Toledo Walleye Announce first player...

The Toledo Walleye are pleased to announce the first player signing for the inaugural roster.

The Walleye have agreed to terms with Center Malcolm MacMillan, most recently of the Belfast Giants in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). The Thunder Bay, Ontario native formerly played in the ECHL with the Florence Pride, Peoria Rivermen and Cincinnati Cyclones in 2003-04 before spending the following three seasons with the Reading Royals. The 27-year-old has also had short stints in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Albany River Rats and Hershey Bears.

Walleye Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Nick Vitucci said, “A warrior-type player that our fans will love. He brings energy and toughness to every shift and will contribute offensively. Malcolm was a player that I hated to play against while with the Reading Royals because of his tenacious work ethic and physical play.”

MacMillan expressed his excitement, “It is a wonderful opportunity for me. To play in a brand new facility with great fans will be a thrill. I remember playing in Toledo as an opponent and the fans are passionate. It will be nice to have them screaming for me instead of against me.”

MacMillan has been invited to the Grand Rapids Griffins training camp in the American Hockey League.

MacMillan has appeared in 223 career ECHL games with 33 goals, 67 assists and 715 penalty minutes. In 17 career ECHL playoff games, he has five assists and 78 penalty minutes. Statistically, his best ECHL season was 2006-07 with Reading, when he tallied 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 66 games. His career-high 12 goals came the previous year, also with the Royals.

MacMillan spent four seasons with three different teams in the Ontario Hockey League before turning pro in 2003. After the 2003-04 season, he spent the following year in the United Hockey League with the Port Huron Beacons before returning to the ECHL with Reading in 2005-06.

Go to www.toledowalleye.com to keep up to date with all of the latest player signings.

The Walleye open its inaugural 2009-10 ECHL season on Friday, October 16, 2009 versus the Florida Everblades at 7:00 pm at the new Lucas County Arena. Season tickets and individual tickets are currently available. Call 419-725-WALL or log onto www.toledowalleye.com.

Art Tatum Celebration Column Dedication

Toledo, OH – The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo announces that a dedication ceremony for the “Art Tatum Celebration Column”, a memorial to the Toledo native and jazz icon. The Dedication Ceremony will be held on Friday September 11th at 12:00 pm (noon) in front of the sculpture at the north entry to the Lucas County Multipurpose Arena, on the corner of Madison and Superior, Downtown Toledo.

In September of 2009 the Art Tatum Celebration Column, a glowing twenty-seven foot tower of eighty-eight piano keys, will welcome the public into the Superior St. pedestrian plaza of the new Lucas County Multipurpose Arena in historic Downtown Toledo. The memorial to Art Tatum, created by San Francisco artist and jazz enthusiast Cork Marcheschi, consists of black and white stainless steel, three foot square boxes, separated by sheets of plate glass back lit with smoky blue LED lighting. The spiraled tower will become an elegant jazz beacon reminding the Toledo community and visitors of the legacy of its musical culture by honoring its native, Art Tatum. The sculpture also includes three wall mounted and backlit dichroic glass panels inscribed with Art Tatum’s biography, his image with a list of his greatest songs, and a panel for recognition of major donors who have made the memorial possible. These panels colorfully call jazz lovers of every generation to read, admire and learn about Tatum as they stand in the arborous landscape of Toledo’s most prominent entertainment venue.

“…the column creates movement, dynamism, and a bending of reality, this I feel is an excellent metaphor for what Art Tatum did to the keyboard.”
-Cork Marcheschi, Artist

“I never learned to read music because I studied with Art Tatum. He taught me to cultivate listening as he played and to interpret it instantly by singing. If you can hear it, you can sing it and if you can sing it you can play it. I stopped at the singing. It is called Vocalese.”
- Jon Hendricks

What: The Art Tatum Celebration Column Dedication Ceremony

When: Friday September 11 at 12:00pm (noon)

Where: Lucas County Multipurpose Arena, North Entrance Plaza.
Madison and Superior, Downtown Toledo

For more information contact Adam Russell, Public Art Coordinator at the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, 419.254. 2787 or visit www.ArtTatumMemorial.org

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo is the longest standing arts commission in the state of Ohio that develops and promotes the arts in the community, serving Fulton, Lucas and Wood counties since 1959.

Surprise baby showers...

One of the hard parts of Baby Invitations can be to hold a baby shower that is a surprise invitation baby event. It's especially difficult if it's close to the time when the baby is to appear to keep the mother-to-be in the dark. There are a whole group of baby shower invitations especially designed for surprise parties, but if you don't find one that appeals to you through Cards-411 (http://www.cards-411.com) they will create a special design for you. They also print and ship your order the same day it's approved, that makes it easier to keep a party a surprise...

Playwriting competition by Lourdes College Drama Society

This in via e-mail:

The Lourdes College Drama Society is sponsoring a one-act playwriting competition. Cash awards of $250 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place will be presented, and the winning plays will be considered for production at Lourdes College in the spring semester.

The competition is open to the public. Submissions are restricted to original dramatic works that have not been previously published or produced outside of an academic environment. Scripts will be judged on concept, dramatic action, characterization and dialogue. All entries must be postmarked no later than November 2. Winners will be announced and notified on Sunday, December 6.

Visit www.lourdes.edu/dramasociety for competition rules and an entry form. For more information contact Lourdes Drama Society Advisor, Keith Ramsdell, at 419-517-8881 or email kramsdell@lourdes.edu.

Lourdes College is a private, four-year educational institution of professional studies and arts and sciences providing a values-centered education in a caring and supportive community. More than 2,200 students are enrolled in programs such as Business, Education, Environmental Science, Nursing, Social Work, Criminal Justice and the Arts & Sciences. In addition to undergraduate and pre-professional programs, Lourdes offers Master degrees in Education, Nursing, Organizational Leadership and Theology through its Graduate School. Lourdes’ Community Outreach Programs include The Appold Planetarium, Lifelong Learning Program, The Life Lab and Theater Vision. Discover us online at www.lourdes.edu or by phone at 419-885-3211. Lourdes College is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania.

Want to sing in the opera?

Here is your chance...

Chorus Auditions for Toledo Opera 2009-2010 Season will be held Thursday, September 3, 2009, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

To schedule an audition, please call Renay Conlin at 419-255-7464, Ext. 2. It is not necessary to bring a prepared selection. Auditions will be held at the Opera studio space, 425 Jefferson Ave., Suite 601, Toledo, OH.

More on the pink is for girls blue is for boys

You wouldn't think it would really be controversial, but Shower Invitations when pink being feminine and blue being masculine as seen on may baby shower invites and a whole part of the invitation baby shower world actually is controversial. As late as the 1940's it was argued that pink was a shade of red, and that blue for girls was appropriate because blue was the color that represented the Virgin Mary. No matter which color scheme you pick for your baby shower, CardsShoppe (www.cardsshoppe.com) will create a special design just for you and they will print and ship your order the same day it's approved.

Pearson 75th Anniversary/Pearson North Dedication

Sunday, August 30, 2009; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Celebrate the past and future of Pearson at this 75th anniversary celebration and dedication of Pearson North. Visit the restored Johlin Cabin, an authentic Great Black Swamp home; enjoy an ice cream social; classic cars; a model boat exhibition; pedal boats on the pond; music; food; and more. The event begins with the formal dedication of Pearson North at 2 p.m. at the new Seaman Road entrance. Festivities continue until 6 p.m. at the Packer-Hammersmith Center.

What's even better about this event? It's free...

Pink is for girls and blue is for boys...

The title of this post inspired by the baby shower invitation below may be what you have been told when it comes to Baby Shower Invitations and the whole invitations baby shower theme, but there was actually a time when it was the opposite:

"There has been a great diversity of opinion on the subject, but the generally accepted rule is pink for the boy and blue for the girl. The reason is that pink being a more decided and stronger color is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl." [Ladies Home Journal, June, 1918]

That said whether you decide to go with the past or present whether you use free baby shower invitations, if you select Cards-411 (http://www.cards-411.com) to order from they can create a special design just for you, you can also add a picture, photo or logo to any one of their cards...

Toledo Walleye Inaugural Season Schedule Announced!

Toledo Walleye Inaugural Season Schedule Announced!

The Toledo Walleye today released their 72-game schedule for the 2009-2010 inaugural season. The Walleye will open the season on Friday, October 16 vs. the Florida Everblades at the brand new Lucas County Arena.

The complete schedule and schedule breakdown is at the bottom of this release. Game times will be determined at a later date. Click to view the 2009 Walleye Schedule!

The Walleye will open the year with 15 of their first 21 games at home in October, November and early December with 33 of the team’s 36 total home games coming on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Toledo will play 13 games against the Kalamazoo Wings (their closest rival at 150 miles), 11 games against the Cincinnati Cyclones, and 8 games against the Johnstown Chiefs.

Toledo Walleye Head Coach, Nick Vitucci said, “We are looking forward to hitting the ice in October. The anticipation has been growing for two years in the community and we are thrilled to be part of the new chapter of professional hockey here in Toledo. We would also like to welcome the Kalamazoo Wings to the ECHL and look forward to continuing a rivalry dating back to the old IHL.”

Toledo Walleye General Manager, Joe Napoli said, “The Inaugural Walleye Season will be quickly upon us and we are absolutely thrilled to have such a strong schedule with so many weekend dates… the memories will last a lifetime.”

The Walleye will also play games against Charlotte (5), Elmira (5), Florida (8), Gwinnett (3), Reading (3), South Carolina (4), Trenton (6), and Wheeling (6).

Walleye season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are on sale now. Fans can order their tickets by phone at (419) 725-WALL.

Individual tickets will be placed on sale later this summer.

2009-2010 Schedule
Friday, October 16, 2009 Florida
Saturday, October 17, 2009 Florida
Sunday, October 18, 2009 Florida
Friday, October 23, 2009 Reading
Saturday, October 24, 2009 Trenton
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Reading
Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Kalamazoo

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Kalamazoo
Friday, November 6, 2009 at Cincinnati
Saturday, November 7, 2009 Cincinnati
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Florida
Friday, November 13, 2009 at Florida
Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Florida
Friday, November 20, 2009 Cincinnati
Sunday, November 22, 2009 Cincinnati
Friday, November 27, 2009 Florida
Saturday, November 28, 2009 South Carolina
Sunday, November 29, 2009 South Carolina

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Florida
Friday, December 4, 2009 Kalamazoo
Saturday, December 5, 2009 Kalamazoo
Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Wheeling
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Wheeling
Friday, December 11, 2009 at Kalamazoo
Saturday, December 12, 2009 Elmira
Sunday, December 13, 2009 Elmira
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Cincinnati
Friday, December 18, 2009 at Johnstown
Saturday, December 19, 2009 Johnstown
Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Cincinnati
Sunday, December 27, 2009 Johnstown
Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Wheeling

Friday, January 1, 2010 Kalamazoo
Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Friday, January 8, 2010 Trenton
Saturday, January 9, 2010 Trenton
Sunday, January 10, 2010 Charlotte
Friday, January 15, 2010 at Wheeling
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Cincinnati
Sunday, January 17, 2010 Johnstown
Friday, January 22, 2010 Elmira
Saturday, January 23, 2010 Elmira
Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Johnstown
Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Elmira

Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Charlotte
Friday, February 5, 2010 at Gwinnett
Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Gwinnett
Friday, February 12, 2010 Cincinnati
Saturday, February 13, 2010 Kalamazoo
Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Wednesday, February 17 at Cincinnati
Friday, February 19, 2010 at Charlotte
Saturday, February 20, 2010 at South Carolina
Sunday, February 21, 2010 at South Carolina
Friday, February 26, 2010 at Johnstown
Saturday, February 27, 2010 Gwinnett

Friday, March 5, 2010 Trenton
Saturday, March 6, 2010 Charlotte
Sunday, March 7, 2010 Charlotte
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Trenton
Friday, March 12, 2010 at Trenton
Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Reading
Friday, March 19, 2010 Cincinnati
Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Cincinnati
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Wheeling
Friday, March 26, 2010 at Johnstown
Saturday, March 27, 2010 Wheeling
Sunday, March 28, 2010 Kalamazoo
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Johnstown

Friday, April 2, 2010 at Kalamazoo
Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Kalamazoo

Schedule Breakdown
Charlotte: Home-3, Away-2
Cincinnati: Home-5, Away-6
Elmira: Home-4, Away-1
Florida: Home-5, Away-3
Gwinnett: Home-1, Away-2
Johnstown: Home-3, Away-5
Kalamazoo: Home-6, Away-7
Reading: Home-1, Away-2
South Carolina: Home-2, Away-2
Trenton: Home-4, Away-2
Wheeling: Home-2, Away-4

October: Home-5, Away-2
November: Home-7, Away-4
December: Home-8, Away-6
January: Home-7, Away-6
February: Home-3, Away-9
March: Home-6, Away-7
April: Home-0, Away-2

Monday: Home-0, Away-0
Tuesday: Home-0, Away-1
Wednesday: Home-3, Away-4
Thursday: Home-0, Away-3
Friday: Home-11, Away-11
Saturday: Home-13, Away-11
Sunday: Home-9, Away-6

Toledo Symphony coming soon...

Toledo Symphony Concerts Start in September

TOLEDO, OH – With concerts starting in less than one month, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has announced that individual tickets are now on sale for all events. Additionally, the orchestra is pleased to announce that beloved Toledo native, Jamie Farr, will narrate Gustav Holst’s The Planets in February of 2010. Jamie Farr Narrates The Planets is one of three special events offered in the next year. The TSO plays two performances of Handel’s Messiah in December and local favorite Kirill Gerstein performs Rhapsody in Blue in March.

The chamber music of Mozart and Beethoven fills the Toledo Club on September 13th, and TSO Principal Conductor, Stefan Sanderling, leads the official season-opening classics concerts on September 25th and 26th at the Peristyle. Mahler’s monumental Third Symphony strives to depict nature and combines symphonic forces with choir—the Bowling Green State University Women’s Chorus and the Junior Choral Society of Northwest Ohio join the TSO.

The TSO continues its motto “The Sound Is All Around You”™ in 2009-2010 by offering concerts at the historic Peristyle at the Toledo Museum of Art, The Stranahan Theater in south Toledo, The Franciscan Center in Sylvania and The Toledo Club. Performances vary from traditional classical fare to intimate chamber music to symphonic pops with guest stars like Richard Marx and the Canadian Brass.

Special Concerts Include Appearance by Jamie Farr and Multimedia

In 2009-2010, the TSO offers special concerts in addition to its standard fare. The sure-to-sell-out performances are The Messiah, Jamie Farr Narrates The Planets, and Rhapsody in Blue.

For close to 90 years, the Toledo Choral Society has presented Handel’s Messiah. This December (Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th), the Toledo Symphony partners with the Toledo Choral Society for the definitive Messiah of the season. Live orchestra with the voices of the Choral Society and the Bowling Green State University Chorus lends inspiring power to the “Great Amen” and popular “Hallelujah” choruses. The Sunday performance is a matinee, perfect for families.

The Planets (Saturday, February 27th)is a multimedia adventure narrated by Toledo native Jamie Farr. This extraordinary visual and musical journey is a treat for the eyes and ears. Images from the NASA Hubble Telescope projected on screens above the stage will choreograph with live music from the TSO and narration from Mr. Farr.

And, on March 20th, Kirill Gerstein returns to the Toledo Symphony for an encore after last season’s phenomenal performance to play Rachmaninoff and Gershwin’s beloved Rhapsodies. Works by Tchaikovsky and Bernstein round out this powerhouse special concert.

Both The Planets and Rhapsody in Blue are one night only.

Season Highlights and Ticket Information

2010 brings powerful performances to the Peristyle: The Four Seasons, featuring the soloist talents of Toledo Symphony musicians and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 led by principal conductor Stefan Sanderling. Other season highlights include the annual tradition Bruckner in Rosary Cathedral, two of Mozart’s best-loved symphonies (#39 and #41) on the Mozart and More Series, and popular entertainer, Richard Marx (best-known for his 1989 power ballad “Right Here Waiting”) on the pops series.

Season subscriptions are still available and provide the best value and savings. Individual tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be ordered online at www.toledosymphony.com or by calling the box office at 419.246.8000 Monday-Friday from 9-5 p.m.

“For almost twenty years I’ve looked forward to the beginning of the symphony season – mostly because it means I get to do what I love most: play the horn! And this coming season is GREAT for horns! Mahler 3, Rachmaninoff 2, Strauss tone poems, and the always amazing music of Johannes Brahms. Each and every concert is unique, as live music is never the same twice.” Sandra Clark, principal horn
Visit them online at www.toledosymphony.com

Rattle & Roll...

As we explore the different kinds of baby shower invitations another popular item is rattles. You'll find them a key part of most invitations baby shower themes, from miniature rattles used to decorate food served at the baby shower to decorating the baby invitations. Historically rattles were also used by adults for ceremonies and things that most of us would not let our babies put in their mouths, rock crystal, ivory, agate, carnelian, mother-of-pearl, bone, or coral would be attached to a stick to be used for teething as well as shaking. When you pick CardsShoppe as your place to order (http://www.cardsshoppe.com) you'll not only have proof emailed to you within one hour on business days, but they print and ship your order the same day it's approved. You can also make unlimited changes with no additional cost as long as it's before you order...

How much food and drink was consumed at the German-American Festival?

I found this information on the link for the German-American Festival and I thought it was worth sharing:

FOOD & BEVERAGES CONSUMED AT 2008 GERMAN-AMERICAN FESTIVAL Lady serving food

6,100 ears of sweet corn

3,000 chicken halves

350 hot dogs

275 gallons of Sauerkraut

4,800 dinner rolls

10,500 hot dog and sausage buns

2 tons of handmade German potato salad

660 smoked “Old World” style Frankfurters

9,500 various Bratwurst

500 Bratwurst patties

5,000 smoked sausages

500 Käsewurst (new in 2008!)

1,500 smoked pork shanks

500 servings of Leberkäs (veal loaf)

400 servings of Kassler Rippchen (smoked pork chops)

1,000 servings of Schnitzel for sandwiches

5,000 pairs of Landjäger

6,000 pretzels

1,500 whole kosher pickles

540 pounds of Sauerkraut balls

50,000 hand-made potato pancakes (over 1-1/2 tons of potatoes)

650 barrels and cases of domestic and imported beers

50 cases of German wines

40 cases liqueurs and spirits

7,400 bottles of soda pop

4,000 bottles of water

Over 1,200 slices of hand made cakes

300 slices of miscellaneous cakes

300 Lebkuchen (gingerbread) hand decorated hearts

315 mini Strudels

1,200 hand made cookies

425 loaves of bread (sold as “to go”)

Over 650 pounds of assorted cheeses

700 pounds of assorted deli meats

580 doughnuts and éclairs

Over 6,000 scoops of ice cream

600 cream puffs

1,700 servings of candied, roasted almonds

200 pounds of popcorn

1-1/2 tons of hand-cut Pommes Frites – French Fries

Over 5 tons of ice

Over 1,200 cups of coffee

Over 500 cups of iced tea

The legend of the stork...

Ever wonder how storks became associated with newborn babies? It's not uncommon to see storks on baby shower invitations nor decorations for a baby shower nor even for the whole theme of the invitations baby shower party. The stork has played a symbolic role in quite a few early cultures, but it's connection to babies and ending up on baby invitations appears to have come from Germany. Whether you want a stork or some other design, Cards-411 (http://www.cards-411.com) will not only create a special design for you if you don't find just what you are looking for, but you can also view your card before you buy with their patented instant preview feature.

German American Festival this weekend!

The 44th German-American Festival, the Toledo area's Oldest, Largest and Greatest Ethnic Festival with authentic German Food, Beer and Entertainment. Festival organizers expect 35,000 paid attendees.

The Festival is operated by the G.A.F. Society. recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. It is sponsored by the seven German and Swiss American Societies in Toledo.

The purpose of the German-American Festival is to promote and enhance the German and Swiss cultures as well as generate revenue to support the German and Swiss cultural center in Oregon and a wide variety of scholarship, athletic and other philanthropic programs in the Toledo area.

Women's Equality Day at Statehouse

WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY FESTIVITIES AT STATEHOUSE
Wednesday, August 26 Event to celebrate women and unveil state of Ohio Women two- year study

On Wednesday, August 26, a full-day of activities at the Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Women's Equality Day. At noon, Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will address the group followed by a statement from State Auditor Mary Taylor and a program on the passage of the 19th amendment granting women's suffrage.

At 1 p.m. at the Statehouse rotunda, the results of a two-year study on the current state of Ohio's women by The Institute on Women, Gender, and Public Policy at The Ohio State University will be delivered by Julie Graber, its Executive Director.

At 2 p.m. Governor Ted Strickland will induct the 2009 members of the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. The full schedule of events is below.

This event is sponsored by Ohio Women Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to informing the public about the needs of women in Ohio.


Agenda

at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium followed by
Reception at the Hyatt On Capital Square

11AM – 2PM Ohio Statehouse and Women’s Gallery Tours
=0 A

11AM – 2PM Distributing Yellow Roses,
the suffragist Ratification Symbol

12 – 12:30pm Opening Ceremony, Jennifer Brunner speaks

1pm – 2pm Julie Graber, State of Ohio Woman’s Report, the OSU Institute on Women, Gender, and Public Policy

2pm – 3pm Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame Induction

3---5 p.m. HBO Film starring Hillary Swank “Iron Jawed Angels”

5pm – 7pm Reception, Hyatt on Capital Square

Tropical Christmas cards...

While I'm sure some do send out Christmas Party Invitations with a wintery theme when they live in the tropics there are also specific ones, some even Free Christmas invitations that have a tropical theme. No matter which Christmas Invitation you have in mind, www.invitations-shoppe.com (Invitations Shoppe) might just have what you are looking for, and if they don't? They'll design one especially for you and you can add any picture, photo or logo to a card. They even have printable Christmas invitations, so you can personalize yours even more.

Needle Arts Guild of Toledo 34th Annual Judged Show

This in via e-mail:

The Needle Arts Guild of Toledo (NAGT) will host its 34th Annual Judged Needlework Show on September 25th and 26, 2009 at the Sanger Branch of the Toledo Library, 3030 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43606. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Enjoy viewing hand-stitched works of art in beading, cross stitch, needlepoint, embroidery, multimedia, etc., – many original. Viewing times are: on Friday, September 25th, 10 am – 5 pm; and, Saturday, September 26th, 9 am – 4 pm. During viewing hours, the guild members will be demonstrating various needlework techniques.
The Needle Arts Guild of Toledo is a chapter of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA), Inc. (http://www.egausa.org/), a non-profit educational organization founded in 1959 to foster high standards of design, color, and workmanship in embroidery; teach the embroidery arts; and preserve our national needle arts heritage. The EGA serves thousands of members through a network of over 300 chapters which are grouped into thirteen geographical regions. Membership in NAGT is open to all interested in needlework and currently includes members from 15 Northwest Ohio municipalities as well as some from southern Michigan. However, you need not be a member of the guild to submit an entry. Visit http://www.needle-arts-toledo.org/showinfo.htm to obtain entry fee schedules and forms, rules and other details. Entry drop off is 4 pm – 8 pm on Wednesday, September 23rd, however, special arrangements may be made for mailed submissions by contacting the show registrar via NeedleArtsToledo@aol.com.
Our judge this year is Sandy Rodgers. Sandy is an internationally recognized designer and needlework teacher, having taught for over 25 years. In addition she is a certified judge, the author of seven books, a columnist, and editor of Needle Pointers magazine, the official publication of the American Needlepoint Guild Inc. Sandy’s extensive credentials and biographical information may be viewed at http://sandyrodgers.com/Resume.htm

As a community outreach project at the show, the guild will collect complete needlework kits (needles, threads, materials and instructions) to be sent to the Brooks Army Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. These kits are used by our veterans and their families while they are recovering at the hospital. Through July 2009, the Needle Arts Guild of Toledo has sent over 760 such kits to the hospital.

Buckeye Forest Council Fall Forest Fundraiser

In via e-mail:

Buckeye Forest Council Fall Forest Fundraiser


We are excited to let you know about an amazing opportunity for you and for Buckeye Forest Council. We are planning the First Annual Fall Forest Fundraiser on Saturday October 17th at First UU Church of Columbus in Columbus, Ohio. Please put this on your calendar now and look for more information in the near future.

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday October 17th, 2009

First UU Church of Columbus, 93 West Weisheimer Rd, Columbus, OH 43214

Ice Storms...

The text of this Christmas Invitation made me curious as to what was the worst ice storm in history. While many States have had ice storms they stated was the worst in that area's history, some which happened during the invitations Christmas party season, the worst one that affected both the US and Canada was in 1998. In that case the storm happened after Christmas so it didn't impact any Christmas Party invitation plans or even New Year's. What this does is give you an example of the different kind of text you can use on your Christmas Invitations and when you go through www.holiday-invitations.com (Holiday Invitations) not only can they create a special design for you but you can make unlimited changes and then have your proof mailed to you on business days within one hour.

Frogtown Fair this Saturday...

Frogtown Fair is this weekend, some highlights from 2008:

2008 Event Highlights

* An estimated 1500 people visited the Civic Center Promenade to view 36 exhibits by green businesses, organizations and agencies and participate in 11 activities for the young and young at heart.

* Twenty-six participants joined two tours of the Toledo Division of Environmental Services’ rain barrel and rain garden demonstration projects, and approximately 50 visitors enjoyed a recycled fashion show by the advanced modeling students from John Casablancas.

* Volunteers distributed 1000 reusuable grocery bags donated by Kroger and Meijer. Each bag was marked by a Frogtown Fair logo sticker printed by Metzgers Printing and Mailing, Toledo’s first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified “green printer.”
* American Rivers and the Toledo Stormwater Program distributed 97 preordered New England Rain Barrels and sold an additional 31 during the Frogtown Fair.

* The Gas Cap Testing and Replacement Program sponsored by the Toledo Division of Environmental Services Air Section and TMACOG tested a total of 111 vehicles. Of those tested, there were 8 failures, which resulted in the elimination of 1,592 lbs of evaporative emissions annually. The replaced gas caps are also responsible for saving each driver about 2 tanks of gas per year.

* The Mercury Pollution Prevention Partnership exchanged 56 mercury thermometers for safer digital ones. Funds for the purchase of the digital thermometers were supplied by Sam’s Club and as a supplemental environmental project by Canberra Corporation. Three thermostats and a vial (4 ml) containing elemental mercury were also collected during the Fair.

* The Lucas County Solid Waste Management District’s Specialty Waste Program removed the following household hazardous wastes from the waste stream: 392 lbs of alkaline batteries, 50 lbs of nickel-cadmium batteries, 15 lbs of lead acid batteries, 13 lbs of lithium batteries (total of approximately 5000 batteries), 27 lbs of compact fluorescent light bulbs (35 bulbs), 21 lbs of 4-ft fluorescent bulbs (30 bulbs) and 12 lbs of 8-ft fluorescent bulbs (8 bulbs).

* Affinity Information Management shredded 1500 lbs of documents and collected 10,000 lbs of electronics. All of the electronics collected will be recycled and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, keeping them out of landfills. Consumer electronics contribute 40 percent of the lead and about 70 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills.

* 288 participants completed exit surveys. From the surveys, it is quite clear that this event was needed in our community and was considered long overdue.
o 96% of the survey responders indicated that they were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the Fair.
o 65% of the responders participated in viewing the exhibits by green businesses, organizations and agencies.
o 52% participated in the three major recycling activities (21% in household battery and fluorescent light bulb recycling, 20% in secure document shredding and e-waste recycling and 11% in the mercury thermometer exchange).
o 63% expressed a need for how-to-workshops to go hand in hand with the promoted ideas.
* The survey also showed that visitors appreciated that the location of the
Fair brought people downtown and that the Farmers Market acted as an
extension of the green living theme of the event.

Walleye Tickets go on sale this Saturday....

In via e-mail:

The Toledo Walleye are pleased to announce that individual tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, August 8 at 9:00 AM at the Fifth Third Field box office.

34 of the 36 home dates will be made available for individual ticket sales at this time. Tickets for Friday, October 16th (Opening Night) and Saturday, October 17 are guaranteed in all full season ticket packages and half-season ticket plans (18 games).

Toledo Walleye Assistant General Manager Erik Ibsen said, “With the season just over two months away, we are excited to launch the individual ticket sale campaign for the Walleye. With the success of the season ticket sales, we realize that fans are anxious for the return of professional hockey to Toledo.”

The Toledo Walleye have already sold nearly 2,000 season tickets for the upcoming season, which currently ranks 4th in the ECHL.

Fans can purchase their tickets at Fifth Third Field, by phone (419) 725-WALL (9255), or online at www.toledowalleye.com. The box office is located at 406 Washington Street near the corner of St. Clair Street. Fans wishing to purchase individual tickets will form a single file line. A Walleye attendant will assist the next person in line to any of the available ticket windows at the box office. Also, the Swamp Shop souvenir store will be open for business throughout the morning.

All individual tickets for the 2009-10 season will be priced at $15.00. Kids 12 & under and seniors will pay $13.00 for all single game tickets during the inaugural season.

Full and partial season ticket packages are currently available for purchase by calling (419) 725-WALL. All season ticket packages and half-season packages (18 games) include Opening Night.

The Toledo Walleye will begin the regular season on Friday, October 16 at 7:00 PM vs. the Florida Everblades at the Lucas County Multi-Purpose Arena. Season tickets and mini-plan packages are on sale now and group outings are being reserved. Fans can call (419) 725-WALL for more information.

Pioneer Settlement to Open August 22nd at Sauder Village

This in via e-mail:

Pioneer Settlement to Open August 22nd at Sauder Village

Archbold, OH – Historic Sauder Village is bustling with excitement as opening day for Pioneer Settlement draws near. The construction and grounds crew are putting finishing touches on the landscaping and historic buildings, staff training has been completed, educational lectures are scheduled and plans are in place for the Grand Opening celebration on August 22nd.

“We’re so pleased to see all of our hard work and planning come together,” shared Kris Jemmott, Director of Historic Village Operations. “Guests will see how our history has progressed as they walk through our Historic Timeline from Natives and Newcomers (1803-1839) to the next era of life in Northwest Ohio, our brand new Pioneer Settlement (1834-1890). We are thrilled that opening day is drawing near!”

Pioneer Settlement is a nearly 5-acre expansion to Sauder Village that will share the personal stories of the early pioneers who came to the Great Black Swamp from Europe, forged a life and founded a community in what was Ohio’s last wilderness. Guests will step into the daily lives of the pioneers as they visit historic homes, community buildings, farms and gardens. Visitors will be able to smell the foods cooking, experience historic farming demonstrations and try hands-on activities. While visiting Pioneer Settlement, guests will connect with the past at places like the Lauber Hill Settlement, Log School House, Witmer-Roth Home and the Eicher Cabin. Other historic buildings in this new area include the Jail, Peter Stuckey Farm, Holdeman Church and a new Train Stop.

“The opening of Pioneer Settlement is happening at a time when our country is facing many challenges not unlike those experienced by our ancestors,” shared Jeanette Smith, Director of Marketing. “Guests to Pioneer Settlement will hear about our ancestors who worked together through tough times to build a community in the wilderness based on ingenuity, creativity, hard work and perseverance. As guests hear stories of their journey, their struggles and their joys they’ll be inspired with the messages of hope as they learn how these early settlers not only survived but thrived!”

The historic homes, farms and community buildings at Pioneer Settlement will allow guests to experience life in Ohio from 1834 until 1890. Throughout the fall there will be a rotation of demonstrations including farming with oxen, gardening, spinning, rug hooking and more. Guests will also have the chance to try hands-on activities like candle dipping, rope making, old-fashioned games, hauling water with a neck yoke, walking the fields with a harrow, gardening, spell downs and more!


The Grand Opening of Pioneer Settlement will be on Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 a.m. - coinciding with the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first settlers at Lauber Hill on August 22, 1834. Folk singer and storyteller Bob Ford will be at the Village to provide music for this special day. Tom Lauber, author of “The Laubers: A Journey of Faith,” will also be at the Village to sign his book from 2:00-3:00 p.m. A special evening lecture is planned on Friday, August 21st as part of the weekend celebration. This free lecture will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Sauder Heritage Inn. Steven Charter, Head University Archivist from the Center for Archival collections at Bowling Green State University, will present “Coming to America: A Land of Opportunity.” Mr. Charter will speak about the early 19th century immigrants who came to Northwest Ohio.

Additional lectures in the series will be held on September 21 and October 20. On Monday, September 21st Hank Fincken, a professional historical actor, will engage the audience with a first person portrayal of John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed. Young and old alike will enjoy meeting Johnny and learning of his importance to the early settlement of this region. The final lecture in the series “Pioneer Women: Heroines in Aprons” will be held on Tuesday, October 20th. Ann Bowers, National Student Affairs Archivist at Bowling Green State University and women's history researcher, will speak about the experiences of the early women settlers in Northwest Ohio. This special lecture series is free and open to the public thanks to funding provided by Mennonite Mutual Aid and the Ohio Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities.

Historic Sauder Village is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and each Sunday afternoon from 12:00-4:00 p.m. The Village is closed on Mondays, except holidays. Historic Village admission is $12.50 for adults and $6.50 for students ages 6-16. Children 5 and under are always free with family and discounts are available for seniors and AAA members. Every Sunday this season children 16 and under receive free admission to the Historic Village. For more information about Pioneer Settlement or any of the special events planned yet this fall call 800-590-9755 or visit the website at www.saudervillage

Snow cones made me think of snow men

As I enjoyed the Hawaiian Ice version of a snow cone today (okay three but who's counting) and yesterday at Smoke on the Water, I couldn't help but think of snowmen as seen on this Christmas Invitation. The mounds of shaved ice could easily make one forget the heat and start thinking about party Christmas invitations and the invitations Christmas season. Since Holiday Invitations (www.holiday-invitations.com) will create a special design for anyone, I pondered having one done with shaved ice, perhaps with lime and cherry flavors, but instead of an umbrella in the drink, a small Christmas tree...What ever you decide you want on your Christmas Party invitation, they will print and ship your order the same day it's approved.

American Care Givers School Supply give a way

As noted below the American Care Givers are collecting school supplies, if you are a family in need:

On August 21, 2009 between 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.(or until all supplies have been depleted) we will be giving away school supplies to show our appreciation to the community during these tough economic times.

We are asking families to bring with them their child’s “school supply” list in order to pick up their donated items.

For additional information, feel free to contact us at (419) 724-0888.

Read our Newsletter online @ www.familyactivitiesclub.com.

American Care Givers School Supply Drive

The American Care Givers, associated with the Family Activities Club is sponsoring a school supply drive:

We realize the state of the economy over the past year and giving back to the community is something that American Care Givers believe in. Therefore we are asking for individuals and corporations to donate school supplies. We need backpacks, notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons, 3-ring notebooks, folders, scissors, rulers, colored pencils, Elmers gule, glue sticks, etc.

Please bring items to the Family Activities Club, 6202 Trust Drive, Holland, Ohio 43528 - between 8a.m. to 5p.m. Monday - Friday.

For additional information, please contact us at (419) 724-0888.