Silent Hill Shattered Memories (Konami)

Konami continues the successful Silent Hill survival game series in a wintry setting with Shattered Memories, the first game in the series to appear on the Wii console. The town terrors continue for Harry Mason as he searches for his daughter Cheryl after a car accident. The one player format often switches between first and third person camera views and fully incorporates the remote and nunchuk controllers. Players experience highly replayable action with constant thrills with different storylines/endings among special psychiatric sessions with Dr. K, which shape a customized player profile.

As in other recent Silent Hill games, player choices create a unique experience each time with different action scenarios, endings, interactive content and bonuses. Players can often navigate through choose your own adventure type scenarios by walking one of two paths where choices are final and players can’t backtrack once through.

Harry’s trusty cell phone has several practical and entertaining uses. The most important function is making noise went danger is near. Dangerous creatures cannot hear this noise but they can’t hear Harry’s movements. Other audio cues and background noises prompt players when danger is near. Also, try calling regular numbers (e.g. 911, 411, etc.) or several number which frequently appear throughout the game. The phone camera has a zoom option and can save up to 10 photos, viewable in the gallery. The phone also features helpful maps (press the left directional button). Players can even customize ring tones, save games or quickly look behind to see what’s lurking in the shadows (select the down directional button).

Gameplay requires stealth, analytical skills and some strategy. Players use the flashlight to find their way in the dark, but don’t use it when you hear threatening sounds nearby. Players must often analyze the area when solving puzzles like deciphering computer passwords and other visual puzzles. Solutions are always nearby, just be sure the area is clear of frightening creatures. Check voice mails on the cell phone for more hints. The strategy elements require a unique detective skill set while light blue colors cue players into interactive options.

Tensions often stays high because players don’t get traditional weapons and can’t kill attacking creatures only fend them off temporarily. A special light flair can subdue several marauding baddies quickly and barriers can be placed by shaking the nunchuk when passing large objects. When attacks get personal, players can use realistic moves with the remote and nunchuk to get creatures off (i.e. make a quick push motion wherever you see them grabbing you). Players restart at checkpoints if they die.

Momento collecting (25 total) affects the game’s ending (five different endings exist) while other bonuses include ghosts, haunted objects, and even UFOs. The haunting music soundtrack enhances this amazing interactive experience even more (***1/2, Nintendo Wii, rated M for blood, drug reference, alcohol reference, language, sexual themes and violence).

In September, Toledoans were asked to change the rules governing the Capital Improvement Program to help balance the city budget. Then-mayor Carty Finkbeiner rallied union money and mounted a loud campaign to defeat the proposal. Like a lot of short-sighted things Finkbeiner did, that effort has hindered Toledo.
As Toledo City Councilman George Sarantou told Toledo Free Press in September, “We are in a fiscal emergency, and we would like permission from voters to use capital improvement funds for safety.”
I again believe Toledo voters should give council that permission by voting “yes” on the CIP issue on May 4. The current division of funds from the three-quarter percent income tax spread money equally among police and fire resources, the general fund and the CIP, which is used for infrastructure such as streets and bridges. The proposed change to this system would increase the general fund to one-half of that, with one-third remaining with police and fire and one-sixth going to CIP.
As explained by City Councilman Joe McNamara, “The three-fourths percent income tax is governed by a specific formula mandating how the money may be spent. The formula for the three-fourths percent for years 2004-08 was more flexible than the formula for years 2009-12. The previous flexible formula allowed city council to move funds from the CIP to the public safety budget. This flexibility was repeatedly needed to balance the budget.”
Mayor Mike Bell sees the value in this move and is supporting it as it goes before voters. With more focused and rational leadership on the 22nd floor of One Government Center, reworking the CIP is a tough but viable option to bring the city’s budget into line.

E-mail president and publisher Thomas Pounds at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

I never thought I would say this, but one of the best things my parents ever did for me was to embarrass me repeatedly throughout childhood. They were never ones to shy away from sharing the details of my life with an unfamiliar crowd, marching to the front of a packed room to find a seat when unfashionably late, or partaking in any other activity that would turn a daughter’s cheeks from flesh-colored to fire engine red in eight to twelve seconds. In fact, I would think the saying “sing like no one’s listening” was just an empty suggestion had I not heard it exemplified with my own ears and by my own parents from year to year.

Parents unbound by a fear of humiliating their children or themselves, even during a child’s most insecure of times, are like embarrassment inoculation. There are some uncomfortable side effects at first as the body responds to the foreign uneasiness of it all, but with time the introduction of perceived humiliation actually builds a mighty tolerance, and even acceptance. Eventually, reacting with an ill feeling becomes virtually nonexistent when faced with the kind of situation that would have once elicited beads of sweat, a pounding heart, and a nervous half-smile. Although I have come to appreciate my learned lack of self-consciousness over the years, I never realized quite how many times my children would attempt to put it to the test.

My older daughter is a little fashionista, and, at 4-years-old, she already seems to be grasping the concept that I am not. When it came time to get ready for her very special night out with mom and dad at her school, she offered to help me pick out my attire for the evening. Having little reason to dress up with any frequency, my collection of nicer clothing is quite limited to say the least. I have one or two outfits that I somewhat like and one or two extra that really aren’t my style but could fill in during a dress-up emergency. Elaine’s school valentine dinner turned out to be such an emergency.

Known for desiring the most cheetah-printed, glittery, sequined clothing for herself, as many preschool girls do, my little lady’s fashion radar drew her straight to the loudest, brightest, most-flowery item I had hanging in my closet. The shirt on its own is nothing to jeer. However, my personality cloaked in such a shirt just doesn’t make logical sense. To boot, the shirt’s bright teal was offset in brown, which Elaine quickly recognized and paired with my matching, yet ill-fitting, one pair of brown pants that have no shoes to match.

As much as I have come to accept what would otherwise be shoulder-dropping situations, I still have a very small voice inside of me that screams in protest. My first inclination was to insist on a backup choice. In all honesty, it would have been a third choice since I did openly reject my daughter’s first pick of the poofy, sun-faded violet bridesmaid’s dress I wore to my sister’s wedding in 1989. I’m secure, not crazy.

As much as I wanted to wear something that would more comfortably fit my personality, especially on the closest thing I was getting to a night out on the town, I decided to keep my reluctance to myself. My mom most certainly would have done it for me. So, I donned the outfit of my daughter’s choosing and was instantly met with a very honest and very emphatic, “Mom, you look sooo pretty!” Walking down the stairs a few minutes later, my son concurred with an equally excited, “I like that flower shirt!” Coming from someone who has yet to match two pieces of clothing with any sort of consistency, noticing anything in the garment realm comes as quite the compliment.

I felt pretty.

My parents hadn’t quite been tearing down my wall of insecurity all of those years; they had simply been modeling their own confidence and, in turn, building mine. Confidence is one of the few things that accentuates any personality and can make any one of us look sooo pretty no matter what we look like at any given moment.

I think it’s only fair that I pass along the delicate art of humiliation, aka confidence-building, down to my own children as they enter their years of self-consciousness. In fact, reflecting on all of the enjoyment my own parents have found singing like no one’s listening over the years, I’m kind of looking forward to it.

Shannon and her husband Michael are raising three children in Sylvania. E-mail her at letters@toledofreepress.com.

I change. You change. People change.  Observing how, when and why change occurs can be interesting.
While driving slowly to work during the recent snowstorm, I felt protected inside my little car. However, the delays from the snow were going to ruin my entire day, so I sat worrying, planning and thinking about how I was going to fulfill my responsibilities.
My thoughts stopped and my priorities changed when I saw a group of men struggling to push a snowbound vehicle out of the snow on the side of the road. Without a second thought, I pulled my car over and joined the strangers in the knee-deep snow trying to push the vehicle free. A minute later another gentleman joined us, then another.
Within five minutes, we had five guys pushing. When the tires finally grabbed the road and the car broke free under its own power, we looked at each other with smiles of a job well-done. We gave each other the man-nod, made some casual jokes about the snow and with snow-soaked trousers all, we went our separate ways.
For five minutes, nobody was thinking about work; there was no worry — no stress. For five minutes, a group of strangers, united only by a common mission, were completely and totally in the moment, helping a person with real needs.
People change, but not for the reasons you think. People may be motivated to change because they want something bad enough, but these motivations of self are never enough to produce sustainable results. In fact, the entire concept of self-motivation is oxymoronic. Motivation for yourself, alone, is simply not possible; it is not a real motivation.
To grow, we must figure out what our real motivations are. No matter what we want to do, real change only comes  when other people are involved; this is just simple human nature.
Good things happen when we tune in to the real needs of other people.  Good things happen because we’re being true — we’re not fighting what comes naturally.
Thinking, worrying and planning, alone, will not help us grow stronger businesses, weave closer families and build healthier communities. Creating this positive change requires the ability to stop our mind chatter long enough to recognize the people with real needs all around us — needs we can help fulfill.
Now, the last thing people need is another person preaching about the joy of giving. That’s not what we’re talking about here.
We’re talking about the fact that when we perceive something as just a want, we judge, we criticize and we complain. However, when we see a person with a real need like a person stuck on the side of the road, we change — instantly.
What would happen if, instead of judging wants as good or bad, we stopped looking at wants and started looking for real needs? What would change if we stopped thinking about all of the inconveniences in our life, and we started looking for ways we can help?
Can you imagine the difference in your next sales call if you stopped worrying about whether or not you were going to make the sale? What would happen if you could park those thoughts and treat your customer like a stranger on the side of the road who just needs a helping hand to get back on the road?
Good things start to happen to you when you stop wishing for good things to happen to you.  Sometimes you have to let go of the thoughts in your head, forget your schedule and just pull the car over and get yourself soaked with the spirit of helping out where you can.
Empty your head of all your worries and simply ask, “How can I help you?”
For three examples of how to create a helping state-of-mind in your business go to www.boltfromtheblue.com and enter the keyword SNOWBOUND in the blueprint box.

Tom Richard is a Toledo-based sales trainer, gives seminars, runs sales meetings and provides coaching for salespeople. For more information, visit www.boltfromtheblue.com, call (419) 441-1005 or e-mail him at tom@tomrichard.com.

As I ruffled through the pages, these sentences caught my attention:
“I hope the council would publicly state that they support the tax increase because we can’t afford to cut any more public-safety officials.”

• “It’s really hard to listen to people expressly advocate when they are not really talking to council. They are campaigning.”
• “He’s hired cronies rather than qualified people. He’s wasted money.”
• “The agency’s deputy director immediately called a staff meeting and warned that no one was to talk to this newspaper.”
• “Records show the agency’s waiting list (for housing) has thousands of names on it — that list is only growing.”

These clips were taken from Gilbert Republic and Phoenix New Times, in Arizona, not Toledo, Ohio.
While the climate may be completely different, the challenges shared in the pages of these weekly papers are strikingly familiar. Dinner conversations at local eateries fixate on personalities involved in local issues, laying blame on people rather than the process.
There is a lack of transparency and delays in getting public information requests, with those involved being warned to not talk to certain media outlets.
Tax increases are discussed for May ballots, with the community divided on the issue of where cuts should be made. Revenue streams for education and additional cuts are being sought.
Most of those in power have been for some time; the lack of fresh perspective is lamented.
As an outsider to the Phoenix area, the weather is enticing. I’m surprised at the green lawns and the water features at business, residential and shopping entrances since this is a desert region. We have heard so much about our water needing to be sold to the West at some point.
“It’s a sign of affluence,” my oldest daughter said, as I point out water display after water display.  She is quick to point out her employer does not have such a display and does the opposite. They have a water reclamation facility that returns water to the City of Chandler, Ariz.
The visit to Arcosanti, an experimental model of how urban environments of the future could be, a community without cars, energy efficient with a focus on self sufficiency, gives a first impression of hope that quickly turns to disappointment. Arcosanti is barely alive in part due to mismanagement. Only 18 percent of its power is self generated. The rest they have to buy from the power grid. The bakery is closed, leaving their main source of income being the sale of chimes with bells made from clay and metal.
It’s normal to rail against the local system — it is what impacts us most in our daily lives. People often threaten to move to a different area out of frustration.
It may seem easier to just move someplace else, but many problems being faced by communities all over our nation are similar, differing only on the degree of the affectation. We need to find solutions to the shared problems communities are facing.
Focusing on the process instead of the personalities would be a start.

Toledo Free Press contributor Lisa Renee Ward operates the political blog Glass City Jungle.

“They said I would never write this book,” the first page of “I Am Ozzy” reads. On the second: “Well, f*** ‘em, ‘cuz here it is.”

Those opening sentences set the tone for Ozzy Osbourne’s autobiography, written with co/ghost writer Chris Ayres. While the book does tell the life story of one of the most unique public figures in pop culture history, it does so with an eye on the lighter side. This is not really a soul-searching tome where the author spills his guts for 400 pages. This is written to be more of a rollicking ride on the Ozz-train.

There are serious issues discussed, here — Osbourne’s drug and alcohol addictions are a constant issue, and the death of guitarist Randy Rhodes in a tragic plane crash is covered in gut-wrenching detail — but the majority of the book feels like you’re spending a night at the pub, hanging out with your best mate as he tells you wicked tales of his life. This makes it a very entertaining read, if not a very deep one.

If you’re looking for any particular level of insight as it relates to being a rock star — recording, writing, and performing — you’re kinda out of luck. Ozzy doesn’t really cover these issues with any depth, and most of the albums are mentioned only in the context of how successful they were and the effect on his career. This is more the story of Osbourne’s life, and the music is seen only through the prism of how it effected that life.

But what a long, strange life its been. Ozzy starts from the very beginning, with tales from childhood and school leading up to breaking out as a rock star with Black Sabbath. The bulk of the book covers from the time the group first formed through 1989 — his career resurrection through “The Osbournes” TV series isn’t really dealt with in much length at all. The focus is on his prime years as a rocker, and that’s where the most interesting stories reside, anyway.

And yes, the most interesting (and infamous) stories of all are covered in great detail. Yes, he bit the head off a dove, and he planned ahead of time to do it. Yes, he bit the head off a bat on stage, but that was not planned at all. Yes, he made a scene at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, but he was plastered and incapable of planning. The book seems to be pretty open about the controversies stemming from its subject, and deals with all the obvious questions — no issues you’d want to hear about are skirted at all.

As for Osbourne himself, he comes across as a generally likable, if generally bizarre, individual. He doesn’t seem to be particularly introspective or thoughtful, but how analytical could the freaking Prince of Darkness really be? He doesn’t try to explain away or hide from the ugly bits in his life story (his divorce, the addictions, the scandal over teen suicide), but they are all quickly diffused by his genuinely affable nature. And as mentioned, the general tone is one of good humor, preferring to have fun with his life rather than dwell on the darker issues.

The structure of the writing helps establish that tone, as well — all of Ozzy’s unique verbal quirks and mannerisms are captured in print, and the word choices speak directly from the working-class British family Osbourne was raised in. As a result, the reader really feels like they are hearing Ozzy tell these stories, rather than reading them through the filter of someone else’s writing, a typical by-product of a ghost written book. Ayres deserves a lot of credit for his ability to really channel his subject in this regard — and channelling Ozzy f’n Osbourne must have been an incredible task.

The somewhat disturbing undertone of whole story is Ozzy’s addictions, and their effect on the people he loves. Sharon is clearly the most important person in the world to him, and he devotes more space to discussing his devotion to her than anything. And that makes moments like his 1989 arrest for assaulting Sharon while under the influence (he claims he can’t remember it at all) all the more inexplicable — almost as inexplicable as her refusal to leave him. The portrait of Sharon that emerges is one of a woman who is, in her own way, as stubborn and crazy as Ozzy, which may make them absolutely perfect for each other.

But these kinds of observations come few and far between in “I Am Ozzy,” which is generally a funny and engaging read. It doesn’t seem to want to dig too far beyond the surface of Osbourne’s career, and there aren’t enough genuinely shocking elements for it to really be labeled a “tell-all” book. But if you want a fun and bizarre ride looking at the life of a fun and bizarre individual, you could do far worse.

E-mail Jeff at PopGoesJeff@gmail.com.

As our son Evan speeds toward his fourth birthday, the parenting challenges are piling up faster than torn Trojan wrappers backstage at a Lady Gaga concert.
Standards of appropriateness are a daily struggle, as you can tell.
What we used to be able to slip by Evan’s sharp little eyes and ears now fills a minefield of potential bad examples. I used to be able to get away with having “The Simpsons” on in the background if Evan was playing, coloring or otherwise distracted, but now he seems to be radar-tuned to every expletive, act of violence and scene showcasing child endangerment. D’oh.
We recently invested in a new vehicle from our friends at Monroe Dodge, and during an innocent demonstration of the satellite radio system, a quick station scan found a rap song that cheerily invoked a word that describes inappropriate maternal fornication (not that there is an appropriate kind, although I understand it’s a useful tool for Greek tragedies and daily newspaper general managers). D’oh.
In addition to behavioral and role model issues, Evan is testing the boundaries of his physical limits. The toddler who needed to hold my hand to descend the stairs now wants to see how many stairs he can leap from to the floor before mommy or daddy burst a blood vessel.
Evan’s thrillseeking has been modest. He’s not chasing cars or huffing fresh Play-Doh. The balance for us as parents is to let him experiment with pain and consequence without letting him cripple or kill himself. We do not want him to ever be afraid to try new things, but until he learns to fully appreciate gravity, transfusions and full-body casts, we need to help him set parameters (Evan’s little brother Sean is showing signs of being even more aggressive, but I am unable to contemplate that while processing the Thorazine I need to get through writing about Evan’s daredevil exploits).
Those parameters were fully tested during a recent visit to the Splash Universe waterpark in Dundee. We spent the weekend at the park with friends of ours who have two wonderful children a few years ahead of ours.
During the first day at the park, Evan went from a tentative exploration of the Little Squirt Pool slides to a full-on assault of the Water Adventure Tree House slides, allowing his slender frame to be whipsawed around the corners and twists and shot into the troughs of water. By the end of the first day, escorted on each trip by one of our friends’ kids at the top of the slide and me at the bottom of the slide, Evan was a veteran of the orange, yellow and blue mid-size slides.
At some point during the day, he became aware of the big boy slides in the corner of the park.
A wooden staircase winds to near the top of the 60-foot-high ceiling, ending in two Goldmine Adventure Slides. Both are monster corkscrews that hurtle the body on an inner tube at high-rush speeds up and down the sides of the slide (at one point the yellow slide tunnel leads outside the building and twists back in; those few seconds are in pitch black. The green slide is entirely encased in blinding darkness).
The whole ride is over in a minute, but it takes a while for one’s lungs to catch up with the rest of one’s body as it exits into a wide receiving pool 60 feet below, life guards on duty. Evan finally noticed the monster slides and asked if he could go on them.
“You’re not tall enough yet,” I said. “Maybe next year.”
But as it turned out, Evan was tall enough, by about an inch and a half. We discovered that on the second day when Evan ran up to a wooden cutout of a cartoon beaver (there is a lot of beaver on display at Splash Universe) and stood against its outstretched arm to show me he did make the cut.
I ride the Goldmine Adventure Slides every chance I get, but I could not imagine taking Evan on the ride. Me on an inner tube hurtling behind Evan would surely make him feel like Indiana Jones being chased by the giant boulder. I figured once we made the actual climb, Evan would see the heights and change his mind.
He did not. So, I put him in the front of the inner tube, wrapped my shins around him and told him sternly that he had to hold on no matter what.
“Blastoff!” he shouted, and we did.
But at the halfway point, cascading down the yellow slide, I changed my mind. I doubted Evan could hold on when we hit the bottom, so as we began to exit the chute, I lunged forward to grab him in my arms. That graceful maneuver ended up flipping the inner tube upside down, and Evan was torn from my grasp as we went under water.
I had him in hand and back in the air before he knew what hit us, but he wasn’t happy we “sunk,” as he put it.
And that was the end of that.
Until an hour later, when Evan asked if we could go again.
“We sunk last time,” I said.
“That’s because you didn’t let me hold on,” he said.
So, we climbed the staircase again, looked down 60 feet and climbed into the inner tube. This time, fighting every fiber of instinct, I kept my lower legs wrapped around Evan but trusted him to hold on, and did not try to grab him as we shot off the slide. The inner tube took air from the chute, hit the pool … and calmly sailed to a stop without so much as an errant ripple.
Having learned a lesson in trust and letting go just a little bit, I pulled Evan out of the inner tube. He did not quite have the temerity to say, “I told you so,” but I could see it in his eyes as he took my hand and started pulling me back to the foot of the giant slide. D’oh.

Michael S. Miller is Editor in Chief of Toledo Free Press. E-mail him at mmiller@toledofreepress.com.

Events are subject to change.

MOSTLY FOR ADULTS

Parents should determine appropriateness for children

Wildwood Manor House tours: Built in the 1930s in the Georgian Colonial style, the Manor House was the estate of the Stranahans, the patriarch of which co-founded the Champion Spark Plug Co. Tours at quarter after and quarter till the hour noon-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through March, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

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

> Noon-6 Feb. 25, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 21140 W. Toledo, Williston.

> 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 26, St. Luke’s Hospital, 5901 Monclova Road, Maumee.

> 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Stadium View Apartments, 1700 Juniper Dr., Bowling Green.

> 1-7 p.m. Feb. 26, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2843 Sterns Road, Lambertville, Mich.

> Noon-6 March 2, Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg.

Toledo Farmers’ Market: Find it fresh and local at this outdoor station, which has been around for 178 years. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 525 Market St. (419) 255-6765 or www.toledofarmersmarket.org.

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.

Travel Circle: Hostelling International hosts this series of travelogues at 2:15 p.m. on Saturdays; each “stop” is preceded by hiking or skiing at 1.

> Hostelling in Quebec. Feb. 20, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

> Inside the Heart of the Dominican Republic. Feb. 27, Metroparks Hall, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

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.

> Lynne Hamer, associate professor of education, will discuss “Community Organizing, Schools, and University Engagement” Feb. 25.

Wolcott Guild Historical Lectures: Area experts on local history will speak about their specialties. 10-11 a.m., Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Road, Maumee. (419) 259-5360 or www.toledolibrary.org.

> “Gen. William Henry Harrison”: Author Clint Mauk will discuss the general’s role in the War of 1812. Feb. 25.

Northwest Ohio Writers Forum Meeting: Members will read from their current projects with feedback and discussion to follow. Aspiring writers and interested people are welcome. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. (419) 202-0642 or www.nwowf.org.

Metroparks Mystery Dinner: Diners are invited to join Detective Horsit in investigating the murders of Senator Samuel Snootful and chanteuse Suzanne Steamy. 6-10 p.m. Feb. 20, Manor House, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $50. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Wood Turning: This demonstration will feature techniques and tips on turning a natural edge bowl. 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Woodcraft, 5311 Airport Hwy. (419) 389-0560 or www.woodcraft.com.

Northwest Ohio Dance Club’s opening night: Anyone inspired by “Dancing With the Stars” can try out Latin, swing, country, ballroom dancing and more with the start of this club. Lessons are taught the first hour. 7 p.m.-midnight Feb. 20, Toledo Yacht Club, 3900 N. Summit St. $10.

Home Builders Association House & Home Show: Anyone considering changes, adjustments, additions and more to their homes or properties will find something of interest, whether it’s ideas, information or inspiration. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 20; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 21, SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. $5. (419) 473-2507 or www.toledohba.com.

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

An Afternoon With Louisa May Alcott: Readings from the author’s works, as well as her life, will be discussed. 2-4 p.m. Feb. 21, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

“The Life of Abraham Lincoln”: Honest Abe look-alike Pete Raymond will chronicle the life of the 16th president from birth to assassination. Admission includes a box lunch. 10 a.m. Feb. 22, St. Luke’s Hospital auditorium, 5901 Monclova Road, Maumee. $6.50. Registration: (419) 893-5911, ext. 6278.

“Wiredly” Wonderful Earrings: Participants will choose from four designs and learn, step-by-step, how to make them. 6:45-9 p.m. Feb. 22, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $29. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Botany 101: This series is designed to enhance knowledge of wild plants, primarily wildflowers but including brief lessons on trees and shrubs. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 23, Sandusky County Parks office, 1970 Countryside Place, Fremont. Registration: (419) 334-4495 and (888) 200-5577.

All-Star Celebrity Sports Auction: Athletic memorabilia will be auctioned to benefit Make-A-Wish and former All-Star Major League pitcher Dave Dravecky, a cancer survivor, will make an appearance. 6-10 p.m. Feb. 24, SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. $150 and up. (419) 244-9474 or www.northwestohio.wish.org.

Antique Gardens: Scott Kunst of Old House Gardens will discuss American home landscapes from 1800 to 1940, showing how plants, outdoor furnishings and yard design have changed dramatically through the years. 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. www.oldhousegardens.com. Registration: (734) 847-6747.

Eberly Center Celebrity Wait Night Dinner: In the second year for this fundraiser, the focus is Project Succeed, a program for women in transition. 6-9 p.m. Feb. 25, Toledo Club, 235 14th St. Reservations: (419) 530-8570 or www.utoledo.edu/centers/eberly.

Landscape Design for Wildlife: This five-part series will introduce the elements of landscape design and allow participants to plan for their properties, incorporating native plants and wildlife stations. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Metroparks Hall, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $65. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Chinese New Year Cooking: Celebrate the year of the Tiger for the lunar new year by learning to make sweet rice, Rainbow Seafood Salad, Chinese New Year Cake and more. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 26 or 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $20. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Prime Time Live 2010: Adults 50 and older are invited to a weekend of events just for them, all planned by Hope Community Church, 5650 Starr Ave., Oregon. (419) 724-4673.

> Comedy Night Dinner Theater, a free catered dinner and entertainment from the Covenant Players Drama Group. 6 p.m. Feb. 26; reservations required.

> Health and Wellness Festival: All ages are welcome to hear guest speakers and learn more about improving and maintaining good health. 1 p.m. Feb. 27; reservations required for breakout sessions.

> All ages concert: Kate Jordan & Soul Venture and Sojourner Quartet will perform. 4 p.m. Feb. 27, $5.

Dancing aWay with the Stars III: Local celebrities will two-step, cha-cha and waltz for this library foundation fundraiser. 6 p.m. Feb. 27, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. $75. (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

Hand-Cut Dovetails: A signature joint of fine woodworking, dovetails are strong and popular. This demonstration will cover through and half-blind joints. 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 27, Woodcraft, 5311 Airport Hwy. (419) 389-0560 or www.woodcraft.com.

“East Side Story”: Author Larry Michaels will discuss East Toledo with a slide presentation of the people and places that helped create the area’s history. 2-3 p.m. Feb. 27, Rossford Public Library community room, 720 Dixie Hwy., Rossford. (419) 666-0924 or www.rossfordlibrary.org.

Toledo Botanical Garden Seed Swap: Gardeners can exchange seeds, learn new skills and diversify their plots. Children’s activities, workshops and music will round out the event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 27; seed swap, Ward Pavilion, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 4830 W. Central Ave.; workshop, TBG Conference Center, 5403 Elmer Dr. (419) 536-5566 or toledogarden.org.

Travel with Friends: Cruising the Mediterranean With Shirley Kordowski and Suzanne Gorrell. Visitors can get a glimpse of the world as travelers recount their journeys, offering tips on what to see. 2-4 p.m. Feb. 28, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. (734) 847-6747 or monroe.lib.mi.us.

Partner Yoga: Pairs are invited to explore the physical and mental benefits of yoga. 6:30-8 p.m. March 1, 8 and 15, Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. Registration: (419) 259-5303 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Ask an Attorney: Specialists in patents, trademarks and copyright will answer questions and “provide an overview of intellectual property.” Scott A. Blake of MacMillan, Sobanski and Todd, 7-8:30 p.m. March 2, Searles Conference Room, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St. (419) 259-5209.

Wine tasting: Uptown Vineyard will offer a handful of its exclusive wines and appetizers will be served to complement each. In addition a silent auction will wrap up this fundraiser for the Toledo Repertoire Theater. 7 p.m. March 3, Manhattan’s, 1516 Adams St. $30. (419) 243-9277, (419) 243-6675 or www.toledorep.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.

Related programming

> Metal Beads Part 2: Students will fabricate beads from sheet metal and wire. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 23-March 23. $120. Register: (419) 254-5080. www.toledomuseum.org.

> Metal Bead Casting: Participants will create beads using the lost-wax casting method. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 25-March 25. $120. Register: (419) 254-5080. www.toledomuseum.org.

> Felt Beads: Students will make beads out of wool. 6-9 p.m. Feb. 26. $60. Register: (419) 254-5080. www.toledomuseum.org.

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.

> Self Portraits: Young women of the Lucas County Juvenile Detention Center were given the tools to create self-portraits; the results will be on display through March 1, Community Galleries.

> Monday Morning Painters: Works by this group of professional artists, who gather weekly to explore their favorite media. Through March 7, Community Galleries.

> “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.

> “Bare Witness: Photographs by Gordon Parks.” A pioneer in multiple art forms, Parks’ lens work will be highlighted, offering a “cross section of the human experience.” Through April 25, Canaday Gallery.

> “Whistler: Influences, Friends and the Not-So-Friendly.” The work of James Abbott McNeill Whistler will be exhibited within the context of his contemporaries, influences, friends and enemies. Feb. 26-May 30, Works on Paper galleries.

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

> “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. Through March 21.

> “The Neighborhood Project”: This exhibit is based on two artists’ efforts to combine community and aesthetics. The artists will be present to discuss the project 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 24. Through March 28, Walter Gibbs Gallery.

Toledo School for the Arts Faculty Art Exhibition: The teachers get the spotlight in this display of their best. Through Feb. 25, 333 14th St. (419) 246-8732 or www.ts4arts.org.

“Let It Snow”: Diana Attie has selected the winners of this Toledo Artist’s Club exhibition. Look for Best of Show winner Robert Martin’s “Sidecut Shelter.” 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, through Feb. 26, club gallery, Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. (419) 531-4079.

“A Sudden and Unexpected Brush with Paint”: Skot Horn. This artist “works primarily from memory to transfer subconscious ideas onto a canvas with as little outside influence as possible.” 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Feb. 27, Hudson Gallery, 5645 N. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 885-8381 or www.hudsongallery.net.

Art showcase: Oil on canvas and photography by Jim Less will be on display and for sale. 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through Feb. 28, Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts, 311 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 891-8886 or www.georgettes.org.

“The Madonna Project”: Selections by members of the Athena Art Society, one of the oldest women’s art collectives in the country, will be on display. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays when classes are in session, through March 5, UT’s Catherine S. Eberly Center for Women, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Tucker Hall Room 180, off Campus Road. (419) 530-8570 or www.utoledo.edu/centers/eberly.

Black History Month Exhibit: This 15th annual show will feature artwork by Aaron Bivins, Wil Clay, Charles T. Gabriel Jr., Marcus Nunn, John Wade III, Mack Walton and Warren and Yolanda Woodberry. Noon-4 Wednesdays-Fridays and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays through March 6, 20 North Gallery, 18 N. Clair St. (419) 241-2400.

“Carnick, Norman, Onodera”: Andrea Carnick’s acrylic paintings, Beverly Norman’s scanned collages and Masako Onodera’s experimental jewelry will be on display in “sensual and uneasy” interactions. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays through March 12, Parkwood Gallery, 1838 Parkwood Ave. (419) 254-2787 or www.acgt.org.

Annual Student Exhibition: UT draws from its deep student roster for this art show. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays through March 21, UT’s Center for the Visual Arts, 620 Grove Place. (419) 530-8300 or www.utoledo.edu/as/art.

“Travelogue”: The center’s director of photography, Art Weber, will display some of the best shots from his travels. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through April 4, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

“The Wilds”: “One of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world,” the Wilds is located on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast and contains rare and endangered species from around the world. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through April 4, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

“Raptors”: Photographers share their images of birds of prey. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through April 4, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

“Outdoor Writers of America Association Annual Photography Contest Winners”: This professional group of communicators will display its best landscapes and wildlife shots. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through April 4, National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 829-2761.

“Switch Hitters III”: Was it a challenge? Laziness? Something else? Viewers can decide upon viewing these works designed by one artist then constructed by another. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through April 25, Flatlanders Art Galleries, 11993 E. U.S. 223, Blissfield, Mich. (517) 486-4591 or www.flatlandersculpture.com.

“Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller.” This touring exhibition explores the problem-solving process employed at the west Michigan-based furniture company. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through April 25, Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $11-$14; $5 parking. (313) 982-6001, (800) 835-5237 or www.thehenryford.org.

“Leslie Adams: Recent Drawings.” This artist concentrates on portraits and murals, inspired by classical methods and paying tribute to the Old Masters.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through April 25, Flatlanders Art Galleries, 11993 E. U.S. 223, Blissfield, Mich. (517) 486-4591 or www.flatlandersculpture.com.

“Design in Progress”: The Henry Ford Museum will “celebrate the world of design, from the magnificent to the mundane, from things that startle us to things we barely notice.” 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through April 25, Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $11-$14; $5 parking. (313) 982-6001, (800) 835-5237 or www.thehenryford.org.

“with technical assistance”: John Ahearn, Janel Dziesinski and Meghan Walton, teaching assistants at Adrian College, will exhibit their work. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through April 3, Flatlanders Art Galleries, 11993 E. U.S. 223, Blissfield, Mich. (517) 486-4591 or www.flatlandersculpture.com.

“Croquet: A Sport Story.” The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center claims to have the most comprehensive collection of hoops-and-mallet materials in the world. Visitors can check out the clubs and pegs during this exhibit. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays through Aug. 1, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont. (419) 332-2081, (800) 998-7737 or 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.

> Mysteries of Egyptian Tomb Art: 2 and 3 p.m. Feb. 20.

> Storytime tours: 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28.

> Desperate Housewives: 6 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

> There’s No Place Like Rome: 2 and 3 p.m. Feb. 27.

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

> Flowers: 2 and 4 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27; 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Feb. 26.

> Swizzle sticks: 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Feb. 26.

Young Artist’s Club: Students in grades one through six can take part in this drawing, ceramics, painting, printmaking and computer art group. 2-3 p.m. Feb. 27, March 13, 27, April 10 and 24, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. Registration: (419) 259-5310 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Youth Pottery: Students can learn the basics of hand-building and using a potter’s wheel and glazes. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

> Kindergartners through second-graders, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, $50.

“Double Up”: TMA curators Amy Gilman and Carolyn Putney will discuss the newly acquired Chinese Zodiac Figures by Zhang Hongtu in this gallery talk. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 from Libbey Court, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

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 or toledomuseum.org.

> Robin Schultes, Feb. 26.

Toledo School for the Arts Midyear Art Exhibition: Faculty and students will put their best on display. March 1-April 1, with opening reception March 5, 333 14th St. (419) 246-8732 or www.ts4arts.org.

Paper quilling: An artform that’s five centuries old, quilling is the rolling of paper strips into artistic patterns and designs. 6-7:30 p.m. March 2, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $15. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.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.

Imagination Station: This children’s science museum handles some hefty topics in a manner appealing to the entire family. Visitors can take part in the Big Draw, which allows them to contribute to a 4-by-8-foot community artwork by drawing their favorite cartoons. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, Summit and Adams streets. $6.50-$8.50. (419) 244-2674 or imaginationstationtoledo.org.

Upcoming and ongoing programming

> “Animation”: Some of the Cartoon Network’s favorite characters will give visitors a peek inside the world of animation. Through May 2.

> Science Story Times: Trained team members will read an interactive story to children in the Little KIDSPACE Science Studio and help them make a related project to take home. Upcoming topics: dinosaurs: musical Instruments: “Zimani’s Drum” by Melinda Lilly, through Feb. 21; wind watchers: “Close Your Eyes” by Kate Banks, Feb. 23-28; let it snow: “Why Won’t Winter Go?” by Lissa McLaughlin, March 2-7.

> National Engineering Week: Experts will help visitors explore compression, tension and torsion to create sky-high structures. Through Feb. 21, Science Studio.

> Cyd Moore, illustrator of children’s books “I Love You Stinky Face” and “Granny’s Dragon,” will lead a creative workshop, drawing wild creatures and telling stories. 1-2 p.m. Feb. 21, Science Studio.

Frozentoesen: The Toledo Zoo celebrates all things winter with ice-carving demonstrations and “cool” activities and performances. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through Feb. 28, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $4-$5.50. (419) 385-4040, (419) 385-5721 or toledozoo.org.

Wintertime Geocaching Challenge: GPS unit owners can try this self-guided scavenger hunt, getting initial coordinates, then following the chain of clues discovered at three parks. Successful hunters who turn in their results will receive prizes. Through Feb. 28, Metz Visitor Center, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.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 May 29, children’s library, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

TMA Family Center programs: Hands-on art activities for children. Story time tours are offered so young visitors and their adult partners can see art related to the week’s theme (2 p.m. Sundays). 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.

> Bring Yourself to Life: Feb. 21, 23 and 25.

> Whistler Watercolors: Feb. 28, March 2 and 4.

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. Register: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

> Pirate: Feb. 23.

> Farm: March 2.

Gravity Slashers Arenacross: Motocross riders will perform their jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring and sanity-questioning tricks. See them in person at these shows.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Lucas County Arena, 500 Jefferson Ave. $15-$30. (419) 321-5007, (800) 745-3000 or www.lucascountyarena.com.

Cheer for a Cure Competition: Founded in memory of school cheerleading coach Stella Bertz, this event features more spirit than you can shake a stick at, with teams of young girls to college squads vying for the event’s title. Part of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and the Bertz scholarship. 7 a.m. Feb. 20, Genoa High School, 2980 N. Genoa-Clay Center Road, Genoa. $5. (419) 345-0911 or www.cheerforacure.com.

Elmo, Easy as 1-2-3: Elmo turns 3 this month, and children 2-7 are welcome to celebrate with Sesame Street stories and art project. 11 a.m. Feb. 20, Borders, 5001 Monroe St. (Sylvania Avenue side of Westfield Franklin Park). (419) 474-3704.

String Art: Teens and tweens can try out this retro art form. 2-3 p.m. Feb. 20, Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Road, Oregon. (419) 259-5250 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Bonjour, Fancy Nancy: Youngsters 10 and younger are cordially invited to attend this soiree (a French word for party) where posh outfits and accessories are encouraged, and treats and crafts will be plentiful.10:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 20, Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Road, Holland. Registration: (419) 259-5240 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Snowflakes and Snow Tunnels: Snow scientists can perform experiments to see how flakes are formed, then search for signs of animals’ use of the white stuff for cover. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 20, Secor Room, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. $3. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Oak Openings Photo Primer: Birds of Prey. Photographers can take intimate close-ups these birds against a natural backdrop. 1 p.m. Feb. 20, Nature’s Nursery, Blue Creek Conservation Area, 7790 Schadel Rd., Whitehouse. $30. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Helping Hands: “Work away those winter blues restoring wildlife habitat” and creating a “better environment for both wildlife and people.” 2 p.m. Feb. 20, Metz Visitor Center, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Wild, Untamed: Children 10-13 with poetry and a love of nature in their hearts are invited to share both in this creative writing class. 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 20, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $20. Registration: (419) 385-5721, ext. 2042, or www.toledozoo.org/edzoocation.

Super Spiders: Kids ages 9-12 will learn about these eight-legged creatures, their amazing feats and super powers. 10-11 a.m. Feb. 20, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $10. Registration: (419) 385-5721, ext. 2042, or www.toledozoo.org/edzoocation.

Winter Is for the Birds: Children 7-10 will learn about birds, including rare birds in the zoo’s exhibits, and make some treats to help them endure the cold. 10:15-11 a.m. Feb. 20, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $12 a day. Registration: (419) 385-5721, ext. 2042, or www.toledozoo.org/edzoocation.

Follow the Drinking Gourd: This program discusses how African-American slaves used the stars to find their way to freedom. 1 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $5-$6. (419) 530-4037, (419) 530-2650 or www.rpbo.utoledo.edu.

Who Goes There? Visitors can discover the park wildlife that isn’t so easily visible by reading the signs left behind. 1-3 p.m. Feb. 21, Metroparks Hall, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $2. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Project Prom 2010: This third annual event will highlight the latest in styles, trends and fashions for seniors’ “last dance.” 3-5 p.m. Feb. 21, Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $5-$7. (419) 897-8902 or www.atlasbridalshop.com/.

Storytime Live! The characters of Nickelodeon @@ Dora, the Backyardigans, the Wonder Pets and Kai-lan @@ will share some live adventures with their fans. 7 p.m. Feb. 22 and 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 23, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $11-$34. (419) 381-8851 or www.stranahantheater.com.

Puppetpalooza: A mini-marathon of the library’s funniest puppet shows will be shown, and children in fifth grade and younger will make puppets to take home. 4-5 p.m. Feb. 23, Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5210 or www.toledolibrary.org.

African Adventure: Kids can explore the culture and folklore of Africa with crafts, stories and puppets. 7-8 p.m. Feb. 23, West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5290 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Night With the Legends: Members of UT student group Miniya will celebrate famous African Americans. 7 p.m. Feb. 23, Student Union Room 3020, 2801 W. Bancroft St. (419) 530-7264 or (419) 530-2261.

Winter Family Picnics: Chicken, barbecue pork sandwiches, side dishes and dessert will be served for donations to the village’s nonprofit efforts, Fulton County Heart Radiothon and Black Swamp Benefit Inc. 4:30-7 p.m. Feb. 23, Sauder Village Founder’s Hall, 22611 Route 2, Archbold. Donations. (800) 590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

“Minorities in Education”: UT’s Black Student Union will sponsor this forum on the lack of education in minority communities. 7 p.m. Feb. 24, Student Union Room 2582, 2801 W. Bancroft St. (419) 530-7264 or (419) 530-2261.

Beam Me Up: Youngsters can learn about the wacky world of science fiction through movies, stories and comic artwork. 3:45-4:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Road. (419) 259-5270 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Leading by the Stars: In celebration of Black History Month, visitors will learn about the constellations and how runaway slaves used them to find freedom. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, Airport Highway between Byrne and Reynolds Roads. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Skywatchers of Africa: This program will explore how the people of Africa have used the sky to meet physical needs, build societies, make calendars and foster spiritual lives. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $5-$6. (419) 530-4037, (419) 530-2650 or www.rpbo.utoledo.edu.

Relay for Life: This overnight event will help raise awareness of cancer and money for research. 6 p.m. Feb. 26-noon Feb. 27, UT Student Recreation Center, Stadium Drive and Oakwood Avenue. relayforlife.org.

Country Peddler Craft Show: More than 140 crafters from around the region will display their work. 4-8 p.m. Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 27 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 28, Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee. $4. www.handcraft-unlimited.com.

Sesame Street Live: “Elmo’s Green Thumb.” The gang finds a perfect place to plant Elmo’s sunflower friend, but their eagerness to see the plant come to its full potential backfires. 7 p.m. Feb. 26; 10:30 a.m. and 2 and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27; and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28, SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave. $11-$24. (419) 255-3300, (800) 243-4667 or www.toledo-seagate.com/seagate.

Family Carnival: Games, pie throwing, cake walks, face painting and a ventriloquist show are planned Noon-4 Feb. 27, McCord Road Christian Church, 4765 N. McCord Road, Sylvania. (419) 882-6703 or visittheroad.org.

Behind the Scenes: Visitors can peek at parts of the Manor House typically out of sight, from the attic and maids’ quarters to the boiler room. 7 p.m. Feb. 27, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. $9. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Expression of Culture Through the Performing Arts: A variety of entertainers will celebrate Black History Month with a series of concerts, dancing, poetry, artwork and more. 2-4 p.m. Feb. 27, McMaster Center, Toledo-Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Field Trip to the Moon: Wannabe astronauts can take a virtual trip to Earth’s closest neighbor, experience a rocket launch and orbit the planet to get a comet’s-eye view of sunrise from space. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, Appold Planetarium, McAlear Hall, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $3-$4. (419) 517-8897 or www.lourdes.edu.

Maple Sugarin’ Public Day: Visitors are invited to step out on the trails and back in time for living history and nature walks that feature maple trees and sap science and collection. Noon-3 Feb. 27, Litzenberg Memorial Woods, 6100 US 224, Findlay. (419) 425-7275 or www.hancockparks.com.

In the Park After Dark: Stargazers can check out the full “Snow Moon,” if skies are clear, using a telescope. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, Airport Highway between Byrne and Reynolds Roads. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Winter Olympics: Young sports fans can find out how to ice skate inside, play some hockey, and warm up with Olympic-type activities. 4-5 p.m. March 1, Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St. (419) 259-5230 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Yoga Jenn: Children 3-10 will be taught poses and led through guided meditations. 7-8 p.m. March 2, Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave. Registration: (419) 259-5370 or www.toledolibrary.org.

Celebrating Seuss: The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a number of events marking the birthday of the father of “The Cat in the Hat,” the Grinch and Horton. www.toledolibrary.org.

> Seuss-a-Palooza: Stories, games, craft and treat. 7-8 p.m. March 2, Washington Branch Library, 5560 Harvest Lane. (419) 259-5330.

> Make-It Take-It Craft: Stories and drop-in activity for kids in third grade and younger. Noon-8:30 p.m. March 2, Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St. (419) 259-5310.

> Happy Belated Birthday: 4-5 p.m. March 3, Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 259-5283.

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

Go Fish: Children ages 18 months to 3 years and their accompanying adults can see what the sea has to offer. 10:15-11 a.m. March 3 and 9, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $10 a session. Registration: (419) 385-5721, ext. 2042, or www.toledozoo.org/edzoocation.

MOVIES

“Celine: Through the Eyes of the World.” Fans can follow the Canadian songbird’s Taking Chances world tour @@ five continents, 25 countries @@ from a local theater, with behind-the-scenes footage included. 2 p.m. Feb. 20-21 and 27-28; and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and 25, Franklin Park 16: Cinema Deluxe, 5001 Monroe St., 2nd floor, Sylvania Avenue side. $16. (419) 891-5039.

“Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon”: Basil Rathbone stars as the great detective in this 1943 mystery, in which he must work against time to save England from Nazi spies. Preceded at 2:30 p.m. by a pipe organ concert; 3 p.m. Feb. 21, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. $4-$15. (419) 244-2787 or www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

“Cinderella”: This Disney classic is 60 years old. 2 p.m. Feb. 21, Ritz Theatre, 20 S. Washington St., Tiffin. $3. (419) 448-8544 or www.ritztheatre.org.

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

> “Never Wave at a WAC”: Feb. 22.

> “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”: March 1.

“Simon Boccanegra”: Tenor Placido Domingo will sing the title role of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s thriller, broadcast to movie theaters across the country. Recorded encore, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, $15-$18, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 891-5039.

“Crash”: The 2005 Oscar winner for best picture will provide the foundation for a discussion about racial representation in Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Center for Performing Arts Lab Theatre Room 1039, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. (419) 530-7264 or (419) 530-2261.

Film Book Club: “Love in the Time of Cholera.” The novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez was adapted by Mike Newell in 2007. Attendees are asked to either read the book or watch the film for discussion at this meeting. 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. Registration: (734) 847-6747.

“Half the Sky”: Inspired by the best-selling book, this event aims to celebrate International Women’s Day and inspire women young and old to “turn oppression into opportunity.” 7:30 p.m. March 4, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. $12.50. (419) 891-5039.

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.

> Cluster Folk: Feb. 20.

> John Fowler and Troy Hall acoustic: 9 p.m. Feb. 25.

> The Bridges: Feb. 26-27.

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.

> Swamp Kings: Feb. 20.

> Joe Woods Band: Feb. 25 and 27.

> Stonehouse: Feb. 26.

Brooklyn’s Daily Grind: Coffee and music, what more can one want? If a snack is the answer, this is your spot. 723 Airport Hwy., Holland. (419) 724-1433 or www.brooklynscafe.com.

> Decent Folk: 8-11 p.m. Feb. 20.

> Tom Harms: 8-11 p.m. Feb. 26.

Caesars Windsor: If you have your passport, consider hopping the Detroit River for this casino’s entertainment offerings. Ticket prices are approximate because of fluctuating currency exchanges; attendees must be 19 or older. Caesars Windsor Colosseum, 377 Riverside Dr. East, Windsor, Ontario. (800) 991-7777 or www.caesarswindsor.com.

> Jody Raffoul: 9 p.m. Feb. 26, Cosmos Lounge, free.

> Jeff Dunham: 9 p.m. Feb. 27, $62.

> Brian McKnight and Take 6: 9 p.m. March 6, $35.60.

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

> Gene Parker: Wednesdays.

> Steve Richko: Feb. 25.

> Tim Whalen Trio: Feb. 26-27.

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

> Hepcat Revival: 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26, $2.

> Bourbon Street: 9:30 p.m. Feb. 27, $2.

Frankie’s: Toledo’s venue for rock. Tickets vary between $5 and $14, unless otherwise noted. 308 Main St. (419) 693-5300 or www.FrankiesInnerCity.com.

>American Me, Suffokate, MurderDeathKill, Hundreth: 4 p.m. Feb. 20.

> The Secret Stones, Jeff Stewart, Mike Corwin: 9 p.m. Feb. 20.

> We Are the Becoming, Modern Day Escape, Hush Hush Love: 5 p.m. Feb. 21.

> Rookie of the Year, What Happened in Vegas: 5 p.m. Feb. 24.

> Cowboy Angels, Good Sir Con Artist: 9 p.m. Feb. 24.

> Fred Shafer: 9 p.m. Feb. 25.

> Mustard Plug, Extra!Extra!, the Grubs, Every Other Day: 8 p.m. Feb. 26.

> Nick Motil, Jason Laporte: 9 p.m. Feb. 27.

> Breathe Carolina, Hyper Crush, Lets Get It, Queens Club, the Spin Cycle: 5 p.m. Feb. 28.

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.

> “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes” with panel discussion facilitated by Melvin Johnson. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23.

> Magician Dorian Grey: Feb. 24.

> Vandolah CD release party: Feb. 26.

Headliners: All ages, all genres are welcome. 4500 N. Detroit Ave. Ticket prices vary between $5 and $15, unless noted otherwise. (419) 269-4500 or www.headlinerstoledo.com.

> Mobile Deathcamp, Vivian Banks, Measure the Redshift, Exit Reality: 8 p.m. Feb. 20.

> Sex Slaves, And Great Was Its Fall: 7 p.m. Feb. 26.

> Vesta, the Comeback, Miles Before Sleep, Connery: 8 p.m. Feb. 27.

Manhattan’s: This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City provides entertainment most weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com.

> It’s Essential: Feb. 20.

> John Jelinger Trio: 6 p.m. Feb. 25.

> Bourbon St. Band: Feb. 26, $5.

> Vytas & His Electric Outfit: Feb. 27.

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. $5-$7 cover. (419) 297-1943.

> Boogie Matrix Mechanism: 9 p.m. Feb. 20.

> Great Lakes Crew: 9 p.m. Feb. 25.

> Zoo’s of Berlin, A Friend Called Fire: 9 p.m. Feb. 26.

> Death by Rodeo, Rocket Ray: 9 p.m. Feb. 27.

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

> Glenda McFarlin: 9 p.m. Feb. 20, $8.

> Clifford Murphy and Claude Black: 8 p.m. Feb. 23, $4.

> Glenda McFarlin: 9 p.m. Feb. 26, $6.

> Nicole Heitger: 9 p.m. Feb. 27, $8.

Omni: This Toledo club is a venue for music (and music lovers) of all types. 2567 W. Bancroft St. (419) 474-1333 or omnimidwest.com.

> Panama, Van Halen tribute band: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, $5.

> Otto’s Jacket: 8 p.m. Feb. 27.

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

> Vaporizer: Feb. 20.

> Frank & Jesse, JWC: Feb. 26.

> Flamtronic, TeamNate: Feb. 27.

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.

Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center: This theater hosts a variety of sounds and performers. Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. (419) 824-3999 or www.franciscancenter.org.

> Elvis tribute by Bob Rosencrantz, with Bob Wurst: 8 p.m. Feb. 26, $10-$12.

Scholars of a Different Note: This concert series features BGSU vocal and instrumental music students. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, March 2, 16, 23 and 30, Wildwood Preserve Metropark Manor House, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 535-3056.

Scott High School Gospel Choir Concert: This performance is part of Lourdes’ celebration of Black History Month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Ebeid Student Center, Delp Hall, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. (419) 517-8881.

“The Rat Pack Is Back!”: Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean live again in this tribute to Vegas’ party of pals. 8 p.m. Feb. 25-26; 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 27; and 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 28, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $20-$46. (419) 381-8851 or www.stranahantheater.com.

Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers: The Glass City Opry will present this performance, also including the Hand Hewn String Band. 7 p.m. Feb. 26, Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $15. (419) 250-1096 or www.glasscityopry.com.

Hot Glass, Hot Jazz: This fundraiser for the TMA Juneteenth celebration will feature Jamm and Funk Nation featuring Bruce Sims, wine and beer tastings and appetizers. 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 26, TMA Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. $35. (419) 255-8000, ext. 7432, or toledomuseum.org.

Musical Equipment Swap Meet: The Toledo School for the Arts will host this event for anyone looking to buy, sell or trade instruments, CDs/records and more. Attendees also can buy tickets for a chance to win a Ted Nugent-signed guitar. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 27, Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St. $3 admission; $10 to rent a table. (419) 246-8732, ext. 2, or www.ts4arts.org.

Native American Flute: Musicians in third grade to adults can learn to play or hone their skills on this instrument. Beginners will receive flutes to take home. Beginners, 10 a.m.-noon; intermediate, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 27, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $40. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

“The Planets”: Jamie Farr will narrate this multimedia presentation featuring images from the Hubble Space Telescope paired with the Toledo Symphony performing Gustav Holst’s celestial work. 8 p.m. Feb. 27, TMA’s Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St. $30-$90. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.com.

Guitar Fest: This event is a day-long celebration of all things guitar, featuring guest artists, performances, clinics, vendors, competitions, giveaways and prizes. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27, Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St. $25. (419) 246-8732, www.ts4arts.org or tsaguitarfest.weebly.com.

REO Speedwagon, Styx and 38 Special: These three giants of classic rock will perform. 7 p.m. Feb. 28, Lucas County Arena, 500 Jefferson Ave. $41.50-$59.50. (419) 321-5007, (800) 745-3000 or www.lucascountyarena.com.

Corny Beef & Cabaret: The humor and music will be of the Irish variety for this show, which includes $10 toward dinner. 4 p.m. Feb. 28, South Briar Restaurant, 5147 S. Main St., Sylvania. $25. (419) 320-1075, (419) 517-1111 or www.southbriar.biz.

UT concerts: The university’s music students will perform the pieces they’ve been perfecting. (419) 530-2452.

> Choral concert: 3 p.m. Feb. 28, Center for Performing Arts recital hall, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. $3-$5. www.utoledo.edu/as/music.

Faculty Jazz Piano Recital: Composer and arranger Tim Whalen, string orchestrator for the Oscar-winning song “El Otro Lado del Rio” and a visiting assistant professor of jazz piano at UT, will perform. 8 p.m. March 1, UT’s Center for Performing Arts recital hall, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. (419) 530-2452 or www.utoledo.edu/as/music.

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.

> Red Wings Night: vs. Gwinnett Gladiators. 7 p.m. Feb. 27.

Rockets basketball: The UT teams will sink some hoops and show off their skills at home games. Savage Arena, off Douglas Road, 2801 W. Bancroft St. Men’s team tickets, $3.50-$10; women’s, $4.50-$9. (419) 530-4653 or www.utrockets.com.

> Women vs. Ball State: 4:30 p.m. Feb. 27.

> Men vs. Ball State: 7 p.m. Feb. 27.

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 or www.murdermysterytrain.com.

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

> Bill Bushart: 8 and 10:15 p.m. Feb. 20.

> Marvin Lee: 8 p.m. Feb. 24-25; 8 and 10:15 p.m. Feb. 26-27.

> Nick Gaza: 8 p.m. March 3-4; 8 and 10:30 p.m. March 5-6.

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

> Michael Winslow: 7 and 10 p.m. Feb. 20; 7 p.m. Feb. 21, $20.

> Divas of Comedy: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, $10.

> Pete Correale: 7 p.m. Feb. 25 and 28; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Feb. 26; 7 and 10 p.m. Feb. 27, $12-$16.

“Sunset Village Towers”: Two residents of a retirement home try to get their children to understand their desire to marry “at their age;” their neighbors share their concerns; teen volunteers meddle; and staff members try to handle it all. 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 20, Children’s Theater Workshop, Collingwood Arts Center, 2417 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 244-5061 or www.childrenstheaterworkshop.org.

“Blackbird”: A young woman meets a middle aged man with whom she had had a sexual relationship years ago in this “Edgy Rep” reading. 8 p.m. Feb. 20, Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. $10. (419) 243-9277 or www.toledorep.org.

Imaginaire: Cirque Eos, full of twisting, jumping, leaping tumblers, jugglers and clowns, will put on its show. 8 p.m. Feb. 20, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $24.95-$54.95. (419) 381-8851 or www.stranahantheater.com.

“Wait Until Dark”: A blind woman is terrorized in her apartment by thugs looking for heroin. 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 26-27 and 3 p.m. Feb. 28, Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon. $8-$10. (419) 691-1398 or www.oregoncommunitytheatre.org.

“The Wizard of Oz”: When Dorothy gets caught up in a twister, she has to find her way home with the help of a motley band of friends who help her battle an enemy witch. 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 25-27 and 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28, First United Methodist Church Theatre, 1506 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green. $10-$12. (419) 352-9337, (419) 575-2259 or www.blackswampplayers.org

“The Bald Soprano” and “The Lesson”: These two Ionesco “anti-plays” reflect the comedy of a world based entirely on chance. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 24-27; 2 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28, UT’s Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. $9-$13. (419) 530-2375 or www.utoledo.edu/as/theatrefilm.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”: The enchanted edition of this timeless fairy tale highlights music, magic and humor. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 26-27 and 2 p.m. Feb. 28, Ritz Theater, 20 S. Washington St., Tiffin. $10-$15. (419) 448-8544 or www.ritztheatre.org.

“Chocolate Soup”: This Toledo School for the Arts musical deals with the challenges tweens face as they consider world, including the issues of global warming and the plight of the polar bears. 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 28, Toledo Zoo Indoor Theater, 2700 Broadway. Included with zoo admission: $4-$5.50. (419) 246-8732 or www.ts4arts.org.

“Almost, Maine”: Residents of a small northern town fall in and out of love “in ways both unexpected and hilarious.” 8 p.m. Feb. 25-27 and 2 p.m. Feb. 27-28, Joe E. Brown Theatre, first floor of University Hall, East Wooster Street at South College Drive, Bowling Green. $5-$12. (419) 372-2719 or www.bgsu.edu/departments/theatrefilm.

“Last Bus to Mecca”: New Works Writers Series, “northwest Ohio’s oldest independent black theater and performance arts organization,” will present this work by Pearl Cleage about two women waiting for a bus just before the 1970 Muhammad Ali-Jerry Quarry fight. 7-8 p.m. Feb. 26, TMA’s Little Theater, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

“The Elixir of Love”: A young farmer courts an oblivious wealthy neighbor to no avail until enlisting the help of a quack and his love potion in this Bowling Green Opera Theater production. Forums will precede performances, 7:15 p.m.; show, 8 Feb. 26 and 28, Kobacker Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. $9-$12. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

Mama’s Night Out: A witty southerner, sassy Brit and native New Yorker perform edgy but clean stand-up comedy routines. 8 p.m. Feb. 27, Central Auditorium, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay. $18-$23. (419) 422-4624 or www.artspartnership.com.

“Strega Nona”: Adapted from Tomie dePaola’s Caldecott Award-winning book, this musical is about magical witch who strives to help out her tiny Italian town. 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. March 3, Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $7. (419) 824-3986 or www.franciscancenter.org.

BOWLING GREEN and surrounding area

BGSU concerts: The university’s ensembles, choirs, quartets and more will present the music they’ve been perfecting. Halls are located in Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

> Chamber Music Competition. Feb. 20-21, Bryan Recital Hall.

> Student Jazz Combos. 8 p.m. Feb. 25, Bryan Recital Hall.

> Chamber Orchestra. 8 p.m. Feb. 27, Bryan Recital Hall.

> University Band, Concert Band and Wind Symphony. 8 p.m. March 4, Kobacker Hall.

Cla-Zel Theater: This venue has been rocking BGSU students (and others) for years. 127 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 353-5000 or www.clazel.net.

> Badfish, tribute to Sublime: 7 p.m. Feb. 25, $15-$18.

> I Heart Music benefit for the American Heart Association featuring the Reese Dailey Band, Bonepony and TeamNate: 8 p.m. Feb. 26, $15-$30.

Faculty Artist Series: BGSU’s instructors, professors and musicians will perform. Bryan Recital Hall, Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

> Solungga Fang-Tzu Liu, piano. 8 p.m. Feb. 24.

Gish Film Theater: Named in memory of Dorothy and Lillian Gish, this theater hosts screenings of international and arthouse movies and matinees of popular films of the past. BGSU’s Hanna Hall, East Wooster Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-4474 or www.bgsu.edu/gish.

> “Beer Wars”: This documentary explores the tumultuous relationship between corporate beermakers, craft brewers and the drinking public. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23.

> Cine-Posium: This event features short films and more created by BGSU theater and film production students. The screenings will be accompanied by discussions and question-and-answer sessions. 7:30 p.m. March 2.

Howard’s Club H: Bowling Green comes alive at this venue for rock and more. 210 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 352-3195 or www.howardsclubh.com.

> Rookie of the Year, Farewell: 7 p.m. Feb. 23.

> Bruce & Cory: Feb. 24.

> The Ataris, Before We Fall: 7 p.m. Feb. 25.

> Resonant Soul, Mark Hutchins: Feb. 27.

“Galileo: The Power of the Telescope.” This multimedia show about the beginnings of modern astronomy will last about an hour. 7:30 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 28 and March 21; 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, through March 5 and March 16-26; and 2 p.m. Feb. 20 and March 20, BGSU Planetarium, Room 112, Physical Sciences Lab Building, near North College Drive and East Merry Avenue, Bowling Green. $1. (419) 372-2421 or physics.bgsu.edu/planetarium.

Annual Undergraduate Art & Design Exhibition: A juried selection of art in all media by students in the BGSU School of Art. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (plus 6-9 p.m. Thursdays) and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through March 2, Dorothy Uber Bryan and Willard Wankelman galleries, BGSU School of Art, between Ridge and Wooster streets, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8525 or art.bgsu.edu/galleries.

“Trading on Cultural Capital”: Professor Beatrice Guenther will discuss “Madame de Stael’s Politics of Literature.” 1-3 p.m. Feb. 23, Room 207, Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Ridge Street and North College Drive, Bowling Green. (419) 372-0585.

Chanticleer: The New Yorker calls them “the world’s reigning male chorus,” a dozen voices that interpret musical styles from Renaissance to jazz and gospel. A forum will precede the concert, 7:15 p.m., Bryan Recital Hall; concert, 8 p.m. March 3, Kobacker Hall, BGSU’s Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. $15-$36. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

ANN ARBOR and surrounding area

The Ark: This small venue offers a showcase for lesser-known acts, as well as folk, bluegrass and acoustic acts. 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 761-1451, (734) 763-8587 or www.theark.org.

> 23rd Annual Storytelling Festival: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, $20, and 1 p.m. Feb. 21, $10.

> Blackthorn: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, $20.

> Buckwheat Zydeco: 8 p.m. Feb. 22, $20.

> Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Theo Katzman: 8 p.m. Feb. 22.

> Seth Walker: 8 p.m. Feb. 24, $15.

> The Guggenheim Grotto: 8 p.m. Feb. 25, $13.50.

> Bonnie Rideout, Duck Baker, the Rev. Robert Jones Sr., Bill Bynum & Co: 7 p.m. Feb. 26, $30.

> Mustard’s Retreat: 8 p.m. Feb. 27, $15.

> Eclectica: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, $17.50.

Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library exhibitions and events: The University of Michigan’s primary research collection for the humanities and social sciences hosts a variety of artwork, speeches and displays. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 1-7 p.m. Sundays, 913 S. University St., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 615-5783 or www.lib.umich.edu.

> “Their Journey: Vietnamese in Michigan.” Through Feb. 24, Room 100/Gallery.

> “A History of the Bible From Ancient Papyri to King James”: This exhibit follows the word of God from its written start to the 1611 version. Through March 31, Audubon Room.

> “Sharing a Personal View of the Bible”: Curator Kathryn Beam will talk about her two decades of exhibiting a biblical showcase at UM. 2-3 p.m. Feb. 21, Room 100/Gallery.

> “The Changing Environment of Northern Michigan”: The authors of this book will talk about the university’s “bug camp,” the biological station in existence for a century. 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 22, Room 100/Gallery.

> “The Ghost Army”: Learn about this Army unit, consisting many of inflatable tanks and sound effects completed its June 1944 mission in Normandy without firing a shot. March 1-30, Room 100/Gallery.

Michigan Theater: This Ann Arbor cinematic epicenter shows arthouse fare, mainstream movies and special attractions, as well as hosts concerts and other performances. 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$12.50, unless noted otherwise. (734) 768-8397, (734) 668-8463 or www.michtheater.org.

> World Cinema film series: “Black Orpheus” (Brazil), 7 p.m. Feb. 22; “Pather Panchali” (India), March 1.

> “William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe.” This lawyer’s controversial career and high-profile clients made him one of the most famous or infamous 20th-century lawyers. Feb. 24.

> “My Fair Lady” Sing-a-Long: An elitist professor bets a friend he can turn a Cockney flower girl into a lady, but fails to account for love. 1:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

University of Michigan Museum of Art: University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 763-8662 or www.umma.umich.edu.

> “The Eye of the Beholder: European Drawings and Prints from the Pulgram-McSparran Collection.” Drawings and prints by artists George Grosz, Ernst Kirchner, Oskar Kokoschka and more. Through March 14.

> “UMMA Projects: Cory Arcangel.” This artist gained acclaim for reworking obsolete video game systems, and his techniques have grown to encompass imagery and sound from popular culture. Through April 11.

> “Tradition Transformed: Chang Ku-nien, Master Painter of the 20th Century.” This artist was a practitioner of the ancient style of Chinese painting. Through April 18.

> “An Economy of Means: The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection.” This exhibit showcases one ordinary couple’s devotion to the aesthetic. The reference library and postal service employee devoted half of their income to their collection, which includes conceptual and minimal art. Through May 2.

Zingerman’s Creamery: Tours are offered regularly and classes cover a variety of dairy topics. 3723 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 929-0500 or www.zingermanscreamery.com.

> Some Like It Hot tasting: Learn how to add spice to meals using … cheese. 4-6 p.m. Feb. 21, $25.

> Mozzerella class: Learn how to make fresh pizza cheese from milk or curd. Noon-2 Saturdays through May, $45.

> Tours: Cheesemaker and managing partner John Loomis explains how the creamery makes artisan cheeses and old-fashioned Italian ice cream. 2 p.m. Sundays, $5 (attendees will receive $5 coupons to spend in the Cheese Shop).

“It Came From Mars”: A group of radio actors becomes terrified by Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds,” resulting in passion and revelations because of the impending apocalypse. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 21, Performance Network Theater, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $27-$41. (734) 663-0681 or www.performancenetwork.org.

“Gravity”: The scientist credited with discovering the force that binds us all to Earth chases truth with the help of a mysterious patroness and while surrounded by rivals. 3 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 27, Purple Rose Theater, 137 Park St., Chelsea, Mich. $25-$38. (734) 433-7673 or www.purplerosetheatre.org.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: Some Type A youngsters attempt to spell their way to the title in this musical. 3 and 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 3 p.m. Feb. 21, Encore Theater, 3126 Broad St., Dexter, Mich. $25-$28. (734) 268-620 or www.theencoretheatre.org.

“Our Town”: Thornton Wilder’s play finds the extraordinary in the everyday, from first love to marriage and death. 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 21, Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $9-$24. (734) 763-3333 or www.music.umich.edu.

“Under the African Sky”: Wild Swan Theater will enact African folktales that explain the world using colorful costumes, masks and traditional music. 11 a.m. Feb. 20, Towsley Auditorium, Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, Mich. $8-$12. (734) 995-0530 or www.wildswantheater.org.

The last week saw more announcements that a number of those we put into elected office (some only four months ago) would like a different position than they have. City Council members want to become County Commissioners, state legislators, or mayors. County Commissioners in turn would like to become mayor, if not move up to the state or national legislature. State representatives would like to become state senators (and vice versa) if they can’t make the jump to the national legislature. And while all of this is going on, there seems to be a constant shuffle of state auditors and attorney generals (among others) seeking new job titles in Columbus.

After playing in these political minor leagues, many move on to a larger field of play, where the rules remain the same. Congressmen want to become Senators, Senators who can’t have the Oval Office seek to become governors, and governors believe that the nation would be better served with them in the Senate or running the country rather than their state.

Keeping the players straight has become more than confusing, with only two things appearing consistent:

1. No matter what job a politician holds, they’re always angling for another.

2. The process only ends (and that only in recent history) with the position of president; as running for office after leaving this job seems the only way to demean it.

There are always good reasons for this, as these politicians happily explain to us. “I want to be able to serve more of the people,” is a common call. “The experience gained at my current position will allow me to serve the voters in the new role I seek,” is another play regularly used. “People have approached me to bring my voice to a greater audience,” is my favorite short yardage call, since its use to announce an exploratory committee always achieves the desire result of the continuation of play.

Of course, none of those who wish ‘only to serve the public good’ are interested in resigning their current position in the game in order to run for the new one; and while many concede that the time consuming process of running for office will cause suffering to their family, few will admit that performance of their current job will likewise suffer by running for the next.

And who’s to blame them? We’re the ones who allowed the concept of part-time citizen service to become a full-time occupation. We’re the ones that allowed the position of elected representative to become a corporate ladder to climb. We’re the ones that allowed government to become so massive that we must now maintain a standing army of politicians to do a job once served by a militia, and so lucrative that the siren song of power and money sings seductively in the ear of every foot soldier seeking promotion.

Where once there were little more than stipends to cover the expenses involved with the burdens of office; now there are lavish salaries, benefits, and pensions that are the envy of the voters they serve. Where once politicians lived on paltry recompense and attempted to make an indecent living through reimbursement for favors granted, most now live quite well on salaries they voted for themselves and bank such supplemental income. (Am I the only one who has noticed how many millionaires have been created through long service in the national legislature?)

Even the recent imposition of “term limits” at some positions in an attempt to divert this apparently undeniable call of nature does little to prevent these salmon from swimming upstream. For rather than concern themselves with the letter of such laws, they circumvent their spirit in a game of political musical chairs.

How many leave office until forced to by age, legal accusation, or too many fumbles in front of angry voters? How many politicians leave the game to accept a challenging private sector career, begin a new business, or find some other way to earn an honest living? How many leave the non-stop search for higher office even in the midst of a dire family crisis?

Since it is we that have allowed the rules of this once noble game to become so perverted, it seems rather silly now to complain about those playing by them, so I won’t. I do wish however, that if these political players are going to race around the field faster than a football team in a no-huddle offense during a two-minute drill, that someone would at least create a simpler way to identify which position they play.

Columnist Tim Higgins blogs at http://justblowingsmoke.blogspot.com/.

Hardly a week passes that we’re not asked to name our favorite destination.

As travel writers, teachers and tour organizers for more than thirty years, we have to have an all-time favorite. Right?

Well, not exactly.

We’re generally able to deflect such questions with some clever-clogs answer such as, “Oh, probably the last place we visited”. After all, we ate, we drank. We mingled with the natives. Got our cultural fix. And made it home safely. But more importantly, perhaps, the details were still clear in our minds!

However, if pressed for a more comprehensive reply, we can usually fall back on one of our exotics. Like that brilliant African safari. Or Australia’s outback…under the stars. Eastern European cities in the cold war days. Crossing the Atlantic on the QE2. Or exploring the wild and woolly islands of the Outer Hebrides…

But in truth, we have no absolute favorite destination. No very special city to die for. Not Venice or Paris. Lisbon or London. Just a series of favorite personal moments plundered from a thousand places. Indelible memories prompted time and time again by a particular sound, a taste, a smell, a song…

…Like a velvety Elvis crooning “Blue Christmas” over a crackly ship’s radio as we sit in the wheelhouse of a freighter late one Xmas Eve, plowing up the Norwegian coast in a blinding snowstorm, and watching the M/S Narvik’s radar blipping and pinging off humpback whales…or Soviet subs…

…Or another Christmas Eve. Huddled in the upper room of a Dresden family after being chased there by Stasi informers. Being plied with salami sandwiches and Radebacher beer as they try to tell the first Westerners they’ve ever encountered about life behind the Iron Curtain…in the Valley of the Unknowing….

…Or maybe it’s breakfast time in Hanora’s Cottage. A delightful Irish hostelry beside a babbling brook. And we’re tucking into steaming plates of Mrs. Wall’s patented porridge… a divine (and very secret) melange of oats and fruit and nuts and twin dollops of fresh cream…the perfect preparation for a day in the nearby Knockmedown Mountains

…A single Gaelic lilt and we’re back in Nova Scotia. Sitting with friends on bare benches in a Cape Breton barn and foot tapping uncontrollably as the world renowned Buddy McMaster fiddles…young cloggers clog…and we’re blown away by this surfeit of musical talent.

…A glass of champagne. The crack of a firework. It’s New Year’s Eve 1989 in Berlin. All over again. And we’re celebrating the Fall of the Wall along with a million partying Berliners. Bands play oom-pah on both sides of the Brandenburg Gate. Black, red and gold German flags wave madly on top the wall. Flagons of bubbly pass among total strangers. And rockets burst overhead.

…The roar of a well tuned engine. The distinctive whiff of racing fuel. And we’re riding shotgun in a posse of twenty Porsches parading around the TT Circuit on the Isle of Man. A benign sightseeing procession suddenly goes active when testosterone kicks in. The leader stomps on it. A race begins. And it’s spins…and grins…for 37 miles…

…A frigid February day in Northwest Ohio…and we’re back ice cold in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.. Beside those infamous rail tracks. Tears freezing over. And looking out at the remains of the gas chambers…and imagining the terror of a million victims…

…Happier moments. The sun’s shining. We’re swimming with the fishes, translucent and rainbow colored, over a coral reef on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef…all up close and very touchable. On the boat ride home an Aussie balladeer breaks out his guitar and leads a sing-along under red billowing sails.

…A loaf of bread…a glass of wine…and it’s Happy Hour again under the colorful umbrellas in the Place du Forum in Arles, France, We’re paces away from Van Gogh’s Cafe de Nuit…and our favorite 13th-century hotel…as a hot Provencal sun dips behind a Roman arch…

And that, for us, is what  travel is all about. A delicious cocktail of unplanned and unrepeatable moments…just waiting to be shaken and stirred!