, jazz, blues, rock and more. 9:30 p.m. Nov. 14, The Palms, 3835 N. Detroit Ave. (419) 720-0512.

“The Magic Flute”: Part of the Toledo Symphony’s Mozart & More series, this performance will include compositions by Wagner and Beethoven. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $29-$33. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.com.

Brahms and Friends: The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will perform Prokofiev’s Overture, Bizet’s symphony and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. 8 p.m. Nov. 14, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $24.50-$49. (734) 994-4801 or www.a2so.com.

Chinese fall music festival: The Chinese Association of Greater Toledo and UT’s Association of Chinese Faculty and Staff will present dance, music and tai chi performances, tea tastings and a fashion show highlighting the nation’s cultural history. 2:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 15, UT’s Doermann Theater, University Hall, 2801 W. Bancroft St. (419) 536-9499.

Sounds of the Stadium: The BGSU Marching Band will bring the Falcons’ fighting spirit indoors in this performance. 3 p.m. Nov. 15, Kobacker Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. $7-$10. (419) 372-8171 or (800) 589-2224.

The Chenille Sisters: These peppy singers will be joined by Ariel & Zoey and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. 4 p.m. Nov. 15, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $14. (800) 345-3000, michtheater.org/series_njfk.php or Ticketmaster.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.

> Robert Satterlee, BGSU pianist, with guest flutist Marcia Henry: Nov. 15.

Music at the Manor House: All the right notes will reverberate around the metroparks’ jewel. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

> Graduate String Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17.

BGSU Faculty Scholar Series: Per Broman will give a presentation, “Behind the Curtain: Ingmar Bergman’s Musical Conception in Höstsonaten.” Elizabeth Menard will discuss “An Investigation of Creative Potential in High School Musicians: Recognizing, Promoting, and Assessing Creative Ability through Music Composition.” 8 p.m. Nov. 18, Bryan Recital Hall, Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171 or (800) 589-2224.

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway: Berg, band and Broadway stars will re-create moments “Chicago,” “Jersey Boys,” “South Pacific,” “The Wizard of Oz” and more. 8 p.m. Nov. 19, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $33-$55. (419) 242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

Music at the Forefront: This showcase for new and exciting performers of contemporary music will feature Alan Feinberg on piano. He also will teach a master class at 1:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Nov. 19, Bryan Recital Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171 or (800) 589-2224.

Justin Moore: This country singer’s taking “Small Town USA” across country. With Rodney Parker and Liberty Beach. 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Erie Street Theater, 237 S. Erie St. $15-$18. www.whitestarproductions.com.

Bucky Covington: The country singer has parlayed his “American Idol” stint into chart-topping albums and songs. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Ritz Theatre, 20 S. Washington St., Tiffin. $10-$50. (419) 448-8544 or www.ritztheatre.org.

Perrysburg Symphony Chorale: The choir will dedicate its performances of Handel’s “Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day” to the memory of founding member Jerry Hess. 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Trinity Episcopal Church, 1 Trinity Plaza; 3 p.m. Nov. 22, First United Methodist Church, Perrysburg. $8. www.perrysburgsymphonychorale.org.

Old Crow Medicine Show: Old-timey, yet punk, a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll, this NPR favorite is supporting its new album, “Live at the Orange Peel and Tennessee Theatre.” 8 p.m. Nov. 20, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $20-$35. (734) 768-8397, (800) 745-3000 or www.michtheater.org.

An American in Paris: Stefan Sanderling will conduct the Toledo Symphony in works from and reflecting the Gene Kelly musical, including Gershwin’s suite and compositions by Ives. 8 p.m. Nov. 20-21, TMA’s Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St. $20-$50. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.com.

Oregon Arts Council concert: Matt Walch will perform big-band standards and classic pop by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley and more. Proceeds will benefit the Oregon Christmas basket program to aid local families this holiday season. 7 p.m. Nov. 21, Fassett Middle School auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon. $8 plus nonperishable food or toy donation or $10. (419) 754-4702.

Chaconne Klaverenga: This 16-year-old classical guitarist will perform a solo set and join the Passacaglia Quartet for Luigi Boccherini’s “Fandango.” The foursome of Toledo Symphony Orchestra musicians then will perform Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 1. 3 p.m. Nov. 22, First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Broadway St., Maumee. $1-$15. (419) 246-8000, (419) 893-0223 or (765) 532-0009

Harp and Flute Concert: Joel Tse, flute, and Nancy Lendrim, harp, members of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, will perform works by Bach, Chopin and Elgar and holiday music. 5 p.m. Nov. 22, Gesu Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd.

APOPScalypse: A concert by the Michigan Pops Orchestra, the oldest student-run, student-directed collegiate pops symphony in the U.S. 7 p.m. Nov. 22, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $4-$8. (734) 768-8397, (800) 745-3000 or www.michtheater.org.

Jeff Daniels & Friends: The actor/playwright/musician will return with his annual holiday showcase of Michigan artists. 8 p.m. Nov. 28, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $22.50-$75. (734) 768-8397, (800) 745-3000 or www.michtheater.org.

SPORTS

Toledo Walleye home games: Players will check in with fans after Friday night home games in post-game parties in the Aquarium. Other promotions are detailed below. Lucas County Arena, 500 Jefferson Ave. $15. (419) 321-5007, (800) 745-3000 or www.lucascountyarena.com.

> Buckeye/Wolverine Rivalry Night; Toss a Teddy Bear Night: Stuffed animals tossed onto the ice will be donated to charity. Vs. Cincinnati Cyclones. 7 p.m. Nov. 20.

> Kids’ Night; post-game open skate: vs. Cincinnati Cyclones. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22.

> Walleye Turkey Leftovers Night: The team will collect nonperishable food donations at the game vs. the Florida Everblades. 7 p.m. Nov. 27.

> Youth hockey clinic: Kids can get on-ice instruction from Walleye coach Nick Vitucci and his assistants. Vs. South Carolina Stingrays. 7 p.m. Nov. 28.

> Kids’ Night; post-game open skate: vs. South Carolina Stingrays. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 29.

STAGE

Murder Mystery Dinner Train: The Cheatum brothers must deal with their haunted inheritance in “Ded & Breakfast.” 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Blissfield Old Road Dinner Train’s depot, 301 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, Mich. $70. (888) 467-2451.

Connxtions Comedy Club: Comedians bring their best yuks for your amusement. 5319 Heatherdowns Blvd. $10-$15 (unless noted otherwise). (419) 867-9041.

> Aries Spears: 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Nov. 14.

> Mike Green: 8 p.m. Nov. 18-19 and 8 and 10 p.m. Nov. 20-21.

> Keith Ruff: 8 p.m. Nov. 25-26 and 8 and 10 p.m. Nov. 27-28.

Funny Bone: 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474.

> John Rathbone: 7 and 10 p.m. Nov. 14; and 7 p.m. Nov. 15, $14-$16.

> Charlie Murphy: 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Nov. 20; 7 and 10 p.m. Nov. 21; and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22, $29.

> Al Jackson: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 7 and 10 p.m. Nov. 28, 7 p.m. Nov. 29, $14-$16.

“Breakfast at Frannie’s”: Inspired by an Adrian, Mich., eatery, this play involves a restaurant owner in failing health, his brother with a disability and loyal cafe patrons. 8 p.m. Nov. 14 and 3 p.m. Nov. 15, Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, Mich. $13-$22. (517) 264-7469 or www.croswell.org.

“Twain Tall Tales”: The Black Swamp Players will stage a production based on the humorist’s far-fetched stories. 8 p.m. Nov. 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15, Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St., Pemberville. $8-$10. (419) 352-9337, (419) 575-2259 or www.blackswampplayers.org.

“1984”: The Ritz Teen Thespian Guild will present a multimedia presentation about George Orwell’s dystopian story about man’s fate in a society where Big Brother is always watching. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15, Ritz Theatre, 20 S. Washington St., Tiffin. $4-$10. Reservations: (419) 448-8544, ext. 29. www.ritztheatre.org.

“Machinal”: Loosely based on a scandalous trial, this play examines the circumstances that could drive a young woman to murder. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 18-21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15 and 22, UT’s Center for Performing Arts, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. $9-$13. (419) 530-2452 or www.utoledo.edu/BoxOffice.

“Patience”: Bowling Green Opera Theater will perform this Gilbert & Sullivan work. 2 p.m. Nov. 14, Wooster Street Center, 1124 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171 or (800) 589-2224.

“Accomplice”: The plot twists in this comedy-thriller reveal surprises about marriage and business. 8 p.m. Nov. 14 and 19-21 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and 22, Toledo Rep’s Tenth Street Theatre, 16 10th St. $18. (419) 243-9277 or www.toledorep.org.

“Murder Among Friends”: The angles of a love triangle plan to off one another in two murder plots, but when a death does occur, it’s not according to plan. 8 p.m. Nov. 14 and 19-21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15, Village Players Theater, 2740 Upton Ave. between Monroe St. and Central Ave. (419) 472-6817 or www.thevillageplayers.org.

“Falstaff”: A rotund knight’s personality wins many conquests (and enemies) in this comedic Verdi opera with a libretto based loosely on Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor” and other plays. 2 p.m. Nov. 15, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $50-$95. (419) 242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

Choreography Showcase: Student choreography from Toledo School for the Arts’ advanced dance programs will be in the spotlight. 7 p.m. Nov. 17, TSA’s Attic Theater, 333 14th St. $3-$5. (419) 246-8732.

“Chicago”: Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly get their 15 minutes of fame and more from murder in this musical. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 19, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $25-$49. (419) 381-8851, (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Authors! Authors: Christopher Buckley. Author of 13 books, Buckley earned kudos as a political novelist from Fortune magazine. His latest, “Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir,” deals with the death of his father, conservative guru William F. Buckley. 7 p.m. Nov. 18, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $10 at any Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. (419) 259-5266.

“Recent Tragic Events”: A woman about to embark on a blind date realizes that her sister, a New York student, hasn’t been heard from in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19-21 and 3 p.m. Nov. 22, Owens Community College, Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. $10-$12. (567) 661-2787 or owens.tix.com.

The Spencers’ Theatre of Illusion: This pair combines theatrical elements, state-of-the-art illusions, special effects and audience participation to create an experience of amazement. 7 p.m. Nov. 20, Central Auditorium, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay. $10-$23. (419) 422-4624 or www.artspartnership.com.

“Becoming Juliet”: Bowsher Upstage Players presents this story about a high school troupe filled with tension about the upcoming staging of “Romeo and Juliet.” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20-21, Bowsher High School, 2200 Arlington Ave. $7. (419) 385-5776.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”: The revival version of the musical based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip. 8 p.m. Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 4-5 and 3 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, Mich. $18-$20. (517) 264-7469 or www.croswell.org.

Harley was dead: to begin with. There was no doubt whatsoever about that.
Mike Bell stepped off the motorcycle and shook the light December rain from his boots and jacket. The bike’s engine ticked as it cooled, offering the outside drizzle feeble sonic competition in the dark purple twilight.
Bell was at least grateful to have made it to his office at One Government Center before the Harley died; he would have a full day to have it fixed before the ride home.
And it would be a full day; the city’s business required his full attention nearly every waking hour, at the office, at home, on long rides. Bell was not a superstitious man and did not take the Harley’s death as an omen, just an inconvenience.
Bell rode the elevator to the 22nd floor and entered his office. His chief of staff, Tom Crothers, worked in a little cell beyond, copying letters.
“Merry Christmas, Mayor!” cried Crothers in a cheerful voice.
“Bah!” Bell said, distracted by the death of his Harley. “Humbug.”
“You don’t mean that, Mike,” Crothers said. “Don’t be cross.”
“What else can I be?” returned Bell, “What is Christmas but another time for City Council to spend without money; a time for finding the Marina District and the Steam Plant a year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing the city’s books and having every item in them through a round dozen of months presented dead against us? If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled in a pot of Tony Packo’s chili and buried with a stake made from a Mud Hens bat through his heart!”
Crothers countered the mayor’s sour mood with an invitation to holiday dinner, then watched silently as Bell retreated to his office. The new mayor worked several hours without stop; the sun traversed the sky and set without intruding on Bell’s thoughts. Just before midnight, long after the staff exited the building, Bell pushed back in his chair, rubbed his eyes and dwelled in the shadowlands between consciousness and sleep.
He looked at the screensaver on his computer and saw, not the rotating images of Harley bikes, but a face.
Carty Finkbeiner’s face. It was not in impenetrable shadow as the other objects in the office were, but had a dismal light about it, like a bad lobster in a dark cellar.
Bell blinked and it was a computer screen again. He stood up to leave and risked a glance back at the screen. It was Carty’s face again. From the computer, a spectral Carty rose full form, hovering above Bell’s desk. His body was transparent so that Bell, observing him from behind and looking through the chains draped on his suit coat, could see the “Toledo Pride” button on his coat in front. Bell had often heard it said that Carty had no bowels, but he had never believed it until now.
“What do you want with me?” Bell asked, unafraid.
“For you to avoid my fate, avoid my legacy,” Carty intoned, dragging his chains across the floor.
“But you were always a good man of politics, Carty,” faltered Bell.
“Politics!” cried Carty, looking around the office for the absent Scout. “Mankind should have been my politics. The common welfare should have been my politics; charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence should have been my politics. The dealings of my time in office were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my politics!”
Bell sat back down in his chair, not knowing what to say to the horrible vision.
“You will be visited tonight by three spirits,” Carty said. “They can guide you to hope and change.”
Carty turned and flew through the closed window.
Bell followed to the window, desperate in his curiosity. He looked out. The Downtown air was filled with phantoms, wandering hither and thither in restless haste, and moaning as they went. Every one of them wore chains like Carty; some few (they might be guilty governments) were linked together; none were free.
The first of three spirits
Bell shook off the vision as a product of overworking and headed out of his office. He stopped at the Lucas County Commissioners office to drop off a document. Light flashed upon the hall, and there stood a spirit, bathed in golden light.
“Are you the first spirit?” Bell asked.
“I am,” the spirit breathed. “I am Samuel. Samuel Jones, the Ghost of Toledo Mayors Past.”
“Golden Rule Jones?” Bell asked.
“The same,” the spirit answered.
Before Bell could react, the light in the hall enveloped him in a twisting cyclone and he found himself in a Downtown Toledo alive with hotels, churches, homes and commerce. He saw the Oliver House, the Boody House Hotel, the Nasby building. Bell absorbed the conversation of the people in the bustling streets, those who praised Mayor Jones for his kindness to the poor and his efforts to get them food, shelter and work. Bell heard policemen and firemen, content with the attention Jones gave them. He heard businessmen and union men remarking on Jones’ independence from political parties and media entities. He saw a city bursting with promise and life, a city on the edge of technology and at the forefront of development.
“Remember as you rule,” Jones told Bell, as they cycloned into the golden light, “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself and practice principle before party.”
In a burst of light, Jones was gone, leaving Bell alone again in One Government Center.

The second of three spirits
Bell, calm and grateful for the lesson, worked his way to City Council chambers. In that great and open room, he heard the whistling of the air as if he were outside, a noise that blossomed into a roar and a thunderous clap that shook the room.
Standing before Bell was a blinding spectre.
“I am the prophetess and bringer of light,” the spirit warbled, hovering unsteadily.
Bell shielded his eyes and looked at the spirit.
“Opal? Is that you?” he asked.
“Yes, it is … and, oh, sorry, wrong vision,” she said. “I have my weekly guidance appointment with the Block brothers.” With a clap of her hands, she was gone.
Bell felt the next thunderbolt before he heard it, and as the smoke drifted, he could see the second spirit. Bell knew the face, knew the profile even before the mist cleared.
“Jamie Farr?” Bell started.
“Of course,” the friendly voice soothed. “It’s a state law that any artistic representation of Toledo has to incorporate me. I’m the Ghost of Toledo Present. Let’s go!”
Farr took Bell’s hand and they zoomed up through the walls and into the night air. They flew through the empty Owens Corning building, through the abandoned Berdan building, through the closed Nicholas building, through the dozens of other sad, empty properties. They swirled through neighborhoods with shuttered houses, businesses with plywood on the windows. They flew over closed movie theaters, closed retail stores, closed restaurants.
“Have you nothing positive to show me?” Bell demanded. “Have you no good news?”
Farr shook his head sadly. “I’m not allowed to leave the city to cross into Perrysburg, Maumee, Sylvania, Rossford, Monclova …”
“But that’s not realistic,” Bell protested. “We can’t be cut off from our suburbs. We rise and fall together.”
“Do you mean cooperate, collaborate?” Farr said.
“Yes!” Bell shouted as he saw the people moving to the suburbs. “That’s the only way!” he called to them.
“They can’t hear you,” Farr said. “They have been ignored and downplayed for far too long.”
“That has to change,” Bell said.
“Yes,” Farr said. “It does.”
The night swirled and blurred, and when Bell could see clearly, he saw himself looking down at inactive Jeep assembly lines; legions of machines sat in silence, with no hope for quick action.
“There are still a lot of people working here, still a lot we can contribute to the industry,” Bell said.
Farr shrugged, saying nothing.
The world swam in front of Bell’s eyes, and then he found himself looking at the St. Clair Street headquarters of his mayoral opponent, Keith Wilkowski. Signs in the office were stacked along a wall. Phones that once rang and hummed sat silent witness in the night.
At a desk, Wilkowski himself sat working, wrapping up details and loose ends from the campaign.
“There is much to be learned here,” Farr said.
Bell nodded.
“I know,” he said. “I promised unity and inclusion, and I will keep that promise.”
The night sky twisted and whirled, and below his feet, Bell could now see the closed United Way building.
“Here’s another promise you made,” Farr said. “This is a fight that will test your ability to withstand pressure over logic, politics over common sense.”
Bell nodded, and saw the grey stone Blade building across the street, where a great many ghosts struggled under the weight of a great many chains.
At that moment, Bell looked at the hem of Farr’s robe and saw two young children materialize, gnashing teeth and glaring at him with hatred.
“Wh-who are they?” Bell asked, shaken.
“This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want,” Farr said. “Beware them both, but most of all beware this boy, for he is your daily print media, and I see that written upon him is Doom, unless the writing be erased.”
With that, Bell felt himself dropping back into his body in City Council chambers.
The last of the spirits
Bell gathered himself and slipped into his riding jacket, intending to walk to where his Harley was parked, the erstwhile machine having been fully repaired.
But as he opened the door and stepped outside, he found himself staring, not at One Government Center, but at 420 E. Manhattan Blvd.
“Ghost of Mayors Future!” Bell exclaimed, “As I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to help make Toledo another city from what it was, I am prepared to bear you company and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?’
The hovering spectre gave him no reply. Its skeletal hand was pointed straight before him. In that instant, its hood fell aside, and Bell saw a series of faces under the hood, faces that melted and changed and reformed as if the future could not make up its mind. It was Joe McNamara, then Tom Waniewski, then Bell himself, then Adam Martinez, then a woman whose face Bell could not quite identify (but who for certain was not Opal).
Silently they rose above the city, the years dropping away as quickly as the feet and yards from the ground.
The city melted into a dark expanse of wasteland. No cars rode its streets, no feet walked its sidewalks. Its buildings lay in disrepair and the dark clouds hovered close to its horizon. As they flew over an interstate choked with weeds and wild brush, Bell looked up and saw a sign posted at the city limits.
The Spirit stood at the sign, and pointed down to it.
Bell asked, “Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or shadows of things that May be, only?”
Still the Ghost pointed downward to the sign by which it stood.
Bell crept toward it, trembling as he went; and following the spirit’s finger, read upon the sign of the neglected city: “Welcome to Little Detroit.”
“No, Spirit! Oh, no, no!” cried Bell.
At that moment, lightning flashed and the spirit’s shroud fell off its head, revealing its face, rapidly shuffling from its previously hopeful rotation to finally stop, like a hellish wheel of fortune.
It was, again, Carty’s face.
“Spirit!” said Bell, shuddering from head to foot. “I see, I see. The case of this unhappy city might be our own. This is a fearful place. In leaving it, I shall not leave its lesson, trust me. Let us go!”
The end of it
Bell awoke with a start and sat up, his chair wheeling away from his desk on the 22nd floor.
“I will live in Toledo’s Past, its Present and its Future!’ Bell repeated, as he bounded out of his office. “The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me and I shall remember and practice its lessons.”
Bell was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more. He became as good a friend, as good a mayor, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, in the good old world.
May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Katie Holmes observed, “God bless us, everyone!”

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

Editor’s Note: Several lines repeated from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the original nightmare before Christmas. Some of those lines were filtered through the stunning new Robert Zemeckis film. Thanks to Clint Mauk’s book “Historical Tales of Toledo” for the background on Samuel Jones.

Dale Chihuly turns it up — way up — in the studio. Whether he’s drawing or directing a team of glassblowers, the artist takes it to 11.
“In the morning, it might be classical music; and in the middle of the day, it might be more hip music; in the afternoon, it could be more jazz. We play a big variety of music — Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen — anything that I like,” Chihuly said and laughed.
“If I’m not there, they can play whatever they want,” he said of his crew and laughed again.
The international art superstar cranks up the volume, color, creativity — and visibility of studio glass.
Of course, it’s hard to miss some of his ginormous multipiece works.

There was “Chihuly Over Venice,” which featured 14 dazzling chandeliers suspended over the city’s canals and piazzas in 1996. Three years later, his magic appeared to be a mirage: Huge blocks of ice from Alaska made a 60-foot wall outside of the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem. Throngs celebrated the millennium by viewing “Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000,” a project that cost more than $1 million and included a crystal mountain.
“Ideas come to me sometimes, they just feel sort of like they come right out from the gut. Nothing that I’ve thought about necessarily for a long time — somehow it just appears,” he said during a phone interview from his Ballard studio in Seattle.
Chihuly’s gritty obsession began in 1965 when he melted stained glass and picked up a metal pipe.
“It was just the process of blowing human breath down a blowpipe and it came out at the other end like a bubble. It’s a pretty amazing technique,” he said.
In 1968, the glassblower traveled to Murano, Italy, to learn more about the ancient art. He was the first American to work at the Venini glass factory.
“What I learned that was the most important was how to work in a team, because all the Italians work in a team. And when I came back, I worked with a team of my own students,” Chihuly said. “The bigger the team, the more it allows you to work larger.”
He and his grand concepts are globally renowned for explosive, electrifying color.
“When I first started using glass, my first use of it was really with stained glass and stained glass comes in hundreds of colors,” the 68-year-old said. “So, right from the beginning, I had the option of using whatever color I wanted, and I ended up using most all of them.”
First look
The Glass City got its first look at Chihuly’s vibrant work in 1970 when he was one of 11 artists invited to submit work for “Toledo Glass National Exhibition III” at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). He and college friend and collaborator Jamie Carpenter created “Monotropa Uniflora,” a stunning vision of neon, argon and blown glass.
In 1972, the Toledo Museum of Art and the American Craft Museum in New York teamed up for an exhibit, “American Glass Now.” Chihuly and Carpenter convinced TMA’s director, then Otto Wittmann, to support their work in the glass studio to create large-scale pieces for the event.
“I remember setting up the door that we showed. We showed another piece with bent plate glass with dry ice in it. I remember setting up those two pieces,” Chihuly said. “We were very thankful to be invited.”
Chihuly was grateful to be alive following a 1976 car accident in England that took the sight in his left eye and permanently injured his right ankle and foot. He started working with an assistant glassblower and gave up the gaffer, glassblower, position after dislocating his shoulder while bodysurfing in 1979.
“No, it wasn’t difficult,” he said of the transition. “I prefer to direct the team instead of be the gaffer on the team because we do a lot of big work and that means having a lot of people around; we have as many as 16 people on the pad at one time all working on the same piece. If I’m not the gaffer, I can kind of, you know, walk around and watch all aspects of it, whereas if you’re the gaffer, you have to concentrate just on that.”
He began to focus more on drawing to convey his designs to his team. Some of those ideas involved placing glass floats, flowers, ferns and tumbleweeds outdoors. His 23 red glass reeds, some as high as 8 feet tall, can be seen at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in the Wintergarden. They were installed there in 2001.

“It just seems to look just right,” Chihuly said of the environmental installations. “I’ve been doing that for probably 40 years, but I’ve been doing them more in the last 10 years. I’ve done about 10 shows in botanical gardens, usually in a greenhouse along with showing them outside as well.”
He has been drawn to water his whole life.
“I love working with water,” he gushed. “I think it’s just the fact that glass is so much like water; it’s a liquid, you know, to start with, and it moves and flows like water.”
Chihuly’s fluid works seem to defy gravity, capture movement and mesmerize the masses.
“Everybody takes away whatever they want to and it’s something different for everybody,” he said

‘Chihuly Toledo!’ extended at TMA
Swirling shapes, eye-popping colors and pulsating music greet visitors who enter the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion Gallery Four to see “Chihuly Toledo!”
“Everything [Chihuly] we own, literally, is on view. There’s about 36 objects ranging in date from 1975 to 2006,” said Jutta Page, glass curator at the museum. “[The exhibit] provides a very good overview, I think, of the whole entire span of Dale Chihuly’s career.”
On display are some of the artist’s Blanket Cylinders from the mid-1970s; Seaforms, Macchia and Persians from the 1980s; and Venetians and Niijima Floats from the 1990s. Sketches and drawings that inspired the work also are included.
“He has been very influential on the entire field of studio glass,” Page said. “And I have to say that Chihuly has always been very true to his affinity to Venetian glassmaking. He largely relies on Venetian glassmaking techniques that have been in use hundreds of years.”
The curator said she is a fan of the diversity of Chihuly’s work.
“I like the variety of it and there are certain parts, certain series, that I particularly like,” she said. “I’ve always thought the Niijima Floats that he’s created — which are the largest pieces his team has been able to blow — are just mesmerizing.”
Check out “Green and Gold Sparkle Float.” The magnificent orb shimmers with gold leaf and crushed glass from every angle.
And be sure to use the pavilion’s Monroe Street entrance, where “Campiello del Remer #2” hangs. The chandelier was one of 14 featured in “Chihuly Over Venice.” The original piece was split in half; the artist’s team rearranged 243 pieces when installing the 9-foot light in Toledo.
By popular demand, the free exhibit has been extended and will be on display through Feb. 7. For more information, visit www.toledomuseum.org.