Toledo Free Press contacted local elected leaders for their comments on Crystal Bowersox’s runner-up “American Idol” journey.
Gov. Ted Strickland: “The entire country has been captivated by Crystal’s voice and musical talents. All Ohioans are proud of Crystal’s accomplishments and we wish her continued success.”
Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher: “Crystal lit up the ‘Idol’ stage from the first chord through the finale. Her talent and spirit not only won over hearts here in her home state, but across the country. Congratulations to Crystal on an amazing journey, and there is no doubt that this is just the beginning. Let’s face it, if you can put a smile on Simon’s face, you’re doing something right.”
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur: “Crystal Bowersox lifts us all. She sings like an angel, to be sure, but equally impressive to me is her sense of community.  That’s why people love her — she’s one of us!  When I presented her with an American flag at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, she gave me a big hug and said, “I want to help our community.” That’s pretty unusual for a performer — to put others first. I’m not sure where Crystal is headed, with everything that’s happening, but she’ll never forget where she came from. She’s got a pure message and strong convictions, and that’s a tough combination to beat!”
Ohio Sen. Mark Wagoner: “We are all so proud of what Crystal has accomplished. Crystal has been a wonderful representative of Northwest Ohio, speaking so well and enthusiastically about her hometown throughout her time on ‘American Idol.’ We wish Crystal all the success and happiness her accomplishments will bring.”
Ohio Sen. Teresa Fedor: “Crystal Bowersox is a true talent. She embodies the spirit of Northwest Ohio and Toledo: hard work, perseverance, and hope. I have enjoyed watching her on ‘American Idol’ and look forward to her bright future in the music industry.”
Ohio House Rep. Barbara Sears: “I think it’s wonderful and appropriate to recognize successful Northwest Ohioans — whether it’s Crystal Bowersox or any one whose hard work and efforts have brought positive recognitions to themselves. Quite frankly, it’s a nice balance to the stressful news that we hear so often.”
Ohio House Rep. Matt Szollosi: “Crystal Bowersox exemplified the true meaning of “winner” before the season of ‘American Idol’ even began.  The show was the instrument that allowed Crystal to showcase her winning spirit and creative talent with the nation. ‘Mama Sox’ has truly made the citizens of Ohio proud of her accomplishments, especially those residing in Northwest Ohio whom she has represented so proudly. Crystal has fans in the Szollosi household, including my two young daughters who are extremely huge fans. I congratulate Crystal on a job well done and I join the millions of others that have supported her throughout this journey in continuing to wish her a bright future filled with great success.”
City of Toledo Mayor Mike Bell: “Even though she didn’t receive the title of ‘American Idol,’ Crystal is still going to realize every bit of success that comes with the show. Her dedication to maintaining her artistic style has carried her this far and I’m sure she has even greater adventures to come in her career. In the hearts and minds of Northwest Ohio she’s the winner and we couldn’t be more proud of her effort.”
Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken: “The success that Crystal Bowersox has had throughout this season of ‘American Idol’ has been such a bright spot for the citizens of Lucas County and the City of Toledo. I hope someday I’ll be able to go and see her perform at the Huntington Center as her success continues to build.”
Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak: “Crystal Bowersox is truly one of us — a sweet, talented, hardworking Northwest Ohioan.  I’m blown away by her music and so happy that the rest of the country now gets to share in her genius.”
Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz: “Crystal was a winner long before she ever entered ‘American Idol.’ She doesn’t just represent Northwest Ohio; she represents everyone who has ever chased a dream in the face of impossible odds.  Our community needed inspiration, and Crystal provided it.”
Toledo City Councilman D. Michael Collins: “Ms. Bowersox experienced the impossible dream and then she made it happen. She is genuine, and s true artist and she brings a sense of pride and gratitude by supporting Northwest Ohio.”
Toledo City Councilman Adam Martinez: “I would like to congratulate Ms. Bowersox on a great competition. She inspired many people to pursue their dreams no matter what the obstacles may be.  I hope she continues to pursue her dreams and never give up fighting for what she believes in.”
Toledo City Councilman Joe McNamara: “Crystal Bowersox has captured the heart of many residents in Northwestern Ohio and the nation. She has been an inspiration and an impressive representative of our area.”
Toledo City Councilman George Sarantou: “Having viewed the May 25 performance it is obvious that Crystal Bowersox had a stunning performance and I believe that her future is brighter than ever. Crystal has made us so proud, as a native of Northwest Ohio she has performed in an outstanding manner.
“All citizens of Northwest Ohio should be especially proud of what she has accomplished.”
Toledo City Councilman Steve Steel: “Congratulations to Crystal Bowersox on an amazing run, and thank you, Crystal, for bringing well-deserved attention to the depth of musical talent in the area.  Crystal’s success is a testament not only to her own abilities, but to the musical mentors and fellow musicians who helped build her musical chops. From guitarists like Bobby May to drummer and development director at the Toledo School for the Arts Dave Gierke, Crystal has been blessed by the abundance of professional musical talent in Toledo and their willingness to help young musicians bloom.  It is to her credit that she freely acknowledges her debt to these fantastic influences.We should all be proud of Crystal, and remember that Toledo’s music and arts scene is a vibrant and vital part of our community. Celebrate Crystal by supporting live local talent at venues across the region!”
Toledo City Councilwoman Lindsay Webb: “OK, I admit it, I was totally crying after the hometown show. But what impresses me the most about Crystal, beyond her rockin’ demeanor and her unflinching character is her passion.  Her passion has driven her straight to the top and given her the platform to bring hope to her hometown and to kids with diabetes. Rock on, Mama Sox!”
Rossford School Board member Jackie Brown: “From the beginning our family has been rooting for Crystal Bowersox, and not just because she’s the hometown ‘Idol.’ Her voice is gritty, real and beautiful. In a lot of ways, it is the sound of our area. We are proud to have had her represent us on TV and to the world, and I wish Mama Sox all the best.”

Comprehensive coverage within minutes …

Not everyone is a Crystal Bowersox fan.

Dave Marsh, biographer of The Who and Bruce Springsteen and an influential voter for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, told Toledo Free Press in a May 26 e-mail that Bowersox does not measure up to other famous Toledo musicians.

“She’s not one percent as interesting or talented as Lyfe Jennings, that I can tell you for sure. She’s not one percent as interesting or talented as Tom Scholz [of Boston]. Anybody could figure that out,” he said. “Must we descend to the point where I am also praising a member of Weezer?”

Marsh said he is working on a book called “American Idol is Evil.”

More national reaction in Thursday’s special TFP Bowersox results edition.

Toledo Free Press will publish a Thursday morning, May 27, edition with complete coverage of the “American Idol” Crystal Bowersox results. The issue will include stories from the Nokia Theater red carpet in Los Angeles, reaction from several local Bowersox gatherings including Huntington Center and in Elliston, reaction quotes from local and national figures, never-before seen photographs and original commentary and feature profiles. The issue will be found at rack locations throughout Lucas County. Check the TFP Twitter and Facebook pages for updates.

St. Luke’s Hospital and ProMedica Health Care System have signed a definitive agreement — the plan is that St. Luke’s will become a part of ProMedica later this summer. Details are still in the works.

“What we know for sure right now is that we have signed a definitive agreement,” said Kathleen Connell, communications director at St. Luke’s, in a May 26 phone interview.

Connell said a final signing would take place with approval from the State of Ohio.

In a May 26 news release, President and CEO of St. Luke’s Dan Wakeman said, “Together, the two organizations are better positioned to respond to the demands of healthcare reform.”

Feed Lucas County Children Inc. will host a Summer Program Kick-Off on June 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the old Macomber High School building at 1501 Monroe Street. Anyone can attend. To RSVP, call (419) 260-1556.

The organization provides children living below the poverty line in Lucas County with nutritious food. It will serve almost 300,000 meals this summer.

“All the way up to Washington, D.C., everybody’s saying we’ve got to start providing and thinking about high quality meals for children, especially those who are poor,” said Tony Siebeneck, the executive director of the organization. “And in reality, it’s already happening here in Toledo.”

The organization’s kitchen is 99 percent trans fat-free and uses no fryers. Siebeneck said that the cooks steam 80 percent of the food that they cook.

Kids eat meals like chicken noodle soup so thick it is served on a plate, whole wheat shells with turkey and grated cheese, and sirloin steak burgers on wheat hamburger buns. The menu never repeats an entree during the summer.

“People say, ‘How can you do that?’” Siebeneck said. “And we say, ‘Easy, just do it.’”

The organization helps make other community programs more effective by giving them food to distribute. The food goes to churches, parks, community centers, schools, and a variety of other charities and agencies.

“Our food gives them the foundation to their summer educational program,” he said, adding that more kids show up for tutoring if they are fed.

“We are the heartbeat to the social system, and I’m not bragging, because I’ve got some very large donors that are saying the same thing,” he said.

He added that the organization also helps the community by hiring many people who are on welfare. They receive education and valuable on-the-job training, which they can put on their resumes. Many go on to get other jobs in the food industry because of their experience with Feed Lucas County Children.

Willi Meyer from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul said that the organization has an impeccable reputation in the county.

“They have treated every one of our consumers with a great deal of respect and dignity,” he said.

More than $800 was donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Northwest Ohio (JDRF) in Frankie May’s name.

The money will help fund research to find a cure for diabetes, said Shelley Crossley, special events manager for JDRF.

Bowersox

Originally money was being collected through a PayPal account to send May, Crystal Bowersox’s bassist, to the May 25 season finale of “American Idol.” Michelle Reed donated the use of her account after she saw May needed money to get to L.A. on the Toledo Free Press website.

After a special concert May 23 at The Village Idiot raised enough funds to send May to L.A., further funds were asked to be donated to local Juvenile Diabetes organizations.

“I think Crystal has brought diabetes to people’s attention. Crystal’s Type I and this is a lifelong disease that you don’t grow out of,” Crossley said. “[Bowersox’s promotion of diabetes] has really helped some of our kids. Some found out they had Type I when they were young; seeing Crystal makes them see they can do anything they want to do. This has given them a great person to look up to.”

The PayPal account collected at total of $856 in a little more than 24 hours. Donations came in from Michigan, Ohio, California and Arizona as well as a $550 donation from Singapore.

“My family were, and are, moved by Crystal’s story, and by her music. Frankie seems an integral part of that.  I read the Toledo Free Press report about him putting together funds to make it out to LA for the final, and the impromptu fundraiser at the Village Idiot,” wrote Simon, the gentleman from Singapore, in an e-mail. “the facility you set up and coordinated was a godsend.  You did something great there.”

May, who had connections to Bowersox through his parents and her grandparents, first met Bowersox 10 years ago when she was playing with his father, Bobby May, at Papa’s Tavern.

For more information on JDRF, visit www.jdrf.org.

• Huffington Post: Crystal Clear Bowersox Will Win
• USA Today: Crystal Bowersox revives the ghost of Janis Joplin
• Detroit Free Press: Motown singer-songwriter cheers ‘Idol’ rivals’ spirit
• Vancouver Sun: Remember this night, if Crystal Bowersox doesn’t win
• Gather: Crystal Bowersox “Black Velvet” and more crushes Lee DeWyze!
• Entertainment Weekly: How did Lee and Crystal do?
• Billboard: Lee Fights Nerves As Crystal Shines During Finale

To view the May 26 Toledo Free Press Star e-edition, please click the image below.

Link to Toledo Free Press Issuu profile here.

Jeff Simpson and Paul Hoag filed a protest with the Lucas County Board of Elections (BOE) May 25 against certification of election of many Lucas County Republican Party Central Committee members.

The list of central committee candidates recruited by Jon Stainbrook consists of 10 individuals who have moved or never lived where they said they lived.

“I believe these individuals have forfeited their ability to serve. They don’t live where they have been elected to represent,” said Simpson, who is one of two men claiming to be chairman of the executive committee of the LCRP.

Simpson filed the protest after sending letters of congratulations to recently elected members and receiving many back from the post office.

Simpson hopes that the BOE and prosecutors office move forward and remove the officials from their roles of elected certified officials.

Jeremy Demagall, deputy director of the BOE, said a hearing will be held to determine the residencies of the individuals.

“We take these things very seriously any time there is a chance of voter fraud or election fraud we’re going to try and stop it,” Demagall said.

A hearing date has not been set yet, but the BOE has begun looking into the allegations, he said.